be_v not_o this_o fulfil_v in_o these_o time_n which_o we_o wish_v may_v well_o be_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o conceive_v may_v chief_o hinder_v this_o close_n be_v that_o point_n of_o church_n government_n which_o concern_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o here_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o distance_n be_v too_o great_a for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n we_o can_v see_v either_o by_o treatise_n or_o by_o the_o directory_n for_o worship_n that_o congregation_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v complete_a church_n especial_o stand_v among_o other_o church_n or_o that_o any_o power_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o administer_v church_n censure_n no_o not_o so_o long_o as_o they_o administer_v right_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n but_o all_o such_o power_n be_v take_v indeed_o from_o the_o church_n though_o in_o word_n they_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o strengthen_v they_o and_o if_o this_o also_o come_v down_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o to_o lesser_a synod_n the_o great_a part_n have_v power_n over_o the_o less_o as_o it_o be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la it_o will_v strike_v sore_o at_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n but_o what_o here_o to_o say_v of_o the_o distance_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o can_v tell_v we_o see_v or_o read_v nothing_o but_o that_o our_o dear_a and_o honour_a brethren_n do_v free_o embrace_v communion_n of_o church_n in_o consultative_a synod_n for_o the_o brotherly_a help_n of_o each_o other_o and_o the_o weak_a church_n yea_o and_o in_o a_o doctrinal_a way_n to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o threaten_v his_o judgement_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v refuse_v wholesome_a counsel_n and_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o such_o as_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o hear_v what_o be_v propound_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o here_o say_v but_o on_o the_o bend_a knee_n of_o our_o soul_n entreat_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n to_o consider_v what_o power_n any_o or_o many_o church_n can_v challenge_v over_o another_o to_o require_v they_o to_o give_v up_o their_o right_n to_o they_o to_o rule_v in_o common_a if_o a_o sister_n church_n furnish_v with_o officer_n shall_v refuse_v the_o same_o or_o what_o rule_n bind_v the_o church_n of_o a_o hundred_o or_o any_o such_o civil_a division_n to_o come_v into_o such_o a_o combination_n with_o those_o church_n rather_o than_o other_o if_o that_o refuse_v church_n have_v just_a reason_n to_o object_n against_o such_o church_n or_o their_o officer_n we_o think_v the_o more_o voluntary_a and_o free_a such_o consociation_n be_v the_o better_a here_o we_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o propound_v this_o one_o thing_n viz._n why_o may_v not_o the_o five_o and_o six_o article_n of_o agreement_n public_o profess_v to_o the_o world_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o prelatical_a petition_n obtain_v among_o our_o brethren_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o hope_n that_o the_o prelate_n be_v down_o the_o agreement_n will_v be_v easy_a as_o be_v there_o say_v viz._n ar._n 5._o each_o particular_a church_n have_v she_o own_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v without_o the_o express_a or_o tacit_n consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o matter_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o a_o particular_a church_n whether_o in_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o minister_n or_o in_o admit_v or_o excommunicate_v of_o member_n ar._n 6._o it_o be_v in_o many_o respect_v expedient_a both_o for_o the_o member_n of_o each_o church_n whether_o minister_n or_o people_n and_o for_o the_o right_a govern_n and_o well-being_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n that_o beside_o their_o particular_a assembly_n and_o eldership_n they_o meet_v by_o their_o commissioner_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o great_a assembly_n that_o matter_n that_o concern_v all_o the_o church_n within_o their_o bound_n respective_a may_v with_o common_a advice_n and_o consent_n be_v agree_v upon_o for_o their_o good_a and_o edification_n and_o we_o hope_v the_o lord_n may_v yet_o have_v such_o a_o mercy_n for_o england_n if_o the_o cry_a sin_n thereof_o be_v not_o still_o impenitent_o against_o this_o glorious_a shine_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n persist_v in_o which_o we_o confess_v be_v our_o great_a fear_n godly_a brethren_n we_o hope_v will_v agree_v if_o england_n sin_n hinder_v not_o we_o confess_v it_o be_v the_o sad_a news_n that_o this_o year_n come_v unto_o our_o ear_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v hardly_o like_a to_o obtain_v so_o much_o jealousy_n there_o be_v lest_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n shall_v cross_n the_o licentionsnesse_n of_o this_o age_n yea_o that_o general_o there_o be_v no_o more_o regard_n of_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n especial_o in_o personal_a reformation_n then_o if_o it_o be_v never_o make_v that_o many_o reject_v the_o reformation_n they_o seem_v to_o desire_v at_o the_o first_o these_o with_o other_o sad_a thing_n come_v to_o our_o ear_n which_o sadden_fw-mi our_o spirit_n oh_o england_n england_n our_o belove_a england_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o will_v it_o once_o be_v will_v thou_o still_o return_v the_o lord_n jesus_n gracious_o strive_v with_o thou_o for_o to_o save_v thou_o such_o a_o unkind_a answer_n we_o will_v not_o have_v this_o man_n reign_n over_o we_o have_v thou_o not_o yet_o learned_a so_o much_o wisdom_n as_o to_o kiss_v the_o son_n no_o not_o now_o when_o he_o be_v angry_a and_o the_o sword_n in_o his_o hand_n that_o voice_n of_o god_n sound_v oft_o in_o our_o ear_n when_o we_o think_v of_o england_n put_v off_o thy_o ornament_n that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o to_o do_v unto_o thou_o but_o for_o aught_o we_o hear_v the_o pride_n of_o england_n do_v never_o so_o much_o testify_v to_o their_o face_n as_o now_o when_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n be_v more_o suitable_a the_o lord_n humble_a the_o heart_n of_o our_o dear_a countryman_n or_o else_o we_o fear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n will_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o how_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v bear_v and_o endure_v that_o we_o tremble_v to_o think_v but_o what_o do_v we_o thus_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o and_o let_v loose_v our_o pen_n so_o far_o pardon_v we_o beseech_v you_o christian_a reader_n this_o seem_a boldness_n it_o be_v our_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o our_o dear_a country_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o it_o that_o have_v draw_v these_o thing_n from_o we_o say_v not_o what_o call_v have_v these_o thus_o to_o admonish_v and_o censure_v we_o censure_n we_o do_v not_o that_o we_o will_v do_v only_o to_o ourselves_o but_o faithful_o to_o admonish_v and_o exhort_v in_o the_o lord_n we_o hope_v we_o may_v presume_v neither_o have_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o this_o whole_a weighty_a work_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o at_o the_o request_n and_o call_v of_o divers_a our_o reverend_a brethren_n who_o voice_n herein_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v we_o accept_v that_o call_v out_o of_o any_o lust_n we_o have_v to_o contend_v or_o enter_v the_o list_n of_o disputation_n with_o any_o we_o love_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n and_o concord_n with_o all_o our_o dear_a and_o godly_a brethren_n too_o well_o to_o have_v any_o such_o end_n and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v and_o consider_v any_o return_n that_o may_v be_v make_v and_o we_o hope_v with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o must_v profess_v two_o thing_n chief_o incline_v we_o to_o undertake_v this_o work_n first_o to_o clear_v up_o such_o truth_n as_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v obscure_v by_o this_o reply_n second_o and_o that_o especial_o hope_v that_o what_o we_o shall_v write_v will_v tend_v rather_o to_o a_o peaceable_a heal_n of_o offence_n and_o difference_n than_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o have_v presume_v to_o preface_n thus_o far_o and_o so_o to_o present_v these_o our_o affectionate_a request_n to_o our_o dear_a brethren_n and_o countryman_n which_o we_o hearty_o recommend_v to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n and_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n who_o only_o can_v incline_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o god_n set_v before_o they_o though_o we_o be_v the_o mean_a and_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o take_v upon_o we_o thus_o to_o speak_v to_o our_o dear_a countryman_n yet_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n who_o put_v we_o into_o the_o ministry_n we_o
not_o the_o english_a church_n out_o of_o the_o number_n and_o herein_o we_o deal_v no_o otherwise_o with_o they_o then_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n reply_n all_o possible_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n we_o allow_v and_o commend_v so_o you_o deny_v not_o church_n privilege_n to_o who_o they_o be_v due_a nor_o the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o such_o as_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o table_n and_o seal_n and_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n your_o liberty_n to_o receive_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v be_v not_o question_v nor_o whether_o you_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n inviolable_a according_a to_o order_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v according_a too_o order_n to_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n true_a visible_a christian_n or_o know_v recommend_v christian_n former_o member_n of_o visible_a church_n among_o we_o and_o their_o child_n and_o to_o put_v such_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o such_o as_o be_v in_o your_o church_n order_n answ_n 1_o if_o the_o learned_a author_n will_v hold_v to_o what_o here_o be_v grant_v we_o hope_v this_o controversy_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o issue_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v after_o this_o order_n allow_v bind_v only_o in_o case_n of_o the_o minister_n to_o dispense_v sacrament_n but_o christian_n be_v leave_v at_o a_o loose_a end_n in_o respect_n of_o combine_v themselves_o unto_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o plead_v for_o 2_o we_o have_v not_o deny_v the_o name_n of_o church_n to_o such_o as_o be_v say_v to_o have_v plentiful_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n table_n seales_n and_o covenant_n 3_o concern_v the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n too_o much_o liberty_n be_v take_v as_o in_o other_o case_n for_o neither_o in_o the_o position_n or_o in_o our_o answer_n do_v we_o limit_v the_o question_n to_o member_n in_o our_o church_n order_n as_o here_o it_o be_v call_v but_o express_o extend_v the_o same_o to_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o through_o error_n or_o humane_a frailty_n defective_a in_o matter_n of_o order_n yea_o to_o the_o member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n as_o in_o the_o answer_n be_v say_v 2._o concern_v such_o as_o come_v over_o and_o be_v for_o a_o time_n without_o seal_n it_o be_v not_o because_o we_o refuse_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o be_v member_n of_o your_o church_n know_v or_o recommend_v christian_n as_o you_o say_v for_o if_o any_o godly_a man_n remain_v a_o member_n in_o any_o true_a church_n with_o you_o or_o elsewhere_o come_v so_o recommend_v or_o be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o church_n we_o never_o under_o that_o notion_n refuse_v any_o but_o give_v such_o other_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v shall_v ready_o receive_v they_o as_o we_o always_o profess_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v still_o call_v for_o attendance_n to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o question_n in_o its_o right_a term_n viz._n whether_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n or_o themselves_o though_o of_o approve_a piety_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n not_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o until_o they_o be_v such_o chap._n iu._n reply_n to_o the_o first_o consideration_n if_o by_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o peculiar_a privilege_n but_o if_o you_o understand_v a_o congregationall_a assembly_n the_o seal_n be_v never_o appropriate_v to_o it_o answ_n 1_o our_o meaning_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o reason_n allege_v against_o any_o such_o universal_a church_n as_o institute_v and_o political_a wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v dispense_v which_o reason_n you_o answer_v not_o but_o grant_v there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n in_o our_o sense_n pag._n 21._o and_o if_o no_o such_o church_n wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v administer_v as_o we_o prove_v than_o the_o cause_n itself_o be_v yield_v and_o the_o seal_n must_v belong_v to_o particular_a church_n 2._o see_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o this_o question_n turn_v upon_o this_o point_n to_o what_o church_n the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o seal_n belong_v we_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o open_v ourselves_o in_o this_o point_n and_o because_o we_o affect_v and_o study_v peace_n with_o truth_n we_o shall_v free_o acknowledge_v first_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_a effectual_o call_v throughout_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n so_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o visible_a believer_n and_o church_n of_o the_o world_n be_v as_o one_o body_n to_o he_o he_o govern_v protect_a instruct_v all_o as_o his_o visible_a body_n second_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o all_o office_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o as_o may_v appear_v the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v and_o by_o his_o providence_n call_v they_o to_o exercise_v one_o with_o another_o three_o we_o grant_v that_o all_o true_a believer_n wherever_o they_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n a_o true_a right_n and_o interest_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o but_o here_o we_o must_v first_o distinguish_v of_o these_o benefit_n of_o christ_n whereof_o some_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a inward_a and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o christ_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n as_o justification_n sanctification_n adoption_n access_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n some_o be_v outward_a and_o tend_v to_o the_o help_n and_o furtherance_n of_o our_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n be_v outward_a and_o visible_a mean_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v also_o extend_v to_o hypocrite_n be_v visible_a believer_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seal_n church-discipline_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o can_v be_v dispense_v by_o christ_n immediate_o nor_o ordinary_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n 2._o we_o distinguish_v of_o right_a to_o these_o outward_a benefit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v either_o remote_a call_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la or_o near_o and_o immediate_a call_v jus_o in_o râ—_n right_a to_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o fruition_n of_o it_o now_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n we_o grant_v all_o visible_a believer_n have_v a_o right_n to_o seal_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v mediante_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la visibili_fw-la now_o here_o lie_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v ordain_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o by_o the_o officer_n thereof_o all_o these_o outward_a visible_a privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v and_o immediate_o enjoy_v of_o the_o faithful_a or_o whether_o not_o the_o remote_a right_n but_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o these_o ordinance_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o sure_o to_o who_o one_o of_o these_o be_v give_v all_o be_v give_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o nature_n reason_n and_o use_v of_o all_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seal_n discipline_n all_o be_v outward_a ordinance_n privilege_n mean_n of_o grace_n belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n where_o christ_n have_v give_v one_o he_o have_v give_v all_o but_o we_o must_v confess_v however_o you_o call_v this_o a_o new_a church_n way_n it_o be_v new_a to_o we_o to_o read_v so_o much_o of_o late_a of_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n to_o which_o administration_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n belong_v we_o be_v yet_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o baynes_n parker_n and_o cartwright_n etc._n etc._n that_o have_v against_o papist_n and_o prelate_n maintain_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o institute_v catholic_n national_n or_o provincial_n church_n but_o only_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n both_o for_o the_o reason_n allege_v in_o our_o answer_n as_o also_o for_o the_o impossibility_n thereof_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n send_v his_o apostle_n into_o all_o the_o world_n therefore_o impossible_a both_o in_o regard_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o variety_n of_o language_n almost_o ever_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o so_o much_o as_o by_o representation_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o accident_n as_o may_v befall_v a_o particular_a church_n by_o sickness_n persecution_n etc._n etc._n
other_o gift_n set_v in_o the_o church_n he_o apply_v also_o to_o they_o chap._n 14._o whereas_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o divers_a gift_n in_o that_o church_n when_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o vers_n 23_o so_o he_o speak_v the_o same_o of_o himself_o a_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 6._o when_o i_o come_v &c_n &c_n we_o take_v notice_n of_o divers_a reason_n allege_v from_o the_o chapter_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o they_o do_v not_o enforce_v it_o for_o grant_v such_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o a_o sense_n viz._n that_o in_o it_o god_n work_v all_o in_o all_o in_o it_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o apostle_n scope_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o this_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o all_o be_v true_o applyable_a unto_o it_o this_o church_n come_v behind_o in_o no_o good_a gift_n chap._n 1._o 7._o this_o church_n be_v one_o body_n vers_fw-la 27._o and_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n bond_n or_o free_a the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n need_v the_o help_n one_o of_o another_o must_v not_o make_v schism_n in_o the_o body_n must_v care_v one_o for_o another_o etc._n etc._n yea_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o other_o gift_n be_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 6._o so_o that_o from_o the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o office_n and_o gift_n may_v be_v and_o be_v set_v in_o corinth_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n will_v not_o evince_v a_o catholic_n organical_a body_n yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o apostle_n be_v wedge_v in_o here_o but_o they_o be_v set_v also_o in_o every_o church_n as_o also_o teacher_n be_v in_o every_o church_n but_o each_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n the_o one_o limit_v the_o other_o not_o second_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o in_o this_o discourse_n the_o apostle_n also_o vers_fw-la 12_o 13._o intend_v the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v one_o christ_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v that_o these_o gift_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o this_o church_n but_o this_o will_v not_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o organical_a church_n for_o what_o be_v this_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o one_o christ_n into_o who_o all_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v proper_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o all_o age_n and_o so_o contain_v the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o catholic_n body_n of_o all_o age_n can_v proper_o make_v a_o organical_a body_n and_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o body_n be_v visible_a have_v visible_a ordinance_n baptize_v and_o drink_v into_o one_o body_n yet_o the_o apostle_n respect_v the_o real_a union_n of_o all_o the_o member_n to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o interpreter_n understand_v spiritual_a and_o effectual_a baptism_n contain_v the_o inward_a virtue_n with_o the_o outward_a sign_n again_o the_o apostle_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o the_o elect_a among_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n but_o that_o prove_v not_o all_o these_o elect_v who_o also_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n sheep_n john_n 10._o 16._o be_v a_o organical_a church_n or_o a_o part_n of_o it_o till_o call_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o a_o word_n apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v to_o and_o set_v in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o good_a they_o be_v intentional_o ordain_v of_o christ_n but_o not_o set_v in_o it_o as_o one_o organical_a body_n for_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a administration_n of_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o it_o but_o thus_o to_o it_o as_o gather_v into_o such_o church_n society_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v institute_v for_o that_o end_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o agree_v with_o learned_a mr._n rutherford_n libro_fw-la of_o the_o right_n of_o presbyt_fw-la pag._n 291._o ask_v say_v he_o to_o what_o end_n and_o to_o what_o first_o principal_a subject_n have_v the_o lord_n give_v reason_n and_o the_o faculty_n to_o discourse_v be_v it_o to_o peter_n john_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n and_o to_o they_o as_o for_o their_o good_a no_o no_o it_o be_v to_o and_o for_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n the_o case_n be_v just_a so_o here_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o god_n have_v set_v apostle_n etc._n etc._n we_o say_v also_o it_o be_v just_a so_o here_o as_o god_n have_v give_v reason_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n to_o mankind_n first_o and_o then_o to_o the_o individua_fw-la so_o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o mystical_a church_n for_o the_o good_a of_o it_o as_o chief_o intend_v by_o christ_n apostles_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o as_o in_o the_o actual_a dispense_n of_o this_o gift_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n reason_n be_v not_o give_v to_o any_o such_o body_n as_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n to_o descend_v to_o john_n peter_n etc._n etc._n but_o first_o to_o john_n peter_n and_o all_o the_o individuall_n that_o so_o by_o induction_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a kind_n of_o reasonable_a man_n may_v be_v make_v up_o and_o the_o end_n attain_v and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n in_o give_v officer_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n first_o yet_o in_o execution_n give_v these_o officer_n and_o set_v they_o in_o particular_a church_n that_o by_o the_o edification_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o particular_n the_o whole_a may_v be_v attain_v three_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o all_o gift_n and_o office_n in_o general_a and_o indefinite_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n indefinite_o consider_v but_o particular_a officer_n paul_n cephas_n apollo_n titus_n archippus_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v or_o set_v in_o particular_a church_n we_o mean_v according_a to_o the_o several_a nature_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o office_n as_o unto_o bee_n in_o general_n be_v give_v a_o power_n to_o gather_v honey_n and_o order_n themselves_o in_o their_o hive_n but_o in_o their_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o several_a swarm_n in_o the_o hive_n who_o have_v their_o queen_n etc._n etc._n to_o order_n themselves_o but_o as_o this_o power_n in_o general_n make_v not_o a_o universal_a organical_a body_n of_o bee_n no_o more_o here_o a_o universal_a organical_a church_n last_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o place_n in_o the_o utmost_a latitude_n of_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o mystical_a body_n that_o one_o body_n into_o which_o all_o be_v baptize_v vers_fw-la 13._o and_o that_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n of_o our_o brethren_n be_v this_o that_o because_o the_o church_n here_o mention_v have_v organ_n and_o political_a officer_n in_o it_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o make_v one_o political_a church_n where_o some_o organ_n be_v to_o rule_v in_o common_a and_o every_o part_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o whole_a for_o although_o the_o mystical_a church_n have_v organ_n and_o political_a officer_n in_o it_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v one_o political_a body_n for_o the_o invisible_a church_n conjoin_v with_o the_o visible_a have_v political_a officer_n set_v in_o it_o and_o give_v to_o it_o as_o invisible_a as_o well_o as_o visible_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n general_a designation_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o they_o to_o this_o whole_a church_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v one_o political_a body_n by_o actual_a combination_n thereunto_o actual_a combination_n we_o say_v for_o although_o christ_n institution_n must_v warrant_v and_o prescribe_v all_o form_n of_o political_a body_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v that_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o political_a society_n without_o actual_a combination_n whether_o civil_a or_o sacred_a whether_o national_a or_o more_o particular_a the_o mystical_a church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v organical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o officer_n among_o they_o in_o the_o several_a part_n thereof_o every_o part_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a spiritual_o though_o not_o political_o but_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v one_o political_a body_n but_o mystical_a political_a officer_n may_v and_o must_v suppose_v some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v visible_a but_o not_o that_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v political_a for_o the_o apostle_n by_o extraordinary_a commission_n for_o their_o time_n be_v officer_n of_o visible_a believer_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o combination_n as_o well_o as_o of_o particular_a combination_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o visible_a believer_n exist_v out_o of_o combination_n be_v a_o political_a society_n that_o will_v never_o meet_v to_o combine_v
