a_o treatise_n of_o liturgy_n power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o of_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reverend_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n ball._n by_o thomas_n shephard_n sometime_o fellow_n of_o emanuel-colledge_n in_o cambridge_n and_o late_a pastor_n of_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n veritas_fw-la nihil_fw-la erubescit_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la abscondi_fw-la turtul_n sua_fw-la silentia_fw-la amat_fw-la spiritus_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la illabitur_fw-la seque_fw-la insinuat_fw-la cupidis_fw-la non_fw-la gloriae_fw-la sed_fw-la cognoscendae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la melanct._n let_v the_o blessing_n come_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o joseph_n and_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o brethren_n deut._n 33._o 16._o london_n print_v by_o e._n cotes_n for_o andrew_n crook_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o green_a dragon_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n before_o pilate_n when_o he_o question_v with_o he_o about_o his_o kingdom_n john_n 18._o 37._o that_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n many_o truth_n about_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o impart_v to_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n or_o send_v into_o this_o wilderness_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v unto_o we_o reward_v sufficient_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v witness_n thereunto_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o confess_v we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a in_o this_o service_n of_o christ_n not_o have_v to_o this_o day_n set_v forth_o a_o unanimous_a confession_n of_o that_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n which_o be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o these_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o which_o we_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o though_o our_o distance_n and_o other_o difficulty_n may_v delay_v the_o opportunity_n but_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o profess_v in_o general_a that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n breathe_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o country_n the_o same_o faith_n embrace_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o particular_o by_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o though_o error_n have_v spring_v up_o among_o we_o and_o some_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o that_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n they_o have_v be_v blast_v neither_o do_v we_o understand_v that_o these_o church_n be_v accuse_v of_o any_o error_n about_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v ourselves_o not_o so_o much_o call_v of_o god_n to_o such_o a_o confession_n at_o present_a as_o to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o world_n those_o truth_n we_o profess_v about_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o this_o age_n and_o of_o this_o nick_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o here_o also_o we_o fear_v that_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slack_a for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v the_o volunteer_n such_o as_o cry_v up_o this_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o these_o present_a difference_n yet_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v we_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v far_o behind_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o indeed_o some_o brief_a answer_n send_v over_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o satisfy_v brethren_n what_o our_o practice_n be_v with_o some_o brief_a touch_n of_o our_o reason_n rather_o then_o to_o discuss_v those_o point_n have_v be_v print_v by_o some_o without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o assent_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o best_o know_v and_o some_o short_a treatise_n by_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n have_v be_v publish_v to_o declare_v their_o affectionate_a desire_n of_o the_o unanimous_a endeavour_n of_o all_o our_o dear_a brethren_n for_o a_o general_a and_o holy_a reformation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o do_v that_o either_o may_v just_o offend_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a provoke_v their_o spirit_n disunite_v their_o affection_n or_o hinder_v a_o godly_a reformation_n yea_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a to_o clear_v our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o many_o objection_n harsh_a interpretation_n and_o manifold_a crimination_n cast_v upon_o the_o same_o wherein_o we_o fear_v our_o loathness_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o these_o controversy_n for_o fear_n of_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o among_o brethren_n and_o our_o desire_n rather_o to_o attend_v what_o light_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o other_o in_o these_o point_n wherein_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o seeker_n after_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v we_o guilty_a of_o neglect_n in_o this_o our_o duty_n but_o now_o we_o see_v ourselves_o press_v hereto_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o justify_v our_o way_n against_o the_o many_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o they_o as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o reason_n use_v against_o they_o for_o we_o perceive_v by_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o our_o brethren_n how_o the_o withdraw_a of_o christian_n from_o the_o liturgy_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o by_o this_o reply_n both_o in_o the_o epistle_n and_o divers_a passage_n we_o can_v but_o see_v what_o apprehension_n be_v raise_v of_o we_o yea_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o we_o have_v say_v nothing_o yet_o our_o very_a act_n in_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n there_o together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n think_v to_o be_v so_o different_a from_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a weaken_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o have_v stand_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o have_v cause_v great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o reformation_n in_o hand_n to_o which_o much_o may_v be_v say_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n yet_o let_v we_o entreat_v all_o the_o godly_a wise_a to_o consider_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o season_n of_o this_o great_a enterprise_n undertake_v by_o we_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o it_o with_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n first_o and_o last_o about_o it_o and_o we_o think_v though_o we_o be_v silent_a they_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v themselves_o whether_o this_o be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o manifest_a attestation_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o open_a profession_n against_o corruption_n of_o worship_n in_o use_n and_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o no_o small_a degree_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o same_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o time_n when_o humane_a worship_n and_o invention_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o intolerable_a height_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n enlighten_v in_o the_o truth_n can_v no_o long_o bear_v they_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tyrannical_a prelate_n so_o great_a that_o like_o a_o strong_a current_n carry_v all_o down_o stream_n before_o it_o what_o ever_o be_v from_o the_o law_n or_o otherwise_o set_v in_o their_o way_n do_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n general_o fail_v they_o where_o be_v the_o people_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v cleave_v to_o their_o godly_a minister_n in_o their_o suffering_n but_o rather_o think_v it_o their_o discretion_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o quiet_a and_o safety_n yea_o when_o some_o free_o in_o zeal_n of_o the_o truth_n preach_v or_o profess_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n do_v not_o some_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o judge_v it_o rashness_n and_o to_o be_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o discretion_n who_o since_o be_v ready_a to_o censure_v we_o for_o desert_v the_o cause_n many_o then_o think_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a time_n the_o prudent_a shall_v hold_v their_o peace_n and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v this_o be_v not_o our_o rest_a place_n and_o what_o will_v man_n have_v we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v we_o study_v some_o distinction_n to_o salve_v our_o conscience_n in_o comply_v with_o so_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o god_n worship_n or_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o god_n ordinance_n because_o we_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n thereof_o or_o content_v ourselves_o to_o live_v
doctrine_n and_o practice_n about_o church-government_n when_o we_o give_v discipline_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ordinance_n to_o particular_a church_n not_o subject_v they_o to_o any_o government_n out_o of_o themselves_o but_o only_o to_o take_v the_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o help_v one_o of_o another_o but_o how_o this_o shall_v hinder_v a_o general_a reformation_n we_o see_v not_o for_o if_o every_o church_n so_o reform_v themselves_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o have_v such_o officer_n over_o they_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n require_v 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 2._o we_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o betrust_v the_o church_n have_v such_o officer_n with_o that_o power_n which_o we_o conceive_v christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o same_o other_o church_n watch_v over_o they_o counsel_v and_o admonish_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o such_o guide_v set_v over_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o presbytery_n of_o such_o pastor_n as_o may_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n may_v as_o much_o abuse_v they_o as_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o many_o who_o will_v use_v they_o better_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n than_o they_o can_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v over-voted_n there_o and_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o both_o the_o care_n of_o reform_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o recall_v of_o the_o power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o church_n tend_v much_o to_o further_o this_o work_n of_o reformation_n no_o way_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o and_o if_o we_o may_v obtain_v that_o of_o our_o dear_a brethren_n which_o we_o humble_o crave_v viz._n that_o our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n may_v be_v take_v candid_o according_a to_o our_o plain_a meaning_n and_o declaration_n and_o not_o represent_v unto_o the_o world_n under_o such_o shape_n and_o form_n as_o make_v it_o seem_v rigid_a all_o one_o with_o the_o most_o rigid_a separatist_n donatist_n arminian_n socinian_o etc._n etc._n we_o shall_v hope_v that_o we_o shall_v go_v for_o lover_n and_o friend_n to_o a_o godly_a and_o general_a reformation_n not_o for_o disturber_n of_o the_o same_o but_o the_o contrary_a deal_n we_o meet_v with_o too_o too_o oft_o through_o the_o mistake_v of_o brethren_n this_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n though_o in_o the_o epistle_n he_o desire_v we_o to_o rest_v assure_v that_o although_o he_o have_v conceive_v such_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n yet_o he_o will_v glad_o receive_v every_o syllable_n from_o we_o that_o shall_v dislodge_v such_o thought_n yet_o against_o our_o plain_a profession_n sometime_o he_o will_v needs_o fasten_v the_o opinion_n of_o separation_n upon_o we_o and_o very_o frequent_o set_v mr._n robinson_n in_o a_o parallel_n with_o our_o opinion_n as_o if_o we_o general_o go_v that_o way_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o many_o of_o our_o godly_a and_o best_a reformer_n the_o learned_a may_v plain_o see_v how_o easy_a it_o have_v be_v for_o we_o and_o upon_o better_a ground_n to_o have_v fill_v our_o margin_n with_o quotation_n out_o of_o papist_n and_o prelate_n as_o parallel_v with_o many_o passage_n of_o this_o reply_n but_o we_o have_v purposely_o abstain_v from_o so_o do_v that_o we_o may_v not_o cast_v any_o blur_v or_o provoke_v the_o spirit_n of_o brethren_n and_o see_v we_o be_v enforce_v to_o wipe_v off_o such_o aspersion_n we_o humble_o desire_v our_o belove_a brethren_n who_o learned_a labour_n we_o honour_v to_o bear_v with_o we_o if_o we_o light_o touch_v this_o sore_a for_o we_o confess_v it_o bring_v blush_v into_o our_o face_n and_o sadness_n to_o our_o heart_n to_o read_v so_o often_o such_o harsh_a imputation_n cast_v upon_o we_o which_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o fall_v from_o such_o pen_n they_o breed_v a_o strange_a loathe_n of_o we_o in_o the_o stomach_n of_o many_o that_o read_v book_n without_o serious_a examination_n thereof_o first_o how_o oft_o do_v we_o meet_v with_o that_o imputation_n that_o we_o make_v none_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v real_o saint_n and_o believer_n contrary_a to_o our_o frequent_a profession_n that_o visible_a saint_n that_o be_v such_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v fit_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n second_o that_o we_o make_v a_o vocal_a church_n oath_n or_o covenant_n the_o essential_a form_n of_o a_o church_n when_o as_o we_o frequent_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o covenant_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n iâ—_n either_o implicit_a or_o explicit_a and_o that_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v true_o church_n have_v a_o implicit_a covenant_n and_o it_o be_v far_o from_o our_o practice_n to_o use_v any_o oath_n in_o our_o covenant_n and_o strange_a to_o we_o to_o read_v so_o many_o page_n against_o our_o church_n oath_n and_o swear_v to_o a_o covenant_n to_o make_v our_o course_n horrid_a and_o too_o too_o rigorous_a three_o that_o we_o set_v up_o a_o popular_a government_n make_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n no_o more_o but_o moderator_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o minister_n receive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n be_v their_o servant_n and_o administer_v in_o their_o name_n as_o mr._n ball_n and_o other_o object_n when_o we_o oft_o profess_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o any_o doctrine_n of_o we_o no_o more_o then_o from_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n by_o the_o presbytery_n that_o they_o be_v their_o servant_n etc._n etc._n four_o that_o if_o a_o congregation_n reject_v a_o pastor_n for_o no_o fault_n they_o take_v both_o nomen_fw-la &_o esse_fw-la the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o pastor_n from_o he_o for_o this_o the_o reader_n be_v refer_v to_o our_o answer_n of_o the_o twenty_o five_o question_n of_o the_o thirty_o two_o question_n send_v unto_o we_o where_o nothing_o at_o all_o be_v say_v but_o reference_n be_v make_v to_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o question_n among_o which_o the_o seven_o be_v of_o this_o very_a point_n our_o answer_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o our_o word_n be_v these_o concern_v the_o minister_n himself_o thus_o depose_v etc._n etc._n we_o conceive_v though_o he_o be_v by_o they_o deprive_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n among_o they_o yet_o until_o he_o accept_v of_o a_o call_n to_o another_o people_n he_o still_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o account_n he_o have_v true_a right_n of_o administration_n among_o the_o people_n now_o if_o he_o remain_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v true_a right_a to_o administer_v let_v any_o judge_n whether_o we_o take_v away_o nomen_fw-la or_o esse_fw-la or_o that_o we_o make_v church_n censure_n work_v ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la cleave_v errante_fw-la as_o be_v also_o impute_v to_o we_o many_o such_o mistake_v we_o find_v but_o let_v these_o suffice_v to_o inform_v the_o reader_n how_o wary_a he_o have_v need_n be_v in_o receive_v such_o report_n against_o brethren_n and_o this_o charity_n we_o have_v cause_v the_o more_o earnest_o to_o crave_v of_o all_o that_o they_o will_v reserve_v one_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o their_o poor_a outcast_a brethren_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o because_o we_o be_v place_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n and_o disadvantage_n that_o ofttimes_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o objection_n and_o return_v a_o answer_n under_o a_o year_n or_o almost_o two_o year_n whereby_o satan_n have_v a_o marvelous_a advantage_n to_o work_v strange_a thoughtâ—_n and_o distasteful_a affection_n towards_o we_o and_o fasten_v they_o so_o deep_o that_o hardly_o they_o will_v be_v take_v off_o again_o but_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o too_o too_o frequent_o that_o when_o brethren_n otherwise_o dear_a to_o each_o other_o differ_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o break_v out_o to_o open_a contention_n about_o the_o same_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o contrary_a party_n as_o unpleasing_a and_o absurd_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o as_o may_v be_v whence_o grief_n offence_n and_o alienation_n of_o affection_n through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o follow_v and_o this_o make_v we_o both_o fearful_a of_o ourselves_o lest_o we_o shall_v give_v way_n to_o any_o unloving_a thought_n towards_o the_o dear_a servant_n of_o christ_n or_o return_v any_o offensive_a language_n unto_o they_o yea_o this_o cause_v we_o
the_o catholich_n church_n now_o we_o reduce_v what_o we_o intend_v into_o a_o argument_n thus_o if_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n concern_v the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v as_o true_o be_v affirm_v upon_o like_a ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n then_o à _fw-la pâ—ri_fw-la it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o one_o catholic_n visible_a institute_v totum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o same_o then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_a oâ—_n civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o actual_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o be_v govern_v as_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o communion_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o mankind_n 47â—_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ergo_fw-la and_o it_o be_v prove_v per_fw-la part_n thus_o 1_o for_o the_o unity_n be_v not_o all_o mankind_n oft_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o be_v mankind_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o so_o frequent_o all_o mankind_n be_v call_v man_n gen._n 6._o 5_o 6_o 7._o i_o will_v not_o strive_v with_o man_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o be_v one_o kingdom_n psal_n 145._o 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o if_o we_o view_v the_o whole_a psalm_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o general_a government_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o mankind_n therein_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o all_o be_v one_o kingdom_n act_v 17._o 26._o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n all_o be_v one_o blood_n all_o have_v their_o bound_n set_v by_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v seek_v he_o and_o feel_v after_o he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v for_o one_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o spirit_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o love_n and_o pray_v one_o for_o the_o other_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v a_o like_a unity_n here_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o mankind_n have_v one_o lord_n and_o king_n over_o all_o god_n who_o be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n call_v a_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11._o yea_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o to_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1._o 22._o all_o have_v one_o law_n the_o moral_a law_n the_o common_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o this_o writ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o they_o have_v all_o one_o spirit_n of_o reason_n dispose_v they_o to_o society_n and_o mutual_a office_n of_o love_n one_o faculty_n of_o speak_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o communion_n one_o end_n to_o feel_v after_o god_n act._n 17._o and_o seek_v you_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a kind_n all_o aught_o to_o love_v one_o another_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o one_o another_o isaiah_n 58._o 7._o yea_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o common_a head_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o common_a providence_n and_o out_o of_o his_o love_n of_o mankind_n have_v a_o common_a and_o constant_a influence_n into_o all_o giving_z not_o only_a