a_o treatise_n of_o liturgy_n power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o of_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o reverend_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n john_n ball._n by_o thomas_n shephard_n sometime_o fellow_n of_o emanuel-colledge_n in_o cambridge_n and_o late_a pastor_n of_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n veritas_fw-la nihil_fw-la erubescit_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la abscondi_fw-la turtul_n sua_fw-la silentia_fw-la amat_fw-la spiritus_fw-la per_fw-la quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la illabitur_fw-la seque_fw-la insinuat_fw-la cupidis_fw-la non_fw-la gloriae_fw-la sed_fw-la cognoscendae_fw-la veritatis_fw-la melanct._n let_v the_o blessing_n come_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o joseph_n and_o upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o head_n of_o he_o that_o be_v separate_v from_o his_o brethren_n deut._n 33._o 16._o london_n print_v by_o e._n cotes_n for_o andrew_n crook_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o green_a dragon_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1653._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n before_o pilate_n when_o he_o question_v with_o he_o about_o his_o kingdom_n john_n 18._o 37._o that_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o truth_n many_o truth_n about_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n have_v he_o impart_v to_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n or_o send_v into_o this_o wilderness_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o truth_n it_o be_v unto_o we_o reward_v sufficient_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v witness_n thereunto_o even_o to_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o confess_v we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a in_o this_o service_n of_o christ_n not_o have_v to_o this_o day_n set_v forth_o a_o unanimous_a confession_n of_o that_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n which_o be_v preach_v receive_v and_o profess_v in_o these_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o which_o we_o be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o though_o our_o distance_n and_o other_o difficulty_n may_v delay_v the_o opportunity_n but_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o profess_v in_o general_a that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n of_o truth_n breathe_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o country_n the_o same_o faith_n embrace_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v as_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o particular_o by_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n and_o though_o error_n have_v spring_v up_o among_o we_o and_o some_o be_v go_v out_o from_o we_o that_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o we_o yet_o we_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o they_o and_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n they_o have_v be_v blast_v neither_o do_v we_o understand_v that_o these_o church_n be_v accuse_v of_o any_o error_n about_o the_o save_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v ourselves_o not_o so_o much_o call_v of_o god_n to_o such_o a_o confession_n at_o present_a as_o to_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o world_n those_o truth_n we_o profess_v about_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o this_o age_n and_o of_o this_o nick_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o here_o also_o we_o fear_v that_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slack_a for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v the_o volunteer_n such_o as_o cry_v up_o this_o way_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o seem_v we_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o these_o present_a difference_n yet_o if_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v we_o may_v seem_v rather_o to_o be_v far_o behind_o in_o the_o duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o indeed_o some_o brief_a answer_n send_v over_o to_o some_o particular_a person_n to_o satisfy_v brethren_n what_o our_o practice_n be_v with_o some_o brief_a touch_n of_o our_o reason_n rather_o then_o to_o discuss_v those_o point_n have_v be_v print_v by_o some_o without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o assent_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o best_o know_v and_o some_o short_a treatise_n by_o some_o reverend_a brethren_n have_v be_v publish_v to_o declare_v their_o affectionate_a desire_n of_o the_o unanimous_a endeavour_n of_o all_o our_o dear_a brethren_n for_o a_o general_a and_o holy_a reformation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v say_v or_o do_v that_o either_o may_v just_o offend_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a provoke_v their_o spirit_n disunite_v their_o affection_n or_o hinder_v a_o godly_a reformation_n yea_o we_o have_v be_v too_o slow_a to_o clear_v our_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n from_o the_o many_o objection_n harsh_a interpretation_n and_o manifold_a crimination_n cast_v upon_o the_o same_o wherein_o we_o fear_v our_o loathness_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o these_o controversy_n for_o fear_n of_o make_v the_o breach_n wide_o among_o brethren_n and_o our_o desire_n rather_o to_o attend_v what_o light_n we_o may_v receive_v from_o other_o in_o these_o point_n wherein_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o seeker_n after_o the_o truth_n have_v make_v we_o guilty_a of_o neglect_n in_o this_o our_o duty_n but_o now_o we_o see_v ourselves_o press_v hereto_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o justify_v our_o way_n against_o the_o many_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o they_o as_o well_o as_o against_o the_o reason_n use_v against_o they_o for_o we_o perceive_v by_o the_o first_o letter_n of_o our_o brethren_n how_o the_o withdraw_a of_o christian_n from_o the_o liturgy_n be_v impute_v to_o we_o and_o by_o this_o reply_n both_o in_o the_o epistle_n and_o divers_a passage_n we_o can_v but_o see_v what_o apprehension_n be_v raise_v of_o we_o yea_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o we_o have_v say_v nothing_o yet_o our_o very_a act_n in_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n there_o together_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n think_v to_o be_v so_o different_a from_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v be_v not_o only_o a_o great_a weaken_n to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o godly_a that_o have_v stand_v by_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o have_v cause_v great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o reformation_n in_o hand_n to_o which_o much_o may_v be_v say_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n yet_o let_v we_o entreat_v all_o the_o godly_a wise_a to_o consider_v and_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o season_n of_o this_o great_a enterprise_n undertake_v by_o we_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o proceed_n in_o it_o with_o the_o admirable_a work_n of_o god_n providence_n first_o and_o last_o about_o it_o and_o we_o think_v though_o we_o be_v silent_a they_o may_v easy_o satisfy_v themselves_o whether_o this_o be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n or_o a_o manifest_a attestation_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o open_a profession_n against_o corruption_n of_o worship_n in_o use_n and_o for_o the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o confirm_v by_o no_o small_a degree_n of_o suffering_n for_o the_o same_o for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o time_n when_o humane_a worship_n and_o invention_n be_v grow_v to_o such_o a_o intolerable_a height_n that_o the_o conscience_n of_o god_n saint_n and_o servant_n enlighten_v in_o the_o truth_n can_v no_o