than_o you_o will_v not_o only_o say_v but_o do_v something_o quest_n 40._o again_o whereas_o you_o have_v both_o preach_v 〈◊〉_d print_v that_o you_o can_v prove_v lay_v on_o of_o handâ—_n as_o you_o practise_v it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o inferenâ—_n and_o deduction_n how_o can_v you_o be_v so_o dare_o confident_a as_o to_o call_v those_o thing_n god_n oracle_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n that_o be_v but_o your_o interpreâ—â—tions_n of_o scripture_n unless_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n you_o will_v say_v the_o church_n can_v err_v not_o but_o that_o we_o believe_v many_o profitable_a truth_n may_v be_v collect_v and_o infer_v by_o consequence_n from_o scripture_n and_o conjecture_n as_o one_o well_o observe_v if_o mannerly_o observe_v their_o distance_n and_o not_o impudent_o obtrude_a themselves_o for_o certainty_n deserve_v if_o not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o be_v consider_v so_o that_o if_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o your_o sense_n shall_v be_v a_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o conjectural_o so_o we_o query_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v advance_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o express_a duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o salvation_n and_o church_n communion_n answer_n how_o can_v you_o be_v so_o dare_o impudent_a as_o to_o forge_v such_o a_o untruth_n and_o say_v that_o we_o have_v both_o preach_v and_o print_v that_o we_o can_v prove_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o practise_v it_o otherwise_o then_o by_o inference_n and_o deduction_n where_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n print_v or_o who_o ever_o preach_v so_o that_o have_v not_o turn_v back_o to_o his_o vomit_n in_o some_o degree_n or_o have_v not_o outlive_v his_o love_n to_o those_o principle_n he_o have_v receive_v and_o be_v once_o build_v on_o may_v you_o not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o when_o we_o have_v again_o and_o again_o by_o print_v preach_a and_o otherwise_o prove_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o practice_v it_o to_o be_v a_o foundation-principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n by_o plain_a and_o uninterprete_v scripture_n and_o without_o inference_n and_o deduction_n as_o full_o as_o any_o duty_n that_o be_v practical_a can_v be_v prove_v without_o they_o and_o be_v never_o refute_v by_o you_o yet_o how_o then_o can_v you_o stand_v in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n and_o his_o congregation_n when_o you_o dare_v do_v thus_o have_v there_o be_v upon_o you_o the_o feel_a thought_n of_o those_o text_n rev._n 21.8_o &_o 22.15_o you_o will_v not_o have_v bring_v forth_o such_o a_o monster_n into_o the_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o false_a what_o you_o say_v we_o dare_v be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o call_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o practise_v it_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o a_o essential_a of_o religion_n without_o say_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o church_n can_v err_v we_o will_v leave_v that_o for_o you_o to_o say_v and_o with_o as_o much_o manner_n and_o modesty_n as_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o ordinance_n will_v permit_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n then_o be_v a_o truth_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n not_o by_o we_o advance_v as_o you_o call_v it_o into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o express_a duty_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o church-constitution_n and_o church-communion_n finis_fw-la postscript_n since_o the_o searcher_n for_o schism_n do_v direct_v their_o question_n to_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n under_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o do_v expect_v a_o answer_n from_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o their_o epistle_n it_o may_v by_o some_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o answer_v they_o see_v they_o be_v propound_v to_o the_o abovesaid_a congregation_n in_o general_a that_o therefore_o which_o have_v move_v i_o thereunto_o be_v partly_o the_o importunity_n of_o some_o friend_n it_o be_v some_o considerable_a time_n after_o i_o see_v their_o question_n ere_o i_o have_v any_o thought_n to_o offer_v any_o thing_n in_o answer_n to_o they_o at_o least_o in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n think_v it_o be_v more_o the_o concern_v of_o some_o other_o of_o my_o brethren_n to_o engage_v now_o than_o i_o because_o i_o have_v once_o and_o again_o appear_v in_o print_n according_a to_o my_o ability_n in_o answer_n to_o those_o gainsayer_n and_o opposer_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n but_o they_o be_v silent_a who_o zeal_n for_o truth_n shall_v as_o i_o may_v well_o hope_v and_o expect_v have_v put_v they_o with_o much_o forwardness_n upon_o the_o work_n together_o with_o the_o report_n that_o go_v abroad_o how_o many_o young_a and_o weak_a christian_n be_v somewhat_o move_v and_o stumble_v &_o other_o that_o have_v decline_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o truth_n do_v boast_v and_o be_v encourage_v put_v i_o upon_o this_o three_o encounter_n be_v not_o well_o able_a to_o forbear_v have_v to_o this_o day_n praise_v be_v the_o lord_n my_o god_n remain_v in_o i_o some_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o that_o sacred_a and_o precious_a word_n of_o he_o viz._n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n yea_o and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o blast_n which_o be_v blow_v from_o the_o bellows_o of_o those_o question_n which_o their_o author_n pretend_v be_v for_o conscience_n sake_n but_o however_o whether_o they_o be_v for_o conscience-sake_n or_o for_o strife_n and_o contention_n this_o i_o can_v true_o say_v they_o be_v answer_v with_o good_a conscience_n to_o god_n and_o love_n to_o the_o author_n of_o they_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o their_o obedience_n and_o by_o the_o establish_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n from_o part_n of_o which_o at_o least_o it_o both_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o more_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v the_o endeavour_n of_o some_o especial_o the_o author_n of_o these_o question_n who_o not_o only_o now_o but_o heretofore_o have_v labour_v to_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o they_o which_o have_v obey_v that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v and_o be_v deliver_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o primitive_a saint_n but_o let_v my_o end_n and_o aim_v in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v be_v what_o i_o say_v they_o be_v yea_o and_o have_v i_o the_o pen_n of_o never_o so_o ready_a and_o exquisite_a a_o writer_n yet_o must_v i_o not_o expect_v nor_o do_v but_o to_o be_v smite_v for_o my_o love_n and_o pain_n by_o they_o who_o bend_v their_o tongue_n like_o their_o bow_n for_o lie_n but_o be_v not_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v too_o common_o see_v that_o he_o which_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n make_v himself_o a_o prey_n when_o he_o that_o run_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a shall_v have_v honour_n and_o praise_n but_o however_o i_o be_o esteem_v my_o comfort_n be_v i_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n nor_o praise_n of_o man_n neither_o do_v i_o fear_v the_o slanderous_a tongue_n of_o any_o my_o only_a end_n as_o god_n know_v be_v their_o soul_n eternal_a felicity_n who_o shall_v carp_v at_o i_o be_v it_o the_o inquirer_n or_o other_o and_o therefore_o shall_v they_o reward_v i_o with_o evil_a for_o the_o good_a i_o intend_v they_o they_o will_v in_o so_o do_v wrong_a themselves_o and_o not_o i_o i_o will_v then_o leave_v the_o issue_n of_o these_o answer_n of_o their_o question_n to_o the_o lord_n hearty_o desire_v that_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n be_v embrace_v in_o sincere_a love_n