life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n act_n 17._o but_o also_o all_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n art_n skill_n for_o government_n etc._n etc._n to_o king_n judges_z father_n master_n and_o all_o officer_n of_o civil_a government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o what_o ever_o else_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o catholic_n church_n onâ—_n may_v here_o be_v apply_v and_o as_o for_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o all_o mankind_n will_v fall_v either_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o genus_fw-la homo_fw-la whereof_o the_o individua_fw-la be_v species_n specialissimae_fw-la or_o in_o another_o respect_n all_o person_n all_o family_n city_n kingdom_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n make_v one_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la or_o aggregatum_fw-la second_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o all_o this_o number_n of_o mankind_n be_v one_o visibile_fw-la totum_fw-la by_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n for_o that_o which_o have_v visible_a part_n be_v a_o visible_a totum_fw-la iâ—_n hold_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n yea_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o visible_a body_n because_o it_o have_v organ_n and_o visible_a officer_n in_o it_o it_o will_v hold_v here_o for_o all_o mankind_n be_v but_o one_o army_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v army_n of_o heaven_n and_o army_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o this_o body_n god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v set_v and_o by_o his_o ordinance_n have_v ordain_v father_n master_n husband_n judge_n king_n etc._n etc._n to_o govern_v in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a rule_v and_o subjection_n by_o the_o five_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o why_o be_v not_o this_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la three_o for_o priority_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o god_n have_v first_o in_o nature_n and_o intention_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a believer_n and_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v and_o be_v feed_v and_o govern_v by_o shepherd_n first_o to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o sheep_n second_o to_o this_o or_o that_o flock_n so_o in_o nature_n and_o god_n intention_n he_o have_v first_o give_v to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n power_n of_o be_v govern_v with_o government_n and_o governor_n before_o they_o be_v give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o family_n city_n kingdom_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o what_o be_v say_v of_o promise_n give_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n first_o be_v it_o not_o as_o true_a here_o those_o promise_n and_o blessing_n increase_v and_o multiply_v subdue_v the_o earth_n and_o inhabit_v it_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o you_o shall_v be_v on_o all_o beast_n and_o all_o like_a promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o marriage_n of_o liberty_n to_o eat_v flesh_n etc._n etc._n mention_v gen._n 2._o &_o 9_o and_o all_o over_o the_o scripture_n be_v they_o not_o in_o nature_n first_o give_v to_o mankind_n and_o then_o to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n family_n city_n so_o if_o church_n power_n and_o all_o officer_n and_o office_n be_v first_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n so_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v submit_v to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n rom._n 13_o 〈◊〉_d i_o say_v god_n king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n and_o such_o like_a scripture_n do_v this_o first_o belong_v to_o this_o or_o that_o kingdom_n city_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o rather_o that_o god_n have_v first_o set_v up_o and_o ordain_v civil_a power_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v obey_v of_o all_o mankind_n first_o and_o then_o in_o this_o or_o that_o state_n be_v foederall_a holiness_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o in_o a_o sense_n we_o will_v not_o now_o contradict_v so_o be_v legitimation_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o marry_a society_n in_o general_a in_o all_o mankind_n and_o then_o of_o this_o or_o that_o family_n be_v the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o here_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n city_n &c_n &c_n first_o and_o last_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o when_o the_o society_n be_v dissolve_v they_o be_v still_o of_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o all_o society_n spring_v of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o additament_n and_o increase_n to_o it_o the_o one_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v over_o tedious_a to_o follow_v this_o parallel_n so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a instance_n to_o guide_v the_o reader_n to_o apply_v whatever_o else_o be_v or_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o common_a nature_n and_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a may_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v that_o may_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o case_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o institute_v society_n we_o shall_v consider_v in_o due_a place_n now_o from_o that_o which_o have_v
church_n be_v mould_v up_o into_o one_o political_a body_n either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o the_o case_n stand_v so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o the_o similitude_n will_v be_v of_o some_o use_n three_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o army_n suppose_v they_o never_o meet_v yet_o there_o be_v such_o political_a union_n as_o full_o reach_v the_o political_a communion_n for_o which_o end_n it_o be_v combine_v viz._n that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o justice_n in_o and_o by_o a_o just_a government_n or_o by_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o army_n but_o if_o such_o a_o political_a body_n be_v combine_v to_o have_v such_o communion_n as_o a_o church-communion_n be_v than_o it_o will_v require_v convent_v together_o as_o elsewhere_o we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_a for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o one_o to_o have_v political_a communion_n together_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o political_a combination_n but_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o counsel_n and_o helpfulnesse_n one_o to_o another_o as_o need_n require_v so_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o brotherly_a consociation_n of_o church_n together_o be_v union_n sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o communion_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o judicious_a we_o shall_v now_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o come_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o knotty_a controversy_n as_o we_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v state_v and_o carry_v viz._n what_o be_v that_o form_n of_o a_o political_a church_n which_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v as_o the_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o with_o another_o therein_o and_o here_o give_v we_o leave_v before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o question_n itself_o to_o make_v a_o little_a further_o use_v of_o our_o former_a similitude_n for_o illustration_n and_o then_o we_o will_v show_v where_o the_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la as_o we_o conceive_v must_v stand_v it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n that_o although_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n thereof_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o yet_o no_o reason_n will_v enforce_v that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n thereof_o and_o so_o here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n we_o will_v now_o add_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o such_o reason_n yet_o in_o execution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o least_o civil_a society_n yea_o a_o family_n may_v be_v and_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o the_o least_o political_a church_n society_n may_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o of_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o we_o think_v that_o there_o by_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v seat_v and_o the_o edification_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v best_o be_v attain_v thereby_o concern_v family_n we_o see_v no_o footstep_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n from_o adam_n and_o noah_n of_o any_o sovereign_a or_o universal_a government_n further_o than_o in_o the_o first_o father_n of_o mankind_n after_o who_o as_o they_o increase_v family_n go_v out_o and_o combine_v make_v city_n and_o so_o commonwealth_n by_o mutual_a consent_n as_o in_o gen._n 10._o and_o other_o story_n appear_v except_o by_o the_o tyrannous_a usurpation_n of_o some_o as_o nimrod_n the_o rest_n be_v bring_v under_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n among_o any_o free_a people_n be_v still_o the_o most_o orderly_o just_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o erect_v all_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n family_n to_o combine_v into_o town_n city_n kingdom_n or_o aristocratical_a state_n but_o here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o similitude_n a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v the_o first_o church_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o church_n power_n and_o church_n communion_n then_o as_o family_n shall_v combine_v into_o town_n and_o city_n and_o they_o into_o great_a commonwealth_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n so_o here_o these_o first_o church_n may_v not_o stand_v independent_o but_o aught_o to_o combine_v into_o great_a body_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v one_o whole_a church_n to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o this_o evident_a reason_n because_o civil_a society_n and_o government_n thereof_o be_v herein_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o may_v admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n various_a law_n and_o constitution_n various_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n according_a as_o man_n shall_v conceive_v best_a for_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v not_o against_o the_o common_a moral_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o those_o society_n but_o here_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o must_v attend_v what_o kind_n of_o church_n he_o have_v institute_v so_o we_o must_v cleave_v to_o such_o rule_n privilege_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v not_o presume_v to_o go_v one_o step_n beyond_o the_o same_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n to_o alienate_v the_o power_n right_n or_o privilege_n christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o same_o or_o to_o mould_n up_o any_o other_o political_a church_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o here_o we_o conceive_v stand_v immovable_o the_o ne_fw-la plus_fw-la ultra_fw-la of_o this_o similitude_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n to_o power_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n well_o weigh_v to_o we_o seem_v to_o overthrow_v all_o such_o intermediate_v form_n of_o church_n or_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o mr._n ball_n call_v the_o same_o as_o classical_a provincial_n diocesan_n national_n patriarchicall_a etc._n etc._n which_o we_o see_v not_o how_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v constitute_v either_o descendendo_fw-la from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o ascendendo_fw-la from_o the_o combination_n of_o particular_n except_o institution_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o same_o we_o find_v indeed_o that_o some_o endeavour_n to_o build_v such_o form_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o moral_a principle_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o god_n have_v give_v government_n to_o be_v over_o a_o multitude_n and_o that_o of_o many_o society_n as_o well_o as_o person_n that_o one_o society_n may_v not_o suffer_v as_o well_o as_o one_o person_n and_o that_o therefore_o must_v be_v give_v of_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o society_n and_o multitude_n of_o little_a church_n power_n of_o external_a government_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o principle_n in_o nature_n that_o general_o bind_v free_a society_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o common_a government_n must_v many_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n by_o consequence_n all_o kingdom_n combine_v in_o government_n lest_o one_o kingdom_n be_v hurt_v â—_o must_v moab_n ammon_n edom_n tyre_n sydon_n judea_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o contiguous_a in_o near_a vicinity_n to_o each_o other_o combine_v in_o one_o government_n 2_o be_v it_o not_o as_o suitable_a to_o morality_n and_o reason_n in_o such_o combination_n that_o they_o set_v up_o one_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o when_o many_o grow_v ignorant_a evil_a or_o heady_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o prevent_v wrong_a as_o to_o set_v up_o many_o 3_o do_v abraham_n lot_n melchisedeck_v and_o such_o family_n church_n walk_v against_o ground_n of_o morality_n and_o nature_n that_o do_v not_o so_o combine_v we_o may_v add_v more_o but_o forbear_v but_o we_o can_v desire_v our_o dear_a brethren_n to_o be_v wary_a of_o scatter_v such_o principle_n for_o though_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v nature_n yet_o look_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n constitution_n and_o government_n be_v never_o erect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o divine_a institution_n so_o for_o the_o
govern_n of_o many_o over_o one_o why_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v the_o like_a institution_n but_o to_o come_v more_o near_o to_o the_o case_n itself_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n political_a church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a administration_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a form_n of_o all_o church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v the_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o all_o other_o institute_v ordinance_n as_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v only_o congregationall_a first_o concern_v the_o first_o to_o make_v our_o discourse_n more_o distinct_a and_o plain_a we_o shall_v premise_v here_o that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o at_o all_o take_v in_o or_o respect_v that_o question_n about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o guide_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v have_v a_o fit_a place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o but_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o intermingle_v thing_n we_o look_v only_o at_o the_o true_a subject_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o first_o reason_n thus_o such_o a_o church_n society_n as_o christ_n institute_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n constitute_v and_o govern_v in_o but_o the_o apostle_n never_o constitute_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n society_n or_o govern_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n command_v in_o matth._n 28._o 20._o and_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o to_o do_v beside_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o power_n from_o christ_n as_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n john_n 20._o and_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v then_o at_o the_o few_o there_o be_v never_o since_o such_o a_o opportunity_n or_o possibility_n to_o constitute_v such_o a_o church_n if_o christ_n jesus_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o assumption_n or_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o the_o apostle_n ever_o constitute_v and_o administer_v in_o such_o a_o church_n catholic_a it_o be_v either_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 1_o &_o 2._o etc._n etc._n or_o that_o assembly_n that_o meet_v act_v 15._o for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v such_o a_o constitute_v church_n ergo._fw-la 1_v concern_v the_o church_n name_v act_v 1._o carry_v on_o act_v 2._o etc._n etc._n we_o free_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o constitute_v church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n with_o elder_n and_o deacon_n afterward_o choose_v do_v govern_v for_o as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n act_v 2._o 47._o so_o likewise_o we_o see_v there_o be_v in_o it_o election_n act._n 1._o &_o 6._o and_o administration_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n act_v 2._o 41_o 42._o admission_n of_o member_n chap._n 2._o 41_o 47._o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o may_v have_v be_v excommunication_n also_o but_o that_o this_o church_n be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o prove_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n than_o it_o be_v such_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o representation_n but_o neither_o way_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o it_o can_v not_o be_v because_o it_o consist_v at_o the_o first_o but_o of_o 120._o which_o be_v a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n for_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 6._o there_o be_v above_o 500_o brethren_n to_o who_o christ_n appear_v at_o once_o which_o be_v but_o some_o few_o week_n before_o beside_o all_o that_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n which_o be_v very_o many_o yea_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n proper_o all_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o that_o age_n visible_a last_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n believer_n be_v already_o of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o this_o as_o act_v 5._o 13_o 14._o second_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o representation_n for_o if_o so_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o as_o the_o catholic_n guide_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n with_o they_o act_v 1._o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n only_o shall_v have_v have_v power_n to_o set_v apart_o barnabas_n and_o mathias_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o election_n be_v by_o peter_n himself_o commit_v to_o and_o act_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n call_v the_o brethren_n and_o disciple_n act_n 1._o 15_o 16_o 26._o where_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o so_o it_o be_v conclude_v with_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o all_o second_o if_o so_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v catholic_n guide_n than_o wherever_o they_o meet_v be_v a_o catholic_n church_n yea_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n representative_a church_n and_o so_o many_o such_o church_n for_o any_o two_o or_o one_o have_v the_o catholic_a power_n as_o well_o as_o all_o paul_n ordain_v rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o if_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v meet_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o 2_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a catholic_a church_n because_o first_o there_o be_v the_o woman_n in_o the_o same_o now_o woman_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o be_v messenger_n to_o represent_v church_n second_o beside_o these_o can_v not_o be_v representative_a messenger_n from_o other_o church_n because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o constitute_v church_n we_o see_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o constitute_v visible_a church_n before_o this_o last_o all_o the_o action_n of_o that_o church_n mention_v especial_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o 41_o 42._o of_o admission_n of_o member_n baptism_n word_n seal_n fellowship_n day_n by_o day_n in_o such_o ordinance_n choice_n of_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n speak_v aloud_o against_o a_o representative_a church_n we_o shall_v rather_o have_v hear_v of_o constitution_n censure_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n of_o general_a counsel_n object_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o they_o elect_v a_o catholic_n officer_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n viz._n a_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o all_z the_o catholic_n church_n and_o guide_v thereof_o have_v no_o power_n so_o to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o case_n reserve_v to_o christ_n himself_o else_o paul_n argument_n to_o prove_v his_o apostleship_n have_v not_o be_v strong_a because_o he_o be_v not_o call_v by_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 1._o 2_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o preparatory_a act_n thereunto_o with_o a_o after_o consent_n the_o election_n be_v proper_o do_v immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o what_o be_v do_v might_n as_o well_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o particular_a church_n guide_v by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o object_n second_o it_o be_v object_v many_o of_o these_o be_v man_n of_o galilee_n which_o by_o their_o habitation_n can_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n answ_n true_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o be_v of_o galilee_n but_o they_o have_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o remain_v a_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o to_o go_v forth_o to_o samaria_n judea_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v 1._o 4_o 8._o and_o therefore_o no_o church_n relation_n in_o galilee_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o join_v in_o this_o first_o constitute_v church_n or_o give_v any_o colour_n that_o they_o come_v as_o member_n representative_a from_o any_o church_n in_o galilee_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n for_o a_o catholic_n church_n from_o act_n 1._o etc._n etc._n now_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v suppose_v of_o