long_o bear_v they_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o tyrannical_a prelate_n so_o great_a that_o like_o a_o strong_a current_n carry_v all_o down_o stream_n before_o it_o what_o ever_o be_v from_o the_o law_n or_o otherwise_o set_v in_o their_o way_n do_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n general_o fail_v they_o where_o be_v the_o people_n to_o be_v find_v that_o will_v cleave_v to_o their_o godly_a minister_n in_o their_o suffering_n but_o rather_o think_v it_o their_o discretion_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o own_o quiet_a and_o safety_n yea_o when_o some_o free_o in_o zeal_n of_o the_o truth_n preach_v or_o profess_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n do_v not_o some_o take_v offence_n at_o it_o judge_v it_o rashness_n and_o to_o be_v against_o all_o rule_n of_o discretion_n who_o since_o be_v ready_a to_o censure_v we_o for_o desert_v the_o cause_n many_o then_o think_v it_o be_v a_o evil_a time_n the_o prudent_a shall_v hold_v their_o peace_n and_o may_v we_o not_o say_v this_o be_v not_o our_o rest_a place_n and_o what_o will_v man_n have_v we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n must_v we_o study_v some_o distinction_n to_o salve_v our_o conscience_n in_o comply_v with_o so_o manifold_a corruption_n in_o god_n worship_n or_o shall_v we_o live_v without_o god_n ordinance_n because_o we_o can_v not_o partake_v in_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n thereof_o or_o content_v ourselves_o to_o live_v
but_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v require_v of_o such_o as_o join_v unto_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o corrupt_a as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o protestant_a writer_n hoth_v out_o of_o the_o example_n of_o some_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o the_o old_a in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n thereof_o we_o think_v in_o this_o same_o doctor_n field_n expression_n may_v be_v safe_o 7_o receive_v some_o profess_v christ_n say_v he_o but_o not_o whole_o and_o entire_o as_o heretic_n some_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a truth_n but_o not_o in_o unity_n as_o schismatic_n some_o profess_v it_o in_o untie_v but_o not_o in_o sincerity_n as_o profane_a person_n and_o hypocrite_n some_o in_o unity_n and_o sincerity_n all_o these_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n by_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consequent_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o sort_n the_o church_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o think_v that_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o either_o heretic_n schismatickes_n profane_a person_n or_o hypocrite_n if_o convictive_o discover_v that_o such_o be_v meet_a matter_n to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o church_n second_o when_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v require_v and_o desire_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o join_v to_o a_o church_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o as_o if_o we_o allow_v none_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o real_a saint_n and_o such_o as_o give_v demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o be_v member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n for_o we_o profess_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o general_a doctrine_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n what_o ever_o their_o practice_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o real_a but_o visible_a faith_n not_o the_o inward_a be_v but_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n whence_o man_n be_v call_v visible_a saint_n that_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n which_o faith_n so_o profess_v be_v call_v visible_a not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o certainty_n from_o such_o infallible_a sign_n of_o it_o as_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o hide_a be_v of_o it_o within_o but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o hope_v the_o best_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 7_o in_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o mean_a profession_n even_o when_o it_o sometime_o fear_v the_o worst_a and_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o present_a to_o convince_v the_o contrary_n three_o this_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o profession_n or_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o word_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o complete_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o also_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o act_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o hence_o large_a profession_n and_o long_a relation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n though_o full_a of_o exceed_a glory_n when_o humble_o and_o prudent_o make_v we_o exact_v not_o rigorous_o and_o necessary_o of_o all_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n direct_v we_o not_o so_o to_o judge_v because_o many_o christian_n may_v be_v draw_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o seed_n of_o faith_n yet_o may_v sometime_o not_o know_v it_o sometime_o remember_v not_o the_o work_n of_o it_o sometime_o through_o bashfulness_n fear_n want_v of_o part_n nor_o not_o train_v up_o under_o a_o know_a ministry_n not_o be_v able_a to_o profess_v it_o so_o full_o and_o clear_o hence_o also_o to_o keep_v out_o other_o from_o communion_n out_o of_o groundless_a fear_n that_o all_o their_o profession_n may_v be_v in_o hypocrisy_n we_o allow_v not_o because_o no_o man_n in_o his_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o fear_n but_o by_o the_o word_n hence_o also_o to_o account_v any_o unfit_a for_o the_o church_n because_o their_o heart_n can_v close_v with_o they_o or_o because_o they_o like_v not_o their_o spirit_n speak_v not_o with_o favour_n or_o any_o such_o like_a principle_n and_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o rule_n or_o convict_a argument_n from_o the_o word_n why_o thus_o they_o do_v we_o think_v be_v rigour_n not_o charity_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n for_o humane_a charity_n do_v not_o make_v god_n church_n but_o such_o person_n which_o from_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n charity_n be_v to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v here_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o look_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o certainty_n to_o faith_n but_o not_o for_o charity_n which_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o another_o estate_n and_o therefore_o upon_o a_o hopeful_a supposition_n that_o the_o premise_n their_o profession_n be_v true_a hopeful_o only_o make_v the_o conclusion_n the_o question_n â—eing_v bring_v to_o this_o narrow_a it_o will_v here_o lie_v viz._n first_o whether_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n second_o with_o what_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n charity_n according_a to_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v the_o first_o we_o think_v be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n exod._n 19_o or_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_n 2._o and_o in_o other_o like_a scripture_n do_v call_v for_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o especial_o of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n exd._n 19_o deut._n 29._o it_o be_v not_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v his_o word_n to_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n which_o in_o a_o prepare_a people_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v to_o go_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o look_v as_o they_o do_v require_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v so_o upon_o the_o profession_n thereof_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o also_o appear_v act_v 