weak_a believer_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v he_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3._o three_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n and_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o be_v the_o rock_n on_o which_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v for_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n whereunto_o he_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o now_o if_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n than_o we_o shall_v build_v a_o church_n without_o a_o foundation_n if_o we_o receive_v such_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o do_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o either_o through_o ignorance_n make_v no_o profession_n at_o all_o or_o such_o a_o verbal_a profession_n as_o savour_v not_o of_o any_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o father_n by_o his_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n expostulate_v with_o such_o a_o guest_n as_o come_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n even_o unto_o his_o table_n not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n mat._n 22.12_o and_o do_v not_o expostulation_n intimate_v a_o taxation_n also_o of_o they_o by_o who_o connivance_n he_o come_v in_o where_o he_o say_v how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n impute_v it_o to_o the_o sleepiness_n that_o be_v to_o the_o remissness_n and_o negligence_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o tare_n be_v sow_v in_o his_o field_n among_o the_o wheat_n mat._n 13.25.38.39_o four_o such_o as_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o join_v with_o and_o command_v to_o turn_v from_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o five_o can_v any_o man_n judge_v such_o person_n fit_a material_n for_o the_o constitute_n and_o edify_v of_o a_o church_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n as_o all_o hypocrite_n will_v at_o length_n they_o procure_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n rev._n 2.4_o we_o pass_v by_o the_o type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o without_o their_o due_a weight_n it_o be_v touch_v above_o that_o rough_a stone_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n till_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o prepare_v before_o 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o solomon_n be_v here_o and_o a_o great_a temple_n then_o that_o of_o solomon_n the_o attendance_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o porter_n suffer_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v unclean_a in_o any_o thing_n 2_o chro._n 23.19_o do_v it_o not_o evident_o type_n forth_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o suffer_v none_o unclean_a unclean_a in_o estate_n or_o course_n of_o life_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n well_o then_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n it_o can_v be_v think_v a_o unseasonable_a curiosity_n but_o rather_o hold_v a_o due_a and_o faithful_a watchfulness_n in_o the_o officer_n and_o body_n of_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v a_o due_a trial_n of_o man_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n as_o john_n baptist_n do_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o philip_n do_v act._n 8.37_o before_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o excessive_a austerity_n in_o john_n but_o a_o holy_a faithfulness_n and_o godly_a zeal_n not_o only_o to_o repulse_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n mat._n 3.7_o but_o the_o profane_a people_n also_o from_o his_o baptism_n luk._n 3.7_o as_o those_o who_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o therefore_o themselves_o be_v not_o meet_v for_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n luk._n 2.3_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o trial_n we_o do_v not_o exact_v eminent_a measure_n either_o of_o knowledge_n or_o holiness_n but_o do_v willing_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n such_o in_o who_o spirit_n we_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o christ_n in_o their_o sensible_a feel_n of_o a_o lose_a estate_n ☞_o ☞_o for_o we_o have_v rather_o 99_o hypocrite_n shall_v perish_v through_o presumption_n than_o one_o humble_a soul_n belong_v to_o christ_n shall_v sink_v under_o discouragement_n or_o despair_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v in_o it_o good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o tare_n for_o tare_n as_o hierome_n say_v be_v like_a to_o wheat_n sect_n iv_o come_v we_o now_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o second_o point_n why_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n 1._o meet_v it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v receive_v as_o one_o body_n unto_o christ_n by_o profess_v their_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o in_o the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o five_o part_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o fellowship_n by_o profession_n of_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n eadem_fw-la estratio_fw-la partium_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o the_o part_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o common_a nature_n of_o both_o and_o as_o all_o relative_n do_v they_o mutual_o argue_v one_o another_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o godly_a stranger_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n by_o faith_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o love_v his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n they_o add_v this_o duty_n over_o and_o above_o the_o former_a they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o sure_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o for_o their_o personal_a salvation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o when_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 3._o but_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o subjection_n to_o it_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o he_o cause_v to_o pass_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20.37_o object_n it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v proselyte_n who_o in_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v therein_o also_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n impli_v join_v to_o the_o church_n jer._n 50.5_o zech._n 2.11_o ans_fw-fr 1._o they_o that_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o text_n of_o jeremy_n and_o zachary_n do_v indeed_o in_o so_o do_v join_v in_o a_o church-body_n also_o for_o they_o who_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o multitude_n concur_v and_o consent_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n to_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o become_v his_o people_n but_o here_o in_o isaiah_n the_o eunuch_n and_o stranger_n be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o ready_a to_o complain_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o have_v utter_o separate_v they_o from_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 3._o as_o indeed_o he_o have_v by_o express_a law_n separate_v they_o that_o be_v prohibit_v they_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o deut._n 23.1_o 2_o 3._o against_o which_o law_n the_o lord_n comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o their_o eunuchicall_a estate_n nor_o the_o alienation_n or_o strangernesse_n of_o any_o nation_n shall_v be_v a_o impediment_n unto_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o lord_n house_n which_o be_v the_o church_n the_o join_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n as_o proselyte_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o disjoyn_v and_o separate_n from_o the_o lord_n people_n but_o the_o lord_n
