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arbitrament_n antidote_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o do_v allow_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o holy_a scripture_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n depend_v between_o they_o in_o time_n past_a say_v chrysostome_n there_o be_v many_o way_n to_o know_v matth._n the_o church_n of_o christ_n viz._n by_o good_a life_n by_o miracle_n by_o chastity_n etc._n etc._n but_o from_o the_o time_n that_o heresy_n do_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v only_a know_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o he_o say_v the_o lord_n then_o know_v that_o so_o great_a confusion_n will_v come_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n therefore_o will_v the_o christian_n that_o will_v take_v to_o the_o sureness_n of_o true_a faith_n to_o have_v refuge_n to_o nothing_o but_o to_o the_o scripture_n otherwise_o say_v he_o if_o they_o regard_v other_o thing_n they_o shall_v perish_v not_o understand_v what_o the_o true_a church_n be_v thus_o my_o answer_n be_v avouch_v good_a as_o it_o 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what_o to_o hold_v in_o religion_n wherefore_o expelling_a all_o hostile_a and_o bitter_a contention_n let_v we_o seek_v the_o solution_n of_o these_o question_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o speak_v this_o famous_a emperor_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a at_o what_o time_n the_o bishop_n have_v like_a to_o have_v jar_v into_o piece_n thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o impartial_a relation_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v between_o the_o popish_a querist_n and_o my_o self_n in_o our_o two_o last_o paper_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o pass_v in_o the_o other_o as_o touch_v this_o question_n about_o the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n and_o now_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n that_o the_o scripture_n as_o aforesaid_a aught_o to_o be_v admit_v the_o high_a prerogative_n of_o judge_n in_o our_o debate_n consider_v that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v so_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o either_o the_o scripture_n or_o some_o other_o write_n must_v be_v our_o judge_n especial_o in_o this_o important_a question_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n for_o when_o we_o contend_v about_o she_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o any_o party_n contend_v for_o that_o title_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o give_v judgement_n in_o their_o own_o cause_n as_o for_o example_n the_o present_a assembly_n of_o papist_n say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o the_o present_a assembly_n of_o baptist_n say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n be_v it_o fit_a that_o either_o party_n contend_v shall_v here_o give_v judgement_n decissive_a what_o then_o must_v we_o do_v why_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v to_o some_o write_n whereby_o to_o be_v decide_v or_o agree_v in_o this_o controversy_n these_o write_n must_v be_v either_o the_o scripture_n or_o some_o other_o but_o no_o other_o can_v compare_v with_o those_o so_o that_o they_o do_v deserve_v this_o prerogative_n better_o than_o any_o other_o the_o papist_n ordinary_a way_n in_o this_o difficulty_n be_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v here_o be_v try_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o our_o forefather_n in_o which_o they_o say_v we_o can_v be_v deceive_v which_o tradition_n they_o say_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o needs_o no_o other_o ground_n to_o stand_v upon_o but_o qu._n itself_o and_o against_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v upon_o its_o own_o evidence_n or_o authority_n they_o usual_o do_v thus_o object_v that_o before_o we_o can_v receive_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o again_o contro_n they_o say_v the_o scripture_n may_v not_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o controversy_n because_o it_o may_v be_v corrupt_v translate_v ill_o interpret_v not_o right_o understand_v and_o by_o these_o and_o other_o like_a objection_n they_o usual_o in_o all_o their_o write_n invalidate_v the_o scripture_n certainty_n authority_n and_o sufficiency_n that_o so_o they_o advance_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o tradition_n but_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o consider_v whether_o these_o objection_n have_v not_o the_o same_o force_n against_o what_o they_o rest_v upon_o which_o they_o have_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n first_o then_o whereas_o they_o tell_v we_o the_o scripture_n can_v teach_v we_o any_o thing_n till_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o its_o truth_n do_v not_o this_o conclude_v against_o any_o other_o thing_n as_o strong_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n before_o we_o receive_v her_o document_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o