convenient_a bond_n or_o at_o least_o none_o that_o be_v willing_a they_o allow_v they_o power_n within_o themselves_o both_o for_o constitution_n and_o dissolution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o they_o see_v occasion_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o soul_n health_n and_o therefore_o see_v all_o power_n both_o for_o government_n and_o discipline_n be_v necessary_o allow_v they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o they_o be_v not_o against_o the_o consociation_n of_o true_a christian_a church_n for_o the_o mutual_a advice_n and_o edification_n and_o help_v and_o comfort_n of_o one_o another_o or_o in_o case_n of_o admonition_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o utter_o deny_v to_o submit_v themselves_o as_o under_o the_o jurisdictive_a authority_n of_o any_o such_o church_n save_v only_o in_o case_n of_o advice_n or_o council_n or_o admonition_n or_o at_o most_o as_o sister_n church_n in_o every_o respect_n and_o as_o they_o shall_v convince_v they_o from_o scripture_n ground_n that_o their_o decree_n or_o result_v be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o law_n and_o testimony_n concern_v they_o either_o in_o doctrine_n or_o government_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o be_v order_v or_o govern_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o such_o in_o any_o respect_n till_o they_o first_o know_v what_o their_o vote_n be_v that_o they_o submit_v unto_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v enslave_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n against_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v only_o bind_v by_o scriptural_a decree_n or_o loose_v either_o and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o man_n not_o infallible_o guide_v though_o never_o so_o numerous_a or_o wise_a and_o learned_a who_o all_o may_v err_v and_o often_o do_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o challenge_v any_o bind_a authority_n or_o power_n whatsoever_o or_o lose_v either_o but_o only_o in_o case_n and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o can_v and_o do_v even_o convince_v the_o conscience_n from_o scripture_n evidence_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o their_o decree_n be_v just_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a as_o well_o for_o a_o church_n as_o a_o particular_a man_n to_o go_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n as_o they_o be_v enjoin_v and_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v decree_v or_o teach_v we_o or_o that_o be_v preach_v unto_o we_o yea_o though_o by_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n and_o if_o we_o find_v they_o teach_v we_o another_o gospel_n then_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o must_v let_v they_o be_v accurse_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n resolve_v of_o nothing_o till_o it_o be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o all_o assent_v and_o agree_v to_o it_o even_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o act_n 15._o 22_o 25._o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o either_o a_o particular_a man_n or_o particualar_a church_n have_v scriptural_a ground_n may_v say_v as_o they_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n for_o what_o the_o scripture_n decree_n the_o holy_a ghost_n decree_v and_o therefore_o all_o assembly_n congregational_a presbyterial_a classical_a synodical_a national_a or_o ecumenical_a shall_v only_o be_v as_o this_o in_o the_o act_n to_o consider_v of_o such_o matter_n as_o vers_n 6._o and_o to_o resolve_v they_o from_o scripture_n that_o all_o be_v assure_v from_o scripture_n ground_n may_v with_o one_o accord_n pass_v sentence_n with_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o they_o what_o ever_o be_v resolve_v or_o decree_v or_o do_v in_o his_o sacred_a name_n else_o they_o be_v presumptuous_a and_o self-willed_a and_o do_v usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o do_v not_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v from_o scripture_n evidence_n that_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o they_o coloss_n 4._o 4._o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o we_o and_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o we_o and_o to_o follow_v their_o faith_n as_o hebr._n 13._o 7_o 17._o yet_o it_o must_v be_v in_o case_n when_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o watch_v for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n and_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o for_o they_o that_o preach_v unto_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v changeable_a lest_o they_o carry_v we_o about_o with_o divers_a and_o strange_a doctrine_n as_o vers_n 8._o 9_o which_o we_o must_v not_o be_v to_o follow_v their_o faith_n nor_o in_o obedience_n unto_o they_o that_o turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n as_o 2_o tim_n 4._o 3_o 4._o 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o 4._o 5._o &_o 2_o tim_n 3._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2_o thes_n 3._o 6._o 7_o 8._o and_o if_o any_o come_v unto_o we_o and_o bring_v not_o the_o true_a doctrine_n we_o must_v not_o receive_v he_o to_o house_n neither_o bid_v he_o god_n speed_n as_o 2_o joh._n 10._o how_o much_o less_o may_v such_o be_v receive_v as_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o maintain_v either_o by_o tithe_n or_o other_o maintenance_n and_o how_o unlawful_a be_v it_o therefore_o either_o for_o magistrate_n or_o other_o to_o force_v maintenance_n of_o any_o such_o or_o to_o limit_v man_n by_o parochial_a bound_n that_o in_o case_n a_o parish_n shall_v heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n after_o their_o own_o heart_n have_v itch_a ear_n that_o turn_v from_o the_o truth_n yet_o man_n must_v be_v enforce_v to_o maintain_v such_o teacher_n and_o to_o hear_v they_o likewise_o and_o must_v not_o withdraw_v themselves_o as_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v we_o nor_o go_v elsewhere_o unless_o we_o can_v remove_v our_o habitation_n also_o which_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v sometime_o inconvenient_a and_o to_o our_o utter_a overthrow_n in_o worldly_a respect_n all_o which_o bondage_n be_v a_o great_a infringement_n to_o our_o christian_a liberty_n in_o they_o that_o do_v it_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v nor_o assent_v to_o by_o any_o that_o desire_n to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n reas_n for_o how_o many_o thousand_o parish_n both_o have_v be_v and_o be_v not_o only_o here_o but_o in_o other_o kingdom_n by_o this_o mean_n keep_v utter_o destitute_a of_o any_o spiritual_a food_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o sometime_o even_o for_o a_o whole_a age_n together_o during_o the_o parson_n or_o vicar_n life_n who_o once_o install_v can_v never_o be_v remove_v if_o he_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o government_n on_o foot_n and_o can_v please_v the_o great_a or_o most_o of_o the_o parish_n yea_o and_o though_o he_o be_v never_o so_o carnal_a if_o he_o have_v but_o learning_n and_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n in_o respect_n of_o religion_n like_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o congregation_n though_o he_o utter_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o all_o his_o parishioner_n though_o never_o so_o godly_a and_o conscientious_a must_v hold_v they_o content_v during_o such_o a_o man_n life_n for_o they_o must_v allow_v he_o his_o tithe_n or_o maintenance_n and_o they_o must_v not_o obey_v the_o apostle_n direction_n to_o wit_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o but_o they_o must_v keep_v to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o own_o minister_n unless_o they_o can_v remove_v out_o of_o such_o a_o parish_n and_o so_o in_o all_o likelihood_n famish_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o whole_a family_n if_o god_n be_v not_o merciful_a in_o stretch_v forth_o his_o immediate_a hand_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a unexpected_a way_n for_o the_o ordinary_a way_n is_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v as_o so_o the_o world_n account_v iâ—_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v and_o therefore_o let_v man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o keep_v such_o man_n out_o for_o intrude_a themselves_o and_o be_v intrude_v upon_o they_o but_o to_o let_v all_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o conscientious_a have_v free_a liberty_n to_o approve_v and_o receive_v or_o admic_a and_o in_o stall_n who_o
to_o the_o policy_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n no_o church_n can_v be_v too_o strict_a pag._n 20._o though_o in_o other_o respect_n they_o ought_v to_o join_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o not_o of_o certainty_n as_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n as_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o chap._n 13._o &_o chap._n 10._o 32_o 33._o 2._o it_o be_v assert_v that_o for_o the_o same_o end_n and_o reason_n and_o respect_n allege_v in_o the_o former_a they_o be_v just_o strict_a and_o conscientious_a and_o teach_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n that_o all_o that_o be_v find_v and_o know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o approve_a fidelity_n within_o convenient_a bound_n shall_v thus_o incorporate_v and_o join_v themselves_o and_o to_o engage_v themselves_o in_o covenant_n unto_o god_n for_o better_a security_n and_o deep_a engagement_n unto_o all_o brotherly_a and_o christian_a duty_n and_o to_o deal_v impartial_o in_o all_o such_o business_n as_o concern_v they_o all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n good_a and_o to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n though_o innocent_a as_o dove_n p._n 21_o 22._o 3._o it_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o principle_n of_o independent_o be_v strict_a and_o near_o to_o the_o scripture_n rule_v for_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n to_o speak_v in_o public_a by_o the_o learned_a only_o p._n 22_o to_o 47_o for_o prove_v whereof_o 1._o it_o be_v assert_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 7_o to_o 12._o that_o natural_o and_o manifest_o flow_v from_o hence_o that_o to_o whosoever_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v it_o be_v