discipline_n although_o i_o know_v man_n learned_a and_o much_o exercise_v in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o question_n concern_v ecclesiastic_a government_n be_v of_o the_o judgement_n that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n and_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v right_a hard_a to_o find_v in_o scripture_n either_o precept_n or_o example_n for_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v go_v along_o with_o mr._n locky_a in_o the_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o note_v but_o some_o few_o thing_n upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o assertion_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n therein_o contain_v 1._o the_o act_v speak_v of_o viz._n exerce_v of_o power_n 2._o the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n most_o weighty_a thing_n 3._o the_o limitation_n of_o that_o act_n about_o this_o object_n as_o competent_a to_o the_o eldership_n section_n 5_o for_o the_o first_o mr._n locky_a speak_v so_o here_o as_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o grant_v to_o the_o eldership_n some_o power_n and_o exerce_v of_o it_o about_o these_o weighty_a matter_n provide_v it_o be_v with_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n the_o society_n of_o professor_n they_o be_v in_o but_o very_o by_o his_o way_n the_o eldership_n as_o contradistinguish_v from_o other_o professor_n and_o as_o the_o eldership_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o can_v exert_v any_o power_n at_o all_o i_o mean_v power_n of_o authority_n in_o these_o matter_n all_o their_o part_n be_v mere_o to_o preside_v and_o moderate_v the_o meeting_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o a_o moderator_n or_o chairman_n to_o propone_v and_o state_n a_o question_n ask_v and_o gather_v the_o vote_n and_o declare_v the_o sentence_n conclude_v by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o church_n conveen_n and_o dismiss_v the_o meeting_n or_o at_o most_o as_o a_o committee_n of_o a_o judicatory_a to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o public_a cognition_n and_o sentence_n all_o which_o be_v no_o authoritative_a power_n i_o think_v therefore_o that_o mr._n locky_a will_v have_v deal_v more_o candid_o to_o have_v plain_o say_v the_o eldership_n can_v exert_v no_o power_n at_o all_o in_o these_o matter_n this_o belong_v to_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o part_n be_v only_o to_o preside_v and_o moderate_a the_o meeting_n in_o exert_v its_o power_n but_o such_o plain_a language_n which_o yet_o speak_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o way_n be_v too_o plain_o dissonant_n to_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o church_n officer_n as_o governor_n of_o and_o to_o be_v over_o the_o people_n and_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o many_o such_o other_o thing_n attribute_v unto_o they_o which_o import_v another_o kind_n of_o thing_n then_o mere_a preside_v moderate_a or_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o a_o meeting_n or_o a_o preparatory_a committee_n section_n 6_o for_o the_o second_o why_o do_v mr._n locky_a here_o restrict_n his_o assertion_n to_o these_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n do_v he_o grant_v that_o yet_o they_o may_v exert_v power_n in_o matter_n of_o less_o weight_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n nay_o he_o can_v for_o 1._o most_o of_o his_o argument_n follow_v if_o they_o prove_v aught_o to_o his_o purpose_n they_o prove_v the_o eldership_n can_v exert_v power_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o ecclesiastic_a government_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o of_o great_a or_o small_a weight_n yea_o 2._o in_o his_o last_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o can_v exert_v power_n in_o these_o great_a matter_n he_o assume_v that_o they_o may_v not_o do_v it_o in_o small_a matter_n for_o say_v he_o sect._n 11._o pag._n 81._o if_o in_o less_o thing_n the_o eldership_n may_v not_o act_v alone_o sure_o not_o in_o great_a what_o then_o need_v this_o restriction_n of_o the_o object_n in_o the_o assertion_n section_n 7_o but_o now_o what_o be_v these_o matter_n most_o weighty_a he_o tell_v we_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o essential_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o then_o reckon_v up_o particular_o these_o three_o admission_n of_o member_n ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o excommunication_n of_o either_o to_o pass_v that_o expression_n of_o most_o essential_a import_v degree_n in_o essentiality_n which_o philosophy_n will_v not_o admit_v as_o tell_v we_o that_o essentia_fw-la rei_fw-la non_fw-la recipit_fw-la magis_fw-la &_o minus_fw-la i_o do_v humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o fix_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o right_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o use_v his_o word_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n mention_v nay_o they_o be_v much_o more_o essential_a there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n where_o these_o be_v though_o excommunication_n be_v want_v and_o