the_o weak_a sort_n of_o christian_n and_o when_o the_o party_n lie_v under_o prejudice_n and_o lest_o brotherly_a inspection_n degenerate_a into_o a_o unbrother_o pry_v into_o and_o discover_v of_o other_o man_n action_n and_o general_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o disorder_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n we_o resolve_v not_o to_o encourage_v any_o private_a christian_n immediate_o to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o private_a fail_n of_o a_o brother_n till_o he_o have_v first_o admonish_v he_o private_o and_o in_o case_n he_o harken_v not_o before_o witness_n and_o when_o the_o fruitlessness_n of_o these_o endeavour_n shall_v necessitate_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o fact_n yet_o will_v we_o not_o countenance_v the_o bring_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o the_o congregation_n until_o the_o church-officer_n be_v first_o acquaint_v with_o it_o 9_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o scandal_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o take_v up_o against_o man_n old_a offence_n of_o any_o considerable_a distance_n from_o the_o time_n present_a and_o because_o in_o some_o case_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o require_v some_o testimony_n of_o humiliation_n even_o for_o sin_n of_o ancient_a date_n and_o in_o regard_n we_o can_v punctual_o determine_v how_o far_o back_o into_o the_o time_n pass_v we_o may_v look_v for_o lay_v scandal_n to_o man_n charge_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o proceed_v wary_o in_o such_o case_n and_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o association_n 10._o we_o shall_v do_v the_o like_a in_o those_o sin_n that_o render_v man_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o law_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o life_n liberty_n or_o estate_n as_o also_o in_o any_o other_o case_n not_o foresee_v or_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o foregoing_a rule_n 11._o we_o agree_v not_o to_o press_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o people_n as_o a_o necessary_a proof_n of_o their_o actual_a present_a right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o to_o exclude_v person_n mere_o for_o want_n of_o that_o yet_o will_v we_o accept_v it_o if_o any_o will_v be_v please_v to_o offer_v it_o free_o 15._o we_o agree_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o bare_a exclusion_n of_o a_o obstinate_a scandalous_a sinner_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n but_o shall_v endeavour_v faithful_o and_o sincere_o as_o god_n shall_v enable_v we_o to_o prosecute_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n matt._n 18._o 17._o against_o any_o such_o offender_n and_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n he_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n 16._o because_o member_n live_v much_o distant_a from_o their_o pastor_n and_o from_o one_o another_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v in_o great_a part_n deprive_v of_o the_o privilege_n and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o duty_n both_o of_o constant_a inspection_n and_o mutual_a edification_n and_o also_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o disorder_n and_o offence_n both_o in_o minister_n and_o people_n we_o agree_v that_o we_o will_v not_o admit_v into_o any_o of_o our_o church_n those_o that_o live_v in_o other_o congregation_n except_o first_o they_o have_v no_o minister_n at_o all_o or_o second_o one_o that_o be_v scandalous_a or_o three_o one_o that_o have_v not_o competent_a ability_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o 1._o in_o case_n afterwards_o a_o godly_a able_a minister_n be_v establish_v where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a and_o unfit_a then_o we_o will_v serious_o advise_v those_o who_o in_o the_o case_n aforesaid_a we_o have_v admit_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o that_o minister_n 2._o we_o resolve_v to_o consult_v with_o the_o association_n concerning_o the_o justness_n or_o unjustnef_n of_o exception_n in_o point_n of_o scansdal_n or_o inability_n of_o minister_n make_v by_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v entertain_v in_o other_o congregation_n because_o we_o conceive_v that_o neither_o the_o people_n that_o desire_v to_o depart_v from_o such_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n with_o who_o they_o desire_v to_o join_v be_v competent_a judge_n in_o such_o a_o interest_a case_n yet_o if_o the_o exception_n be_v such_o as_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o association_n we_o conceive_v it_o fit_a for_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a that_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o near_a congregation_n where_o a_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n be_v settle_v 3._o neither_o do_v we_o intend_v hereby_o to_o debar_v people_n from_o the_o occasional_a hear_n of_o other_o minister_n or_o from_o the_o occasional_a partake_n of_o other_o ordinance_n in_o another_o congregation_n so_o that_o this_o liberty_n be_v not_o use_v to_o the_o apparent_a prejudice_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o own_o congregation_n 17._o when_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v unto_o a_o congregation_n we_o agree_v that_o godly_a and_o able_a minister_n of_o neighbour_n congregation_n be_v call_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o examination_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o party_n to_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o that_o weighty_a office_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o ordination_n 18._o though_o we_o differ_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o examination_n and_o determination_n of_o thing_n in_o case_n of_o admission_n and_o rejection_n and_o other_o church_n act_n shall_v be_v permit_v by_o the_o officer_n yet_o so_o that_o the_o people_n have_v notice_n of_o what_o they_o resolve_v and_o conclude_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o moment_n that_o in_o case_n any_o thing_n be_v do_v against_o which_o the_o people_n may_v upon_o probable_a ground_n at_o least_o object_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o may_v either_o be_v forbear_v or_o their_o satisfaction_n endeavour_v 19_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o can_v all_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n in_o manage_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o our_o particular_a congregation_n through_o the_o want_n of_o fit_a person_n to_o be_v make_v church-officer_n and_o for_o other_o cause_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v by_o our_o mutual_a assistance_n to_o supply_v the_o want_n because_o we_o may_v have_v according_a to_o scripture_n warrant_v recourse_n to_o a_o extraordinary_a expedient_a the_o ordinary_a rule_n fail_v and_o because_o this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o come_v near_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n yet_o 1._o we_o intend_v not_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v perpetual_a but_o only_o during_o the_o present_a want_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o settle_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o neither_o intend_v we_o hereby_o to_o put_v into_o any_o minister_n hand_n a_o superior_a power_n over_o his_o brethren_n 3._o nor_o will_v we_o be_v understand_v as_o make_v our_o many_o church_n to_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a church_n or_o give_v the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n a_o true_a pastoral_a power_n and_o charge_n over_o other_o church_n 20._o albeit_o we_o differ_v as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o associate_a church_n over_o particular_a congregation_n yet_o we_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a and_o useful_a but_o in_o many_o case_n necessary_a that_o several_a church_n shall_v hold_v communion_n and_o correspondency_n together_o and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o resolve_v to_o associate_v