2._o 38._o which_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v and_o tremble_v and_o profane_a man_n of_o much_o knowledge_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o unfit_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o act._n 8._o 37._o philip_n not_o only_o require_v faith_n but_o a_o believe_a with_o all_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o eunuch_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o profession_n baptize_v he_o and_o hence_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n colosse_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n how_o be_v it_o because_o debito_fw-la and_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la only_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n for_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v true_o such_o among_o they_o and_o so_o in_o concreto_fw-la be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o visible_a church_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o none_o among_o they_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o title_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o their_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o maintain_v be_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n john_n baptist_n also_o though_o he_o baptize_v none_o into_o a_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v require_v the_o less_o yet_o as_o he_o real_o promise_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o he_o require_v that_o very_a faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o may_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o this_o heavenly_a benefit_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o he_o require_v they_o manifest_v by_o their_o profession_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o save_a work_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o a_o creed_n which_o be_v require_v for_o then_o a_o papist_n be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n nor_o willingness_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o then_o heap_n of_o profane_a person_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v profession_n of_o a_o work_n and_o save_a work_n
many_o and_o the_o inconvenience_n object_v in_o some_o degree_n at_o least_o will_v follow_v here_o with_o we_o and_o it_o may_v be_v much_o more_o in_o some_o other_o place_n reply_n you_o profess_v high_a respect_n to_o your_o brethren_n in_o old_a england_n but_o it_o seem_v you_o judge_v they_o insufficient_a to_o give_v you_o orderly_a testimony_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o approve_a christian_n well_o know_v and_o live_v among_o they_o which_o two_o can_v well_o agree_v answ_n this_o position_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o judgement_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o case_n neither_o have_v we_o show_v it_o by_o reject_v such_o orderly_a testimony_n that_o we_o know_v reply_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o join_v to_o some_o approve_a church_n etc._n etc._n answ_n neither_o do_v we_o impute_v that_o to_o all_o that_o join_v not_o unto_o we_o but_o 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therein_o whatsoever_o any_o discontent_a person_n return_v back_o may_v clamour_v to_o the_o contrary_n chap._n xi_o consid_n 6._o reply_n to_o the_o six_o consideration_n this_o conclusion_n be_v not_o to_o the_o question_n propound_v for_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o can_v not_o of_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o join_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o contempt_n or_o wilful_a neglect_n but_o for_o lack_v of_o opportunity_n or_o through_o their_o default_n that_o shall_v admit_v they_o but_o do_v not_o answ_n the_o learned_a author_n here_o whole_o mistake_v the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n the_o conclusion_n be_v plain_a and_o express_v with_o the_o ordinary_a note_n ergo_fw-la no_o christian_n can_v expect_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n till_o he_o have_v join_v himself_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o this_o be_v full_o to_o the_o question_n propound_v and_o we_o marveld_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v observe_v but_o the_o last_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o which_o be_v only_o a_o secondary_a deduction_n from_o the_o former_a as_o a_o absurdity_n which_o may_v follow_v if_o the_o other_o be_v not_o grant_v and_o yet_o hence_o occasion_n be_v take_v to_o charge_v we_o with_o injurious_a and_o tyrannical_a deal_n towards_o such_o as_o be_v not_o admit_v which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o judge_v of_o and_o of_o we_o you_o say_v you_o accuse_v not_o the_o discretion_n of_o our_o church_n but_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o rashness_n of_o the_o zealous_a multitude_n but_o if_o it_o be_v so_o practise_v as_o be_v conceive_v the_o church_n and_o their_o guide_n shall_v show_v little_a wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n reply_n when_o a_o reason_n be_v demand_v of_o your_o judgement_n why_o you_o debar_v approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o we_o dislike_v it_o you_o shall_v put_v this_o note_n upon_o they_o as_o if_o against_o light_n they_o refuse_v orderly_o to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n what_o warrant_v you_o have_v thus_o to_o censure_n what_o use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o dispute_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o godly_a wisdom_n to_o judge_v answ_n we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a that_o this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o mere_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o dispute_n shall_v run_v out_o to_o condemn_v we_o for_o so_o much_o censoriousnesse_n of_o other_o without_o cause_n whether_o our_o manner_n of_o dispute_n be_v here_o so_o without_o use_n we_o leave_v to_o the_o judicious_a reader_n to_o judge_v and_o that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o such_o censure_n of_o godly_a approve_a christian_n among_o we_o we_o can_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o that_o live_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o join_v with_o we_o do_v refuse_v against_o light_n yet_o we_o find_v it_o true_a too_o oft_o that_o forward_a professor_n in_o england_n here_o discover_v evident_o a_o heart_n refuse_v against_o light_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a such_o shall_v have_v equal_a liberty_n with_o other_o reply_n in_o the_o consideration_n itself_o there_o be_v many_o proposition_n couch_v to_o be_v examine_v the_o first_o that_o none_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v seal_n but_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v free_o grant_v the_o second_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o call_v till_o there_o be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v he_o need_v explication_n for_o by_o the_o church_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o be_v one_o body_n without_o officer_n and_o such_o a_o church_n there_o can_v be_v without_o a_o ministry_n to_o call_v and_o admit_v they_o into_o church_n fellowship_n answ_n this_o consideration_n shine_v with_o such_o clearness_n that_o a_o impartial_a eye_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o truth_n by_o sundry_a diverticula_fw-la be_v rather_o cloud_v than_o the_o argument_n fair_o answer_v this_o second_o proposition_n be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v interpretation_n be_v seek_v but_o they_o be_v rather_o objection_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v answer_v in_o order_n first_o though_o we_o grant_v the_o lord_n ordinary_o gather_v church_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n in_o office_n as_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n etc._n etc._n yet_o not_o always_o so_o as_o be_v evident_a act_v 