murder_n rail_a extortion_n and_o the_o like_a or_o such_o as_o be_v general_o account_v damnable_a and_o detestable_a among_o christian_n as_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n profaneness_n etc._n etc._n we_o take_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o proceed_v more_o roundly_o against_o such_o for_o in_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_v we_o to_o such_o gradual_a proceed_n by_o private_a admonition_n but_o if_o any_o brother_n say_v he_o be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v for_o it_o do_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o honour_n of_o his_o church_n to_o accept_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n without_o further_a censure_n but_o it_o become_v the_o church_n be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n rather_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o fellowship_n of_o such_o notorious_a wickedness_n by_o expression_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o just_a indignation_n against_o such_o sin_n by_o cast_v out_o the_o committer_n thereof_o from_o fellowship_n among_o they_o for_o though_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o offender_n do_v remove_v any_o offence_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o wont_v ordinary_o to_o grant_v repentance_n unto_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n until_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o while_o the_o offender_n lie_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n though_o he_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o from_o all_o other_o liberty_n of_o church-fellowship_n as_o vote_v in_o election_n admission_n of_o member_n censure_n etc._n etc._n yet_o we_o do_v not_o debar_v he_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n or_o prayer_n or_o such_o other_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n for_o this_o liberty_n we_o do_v not_o forbid_v to_o heathen_n and_o indian_n and_o person_n excommunicate_a be_v but_o as_o heathen_n in_o respect_n of_o worship_n although_o worse_a than_o heathen_n even_o as_o publican_n in_o respect_n of_o familiar_a private_a communion_n for_o though_o we_o may_v eat_v with_o a_o heathen_a 1_o cor._n 10.27_o yet_o with_o a_o publican_n the_o jew_n will_v not_o eat_v mat._n 9.11_o no_o more_o may_v we_o with_o excommunicate_a person_n 2_o cor._n 5.11_o but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o a_o heathen_a be_v forbid_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o synagogue_n though_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v to_o they_o of_o a_o sacramental_a nature_n act._n 21.28_o 29._o nor_o may_v they_o enter_v as_o member_n into_o the_o congregation_n deut._n 13.13_o to_o 8._o but_o suppose_v heathen_n be_v forbid_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n even_o in_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o see_v that_o wall_n of_o partition_n between_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v now_o break_v down_o as_o in_o other_o respect_n so_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o now_o unlawful_a for_o a_o infidel_n or_o heathen_a to_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o 24_o 25._o as_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o like_a liberty_n either_o to_o indian_n or_o negars_n so_o not_o to_o excommunicate_v person_n moreover_o this_o further_a compassion_n and_o succour_n we_o afford_v to_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n that_o though_o we_o have_v cast_v he_o out_o of_o our_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o church-fellowship_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o cast_v he_o out_o also_o of_o our_o heart_n nor_o out_o of_o our_o prayer_n nor_o out_o of_o our_o care_n to_o recover_v such_o a_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n again_o and_o therefore_o still_o though_o we_o forbear_v all_o familiar_a fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o countenance_n towards_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o we_o account_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o still_o take_v opportunity_n to_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 15._o and_o if_o we_o find_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o the_o censure_n or_o by_o the_o rebuke_n of_o many_o minister_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v humble_v as_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 2_o cor._n 2.6_o the_o elder_n discover_v the_o same_o do_v call_v he_o forth_o before_o the_o church_n where_o he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n against_o he_o and_o hold_v forth_o a_o repent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v with_o common_a consent_n forgive_v he_o and_o comfort_v he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n to_o he_o by_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o into_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n house_n as_o before_z sect_n iii_o in_o all_o these_o transaction_n of_o church_n proceed_n when_o we_o say_v we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o with_o common_a consent_n our_o meaning_n be_v we_o do_v not_o carry_v on_o matter_n either_o by_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o general_a and_o joint_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o succeed_a age_n carry_v all_o their_o administration_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v with_o one_o accord_n act_v 2.46_o as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n and_o all_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n act._n 4.32_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o phil._n 2.2_o 3._o but_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o any_o difference_n do_v arise_v as_o sometime_o there_o do_v through_o the_o remain_a darkness_n of_o our_o mind_n see_v we_o all_o know_v but_o in_o part_n than_o such_o as_o do_v dissent_n from_o their_o brethren_n be_v require_v to_o propound_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o dissent_n which_o if_o they_o be_v weighty_a and_o hold_v forth_o from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n all_o the_o rest_n do_v submit_v and_o yield_v thereunto_o not_o as_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o brethren_n only_o but_o as_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n who_o voice_n alone_o must_v rule_v in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n will_v hear_v it_o and_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n will_v follow_v it_o thus_o paphnutius_fw-la be_v say_v to_o turn_v about_o the_o whole_a general_a council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o point_n of_o minister_n marriage_n but_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o as_o do_v dissent_n do_v upon_o due_a consideration_n appear_v to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o weight_n in_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o some_o other_o of_o the_o brethren_n do_v declare_v unto_o they_o the_o invalidity_n thereof_o if_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n do_v then_o proceed_v with_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v yet_o it_o be_v either_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o so_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o through_o strength_n of_o pride_n and_o so_o through_o stiffness_n of_o will_n if_o the_o former_a be_v the_o let_v they_o take_v further_a pain_n love_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o patient_o bear_v with_o they_o till_o matter_n be_v further_o clear_v so_o that_o at_o length_n they_o come_v either_o to_o consent_v to_o go_v along_o with_o their_o brethren_n or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v content_a to_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o for_o their_o part_n to_o sit_v still_o and_o to_o make_v no_o further_a deal_n with_o the_o church_n proceed_n but_o if_o through_o partialty_n or_o prejudice_n their_o dissent_n do_v appear_v to_o spring_v from_o stiffness_n of_o will_n or_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n which_o yet_o fall_v out_o very_o rare_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v by_o love_v and_o brotherly_a information_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o better_a judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o church_n do_v proceed_v with_o common_a consent_n to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o pride_n and_o self-willednesse_a and_o so_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n whereby_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o voice_n be_v take_v from_o they_o till_o they_o have_v remove_v this_o
