Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	believe_v	faith_n	know_v	8,213	5	4.2899	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A93091	A treatise of liturgies, power of the keyes, and of matter of the visible church. In answer to the reverend servant of Christ, Mr. John Ball. By Thomas Shephard, sometimes fellow of Emanuel-Colledge in Cambridge, and late pastour of Cambridge in New-England.	Shepard, Thomas, 1605-1649.	1652 (1652)	Wing S3148; Thomason E681_17; ESTC R206794	175,099	213

apostle_n ordinary_a and_o first_o lead_v practice_n and_o example_n be_v for_o those_o position_n not_o against_o they_o 2_o you_o grant_v here_o that_o act_n 2._o and_o 8._o and_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o we_o must_v suppose_v though_o not_o express_v for_o how_o else_o can_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o the_o mocker_n and_o other_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o profession_n this_o must_v be_v by_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o his_o doctrine_n press_v three_o thing_n 1._o conversion_n or_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n 2._o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o those_o word_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 38._o 3._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o and_o substance_n of_o his_o exhortation_n which_o include_v a_o gather_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o text_n say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o that_o they_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 2._o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o do_v all_o this_o appear_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o confession_n can_v any_o man_n think_v such_o soul_n will_v make_v but_o a_o break_a heart_a gracious_a confession_n which_o to_o any_o discern_a charity_n must_v be_v take_v to_o argue_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o very_a character_n give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o so_o brief_a a_o history_n do_v clear_o evince_v what_o we_o contend_v for_o consider_v also_o the_o story_n acts._n 8._o and_o first_o not_o to_o pass_v over_o what_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v be_v baptize_v continue_v with_o philip_n and_o wonder_v so_o that_o no_o doubt_n they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o when_o peter_n discover_v his_o falseness_n see_v what_o he_o say_v verse_n 21._o thou_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n let_v any_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o christ_n and_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n because_o not_o right_a whether_o the_o apostle_n peter_n or_o the_o church_n will_v have_v receive_v he_o if_o such_o have_v be_v discover_v before_o and_o for_o the_o eunuch_n philip_n require_v his_o profession_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n look_v for_o a_o sound_n work_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o include_v true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v that_o confession_n of_o peter_n for_o true_a faith_n flesh_n and_o ●lood_o have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o yea_o it_o include_v subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o rare_a but_o a_o common_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n believe_v and_o confess_v to_o include_v true_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n that_o suit_n with_o that_o foundation_n as_o rom._n 10._o 9_o so_o expound_v verse_n 10_o 11._o as_o be_v more_o than_o historical_a faith_n so_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1_o 2._o and_o 5._o 1._o the_o like_a character_n of_o a_o penitent_a and_o gracious_a carriage_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v observe_v act._n 19_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o see_v you_o have_v give_v we_o this_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o pattern_n we_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o take_v away_o the_o conceit_n of_o novelty_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o tertullian_n say_v in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n we_o admit_v no_o man_n to_o any_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n unless_o he_o first_o have_v show_v we_o of_o who_o he_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o second_o whether_o he_o admit_v and_o hold_v the_o general_a principle_n wherein_o all_o christian_n do_v and_o ever_o do_v agree_v otherwise_o proscribe_v against_o he_o as_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o admit_v man_n to_o disputation_n no_o doubt_n much_o more_o in_o receive_v man_n to_o church_n communion_n but_o if_o this_o seem_v not_o full_a enough_o take_v another_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a there_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la instruct_v for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n with_o who_o they_o take_v much_o pain_n in_o sanctify_v they_o before_z by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o for_o their_o admission_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o they_o 1._o nominis_fw-la professio_fw-la 2._o scrutinium_fw-la 3._o abrenuntiatio_n 4._o fidei_fw-la professio_fw-la their_o scrutinium_fw-la which_o they_o call_v examen_fw-la competentium_fw-la or_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v competent_a or_o fit_v for_o admission_n this_o examen_fw-la be_v very_o strict_a as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o alcuinus_fw-la by_o learned_a *_o 15._o chamier_n fiant_fw-la scrutinia_fw-la ut_fw-la explorentur_fw-la saepius_fw-la a_o post_n renuntiationum_fw-la satanae_n sacra_fw-la verba_fw-la datae_fw-la fidei_fw-la radicitus_fw-la cord_n defixerint_fw-la i._n e._n let_v examination_n be_v make_v that_o it_o oft_o