tradition_n which_o we_o receive_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o how_o must_v we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o tradition_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n live_v that_o can_v remember_v when_o either_o begin_v and_o so_o avouch_v its_o beginning_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o continnance_n of_o the_o same_o ever_o since_o its_o beginning_n to_o have_v be_v without_o any_o corruption_n what_o then_o must_v we_o do_v why_o we_o must_v search_v rome_n record_n and_o then_o i_o ask_v be_v they_o not_o as_o questonable_a and_o liable_a to_o misinterpretation_n as_o easy_o misunderstand_a as_o the_o record_n of_o god_n what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o these_o objection_n the_o force_n whereof_o be_v evident_o against_o the_o papal_a church_n and_o her_o tradition_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o we_o must_v be_v assure_v before_o we_o can_v be_v teach_v by_o either_o of_o they_o i_o say_v again_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o all_o the_o papist_n that_o can_v evidence_n rome_n to_o have_v be_v a_o church_n two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o then_o much_o less_o one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o year_n ago_o so_o that_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v to_o the_o write_n of_o some_o man_n who_o we_o never_o see_v write_v one_o word_n to_o find_v the_o church_n and_o then_o i_o will_v know_v why_o we_o may_v not_o make_v enquiry_n at_o the_o pen_n of_o paul_n what_o the_o church_n be_v at_o first_o and_o what_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v now_o as_o well_o as_o at_o the_o pen_n of_o augustine_n can_v the_o pen_n of_o peter_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o as_o good_a information_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o the_o pen_n of_o any_o pope_n pretend_v to_o be_v his_o successor_n if_o the_o papist_n answer_n that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pen_n of_o peter_n or_o paul_n we_o answer_v as_o well_o as_o they_o know_v the_o pen_n of_o augustine_n or_o gregory_n if_o they_o say_v paul_n write_n may_v be_v corrupt_v and_o must_v be_v interpret_v may_v be_v misunderstand_a i_o return_v the_o same_o answer_n of_o all_o other_o book_n whatsoever_o yea_o those_o which_o contain_v rome_n tradition_n see_v therefore_o what_o be_v gain_v by_o devise_v objection_n against_o the_o authority_n or_o certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n such_o
god_n service_n by_o compel_a family_n town_n country_n nation_n or_o many_o nation_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o say_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a because_o the_o scripture_n foresee_v and_o also_o foreshow_v that_o the_o contrary_a effect_n must_v follow_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o they_o may_v yea_o and_o aught_o to_o live_v in_o one_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n for_o that_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v every_o soul_n rom._n 13._o 1_o to_o 8._o 3._o the_o gospel-church_n can_v be_v national_a because_o that_o take_v away_o from_o she_o persecution_n for_o the_o gospel-sake_n &_o make_v she_o become_v a_o persecutor_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o church_n to_o be_v national_a without_o penal_a law_n whereby_o to_o force_v man_n to_o that_o kind_n of_o worship_n which_o the_o great_a part_n approve_v which_o may_v as_o possible_o be_v false_a as_o true_a but_o the_o true_a church_n must_v not_o look_v to_o be_v free_a from_o persecution_n if_o she_o live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o 20._o uncomely_a for_o she_o than_o to_o punish_v or_o persecute_v man_n into_o a_o conformity_n to_o her_o faith_n or_o religious_a practice_n john_n 15._o 19_o 20._o mat._n 10._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o luke_n 9_o 56._o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v show_v that_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o suffer_a condition_n and_o be_v therefore_o bid_v to_o be_v patient_a until_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n jam._n 5._o 4._o a_o national-church_n can_v observe_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o withdraw_v from_o disorderly_a person_n they_o do_v not_o only_o separate_v man_n of_o disorder_n from_o the_o church_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a concern_v but_o they_o cast_v they_o whole_o out_o of_o the_o world_n from_o all_o market_n and_o fair_n yea_o quite_o out_o of_o their_o livelihood_n etc._n etc._n which_o kind_n of_o excommunication_n the_o scripture_n foresee_v to_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n adversary_n rev._n 13._o 16_o 17._o 5._o if_o the_o gospel-church_n ought_v to_o be_v national_a than_o she_o be_v imperfect_a in_o point_n of_o power_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o she_o have_v not_o then_o any_o power_n to_o put_v heretic_n to_o death_n for_o their_o heresy_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n