but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o visible_a number_n of_o saint_n we_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o clear_v this_o scripture_n because_o we_o conceive_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o lie_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v answer_v the_o light_n of_o it_o we_o hope_v will_v scatter_v the_o darkness_n that_o be_v bring_v upon_o divers_a other_o scripture_n which_o be_v draw_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o catholic_n church_n as_o rom._n 12._o 4._o etc._n etc._n col._n 1._o 25._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o ephes_n 4._o 11._o in_o which_o last_o scripture_n we_o never_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v give_v not_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n only_o much_o less_o to_o such_o a_o diminutive_a congregation_n consist_v of_o 40_o 60_o or_o 100_o only_a as_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o impawn_v all_o power_n in_o this_o or_o that_o congregational_a body_n but_o to_o a_o congregationall_a church_n consider_v as_o the_o genus_fw-la of_o all_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o to_o this_o congregationall_a church_n only_o but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o do_v this_o argue_v one_o political_a body_n consist_v of_o all_o these_o for_o though_o vers_fw-la 16._o the_o whole_a body_n be_v say_v to_o be_v compact_v yet_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o political_a not_o spiritual_a way_n of_o compact_v we_o confess_v with_o submission_n our_o weakness_n can_v apprehend_v the_o last_o scripture_n which_o we_o find_v cite_v that_o seem_v to_o look_v this_o way_n be_v 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o feed_v the_o flock_n which_o be_v among_o you_o answ_n 1_o we_o answer_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v distributive_o for_o the_o several_a flock_n in_o all_o those_o country_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o their_o particular_a elder_n not_o collective_o to_o be_v feed_v as_o one_o flock_n in_o common_a for_o the_o country_n be_v so_o many_o and_o large_a as_o it_o be_v impossible_a yea_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a parallel_n james_n 2._o 2._o where_o writing_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o assembly_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v collective_o as_o if_o they_o have_v one_o assembly_n among_o they_o all_o but_o distributive_o of_o any_o assembly_n 2_o though_o they_o be_v call_v a_o flock_n not_o flock_n yet_o this_o as_o baines_n observe_v be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v one_o flock_n real_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n which_o also_o he_o expound_v to_o be_v per_fw-la internam_fw-la we_o have_v rather_o say_v spiritualem_fw-la unionem_fw-la but_o not_o per_fw-la externam_fw-la combinationem_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o which_o spiritual_a union_n that_o be_v true_a which_o mr._n ball_n cit_v out_o of_o cyprian_a etsi_fw-la pastor_n 7._o multi_fw-la sumus_fw-la unam_fw-la tamen_fw-la gregem_fw-la pascimus_fw-la as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v episcopatus_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la una_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la mundo_fw-la hence_o also_o may_v appear_v a_o answer_n to_o divers_a argument_n the_o chief_a whereof_o we_o shall_v run_v through_o object_n 1._o if_o by_o baptism_n we_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n answ_n baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n whether_o visible_a or_o invisible_a of_o all_o age_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n political_a body_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v for_o then_o every_o baptize_v person_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v a_o oaâ—e_n in_o every_o boat_n in_o elect_a officer_n admit_v member_n censure_v offender_n etc._n etc._n which_o mr._n ball_n will_v not_o grant_v and_o indeed_o will_v bring_v in_o endless_a confusion_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n beside_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o combine_a society_n without_o their_o consent_n for_o otherwise_o so_o many_o may_v crowd_n into_o the_o church_n because_o baptize_v as_o shall_v overthrow_v the_o edification_n thereof_o and_o that_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o object_n 2._o when_o any_o scandalous_a person_n be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n for_o be_v can_v be_v cast_v out_o who_o be_v never_o within_o answ_n 1_o some_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o only_o consequenter_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v that_o this_o be_v take_v away_o by_o say_v that_o as_o when_o the_o left_a hand_n cut_v off_o a_o finger_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n it_o be_v not_o the_o left_a hand_n only_o that_o cut_v it_o off_o but_o the_o whole_a man_n deliberate_a reason_n and_o will_n consent_v for_o if_o this_o similitude_n will_v suit_v than_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o consult_v and_o consent_v antecedenter_n before_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v cut_v off_o any_o member_n which_o ordinary_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v 2_o but_o further_o according_a to_o our_o former_a principle_n lay_v down_o we_o say_v he_o that_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n he_o be_v moral_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o all_o but_o not_o political_o and_o formal_o for_o to_o excommunicate_v political_o and_o formal_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o superior_a authority_n next_o under_o christ_n so_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o act_n the_o minister_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v the_o person_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o he_o office_n charge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v say_v that_o one_o church_n put_v forth_o such_o a_o act_n of_o superior_a authority_n bind_v or_o charge_v all_o church_n politicè_fw-la and_o judicialitèr_v not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o for_o so_o one_o church_n shall_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n overall_a church_n and_o that_o without_o their_o actual_a approbation_n for_o quod_fw-la spectat_fw-la ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la debet_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la approbari_fw-la if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v excommunicate_a by_o a_o intrinsical_a power_n not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o intrinsical_v in_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o be_v that_o intrinsical_v power_n be_v it_o natural_a or_o voluntary_a to_o say_v it_o be_v natural_a be_v too_o absurd_a if_o voluntary_a than_o neither_o congregation_n class_n province_n nation_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o praevious_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o must_v voluntary_o concur_v thereunto_o and_o if_o the_o catholic_n presbytery_n as_o be_v say_v have_v no_o next_o but_o a_o a_o remote_a power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o remote_a power_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o raro_fw-la contingens_fw-la or_o almost_o never_o than_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o be_v not_o from_o a_o intrinsical_a power_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o power_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o whole_a to_o the_o part_n as_o the_o power_n of_o see_v be_v first_o in_o the_o man_n then_o in_o the_o eye_n yet_o not_o derive_v from_o hand_n leg_n shoulder_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o sun_n have_v intrinsical_v light_n in_o every_o part_n not_o by_o derivation_n from_o one_o part_n to_o another_o so_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o all_o the_o integral_a part_n in_o point_n that_o several_o concern_v the_o same_o first_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o every_o particular_a congregation_n receive_v its_o power_n of_o the_o key_n immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o by_o derivation_n from_o any_o presbytery_n or_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n independent_a neither_o also_o can_v congregation_n derive_v the_o power_n seat_v in_o they_o to_o presbytery_n nor_o any_o great_a body_n take_v it_o from_o they_o second_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v this_o intrinsical_a power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o be_v there_o proper_o seat_v by_o christ_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o political_a church_n classical_a provincial_n national_n or_o catholic_n that_o have_v any_o such_o intrinsical_a power_n as_o be_v in_o the_o sun_n this_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v to_o our_o understanding_n we_o deny_v not_o the_o use_n of_o lesser_a and_o great_a synod_n nor_o
they_o may_v choose_v a_o diocesan_n pastor_n one_o or_o many_o to_o feed_v all_o or_o one_o to_o rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilâ—e_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1._o 1._o yea_o not_o only_o in_o one_o small_a country_n but_o in_o city_n or_o near_o unto_o they_o we_o read_v of_o distinct_a church_n as_o corinth_n though_o god_n have_v much_o people_n there_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o and_o have_v another_o church_n near_o to_o it_o viz._n cenchrea_n also_o rome_n who_o the_o apostle_n salute_v send_v also_o salutation_n by_o they_o to_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o household_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o these_o add_v that_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o number_n be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o that_o we_o read_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1._o and_o chap._n 2._o 41_o 42._o what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v answer_v before_o other_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o like_a example_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o due_a place_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o that_o a_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v more_o objection_n against_o the_o completeness_n thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n of_o all_o the_o key_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o actual_a administration_n within_o itself_o be_v a_o complete_a church_n but_o so_o have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o part_n be_v evident_a because_o where_o all_o the_o key_n be_v with_o full_a power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o there_o nothing_o be_v want_v the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o all_o those_o officer_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o exercise_v the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o congregation_n then_o all_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v to_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o since_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n call_v sometime_o bishop_n sometime_o elder_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v prove_v act_n 14._o tit._n 1._o 4._o and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n who_o ordain_v such_o officer_n in_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n ergo._fw-la object_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o a_o congregation_n have_v such_o officer_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o that_o such_o must_v combine_v with_o other_o in_o way_n of_o co-ordination_a to_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o so_o to_o be_v help_v and_o complete_v by_o they_o answ_n we_o grant_v much_o help_n may_v be_v have_v by_o sister_n church_n and_o consultative_a presbytery_n but_o that_o which_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o point_n of_o government_n from_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o do_v not_o complete_a it_o but_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v oft_o consent_v yet_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n must_v carry_v it_o whether_o he_o consent_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o his_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o beside_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o mystery_n that_o every_o pastor_n even_o such_o as_o have_v no_o flock_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o a_o pastor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o own_o flock_n over_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v he_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o which_o flock_n he_o must_v give_v account_n unto_o god_n object_n 2._o it_o can_v have_v a_o synod_n which_o be_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n answ_n by_o this_o reason_n a_o classical_a church_n be_v not_o complete_a because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o national_n council_n nor_o a_o national_n church_n because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o general_a council_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o classis_fw-la have_v all_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o a_o complete_a church_n we_o say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o congregation_n object_n 3._o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v cast_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o submit_v to_o combination_n so_o here_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a not_o so_o when_o among_o other_o church_n answ_n if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o as_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a government_n in_o his_o family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o come_v among_o neither_o do_v he_o in_o prudence_n he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o here_o a_o church_n have_v complete_a officer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n except_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o second_o though_o a_o family_n noâ—_n have_v complete_a civil_a government_n in_o itself_o must_v combine_v where_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o never_o to_o yield_v up_o its_o family-government_n over_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n no_o civil_a prudence_n or_o moral_a rule_n teach_v man_n ever_o so_o to_o practice_v and_o therefore_o why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v a_o church_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o to_o pastor_n of_o many_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o in_o common_a and_o not_o rather_o as_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v overawe_v by_o the_o provincial_n only_a in_o common_a thing_n so_o in_o congregation_n pastor_n shall_v govern_v their_o flock_n and_o only_o in_o thing_n common_a be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v act_n in_o such_o thing_n only_o for_o in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offender_n the_o offence_n be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o answer_v if_o so_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o provincial_n and_o national_n church_n by_o this_o reason_n assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la for_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o as_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o classis_fw-la admit_v all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o this_o also_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o three_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v leave_v to_o civil_a prudence_n and_o may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o many_o form_n of_o government_n but_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o maintain_v such_o order_n of_o government_n as_o
christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o many_o no_o more_o then_o to_o one_o if_o testimony_n be_v needful_a we_o may_v produce_v zanchi_n zwinglius_fw-la parker_n baines_n and_o other_o who_o be_v full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o dr._n downam_n himself_o confess_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o a_o populous_a congregation_n and_o this_o confession_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o witty_a passage_n of_o his_o refuter_fw-la or_o his_o epistoler_n who_o against_o the_o bishop_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o congregationall_a church_n with_o we_o with_o who_o expression_n for_o the_o recreation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reader_n we_o will_v conclude_v the_o papist_n say_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o just_a as_o the_o organ_n go_v at_o rome_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o bishop_n jurisdiction_n be_v not_o limit_v but_o by_o the_o pope_n appointment_n his_o power_n of_o itself_o indifferent_o reaching_z over_o all_o the_o world_n our_o prelatist_n will_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o tune_n of_o canterbury_n that_o neither_o church_n nor_o bishop_n have_v his_o bound_n determine_v by_o the_o pope_n nor_o yet_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o prince_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n with_o the_o civil_a state_n now_o the_o plain_a christian_n find_v nothing_o but_o humane_a uncertainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o devise_n be_v content_v himself_o with_o plain_a song_n and_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v christian_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o society_n as_o may_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o such_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a pastor_n he_o i_o say_v in_o his_o simplicity_n call_v these_o assembly_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o pastor_n his_o bishop_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v how_o church_n government_n and_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o same_o where_o we_o shall_v propound_v these_o thesis_n for_o explication_n of_o ourselves_o first_o though_o pastourship_n consider_v as_o a_o office_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n to_o feed_v they_o anthoritative_o be_v one_o of_o these_o ordinance_n give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o his_o elect_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v some_o act_n of_o the_o ministry_n viz._n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n second_o seal_n and_o other_o privilege_n although_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la and_o remote_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n yet_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o next_o they_o belong_v proper_o to_o this_o subject_a which_o we_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o make_v good_a three_o they_o be_v not_o so_o appropriate_v to_o such_o congregation_n only_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o member_n of_o those_o congregation_n which_o be_v undeâ—_n the_o government_n of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n or_o other_o form_n of_o government_n for_o we_o have_v a_o brotherly_a esteem_n of_o such_o congregaâ—ions_n notwithstanding_o that_o tertium_fw-la quoddam_fw-la separabile_fw-la of_o government_n as_o mr._n baines_n call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o a_o church_n now_o constitute_v and_o may_v be_v absent_a the_o church_n remain_v a_o church_n four_o although_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o divine_n that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o outward_a form_n and_o that_o therefore_o bare_a profession_n of_o say_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o they_o who_o so_o speak_v for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a profession_n of_o faith_n personal_a which_o be_v act_v several_o by_o particular_a person_n and_o common_a which_o be_v act_v conjoint_o in_o and_o with_o a_o society_n the_o first_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o catholic_a number_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o so_o fit_a matter_n for_o political_a church-society_n the_o other_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o political_a church_n formal_o and_o complete_o and_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o external_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o in_o the_o other_o now_o that_o in_o and_o to_o this_o subject_n so_o profess_v the_o seal_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v may_v be_v prove_v thus_o argum._n 1._o first_o the_o seal_n and_o other_o church-ordinance_n must_v either_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o or_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o these_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n