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
that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o see_v 1._o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o act._n 8._o and_o mat._n 3._o the_o people_n do_v make_v know_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o minister_n when_o they_o profess_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o now_o so_o to_o be_v last_o we_o may_v appeal_v herein_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o very_a many_o godly_a minister_n in_o our_o dear_a england_n whether_o they_o groan_v not_o under_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o precious_a with_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o glad_o have_v it_o otherwise_o which_o can_v be_v without_o such_o a_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o else_o in_o constitute_v but_o corrupt_v church_n by_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o after_o admonition_n appear_v impenitent_a in_o sin_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n vote_v at_o first_o by_o the_o present_a reverend_a assembly_n and_o present_v in_o their_o directory_n to_o the_o parliament_n if_o we_o be_v not_o misinform_v who_o word_n be_v these_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v thereto_o mean_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v be_v find_v upon_o careful_a examination_n by_o the_o minister_n before_o the_o other_o church-officer_n to_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o profess_v their_o willingness_n to_o submit_v thewselve_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o approve_a conversation_n according_a to_o christ_n the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v nor_o those_o of_o another_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n or_o be_v very_o well_o know_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o instance_n concern_v unbaptise_v person_n only_o which_o be_v not_o our_o case_n answ_n 1._o multitude_n of_o baptize_v person_n in_o these_o day_n be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o some_o unbaptised_a and_o therefore_o as_o apt_a to_o pollute_v god_n ordinance_n 2._o chamiers_fw-fr reason_n why_o unbaptised_a person_n be_v to_o go_v under_o such_o strict_a examination_n hold_v good_a in_o our_o case_n 3._o such_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v by_o john_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o those_o that_o be_v church_n member_n before_o reply_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n in_o after_o time_n some_o article_n be_v add_v for_o explanation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o time_n but_o for_o substance_n the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n it_o be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a however_o the_o time_n which_o follow_v the_o scripture_n pattern_n be_v both_o obscure_a to_o we_o and_o no_o infallible_a pattern_n yet_o many_o church_n use_v great_a strictness_n as_o be_v show_v in_o receive_v and_o restore_v fall_v member_n and_o if_o afterward_o heresy_n give_v just_a occasion_n to_o require_v further_a profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o add_v more_o article_n for_o explanation_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o more_o explicate_v confession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o formality_n and_o mere_a outside_n profession_n of_o so_o many_o civilist_n formalist_n and_o atheist_n require_v the_o same_o reply_n if_o you_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o this_o or_o that_o way_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n at_o least_o not_o agree_v upon_o among_o yourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o authority_n you_o do_v it_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n you_o stand_v answ_n this_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n if_o so_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o profess_a practice_n to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o if_o any_o have_v so_o do_v as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o opinion_n prevail_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disapprove_v the_o same_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o see_v any_o have_v some_o way_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v humble_v for_o sin_n bring_v home_o to_o christ_n by_o faith_n or_o have_v any_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o life_n answerable_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n chap._n xvi_o position_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o or_o leave_v he_o unjust_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n and_o your_o answer_n be_v for_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v by_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v answ_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o answer_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a nor_o the_o ground_n impertinent_a and_o we_o accept_v your_o grant_n of_o it_o that_o a_o