ourselves_o and_o to_o keep_v frequent_a meeting_n for_o mutual_a advice_n and_o help_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v 21._o we_o take_v ourselves_o and_o our_o church_n bind_v to_o follow_v whatsoever_o advice_n direction_n or_o reproof_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n any_o of_o we_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o brethren_n in_o association_n with_o we_o 22._o and_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o our_o brethren_n in_o association_n shall_v advise_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v less_o convenient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o party_n immediate_o and_o special_o concern_v in_o the_o advice_n or_o reproof_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a apprehension_n of_o any_o other_o of_o we_o it_o be_v of_o less_o moment_n and_o not_o apparent_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n than_o we_o resolve_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o endanger_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o become_v example_n and_o encourager_n of_o disorder_n by_o our_o dissent_n and_o refusal_n 23._o particular_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o concernment_n wherein_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o can_v never_o be_v too_o ciruspect_v and_o careful_a therefore_o we_o resolve_v first_o to_o advise_v with_o the_o association_n before_o we_o proceed_v by_o that_o sentence_n to_o cast_v any_o out_o of_o our_o particular_a
albeit_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n affirm_v that_o a_o inorganical_a church_n and_o homogeneal_a may_v ordain_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o against_o their_o principle_n that_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n do_v it_o for_o they_o mr._n hooker_n affirm_v as_o much_o out_o of_o didoc_n survey_v part_n 2._o p._n 57_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o ordain_v by_o eldership_n than_o be_v mean_v the_o officer_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o the_o rule_v elder_n of_o one_o congregation_n call_v a_o consistory_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o officer_n of_o many_o congregation_n together_o term_v a_o classis_fw-la i_o can_v never_o yet_o hear_v any_o argument_n that_o can_v evince_v either_o by_o dint_n of_o undeniable_a evidence_n and_o more_o full_o p._n 59_o though_o it_o be_v most_o comely_a that_o those_o of_o the_o same_o congregation_n shall_v exercise_v it_o yet_o the_o elder_n also_o of_o other_o congregation_n may_v be_v invite_v hereunto_o and_o interest_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o a_o other_o church_n where_o they_o have_v no_o power_n and_o the_o liberty_n which_o they_o allow_v to_o minister_n of_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o seal_n in_o other_o congregation_n beside_o their_o own_o as_o also_o the_o require_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o other_o minister_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v over_o a_o other_o church_n which_o be_v allow_v and_o advise_v too_o by_o ames_n bellar._n enerv._n tom._n 2._o and_o norton_n p._n 101._o will_v also_o prove_v this_o condescension_n suitable_a to_o their_o principle_n mr._n allin_n and_o mr._n shepheard_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n p._n 132._o grant_n that_o a_o minister_n may_v put_v forth_o a_o occasional_a act_n of_o power_n or_o precariam_fw-la potestatem_fw-la to_o those_o in_o a_o other_o church_n over_o who_o he_o be_v no_o officer_n though_o it_o be_v not_o towards_o they_o as_o over_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o that_o though_o a_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v no_o officer_n over_o a_o other_o church_n yet_o such_o a_o officer_n may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o his_o officer_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n and_o if_o so_o why_o not_o this_o act_n of_o power_n as_o well_o as_o a_o other_o why_o may_v they_o not_o ordain_v as_o well_o as_o administer_v sacrament_n in_o another_o church_n mr._n firmin_n a_o congregational-brother_n and_o one_o thus_o ordain_v in_o his_o epist._n before_o his_o serious_a question_n give_v we_o the_o report_n that_o of_o late_a this_o be_v practise_v in_o new-england_n which_o also_o we_o have_v have_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o other_o and_o shall_v not_o this_o than_o be_v yield_v unto_o for_o the_o church_n peace_n 5._o although_o the_o congregational-brethren_n shall_v think_v the_o people_n election_n great_a than_o ordination_n yet_o if_o they_o yield_v to_o ordination_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o presbyterian-brethren_n can_v comfortable_o own_v they_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v both_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o they_o have_v all_o essential_n of_o a_o outward_a call_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n though_o we_o run_v up_o several_a line_n yet_o we_o all_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o point_n one_o thing_n more_o there_o be_v which_o some_o may_v peradventure_o stumble_v at_o which_o be_v the_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o elder_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o neighbouring-minister_n of_o which_o in_o prop._n 19_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o practice_n be_v hint_v in_o the_o proposition_n and_o the_o caution_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o be_v subjoin_v to_o it_o so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v the_o less_o we_o will_v not_o have_v adventure_v upon_o any_o thing_n not_o ordinary_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o compel_v we_o they_o that_o understand_v the_o controversse_n about_o government_n know_v 1._o that_o all_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concerning_o ruling_n elder_n 2._o and_o other_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concerning_o the_o power_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o act_v alone_o in_o these_o thing_n where_o elder_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v and_o such_o be_v the_o general_a state_n of_o our_o people_n that_o in_o case_n we_o be_v all_o satisfy_v in_o the_o first_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o at_o present_a act_n in_o that_o course_n for_o want_v of_o fit_a man_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o office_n so_o that_o such_o of_o we_o as_o be_v not_o satisfy_v concerning_o the_o minister_n sole_a power_n must_v either_o take_v some_o such_o course_n or_o do_v nothing_o if_o our_o present_a case_n then_o be_v well_o consider_v we_o hope_v man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o except_v against_o it_o that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n where_o the_o ordinary_a course_n can_v be_v follow_v some_o extraordinary_a way_n may_v be_v take_v be_v not_o only_o our_o assertion_n but_o the_o assertion_n and_o practice_n of_o other_o in_o other_o case_n who_o authority_n we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v slight_o overlook_v by_o pious_a and_o intelligent_a man_n we_o mean_v the_o assembly_n who_o in_o their_o advice_n concerning_o ordination_n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o certain_a conclusion_n which_o they_o prove_v 2_o chron_n 29._o 34_o 36._o where_o the_o leviâ—â—s_n which_o be_v beside_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n help_v the_o priest_n to_o slay_v the_o burn_a offering_n they_o be_v too_o few_o to_o do_v it_o by_o themselves_o and_o also_o 2_o chr._n 30._o 3_o 4._o which_o proposition_n will_n as_o much_o justify_v we_o in_o this_o particular_a as_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a expedient_a for_o ordination_n which_o as_o thing_n than_o stand_v be_v necessary_a and_o for_o which_o this_o be_v produce_v by_o they_o that_o this_o course_n be_v near_a to_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n we_o think_v be_v apparent_a 1._o the_o work_n be_v do_v by_o minister_n of_o which_o