11._o 20_o 21._o the_o story_n of_o waldus_n be_v well_o know_v and_o we_o suppose_v you_o will_v grant_v those_o waldenses_n the_o name_n of_o a_o true_a church_n origen_n when_o he_o be_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o ministe_n yet_o convert_v many_o who_o die_v martyr_n the_o story_n also_o of_o frumentius_n be_v well_o know_v with_o divers_a other_o second_o minister_n by_o office_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o be_v call_v immediate_o or_o mediate_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_o and_o extraordinary_o call_v be_v before_o church_n and_o be_v call_v together_o and_o begin_v church_n as_o the_o apostle_n matth._n 28._o 20._o act._n 1._o 8._o but_o all_o ordinary_a officer_n that_o be_v to_o administer_v in_o a_o church_n do_v necessary_o presuppose_v a_o church_n to_o call_v they_o unless_o any_o will_v adventure_v to_o say_v in_o plain_a english_a that_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n may_v be_v without_o the_o antecedent_n election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v what_o to_o reply_v reply_n the_o apostle_n baptize_v not_o themselves_o but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o and_o those_o not_o call_v of_o the_o people_n to_o baptize_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o answ_n be_v it_o so_o that_o in_o corinth_n paul_n baptize_v not_o many_o but_o by_o other_o yet_o first_o we_o demand_v by_o who_o do_v paul_n and_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v it_o be_v either_o by_o evangelist_n and_o so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a officer_n do_v it_o or_o by_o the_o pastor_n new_o choose_v and_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n new_o gather_v who_o may_v baptize_v the_o rest_n and_o then_o the_o church_n be_v before_o such_o officer_n or_o else_o by_o private_a person_n which_o be_v deny_v express_o in_o the_o reply_n to_o the_o first_o proposition_n reply_n the_o apostle_n appoint_v by_o election_n elder_n in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o church_n before_o elder_n but_o this_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o believer_n by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v minister_n to_o
baptize_v before_o there_o can_v be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v a_o minister_n for_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n can_v choose_v a_o minister_n to_o baptize_v they_o answ_n we_o see_v here_o still_o how_o unaware_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n and_o of_o the_o position_n itself_o break_v forth_o for_o the_o proposition_n it_o be_v full_o yield_v and_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o the_o place_n allude_v to_o act_n 14._o verse_n 23._o and_o the_o position_n be_v yield_v also_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n admit_v believer_n into_o all_o those_o church_n in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o they_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o very_a truth_n we_o contend_v for_o and_o be_v former_o deny_v and_o these_o church_n be_v such_o as_o choose_v elder_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v full_o yield_v reply_n a_o company_n of_o convert_v unbaptise_v aught_o to_o desire_v baptism_n but_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o elect_v one_o among_o themselves_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o the_o rest_n etc._n etc._n it_o can_v never_o be_v show_v in_o scripture_n that_o any_o society_n of_o unbaptised_a do_v first_o choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v you_o can_v produce_v one_o example_n or_o other_o proof_n in_o scripture_n of_o one_o man_n teach_v the_o gospel_n ministerial_o but_o he_o be_v baptize_v and_o a_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n or_o of_o a_o society_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n but_o they_o be_v baptize_v person_n answ_n 1_o if_o all_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o church_n be_v gather_v by_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n out_o of_o person_n unbaptise_v they_o be_v first_o baptize_v into_o church_n fellowship_n before_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o so_o long_o as_o the_o apostle_n remain_v enjoy_v from_o they_o other_o ordinance_n as_o act._n 2._o and_o so_o have_v no_o officer_n choose_v by_o themselves_o but_o by_o christ_n immediate_o for_o they_o yet_o as_o when_o the_o apostle_n leave_v they_o they_o must_v choose_v officer_n if_o they_o will_v enjoy_v ordinance_n so_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n nor_o no_o need_n of_o baptism_n as_o be_v usual_o the_o cause_n of_o christian_n arise_v out_o of_o popery_n in_o this_o case_n we_o say_v such_o church_n can_v partake_v of_o no_o ordinance_n without_o they_o choose_v officer_n and_o yet_o this_o vary_v not_o from_o the_o scripture_n pattern_n neither_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o state_n of_o those_o believer_n differ_v when_o paul_n find_v about_o twelve_o believer_n at_o ephesus_n who_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n the_o baptist_n act._n 19_o 1._o etc._n etc._n if_o these_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n set_v into_o a_o constitute_v church_n as_o be_v probable_a be_v call_v on_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o way_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o baptise_v they_o again_o with_o water_n but_o only_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o pentecost_n act._n 1._o 5._o with_o 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o no_o vary_a from_o the_o rule_n in_o so_o do_v and_o the_o like_a be_v our_o case_n now_o 2._o if_o this_o be_v so_o as_o here_o you_o urge_v than_o those_o former_a assertion_n must_v needs_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n page_n 23._o and_o that_o it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o he_o lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o want_v of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o right_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n if_o these_o be_v so_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n may_v be_v a_o church_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o lay_v on_o christ_n the_o foundation_n though_o they_o want_v baptism_n 3._o though_o no_o such_o example_n of_o unbaptised_a person_n choose_v a_o pastor_n among_o themselves_o can_v be_v show_v when_o there_o be_v no_o need_n thereof_o apostle_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o baptize_v they_o yet_o why_o in_o absence_n of_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n may_v they_o not_o choose_v some_o other_o baptize_v christian_n who_o come_v into_o some_o far_a remote_a country_n of_o infidel_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n we_o see_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o show_v a_o example_n of_o presbyter_n hold_v a_o synod_n or_o ordain_v of_o elder_n without_o apostle_n or_o some_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o suppose_v you_o make_v no_o doubt_n of_o such_o thing_n 4_o if_o a_o example_n of_o one_o unbaptise_v that_o preach_v &_o baptize_v ministerial_o will_v satisfy_v the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n may_v answer_v your_o demand_n for_o whether_o he_o baptize_v himself_o or_o be_v baptize_v by_o some_o other_o at_o first_o a_o unbaptised_a person_n do_v baptize_v but_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o example_n scripture_n ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o these_o case_n be_v they_o rule_v example_n or_o good_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o they_o and_o we_o reason_n thus_o a_o church_n of_o believer_n profess_v christ_n have_v liberty_n from_o christ_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n but_o a_o company_n of_o unbaptised_a man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n in_o a_o combine_a