that_o admission_n of_o member_n mr._n locky_a speak_v of_o unknown_a to_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a time_n it_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o reform_a divine_n that_o the_o sound_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o right_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n only_o to_o the_o well-being_n some_o church_n have_v no_o excommunication_n which_o though_o we_o approve_v not_o in_o this_o yet_o because_o they_o have_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v and_o profess_v in_o they_o and_o the_o sacrament_n therewith_o administrat_fw-la right_o for_o their_o substance_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v account_v destitute_a of_o the_o most_o essentials_n to_o speak_v so_o with_o he_o of_o a_o true_a church_n now_o if_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o thing_n most_o essential_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n as_o certain_o it_o be_v must_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n not_o preach_v any_o doctrine_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n of_o the_o professor_n to_o who_o they_o preach_v must_v it_o be_v first_o propound_v to_o they_o to_o have_v their_o vote_n and_o sentence_n pass_v upon_o it_o and_o upon_o that_o preach_v i_o conceive_v mr._n locky_a will_n not_o own_o such_o theology_n 2._o that_o admission_n of_o member_n which_o â—e_n mean_v here_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v one_o of_o these_o thing_n most_o essential_a to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n that_o as_o he_o and_o other_o of_o his_o mind_n conceive_v it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mere_a new_a device_n unknown_a in_o the_o precede_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o ground_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n he_o mean_v admission_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n by_o a_o church_n covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v that_o which_o formal_o give_v visible-church-membership_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o such_o qualification_n as_o he_o have_v be_v dispute_v for_o in_o his_o lecture_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o such_o qualification_n as_o necessary_a to_o visible-church-membership_n as_o have_v be_v clear_v in_o our_o former_a part_n so_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a mistake_n that_o admission_n unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v that_o which_o formal_o make_v one_o a_o visible_a church_n member_n and_o that_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o another_o mistake_n which_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o church_n way_n of_o the_o independent_a brethren_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n catholic_n or_o universal_a but_o that_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o only_a church_n the_o truth_n be_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o subjection_n to_o ordinance_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n complete_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n else_o such_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o and_o so_o but_o of_o the_o world_n of_o heathen_n and_o stranger_n which_o be_v absurd_a and_o admission_n in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n give_v he_o only_o the_o opportunity_n of_o exercise_n of_o his_o church-membership_a and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o whereunto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la all_o which_o have_v be_v so_o cleary_a evince_v by_o judicious_a and_o learned_a mr._n hudson_n in_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o essence_n and_o unity_n etc._n etc._n that_o any_o man_n that_o will_v not_o wilful_o shut_v his_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n may_v be_v full_o convince_v thereof_o so_o then_o as_o for_o admission_n of_o person_n into_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o high_a essentiality_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o for_o that_o wherein_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o state_n
christian_a religion_n have_v also_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o gracious_a conversion_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n this_o have_v be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n for_o some_o of_o the_o convert_a heathen_n no_o doubt_n have_v no_o more_o but_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o a_o draw_v net_n that_o catch_v good_a fish_n and_o bad_a together_o and_o the_o outward_a kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v tare_n and_o wheat_n grow_v together_o nor_o yet_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n in_o that_o declaration_n mean_v that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o gentile_n they_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o viz._n true_a heart-converts_a to_o their_o positive_a judgement_n and_o so_o far_o as_o man_n true_o convert_v and_o very_o spiritual_a be_v able_a to_o discern_v this_o appear_v not_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o