number_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v one_o here_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n keep_v up_o 2._o the_o end_n may_v be_v as_o well_o attain_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n none_o we_o hope_v will_v say_v this_o be_v a_o less_o safe_a proceed_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o justness_n of_o admission_n and_o rejection_n 3._o many_o suppose_v that_o as_o in_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o first_o church_n all_o thing_n be_v manage_v by_o minister_n in_o common_a till_o the_o church_n be_v settle_v so_o in_o the_o reformation_n of_o corrupt_a church_n thing_n can_v be_v carry_v on_o any_o other_o way_n till_o the_o church_n be_v bring_v into_o some_o order_n 4._o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o assembly_n advise_v in_o the_o form_n of_o church_n government_n where_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o ordinary_a elder-ship_n they_o direct_v that_o such_o a_o congregation_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o associate_a neighbouring-officer_n many_o other_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o we_o will_v have_v insist_v on_o but_o other_o have_v write_v so_o full_o of_o they_o we_o shall_v pass_v they_o over_o in_o silence_n many_o exception_n also_o we_o foresee_v some_o of_o ignorant_a and_o wilful_a man_n which_o we_o conceive_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o other_o of_o learned_a man_n which_o we_o apprehend_v not_o fit_a to_o trouble_v the_o weak_a withal_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o distinction_n of_o forum_n ecclesiae_fw-la et_fw-la dei_fw-la which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o be_v question_v by_o some_o as_o mr._n blake_n cov._n seal_v p._n 141._o but_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o use_v it_o lie_v not_o open_a to_o his_o exception_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o forum_n ecclesiae_fw-la be_v a_o court_n of_o god_n constitute_v and_o in_o that_o regard_n it_o be_v also_o forum_n dei_fw-la but_o we_o only_o use_v it_o to_o express_v that_o external_a right_n which_o professor_n have_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o direction_n which_o god_n have_v give_v for_o the_o regulate_n of_o church-affair_n whether_o this_o be_v a_o real_a or_o only_o a_o analogical_a right_n we_o meddle_v not_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o internal_a and_o gracious_a acceptance_n of_o god_n the_o usual_a exception_n about_o scandal_n not_o enumerate_v need_v not_o trouble_v we_o when_o we_o assent_n to_o the_o assembly_n direction_n about_o sin_n scandalous_a in_o one_o single_a act_n though_o we_o say_v that_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o sin_n mention_v by_o they_o as_o such_o yet_o we_o say_v not_o that_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o only_o as_o such_o so_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n fall_v out_o we_o be_v agree_v to_o consult_v the_o association_n about_o it_o some_o may_v likewise_o think_v our_o use_v the_o assembly_n direction_n in_o those_o principle_n of_o
the_o agreement_n of_o the_o associated_a minister_n and_o church_n of_o the_o county_n of_o cumberland_n and_o westmoreland_n with_o something_o for_o explication_n and_o exhortation_n annex_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 3._o 3_o 4._o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o you_o envy_v and_o strife_n and_o division_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a and_o walk_v as_o man_n for_o while_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n and_o another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n be_v you_o not_o carnal_a rom._n 14._o 19_o let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o phil._n 2._o 4._o look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o rom._n 16._o 17_o 18._o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n etc._n etc._n and_o avoid_v they_o etc._n etc._n london_n print_v by_o of_o for_o â—_z waterson_n and_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o globe_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n and_o by_o richard_n scot_n bookseller_n in_o carlisle_n 1656._o proposition_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o associated_a minister_n of_o the_o county_n of_o cumberland_n and_o westmoreland_n when_o we_o compare_v the_o present_a misery_n and_o distemper_n with_o our_o former_a confident_a expectation_n of_o unity_n and_o reformation_n our_o heart_n bleed_v and_o melt_v within_o we_o we_o be_v become_v a_o byword_n to_o our_o adversary_n they_o clap_v their_o hand_n at_o we_o say_v be_v this_o the_o city_n that_o man_n call_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n piety_n be_v general_o decay_v most_o man_n place_v their_o religion_n in_o dote_v about_o question_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o profaneness_n thrive_v through_o want_n of_o discipline_n error_n and_o blasphemy_n domineer_v jealousy_n division_n unmerciful_a revile_n and_o censure_n be_v foment_v among_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o household_n of_o faith_n the_o weak_a one_o be_v discourage_v and_o distract_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o opinion_n and_o fierce_a opposition_n of_o each_o party_n and_o that_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o god_n honour_n suffer_v deep_o and_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n be_v bring_v very_o low_a be_v this_o nothing_o to_o you_o all_o you_o that_o pass_v by_o though_o these_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o lament_v yet_o see_v it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a bare_o to_o lament_v they_o without_o endeavour_v to_o heal_v they_o and_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_a upon_o all_o christian_n according_a to_o their_o several_a place_n and_o ability_n to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n of_o zion_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v taste_v so_o much_o of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o our_o division_n and_o because_o a_o brotherly_a union_n have_v so_o much_o of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o consequent_o give_v so_o much_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v take_v that_o course_n in_o establish_v his_o church_n when_o he_o shall_v arise_v to_o build_v jerusalem_n and_o see_v it_o be_v a_o unjustifyable_a pettishness_n and_o peevishness_n of_o spirit_n to_o be_v averse_a from_o join_v together_o in_o any_o thing_n because_o we_o can_v join_v in_o all_o thing_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v set_v aside_o all_o carnal_a interest_n and_o cast_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o concernment_n at_o the_o lord_n foot_n to_o walk_v together_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v for_o the_o present_a not_o rest_v here_o nor_o tie_v ourselves_o from_o further_a progress_n in_o union_n as_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v light_a and_o satisfaction_n much_o less_o bind_v ourselves_o from_o a_o submission_n to_o and_o compliance_n with_o a_o more_o general_a accommodation_n if_o any_o such_o thing_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v agree_v on_o which_o may_v be_v more_o suitable_a and_o fit_v for_o the_o composure_n of_o the_o different_a principle_n of_o brethren_n throughout_o the_o nation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o carry_n on_o of_o this_o great_a work_n we_o lie_v down_o and_o assent_n unto_o these_o general_a rule_n as_o the_o basis_n and_o foundation_n which_o must_v support_v and_o bear_v up_o our_o follow_a agreement_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o most_o safe_a course_n but_o also_o most_o conduce_v to_o brotherly_a union_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o particular_a church_n carry_v on_o as_o much_o of_o their_o work_n with_o joint_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n as_o they_o can_v with_o conveniency_n and_o edification_n and_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v in_o