to_o who_o i_o write_v kind_o return_v i_o a_o wise_a answer_n wherein_o be_v this_o passage_n to_o speak_v in_o brief_a i_o think_v now_o that_o new-england_n be_v a_o perfect_a model_n and_o sampler_n of_o the_o state_n of_o we_o here_o at_o this_o time_n for_o all_o be_v out_o of_o joint_a both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o when_o it_o will_v be_v better_o god_n know_v to_o he_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o the_o amendment_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o lay_v on_o we_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o national_a and_o particular_a sin_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o evil_n date_v out_o of_o somersetshire_n aprilis_fw-la 27._o 1641._o to_o another_o thus_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o we_o hear_v of_o great_a disturbance_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a etc._n etc._n i_o beseech_v you_o take_v my_o brief_a opinion_n we_o here_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o right_a government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o i_o very_o think_v and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v judge_v upon_o better_a consideration_n and_o some_o pain_n take_v in_o search_v after_o the_o bottom_n of_o some_o thing_n some_o electory_n way_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o kingdom_n no_o such_o way_n for_o government_n of_o englishman_n as_o a_o monarchy_n of_o christian_n as_o by_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o their_o line_n better_a yield_v to_o many_o pressure_n in_o a_o monarchy_n then_o for_o subject_n to_o destroy_v and_o spoil_v one_o another_o if_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o advise_v a_o word_n i_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o have_v a_o care_n and_o so_o all_o your_o friend_n you_o prejudice_n not_o your_o estate_n or_o posterity_n by_o too_o much_o oppose_v the_o regal_a power_n for_o i_o very_o believe_v the_o king_n majesty_n have_v in_o general_a a_o good_a cause_n touch_v episcopacy_n my_o reason_n i_o can_v better_o deliver_v in_o presence_n if_o haply_o god_n give_v opportunity_n to_o see_v you_o or_o if_o you_o require_v it_o hereafter_o i_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o present_v my_o thought_n unto_o you_o all_o this_o as_o i_o shall_v answer_v before_o the_o lord_n without_o any_o by-respect_n if_o you_o be_v here_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v see_v more_o than_o i_o can_v but_o i_o think_v you_o will_v be_v much_o of_o my_o mind_n from_o boston_n in_o n._n e._n septemb._n 4._o 1640._o to_o another_o of_o no_o mean_a rank_n complain_v of_o my_o suffering_n and_o show_v the_o reason_n desire_v he_o to_o send_v for_o i_o that_o i_o may_v declare_v they_o to_o his_o person_n more_o effectual_o from_o boston_n in_o n._n e._n march_n 1640._o to_o another_o you_o know_v my_o condition_n and_o employment_n and_o how_o ill_o it_o go_v with_o i_o in_o england_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o trouble_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o my_o own_o danger_n thereby_o for_o my_o outward_a subsistence_n here_o at_o this_o time_n god_n know_v it_o be_v but_o mean_a some_o say_v it_o be_v my_o own_o fault_n and_o that_o i_o stand_v in_o my_o own_o light_n and_o you_o and_o other_o may_v so_o conceive_v but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n be_v my_o witness_n i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n though_o sometime_o i_o have_v fail_v i_o have_v endeavour_v lay_v all_o by-respect_n aside_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n here_o but_o can_v yet_o be_v satisfy_v in_o divers_a particular_n whereby_o i_o be_o keep_v from_o all_o place_n of_o employment_n or_o preferment_n as_o i_o have_v have_v overture_n make_v unto_o i_o of_o if_o i_o will_v or_o can_v yield_v but_o hitherto_o i_o have_v not_o dare_v to_o do_v it_o for_o good_a reason_n best_o know_v to_o our_o heavenly_a witness_n i_o must_v give_v you_o a_o taste_n they_o hold_v their_o covenant_n constitute_v their_o church_n and_o that_o imply_v we_o that_o come_v to_o join_v with_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n whence_o we_o come_v and_o that_o i_o dare_v not_o profess_v again_o here_o be_v require_v such_o confession_n and_o profession_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a both_o by_o man_n and_o woman_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v that_o three_o part_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o country_n remain_v out_o of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o in_o short_a time_n most_o of_o the_o people_n