as_o cyprian_n say_v lib._n 1._o ep._n 4._o maximè_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la then_o as_o he_o say_v there_o also_o potestatem_fw-la etiam_fw-la babet_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la &_o abdicandi_fw-la on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o elder_n have_v rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o do_v express_v it_o in_o sundry_a act_n of_o authority_n as_o 1._o in_o call_v the_o church_n together_o upon_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n act_v 6.2_o 2._o in_o open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o assembly_n act_v 13.15_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o the_o elder_n themselves_o lie_v under_o offence_n or_o suspicion_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v begin_v with_o they_o act_v 11.2_o yet_o with_o due_a reverence_n observe_v as_o to_o their_o year_n so_o to_o their_o place_n 1_o tim._n 5.1_o 3._o in_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v to_o 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by_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o church_n that_o when_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n be_v occasion_v to_o rest_n with_o we_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o the_o supper_n come_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o neither_o the_o person_n themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n they_o come_v from_o lie_v under_o any_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v admit_v they_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o for_o we_o look_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o only_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o also_o of_o our_o communion_n with_o his_o member_n and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n but_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n sect_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n we_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o in_o this_o wise_a when_o any_o of_o our_o member_n by_o occasion_n of_o business_n be_v call_v to_o reside_v and_o continue_v for_o any_o time_n in_o another_o town_n we_o 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brother_n unto_o another_o church_n be_v to_o dismiss_v he_o from_o his_o own_o we_o therefore_o for_o distinction_n sake_n call_v they_o letter_n of_o dismission_n which_o indeed_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o but_o that_o the_o former_a recommend_v he_o to_o another_o church_n for_o a_o time_n these_o for_o ever_o the_o brother_n thus_o dismiss_v to_o another_o church_n bring_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o elder_a of_o that_o church_n who_o read_v they_o before_o the_o church_n demand_v the_o church_n consent_n for_o his_o acceptance_n if_o he_o be_v well_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o they_o express_v their_o consent_n either_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n but_o if_o the_o man_n be_v whole_o unknown_a and_o doubt_v of_o by_o they_o though_o they_o reserve_v due_a honour_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o send_v they_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o church_n may_v err_v sometime_o as_o well_o in_o judgement_n of_o person_n as_o of_o 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the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_a or_o the_o way_n of_o church_n walk_v in_o brotherly_a equality_n or_o co-ordination_a without_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o measure_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o golden_a reed_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o churchway_n in_o all_o particular_n by_o mr._n j._n cotton_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n 1_o thes_n 5.22_o 23._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v by_o matthew_n simmons_n in_o aldersgate-streete_n 1645._o not_o in_o our_o apprehension_n be_v say_v to_o hold_v no_o analogy_n yet_o with_o much_o sweat_n and_o wile_n some_o messenger_n have_v get_v through_o that_o court_n of_o guard_n to_o anticipate_v or_o satisfy_v if_o it_o may_v be_v those_o clamourer_n for_o a_o large_a narration_n 1._o the_o 32._o question_n or_o church-government_n and_o church-covenant_n do_v by_o some_o elder_n of_o n._n e._n they_o have_v have_v with_o second_o of_o frequent_a intimation_n that_o we_o hold_v with_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n 2._o the_o apologetical_a narration_n they_o have_v have_v with_o our_o general_a approbation_n of_o it_o 3._o mr_n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o have_v have_v with_o our_o brethren_n epistle_n to_o it_o how_o far_o they_o approve_v it_o 4._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v in_o print_n 5._o we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o those_o our_o brethren_n former_o have_v tender_v themselves_o that_o in_o case_n they_o may_v be_v put_v into_o a_o committee_n or_o like_o meet_a posture_n for_o such_o a_o work_n they_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o a_o body_n with_o their_o ground_n and_o reason_n 6._o that_o now_o very_o late_o they_o give_v in_o seven_o 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his_o letter_n come_v from_o he_o in_o new-england_n to_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o very_a nick_n of_o time_n while_o this_o epistle_n lie_v under_o the_o press_n viz._n if_o you_o think_v the_o draught_n of_o church-discipline_n which_o be_v send_v over_o in_o your_o ship_n vari_v from_o that_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o keke_n send_v over_o the_o year_n after_o you_o may_v have_v some_o occasion_n so_o to_o conceive_v from_o some_o difference_n of_o expression_n in_o logical_a term_n but_o not_o a_o jote_n in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n or_o church-practise_a so_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o mr._n r._n m._n diverse_a objection_n former_o lay_v against_o the_o print_n of_o this_o book_n to_o the_o sad_n of_o the_o author_n some_z whereof_o be_v now_o answer_v by_o the_o late_a season_n of_o print_v it_o other_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o that_o conscientious_o and_o candid_o cry_v out_o for_o information_n other_o by_o the_o fore-printing_a of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o full_a mind_n and_o whole_a sphere_n of_o the_o author_n judgement_n in_o this_o other_o by_o that_o put_v forth_o in_o print_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o book_n before_o this_o be_v mid-wised_n by_o the_o press_n into_o the_o world_n all_o reason_n therefore_o now_o it_o can_v speak_v that_o it_o shall_v answer_v for_o itself_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o author_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o and_o of_o other_o too_o of_o the_o other_o judgement_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o call_v for_o full_a declaration_n the_o lord_n root_n out_o of_o all_o our_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n that_o we_o call_v not_o for_o book_n with_o a_o resolution_n rather_o to_o confute_v they_o as_o we_o imagine_v then_o to_o throw_v down_o ourselves_o humble_o under_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n we_o be_v now_o fight_v modo_fw-la militari_fw-la for_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o fight_v against_o it_o more_o ecclesiastico_fw-la with_o how_o much_o gravity_n solidity_n and_o modesty_n have_v mr._n cotton_n the_o apologist_n the_o author_n of_o 32._o question_n or_o church_n covenant_n and_o other_o mild_a and_o judicious_a author_n write_v in_o our_o cause_n but_o with_o what_o a_o different_a spirit_n have_v the_o adverse_a part_n reply_v as_o if_o personal_a invective_n and_o imbittr_v a_o stile_n be_v god_n way_n of_o better_v a_o cause_n or_o batter_v a_o opinion_n here_o be_v a_o book_n so_o grave_a and_o solid_a that_o it_o can_v be_v just_o despise_v by_o ingenuous_a learned_a man_n so_o full_a of_o necessary_a case_n and_o truth_n that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v desire_v of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v know_v man_n and_o so_o mild_a and_o gentle_a that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v causeless_o quarrel_v if_o quarrel_v by_o choleric_a man_n have_v we_o not_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o welcome_a tract_n on_o all_o hand_n for_o the_o reason_n afore-intimated_n we_o can_v with_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o write_a copy_n well_o have_v save_v this_o great_a travel_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o it_o have_v with_o diverse_a of_o the_o like_a nature_n golden_a laver_n or_o vessel_n make_v common-shore_n and_o receptacle_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o filthy_a contempt_n we_o shall_v then_o clear_o and_o full_o decern_v man_n spirit_n and_o descry_v their_o intent_n in_o challenge_v we_o for_o large_a narration_n and_o shall_v beware_v for_o time_n to_o come_v how_o we_o anger_v they_o with_o kindness_n but_o if_o this_o be_v candid_o entertain_v of_o they_o then_o have_v they_o encourage_v we_o in_o due_a time_n to_o impart_v if_o god_n permit_v a_o full_a treatise_n of_o the_o same_o subject_n with_o amplior_fw-la demonstration_n by_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o new-england_n and_o mean_a while_n they_o have_v abundant_o recompense_v the_o labour_n of_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n n.h._n i.h._n the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_a measure_v by_o the_o golden_a reed_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n chapter_n i._o the_o order_n of_o gather_v disperse_v christian_n into_o a_o church_n proposition_n i._o section_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v institute_v and_o to_o which_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o table_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o his_o church_n the_o administration_n of_o all_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n be_v coetus_fw-la fidelium_fw-la a_o communion_n of_o saint_n a_o combination_n of_o faithful_a godly_a man_n meet_v for_o that_o end_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n into_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o