minister_n just_o reject_v by_o his_o church_n be_v no_o long_o a_o minister_n then_o we_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o indelible_a character_n in_o the_o office_n but_o that_o his_o ministry_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o then_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v not_o dissolve_v his_o office_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o he_o be_v find_v worthy_a after_o upon_o repentance_n to_o be_v call_v to_o another_o church_n he_o must_v be_v new_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o his_o office_n be_v no_o minister_n upon_o his_o just_a depose_n reply_n but_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o build_v the_o sentence_n which_o you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o be_v speak_v before_o and_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v thing_n in_o vain_a reply_n second_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v neither_o confine_v to_o one_o society_n only_o nor_o next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o deputation_n of_o the_o person_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v be_v from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o but_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o answ_n these_o thing_n about_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n by_o the_o church_n be_v also_o speak_v to_o before_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v these_o thing_n may_v well_o be_v spare_v but_o what_o we_o find_v here_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o place_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o elect_v her_o officer_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o confess_v a_o truth_n by_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v so_o many_o restriction_n in_o the_o case_n that_o they_o much_o abate_v and_o weaken_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a liberty_n and_o power_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o this_o man_n come_v to_o have_v this_o office_n apply_v to_o he_o if_o immediate_o than_o he_o be_v in_o this_o a_o apostle_n if_o mediate_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n or_o else_o show_v by_o who_o 2._o that_o the_o church_n choose_v ministerial_o and_o aught_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o fit_v with_o gift_n and_o so_o far_o design_v by_o christ_n we_o grant_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o such_o which_o of_o
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
oft_o to_o bewail_v that_o which_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o lament_v the_o sad_a distance_n and_o sharp_a contention_n between_o such_o near_a brethren_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o conjoin_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o reformation_n and_o oh_o that_o our_o dear_a brethren_n will_v bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a here_o and_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o pour_v out_o our_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a request_n and_o expostulation_n into_o their_o bosom_n we_o will_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o impute_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o dear_a country_n and_o belove_a brethren_n that_o be_v not_o evident_a or_o to_o rip_v up_o private_a fail_n and_o make_v they_o public_a but_o when_o pulpit_n and_o press_n proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n not_o only_o the_o distance_n in_o judgement_n but_o also_o alienation_n of_o affection_n when_o there_o be_v such_o strain_v to_o make_v the_o contrary_a tenant_n as_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v such_o enlarge_n of_o difference_n as_o if_o the_o wound_n can_v never_o be_v heal_v such_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n pour_v on_o in_o stead_n of_o the_o salt_n of_o savoury_a speech_n and_o the_o oil_n of_o smooth_a and_o soft_a word_n to_o calm_v and_o pacify_v spirit_n already_o provoke_v yea_o when_o there_o want_v not_o some_o that_o seek_v all_o private_a letter_n they_o can_v gather_v up_o and_o search_v every_o corner_n to_o discover_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o seem_a fail_n of_o brethren_n when_o contention_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o such_o orthodox_n learned_a and_o godly_a brethren_n who_o faithful_a labour_n in_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o great_a service_n and_o use_v they_o may_v be_v of_o in_o time_n to_o come_v may_v worthy_o plead_v for_o a_o room_n in_o the_o bosom_n and_o inmost_a affection_n of_o their_o brethren_n be_v cry_v out_o against_o as_o not_o to_o be_v endure_v in_o the_o country_n because_o of_o some_o difference_n in_o some_o point_n of_o discipline_n when_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o who_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n dishonour_n or_o true_a love_n to_o his_o country_n good_a can_v forbear_v from_o tear_n or_o hold_v his_o peace_n