want_v any_o power_n to_o punish_v any_o sin_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n to_o punish_v it_o be_v to_o disparage_v the_o apostolical_a church_n and_o be_v also_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o plain_o show_v they_o have_v power_n then_o to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5_o 6._o the_o four_o reason_n the_o papal_a church_n increase_v herself_o more_o by_o the_o carnal_a sword_n than_o by_o the_o spiritual_a word_n therefore_o she_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o four_o reason_n maintain_v that_o such_o church_n as_o be_v national_a do_v most_o increase_v their_o number_n and_o keep_v they_o also_o when_o they_o have_v they_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o penal_a law_n both_o experience_n show_v and_o reason_n tell_v that_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o how_o often_o have_v our_o nation_n change_v their_o religion_n with_o the_o breath_n of_o a_o prince_n sometime_o to_o popery_n and_o otherwhiles_o to_o protestancy_n and_o under_o o._n cromwell_n to_o a_o compound_n of_o half_a presbytery_n and_o half_a independency_n according_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o that_o sit_v at_o the_o stern_a of_o affair_n and_o now_o how_o be_v they_o turn_v again_o to_o prelacy_n of_o which_o last_o change_n i_o say_v if_o any_o have_v conform_v as_o judge_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n so_o to_o do_v those_o though_o this_o do_v not_o justify_v their_o way_n to_o be_v good_a yet_o be_v honest_a man_n but_o if_o any_o for_o self-interest_n have_v do_v it_o they_o be_v the_o very_a dregs_o of_o man_n and_o will_v be_v any_o thing_n and_o so_o nothing_o 2._o i_o remember_v a_o notable_a say_n of_o hillary_n who_o live_v about_o the_o four_o or_o 5_o hundred_o and_o in_o his_o day_n the_o church_n be_v a_o degenerate_v from_o her_o regeneral_n constitution_n into_o a_o national_a form_n where_o he_o auxen_n say_v ambition_n do_v aid_v itself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n do_v fear_n and_o compel_v the_o people_n through_o banishment_n and_o imprisonment_n to_o believe_v she_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o she_o have_v receive_v through_o be_v imprison_v she_o that_o can_v not_o be_v belove_v of_o christ_n if_o the_o world_n have_v not_o hate_v she_o now_o glori_v to_o be_v extol_v and_o belove_v of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o papal_a church_n have_v ordinary_o increase_v herself_o more_o by_o terror_n of_o the_o carnal_a sword_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n doleful_a history_n do_v declare_v namely_o these_o sleidan_n comment_fw-fr a_o book_n entitle_v the_o indian_n tear_n or_o inquisition_n for_o blood_n as_o also_o fox_n his_o act_n and_o monument_n and_o here_o i_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o give_v a_o instance_n from_o one_o of_o their_o own_o historiagrapher_n namely_o fabinus_fw-la he_o tell_v we_o that_o after_o austin_n the_o monk_n have_v get_v a_o considerable_a settlement_n in_o england_n it_o happen_v that_o there_o be_v a_o council_n assemble_v in_o this_o nation_n where_o austin_n propose_v several_a thing_n to_o which_o the_o other_o bishop_n can_v not_o consent_v but_o by_o your_o leave_n when_o austin_n can_v not_o prevail_v by_o the_o word_n or_o rather_o his_o word_n he_o tell_v they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v they_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o waste_a that_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o their_o country_n through_o war_n and_o misery_n this_o be_v not_o paul_n way_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o the_o five_o reason_n the_o present_a papal_a church_n of_o rome_n labour_v to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o darkness_n and_o the_o church_n also_o therefore_o she_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o five_o reason_n maintain_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n no_o man_n can_v deny_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a church_n than_o to_o love_n or_o cause_n darkness_n to_o seize_v upon_o any_o and_o that_o the_o present_a papal_a church_n of_o rome_n labour_v to_o keep_v all_o man_n in_o darkness_n be_v thus_o prove_v 1._o she_o forbid_v almost_o all_o man_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o thereupon_o have_v great_o withstand_v the_o translation_n of_o they_o into_o every_o tongue_n as_o be_v evident_a partly_o from_o what_o history_n declare_v and_o partly_o from_o that_o which_o themselves_o do_v say_v to_o omit_v history_n hear_v what_o they_o say_v themselves_o in_o their_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n in_o the_o rhemist_n testament_n thus_o they_o speak_v order_n be_v take_v by_o the_o deputy_n of_o the_o late_a famous_a council_n of_o trent_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o confirm_v by_o supreme_a authority_n that_o the_o scripture_n though_o true_o translate_v into_o the_o vulgar_a tongue_n yet_o may_v not_o be_v indifferent_o read_v of_o all_o