will_v remain_v unbaptised_a if_o this_o course_n hold_v and_o be_v we_o fear_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n a_o thing_n not_o tend_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o peace_n which_o though_o it_o have_v a_o colour_n of_o sanctimony_n and_o strictness_n whereby_o many_o well-affected_a or_o affectionate_a people_n but_o weak_a in_o sound_a experience_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o rather_o draw_v thereunto_o and_o they_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n necessitate_v to_o it_o to_o maintain_v their_o election_n of_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n in_o their_o own_o way_n of_o popular_a or_o aristocratical_a government_n i_o dare_v not_o for_o my_o part_n yield_v unto_o neither_o in_o my_o own_o conscience_n nor_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o person_n with_o who_o i_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o in_o who_o cause_n i_o have_v be_v see_v a_o monarchy_n be_v the_o best_a government_n for_o englishman_n better_a to_o suffer_v some_o pressure_n under_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n then_o to_o spoil_v one_o another_o with_o popular_a election_n again_o i_o can_v yield_v to_o lay-elder_n nor_o that_o layman_n shall_v impose_v hand_n upon_o any_o to_o the_o ministry_n nor_o that_o any_o minister_n shall_v renounce_v his_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o receive_v in_o england_n as_o antichristian_a it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n and_o palpable_a schism_n then_o our_o baptism_n be_v not_o right_a and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o separation_n also_o i_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n without_o a_o true_a minister_n nor_o can_v any_o gather_v themselves_o together_o into_o a_o church_n without_o a_o true_a minister_n nor_o can_v they_o ordain_v their_o own_o minister_n ordinary_o i_o mean_v what_o may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o extraorninary_a case_n pro_fw-la prima_fw-la vice_fw-la be_v another_o question_n i_o hold_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o apostolical_a bishop_n by_o succession_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n superior_a in_o order_n or_o degree_n to_o his_o brethren_n which_o bishop_n ought_v to_o ordain_v and_o rule_v with_o other_o presbyter_n or_o alone_o but_o presbyter_n can_v without_o he_o and_o if_o so_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o word_n or_o act_n pass_v from_o i_o to_o the_o contrary_a hereof_o i_o do_v profess_v it_o be_v in_o my_o ignorance_n their_o calling_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n or_o near_a thereunto_o else_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v not_o have_v subsist_v in_o any_o tolerable_a way_n of_o peace_n through_o all_o this_o by-past_a time_n of_o 1600_o year_n i_o fear_v they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v that_o say_v the_o contrary_a let_v they_o come_v here_o they_o will_v quick_o change_v their_o mind_n if_o they_o study_v the_o point_n and_o follow_v it_o home_o for_o beside_o the_o keep_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o a_o pure_a and_o able_a learned_a ministry_n how_o can_v the_o gospel_n be_v propagate_v without_o some_o special_a minister_n have_v the_o power_n apostolical_a to_o go_v forth_o to_o convert_v indian_n or_o pagan_n if_o a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n or_o christian_a of_o any_o church_n shall_v do_v so_o what_o have_v he_o to_o do_v with_o infidel_n as_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n he_o be_v no_o pastor_n to_o they_o therefore_o if_o any_o be_v send_v to_o convert_v and_o establish_v church_n among_o infidel_n such_o as_o be_v send_v be_v apostolic_a messenger_n bishop_n or_o minister_n to_o they_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v send_v with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o have_v convert_v infidel_n may_v plant_v church_n and_o ordain_v minister_n among_o they_o and_o afterwards_o visit_v they_o and_o be_v not_o this_o episcopacy_n and_o their_o line_n wherein_o they_o have_v go_v their_o diocese_n these_o thing_n natural_o flow_v from_o and_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o word_n or_o equity_n thereof_o and_o mere_a necessity_n now_o if_o all_o minister_n shall_v ordinary_o have_v this_o authority_n to_o go_v forth_o to_o these_o work_n without_o mission_n what_o quarrel_v there_o will_v be_v for_o division_n of_o line_n or_o diocese_n let_v the_o experience_n of_o former_a age_n tell_v yea_o of_o the_o apostolic_a time_n wherein_o be_v not_o want_v those_o that_o quarrel_v with_o saint_n paul_n himself_o about_o his_o line_n or_o rule_n 2_o cor._n 10._o now_o unto_o this_o confusion_n tend_v the_o opinion_n that_o say_v a_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n be_v all_o one_o and_o equal_a