particular_a society_n three_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a society_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n &_o if_o baptism_n must_v be_v administer_v in_o it_o why_o ought_v not_o why_o may_v not_o such_o join_v to_o that_o society_n at_o least_o as_o member_n for_o a_o time_n also_o when_o he_o say_v divers_a time_n that_o man_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n speak_v of_o such_o church_n as_o choose_v officer_n over_o they_o yea_o that_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v chrche_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o shall_v note_v in_o the_o answer_n now_o what_o do_v these_o argue_v but_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n make_v member_n and_o constitute_v church_n by_o baptism_n this_o be_v only_o sacramental_o and_o if_o so_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v real_o member_n of_o such_o church_n before_o baptism_n thus_o we_o have_v run_v through_o this_o large_a field_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v detain_v we_o long_o than_o we_o intend_v yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o union_n communion_n and_o combination_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v add_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n sometime_o as_o one_o body_n sometime_o as_o many_o and_o therefore_o call_v church_n and_o hence_o our_o care_n be_v to_o preserve_v not_o only_o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o many_o by_o particular_a combination_n but_o also_o their_o unity_n as_o be_v one_o by_o spiritual_a relation_n 2_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n we_o say_v for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n and_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulative_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privative_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o independency_n as_o that_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o contempt_n or_o careless_a neglect_n of_o sister_n church_n faciunt_fw-la favos_fw-la &_o vespae_fw-la faciunt_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la &_o marcionitae_n say_v terâ—ullian_n mar._n we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o other_o as_o be_v build_v upon_o usurpation_n and_o spoil_n of_o particular_a church_n have_v thus_o large_o digress_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o dispute_n in_o hand_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o we_o be_v the_o more_o brief_a in_o our_o answer_n to_o particular_n which_o now_o we_o shall_v attend_v unto_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n chap._n vi_o reply_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a as_o you_o say_v but_o also_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v of_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ordinary_a etc._n etc._n add_v these_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o foresee_v may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n and_o example_n but_o so_o as_o they_o cut_v asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n itself_o and_o make_v it_o of_o no_o force_n answ_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o reply_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o clear_v our_o meaning_n from_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o no_o way_n cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n as_o be_v object_v for_o whereas_o first_o you_o extend_v the_o opposite_a term_n extraordinary_a dispensation_n to_o the_o whole_a general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o baptize_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n we_o neither_o intend_v the_o first_o nor_o do_v we_o grant_v the_o second_o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n ordinary_o and_o general_o practise_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n in_o this_o point_n of_o baptise_v as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o leave_v their_o practice_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o shall_v stick_v to_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a power_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o also_o have_v sometime_o a_o immediate_a call_n unto_o some_o act_n and_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o warrant_v what_o they_o do_v therefore_o there_o be_v some_o of_o their_o action_n especial_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n not_o so_o assist_v may_v not_o do_v as_o in_o this_o case_n when_o they_o baptize_v in_o private_a house_n in_o the_o wilderness_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o some_o few_o case_n some_o do_v think_v they_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o if_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n be_v otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o ordinary_a not_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o sinew_n and_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n remain_v strong_a notwithstanding_o this_o word_n of_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o that_o this_o be_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o scripture_n cite_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o prove_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n among_o which_o act_v 2._o 41_o 42_o 47._o contain_v the_o apostle_n first_o practice_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v express_v and_o mr._n ball_n take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o afterward_o though_o in_o his_o print_a reply_n those_o quotation_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o story_n of_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n first_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v gather_v disciple_n into_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o time_n or_o season_n of_o do_v it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o their_o act_n yea_o sometime_o they_o be_v so_o sudden_o call_v away_o or_o enforce_v away_o by_o persecution_n after_o they_o have_v convert_v disciple_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o when_o they_o convert_v and_o baptize_v they_o as_o act_n 16_o 40._o &_o 17._o 5._o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n first_o and_o exemplary_a practiâ—â—_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o of_o their_o ordinary_a proceed_n therein_o the_o first_o convert_v which_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v after_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o be_v those_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n act_v 2._o 41._o concern_v who_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n not_o only_o preach_v unto_o they_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v but_o according_a to_o that_o commission_n mat._n 28._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o this_o imply_v a_o gather_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o
may_v ordinary_o be_v have_v or_o give_v to_o such_o as_o set_v loose_a from_o all_o society_n the_o apostle_n have_v extraordinary_a power_n be_v general_a pastor_n over_o all_o person_n believe_v as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o therefore_o at_o some_o time_n by_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o may_v do_v that_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o do_v reply_n second_o as_o the_o seal_n so_o the_o word_n of_o salvation_n preach_v and_o receive_v be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o by_o preach_v be_v mean_v the_o give_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o a_o people_n to_o abide_v and_o continue_v with_o they_o and_o consequent_o the_o receive_n of_o it_o at_o least_o in_o profession_n than_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o grant_v in_o some_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o proper_a to_o the_o church_n so_o to_o have_v the_o word_n but_o this_o no_o way_n take_v away_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o word_n which_o the_o answer_n make_v viz_o that_o the_o word_n be_v not_o such_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o seal_n in_o that_o the_o one_o be_v dispense_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n but_o also_o to_o other_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o seal_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n receive_v in_o corinth_n abide_v with_o they_o profess_v of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o peculiar_a but_o a_o idiot_n come_v in_o might_n partake_v in_o the_o same_o but_o not_o so_o in_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 14._o reply_n the_o word_n make_v disciple_n the_o word_n give_v unto_o a_o people_n be_v god_n covenant_v with_o they_o and_o the_o people_n receive_v this_o word_n and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o take_n of_o god_n to_o be_v their_o god_n the_o law_n and_o statute_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o israel_n be_v a_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o from_o all_o other_o people_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v send_v and_o give_v to_o the_o world_n reconcile_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n law_n or_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o disciple_n servant_n and_o people_n of_o god_n answ_n in_o these_o word_n and_o that_o which_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o paragraph_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o double_a scope_n first_o to_o prove_v the_o word_n proper_a to_o the_o church_n to_o which_o be_v answer_v afore_o second_o that_o wherever_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v the_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o so_o where_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v there_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o where_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o confess_v to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_v between_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v personal_a and_o so_o whosoever_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n by_o faith_n send_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n to_o be_v his_o and_o that_o before_o he_o make_v any_o visible_a profession_n thereof_o and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o disciple_n a_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o god_n people_n but_o many_o thousand_o of_o these_o consider_v only_o in_o this_o their_o personal_a relation_n to_o god_n do_v not_o make_v a_o visible_a church_n many_o such_o may_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n until_o they_o come_v and_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a or_o to_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o there_o be_v a_o social_a or_o common_a covenant_v between_o god_n and_o a_o people_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o they_o and_o they_o a_o people_n unto_o god_n in_o outward_a visible_a profession_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n take_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o covenant_n and_o renew_v that_o covenant_n with_o they_o as_o a_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o a_o people_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o church_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o they_o be_v many_o not_o one_o second_o that_o these_o many_o become_v one_o body_n one_o people_n three_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n real_o or_o vocal_o four_o that_o this_o covenant_n contain_v a_o profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n wherein_o god_n require_v a_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o before_o he_o and_o all_o these_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n who_o receive_v god_n law_n indeed_o but_o so_o as_o they_o become_v one_o people_n to_o god_n visible_o avouch_v god_n for_o their_o god_n receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o worship_n government_n and_o other_o ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v express_o or_o implicit_o in_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n though_o more_o or_o less_o full_o and_o pure_o now_o if_o you_o intend_v such_o a_o covenant_v of_o a_o people_n with_o god_n by_o a_o profess_a receive_v of_o his_o word_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o ordinance_n we_o grant_v such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n and_o to_o such_o the_o seal_n do_v belong_v and_o therefore_o we_o willing_o close_v with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o follow_v they_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o salvation_n entire_o and_o have_v pastor_n godly_a and_o faithful_a to_o feed_v and_o guide_v they_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n in_o order_n and_o they_o that_o join_v together_o in_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n with_o godly_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n they_o have_v right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o divine_a institution_n these_o conclusion_n we_o willing_o embrace_v and_o infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o church_n then_o to_o particular_a congregation_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o people_n join_v together_o with_o godly_a pastor_n but_o in_o such_o particular_a assembly_n for_o we_o doubt_v not_o our_o brethren_n do_v disclaim_v all_o diocesan_n pastor_n or_o provincial_n etc._n etc._n reply_n that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o visible_a catholic_n church_n in_o your_o sense_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v grant_v in_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o catholic_n church_n wherein_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v then_o it_o will_v fall_v to_o be_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o particular_a congregation_n to_o have_v the_o seal_n in_o the_o administration_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v yield_v but_o because_o there_o be_v so_o much_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o so_o much_o urge_v from_o it_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o be_v say_v before_o only_o one_o thing_n we_o shall_v note_v about_o the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n but_o of_o no_o particular_a society_n reply_n you_o say_v it_o be_v evidence_v in_o that_o a_o christian_n as_o athanasius_n for_o a_o example_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o unjust_o from_o the_o particular_a visible_a church_n wherein_o he_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a orthodox_n church_n answ_n this_o case_n prove_v nothing_o for_o look_v how_o such_o a_o christian_a stand_v to_o the_o catholic_n so_o he_o stand_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o be_v unjust_o censure_v as_o he_o remain_v before_o god_n a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n so_o also_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la and_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n and_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o the_o seal_n if_o they_o receive_v he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o be_v unjust_o cast_v out_o they_o may_v receive_v he_o not_o for_o his_o general_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o true_a membership_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o unjust_o cast_v he_o out_o whereas_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o persuade_v but_o that_o he_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o admit_v he_o to_o seal_n be_v he_o as_o orthodox_n as_o athanasius_n himself_o in_o doctrine_n and_o as_o holy_a in_o his_o life_n reply_n though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o visible_a assembly_n or_o society_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v which_o have_v not_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n or_o society_n in_o church-order_n for_o every_o society_n in_o
believer_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rom._n 16._o 1._o we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o orderly_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o a_o other_o be_v recommend_v thereunto_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a for_o any_o not_o in_o church_n order_n at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a relation_n with_o that_o pastor_n and_o flock_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o regard_n of_o immediate_a right_n that_o the_o one_o have_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v out_o of_o that_o order_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o order_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o reply_n if_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o sundry_a member_n of_o particular_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o supper_n we_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o as_o unlawful_a although_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n over_o they_o etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o suâ—h_v a_o assembly_n may_v pray_v together_o be_v no_o question_n for_o every_o family_n may_v do_v so_o and_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o supper_n also_o in_o a_o right_a order_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o meet_v where_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a institute_v church_n they_o may_v have_v communion_n therewith_o in_o the_o supper_n be_v many_o as_o well_o as_o few_o but_o whether_o they_o may_v as_o a_o church_n be_v no_o political_a body_n but_o member_n of_o many_o political_a church_n administer_v church_n ordinance_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n we_o will_v see_v some_o reason_n before_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o some_o do_v account_v such_o a_o synod_n ecclesia_fw-la orta_fw-la yet_o not_o proper_o such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n authority_n and_o privilege_n belong_v thereto_o they_o may_v consult_v and_o doctrinal_o determine_v of_o case_n of_o that_o assembly_n act_v 15._o but_o further_a to_o proceed_v we_o see_v no_o rule_n nor_o pattern_n beside_o if_o such_o a_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n may_v administer_v seal_n why_o may_v not_o any_o other_o assembly_n of_o church_n member_n or_o minister_n do_v the_o samâ—_n and_o so_o this_o power_n will_v be_v carry_v without_o limitation_n we_o know_v not_o how_o far_o if_o they_o once_o depart_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n chap._n viii_o consid_n 3._o reply_n to_o the_o three_o consideration_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o ever_o think_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o old_a visible_a believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v to_o the_o society_n of_o abraham_n family_n to_o exclude_v job_n melchisedeck_v etc._n etc._n because_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v wellnigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o to_o debar_v know_v approve_v christian_n etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o this_o reason_n make_v not_o against_o itself_o mr._n ball_n himself_o have_v clear_v when_o he_o state_v our_o consideration_n true_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v as_o will_v appear_v however_o here_o he_o somewhat_o trouble_v the_o water_n needlesse_o that_o the_o ground_n may_v not_o appear_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o answer_n which_o deny_v melchisedech_n job_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o time_n indeed_o we_o instance_n in_o they_o as_o person_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o mention_v their_o membership_n in_o family_n church_n as_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n if_o they_o have_v not_o right_a to_o circumcision_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n except_o they_o join_v to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o after_o to_o the_o same_o church_n in_o israel_n and_o the_o more_o special_a church_n relation_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v require_v to_o circumcision_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o force_n of_o our_o reason_n not_o the_o weak_a for_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o it_o follow_v that_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o though_o visible_o profess_v the_o faith_n except_o they_o join_v also_o to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o or_o in_o which_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v and_o give_v reply_n the_o true_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o abraham_n family_n or_o the_o people_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n no_o more_o may_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v now_o to_o any_o believer_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n these_o word_n right_o state_v the_o consideration_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o any_o way_n it_o make_v against_o itself_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n first_o to_o darken_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n reply_n the_o strength_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o parity_n between_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n but_o this_o parity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o yourselves_o allege_v to_o unfold_v it_o more_o full_o we_o will_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o wherein_o the_o sacrament_n agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v answ_n it_o matter_n not_o in_o how_o many_o thing_n the_o sacrament_n differ_v so_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n question_v and_o though_o we_o may_v raise_v dispute_n and_o query_n about_o some_o particular_n in_o this_o large_a discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o head_n yet_o see_v here_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o the_o parity_n in_o the_o point_n now_o question_v viz._n concern_v the_o person_n to_o who_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v take_v what_o be_v grant_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o they_o agree_v in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o the_o order_n of_o administration_n if_o the_o right_a proportion_n be_v observe_v now_o that_o we_o â—â—ld_v the_o right_a proportion_n in_o the_o person_n may_v appear_v first_o in_o that_o as_o be_v grant_v circumcision_n seal_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n whereby_o on_o god_n part_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o many_o special_a blessing_n whereof_o lot_n and_o other_o not_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o whereby_o abraham_n his_o seed_n and_o family_n be_v bind_v for_o their_o part_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o other_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o answ_n second_o as_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v abraham_n and_o his_o household_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a jew_n that_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o therefore_o not_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o for_o then_o lot_n have_v be_v include_v so_o by_o right_a proportion_n not_o all_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o but_o such_o as_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n when_o and_o to_o which_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v give_v and_o therefore_o as_o all_o family_n church_n but_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v exclude_v so_o much_o more_o such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o visible_a constitute_v church_n at_o all_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o proposition_n itself_o certain_a it_o be_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n to_o man_n in_o covenant_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o that_o in_o abraham_n time_n none_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o join_v not_o to_o abraham_n family_n we_o have_v
visible_a member_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n understand_v that_o particular_a church_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v cast_v so_o the_o right_n of_o baptism_n belong_v to_o their_o infant_n which_o be_v so_o they_o be_v not_o without_o that_o church_n though_o debar_v unjust_o of_o the_o present_a communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o renounce_v that_o church_n or_o other_o reply_n second_o if_o such_o church_n renounce_v it_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o a_o politic_a spiritual_a fellowship_n be_v without_o than_o the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n be_v without_o unto_o another_o etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o objection_n we_o have_v have_v and_o answer_v oft_o before_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v be_v the_o like_a reason_n no_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o other_o church_n who_o may_v in_o a_o due_a order_n of_o christ_n persecute_v the_o censure_n against_o they_o though_o not_o complete_o among_o themselves_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o any_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v without_o to_o corinth_n but_o without_o to_o all_o church_n reply_n three_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n do_v they_o not_o explain_v who_o the_o apostle_n point_v unto_o by_o the_o title_n of_o be_v without_o verse_n the_o 10._o 11._o such_o as_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n answ_n we_o never_o think_v otherwise_o but_o that_o the_o fornicator_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o heathen_a be_v most_o proper_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o if_o our_o word_n be_v observe_v that_o in_o a_o certain_a respect_n or_o as_o our_o word_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o church_n society_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o what_o great_a offence_n have_v we_o give_v for_o first_o be_v not_o a_o godly_a man_n if_o just_o excommunicate_v without_o in_o this_o sense_n second_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n john_n express_o call_v they_o without_o that_o forsake_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o saying_n they_o go_v out_o three_o be_v not_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la of_o old_a in_o this_o respect_n without_o and_o the_o lapse_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_a who_o in_o those_o zealous_a and_o severe_a time_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v without_o but_o stand_v without_o though_o weep_v and_o pray_v as_o penitent_n at_o the_o church_n door_n sometime_o for_o two_o or_o three_o year_n and_o after_o this_o degree_n of_o preparation_n for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v three_o more_o before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o severity_n though_o we_o approve_v not_o yet_o it_o may_v mollify_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v offend_v at_o such_o a_o word_n from_o we_o four_o our_o saviour_n himself_o express_o say_v and_o that_o not_o only_o of_o those_o of_o no_o church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o his_o ordinary_a hearer_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o man_n without_o and_o therefore_o this_o application_n of_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o need_v not_o be_v call_v insolent_a or_o raise_v such_o a_o hubbub_n abroad_o as_o we_o perceive_v it_o do_v reply_n four_o church_n order_n be_v necessary_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n by_o covenant_n to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n or_o to_o give_v he_o title_n or_o interest_n to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n this_o be_v but_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o the_o position_n itself_o but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o public_a order_n we_o know_v not_o or_o where_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v necessary_a can_v be_v find_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o where_o teach_v in_o this_o reply_n and_o we_o will_v glad_o learn_v how_o that_o church_n shall_v orderly_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o man_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n that_o be_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n reply_n five_o paul_n divide_v all_o man_n into_o two_o rank_n the_o first_o and_o great_a without_o the_o last_o and_o lesser_a within_o but_o that_o believer_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v reckon_v without_o we_o read_v not_o in_o any_o scripture_n but_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n heretic_n themselves_o be_v within_o 1_o john_n 2_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o answ_n all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o this_o objection_n except_o the_o last_o clause_n be_v but_o a_o repeat_v denial_n of_o the_o conclusion_n in_o other_o word_n to_o the_o objection_n about_o heretic_n within_o we_o grant_v they_o be_v within_o till_o cast_v out_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 1_o john_n 2._o 19_o and_o if_o go_v out_o how_o be_v they_o within_o and_o so_o if_o a_o orthodox_n professor_n will_v froward_o forsake_v all_o church_n and_o live_v alone_o or_o among_o the_o heathen_a how_o be_v he_o within_o we_o speak_v only_o in_o general_n reply_n six_o this_o have_v not_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n faith_n and_o what_o we_o have_v say_v before_o may_v satisfy_v here_o reply_n seven_o without_o be_v dog_n etc._n etc._n rev._n 22._o 15._o not_o such_o as_o be_v faithful_a holy_a etc._n etc._n answ_n true_o proper_o such_o be_v without_o not_o these_o yet_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o have_v be_v say_v other_o also_o may_v be_v without_o as_o such_o as_o forsake_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v before_o say_v more_o full_o reply_n eight_o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o pass_v such_o rash_a censure_n upon_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v not_o gather_v into_o the_o society_n as_o set_v member_n answ_n to_o say_v some_o believer_n may_v be_v without_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v far_o from_o such_o a_o censure_n the_o scripture_n say_v of_o israel_n in_o their_o corrupt_a estate_n and_o defect_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v a_o long_a time_n without_o god_n without_o law_n without_o a_o teach_a priest_n yet_o that_o hard_a expression_n do_v not_o equal_v they_o with_o the_o heathen_a much_o less_o to_o say_v some_o believer_n be_v without_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n and_o we_o judge_v no_o otherwise_o of_o such_o then_o of_o ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o like_a case_n reply_n nine_o let_v this_o interpretation_n stand_v and_o he_o shall_v be_v without_o also_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o community_n of_o the_o particular_a combination_n few_o or_o many_o without_z or_o with_o officer_n and_o so_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n that_o ascribe_v the_o key_n to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la and_o not_o to_o the_o community_n and_o some_o among_o yourselves_o if_o not_o most_o shall_v be_v without_o also_o and_o therefore_o we_o can_v think_v that_o approve_a christian_n desire_v seal_n be_v either_o without_o or_o not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n if_o they_o offend_v though_o no_o set_a member_n for_o desire_v seal_n they_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n for_o a_o time_n and_o may_v be_v proceed_v withal_o as_o offend_a member_n answ_n this_o objection_n have_v no_o colour_n without_o extreme_a strain_n of_o our_o application_n of_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o see_v we_o never_o limit_v the_o position_n to_o church_n of_o the_o same_o judgement_n or_o in_o like_a degree_n of_o order_n to_o we_o it_o be_v only_o a_o force_a odium_fw-la which_o be_v cast_v upon_o we_o but_o we_o can_v bear_v more_o at_o our_o brethren_n hand_n neither_o do_v we_o know_v any_o church_n or_o elder_a that_o ascribe_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la exclude_v the_o community_n among_o we_o second_o for_o that_o objection_n that_o such_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o time_n if_o with_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n they_o desire_v seal_n it_o be_v something_o but_o that_o the_o very_o desire_v of_o seal_n do_v include_v such_o a_o subjection_n in_o itself_o be_v but_o for_o this_o or_o that_o act_n of_o administration_n