give_v to_o such_o to_o profit_v withal_o pag._n 23._o 2._o it_o be_v prove_v against_o a_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o such_o who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v spiritualise_v thereby_o may_v discern_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 10._o 15._o yea_o though_o they_o be_v unlearned_a in_o the_o tongue_n and_o that_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v evident_a and_o demonstrable_a even_o in_o these_o our_o day_n to_o such_o who_o be_v spiritual_a though_o not_o unto_o other_o as_o vers_n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o pag._n 23._o 24._o 3._o the_o particular_a gift_n or_o note_n or_o qualification_n or_o operation_n or_o administration_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o they_o produce_v from_o sacred_a scripture_n whereby_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o power_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v evident_a and_o demonstrable_a in_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o those_o that_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o tongue_n nor_o graduate_n in_o the_o school_n even_o in_o these_o our_o day_n yea_o and_o that_o in_o such_o who_o do_v no_o miracle_n pag._n 24._o 4._o it_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v against_o a_o objection_n that_o these_o particular_a gift_n and_o administration_n which_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n can_v be_v so_o counterfeit_v by_o the_o carnal_a but_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a p._n 24_o 25._o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n there_o be_v divers_a note_n from_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o be_v find_v in_o any_o do_v prove_v for_o certain_a and_o do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o speak_v in_o they_o yea_o though_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n pag._n 25._o 1._o the_o first_o from_o john_n 7._o 18._o ibid._n 2._o from_o john_n 10._o 10._o 28._o pag._n 26._o 3._o from_o james_n 1._o 17_o 18._o ibid._n 4._o from_o john_n 16._o 8._o ibid._n 5._o from_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o &_o chap._n 14._o 24_o 25._o ibid._n 6._o from_o john_n 3._o 21._o ibid._n 7._o from_o phil._n 2._o 15_o 16._o &_o ephes_n 5._o 13_o 14._o ibid._n but_o that_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o these_o particular_n or_o any_o that_o can_v be_v exhibit_v be_v a_o clear_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o secret_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o sacred_a kingdom_n because_o without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v col._n 1._o 26._o 27_o 28._o rom._n 16._o 25._o ephes_n 3._o 9_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 10._o titus_n 1._o 2._o pag._n 27._o to_o which_o a_o reason_n be_v render_v draw_v from_o the_o contrary_a luke_n 8._o 10._o mark_v 4._o 33_o 34._o mat._n 13._o ibid._n and_o a_o consequence_n gather_v back_v with_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o &_o matth._n 10._o 19_o ibid._n and_o a_o objection_n answer_v to_o satisfy_v such_o who_o count_v it_o immodesty_n pag._n 28._o 1._o and_o another_o to_o satisfy_v such_o who_o object_n that_o speak_v unto_o man_n to_o edification_n and_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n be_v not_o proper_o to_o prophecy_n because_o prophesy_v be_v foreshow_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o be_v full_o answer_v and_o clear_o vindicate_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o prophesy_v as_o the_o apostle_n assert_v it_o from_o heb._n 11._o 1._o &_o john_n 10._o 10._o &_o 1_o john_n 5._o 11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 1_o 3_o 4._o and_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o pag._n 29._o 2._o and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o present_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o show_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v as_o agabus_n do_v for_o till_o the_o thing_n be_v come_v they_o do_v not_o manifest_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n pag._n 29_o 30._o 3._o and_o three_o the_o danger_n be_v show_v to_o those_o that_o despise_v or_o resist_v and_o disparage_v these_o thing_n or_o way_n etc._n etc._n or_o they_o that_o use_v they_o or_o to_o any_o authority_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o and_o give_v liberty_n to_o all_o they_o who_o spirit_n god_n have_v raise_v to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n lest_o wrath_n be_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n as_o ezra_n 1._o 5_o 6._o &_o chap._n 13._o 16_o 23._o &_o chap._n 8._o 22_o 23._o &_o psal_n 2._o pag._n 31._o 32_o 33._o yea_o that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o dangerous_a consequence_n either_o to_o act_v or_o comply_v with_o such_o show_v by_o many_o reason_n and_o all_o objection_n answer_v full_o which_o be_v too_o many_o and_o too_o large_a to_o abreviate_v pag._n 47._o 4_o assertion_n be_v concern_v their_o independency_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o church_n while_o they_o do_v well_o as_o rom._n 13._o 3_o 4._o &_o 1_o pet._n 3._o to_o the_o 23._o &_o chap._n 4._o 1_o 2._o &_o 12._o with_o the_o reason_n that_o necessary_o engage_v they_o so_o to_o stand_v which_o be_v unanswerable_a pag._n 47._o to_o 53._o 5_o assertion_n be_v concern_v their_o maintain_v the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n and_o supremacy_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o it_o be_v show_v that_o they_o necessary_o assume_v democracy_n to_o maintain_v his_o monarchy_n against_o antichristian_a tyranny_n and_o usurpation_n pag._n 53._o to_o 56._o 6_o assertion_n be_v that_o they_o be_v just_o strict_a in_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o own_o sphere_n in_o not_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n as_o mat._n 18._o 15._o to_o 21._o pag._n 56._o 57_o 58._o have_v do_v with_o the_o presbyterian_o for_o the_o time_n present_a here_o be_v three_o grand_a particular_n instance_a in_o against_o the_o independent_o and_o punctual_o argue_v from_o scripture_n ground_n 1._o first_o concern_v ordination_n of_o minister_n and_o other_o officer_n pag._n 58._o to_o 63._o 2._o second_o concern_v the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n wherein_o be_v prove_v that_o withdraw_v of_o communion_n be_v not_o sufficient_a but_o they_o ought_v to_o proceed_v even_o to_o excommunication_n yea_o even_o to_o execration_n if_o their_o sin_n so_o deserve_v as_o for_o toleration_n of_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n and_o such_o heinous_a sin_n in_o their_o church-member_n or_o officer_n pag._n 63._o to_o 68_o 3._o three_o concern_v their_o strictness_n in_o trial_n of_o all_o who_o they_o admit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v name_v pag._n 68_o but_o prosecute_v and_o argue_v against_o they_o from_o pag._n 72._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n but_o betwixt_o pag._n 68_o and_o pag._n 72._o the_o author_n apprehension_n partly_o abreviate_a what_o have_v former_o be_v say_v be_v propose_v brief_o
of_o good_n or_o claim_v of_o propriety_n 3._o concern_v fast_n or_o eat_v and_o drink_v 4._o concern_v being_n of_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o pharsee_n or_o of_o one_o more_o remiss_a such_o as_o be_v the_o scribe_n but_o it_o will_v be_v demand_v how_o these_o may_v be_v applicable_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n in_o these_o particular_n so_o it_o do_v also_o betwixt_o church_n and_o church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o every_o respect_n 1._o for_o such_o who_o make_v themselves_o chaste_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n it_o be_v good_a for_o such_o not_o to_o touch_v a_o woman_n as_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 1._o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a how_o they_o carry_v themselves_o in_o such_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o such_o to_o marry_v if_o they_o so_o resolve_v and_o know_v they_o have_v power_n over_o their_o own_o will_n as_o have_v beer_n say_v before_o even_o so_o a_o church_n be_v right_o constitute_v and_o have_v divine_a power_n and_o authority_n give_v she_o through_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v present_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n only_o unto_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o such_o a_o church_n or_o at_o least_o not_o good_a for_o she_o to_o bind_v herself_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o vote_n or_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o church_n that_o be_v not_o constitute_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n only_o unto_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o he_o and_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o be_v as_o chaste_a as_o she_o and_o as_o full_o subject_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n but_o think_v they_o ought_v to_o consociate_v with_o such_o who_o be_v more_o loose_a in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o government_n and_o way_n etc._n etc._n which_o as_o yet_o she_o can_v resolve_v to_o do_v upon_o any_o principle_n she_o have_v yet_o receive_v from_o christ_n her_o head_n and_o there_o be_v a_o resemblance_n unto_o a_o little_a remarkable_a hold_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n betwixt_o the_o husband_n and_o wife_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n ephes_n 5._o 22._o etc._n etc._n both_o of_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a alike_o though_o yet_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o there_o be_v cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o some_o woman_n will_v not_o continue_v chaste_a so_o there_o be_v cause_n of_o jealousy_n that_o some_o church_n will_v not_o be_v espouse_v unto_o one_o husband_n that_o they_o may_v be_v present_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o christ_n but_o their_o mind_n will_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3_o 4._o second_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o it_o be_v with_o a_o church_n in_o the_o second_o particular_a for_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v among_o themselves_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o mind_n have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o none_o of_o