first_o i_o think_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o conversion_n as_o include_v gracious_a heart-conversion_n in_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o charitative_a judgement_n of_o discern_a man_n though_o not_o restrictive_o mr._n lockiers_n additament_n viz._n according_a to_o what_o a_o christian_a can_v discern_v of_o a_o christian_a or_o in_o so_o far_o as_o man_n etc._n etc._n be_v his_o own_o and_o not_o the_o text_n yea_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o text_n because_o i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o the_o apostle_n mean_v positive_o that_o there_o be_v among_o these_o gentile_n heart-conversion_n in_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o that_o which_o mr._n locky_a say_v by_o his_o additament_n may_v be_v contradictory_o opposite_a to_o that_o man_n may_v be_v account_v heart-converts_a in_o the_o charitable_a judgement_n of_o very_a discern_a christian_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v heart-converts_a indeed_o 2._o grant_v that_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n which_o mr._n locky_a say_v to_o be_v in_o his_o additament_n yet_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v allege_v from_o the_o word_n that_o will_v import_v it_o must_v be_v understand_v universaliter_fw-la de_fw-la omnibus_fw-la &_o singulis_fw-la i._n e._n universal_o of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o gentile_n and_o may_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o speak_v only_o de_fw-la multitudine_fw-la communiter_fw-la &_o indefiâ—itè_fw-fr i._n e._n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o yet_o forasmuch_o as_o mr._n locky_a have_v not_o allege_v much_o less_o prove_v the_o former_a hitherto_o he_o have_v allege_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n in_o hand_n and_o yet_o although_o he_o have_v both_o allege_a and_o prove_v this_o much_o he_o have_v say_v but_o little_a to_o his_o purpose_n unless_o he_o can_v also_o prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o declaration_n be_v speak_v of_o these_o convert_a gentile_n with_o relation_n to_o state_v in_o visible_a church-membership_a which_o thing_n he_o only_o suppose_v but_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hint_n at_o a_o proof_n thereof_o from_o this_o text._n section_n 6_o but_o go_v we_o on_o to_o consider_v his_o argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v his_o interpretation_n of_o conversion_n here_o speak_v of_o which_o yet_o he_o need_v not_o prove_v for_o we_o have_v grant_v more_o of_o it_o then_o he_o crave_v that_o we_o may_v see_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n therein_o make_v for_o his_o main_a purpose_n the_o 1._o lie_v in_o these_o word_n sure_o if_o the_o brethren_n have_v apprehend_v no_o more_o in_o they_o i._n e._n the_o gentile_n of_o who_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n speak_v viz._n then_o a_o mere_a outside_n conversion_n they_o will_v have_v have_v little_a matter_n of_o great_a joy_n answ_n 1._o we_o say_v not_o that_o the_o apprehend_n of_o no_o more_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o this_o their_o great_a joy_n but_o will_v the_o author_n say_v that_o unless_o they_o have_v apprehend_v more_o than_o outside_n conversion_n in_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n take_v along_o with_o he_o if_o he_o will_v say_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o purpose_n etc._n purpose_n for_o his_o mind_n be_v that_o these_o gentile_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o relation_n and_o as_o matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n &_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o none_o other_o not_o one_o other_o no_o not_o in_o a_o whole_a church_n be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v etc._n etc._n they_o will_v have_v little_a matter_n for_o great_a joy_n i_o think_v he_o will_v be_v advise_v before_o he_o say_v so_o 2._o nor_o be_o i_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o outside_n conversion_n i._n e._n embrace_v of_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o little_a a_o matter_n of_o joy_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o the_o author_n seem_v to_o make_v account_n sure_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v matter_n of_o right_n great_a joy_n to_o the_o lord_n true_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o to_o see_v japhet_n persuade_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o shem_n i._n e._n the_o gentile_n by_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n add_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o small_a matter_n of_o joy_n to_o gentile-christians_a when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o body_n of_o the_o jew_n ingraff_v again_o into_o the_o church_n even_o outward_a profess_v of_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o gospel_n be_v honourable_a to_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n though_o it_o alone_o be_v not_o the_o full_a duty_n of_o man_n nor_o sufficient_a to_o save_v they_o section_n 7_o i_o may_v ere_o i_o go_v on_o further_a note_v