that_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o utter_v his_o grief_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o say_v who_o begin_v this_o fray_n or_o who_o have_v most_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o charity_n and_o wisdom_n the_o lord_n give_v every_o man_n a_o heart_n that_o have_v fail_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o their_o own_o and_o ready_a to_o pity_v and_o pardon_v one_o another_o weakness_n neither_o do_v we_o hereby_o blame_v love_v and_o candid_a debate_v of_o difference_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o give_v we_o leave_v to_o say_v thus_o much_o to_o all_o for_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v with_o all_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n that_o desire_v according_a to_o their_o light_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n jesus_n what_o ever_o their_o distance_n of_o judgement_n from_o we_o may_v be_v what_o dear_a brethren_n be_v there_o no_o balm_n in_o gilead_n no_o physician_n to_o heal_v this_o wound_n alas_o how_o be_v it_o now_o so_o wide_a and_o deep_a that_o at_o the_o first_o be_v present_v to_o the_o world_n so_o small_a or_o scarce_o any_o at_o all_o when_o the_o prelate_n petition_v for_o their_o government_n because_o the_o reformer_n be_v not_o nor_o can_v ever_o agree_v upon_o one_o form_n it_o be_v profess_v that_o in_o six_o point_n whereof_o some_o be_v now_o the_o great_a bone_n of_o contention_n all_o do_v agree_v and_o doubt_v not_o but_o if_o the_o prelate_n be_v down_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o one_o and_o be_v this_o bare_a word_n to_o put_v off_o the_o prelatical_a petition_n or_o do_v the_o author_n speak_v without_o ground_n at_o adventure_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v think_v so_o but_o what_o the_o common_a adversary_n will_v think_v and_o speak_v it_o will_v grieve_v a_o godly_a heart_n to_o consider_v how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v the_o breach_n be_v grow_v so_o great_a it_o rejoice_v our_o heart_n to_o see_v that_o ingenuous_a christian_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n in_o that_o ever_o honour_a brother_n mr._n herle_n who_o bring_v the_o distance_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o such_o a_o narrow_a as_o if_o one_o plaster_n more_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v heal_v it_o oh_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o more_o of_o that_o peace_n make_v spirit_n what_o heart_n burn_n and_o contention_n have_v be_v prevent_v we_o think_v also_o that_o meâ—ke_v apologetic_a narration_n give_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o close_v with_o brethren_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o profess_v to_o concur_v in_o but_o what_o contrary_a entertainment_n it_o find_v we_o lament_v to_o consider_v and_o be_v it_o now_o come_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o these_o who_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n one_o can_v live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n oh_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n oh_o the_o policy_n and_o undermine_a faculty_n of_o the_o jesuitical_a generation_n who_o no_o doubt_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n in_o this_o division_n oh_o the_o frailty_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o god_n dear_a saint_n oh_o the_o unsearchable_a depth_n of_o the_o lord_n eternal_a counsel_n that_o for_o holy_a end_n leave_v his_o own_o to_o such_o temptation_n and_o yet_o know_v how_o and_o will_v assure_o improve_v all_o this_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o lift_n up_o of_o the_o name_n and_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o give_v his_o servant_n once_o a_o season_n to_o sing_v together_o this_o song_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o lamb_n in_o triumph_n over_o all_o their_o enemy_n but_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n past_o help_n and_o remedy_n shall_v we_o think_v alas_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n they_o will_v not_o leave_v until_o they_o have_v devour_v each_o other_o better_a for_o we_o to_o say_v nothing_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o censure_v and_o slight_v of_o all_o god_n forbid_v have_v we_o venture_v thus_o far_o and_o shall_v we_o not_o presume_v a_o little_a further_o oh_o that_o we_o be_v worthy_a and_o fit_a to_o propound_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o mollify_v this_o sore_a or_o that_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v speak_v by_o such_o poor_a creature_n any_o word_n in_o season_n to_o help_v at_o least_o a_o little_a in_o this_o sad_a case_n we_o will_v not_o dear_a brethren_n make_v this_o long_a epistle_n more_o tedious_a by_o present_v unto_o you_o all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v your_o heart_n to_o study_v peace_n and_o unity_n and_o with_o one_o shoulder_n to_o set_v yourselves_o to_o further_a this_o bless_a work_n of_o public_a reformation_n