they_o claim_v propriety_n of_o good_n as_o mere_o his_o own_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v distribute_v as_o every_o one_o have_v need_v as_o so_o it_o be_v lawful_a if_o they_o can_v so_o agree_v and_o do_v it_o free_o without_o grudge_v or_o repine_v yet_o it_o be_v unlawful_a and_o a_o folly_n and_o madness_n to_o join_v themselves_o so_o in_o community_n of_o good_n to_o such_o in_o who_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v the_o like_a community_n they_o be_v quit_v of_o a_o contrary_a mind_n and_o heart_n etc._n etc._n like_o ananias_n and_o saphirah_n covetous_a and_o hypocritical_a and_o only_o aim_v at_o carnal_a end_n three_o and_o so_o likewise_o as_o it_o lawful_a for_o a_o particular_a man_n to_o give_v themselves_o much_o unto_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v even_o so_o it_o be_v likewise_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n if_o they_o so_o agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o give_v themselves_o much_o unto_o fast_v and_o payer_n as_o in_o their_o apprehension_n they_o shall_v think_v they_o have_v cause_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n in_o general_a or_o particular_a where_o it_o may_v be_v on_o the_o contrary_a some_o other_o church_n in_o their_o apprehension_n have_v more_o cause_n of_o thankfulness_n find_v for_o the_o present_a that_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o as_o so_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n fast_v not_o whereas_o the_o disciple_n of_o john_n fast_v often_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v church_n of_o different_a judgement_n in_o these_o respect_n be_v bind_v by_o authority_n all_o to_o rejoice_v or_o all_o to_o mourn_v and_o fast_o and_o pray_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o no_o more_o frequent_o but_o as_o all_o can_v agree_v so_o to_o humble_v themselves_o and_o how_o shall_v it_o choose_v but_o engage_v man_n to_o hypocrisy_n save_v only_o in_o case_n of_o some_o general_a judgement_n of_o which_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o be_v sensible_a and_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o four_a and_o last_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o particular_a man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o pharisee_n so_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v of_o the_o strict_a way_n in_o respect_n of_o government_n doctrine_n and_o discipline_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v or_o make_v good_a from_o scripture_n as_o lawful_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o enforce_v she_o to_o conform_v unto_o any_o church_n that_o be_v more_o remiss_a and_o loose_a or_o careless_a or_o not_o so_o strict_a or_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v though_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o tolerate_v such_o who_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o strict_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o as_o all_o good_a man_n who_o general_a bent_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n can_v attain_v such_o measure_n or_o degree_n of_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n as_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o of_o zeal_n etc._n etc._n one_o as_o another_o even_o so_o all_o church_n though_o they_o be_v true_a church_n can_v possible_o attain_v to_o be_v so_o right_o constitute_v and_o so_o severe_a and_o strict_a in_o discipline_n and_o government_n and_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n as_o other_o can_v though_o the_o strict_a the_o better_a in_o some_o respect_n as_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v though_o in_o some_o thing_n to_o be_v over_o strict_a be_v a_o foul_a fault_n the_o one_o conceive_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o other_o of_o certainty_n the_o one_o expect_v but_o faith_n historical_n in_o their_o admission_n but_o the_o other_o search_v for_o faith_n justify_v such_o as_o appear_v by_o work_n in_o all_o such_o who_o they_o do_v approve_v as_o there_o be_v strong_a argument_n that_o may_v easy_o be_v produce_v on_o both_o patty_n even_o from_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o reconcile_v i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o either_o of_o they_o yet_o have_v clear_o demonstrate_v from_o sacred_a scripture_n their_o own_o resolve_n concern_v baptism_n i_o shall_v therefore_o it_o may_v be_v propose_v betwixt_o they_o something_o of_o that_o but_o from_o these_o precedent_a ground_n first_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o these_o conclusion_n will_v just_o reprove_v and_o i_o hope_v convince_v both_o the_o independent_o and_o presbyterian_o in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o labour_v to_o accord_v and_o love_n and_o strive_v to_o live_v and_o carry_v as_o brother_n and_o communicate_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n as_o brother_n ought_v and_o as_o occasion_n serve_v but_o the_o one_o strive_v to_o enforce_v conformity_n to_o their_o way_n and_o rule_n and_o principle_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o in_o conscience_n they_o it_o may_v be_v be_v engage_v and_o the_o other_o blame_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o too_o remiss_a and_o not_o so_o upright_o and_o conscientious_a nor_o walk_v by_o so_o just_a and_o strict_a a_o rule_n in_o constitution_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o as_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o engage_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o seek_v for_o liberty_n so_o to_o do_v by_o this_o mean_n they_o fall_v at_o variance_n and_o fall_v out_o by_o the_o way_n and_o about_o the_o way_n though_o they_o
hear_n of_o the_o ear_n or_o bare_o theorettical_a without_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n consiq_fw-la therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o that_o speak_v understand_o and_o apprehensive_o of_o these_o secret_a mystery_n do_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o power_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o only_o reveal_v and_o give_v understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v say_v so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o they_o and_o by_o how_o much_o more_o they_o shall_v lighten_v thing_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o darkness_n and_o make_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n manifest_a as_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 5._o by_o the_o clear_a unfolding_n or_o interpretation_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o secret_n thereof_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v dark_a and_o mystical_a and_o hide_v from_o other_o or_o that_o have_v not_o former_o be_v explain_v and_o open_v or_o not_o convince_o as_o a_o clear_a result_n produce_v a_o infallible_a assent_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o evident_a and_o demonstrable_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o they_o matth._n 10._o 19_o 20._o yea_o that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o speak_v or_o to_o declare_v those_o thing_n be_v thrust_v forth_o even_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n who_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o he_o hanve_v for_o how_o be_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a shall_v be_v reveal_v even_o unto_o babe_n and_o to_o the_o foolish_a etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n with_o this_o world_n if_o they_o be_v not_o inspire_v and_o reveal_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v they_o have_v not_o learn_v they_o by_o humane_a document_n but_o from_o god_n only_o object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v immodesty_n yea_o presumption_n and_o a_o tokâ—n_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o man_n if_o they_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o acknowledge_v much_o less_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o that_o immediate_o by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o his_o bless_a spirit_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o they_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o father_n that_o speak_v in_o they_o but_o especial_o for_o unlearned_a man_n that_o be_v but_o as_o babe_n compare_v with_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a it_o be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n in_o they_o to_o do_v it_o above_o all_o compare_n answ_n i_o answer_v if_o they_o understand_v and_o know_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v say_v even_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v not_o learned_a not_o be_v teach_v of_o man_n to_o who_o then_o shall_v they_o ascribe_v the_o glory_n ought_v they_o to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o their_o own_o wisdom_n dare_v the_o learned_a ascribe_v their_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n either_o to_o their_o own_o wisdom_n or_o their_o learnedness_n in_o the_o tongue_n which_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v attain_v unto_o that_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v say_v be_v this_o to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n and_o to_o do_v it_o as_o of_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n administer_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n god_n may_v be_v glorify_v be_v this_o to_o speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o name_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 11._o may_v not_o such_o just_o expect_v the_o judgement_n of_o herod_n to_o be_v strike_v with_o a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v eat_v up_o of_o worm_n because_o they_o give_v not_o the_o glory_n unto_o god_n of_o what_o they_o do_v or_o speak_v in_o his_o sacred_a name_n that_o be_v good_a or_o excellent_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v doubtful_a at_o least_o that_o such_o who_o utter_o exclude_v all_o that_o be_v not_o learn_v in_o the_o tongue_n i_o mean_v from_o speak_v unto_o man_n to_o edification_n and_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n or_o from_o any_o ministration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o public_a especial_o that_o they_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o their_o ability_n for_o spiritual_a ministration_n be_v