by_o all_o they_o that_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o depart_n from_o iniquity_n and_o error_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o division_n and_o then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o will_v the_o wound_n be_v heal_v have_v the_o searcher_n for_o schism_n then_o consider_v that_o their_o disobedience_n to_o and_o error_n in_o a_o fundamental-principle_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o those_o under_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n can_v have_v no_o communion_n with_o they_o which_o i_o hope_v this_o brief_a answer_n to_o their_o question_n may_v help_v they_o to_o see_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o irrational_a to_o conclude_v that_o schism_n shall_v be_v find_v where_o truth_n be_v obey_v and_o walk_v in_o but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a by_o far_o to_o be_v where_o error_n and_o disobedience_n dwell_v and_o such_o to_o be_v â—â—e_z divider_n who_o refuse_v to_o obey_v but_o no_o more_o â—ow_o only_o desire_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v my_o poor_a endeavour_n a_o blessing_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o and_o all_o other_o and_o then_o i_o have_v my_o end_n vale_fw-la
and_o do_v what_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o will_v make_v they_o a_o right_n constitute_v church_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a though_o you_o be_v or_o may_v be_v esteem_v baptize_v disciple_n quest_n 2._o whether_o any_o other_o qualification_n etc._n etc._n viz._n then_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o first_o question_n be_v require_v of_o god_n as_o pre-requisits_a to_o church_n communion_n and_o church_n membership_n if_o so_o show_v we_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v and_o where_o they_o be_v so_o require_v answer_n 1._o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v as_o we_o do_v not_o that_o god_n require_v no_o other_o qualification_n than_o what_o you_o mention_v as_o pre-requisits_a to_o church_n communion_n yet_o have_v you_o not_o find_v the_o schism_n but_o must_v search_v near_a home_n for_o it_o if_o you_o intend_v to_o find_v it_o because_o you_o be_v not_o the_o man_n so_o qualify_v as_o you_o intimate_v you_o be_v as_o may_v well_o be_v perceive_v without_o secret_a search_n by_o any_o let_v but_o those_o qualification_n you_o speak_v of_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o action_n of_o those_o time_n after_o time_n that_o be_v of_o high_a esteem_n among_o you_o 2._o but_o if_o you_o be_v qualify_v as_o you_o say_v you_o be_v yet_o will_v not_o that_o prove_v you_o a_o church_n who_o constitution_n be_v right_a for_o god_n require_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o be_v one_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o one_o of_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n as_o you_o have_v confess_v as_o pre-requisits_a to_o church_n communion_n but_o than_o you_o demand_v where_o god_n require_v it_o as_o a_o pre-requisit_a to_o church_n communion_n we_o then_o demand_v of_o you_o where_o god_n require_v water_n baptism_n as_o a_o pre-requisite_a to_o church_n communion_n if_o you_o shall_v say_v that_o baptism_n be_v one_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n so_o be_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n number_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n heb._n 6.1_o 2._o but_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v say_v for_o water_n baptism_n than_o there_o be_v for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n we_o say_v if_o there_o be_v more_o say_v for_o baptism_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n all_o that_o be_v say_v can_v make_v it_o more_o than_o a_o foundation_n principle_n and_o so_o be_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 3._o what_o if_o there_o be_v more_o say_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o faith_n towards_o god_n than_o be_v for_o baptism_n of_o water_n as_o there_o be_v in_o many_o thing_n agree_v to_o it_o yet_o be_v it_o no_o more_o than_o a_o foundation_n principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o so_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n heb._n 6.2_o and_o will_v it_o then_o follow_v because_o there_o be_v more_o say_v in_o scripture_n for_o faith_n towards_o god_n than_o be_v say_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o water_n that_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v not_o require_v of_o god_n as_o a_o pre-requisite_a to_o church_n communion_n even_o so_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v more_o say_v for_o baptism_n in_o some_o one_o thing_n or_o more_o than_o be_v for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v number_v by_o the_o apostle_n among_o the_o foundation_n principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n heb._n 6.2_o be_v require_v of_o god_n as_o a_o pre-requisite_a to_o church_n communion_n and_o membership_n as_o well_o as_o baptism_n 4._o again_o where_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a require_v of_o god_n as_o pre-requisite_a to_o church_n communion_n yet_o be_v that_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n heb._n 6.2_o and_o such_o a_o one_o that_o if_o not_o own_v and_o believe_v you_o will_v not_o own_o such_o a_o people_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o church_n communion_n and_o church_n membership_n if_o you_o shall_v say_v that_o to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n be_v a_o error_n which_o make_v faith_n vain_a and_o conclude_v we_o yet_o in_o our_o sin_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o so_o be_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o yet_o you_o can_v show_v where_o it_o be_v require_v of_o god_n viz._n the_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o a_o pre-requisite_a to_o church_n communion_n it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v but_o that_o if_o you_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o you_o say_v you_o be_v shall_v you_o deny_v or_o not_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n that_o you_o be_v a_o church_n communicable_a or_o church_n member_n therefore_o there_o be_v other_o qualification_n than_o those_o you_o speak_v of_o pre-requisite_a to_o church_n membership_n and_o communion_n quest_n 3._o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o christ_n doctrine_n we_o demand_v whether_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o truth_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n and_o church_n member_n answer_n 1._o we_o say_v that_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christ_n doctrine_n not_o doctrine_n and_o so_o we_o think_v will_v you_o say_v 2._o we_o do_v not_o say_v never_o the_o more_o for_o that_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o truth_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n and_o church_n member_n for_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n church_n right_o constitute_v may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n none_o ought_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v true_a constitute_v church_n and_o church_n member_n quest_n 4._o if_o you_o say_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n and_o church_n member_n then_o we_o demand_v that_o you_o will_v define_v what_o truth_n the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n whereof_o be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a as_o aforesaid_a and_o what_o truth_n and_o practice_n the_o ignorance_n of_o may_v be_v consistant_fw-la with_o a_o true_a church_n and_o church_n membership_n answer_n 1._o what_o truth_n the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n and_o church_n member_n we_o have_v give_v you_o the_o definition_n of_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o 3d_o question_n 2._o those_o truth_n of_o high_a moment_n the_o ignorance_n of_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o true_a church_n and_o church_n member_n be_v such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o perfect_a and_o