for_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v such_o a_o opportunity_n into_o your_o hand_n as_o never_o be_v the_o like_a and_o god_n know_v whether_o ever_o it_o will_v be_v if_o this_o be_v slip_v we_o be_v persuade_v when_o the_o heat_n of_o contention_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o do_v secret_o suggest_v argument_n enough_o unto_o your_o heart_n do_v you_o not_o oft_o hear_v such_o whisper_n as_o these_o be_v they_o not_o brethren_n who_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v â—ot_n the_o lord_n receive_v they_o do_v they_o not_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o their_o own_o master_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o reject_v or_o judge_v they_o have_v we_o not_o our_o ignorances_n and_o frailty_n what_o be_v there_o no_o consolation_n in_o christ_n no_o comfort_n of_o love_n no_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o if_o so_o shall_v not_o this_o persuade_v we_o to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o the_o lord_n do_v we_o not_o hope_v to_o live_v in_o heaven_n together_o and_o shall_v we_o stand_v at_o such_o distance_n here_o shall_v we_o thus_o suffer_v peace_n to_o go_v from_o we_o and_o not_o follow_v and_o pursue_v it_o shall_v we_o lose_v the_o blessing_n of_o peacemaker_n shall_v we_o by_o such_o difference_n thus_o gratify_v satan_n jesuit_n prelate_n etc._n etc._n and_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n by_o weaken_v our_o own_o be_v we_o not_o in_o the_o highway_n to_o devour_v each_o other_o and_o expose_v all_o to_o ruin_v be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n for_o we_o that_o be_v one_o in_o the_o orthodox_n truth_n to_o join_v heart_n and_o hand_n to_o pray_v and_o preach_v and_o write_v as_o one_o to_o stop_v the_o floodgate_n of_o error_n and_o abomination_n that_o satan_n have_v set_v open_a to_o the_o drown_n of_o many_o soul_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o many_o of_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n while_o we_o be_v contend_v about_o some_o matter_n of_o order_n which_o though_o they_o be_v of_o moment_n yet_o must_v give_v way_n
have_v bestow_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o labour_n in_o these_o part_n neither_o we_o hope_v altogether_o in_o vain_a which_o make_v we_o somewhat_o the_o more_o engage_v and_o encourage_v to_o write_v as_o we_o do_v and_o now_o have_v thus_o far_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o in_o the_o book_n follow_v testify_v our_o love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o peace_n unity_n reformation_n and_o prosperity_n of_o our_o belove_a england_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therein_o we_o commend_v both_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o all_o to_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o rest_n from_o new-england_n novemb_n 28._o 1645._o tho._n allin_n tho._n shepard_n advertisement_n to_o the_o reader_n to_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o reply_n we_o say_v nothing_o because_o it_o savour_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o love_n and_o desire_v of_o unity_n which_o we_o thankful_o acknowledge_v only_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o two_o passage_n 1_o a_o complaint_n make_v against_o some_o stand_a affect_a new-england_n ward_n who_o have_v carry_v it_o so_o as_o if_o a_o chief_a part_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o separation_n and_o that_o therefore_o some_o have_v separate_v from_o all_o private_a and_o public_a communion_n there_o other_o from_o all_o public_a but_o not_o from_o private_a other_o from_o the_o sacrament_n only_o allow_v public_a communion_n otherwise_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o the_o church_n fall_v by_o degree_n into_o universal_a pollution_n by_o the_o apostasy_n foretell_v to_o be_v under_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o by_o degree_n it_o recover_v out_o of_o it_o again_o if_o therefore_o separation_n reach_v no_o far_o than_o separation_n from_o sin_n and_o such_o sin_n of_o church_n wherein_o ourselves_o in_o join_v with_o they_o must_v be_v involve_v we_o suppose_v such_o separation_n all_o due_a respect_n and_o love_v reserve_v and_o profess_v to_o the_o church_n themselves_o can_v just_o be_v account_v unwarrantable_a and_o it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o author_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o plead_v for_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o far_o than_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o christ_n if_o any_o transgress_v these_o bound_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o private_a or_o public_a communion_n in_o england_n we_o must_v profess_v open_o that_o if_o any_o mourn_n for_o it_o we_o be_v or_o will_v be_v companion_n with_o they_o in_o that_o grief_n who_o heart_n bleed_v not_o to_o see_v god_n flock_n scatter_v and_o needless_a rent_n make_v that_o scarce_o truth_n or_o error_n can_v now_o adays_o be_v