some_o public_a offence_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o as_o have_v be_v already_o open_v sure_o though_o this_o three_o reason_n reach_v not_o infant_n yet_o the_o two_o former_a do_v and_o prevent_v as_o their_o parent_n of_o just_a claim_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o they_o of_o due_a right_n of_o baptism_n with_o we_o for_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n over_o they_o neither_o have_v they_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o recommend_v to_o none_o against_o this_o sundry_a thing_n be_v object_v and_o such_o as_o seem_v of_o much_o weight_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v to_o some_o who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o to_o the_o child_n of_o non-member_n as_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.37_o 38._o and_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 10.47_o 48._o paul_n baptize_v lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 16.15.33_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n *_o *_o first_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o unlimited_a power_n and_o may_v baptize_v believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n and_o their_o seed_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v but_o the_o power_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a visible_a church_n which_o have_v call_v they_o to_o minister_v unto_o they_o *_o *_o second_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n baptize_v any_o but_o such_o as_o either_o be_v member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n before_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o else_o they_o gather_v they_o into_o a_o visible_a church_n estate_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o *_o *_o the_o eunuch_n in_o act_n 8._o be_v a_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o text_n say_v he_o come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n for_o to_o worship_n act_v 8.27_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n object_n that_o his_o membership_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o baptism_n see_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o of_o the_o jewish_a *_o *_o for_o whatsoever_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n and_o profess_v that_o faith_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n for_o such_o they_o be_v who_o john_n baptize_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o christ_n disciple_n joh._n 4.2_o yea_o all_o the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n 1_o cor._n 10.2_o *_o *_o as_o for_o lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o both_o their_o family_n they_o live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o city_n of_o philippi_n act._n 16.12_o where_o be_v a_o company_n also_o of_o other_o brethren_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o doubtless_o be_v when_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o act_v 16._o he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o a_o church_n know_v you_o philippian_n say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o church_n communicate_v with_o i_o as_o concern_v give_v and_o receive_v but_o you_o only_o phil._n 4.15_o which_o evident_o hold_v they_o forth_o as_o a_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o paul_n do_v first_o gather_v the_o brethren_n there_o into_o a_o church_n when_o he_o baptize_v lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o other_o there_o and_o indeed_o the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n hold_v it_o forth_o that_o they_o be_v by_o preach_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o their_o child_n mat._n 28.19_o now_o a_o disciple_n as_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n impli_v be_v a_o scholar_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o do_v baptize_v they_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n but_o also_o to_o gather_v they_o as_o disciple_n or_o scholar_n into_o a_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v every_o particular_a visible_a christian_a church_n wherein_o some_o be_v teacher_n some_o be_v disciple_n or_o scholar_n and_o his_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v baptize_v any_o that_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o enter_v they_o into_o it_o in_o which_o regard_n we_o can_v easy_o think_v that_o when_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o family_n he_o do_v only_o perceive_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o evident_o profess_v the_o same_o in_o new_a tongue_n act_n 10.45_o 46_o 47._o but_o that_o he_o do_v also_o gather_v they_o into_o one_o body_n direct_v they_o to_o the_o spiritual_a use_n of_o the_o new_o receive_v gift_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o baptize_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o one_o another_o in_o his_o name_n three_o we_o answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v transcendent_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o receive_v transcendent_a power_n to_o administer_v their_o work_n as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v they_o job_n 20.21_o to_o wit_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la with_o all_o fullness_n of_o power_n so_o that_o any_o one_o apostle_n receive_v both_o the_o gift_n and_o power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n any_o apostle_n may_v do_v the_o work_n not_o only_o of_o a_o apostle_n but_o of_o a_o prophet_n of_o a_o evangelist_n of_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o deacon_n 1.1_o rev._n 1.1_o they_o do_v foretell_v as_o prophet_n thing_n to_o come_v act_v 27.22_o they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o not_o only_o to_o plant_v church_n but_o to_o water_v church_n as_o evangelist_n act_n 15.41_o they_o as_o pastor_n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n with_o wholesome_a word_n of_o exhortation_n 2.7_o 1_o tim._n 2.7_o joh._n 21.25_o they_o as_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o as_o elder_n rule_v the_o church_n not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o as_o deacon_n they_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o distribute_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o 4.35_o act_n 4.35_o though_o when_o the_o apostle_n come_v where_o church_n be_v plant_v they_o do_v put_v forth_o no_o act_n of_o transcendent_a authority_n but_o do_v all_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v do_v any_o act_n which_o any_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o may_v do_v together_o as_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v in_o such_o a_o case_n impose_v hand_n alone_o so_o paul_n may_v set_v apart_o timothy_n to_o some_o special_a office_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o they_o may_v alone_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o they_o alone_o may_v baptize_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o the_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v comprehend_v as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o *_o *_o their_o act_n therefore_o in_o such_o transcendent_a case_n be_v not_o pattern_n nor_o precedent_n for_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v to_o move_v in_o our_o own_o line_n and_o to_o act_v only_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v again_o that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n such_o as_o be_v cast_v out_o be_v not_o hold_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v yet_o right_a unto_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v of_o we_o to_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n they_o prove_v by_o sundry_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divers_a sort_n of_o member_n some_o be_v member_n not_o actual_o but_o in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n 2._o some_o be_v member_n only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o hypocrite_n which_o be_v as_o wooden_a leg_n fasten_v to_o the_o body_n 3._o some_o be_v lively_a member_n knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n to_o the_o brethren_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n 4._o some_o be_v decay_v member_n which_o though_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n &_o