complete_n the_o church_n and_o church_n member_n in_o christ_n which_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o in_o her_o minority_n as_o the_o hebrew_n church_n be_v about_o many_o thing_n paul_n have_v to_o say_v hard_a to_o be_v utter_v because_o they_o be_v dull_a of_o hear_v and_o be_v still_o as_o babe_n who_o be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n heb._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o 3._o those_o truth_n of_o less_o moment_n consistent_a with_o a_o true_a church_n be_v wash_v of_o foot_n salute_v with_o a_o holy_a kiss_n take_v a_o oath_n to_o end_v strife_n the_o matter_n of_o apparel_n and_o suchlike_a and_o who_o pray_v make_v these_o thing_n the_o essential_o of_o communion_n though_o you_o false_o say_v they_o be_v so_o make_v no_o congregation_n in_o england_n as_o we_o know_v of_o 4._o yet_o may_v the_o matter_n of_o apparel_n give_v just_a cause_n of_o reproof_n when_o church_n member_n shall_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n in_o their_o apparel_n to_o the_o grieve_v wound_a and_o offence_n of_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n and_o may_v amount_v to_o a_o sin_n against_o christ_n when_o they_o shall_v stop_v their_o ear_n and_o stiffen_v their_o neck_n against_o they_o that_o be_v so_o grieve_v and_o offend_v 5._o there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n do_v by_o church_n and_o church_n member_n that_o be_v sinful_a which_o may_v just_o deserve_v reproof_n and_o if_o not_o repent_v of_o may_v merit_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pergamos_n be_v reprove_v for_o sin_n for_o have_v those_o in_o the_o church_n that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n to_o eat_v meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o commit_v fornication_n which_o fornication_n be_v mix_v marriage_n as_o say_v josephus_n and_o we_o think_v his_o authority_n as_o good_a in_o this_o case_n as_o you_o can_v think_v dr._n hammond_n be_v in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 6._o the_o angel_n of_o
who_o will_v then_o make_v the_o decision_n of_o that_o and_o also_o of_o your_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o we_o that_o if_o we_o can_v execute_v all_o as_o you_o say_v we_o condemn_v than_o who_o shall_v be_v save_v you_o have_v as_o well_o say_v none_o though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v our_o testimony_n on_o high_a how_o much_o we_o have_v labour_v and_o travel_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n nor_o have_v you_o any_o cause_n to_o say_v the_o devil_n may_v have_v a_o writ_n of_o ease_n from_o any_o judgement_n or_o practice_n of_o we_o for_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n we_o speak_v it_o we_o have_v be_v by_o he_o make_v instrument_n to_o turn_v man_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n and_o not_o a_o few_o but_o if_o any_o do_v give_v the_o devil_n a_o writ_n of_o ease_n and_o bring_v prey_n to_o the_o den_n of_o that_o great_a devourer_n it_o be_v more_o like_a to_o be_v you_o that_o seek_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a to_o draw_v they_o that_o be_v in_o it_o to_o the_o like_a disesteem_n you_o yourselves_o have_v of_o it_o and_o indeed_o before_o you_o have_v charge_v other_o with_o church-dividing_a you_o shall_v first_o prove_v yourselves_o to_o be_v a_o true_a constitute_v church_n and_o then_o cry_v out_o against_o the_o ignorance_n and_o pride_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o you_o but_o while_o that_o beam_n be_v in_o your_o eye_n how_o can_v you_o discern_v aright_o the_o moat_n in_o another_o for_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v dance_v at_o discord_n so_o he_o can_v dance_v at_o concord_n in_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o unity_n be_v keep_v in_o iniquity_n and_o error_n nothing_o can_v please_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n better_o promote_v his_o interest_n enlarge_v his_o kingdom_n and_o give_v a_o more_o secure_a writ_n of_o ease_n than_o that_o will_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v no_o better_o furnish_v than_o where_o unity_n be_v keep_v with_o truth_n and_o unity_n in_o iniquity_n and_o error_n be_v avoid_v he_o may_v go_v look_n for_o man_n and_o arm_n where_o he_o can_v find_v they_o for_o where_o unity_n and_o truth_n be_v together_o and_o truth_n and_o unity_n be_v individual_n he_o will_v find_v none_o and_o what_o will_v lay_v the_o church_n more_o open_a to_o ruin_v and_o spoil_v than_o unity_n in_o error_n and_o sin_n and_o who_o that_o be_v a_o christian_a can_v rejoice_v in_o such_o trophy_n the_o devil_n shall_v gain_v by_o such_o victory_n yet_o will_v church-division_n do_v much_o and_o cause_v her_o enemy_n to_o triumph_v let_v they_o take_v it_o to_o themselves_o that_o be_v guilty_a thereof_o man_n in_o such_o case_n most_o time_n miss_v the_o mark_n and_o lay_v not_o the_o saddle_n on_o the_o right_a horse_n but_o satisfy_v and_o please_v themselves_o by_o charge_v other_o with_o that_o they_o want_v proof_n of_o that_o so_o the_o plea_n for_o themselves_o may_v the_o better_o pass_v for_o not_o guilty_a by_o cry_v up_o lawful_a separation_n to_o be_v church-renting_a and_o a_o wound_a christ_n body_n and_o who_o will_v soon_o reflect_v the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o pride_n than_o such_o who_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n 1_o tim_n 6.3_o 4._o and_o how_o many_o man_n may_v silent_o go_v to_o their_o grave_n without_o noise_n have_v they_o not_o secure_v their_o name_n and_o in_o some_o kind_n their_o reputation_n by_o such_o dote_a way_n and_o contending_n against_o truth_n by_o brand_a other_o with_o the_o infamous_a character_n of_o church-breaking_a and_o while_o they_o do_v this_o kindle_v a_o fire_n to_o themselves_o and_o then_o delight_v in_o the_o spark_n thereof_o withal_o reflect_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o on_o other_o be_v ambitious_a that_o none_o be_v so_o holy_a humble_a and_o wise_a as_o they_o and_o beside_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o sacrifice_v in_o the_o flame_n of_o their_o own_o fire_n all_o their_o ability_n and_o part_n to_o promote_v their_o intend_a design_n not_o stand_v much_o upon_o it_o if_o to_o help_v forward_o the_o work_n they_o venture_v to_o add_v a_o little_a hypocrisy_n that_o with_o fair_a word_n and_o feign_a speech_n they_o may_v the_o better_o deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o that_o by_o stigmatise_v other_o with_o the_o name_n of_o foolish_a builder_n and_o unskilful_a physician_n you_o like_a absalon_n may_v get_v in_o place_n yourselves_o and_o while_o you_o pity_v the_o state_n of_o other_o in_o this_o defect_n crave_v the_o work_n yourselves_o as_o builder_n and_o the_o cure_n as_o physician_n who_o yet_o have_v not_o attain_v the_o skill_n to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n and_o if_o your_o skill_n to_o cure_v be_v â—o_o better_o than_o to_o build_v there_o be_v but_o small_a hope_n for_o they_o that_o employ_v you_o but_o to_o be_v destroy_v by_o your_o building_n and_o to_o die_v by_o your_o practice_n and_o most_o sure_a it_o be_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n if_o such_o unskilful_a builder_n and_o physician_n be_v court_v as_o they_o have_v be_v by_o some_o to_o lend_v their_o assistance_n and_o advice_n who_o pride_n and_o interest_n be_v such_o that_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v control_v in_o their_o work_n since_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o stout_a and_o their_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o be_v so_o high_a that_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v that_o shall_v be_v amend_v which_o they_o have_v unskilful_o build_v what_o will_v then_o a_o agreement_n to_o join_v with_o you_o to_o build_v &_o to_o cure_v though_o style_v happy_a prove_v but_o little_o better_a than_o destruction_n and_o a_o languish_a under_o a_o incurable_a disease_n who_o reputation_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o regulation_n that_o have_v so_o long_o make_v opposition_n against_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o