receive_v but_o it_o be_v maintain_v in_o a_o way_n of_o schism_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o gather_n and_o unite_n spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n a_o wide_a conscience_n call_v evil_a good_a and_o therefore_o can_v communicate_v with_o any_o evil_n a_o strait_a conscience_n call_v good_a evil_a as_o gerson_n observe_v and_o therefore_o can_v ready_o separate_v even_o from_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o rash_a and_o sudden_a man_n be_v grow_v master_n of_o their_o conscience_n it_o trouble_v not_o they_o from_o who_o they_o divide_v nor_o whither_o they_o run_v in_o separate_a way_n when_o weak_a yet_o godly_a man_n be_v under_o the_o tenderness_n yet_o much_o darkness_n of_o conscience_n be_v very_o timorous_a of_o way_n that_o be_v evil_a grow_v many_o time_n shy_a at_o least_o in_o simplicity_n be_v lead_v from_o way_n that_o afterward_o be_v find_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o good_a it_o be_v the_o usual_a misery_n of_o english_a spirit_n either_o to_o spin_v the_o spider_n web_n and_o swallow_v down_o all_o corruption_n in_o church_n or_o so_o to_o break_v down_o the_o gap_n in_o forsake_v corruption_n utter_o to_o abandon_v the_o church_n themselves_o the_o wine_n of_o causeless_a separation_n have_v a_o spirit_n in_o it_o if_o god_n gracious_o prevent_v not_o that_o hurry_v man_n headlong_o to_o strange_a distance_n that_o in_o separate_n from_o public_a they_o separate_v from_o private_a in_o separate_v from_o corrupt_a church_n as_o no_o church_n they_o separate_v from_o the_o pure_a even_o those_o of_o their_o own_o in_o separate_v from_o pollution_n of_o god_n ordinance_n at_o last_o they_o fall_v to_o the_o storm_a of_o some_o if_o not_o to_o the_o utter_a renounce_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o we_o mourn_v we_o say_v for_o such_o evil_n and_o can_v with_o bend_a knee_n desire_v our_o dear_a countryman_n to_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n jesus_n that_o so_o carry_v they_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o yet_o whole_o forsake_v and_o not_o rather_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n if_o any_o liberty_n can_v be_v procure_v to_o study_v how_o to_o heal_v the_o bleed_a breach_n and_o manifold_a evil_n of_o sick_a and_o sinful_a england_n that_o in_o their_o own_o recovery_n from_o pollution_n the_o whole_a may_v arise_v and_o share_v alike_o with_o they_o therein_o tolerate_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a many_o thing_n amiss_o &_o mourn_v daily_o after_o the_o lord_n till_o such_o time_n come_v wherein_o he_o will_v give_v his_o people_n his_o ordinance_n not_o only_o in_o purity_n but_o also_o in_o power_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o zach._n 14._o 9_o over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o for_o ourselves_o we_o look_v not_o upon_o our_o departure_n to_o these_o part_n to_o be_v a_o separation_n rigid_o take_v but_o a_o lawful_a secession_n or_o a_o heavenly_a translation_n from_o corrupt_a to_o more_o pure_a church_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o god_n and_o how_o far_o we_o allow_v of_o separation_n the_o ensue_a treatise_n will_v declare_v 2_o the_o second_o be_v that_o we_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o as_o much_o as_o other_o from_o we_o and_o perhaps_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o we_o answ_n we_o confess_v we_o know_v but_o little_a and_o that_o but_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o in_o some_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o dissent_v we_o shall_v not_o speak_v the_o truth_n nor_o say_v that_o we_o be_v sinful_a man_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v speak_v to_o his_o praise_n who_o we_o be_v and_o who_o we_o serve_v with_o our_o spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n that_o although_o satan_n have_v be_v oft_o busy_a to_o make_v breach_n among_o we_o yet_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v hitherto_o general_o if_o not_o all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o the_o main_a and_o principal_a thing_n of_o his_o kingdom_n among_o we_o and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o many_o where_o ever_o difference_n be_v sow_v yet_o the_o minister_n never_o disagree_v and_o that_o although_o some_o difference_n have_v and_o do_v arise_v before_o their_o convening_n together_o yet_o they_o never_o yet_o meet_v but_o grace_n have_v overwrestled_n corruption_n peace_n trouble_n and_o truth_n error_n and_o so_o have_v most_o sweet_o accord_v in_o one_o the_o thought_n of_o which_o christ-like_a peaceablenesse_n of_o spirit_n and_o love_n as_o it_o oft_o sweeten_v many_o other_o sorrow_n so_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v spare_v herein_o and_o that_o this_o our_o crown_n may_v not_o be_v take_v from_o we_o by_o such_o passage_n suggest_v great_a difference_n as_o these_o be_v now_o for_o the_o reply_n itself_o we_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v