only_o attain_v through_o learnedness_n in_o the_o tongue_n for_o how_o else_o dare_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o limit_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v but_o by_o the_o learned_a only_a object_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o speak_v unto_o man_n to_o edification_n and_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n be_v not_o proper_o to_o prophesy_v for_o prophesy_v be_v proper_o foreshow_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v though_o such_o who_o prophecy_n do_v ordinary_o also_o speak_v unto_o man_n to_o edification_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o prophesy_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v ans_fw-fr 1._o i_o answer_v first_o that_o they_o that_o edify_v the_o church_n build_v they_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v of_o thing_n invisible_a and_o chief_o of_o thing_n to_o come_v for_o faith_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11._o 1._o and_o therefore_o edify_v or_o build_v man_n up_o further_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o give_v they_o better_a evidence_n and_o ground_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o from_o sacred_a testimony_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o chief_a prophesy_v and_o most_o useful_a powerful_a and_o comfortable_a for_o give_v life_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v spiritual_a life_n i_o mean_v even_a joy_n and_o comfort_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n see_v joh._n 10._o 10._o 28._o and_o 1_o joh._n 5._o 11_o 12_o 13._o yea_o for_o perfect_v of_o the_o saint_n as_o eph._n 4._o 11._o to_o 16._o 2._o and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o as_o of_o foreshow_v new_a thing_n to_o come_v as_o agabus_n prophesy_v of_o the_o dearth_n and_o famine_n over_o all_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o prophesy_v not_o so_o ordinary_o attainable_a and_o more_o difficult_a in_o these_o day_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o needful_a nor_o useful_a as_o the_o other_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n inspire_v into_o such_o when_o the_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v yet_o that_o part_n of_o prophesy_v which_o the_o apostle_n commend_v as_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o to_o wit_n speak_v unto_o man_n to_o edification_n etc._n etc._n be_v both_o far_o more_o profitable_a and_o a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o the_o time_n present_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o the_o other_o be_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v first_o it_o be_v the_o most_o present_a evidence_n and_o most_o immediate_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n because_o foreshow_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v no_o present_a and_o immediate_a evidence_n of_o itself_o till_o the_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v in_o truth_n foreshow_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o foreshow_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v the_o very_a compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o prophesy_v and_o the_o most_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o deut._n 18._o 22._o and_o joh._n 16._o 13._o when_o the_o thing_n be_v accomplish_v 2._o but_o second_o yet_o this_o prophesy_v intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o the_o most_o profitable_a of_o all_o other_o gift_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n follow_v after_o charity_n and_o desire_v spiritual_a gift_n but_o chief_o that_o you_o may_v prophesy_v 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o 1._o and_o the_o reason_n be_v render_v verse_n 3._o because_o he_o that_o prophecy_v speak_v unto_o man_n to_o edification_n and_o exhortation_n and_o comfort_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o all_o gift_n for_o all_o that_o be_v zealous_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n shall_v seek_v that_o they_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n as_o verse_n 12._o although_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o so_o also_o foreshow_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v a_o more_o evident_a demonstration_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o believe_v not_o as_o verse_n 22._o yet_o look_v the_o end_n of_o all_o gift_n as_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 12._o ephes_n 4._o 12._o 1_o pet._n 4._o 10_o 11._o rom._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o that_o shall_v be_v our_o end_n but_o prophesy_v say_v the_o apostle_n serve_v not_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o for_o
each_o of_o other_o or_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o act_v or_o how_o to_o resolve_v full_o so_o as_o all_o may_v assent_v and_o be_v satisfy_v in_o conscience_n from_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o resolve_v in_o such_o and_o such_o case_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v thus_o to_o join_v and_o assemble_v themselves_o and_o be_v engage_v deep_o each_o unto_o other_o that_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v just_o carry_v without_o partiality_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n yea_o at_o least_o in_o private_a if_o authority_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o engage_v in_o public_a if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o within_o convenient_a bound_n as_o may_v in_o any_o possibility_n do_v good_a this_o way_n 5._o they_o be_v strict_a in_o maintain_v the_o power_n and_o kingdom_n and_o supremacy_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o in_o now_o stand_v will_v allow_v or_o suffer_v reas_n for_o though_o they_o do_v allow_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v obedient_a and_o subject_a to_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o same_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n as_o joh._n 10._o 4._o and_o do_v make_v it_o manifest_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v from_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n that_o their_o way_n and_o word_n or_o judgement_n and_o censure_n or_o proceed_n be_v right_a as_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n appers_n pag._n 100_o chap._n 5._o yet_o in_o case_n when_o the_o officer_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v err_v and_o commit_v a_o offence_n or_o miscarry_v the_o business_n that_o concern_v they_o all_o or_o that_o in_o any_o respect_n concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o make_v bold_a to_o over_o rule_v they_o and_o to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o rescue_v the_o innocent_a or_o condemn_v the_o guilty_a and_o to_o elect_v or_o eject_v receive_v or_o refuse_v yea_o to_o remit_v or_o retain_v as_o they_o find_v cause_n and_o ground_n form_n scripture_n yea_o though_o quite_o contradictory_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o decree_n and_o result_v of_o their_o elder_n and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n even_o to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v and_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n if_o their_o sin_n so_o deserve_v and_o this_o democracy_n be_v necessary_o assume_v and_o exercise_v by_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o joint_o with_o they_o in_o admit_v member_n and_o in_o censure_v or_o acquit_v and_o remit_v offender_n and_o that_o to_o preserve_v the_o monarchy_n of_o christ_n from_o antichristian_a usurpation_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o force_v to_o let_v man_n at_o their_o pleasure_n bear_v rule_n over_o they_o and_o become_v as_o man_n pleaser_n and_o servant_n of_o man_n as_o many_o have_v do_v and_o that_o without_o all_o remedy_n or_o hope_v of_o remedy_n while_o their_o officer_n live_v as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o all_o because_o that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n within_o themselves_o to_o censure_n and_o remove_v they_o but_o have_v their_o power_n to_o seek_v form_n other_o church_n or_o from_o without_o their_o own_o can_v never_o find_v it_o to_o remove_v they_o by_o as_o in_o conscience_n they_o ought_v but_o be_v force_v to_o yield_v even_o blind_a obedience_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o decree_n be_v impose_v on_o they_o whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n truth_n or_o falsehood_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o what_o else_o can_v be_v just_o expect_v form_n the_o presbyterial_a government_n if_o they_o require_v obedience_n to_o what_o ever_o they_o decree_v or_o determine_v by_o vote_n in_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n or_o congregational_a presbytery_n when_o they_o make_v it_o not_o manifest_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v from_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o such_o decree_n be_v just_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v execute_v and_o obey_v etc._n etc._n by_o all_o or_o any_o who_o they_o do_v concern_v that_o be_v under_o the_o government_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o give_v they_o liberty_n for_o the_o absolute_a exercise_n of_o arbitary_a power_n after_o man_n be_v choose_v to_o such_o anoffice_n for_o what_o be_v it_o but_o arbitrary_a power_n in_o spiritual_a respect_n that_o be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o his_o law_n and_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o such_o be_v account_v arbitrary_a power_n in_o civil_a respect_n that_o be_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o this_o can_v choose_v but_o at_o least_o sometime_o engage_v or_o enforce_v we_o unto_o blind_a obedience_n if_o we_o submit_v thereto_o and_o that_o unto_o man_n as_o if_o we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o account_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o err_v and_o therefore_o doubtless_o such_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o either_o claim_n as_o due_a or_o expect_v such_o obedience_n do_v extol_v themselves_o even_o above_o the_o apostle_n and_o expect_v more_o obedience_n and_o honour_n and_o service_n than_o they_o ever_o require_v who_o be_v notwithstanding_o more_o infallible_o guide_v for_o they_o rather_o commend_v than_o blame_v the_o berean_o for_o search_v