sure_a and_o safe_a building_n and_o then_o how_o shall_v they_o become_v truth_n proselyte_n that_o have_v reject_v it_o so_o long_o without_o assume_v the_o guilt_n of_o what_o they_o stand_v charge_v with_o which_o may_v expose_v they_o to_o reject_v conviction_n rather_o than_o lose_v their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n for_o which_o they_o must_v say_v we_o make_v causeless_a separation_n hate_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o out_o when_o none_o they_o charge_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o one_o nor_o of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o answer_n to_o your_o question_n will_v inform_v you_o which_o we_o present_v to_o your_o serious_a consideration_n believe_v that_o peace_n be_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o most_o high_a when_o truth_n and_o purity_n join_v hand_n with_o it_o and_o o_o how_o happy_a a_o thing_n and_o desirable_a be_v such_o a_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o how_o much_o long_v for_o but_o ah_o when_o will_v it_o once_o be_v how_o can_v this_o so_o desirable_a a_o thing_n be_v hope_v for_o while_o truth_n and_o you_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n your_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o own_v and_o obey_v that_o sacred_a appointment_n of_o his_o which_o you_o have_v make_v such_o opposition_n against_o may_v heal_v the_o breach_n by_o which_o you_o will_v be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n with_o we_o and_o so_o you_o and_o we_o may_v grow_v up_o together_o a_o temple_n and_o holy_a habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n j._n g._n the_o searcher_n for_o schism_n search_v meet_v with_o a_o small_a book_n call_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n and_o find_v with_o what_o specious_a and_o glorious_a pretence_n it_o come_v forth_o and_o how_o reproachful_o yea_o and_o false_o the_o author_n thereof_o do_v represent_v those_o dissent_v from_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v insult_v yet_o more_o and_o trample_v upon_o that_o sacred_a truth_n they_o contend_v against_o and_o oppose_v we_o therefore_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o their_o question_n shall_v be_v answer_v quest_n 1._o whether_o a_o congregation_n of_o people_n that_o have_v confess_v their_o sin_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o and_o thereupon_o be_v baptize_v resolve_v by_o god_n assistance_n further_o to_o believe_v do_v and_o suffer_v what_o they_o shall_v from_o time_n to_o time_n understand_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o demand_v whether_o a_o people_n so_o qualify_v and_o congregat_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a 1_o cor._n 12.13_o answer_n before_o we_o come_v to_o answer_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o we_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o this_o question_n 1._o that_o the_o difference_n depend_v between_o you_o and_o we_o be_v about_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o baptize_v believer_n as_o such_o 2._o that_o you_o at_o the_o present_n be_v ignorant_a
of_o understanding_n in_o those_o that_o say_v so_o for_o if_o christ_n have_v a_o church_n before_o his_o ascension_n that_o want_v any_o thing_n essential_a to_o its_o be_v than_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o no_o church_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v let_v what_o be_v abovesaid_a be_v due_o and_o considerate_o weigh_v and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reflection_n upon_o christ_n nor_o ignorance_n in_o those_o that_o say_v they_o be_v only_a disciplâ—â—_n and_o not_o impower_v as_o a_o church_n before_o christ_n ascension_n it_o can_v reflect_v no_o want_n of_o care_n in_o christ_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v in_o any_o other_o capacity_n than_o his_o scholar_n before_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v they_o noâ—_n be_v they_o capable_a to_o receive_v more_o than_o what_o christ_n do_v communicate_v to_o they_o and_o leave_v with_o they_o until_o the_o spirit_n be_v manifest_v i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o john_n 16.12_o then_o it_o be_v no_o reflection_n upon_o christ_n for_o want_v of_o care_n consider_v the_o time_n and_o the_o disciple_n incapacity_n to_o bear_v they_o then_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v christ_n have_v a_o church_n before_o his_o ascension_n if_o they_o be_v a_o church_n that_o want_v any_o thing_n essential_a to_o its_o be_v in_o that_o dispensation_n therefore_o you_o may_v keep_v your_o absurdity_n till_o you_o have_v more_o occasion_n quest_n 6._o we_o demand_v whether_o those_o qualification_n that_o give_v we_o a_o right_n to_o baptism_n do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o right_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n answer_n 1._o those_o qualification_n that_o give_v you_o a_o right_n to_o baptism_n do_v not_o give_v you_o a_o right_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n 2._o for_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o they_o be_v qualification_n that_o give_v â—â—â—ht_v to_o baptism_n but_o they_o do_v not_o give_v the_o person_n so_o confess_v and_o profess_v a_o right_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n except_o he_o be_v first_o baptize_v by_o your_o principle_n and_o practice_n if_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o you_o quest_n 7._o we_o demand_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o sinful_a to_o make_v more_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o ever_o god_n make_v and_o whether_o the_o impose_v of_o any_o thing_n though_o true_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o church-membership_a and_o communion_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o condition_n be_v not_o to_o keep_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n will_v have_v in_o answer_n 1._o we_o grant_v it_o be_v sinful_a to_o make_v more_o condition_n of_o communion_n than_o ever_o god_n make_v 2._o and_o to_o impose_v any_o thing_n though_o true_a as_o â—he_v condition_n of_o church-membership_n and_o communion_n which_o god_n have_v not_o make_v a_o conâ—ition_n be_v to_o keep_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n will_v have_v in_o quest_n 8._o if_o christ_n have_v require_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n than_o confession_n of_o sin_n faith_n baptism_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n whether_o you_o can_v by_o a_o rule_n deny_v communion_n to_o any_o that_o be_v so_o qualify_v if_o so_o show_v that_o rule_n answer_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o confession_n of_o sin_n faith_n baptism_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v â—_z of_o communion_n yet_o be_v there_o more_o â—_z require_v by_o christ_n of_o church-communion_n that_o those_o for_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n paul_n founâ—_n at_o ephesus_n have_v confess_v their_o sin_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v baptize_v yea_o and_o werâ—_n man_n of_o holy_a life_n and_o yet_o they_o want_v somâ—_n condition_n of_o church-communion_n 2._o for_o these_o disciple_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n heb._n 6.2_o know_v no_o more_o than_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n for_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n or_o noâ—_n act._n 19_o 3._o they_o be_v not_o under_o lay_v on_o of_o handâ—_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n hâ—â—_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v both_o which_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n anâ—_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6.2_o and_o therefore_o â—_o true_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n â—_o water-baptism_n for_o it_o be_v by_o one_o spirit_n we_o aâ—_n all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o 4._o than_o not_o to_o hear_v whether_o there_o be_v holy_a ghost_n or_o no_o as_o these_o disciple_n do_v not_o â—less_a defect_n in_o they_o than_o for_o you_o to_o hear_v