the_o whole_a church_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o as_o i_o take_v it_o beside_o many_o of_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o infirmity_n but_o such_o as_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o protest_v against_o yet_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v some_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o who_o will_v help_v to_o mend_v thing_n if_o they_o be_v able_a and_o i_o hope_v will_v do_v their_o endeavour_n and_o i_o think_v that_o wise_a man_n than_o they_o go_v into_o a_o wilderness_n to_o set_v up_o another_o strange_a government_n differ_v from_o the_o settle_a government_n here_o may_v have_v fall_v into_o great_a error_n than_o they_o have_v do_v neither_o have_v i_o the_o least_o aim_n to_o retard_v or_o hinder_v a_o happy_a and_o desire_a reformation_n of_o thing_n amiss_o either_o in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n but_o daily_o and_o earnest_o pray_v to_o god_n almighty_a the_o god_n of_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n that_o he_o please_v so_o to_o direct_v his_o royal_a majesty_n and_o his_o wise_a and_o honourable_a counsel_n the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n that_o they_o may_v fall_v upon_o so_o due_a and_o fair_a a_o moderation_n as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o his_o royal_a majesty_n and_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o good_a subject_n vale_fw-la clement_n inn_n jan._n 17._o 1641._o thomas_n lechford_n a_o table_n of_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o this_o discourse_n 1._o the_o church-government_n and_o administration_n in_o the_o bay_n of_o the_o mattachuset_n page_n 2._o 2._o their_o public_a worship_n 16_o 3._o touch_v the_o government_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n there_o 23_o 4._o certain_a proposition_n to_o the_o general_a court_n concerning_o record_v of_o civil_a cause_n 29_o 5._o a_o paper_n of_o the_o church_n her_o liberty_n 31_o 6._o a_o paper_n intend_v for_o the_o worshipful_a john_n winthrop_n esquire_n late_a governor_n touch_v baptise_v of_o those_o they_o term_v without_o and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o infidel_n native_n 34_o 7._o the_o minister_n and_o magistrate_n their_o name_n 37_o 8._o the_o state_n of_o the_o country_n in_o the_o bay_n and_o thereabouts_o 47_o 9_o a_o relation_n concerning_o the_o native_n or_o indian_n 49_o 10._o some_o late_a occurrence_n touch_v episcopacy_n 53_o 11._o three_o question_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o boston_n and_o their_o answer_n 55_o 12._o a_o paper_n of_o exception_n to_o their_o government_n 56_o 13._o forty_o quaeres_fw-la about_o plant_v and_o govern_v of_o church_n and_o other_o experiment_n 58_o 14._o a_o abstract_n of_o certain_a letter_n 68_o 15._o the_o conclusion_n 78_o plaine_n deal_v or_o news_n from_o new-england_n have_v be_v forth_o of_o my_o native_a country_n almost_o for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o year_n last_o past_a and_o now_o through_o the_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n return_v many_o of_o my_o friend_n desire_v to_o know_v of_o i_o the_o manner_n of_o government_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o i_o come_v new_a england_n i_o think_v good_a to_o declare_v my_o knowledge_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o brief_o as_o i_o may_v i_o conceive_v and_o hope_n it_o may_v be_v profitable_a in_o these_o time_n of_o disquisition_n for_o the_o church_n government_n and_o administration_n in_o the_o bay_n of_o the_o mattachuset_n there_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v there_o after_o this_o manner_n a_o convenient_a or_o competent_a number_n of_o christian_n allow_v by_o the_o general_a court_n to_o plant_v together_o at_o a_o day_n prefix_v come_v together_o in_o public_a manner_n in_o some_o fit_a place_n and_o there_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n one_o unto_o another_o and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o one_o another_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o solemlny_v enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o a_o other_o which_o be_v call_v their_o church_n covenant_n and_o hold_v by_o they_o to_o constitute_v a_o church_n to_o this_o effect_n viz._n covenant_n to_o forsake_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o sinful_a world_n and_o all_o their_o