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
the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v relative_n than_o he_o that_o may_v just_o for_o ever_o be_v hinder_v of_o all_o execution_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v his_o flock_n or_o can_v so_o much_o as_o just_o approve_v and_o admonish_v they_o for_o the_o same_o sure_o he_o have_v a_o poor_a office_n and_o ministry_n but_o such_o a_o minister_n that_o have_v no_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v his_o flock_n under_o his_o charge_n may_v just_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o can_v censure_v or_o reprove_v his_o catholic_n or_o usual_a church_n for_o the_o same_o therefore_o he_o be_v indeed_o no_o minister_n and_o and_o have_v no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n chap._n xvii_o position_n 8._o that_o one_o minister_n can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n reply_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o solemn_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n be_v proper_o ministerial_a etc._n etc._n answ_n concern_v our_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o position_n we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o position_n to_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o here_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o our_o expression_n that_o a_o minister_n exercise_v in_o another_o church_n do_v it_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o call_n but_o only_o by_o his_o gift_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o may_v occasion_v stumble_v yet_o the_o the_o next_o word_n follow_v do_v full_o express_v our_o mind_n viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o such_o a_o ministerial_a act_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v perform_v to_o that_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n for_o so_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n with_o that_o authority_n he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o which_o further_o clear_v up_o our_o expression_n in_o the_o second_o consideration_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o none_o but_o his_o proper_a flock_n although_o some_o act_n of_o his_o office_n may_v extend_v beyond_o his_o own_o flock_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v still_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o any_o minister_n so_o exercise_v in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v once_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o what_o authority_n do_v thou_o these_o thing_n let_v he_o study_v how_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n for_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o learn_v it_o from_o this_o reply_n we_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o godly_a learned_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o possible_o may_v be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o think_v that_o a_o minister_n preach_v in_o another_o congregation_n do_v it_o only_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n as_o the_o refuter_fw-la of_o doctor_n downam_n with_o other_o in_o former_a time_n of_o reformation_n believe_v also_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o if_o any_o difference_n appear_v herein_o it_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n for_o substance_n we_o maintain_v if_o by_o sundry_a line_n we_o all_o meet_v at_o last_o in_o the_o same_o point_n finis_fw-la with_fw-mi peâ—_n mart._n loc._n com._n de_fw-fr excom_n brin_n watch_v part_v 3._o cap._n 10._o jun._n lib._n 1._o paral_n 6._o g._n apol._n cap._n 7._o q._n 2._o ibid._n p._n 138._o peter_n martyr_n in_o 1_o king_n 12._o verse_n 31._o peâ—_n mart._n com._n lâ—c_fw-fr de_fw-fr idol_n in_o praec_fw-la l._n 1._o john_n 2_o 15_o 16._o conc._n miliv_n can._n 12._o tertull._n apol._n cap._n 30._o vid._n chemnit_fw-la ex._n de_fw-fr innoc._n sanctorum_fw-la vid._n birth_n of_o heresy_n out_o of_o elasopolitans_n comment_n pet._n mart._n loc_n come_v de_fw-fr idol_n whit._n de_fw-fr eccle._n 1_o cor._n 15._o 47â—_n vid._n brightm_n an._n in_o loc._n cypr._n lib._n 3._o epist_n 13._o cypr._n lib._n 4._o epist_n 7._o 7._o right_o of_o presbyt_fw-la pag._n 482._o page_n 22._o page_n 68_o tertul._n lib._n 4._o com._n mar._n mar._n calvin_n epist_n 332._o chamier_n de_fw-fr euchar_n cap._n 13._o peâ—_n mart._n the_o excom_n loâ—_n com._n com._n official_a lâ—b_n 1._o â—ap_n 6._o 7_o rev._n 2._o 2_o and_o 3._o 9_o act_n â—â—8_z â—_o 37._o 19_o â—7_n â—â—_o â—9_n cham._n de_fw-fr bap._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 15._o
mind_v from_o we_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o melanchthon_n do_v in_o another_o the_o like_a case_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o bosom_n the_o name_n of_o this_o servant_n of_o christ_n now_o asleep_a be_v a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o and_o precious_a to_o we_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v wish_v it_o our_o portion_n to_o have_v answer_v the_o book_n without_o the_o least_o reflect_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o necessity_n herein_o be_v unavoidable_a this_o only_a we_o add_v that_o whatever_o weakness_n may_v pass_v from_o we_o let_v they_o not_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o set_v we_o on_o work_n and_o have_v want_v leisure_n to_o review_v what_o be_v here_o do_v every_o one_o may_v not_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o we_o for_o they_o may_v meet_v we_o in_o the_o same_o end_n though_o they_o use_v not_o the_o same_o argument_n or_o become_v follower_n of_o we_o in_o the_o same_o path_n yet_o we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o alone_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o may_v safe_o say_v thus_o much_o that_o what_o be_v here_o defend_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v in_o these_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o defence_n of_o the_o nine_o position_n chap._n i._n concern_v the_o title_n whereas_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a churchway_n we_o little_o expect_v that_o brethren_n studious_a of_o reformation_n who_o have_v be_v so_o exercise_v with_o imputation_n of_o novelty_n will_v have_v so_o ready_o and_o in_o the_o frontispiece_n cast_v the_o same_o upon_o we_o who_o with_o they_o desire_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o first_o way_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n but_o as_o in_o most_o substantial_a point_n of_o church-order_n we_o go_v along_o with_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n so_o we_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o wherein_o we_o press_v after_o further_a reformation_n seem_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o yet_o we_o build_v upon_o scripture_n ground_n acknowledge_v by_o many_o godly_a and_o learned_a reformer_n in_o our_o english_a and_o other_o reform_a church_n which_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v in_o mercy_n give_v we_o further_o light_n or_o rather_o opportunity_n to_o practice_v than_o they_o have_v let_v it_o not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o novelty_n a_o new_a edition_n of_o the_o old_a churchway_n of_o godly_a reformer_n in_o some_o thing_n perhaps_o correct_v and_o amend_v be_v no_o new_a churchway_n or_o if_o it_o be_v think_v the_o mend_n of_o some_o crook_n in_o the_o old_a way_n make_v a_o new_a way_n we_o answer_v with_o junius_n in_o a_o case_n not_o unlike_a vteunque_fw-la novam_fw-la esse_fw-la videatur_fw-la attamen_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la sunt_fw-la vetera_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la nova_fw-la ac_fw-la non_fw-la propterea_fw-la novitatiâ—_n nomine_fw-la vitiosa_fw-la 6._o nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr novam_fw-la pro_fw-la renovatâ_fw-la &_o restitutâ_fw-la accipitis_fw-la quo_fw-la sensu_fw-la novam_fw-la esse_fw-la hanc_fw-la viam_fw-la agnoscimus_fw-la one_o thing_n more_o in_o the_o title_n page_n the_o reader_n be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v this_o treatise_n of_o mr._n ball_n be_v pen_v a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n and_o send_v over_o 1637._o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o the_o printer_n for_o the_o nine_o question_n themselves_o be_v send_v over_o 1636_o the_o answer_n return_v 38_o but_o miscarry_v another_o be_v send_v 39_o from_o which_o time_n we_o longing_o expect_v a_o return_n but_o partly_o for_o the_o reason_n render_v in_o the_o epistle_n and_o what_o else_o we_o know_v not_o we_o never_o in_o so_o many_o year_n receive_v any_o till_o this_o print_a reply_n by_o a_o friend_n mean_n come_v occasional_o to_o our_o hand_n 1644._o concern_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n whereas_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o treatise_n impute_v unto_o we_o or_o some_o relate_v to_o our_o cause_n that_o we_o be_v the_o volunteer_n such_o as_o cry_v up_o this_o way_n and_o forward_o to_o blow_v such_o thing_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n which_o press_v they_o to_o make_v this_o controversy_n public_a 1_o we_o may_v true_o profess_v before_o the_o world_n that_o our_o epistle_n send_v with_o our_o former_a answer_n proceed_v from_o a_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n with_o a_o humble_a willingness_n to_o receive_v further_a light_n by_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a animadversion_n of_o our_o reverend_a and_o belove_a brethren_n which_o we_o earnest_o expect_v as_o man_n search_v after_o the_o truth_n 2_o that_o we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o print_n of_o that_o our_o answer_n and_o in_o that_o it_o be_v publish_v then_o be_v not_o without_o our_o utter_a dislike_n we_o have_v neither_o sound_v trumpet_n nor_o strike_v up_o drum_n to_o any_o if_o any_o such_o volunteer_n we_o hearty_o grieve_v that_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n between_o brethren_n much_o more_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v publish_v most_o of_o all_o if_o before_o they_o be_v private_o debate_v and_o bring_v to_o some_o head_n by_o mutual_a consent_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v send_v out_o to_o public_a consideration_n 3_o for_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n we_o know_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o apology_n of_o our_o brother_n mr._n thomas_n weld_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o w._n r._n pag._n 2._o obj._n 3_o answ_n 1._o where_o he_o profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o of_o our_o way_n a_o loathness_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n and_o that_o although_o they_o have_v book_n of_o this_o subject_a ready_a for_o the_o press_n yet_o by_o joint_a consent_n they_o suppress_v they_o happy_o to_o the_o detriment_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v unwilling_a to_o blow_v a_o fire_n and_o whether_o they_o appear_v in_o pulpit_n or_o press_n without_o instigation_n and_o how_o spare_o he_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o godly_a to_o judge_v 4_o last_o we_o desire_v our_o brethren_n to_o consider_v the_o date_n of_o mr._n ball_n his_o book_n print_v for_o stint_a liturgy_n one_o chief_a part_n of_o this_o controversy_n and_o the_o print_a answer_n to_o the_o nine_o question_n and_o let_v that_o resolve_v the_o question_n who_o of_o we_o come_v first_o volunteer_n into_o the_o field_n and_o if_o any_o through_o weakness_n or_o zeal_n without_o knowledge_n have_v be_v too_o clamorous_a to_o cry_v up_o new-england_n way_n with_o reproach_n to_o other_o we_o desire_v the_o world_n to_o take_v notice_n that_o they_o have_v neither_o patent_n nor_o pattern_n from_o we_o so_o to_o do_v who_o come_v not_o hither_o proud_o to_o censure_v other_o but_o to_o reform_v our_o own_o chap._n ii_o qu._n 1._o that_o a_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o set_a liturgy_n iâ—_n unlawful_a reply_n this_o position_n can_v bear_v that_o meaning_n which_o you_o give_v it_o if_o you_o take_v it_o according_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o plain_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n we_o never_o question_v why_o you_o make_v not_o use_v of_o a_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n answ_n let_v our_o answer_n be_v view_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o premise_v those_o distinction_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n into_o private_a and_o public_a and_o public_a into_o such_o as_o be_v impose_v by_o other_o or_o compose_v and_o use_v by_o minister_n themselves_o before_o their_o sermon_n otherwise_o we_o must_v have_v involve_v such_o in_o the_o position_n as_o we_o do_v not_o condemn_v now_o if_o your_o general_a thesis_fw-la just_o admit_v such_o limitation_n to_o public_a impose_v form_n where_o shall_v we_o find_v any_o set_n stint_v impose_v liturgy_n but_o in_o church_n of_o the_o papacy_n or_o prelacy_n no_o reform_a church_n stint_v or_o impose_v their_o form_n of_o prayer_n but_o leave_v minister_n and_o people_n at_o much_o liberty_n only_o the_o english_a liturgy_n therefore_o be_v such_o according_a to_o the_o plain_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n 2_o concern_v your_o mind_n in_o the_o position_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o you_o may_v intend_v to_o draw_v from_o we_o a_o approbation_n of_o stint_a liturgy_n in_o general_a that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v to_o stay_v the_o separation_n of_o people_n from_o your_o liturgy_n whereof_o you_o complain_v but_o by_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o what_o your_o chief_a scope_n and_o aim_n be_v in_o the_o position_n according_a unto_o which_o we_o think_v it_o most_o safe_a and_o pertinent_a for_o we_o to_o answer_v and_o this_o we_o do_v the_o rather_o for_o our_o reason_n mention_v in_o our_o letter_n because_o though_o all_o of_o we_o can_v not_o concur_v to_o condemn_v all_o set_a form_n as_o unlawful_a yet_o we_o can_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o though_o some_o set_v form_n may_v be_v lawful_a yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o this_o of_o the_o english_a liturgy_n be_v therefore_o to_o
knowledge_n of_o and_o if_o any_o by_o such_o write_n do_v abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o such_o corruption_n as_o their_o conscience_n will_v be_v defile_v with_o no_o hindrance_n from_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n but_o that_o you_o may_v call_v they_o to_o account_v before_o the_o church_n and_o convince_v and_o censure_v they_o if_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o mr._n p._n in_o fly_v present_o to_o the_o classis_fw-la chap._n iii_o 2_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n where_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v or_o as_o we_o conceive_v your_o meaning_n to_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a etc._n etc._n viz._n where_o and_o when_o that_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v reply_n if_o we_o mistake_v not_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n both_o you_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o both_o that_o you_o call_v the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o this_o more_o moderate_a also_o and_o we_o humble_o wish_v that_o the_o moderate_a do_v not_o degenerate_a into_o the_o rigid_a ere_o long_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a if_o they_o take_v not_o great_a encouragement_n upon_o your_o ground_n answ_n if_o you_o will_v needs_o account_v not_o join_v in_o that_o stint_v impose_v liturgy_n to_o be_v a_o moderate_a separation_n we_o must_v confess_v we_o have_v witness_v against_o such_o separation_n yea_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o that_o corrupt_a worship_n but_o also_o to_o divers_a of_o the_o ceremony_n thereof_o some_o of_o we_o with_o shame_n before_o the_o lord_n may_v confess_v it_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n since_o discover_v to_o we_o but_o we_o have_v ever_o conceive_v that_o the_o separation_n witness_v against_o both_o by_o yourselves_o and_o we_o have_v be_v such_o as_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o true_a church_n the_o ministry_n as_o no_o true_a ministry_n their_o separation_n from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n their_o endeavour_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o purity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n with_o we_o have_v always_o approve_v and_o the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n be_v not_o about_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o separation_n more_o moderate_a from_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n of_o england_n but_o whether_o the_o liturgy_n of_o england_n be_v not_o indeed_o one_o of_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n which_o you_o and_o we_o have_v need_n reject_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ceremony_n and_o no_o long_o conform_v to_o the_o same_o and_o we_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o grow_a endeavour_n of_o the_o godly_a after_o more_o purity_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o too_o rash_o brand_v with_o the_o odium_fw-la of_o separation_n and_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o degenerate_v into_o the_o rigid_a separation_n we_o think_v you_o need_v not_o fear_v it_o upon_o our_o principle_n no_o more_o then_o upon_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o nonconformist_n and_o you_o know_v what_o they_o infer_v upon_o those_o principle_n now_o just_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o consider_v as_o well_o as_o we_o but_o as_o it_o be_v true_o observe_v in_o england_n it_o be_v the_o justification_n and_o press_v of_o ceremony_n and_o other_o corruption_n that_o drive_v many_o to_o separation_n not_o the_o endeavour_n of_o further_a reformation_n so_o you_o may_v fear_v the_o too_o too_o much_o conformity_n of_o minister_n to_o humane_a imposition_n and_o justification_n of_o the_o liturgy_n etc._n etc._n have_v and_o will_v more_o dangerous_o alienate_v godly_a mind_n from_o your_o church_n and_o ministry_n and_o so_o drive_v to_o separation_n then_o all_o the_o principle_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o way_n of_o reformation_n and_o we_o shall_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a and_o common_a experience_n whether_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o the_o liturgy_n or_o contrary_a conformity_n to_o it_o be_v the_o great_a block_n of_o offence_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o separatist_n most_o which_o yet_o you_o after_o object_n unto_o we_o we_o suppose_v the_o worthy_n of_o this_o renown_a parliament_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n will_v not_o so_o soon_o have_v remove_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o this_o book_n nor_o whole_o stop_v up_o this_o pit_n if_o build_v of_o battlement_n about_o it_o and_o keep_v watchman_n near_o it_o to_o bid_v passenger_n take_v heed_n have_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o cure_v separation_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n will_v have_v be_v in_o more_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o we_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o tender_o we_o return_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n then_o of_o those_o faithful_a witness_n in_o scotland_n who_o separate_v their_o life_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o communicate_v in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o book_n and_o yet_o we_o think_v they_o deserve_v a_o better_a place_n then_o to_o be_v rank_v so_o near_o to_o the_o rigid_a separation_n notwithstanding_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v hearty_o thankful_a for_o what_o he_o humble_o wish_v and_o for_o his_o jealousy_n over_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v godly_a but_o so_o far_o as_o such_o wish_n cast_v a_o cloud_n of_o evil_a suspicion_n over_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v fast_a than_o we_o know_v where_o to_o stay_v we_o wish_v humble_o such_o word_n have_v be_v spare_v till_o some_o other_o time_n concern_v this_o distinction_n a_o letter_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v cite_v print_v without_o the_o author_n knowledge_n that_o put_v a_o difference_n indeed_o between_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o separatist_n proper_a to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n and_o other_o reason_n use_v by_o himself_o common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o letter_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o distinction_n of_o separation_n rigid_a and_o moderate_a only_o if_o you_o will_v a_o separation_n from_o church_n and_o separation_n from_o the_o sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o church_n which_o latter_a be_v all_o we_o profess_v 2_o those_o reason_n which_o the_o letter_n ascribe_v to_o they_o qua_fw-la tale_n will_v we_o suppose_v be_v find_v in_o their_o book_n thus_o far_o that_o the_o prayer_n preach_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v unlawful_a because_o offer_v in_o a_o false_a church_n by_o a_o false_a ministry_n for_o the_o subject_n of_o antichrist_n kingdom_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o separatist_n in_o the_o world_n because_o none_o it_o be_v say_v none_o plead_v against_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n as_o unlawful_a because_o offer_v up_o in_o a_o false_a church_n be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o this_o learned_a author_n shall_v not_o read_v or_o observe_v the_o same_o exceed_v frequent_o in_o the_o separatist_n write_n take_v but_o a_o taste_n in_o the_o first_o page_n of_o mr._n smith_n against_o bernard_n in_o his_o parallel_n censure_n and_o observation_n his_o word_n pag._n 9_o be_v these_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o a_o erroneous_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o real_a idol_n and_o the_o prayer_n they_o offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v from_o that_o false_a constitution_n be_v taint_v with_o the_o idolatry_n of_o that_o constitution_n and_o pag._n 10._o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o offer_v up_o service_n to_o god_n in_o a_o church_n of_o a_o false_a constitution_n and_o pag._n 13._o tell_v i_o mr._n bernard_n can_v there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n true_a baptism_n true_a faith_n true_a prayer_n true_a preach_v and_o administer_a the_o supper_n true_a excommunication_n in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v false_o constitute_v do_v the_o lord_n accept_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o church_n constitute_v by_o jeroboam_n so_o page_n 14._o a_o church_n false_o constitute_v be_v not_o accept_v of_o god_n neither_o be_v their_o action_n ecclesiastical_a as_o prayer_n preach_v etc._n etc._n acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o again_o a_o false_a ministry_n worship_n government_n may_v be_v in_o a_o true_a church_n through_o ignorance_n and_o the_o like_a but_o a_o true_a ministry_n worship_n government_n can_v possible_o be_v in_o a_o false_a church_n we_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o recite_v more_o testimony_n aliquando_fw-la bone_fw-la dormitat_fw-la homerus_fw-la a_o good_a memory_n may_v sometime_o fall_v asleep_a and_o not_o see_v that_o which_o be_v sometime_o most_o obvious_a and_o visible_a but_o what_o other_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o studious_a of_o reformation_n as_o their_o
that_o be_v put_v in_o some_o of_o the_o reply_n 1_o to_o the_o first_o reply_n then_o wherein_o you_o put_v it_o beyond_o imagination_n that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v be_v scandalous_a or_o offensive_a we_o know_v not_o what_o you_o have_v observe_v in_o some_o particular_a congregation_n near_o you_o but_o what_o ever_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n former_o concern_v this_o practice_n yet_o you_o know_v that_o the_o book_n in_o general_n have_v be_v condemn_v of_o all_o godly_a reformer_n and_o the_o use_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o have_v be_v count_v burdensome_a to_o many_o for_o the_o reason_n name_v but_o of_o late_a time_n as_o the_o book_n and_o conformity_n thereto_o be_v urge_v more_o hot_o so_o the_o spirit_n of_o very_a many_o grow_v more_o zealous_a against_o it_o and_o begin_v to_o loathe_v it_o and_o to_o withdraw_v whole_o from_o it_o many_o very_a inquisitive_a about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o join_v with_o it_o at_o all_o and_o yourselves_o complain_v of_o the_o withdraw_n of_o many_o from_o join_v in_o the_o ordinance_n where_o it_o be_v use_v so_o that_o we_o see_v not_o but_o at_o least_o in_o some_o person_n and_o at_o some_o place_n and_o time_n it_o may_v probable_o be_v offensive_a and_o scandalous_a so_o to_o practice_v 2_o we_o look_v not_o only_o to_o the_o offence_n of_o those_o in_o your_o own_o congregation_n but_o to_o the_o imboldn_v and_o harden_v of_o papist_n in_o honour_v any_o part_n of_o their_o portuise_n above_o the_o form_n of_o other_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n witness_n now_o asleep_a have_v testify_v of_o the_o offence_n and_o danger_n thereof_o reply_n 2_o you_o say_v if_o the_o book_n be_v a_o idolothyte_n yet_o latent_fw-la offence_n do_v not_o oblige_v answ_n the_o offence_n in_o this_o season_n and_o as_o all_o thing_n stand_v can_v be_v latent_fw-la complaint_n be_v make_v of_o the_o offence_n take_v by_o many_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a reply_n 3_o the_o book_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o good_a by_o your_o confession_n be_v no_o idolothyte_n nor_o take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n in_o such_o sense_n as_o you_o object_n but_o rather_o the_o mass_n and_o other_o prayer_n add_v to_o it_o popery_n be_v a_o scaâ—_n leave_v to_o the_o church_n and_o many_o truth_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o her_o proper_a legacy_n be_v steal_v and_o heap_v together_o in_o that_o den_n and_o why_o the_o true_a man_n may_v not_o challenge_v his_o good_n where_o ever_o he_o find_v they_o or_o the_o thief_n plead_v title_n to_o the_o true_a man_n good_n by_o prescription_n we_o know_v not_o answ_n first_o we_o judge_v the_o whole_a book_n a_o idolothyte_a and_o whence_o you_o gather_v that_o we_o confess_v the_o contrary_a of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v apart_o in_o relation_n to_o that_o whole_a we_o know_v not_o second_o that_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass_n book_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o king_n edward_n and_o other_o evidence_n be_v many_o but_o you_o say_v not_o in_o such_o sense_n as_o we_o object_n but_o rather_o â—_o contra_fw-la mass_n etc._n etc._n add_v to_o it_o etc._n etc._n but_o where_o to_o find_v such_o a_o legacy_n bequeath_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o testament_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v so_o that_o we_o rather_o fear_v all_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o marriage_n burial_n visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a confirmation_n etc._n etc._n be_v rather_o the_o copper_n counterfeit_a coin_n of_o a_o well_o grow_v antichrist_n whereby_o he_o cozen_v the_o church_n when_o he_o steal_v away_o the_o golden_a legacy_n of_o christ_n rather_o than_o any_o part_n of_o the_o true_a church_n legacy_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v more_o happy_a for_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v never_o challenge_v the_o same_o but_o let_v the_o thief_n prescription_n to_o have_v be_v a_o good_a plea_n to_o hold_v they_o still_o this_o further_a we_o add_v when_o we_o say_v it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n we_o understand_v mass-book_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n as_o it_o be_v common_o take_v for_o to_o speak_v narrow_o it_o be_v collect_v out_o of_o three_o popish_a book_n the_o first_o part_n of_o public_a prayer_n exbreviario_fw-la the_o second_o part_n viz._n the_o order_n of_o administer_a sacrament_n matrimony_n visit_v the_o sick_a and_o burial_n è_fw-la rituali_fw-la 3._o the_o order_n of_o consecration_n in_o the_o supper_n the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n and_o collect_v è_fw-la missali_fw-la as_o the_o form_n of_o consecration_n of_o bishop_n and_o priest_n be_v take_v è_fw-la pontificali_fw-la as_o the_o author_n of_o altar_n damase_v show_v pag._n 612._o three_o because_o those_o word_n popery_n be_v a_o scab_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o much_o evil_n a_o egg_n out_o of_o which_o a_o serpent_n may_v be_v hatch_v if_o man_n zealous_a of_o mouldy_a form_n may_v but_o have_v time_n again_o to_o set_v upon_o it_o if_o the_o wheel_n of_o these_o evil_a time_n through_o god_n judgement_n on_o this_o wantonage_n turn_v the_o prelate_n or_o other_o zelote_v for_o this_o liturgy_n uppermost_a we_o shall_v therefore_o crave_v liberty_n to_o examine_v this_o speech_n more_o narrow_o and_o because_o as_o it_o be_v say_v unumquodque_fw-la ex_fw-la suâ_fw-la origine_fw-la rectissime_fw-la judicatur_fw-la we_o shall_v grace_v the_o step_n of_o the_o first_o time_n and_o so_o downward_o to_o see_v what_o sound_a part_n of_o liturgy_n there_o be_v on_o which_o this_o scab_n be_v suppose_v to_o grow_v 1._o our_o bless_a saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n a_o bless_a form_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o and_o comfortable_o use_v the_o rather_o not_o be_v of_o man_n but_o the_o lord_n compose_v yet_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o never_o appoint_v his_o people_n to_o use_v it_o as_o their_o only_a form_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o that_o heavenly_a prayer_n act_v 4._o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n and_o form_n of_o this_o prayer_n though_o they_o may_v have_v this_o in_o their_o eye_n as_o the_o common_a rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o pour_v out_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o particular_a thing_n which_o may_v be_v a_o everlasting_a witness_n against_o their_o usurpation_n that_o will_v limit_v the_o church_n to_o their_o form_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v not_o do_v to_o his_o own_o 2._o in_o the_o first_o 300._o year_n after_o christ_n we_o read_v of_o few_o form_n that_o the_o church_n use_v and_o those_o rather_o short_a ejaculation_n then_o set_v form_n but_o contrary_o we_o read_v frequent_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n in_o prayer_n they_o pray_v sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la pectore_fw-la 30._o say_v tertullian_n i._n e._n they_o pray_v without_o a_o promptour_n because_o from_o the_o heart_n which_o as_o zephyrus_n observe_v be_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o prompt_a form_n then_o in_o use_n among_o the_o pagan_n we_o read_v also_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o viz._n pro_fw-la inimicis_fw-la pro_fw-la imperatoribus_fw-la pro_fw-la statu_fw-la seculi_fw-la pro_fw-la morâ_fw-la finis_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o of_o any_o set_a form_n we_o read_v not_o their_o persecution_n and_o day_n of_o affliction_n preserve_v they_o from_o formality_n in_o prayer_n and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o find_v their_o heart_n and_o knee_n and_o tongue_n to_o pour_v out_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n while_o under_o the_o altar_n they_o be_v pour_v out_o their_o blood_n 3._o but_o after_o the_o church_n have_v enjoy_v peace_n for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n wherein_o security_n usual_o make_v insensible_a and_o insenssblenesse_n formal_a then_o indeed_o we_o read_v ofset_v and_o impose_v form_n which_o the_o rather_o prevail_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o palpable_a ignorance_n of_o a_o blind_a ministry_n under_o a_o more_o learned_a prelacy_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o chemnitius_n that_o the_o three_o council_n of_o carthage_n decree_v this_o ut_fw-la nemo_fw-la in_o precibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n viz._n that_o no_o minister_n in_o his_o prayer_n either_o name_n the_o father_n for_o the_o son_n or_o the_o son_n for_o the_o father_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n to_o direct_v his_o prayer_n always_o to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o that_o no_o man_n use_v his_o own_o form_n till_o he_o have_v confer_v and_o show_v his_o form_n to_o man_n more_o able_a which_o we_o find_v sometime_o to_o be_v the_o synod_n 4_o after_o these_o time_n they_o add_v the_o commemoration_n of_o saint_n sanctorum_fw-la to_o their_o prayer_n and_o litany_n as_o appear_v from_o manifold_a instance_n whereof_o take_v