and_o read_v there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n promise_v to_o as_o many_o as_o obey_v christ_n and_o you_o not_o believe_v the_o baptism_n thereof_o but_o oppose_v and_o reject_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o baptism_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v obtain_v and_o by_o which_o we_o all_o be_v baptize_v into_o one_o body_n be_v a_o far_o great_a defect_n and_o want_v of_o the_o condition_n christ_n require_v of_o church-communion_n in_o you_o than_o be_v in_o they_o 5._o then_o can_v we_o deny_v communion_n with_o you_o because_o christ_n require_v more_o condition_n of_o church-communion_n than_o you_o yet_o have_v for_o which_o we_o have_v these_o rule_n 2_o thess_n 3.6_o 1_o tim._n 3.4_o 5._o cum_fw-la multis_fw-la aliis_fw-la quest_n 9_o whether_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n that_o be_v not_o under_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n do_v not_o make_v those_o qualification_n above_o mention_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n and_o church-membership_a and_o if_o so_o why_o shall_v you_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o answer_n 1._o you_o may_v well_o make_v a_o question_n of_o it_o whether_o you_o do_v make_v those_o qualification_n you_o mention_v before_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n and_o church-membership_a when_o in_o your_o six_o question_n you_o demand_v whether_o those_o qualification_n that_o give_v you_o a_o right_n to_o baptism_n do_v not_o give_v you_o a_o right_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o import_v that_o those_o which_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n by_o virtue_n of_o some_o qualification_n have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o qualification_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o if_o they_o that_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o right_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o may_v by_o right_n have_v church-communion_n though_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v 2._o therefore_o we_o must_v answer_v you_o that_o we_o can_v tell_v or_o we_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o you_o do_v make_v those_o qualification_n you_o mention_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n and_o church-membership_a because_o in_o your_o six_o question_n you_o more_o than_o seem_v to_o leave_v out_o baptism_n as_o a_o qualification_n which_o you_o put_v in_o elsewhere_o as_o one_o 3._o but_o if_o you_o do_v make_v all_o those_o qualification_n you_o mention_v absolute_a necessary_a to_o church-communion_n and_o church-membership_a you_o have_v be_v already_o tell_v why_o we_o refuse_v communion_n with_o you_o it_o will_v be_v too_o much_o in_o this_o place_n to_o say_v it_o again_o quest_n 10._o whether_o you_o have_v not_o at_o some_o turn_n both_o by_o practice_n and_o profess_a agreement_n own_v those_o for_o church_n and_o church_n member_n that_o be_v baptize_v believer_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o if_o so_o by_o what_o rule_n can_v you_o refuse_v to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o answer_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o be_v too_o true_a that_o some_o have_v be_v daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n ezek._n 13.10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o to_o heal_v the_o hurt_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n jer._n 6.14_o have_v both_o by_o practice_n and_o profess_a agreement_n own_v you_o for_o church_n right_o constitute_v 2._o it_o be_v well_o if_o those_o that_o have_v so_o practise_v and_o agree_v will_v remember_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v their_o first_o work_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o their_o candlestick_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o its_o place_n rev._n 2.5_o 3._o and_o they_o their_o give_v so_o much_o advantage_n to_o you_o who_o oppose_v some_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o believe_v and_o practice_v which_o be_v now_o take_v up_o by_o you_o and_o use_v as_o weapon_n against_o the_o truth_n they_o practise_v do_v cry_v aloud_o upon_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o smite_v upon_o the_o thigh_n say_v what_o have_v we_o do_v 4._o for_o if_o such_o practice_n and_o profess_a agreement_n be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o have_v own_v you_o church_n and_o church_n member_n right_o constitute_v communion_n
so_o fit_a neither_o as_o we_o can_v and_o do_v desire_v our_o member_n will_v make_v choice_n of_o however_o not_o so_o fit_a as_o to_o be_v church-member_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n quest_n 12._o if_o a_o people_n congregat_v upon_o profession_n of_o faith_n baptism_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o god_n require_v no_o other_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o the_o constitute_n of_o church_n and_o church-member_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o former_a question_n and_o â—our_n own_o practice_n and_o confession_n at_o some_o turn_n then_o we_o demand_v whether_o he_o that_o first_o separate_v and_o those_o with_o he_o do_v not_o make_v a_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n and_o whether_o such_o a_o separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o or_o disow_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o to_o make_v division_n and_o schism_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n answer_n 1._o we_o have_v already_o show_v you_o that_o such_o a_o people_n no_o otherwise_o qualify_v than_o you_o be_v can_v be_v a_o church_n right_o constitute_v and_o that_o god_n do_v require_v more_o condition_n than_o you_o have_v in_o order_n to_o the_o right_n constitute_v of_o church_n and_o church-member_n 2._o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v by_o any_o light_n your_o question_n give_v that_o you_o have_v a_o true_a church_n state_n for_o have_v we_o no_o other_o light_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o find_v out_o â—_o right_n constitute_v church_n than_o your_o question_n we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o dark_a stumble_v and_o fall_v as_o many_o of_o late_o have_v do_v the_o more_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v 3._o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o you_o be_v a_o church_n right_o constitute_v never_o the_o more_o for_o what_o some_o backsliders_a have_v practise_v and_o confessâ—_n at_o some_o turn_n 4._o you_o may_v well_o call_v they_o turn_n for_o tuâ—â—_n they_o be_v indeed_o for_o have_v they_o not_o turn_v froâ—_n the_o truth_n as_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o as_o they_o hâ—_n believe_v and_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n thâ—_n have_v never_o so_o practise_v and_o confess_v as_o yâ—â—_n say_v they_o have_v 5._o then_o he_o that_o first_o separate_v from_o you_o aâ—_n those_o with_o he_o do_v not_o separate_v from_o church_n who_o constitution_n be_v according_a to_o tâ—â—_n will_v of_o christ_n 6._o and_o then_o separation_n from_o you_o and_o disow_a communion_n with_o you_o who_o church_n state_n be_v not_o true_a be_v not_o to_o make_v division_n 〈◊〉_d schism_n in_o the_o body_n for_o 7._o the_o apostle_n paul_n after_o he_o have_v lay_v hanâ—_n on_o the_o twelve_o he_o find_v at_o ephesus_n go_v into_o 〈◊〉_d synagogue_n and_o speak_v bold_o for_o the_o space_n of_o thâ—_n month_n dispute_v and_o persuade_v the_o thiâ—â—_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_v 19.8_o 8._o he_o that_o separate_v from_o you_o and_o thâ—_n with_o he_o after_o they_o be_v under_o lay_v oâ—_n hand_n continue_v dispute_v and_o persuade_v the_o thing_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o goâ—_n for_o more_o than_o the_o space_n of_o three_o month_n the_o apostle_n paul_n when_o divers_a be_v hardâ—_n and_o believe_v not_o but_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n befâ—_n the_o multitude_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o separate_v the_o disciple_n vers_fw-la 9_o 10._o so_o he_o that_o separate_v