former_a lust_n and_o corruption_n they_o have_v live_v and_o walk_v in_o and_o to_o cleave_v unto_o and_o obey_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n their_o only_a priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o to_o walk_v together_o with_o that_o church_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o one_o unto_o a_o other_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o mutual_a edification_n and_o comfort_n to_o watch_v over_o and_o support_v one_o another_o whereby_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o such_o a_o place_n which_o before_o they_o say_v be_v no_o church_n nor_o of_o any_o church_n except_o the_o invisible_a after_o this_o officer_n they_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o some_o other_o all_o be_v together_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n deacon_n if_o they_o have_v fit_a man_n enough_o to_o supply_v those_o place_n else_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o they_o can_v be_v provide_v of_o then_o they_o set_v another_o day_n for_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o say_a officer_n ordination_n and_o appoint_v some_o of_o themselves_o to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o officer_n which_o be_v do_v in_o a_o public_a day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n where_o there_o be_v minister_n or_o elder_n before_o they_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o new_a officer_n but_o where_o there_o be_v none_o there_o some_o of_o their_o chief_a man_n two_o or_o three_o of_o good_a report_n among_o they_o though_o not_o of_o the_o ministry_n do_v by_o appointment_n of_o the_o say_a church_n lay_v hand_n upon_o they_o and_o after_o the_o say_a ordination_n if_o there_o be_v any_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n present_a as_o of_o late_a i_o have_v know_v divers_a have_v be_v present_a under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n they_o give_v the_o new_a officer_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n church_n take_v they_o by_o the_o right_a hand_n every_o one_o several_o or_o else_o sometime_o one_o foreign_a elder_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n with_o a_o set_a speech_n unto_o they_o notice_n be_v give_v in_o divers_a church_n or_o other_o place_n beforehand_o of_o the_o gather_n of_o every_o church_n divers_a week_n before_o and_o so_o also_o of_o every_o ordination_n and_o some_o minister_n or_o other_o as_o messenger_n from_o other_o church_n be_v usual_o present_a at_o such_o gather_n of_o church_n and_o ordination_n for_o sometime_o magistrate_n captain_n gentleman_n and_o other_o mean_a brethren_n be_v make_v messenger_n of_o church_n for_o those_o and_o other_o purpose_n never_o have_v have_v imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o at_o plant_v of_o a_o church_n or_o gather_v as_o they_o term_v it_o one_o of_o the_o church_n messenger_n of_o foreign_a church_n examine_v and_o try_v the_o man_n to_o be_v mould_v into_o a_o church_n discern_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o their_o covenant_n be_v before_o ready_o make_v write_v subscribe_v and_o here_o read_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o decern_v and_o pronounce_v they_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o all_o this_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church-messenger_n present_a and_o their_o church_n so_o do_v master_n weld_n at_o the_o found_n of_o weymouth_n church_n or_o to_o this_o effect_n and_o the_o general_a court_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o church_n otherwise_o gather_v differ_v some_o minister_n have_v there_o heretofore_o as_o i_o have_v hear_v disclaim_v the_o power_n of_o their_o ministry_n receive_v in_o england_n but_o other_o among_o they_o have_v not_o general_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o hold_v the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n office_n to_o be_v distinct_a the_o teacher_n to_o minister_v a_o word_n of_o knowledge_n the_o pastor_n a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n but_o some_o hold_v they_o all_o one_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o watertowne_n there_o be_v two_o pastor_n neither_o will_v that_o church_n send_v any_o messenger_n to_o any_o other_o church-gathering_n or_o ordination_n there_o when_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n come_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o gather_v he_o or_o she_o come_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o private_a at_o one_o of_o their_o house_n or_o some_o other_o place_n appoint_v upon_o the_o week_n day_n and_o make_v know_v their_o desire_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n with_o that_o church_n and_o then_o the_o roll_a elder_n or_o one_o of_o they_o require_v or_o ask_v he_o or_o she_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o soul_n