society_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v choose_v their_o officer_n reply_n the_o three_o proposition_n that_o the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n must_v also_o right_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o church_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v the_o faithful_a alone_o but_o their_o guide_v and_o officer_n with_o they_o who_o be_v to_o go_v before_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o choice_n neither_o can_v we_o say_v two_o or_o three_o believer_n link_v in_o a_o society_n be_v such_o a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o call_v of_o minister_n do_v belong_v but_o that_o right_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o such_o church_n as_o be_v gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n answ_n the_o first_o limitation_n of_o this_o proposition_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o former_a to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o a_o church_n have_v guide_n we_o grant_v they_o be_v to_o govern_v they_o therein_o but_o not_o to_o limit_v they_o who_o to_o choose_v but_o when_o the_o church_n have_v no_o such_o guide_n as_o by_o death_n and_o other_o way_n it_o may_v fall_v out_o shall_v they_o then_o lose_v their_o right_n of_o choose_v if_o so_o let_v it_o be_v show_v to_o who_o the_o right_a fall_n they_o may_v take_v what_o counsel_n and_o help_v from_o other_o they_o want_v but_o the_o choice_n be_v only_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o limitation_n be_v needless_a for_o the_o number_n of_o two_o or_o three_o we_o contend_v not_o but_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n gather_v be_v particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o the_o right_n be_v in_o such_o be_v they_o more_o or_o few_o when_o bellarmine_n say_v that_o our_o minister_n intrude_v themselves_o into_o church_n no_o say_v dr._n field_n for_o the_o people_n elect_v they_o which_o they_o may_v lawful_o do_v and_o separate_v from_o wicked_a minister_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o cyprian_a write_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o spain_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o basilides_n and_o martialis_n who_o fall_v to_o idolatry_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n quando_fw-la ipsa_fw-la plebs_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la etc._n etc._n also_o from_o ocham_n who_o say_v si_fw-mi papa_n &_o maxim_n celebres_fw-la episcopi_fw-la incidunt_fw-la in_o haeresin_fw-la ad_fw-la catholicos_fw-la devoluta_fw-la est_fw-la potestas_fw-la omnis_fw-la judicandi_fw-la to_o which_o he_o add_v this_o reason_n either_o they_o must_v separate_v from_o they_o and_o choose_v other_o or_o consent_v to_o their_o impiety_n field_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 39_o what_o follow_v in_o this_o place_n be_v little_a to_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o scruple_v by_o we_o and_o what_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o speak_v to_o it_o therefore_o here_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o reply_n proposi_fw-la 4._o that_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v seal_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n fellowship_n that_o so_o they_o may_v call_v a_o minister_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o will_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a right_o understand_v for_o they_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n before_o they_o can_v join_v themselves_o together_o in_o church_n estate_n answ_n
no_o part_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o whole_a be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o office_n nor_o calling_n as_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v evangelist_n apostle_n or_o prophet_n reply_n if_o the_o people_n be_v few_o and_o simple_a they_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o guidance_n from_o their_o own_o elder_n and_o other_o church_n if_o many_o and_o full_a of_o wisdom_n their_o liberty_n to_o choose_v be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o great_a wrong_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a church_n show_v this_o for_o many_o age_n sometime_o man_n be_v propound_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v choose_v sometime_o the_o chief_a leave_v whole_o to_o they_o answ_n 1_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o purpose_n what_o light_n or_o derection_n a_o church_n need_v to_o receive_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o propound_v or_o advise_v of_o any_o to_o elect_v he_o but_o in_o the_o election_n of_o such_o as_o have_v the_o true_a right_n so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v still_o in_o the_o church_n though_o few_o and_o weak_a if_o a_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o you_o produce_v not_o one_o scripture_n example_n of_o any_o officer_n propound_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o they_o much_o less_o limit_v the_o church_n to_o consent_v thereto_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o against_o he_o reply_n in_o reason_n this_o be_v evident_a for_o the_o child_n consent_n be_v require_v in_o marriage_n but_o the_o more_o able_a he_o be_v to_o choose_v for_o himself_o the_o more_o liberty_n may_v parent_n grant_v the_o less_o able_a the_o more_o watchful_a must_v they_o be_v this_o similitude_n utter_o fail_v in_o two_o essential_a thing_n that_o concern_v the_o case_n for_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v 1._o because_o a_o child_n be_v under_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o parent_n who_o right_a be_v such_o that_o a_o child_n can_v lawful_o choose_v without_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o church_n or_o other_o have_v such_o a_o right_n and_o authority_n over_o any_o church_n in_o their_o choice_n of_o officer_n 2._o whatsoever_o the_o power_n of_o parent_n be_v yet_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o marriage_n consist_v in_o the_o mutual_a consent_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o child_n that_o marry_v and_o so_o here_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v must_v lie_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n and_o acceptance_n of_o the_o minister_n which_o be_v not_o avoid_v but_o by_o the_o similitude_n confirm_v reply_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o neighbour_n church_n to_o lend_v their_o help_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o election_n of_o their_o minister_n when_o the_o scripture_n will_v we_o to_o exhort_v one_o another_o or_o admonish_v one_o another_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o command_n to_o every_o singular_a person_n towards_o his_o fellow_n but_o also_o to_o any_o whole_a company_n answ_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n be_v it_o weak_a or_o strong_a to_o take_v all_o needful_a counsel_n advise_v or_o exhortation_n and_o admonition_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o work_n but_o if_o church_n or_o other_o shall_v impose_v upon_o any_o church_n any_o officer_n without_o their_o choice_n this_o be_v no_o brotherly_a help_n but_o unjust_a usurpation_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v junius_n so_o as_o that_o charitatis_fw-la jure_fw-la &_o communione_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la one_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v for_o another_o other_o way_n then_o by_o advise_v they_o to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o themselves_o we_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o nor_o do_v we_o think_v it_o be_v his_o meaning_n neither_o do_v paul_n rom._n 12._o 12._o lay_v any_o foundation_n of_o such_o usurpation_n but_o only_o of_o mutual_a brotherly_a helpfulnesse_n by_o counsel_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v not_o policy_n but_o some_o degree_n of_o