church_n to_o the_o which_o christ_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v a_o company_n of_o such_o as_o whereof_o peter_n be_v one_o believer_n profess_v that_o faith_n on_o christ_n whereon_o as_o on_o a_o rock_n the_o church_n be_v build_v mat._n 16.18_o 19_o and_o such_o as_o unto_o who_o peter_n or_o any_o brother_n offend_v may_v in_o due_a order_n tell_v the_o offence_n which_o any_o brother_n have_v give_v he_o &_o persist_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n sanctify_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v meet_v together_o every_o lord_n day_n in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o &_o 16.1.2_o which_o frequent_a meeting_n every_o lord_n day_n in_o one_o place_n to_o such_o end_n can_v possible_o be_v compatible_a to_o any_o diocesan_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n assembly_n propos_fw-fr 2._o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n to_o join_v themselves_o if_o god_n give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o such_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v in_o such_o church-fellowship_n act._n 2.42_o it_o be_v write_v the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o every_o christian_a stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o his_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o christ_n ordain_v they_o in_o vain_a and_o see_v withal_o christ_n have_v commit_v all_o his_o public_a holy_a ordinance_n to_o his_o church_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o who_o god_n give_v opportunity_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o any_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n propos_fw-fr 3._o for_o the_o join_n of_o faithful_a christian_n into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o estate_n of_o a_o church_n we_o find_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o enter_v all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o one_o man_n into_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o himself_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o impli_v their_o submit_v of_o themselves_o to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o their_o walk_n in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n their_o cleave_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o holy_a watchfulness_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o thus_o the_o lord_n accept_v and_o enter_v abraham_n family_n into_o church_n estate_n by_o receive_v they_o and_o their_o child_n into_o such_o a_o covenant_n with_o himself_o though_o in_o general_a term_n yet_o such_o as_o imply_v the_o substance_n both_o of_o christian_n and_o church_n duty_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o after_o that_o when_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n have_v violate_v this_o covenant_n in_o egypt_n the_o lord_n again_o make_v another_o covenant_n with_o they_o whereby_o he_o take_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o mount_n of_o sinai_n exod._n 19.1.5_o whence_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7.38_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o covenant_n god_n call_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o people_n as_o his_o own_o spouse_n i_o enter_v say_v he_o speak_v of_o that_o time_n into_o a_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o ezek._n 16.8_o moreover_o the_o next_o generation_n after_o they_o he_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n by_o enter_v they_o again_o into_o a_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n deut._n 29.10_o to_o 13._o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o former_a they_o be_v join_v not_o only_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o officer_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o deut._n 12.19_o but_o also_o to_o mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o levit._n 19.17_o deut._n 29.18_o in_o so_o much_o that_o through_o their_o neglect_n thereof_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o israel_n josh_n 7.11_o which_o kind_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n we_o find_v diverse_o translate_v in_o scripture_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o godly_a society_n or_o company_n to_o become_v a_o church_n unto_o god_n sometime_o god_n or_o his_o messenger_n in_o his_o stead_n propound_v and_o give_v a_o covenant_n unto_o a_o people_n and_o they_o accept_v it_o though_o not_o in_o express_a word_n yet_o by_o silent_a consent_n gen._n 17.7_o deut._n 29.10_o to_o the_o end_n of_o chap._n 30._o sometime_o the_o people_n declare_v their_o consent_n and_o restipulation_n by_o express_a word_n exod._n 19.8_o deut._n 5.27_o and_o josh_n 24.16_o 17_o 18.21_o 22_o 24_o 25._o sometime_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v neh._n 9.38_o in_o all_o which_o covenant_n sometime_o they_o make_v no_o express_a term_n of_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n but_o only_o in_o general_a term_n submit_v themselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o place_n allege_v sometime_o they_o express_o declare_v their_o steadfast_a cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n also_o and_o to_o their_o officer_n neh._n 10.28_o 29._o &_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n every_o one_o may_v have_v knowledge_n they_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n etc._n etc._n in_o some_o we_o account_v it_o all_o one_o and_o of_o like_a value_n when_o a_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v and_o give_v on_o god_n part_n to_o a_o people_n whether_o they_o receive_v it_o by_o silent_a consent_n or_o by_o express_a term_n either_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o writing_n and_o seal_n and_o whether_o their_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o officer_n and_o mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o be_v express_o mention_v or_o include_v only_o in_o their_o general_a profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o covenant_n for_o we_o see_v it_o evident_a by_o compare_v the_o former_a scripture_n that_o by_o any_o one_o of_o these_o way_n a_o people_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o each_o of_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o holy_a duty_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o colour_n to_o conceive_v this_o way_n of_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n by_o covenant_n to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o civil_a relation_n be_v found_v in_o covenant_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o natural_a relation_n between_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o violent_a relation_n between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n give_v whereby_o a_o people_n svi_fw-la juris_fw-la free_a from_o natural_a and_o compulsory_a engagement_n can_v be_v unite_v or_o combine_v together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n to_o stand_v by_o mutual_a relation_n fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o only_o by_o mutual_a covenant_n as_o appear_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n in_o the_o family_n magistrate_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n fellow_n citizen_n in_o the_o same_o city_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o a_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o ministry_n have_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v gather_v by_o they_o into_o a_o church_n estate_n what_o do_v the_o apostle_n else_o but_o combine_v they_o into_o one_o body_n as_o one_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o spouse_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o and_o how_o can_v that_o not_o universal_a but_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o one_o body_n not_o as_o many_o spouse_n as_o all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v by_o their_o conversion_n but_o as_o one_o spouse_n unto-christ_n but_o only_o by_o join_v all_o together_o in_o one_o covenant_n or_o espousage_n to_o