their_o act_n to_o stand_v distinct_o by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o from_o each_o other_o 2._o that_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n discipline_n those_o thing_n which_o belong_v only_o †_o essential_a ad_fw-la melius_fw-la esse_fw-la aught_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o publication_n and_o practice_n rather_o than_o that_o the_o church_n peace_n shall_v be_v hinder_v 3._o that_o where_o different_a principle_n lead_v to_o the_o same_o practice_n we_o may_v join_v together_o in_o that_o practice_n reserve_v to_o each_o of_o we_o our_o own_o principle_n 4._o that_o where_o we_o can_v neither_o agree_v in_o principle_n nor_o in_o practice_n we_o be_v to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o difference_n that_o be_v of_o a_o less_o and_o disputable_a nature_n without_o make_v they_o a_o ground_n of_o division_n among_o we_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v not_o hereby_o bind_v up_o ourselves_o from_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v one_o another_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o meekness_n and_o with_o resolution_n to_o continue_v our_o brotherly_a amity_n and_o association_n though_o in_o those_o particular_n our_o difference_n shall_v remain_v uncomposed_a upon_o these_o ground_n we_o agree_v as_o follow_v 1._o see_v the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o his_o work_n and_o have_v employ_v we_o as_o ambassador_n steward_n watchman_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o church_n we_o resolve_v through_o his_o assistance_n to_o endeavour_v the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o trust_n herein_o unreserved_o and_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n though_o hereby_o we_o hazard_v reproach_n revile_n contempt_n injury_n loss_n of_o friend_n and_o maintenance_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o may_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o 2._o to_o this_o end_n we_o resolve_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o ministry_n to_o observe_v the_o temper_n disposition_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o suit_v ourselves_o not_o only_o in_o our_o matter_n to_o the_o people_n condition_n but_o also_o in_o our_o expression_n to_o the_o people_n apprehension_n that_o so_o our_o sermon_n may_v be_v plain_a pierce_a seasonable_a and_o profitable_a 3._o particular_o we_o resolve_v undauntedly_o and_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a prudence_n to_o reprove_v the_o sin_n that_o most_o abound_v in_o our_o people_n and_o shall_v main_o bend_v the_o force_n of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o their_o carnal_a security_n to_o discover_v the_o rot_a and_o deceitful_a prop_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v and_o to_o press_v they_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o proffer_n of_o the_o gospel_n 4._o we_o will_v lay_v out_o ourselves_o in_o keep_v lecture_n as_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n will_v permit_v wherein_o we_o will_v more_o especial_o have_v regard_n to_o those_o place_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o preach_v 5._o we_o resolve_v to_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o we_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n that_o knowledge_n may_v increase_v among_o they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o conceive_v it_o most_o fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o assembly_n large_a and_o short_a catechism_n 6._o we_o resolve_v beside_o the_o work_n of_o public_a preach_n and_o catechise_v to_o instruct_v they_o private_o from_o house_n to_o house_n so_o far_o as_o our_o public_a work_n will_v permit_v that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o be_v more_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o of_o deal_n with_o they_o more_o close_o and_o particular_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v strive_v always_o to_o improve_v our_o occasional_a discourse_n and_o commerce_n with_o they_o to_o that_o end_n have_v our_o word_n season_v with_o salt_n that_o they_o may_v administer_v grace_n to_o the_o hearer_n 7._o forasmuch_o as_o affliction_n and_o sickness_n
do_v not_o only_o call_v for_o ministerial_a help_n and_o advice_n in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n but_o also_o give_v opportunity_n and_o advantage_n for_o counsel_n or_o reproof_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o be_v as_o diligent_a in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o afflict_a as_o other_o labour_n greatness_n of_o our_o charge_n and_o ability_n to_o go_v abroad_o will_v suffer_v we_o and_o that_o not_o only_o the_o rich_a and_o those_o that_o desire_v we_o but_o also_o the_o poor_a and_o those_o that_o send_v not_o for_o we_o 8._o see_v we_o be_v in_o scripture_n command_v to_o love_v all_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o and_o yet_o warn_v to_o reserve_v our_o brotherly_a kindness_n and_o delight_n for_o those_o that_o walk_v holy_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v in_o our_o society_n as_o well_o as_o in_o dispense_v of_o ordinance_n to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a and_o though_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o deny_v that_o charity_n help_v civility_n and_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v unto_o the_o scandalous_a yet_o will_v we_o bestow_v our_o love_n of_o complacency_n only_o on_o those_o that_o order_n their_o conversation_n aright_o lest_o by_o intimacy_n with_o wicked_a man_n we_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o evil_a doer_n grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o ensnare_v our_o own_o soul_n 9_o see_v the_o sin_n of_o sabbath-breaking_n swear_v fornication_n and_o drunkenness_n be_v so_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o yet_o so_o frequent_a we_o resolve_v beside_o the_o reprove_n of_o these_o sin_n in_o public_a and_o private_a to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v such_o offender_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o law_n in_o thosed_a case_n provide_v 10._o we_o will_v instruct_v our_o people_n public_o concerning_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v press_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o submission_n to_o it_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n 11_o because_o it_o have_v be_v the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o old_a in_o order_n to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n public_o and_o solemn_o to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o because_o in_o this_o age_n temptation_n to_o apostasy_n and_o backslide_n from_o the_o faith_n be_v strong_a and_o frequent_a and_o because_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o start_v aside_o from_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n that_o we_o daily_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o possible_a obligation_n to_o submission_n therefore_o we_o resolve_v to_o require_v from_o our_o people_n a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n contain_v in_o a_o short_a confession_n of_o faith_n hereunto_o annex_v and_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o consent_n to_o submit_v unto_o and_o accept_v of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o take_v the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n to_o fear_v love_n honour_n and_o obey_v he_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n yet_o 1._o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resolve_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a recital_n and_o repetition_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o profession_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o people_n not_o only_o to_o profess_v with_o understanding_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v with_o feel_v apprehension_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v 2._o neither_o do_v we_o intend_v strict_o to_o bind_v all_o to_o the_o same_o circumstance_n of_o profess_v their_o consent_n