may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o have_v deep_o fix_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o sacred_a word_n of_o their_o profess_a faith_n and_o what_o ever_o any_o may_v think_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o their_o discipline_n in_o this_o point_n chamier_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n by_o way_n of_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o who_o word_n upon_o it_o be_v these_o certain_z nemo_fw-la improbare_fw-la potest_fw-la seriam_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la sanctis_fw-la rebus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la quantum_fw-la fieri_fw-la poterit_fw-la lateant_fw-la simones_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n certain_o no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o serious_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v profanation_n of_o sacred_a thing_n lest_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o as_o simon_n magus_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n go_v before_o in_o their_o example_n for_o philip_n act_v 8._o be_v demand_v of_o the_o eunuch_n what_o hinder_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o simple_o thou_o may_v but_o with_o this_o supposition_n add_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n now_o this_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v either_o by_o recite_v the_o creed_n in_o a_o eminent_a place_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o praeclarâ_fw-la ●iduciâ_fw-la with_o full_a affiance_n as_o he_o observe_v out_o of_o clement_n and_o augustine_n or_o else_o respondendo_fw-la interroganti_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la per_fw-la singula_fw-la in_o subsidium_fw-la forte_fw-fr pudoris_fw-la aut_fw-la memoriae_fw-la i._n e._n by_o answer_v to_o the_o minister_n propound_v question_n concern_v their_o faith_n for_o help_v of_o their_o bashfulness_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n also_o beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 14._o commend_v much_o the_o severity_n and_o zeal_n of_o former_a pastor_n and_o church_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o bemoan_v the_o negligence_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o filth_n he_o conclude_v thus_o itaque_fw-la frustra_fw-la disputabitur_fw-la tum_fw-la voce_fw-la tum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la nisi_fw-la conversione_n cordium_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d initium_fw-la instaurationis_fw-la sumatur_fw-la reverend_a mr._n hildersham_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o their_o pastor_n answer_v thus_o yes_o very_o for_o see_v matth._n 3._o 6._o act_n 8._o 37._o god_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o congregation_n or_o their_o minister_n their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o do_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o require_v this_o of_o they_o

that_o be_v put_v in_o some_o of_o the_o reply_n 1_o to_o the_o first_o reply_n then_o wherein_o you_o put_v it_o beyond_o imagination_n that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v be_v scandalous_a or_o offensive_a we_o know_v not_o what_o you_o have_v observe_v in_o some_o particular_a congregation_n near_o you_o but_o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n former_o concern_v this_o practice_n yet_o you_o know_v that_o the_o book_n in_o general_n have_v be_v condemn_v of_o all_o godly_a reformer_n and_o the_o use_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o have_v be_v count_v burdensome_a to_o many_o for_o the_o reason_n name_v but_o of_o late_a time_n as_o the_o book_n and_o conformity_n thereto_o be_v urge_v more_o hot_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o very_a many_o grow_v more_o zealous_a against_o it_o and_o begin_v to_o loathe_v it_o and_o to_o withdraw_v whole_o from_o it_o many_o very_a inquisitive_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o join_v with_o it_o at_o all_o and_o yourselves_o complain_v of_o the_o withdraw_n of_o many_o from_o join_v in_o the_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v use_v so_o that_o we_o see_v not_o but_o at_o least_o in_o some_o person_n and_o at_o some_o place_n and_o time_n it_o may_v probable_o be_v offensive_a and_o scandalous_a so_o to_o practice_v 2_o we_o look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o offence_n of_o those_o in_o your_o own_o congregation_n but_o to_o the_o imboldn_v and_o harden_v of_o papist_n in_o honour_v any_o part_n of_o their_o portuise_n above_o the_o form_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n witness_n now_o asleep_a have_v testify_v of_o the_o offence_n and_o danger_n thereof_o reply_n 2_o you_o say_v if_o the_o book_n be_v a_o idolothyte_n yet_o latent_fw-la offence_n do_v not_o oblige_v answ_n the_o offence_n in_o this_o season_n and_o as_o all_o thing_n stand_v can_v be_v latent_fw-la complaint_n be_v make_v of_o the_o offence_n take_v by_o many_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a reply_n 3_o the_o book_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a by_o your_o confession_n be_v no_o idolothyte_n nor_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n in_o such_o sense_n as_o you_o object_n but_o rather_o the_o mass_n and_o other_o prayer_n add_v to_o it_o popery_n be_v a_o sca●_n leave_v to_o the_o church_n and_o many_o truth_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o her_o proper_a legacy_n be_v steal_v and_o heap_v together_o in_o that_o den_n and_o why_o the_o true_a man_n may_v not_o challenge_v his_o good_n where_o ever_o he_o find_v they_o or_o the_o thief_n plead_v title_n to_o the_o true_a man_n good_n by_o prescription_n we_o know_v not_o answ_n first_o we_o judge_v the_o whole_a book_n a_o idolothyte_a and_o whence_o you_o gather_v that_o we_o confess_v the_o contrary_a