man_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o than_o such_o as_o have_v express_a order_n thereunto_o of_o their_o lawful_a ordinary_n so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o liberty_n here_o give_v be_v unlike_o the_o liberty_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o enemy_n who_o he_o command_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n john_n 5._o 39_o and_o the_o rich_a glutton_n friend_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o prophet_n and_o moses_n luk._n 16._o 29._o israel_n be_v of_o old_a indifinit_o require_v to_o lay_v up_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o talk_v of_o it_o as_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n as_o they_o go_v abroad_o they_o must_v teach_v they_o to_o their_o child_n and_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o post_n of_o their_o door_n deut._n 6._o 4_o to_o 9_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o liberty_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n both_o to_o his_o enemy_n and_o friend_n to_o read_v his_o word_n you_o see_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n will_v have_v none_o permit_v but_o who_o the_o ordinary_n permit_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v only_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v discreet_a etc._n etc._n pref._n rhem._n test_n be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n true_a follower_n shall_v thus_o contradict_v he_o he_o allow_v that_o to_o his_o enemy_n which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o his_o friend_n sure_o they_o have_v neither_o hear_v his_o voice_n nor_o see_v his_o shape_n or_o at_o least_o not_o learn_v of_o he_o miserable_a be_v the_o gospel-church_n by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n doctrine_n they_o have_v not_o
lord_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o cease_v humble_o to_o beg_v of_o all_o such_o person_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o have_v his_o law_n will_v careful_o observe_v the_o term_n whereupon_o life_n be_v hold_v forth_o unto_o they_o and_o become_v such_o glad_a receiver_n of_o the_o word_n as_o be_v mention_v act_v 2._o 41._o then_o they_o which_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n the_o argument_n thus_o explain_v i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o good_a the_o ten_o argument_n maintain_v that_o the_o present_a assembly_n of_o baptise_a believer_n and_o no_o other_o present_a assembly_n of_o man_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n i_o prove_v thus_o either_o the_o present_a assembly_n of_o baptise_a believer_n or_o else_o some_o other_o assembly_n now_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o infant_n rantism_n baptism_n must_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n because_o without_o baptism_n the_o papist_n say_v and_o say_v true_o too_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n at_o this_o day_n now_o these_o two_o way_n of_o baptise_v only_o i_o mean_v of_o water-baptism_n be_v pretend_v as_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o visible_a church-state_n viz._n the_o dip_v or_o baptise_v person_n upon_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o present_a assembly_n of_o the_o baptist_n do_v practice_v or_o baptise_v or_o rather_o sprinkle_v of_o infant_n without_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o present_a national_a church_n do_v practice_v for_o most_o undoubted_o the_o true_a and_o legitimate_a claim_n to_o this_o title_n of_o christ_n church_n must_v be_v find_v in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o party_n and_o that_o no_o national_a assembly_n gather_v together_o by_o pedo-baptism_n can_v fair_o claim_v this_o title_n i_o have_v show_v before_o whither_o now_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n and_o for_o the_o evince_a yet_o further_o that_o the_o present_a assembly_n of_o baptise_a believer_n be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n i_o thus_o argue_v they_o and_o they_o only_o have_v the_o true_a ecclesiastical_a mark_n of_o true_o ancient_a primitive_a or_o apostolical_a gathering_n constitution_n and_o government_n therefore_o they_o and_o they_o only_a be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n these_o three_o point_n namely_o gathering_n constitution_n and_o government_n i_o take_v if_o right_o to_o be_v the_o infallible_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n and_o that_o the_o present_a assembly_n of_o baptise_a believer_n and_o they_o only_a have_v they_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o consider_v what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o and_o how_o they_o agree_v with_o what_o in_o these_o respect_n be_v only_o find_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n the_o true_o ancient_a primitive_a and_o apostolical_a gathering_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o mean_v use_v in_o order_n thereunto_o be_v the_o preach_a repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o gospel_n unto_o every_o creature_n and_o