but_o if_o any_o profess_v and_o own_v the_o substance_n shall_v scruple_n at_o any_o particular_a circumstance_n we_o resolve_v to_o use_v towards_o such_o all_o possible_a meekness_n and_o condescension_n 12._o beside_o a_o profess_a competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n we_o resolve_v to_o require_v a_o unblameable_a conversation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o we_o shall_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n both_o these_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o discovery_n of_o people_n present_a fitness_n and_o right_n *_o church_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la to_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o ordinance_n 13._o because_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v profane_v by_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n and_o carelessness_n of_o the_o church-guide_n and_o because_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n people_n may_v be_v wrong_v by_o a_o rash_a and_o groundless_a exclusion_n therefore_o in_o the_o judge_v and_o determine_v of_o people_n present_a fitness_n for_o that_o sacrament_n we_o resolve_v to_o set_v before_o we_o these_o follow_a rule_n both_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o scandal_n in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n 1._o because_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o total_a ignorance_n of_o the_o fundamental_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o such_o person_n not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n will_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o we_o resolve_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o that_o upon_o trial_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v such_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n 2._o we_o shall_v not_o reject_v any_o as_o ignorant_a that_o have_v a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o those_o head_n of_o divinity_n mention_v by_o the_o assembly_n in_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n pag._n 28._o all_o such_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n aught_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o everliving_a and_o true_a god_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o this_o only_o true_a god_n be_v the_o god_n who_o we_o worship_v that_o this_o god_n be_v but_o one_o god_n yet_o three_o distinct_a person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n all_o equal_o god_n that_o god_n create_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n that_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v that_o thereby_o they_o be_v all_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o so_o liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v also_o over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v into_o heaven_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v all_o grace_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v apply_v only_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o have_v it_o not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o believe_v and_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o shall_v perish_v eternal_o that_o they_o who_o true_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n do_v see_v they_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o except_o man_n repent_v they_o shall_v sure_o perish_v that_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v conscionable_o order_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousnse_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o outward_a element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n and_o do_v signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n crucify_v which_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n by_o faith_n do_v partake_v of_o in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o christ_n have_v likewise_o ordain_v for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n that_o whosoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n therefore_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o examine_v himself_o leave_v he_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o not_o
aside_o as_o useless_a nay_o have_v speak_v against_o they_o and_o hence_o arise_v the_o contest_n about_o they_o 3._o when_o the_o matter_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n though_o before_o he_o have_v preach_v public_o against_o they_o yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o assert_v that_o every_o truth_n must_v be_v publish_v what_o ever_o become_v of_o peace_n that_o he_o forbear_v to_o speak_v public_o and_o apply_v himself_o particular_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o to_o those_o that_o be_v pillar_n and_o of_o reputation_n viz._n peter_n james_n john_n etc._n etc._n for_o dr._n lightfoot_n harm._n n._n t._n p._n 97._o make_v it_o the_o same_o journey_n with_o that_o mention_a gal._n 3._o 2._o 4._o the_o synod_n do_v determine_v not_o only_o the_o silence_n of_o this_o truth_n viz._n the_o abolition_n of_o ceremony_n and_o christian_n freedom_n from_o they_o but_o also_o permit_v the_o exercise_n of_o these_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o enjoin_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o gentile_n 5._o the_o ground_n of_o the_o determination_n be_v the_o church_n peace_n act_n 15._o 21._o 6._o and_o in_o this_o regard_n they_o enjoin_v they_o as_o necessary_a thing_n which_o they_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o observe_v act_n 15._o 28_o 29._o till_o the_o church_n may_v have_v a_o competent_a time_n and_o mean_n of_o satisfaction_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o the_o silence_n of_o some_o truth_n for_o peace_n sake_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o publication_n and_o practice_n be_v by_o they_o judge_v necessary_a since_o the_o apostle_n day_n those_o who_o have_v most_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o foundation_n and_o thing_n near_o the_o foundation_n have_v always_o advise_v to_o condescension_n for_o peace_n sake_n to_o recite_v all_o instance_n that_o may_v be_v give_v will_v be_v tedious_a we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o with_o two_o or_o three_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o basil_n ad_fw-la presb._n tarsenses_n epist._n 203._o advise_v to_o concord_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o propound_v condescension_n as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n of_o it_o there_o be_v need_n say_v he_o of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v but_o by_o unite_n those_o that_o differ_v which_o union_n will_v be_v effect_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o if_o we_o condescend_v to_o the_o weak_a in_o thing_n not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o soul_n luther_n give_v the_o same_o advice_n in_o a_o epist._n to_o the_o divine_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n at_o norimberge_n meum_fw-la consilium_fw-la fuerit_fw-la cum_fw-la nullum_fw-la sit_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la periculum_fw-la ut_fw-la hanc_fw-la causam_fw-la sinatis_fw-la vel_fw-la ad_fw-la tempus_fw-la sopitam_fw-la utinam_fw-la extinctam_fw-la jacere_fw-la donec_fw-la tutiore_fw-la et_fw-la meliore_fw-la tempore_fw-la animus_fw-la in_fw-la pace_fw-la firmatis_fw-la et_fw-la charitate_fw-la ad_fw-la unatis_fw-la eam_fw-la disputetis_fw-la my_o advice_n be_v that_o see_v no_o hurt_n can_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n by_o it_o this_o difference_n may_v sleep_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n or_o rather_o indeed_o die_v out_o till_o your_o mind_n be_v confirm_v in_o peace_n and_o unite_v in_o love_n than_o may_v you_o more_o safe_o inquire_v into_o it_o greg._n nazi_n be_v as_o peremptory_a as_o any_o against_o purchase_v peace_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n witness_v his_o expression_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o orat._n 12._o contention_n for_o piety_n be_v better_a than_o a_o vicious_a peace_n and_o again_o