of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o be_v preach_v by_o they_o and_o what_o may_v this_o prove_v but_o not_o only_o the_o infringement_n of_o the_o church_n liberty_n but_o even_o the_o just_a right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n yea_o and_o the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n for_o if_o the_o parliament_n be_v bind_v as_o in_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v what_o ever_o a_o synod_n or_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n shall_v conclude_v or_o decree_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v just_a and_o right_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o that_o without_o evidence_n form_n sacred_a scripture_n what_o a_o gross_a slavery_n may_v even_o their_o very_a conscience_n be_v subject_v to_o for_o be_v not_o this_o the_o mean_n of_o introduction_n of_o popery_n and_o all_o superstition_n that_o ever_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o wit_n obedience_n unto_o synod_n as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o err_v and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o dangerous_a now_o lest_o man_n shall_v yet_o err_v and_o mislead_v the_o parliament_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n yea_o and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v we_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v more_o infallible_a then_o in_o former_a age_n doubtless_o i_o say_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o challenge_v nor_o expect_v or_o plead_v for_o any_o such_o obedience_n nor_o that_o they_o either_o do_v or_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n authoritative_o indeed_o but_o what_o they_o make_v good_a and_o manifest_a from_o scripture_n for_o then_o only_o and_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o they_o may_v authoritative_o say_v it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o for_o even_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o draw_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o consider_v of_o those_o thing_n neither_o do_v they_o decree_v till_o james_n stand_v up_o and_o resolve_v the_o matter_n from_o sacred_a scripture_n by_o conclude_v such_o a_o result_n as_o to_o which_o they_o all_o assent_v it_o be_v not_o carry_v by_o multiplicity_n and_o majority_n of_o vote_n what_o shall_v be_v decree_v but_o by_o the_o best_a scripture_n evidence_n neither_o be_v any_o such_o either_o fit_a or_o worthy_a to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o assembly_n synod_n or_o classis_fw-la or_o congregational_a presbytery_n that_o can_v be_v content_a to_o let_v thing_n pass_v upon_o slender_a debate_n and_o without_o result_n from_o scripture_n ground_n upon_o bare_a vote_n it_o may_v be_v inconsiderate_o gather_v to_o be_v make_v as_o decree_n for_o the_o church_n government_n and_o that_o about_o matter_n in_o controversy_n concern_v faith_n and_o doctrine_n or_o way_n and_o manner_n or_o any_o such_o like_a consider_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o chief_a seer_n in_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o nation_n yea_o in_o the_o whole_a universe_n may_v be_v cover_v and_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n may_v be_v unto_o they_o all_o as_o a_o seal_a book_n yea_o they_o may_v account_v even_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n own_o law_n as_o a_o strange_a thing_n as_o isai_n 29._o verse_n 9_o to_o the_o end_n micah_n 3._o 5_o 6._o 7_o 8._o hosea_n 8._o 12._o and_o yet_o may_v think_v it_o strange_a that_o such_o man_n as_o they_o shall_v either_o be_v or_o be_v account_v blind_a as_o those_o that_o say_v unto_o christ_n be_v we_o blind_v also_o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v the_o magistrate_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n to_o restrain_v and_o limit_v they_o in_o these_o respect_n that_o so_o high_o concern_v even_o the_o life_n
spirit_n of_o god_n though_o measure_v out_o as_o it_o please_v he_o as_o 1_o cor._n 12._o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o expect_v the_o blessing_n because_o administer_v in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n no_o nor_o by_o faithful_a man_n though_o we_o may_v the_o rather_o but_o because_o administer_v through_o faith_n indeed_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o only_a fountain_n and_o original_a spring_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o various_o disperse_v as_o it_o please_v he_o as_o jam._n 1._o 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n or_o custody_n of_o man_n to_o give_v the_o increase_n or_o blessing_n indeed_o as_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 7._o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o ordinance_n though_o never_o so_o pure_o and_o proper_o administer_v in_o respect_n of_o order_n and_o form_n of_o government_n or_o administration_n will_v be_v utter_o vain_a invalid_a empty_a fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a unless_o minister_v in_o faith_n yea_o through_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o in_o every_o particular_a for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o such_o administrator_n have_v faith_n in_o god_n for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o they_o must_v have_v faith_n to_o apprehend_v his_o promise_n concern_v such_o particular_n whatever_o they_o administer_v or_o desire_v of_o god_n to_o be_v do_v for_o they_o upon_o such_o occasion_n or_o else_o they_o may_v not_o expect_v to_o receive_v such_o thing_n as_o jam._n 1._o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o faithful_a be_v weak_a enough_o for_o the_o mean_a administration_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o end_n of_o ordination_n be_v the_o blessing_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o order_v as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o attain_v unto_o or_o acquire_v this_o end_n we_o shall_v so_o run_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v for_o in_o such_o public_a case_n man_n often_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a for_o want_v of_o aim_v chief_o at_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o any_o service_n duty_n or_o ordinance_n that_o man_n take_v in_o hand_n but_o thus_o much_o brief_o for_o this_o particular_a because_o i_o hope_v no_o man_n will_v contradict_v what_o be_v here_o assert_v 2._o a_o second_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v against_o the_o independent_a government_n be_v brief_o this_o to_o wit_n that_o though_o they_o do_v allow_v of_o consociation_n of_o church_n for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o for_o the_o help_n and_o encouragement_n resolve_v comfort_v etc._n etc._n or_o for_o the_o discouragement_n forsake_v and_o conviction_n or_o withdraw_v from_o as_o need_n require_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o any_o authoritative_a act_n by_o a_o assembly_n of_o such_o church_n either_o for_o or_o against_o any_o particular_a church_n though_o need_v require_v so_o to_o do_v but_o do_v account_v it_o sufficient_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n if_o they_o so_o deserve_v according_a to_o mat._n 18._o as_o the_o direction_n be_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o brother_n in_o case_n of_o trespass_n not_o consider_v that_o this_o directory_n be_v only_o give_v out_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o deal_v in_o case_n of_o trespass_n against_o man_n one_o brother_n against_o another_o and_o that_o in_o such_o trespass_n as_o deserve_v not_o excommunication_n out_o of_o such_o a_o church_n but_o a_o private_a withdraw_n of_o brotherly_a fellowship_n by_o that_o particular_a man_n against_o who_o the_o trespass_n be_v commit_v to_o wit_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o as_o a_o publican_n verse_n 17._o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o either_o such_o a_o man_n or_o any_o other_o for_o trespass_v proper_o against_o man_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v from_o the_o public_a ordinance_n but_o they_o be_v first_o admonish_v to_o note_v such_o by_o a_o letter_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a to_o see_v how_o that_o will_v work_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n but_o they_o must_v not_o for_o such_o fault_n account_v they_o as_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v they_o as_o brethren_n as_o 2_o thess_n 3._o 14_o 15._o and_o bear_v they_o patient_o yea_o though_o we_o think_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v evil_a man_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25_o 26._o for_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v deceive_v especial_o in_o our_o own_o cause_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_n and_o censure_n without_o moderation_n and_o excommunication_n ought_v only_o to_o be_v administer_v in_o case_n of_o sin_n against_o god_n when_o we_o can_v scarce_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n think_v any_o better_a of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v wicked_a man_n cast_v out_o from_o among_o yourselves_o that_o wicked_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 13._o and_o of_o this_o sort_n also_o be_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o have_v make_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o fall_v to_o blasphemy_n beside_o which_o or_o for_o such_o like_a gross_a and_o notorious_a sin_n and_o that_o against_o god_n we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o that_o be_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n like_o those_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o argu._n but_o this_o directory_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n go_v no_o further_o but_o to_o private_a withdraw_n in_o case_n of_o trespass_n brother_n against_o brother_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v the_o church_n how_o she_o ought_v to_o deal_v in_o case_n of_o sin_n deserve_v that_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n but_o we_o must_v likewise_o take_v in_o for_o further_a direction_n that_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o many_o other_o scripture_n as_o you_o shall_v hear_v anon_o consequ_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v as_o well_o to_o deal_v with_o offender_n if_o they_o so_o deserve_v by_o that_o