upon_o their_o conviction_n to_o command_v they_o as_o from_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n as_o appear_v matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o mark_v 16._o 15_o 16._o act_n 2._o 38._o act_n 8._o 37._o act_n 10._o 47_o 48._o and_o herein_o only_a the_o present_a assembly_n of_o baptise_a believer_n do_v close_o follow_v christ_n primitive_a minister_n the_o primative_a and_o apostolical_a gather_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_n gather_v be_v only_o such_o as_o through_o the_o virtue_n and_o prevalency_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v or_o make_v know_v do_v give_v a_o demonstration_n of_o their_o regeneration_n by_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o manifestation_n of_o repentance_n and_o be_v dip_v in_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o i_o appeal_v to_o those_o several_a scripture_n allege_v against_o the_o gather_n of_o christ_n church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o of_o who_o regeneration_n no_o demonstration_n be_v or_o can_v be_v give_v answerable_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v require_v in_o order_n to_o person_n admission_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o second_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_v in_o pursuance_n of_o that_o commission_n give_v they_o in_o that_o behalf_n and_o three_o i_o do_v appeal_n to_o the_o church_n themselves_o which_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o we_o in_o these_o several_a text_n follow_v these_o text_n do_v show_v to_o the_o diligent_a reader_n that_o here_o be_v such_o thing_n speak_v of_o this_o numerous_a church_n as_o be_v necessary_o exclusive_a of_o any_o infant_n be_v admit_v into_o their_o society_n as_o to_o participate_v of_o any_o church_n ordinance_n and_o the_o like_a will_v appear_v to_o the_o scripture-searching_a soul_n in_o all_o those_o other_o church_n as_o the_o respective_a place_n will_v sufficient_o convince_v i_o have_v it_o free_o grant_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o learned_a clergyman_n that_o church_n at_o the_o first_o be_v gather_v only_o as_o we_o affirm_v but_o he_o tell_v i_o that_o when_o persecution_n cease_v god_n take_v in_o all_o nation_n or_o whole_a nation_n which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v not_o prove_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_n 1._o 15_o 21_o 22._o act_n 2._o 41_o 42._o heb._n 5_o 6_o &_o 8_o chapter_n the_o church_n at_o samaria_n act_n 8._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o the_o church_n at_o cesaria_n act_n 10._o 33_o 44_o 45_o 46_o 47_o 48._o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act_n 11._o 20_o 21_o 23_o 26._o act_n 13._o 12._o with_o act_n 9_o 38._o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n act_n 16._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 40._o phil._n 1._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o church_n at_o thessalonica_n act_n 17._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2_o thess_n 1._o 3_o 10_o 11._o the_o church_n at_o colosse_n coloss_n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6._o coloss_n 2._o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n act_n 8._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o the_o church_n at_o rome_n act_n 28._o 24._o rom._n 6._o 3_o 14._o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n act_n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o ephes_n 1._o 13_o 14_o 15._o the_o church_n at_o galatia_n gal._n 3._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o gal._n 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o these_o scripture_n due_o consider_v show_v that_o all_o those_o famous_a church_n be_v gather_v in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o national_a church_n and_o consonant_a to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o present_a baptise_a church_n and_o be_v it_o here_o observe_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o can_v show_v by_o any_o record_n of_o such_o authority_n as_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n that_o by_o the_o apostle_n any_o be_v ever_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n in_o their_o infancy_n wherefore_o look_v well_o upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o baptist_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o they_o and_o they_o only_a have_v the_o true_a ancient_n primitive_a or_o apostolical-mark_a of_o church-gathering_a of_o constitution_n they_o only_o can_v be_v true_o constitute_v that_o be_v right_o gather_v which_o the_o baptise_a church_n only_o be_v the_o primitive_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v principal_o in_o these_o two_o head_n viz._n free-fellowship_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_v 2._o 40_o 41_o 42_o 47._o job_n 1._o 11_o 12_o 13._o act._n 17._o 4._o 1_o thess_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 9_o 1_o john_n 1._o 3._o rev._n 22._o 17._o no_o force_n of_o a_o worldly_a nature_n be_v use_v in_o the_o beget_n or_o continue_v