let_v none_o conjecture_v that_o i_o think_v all_o peace_n ought_v to_o be_v love_v and_o embrace_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o for_o i_o know_v that_o as_o some_o kind_n of_o disagrement_n be_v good_a so_o some_o agreement_n be_v pernicious_a ibid._n and_o more_o full_o orat._n 32._o p._n 518._o let_v we_o not_o prosecute_v peace_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o truth_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o nay_o in_o such_o case_n he_o tell_v we_o we_o shall_v contend_v as_o much_o as_o if_o it_o be_v against_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o that_o he_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n be_v most_o mild_a and_o gentle_a shall_v here_o be_v most_o violent_a and_o pugnacious_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o orat._n 12._o p._n 198._o 203._o and_o yet_o he_o be_v as_o zealous_a for_o make_v way_n for_o peace_n by_o silence_v lesser_a truth_n as_o any_o how_o earnest_o do_v he_o urge_v a_o necessity_n of_o distinguish_v of_o truth_n some_o be_v say_v he_o suitable_a to_o our_o capacity_n some_o above_o they_o some_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o concern_v the_o time_n present_a other_o the_o world_n to_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o then_o apply_v all_o thus_o some_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o other_o with_o moderation_n some_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v contend_v for_o earnest_o in_o other_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n to_o be_v use_v etc._n etc._n orat._n 14._o p._n 220._o and_o afterwards_o he_o exhort_v those_o that_o worship_v the_o same_o trinity_n to_o cut_v off_o and_o avoid_v superfluous_a question_n as_o the_o common_a disease_n of_o that_o time_n and_o as_o so_o many_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o sucker_n which_o rob_v the_o tree_n of_o its_o sap_n and_o fruit_n or_o crooked_a wind_n which_o lead_v the_o traveller_n into_o a_o maze_n and_o confusion_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o that_o excellent_a oration_n add_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o let_v we_o yield_v a_o little_a in_o small_a truth_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v that_o which_o be_v great_a viz._n concord_n let_v we_o yield_v that_o we_o may_v overcome_v and_o much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n also_o he_o have_v orat._n 12._o p._n 203._o but_o we_o forbear_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v urge_v the_o example_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a who_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n viz._n the_o difference_n betwixt_o arius_n and_o the_o orthodox_a propound_v the_o forbearance_n of_o ask_v or_o answer_v question_n concerning_o that_o difference_n as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n to_o peace_n which_o he_o do_v as_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o low_a concernment_n vide_fw-la soc._n eccles._n l._n 1._o c._n 4._o to_o the_o three_o we_o need_v say_v little_a only_o to_o explain_v our_o meaning_n know_v that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o both_o party_n practise_v upon_o different_a ground_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o appeal_n where_o one_o party_n give_v power_n authoritative_a the_o other_o fraternal_a only_o yet_o both_o own_o the_o thing_n so_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n where_o though_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o i_o e._n the_o first_o subject_n be_v question_v yet_o all_o agree_v that_o in_o church_n organical_a at_o least_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o manage_v they_o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v ordination_n by_o pastor_n of_o other_o church_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n etc._n etc._n now_o all_o we_o say_v here_o be_v this_o that_o the_o difference_n of_o principle_n by_o which_o both_o party_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n do_v not_o make_v our_o conjunction_n unlawful_a the_o 11_o proposition_n we_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v quarrel_v with_o by_o sober_a mind_a man_n 1._o none_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o renew_v covenant_n with_o god_n 2._o nor_o will_v any_o deny_v the_o expediency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o it_o in_o reformation_n of_o church_n 3._o nor_o that_o our_o particular_a church_n so_o overgrow_v with_o ignorance_n and_o profaneness_n so_o beset_v with_o heresy_n so_o weaken_v as_o to_o discipline_n and_o government_n through_o licentious_a liberty_n have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o 4._o in_o this_o we_o cross_v not_o any_o presbyterian_a principle_n those_o that_o have_v most_o oppose_v a_o explicit_a church-covenant_n as_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n do_v not_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o end_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o as_o to_o some_o particular_a article_n vid._n ruther_n due_a right_n p._n 85._o a_o explicit_a vocal_a covenant_n say_v he_o we_o deny_v not_o as_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a etc._n etc._n p._n 86._o nor_o deny_v we_o that_o at_o the_o election_n of_o a_o pastor_n the_o pastor_n and_o people_n tie_v themselves_o by_o reciprocation_n of_o oath_n etc._n etc._n p._n 88_o nor_o do_v we_o question_v whether_o such_o a_o covenant_n may_v be_v lawful_o swear_v we_o think_v it_o may_v etc._n etc._n so_o also_o apollonius_n p._n 4
5._o the_o ground_n and_o end_n mention_v and_o only_o impose_v in_o the_o proposition_n and_o the_o draught_n of_o the_o profession_n itself_o will_v as_o we_o hope_v sufficient_o clear_v we_o from_o the_o two_o fore-hinted_a exception_n 6._o the_o mention_v only_o of_o those_o ground_n wherein_o all_o be_v agree_v do_v not_o exclude_v a_o reipsa_fw-la any_o other_o further_a end_n of_o covenant_v if_o it_o have_v any_o such_o nor_o bereave_v it_o of_o any_o of_o its_o proper_a effect_n for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o will_v reach_v all_o its_o end_n of_o institution_n whether_o we_o particular_o discover_v they_o or_o no_o divine_a institution_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o effect_n immediate_o result_v ab_fw-la earum_fw-la positione_fw-la et_fw-la usu_fw-la be_v not_o enlarge_v or_o narrow_v according_a to_o the_o largeness_n or_o straightness_n of_o our_o apprehension_n no_o more_o than_o our_o not_o apprehend_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v appoint_v to_o concur_v to_o the_o production_n and_o growth_n of_o vegetable_n will_v hinder_v its_o effect_n that_o way_n so_o that_o the_o congregational_a brethren_n be_v condescend_v unto_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n need_v not_o press_v the_o disputable_a end_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prebyterian_a brethren_n need_v not_o refuse_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v not_o urge_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o those_o questionable_a ground_n the_o twelve_o proposition_n show_v our_o rule_n of_o admission_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o we_o have_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o for_o our_o safe_a proceed_v we_o know_v that_o two_o party_n will_v take_v exception_n against_o what_o we_o propound_v some_o think_v we_o too_o strict_a other_o too_o openhanded_a those_o that_o think_v this_o rigid_a and_o harsh_a deal_n let_v they_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v none_o but_o the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a which_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o debar_v from_o that_o ordinance_n 2._o that_o by_o put_v bound_n to_o ourselves_o we_o take_v away_o the_o aspersion_n of_o a_o indefinite_a unlimited_a arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a government_n 3._o that_o in_o debar_v such_o the_o church-guide_n go_v not_o beyond_o their_o commission_n but_o only_o execute_v that_o office_n and_o discharge_v that_o