heavy_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n as_o withdraw_v their_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n from_o they_o in_o case_n of_o lesser_a sin_n even_o so_o in_o like_a case_n church_n consociate_v ought_v to_o deal_n with_o offend_a church_n if_o they_o so_o deserve_v by_o that_o heavy_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n as_o well_o as_o withdraw_v their_o communion_n from_o they_o in_o case_n of_o lesser_a sin_n and_o the_o church_n censure_n of_o excommunication_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v bound_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o particular_a church_n against_o particular_a person_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v execute_v against_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o sister_n church_n consociate_v and_o assemble_v for_o that_o very_a end_n if_o their_o sin_n so_o deserve_v as_o in_o case_n of_o toleration_n of_o blaspemy_n or_o idolatry_n or_o sabbath-breaking_a or_o adultery_n and_o such_o like_a gross_a profaneness_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o do_v not_o censure_v they_o for_o it_o and_o take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n that_o i_o therefore_o say_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n because_o such_o who_o be_v profane_a and_o never_o profess_a repentance_n nor_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o excommunication_n because_o that_o even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o be_v as_o yet_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n and_o be_v not_o of_o such_o as_o be_v call_v brethren_n but_o be_v already_o without_o and_o in_o the_o power_n and_o slavery_n and_o captivity_n of_o satan_n need_v no_o more_o cast_v out_o nor_o deliver_v unto_o he_o but_o it_o be_v gross_a foolery_n to_o spend_v the_o church_n censure_n upon_o such_o wicked_a man_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v to_o be_v effectual_a against_o they_o nor_o take_v impression_n on_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o for_o altogether_o inhibit_v our_o company_v together_o with_o such_o as_o verse_n 10._o but_o with_o such_o among_o such_o as_o be_v call_v brethren_n with_o such_o a_o one_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o eat_v whereas_o in_o another_o place_n if_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v not_o invite_v they_o to_o a_o feast_n if_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o go_v they_o may_v go_v for_o he_o give_v they_o no_o inhibition_n in_o that_o case_n but_o only_o a_o directory_n how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o as_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 27._o and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o stool_n of_o repentance_n for_o some_o one_o particular_a notorious_a sin_n till_o they_o can_v also_o profess_v and_o serious_o too_o as_o before_o god_n that_o they_o repent_v for_o all_o both_o secret_a and_o open_a and_o do_v hope_n for_o pardon_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o delude_n of_o man_n conscience_n to_o put_v they_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n for_o one_o till_o they_o repent_v for_o all_o and_o do_v resolve_v to_o
forsake_v they_o jam._n 2._o 10._o 11._o and_o thus_o much_o by_o the_o way_n i_o do_v now_o come_v to_o the_o point_n and_o do_v brief_o assert_v assert_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a christian_a chuche_n joint_o consociate_v or_o assemble_v together_o not_o only_o to_o admonish_v and_o withdraw_v communion_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o as_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o mr._n cotton_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o n._n e._n pag._n 109._o sect._n 6._o to_o wit_n that_o they_o look_v at_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v faithful_a one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o like_a sort_n as_o the_o brethren_n of_o one_o church_n be_v call_v to_o be_v faithful_a one_o towards_o another_o in_o regard_n that_o church_n enjoy_v and_o profess_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o well_o as_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n allege_v cant._n 8._o 8._o &_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o look_v also_o sect._n 7._o but_o that_o therefore_o it_o likewise_o follow_v even_o from_o their_o own_o argument_n that_o a_o assembly_n of_o church_n be_v also_o bind_v to_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o his_o power_n etc._n etc._n any_o such_o church_n as_o shall_v so_o deserve_v or_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o such_o church_n who_o shall_v so_o deserve_v if_o their_o own_o church_n shall_v neglect_v to_o do_v it_o else_o they_o deal_v not_o faithful_o with_o such_o minister_n or_o brethren_n not_o with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o in_o duty_n they_o be_v bind_v 1_o cor._n 5._o after_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o example_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o 20._o as_o have_v be_v say_v nay_o if_o they_o but_o call_v themselves_o brethren_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n rev._n 2._o 2_o 20._o 21._o or_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o chap._n 3._o 9_o yea_o jew_n and_o be_v not_o they_o ought_v i_o say_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o by_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o false_a apostle_n as_o wicked_a jezebel_n as_o lie_v brethren_n and_o so_o proclaim_v joint_o by_o the_o church_n with_o one_o consent_n and_o deliver_v to_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v or_o not_o to_o seduce_v and_o deceive_v the_o servant_n and_o people_n of_o god_n nor_o call_v themselves_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o be_v not_o or_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n in_o such_o thing_n and_o message_n wherein_o they_o be_v not_o as_o revel_v 2._o 2_o 20._o or_o call_v themselves_o jew_n or_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o be_v nothing_o so_o as_o chap._n 3._o 9_o but_o do_v lie_v notorious_o and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o pass_v upon_o they_o in_o as_o public_a and_o declarative_a a_o way_n and_o manner_n accord_v to_o their_o sin_n as_o their_o sin_n shall_v deserve_v and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o judgement_n it_o be_v that_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v and_o public_o hold_v forth_o in_o his_o sacred_a name_n with_o the_o ground_n thereof_o from_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n if_o man_n so_o deserve_v even_o to_o execration_n reas_n for_o the_o like_a care_n and_o the_o like_a mean_n in_o every_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v use_v hold_v forth_o and_o exercise_v over_o such_o sister_n church_n whether_o false_a or_o true_a if_o they_o be_v so_o deem_v through_o their_o own_o profession_n as_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v over_o particular_a brethren_n by_o a_o particular_a church_n whether_o such_o brethren_n be_v false_a or_o true_a that_o through_o their_o own_o profession_n be_v deem_v brethren_n or_o call_v brethren_n as_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 11._o and_o if_o admonition_n and_o in_o some_o case_n excommunication_n be_v ordinance_n of_o god_n sanctify_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n go_v astray_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a injury_n either_o to_o the_o minister_n or_o elder_n or_o to_o whole_a church_n when_o they_o go_v astray_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o wholesome_a medicine_n when_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o soul_n stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o as_o so_o their_o own_o argument_n do_v plain_o resolve_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o n._n eng._n pag._n 101._o chap._n 5._o sect._n 6._o but_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o even_o whole_a church_n may_v so_o far_o apostatise_v and_o go_v astray_o either_o in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n or_o government_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o particular_a member_n of_o a_o congregation_n reas_n for_o suppose_v all_o the_o congregation_n do_v not_o act_v so_o wicked_o as_o to_o be_v fornicator_n idolater_n or_o adulterer_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o connive_v and_o indulge_v and_o be_v accessary_a with_o such_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n as_o the_o corinthian_n be_v with_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o therefore_o be_v sharp_o reprehend_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o if_o after_o admonition_n in_o such_o case_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o such_o gradual_a proceed_n there_o follow_v not_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n or_o if_o any_o church_n shall_v tolerate_v idolatry_n blasphemy_n or_o profaneness_n all_o sister_n church_n ought_v in_o such_o case_n to_o proceed_v roundly_o against_o they_o look_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new_a eng_n pag._n 93._o but_o for_o more_o certain_a testimony_n examine_v and_o compare_v these_o scripture_n follow_v to_o wit_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 11._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o deu._n 13._o 5_o 6_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n exod._n 33._o 7._o act_n 13._o 45_o 46._o judg._n 20._o josh_n 7._o 13_o 24_o 25_o 26._o deut._n 27._o 15_o etc._n etc._n joshua_n 22._o 16_o etc._n etc._n jere._n 48._o 10_o mal._n 1._o 14._o and_o such_o like_a many_o prophetical_a popular_a and_o national_a curse_n which_o be_v exemplary_a for_o we_o to_o use_v in_o like_a case_n and_o they_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o express_a mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a aught_o to_o be_v publish_v and_o declarative_o hold_v forth_o as_o occasion_n require_v and_o the_o more_o public_a and_o the_o more_o visible_a and_o general_a that_o it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o faithful_o and_o emphatical_o that_o it_o be_v express_v and_o the_o better_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o likely_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v effectual_a for_o the_o end_n thereof_o yea_o the_o more_o voice_n that_o proclaim_v