her_o fellowship_n for_o it_o be_v a_o mutual_a consent_n the_o second_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o constitution_n consist_v in_o the_o dispose_n of_o her_o member_n to_o those_o place_n to_o which_o they_o be_v fit_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o with_o vers_n 18._o 28._o act_n 6._o 3_o 4._o now_o that_o the_o present_a assembly_n of_o the_o baptise_a believer_n have_v this_o form_n of_o constitution_n in_o both_o respect_n be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o will_v take_v knowledge_n of_o their_o constitution_n of_o government_n the_o true_a ancient_n primitive_a and_o apostolical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o spiritual_a and_o do_v reside_v not_o in_o the_o pastor_n apart_o from_o the_o church_n but_o in_o the_o pastor_n together_o with_o the_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o church_n have_v commit_v her_o
apostolical_a tradition_n tend_v to_o the_o make_v null_n or_o void_a any_o apostolical_a write_n but_o infant_n sprinkle_v make_v null_a and_o void_a all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o subject_n and_o manner_n of_o baptism_n in_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o papist_n or_o such_o as_o they_o get_v the_o civil_a power_n on_o their_o side_n yea_o we_o see_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n how_o long_o have_v many_o nation_n lie_v destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o interposition_n of_o this_o cloudy_a tradition_n of_o pedo-rantism_a how_o have_v man_n pretend_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n never_o in_o many_o generation_n preach_v peter_n doctrine_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n note_v this_o observation_n well_o for_o although_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n have_v not_o be_v cry_v down_o in_o the_o nation_n of_o christendom_n by_o such_o as_o count_v themselves_o the_o only_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o these_o nation_n have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o baptism_n for_o they_o daily_o have_v practise_v something_o under_o that_o notion_n which_o be_v rheir_o infant-sprinkling_a so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a infant-baptism_n make_v void_a the_o apostolical_a write_n therefore_o infant-baptism_n be_v no_o apostolical_a tradition_n second_o infant-baptism_n be_v not_o a_o apostolical_a tradition_n because_o no_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o hundred_o of_o year_n after_o christ_n although_o i_o be_o not_o much_o read_v yet_o i_o have_v use_v the_o utmost_a of_o my_o diligence_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n in_o this_o point_n and_o i_o have_v attain_v to_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n that_o the_o great_a favourer_n of_o infant-baptism_n that_o yet_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o ever_o he_o see_v any_o record_n of_o antiquity_n that_o mention_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o mention_v it_o the_o papist_n grant_v and_o because_o the_o papist_n make_v such_o boast_n of_o the_o consent_n which_o they_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n from_o antiquity_n i_o will_v therefore_o here_o put_v in_o something_o by_o way_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o infant_n baptism_n as_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o first_o hundred_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o general_o receive_v till_o above_o half_a a_o thousand_o year_n revolve_v from_o christ_n as_o be_v undeniable_a for_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o most_o famous_a or_o at_o least_o very_o famous_a christian_n parent_n bring_v up_o their_o child_n without_o have_v they_o baptize_v such_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o greg._n nazianzen_n ambrose_n augustine_n and_o other_o yea_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n be_v not_o baptize_v till_o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n baptism_n see_v also_o these_o ensue_a testimony_n i_o will_v declare_v unto_o you_o how_o we_o offer_v up_o ourselves_o unto_o god_n in_o pium_fw-la baptism_n after_o that_o we_o be_v renew_v through_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o teach_v they_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o same_o we_o admonish_v to_o fast_o and_o pray_v and_o we_o fast_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o then_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o water_n and_o there_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v wash_v in_o it_o so_o say_v erasmus_n paraphrase_n on_o matth._n 28._o if_o they_o believe_v that_o which_o you_o teach_v they_o and_o begin_v to_o be_v repentant_a of_o their_o former_a life_n then_o dip_v they_o in_o water_n in_o the_o name_n etc._n etc._n the_o lord_n command_v his_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o instruct_v 28_o all_o nation_n and_o afterward_o baptise_v those_o that_o be_v instruct_v for_o it_o can_v be_v that_o the_o body_n