trust_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o they_o be_v those_o not_o ruler_n and_o governor_n and_o do_v not_o this_o engage_v and_o authorise_v they_o to_o prevent_v and_o hinder_v the_o pollute_n and_o profanation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n have_v those_o that_o be_v charge_v with_o holy_a thing_n a_o charge_n to_o give_v only_o and_o not_o to_o debar_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v to_o exclude_v the_o unclean_a actual_o the_o porter_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v the_o unclean_a to_o enter_v the_o temple_n 2_o chr._n 23._o 19_o and_o in_o eze._n 44._o 7_o 8._o shall_v we_o think_v that_o when_o god_n prohibit_v the_o unfit_a he_o leave_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o prohibition_n sole_o to_o every_o man_n particular_a persuasion_n concerning_o himself_o and_o leave_v only_o a_o doctrinal_a declarative_a power_n to_o the_o officer_n and_o that_o though_o they_o may_v declare_v a_o person_n unfit_a yet_o they_o may_v not_o refuse_v to_o give_v the_o ordinance_n to_o he_o who_o they_o declare_v unworthy_a be_v the_o juridical_a decisive_a power_n in_o every_o person_n for_o himself_o do_v not_o this_o as_o much_o disable_v they_o from_o debar_v and_o man_n or_o man_n actual_o drink_v if_o such_o intrude_v can_v he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o declare_v they_o unfit_a or_o if_o he_o may_v debar_v these_o juridical_o because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o improve_n the_o ordinance_n *_o ordinance_n though_o from_o other_o cause_n as_o ignorance_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o that_o the_o officer_n may_v juridical_o debar_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o those_o that_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o offend_a brother_n must_v tell_v the_o church_n the_o church_n then_o have_v power_n to_o examine_v else_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o make_v know_v the_o grievance_n to_o it_o and_o do_v not_o examination_n infer_v more_o than_o a_o declarative_a power_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v by_o those_o that_o will_v grant_v excommunication_n if_o they_o can_v juridical_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v they_o can_v juridical_o exclude_v from_o the_o supper_n for_o this_o reason_n at_o least_o because_o the_o former_a include_v the_o latter_a 4._o the_o exclusion_n of_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n be_v not_o a_o novel_a invention_n or_o new_a device_n but_o that_o which_o carry_v the_o stamp_n of_o antiquity_n upon_o it_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n seem_v to_o have_v hint_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o the_o heathen_n as_o their_o proculite_fw-la propahni_fw-la at_o sacrifice_n testify_v but_o if_o we_o look_v within_o the_o church_n we_o have_v abundant_a evidence_n dionysius_n areop._n a_o ancient_a writer_n though_o perkins_n and_o illyricus_n give_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o evince_v that_o it_o be_v not_o he_o that_o be_v paul_n scholar_n in_o eccles._n hierar_fw-it cap._n 3._o p._n 93._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la and_o energumeni_fw-la and_o other_o under_o penance_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v admit_v to_o hear_v of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o be_v exclude_v these_o mystery_n and_o the_o perfect_a only_o admit_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o afterwards_o p._n 96._o and_o 97._o extend_v this_o exclusion_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o to_o the_o less_o perfect_a and_o unholy_a and_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o it_o admit_v not_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o which_o be_v not_o altogether_o holy_a or_o that_o which_o in_o some_o respect_n come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o etc._n etc._n justin_n martyr_n apol._n 2._o be_v more_o express_a and_o requite_v 1._o profess_a knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v say_v he_o to_o any_o but_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o to_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a which_o include_v profess_v knowledge_n and_o second_o holy_a life_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o if_o we_o shall_v search_v the_o decree_n of_o counsel_n we_o may_v show_v you_o much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o testimony_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v collect_v by_o gillaspie_n rutherford_n and_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o forbear_v neither_o be_v our_o proceed_n herein_o different_a from_o what_o be_v prescribe_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o episcopal_a divine_n knowledge_n be_v always_o presuppose_v as_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o catechise_v be_v to_o be_v use_v and_o as_o for_o scandal_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n take_v care_n that_o it_o shall_v exclude_v can._n 26._o enjoin_v that_o no_o minister_n shall_v in_o any_o wise_a admit_v to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n any_o of_o his_o cure_n or_o flock_n which_o be_v know_v to_o live_v in_o any_o notorious_a sin_n without_o repentance_n or_o who_o have_v malicious_o and_o open_o contend_v with_o their_o neighbour_n until_o they_o shall_v be_v reconcile_v the_o same_o thing_n also_o be_v express_v in_o the_o rubric_n of_o the_o commonprayer_n where_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o only_o to_o dissuade_v person_n in_o malice_n to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o and_o not_o only_o such_o but_o also_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o open_a and_o notorious_a evil-liver_n *_o offend_v or_o such_o as_o wrong_v their_o neighbour_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n there_o be_v then_o no_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o in_o the_o rule_n but_o only_o in_o the_o practice_n in_o that_o they_o come_v not_o up_o to_o their_o own_o rule_n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v be_v find_v fault_n you_o must_v blame_v they_o for_o their_o neglect_n not_o we_o for_o our_o strictness_n we_o may_v also_o show_v against_o the_o charge_n of_o novelty_n the_o papist_n assert_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o of_o all_o man_n it_o may_v least_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o see_v they_o affirm_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o confer_v grace_n aquinas_n part_n 3._o q._n 80_o in_o art_n 6._o *_o etc._n conclude_v thus_o divina_fw-la majestas_fw-la et_fw-la evangelica_fw-la disciplina_fw-la exigit_fw-la ut_fw-la manifestis_fw-la ac_fw-la publicis_fw-la peccatoribus_fw-la ctiam_fw-la petentibus_fw-la sacra_fw-la denegetu_fw-la communio_fw-la and_o for_o this_o cite_v cyprian_n lib._n 1._o epi._n 10._o advise_v not_o to_o give_v the_o supper_n to_o stage-player_n etc._n