of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v apart_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o whole_a we_o know_v not_o second_o that_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o king_n edward_n and_o other_o evidence_n be_v many_o but_o you_o say_v not_o in_o such_o sense_n as_o we_o object_n but_o rather_o ●_o contra_fw-la mass_n etc._n etc._n add_v to_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o where_o to_o find_v such_o a_o legacy_n bequeath_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v so_o that_o we_o rather_o fear_v all_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o marriage_n burial_n visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a confirmation_n etc._n etc._n be_v rather_o the_o copper_n counterfeit_a coin_n of_o a_o well_o grow_v antichrist_n whereby_o he_o cozen_v the_o church_n when_o he_o steal_v away_o the_o golden_a legacy_n of_o christ_n rather_o than_o any_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n legacy_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v more_o happy_a for_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v never_o challenge_v the_o same_o but_o let_v the_o thief_n prescription_n to_o have_v be_v a_o good_a plea_n to_o hold_v they_o still_o this_o further_a we_o add_v when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n we_o understand_v mass-book_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v common_o take_v for_o to_o speak_v narrow_o it_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o three_o popish_a book_n the_o first_o part_n of_o public_a prayer_n exbreviario_fw-la the_o second_o part_n viz._n the_o order_n of_o administer_a sacrament_n matrimony_n visit_v the_o sick_a and_o burial_n è_fw-la rituali_fw-la 3._o the_o order_n of_o consecration_n in_o the_o supper_n the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n and_o collect_v è_fw-la missali_fw-la as_o the_o form_n of_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n and_o priest_n be_v take_v è_fw-la pontificali_fw-la as_o the_o author_n of_o altar_n damase_v show_v pag._n 612._o three_o because_o those_o word_n popery_n be_v a_o scab_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o much_o evil_n a_o egg_n out_o of_o which_o a_o serpent_n may_v be_v hatch_v if_o man_n zealous_a of_o mouldy_a form_n may_v but_o have_v time_n again_o to_o set_v upon_o it_o if_o the_o wheel_n of_o these_o evil_a time_n through_o god_n judgement_n on_o this_o wantonage_n turn_v the_o prelate_n or_o other_o zelote_v for_o this_o liturgy_n uppermost_a we_o shall_v therefore_o crave_v liberty_n to_o examine_v this_o speech_n more_o narrow_o and_o because_o as_o it_o be_v say_v unumquodque_fw-la ex_fw-la suâ_fw-la origine_fw-la rectissime_fw-la judicatur_fw-la we_o shall_v grace_v the_o step_n of_o the_o first_o time_n and_o so_o downward_o to_o see_v what_o sound_a part_n of_o liturgy_n there_o be_v on_o which_o this_o scab_n be_v suppose_v to_o grow_v 1._o our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o bless_a form_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o and_o comfortable_o use_v the_o rather_o not_o be_v of_o man_n but_o the_o lord_n compose_v yet_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o never_o appoint_v his_o people_n to_o use_v it_o as_o their_o only_a form_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o that_o heavenly_a prayer_n act_v 4._o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n and_o form_n of_o this_o prayer_n though_o they_o may_v have_v this_o in_o their_o eye_n as_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o particular_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v a_o everlasting_a witness_n against_o their_o usurpation_n that_o will_v limit_v the_o church_n to_o their_o form_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o do_v to_o his_o own_o 2._o in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n after_o christ_n we_o read_v of_o few_o form_n that_o the_o church_n use_v and_o those_o rather_o short_a ejaculation_n then_o set_v form_n but_o contrary_o we_o read_v frequent_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n in_o prayer_n they_o pray_v sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la pectore_fw-la 30._o say_v tertullian_n i._n e._n they_o pray_v without_o a_o promptour_n because_o from_o the_o heart_n which_o as_o zephyrus_n observe_v be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o prompt_a form_n then_o in_o use_n among_o the_o pagan_n we_o read_v also_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o viz._n pro_fw-la inimicis_fw-la pro_fw-la imperatoribus_fw-la pro_fw-la statu_fw-la seculi_fw-la pro_fw-la morâ_fw-la finis_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o of_o any_o set_a form_n we_o read_v not_o their_o persecution_n and_o day_n of_o affliction_n preserve_v they_o from_o formality_n in_o prayer_n and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o find_v their_o heart_n and_o knee_n and_o tongue_n to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n while_o under_o the_o altar_n they_o be_v pour_v out_o their_o blood_n 3._o but_o after_o the_o church_n have_v enjoy_v peace_n for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n wherein_o security_n usual_o make_v insensible_a and_o insenssblenesse_n formal_a then_o indeed_o we_o read_v ofset_v and_o impose_v form_n which_o the_o rather_o prevail_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o palpable_a ignorance_n of_o a_o blind_a ministry_n under_o a_o more_o learned_a prelacy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o chemnitius_n that_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n decree_v this_o ut_fw-la nemo_fw-la in_o precibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n viz._n that_o no_o minister_n in_o his_o prayer_n either_o name_n the_o father_n for_o the_o son_n or_o the_o son_n for_o the_o father_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n to_o direct_v his_o prayer_n always_o to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o that_o no_o man_n use_v his_o own_o form_n till_o he_o have_v confer_v and_o show_v his_o form_n to_o man_n more_o able_a which_o we_o find_v sometime_o to_o be_v the_o synod_n 4_o after_o these_o time_n they_o add_v the_o commemoration_n of_o saint_n sanctorum_fw-la to_o their_o prayer_n and_o litany_n as_o appear_v from_o manifold_a instance_n whereof_o take_v