here_o that_o whereas_o the_o author_n in_o the_o next_o word_n propound_v the_o explain_n of_o more_o term_n than_o one_o of_o his_o text_n for_o say_v he_o let_v we_o take_v term_n as_o they_o lie_v and_o see_v how_o other_o scripture_n do_v explain_v they_o yet_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o find_v all_o run_v upon_o one_o term_n viz._n conversion_n or_o convert_v once_o but_o to_o insist_v upon_o every_o such_o small_a thing_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v say_v further_o upon_o that_o what_o these_o convert_a one_o say_v he_o be_v according_a to_o what_o christian_n can_v discern_v of_o christian_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o pag._n 3._o ans_fw-fr nay_o not_o this_o only_a but_o two_o other_o thing_n also_o aught_o to_o have_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o make_v out_o 1._o suppose_v that_o true_a heart-conversion_n be_v understand_v here_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o declaration_n affirm_v this_o universal_o of_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o gentile_n 2._o that_o in_o declare_v and_o affirm_v this_o they_o do_v speak_v with_o relation_n to_o their_o state_v in_o church-membership_a at_o least_o that_o the_o historian_n luke_n report_v it_o in_o that_o relation_n neither_o of_o which_o the_o author_n prove_v or_o so_o much_o as_o once_o undertake_v to_o prove_v so_o that_o what_o follow_v though_o grant_v make_v little_a for_o the_o point_n he_o drive_v at_o but_o we_o go_v on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o be_v master-builder_n and_o sure_o very_o see_v man_n that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v a_o mere_a report_n take_v of_o those_o convert_v once_o with_o they_o be_v bring_v on_o by_o the_o church_n we_o tell_v you_o as_o if_o they_o have_v say_v of_o such_o glad_a tiding_n touch_v the_o gentile_n but_o what_o they_o be_v see_v yourselves_o here_o they_o be_v discourse_n with_o they_o see_v if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o soul-complexion_n with_o yourselves_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n own_v and_o experience_v the_o same_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o you_o do_v ans_fw-fr here_o be_v a_o pretty_a fiction_n or_o poesy_n but_o nothing_o of_o luke_n text_n yea_o but_o something_o quite_o contrair_a to_o it_o 1._o the_o author_n say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v a_o mere_a report_n viz._n touch_v the_o gentile_n conversion_n but_o may_v show_v live_v present_a instance_n thereof_o take_v of_o those_o convert_v once_o with_o they_o what_o hint_n can_v he_o give_v we_o from_o the_o text_n for_o this_o it_o say_v a_o far_a other_o thing_n viz._n first_o that_o they_o i._n e._n the_o church_n of_o antioch_n ordain_v some_o in_o joint_a commission_n for_o to_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n about_o the_o question_n then_o in_o controversy_n and_o then_o that_o these_o commissioner_n be_v bring_v on_o their_o way_n by_o the_o church_n i_o e._n as_o grotius_n expon_v it_o will_v aliquousque_fw-la deducti_fw-la à _fw-la fidelium_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la i._n e._n
terror_n of_o this_o text_n for_o that_o section_n 16_o the_o place_n rev._n 3._o 10._o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n be_v but_o abuse_v for_o 1._o what_o warrant_n be_v there_o to_o expone_fw-la that_o hour_n of_o temptation_n speak_v of_o there_o of_o the_o time_n immediate_o before_o the_o call_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n in_o a_o typical_a sense_n of_o some_o church_n to_o be_v then_o it_o be_v too_o much_o boldness_n to_o force_v such_o typical_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n go_v not_o before_o we_o to_o warrant_v we_o it_o be_v true_a reverend_a brightman_n hâ—s_v interpret_v all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o thing_n write_v to_o they_o as_o type_n of_o other_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n but_o 1._o all_o solid_a divine_n have_v show_v their_o discontentment_n with_o his_o conceit_n as_o groundless_a 2._o yet_o do_v not_o he_o understand_v by_o philadelphia_n 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and_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o such_o a_o complexion_n and_o constitution_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o professor_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v but_o in_o truth_n and_o indeed_o true_o gracious_a have_v true_a save_a faith_n repentance_n and_o sanctification_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n and_o of_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o station_n and_o capacity_n to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_v institute_v by_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o oppose_v be_v your_o rigid_a opinion_n that_o will_v have_v no_o church_n visible_a at_o all_o unless_o you_o have_v it_o of_o such_o a_o complexion_n and_o will_v have_v none_o permit_v to_o enter_v the_o society_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o before_o they_o be_v true_o gracious_a seal_v 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accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n