etc._n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o discipline_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o those_o that_o plead_v most_o for_o a_o free_a admission_n be_v so_o far_o from_o tax_v this_o practice_n with_o novelty_n that_o they_o yield_v it_o to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o the_o ancient_a and_o usual_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exclude_v the_o notorious_a and_o open_a scandalous_a though_o not_o excommunicate_v neither_o do_v they_o so_o much_o plead_v for_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o scandalous_a as_o for_o the_o excommunicate_n of_o they_o first_o before_o a_o debarment_n from_o the_o sacrament_n 5._o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o officer_n have_v charity_n and_o may_v and_o must_v use_v it_o to_o prevent_v our_o brother_n danger_n so_o long_o sure_o may_v we_o do_v all_o this_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o bear_v we_o out_o will_v not_o this_o engage_v we_o to_o help_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o so_o small_a moment_n that_o you_o need_v no_o help_n nay_o and_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v you_o that_o which_o we_o see_v will_v hurt_v you_o will_v real_a love_n satisfy_v itself_o with_o a_o bare_a warning_n without_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v will_v it_o only_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v poison_n he_o drink_v and_o not_o also_o take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o have_v you_o any_o cause_n to_o be_v angry_a when_o we_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n concerning_o your_o estate_n or_o hinder_v you_o from_o destroy_v yourselves_o out_o of_o love_n to_o you_o that_o when_o we_o love_v our_o peace_n or_o maintenance_n less_o than_o your_o good_a you_o shall_v so_o op-pose_v when_o the_o physician_n put_v the_o patient_n to_o some_o grief_n in_o the_o application_n of_o a_o necessary_a medicine_n be_v it_o reasonable_a either_o to_o refuse_v his_o medicine_n or_o to_o abuse_v his_o person_n that_o the_o medicine_n be_v so_o sharp_a be_v your_o fault_n not_o we_o the_o lord_n know_v we_o delight_v not_o in_o exclude_v if_o we_o can_v admit_v you_o without_o your_o own_o hurt_n and_o if_o god_n lay_v not_o this_o duty_n upon_o we_o can_v you_o imagine_v that_o man_n that_o know_v what_o they_o do_v will_v unnecessary_o provoke_v your_o hatred_n and_o opposition_n when_o they_o may_v have_v love_n and_o good_a will_n but_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n and_o how_o bitter_o many_o a_o poor_a creature_n shall_v in_o hell_n curse_v his_o man-pleasing_a minister_n we_o be_v afraid_a those_o that_o think_v we_o too_o large_a let_v they_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v the_o door_n so_o straight_o as_o many_o suppose_v we_o know_v that_o purity_n be_v amiable_a and_o require_v of_o all_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o lovely_a aspect_n that_o many_o so_o fix_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v attend_v and_o prosecute_v in_o the_o constitution_n and_o reformation_n of_o church_n yet_o with_o some_o confidence_n we_o dare_v affirm_v 1._o that_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o admission_n be_v not_o therefore_o best_o because_o strict_a 2._o that_o it_o be_v much_o safe_a in_o the_o management_n of_o admission_n and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o be_v so_o facile_a as_o to_o hazard_v the_o admission_n of_o many_o unfit_a rather_o than_o to_o exclude_v one_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v mr._n cotton_n say_v rather_o ninety_o nine_o shall_v perish_v through_o presumption_n then_o one_o humble_a soul_n belong_v to_o christ_n shall_v sink_v under_o discouragement_n way_n p._n 58._o 3._o that_o the_o admission_n of_o some_o less_o fit_a can_v neither_o defile_v the_o ordinance_n to_o other_o nor_o hinder_v their_o spiritual_a communion_n non_fw-la polluitur_fw-la communio_fw-la licet_fw-la minuitur_fw-la solatio_fw-la 4._o that_o censoriousness_n revile_n and_o contempt_n of_o weak_a christian_n error_n averseness_n to_o concede_fw-it and_o yield_v to_o brethren_n of_o different_a judgement_n in_o less_o thing_n for_o peace_n sake_n though_o they_o make_v not_o so_o great_a a_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n of_o a_o more_o dangerous_a consequence_n more_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n in_o themselves_o more_o infectious_a and_o against_o which_o there_o lie_v more_o just_a exception_n as_o to_o admission_n than_o many_o other_o fail_n which_o usual_o be_v except_v against_o in_o the_o weak_a sort_n 5._o that_o those_o church_n have_v most_o of_o gospel-order_n where_o unity_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o weak_a be_v equal_o regard_v and_o prosecute_v with_o purity_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n but_o one_o not_o justle_a out_o another_o 6._o that_o if_o the_o best_a of_o man_n will_v but_o impartial_o weigh_v their_o private_a fail_n in_o the_o same_o scale_n in_o which_o they_o usual_o weigh_v other_o man_n with_o the_o application_n of_o matt._n 7._o 1_o 12._o and_o will_v put_v on_o charity_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 4_o 5_o 6._o with_o humility_n they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a against_o other_o 2._o we_o can_v see_v any_o ground_n or_o scripture-warrant_n for_o a_o strict_a rule_n than_o this_o we_o walk_v by_o 1._o the_o fitness_n which_o come_v under_o our_o cognizance_n be_v only_o outward_a whether_o they_o that_o be_v only_o outward_o qualify_v have_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n before_o god_n or_o not_o we_o think_v it_o unseasonable_a now_o to_o dispute_v that_o which_o we_o assert_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o of_o both_o party_n that_o understand_v their_o principle_n that_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o such_o and_o that_o in_o our_o inquiry_n and_o determination_n we_o be_v to_o go_v no_o high_o lest_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o pry_v into_o thing_n secret_a and_o of_o usurp_v the_o throne_n and_o sceptre_n of_o the_o almighty_a 2._o the_o rule_n which_o must_v direct_v we_o to_o judge_v aright_o of_o this_o fitness_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v these_o property_n first_o it_o must_v be_v general_a or_o else_o how_o shall_v it_o reach_v all_o man_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o short_a or_o so_o narrow_a as_o to_o exclude_v any_o admissable_a it_o can_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a second_o it_o must_v be_v public_a the_o officer_n be_v public_a and_o so_o be_v the_o act_n of_o admission_n and_o so_o be_v the_o ordinance_n admit_v to_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v grant_v that_o officer_n must_v manage_v these_o thing_n by_o private_a instruction_n and_o let_v in_o by_o a_o private_a door_n three_o it_o must_v be_v a_o stand_a rule_n for_o if_o it_o be_v uncertain_a unconstant_a and_o bend_v how_o shall_v it_o direct_v we_o to_o make_v any_o steady_a or_o certain_a trial_n 3._o the_o satisfaction_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o acquiess_v aught_o to_o be_v public_a and_o ecclesiastical_a for_o if_o we_o be_v to_o admit_v only_o according_a to_o our_o private_a satisfaction_n or_o dissatisfaction_n who_o almost_o then_o can_v be_v admit_v with_o some_o who_o see_v not_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o same_o party_n under_o the_o same_o qualification_n without_o any_o alteration_n may_v be_v lawful_o admit_v and_o reject_v by_o several_a church_n nay_o by_o the_o same_o church_n at_o several_a time_n some_o be_v more_o easy_o satisfy_v than_o other_o not_o that_o the_o use_n of_o charity_n in_o this_o case_n be_v deny_v when_o we_o have_v make_v as_o impartial_a a_o trial_n as_o we_o can_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o charity_n must_v be_v make_v use_n of_o but_o yet_o god_n have_v not_o so_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o charity_n as_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v where_o our_o charity_n will_v not_o bring_v we_o up_o to_o a_o persuasion_n or_o belief_n of_o regeneration_n we_o suppose_v this_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o stand_a truth_n that_o we_o may_v lawful_o and_o with_o peace_n of_o conscience_n nay_o we_o ought_v to_o admit_v one_o if_o come_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o who_o integrity_n we_o may_v have_v particular_a dissatisfaction_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o difference_n about_o rigid_a admission_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a mr._n noton_n cont._n apoll._n pag._n 11._o be_v full_a in_o this_o point_n distinguish_v betwixt_o fideles_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o or_o ecclesiastice_fw-la fideles_fw-la believer_n that_o be_v real_o such_o and_o those_o that_o be_v repute_v to_o be_v such_o and_o plain_o assert_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o towards_o those_o as_o if_o they_o be_v real_o godly_a and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v positive_o to_o believe_v every_o one_o admissable_a into_o the_o church_n to_o be_v