family_n with_o himself_o to_o the_o grief_n and_o hazard_n of_o his_o godly_a wife_n and_o hopeful_a child_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o people_n full_a of_o fanatical_a error_n be_v it_o christian_a liberty_n or_o dangerous_a licentiousness_n to_o leave_v such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o he_o reply_n may_v you_o not_o hear_v from_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o herein_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o he_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n and_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n and_o so_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_a rule_n necessary_a for_o all_o time_n and_o all_o person_n to_o put_v that_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n beyond_o warrant_n to_o bind_v conscience_n under_o so_o heavy_a ●_o penalty_n as_o that_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v they_o to_o debar_v approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o seiled_a member_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o society_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o as_o man_n that_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o your_o practice_n answ_n here_o be_v a_o great_a heap_n of_o heavy_a crimination_n gather_v together_o and_o cast_v upon_o we_o upon_o very_o weak_a ground_n upon_o mistake_n suspicion_n and_o we_o fear_v too_o much_o credulity_n give_v to_o some_o clamorous_a person_n return_v to_o england_n and_o too_o little_a credit_n give_v to_o our_o true_a relation_n and_o faithful_a profession_n most_o of_o these_o have_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o we_o marvel_v how_o they_o come_v in_o so_o twist_v together_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v here_o only_o clear_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o their_o proper_a place_n to_o see_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o here_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v devise_v a_o rite_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v intend_v of_o this_o promise_n of_o not_o removal_n without_o leave_n which_o promise_n be_v not_o require_v of_o we_o nor_o make_v in_o our_o church_n covenant_n as_o we_o have_v say_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n be_v also_o a_o mere_a mistake_n arise_v from_o the_o confound_a of_o a_o second_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o our_o first_o reason_n with_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v distinct_a and_o have_v a_o different_a scope_n for_o whereas_o some_o may_v object_v that_o this_o reason_n from_o the_o covenant_n hold_v with_o such_o as_o grant_v such_o a_o covenant_n lawful_a the_o answer_n say_v that_o some_o indeed_o question_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o we_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o thereupon_o the_o answer_n first_o give_v reason_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o second_o for_o the_o necessity_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n incorporate_v which_o by_o a_o fundamental_a rule_n do_v require_v of_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o they_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o conform_v to_o all_o such_o lawful_a rite_n and_o order_n as_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o that_o society_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o he_o to_o offer_v and_o confusion_n in_o they_o to_o accept_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o easy_o follow_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o a_o people_n enjoy_v privilege_n together_o it_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o some_o promise_n or_o covenant_n which_o covenant_n though_o in_o civil_a society_n it_o may_v consist_v in_o rite_n and_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o for_o their_o good_a yet_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o covenant_n be_v no_o other_o but_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o without_o any_o rite_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o profess_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o those_o word_n let_v any_o judge_n what_o ground_n be_v give_v by_o we_o of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o devise_v rite_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n give_v any_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n for_o though_o it_o dispute_v from_o the_o necessary_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o member_n when_o whither_o and_o wherefore_o he_o please_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n without_o consent_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n that_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o any_o rite_n custom_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o we_o to_o prevent_v the_o same_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n thereof_o we_o still_o whole_o and_o only_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v order_n and_o reform_v all_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o man_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o remove_v or_o not_o remove_v not_o require_v any_o express_a promise_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o this_o particular_a no_o more_o than_o in_o other_o and_o