bar_v the_o other_o to_o intermeddle_v independent_a every_o church_n have_v power_n of_o government_n in_o and_o by_o itself_o and_o no_o church_n or_o officer_n have_v power_n over_o one_o another_o but_o by_o way_n of_o advice_n or_o counsel_n voluntary_o give_v or_o beseech_v save_v that_o the_o general_a court_n now_o and_o then_o over-rule_v some_o church_n matter_n and_o of_o late_a divers_a of_o the_o ministry_n have_v have_v set_v meeting_n to_o order_n church_n matter_n whereby_o it_o be_v conceive_v they_o bend_v towards_o presbyterian_a rule_n church_n in_o boston_n they_o rule_v most_o an-end_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n if_o they_o can_v both_o in_o admission_n and_o censure_n and_o other_o thing_n in_o salem_n they_o rule_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n you_o that_o be_v so_o mind_v hold_v up_o your_o hand_n england_n you_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v hold_v up_o you_o in_o boston_n when_o they_o can_v agree_v in_o a_o matter_n they_o will_v sometime_o refer_v it_o to_o some_o select_a brethren_n to_o hear_v and_o end_n or_o to_o certify_v the_o church_n and_o any_o brethren_n that_o will_v to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o discuss_v in_o private_a some_o church_n have_v no_o rule_v elder_n officer_n some_o but_o one_o some_o but_o one_o teach_v elder_a some_o have_v two_o rule_v and_o two_o teach_v elder_n some_o one_o some_o two_o or_o three_o deacon_n some_o hold_v that_o one_o minister_n be_v enough_o for_o a_o small_a number_n of_o people_n no_o church_n there_o have_v a_o deaconess_n as_o far_o as_o i_o know_v where_o farm_n or_o village_n be_v ease_n as_o at_o rumney-marsh_n and_o marblehead_n there_o a_o minister_n or_o a_o brother_n of_o one_o of_o the_o congregation_n of_o boston_n for_o the_o marsh_n place_n and_o of_o salem_n for_o marblehead_n preach_v and_o exercise_v prayer_n every_o lord_n day_n which_o be_v call_v prophesy_v in_o such_o a_o place_n prophesy_v and_o so_o it_o be_v heretofore_o at_o mountwoollaston_n within_o boston_n precinct_n though_o since_o it_o become_v a_o church_n now_o call_v of_o braintree_n but_o before_o they_o of_o the_o mount_n do_v and_o those_o of_o the_o marsh_n and_o marblehead_n still_o come_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n at_o boston_n and_o salem_n respective_o and_o some_o of_o braintree_n still_o receive_v at_o boston_n also_o when_o a_o minister_n preach_v abroad_o licence_n in_o another_o congregation_n the_o roll_a elder_n of_o the_o place_n after_o the_o psalm_n sing_v say_v public_o if_o this_o present_a brother_n have_v any_o word_n of_o exhortation_n for_o the_o people_n england_n at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n let_v he_o say_v on_o this_o be_v hold_v prophesy_v also_o the_o confession_n or_o speech_n make_v by_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v have_v be_v by_o some_o hold_v prophesy_v and_o when_o a_o brother_n exercise_v in_o his_o own_o congregation_n as_o at_o salem_n they_o do_v sometime_o take_v a_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o handle_v the_o same_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v general_o hold_v in_o the_o bay_n by_o some_o of_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o that_o none_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prophesy_v in_o public_a unless_o he_o intend_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o so_o in_o some_o place_n as_o in_o school_n *_o church_n and_o not_o abroad_o without_o they_o have_v both_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o mission_n or_o permission_n because_o prophesy_v proper_o have_v its_o denomination_n from_o *_o 13.2_o understand_v prophetical_a scripture_n which_o to_o know_v discreet_o to_o handle_v require_v good_a learning_n skill_n in_o tongue_n great_a fidelity_n and_o good_a conscience_n the_o public_a worship_n morning_n the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o as_o fair_a a_o meeting_n house_n as_o they_o can_v provide_v wherein_o in_o most_o place_n they_o have_v be_v at_o great_a charge_n every_o sabbath_n or_o lord_n day_n they_o come_v together_o at_o boston_n by_o wring_v of_o a_o bell_n about_o nine_o of_o the_o clock_n or_o before_o the_o pastor_n begin_v with_o solemn_a prayer_n continue_v about_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n the_o teacher_n then_o read_v and_o expound_v a_o chapter_n then_o a_o psalm_n be_v sing_v