from_o you_o when_o â—â—vers_n of_o you_o be_v harden_v and_o believe_v not_o 〈◊〉_d speak_v evil_a of_o that_o way_n before_o the_o multitude_n â—aying_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v a_o invention_n 〈◊〉_d the_o devil_n such_o a_o one_o hand_n be_v holy_a and_o â—ould_v keep_v their_o head_n warm_a with_o suchlike_a as_o â—at_a depart_v from_o you_o and_o separate_v the_o disciple_n quest_n 13._o whether_o or_o not_o to_o deny_v communion_n or_o not_o to_o reâ—ive_v such_o so_o qualify_v into_o communion_n as_o aforesaid_a do_v not_o savour_n of_o pride_n singularity_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o whether_o this_o do_v not_o sympathize_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o diotrephes_n who_o do_v not_o â—â—ly_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o brethren_n but_o forbid_v those_o â—hat_n will_v 3_o john_n 9_o answer_n 1._o for_o those_o under_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o deâ—y_a communion_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v such_o into_o communion_n no_o otherwise_o qualify_v than_o you_o â—re_n do_v not_o savour_n of_o pride_n singularity_n nor_o uncharitableness_n because_o your_o church-constitution_n be_v not_o right_a 2._o if_o so_o it_o have_v no_o sympathy_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o diotrephes_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o you_o nor_o to_o forbid_v those_o that_o will_v but_o it_o may_v be_v â—ride_n hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o unbelief_n in_o you_o â—_o the_o cause_v you_o stoop_v not_o to_o christ_n but_o do_v â—ill_o persist_v in_o make_v opposition_n against_o a_o principle_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o you_o have_v do_v and_o now_o do_v quest_n 14._o whether_o all_o that_o maintain_v such_o a_o separâ—â—â—_n from_o any_o congregation_n that_o do_v believe_v in_o gâ—â—_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o walk_v holy_o as_o aforesaid_a â—_o not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o diotrepâ—_n aforemention_v answer_n this_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o the_o last_o questâ—â—â—_n therefore_o we_o shall_v say_v only_o this_o that_o neiâ—_n all_o or_o any_o which_o maintain_v a_o separation_n from_o â—_o upon_o the_o ground_n we_o do_v be_v guilty_a of_o schâ—_n or_o the_o sin_n of_o diotrephes_n for_o we_o maintain_v â—_o separation_n from_o church_n nor_o church-member_n right_o constitute_v quest_n 15._o whether_o we_o who_o you_o have_v separate_v from_o â—_o deny_v communion_n to_o have_v not_o use_v all_o chrisâ—_n and_o candid_a way_n of_o accommodation_n that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v think_v on_o have_v we_o not_o profess_v â—_o you_o that_o if_o we_o see_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o the_o â—_o you_o practice_v it_o a_o duty_n we_o will_v submit_v to_o â—_o have_v we_o not_o also_o declare_v that_o we_o be_v willing_a â—_o the_o better_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n that_o you_o shaâ—â—_n come_v and_o preach_v it_o among_o we_o have_v we_o not_o â—_o promise_a that_o we_o will_v never_o preach_v or_o diâ—_n against_o it_o to_o avoid_v offend_v of_o you_o nay_o â—_o we_o not_o practise_v this_o by_o suffer_v your_o counâ—â—â—_n elder_n free_o to_o preach_v among_o we_o who_o preacheâ—_n your_o practice_n without_o any_o opposition_n from_o we_o â—_o further_o have_v not_o many_o desire_v to_o come_v under_o â—_o â—_o on_o of_o hand_n if_o you_o will_v not_o make_v it_o the_o bound_n â—_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o tie_v they_o from_o â—ning_v we_o or_o have_v communion_n with_o we_o afterwards_o whether_o then_o to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o 〈◊〉_d after_o such_o large_a and_o love_a condescension_n as_o â—se_v be_v not_o schism_n great_o aggravate_v answer_n 1._o we_o believe_v you_o have_v of_o late_o use_v way_n of_o accommodation_n as_o you_o call_v they_o but_o wheâ—â—er_o christian_n and_o candid_a we_o have_v cause_n to_o spect_v when_o one_o of_o you_o shall_v desire_v hand_n â—â—ght_n be_v impose_v on_o he_o by_o the_o elder_n upon_o â—s_n confession_n give_v under_o his_o own_o hand_n viz._n â—â—ese_n may_v therefore_o certify_v that_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n mention_v heb._n 6._o â—_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n â—d_a yet_o now_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a opposer_n of_o â—t_a lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o he_o profane_o to_o â—_o no_o more_o submit_v to_o which_o how_o chriâ—â—â—an_n and_o candid_a he_o therein_o be_v may_v easy_o be_v â—â—â—cerned_v by_o any_o 2._o what_o if_o you_o have_v profess_v that_o if_o you_o 〈◊〉_d lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o the_o way_n â—_o practice_v it_o you_o will_v submit_v to_o it_o will_v 〈◊〉_d make_v your_o church-state_n true_a it_o be_v more_o â—â—n_fw-la probable_a that_o those_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a way_n be_v as_o ready_a candid_o to_o proâ—â—â—_n that_o do_v they_o see_v baptism_n as_o you_o and_o we_o â—â—â—ctise_v it_o and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n also_o to_o be_v â—_o duty_n they_o will_v submit_v to_o both_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o your_o separation_n and_o we_o from_o tâ—_n be_v schism_n 3._o and_o what_o if_o you_o have_v declair_v that_o â—_o be_v will_v for_o the_o better_a find_v out_o of_o trâ—_n as_o you_o pretend_v that_o some_o under_o lay_v oâ—_n hand_n shall_v come_v and_o preach_v it_o among_o yâ—â—_n will_v that_o heal_v your_o sore_n and_o give_v you_o a_o riâ—_n and_o due_a church-constitution_n 4._o and_o if_o you_o have_v promise_v never_o to_o preâ—_n nor_o dispute_n against_o it_o and_o if_o you_o have_v practâ—â—â—_n so_o by_o suffer_v some_o country_n elder_n free_o â—_o preach_v it_o among_o
do_v not_o find_v it_o be_v practise_v in_o thâ—_n â—ime_v of_o christ_n life_n that_o do_v not_o make_v invalid_a what_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v after_o his_o ascension_n he_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n his_o disciple_n can_v not_o then_o bear_v john_n 16.12_o which_o he_o promise_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 13_o 14_o 15._o 2._o it_o be_v then_o clear_a that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n where_o when_o or_o how_o christ_n teach_v it_o but_o that_o you_o will_v study_v doubt_n rather_o than_o obedience_n and_o whereas_o you_o speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o the_o truth_n be_v know_v you_o as_o little_a believe_v it_o as_o you_o practise_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v as_o clear_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o be_v have_v the_o same_o authority_n we_o refuse_v and_o keep_v no_o communion_n with_o the_o disobedient_a quest_n 29._o if_o you_o say_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 8.17_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o command_n for_o what_o they_o do_v we_o thereupon_o demand_v though_o we_o read_v they_o baptize_v man_n and_o woman_n promiscous_o yet_o where_o do_v you_o read_v they_o ever_o lay_v hand_n promiscuous_o upon_o man_n and_o woman_n if_o you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o word_n they_o which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o which_o be_v the_o same_o they_o that_o philip_n baptize_v we_o demand_v whether_o it_o may_v not_o be_v as_o true_o say_v that_o philip_n preacheâ—_n to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o samaria_n because_o it_o iâ—_n say_v he_o go_v to_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n and_o preach_v christ_n to_o they_o vers_fw-la 5._o and_o whether_o iâ—_n may_v not_o be_v as_o well_o say_v that_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o samaria_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v because_o it_o be_v say_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v baptize_v as_o you_o may_v say_v that_o because_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v they_o lay_v hand_n on_o every_o baptise_a man_n