say_v more_o bold_o and_o more_o bitter_o it_o be_v true_a some_o of_o our_o countryman_n have_v show_v themselves_o too_o ready_a to_o receive_v your_o doctrine_n yet_o bless_a be_v god_n not_o so_o many_o as_o you_o by_o insinuation_n boast_v of_o these_o few_o that_o have_v do_v so_o i_o judge_v not_o their_o person_n they_o will_v stand_v and_o answer_v for_o it_o before_o their_o judge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n some_o be_v now_o but_o fulfil_v that_o which_o they_o have_v once_o prophesy_v of_o themselves_o but_o to_o you_o here_o mr._n locky_a 1._o suppose_v they_o be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o oppose_v your_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o person_n for_o be_v matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n what_o be_v you_o to_o judge_v they_o to_o do_v it_o out_o of_o a_o mere_a spirit_n of_o contradiction_n that_o they_o be_v poison_v with_o saul_n spirit_n leaven_v with_o malice_n and_o envy_n etc._n etc._n will_v not_o charity_n have_v require_v that_o you_o shall_v have_v judge_v possible_o they_o do_v it_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n against_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v these_o godly_a modest_a man_n hooker_n cotton_n alive_a they_o will_v and_o such_o as_o be_v alive_a of_o that_o way_n that_o be_v pious_a and_o judicious_a will_n i_o be_o confident_a detest_v and_o abhor_v this_o your_o unchristian_a cruel_a judge_v of_o we_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o stand_v not_o nor_o fall_v at_o man_n judgement_n we_o have_v one_o that_o judge_v we_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o he_o we_o refer_v this_o challenge_n you_o have_v lay_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o sir_n if_o you_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o the_o rashness_n and_o cruelty_n of_o it_o which_o from_o our_o soul_n
probable_a appearance_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o character_n according_o to_o press_v upon_o person_n the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o 3._o nor_o deny_v i_o but_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o minister_n serious_o and_o attentive_o to_o observe_v with_o wisdom_n so_o far_o as_o he_o can_v the_o way_n of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n to_o discern_v and_o understand_v so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o estate_n and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o probable_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n concern_v the_o same_o this_o be_v necessary_a 〈◊〉_d behooveful_a for_o he_o that_o he_o may_v rhe_n better_o know_v how_o to_o perform_v that_o duty_n of_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o in_o effect_v it_o be_v no_o small_a part_n of_o a_o minister_n study_v to_o study_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o flock_n yea_o this_o in_o some_o way_n be_v incumbent_n to_o every_o particular_a christian_a in_o relation_n to_o other_o with_o who_o they_o converse_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a the_o more_o accommodat_o and_o ptofitable_o to_o exhort_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o good_a work_n but_o this_o i_o deny_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o any_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n power_n and_o authority_n judicial_o to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o every_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o positive_o to_o pronounce_v every_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o such_o cognition_n to_o be_v hold_v a_o regenerate_a man_n and_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n or_o to_o be_v hold_v unregenerat_a and_o yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n which_o yet_o mr._n locky_a must_v need_v force_n say_v by_o consequence_n of_o his_o docttine_n touch_v the_o qualification_n of_o church_n matter_n or_o member_n but_o now_o let_v he_o or_o any_o man_n show_v i_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n any_o authentic_a divine_a patent_n or_o commission_n of_o this_o power_n give_v to_o any_o man_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n have_v indeed_o give_v to_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n a_o power_n authoritative_o to_o cognosce_fw-la upon_o all_o professor_n outward_a action_n and_o to_o determine_v judicial_o whether_o sinful_a and_o scandalous_a or_o not_o but_o to_o cognosce_fw-la determine_v and_o judge_v judicial_o and_o positive_o upon_o their_o inward_a spiritual_a estate_n we_o read_v not_o any_o where_n that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n to_o man_n this_o he_o have_v reserve_v as_o a_o prerogative_n to_o himself_o to_o be_v exercise_v open_o at_o last_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n before_o all_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o in_o this_o life_n secret_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o court_n of_o man_n conscience_n when_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n the_o apostle_n rom._n 14._o go_v upon_o in_o dissuade_v man_n