a_o precise_a quotient_n a_o number_n of_o hundred_o and_o thousand_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o every_o church_n yet_o such_o a_o number_n be_v limit_v as_o fall_v not_o below_o seven_o nor_o rise_v above_o the_o bulk_n of_o one_o congregation_n and_o such_o a_o congregation_n wherein_o all_o may_v meet_v and_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o all_o may_v partake_v and_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v together_o sect_n ii_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v add_v &_o join_v to_o such_o a_o body_n they_o first_o make_v know_v their_o desire_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o take_v trial_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n &_o of_o their_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o their_o godly_a conversation_n among_o man_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v find_v ignorant_a and_o graceless_a or_o scandalous_a he_o may_v not_o be_v present_o present_v to_o the_o church_n till_o these_o evil_n be_v remove_v the_o stone_n that_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o solomon_n temple_n be_v square_v and_o make_v ready_a before_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o build_n neither_o iron_n nor_o axe_n nor_o any_o iron_n tool_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o house_n while_o it_o be_v a_o building_n 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o wherefore_o so_o if_o not_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o no_o member_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v rough-hewen_a and_o square_v and_o fit_v to_o lie_v close_o and_o level_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o member_n but_o when_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o be_v approve_v of_o the_o elder_n they_o be_v propound_v by_o one_o of_o the_o rule_v elder_n to_o the_o church_n with_o a_o motion_n to_o the_o brethren_n to_o make_v inquiry_n after_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o they_o to_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o no_o exception_n be_v hear_v of_o they_o be_v call_v forth_o before_o the_o church_n after_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v perform_v and_o each_o one_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o penitent_a confession_n he_o declare_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sinful_a estate_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o declare_v not_o only_o his_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o desire_n of_o walk_v therein_o with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o that_o church_n now_o before_o or_o after_o such_o his_o profession_n or_o confession_n those_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v give_v some_o good_a testimony_n if_o need_v be_v of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n either_o according_a to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o according_a to_o the_o credible_a report_n or_o letter_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v concern_v he_o which_o do_v the_o rule_v elder_a or_o one_o of_o the_o preach_a elder_n propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o from_o all_o that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v they_o find_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o he_o if_o so_o it_o be_v clear_v and_o remove_v before_o any_o further_a proceed_n if_o no_o just_a exception_n appear_v the_o rule_v elder_a then_o move_v the_o church_n to_o express_v their_o acceptance_n of_o he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o do_v and_o the_o like_a course_n take_v with_o two_o or_o three_o more_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v the_o elder_a propound_v to_o they_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n what_o promise_v of_o grace_n he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o as_o also_o what_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n he_o do_v require_v of_o they_o as_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o their_o only_a priest_n and_o atonement_n their_o only_a prophet_n and_o guide_n their_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o brotherly_a love_n with_o the_o brethren_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n and_o succour_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o new_a receive_v member_n acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n do_v further_a acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o duty_n of_o holy_a watchfulness_n over_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shut_v up_o his_o work_n with_o some_o short_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o thousand_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v we_o all_o faithful_a to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o his_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n sect_n iii_o now_o what_o offence_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o or_o what_o scruple_n may_v arise_v in_o a_o godly_a mind_n against_o these_o thing_n two_o or_o three_o thing_n seem_v herein_o offensive_a but_o be_v not_o first_o that_o we_o require_v gracious_a qualification_n in_o such_o as_o we_o receive_v to_o church-fellowship_n whereas_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v of_o all_o sort_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o to_o be_v a_o garner_n contain_v chaff_n and_o wheat_n as_o a_o field_n wherein_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o second_o that_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n three_o that_o we_o communicate_v too_o much_o power_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o do_v not_o rather_o refer_v all_o power_n in_o this_o case_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o give_v therefore_o some_o account_n of_o these_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v for_o the_o first_o though_o we_o willing_o admit_v all_o comer_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n with_o we_o as_o the_o corinthian_n admit_v infidel_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o yet_o we_o receive_v none_o as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charitable_a christian_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n our_o reason_n be_v first_o from_o the_o near_a relation_n between_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o church_n as_o also_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.22_o to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o to_o be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o as_o dear_a child_n eph._n 4.1_o now_o how_o can_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n except_o the_o member_n in_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v as_o indeed_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n gal._n 1.2_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o external_a profession_n for_o these_o be_v too_o high_a style_n for_o hypocrite_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n second_o we_o read_v act._n 2.47_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o add_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o god_n add_v not_o such_o as_o have_v no_o show_n of_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o they_o to_o any_o spiritual_a discern_v aught_o not_o the_o lord_n steward_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o god_n house_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o as_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n go_v before_o they_o receive_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o refuse_v who_o he_o refuse_v cast_v out_o who_o he_o cast_v out_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n direct_v the_o roman_n to_o receive_v a_o
comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n that_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v hereafter_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o house_n no_o bodily_a infirmity_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n nor_o national_a pollution_n as_o that_o of_o some_o stranger_n shall_v hinder_v their_o admittance_n into_o his_o church_n only_o this_o the_o lord_n require_v both_o of_o the_o eunuch_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o of_o the_o stranger_n ver_fw-la 6._o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o they_o do_v also_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n as_o antecedent_n to_o their_o entrance_n into_o church-fellowship_n to_o wit_n take_v hold_v of_o it_o by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o it_o and_o of_o their_o subjection_n to_o it_o object_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o separate_v or_o debar_v such_o from_o church-fellowship_n as_o be_v join_v to_o himself_o by_o faith_n who_o can_v think_v it_o what_o reason_n can_v you_o give_v for_o it_o answ_n the_o text_n be_v plain_a that_o eunuch_n moabite_n and_o ammonite_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o israel_n for_o ever_o without_o exception_n of_o godliness_n or_o ungodliness_n some_o indeed_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o the_o law_n against_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n reach_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o those_o nation_n but_o against_o man_n the_o law_n be_v clear_a but_o if_o the_o law_n have_v exclude_v they_o only_o upon_o point_n of_o their_o own_o ungodliness_n that_o be_v no_o singular_a curse_n to_o they_o no_o nation_n under_o heaven_n can_v expect_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n unless_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n what_o reason_n god_n may_v have_v for_o exclude_v the_o eunuch_n we_o leave_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n but_o yet_o himself_o give_v a_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o against_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n take_v from_o their_o malignant_a enmity_n against_o god_n people_n deut._n 23.4_o 5_o 6._o against_o the_o eunuch_n he_o give_v no_o express_a reason_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v reason_n sufficient_a who_o can_v tell_v whether_o god_n will_v not_o thereby_o type_n out_o the_o debar_v of_o barren_a christian_n from_o church-fellowship_n object_n 3._o the_o word_n separation_n impli_v they_o have_v be_v sometime_o of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v in_o common_a sense_n that_o any_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o never_o be_v answ_n why_o not_o what_o be_v separate_v but_o sever_v may_v not_o england_n be_v sever_v from_o scotland_n by_o the_o river_n of_o tweed_n and_o from_o france_n and_o germany_n and_o holland_n by_o the_o sea_n though_o they_o be_v never_o join_v to_o any_o of_o those_o nation_n do_v not_o god_n make_v the_o star_n to_o separate_v between_o the_o day_n and_o the_o night_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a gen._n 1.14_o and_o yet_o day_n and_o night_n be_v never_o join_v in_o one_o society_n so_o that_o from_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n we_o have_v two_o passage_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o admit_v church-member_n witness_v unto_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v join_v to_o himself_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v also_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o his_o church_n before_o he_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n which_o be_v his_o church_n both_o which_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o place_n because_o the_o place_n be_v a_o pprophecy_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o wit_n when_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n unto_o all_o nation_n ver_fw-la 9_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n object_n 4._o but_o the_o covenant_n here_o speak_v of_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o church_n covenant_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o lord_n between_o he_o and_o his_o people_n but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o towards_o another_o answ_n this_o objection_n be_v prevent_v before_o in_o the_o first_o point_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n that_o be_v with_o his_o church_n his_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o silent_a consent_n covenant_v with_o he_o and_o also_o one_o with_o another_o to_o yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o though_o this_o place_n prophesy_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v express_o of_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o let_v no_o man_n wonder_v why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a express_a mention_n of_o the_o poeple_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o this_o promise_n come_v to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n grow_v up_o together_o in_o divine_a institution_n and_o administration_n there_o be_v express_a mention_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n be_v national_a and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o suspicious_a to_o they_o who_o be_v party_n to_o it_o themselves_o but_o very_o acceptable_a but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o magistrate_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v alien_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n think_v it_o meet_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o covenant_n not_o plain_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o parable_n and_o similitude_n as_o know_v the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v breed_v no_o small_a jealousy_n in_o civil_a state_n as_o seem_v most_o dangerous_a to_o civil_a peace_n but_o yet_o in_o apt_a similitude_n they_o so_o describe_v the_o estate_n of_o church_n as_o do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o joint_a covenant_n both_o between_o the_o lord_n and_z they_o i_o with_o another_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n the_o receive_n of_o member_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n for_o 1._o they_o so_o describe_v every_o church_n of_o god_n as_o a_o city_n of_o god_n as_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n be_v style_v rev._n 21.4_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o more_o glorious_a church_n than_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n yet_o it_o partake_v in_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o they_o all_o every_o true_a church_n be_v as_o well_o a_o city_n of_o god_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o hence_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v of_o the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o now_o every_o city_n be_v found_v in_o some_o confederacy_n by_o oath_n or_o such_o like_a bond_n and_o every_o citizen_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o city_n by_o take_v the_o same_o oath_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o bond_n wherein_o the_o whole_a city_n stand_v engage_v which_o hold_v forth_o to_o a_o intelligent_a heart_n that_o if_o every_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o city_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o fellow-citizen_n then_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v plant_v and_o found_v in_o some_o covenant_n or_o confederacy_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v implant_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o body_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o profess_v subjection_n thereunto_o again_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n call_v it_o espouse_v of_o it_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o it_o impli_v plain_o that_o he_o draw_v they_o all_o as_o one_o body_n to_o profess_v their_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o all_o and_o of_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n if_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o his_o conversion_n of_o their_o particular_a soul_n unto_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o as_o one_o virgin_n but_o so_o many_o soul_n so_o many_o virgin_n but_o now_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o one_o virgin_n it_o plain_o argue_v he_o join_v they_o all_o as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o one_o body_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o christ_n jesus_n for_o there_o be_v no_o