shall_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n unless_o the_o soul_n have_v receive_v before_o the_o true_a faith_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o slight_o command_v to_o baptize_v but_o first_o of_o all_o arrian_n he_o say_v teach_v and_o then_o baptize_v that_o true_a faith_n may_v come_v by_o teach_v and_o baptism_n be_v perfect_v by_o faith_n haimo_n say_v in_o this_o place_n matth._n 28._o be_v set_v down_o a_o rule_n right_o how_o to_o baptize_v that_o be_v that_o teach_v shall_v go_v before_o baptism_n for_o he_o say_v teach_v all_o nation_n and_o then_o he_o say_v and_o baptize_v they_o for_o text_n he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v must_v be_v before_o instruct_v that_o he_o first_o learn_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o in_o baptism_n he_o shall_v receive_v for_o as_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a so_o work_v if_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n be_v nothing_o worth_a beda_n say_v all_o they_o that_o come_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v baptize_v be_v instruct_v of_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v instruct_v concern_v the_o sacrament_n 19_o of_o baptism_n they_o receive_v the_o holy_a administration_n thereof_o tertullian_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n when_o infant-baptism_n begin_v to_o appear_v do_v dispute_v against_o it_o as_o a_o unnecessary_a practice_n for_o divers_a cause_n 1._o for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o commit_v heavenly_a thing_n to_o those_o parvil_a who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o keep_v treasure_n of_o a_o earthly_a nature_n 2._o for_o that_o the_o sponsor_n may_v be_v endanger_v 3._o for_o that_o it_o become_v they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v to_o fast_o pray_v and_o confess_v their_o sin_n 4._o because_o they_o that_o receive_v christ_n must_v ask_v he_o let_v they_o that_o be_v little_a one_o come_v therefore_o say_v he_o while_o they_o be_v youth_n whilst_o wherein_o they_o come_v they_o be_v teach_v etc._n etc._n augustine_n say_v we_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o exhort_v those_o who_o we_o baptize_v ludovicus_n vives_fw-la comment_v upon_o this_o place_n sai_z lest_o dei_fw-la any_o man_n shall_v mistake_v this_o place_n of_o augustine_n let_v he_o know_v that_o in_o old_a time_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n to_o baptize_v none_o except_o they_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o do_v desire_v baptism_n in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o that_o several_a time_n and_o do_v understand_v what_o that_o mystical_a water_n mean_v which_o we_o see_v resemble_v in_o our_o baptise_v of_o infant_n lo_o here_o your_o pedo-baptism_n be_v not_o the_o old_a custom_n of_o the_o church_n the_o three_o reason_n the_o present_a papal_a church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o national_a church_n therefore_o she_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o three_o reason_n maintain_v 1._o to_o make_v the_o gospel-church_n national_a consequent_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o conversion_n as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n appertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n for_o if_o man_n can_v regenerate_v or_o beget_v person_n to_o god_n in_o their_o infancy_n than_o the_o word_n of_o regeneration_n or_o new-birth_n be_v needless_a in_o order_n to_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o preach_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n must_v cease_v as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n pertain_v to_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o all_o those_o nation_n which_o be_v call_v christendom_n which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o indeed_o experience_n have_v long_o ago_o prove_v this_o conclusion_n to_o be_v most_o true_a for_o since_o the_o church_n as_o they_o term_v it_o be_v national_a the_o word_n or_o work_v of_o conversion_n have_v be_v little_o know_v in_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o it_o nay_o very_o the_o very_a term_n conversion_n be_v become_v a_o reproach_n among_o our_o national-churchmembers_a but_o thus_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o conversion_n unnecessary_a in_o order_n to_o person_n admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n john_n 3._o 5._o luke_n 24._o 47._o matth._n 20._o 19_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 16_o 17._o heb._n 8._o 10_o 11._o gal._n 3._o 26_o 27_o 28._o matth._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2._o to_o make_v the_o gospel-church_n national_a put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n touch_v that_o separation_n and_o those_o division_n which_o for_o the_o gospel-sake_n must_v be_v in_o nation_n and_o family_n as_o appear_v from_o these_o scripture_n john_n 15._o 19_o and_o 17._o 14_o 16._o act_n 2._o 40_o 47._o 1_o cor._n 6._o luke_n 12._o 49_o to_o 54._o and_o therefore_o in_o vain_a do_v any_o person_n think_v to_o do_v