in_o actual_a dispensation_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v ergo._fw-la for_o that_o church_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a dispensation_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o participation_n thereof_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n as_o catholic_n and_o out_o of_o particular_a society_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n the_o same_o ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o capable_a of_o participate_v in_o seal_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n they_o at_o least_o not_o have_v a_o next_o power_n to_o elect_v officer_n to_o do_v it_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o political_a body_n the_o sole_a subject_n of_o church_n administration_n neither_o in_o the_o whole_a nor_o in_o the_o part_n as_o exist_v out_o of_o congregation_n argum._n 2._o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v into_o particular_a society_n that_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o seal_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o they_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o that_o end_n for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o erect_v any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o these_o particular_a temple_n destroy_v and_o thus_o a_o door_n of_o liberty_n be_v open_v to_o many_o to_o live_v loose_o without_o the_o care_n and_o watch_v and_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n argum._n 3._o if_o the_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o believer_n or_o profess_v believer_n as_o such_o than_o they_o may_v be_v administer_v private_o to_o any_o one_o wherever_o he_o be_v find_v but_o that_o be_v very_o irregular_a and_o against_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_a divine_n who_o give_v large_a testimony_n against_o private_a baptism_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n or_o anabaptist_n allege_v for_o the_o contrary_n argum._n 4._o lest_o we_o seem_v to_o stand_v alone_o in_o this_o controversy_n let_v the_o argument_n produce_v by_o didoclavius_n and_o he_o that_o write_v concern_v perth_n assembly_n against_o private_a baptism_n be_v consider_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o most_o of_o they_o do_v strong_o conclude_v against_o administration_n thereof_o to_o any_o but_o church-member_n argum._n 5._o the_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n in_o this_o his_o dispute_n against_o our_o conclusion_n yet_o in_o his_o discourse_n let_v fall_v sundâ—y_a thing_n that_o confirm_v it_o as_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v the_o society_n 22._o of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whence_o we_o argue_v if_o the_o catholic_n church_n exi_v only_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n the_o seal_n must_v only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o also_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a admission_n 68_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n whence_o three_o thing_n will_v follow_v first_o that_o baptism_n sometime_o administer_v private_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a pattern_n second_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o immediate_o if_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o
ten_o man_n in_o a_o city_n 2_o that_o they_o can_v not_o burn_v their_o book_n open_o without_o danger_n to_o the_o church_n except_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n believe_v seem_v a_o strange_a reason_n as_o if_o believer_n dare_v not_o profess_v open_o except_o they_o have_v a_o great_a number_n to_o maintain_v they_o with_o club-law_n open_a profession_n in_o those_o time_n even_o among_o a_o few_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v daunt_v with_o the_o grim_a look_n of_o persecution_n 3_o and_o last_o we_o grant_v ephesus_n may_v be_v a_o numerous_a church_n yet_o neither_o there_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v from_o rev._n 2._o 7._o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n can_v persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n for_o that_o argue_v no_o more_o that_o ephesus_n be_v a_o compound_n of_o many_o church_n then_o that_o it_o be_v compound_v with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n yea_o the_o church_n of_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n be_v speak_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o reply_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n ordinary_o nor_o be_v the_o society_n break_v off_o by_o persecution_n when_o their_o meeting_n together_o in_o one_o place_n be_v interrupt_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a one_o church_n or_o society_n by_o persecution_n or_o otherwise_o may_v meet_v in_o several_a company_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o place_n or_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v proper_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a both_o necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la &_o medii_fw-la to_o be_v able_a at_o least_o so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o society_n thus_o to_o meet_v together_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n thereof_o in_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n thereof_o it_o be_v necessary_a when_o the_o papist_n to_o maintain_v their_o private_a mass_n say_v that_o place_n be_v but_o accidental_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n as_o hardin_n object_n any_o more_o then_o to_o observe_v day_n month_n time_n condemn_v as_o beggarly_a element_n by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 4._o as_o also_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v unite_v together_o by_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o meet_v not_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o the_o ancient_n note_n how_o do_v learned_a chamier_n answer_v they_o he_o tell_v 13._o they_o that_o although_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a place_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o a_o place_n indefinite_o take_v be_v and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v restrain_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o a_o place_n because_o it_o can_v be_v administer_v but_o conventu_fw-la fidelium_fw-la and_o this_o conventus_fw-la must_v be_v in_o some_o place_n and_o he_o add_v that_o although_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n yet_o this_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o spiritual_a not_o sacramental_a communion_n nunquam_fw-la enim_fw-la auditum_fw-la qui_fw-la hierosolymis_fw-la erant_fw-la sacramentaliter_fw-la communicasse_fw-la cum_fw-la iis_fw-la qui_fw-la alexandria_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v communion_n in_o one_o place_n together_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n as_o we_o do_v reply_n seven_o see_v then_o both_o the_o seal_n in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o with_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v but_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o several_a reply_v make_v we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a have_v well_o observe_v our_o answer_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v the_o conclusion_n chap._n vii_o consid_n 2._o reply_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o answer_n the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v limit_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o in_o that_o you_o allege_v for_o confirmation_n some_o thing_n may_v be_v note_v 1_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o that_o passage_n but_o confirm_v for_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v before_o his_o death_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o proof_n mat._n 28._o 19_o being_n we_o doubt_v not_o pertinent_a in_o the_o author_n own_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o we_o brotherly_a love_n may_v easy_o have_v pass_v over_o great_a mistake_n than_o the_o answer_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v into_o for_o by_o first_o institution_n here_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o institute_v in_o that_o first_o time_n of_o all_o divine_a ordinance_n we_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o use_n and_o so_o no_o institution_n of_o baptism_n before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o confutation_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v reply_n second_o we_o see_v not_o how_o you_o can_v apply_v that_o text_n matth._n 28_o 19_o to_o preach_v by_o office_n which_o by_o your_o exposition_n be_v a_o dispense_n of_o a_o fit_a portion_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o household_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v to_o every_o creature_n etc._n etc._n answ_n as_o if_o that_o commission_n matth._n 28._o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o also_o and_o require_v they_o to_o dispense_v fit_a portion_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lie_v on_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o be_v not_o apostle_n give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o other_o officer_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o therefore_o this_o note_n also_o may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v reply_n three_o if_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n you_o comprehend_v preach_v by_o office_n dispense_n seal_v etc._n etc._n we_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n the_o execution_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n be_v commit_v answ_n this_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v only_o in_o the_o answer_n touch_v by_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o 1_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n and_o to_o allege_v matth._n 16._o &_o 18._o for_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o well_o have_v be_v set_v in_o the_o margin_n many_o ancient_a divine_n and_o our_o own_o modern_a as_o fulke_n whittaker_n baine_n parker_n and_o other_o as_o robinson_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o desire_n to_o possess_v people_n with_o that_o conceit_n that_o we_o go_v in_o new_a way_n with_o the_o separatist_n alone_o 2_o we_o distinguish_v between_o power_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v a_o power_n right_a or_o privilege_n as_o joh._n 1._o 12._o which_o be_v not_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v officer_n act_n 6._o &_o 14._o receive_a member_n etc._n etc._n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v we_o ascribe_v only_o to_o the_o officer_n under_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v who_o the_o church_n must_v obey_v now_o we_o grant_v that_o where_o authority_n be_v give_v there_o power_n to_o exercise_v it_o be_v give_v also_o as_o mat._n 28._o joh._n 20._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n and_o so_o where_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n there_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o orderly_o be_v give_v also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 10._o reply_n if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o must_v derive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o power_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o deny_v your_o consequence_n for_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v power_n to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o reserve_v to_o himself_o that_o prerogative_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v immediate_o without_o the_o church_n as_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o case_n he_o have_v first_o call_v his_o twelve_o apostle_n mat._n 10._o
before_o he_o institute_v the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 1._o to_o choose_v two_o and_o take_v one_o of_o they_o immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o when_o paul_n be_v call_v he_o appear_v to_o he_o immediate_o and_o call_v he_o both_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o his_o apostleship_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o call_n be_v a_o reserve_a case_n reply_n if_o minister_n dispense_v the_o seal_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o then_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n then_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o minister_n so_o much_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v law_n in_o who_o name_n he_o must_v do_v his_o office_n and_o to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v account_n answ_n this_o objection_n will_v hold_v as_o strong_o against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v as_o class_n synod_n or_o church_n catholic_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v the_o lord_n jesus_n must_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o himself_o in_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o his_o minister_n must_v receive_v law_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o as_o he_o delegate_n to_o that_o work_n of_o administration_n under_o he_o and_o therefore_o let_v other_o look_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n as_o well_o as_o we_o our_o answer_n be_v brief_o &_o plain_o this_o the_o office_n be_v the_o immediate_a institution_n of_o christ_n the_o gift_n and_o power_n belong_v thereto_o be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o and_o therefore_o he_o minister_v in_o his_o name_n and_o must_v give_v account_n to_o he_o 1_o pet._n 5._o and_o yet_o his_o outward_a call_v to_o this_o office_n whereby_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n be_v from_o christ_n by_o his_o church_n and_o this_o make_v he_o no_o more_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n than_o a_o captain_n by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o general_n choose_v by_o the_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o his_o band._n we_o see_v in_o this_o reply_n here_o and_o elsewhere_o how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o cast_v this_o odium_fw-la upon_o this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o rank_n we_o with_o separatist_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v easy_o wipe_v off_o and_o stick_v as_o fast_o upon_o the_o class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n reply_n if_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v to_o do_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n to_o admit_v member_n cast_v out_o make_v and_o depose_v minister_n etc._n etc._n by_o authority_n from_o christ_n we_o can_v see_v how_o in_o your_o judgement_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n answ_n if_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v right_o distinguish_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n as_o it_o ought_v a_o dim_a sight_n may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o key_n by_o the_o officer_n authoritative_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o place_n obediential_o follow_v and_o concur_v with_o their_o guide_n so_o long_o as_o they_o go_v along_o with_o christ_n their_o king_n and_o his_o law_n and_o cleave_v in_o their_o obedience_n to_o christ_n dissent_v from_o their_o guide_n when_o they_o forsake_v christ_n in_o their_o ministration_n if_o there_o need_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n hereof_o it_o be_v at_o hand_n in_o all_o civil_a administration_n wherein_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o of_o justice_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o privilege_n power_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jurour_n both_o sweet_o concur_v in_o every_o case_n both_o civil_a &_o criminal_a neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o a_o jury_n only_o to_o find_v the_o fact_n do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o some_o answer_n this_o instance_n but_o also_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o law_n that_o award_v answerable_a punishment_n as_o whether_o the_o fact_n be_v simple_a theft_n or_o burglary_n murder_n or_o manslaughter_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o damage_n cost_n in_o civil_a case_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n be_v great_a yet_o the_o execution_n authoritative_o may_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o officer_n reply_n four_o that_o which_o you_o add_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n to_o a_o ordinance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v thereunto_o must_v be_v wary_o understand_v or_o it_o may_v occasion_v error_n and_o distraction_n not_o a_o few_o etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o shall_v not_o contradict_v your_o wariness_n in_o this_o case_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o such_o as_o he_o appoint_v though_o some_o corruption_n be_v admix_v in_o the_o entrance_n and_o administration_n but_o we_o doubt_v not_o the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n but_o what_o need_v there_o be_v or_o use_v of_o this_o note_n we_o see_v not_o our_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o safe_a enough_o but_o it_o seem_v your_o tenderness_n of_o the_o stand_n of_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n in_o england_n occasion_v this_o wariness_n and_o we_o deny_v not_o what_o you_o say_v that_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o we_o give_v some_o approbation_n to_o our_o stand_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n the_o lord_n merciful_o pass_v over_o our_o many_o corruption_n but_o this_o will_v no_o way_n give_v allowance_n to_o the_o many_o gross_a corruption_n and_o defect_n which_o cleave_v to_o our_o stand_n and_o administration_n nor_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o any_o in_o such_o corruption_n after_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o assumption_n that_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n but_o that_o flock_n be_v not_o ever_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n neither_o the_o bond_n so_o straight_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o that_o one_o society_n that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o occasion_n perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o their_o proper_a assembly_n answ_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o the_o assumption_n that_o we_o may_v give_v the_o more_o distinct_a answer_n we_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o explicate_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o limitation_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o church_n which_o it_o be_v like_a they_o who_o draw_v up_o the_o answer_n have_v former_o do_v have_v the_o time_n then_o be_v as_o critical_a as_o they_o be_v grow_v since_o 1_o when_o we_o say_v the_o ministry_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o so_o limit_v it_o to_o a_o congregation_n under_o her_o own_o presbytery_n as_o to_o exclude_v from_o communion_n in_o the_o seal_n many_o congregation_n stand_v under_o one_o common_a presbytery_n as_o we_o have_v former_o say_v we_o honour_v the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o godly_a member_n thereof_o 2_o when_o we_o say_v the_o seal_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n because_o the_o ministry_n be_v so_o limit_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o of_o that_o congregation_n only_o whereof_o the_o ministry_n be_v but_o of_o any_o congregation_n in_o general_n 3_o when_o we_o say_v that_o where_o a_o minister_n have_v no_o power_n he_o may_v not_o do_v a_o act_n of_o power_n this_o be_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v that_o he_o can_v perform_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o they_o or_o unto_o they_o as_o to_o his_o proper_a flock_n the_o office_n be_v as_o we_o say_v found_v in_o the_o relation_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n such_o a_o state_v power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o his_o own_o flock_n he_o have_v not_o to_o those_o of_o other_o congregation_n partake_v in_o his_o own_o church_n or_o in_o any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o another_o church_n yet_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o power_n or_o precaria_fw-la potestas_fw-la charitative_o to_o put_v