which_o ever_o one_o of_o the_o roll_a elder_n dictate_v after_o that_o the_o pastor_n preach_v a_o sermon_n and_o sometime_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la exhort_v then_o the_o teacher_n conclude_v with_o prayer_n and_o a_o blessing_n supper_n once_o a_o month_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereof_o notice_n be_v give_v usual_o a_o fortnight_n before_o and_o then_o all_o other_o depart_v save_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n less_o in_o number_n then_o those_o that_o go_v away_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o minister_n and_o roll_a elder_n sit_v at_o the_o table_n the_o rest_n in_o their_o seat_n or_o upon_o form_n all_o can_v see_v the_o minister_n consecrate_v unless_o they_o stand_v up_o and_o make_v a_o narrow_a shift_n the_o one_o of_o the_o teach_v elder_n pray_v before_o and_o bless_v and_o consecrate_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n the_o other_o pray_v after_o the_o receive_n of_o all_o the_o member_n and_o next_o communion_n they_o change_v turn_n he_o that_o begin_v at_o that_o end_n at_o this_o and_o the_o minister_n deliver_v the_o bread_n in_o a_o charger_n to_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o peradventure_o give_v to_o a_o few_o the_o bread_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o deliver_v the_o charger_n from_o one_o to_o another_o till_o all_o have_v eat_v in_o like_o manner_n the_o cup_n till_o all_o have_v drink_v go_v from_o one_o to_o another_o then_o a_o psalm_n be_v sing_v and_o with_o a_o short_a blessing_n the_o congregation_n be_v dismiss_v any_o one_o though_o not_o of_o the_o church_n may_v in_o boston_n come_v in_o and_o *_o member_n see_v the_o sacrament_n administer_v if_o he_o will_v but_o none_o of_o any_o church_n in_o the_o country_n may_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n there_o without_o leave_n of_o the_o congregation_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o come_v to_o one_o of_o the_o roll_a elder_n who_o propound_v his_o name_n to_o the_o congregation_n before_o they_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n about_o two_o in_o the_o afternoon_n afternoon_n they_o repair_v to_o the_o meetinghouse_n again_o and_o than_o the_o pastor_n begin_v as_o before_o noon_n and_o a_o psalm_n be_v sing_v the_o teacher_n make_v a_o sermon_n he_o be_v wont_a when_o i_o come_v first_o to_o read_v and_o expound_v a_o chapter_n also_o before_o his_o sermon_n in_o the_o afternoon_n after_o and_o before_o his_o sermon_n he_o pray_v baptism_n after_o that_o ensue_v baptism_n if_o there_o be_v any_o which_o be_v do_v by_o either_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o deacon_n seat_n the_o most_o eminent_a place_n in_o the_o church_n next_o under_o the_o elder_n seat_n the_o pastor_n most_o common_o make_v a_o speech_n or_o exhortation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o parent_n concerning_o baptism_n and_o then_o pray_v before_o and_o after_o it_o be_v do_v by_o wash_v or_o sprinkle_n one_o of_o the_o parent_n be_v of_o the_o church_n the_o child_n may_v be_v baptise_v and_o the_o baptism_n be_v into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n no_o surety_n be_v require_v contribution_n which_o end_v follow_v the_o contribution_n one_o of_o the_o deacon_n say_v brethren_n of_o the_o congregation_n now_o there_o be_v time_n leave_v for_o contribution_n wherefore_o as_o god_n have_v prosper_v you_o so_o free_o offer_v upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n as_o build_v and_o repair_v of_o church_n or_o meeting-house_n or_o other_o necessity_n the_o minister_n press_v a_o liberal_a contribution_n with_o effectual_a exhortation_n out_o of_o scripture_n the_o magistrate_n and_o chief_a gentleman_n first_o and_o then_o the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o man_n and_o most_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n all_o single_a person_n widow_n and_o woman_n in_o absence_n of_o their_o husband_n come_v up_o one_o after_o another_o one_o way_n and_o bring_v their_o offering_n to_o the_o deacon_n at_o his_o seat_n and_o put_v it_o into_o a_o box_n of_o wood_n for_o the_o purpose_n if_o it_o be_v money_n or_o paper_n if_o it_o be_v any_o other_o chattel_n they_o set_v it_o or_o lay_v it_o down_o before_o the_o deacon_n and_o so_o pass_v another_o way_n to_o their_o seat_n again_o this_o contribution_n be_v of_o money_n or_o paper_n promise_v so_o much_o money_n i_o have_v see_v a_o fair_a gild_a cup_n with_o a_o cover_n offer_v there_o by_o one_o which_o be_v still_o use_v at_o the_o communion_n which_o money_n and_o good_n the_o deacon_n dispose_v towards_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o