but_o this_o one_o impute_v to_o chrysostome_n sanctissimae_fw-la deiparae_fw-la &_o semper_fw-la virgin_n mariae_fw-la cum_fw-la omnibus_fw-la sanctis_fw-la memoriam_fw-la agentes_fw-la nos_fw-la ipsos_fw-la &_o omnem_fw-la vitam_fw-la nostram_fw-la christo_fw-la deo_fw-la nostro_fw-la commendamus_fw-la which_o litany_n at_o first_o be_v use_v more_o seldom_o at_o some_o time_n of_o the_o year_n afterward_o grow_v into_o ordinary_a use_n to_o every_o end_n of_o which_o the_o people_n add_v lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o exaudi_fw-la domine_fw-la we_o beseech_v thou_o to_o hear_v we_o good_a lord_n 5_o from_o commemoration_n of_o saint_n be_v so_o near_o the_o brink_n they_o soon_o come_v on_o to_o invocation_n of_o they_o first_o in_o private_a prayer_n then_o in_o public_a and_o that_o by_o degree_n for_o first_o they_o call_v upon_o christ_n to_o hear_v their_o intercession_n for_o they_o intercessionibus_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la tâ—orum_fw-la salvator_n salva_fw-la nos_fw-la and_o thence_o they_o fall_v to_o direct_v and_o immediate_a invocation_n of_o they_o maria_fw-la deo_fw-la supplica_fw-la ut_fw-la animas_fw-la nostras_fw-la salvet_fw-la 6_o at_o last_o they_o become_v so_o superstitious_a in_o their_o litany_n or_o liturgy_n that_o pray_v be_v magnify_v above_o all_o preach_n and_o almost_o all_o preach_n be_v change_v into_o formal_a corrupt_a and_o blind_a pray_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v general_o in_o the_o church_n till_o about_o the_o six_o century_n as_o if_o need_n be_v may_v be_v show_v at_o large_a 7_o though_o other_o church_n be_v thus_o overgrow_v with_o form_n of_o worship_n yet_o the_o roman_a bishop_n especial_o do_v multiply_v form_n and_o superstitious_a rite_n excessive_o rome_n be_v in_o god_n secret_a providence_n leave_v to_o become_v the_o very_a seat_n and_o throne_n of_o antichrist_n the_o bishop_n themselves_o also_o find_v it_o exceed_v hard_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n without_o conform_v to_o the_o pagan_a rite_n as_o casaubon_n observe_v for_o it_o appear_v even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o theodosius_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v rise_v to_o a_o great_a head_n the_o comment_n senate_n be_v send_v unto_o by_o he_o to_o renounce_v their_o pagan_a religion_n and_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n they_o return_v answer_v that_o they_o will_v not_o but_o that_o they_o will_v observe_v the_o ancient_a law_n pompilian_n to_o avoid_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o they_o fear_v may_v come_v by_o the_o change_n of_o religion_n the_o roman_a bishop_n also_o for_o 400_o year_n together_o can_v never_o obtain_v of_o the_o senate_n nor_o multitude_n of_o the_o roman_a idolater_n to_o renounce_v their_o inveterate_a idolatry_n and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n hence_o they_o conform_v their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n to_o the_o pagan_a and_o idolatrous_a custom_n the_o better_a to_o allure_v they_o to_o christ_n according_a to_o their_o carnalll_v policy_n we_o find_v all_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o mass_n to_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a pagan_n and_o to_o have_v their_o original_n from_o numa_n pompilius_n that_o conjurer_n who_o live_v 700_o year_n before_o christ_n to_o adorn_v and_o deck_v as_o the_o bishop_n thought_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o the_o which_o with_o much_o ado_n at_o last_o the_o roman_n be_v convert_v to_o which_o principal_a part_n viz._n vestment_n holywater_n the_o conâ—iteoâ—_fw-la organ_n incense_n offertory_n etc._n etc._n other_o decking_n be_v add_v also_o as_o divers_a litany_n and_o the_o kurie_n elyson_n to_o be_v sing_v nine_o time_n invent_v by_o gregory_n a_o monk_n at_o first_o well_o study_v in_o the_o law_n of_o numâ—_n and_o tullus_n hostilius_n damasus_n as_o platina_n and_o sabellius_n show_v enrich_v it_o with_o gloria_fw-la patri_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n sergius_n with_o a_o agnus_n dei_fw-la to_o be_v sing_v three_o time_n alexander_n and_o other_o bishop_n add_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n other_o the_o epistle_n and_o gospel_n the_o gradual_a and_o collect_v be_v add_v by_o gelasius_n anno_fw-la 493._o the_o gloria_fw-la in_o excelsis_fw-la by_o symmachus_n 508._o at_o last_o come_v the_o host_n in_o about_o 1062._o much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v all_o which_o when_o we_o consider_v we_o confess_v we_o be_v push_v to_o discern_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o sound_a part_n and_o the_o scab_n for_o if_o the_o principal_a formality_n of_o the_o mass_n out_o of_o which_o our_o liturgy_n be_v take_v as_o be_v confess_v arise_v out_o of_o a_o politic_a push_n to_o conform_v the_o christian_a to_o the_o pagan_a religion_n and_o the_o decking_n of_o it_o from_o the_o itch_a humour_n of_o the_o roman_a busy_a bishop_n admirer_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o ceremony_n let_v the_o reader_n than_o judge_n what_o sound_a part_n be_v leave_v beside_o the_o scab_n we_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o condemn_v everything_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o the_o common-prayer-book_n yea_o we_o honour_v the_o affection_n and_o piety_n of_o the_o first_o reformer_n and_o the_o godly_a then_o that_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v prayer_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o according_a to_o the_o glimmer_a light_n of_o those_o time_n aim_v at_o the_o win_n of_o papist_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n but_o now_o since_o experience_n have_v teach_v it_o rather_o harden_v they_o against_o the_o truth_n then_o draw_v they_o towards_o it_o when_o we_o see_v the_o press_n of_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o temptation_n to_o conform_v to_o popery_n than_o otherwise_o we_o very_o believe_v if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o these_o time_n of_o further_a light_n they_o will_v have_v bear_v witness_n against_o it_o as_o other_o have_v do_v last_o though_o the_o original_n have_v be_v good_a which_o yet_o be_v contrary_a we_o may_v answer_v in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n martyr_n to_o such_o as_o do_v plead_v for_o a_o lawful_a presence_n at_o mass_n because_o the_o original_n idol_n be_v good_a who_o answer_v thus_o in_o â—isce_fw-la reâ—us_fw-la non_fw-la â—rigo_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o these_o matter_n not_o the_o original_a but_o the_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n have_v its_o original_n from_o god_n and_o be_v honour_v with_o miraculous_a work_n yet_o when_o abuse_v piis_fw-la hominibus_fw-la redditus_fw-la est_fw-la detestabilis_fw-la it_o become_v most_o loathsome_a to_o godly_a man_n reply_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a taâ—k_n to_o show_v that_o our_o service-book_n be_v reform_v in_o most_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pure_a liturgy_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o church_n long_o before_o the_o mass_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o that_o can_v not_o be_v show_v yet_o form_n of_o speech_n general_o take_v we_o speak_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o special_a word_n or_o phrase_n be_v no_o more_o defile_v by_o idolatry_n than_o the_o light_n air_n or_o place_n where_o idolatry_n be_v commit_v etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o grief_n unto_o we_o that_o this_o reverend_a author_n shall_v thus_o use_v the_o prelate_n plea_n for_o surplice_n and_o other_o ceremony_n to_o justify_v this_o corrupt_a liturgy_n for_o these_o be_v before_o the_o mass_n and_o many_o other_o idol_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o though_o a_o phrase_n oâ—_n word_n be_v not_o pollute_v by_o their_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o a_o needless_a ceremony_n and_o so_o a_o devise_a form_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o bundle_n of_o ceremonious_a and_o corrupt_a worship_n must_v needs_o be_v pollute_v by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o better_a to_o use_v the_o form_n of_o turk_n then_o papist_n say_v cartw._n supra_fw-la reply_n four_o put_v case_n the_o minister_n in_o read_v give_v offence_n give_v unlawful_a honour_n to_o a_o thing_n abuse_v to_o idolatry_n and_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v sinful_o limit_v in_o read_v what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o faithful_a this_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o join_v etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o do_v not_o conclude_v that_o they_o do_v sin_n but_o fearful_a we_o be_v lest_o they_o may_v so_o do_v all_o thing_n consider_v in_o this_o case_n as_o have_v be_v before_o propound_v if_o indeed_o the_o case_n stand_v as_o former_o it_o have_v do_v in_o england_n we_o will_v have_v be_v less_o scrupulous_a and_o doubtful_a of_o the_o matter_n but_o if_o by_o the_o out-breaking_a of_o light_n after_o so_o long_a toleration_n of_o the_o book_n we_o see_v so_o many_o evil_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o see_v such_o superstitious_a opinion_n of_o it_o increase_v and_o such_o press_v the_o same_o to_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o church_n so_o many_o fall_n so_o many_o weak_a one_o stagger_v and_o look_v at_o the_o example_n of_o their_o guide_n if_o now_o when_o all_o be_v call_v of_o god_n
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
be_v say_v the_o conclusion_n as_o we_o conceive_v do_v easy_o and_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o catholic_n visible_a body_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o or_o to_o the_o officer_n whereof_o be_v give_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n to_o rule_v this_o catholic_n body_n either_o as_o one_o totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la or_o the_o part_n of_o it_o family_n city_n kingdom_n in_o communi_fw-la by_o subordination_n of_o all_o society_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o whole_a or_o so_o as_o every_o king_n major_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o these_o and_o like_a consequence_n will_v not_o follow_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o guide_n government_n privilege_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v from_o these_o consideration_n of_o unity_n visibility_n priority_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n 1_o object_n if_o any_o shall_v object_n the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o because_o in_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v universal_a officer_n set_v up_o as_o the_o apostle_n not_o so_o in_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n ans_fw-fr we_o say_v these_o be_v but_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o first_o beginning_n for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o firâ—â—_n order_n in_o all_o the_o church_n who_o be_v dead_a there_o be_v none_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n of_o catholic_n power_n second_o we_o say_v likewise_o at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o time_n adam_n and_o after_o noah_n have_v a_o general_a power_n over_o mankind_n though_o after_o they_o none_o have_v the_o like_a as_o it_o be_v here_o and_o therefore_o the_o comparison_n still_o run_v clear_a 2_o object_n if_o any_o object_n as_o some_o do_v in_o answer_n to_o a_o argument_n somewhat_o like_o this_o that_o this_o similitude_n hold_v not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o that_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n as_o in_o the_o church_n if_o one_o say_v god_n have_v place_v king_n duke_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o one_o organical_a body_n who_o have_v one_o head_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o then_o indeed_o all_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n will_v make_v but_o one_o body_n answ_n to_o the_o scripture_n allege_v we_o shall_v speak_v after_o here_o only_o let_v we_o clear_v our_o parallel_n and_o first_o take_v the_o similitude_n as_o it_o be_v state_v by_o we_o and_o it_o will_v be_v clear_a first_o compare_v the_o catholic_n number_n of_o mankind_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o call_v one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o for_o first_o all_o mankind_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o maintain_v civil_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o office_n of_o humanity_n for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o do_v and_o common_a humanity_n and_o the_o command_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n bind_v thereto_o as_o well_o as_o christianity_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n bind_v here_o second_o if_o we_o compare_v civil_a society_n as_o family_n city_n commonwealth_n with_o institute_v church_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a and_o as_o well_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o world_n by_o principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o moral_a law_n in_o all_o man_n heart_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o league_n of_o friendship_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o office_n of_o civil_a society_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o church_n society_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n society_n three_o not_o to_o dispute_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o external_a union_n of_o visible_a communion_n among_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o part_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n if_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o same_o viz._n because_o there_o be_v one_o head_n in_o the_o church_n who_o give_v influence_n to_o so_o many_o organ_n of_o head_n foot_n eye_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o church_n then_o still_o our_o parallel_n will_v hold_v for_o as_o this_o head_n be_v no_o other_o than_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n the_o church_n give_v that_o influence_n name_v so_o the_o same_o lord_n that_o be_v king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11._o ephes_n 1._o 22._o do_v give_v influence_n to_o many_o organ_n in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n even_o to_o all_o king_n judges_z father_n of_o family_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o authority_n power_n gifts_z administration_n civil_a etc._n etc._n to_o this_o kingdom_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o church_n of_o all_o power_n spiritual_a and_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n than_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o a_o common_a relation_n between_o a_o head_n and_o body_n there_o be_v a_o similitude_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o we_o meet_v withal_o that_o here_o we_o shall_v remove_v viz._n when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n can_v be_v one_o because_o it_o can_v convent_v together_o in_o one_o society_n it_o be_v answer_v usual_o that_o such_o come_n together_o in_o one_o society_n be_v not_o needful_a because_o as_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v one_o though_o all_o part_n of_o it_o never_o meet_v together_o have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o a_o army_n may_v be_v one_o have_v the_o same_o general_n the_o same_o law_n of_o discipline_n the_o same_o cause_n etc._n etc._n though_o the_o several_a brigade_n shall_v never_o be_v draw_v up_o into_o one_o body_n so_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v the_o same_o king_n law_n cause_n enemy_n be_v but_o one_o though_o it_o never_o meet_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v here_o reply_v so_o far_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n 1_o as_o all_o union_n be_v for_o communion_n and_o all_o communion_n flow_v from_o union_n so_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o union_n be_v such_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o communion_n and_o look_v of_o what_o nature_n the_o communion_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o like_a nature_n ought_v the_o union_n to_o be_v else_o it_o will_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n and_o therefore_o here_o as_o the_o mystical_a spiritual_a union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o love_n be_v sufficient_a to_o afford_v spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o same_o so_o unto_o political_a communion_n there_o must_v be_v a_o political_a union_n into_o one_o policy_n and_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o political_a communion_n be_v such_o must_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n be_v that_o it_o may_v reach_v the_o end_n to_o apply_v this_o a_o political_a church_n be_v institute_v of_o christ_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o seal_n and_o discipline_n now_o no_o church_n as_o one_o can_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o these_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v have_v a_o political_a union_n suitable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v one_o society_n that_o can_v at_o least_o meet_a to_o combine_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o all_o church_n make_v one_o political_a body_n for_o political_a communion_n it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o will_v reach_v that_o end_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o such_o a_o catholic_n totum_fw-la politicum_fw-la as_o the_o catholic_n church_n it_o be_v true_a distinct_a church_n as_o distinct_a kingdom_n may_v have_v communion_n in_o some_o political_a privilege_n answerable_a to_o their_o union_n consist_v in_o a_o fraternal_a relation_n one_o unto_o another_o yet_o not_o make_v up_o one_o body_n political_a of_o which_o we_o speak_v second_o to_o the_o similitude_n bring_v we_o answer_v this_o whole_a kingdom_n or_o army_n be_v proper_o and_o clear_o one_o political_a body_n under_o one_o political_a head_n the_o king_n or_o general_n as_o stands_z by_o covenant_n as_o member_n of_o that_o one_o policy_n and_o those_o who_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o king_n or_o general_n may_v and_o do_v some_o time_n or_o other_o convene_v let_v the_o like_o be_v show_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o all_o political_a
govern_n of_o many_o over_o one_o why_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v the_o like_a institution_n but_o to_o come_v more_o near_o to_o the_o case_n itself_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n political_a church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a administration_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a form_n of_o all_o church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v the_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o all_o other_o institute_v ordinance_n as_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v only_o congregationall_a first_o concern_v the_o first_o to_o make_v our_o discourse_n more_o distinct_a and_o plain_a we_o shall_v premise_v here_o that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o at_o all_o take_v in_o or_o respect_v that_o question_n about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o guide_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v have_v a_o fit_a place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o but_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o intermingle_v thing_n we_o look_v only_o at_o the_o true_a subject_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o first_o reason_n thus_o such_o a_o church_n society_n as_o christ_n institute_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n constitute_v and_o govern_v in_o but_o the_o apostle_n never_o constitute_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n society_n or_o govern_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n command_v in_o matth._n 28._o 20._o and_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o to_o do_v beside_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o power_n from_o christ_n as_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n john_n 20._o and_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v then_o at_o the_o few_o there_o be_v never_o since_o such_o a_o opportunity_n or_o possibility_n to_o constitute_v such_o a_o church_n if_o christ_n jesus_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o assumption_n or_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o the_o apostle_n ever_o constitute_v and_o administer_v in_o such_o a_o church_n catholic_a it_o be_v either_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 1_o &_o 2._o etc._n etc._n or_o that_o assembly_n that_o meet_v act_v 15._o for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v such_o a_o constitute_v church_n ergo._fw-la 1_v concern_v the_o church_n name_v act_v 1._o carry_v on_o act_v 2._o etc._n etc._n we_o free_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o constitute_v church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n with_o elder_n and_o deacon_n afterward_o choose_v do_v govern_v for_o as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n act_v 2._o 47._o so_o likewise_o we_o see_v there_o be_v in_o it_o election_n act._n 1._o &_o 6._o and_o administration_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n act_v 2._o 41_o 42._o admission_n of_o member_n chap._n 2._o 41_o 47._o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o may_v have_v be_v excommunication_n also_o but_o that_o this_o church_n be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o prove_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n than_o it_o be_v such_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o representation_n but_o neither_o way_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o it_o can_v not_o be_v because_o it_o consist_v at_o the_o first_o but_o of_o 120._o which_o be_v a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n for_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 6._o there_o be_v above_o 500_o brethren_n to_o who_o christ_n appear_v at_o once_o which_o be_v but_o some_o few_o week_n before_o beside_o all_o that_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n which_o be_v very_o many_o yea_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n proper_o all_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o that_o age_n visible_a last_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n believer_n be_v already_o of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o this_o as_o act_v 5._o 13_o 14._o second_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o representation_n for_o if_o so_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o as_o the_o catholic_n guide_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n with_o they_o act_v 1._o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n only_o shall_v have_v have_v power_n to_o set_v apart_o barnabas_n and_o mathias_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o election_n be_v by_o peter_n himself_o commit_v to_o and_o act_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n call_v the_o brethren_n and_o disciple_n act_n 1._o 15_o 16_o 26._o where_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o so_o it_o be_v conclude_v with_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o all_o second_o if_o so_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v catholic_n guide_n than_o wherever_o they_o meet_v be_v a_o catholic_n church_n yea_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n representative_a church_n and_o so_o many_o such_o church_n for_o any_o two_o or_o one_o have_v the_o catholic_a power_n as_o well_o as_o all_o paul_n ordain_v rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o if_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v meet_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o 2_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a catholic_a church_n because_o first_o there_o be_v the_o woman_n in_o the_o same_o now_o woman_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o be_v messenger_n to_o represent_v church_n second_o beside_o these_o can_v not_o be_v representative_a messenger_n from_o other_o church_n because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o constitute_v church_n we_o see_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o constitute_v visible_a church_n before_o this_o last_o all_o the_o action_n of_o that_o church_n mention_v especial_o those_o in_o act_n 2._o 41_o 42._o of_o admission_n of_o member_n baptism_n word_n seal_n fellowship_n day_n by_o day_n in_o such_o ordinance_n choice_n of_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n speak_v aloud_o against_o a_o representative_a church_n we_o shall_v rather_o have_v hear_v of_o constitution_n censure_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n of_o general_a counsel_n object_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o they_o elect_v a_o catholic_n officer_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n viz._n a_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o all_z the_o catholic_n church_n and_o guide_v thereof_o have_v no_o power_n so_o to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o case_n reserve_v to_o christ_n himself_o else_o paul_n argument_n to_o prove_v his_o apostleship_n have_v not_o be_v strong_a because_o he_o be_v not_o call_v by_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 1._o 2_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o preparatory_a act_n thereunto_o with_o a_o after_o consent_n the_o election_n be_v proper_o do_v immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o what_o be_v do_v might_n as_o well_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o particular_a church_n guide_v by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o object_n second_o it_o be_v object_v many_o of_o these_o be_v man_n of_o galilee_n which_o by_o their_o habitation_n can_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n answ_n true_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o be_v of_o galilee_n but_o they_o have_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o remain_v a_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o to_o go_v forth_o to_o samaria_n judea_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v 1._o 4_o 8._o and_o therefore_o no_o church_n relation_n in_o galilee_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o join_v in_o this_o first_o constitute_v church_n or_o give_v any_o colour_n that_o they_o come_v as_o member_n representative_a from_o any_o church_n in_o galilee_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n for_o a_o catholic_n church_n from_o act_n 1._o etc._n etc._n now_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v suppose_v of_o