to_o judge_v one_o another_o which_o certain_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o not_o their_o action_n because_o these_o without_o question_n may_v be_v lawful_o and_o warrantable_o be_v judge_v see_v v._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o of_o that_o chap._n section_n 15_o arg._n 3_o which_o will_v also_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o precede_a if_o it_o have_v be_v our_o lord_n will_v and_o institution_n that_o true_a heart_n godliness_n conversion_n and_o faith_n so_o far_o as_o man_n can_v discern_v shall_v be_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n to_o constitute_v person_n capable_a of_o visible-church-membership_n and_o consequent_o have_v institute_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o pass_v judgement_n positive_o upon_o they_o concern_v the_o inward_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n whither_o they_o be_v true_o regenerate_v or_o not_o that_o upon_o such_o judgement_n they_o may_v be_v admit_v unto_o or_o debar_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n then_o sure_a he_o will_v give_v in_o his_o word_n a_o rule_n of_o â—_o trial_n for_o regulate_v the_o church_n cognition_n judgement_n and_o determination_n in_o this_o matter_n express_v the_o particular_a character_n and_o evidence_n which_o be_v find_v in_o person_n they_o may_v be_v positive_o judge_v regenerate_v and_o convert_v yea_o and_o the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la that_o be_v the_o low_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o such_o character_n less_o than_o which_o if_o professor_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o have_v they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v non-regenerate_a or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v count_v regenerate_v but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o rule_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o connexion_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v certain_a and_o evident_a and_o as_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v have_v ordain_v that_o only_a person_n so_o and_o so_o qualify_v shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o other_o debar_v and_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o cognosce_fw-la and_o positive_o to_o judge_v every_o professor_n that_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v or_o not_o in_o relation_n to_o admit_v or_o exclude_v they_o and_o yet_o not_o have_v prescribe_v a_o definite_a rule_n for_o regulate_v the_o church_n cognition_n and_o judgement_n of_o rhis_n but_o leave_v it_o without_o rule_n to_o man_n in_o their_o conscience_n as_o both_o judge_n and_o rule_v to_o determine_v who_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v regenerate_v or_o not_o certain_o this_o can_v consist_v with_o humane_a let_v be_v divine_a wisdom_n alas_o even_o gracious_a man_n be_v of_o very_o different_a and_o unequal_a 'size_n of_o light_n and_o discern_a can_v not_o but_o vary_v much_o one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o oftentimes_o their_o will_v be_v tot_fw-la sententiae_fw-la quot_fw-la capita_fw-la then_o any_o man_n will_v ready_o vary_v from_o himself_o at_o diverse_a time_n yea_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o sinful_a affection_n which_o may_v and_z will_v not_o doubt_v oftentimes_o bias_n the_o judgement_n as_o have_v no_o small_a influence_n thereupon_o and_o so_o what_o confusion_n disorder_n yea_o and_o oftentimes_o grievous_a injury_n to_o person_n in_o the_o mater_fw-la of_o admission_n into_o or_o exclusion_n from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o this_o open_a a_o door_n to_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v commit_v whole_o to_o man_n judgement_n without_o law_n or_o rule_n therefore_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o rule_n for_o regulate_v the_o church_n cognition_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o mater_fw-la which_o the_o opposite_n will_v not_o deny_v 2._o this_o rule_n must_v be_v such_o as_o hold_v forth_o not_o only_o the_o particular_a character_n upon_o the_o have_v or_o want_v of_o which_o the_o church_n mus_fw-la cognosce_fw-la and_o according_o as_o be_v find_v to_o judge_v man_n regenerate_v or_o not_o but_o also_o the_o very_a minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la the_o low_a degree_n and_o measure_n whereupon_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v my_o meaning_n to_o speak_v as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v to_o the_o weak_a sort_n be_v this_o the_o rule_n must_v declare_v how_o much_o be_v sufficient_a and_o necessary_a at_o least_o to_o ground_v a_o positive_a judgement_n that_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v of_o which_o if_o a_o man_n come_v short_a or_o have_v any_o way_n less_o he_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v non-regenerate_a at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v repute_v regenerate_v which_o according_a to_o mr._n lockiers_n doctrine_n debar_v he_o from_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v clear_a because_o otherwise_o the_o matter_n shall_v be_v leave_v