it_o or_o assent_v unto_o it_o with_o affection_n of_o mind_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n suitable_a thereunto_o and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o available_a and_o acceptable_a with_o god_n and_o efficacious_a and_o operative_a on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o deter_v and_o restrain_v they_o from_o any_o such_o wickedness_n and_o what_o need_v we_o any_o more_o or_o more_o plain_a injunction_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o to_o wit_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v have_v in_o execration_n yea_o maranatha_fw-mi 1_o cor._n 16._o 22._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 20._o they_o have_v once_o occasion_n to_o have_v use_v these_o curse_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n against_o some_o member_n of_o famous_a church_n in_o new_a england_n and_o some_o it_o may_v be_v may_v find_v occasion_n to_o use_v they_o here_o against_o such_o spy_n as_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n the_o spiritual_a i_o mean_v and_o doubtless_o if_o use_v in_o faith_n as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v be_v effectual_a for_o many_o such_o spy_n be_v culpable_a of_o judgement_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o these_o who_o die_v of_o the_o plague_n before_o the_o lord_n as_o numb_a 14._o 36_o 37._o yea_o good_a man_n who_o soul_n shall_v be_v save_v may_v yet_o deserve_v to_o be_v make_v exemplary_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n for_o the_o terror_n of_o other_o as_o so_o no_o doubt_n be_v nadab_n and_o abihu_n and_o vzza_n and_o other_o as_o we_o may_v well_o hope_v for_o even_o aaron_n himself_o be_v admonish_v by_o moses_n how_o to_o carry_v himself_o lest_o he_o also_o shall_v die_v before_o the_o lord_n if_o he_o be_v provoke_v numb_a 18_o 3._o and_o this_o kind_n of_o divine_a authority_n be_v far_o more_o awful_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o all_o such_o case_n then_o carnal_a worldly_a and_o humane_a authority_n as_o the_o effect_n will_v prove_v if_o minister_v in_o faith_n as_o james_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o 1_o cor_n 5._o 4._o to_o wit_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n confident_o
but_o not_o unto_o doubtful_a election_n and_o such_o like_a business_n as_o necessary_o require_v that_o man_n shall_v understand_v and_o know_v what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o act_v therein_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o though_o all_o the_o levite_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o take_v for_o all_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o give_v as_o a_o gift_n to_o aaron_n and_o to_o his_o son_n from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v the_o service_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o there_o be_v no_o plague_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n when_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n come_v nigh_o unto_o the_o sanctuary_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o be_v not_o require_v as_o call_v of_o god_n to_o go_v in_o and_o wait_v on_o the_o service_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o from_o twenty_o five_o year_n old_a and_o upward_o and_o so_o but_o to_o continue_v till_o they_o come_v to_o fifty_o year_n old_a and_o be_v then_o to_o cease_v wait_v on_o the_o service_n thereof_o and_o shall_v serve_v no_o more_o as_o levit._n 8._o 18_o 19_o 24_o 25._o so_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o till_o they_o come_v to_o ripeness_n of_o year_n and_o to_o a_o suitable_a discretion_n and_o gravity_n for_o such_o holy_a service_n it_o do_v not_o appertain_v unto_o they_o to_o administer_v in_o such_o a_o service_n and_o so_o no_o more_o it_o do_v to_o man_n that_o be_v true_a believer_n and_o true_o faithful_a till_o they_o come_v to_o maturity_n and_o ripeness_n in_o knowledge_n and_o have_v their_o wit_n exercise_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o other_o that_o be_v blind_a guide_n as_o to_o act_v of_o ourselves_o ignorant_o and_o blind_o not_o know_v what_o we_o do_v or_o speak_v or_o whereof_o we_o affirm_v for_o we_o may_v speak_v evil_a or_o good_a and_o that_o injurious_o of_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o and_o so_o through_o blind_a guidance_n perish_v in_o the_o ditch_n 4._o and_o four_a this_o be_v so_o and_o that_o such_o church_n affair_n be_v of_o such_o weighty_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n to_o every_o member_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o for_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a man_n shall_v be_v too_o provident_a and_o circumspect_a in_o these_o respect_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisite_a and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o member_n of_o such_o a_o body_n to_o take_v care_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v incorporate_v and_o join_v with_o they_o to_o have_v power_n and_o vote_n in_o the_o general_a business_n but_o such_o only_a as_o be_v know_v and_o approve_v for_o faithfulness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o true_a christianity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o of_o religious_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o all_o such_o duty_n both_o private_a and_o in_o public_a as_o god_n require_v and_o though_o they_o be_v thus_o know_v and_o approve_v by_o some_o that_o be_v officer_n and_o member_n of_o such_o body_n politic_a yet_o for_o full_a satisfaction_n unto_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a that_o they_o shall_v open_o and_o public_o before_o all_o the_o church_n not_o only_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o their_o repentance_n and_o resolution_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o forsake_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o carry_v themselves_o suitable_a unto_o such_o profession_n both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n but_o for_o further_a security_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o all_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v engage_v by_o enter_v into_o covenant_n both_o with_o god_n and_o the_o church_n to_o continue_v faithful_a and_o just_a and_o to_o deal_v impartial_o in_o all_o such_o respect_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n as_o god_n shall_v assist_v and_o strengthen_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o thus_o far_o and_o in_o these_o respect_n such_o particular_a body_n can_v never_o be_v too_o careful_a nor_o take_v too_o strict_a trial_n of_o such_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a and_o strict_a herein_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o herein_o who_o in_o civil_a corporation_n be_v careful_a and_o strict_a that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o have_v vote_n among_o they_o in_o election_n of_o officer_n for_o the_o government_n thereof_o but_o such_o only_o as_o have_v serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n some_o certain_a time_n be_v experience_v among_o they_o and_o practise_v in_o their_o trade_n and_o be_v so_o make_v free_a and_o that_o say_n of_o christ_n be_v just_o verify_v against_o all_o such_o that_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v wise_a in_o their_o generation_n than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o will_v be_v apply_v in_o displeasure_n against_o they_o if_o they_o know_v these_o thing_n and_o will_v not_o obey_v and_o do_v according_o yea_o even_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n will_v one_o day_n be_v require_v even_o at_o their_o hand_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v careful_a and_o faithful_a and_o provident_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n which_o proper_o tend_v to_o the_o save_n or_o damn_v of_o immortal_a soul_n 5._o and_o five_o on_o the_o other_o part_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n such_o particular_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v strict_a nor_o ridge_v and_o severe_a but_o with_o all_o charity_n meekness_n and_o patience_n bear_v the_o infirmity_n and_o burden_n of_o other_o and_o may_v not_o please_v themselves_o as_o these_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o &_o chap._n 13._o &_o chap._n 10._o 32_o 33._o &_o act_v 2._o 41._o 42._o chap._n 16._o 15._o chap._n 8._o 37._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 16._o mat._n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o therefore_o first_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v unto_o all_o such_o child_n one_o or_o both_o of_o who_o legitimate_a parent_n be_v true_a believer_n i_o mean_v believer_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n though_o yet_o for_o the_o present_a their_o faith_n be_v not_o justify_v in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o but_o mere_o historical_a as_o act_n 8._o 37._o if_o they_o be_v not_o dog_n or_o swine_n scorner_n of_o or_o barker_n against_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o this_o also_o be_v but_o only_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o or_o manifest_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o serious_a and_o public_a profession_n and_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o in_o the_o public_a congregation_n for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o that_o philip_n require_v of_o the_o eunuch_n and_o peter_z of_o the_o jailor_n who_o whole_a household_n be_v baptize_v of_o he_o upon_o such_o profession_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v such_o man_n who_o be_v not_o admittable_a to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n which_o may_v lie_v upon_o they_o yet_o if_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n and_o be_v such_o who_o in_o their_o minority_n be_v baptize_v likewise_o and_o profess_v a_o purpose_n to_o amend_v their_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v back_o but_o to_o be_v baptize_v and_o their_o parent_n admonish_v how_o they_o ought_v to_o instruct_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o up_o and_o that_o they_o themselves_o also_o shall_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n as_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n make_v with_o they_o in_o baptism_n in_o their_o minority_n require_v of_o they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v account_v coveant-breaker_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o so_o their_o charge_n lie_v even_o at_o their_o own_o door_n and_o the_o minister_n be_v clear_a and_o the_o church_n satisfy_v if_o it_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o public_a &c_n &c_n for_o all_o outward_a ordinance_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n but_o according_a to_o love_n or_o charity_n the_o property_n whereof_o be_v not_o to_o think_v evil_a but_o to_o believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o better_a part_n and_o not_o to_o judge_n or_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o appearance_n but_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o as_o we_o can_v make_v it_o manifest_a that_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o judge_n 2._o and_o second_o