a_o catholic_n church_n representative_a in_o act._n 15._o if_o it_o be_v such_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o catholic_a officer_n only_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o assembly_n also_o but_o in_o neither_o respect_n ergo._fw-la 1_o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o as_o be_v say_v any_o one_o apostle_n may_v make_v a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n as_o much_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o for_o though_o they_o will_v meet_v oft_o to_o consult_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o for_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o any_o one_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n here_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o suppose_v here_o they_o act_v rather_o as_o elder_n with_o the_o rest_n than_o out_o of_o their_o apostolical_a power_n 2_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o then_o that_o assembly_n must_v consist_v of_o the_o messenger_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o decree_n shall_v have_v be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v appear_v for_o first_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o messenger_n but_o those_o from_o antioch_n and_o how_o to_o evince_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v be_v hard_o second_o if_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v before_o this_o assembly_n it_o will_v appear_v very_o strange_a and_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o paul_n have_v be_v in_o arabia_n before_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n gal._n 1._o 17._o and_o when_o he_o and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v out_o from_o antioch_n act_v 13._o they_o go_v to_o several_a island_n and_o country_n as_o cyprus_n paphos_n salamis_n etc._n etc._n beside_o what_o other_o place_n scatter_v christian_n and_o apostle_n have_v preach_v in_o now_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o messenger_n send_v from_o all_o these_o place_n second_o the_o decree_n be_v express_o direct_v to_o the_o gentile_n believe_v in_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n where_o it_o seem_v this_o question_n have_v trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n act_n 15._o 23_o 24._o which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o be_v it_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n have_v any_o messenger_n there_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o church_n have_v their_o messenger_n object_n but_o it_o be_v say_v they_o may_v have_v have_v their_o messenger_n there_o if_o they_o will_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o decree_n as_o of_o a_o general_a council_n answ_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o church_n have_v lawful_a summons_n to_o send_v their_o messenger_n to_o that_o assembly_n before_o there_o can_v be_v lay_v any_o blame_n on_o they_o for_o neglect_v the_o same_o or_o they_o be_v all_o tie_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o a_o general_a council_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a much_o less_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o silent_a arg._n 2._o every_o political_a body_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o member_n into_o a_o society_n but_o christ_n have_v not_o institute_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v combine_v into_o a_o society_n ergo._fw-la propos_fw-fr prove_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o instance_n give_v of_o any_o free_a society_n civil_a or_o sacred_a that_o be_v under_o policy_n but_o that_o it_o arise_v from_o combination_n how_o come_v israel_n to_o be_v one_o national_n church_n but_o by_o a_o national_a covenant_n and_o that_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n or_o how_o come_v any_o national_a provincial_a classical_a church_n that_o be_v plead_v for_o to_o be_v such_o but_o by_o some_o such_o combination_n why_o be_v this_o church_n of_o this_o classis_fw-la not_o of_o another_o but_o by_o combination_n second_o in_o a_o political_a body_n the_o whole_a have_v power_n to_o order_v every_o part_n but_o this_o power_n among_o person_n that_o be_v free_a be_v only_o by_o combination_n assump_n prove_v first_o because_o christ_n never_o institute_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a as_o this_o be_v for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o every_o age_n so_o to_o do_v second_o christ_n ordain_v combination_n for_o communion_n in_o his_o worship_n but_o this_o communion_n also_o be_v impossible_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o one_o ergo._fw-la three_o corrupt_a church_n be_v visible_a church_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o any_o to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o combination_n of_o all_o church_n asian_n african_a european_a american_n corrupt_a and_o uncorrupt_a for_o prudent_a man_n may_v easy_o foresee_v the_o heavy_a consequent_n thereof_o argum._n 3._o every_o political_a church_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o elect_v she_o own_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n have_v not_o such_o power_n ergo._fw-la proposit_n prove_v this_o all_o scripture_n example_n show_v that_o every_o church_n or_o flock_n of_o believer_n have_v her_o pastor_n act._n 14._o tit._n 1._o second_o according_a to_o our_o brethren_n principle_n if_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n because_o all_o privilege_n be_v primary_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n that_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a assump_n prove_v first_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v choose_v pastor_n over_o it_o than_o they_o may_v make_v apostle_n because_o catholic_n pastor_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n second_o the_o reason_n against_o a_o universal_a bishop_n be_v strong_a here_o as_o that_o their_o office_n be_v not_o describe_v in_o the_o word_n nor_o their_o power_n able_a to_o reach_v all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v choose_v her_o pastor_n in_o the_o part_n or_o particular_a society_n which_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o not_o catholic_n pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o particular_a church_n choose_v pastor_n over_o themselves_o who_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o be_v part_n partium_fw-la and_o so_o part_n totius_fw-la than_o they_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n for_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n totum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o officer_n but_o in_o its_o part_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o officer_n in_o they_o do_v make_v one_o political_a body_n or_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v catholic_n pastor_n argum._n 4._o christ_n jesus_n institute_v no_o such_o political_a body_n as_o destroy_v church_n policy_n but_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n political_a destroy_v policy_n ergo._fw-la assump_n prove_v because_o it_o swallow_v up_o the_o power_n not_o only_o of_o all_o church_n congregationall_a but_o all_o other_o form_n of_o church_n by_o take_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n from_o they_o for_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v seat_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o church_n from_o which_o there_o can_v be_v just_o no_o appeal_n for_o matth._n 18._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v seat_v in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o whatsoever_o it_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o high_a judge_n in_o the_o high_a court_n and_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o this_o high_a court_n and_o judge_n how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o appeal_n but_o now_o suppose_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o that_o as_o the_o high_a church_n hence_o no_o inferior_a church_n can_v bind_v on_o earth_n so_o as_o that_o the_o same_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n see_v appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o a_o high_a power_n on_o earth_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n proceed_v right_o as_o in_o a_o inferior_a sanhedrin_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n yet_o may_v we_o appeal_v from_o he_o answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o civil_a court_n do_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o every_o civil_a court_n have_v not_o this_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n second_o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o bind_n in_o civil_a court_n and_o appeal_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v from_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v because_o there_o be_v suppose_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v prosecute_v and_o there_o determine_v as_o
and_o yet_o not_o be_v one_o political_a body_n twenty_o synagogue_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o in_o the_o jewish_a policy_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o one_o political_a body_n so_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o yet_o be_v distinct_a church_n not_o one_o church_n as_o also_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n have_v sweet_a and_o bless_a communion_n yet_o be_v distinct_a and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n be_v call_v a_o whole_a lump_n as_o be_v object_v yet_o be_v they_o thus_o by_o political_a combination_n or_o as_o dr._n downam_n to_o mould_n up_o a_o diocesan_n church_n compare_v the_o first_o church_n to_o a_o great_a lump_n of_o dough_n or_o batch_n of_o bread_n out_o of_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v form_v into_o many_o loaf_n or_o not_o rather_o call_v a_o lump_n by_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n common_a profession_n and_o fraternal_a communion_n be_v all_o the_o same_o countryman_n so_o also_o the_o apostle_n have_v church_n communion_n yet_o be_v not_o a_o political_a body_n kingdom_n so_o may_v have_v civil_a communion_n and_o commerce_n yet_o not_o be_v one_o kingdom_n object_n 6._o if_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o flock_n of_o redeem_a one_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o much_o more_o to_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n and_o flock_n of_o redeem_v one_o primary_o and_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o secondary_o but_o the_o first_o be_v affirm_v by_o such_o as_o deny_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n ergo._fw-la answ_n 1_o it_o be_v true_a the_o notion_n of_o a_o flock_n of_o redeem_v one_o of_o the_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n house_n etc._n etc._n do_v agree_v primary_o to_o the_o church_n not_o of_o this_o but_o of_o all_o age_n and_o secondary_o to_o the_o church_n of_o this_o age_n colos_n 1._o 18._o ephes_n 5._o 25_o 26._o and_o 2._o 19_o 2_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n exist_v in_o this_o age_n the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o it_o primary_o in_o comparison_n of_o particular_a church_n coexi_v with_o it_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n but_o not_o to_o it_o as_o a_o political_a body_n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n thereof_o for_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v if_o in_o respect_n of_o political_a dispensation_n the_o key_n belong_v first_o to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o spouse_n and_o redeem_v one_o then_o the_o church_n invisible_a as_o invisible_a rather_o than_o visible_a must_v have_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o key_n primary_o 3_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o key_n be_v immediate_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n abstract_o as_o a_o number_n of_o redeem_v but_o as_o consociate_v and_o political_o combine_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n that_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o part_n a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o redeem_a one_o which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a ex._n gr_n such_o a_o congregation_n be_v combine_v so_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a nor_o can_v be_v such_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o so_o can_v the_o whole_a so_o a_o man_n may_v tell_v the_o particular_a church_n who_o may_v convene_v together_o not_o so_o the_o whole_a thus_o far_o through_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o first_o point_n propound_v concern_v a_o catholic_n institute_v church_n we_o come_v now_o to_o prove_v the_o second_o point_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n a_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o all_o institute_v worship_n do_v regular_o and_o ordinary_o belong_v and_o here_o we_o shall_v show_v 1_o what_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v 2_o how_o the_o dispensation_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n do_v belong_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v declare_v ourselves_o in_o these_o five_o proposition_n 1_o it_o must_v be_v a_o visible_a society_n for_o one_o man_n can_v make_v a_o church_n nor_o can_v many_o visible_a believer_n live_v several_o without_o society_n in_o several_a nation_n make_v one_o church_n 2_o it_o be_v not_o every_o society_n of_o visible_a professor_n that_o do_v make_v a_o church_n for_o then_o every_o family_n of_o such_o professor_n be_v a_o church_n then_o two_o or_o three_o which_o our_o brethren_n so_o much_o condemn_v be_v a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o society_n of_o woman_n profess_v the_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o political_a church_n then_o many_o member_n of_o several_a church_n meet_v to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o any_o like_a occasion_n make_v a_o church_n then_o a_o number_n of_o professor_n may_v constitute_v a_o diocesan_n church_n or_o any_o like_a form_n for_o out_o of_o this_o block_n that_o any_o number_n of_o believer_n make_v a_o church_n dr._n downam_n hew_v out_o his_o diocesan_n church_n and_o so_o make_v a_o fit_a seat_n for_o his_o diocesan_n mercury_n last_o then_o particular_a church_n shall_v have_v no_o more_o any_o set_a form_n prescribe_v then_o civil_a government_n which_o be_v as_o variable_a as_o humane_a wisdom_n see_v meet_v for_o hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v melt_v into_o any_o form_n or_o mould_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o imagine_v a_o number_n of_o profess_v believer_n cohabit_v either_o in_o a_o city_n hundred_o wapentake_n shire_n province_n nation_n empire_n etc._n etc._n there_o shall_v then_o be_v so_o many_o form_n of_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o unanswerable_a argument_n of_o our_o best_a reformer_n who_o account_v it_o a_o great_a absurdity_n that_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v mould_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o policy_n 3_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o society_n combine_v and_o that_o by_o a_o covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a for_o it_o must_v be_v such_o a_o combine_a society_n where_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o its_o member_n now_o whatever_o power_n one_o have_v over_o another_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o way_n of_o conquest_n or_o natural_a relation_n as_o the_o father_n over_o the_o child_n it_o be_v by_o covenant_n as_o husband_n and_o wife_n master_n and_o servant_n prince_z and_o people_n other_o power_n be_v but_o usurpation_n it_o be_v note_v as_o a_o profane_a speech_n in_o brennus_n who_o profess_v he_o know_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o justice_n then_o for_o the_o great_a to_o subdue_v the_o less_o again_o it_o be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o have_v a_o ordinate_a power_n to_o subject_v itself_o to_o officer_n by_o elect_v of_o they_o to_o administer_v ordinance_n among_o they_o but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o federall_a society_n again_o it_o be_v such_o a_o society_n to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o which_o be_v require_v something_o more_o than_o faith_n act_v 5._o 14._o believer_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o his_o church_n so_o that_o they_o be_v first_o believer_n before_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o immediate_o scatter_v into_o many_o town_n or_o country_n now_o if_o faith_n profess_v alone_o make_v not_o a_o church_n but_o somewhat_o more_o be_v require_v what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o foederall_a combination_n last_o that_o the_o dissolution_n whereof_o do_v unchurch_n a_o people_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o break_v the_o combination_n dissolve_v the_o church_n whether_o by_o consent_n schism_n or_o when_o god_n himself_o remove_v the_o candlestick_n ergo._fw-la 4_o though_o a_o church_n be_v such_o by_o combine_v and_o so_o subject_v themselves_o to_o the_o power_n of_o other_o yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v herein_o illimited_a but_o according_a to_o the_o form_n and_o mould_n express_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o they_o have_v this_o power_n to_o combine_v as_o many_o and_o as_o large_o as_o they_o will_v than_o a_o diocese_n province_n nation_n may_v combine_v and_o so_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o diocesan_n provincial_n national_n society_n which_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o church_n must_v be_v such_o a_o form_n as_o a_o man_n may_v ordinary_o bring_v offence_n unto_o it_o according_a to_o matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n but_o that_o can_v be_v in_o a_o diocese_n much_o less_o in_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n where_o the_o member_n can_v neither_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o offence_n nor_o ordinary_o so_o much_o as_o consent_v unto_o any_o censure_n act_v by_o any_o officer_n in_o such_o a_o church_n nay_o further_o if_o their_o power_n be_v unlimited_a
they_o may_v choose_v a_o diocesan_n pastor_n one_o or_o many_o to_o feed_v all_o or_o one_o to_o rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilâ—e_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1._o 1._o yea_o not_o only_o in_o one_o small_a country_n but_o in_o city_n or_o near_o unto_o they_o we_o read_v of_o distinct_a church_n as_o corinth_n though_o god_n have_v much_o people_n there_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o and_o have_v another_o church_n near_o to_o it_o viz._n cenchrea_n also_o rome_n who_o the_o apostle_n salute_v send_v also_o salutation_n by_o they_o to_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o household_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o these_o add_v that_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o number_n be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o that_o we_o read_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1._o and_o chap._n 2._o 41_o 42._o what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v answer_v before_o other_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o like_a example_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o due_a place_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o that_o a_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v more_o objection_n against_o the_o completeness_n thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n of_o all_o the_o key_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o actual_a administration_n within_o itself_o be_v a_o complete_a church_n but_o so_o have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o part_n be_v evident_a because_o where_o all_o the_o key_n be_v with_o full_a power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o there_o nothing_o be_v want_v the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o all_o those_o officer_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o exercise_v the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o congregation_n then_o all_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v to_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o since_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n call_v sometime_o bishop_n sometime_o elder_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v prove_v act_n 14._o tit._n 1._o 4._o and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n who_o ordain_v such_o officer_n in_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n ergo._fw-la object_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o a_o congregation_n have_v such_o officer_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o that_o such_o must_v combine_v with_o other_o in_o way_n of_o co-ordination_a to_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o so_o to_o be_v help_v and_o complete_v by_o they_o answ_n we_o grant_v much_o help_n may_v be_v have_v by_o sister_n church_n and_o consultative_a presbytery_n but_o that_o which_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o point_n of_o government_n from_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o do_v not_o complete_a it_o but_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v oft_o consent_v yet_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n must_v carry_v it_o whether_o he_o consent_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o his_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o beside_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o mystery_n that_o every_o pastor_n even_o such_o as_o have_v no_o flock_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o a_o pastor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o own_o flock_n over_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v he_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o which_o flock_n he_o must_v give_v account_n unto_o god_n object_n 2._o it_o can_v have_v a_o synod_n which_o be_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n answ_n by_o this_o reason_n a_o classical_a church_n be_v not_o complete_a because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o national_n council_n nor_o a_o national_n church_n because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o general_a council_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o classis_fw-la have_v all_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o a_o complete_a church_n we_o say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o congregation_n object_n 3._o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v cast_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o submit_v to_o combination_n so_o here_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a not_o so_o when_o among_o other_o church_n answ_n if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o as_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a government_n in_o his_o family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o come_v among_o neither_o do_v he_o in_o prudence_n he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o here_o a_o church_n have_v complete_a officer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n except_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o second_o though_o a_o family_n noâ—_n have_v complete_a civil_a government_n in_o itself_o must_v combine_v where_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o never_o to_o yield_v up_o its_o family-government_n over_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n no_o civil_a prudence_n or_o moral_a rule_n teach_v man_n ever_o so_o to_o practice_v and_o therefore_o why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v a_o church_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o to_o pastor_n of_o many_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o in_o common_a and_o not_o rather_o as_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v overawe_v by_o the_o provincial_n only_a in_o common_a thing_n so_o in_o congregation_n pastor_n shall_v govern_v their_o flock_n and_o only_o in_o thing_n common_a be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v act_n in_o such_o thing_n only_o for_o in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offender_n the_o offence_n be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o answer_v if_o so_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o provincial_n and_o national_n church_n by_o this_o reason_n assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la for_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o as_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o classis_fw-la admit_v all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o this_o also_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o three_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v leave_v to_o civil_a prudence_n and_o may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o many_o form_n of_o government_n but_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o maintain_v such_o order_n of_o government_n as_o
christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o many_o no_o more_o then_o to_o one_o if_o testimony_n be_v needful_a we_o may_v produce_v zanchi_n zwinglius_fw-la parker_n baines_n and_o other_o who_o be_v full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o dr._n downam_n himself_o confess_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o a_o populous_a congregation_n and_o this_o confession_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o witty_a passage_n of_o his_o refuter_fw-la or_o his_o epistoler_n who_o against_o the_o bishop_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o congregationall_a church_n with_o we_o with_o who_o expression_n for_o the_o recreation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reader_n we_o will_v conclude_v the_o papist_n say_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o just_a as_o the_o organ_n go_v at_o rome_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o bishop_n jurisdiction_n be_v not_o limit_v but_o by_o the_o pope_n appointment_n his_o power_n of_o itself_o indifferent_o reaching_z over_o all_o the_o world_n our_o prelatist_n will_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o tune_n of_o canterbury_n that_o neither_o church_n nor_o bishop_n have_v his_o bound_n determine_v by_o the_o pope_n nor_o yet_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o prince_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n with_o the_o civil_a state_n now_o the_o plain_a christian_n find_v nothing_o but_o humane_a uncertainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o devise_n be_v content_v himself_o with_o plain_a song_n and_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v christian_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o society_n as_o may_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o such_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a pastor_n he_o i_o say_v in_o his_o simplicity_n call_v these_o assembly_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o pastor_n his_o bishop_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v how_o church_n government_n and_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o same_o where_o we_o shall_v propound_v these_o thesis_n for_o explication_n of_o ourselves_o first_o though_o pastourship_n consider_v as_o a_o office_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n to_o feed_v they_o anthoritative_o be_v one_o of_o these_o ordinance_n give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o his_o elect_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v some_o act_n of_o the_o ministry_n viz._n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n second_o seal_n and_o other_o privilege_n although_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la and_o remote_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n yet_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o next_o they_o belong_v proper_o to_o this_o subject_a which_o we_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o make_v good_a three_o they_o be_v not_o so_o appropriate_v to_o such_o congregation_n only_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o member_n of_o those_o congregation_n which_o be_v undeâ—_n the_o government_n of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n or_o other_o form_n of_o government_n for_o we_o have_v a_o brotherly_a esteem_n of_o such_o congregaâ—ions_n notwithstanding_o that_o tertium_fw-la quoddam_fw-la separabile_fw-la of_o government_n as_o mr._n baines_n call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o a_o church_n now_o constitute_v and_o may_v be_v absent_a the_o church_n remain_v a_o church_n four_o although_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o divine_n that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o outward_a form_n and_o that_o therefore_o bare_a profession_n of_o say_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o they_o who_o so_o speak_v for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a profession_n of_o faith_n personal_a which_o be_v act_v several_o by_o particular_a person_n and_o common_a which_o be_v act_v conjoint_o in_o and_o with_o a_o society_n the_o first_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o catholic_a number_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o so_o fit_a matter_n for_o political_a church-society_n the_o other_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o political_a church_n formal_o and_o complete_o and_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o external_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o in_o the_o other_o now_o that_o in_o and_o to_o this_o subject_n so_o profess_v the_o seal_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v may_v be_v prove_v thus_o argum._n 1._o first_o the_o seal_n and_o other_o church-ordinance_n must_v either_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o or_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o these_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n in_o actual_a dispensation_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v ergo._fw-la for_o that_o church_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a dispensation_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o participation_n thereof_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n as_o catholic_n and_o out_o of_o particular_a society_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n the_o same_o ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o capable_a of_o participate_v in_o seal_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n they_o at_o least_o not_o have_v a_o next_o power_n to_o elect_v officer_n to_o do_v it_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o political_a body_n the_o sole_a subject_n of_o church_n administration_n neither_o in_o the_o whole_a nor_o in_o the_o part_n as_o exist_v out_o of_o congregation_n argum._n 2._o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v into_o particular_a society_n that_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o seal_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o they_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o that_o end_n for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o erect_v any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o these_o particular_a temple_n destroy_v and_o thus_o a_o door_n of_o liberty_n be_v open_v to_o many_o to_o live_v loose_o without_o the_o care_n and_o watch_v and_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n argum._n 3._o if_o the_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o believer_n or_o profess_v believer_n as_o such_o than_o they_o may_v be_v administer_v private_o to_o any_o one_o wherever_o he_o be_v find_v but_o that_o be_v very_o irregular_a and_o against_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_a divine_n who_o give_v large_a testimony_n against_o private_a baptism_n or_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n or_o anabaptist_n allege_v for_o the_o contrary_n argum._n 4._o lest_o we_o seem_v to_o stand_v alone_o in_o this_o controversy_n let_v the_o argument_n produce_v by_o didoclavius_n and_o he_o that_o write_v concern_v perth_n assembly_n against_o private_a baptism_n be_v consider_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o most_o of_o they_o do_v strong_o conclude_v against_o administration_n thereof_o to_o any_o but_o church-member_n argum._n 5._o the_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n in_o this_o his_o dispute_n against_o our_o conclusion_n yet_o in_o his_o discourse_n let_v fall_v sundâ—y_a thing_n that_o confirm_v it_o as_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v the_o society_n 22._o of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whence_o we_o argue_v if_o the_o catholic_n church_n exi_v only_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n the_o seal_n must_v only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o also_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a admission_n 68_o into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n whence_o three_o thing_n will_v follow_v first_o that_o baptism_n sometime_o administer_v private_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a pattern_n second_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o immediate_o if_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o
saint_n and_o all_o this_o word_n they_o glad_o receive_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 41._o declare_v their_o baptise_v he_o record_v withal_o their_o add_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o the_o former_a and_o that_o the_o same_o day_n as_o be_v perform_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o indeed_o when_o a_o convert_n public_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_o do_v to_o receive_v he_o to_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o into_o the_o catholic_n before_o baptism_n but_o first_o to_o baptize_v they_o and_o then_o the_o same_o day_n to_o add_v or_o join_v they_o to_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o unprobable_a and_o that_o this_o add_v be_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o the_o next_o place_n you_o may_v note_v be_v act_n 5._o 14._o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n omit_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o believer_n yet_o speak_v of_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o the_o one_o employ_v the_o other_o and_o that_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o opposition_n between_o verse_n 13_o &_o 14_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n 3_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o samaria_n although_o so_o great_a a_o work_n be_v declare_v in_o so_o few_o word_n in_o one_o verse_n act._n 8_o 12._o yet_o the_o text_n put_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n of_o philip_n doctrine_n between_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o plain_o enough_o show_v that_o they_o teach_v the_o observe_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o object_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o this_o they_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o profess_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v now_o the_o first_o and_o most_o famous_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v that_o so_o they_o practise_v why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o their_o like_a practice_n in_o other_o example_n when_o nothing_o be_v say_v that_o contradict_v the_o same_o as_o act_v 10._o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n where_o so_o many_o be_v meet_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o apostle_n peter_n baptize_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o shall_v worship_v he_o and_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a therein_o we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v whether_o those_o believer_n act_n 4._o 4._o &_o 9_o 35._o &_o vers_fw-la 42._o whether_o any_o of_o these_o confess_v their_o faith_n or_o be_v baptize_v for_o nothing_o be_v say_v thereof_o so_o likewise_o act_v 11._o where_o we_o read_v of_o many_o believe_a turn_v to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 21._o of_o the_o add_v other_o to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 24._o but_o nothing_o of_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o baptism_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v call_v a_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o express_v their_o baptism_n without_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o sometime_o join_v without_o baptism_n and_o sometime_o he_o express_v both_o act_v 2._o 41._o and_o therefore_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o like_a of_o the_o case_n of_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailor_n consider_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o express_o of_o a_o church_n at_o philippi_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 4._o at_o which_o time_n we_o have_v no_o more_o conversion_n express_v but_o of_o those_o two_o family_n at_o least_o they_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a fruit_n of_o paul_n ministry_n at_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o lydia_n house_n see_v paul_n go_v out_o of_o prison_n to_o her_o house_n he_o be_v say_v to_o see_v the_o brethren_n and_o comfort_v they_o so_o depart_v verse_n 40._o beside_o why_o may_v not_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v they_o into_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o catholic_n or_o all_o church_n as_o some_o say_v they_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o church_n he_o have_v there_o constitute_v the_o fullness_n of_o power_n in_o the_o apostle_n may_v do_v great_a matter_n without_o breach_n of_o order_n though_o no_o rule_n for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v neither_o be_v it_o strange_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n to_o begin_v a_o church_n in_o a_o family_n see_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o three_o several_a family_n rom._n 16._o 5._o col._n 4._o 15._o phil._n 2._o which_o though_o many_o understand_v to_o be_v call_v church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o godliness_n of_o those_o family_n yet_o iâ—_n we_o consider_v first_o how_o many_o eminent_a saint_n the_o apostle_n salute_v who_o no_o doubt_n â—ad_v godly_a family_n not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v their_o household_n much_o less_o give_v they_o such_o a_o title_n but_o only_o to_o these_o three_o name_v second_o how_o distinct_a his_o salutation_n be_v first_o the_o governor_n and_o then_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n three_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o send_v his_o salutation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16._o 5._o but_o also_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n he_o send_v salutation_n from_o that_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o all_o which_o do_v strong_o argue_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o then_o that_o they_o be_v godly_a family_n and_o therefore_o may_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o constitute_v church_n in_o those_o family_n though_o other_o christian_n also_o may_v join_v with_o they_o thus_o have_v clear_v our_o meaning_n and_o the_o consideration_n itself_o there_o will_v remain_v very_o few_o extraordinary_a case_n if_o any_o of_o who_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v not_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n when_o baptize_v as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n which_o as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a immediate_a call_n of_o philip_n so_o to_o do_v so_o also_o there_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n thereof_o the_o lord_n intend_v thereby_o rather_o by_o he_o to_o send_v the_o gospel_n into_o ethiopia_n then_o to_o retain_v he_o in_o any_o other_o place_n to_o join_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o without_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o immediate_a call_n of_o ananias_n so_o to_o do_v now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o further_o be_v reply_v reply_n the_o seal_v baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a but_o also_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n true_a baptism_n be_v not_o without_o the_o church_n but_o in_o it_o a_o ordinance_n give_v to_o it_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n hence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o to_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n than_o also_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o answ_n 1_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o first_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n baptize_v private_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o second_o if_o because_o the_o ministry_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a church_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n three_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v that_o seal_n belong_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la to_o all_o believer_n as_o such_o as_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o first_o as_o to_o its_o object_n and_o end_n and_o all_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v be_v baptize_v into_o it_o and_o thus_o never_o out_o of_o it_o as_o be_v token_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n both_o in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o actual_a fruition_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o which_o the_o question_n be_v state_v
covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o flock_n people_n or_o sheep_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n there_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o assertion_n seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a to_o fall_v from_o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n be_v a_o foundation_n of_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n and_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o first_o if_o this_o be_v so_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o man_n may_v set_v up_o as_o many_o form_n of_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o please_v if_o the_o people_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n visible_o at_o least_o the_o archdeacon_n with_o his_o commissary_n priest_n churchwarden_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n in_o his_o cathedral_n with_o his_o clergy_n or_o any_o such_o assembly_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o what_o other_o form-soev_a man_n will_v devise_v may_v go_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o belong_v the_o seal_n and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v discipline_n and_o all_o ordinance_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n second_o upon_o this_o ground_n every_o company_n of_o godly_a christian_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n meet_v in_o fast_v prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o to_o they_o as_o such_o the_o seal_n belong_v and_o send_v for_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o may_v have_v baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n administer_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n discipline_n also_o yea_o if_o but_o two_o or_o three_o as_o you_o say_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n meet_v together_o in_o their_o travail_n at_o a_o inn_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n especial_o every_o christian_a family_n be_v the_o church_n for_o they_o profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n join_v daily_o in_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n obedient_a unto_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n why_o not_o call_v for_o a_o minister_n and_o have_v seal_n ordinary_o dispense_v to_o they_o three_o upon_o this_o ground_n a_o company_n of_o christian_a woman_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o seal_n belong_v and_o who_o see_v not_o how_o all_o orderly_a dispensation_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v overturn_v by_o this_o assertion_n we_o very_o believe_v this_o author_n be_v far_o from_o admit_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o position_n itself_o will_v unavoidable_o enforce_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o impute_v this_o assertion_n to_o any_o inconsiderateness_n through_o heat_n of_o disputation_n for_o if_o any_o shall_v maintain_v the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o people_n with_o god_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v visible_a church_n and_o not_o admit_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o more_o public_a or_o general_a covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n be_v make_v one_o people_n join_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o walk_v together_o in_o his_o way_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v a_o church_n as_o here_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o admit_v all_o form_n of_o church_n and_o all_o family_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v church_n and_o so_o bring_v in_o the_o confusion_n object_v which_o we_o desire_v may_v well_o be_v consider_v all_o your_o argument_n stand_v upon_o that_o ground_n of_o personal_a covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o that_o conclusion_n to_o make_v all_o such_o visible_a church_n to_o who_o the_o seal_v belong_v as_o the_o absurd_a consequence_n thereof_o show_v these_o reason_n and_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o margin_n some_o of_o they_o will_v prove_v they_o fit_a matter_n for_o visible_a church_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o remote_a right_n unto_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o they_o will_v not_o prove_v every_o society_n of_o such_o to_o be_v true_a church_n have_v immediate_a right_n to_o have_v the_o seal_v dispense_v unto_o they_o reply_n five_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n know_v and_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o be_v member_n of_o such_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v among_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o every_o visible_a believer_n profess_v the_o pure_a entire_a faith_n admit_v to_o the_o right_n and_o lawful_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n if_o he_o have_v neither_o renounce_v the_o society_n nor_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n or_o church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o our_o church_n come_v to_o new-england_n shall_v desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o themselves_o admit_v to_o the_o lords-supper_n before_o they_o be_v set_v member_n among_o you_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n from_o god_n you_o can_v deny_v they_o if_o you_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n ministry_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v true_a as_o you_o profess_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v and_o approve_v orderly_o recommend_v unto_o you_o answ_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o here_o express_v for_o the_o substance_n however_o some_o reason_n speak_v unto_o before_o intermix_v we_o pass_v over_o and_o to_o your_o question_n we_o frame_v a_o ready_a answer_n from_o your_o own_o word_n for_o first_o you_o grant_v that_o if_o such_o member_n have_v renounce_v that_o society_n wherein_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n of_o all_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o so_o renounce_v the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o and_o give_v they_o suck_v as_o no_o true_a church_n yet_o see_v they_o be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a many_o way_n as_o they_o can_v neither_o enjoy_v some_o needful_a ordinance_n nor_o partake_v in_o those_o they_o have_v without_o sin_n they_o have_v therefore_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v all_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o membership_n in_o they_o and_o so_o by_o your_o own_o grant_n neither_o themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n here_o can_v take_v they_o as_o member_n of_o your_o church_n to_o receive_v they_o under_o that_o respect_n second_o if_o any_o yet_o have_v not_o so_o far_o renounce_v those_o church_n they_o belong_v unto_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o orderly_o recommend_v unto_o we_o which_o also_o you_o grant_v aught_o to_o be_v and_o indeed_o otherwise_o we_o may_v oft_o receive_v person_n just_o excommunicate_a or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o church_n any_o where_o or_o otherwise_o under_o great_a offence_n as_o frequent_a example_n among_o ourselves_o do_v show_v though_o the_o church_n may_v think_v well_o of_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o what_o else_o follow_v in_o this_o paragraph_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n and_o much_o of_o it_o in_o word_n also_o that_o we_o have_v answer_v before_o and_o therefore_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o and_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o after_o as_o for_o that_o you_o desire_v leave_v to_o set_v down_o and_o we_o to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o that_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o distinct_a church_n name_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v congregationall_a society_n we_o shall_v consider_v as_o follow_v reply_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o their_o edify_n as_o in_o samaria_n jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n answ_n although_o we_o expect_v not_o objection_n in_o this_o case_n against_o the_o currant_n tenent_n of_o our_o godly_a reformer_n baine_n parker_n etc._n etc._n with_o who_o we_o join_v and_o we_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o beat_a objection_n of_o the_o prelate_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o examine_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o digression_n the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n as_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o
one_o assembly_n to_o edification_n then_o there_o be_v some_o other_o form_n of_o a_o church_n beside_o congregationall_a but_o so_o it_o be_v in_o samaria_n &c_n &c_n answ_n we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o when_o they_o grow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o more_o congregationall_a church_n and_o so_o no_o other_o form_n arise_v from_o the_o multitude_n but_o we_o suppose_v you_o mean_v of_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o answer_v to_o your_o assumption_n we_o deny_v that_o any_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v here_o call_v a_o church_n be_v so_o great_a as_o can_v not_o meet_v to_o edification_n and_o first_o concern_v samaria_n reply_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n gather_v in_o samaria_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o that_o city_n be_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n be_v more_o than_o can_v probable_o be_v conclude_v answ_n we_o grant_v a_o church_n or_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o samaria_n and_o we_o accept_v your_o reason_n as_o good_a because_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v where_o by_o the_o way_n you_o grant_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o before_o that_o the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n lie_v not_o in_o we_o to_o prove_v until_o you_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o church_n or_o one_o church_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a story_n act_v 8._o nor_o any_o other_o where_o that_o we_o can_v find_v and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o as_o philip_n convert_v and_o baptize_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n at_o several_a time_n and_o gather_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o church_n as_o he_o baptize_v they_o so_o he_o may_v gather_v several_a church_n as_o well_o as_o one_o see_v that_o none_o doubt_v but_o that_o congregationall_a church_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n what_o ever_o man_n contend_v for_o beside_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o samaria_n as_o great_a as_o you_o will_v have_v it_o it_o prove_v nothing_o reply_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o and_o distinct_a yet_o increase_v to_o 3000_o then_o to_o 5000_o etc._n etc._n answ_n be_v it_o so_o the_o increase_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v call_v one_o distinct_a church_n it_o be_v one_o congregation_n viz._n until_o they_o scatter_v by_o the_o persecution_n about_o stephen_n act_v 7._o 8._o which_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o two_o argument_n first_o act_v 2_o 41_o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v the_o 3000_o add_v to_o the_o 120._o they_o have_v their_o communion_n together_o describe_v 1_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n verse_n 42._o second_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o outward_a communion_n in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n they_o bid_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 44_o &_o 45_o now_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o part_n of_o this_o communion_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v describe_v verse_n 46._o viz._n in_o their_o spiritual_a duty_n they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a communion_n in_o their_o state_n they_o eat_v their_o meat_n from_o house_n to_o house_n this_o latter_a require_v many_o table_n and_o many_o house_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o so_o that_o although_o in_o their_o outward_a communion_n it_o be_v in_o private_a house_n yet_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n viz._n the_o temple_n where_o they_o have_v room_n enough_o be_v the_o place_n erect_v for_o a_o national_n church_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o interrupt_v therein_o by_o any_o persecution_n we_o need_v not_o step_v out_o of_o our_o way_n to_o reply_v to_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o note_v that_o they_o daily_o with_o one_o accord_n meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v not_o answer_v by_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o this_o appear_v act_v 6._o 1_o 5._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o election_n of_o deacon_n be_v before_o and_o by_o the_o multitude_n verse_n 1._o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n verse_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o church-meeting_n and_o church-act_n we_o read_v of_o before_o their_o scatter_n neither_o can_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n and_o grecian_n who_o widow_n murmur_v be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v choose_v all_o by_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o whole_a not_o distinct_o so_o many_o for_o this_o and_o so_o many_o for_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v needful_a if_o they_o be_v two_o church_n these_o proof_n be_v so_o clear_a the_o inconvenience_n object_v be_v of_o no_o force_n and_o sufficient_o answer_v by_o many_o example_n of_o as_o great_a assembly_n meet_v ordinary_o to_o edification_n as_o beside_o the_o auditory_a of_o chrysostome_n cite_v by_o other_o the_o assembly_n of_o stepney_n in_o london_n yâ—rmouth_n in_o norfolk_n and_o other_o in_o our_o experience_n beza_n a_o man_n not_o love_v to_o hyperbolise_v say_v that_o be_v in_o paris_n there_o meet_v at_o a_o sermon_n 332._o 24000._o and_o of_o a_o synodall_n assembly_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o lords-supper_n no_o less_o than_o 10000_o beza_n epist._n 65._o reply_n without_o question_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n at_o antioch_n be_v not_o small_a of_o which_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o that_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v think_v the_o church_n rise_v to_o such_o a_o bigness_n as_o can_v not_o well_o assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n act_v 11._o 21._o &_o 14._o 27._o answ_n 1_o in_o that_o place_n act_v 11._o 21._o the_o great_a number_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o the_o scatter_a christian_n at_o phenice_n cyprus_n and_o antioch_n for_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o all_o and_o their_o whole_a success_n be_v sum_v up_o together_o nothing_o say_v before_o of_o the_o other_o place_n 2_o though_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n teach_v much_o people_n yet_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o this_o much_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n 3_o though_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v it_o follow_v they_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o if_o first_o disciple_n be_v there_o call_v christian_n must_v it_o need_v be_v for_o their_o number_n and_o not_o rather_o for_o eminent_a likeness_n to_o christ_n with_o other_o specialty_n of_o providence_n 4_o it_o be_v express_o say_v the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o act_v 14._o 27._o which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o elder_n only_o as_o if_o they_o only_o can_v meet_v for_o chap._n 15._o 30._o they_o gather_v the_o multitude_n together_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o number_n but_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n reply_n the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v great_a at_o ephesus_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o year_n all_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n hear_v the_o word_n a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a way_n open_v to_o he_o where_o the_o shrine_n of_o diana_n her_o temple_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o where_o those_o that_o use_v curious_a art_n burn_v their_o book_n open_o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o great_a danger_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v believe_v act_v 19_o 10_o 19_o 27._o answ_n 1_o be_v it_o so_o that_o many_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o word_n grow_v mighty_o this_o prove_v not_o that_o all_o who_o hear_v paul_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o then_o all_o asia_n shall_v be_v of_o that_o church_n act_n 19_o 10._o who_o do_v hear_v the_o word_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n as_o for_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o shrine_n and_o diana_n temple_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o a_o little_a spark_n may_v kindle_v such_o fear_n and_o raise_v such_o outcry_n in_o the_o covetous_a craftsman_n by_o who_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v set_v in_o a_o superstitious_a uproar_n our_o own_o experience_n may_v teach_v how_o soon_o a_o profane_a people_n will_v cry_v out_o against_o a_o faithful_a minister_n before_o he_o have_v convert_v