which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v cultus_fw-la institutus_fw-la reply_n second_o a_o person_n baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o that_o particular_a congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptize_v person_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v of_o they_o now_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o baptize_v person_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o able_a to_o examine_v himself_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o all_o circumcise_a person_n have_v right_o thereby_o to_o eat_v the_o passeover_n in_o any_o society_n where_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o exod._n 4._o 47._o deut._n 16._o 1_o 1._o answ_n this_o seem_v to_o touch_v the_o question_n itself_o rather_o than_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o four_o consideration_n but_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v 1._o here_o you_o grant_v that_o a_o person_n baptize_v be_v baptize_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o accept_v as_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o question_n unaware_o 2._o if_o you_o mean_v that_o such_o have_v a_o liberty_n of_o communion_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o all_o church_n where_o he_o come_v we_o grant_v so_o far_o as_o nothing_o in_o he_o just_o hinder_v but_o if_o you_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v baptize_v into_o all_o church_n so_o as_o to_o challenge_v a_o right_n of_o membership_n in_o they_o all_o we_o deny_v it_o as_o a_o position_n that_o will_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o we_o have_v former_o show_v 3._o we_o deny_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptize_v person_n able_a to_o examine_v himself_o &_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o baptize_v person_n for_o then_o a_o papist_n convert_v to_o the_o truth_n able_a to_o examine_v himself_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o every_o church_n before_o he_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o his_o conversion_n and_o faith_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o he_o may_v be_v such_o a_o baptize_v person_n and_o we_o may_v say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o excommunicate_a penitent_a 4._o we_o grant_v that_o a_o baptize_v person_n be_v not_o only_o baptize_v in_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v first_o a_o member_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o his_o initiation_n into_o that_o particular_a church_n only_o then_o he_o must_v be_v rebaptise_v as_o oft_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o another_o but_o he_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o sense_n former_o show_v into_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o hence_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la or_o a_o remote_a right_n unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n every_o where_o but_o that_o therefore_o he_o have_v immediate_a right_n to_o the_o fruition_n of_o all_o when_o he_o be_v sever_v from_o that_o particular_a church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v that_o follow_v not_o for_o as_o he_o have_v this_o latter_a right_n in_o the_o first_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v so_o he_o must_v have_v it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n afterward_o now_o if_o in_o the_o first_o church_n the_o fruition_n of_o ordinance_n come_v by_o orderly_o join_v to_o it_o so_o it_o must_v be_v afterward_o for_o as_o we_o say_v before_o such_o as_o the_o communion_n be_v such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o union_n he_o that_o will_v have_v political_a communion_n with_o the_o political_a church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v some_o where_o in_o political_a union_n with_o they_o otherwise_o one_o may_v have_v communion_n in_o all_o church_n &_o yet_o never_o unite_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o which_o loose_a walk_n we_o be_v persuade_v christ_n jesus_n will_v not_o allow_v 5_o the_o similitude_n from_o a_o circumcise_a person_n will_v not_o hold_v first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o parity_n between_o several_a family_n in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o several_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o rather_o several_a seat_n of_o communicant_n in_o the_o same_o church_n answer_v several_a family_n eat_v the_o passover_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n second_o a_o edomite_n circumcise_a though_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o own_o country_n never_o so_o full_o yet_o may_v not_o eat_v the_o passover_n till_o he_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n as_o all_o other_o proselyte_n do_v &_o so_o be_v it_o here_o reply_n three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o every_o church_n privilege_n one_o may_v have_v right_a to_o some_o who_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o other_o as_o member_n of_o one_o church_n may_v join_v in_o hear_v and_o prayer_n with_o another_o church_n but_o not_o meddle_v in_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o therefore_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a to_o be_v take_v without_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o admit_v a_o believer_n into_o communion_n in_o any_o church_n privilege_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v answ_n what_o be_v here_o object_v from_o the_o liberty_n or_o restriction_n of_o church_n member_n in_o another_o congregation_n be_v answer_v before_o in_o the_o first_o objection_n and_o therefore_o the_o proposition_n may_v stand_v good_a for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v 2_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o proposition_n be_v neither_o the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o our_o reason_n nor_o any_o way_n allow_v by_o we_o for_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o power_n to_o admit_v but_o of_o the_o right_a to_o be_v partaker_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v a_o power_n in_o officer_n to_o admit_v member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o the_o seal_n though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 3_o if_o our_o proposition_n seem_v to_o need_v proof_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v at_o hand_n because_o those_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n or_o proper_a privilege_n or_o propriety_n of_o the_o church_n as_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n viz._n outward_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n ordain_v by_o he_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n and_o joint_o give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o look_v to_o what_o church_n he_o have_v give_v the_o one_o he_o have_v give_v the_o other_o also_o if_o the_o one_o viz._n censure_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o a_o visible_a congregation_n than_o the_o other_o they_o be_v all_o both_o seal_n and_o censure_n contain_v in_o the_o key_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o visible_a institute_v church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_n as_o such_o for_o a_o godly_a man_n just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n yet_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o catholic_n reply_n that_o visible_a believer_n baptize_v into_o a_o true_a church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v judge_v such_o as_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n because_o they_o be_v not_o external_o join_v as_o set_v member_n to_o some_o peculiar_a congregation_n in_o church_n covenant_n be_v affirm_v not_o prove_v answ_n come_v to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o argument_n it_o be_v express_v according_a to_o the_o frequent_a manner_n in_o this_o reply_n in_o such_o term_n as_o it_o be_v not_o affirm_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o want_v proof_n blame_v not_o we_o our_o assumption_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o church_n covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n where_o by_o be_v in_o church_n covenant_n we_o mean_v either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o membership_n in_o any_o true_a church_n as_o in_o our_o answer_n we_o express_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o and_o in_o apply_v hereof_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o such_o be_v simple_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o in_o some_o respect_n only_o viz._n in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n reply_n first_o it_o do_v oft_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a society_n and_o shall_v their_o posterity_n be_v count_v alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o their_o parent_n be_v unjust_o separate_v from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n answ_n this_o objection_n be_v before_o answer_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n where_o be_v give_v the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n and_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o reply_n itself_o in_o the_o next_o word_n sure_o as_o parent_n unjust_o excommunicate_v do_v continue_v still_o
baptize_v before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v a_o minister_n for_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n can_v choose_v a_o minister_n to_o baptize_v they_o answ_n we_o see_v here_o still_o how_o unaware_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o position_n itself_o break_v forth_o for_o the_o proposition_n it_o be_v full_o yield_v and_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o the_o place_n allude_v to_o act_n 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o the_o position_n be_v yield_v also_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n admit_v believer_n into_o all_o those_o church_n in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n we_o contend_v for_o and_o be_v former_o deny_v and_o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o choose_v elder_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v full_o yield_v reply_n a_o company_n of_o convert_v unbaptise_v aught_o to_o desire_v baptism_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o elect_v one_o among_o themselves_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o the_o rest_n etc._n etc._n it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v in_o scripture_n that_o any_o society_n of_o unbaptised_a do_v first_o choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v you_o can_v produce_v one_o example_n or_o other_o proof_n in_o scripture_n of_o one_o man_n teach_v the_o gospel_n ministerial_o but_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o of_o a_o society_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n but_o they_o be_v baptize_v person_n answ_n 1_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o church_n be_v gather_v by_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n out_o of_o person_n unbaptise_v they_o be_v first_o baptize_v into_o church_n fellowship_n before_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o apostle_n remain_v enjoy_v from_o they_o other_o ordinance_n as_o act._n 2._o and_o so_o have_v no_o officer_n choose_v by_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n immediate_o for_o they_o yet_o as_o when_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o they_o must_v choose_v officer_n if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v ordinance_n so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o no_o need_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v usual_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_n arise_v out_o of_o popery_n in_o this_o case_n we_o say_v such_o church_n can_v partake_v of_o no_o ordinance_n without_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o yet_o this_o vary_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n pattern_n neither_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o believer_n differ_v when_o paul_n find_v about_o twelve_o believer_n at_o ephesus_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n act._n 19_o 1._o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n set_v into_o a_o constitute_v church_n as_o be_v probable_a be_v call_v on_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o way_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o baptise_v they_o again_o with_o water_n but_o only_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o pentecost_n act._n 1._o 5._o with_o 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o no_o vary_a from_o the_o rule_n in_o so_o do_v and_o the_o like_a be_v our_o case_n now_o 2._o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o here_o you_o urge_v than_o those_o former_a assertion_n must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n page_n 23._o and_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o he_o lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o want_v of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o right_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n if_o these_o be_v so_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n may_v be_v a_o church_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v on_o christ_n the_o foundation_n though_o they_o want_v baptism_n 3._o though_o no_o such_o example_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n choose_v a_o pastor_n among_o themselves_o can_v be_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n thereof_o apostle_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o baptize_v they_o yet_o why_o in_o absence_n of_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n may_v they_o not_o choose_v some_o other_o baptize_v christian_n who_o come_v into_o some_o far_a remote_a country_n of_o infidel_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n we_o see_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o show_v a_o example_n of_o presbyter_n hold_v a_o synod_n or_o ordain_v of_o elder_n without_o apostle_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o suppose_v you_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o such_o thing_n 4_o if_o a_o example_n of_o one_o unbaptise_v that_o preach_v &_o baptize_v ministerial_o will_v satisfy_v the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n may_v answer_v your_o demand_n for_o whether_o he_o baptize_v himself_o or_o be_v baptize_v by_o some_o other_o at_o first_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n do_v baptize_v but_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o example_n scripture_n ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o case_n be_v they_o rule_v example_n or_o good_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o and_o we_o reason_n thus_o a_o church_n of_o believer_n profess_v christ_n have_v liberty_n from_o christ_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n but_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n in_o a_o combine_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v choose_v their_o officer_n reply_n the_o three_o proposition_n that_o the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n must_v also_o right_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o faithful_a alone_o but_o their_o guide_v and_o officer_n with_o they_o who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o choice_n neither_o can_v we_o say_v two_o or_o three_o believer_n link_v in_o a_o society_n be_v such_o a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n do_v belong_v but_o that_o right_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o such_o church_n as_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n answ_n the_o first_o limitation_n of_o this_o proposition_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o former_a to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o a_o church_n have_v guide_n we_o grant_v they_o be_v to_o govern_v they_o therein_o but_o not_o to_o limit_v they_o who_o to_o choose_v but_o when_o the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o guide_n as_o by_o death_n and_o other_o way_n it_o may_v fall_v out_o shall_v they_o then_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o choose_v if_o so_o let_v it_o be_v show_v to_o who_o the_o right_a fall_n they_o may_v take_v what_o counsel_n and_o help_v from_o other_o they_o want_v but_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o limitation_n be_v needless_a for_o the_o number_n of_o two_o or_o three_o we_o contend_v not_o but_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n gather_v be_v particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o the_o right_n be_v in_o such_o be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o when_o bellarmine_n say_v that_o our_o minister_n intrude_v themselves_o into_o church_n no_o say_v dr._n field_n for_o the_o people_n elect_v they_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v and_o separate_v from_o wicked_a minister_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o cyprian_a write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o spain_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n who_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n quando_fw-la ipsa_fw-la plebs_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la etc._n etc._n also_o from_o ocham_n who_o say_v si_fw-mi papa_n &_o maxim_n celebres_fw-la episcopi_fw-la incidunt_fw-la in_o haeresin_fw-la ad_fw-la catholicos_fw-la devoluta_fw-la est_fw-la potestas_fw-la omnis_fw-la judicandi_fw-la to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o reason_n either_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o choose_v other_o or_o consent_v to_o their_o impiety_n field_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 39_o what_o follow_v in_o this_o place_n be_v little_a to_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o scruple_v by_o we_o and_o what_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o therefore_o here_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o reply_n proposi_fw-la 4._o that_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v seal_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n fellowship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v call_v a_o minister_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a right_o understand_v for_o they_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n before_o they_o can_v join_v themselves_o together_o in_o church_n estate_n answ_n
that_o the_o apostle_n do_v walk_v by_o ordinary_a rule_n general_o reply_n four_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n be_v back_v on_o divine_a precept_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v they_o baptize_v such_o without_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o particular_a church_n we_o deny_v this_o assumption_n upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o before_o reply_n five_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n you_o prove_v the_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n by_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o if_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n in_o your_o sense_n this_o testimony_n be_v insufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n answ_n although_o the_o print_a copy_n of_o our_o answer_n omit_v this_o proof_n whole_o and_o also_o rom._n 9_o 4_o yet_o in_o our_o true_a cypy_n we_o allege_v act_v 2_o 41_o 42._o 47._o wherein_o you_o will_v find_v not_o only_o this_o passage_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o verse_n 47._o that_o the_o conversion_n and_o baptise_v of_o disciple_n be_v omit_v the_o join_n or_o add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v put_v in_o the_o stead_n thereof_o which_o proof_n as_o they_o be_v omit_v whole_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n so_o also_o you_o make_v no_o reply_n unto_o they_o second_o by_o these_o proof_n it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o apostle_n act_n in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n as_o extraordinary_a but_o that_o their_o first_o and_o lead_v example_n be_v ordinary_a and_o in_o that_o order_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v regard_v much_o labour_n have_v be_v save_v in_o this_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v spend_v to_o little_a purpose_n and_o our_o second_o reason_n reply_n in_o due_a order_n the_o sealeâ—_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v but_o the_o grant_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o where_o one_o be_v grant_v none_o be_v deny_v etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o seal_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o by_o a_o remote_a right_n to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v as_o have_v be_v oft_o say_v but_o not_o immediate_a yet_o in_o the_o very_o propound_v of_o this_o reason_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n that_o do_v cut_v the_o â—â—ewes_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o limitation_n of_o due_a order_n which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v can_v no_o where_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n let_v any_o show_n what_o order_n christ_n have_v put_v his_o catholic_n visible_a church_n into_o or_o where_o that_o order_n be_v to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o order_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o such_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o partake_v in_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v find_v second_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o not_o only_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v link_v together_o and_o be_v the_o grant_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o so_o be_v not_o visible_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o part_n of_o that_o grant_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n we_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o visible_a believer_n require_v and_o take_v up_o this_o part_n of_o the_o grant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o for_o sigillum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la donum_fw-la let_v they_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o the_o seal_n be_v ready_a for_o they_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reply_n about_o rom._n 4._o 11._o as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o follow_v be_v thing_n so_o oft_o repeat_v and_o answer_v before_o as_o make_v it_o tedious_a to_o all_o chap._n xiiii_o position_n 5._o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o that_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externo_fw-la foro_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n they_o may_v be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o one_o part_n must_v err_v now_o hence_o the_o question_n be_v move_v whether_o the_o power_n he_o so_o in_o the_o people_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n determine_v must_v stand_v answ_n if_o our_o whole_a answer_n have_v be_v attend_v unto_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o it_o can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n to_o omit_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o answer_n affirmative_o wherein_o we_o cite_v mr._n parker_n as_o consent_v with_o he_o in_o the_o second_o part_n to_o the_o position_n as_o state_v our_o answer_n be_v plain_o negative_a that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o so_o seat_v neither_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o follow_v be_v our_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o position_n because_o church_n ought_v to_o carry_v thing_n not_o by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o this_o position_n imply_v but_o by_o strength_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o god_n and_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o now_o let_v any_o judge_n whether_o the_o position_n do_v not_o imply_v such_o a_o absurdity_n so_o oft_o as_o thing_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n against_o the_o officer_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v better_a reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o the_o learned_a author_n have_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o syllable_n that_o lend_v to_o dislodge_v these_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n he_o will_v have_v believe_v our_o plain_a negation_n of_o this_o position_n which_o indeed_o be_v according_a to_o our_o constant_a practice_n never_o follow_v the_o major_a part_n of_o vote_n against_o the_o officer_n but_o count_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o such_o case_n either_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o major_a part_n or_o lesser_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o yield_v not_o to_o the_o vote_n but_o reason_n if_o they_o be_v stranger_n or_o to_o suspend_v the_o business_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n if_o they_o can_v agree_v but_o a_o division_n arise_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 15._o reply_n among_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o as_o fenner_n parker_n i._o d._n distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o refer_v we_o to_o mr._n parker_n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o differ_v judgement_n from_o he_o in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o