tyranny_n reply_n it_o be_v a_o blemish_n in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n if_o either_o the_o people_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o choose_v or_o be_v fit_a they_o he_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o choice_n but_o this_o maim_n do_v not_o make_v a_o nullity_n in_o his_o call_n answ_n if_o a_o people_n or_o church_n be_v never_o so_o weak_a which_o be_v here_o call_v unfitnesse_n yet_o christ_n be_v among_o they_o and_o they_o make_v a_o orderly_a and_o good_a choice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n in_o the_o call_v see_v the_o right_n be_v they_o and_o such_o a_o free_a choice_n will_v better_o establish_v the_o conscience_n of_o any_o godly_a minister_n in_o his_o call_n then_o if_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o able_a minister_n shall_v impose_v he_o without_o their_o free_a choice_n except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o right_n of_o election_n be_v in_o the_o synod_n which_o we_o think_v will_v not_o be_v do_v but_o be_v they_o able_a or_o weak_a if_o the_o people_n be_v shut_v out_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v a_o great_a maim_n in_o his_o call_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v nor_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o one_o call_v by_o other_o it_o will_v make_v it_o a_o nullity_n as_o be_v show_v before_o what_o authority_n have_v he_o to_o minister_v to_o any_o church_n if_o they_o will_v refuse_v he_o or_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o for_o refuse_v by_o any_o rule_n of_o christ_n reply_n the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n be_v both_o essential_a to_o a_o true_a church_n answ_n answ_n what_o then_o become_v of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v dead_a reply_n the_o true_a church_n have_v continue_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n where_o the_o election_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v give_v away_o by_o the_o people_n or_o take_v from_o they_o answ_n true_a but_o it_o have_v be_v continue_v by_o the_o after_o consent_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n choose_v by_o other_o else_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v break_v a_o piece_n and_o dissolve_v the_o church_n or_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o choose_v other_o to_o themselves_o which_o still_o show_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_n be_v in_o the_o people_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o disorder_n of_o ancient_a church_n in_o election_n we_o pass_v over_o as_o nothing_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v lawful_a for_o substance_n where_o there_o be_v many_o defect_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v we_o grant_v the_o church_n at_o length_n consent_v to_o submit_v thereto_o in_o who_o the_o true_a right_n be_v place_v by_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o pass_v over_o what_o follow_v to_o that_o purpose_n though_o we_o may_v object_v against_o some_o passage_n in_o the_o discourse_n reply_n as_o for_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o your_o answer_n we_o know_v not_o well_o your_o meaning_n if_o this_o be_v your_o mind_n that_o a_o minister_n lawful_o call_v and_o set_v over_o the_o congregation_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o minister_n in_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o the_o particular_a church_n have_v unity_n with_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_a and_o as_o a_o party_n baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o that_o congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o that_o the_o ministry_n be_v one_o cujus_fw-la a_o singulis_fw-la in_o solidum_fw-la pars_fw-la tenetur_fw-la as_o cyprian_n speak_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o minister_n be_v unjust_o cast_v eff_a by_o one_o congregation_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o no_o minister_n we_o free_o consent_v but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o be_v only_o by_o right_a a_o minister_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n because_o unjust_o depose_v as_o former_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n â—ee_o be_v a_o minister_n to_o they_o only_o and_o to_o no_o other_o society_n whatsoever_o or_o in_o what_o respect_n soever_o your_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o universal_a and_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v one_o with_o another_o answ_n first_o if_o our_o meaning_n be_v doubtful_a see_v these_o expression_n do_v not_o well_o suit_n our_o notion_n nor_o full_o enter_v into_o our_o understanding_n we_o shall_v give_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o answer_n distinct_o and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o say_v first_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o unjust_a leave_v or_o cast_v off_o a_o minister_n without_o all_o orderly_a proceed_n against_o he_o and_o the_o unjust_a depose_v he_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n of_o church_n censure_n if_o the_o question_n
without_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o he_o call_v we_o unto_o and_o our_o soul_n breathe_v after_o or_o shall_v we_o forsake_v the_o public_a assembly_n and_o join_v together_o in_o private_a separate_a church_n how_o unsufferable_a it_o will_v then_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offence_n that_o now_o be_v take_v at_o it_o be_v a_o full_a evidence_n and_o if_o in_o city_n or_o some_o such_o great_a town_n that_o may_v have_v be_v do_v yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o so_o many_o scatter_a christian_n all_o over_o the_o country_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v have_v suffer_v if_o we_o have_v seek_v it_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v find_v the_o way_n to_o have_v fill_v the_o prison_n and_o some_o have_v their_o share_n therein_o but_o whether_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o when_o a_o wide_a door_n be_v set_v open_a of_o liberty_n otherwise_o and_o our_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n through_o the_o malignant_a policy_n of_o those_o time_n can_v not_o be_v open_a before_o the_o world_n but_o rather_o smother_v up_o in_o close_a prison_n or_o some_o such_o way_n together_o with_o ourselves_o we_o leave_v to_o be_v consider_v we_o can_v see_v but_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n saint_n in_o all_o age_n may_v allow_v we_o this_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o dragon_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o that_o the_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n that_o flee_v to_o new-england_n be_v the_o most_o timorous_a and_o faint_a heart_a of_o all_o their_o brethren_n that_o stay_v behind_o and_o that_o those_o suffering_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o brethren_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o bâ—ast_n of_o suffering_n yet_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n who_o give_v various_a gift_n and_o all_o to_o profit_v withal_o in_o such_o time_n do_v single_a out_o every_o one_o to_o such_o work_n as_o he_o in_o wisdom_n intend_v to_o call_v they_o unto_o and_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v honour_v by_o suffer_v for_o his_o cause_n by_o imprisonment_n etc._n etc._n he_o give_v they_o spirit_n suitable_a thereto_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v reserve_v for_o other_o service_n or_o employ_v in_o other_o place_n high_a incline_v their_o heart_n rather_o to_o fly_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n suitable_a to_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o be_v a_o case_n of_o conscience_n frequent_o put_v and_o oft_o resolve_v by_o holy_a bradford_n peter_n martyr_n philpot_n and_o other_o in_o queen_n mary_n bloody_a day_n viz._n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o