people_n of_o god_n who_o now_o see_v the_o top_n of_o thing_n only_o may_v safe_o condemn_v the_o foundation_n which_o we_o have_v not_o see_v 36._o whether_o be_v there_o not_o a_o difference_n between_o bare_a speculation_n and_o knowledge_n join_v with_o sound_a experience_n and_o between_o the_o experience_n of_o divine_n and_o people_n reform_v from_o out_o of_o some_o deep_a corruption_n in_o church_n call_v christian_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o that_o have_v converse_v in_o and_o about_o plant_v and_o build_v church_n where_o there_o be_v none_o before_o or_o among_o heathen_n what_o be_v art_n many_o time_n without_o experience_n 37._o whether_o those_o author_n from_o hierome_n to_o archbishop_n adamson_n that_o allege_v all_o presbyter_n to_o be_v equal_a and_o shall_v always_o have_v equal_a power_n and_o authority_n have_v any_o great_a skill_n or_o will_v or_o experience_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o church_n among_o heathen_n or_o barbarous_a nation_n 38._o if_o not_o whether_o their_o testimony_n be_v of_o that_o validity_n as_o be_v think_v by_o some_o if_o they_o have_v whether_o they_o may_v not_o err_v 39_o whether_o messenger_n send_v by_o church_n or_o minister_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o go_v to_o gather_v or_o plant_v church_n and_o to_o ordain_v or_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o minister_n in_o those_o church_n and_o to_o appease_v difference_n in_o church_n affair_n be_v not_o episcopal_a act_n 40._o be_v episcopacy_n or_o a_o superintendency_n necessary_a at_o new-england_n and_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a in_o more_o populous_a place_n be_v there_o not_o some_o nay_o many_o depth_n and_o u_o 10_o mystery_n in_o god_n holy_a word_n the_o scripture_n and_o certain_a catholic_a interpretation_n which_o transgress_v the_o faith_n be_v hurt_v be_v it_o possible_a convenient_a or_o necessary_a for_o all_o man_n nay_o all_o minister_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o mystery_n or_o to_o have_v the_o like_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n faith_n mercifulness_n wisdom_n patience_n long_o suffer_v courage_n whereby_o to_o be_v enable_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereto_o they_o be_v educate_v try_v choose_a and_o ordain_v and_o do_v not_o the_o sacred_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o god_n of_o holy_a church_n and_o of_o this_o kingdom_n attribute_v much_o yea_o very_o much_o trust_v and_o confidence_n to_o the_o chief_a pastor_n leader_n and_o ruler_n the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o prime_a and_o metropolitical_a church_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o and_o with_o and_o under_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n the_o chief_a the_o best_a cement_n of_o government_n though_o much_o be_v also_o in_o other_o member_n of_o the_o great_a body_n the_o church_n to_o counsel_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v the_o whole_a in_o the_o faith_n soundness_n peace_n and_o unity_n especial_o the_o chief_a leader_n when_o need_n require_v hence_o what_o government_n for_o christian_n in_o chief_a but_o by_o pious_a learned_a provincial_n and_o diocesan_n bishop_n especial_o in_o england_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o just_a examination_n of_o the_o whole_a those_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o learned_a may_v easy_o gather_v what_o good_a reason_n i_o have_v and_o have_v to_o return_v as_o now_o humble_o i_o do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o who_o peace_n purity_n and_o prosperity_n be_v the_o daily_a prayer_n of_o one_o of_o her_o most_o unworthy_a son_n clement_n inn_n novemb._n 16._o 1641._o thomas_n lechford_n to_o a_o friend_n sir_n here_o be_v a_o good_a land_n and_o yield_v many_o good_a commodity_n especial_o fish_n and_o fur_n corn_n and_o other_o rich_a thing_n if_o well_o follow_v and_o if_o that_o popular_a election_n destroy_v we_o not_o it_o be_v a_o good_a land_n i_o say_v that_o instruct_v we_o to_o repentance_n when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o good_a land_n we_o come_v from_o what_o good_a law_n and_o government_n we_o have_v leave_v to_o make_v experiment_n of_o govern_v ourselves_o here_o by_o new_a way_n wherein_o like_o young_a physician_n of_o necessity_n we_o must_v hurt_v and_o spoil_v one_o another_o a_o great_a while_n before_o we_o come_v to_o such_o a_o settle_a commonwealth_n or_o church-government_n as_o be_v in_o england_n i_o thank_v god_n now_o i_o understand_v by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o government_n for_o