practice_n be_v as_o the_o separation_n as_o we_o fear_v you_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o we_o from_o you_o in_o these_o consideration_n answ_n we_o be_v sorry_a to_o see_v this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n so_o strong_o possess_v with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o concurrence_n with_o the_o separation_n upon_o what_o ground_n it_o be_v not_o say_v nor_o can_v we_o apprehend_v that_o neither_o our_o flat_a negation_n of_o the_o position_n nor_o our_o reference_n to_o mr._n parker_n as_o concur_v with_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o contrary_n but_o if_o that_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v here_o impute_v unto_o they_o viz._n that_o the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o the_o officer_n do_v therein_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n if_o our_o profession_n may_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o satisfy_v we_o do_v free_o and_o hearty_o profess_v to_o the_o contrary_a affirm_v that_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o transact_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n who_o minister_v in_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o power_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o community_n whereby_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o concur_v with_o their_o guide_n so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n unto_o they_o and_o when_o upon_o just_a cause_n they_o dissent_v from_o they_o still_o they_o be_v to_o walk_v respectful_o towards_o they_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o mr._n parker_n and_o fenner_n give_v as_o much_o to_o the_o church_n in_o excommunication_n as_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o in_o any_o of_o our_o public_a write_n but_o see_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o this_o learned_a author_n from_o this_o particular_a question_n about_o excommunication_n to_o that_o beat_a controversy_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o general_a and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o whereby_o we_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v ourselves_o herein_o we_o shall_v brief_o glean_v up_o some_o few_o of_o our_o scatter_a apprehension_n as_o may_v most_o concern_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n 1_o there_o be_v divers_a key_n that_o be_v diverse_o distribute_v to_o several_a subject_n in_o respect_n of_o execution_n and_o therefore_o the_o question_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o state_v and_o what_o key_n be_v deny_v to_o the_o people_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o officer_n and_o what_o to_o some_o officer_n not_o to_o other_o shall_v have_v be_v show_v before_o argument_n be_v press_v 2_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mix_v of_o a_o aristocracy_n to_o com._n which_o belong_v office_n and_o democracy_n to_o which_o belong_v privilege_n hence_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v twofold_a 1_o official_a official_a power_n 2_o fraternal_a the_o first_o belong_v to_o the_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n the_o other_o to_o the_o fraternity_n thereof_o 3_o the_o official_a power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v a_o power_n to_o act_v with_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n ministerial_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o which_o office_n while_o the_o minister_n act_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o thing_n proper_o ecclesiastical_a because_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o christ_n and_o come_v in_o his_o name_n and_o hence_o in_o those_o church_n act_n which_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o he_o but_o common_a in_o some_o case_n to_o the_o fraternity_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o office-authority_n upon_o they_o which_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o like_a act_n material_o do_v by_o other_o ex._n gr_n any_o brother_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v 1_o thes_n 5._o 14._o heb._n 3._o 13._o titus_n a_o minister_n be_v exhort_v to_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o with_o all_o authority_n titus_n 2._o 15._o some_o able_a and_o gift_a though_o not_o in_o office_n may_v occasional_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n yet_o not_o with_o a_o office-authority_n but_o a_o officer_n preach_v as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o so_o also_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n wherein_o though_o the_o fraternity_n have_v a_o power_n whether_o in_o consent_v or_o otherwise_o yet_o they_o act_v obediential_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o guide_n declare_v the_o rule_n go_v before_o they_o in_o example_n and_o command_v they_o if_o need_v be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v his_o pleasure_n but_o the_o officer_n act_v in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o room_n they_o stand_v and_o hence_o we_o think_v that_o in_o case_n the_o fraternity_n without_o officer_n shall_v cast_v out_o any_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o may_v be_v dispense_v by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o it_o be_v no_o official_a act_n 2_o fraternal_a power_n in_o public_a church_n act_n be_v a_o joint_a power_n of_o liberty_n or_o privilege_n in_o some_o sense_n &_o in_o some_o case_n to_o open_v &_o shut_v which_o power_n be_v not_o in_o any_o one_o or_o more_o several_o but_o in_o the_o whole_a joint_o for_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o combine_v and_o so_o to_o receive_v other_o into_o the_o communion_n so_o by_o like_a reason_n to_o shut_v out_o offender_n from_o their_o communion_n but_o thus_o they_o do_v fraternal_o not_o official_o and_o as_o they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o election_n of_o officer_n to_o they_o so_o they_o have_v also_o a_o fraternal_a power_n due_a order_n be_v attend_v to_o shut_v they_o out_o when_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n according_a to_o the_o common_a receive_v rule_n cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la these_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v and_o confirm_v we_o have_v only_o brief_o set_v down_o both_o to_o wash_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o popular_a government_n from_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o all_o authority_n be_v take_v from_o the_o minister_n or_o nothing_o leave_v they_o but_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o sit_v mere_o as_o a_o moderator_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o utter_o disclaim_v and_o also_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o more_o clear_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v here_o in_o the_o reply_n we_o grant_v therefore_o the_o first_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o official_a power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o only_o there_o be_v give_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n which_o officer_n shall_v execute_v the_o same_o reply_n 2_o if_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o community_n be_v it_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o effect_v after_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o community_n which_o they_o do_v not_o answ_n this_o reason_n be_v answer_v before_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o tenant_n in_o the_o second_o consideration_n where_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v the_o official_a power_n be_v so_o give_v to_o the_o community_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v here_o add_v we_o shall_v consider_v so_o far_o as_o concern_v we_o reply_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n as_o for_o their_o end_n and_o all_o their_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o authority_n itself_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a subject_n nor_o derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n for_o a_o gift_n to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o a_o gift_n absolute_a that_o it_o may_v reside_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o for_o a_o conditional_a gift_n communicate_v to_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a parker_n pol._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 8._o answ_n 1_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n we_o now_o dispute_v not_o it_o be_v answer_v before_o and_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o officer_n we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n
for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o application_n of_o a_o office_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n we_o will_v demand_v whether_o christ_n do_v this_o to_o such_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n immediate_o or_o mediate_o if_o immediate_o than_o their_o call_n be_v not_o in_o this_o different_a from_o apostle_n which_o paul_n express_o distinguish_v gal._n 1_o 1._o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o by_o jesus_n christ_n false_a teacher_n be_v of_o man_n and_o by_o man_n true_a pastor_n as_o thomas_n john_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o god_n by_o man_n and_o if_o christ_n communicate_v this_o office_n and_o the_o authority_n annex_v unto_o it_o mediate_o by_o man_n not_o immediate_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n to_o call_v and_o so_o to_o apply_v this_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n john_n thomas_n etc._n etc._n we_o hold_v this_o fraternal_a ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o we_o shall_v defend_v this_o position_n and_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v else_o place_v it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o parker_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o misinterpret_v one_o word_n of_o his_o sentence_n do_v pervert_v his_o whole_a meaning_n his_o word_n be_v pro_fw-la dono_fw-la conditionali_fw-la ut_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la communicetur_fw-la i._n e._n that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o officer_n nor_o keep_v it_o in_o her_o own_o hand_n or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v his_o meaning_n and_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o position_n he_o hold_v so_o strong_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n reply_n after_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v it_o take_v not_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v no_o where_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n first_o commit_v this_o power_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o the_o community_n the_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o immediate_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o they_o be_v set_v over_o their_o charge_n in_o who_o name_n they_o execute_v their_o office_n etc._n etc._n yea_o pastorship_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o apostleship_n and_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v but_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o pastor_n the_o call_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n give_v to_o the_o church_n take_v effect_n from_o the_o begin_n in_o christ_n institution_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o take_v effect_v after_o second_o that_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n if_o you_o mean_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n the_o place_n act._n 28._o 8._o ephes_n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o officer_n be_v immedate_o from_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n this_o the_o lord_n can_v do_v and_o do_v do_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o church_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n and_o institution_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v come_v at_o last_o home_n to_o our_o tenant_n as_o here_o you_o do_v that_o pastorship_n the_o office_n power_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n annex_v to_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n viz._n by_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o pastor_n every_o one_o that_o receive_v this_o office_n have_v it_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o church_n call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n apply_v it_o to_o they_o and_o thus_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o you_o reply_n the_o steward_n be_v appoint_v of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n alone_o and_o have_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o he_o every_o ambassador_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o embassage_n do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v send_v but_o if_o the_o function_n order_n and_o authority_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a receptacle_n answ_n answ_n first_o though_o pastor_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n dispense_v the_o word_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o he_o immediate_o and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o ambassador_n and_o steward_n yet_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a dissimilitude_n the_o one_o be_v call_v mediate_o the_o other_o immediate_o by_o their_o master_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o prove_v nothing_o what_o do_v this_o argument_n conclude_v if_o only_o that_o the_o function_n and_o order_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o the_o application_n of_o the_o office_n to_o such_o a_o person_n so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o outward_a call_n it_o follow_v not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o function_n and_o office_n may_v be_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o by_o the_o church_n reply_n thus_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_v against_o papist_n if_o bishop_n receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o exercise_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o mandate_n mission_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o than_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o for_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o bishop_n answ_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o dispute_n be_v because_o the_o pope_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n from_o peter_n whence_o all_o must_v see_v derive_v to_o all_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v they_o never_o so_o orderly_o choose_v and_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o esteem_n and_o so_o indeed_o usurp_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o like_a usurpation_n â—â—_o its_o degree_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n but_o here_o the_o case_n be_v far_o different_a the_o church_n clame_v no_o such_o power_n but_o only_o ministerial_a in_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o officer_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n and_o so_o the_o application_n of_o that_o office_n unto_o the_o person_n which_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o scripture_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o they_o derive_v not_o their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o they_o whereunto_o christ_n have_v annex_v that_o power_n last_o the_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v object_v against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n you_o can_v or_o will_v suppose_v even_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o reply_n it_o be_v usual_o object_v that_o the_o church_n can_v convey_v what_o she_o never_o have_v but_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v their_o pastor_n whereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o plain_a nothing_o can_v give_v that_o it_o have_v not_o formal_o or_o virtual_o unless_o it_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instrument_n minister_a to_o one_o that_o have_v it_o but_o so_o it_o may_v give_v what_o it_o never_o have_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o steward_n may_v give_v all_o the_o office_n in_o his_o master_n house_n as_o ministerial_o execute_v his_o master_n pleasure_n answ_n this_o answer_n do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o we_o can_v put_v off_o our_o old_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o every_o instrument_n minister_a to_o the_o principal_a cause_n do_v confer_v vim_o ad_fw-la effectum_fw-la and_o so_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o effect_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v virtual_o or_o formal_o the_o same_o in_o itself_o if_o a_o conduit_n convey_v water_n ministerial_o from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o house_n it_o have_v water_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o it_o do_v concur_v to_o the_o effect_n and_o so_o the_o church_n can_v give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o officer_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v she_o receive_v they_o from_o christ_n virtual_o to_o give_v they_o to_o the_o officer_n second_o for_o the_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o steward_n give_v the_o office_n to_o such_o