in_o like_a manner_n for_o administration_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v only_o needful_a that_o such_o who_o will_v be_v admit_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o shall_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n make_v open_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o confession_n of_o and_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n with_o a_o resolution_n to_o abandon_v and_o forsake_v they_o and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o that_o vocation_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o of_o such_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereto_o they_o be_v admit_v provide_v always_o that_o they_o be_v admonish_v beforehand_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o judgement_n that_o they_o be_v liable_a unto_o if_o they_o either_o for_o the_o present_n shall_v deal_v hypocritical_o with_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o such_o public_a profession_n &_o do_v but_o lie_v and_o dissemble_v before_o god_n &_o man_n as_o do_v but_o just_o befall_v ananias_n and_o sapphirah_n and_o likewise_o of_o the_o judgement_n and_o censure_n that_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v public_o to_o denounce_v &_o pronounce_v against_o they_o in_o suspend_v they_o again_o from_o such_o communion_n if_o they_o turn_v again_o with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n and_o with_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o she_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n and_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o gentle_a mean_n to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o so_o the_o fault_n shall_v lie_v at_o their_o own_o door_n if_o they_o do_v dissemble_v or_o turn_v again_o and_o both_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o church_n be_v guiltless_a herein_o before_o god_n and_o man_n for_o they_o can_v just_o deny_v they_o the_o ordinance_n though_o they_o have_v sin_v notorious_o if_o they_o free_o confess_v such_o their_o notorious_a sin_n and_o profess_v repentance_n and_o a_o full_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n have_v pardon_v and_o do_v and_o will_v accept_v they_o in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o save_v their_o soul_n for_o what_o know_v the_o minister_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o that_o they_o be_v convert_v and_o trune_v unto_o god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n if_o they_o so_o profess_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o lawful_o deny_v to_o administer_v the_o same_o unto_o any_o such_o though_o their_o sin_n aforetime_o have_v be_v as_o scarlet_a or_o crimson_a dye_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o who_o know_v but_o such_o public_a engagement_n may_v oblige_v they_o in_o conscience_n for_o future_a time_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o to_o keep_v their_o covenant_n &_o amend_v their_o life_n and_o turn_v unto_o god_n and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o even_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o find_v mercy_n with_o he_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v or_o defer_v and_o rebuke_v and_o not_o accept_v and_o believe_v when_o they_o so_o profess_v they_o shall_v do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v even_o to_o destroy_v their_o weak_a faith_n and_o to_o quench_v the_o sparkle_n of_o their_o smoke_a flax_n and_o break_v in_o piece_n such_o break_a reed_n who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v god_n have_v free_o accept_v and_o receive_v unto_o mercy_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v die_v and_o ordain_v such_o ordinance_n to_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v their_o feeble_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o faithful_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o who_o will_v have_v think_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v call_v zachous_n the_o publican_n and_o dine_v with_o he_o rather_o than_o any_o of_o the_o faithful_a and_o godly_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o doubtless_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o to_o have_v eat_v and_o drunken_a with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n but_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n for_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v 1._o that_o these_o be_v novel_a distinction_n and_o division_n that_o some_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v and_o neither_o of_o the_o parent_n admit_v as_o yet_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 2._o and_o again_o second_o that_o some_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v incorporate_v member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n nor_o have_v vote_n in_o election_n and_o admission_n or_o ejection_n and_o censure_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o member_n have_v this_o be_v novel_a and_o strange_a i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o novel_a than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o primitive_a example_n as_o i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o to_o make_v it_o manifest_a and_o that_o these_o distinction_n and_o division_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o a_o church_n right_o constitute_v and_o govern_v and_o discipline_v and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n right_o administer_v both_o to_o the_o weak_a and_o strong_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v 1._o and_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o the_o child_n of_o such_o have_v be_v baptize_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o upon_o bare_a profession_n of_o historical_a faith_n without_o either_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n or_o profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n and_o in_o my_o apprehension_n this_o be_v either_o clear_a form_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o jailor_n household_n and_o from_o the_o ordinary_a tender_a of_o baptism_n to_o the_o whole_a household_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v bare_a historical_a faith_n to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o our_o ground_n be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n act_n 16._o 15_o 31_o to_o 34._o and_o act_n 8_o 37._o and_o if_o they_o be_v such_o parent_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o minority_n their_o child_n case_n be_v no_o other_o but_o in_o equal_a respect_n with_o the_o grand_a child_n of_o such_o parent_n who_o grandfather_n be_v holy_a but_o their_o own_o parent_n profane_a who_o yet_o ordinary_o be_v account_v admittable_a 2._o and_o second_o concern_v admittance_n of_o all_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o do_v desire_v admittance_n and_o will_v in_o the_o public_a congregation_n profess_v a_o true_a justify_n and_o lively_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o their_o sin_n have_v be_v notorious_a do_v free_o confess_v they_o and_o profess_v repentance_n and_o a_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n i_o can_v see_v how_o any_o church_n can_v deny_v to_o admit_v they_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v in_o former_a time_n but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o administer_v the_o outward_a ordinance_n upon_o that_o ground_n without_o any_o further_a trial_n or_o examination_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o defer_v the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o with_o all_o brotherly_a love_n and_o kind_a respect_n as_o dear_a brethren_n for_o so_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n see_v they_o can_v know_v the_o contrary_a of_o certainty_n they_o ought_v to_o judge_n as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o and_o there_o be_v never_o more_o require_v of_o any_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 14._o &_o chap._n 13._o &_o chap._n 10._o 32_o 33._o &_o act_v 2._o 41_o 42._o i_o shall_v therefore_o engage_v any_o that_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n to_o show_v a_o scriptural_a example_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o there_o be_v many_o on_o the_o other_o 3._o but_o three_o that_o all_o these_o shall_v at_o their_o first_o admission_n to_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v but_o babe_n in_o christ_n be_v likewise_o admit_v as_o visible_a saint_n and_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o shall_v so_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o such_o a_o church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o and_o incorporate_v with_o they_o political_o to_o have_v power_n and_o vote_n in_o election_n etc._n etc._n in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v very_o absurd_a 1._o for_o first_o till_o their_o sanctification_n be_v visible_a indeed_o unto_o such_o a_o church_n how_o can_v they_o approve_v they_o as_o visible_a saint_n this_o be_v deep_o to_o engage_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o dissemble_v their_o judgement_n which_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o guile_n and_o dissimulation_n as_o well_o as_o all_o uncharitableness_n in_o judge_v of_o one_o another_o as_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o second_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o god_n whether_o they_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n but_o in_o case_n of_o certainty_n