in_o a_o mere_a uncertainty_n and_o in_o effect_n devolve_v upon_o the_o mere_a arbitrement_n of_o the_o church_n judgement_n if_o to_o wit_n the_o rule_n shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o indefinite_o a_o man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v positive_o judge_v a_o true_a regenerate_v convert_n must_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n experience_n of_o effectual_a call_n unto_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o conformity_n of_o conversation_n to_o the_o gospel_n not_o determine_v definite_o this_o or_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o he_o must_v have_v which_o if_o he_o have_v he_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o repute_v true_o regenerate_v and_o if_o he_o come_v short_a of_o this_o much_o not_o section_n 16_o now_o for_o the_o assumption_n let_v it_o be_v note_v first_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o god_n have_v set_v down_o in_o his_o word_n a_o rule_n definite_a and_o certain_a character_n and_o sign_n whereby_o every_o christian_a have_v knowledge_n thereof_o
prelatical_a or_o papal_a tyranny_n â—et_o all_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v when_o as_o we_o put_v the_o authoritative_a and_o judicall_a power_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n only_o we_o make_v not_o people_n mere_a spectator_n or_o witness_n of_o what_o be_v do_v but_o give_v unto_o they_o a_o rational_a obediential_a consent_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o give_v their_o obedientiall_a consent_n and_o concurrence_n to_o the_o elderships_n act_n if_o they_o find_v theâ—…_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o most_o judicious_a and_o best_a advise_v make_v the_o dogmatic_a determination_n of_o censure_n which_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o sole_a eldership_n as_o obligatory_a upon_o the_o people_n for_o their_o obedience_n as_o we_o do_v the_o presbytery_n sentence_n and_o as_o their_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o whereas_o in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n inferior_a eldership_n be_v countable_a for_o their_o proceed_n to_o superior_a more_o ample_a and_o large_a eldership_n and_o incase_o of_o grievance_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a appeal_v and_o recourse_n may_v be_v have_v to_o a_o superior_a more_o ample_a which_o be_v far_o from_o the_o prelatical_a or_o papal_a way_n wherein_o the_o procedure_n be_v from_o more_o to_o few_o till_o you_o come_v to_o one_o a_o lord_n metrapolitan_a or_o a_o universal_a pope_n but_o in_o your_o way_n three_o elder_n give_v a_o dogmatical_a determination_n with_o four_o or_o five_o private_a brethren_n concur_v with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v their_o determination_n as_o much_o as_o their_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n may_v excommunicate_v a_o man_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o on_o earth_n in_o a_o church_n way_n to_o recognosce_fw-la or_o redress_n if_o they_o do_v amiss_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v deliver_v soul_n enough_o to_o satan_n unjust_o there_o be_v none_o on_o earth_n that_o can_v authoritative_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n in_o a_o church_n way_n to_o say_v to_o they_o what_o do_v you_o now_o let_v the_o world_n judge_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o be_v near_a a_o diss_fw-la a_o see_v a_o sad_a instance_n of_o this_o relate_v by_o m._n caudrey_n vindic_n vind_z epistle_n to_o the_o diss_fw-la papal_a power_n three_o elder_n with_o some_o few_o private_a brethren_n have_v supreme_a power_n on_o earth_n to_o excommunicate_a person_n unaccountable_a uncorrigible_a by_o any_o superior_a on_o earth_n or_o some_o presbyter_n act_v in_o subordination_n to_o a_o large_a presbytery_n to_o who_o recourse_n may_v be_v have_v for_o recognosce_v their_o proceed_n and_o sentence_n and_o rectify_v it_o if_o amiss_o and_o if_o these_o haply_o fail_v than_o recourse_n may_v be_v have_v yet_o to_o a_o synod_n may_v be_v consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o minister_n and_o as_o many_o or_o more_o choice_n elder_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o whole_a province_n yea_o and_o if_o haply_o thâ—_n 〈◊〉_d a_o fail_v there_o recourse_n may_v be_v have_v to_o a_o synod_n of_o severaâ—â—undreds_n of_o the_o choice_a minister_n and_o elder_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n i_o say_v again_o â—et_a all_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v whether_o of_o these_o way_n be_v near_a to_o the_o papal_a power_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o foul_a misrepresentation_n that_o our_o interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n of_o jesuit_n of_o rheâ—s_n we_o confess_v we_o say_v as_o they_o because_o therein_o they_o say_v with_o the_o truth_n that_o authority_n of_o give_v sentence_n be_v not_o in_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whoâ—e_a church_n at_o the_o subject_n but_o for_o their_o good_a as_o the_o end_n and_o in_o this_o they_o say_v right_a than_o they_o that_o say_v the_o contrare_fw-la which_o