english_a man_n or_o any_o nation_n as_o a_o monarchy_n nor_o for_o christian_n as_o by_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n under_o godly_a diocesan_n bishop_n deduce_v their_o station_n and_o call_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o descent_n or_o succession_n a_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n than_o ceremony_n will_v to_o god_n i_o have_v know_v it_o soon_o which_o while_o i_o have_v in_o my_o place_n stand_v for_o here_o these_o two_o year_n and_o not_o agree_v to_o this_o new_a discipline_n impossible_a to_o be_v execute_v or_o long_o continue_v what_o i_o have_v suffer_v many_o here_o can_v tell_v i_o be_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o place_n of_o preferment_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o force_v to_o get_v my_o live_n by_o write_v petty_a thing_n which_o scarce_o find_v i_o bread_n and_o therefore_o sometime_o i_o look_v to_o plant_v of_o corn_n but_o have_v not_o yet_o here_o a_o house_n of_o my_o own_o to_o put_v my_o head_n in_o or_o any_o stock_n go_v whereupon_o i_o be_v determine_v to_o come_v back_o but_o by_o the_o over-entreaty_n of_o some_o friend_n i_o here_o think_v to_o stay_v a_o while_n long_o hope_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v short_o give_v a_o good_a issue_n to_o thing_n both_o in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o scotland_n and_o here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n i_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o see_v my_o lord_n bishop_n of_o exeter_n book_n it_o give_v i_o much_o satisfaction_n if_o the_o people_n may_v make_v minister_n or_o any_o minister_n make_v other_o without_o a_o apostolical_a bishop_n what_o confusion_n will_v there_o be_v if_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o every_o congregation_n as_o our_o good_a man_n think_v have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n how_o many_o bishop_n than_o shall_v we_o have_v if_o every_o parish_n or_o congregation_n be_v so_o free_a and_o independent_a as_o they_o term_v it_o what_o unity_n can_v we_o expect_v glad_a also_o be_v i_o to_o see_v master_n ball_n book_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o separation_n both_o which_o be_v new_o come_v over_o and_o i_o hope_v will_v work_v much_o good_a among_o we_o here_o and_o whereas_o i_o be_v sometime_o mislead_v by_o those_o of_o opinion_n that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o all_o minister_n be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o necessary_a propagation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o experimental_a footstep_n here_o i_o quick_o see_v my_o error_n for_o beside_o if_o the_o congregation_n be_v not_o unite_v under_o one_o diocesan_n in_o fit_a compass_n they_o be_v in_o a_o confusion_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o classical_a pretendment_n how_o can_v the_o gospel_n be_v propagate_v to_o the_o indian_n without_o a_o apostolical_a bishop_n if_o any_o church_n or_o people_n by_o the_o king_n leave_n send_v forth_o minister_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o poor_a indian_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o must_v have_v at_o least_o apostolical_a power_n to_o ordain_v minister_n or_o elder_n in_o every_o congregation_n among_o they_o and_o when_o they_o have_v so_o do_v they_o have_v power_n of_o visitation_n where_o they_o plant_v nor_o can_v they_o without_o just_a cause_n be_v thrust_v out_o from_o government_n without_o great_a impiety_n and_o where_o they_o have_v plant_v that_o be_v their_o line_n or_o diocese_n thus_o i_o come_v to_o see_v that_o of_o necessity_n a_o diocese_n and_o bishop_n diocesan_n be_v very_o near_o if_o not_o altogether_o of_o divine_a authority_n i_o be_o also_o of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o our_o minister_n to_o learn_v how_o to_o do_v this_o work_n from_o some_o of_o our_o reverend_a bishop_n in_o england_n for_o i_o fear_v our_o minister_n know_v not_o how_o to_o go_v about_o it_o whether_o must_v not_o some_o minister_n learn_v their_o language_n it_o be_v a_o copious_a language_n as_o i_o be_o inform_v and_o they_o have_v as_o many_o word_n to_o express_v one_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v and_o when_o they_o teach_v indian_n to_o pray_v will_v they_o not_o teach_v they_o by_o a_o form_n and_o how_o can_v god_n worship_n be_v maintain_v among_o ignorant_a person_n without_o a_o form_n i_o be_o firm_a of_o opinion_n that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v be_v much_o behold_v to_o the_o word_n read_v and_o form_n of_o prayer_n from_o boston_n in_o n.e._n iulii_fw-la 28._o 1640._o this_o gentleman_n