neither_o time_n nor_o book_n ready_a at_o hand_n to_o consider_v some_o of_o the_o quotation_n make_v in_o the_o margin_n and_o therefore_o be_v such_o testimony_n as_o cast_v not_o the_o balance_n one_o way_n or_o another_o we_o have_v pass_v most_o of_o they_o by_o with_o silence_n it_o have_v also_o be_v easy_a for_o we_o to_o have_v analyse_v more_o orderly_o the_o word_n of_o the_o reply_n then_o as_o they_o be_v set_v down_o but_o because_o we_o will_v not_o do_v the_o least_o wrong_a we_o have_v set_v they_o down_o as_o we_o find_v they_o in_o the_o book_n not_o every_o passage_n for_o that_o be_v needless_a but_o those_o thing_n wherein_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o observable_a matter_n of_o dispute_n between_o we_o nor_o be_v we_o conscious_a of_o do_v the_o author_n the_o least_o wrong_n in_o set_v down_o his_o own_o word_n as_o hereafter_o you_o find_v they_o we_o confess_v that_o in_o sundry_a of_o our_o answer_n we_o have_v study_v not_o only_o to_o answer_v to_o the_o reply_n but_o have_v take_v in_o what_o sundry_a other_o godly_a learned_a object_n against_o our_o principle_n but_o without_o mention_v scarce_o any_o time_n their_o name_n of_o which_o we_o be_v spare_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o we_o honour_v the_o man_n from_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o can_v wish_v though_o different_o
but_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o invincible_a hindrance_n foresee_v by_o christ_n and_o intend_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o lord_n limit_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n unite_v it_o into_o that_o form_n of_o a_o national_n church_n ordain_v one_o place_n state_v time_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o one_o government_n for_o the_o same_o so_o now_o the_o lord_n neglect_v all_o such_o thing_n have_v ordain_v a_o complete_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institute_v visible_a church_n but_o of_o a_o congregation_n and_o seal_n in_o their_o administration_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n our_o first_o consideration_n will_v still_o hold_v firm_a but_o see_v in_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n to_o say_v little_a be_v to_o say_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o wily_a age_n but_o be_v almost_o dispute_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o much_o darken_v with_o humane_a evasion_n and_o see_v much_o depend_v upon_o this_o controversy_n it_o may_v be_v so_o most_o useful_a before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o argument_n to_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n catholic_n and_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o knot_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o question_n which_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o exercise_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly-learned_n and_o we_o think_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o hold_v be_v but_o new_o take_v up_o among_o godly_a reformer_n who_o former_o run_v in_o another_o channel_n as_o be_v ingenuous_o confess_v by_o some_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n this_o new-birth_n seem_v not_o yet_o so_o form_v to_o its_o distinct_a proportion_n as_o time_n may_v bring_v it_o unto_o and_o it_o may_v make_v we_o afraid_a be_v the_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o diffuse_v and_o knotty_a a_o question_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o such_o a_o task_n and_o the_o learned_a labour_n of_o such_o in_o this_o point_n who_o we_o reverence_v in_o the_o lord_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o truth_n will_v be_v unto_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o hand_n 2_o how_o avoidable_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n in_o this_o work_n the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o unto_o and_o that_o he_o sometime_o do_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v by_o weak_a one_o that_o the_o praise_n may_v be_v his_o own_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o bless_a guidance_n which_o we_o depend_v upon_o herein_o take_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v rather_o as_o learner_n then_o otherwise_o venture_v to_o propound_v what_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o herein_o concern_v which_o have_v digress_v a_o while_n we_o shall_v return_v we_o hope_v with_o some_o advantage_n of_o clear_a evidence_n to_o justify_v the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o answer_n against_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reply_n chap._n v._n a_o digression_n tend_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o that_o controversy_n concern_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o same_o the_o world_n have_v be_v long_o trouble_v with_o the_o equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o shall_v labour_v to_o set_v down_o our_o thought_n as_o distinct_o and_o plain_o as_o we_o can_v in_o