flee_v out_o of_o the_o land_n to_o which_o their_o answer_n be_v that_o if_o god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o courage_n and_o willingness_n to_o glorify_v he_o by_o suffering_n they_o shall_v stay_v but_o if_o they_o find_v not_o such_o a_o spirit_n they_o may_v lawful_o fly_v yea_o they_o advise_v they_o thereunto_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n though_o full_a of_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o christ_n to_o outface_v the_o great_a persecuter_n in_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n unto_o the_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o the_o cowardice_n of_o such_o as_o flee_v because_o they_o desert_v they_o and_o the_o cause_n but_o rather_o advise_v divers_a so_o to_o do_v and_o rejoice_v when_o god_n give_v liberty_n to_o their_o brethren_n to_o escape_v with_o their_o life_n to_o the_o place_n of_o liberty_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o word_n neither_o be_v those_o faithful_a saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n useless_a and_o unprofitable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o flee_v from_o the_o bloody_a prelate_n the_o infinite_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n have_v many_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o he_o do_v by_o his_o singular_a providence_n give_v gift_n to_o his_o servant_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o his_o work_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o himself_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v some_o to_o bear_v witness_n by_o imprisonment_n dismember_n etc._n etc._n we_o honour_v they_o therein_o if_o he_o will_v have_v other_o instrumental_a to_o promote_v reformation_n in_o england_n we_o honour_v they_o and_o rejoice_v in_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o labour_n and_o what_o if_o god_n will_v have_v his_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n go_v up_o also_o in_o these_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v know_v to_o the_o heathen_a or_o whatsoever_o other_o end_n he_o have_v and_o to_o this_o end_n will_v send_v forth_o a_o company_n of_o weakhearted_a christian_n which_o dare_v not_o stay_v at_o home_n to_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o not_o let_v the_o lord_n alone_o and_o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v preach_v howsoever_o and_o wheresoever_o and_o who_o can_v say_v that_o this_o work_n be_v not_o undertake_v and_o carry_v on_o with_o sincere_a and_o right_a end_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a serious_a manner_n by_o the_o chief_a and_o the_o body_n of_o such_o as_o undertake_v the_o same_o the_o lord_n know_v whether_o the_o sincere_a desire_n of_o worship_v himself_o according_a to_o his_o will_n of_o promote_a and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o very_a many_o in_o this_o enterprise_n and_o he_o that_o see_v in_o secret_a and_o reward_v open_o know_v what_o prayer_n and_o tear_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o to_o god_n by_o many_o alone_a and_o in_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n of_o god_n servant_n together_o for_o his_o counsel_n direction_n assistance_n blessing_n in_o this_o work_n how_o many_o long_n and_o pant_n of_o heart_n have_v be_v in_o many_o after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o see_v his_o go_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n as_o the_o one_o thing_n their_o soul_n desire_v and_o request_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v dwell_v in_o his_o house_n for_o ever_o the_o fruit_n of_o which_o prayer_n and_o desire_n this_o liberty_n of_o new-england_n have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v and_o thankful_o receive_v from_o god_n yea_o how_o many_o serious_a consultation_n with_o one_o another_o and_o with_o the_o faithful_a minister_n and_o other_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v take_v about_o this_o work_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o some_o which_o clear_v we_o from_o any_o rash_a heady_a rush_v into_o this_o place_n out_o of_o discontent_n as_o many_o be_v ready_a to_o conceive_v we_o will_v here_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o heart_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o in_o this_o business_n sure_o all_o be_v not_o rash_a weake-spirited_n inconsiderate_a of_o what_o they_o leave_v behind_o or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o go_v into_o a_o wilderness_n but_o if_o it_o be_v well_o know_v and_o consider_v or_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v and_o recount_v the_o singular_a work_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o bring_n on_o of_o this_o work_n to_o what_o it_o be_v come_v unto_o it_o will_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o that_o have_v not_o a_o heart_n to_o accuse_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n whatever_o many_o may_v say_v or_o think_v we_o believe_v aftertime_n will_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o lord_n herein_o when_o all_o his_o holy_a end_n and_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v to_o bring_v they_o about_o shall_v appear_v look_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o another_o whether_o the_o lord_n have_v assay_v to_o do_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o in_o any_o nation_n so_o to_o carry_v out_o a_o people_n of_o his_o own_o from_o so_o flourish_v a_o state_n to_o a_o wilderness_n so_o far_o distant_a for_o such_o end_n and_o for_o such_o a_o work_n yea_o and_o in_o few_o year_n have_v do_v for_o they_o as_o he_o have_v here_o do_v for_o his_o poor_a despise_a people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a poise_n of_o spirit_n the_o lord_n have_v lay_v upon_o many_o of_o our_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o ourselves_o that_o so_o many_o and_o some_o so_o weak_a and_o tender_a with_o such_o cheerfulness_n and_o constant_a resolution_n against_o so_o many_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n discouragement_n from_o the_o ill_a report_n of_o this_o country_n the_o strait_n want_n and_o trial_n of_o god_n people_n in_o it_o etc._n etc._n yet_o shall_v leave_v our_o accommodation_n and_o comfort_n shall_v forsake_v our_o dear_a relation_n parent_n brethren_n sister_n christian_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n overlook_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o vast_a sea_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o many_o and_o all_o this_o to_o go_v to_o a_o wilderness_n where_o we_o can_v forecast_v nothing_o but_o care_n
of_o grace_n which_o be_v ever_o require_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n be_v no_o novel_a invention_n of_o some_o more_o rigid_o incline_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o second_o with_o what_o profession_n charity_n according_a to_o rule_v be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o breadth_n in_o charity_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o testimonium_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o a_o man_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a profession_n potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la there_o may_v be_v hypocrisy_n latent_fw-la it_o be_v no_o divine_a testimony_n so_o in_o the_o weak_a profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la verum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la there_o may_v be_v truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n hence_o man_n leave_v all_o secret_n to_o god_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n wherewith_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o first_o either_o with_o that_o which_o be_v only_o verbal_a and_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a by_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n or_o second_o