they_o false_o ascribe_v to_o all_o protestant_n divine_v but_o the_o rhemist_n jesuit_n put_v that_o power_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o sole_a prelate_n officeâ—_n that_o be_v never_o of_o god_n appoint_v exclude_v all_o other_o minister_n of_o christ_n we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n disclaim_v all_o prelate_n maintain_v it_o to_o be_v in_o all_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o â—e_v exercise_v by_o they_o conjunctim_fw-la rhemist_n with_o other_o papist_n make_v their_o prelatical_a power_n and_o authority_n lordly_a sovereign_a dictatorian_n tyrannical_a oblige_v the_o people_n to_o absolute_a blind_a obedience_n we_o give_v no_o power_n to_o elder_n but_o ministerial_a the_o act_n and_o determination_n whereof_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o people_n in_o a_o way_n of_o blind_a obedience_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o by_o they_o be_v try_v and_o prove_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o private_a discretion_n whether_o they_o â—e_v agreeable_a to_o their_o rule_n the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o not_o 3._o when_o as_o mr._n locky_a say_v that_o god_n people_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o best_a liberty_n when_o they_o have_v not_o joint_a authoritative_a concurrence_n and_o vote_n in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n but_o these_o be_v only_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o that_o be_v a_o bondage_n to_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v little_a odds_n under_o who_o they_o have_v this_o bondage_n one_o prelate_n or_o many_o presbyter_n 1._o i_o think_v upon_o more_o serious_a advice_n and_o deliberation_n he_o will_v take_v up_o that_o word_n again_o where_o he_o call_v liberty_n of_o judicial_a authoritative_a vote_a in_o act_n of_o government_n the_o best_a liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n i_o think_v he_o will_v find_v they_o have_v liberty_n much_o better_o than_o that_o but_o 2._o do_v mr._n lockâ—…r_o indeed_o account_v it_o a_o deprive_v of_o people_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o a_o bondage_n to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o ruler_n with_o who_o they_o may_v not_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o join_v 〈◊〉_d â—…tively_o in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n certain_o this_o principâ—…â—s_n under_o his_o word_n here_o and_o believe_v though_o it_o may_v please_v leveller_n well_o for_o it_o be_v just_a their_o language_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o â—ellish_v very_o well_o to_o such_o as_o have_v the_o present_a government_n in_o their_o hand_n â—_o when_o he_o say_v that_o presbyter_n take_v power_n to_o themselves_o without_o the_o word_n viz._n in_o act_v in_o government_n without_o joint_a authoritative_a concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o may_v just_o have_v the_o same_o title_n with_o other_o usurper_n etc._n etc._n we_o say_v the_o author_n buâ—_n beg_v the_o question_n that_o they_o take_v that_o power_n without_o the_o 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o that_o they_o be_v ruler_n set_v over_o the_o church_n to_o govern_v they_o and_o people_n command_v to_o give_v obedience_n unto_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n â—nd_v therefore_o to_o call_v they_o as_o 〈◊〉_d who_o jesus_n christ_n never_o appoint_v to_o be_v ruler_n over_o his_o church_n usurper_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o call_v good_a evil_a and_o light_a darkness_n section_n 11_o the_o author_n second_o instance_n to_o make_v out_o his_o general_a assertion_n undertake_v sect_n 6._o be_v take_v from_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o where_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v present_a and_o diverse_a elder_n with_o they_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n as_o well_o for_o faith_n as_o practice_n yet_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o beginning_n carrying_z on_z or_o end_v of_o the_o same_o but_o with_o interess_v the_o congregation_n and_o the_o brethren_n their_o name_n be_v to_o the_o letter_n they_o speak_v in_o the_o assembly_n they_o have_v satisfaction_n by_o argument_n and_o not_o overbear_v by_o authority_n and_o these_o join_v their_o assent_n in_o send_v back_o choose_v messenger_n from_o among_o they_o as_o judas_z and_o silas_n to_o other_o church_n they_o be_v the_o apostle_n elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o join_v in_o it_o act_n 15._o 22_o 23._o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o church_n may_v be_v leave_v out_o it_o may_v have_v be_v at_o such_o a_o time_n aâ—_n this_o when_o the_o inspire_a apostle_n be_v present_a and_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o leave_v such_o a_o example_n to_o future_a church_n of_o such_o a_o way_n ans_fw-fr be_v mr._n lockier_n cause_n he_o plead_v for_o never_o so_o good_a yet_o i_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v it_o be_v ill_o manage_v in_o this_o instance_n if_o i_o have_v not_o ground_n to_o say_v so_o i_o â—ave_n to_o impartial_a man_n to_o