certain_a proposition_n that_o may_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n propos_fw-fr 1._o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o elect_a and_o call_v one_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n with_o who_o they_o make_v up_o one_o mystical_a body_n ephes_n 1._o 23._o this_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o one_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n for_o this_o church_n christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n ephes_n 5._o 26._o joh._n 10._o 15._o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la 16._o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o his_o fold_n actual_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o same_o viz._n by_o effectual_a call_n that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheepfold_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a fold_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o stand_v as_o one_o shepherd_n contain_v all_o his_o member_n and_o sheep_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v one_o fold_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n that_o one_o shepherd_n propos_fw-fr 2d_o this_o one_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n do_v natural_o fall_v under_o various_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o omit_v other_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o adjunct_n of_o visibility_n and_o invisibility_n which_o be_v only_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o divine_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a union_n which_o every_o such_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o it_o be_v call_v invisible_a because_o this_o union_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o visible_a fruit_n and_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n it_o be_v call_v visible_a and_o hence_o though_o true_a believer_n be_v only_o univoce_fw-la and_o proper_o member_n of_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o man_n that_o judge_v only_o by_o outward_a effect_n many_o hypocrite_n eccle._n equivoce_fw-la and_o improper_o be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o speak_v of_o visible_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o real_o saint_n propos_fw-fr 3._o as_o this_o church_n come_v to_o be_v visible_a so_o it_o become_v a_o fit_a and_o capable_a subject_n of_o visible_a policy_n and_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n a_o capable_a subject_n we_o say_v or_o matter_n fit_a for_o such_o a_o state_n for_o by_o its_o visibility_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o have_v yet_o no_o more_o than_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o no_o visible_a combination_n one_o with_o another_o for_o visible_a believer_n may_v be_v so_o scatter_v in_o several_a country_n that_o they_o can_v make_v up_o one_o society_n propos_fw-fr 4._o and_o therefore_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o this_o church_n to_o enjoy_v actual_a visible_a communion_n under_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o a_o society_n a_o thousand_o uncombined_a person_n meet_v occasional_o in_o one_o place_n though_o their_o natural_a relation_n be_v as_o near_o as_o brethren_n yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o government_n or_o actual_a communion_n in_o any_o civil_a privilege_n if_o they_o stand_v not_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o a_o combine_a society_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v so_o here_o and_o therefore_o act_v 2._o 41_o 42._o first_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o fellowship_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o after_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 5._o 14._o believer_n be_v add_v first_o they_o be_v believer_n stand_v in_o that_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o then_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o visible_a combination_n propos_fw-fr 5._o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o and_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n and_o ordinance_n but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o the_o gopel_n institute_v and_o ordain_v for_o that_o end_n we_o say_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o the_o same_o for_o though_o a_o believer_n quâ_fw-la believer_n have_v a_o immediate_a right_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o such_o benefit_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_o and_o immediate_o flow_v from_o his_o internal_a union_n with_o christ_n as_o justification_n adoption_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o right_a to_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o prayer_n gift_n etc._n etc._n as_o flow_v from_o his_o spiritual_a relation_n unto_o they_o yea_o and_o also_o he_o have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o all_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o manner_n yet_o we_o say_v institute_v privilege_n and_o ordinance_n do_v not_o