person_n as_o his_o master_n have_v name_v thereunto_o and_o he_o instal_v they_o into_o the_o same_o the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o yet_o here_o he_o must_v have_v some_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v these_o office_n virtual_o in_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o it_o be_v his_o master_n will_n he_o shall_v choose_v what_o person_n he_o see_v fit_a according_a to_o rule_n give_v he_o which_o be_v the_o case_n here_o than_o he_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o his_o hand_n reply_n three_o if_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n and_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o call_v but_o make_v officer_n out_o of_o power_n and_o virtue_n receive_v into_o herself_o and_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o true_a lord_n like_o power_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o minister_n answ_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o hold_v the_o church_n have_v so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o herself_o as_o that_o she_o may_v derive_v from_o herself_o authority_n to_o the_o officer_n let_v such_o look_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n as_o for_o mr._n robinson_n though_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o sentence_n you_o cite_v out_o of_o he_o yet_o we_o doubt_v whether_o you_o do_v not_o go_v beyond_o his_o sense_n &_o meaning_n but_o according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o this_o position_n before_o lay_v down_o neither_o this_o absurdity_n of_o lordship_n over_o the_o officer_n nor_o any_o other_o that_o be_v instance_a in_o under_o this_o reason_n do_v at_o all_o follow_v and_o they_o may_v be_v as_o strong_o urge_v against_o the_o presbytery_n class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v and_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o church_n choose_v officer_n to_o execute_v the_o power_n commit_v to_o she_o be_v so_o answer_v in_o the_o same_o page_n as_o will_v serve_v we_o as_o well_o as_o you_o viz._n god_n will_v have_v she_o elect_a officer_n of_o his_o designment_n that_o be_v such_o as_o the_o rule_n direct_v she_o to_o choose_v to_o do_v his_o work_n according_a to_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o then_o they_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o not_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v that_o charge_n and_o function_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o people_n we_o mean_v no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o outward_a call_v instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o close_o with_o you_o herein_o and_o indeed_o this_o power_n of_o elect_a officer_n do_v not_o ever_o include_v authority_n over_o they_o who_o they_o choose_v but_o rather_o willing_a subjection_n unto_o they_o and_o set_v they_o up_o to_o rule_v as_o when_o a_o woman_n choose_v a_o husband_n she_o make_v he_o her_o husband_n in_o a_o sort_n but_o withal_o her_o head_n and_o ruler_n so_o when_o a_o people_n choose_v a_o major_n etc._n etc._n reply_n four_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v first_o and_o immediate_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v why_o in_o defect_n of_o officer_n the_o church_n may_v not_o rule_v feed_v bind_v loose_a preach_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n or_o if_o any_o fail_v in_o office_n why_o she_o may_v not_o supply_v that_o want_n by_o her_o power_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v contain_v both_o authority_n and_o exercise_n power_n be_v give_v that_o it_o may_v be_v exercise_v as_o it_o be_v vouchsafe_v but_o the_o church_n can_v exercise_v these_o act_n of_o rule_n ergo._fw-la answ_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v some_o of_o the_o key_n formal_o but_o only_o virtual_o and_o as_o be_v say_v out_o of_o parker_n not_o as_o a_o gift_n absolute_a but_o conditional_a that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o officer_n such_o power_n as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v formal_o she_o may_v and_o do_v exercise_v as_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v officer_n a_o power_n of_o judge_v in_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o and_o the_o like_a the_o power_n of_o preach_v proper_o so_o call_v &_o dispense_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v they_o only_o virtual_o and_o therefore_o must_v choose_v officer_n to_o who_o christ_n her_o lord_n have_v give_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o corporation_n that_o by_o patent_n from_o the_o king_n have_v many_o privilege_n the_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n incorporate_v and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o yet_o many_o act_n can_v be_v put_v forth_o but_o by_o officer_n due_o choose_v and_o so_o here_o reply_n for_o these_o reason_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o any_o more_o we_o judge_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o to_o be_v the_o immediate_a receptacle_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n not_o to_o belong_v unto_o they_o answ_n by_o this_o conclusion_n it_o appear_v that_o how_o ever_o the_o author_n begin_v profess_o against_o we_o as_o separatist_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o he_o follow_v the_o cause_n against_o mr._n parker_n with_o who_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v friend_n second_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o fraternal_a power_n of_o judge_v though_o official_a authority_n be_v not_o formal_o give_v to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o officer_n reply_n if_o consent_n of_o church_n be_v ask_v in_o this_o point_n to_o omit_v other_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n speak_v full_o and_o express_o for_o we_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discip_n cap._n 1._o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n grant_v of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o it_o use_v a_o proper_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n beza_n de_fw-fr presb._n pag._n 60._o helu._n confess_v cap._n 18._o belgic_a etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a godly_a and_o zealous_a reformer_n be_v ask_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n may_v be_v produce_v that_o hold_v the_o church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n as_o fulke_n whitaker_n parker_n peter_n martyr_n musculus_fw-la and_o other_o beside_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a divine_n and_o counsel_n gerson_n and_o the_o parisian_a divine_v well_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a concern_v quotation_n of_o the_o scottish_a discipline_n the_o first_o word_n lie_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n as_o leave_v the_o build_n ready_a to_o fall_v in_o these_o word_n the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n etc._n etc._n but_o where_o be_v the_o church_n so_o take_v not_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v with_o any_o solid_a reason_n notwithstanding_o all_o wrestle_a of_o man_n to_o find_v it_o out_o but_o general_o for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a either_o the_o universal_a or_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o sometime_o consider_v with_o her_o officer_n and_o divers_a time_n as_o distinguish_v from_o they_o as_o act_n 14._o 23._o and_o 20._o 13._o 28._o jam._n 5._o 14._o revel_v 2._o 1._o 8._o 12._o etc._n etc._n but_o never_o contra_fw-la for_o the_o officer_n distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o the_o officer_n be_v in_o and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v fall_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o the_o scripture_n may_v judge_v indeed_o among_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o the_o prelate_n the_o clergy_n have_v long_o 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that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o see_v 1._o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o act._n 8._o and_o mat._n 3._o the_o people_n do_v make_v know_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o minister_n when_o they_o profess_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o now_o so_o to_o be_v last_o we_o may_v appeal_v herein_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o very_a many_o godly_a minister_n in_o our_o dear_a england_n whether_o they_o groan_v not_o under_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o precious_a with_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o glad_o have_v it_o otherwise_o which_o can_v be_v without_o such_o a_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o else_o in_o constitute_v but_o corrupt_v church_n by_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o after_o admonition_n appear_v impenitent_a in_o sin_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n vote_v at_o first_o by_o the_o present_a reverend_a assembly_n and_o present_v in_o their_o directory_n to_o the_o parliament_n if_o we_o be_v not_o misinform_v who_o word_n be_v these_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v thereto_o mean_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v be_v find_v upon_o careful_a examination_n by_o the_o minister_n before_o the_o other_o church-officer_n to_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o profess_v their_o willingness_n to_o submit_v thewselve_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o approve_a conversation_n according_a to_o christ_n the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v nor_o those_o of_o another_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n or_o be_v very_o well_o know_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o instance_n concern_v unbaptise_v person_n only_o which_o be_v not_o our_o case_n answ_n 1._o multitude_n of_o baptize_v person_n in_o these_o day_n be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o some_o unbaptised_a and_o therefore_o as_o apt_a to_o pollute_v god_n ordinance_n 2._o chamiers_fw-fr reason_n why_o unbaptised_a person_n be_v to_o go_v under_o such_o strict_a examination_n hold_v good_a in_o our_o case_n 3._o such_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v by_o john_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o those_o that_o be_v church_n member_n before_o reply_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n in_o after_o time_n some_o article_n be_v add_v for_o explanation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o time_n but_o for_o substance_n the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n it_o be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a however_o the_o time_n which_o follow_v the_o scripture_n pattern_n be_v both_o obscure_a to_o we_o and_o no_o infallible_a pattern_n yet_o many_o church_n use_v great_a strictness_n as_o be_v show_v in_o receive_v and_o restore_v fall_v member_n and_o if_o afterward_o heresy_n give_v just_a occasion_n to_o require_v further_a profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o add_v more_o article_n for_o explanation_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o more_o explicate_v confession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o formality_n and_o mere_a outside_n profession_n of_o so_o many_o civilist_n formalist_n and_o atheist_n require_v the_o same_o reply_n if_o you_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o this_o or_o that_o way_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n at_o least_o not_o agree_v upon_o among_o yourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o authority_n you_o do_v it_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n you_o stand_v answ_n this_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n if_o so_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o profess_a practice_n to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o if_o any_o have_v so_o do_v as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o opinion_n prevail_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disapprove_v the_o same_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o see_v any_o have_v some_o way_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v humble_v for_o sin_n bring_v home_o to_o christ_n by_o faith_n or_o have_v any_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o life_n answerable_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n chap._n xvi_o position_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o or_o leave_v he_o unjust_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n and_o your_o answer_n be_v for_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v by_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v answ_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o answer_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a nor_o the_o ground_n impertinent_a and_o we_o accept_v your_o grant_n of_o it_o that_o a_o minister_n just_o reject_v by_o his_o church_n be_v no_o long_o a_o minister_n then_o we_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o indelible_a character_n in_o the_o office_n but_o that_o his_o ministry_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o then_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v not_o dissolve_v his_o office_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o he_o be_v find_v worthy_a after_o upon_o repentance_n to_o be_v call_v to_o another_o church_n he_o must_v be_v new_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o his_o office_n be_v no_o minister_n upon_o his_o just_a depose_n reply_n but_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o build_v the_o sentence_n which_o you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o be_v speak_v before_o and_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v thing_n in_o vain_a reply_n second_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v neither_o confine_v to_o one_o society_n only_o nor_o next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o deputation_n of_o the_o person_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v be_v from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o but_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o answ_n these_o thing_n about_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n by_o the_o church_n be_v also_o speak_v to_o before_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v these_o thing_n may_v well_o be_v spare_v but_o what_o we_o find_v here_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o place_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o elect_v her_o officer_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o confess_v a_o truth_n by_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v so_o many_o restriction_n in_o the_o case_n that_o they_o much_o abate_v and_o weaken_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a liberty_n and_o power_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o this_o man_n come_v to_o have_v this_o office_n apply_v to_o he_o if_o immediate_o than_o he_o be_v in_o this_o a_o apostle_n if_o mediate_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n or_o else_o show_v by_o who_o 2._o that_o the_o church_n choose_v ministerial_o and_o aught_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o fit_v with_o gift_n and_o so_o far_o design_v by_o christ_n we_o grant_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o such_o which_o of_o
a_o catholic_n church_n representative_a in_o act._n 15._o if_o it_o be_v such_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o catholic_a officer_n only_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o assembly_n also_o but_o in_o neither_o respect_n ergo._fw-la 1_o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o as_o be_v say_v any_o one_o apostle_n may_v make_v a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n as_o much_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o for_o though_o they_o will_v meet_v oft_o to_o consult_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o for_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o any_o one_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n here_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o suppose_v here_o they_o act_v rather_o as_o elder_n with_o the_o rest_n than_o out_o of_o their_o apostolical_a power_n 2_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o then_o that_o assembly_n must_v consist_v of_o the_o messenger_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o decree_n shall_v have_v be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v appear_v for_o first_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o messenger_n but_o those_o from_o antioch_n and_o how_o to_o evince_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v be_v hard_o second_o if_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v before_o this_o assembly_n it_o will_v appear_v very_o strange_a and_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o paul_n have_v be_v in_o arabia_n before_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n gal._n 1._o 17._o and_o when_o he_o and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v out_o from_o antioch_n act_v 13._o they_o go_v to_o several_a island_n and_o country_n as_o cyprus_n paphos_n salamis_n etc._n etc._n beside_o what_o other_o place_n scatter_v christian_n and_o apostle_n have_v preach_v in_o now_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o messenger_n send_v from_o all_o these_o place_n second_o the_o decree_n be_v express_o direct_v to_o the_o gentile_n believe_v in_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n where_o it_o seem_v this_o question_n have_v trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n act_n 15._o 23_o 24._o which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o be_v it_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n have_v any_o messenger_n there_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o church_n have_v their_o messenger_n object_n but_o it_o be_v say_v they_o may_v have_v have_v their_o messenger_n there_o if_o they_o will_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o decree_n as_o of_o a_o general_a council_n answ_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o church_n have_v lawful_a summons_n to_o send_v their_o messenger_n to_o that_o assembly_n before_o there_o can_v be_v lay_v any_o blame_n on_o they_o for_o neglect_v the_o same_o or_o they_o be_v all_o tie_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o a_o general_a council_n which_o 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she_o own_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n have_v not_o such_o power_n ergo._fw-la proposit_n prove_v this_o all_o scripture_n example_n show_v that_o every_o church_n or_o flock_n of_o believer_n have_v her_o pastor_n act._n 14._o tit._n 1._o second_o according_a to_o our_o brethren_n principle_n if_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n because_o all_o privilege_n be_v primary_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n that_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a assump_n prove_v first_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v choose_v pastor_n over_o it_o than_o they_o may_v make_v apostle_n because_o catholic_n pastor_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n second_o the_o reason_n against_o a_o universal_a bishop_n be_v strong_a here_o as_o that_o their_o office_n be_v not_o describe_v in_o the_o word_n nor_o their_o power_n able_a to_o reach_v all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v choose_v her_o pastor_n in_o the_o part_n or_o particular_a society_n which_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o not_o catholic_n pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o particular_a church_n choose_v pastor_n over_o themselves_o who_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o be_v part_n partium_fw-la and_o so_o part_n totius_fw-la than_o they_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n for_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n totum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o officer_n but_o in_o its_o part_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o officer_n in_o they_o do_v make_v one_o political_a body_n or_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v catholic_n pastor_n argum._n 4._o christ_n jesus_n institute_v no_o such_o 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on_o earth_n so_o as_o that_o the_o same_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n see_v appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o a_o high_a power_n on_o earth_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n proceed_v right_o as_o in_o a_o inferior_a sanhedrin_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n yet_o may_v we_o appeal_v from_o he_o answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o civil_a court_n do_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o every_o civil_a court_n have_v not_o this_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n second_o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o bind_n in_o civil_a court_n and_o appeal_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v from_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v because_o there_o be_v suppose_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v prosecute_v and_o there_o determine_v as_o