offer_v up_o to_o god_n either_o by_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o the_o word_n read_v and_o expound_v by_o they_o who_o preach_v in_o the_o morning_n if_o there_o be_v time_n and_o preach_v by_o the_o other_o and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n administer_v if_o any_o of_o the_o church_n do_v offer_v their_o child_n thereunto_o the_o deacon_n who_o sit_v in_o a_o seat_n under_o the_o elder_n yet_o in_o sundry_a church_n lift_v up_o high_a than_o the_o other_o pewe_v do_v call_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o as_o god_n have_v prosper_v they_o and_o have_v make_v their_o heart_n willing_a there_o be_v now_o time_n leave_v for_o contribution_n present_o the_o people_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a in_o sundry_a church_n do_v arise_v the_o first_o pew_n first_o the_o next_o next_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n in_o order_n and_o present_a before_o the_o lord_n their_o holy_a offering_n for_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o their_o solemn_a feast_n none_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a deut._n 16.16_o and_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v only_o unto_o christian_n the_o ordinary_a solemn_a feast_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o christian_n lay_v down_o their_o oblation_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n act_n 4.35_o into_o who_o place_n for_o that_o service_n deacon_n be_v substitute_v act_v 6.3_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n give_v order_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n every_o one_o shall_v lay_v by_o he_o into_o the_o treasury_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o god_n have_v prospen_v they_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o which_o ordinance_n justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o time_n that_o the_o able_a sort_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o apology_n and_o cyprian_a rebuke_v a_o wealthy_a rich_a widow_n for_o believe_v she_o can_v celebrate_v the_o lord_n day_n as_o holy_a and_o yet_o neglect_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o lord_n treasury_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n de_fw-fr eleemosynâ_fw-la locuple_n &_o dive_v dominicum_fw-la celebrare_fw-la te_fw-la credis_fw-la quae_fw-la corbonam_fw-la omnino_fw-la non_fw-la respicis_fw-la after_o the_o contribution_n end_v the_o time_n leave_v be_v take_v up_o in_o sundry_a church_n in_o the_o public_a trial_n and_o admission_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o so_o after_o a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o all_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v that_o day_n and_o a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o the_o people_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v beside_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n every_o week_n we_o sometime_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n either_o of_o notable_a judgement_n do_v set_v a_o part_n a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n or_o upon_o special_a mercy_n we_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n the_o ground_n whereof_o we_o conceive_v be_v general_o know_v and_o approve_v among_o christian_n moreover_o every_o week_n in_o most_o of_o our_o church_n lecture_n be_v keep_v on_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o week_n day_n so_o that_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n make_v willing_a and_o his_o hand_n do_v not_o detain_v by_o bodily_a infirmity_n or_o other_o necessary_a employment_n if_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o bay_n may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n almost_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o one_o church_n or_o other_o not_o far_o distant_a from_o they_o sect_n iv_o in_o all_o these_o administration_n only_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v clear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o 1._o why_o in_o our_o public_a prayer_n we_o forbear_v to_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prescript_n liturgy_n 2._o why_o in_o our_o sacrament_n we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n as_o be_v say_v before_o we_o do_v receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n for_o the_o former_a the_o reason_n usual_o give_v may_v suffice_v 1._o from_o the_o pattern_n of_o all_o the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n never_o give_v leave_v to_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n neither_o do_v any_o of_o they_o take_v leave_v to_o impose_v any_o form_n of_o liturgy_n upon_o any_o church_n and_o yet_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v place_n for_o prescribe_v set_v form_n to_o any_o it_o have_v be_v most_o seasonable_a in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n who_o member_n be_v as_o child_n under_o age_n gal._n 4.2_o 3._o may_v stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o such_o a_o help_n it_o be_v easy_o acknowledge_v moses_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o blessing_n nunb_n 6.23_o to_o 26._o and_o david_n sundry_a psalm_n of_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n teach_v his_o disciple_n not_o only_o to_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o thus_o or_o these_o word_n luk._n 11.2_o but_o neither_o be_v these_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o prescribe_v any_o use_n but_o arbitrary_a and_o occasional_a of_o these_o form_n as_o they_o may_v suit_n our_o occasion_n god_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a messenger_n may_v prescribe_v this_o or_o that_o form_n to_o his_o church_n but_o will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a officer_n who_o have_v only_o receive_v a_o common_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o do_v the_o like_a god_n who_o forbid_v his_o people_n to_o make_v to_o themselves_o image_n or_o imagination_n invention_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n have_v not_o restrain_v himself_o to_o set_v up_o what_o image_n or_o form_n himself_o see_v good_a object_n these_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o praise_n though_o as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v of_o god_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v apply_v without_o special_a commandment_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o a_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n at_o this_o time_n so_o they_o be_v the_o device_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n answ_n they_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o be_v matter_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n without_o commandment_n or_o at_o least_o without_o such_o direction_n as_o amount_v to_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n from_o god_n for_o moses_n express_o say_v on_o this_o wise_a shall_v you_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o numb_a 6.23_o the_o 102._o psalm_n be_v express_v in_o the_o title_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o one_o that_o be_v afflict_v but_o of_o any_o in_o like_a estate_n and_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v general_a concern_v all_o the_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n of_o david_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v sing_v they_o with_o holy_a melody_n unto_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5.19_o and_o christ_n word_n luk._n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o second_o reason_n why_o we_o forbear_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prescript_n liturgy_n be_v take_v from_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o we_o conceive_v prohibit_v such_o prescript_n liturgy_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n general_o know_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o all_o sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o prohibition_n of_o one_o of_o they_o or_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o some_o or_o other_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o upon_o the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 22.40_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o judicious_a expositor_n of_o they_o but_o open_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o commandment_n by_o synecdoches_n and_o metonymy_n synecdoches_n to_o comprehend_v all_o sin_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n and_o all_o the_o degree_n thereof_o and_o metonymy_n to_o comprehend_v all_o cause_n and_o mean_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o so_o that_o for_o open_v the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v both_o make_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o any_o image_n or_o similitude_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n or_o respect_n image_n or_o similitude_n be_v forbid_v image_n or_o similitude_n be_v forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n not_o as_o object_n of_o worship_n for_o all_o false_a object_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o