and_o so_o may_v they_o circumcise_v themselves_o must_v not_o this_o be_v do_v among_o and_o before_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n whence_o such_o be_v call_v proselyte_n and_o reckon_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n isaiah_n 56._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o be_v not_o all_o this_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o visible_a institute_v church_n before_o they_o be_v circumcise_v last_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v repute_v a_o visible_a believer_n before_o he_o do_v all_o this_o that_o which_o follow_v pag._n 40._o be_v answer_v before_o reply_n if_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o circumcise_v there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reason_n for_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n in_o this_o particular_a answ_n the_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o likeness_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o baptize_v in_o every_o respect_n but_o in_o this_o that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v give_v only_o to_o visible_a member_n of_o that_o institute_v visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n now_o therefore_o if_o you_o can_v allege_v many_o more_o different_a reason_n between_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v and_o those_o not_o to_o be_v baptize_v it_o will_v little_o avail_v in_o the_o case_n but_o we_o shall_v consider_v your_o difference_n particular_o reply_n first_o if_o ever_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o abraham_n family_n and_o may_v not_o be_v communicate_v to_o other_o visible_a believer_n it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n it_o be_v not_o so_o observe_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v gather_v into_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o then_o baptize_v mat._n 3._o 7._o john_n baptize_v such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o confess_v their_o sin_n the_o apostle_n baptize_v disciple_n such_o as_o glad_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n answ_n there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n in_o this_o as_o be_v object_v for_o abraham_n family_n be_v in_o covenant_n before_o circumcision_n be_v give_v only_o the_o covenant_n be_v more_o full_o explain_v and_o confirm_v and_o so_o when_o john_n baptize_v he_o baptize_v the_o member_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n in_o covenant_n before_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o prepare_v a_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n and_o baptism_n be_v then_o give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o reference_n to_o so_o many_o as_o will_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o john_n concern_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n now_o come_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n remain_v yet_o member_n of_o that_o church_n second_o though_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o yet_o to_o be_v erect_v in_o christian_a church_n till_o after_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n whereby_o he_o do_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o jewish_a worship_n and_o therefore_o no_o christian_a church_n can_v be_v gather_v by_o john_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n of_o a_o people_n prepare_v for_o the_o lord_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o according_a to_o that_o state_n be_v make_v the_o disciple_n of_o john_n by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n of_o god_n already_o come_v to_o who_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v appropriate_v as_o for_o the_o instance_n act._n 2._o 37._o etc._n etc._n and_o 8._o 37._o and_o 10._o 47_o 48._o they_o be_v speak_v to_o before_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n reply_n second_o lot_n job_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o bind_v to_o join_v to_o abraham_n family_n and_o be_v circumcise_v but_o now_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v baptism_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n answ_n first_o this_o difference_n make_v little_a to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o all_o that_o will_v be_v circumcise_v be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o that_o church_n and_o so_o now_o second_o in_o after_o time_n no_o doubt_n every_o true_a proselyte_n fear_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o that_o church_n as_o well_o as_o now_o and_o if_o now_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o seek_v baptism_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o some_o visible_a church_n and_o seek_v it_o there_o as_o well_o as_o of_o old_a yea_o where_o shall_v they_o profess_v their_o faith_n but_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o proselyte_n of_o old_a do_v your_o three_o difference_n be_v oft_o press_v and_o answer_v before_o reply_n four_o if_o circumcision_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v because_o that_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a to_o abraham_n posterity_n namely_o that_o christ_n shall_v come_v of_o isaac_n but_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n without_o peculiarity_n or_o respect_n answ_n this_o difference_n be_v of_o little_a moment_n neither_o will_v it_o hold_v for_o first_o though_o that_o and_o other_o promise_n have_v a_o special_a eye_n to_o abraham_n family_n yet_o circumcision_n seal_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4._o to_o they_o be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n with_o the_o church_n as_o baptism_n now_o do_v second_o this_o peculiar_a respect_n you_o speak_v of_o no_o way_n hinder_v the_o join_n of_o many_o servant_n to_o abraham_n family_n and_o covenant_n nor_o any_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n afterward_o of_o any_o nation_n no_o more_o than_o now_o in_o respect_n of_o baptism_n three_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v because_o although_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o other_o yet_o not_o establish_v nor_o enlarge_v towards_o they_o and_o hence_o if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o such_o a_o covenant_n they_o must_v join_v in_o this_o which_o also_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o rich_a grace_n of_o christ_n shine_v forth_o in_o church-covenant_n with_o all_o that_o will_v become_v a_o people_n to_o he_o to_o this_o day_n the_o first_o difference_n be_v answer_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chap._n ix_o consid_n 4._o reply_n to_o the_o four_o consideration_n first_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o church_n censure_n either_o as_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v they_o or_o as_o be_v subject_a unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o second_o sense_n many_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n privilege_n who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o church_n censure_n as_o the_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n and_o approve_a member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o seal_n in_o other_o congregation_n among_o you_o who_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o other_o congregation_n spiritual_a communion_n in_o public_a prayer_n whereof_o visible_a beleiver_n not_o in_o church_n order_n be_v capable_a but_o not_o subject_a to_o common_a censure_n in_o your_o sense_n answ_n this_o distinction_n be_v needless_a our_o meaning_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v nothing_o to_o what_o be_v object_v against_o the_o first_o to_o the_o instance_n object_v against_o the_o proposition_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o answer_v first_o concern_v the_o infant_n of_o church-member_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o censure_n whensoever_o they_o offend_v the_o church_n as_o other_o be_v though_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v innocent_o they_o need_v they_o not_o second_o member_n of_o any_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v subject_a and_o so_o capable_a of_o censure_n though_o not_o in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o in_o the_o proposition_n 2_o also_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o censure_n mediate_o by_o and_o in_o that_o other_o church_n if_o they_o there_o offend_v for_o that_o church_n may_v admonish_v and_o prosecute_v the_o admonition_n in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o refuse_v society_n with_o they_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n who_o can_v be_v prosecute_v to_o excommunication_n in_o any_o place_n three_o public_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n have_v a_o special_a communion_n in_o they_o in_o which_o respect_v other_o do_v not_o share_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o a_o privilege_n or_o peculiar_a ordinance_n wherein_o none_o but_o the_o church_n may_v share_v for_o a_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n may_v hear_v the_o word_n and_o join_v in_o the_o prayer_n be_v cultus_fw-la naturalis_fw-la say_v amen_o unto_o the_o same_o
to_o this_o objection_n be_v speak_v before_o only_o we_o marvel_v why_o you_o say_v they_o must_v first_o partake_v of_o seal_n when_o as_o act_v 2._o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o day_n and_o it_o be_v grant_v the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n by_o baptism_n reply_n such_o as_o for_o lack_v of_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n can_v join_v in_o such_o estate_n ere_fw-we be_v disperse_v by_o persecution_n or_o destitute_a of_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n may_v for_o a_o time_n seek_v the_o seal_n in_o other_o society_n answ_n the_o first_o instance_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o such_o as_o may_v come_v to_o any_o society_n to_o desire_v seal_n be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o join_v viz._n to_o that_o society_n the_o two_o other_o instance_n be_v of_o such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v still_o to_o hold_v their_o right_n in_o a_o church_n society_n the_o thing_n be_v grant_v by_o we_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n 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partake_v in_o the_o seal_n till_o he_o have_v join_v himself_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o conceive_v you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o child_n and_o woman_n have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n if_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consent_v in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n must_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o seem_a swell_n of_o this_o proposition_n will_v easy_o fall_v and_o run_v within_o bank_n and_o bound_n if_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n for_o by_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o all_o church_n member_n to_o his_o ministry_n after_o he_o be_v call_v as_o well_o as_o the_o act_n of_o election_n of_o he_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v irrational_a to_o think_v a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v over_o again_o whensoever_o a_o member_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o our_o meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v and_o be_v so_o take_v woman_n choose_v their_o minister_n that_o be_v voluntary_o submit_v to_o he_o be_v choose_v child_n be_v subject_v to_o he_o by_o their_o parent_n the_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o be_v choose_v and_o do_v if_o they_o remain_v under_o his_o ministry_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n you_o have_v or_o can_v suppose_v reply_n here_o you_o say_v people_n must_v join_v in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n before_o they_o can_v lawful_o desire_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n and_o another_o have_v zealous_o affirm_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n to_o choose_v a_o officer_n not_o train_v up_o and_o wry_v in_o debate_v discuss_v carry_v and_o contrive_v church_n affair_n in_o admonish_v exhort_v comfort_v etc._n etc._n lay_v these_o together_o and_o consider_v how_o long_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o want_v god_n ordinance_n answ_n first_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o profession_n in_o the_o letter_n thus_o to_o join_v we_o with_o mr._n robinson_n as_o another_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o will_v glad_o receive_v every_o syllable_n from_o we_o that_o may_v dislodge_v their_o thought_n of_o separation_n in_o we_o as_o we_o be_v hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o this_o reply_n we_o think_v will_v not_o so_o close_o join_v we_o with_o such_o they_o will_v have_v we_o part_v from_o and_o upon_o so_o little_a occasion_n and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n unless_o they_o do_v much_o forget_v themselves_o second_o when_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o choice_n of_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o hand_n shall_v not_o rash_o be_v lay_v on_o any_o man_n and_o deacon_n the_o low_a office_n shall_v be_v prove_v and_o then_o minister_v be_v find_v blameless_a yea_o he_o say_v and_o these_o also_o prove_v imply_v that_o other_o also_o shall_v be_v so_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o what_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o either_o robinson_n or_o ourselves_o speak_v if_o our_o meaning_n and_o his_o be_v but_o charitable_o take_v if_o his_o word_n be_v overzealous_a to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n to_o do_v otherwise_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o three_o for_o the_o delay_n of_o ordinance_n if_o both_o these_o be_v take_v together_o in_o most_o case_n it_o need_v not_o be_v long_o where_o god_n afford_v able_a and_o fit_a man_n for_o office_n but_o if_o some_o delay_n be_v and_o that_o a_o church_n want_v some_o ordinance_n and_o can_v by_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n enjoy_v they_o which_o be_v rare_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o forbear_v some_o ordinance_n a_o while_n then_o miscarry_v in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o officer_n upon_o which_o the_o follow_a comfort_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o demand_n follow_v be_v answer_v in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o we_o hope_v not_o with_o word_n but_o proof_n especial_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o reply_n in_o the_o first_o consideration_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o such_o difficulty_n but_o that_o such_o christian_n may_v as_o easy_o join_v to_o such_o a_o church_n for_o a_o time_n as_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o sit_v loose_a from_o it_o for_o transient_a member_n we_o disallow_v not_o reply_n if_o the_o proposition_n may_v stand_v for_o good_a i_o fear_v we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v that_o ever_o in_o ordinary_a way_n the_o sacrament_n be_v lawful_o dispense_v or_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o answ_n if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o in_o that_o latitude_n we_o intend_v they_o we_o see_v no_o such_o cause_n of_o scruple_n for_o what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o all_o true_a church_n then_o for_o people_n first_o to_o choose_v their_o minister_n &_o then_o to_o receive_v the_o seal_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o ancient_a reformer_n it_o be_v true_a many_o corruption_n have_v be_v in_o many_o true_a church_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v their_o minister_n as_o also_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o and_o oft_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n but_o as_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n against_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o argue_v a_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o such_o church_n but_o convince_v only_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o so_o in_o
this_o case_n to_o assent_v the_o right_a way_n of_o church_n elect_v officer_n and_o enjoy_v ordinance_n against_o all_o corruption_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o we_o may_v say_v that_o this_o conclusion_n rise_v beyond_o measure_n the_o objection_n be_v thus_o answer_v we_o leave_v the_o conclusion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n chap._n xii_o reply_n to_o the_o seven_o consideration_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n record_v by_o john_n alasco_n be_v for_o differ_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o point_n in_o question_n for_o first_o say_v they_o paul_n testify_v that_o the_o church_n itself_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o member_n of_o it_o be_v clean_o or_o holy_a by_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n answ_n we_o confess_v the_o same_o reply_n second_o they_o bold_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o with_o they_o answ_n the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o call_v it_o not_o but_o the_o english_a church_n and_o we_o deny_v not_o the_o same_o in_o a_o orderly_a way_n as_o they_o also_o require_v testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n if_o any_o do_v but_o present_a a_o child_n to_o baptism_n in_o their_o church_n we_o have_v often_o profess_v this_o and_o by_o your_o own_o grant_n most_o of_o the_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o english_a church_n have_v renounce_v their_o right_n of_o membership_n and_o commuion_n with_o the_o church_n they_o be_v of_o there_o reply_n three_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v by_o they_o to_o prevent_v the_o imposture_n of_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o the_o english_a they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o stranger_n &_o contra_fw-la answ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o their_o order_n for_o his_o word_n be_v all_o stranger_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n yea_o there_o be_v those_o that_o avoid_v all_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o show_v they_o look_v further_a than_o such_o according_a to_o our_o practice_n even_o their_o own_o country_n man_n flee_v for_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v they_o yet_o receive_v they_o not_o till_o by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o subjection_n to_o discipline_n they_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o congregationall_a church_n second_o this_o show_v what_o disorder_n and_o abuse_v of_o ordinance_n will_v follow_v from_o such_o a_o liberty_n to_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v not_o join_v to_o some_o church_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v many_o will_v neglect_v all_o order_n and_o discipline_n if_o they_o may_v but_o have_v the_o seal_n three_o to_o put_v all_o out_o of_o question_n that_o their_o practice_n and_o judgement_n in_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n note_v the_o first_o question_n propound_v by_o they_o be_v these_o infant_n which_o you_o offer_v the_o â—eed_n of_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v here_o baptize_v by_o our_o ministry_n chap._n xiii_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v answer_v to_o the_o reply_v make_v to_o the_o consideration_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o 3._o and_o 4._o position_n now_o whereas_o we_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o objection_n against_o our_o first_o consideration_n and_o answer_v the_o same_o it_o please_v the_o learned_a author_n to_o take_v up_o only_o two_o of_o they_o and_o with_o much_o enlargement_n to_o urge_v the_o same_o as_o his_o reason_n against_o the_o position_n and_o to_o apply_v our_o answer_n thereunto_o by_o which_o mean_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n brief_o set_v down_o may_v seem_v not_o so_o apt_a and_o full_a here_o as_o they_o will_v appear_v in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o we_o to_o enlarge_v ourselves_o somewhat_o in_o answer_v some_o passage_n at_o least_o in_o the_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v here_o propound_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o reply_n reply_n reason_n 1._o that_o sacred_a order_n god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n etc._n etc._n answ_n these_o word_n with_o all_o that_o follow_v whatever_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o carry_v with_o they_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o bare_a denial_n of_o the_o position_n in_o variety_n of_o expression_n reply_n for_o first_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v true_a baptism_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o never_o demand_v of_o those_o he_o receive_v whether_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o we_o have_v in_o substance_n before_o and_o be_v answer_v with_o all_o the_o other_o instance_n in_o this_o first_o reason_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o reply_n to_o the_o first_o consideration_n and_o in_o other_o place_n and_o therefore_o in_o vain_a here_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o and_o we_o have_v observe_v more_o than_o once_o your_o plain_a confession_n that_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v church_n by_o baptism_n even_o such_o church_n as_o they_o set_v elder_n in_o by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n reply_n the_o second_o reason_n in_o substance_n be_v this_o because_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o learn_v that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v of_o god_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o with_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n and_o desire_v it_o be_v wrong_v if_o they_o be_v deprive_v thereof_o answ_n we_o grant_v the_o whole_a but_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v in_o due_a order_n they_o must_v receive_v it_o so_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o for_o we_o grant_v upon_o these_o common_a ground_n such_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la but_o not_o jus_o in_o re_fw-mi and_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o reply_n three_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n a_o man_n have_v internal_a communion_n with_o christ_n by_o profession_n of_o the_o entire_a faith_n join_v with_o conformity_n of_o life_n in_o righteousness_n holiness_n and_o fellowship_n of_o love_n he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a congregation_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n though_o no_o set_a member_n of_o a_o free_a independent_a society_n and_o baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n not_o ever_o more_o but_o by_o accident_n of_o our_o receive_n into_o a_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n this_o reason_n stand_v upon_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n as_o can_v be_v find_v and_o it_o be_v before_o confess_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v of_o all_o true_a particular_a church_n as_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v visible_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o belong_v to_o no_o part_n thereof_o second_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o such_o have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o to_o baptism_n and_o all_o ordinance_n but_o as_o by_o such_o profession_n they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n so_o neither_o have_v they_o immediate_a right_n to_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o without_o admittance_n into_o the_o same_o fit_a matter_n such_o be_v for_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o do_v not_o admit_v they_o actual_o thereunto_o and_o your_o own_o expression_n secret_o imply_v as_o much_o when_o you_o say_v baptism_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n or_o flock_n of_o christ_n if_o baptism_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o admission_n than_o there_o be_v a_o admission_n thereunto_o before_o baptism_n but_o who_o do_v admit_v and_o where_o and_o when_o be_v any_o admit_v to_o the_o church_n but_o in_o particular_a congregation_n can_v any_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o church_n that_o whole_a church_n be_v ignorant_a thereof_o but_o a_o man_n may_v profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n and_o live_v according_o among_o the_o heathen_a where_o neither_o any_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o it_o take_v knowledge_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o bare_a profession_n do_v not_o admit_v man_n but_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o admit_v into_o the_o visible_a church_n your_o four_o reason_n we_o have_v have_v twice_o before_o and_o answer_v the_o same_o reply_n to_o our_o answer_n of_o the_o first_o objection_n from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o centurion_n lydia_n the_o jailor_n and_o the_o eunuch_n first_o if_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v and_o receive_v and_o faith_n profess_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n there_o none_o may_v hinder_v from_o be_v baptize_v soil_n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptize_v they_o then_o either_o such_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o baptism_n be_v not_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o