thus_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v resolve_v you_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o you_o desire_v to_o conclude_v this_o passage_n give_v we_o leave_v without_o offence_n to_o say_v thus_o much_o although_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o desire_v humble_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o trial_n even_o to_o go_v through_o evil_a report_n as_o well_o as_o good_a yea_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o cruel_a mock_n of_o the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o god_n without_o who_o providence_n a_o tongue_n can_v not_o move_v against_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o account_v it_o one_o of_o our_o poor_a affliction_n to_o suffer_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o pen_n or_o tongue_n of_o our_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n for_o who_o we_o daily_o pray_v and_o to_o who_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v provoke_v to_o return_v any_o other_o language_n then_o savour_v of_o love_n and_o respect_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o sore_a crimination_n oft_o upon_o mere_a mistake_n cast_v not_o only_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o both_o by_o this_o learned_a author_n and_o some_o other_o that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o senseless_a of_o the_o dishonour_n be_v reflect_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n herein_o as_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o groan_n out_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o humble_o beseech_v all_o our_o godly_a brethren_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a if_o after_o all_o the_o harsh_a passage_n of_o this_o reply_n such_o a_o heap_n of_o accusation_n as_o be_v here_o throw_v upon_o we_o move_v we_o to_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v unjust_o and_o unground_o cast_v upon_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v but_o think_v have_v draw_v a_o black_a cloud_n over_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v here_o set_v up_o among_o we_o to_o omit_v the_o general_a frame_n of_o this_o reply_n in_o present_v our_o opinion_n and_o way_n to_o the_o people_n as_o if_o we_o concur_v general_o with_o those_o of_o the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o differ_v almost_o in_o every_o thing_n from_o such_o godly_a brethren_n as_o have_v breathe_v after_o purity_n of_o ordinance_n and_o reformation_n to_o omit_v also_o the_o frequent_a insert_v of_o such_o term_n unto_o our_o question_n and_o argument_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o which_o render_v every_o thing_n harst_o and_o full_a of_o rigidness_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o reader_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o we_o and_o omit_v also_o divers_a other_o supposition_n and_o objection_n we_o shall_v only_o desire_v those_o who_o have_v take_v up_o evil_a thought_n concern_v these_o church_n and_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n we_o walk_v in_o from_o this_o reply_n to_o note_v

if_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o they_o must_v by_o some_o mean_n know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o may_v comfortable_o receive_v into_o their_o affection_n a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v first_o private_o to_o examine_v they_o and_o prepare_v they_o for_o admission_n be_v to_o show_v the_o church_n the_o rule_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o themselves_o be_v ready_a to_o admit_v they_o act._n 10._o 37._o can_v any_o forbid_v water_n etc._n etc._n this_o rule_n be_v best_a see_v by_o that_o public_a profession_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o if_o no_o just_a exception_n be_v make_v as_o one_o shall_v be_v without_o conviction_n they_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o officer_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o member_n hereunto_o for_o if_o public_a profession_n be_v needful_a at_o least_o before_o the_o church_n though_o not_o the_o world_n always_o as_o didoclavius_n observe_v to_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n and_o church_n by_o baptism_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o person_n former_o baptize_v and_o enter_v a_o new_a into_o the_o church_n but_o they_o shall_v open_o profess_v their_o faith_n again_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o 16_o 18._o viz._n profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o last_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n yet_o if_o this_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o joy_n to_o see_v god_n glorify_v and_o christ_n name_n profess_v and_o his_o virtue_n hold_v forth_o and_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o love_n to_o those_o that_o join_v with_o they_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v do_v before_o saint_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v before_o persecutor_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o what_o be_v now_o say_v we_o think_v sufficient_a to_o undermine_v what_o be_v oppose_v herein_o by_o other_o and_o may_v easy_o give_v answer_n to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o the_o learned_a author_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o clear_o up_o our_o practice_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o our_o rigidum_fw-la examen_fw-la for_o which_o we_o be_v by_o some_o condemn_v but_o for_o further_a clear_v we_o shall_v answer_v to_o the_o particular_n now_o to_o your_o reason_n more_o particular_o against_o this_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o enter_v and_o renew_v covenant_n then_o answ_n we_o answer_v first_o when_o as_o you_o say_v they_o profess_v the_o covenant_n promise_v to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightnes_n