saint_n and_o all_o this_o word_n they_o glad_o receive_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 41._o declare_v their_o baptise_v he_o record_v withal_o their_o add_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o the_o former_a and_o that_o the_o same_o day_n as_o be_v perform_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o indeed_o when_o a_o convert_n public_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_o do_v to_o receive_v he_o to_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o into_o the_o catholic_n before_o baptism_n but_o first_o to_o baptize_v they_o and_o then_o the_o same_o day_n to_o add_v or_o join_v they_o to_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o unprobable_a and_o that_o this_o add_v be_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o the_o next_o place_n you_o may_v note_v be_v act_n 5._o 14._o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n omit_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o believer_n yet_o speak_v of_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o the_o one_o employ_v the_o other_o and_o that_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o opposition_n between_o verse_n 13_o &_o 14_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n 3_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o samaria_n although_o so_o great_a a_o work_n be_v declare_v in_o so_o few_o word_n in_o one_o verse_n act._n 8_o 12._o yet_o the_o text_n put_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n of_o philip_n doctrine_n between_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o plain_o enough_o show_v that_o they_o teach_v the_o observe_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o object_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o this_o they_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o profess_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v now_o the_o first_o and_o most_o famous_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v that_o so_o they_o practise_v why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o their_o like_a practice_n in_o other_o example_n when_o nothing_o be_v say_v that_o contradict_v the_o same_o as_o act_v 10._o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n where_o so_o many_o be_v meet_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o apostle_n peter_n baptize_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o shall_v worship_v he_o and_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a therein_o we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v whether_o those_o believer_n act_n 4._o 4._o &_o 9_o 35._o &_o vers_fw-la 42._o whether_o any_o of_o these_o confess_v their_o faith_n or_o be_v baptize_v for_o nothing_o be_v say_v thereof_o so_o likewise_o act_v 11._o where_o we_o read_v of_o many_o believe_a turn_v to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 21._o of_o the_o add_v other_o to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 24._o but_o nothing_o of_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o baptism_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v call_v a_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o express_v their_o baptism_n without_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o sometime_o join_v without_o baptism_n and_o sometime_o he_o express_v both_o act_v 2._o 41._o and_o therefore_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o like_a of_o the_o case_n of_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailor_n consider_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o express_o of_o a_o church_n at_o philippi_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 4._o at_o which_o time_n we_o have_v no_o more_o conversion_n express_v but_o of_o those_o two_o family_n at_o least_o they_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a fruit_n of_o paul_n ministry_n at_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o lydia_n house_n see_v paul_n go_v out_o of_o prison_n to_o her_o house_n he_o be_v say_v to_o see_v the_o brethren_n and_o comfort_v they_o so_o depart_v verse_n 40._o beside_o why_o may_v not_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v they_o into_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o catholic_n or_o all_o church_n as_o some_o say_v they_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o church_n he_o have_v there_o constitute_v the_o fullness_n of_o power_n in_o the_o apostle_n may_v do_v great_a matter_n without_o breach_n of_o order_n though_o no_o rule_n for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v neither_o be_v it_o strange_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n to_o begin_v a_o church_n in_o a_o family_n see_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o three_o several_a family_n rom._n 16._o 5._o col._n 4._o 15._o phil._n 2._o which_o though_o many_o understand_v to_o be_v call_v church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o godliness_n of_o those_o family_n yet_o iâ—_n we_o consider_v first_o how_o many_o eminent_a saint_n the_o apostle_n salute_v who_o no_o doubt_n â—ad_v godly_a family_n not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v their_o household_n much_o less_o give_v they_o such_o a_o title_n but_o only_o to_o these_o three_o name_v second_o how_o distinct_a his_o salutation_n be_v first_o the_o governor_n and_o then_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n three_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o send_v his_o salutation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16._o 5._o but_o also_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n he_o send_v salutation_n from_o that_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o all_o which_o do_v strong_o argue_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o then_o that_o they_o be_v godly_a family_n and_o therefore_o may_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o constitute_v church_n in_o those_o family_n though_o other_o christian_n also_o may_v join_v with_o they_o thus_o have_v clear_v our_o meaning_n and_o the_o consideration_n itself_o there_o will_v remain_v very_o few_o extraordinary_a case_n if_o any_o of_o who_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v not_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n when_o baptize_v as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n which_o as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a immediate_a call_n of_o philip_n so_o to_o do_v so_o also_o there_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n thereof_o the_o lord_n intend_v thereby_o rather_o by_o he_o to_o send_v the_o gospel_n into_o ethiopia_n then_o to_o retain_v he_o in_o any_o other_o place_n to_o join_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o without_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o immediate_a call_n of_o ananias_n so_o to_o do_v now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o further_o be_v reply_v reply_n the_o seal_v baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a but_o also_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n true_a baptism_n be_v not_o without_o the_o church_n but_o in_o it_o a_o ordinance_n give_v to_o it_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n hence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o to_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n than_o also_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o answ_n 1_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o first_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n baptize_v private_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o second_o if_o because_o the_o ministry_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a church_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n three_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v that_o seal_n belong_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la to_o all_o believer_n as_o such_o as_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o first_o as_o to_o its_o object_n and_o end_n and_o all_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v be_v baptize_v into_o it_o and_o thus_o never_o out_o of_o it_o as_o be_v token_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n both_o in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o actual_a fruition_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o which_o the_o question_n be_v state_v
may_v ordinary_o be_v have_v or_o give_v to_o such_o as_o set_v loose_a from_o all_o society_n the_o apostle_n have_v extraordinary_a power_n be_v general_a pastor_n over_o all_o person_n believe_v as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o therefore_o at_o some_o time_n by_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v do_v that_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o do_v reply_n second_o as_o the_o seal_n so_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n preach_v and_o receive_v be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o by_o preach_v be_v mean_v the_o give_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o a_o people_n to_o abide_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o and_o consequent_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o grant_v in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n so_o to_o have_v the_o word_n but_o this_o no_o way_n take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o answer_n make_v viz_o that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o such_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o seal_n in_o that_o the_o one_o be_v dispense_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o other_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o seal_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v in_o corinth_n abide_v with_o they_o profess_v of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a but_o a_o idiot_n come_v in_o might_n partake_v in_o the_o same_o but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 14._o reply_n the_o word_n make_v disciple_n the_o word_n give_v unto_o a_o people_n be_v god_n covenant_v with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n receive_v this_o word_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o take_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o law_n and_o statute_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o israel_n be_v a_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o from_o all_o 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to_o be_v his_o and_o that_o before_o he_o make_v any_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o disciple_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o god_n people_n but_o many_o thousand_o of_o these_o consider_v only_o in_o this_o their_o personal_a relation_n to_o god_n do_v not_o make_v a_o visible_a church_n many_o such_o may_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o come_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o there_o be_v a_o social_a or_o common_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o a_o people_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n take_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o covenant_n and_o renew_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o a_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o people_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o church_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o second_o that_o these_o many_o become_v one_o body_n one_o people_n three_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n real_o or_o vocal_o four_o that_o this_o covenant_n contain_v a_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n wherein_o god_n require_v a_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o before_o he_o and_o all_o these_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n who_o receive_v god_n law_n indeed_o but_o so_o as_o they_o become_v one_o people_n to_o god_n visible_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o worship_n government_n and_o other_o ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v express_o or_o implicit_o in_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o more_o or_o less_o full_o and_o pure_o now_o if_o you_o intend_v such_o a_o covenant_v of_o a_o people_n with_o god_n by_o a_o profess_a receive_v of_o his_o word_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o ordinance_n we_o grant_v such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o to_o such_o the_o seal_n do_v belong_v and_o therefore_o we_o willing_o close_v with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o follow_v they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n entire_o and_o have_v pastor_n godly_a and_o faithful_a to_o feed_v and_o guide_v they_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n in_o order_n and_o they_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o godly_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n they_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o divine_a institution_n these_o conclusion_n we_o willing_o embrace_v and_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o church_n then_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o people_n join_v together_o with_o godly_a pastor_n but_o in_o such_o particular_a assembly_n for_o we_o doubt_v not_o our_o brethren_n do_v disclaim_v all_o diocesan_n pastor_n or_o provincial_n etc._n etc._n reply_n that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o your_o sense_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v grant_v in_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v then_o it_o will_v fall_v to_o be_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o particular_a congregation_n to_o have_v the_o seal_n in_o the_o administration_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v yield_v but_o because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v from_o it_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o only_o one_o thing_n we_o shall_v note_v about_o the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n but_o of_o no_o particular_a society_n reply_n you_o say_v it_o be_v evidence_v in_o that_o a_o christian_n as_o athanasius_n for_o a_o example_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o unjust_o from_o the_o particular_a visible_a church_n wherein_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a orthodox_n church_n answ_n this_o case_n prove_v nothing_o for_o look_v how_o such_o a_o christian_a stand_v to_o the_o catholic_n so_o he_o stand_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o he_o remain_v before_o god_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n so_o also_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la and_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n and_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o seal_n if_o they_o receive_v he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o they_o may_v receive_v he_o not_o for_o his_o general_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o true_a membership_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o unjust_o cast_v he_o out_o whereas_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o persuade_v but_o that_o he_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o admit_v he_o to_o seal_n be_v he_o as_o orthodox_n as_o athanasius_n himself_o in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o holy_a in_o his_o life_n reply_n though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o visible_a assembly_n or_o society_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v which_o have_v not_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n or_o society_n in_o church-order_n for_o every_o society_n in_o
visible_a member_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n understand_v that_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v cast_v so_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n belong_v to_o their_o infant_n which_o be_v so_o they_o be_v not_o without_o that_o church_n though_o debar_v unjust_o of_o the_o present_a communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o renounce_v that_o church_n or_o other_o reply_n second_o if_o such_o church_n renounce_v it_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o a_o politic_a spiritual_a fellowship_n be_v without_o than_o the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n be_v without_o unto_o another_o etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o objection_n we_o have_v have_v and_o answer_v oft_o before_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v be_v the_o like_a reason_n no_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o other_o church_n who_o may_v in_o a_o due_a order_n of_o christ_n persecute_v the_o censure_n against_o they_o though_o not_o complete_o among_o themselves_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o any_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v without_o to_o corinth_n but_o without_o to_o all_o church_n reply_n three_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n do_v they_o not_o explain_v who_o the_o apostle_n point_v unto_o by_o the_o title_n of_o be_v without_o verse_n the_o 10._o 11._o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n answ_n we_o never_o think_v otherwise_o but_o that_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o heathen_a be_v most_o proper_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o if_o our_o word_n be_v observe_v that_o in_o a_o certain_a respect_n or_o as_o our_o word_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o church_n society_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o what_o great_a offence_n have_v we_o give_v for_o first_o be_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n if_o just_o excommunicate_v without_o in_o this_o sense_n second_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n john_n express_o call_v they_o without_o that_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o saying_n they_o go_v out_o three_o be_v not_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la of_o old_a in_o this_o respect_n without_o and_o the_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_a who_o in_o those_o zealous_a and_o severe_a time_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v without_o but_o stand_v without_o though_o weep_v and_o pray_v as_o penitent_n at_o the_o church_n door_n sometime_o for_o two_o or_o three_o year_n and_o after_o this_o degree_n of_o preparation_n for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v three_o more_o before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o severity_n though_o we_o approve_v not_o yet_o it_o may_v mollify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v offend_v at_o such_o a_o word_n from_o we_o four_o our_o saviour_n himself_o express_o say_v and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o those_o of_o no_o church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o his_o ordinary_a hearer_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o man_n without_o and_o therefore_o this_o application_n of_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o need_v not_o be_v call_v insolent_a or_o raise_v such_o a_o hubbub_n abroad_o as_o we_o perceive_v it_o do_v reply_n four_o church_n order_n be_v necessary_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n by_o covenant_n to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o give_v he_o title_n or_o interest_n to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n this_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o the_o position_n itself_o but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o public_a order_n we_o know_v not_o or_o where_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v necessary_a can_v be_v find_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o where_o teach_v in_o this_o reply_n and_o we_o will_v glad_o learn_v how_o that_o church_n shall_v orderly_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o man_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n reply_n five_o paul_n divide_v all_o man_n into_o two_o rank_n the_o first_o and_o great_a without_o the_o last_o and_o lesser_a within_o but_o that_o believer_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v reckon_v without_o we_o read_v not_o in_o any_o scripture_n but_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n heretic_n themselves_o be_v within_o 1_o john_n 2_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o answ_n all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o objection_n except_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v but_o a_o repeat_v denial_n of_o the_o conclusion_n in_o other_o word_n to_o the_o objection_n about_o heretic_n within_o we_o grant_v they_o be_v within_o till_o cast_v out_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o and_o if_o go_v out_o how_o be_v they_o within_o and_o so_o if_o a_o orthodox_n professor_n will_v froward_o forsake_v all_o church_n and_o live_v alone_o or_o among_o the_o heathen_a how_o be_v he_o within_o we_o speak_v only_o in_o general_n reply_n six_o this_o have_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n faith_n and_o what_o we_o have_v say_v before_o may_v satisfy_v here_o reply_n seven_o without_o be_v dog_n etc._n etc._n rev._n 22._o 15._o not_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a holy_a etc._n etc._n answ_n true_o proper_o such_o be_v without_o not_o these_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o have_v be_v say_v other_o also_o may_v be_v without_o as_o such_o as_o forsake_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v before_o say_v more_o full_o reply_n eight_o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o pass_v such_o rash_a censure_n upon_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o the_o society_n as_o set_v member_n answ_n to_o say_v some_o believer_n may_v be_v without_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v far_o from_o such_o a_o censure_n the_o scripture_n say_v of_o israel_n in_o their_o corrupt_a estate_n and_o defect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v a_o long_a time_n without_o god_n without_o law_n without_o a_o teach_a priest_n yet_o that_o hard_a expression_n do_v not_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o heathen_a much_o less_o to_o say_v some_o believer_n be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n and_o we_o judge_v no_o otherwise_o of_o such_o then_o of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a case_n reply_n nine_o let_v this_o interpretation_n stand_v and_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o also_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o community_n of_o the_o particular_a combination_n few_o or_o many_o without_z or_o with_o officer_n and_o so_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o ascribe_v the_o key_n to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n and_o some_o among_o yourselves_o if_o not_o most_o shall_v be_v without_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v think_v that_o approve_a christian_n desire_v seal_n be_v either_o without_o or_o not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n if_o they_o offend_v though_o no_o set_a member_n for_o desire_v seal_n they_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n for_o a_o time_n and_o may_v be_v proceed_v withal_o as_o offend_a member_n answ_n this_o objection_n have_v no_o colour_n without_o extreme_a strain_n of_o our_o application_n of_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o see_v we_o never_o limit_v the_o position_n to_o church_n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o in_o like_a degree_n of_o order_n to_o we_o it_o be_v only_o a_o force_a odium_fw-la which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o can_v bear_v more_o at_o our_o brethren_n hand_n neither_o do_v we_o know_v any_o church_n or_o elder_a that_o ascribe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la exclude_v the_o community_n among_o we_o second_o for_o that_o objection_n that_o such_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n if_o with_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n they_o desire_v seal_n it_o be_v something_o but_o that_o the_o very_o desire_v of_o seal_n do_v include_v such_o a_o subjection_n in_o itself_o be_v but_o for_o this_o or_o that_o act_n of_o administration_n