with_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v real_a which_o however_o it_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o convince_v by_o a_o rule_n that_o so_o it_o be_v we_o confess_v we_o be_v fearful_a as_o of_o open_v the_o door_n too_o wide_o so_o of_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o any_o who_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o receive_v in_o but_o for_o what_o yet_o we_o see_v or_o read_v from_o the_o argument_n here_o allege_v in_o this_o author_n or_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a learned_a we_o think_v that_o church_n charity_n be_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o first_o but_o with_o the_o latter_a for_o let_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o short_a or_o so_o weak_a let_v it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o immediate_a relation_n or_o by_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o may_v but_o appear_v to_o a_o regulate_v charity_n so_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o it_o be_v real_a it_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v then_o till_o god_n make_v discovery_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o intend_v not_o to_o heap_v up_o argument_n nor_o answer_v scruple_n but_o these_o four_o thing_n seem_v to_o evince_v as_o much_o 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 3000._o convert_a act_n 2._o as_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o one_o day_n immediate_o receive_v so_o many_o thousand_o which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o large_a profession_n of_o every_o one_o so_o also_o they_o attend_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o for_o our_o pattern_n it_o be_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v evident_o join_v with_o humiliation_n prick_v at_o the_o heart_n mourning_n and_o cry_v out_o before_o the_o apostle_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n which_o be_v real_a testimony_n of_o some_o real_a change_n from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n receive_v they_o 2_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 5._o from_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o turn_v away_o if_o bare_a profession_n be_v sufficient_a why_o shall_v timothy_n turn_v from_o they_o but_o rather_o receive_v they_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o profession_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o why_o shall_v he_o not_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o private_a but_o church_n communion_n also_o suppose_v they_o such_o as_o not_o o_o neigh_v have_v a_o form_n but_o may_v be_v by_o a_o rule_n convince_v thereof_o 3_o lie_v and_o apparent_a untruth_n can_v make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n 9_o for_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o ground_n for_o charity_n to_o rest_v on_o that_o so_o he_o be_v but_o verbal_a profession_n which_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v real_a but_o false_a be_v palpable_a lie_v and_o indeed_o more_o fit_a to_o destroy_v the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v the_o church_n hence_o sanctius_n in_o zach_n 14._o 14_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o qui_fw-la eum_fw-la fidem_fw-la retineant_fw-la sanctitatem_fw-la abjâ—cerunt_fw-la 4_o if_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o receive_v man_n into_o the_o church_n than_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n cast_v cut_v in_o one_o hour_n shall_v be_v immediate_o receive_v in_o again_o if_o he_o will_v but_o renew_v his_o general_a profession_n of_o faith_n nay_o they_o the_o indian_n in_o maryland_n who_o will_v put_v on_o and_o put_v off_o this_o profession_n as_o their_o ghostly_a father_n the_o popish_a priest_n will_v bestow_v or_o withhold_v garment_n and_o shirt_n upon_o they_o shall_v in_o charity_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v how_o charity_n may_v know_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o profession_n we_o answer_v so_o long_o as_o the_o rule_n be_v attend_v we_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v application_n thereof_o only_o this_o we_o do_v add_v in_o general_a for_o more_o full_a satisfaction_n 1_o such_o a_o faith_n profess_v with_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o innocent_a godly_a conversation_n in_o the_o life_n so_o as_o not_o to_o live_v in_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n we_o say_v this_o conversation_n make_v faith_n appear_v real_a james_n 2._o 18._o rev._n 22._o 14._o we_o conceive_v more_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n appear_v a_o fit_a member_n of_o a_o church_n then_o of_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v only_o bone_fw-la civis_fw-la and_o bare_a civility_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o latter_a but_o not_o for_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v needful_a as_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o not_o only_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o godly_a life_n 2_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v join_v with_o evident_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_v for_o sin_n although_o there_o be_v no_o experience_n always_o of_o such_o a_o holy_a life_n antecedent_o see_v for_o thus_o it_o be_v act._n 2._o 37_o 38._o for_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n grace_n be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v experience_a christian_n into_o his_o family_n and_o house_n but_o also_o the_o weak_a and_o poor_a who_o may_v stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o therefore_o experience_n of_o a_o blameless_a life_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a for_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n some_o think_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v in_o the_o first_o convert_v act._n 2._o 39_o so_o soon_o because_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_v but_o if_o they_o have_v so_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o in_o here_o according_a to_o that_o for_o they_o receive_v divers_a hypocrite_n in_o as_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o other_o of_o their_o act_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v exemplary_a why_o shall_v this_o only_o be_v think_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o extraordinary_a 3_o when_o there_o be_v full_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n from_o other_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n although_o their_o humiliation_n faith_n and_o conversation_n be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v for_o we_o see_v the_o church_n receive_v paul_n when_o barnabas_n have_v declare_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v just_a to_o condemn_v another_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o faithful_a witness_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unchristian_a to_o receive_v a_o other_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n much_o more_o ready_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a christian_n especial_o then_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a open_o and_o public_o ro_o speak_v so_o full_o for_o themselves_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o question_v whether_o this_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n answer_v 1._o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o combine_v into_o a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o receive_v other_o to_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n do_v act_v 9_o 26_o 27._o encourage_v by_o barnabas_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n command_v rom._n 14._o 1._o which_o although_o it_o be_v of_o fellow-member_n into_o their_o affection_n yet_o the_o proportion_n hold_v strong_a for_o receive_v comer_n into_o the_o church_n joh._n ep._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2_o