this_o imply_v a_o profession_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n second_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o enter_v into_o covenant_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v long_o before_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v humble_v much_o in_o egypt_n in_o so_o much_o as_o their_o sigh_n come_v up_o to_o god_n exod._n 2._o 23_o 24_o 25._o they_o have_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a against_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o that_o land_n by_o many_o miracle_n they_o have_v god_n visible_a presence_n in_o the_o cloud_n be_v instruct_v by_o moses_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o they_o in_o abraham_n they_o be_v mighty_o deliver_v at_o the_o red_a sea_n so_o that_o they_o believe_v moses_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o sing_v his_o praise_n exod._n 14._o 31._o psalm_n 106._o 12._o they_o be_v also_o instruct_v again_o concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v to_o sanctify_v themselves_o three_o day_n legal_o which_o be_v for_o spiritual_a end_n and_o of_o spiritual_a use_n exod._n 19_o 10._o and_o thus_o be_v prepare_v as_o fit_a matter_n for_o covenant_n they_o then_o enter_v thereinto_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v thus_o external_o and_o ecclesiastical_o holy_a though_o many_o be_v internal_o stiffnecked_a blind_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o our_o part_n we_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o preparation_n in_o some_o work_n of_o grace_n if_o appear_v though_o not_o indeed_o real_a as_o may_v make_v way_n for_o church_n covenant_n among_o a_o people_n now_o as_o we_o see_v be_v then_o reply_n when_o john_n baptist_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o new_a people_n for_o christ_n he_o admit_v none_o but_o upon_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o question_n that_o he_o put_v forth_o to_o they_o to_o discover_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n or_o repel_v any_o upon_o that_o pretence_n that_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o answ_n though_o the_o scripture_n record_v such_o thing_n very_o brief_o else_o the_o world_n will_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v as_o john_n speak_v yet_o he_o that_o advise_o consider_v the_o case_n may_v see_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v by_o john_n to_o his_o baptism_n first_o john_n be_v send_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n to_o cast_v down_o every_o high_a hill_n etc._n etc._n second_o his_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mark_n 1._o 4._o three_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v ever_o put_v for_o true_a repentance_n when_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o pardon_n make_v to_o it_o prov._n 28._o 13._o 1_o john_n 1._o 9_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o require_v confession_n of_o sin_n be_v it_o without_o remorse_n or_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v it_o not_o with_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n which_o he_o point_v unto_o joh._n 1._o 29._o and_o require_v with_o repentance_n act._n 19_o 4._o four_o do_v not_o he_o fall_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n with_o dreadful_a thunder_a of_o god_n judgement_n for_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n without_o conversion_n of_o heart_n and_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n mat._n 3._o 7._o and_o this_o luke_n say_v he_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n luke_n 3._o 7._o and_o whether_o any_o be_v receive_v that_o embrace_v not_o that_o doctrine_n and_o show_v the_o same_o in_o their_o confession_n viz._n that_o their_o heart_n be_v humble_v and_o that_o the_o renounce_v their_o high_a thought_n of_o their_o privilege_n of_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o profess_a amendment_n &_o fruit_n meet_v for_o the_o same_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o prove_v and_o thus_o much_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o pharesee_v &_o lawyer_n distinguish_v from_o the_o people_n and_o publican_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o not_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o and_o what_o counsel_n but_o that_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o john_n luke_n 7._o 29_o 30_o lay_v all_o these_o together_o and_o let_v any_o who_o thought_n be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n say_v whether_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o a_o discern_a charity_n ought_v to_o take_v for_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n repl●_n it_o appear_v many_o way_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n ●9_n they_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o they_o receive_v but_o they_o receive_v man_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o ●mendment_n of_o life_n without_o strict_a inquiry_n what_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o in_o after_o age_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o profession_n at_o first_o require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o eunuch_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v how_o still_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o prove_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o position_n break_v out_o at_o every_o turn_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o disputation_n do_v not_o hinder_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o as_o the_o proof_n for_o this_o act._n 2._o 38._o and_o 8._o 37._o and_o 19_o 17_o 18_o 19_o allege_v in_o the_o margin_n show_v than_o still_o it_o appear_v they_o admit_v man_n into_o plant_v church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o the_o ●efore_o the_o