and_o woman_n etc._n etc._n answer_n 1._o we_o do_v say_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 8.17_o and_o elsewhere_o do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o christ_n for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o so_o must_v you_o say_v unless_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v their_o own_o humane_a invention_n and_o if_o you_o think_v it_o be_v practise_v by_o they_o without_o command_n from_o christ_n and_o so_o their_o own_o invention_n why_o do_v you_o not_o say_v so_o but_o if_o you_o think_v they_o have_v receive_v sufficient_a authority_n from_o christ_n for_o what_o they_o do_v why_o do_v you_o make_v opposition_n against_o their_o practice_n and_o refuse_v to_o follow_v they_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n and_o keep_v those_o tradition_n they_o deliver_v 2._o but_o you_o demand_v though_o we_o read_v that_o they_o baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n promiscuous_o yet_o where_o do_v we_o read_v they_o ever_o lay_v hand_n promiscuous_o upon_o man_n and_o woman_n we_o say_v it_o be_v in_o so_o many_o word_n say_v act._n 8.12_o they_o be_v baptize_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o no_o less_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n pray_v and_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n for_o by_o as_o good_a reason_n may_v one_o conclude_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v send_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o some_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v at_o samaria_n as_o to_o conclude_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n pray_v for_o and_o lay_v hand_n on_o but_o some_o of_o they_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v as_o well_o say_v that_o philip_n preach_v to_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o samaria_n because_o it_o be_v say_v that_o philip_n go_v down_o to_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n and_o preach_v christ_n unto_o they_o nor_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o samaria_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v though_o it_o be_v say_v samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n the_o former_a be_v true_a though_o he_o have_v preach_v but_o to_o twenty_o and_o the_o latter_a though_o but_o six_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o conclude_v all_o in_o samaria_n be_v preach_v to_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o logical_a indeed_o but_o to_o conclude_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n pray_v for_o and_o lay_v hand_n on_o the_o woman_n that_o philip_n baptize_v as_o well_o as_o they_o pray_v for_o and_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o the_o man_n he_o baptize_v be_v scriptural_a and_o logical_a because_o the_o woman_n have_v equal_a right_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o that_o service_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n promise_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o man_n joel_n 2.28_o 29._o act._n 2.17_o 18._o then_o be_v it_o scriptural_a and_o logical_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o baptise_a woman_n have_v equal_a right_n to_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v as_o well_o as_o the_o baptise_a men._n 3._o so_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v whereas_o you_o say_v that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o command_n for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o all_o baptise_a believer_n that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o plain_a example_n for_o it_o you_o be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o truth_n that_o you_o will_v not_o see_v any_o command_n there_o be_v nor_o example_n neither_o for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o baptise_a believer_n as_o such_o that_o you_o still_o remain_v contradict_v and_o put_v it_o from_o you_o thereby_o judge_v yourselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n holy_a and_o guide_a spirit_n which_o to_o his_o praise_n be_v receive_v thereby_o there_o be_v both_o command_n and_o plain_a example_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o command_v they_o receive_v from_o christ_n and_o christ_n from_o god_n his_o father_n see_v this_o answer_v before_o in_o god_n oracle_n page_n 47_o 48_o 49._o 4._o but_o you_o say_v dr._n hamond_n question_v which_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v here_o intend_a and_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a it_o be_v upon_o disciple_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v confess_v there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n to_o resolve_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n for_o confirmation_n or_o ordination_n dr._n hamond_n and_o you_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o ordination_n have_v you_o but_o consult_v paul_n to_o timothy_n when_o he_o say_v a_o novice_n must_v not_o be_v choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n lest_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o tim._n 3.6_o then_o can_v not_o peter_n and_o john_n lie_v hand_n on_o the_o baptise_a at_o samaria_n for_o ordination_n because_o they_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o new_o come_v to_o the_o faith_n moreover_o the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 8.15_o now_o have_v your_o learned_a and_o judicious_a doctor_n consider_v these_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o have_v say_v it_o be_v difficult_a to_o resolve_v whether_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n act._n 8.17_o be_v for_o confirmation_n or_o ordination_n 5._o but_o we_o perceive_v the_o authority_n of_o this_o doctor_n go_v very_o far_o with_o you_o that_o you_o will_v believe_v when_o he_o believe_v and_o doubt_v of_o what_o he_o doubt_v that_o if_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v a_o command_n for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o a_o plain_a example_n peradventure_o you_o will_v say_v so_o too_o for_o you_o say_v and_o therefore_o though_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o practise_v it_o be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o infallible_o true_a because_o it_o depend_v upon_o our_o exposition_n if_o you_o have_v draw_v your_o conclusion_n right_a from_o what_o be_v before_o premise_v by_o you_o it_o must_v have_v be_v thus_o therefore_o though_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o practise_v it_o be_v true_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o infallible_o true_a because_o dr._n hamond_n be_v at_o a_o stand_n about_o it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v difficult_a to_o resolve_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o confirmation_n or_o ordination_n and_o not_o say_v because_o it_o depend_v upon_o our_o exposition_n which_o
doctrine_n of_o christ_n because_o we_o deny_v or_o rather_o doubt_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o all_o disciple_n man_n and_o woman_n as_o you_o practise_v it_o answer_n 1._o to_o say_v the_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v uncharitable_a and_o when_o we_o say_v you_o oppose_v or_o deny_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o you_o have_v do_v more_o than_o twenty_o year_n be_v not_o to_o be_v we_o hope_v uncharitable_a for_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n we_o practise_v you_o do_v deny_v and_o oppose_v though_o you_o may_v colour_v your_o opposition_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o doubt_n and_o question_n and_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o own_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a or_o to_o set_v man_n apart_o to_o office_n in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o on_o all_o baptise_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v your_o reason_n by_o which_o you_o will_v wipe_v off_o that_o blemish_n sufficient_a for_o we_o may_v not_o as_o well_o say_v that_o those_o people_n which_o believe_v not_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o do_v deny_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n because_o theâ—_n do_v believe_v he_o die_v and_o die_v for_o they_o and_o more_o too_o but_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n on_o baptise_a believer_n as_o such_o tâ—â—_n â—â—ey_n may_v receive_v the_o spirit_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o 2._o neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o hebrew_n church_n deny_v the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o be_v dull_a of_o hear_v and_o can_v not_o receive_v those_o great_a mystery_n thereof_o that_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v utter_v heb._n 5.11_o and_o though_o you_o pretend_v you_o be_v ignorant_a yet_o we_o think_v you_o will_v not_o take_v it_o well_o shall_v we_o set_v you_o down_o for_o such_o and_o as_o for_o what_o you_o may_v say_v say_v your_o pleasure_n and_o say_v if_o you_o will_v many_o of_o we_o if_o you_o say_v true_a deny_v christ_n take_v flesh_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n we_o can_v say_v and_o say_v truth_n that_o many_o of_o you_o deny_v christ_n and_o have_v not_o god_n because_o you_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n of_o one_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o create_v be_v and_o take_v his_o beginning_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n beside_o your_o deny_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o all_o disciple_n man_n and_o woman_n as_o we_o practise_v quest_n 34._o do_v you_o ever_o come_v to_o we_o or_o send_v any_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v hand_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o reject_v you_o why_o then_o â—â—ould_v you_o reject_v we_o answer_n when_o we_o first_o receive_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n we_o be_v with_o you_o and_o continue_v reason_v use_v persuade_v you_o to_o receive_v the_o truth_n but_o 〈◊〉_d then_o oppose_v we_o and_o it_o yea_o and_o at_o length_n â—e_v harden_v and_o believe_v not_o but_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n and_o then_o we_o depart_v and_o separate_v from_o you_o and_o know_v no_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o come_v or_o send_v to_o you_o to_o lay_v hand_n on_o you_o except_o you_o repent_v and_o receive_v the_o truth_n candid_o in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o until_o than_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o reject_v you_o quest_n 35._o do_v we_o not_o practice_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o officer_n and_o be_v not_o many_o willing_a to_o submit_v to_o it_o a_o member_n for_o peace_n and_o accommodation_n sake_n and_o together_o with_o you_o wait_v upon_o god_n for_o further_a light_n in_o this_o matter_n why_o then_o shall_v you_o impose_v believe_v of_o it_o on_o we_o as_o a_o command_n upon_o all_o disciple_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n i_o and_o such_o a_o command_n as_o be_v essential_a to_o communion_n and_o church-membership_a when_o you_o have_v no_o such_o command_n nor_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n either_o that_o it_o be_v practise_v upon_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o be_v baptise_a or_o that_o it_o be_v judge_v essential_a to_o communion_n or_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o practise_v but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o administer_v on_o any_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n before_o till_o these_o sober_a scruple_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n prove_v essential_a to_o communion_n what_o ground_n have_v you_o to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o you_o practise_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o officer_n or_o no_o but_o if_o you_o do_v what_o command_v have_v you_o for_o it_o nor_o be_v those_o term_n for_o peace_n and_o accommodation_n sake_n sufficient_a christ_n have_v no_o need_n to_o be_v behold_v to_o you_o where_o do_v you_o read_v that_o any_o be_v receive_v to_o or_o practise_v any_o gospel_n ordinance_n upon_o those_o term_n we_o must_v therefore_o if_o you_o receive_v it_o from_o we_o impose_v it_o upon_o you_o as_o a_o command_n upon_o all_o disciple_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n because_o it_o be_v so_o as_o appear_v act_n 8._o for_o the_o apostle_n practise_v no_o more_o in_o holy_a and_o divine_a adoration_n and_o invocation_n than_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o command_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n to_o do_v yea_o and_o such_o a_o command_n or_o rather_o duty_n it_o be_v that_o be_v essential_a to_o communion_n and_o church-membership_a we_o have_v both_o command_n and_o example_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o it_o will_v â—e_v but_o reiteration_n to_o show_v it_o here_o again_o nor_o be_v it_o practise_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o scripture_n no_o where_o assign_v they_o as_o the_o end_n thereof_o 2._o and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a in_o the_o â—ase_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o cornelius_n and_o his_o house_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o he_o do_v receive_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o his_o be_v baptise_a â—n_n water_n after_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n â—here_o be_v the_o same_o weighty_a and_o press_a â—_z for_o both_o viz._n christ_n doctrine_n and_o command_n we_o do_v not_o know_v when_o you_o will_v say_v your_o sober_a scruple_n be_v remove_v for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v essential_a to_o communion_n therefore_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o refuse_v communion_n with_o you_o quest_n 36._o be_v you_o not_o divide_v among_o yourselves_o in_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o some_o of_o you_o say_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v for_o confirmation_n other_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n other_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o spirit_n in_o any_o measure_n answer_n we_o know_v not_o any_o that_o say_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o you_o and_o other_o of_o your_o mind_n and_o if_o some_o do_v say_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v for_o the_o receive_v the_o spirit_n in_o any_o measure_n and_o other_o will_v say_v it_o be_v for_o confirmation_n there_o be_v not_o much_o difference_n between_o they_o we_o say_v then_o we_o be_v not_o divide_v among_o ourselves_o about_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n quest_n 37._o have_v not_o other_o of_o you_o both_o print_v and_o preach_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sever_v pillar_n that_o wisdom_n build_v her_o house_n upon_o prov._n 9.1_o and_o may_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o welâ—_n prove_v she_o seven_o sacrament_n from_o hence_o as_o you_o prove_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n beside_o do_v you_o 〈◊〉_d by_o thus_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n create_v sever_v principle_n instead_o of_o six_o you_o talk_v of_o and_o may_v yâ—â—_n not_o as_o well_o say_v that_o because_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n wall_n have_v twelve_o foundation_n that_o therefore_o the_o church_n must_v have_v twelve_o fundamental_o without_o which_o she_o can_v be_v a_o church_n communicable_a be_v not_o this_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n like_o the_o lesbian_a rule_n who_o have_v build_v crooked_a and_o irregular_a so_o as_o the_o work_n be_v not_o conformable_a to_o the_o rule_n go_v and_o make_v their_o rule_n conformable_a to_o their_o work_n answer_n 1._o what_o if_o some_o of_o we_o have_v from_o those_o pillar_n wisdom_n build_v her_o house_n upon_o prov._n 9.1_o allude_v to_o the_o foundation_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n heb._n 6.1_o 2._o and_o of_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 2.20_o but_o if_o you_o shall_v say_v that_o heb._n 6.1_o 2._o make_v mention_v but_o of_o six_o principle_n and_o prov._n 9.1_o mention_n seven_o pillar_n we_o hope_v you_o