that_o the_o apostle_n do_v walk_v by_o ordinary_a rule_n general_o reply_n four_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n be_v back_v on_o divine_a precept_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v they_o baptize_v such_o without_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o particular_a church_n we_o deny_v this_o assumption_n upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o before_o reply_n five_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n you_o prove_v the_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n by_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o if_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n in_o your_o sense_n this_o testimony_n be_v insufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n answ_n although_o the_o print_a copy_n of_o our_o answer_n omit_v this_o proof_n whole_o and_o also_o rom._n 9_o 4_o yet_o in_o our_o true_a cypy_n we_o allege_v act_v 2_o 41_o 42._o 47._o wherein_o you_o will_v find_v not_o only_o this_o passage_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o verse_n 47._o that_o the_o conversion_n and_o baptise_v of_o disciple_n be_v omit_v the_o join_n or_o add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v put_v in_o the_o stead_n thereof_o which_o proof_n as_o they_o be_v omit_v whole_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n so_o also_o you_o make_v no_o reply_n unto_o they_o second_o by_o these_o proof_n it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o apostle_n act_n in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n as_o extraordinary_a but_o that_o their_o first_o and_o lead_v example_n be_v ordinary_a and_o in_o that_o order_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v regard_v much_o labour_n have_v be_v save_v in_o this_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v spend_v to_o little_a purpose_n and_o our_o second_o reason_n reply_n in_o due_a order_n the_o sealeâ—_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v but_o the_o grant_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o where_o one_o be_v grant_v none_o be_v deny_v etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o seal_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o by_o a_o remote_a right_n to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v as_o have_v be_v oft_o say_v but_o not_o immediate_a yet_o in_o the_o very_o propound_v of_o this_o reason_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n that_o do_v cut_v the_o â—â—ewes_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o limitation_n of_o due_a order_n which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v can_v no_o where_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n let_v any_o show_n what_o order_n christ_n have_v put_v his_o catholic_n visible_a church_n into_o or_o where_o that_o order_n be_v to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o order_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o such_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o partake_v in_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v find_v second_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o not_o only_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v link_v together_o and_o be_v the_o grant_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o so_o be_v not_o visible_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o part_n of_o that_o grant_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n we_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o visible_a believer_n require_v and_o take_v up_o this_o part_n of_o the_o grant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o for_o sigillum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la donum_fw-la let_v they_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o the_o seal_n be_v ready_a for_o they_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reply_n about_o rom._n 4._o 11._o as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o follow_v be_v thing_n so_o oft_o repeat_v and_o answer_v before_o as_o make_v it_o tedious_a to_o all_o chap._n xiiii_o position_n 5._o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o that_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externo_fw-la foro_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n they_o may_v be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o one_o part_n must_v err_v now_o hence_o the_o question_n be_v move_v whether_o the_o power_n he_o so_o in_o the_o people_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n determine_v must_v stand_v answ_n if_o our_o whole_a answer_n have_v be_v attend_v unto_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o it_o can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n to_o omit_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o answer_n affirmative_o wherein_o we_o cite_v mr._n parker_n as_o consent_v with_o he_o in_o the_o second_o part_n to_o the_o position_n as_o state_v our_o answer_n be_v plain_o negative_a that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o so_o seat_v neither_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o follow_v be_v our_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o position_n because_o church_n ought_v to_o carry_v thing_n not_o by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o this_o position_n imply_v but_o by_o strength_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o god_n and_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o now_o let_v any_o judge_n whether_o the_o position_n do_v not_o imply_v such_o a_o absurdity_n so_o oft_o as_o thing_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n against_o the_o officer_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v better_a reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o the_o learned_a author_n have_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o syllable_n that_o lend_v to_o dislodge_v these_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n he_o will_v have_v believe_v our_o plain_a negation_n of_o this_o position_n which_o indeed_o be_v according_a to_o our_o constant_a practice_n never_o follow_v the_o major_a part_n of_o vote_n against_o the_o officer_n but_o count_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o such_o case_n either_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o major_a part_n or_o lesser_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o yield_v not_o to_o the_o vote_n but_o reason_n if_o they_o be_v stranger_n or_o to_o suspend_v the_o business_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n if_o they_o can_v agree_v but_o a_o division_n arise_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 15._o reply_n among_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o as_o fenner_n parker_n i._o d._n distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o refer_v we_o to_o mr._n parker_n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o differ_v judgement_n from_o he_o in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o
for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o application_n of_o a_o office_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n we_o will_v demand_v whether_o christ_n do_v this_o to_o such_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n immediate_o or_o mediate_o if_o immediate_o than_o their_o call_n be_v not_o in_o this_o different_a from_o apostle_n which_o paul_n express_o distinguish_v gal._n 1_o 1._o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o by_o jesus_n christ_n false_a teacher_n be_v of_o man_n and_o by_o man_n true_a pastor_n as_o thomas_n john_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o god_n by_o man_n and_o if_o christ_n communicate_v this_o office_n and_o the_o authority_n annex_v unto_o it_o mediate_o by_o man_n not_o immediate_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n to_o call_v and_o so_o to_o apply_v this_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n john_n thomas_n etc._n etc._n we_o hold_v this_o fraternal_a ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o we_o shall_v defend_v this_o position_n and_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v else_o place_v it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o parker_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o misinterpret_v one_o word_n of_o his_o sentence_n do_v pervert_v his_o whole_a meaning_n his_o word_n be_v pro_fw-la dono_fw-la conditionali_fw-la ut_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la communicetur_fw-la i._n e._n that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o officer_n nor_o keep_v it_o in_o her_o own_o hand_n or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v his_o meaning_n and_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o position_n he_o hold_v so_o strong_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n reply_n after_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v it_o take_v not_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v no_o where_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n first_o commit_v this_o power_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o the_o community_n the_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o immediate_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o they_o be_v set_v over_o their_o charge_n in_o who_o name_n they_o execute_v their_o office_n etc._n etc._n yea_o pastorship_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o apostleship_n and_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v but_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o pastor_n the_o call_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n give_v to_o the_o church_n take_v effect_n from_o the_o begin_n in_o christ_n institution_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o take_v effect_v after_o second_o that_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n if_o you_o mean_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n the_o place_n act._n 28._o 8._o ephes_n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o officer_n be_v immedate_o from_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n this_o the_o lord_n can_v do_v and_o do_v do_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o church_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n and_o institution_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v come_v at_o last_o home_n to_o our_o tenant_n as_o here_o you_o do_v that_o pastorship_n the_o office_n power_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n annex_v to_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n viz._n by_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o pastor_n every_o one_o that_o receive_v this_o office_n have_v it_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o church_n call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n apply_v it_o to_o they_o and_o thus_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o you_o reply_n the_o steward_n be_v appoint_v of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n alone_o and_o have_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o he_o every_o ambassador_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o embassage_n do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v send_v but_o if_o the_o function_n order_n and_o authority_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a receptacle_n answ_n answ_n first_o though_o pastor_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n dispense_v the_o word_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o he_o immediate_o and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o ambassador_n and_o steward_n yet_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a dissimilitude_n the_o one_o be_v call_v mediate_o the_o other_o immediate_o by_o their_o master_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o prove_v nothing_o what_o do_v this_o argument_n conclude_v if_o only_o that_o the_o function_n and_o order_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o the_o application_n of_o the_o office_n to_o such_o a_o person_n so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o outward_a call_n it_o follow_v not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o function_n and_o office_n may_v be_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o by_o the_o church_n reply_n thus_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_v against_o papist_n if_o bishop_n receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o exercise_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o mandate_n mission_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o than_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o for_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o bishop_n answ_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o dispute_n be_v because_o the_o pope_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n from_o peter_n whence_o all_o must_v see_v derive_v to_o all_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v they_o never_o so_o orderly_o choose_v and_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o esteem_n and_o so_o indeed_o usurp_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o like_a usurpation_n â—â—_o its_o degree_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n but_o here_o the_o case_n be_v far_o different_a the_o church_n clame_v no_o such_o power_n but_o only_o ministerial_a in_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o officer_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n and_o so_o the_o application_n of_o that_o office_n unto_o the_o person_n which_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o scripture_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o they_o derive_v not_o their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o they_o whereunto_o christ_n have_v annex_v that_o power_n last_o the_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v object_v against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n you_o can_v or_o will_v suppose_v even_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o reply_n it_o be_v usual_o object_v that_o the_o church_n can_v convey_v what_o she_o never_o have_v but_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v their_o pastor_n whereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o plain_a nothing_o can_v give_v that_o it_o have_v not_o formal_o or_o virtual_o unless_o it_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instrument_n minister_a to_o one_o that_o have_v it_o but_o so_o it_o may_v give_v what_o it_o never_o have_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o steward_n may_v give_v all_o the_o office_n in_o his_o master_n house_n as_o ministerial_o execute_v his_o master_n pleasure_n answ_n this_o answer_n do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o we_o can_v put_v off_o our_o old_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o every_o instrument_n minister_a to_o the_o principal_a cause_n do_v confer_v vim_o ad_fw-la effectum_fw-la and_o so_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o effect_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v virtual_o or_o formal_o the_o same_o in_o itself_o if_o a_o conduit_n convey_v water_n ministerial_o from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o house_n it_o have_v water_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o it_o do_v concur_v to_o the_o effect_n and_o so_o the_o church_n can_v give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o officer_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v she_o receive_v they_o from_o christ_n virtual_o to_o give_v they_o to_o the_o officer_n second_o for_o the_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o steward_n give_v the_o office_n to_o such_o
person_n as_o his_o master_n have_v name_v thereunto_o and_o he_o instal_v they_o into_o the_o same_o the_o case_n be_v not_o alike_o yet_o here_o he_o must_v have_v some_o power_n and_o authority_n so_o to_o do_v so_o that_o he_o have_v these_o office_n virtual_o in_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o it_o be_v his_o master_n will_n he_o shall_v choose_v what_o person_n he_o see_v fit_a according_a to_o rule_n give_v he_o which_o be_v the_o case_n here_o than_o he_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o his_o hand_n reply_n three_o if_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n and_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a the_o church_n do_v not_o only_o call_v but_o make_v officer_n out_o of_o power_n and_o virtue_n receive_v into_o herself_o and_o then_o shall_v the_o church_n have_v a_o true_a lord_n like_o power_n in_o regard_n of_o her_o minister_n answ_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o hold_v the_o church_n have_v so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o herself_o as_o that_o she_o may_v derive_v from_o herself_o authority_n to_o the_o officer_n let_v such_o look_v unto_o the_o conclusion_n as_o for_o mr._n robinson_n though_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o sentence_n you_o cite_v out_o of_o he_o yet_o we_o doubt_v whether_o you_o do_v not_o go_v beyond_o his_o sense_n &_o meaning_n but_o according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o this_o position_n before_o lay_v down_o neither_o this_o absurdity_n of_o lordship_n over_o the_o officer_n nor_o any_o other_o that_o be_v instance_a in_o under_o this_o reason_n do_v at_o all_o follow_v and_o they_o may_v be_v as_o strong_o urge_v against_o the_o presbytery_n class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v and_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o church_n choose_v officer_n to_o execute_v the_o power_n commit_v to_o she_o be_v so_o answer_v in_o the_o same_o page_n as_o will_v serve_v we_o as_o well_o as_o you_o viz._n god_n will_v have_v she_o elect_a officer_n of_o his_o designment_n that_o be_v such_o as_o the_o rule_n direct_v she_o to_o choose_v to_o do_v his_o work_n according_a to_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o then_o they_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o not_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v that_o charge_n and_o function_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o people_n we_o mean_v no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o outward_a call_v instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o close_o with_o you_o herein_o and_o indeed_o this_o power_n of_o elect_a officer_n do_v not_o ever_o include_v authority_n over_o they_o who_o they_o choose_v but_o rather_o willing_a subjection_n unto_o they_o and_o set_v they_o up_o to_o rule_v as_o when_o a_o woman_n choose_v a_o husband_n she_o make_v he_o her_o husband_n in_o a_o sort_n but_o withal_o her_o head_n and_o ruler_n so_o when_o a_o people_n choose_v a_o major_n etc._n etc._n reply_n four_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v first_o and_o immediate_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v why_o in_o defect_n of_o officer_n the_o church_n may_v not_o rule_v feed_v bind_v loose_a preach_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n or_o if_o any_o fail_v in_o office_n why_o she_o may_v not_o supply_v that_o want_n by_o her_o power_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v contain_v both_o authority_n and_o exercise_n power_n be_v give_v that_o it_o may_v be_v exercise_v as_o it_o be_v vouchsafe_v but_o the_o church_n can_v exercise_v these_o act_n of_o rule_n ergo._fw-la answ_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v some_o of_o the_o key_n formal_o but_o only_o virtual_o and_o as_o be_v say_v out_o of_o parker_n not_o as_o a_o gift_n absolute_a but_o conditional_a that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o officer_n such_o power_n as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v formal_o she_o may_v and_o do_v exercise_v as_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v officer_n a_o power_n of_o judge_v in_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o and_o the_o like_a the_o power_n of_o preach_v proper_o so_o call_v &_o dispense_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v they_o only_o virtual_o and_o therefore_o must_v choose_v officer_n to_o who_o christ_n her_o lord_n have_v give_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o corporation_n that_o by_o patent_n from_o the_o king_n have_v many_o privilege_n the_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n incorporate_v and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o yet_o many_o act_n can_v be_v put_v forth_o but_o by_o officer_n due_o choose_v and_o so_o here_o reply_n for_o these_o reason_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o any_o more_o we_o judge_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o to_o be_v the_o immediate_a receptacle_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n not_o to_o belong_v unto_o they_o answ_n by_o this_o conclusion_n it_o appear_v that_o how_o ever_o the_o author_n begin_v profess_o against_o we_o as_o separatist_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o he_o follow_v the_o cause_n against_o mr._n parker_n with_o who_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v friend_n second_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o fraternal_a power_n of_o judge_v though_o official_a authority_n be_v not_o formal_o give_v to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o officer_n reply_n if_o consent_n of_o church_n be_v ask_v in_o this_o point_n to_o omit_v other_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n speak_v full_o and_o express_o for_o we_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discip_n cap._n 1._o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n grant_v of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o it_o use_v a_o proper_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n beza_n de_fw-fr presb._n pag._n 60._o helu._n confess_v cap._n 18._o belgic_a etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a godly_a and_o zealous_a reformer_n be_v ask_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n may_v be_v produce_v that_o hold_v the_o church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n as_o fulke_n whitaker_n parker_n peter_n martyr_n musculus_fw-la and_o other_o beside_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a divine_n and_o counsel_n gerson_n and_o the_o parisian_a divine_v well_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a concern_v quotation_n of_o the_o scottish_a discipline_n the_o first_o word_n lie_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n as_o leave_v the_o build_n ready_a to_o fall_v in_o these_o word_n the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n etc._n etc._n but_o where_o be_v the_o church_n so_o take_v not_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v with_o any_o solid_a reason_n notwithstanding_o all_o wrestle_a of_o man_n to_o find_v it_o out_o but_o general_o for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a either_o the_o universal_a or_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o sometime_o consider_v with_o her_o officer_n and_o divers_a time_n as_o distinguish_v from_o they_o as_o act_n 14._o 23._o and_o 20._o 13._o 28._o jam._n 5._o 14._o revel_v 2._o 1._o 8._o 12._o etc._n etc._n but_o never_o contra_fw-la for_o the_o officer_n distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o the_o officer_n be_v in_o and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v fall_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o the_o scripture_n may_v judge_v indeed_o among_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o the_o prelate_n the_o clergy_n have_v long_o get_v and_o hold_v possession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o foundation_n but_o we_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n far_o about_o humane_a testimony_n chap._n xv._n position_n 6._o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n but_o they_o must_v promise_v not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n reply_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n abrupt_o to_o break_v away_o when_o and_o whither_o they_o please_v and_o forsake_v fellowship_n another_o thing_n not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v habitation_n unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n also_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n mutual_o to_o compound_v and_o agree_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o each_o other_o without_o consent_n and_o approbation_n and_o other_o to_o require_v a_o
promise_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o society_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v without_o the_o church_n allowance_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v of_o all_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v we_o can_v discern_v upon_o what_o ground_n your_o practice_n be_v warrant_v answ_n we_o be_v still_o enforce_v to_o clear_v our_o answer_n from_o mistake_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o answer_n leave_v it_o doubtful_a whether_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o position_n affirmative_o and_o in_o practice_n require_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o church_n covenant_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v the_o case_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v first_o mind_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o then_o add_v what_o be_v needful_a to_o take_v away_o the_o scruple_n and_o first_o the_o answer_n say_v that_o we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a and_o most_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o brethren_n shall_v not_o forsake_v fellowship_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o removall_n approve_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o position_n affirm_v for_o first_o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n include_v a_o necessity_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o expediency_n and_o agreeablenesse_n to_o rule_v not_o to_o break_v off_o abrupt_o second_o the_o position_n affirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o case_n in_o practice_n as_o in_o many_o case_n beside_o for_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n reach_v to_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o which_o we_o make_v no_o promise_n express_v in_o the_o entrance_n three_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o answer_n acknowledge_v only_o that_o brethren_n remove_v shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o take_v counsel_n in_o such_o weighty_a affair_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o this_o position_n in_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n our_o answer_n do_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o be_v negative_a second_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o full_a enough_o because_o we_o see_v our_o brethren_n here_o run_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o question_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v and_o mr._n rutherford_n and_o other_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o confess_a practice_n we_o do_v therefore_o clear_o and_o plain_o deny_v the_o position_n and_o affirm_v that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o our_o admission_n of_o member_n to_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n we_o only_o count_v such_o removall_n especial_o of_o family_n a_o action_n among_o many_o other_o whereunto_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n do_v extend_v to_o prevent_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n thereof_o and_o to_o further_a the_o best_a good_a of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n by_o counsel_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o dear_a affection_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n cleave_v together_o in_o love_n have_v private_o resolve_v or_o agree_v together_o not_o to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o we_o have_v take_v knowledge_n of_o and_o we_o think_v that_o have_v be_v very_o rare_a but_o for_o any_o such_o public_a promise_n covenant_n or_o church_n oath_n as_o some_o strain_v thing_n to_o the_o height_n have_v call_v it_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v be_v require_v or_o practise_v among_o we_o this_o be_v so_o there_o need_v no_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v resident_a in_o for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o divers_a may_v and_o do_v forbear_v to_o join_v because_o of_o their_o unsettlednesse_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n second_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n some_o may_v be_v advise_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o private_a friend_n in_o a_o church_n to_o forbear_v till_o they_o be_v some_o way_n settle_v but_o that_o any_o be_v debar_v from_o communion_n when_o they_o desire_v it_o because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n unless_o other_o just_a cause_n hinder_v it_o neither_o suit_n with_o our_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v practice_v other_o way_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v you_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o a_o father_n bestow_v his_o child_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_v in_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n when_o church_n grow_v populous_a they_o must_v be_v negligent_a or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o taâ—ke_n and_o for_o the_o present_a to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o be_v usurpation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o our_o answer_n be_v but_o attend_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o practice_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o such_o case_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v may_v be_v spare_v for_o thus_o we_o say_v we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a etc._n etc._n that_o none_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o abrupt_o break_v off_o etc._n etc._n this_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o plain_a and_o easy_a case_n many_o time_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o removal_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o abrupt_a break_v off_o or_o forsake_v fellowship_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o counsel_n as_o in_o case_n of_o servant_n marriage_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o no_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o some_o removal_n of_o family_n also_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o open_o carry_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o of_o the_o church_n none_o scruple_n it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o demand_n of_o dismission_n or_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n the_o same_o be_v grant_v but_o in_o removal_n of_o some_o member_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o same_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o need_v the_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o officer_n and_o whole_a church_n as_o be_v confess_v after_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v call_v to_o counsel_n and_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n for_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mediate_o by_o advise_v with_o some_o who_o may_v satisfy_v the_o rest_n if_o need_v be_v reply_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o expedient_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n over_o rigid_a and_o the_o member_n busiebody_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o rule_n of_o love_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v seek_v the_o edification_n and_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n as_o of_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o member_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n in_o one_o church_n body_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o shoulder_n zeph._n 3._o 9_o and_o to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o this_o do_v reach_n to_o all_o the_o action_n and_o way_n of_o one_o another_o so_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o this_o iâ—_n and_o we_o think_v this_o ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v our_o practice_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v which_o may_v wipe_v off_o the_o aspersion_n of_o be_v rigid_a or_o busybody_n reply_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n be_v peace_n but_o overmany_a counsellor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n answ_n we_o grant_v it_o may_v do_v so_o neither_o do_v we_o bring_v all_o case_n to_o public_a like_o counsel_n but_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o needs_o the_o public_a counsel_n of_o all_o and_o as_o we_o have_v a_o
gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n so_o we_o confess_v to_o his_o praise_n that_o we_o find_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n in_o matter_n orderly_o carry_v and_o gather_v up_o from_o the_o various_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o experience_n of_o many_o christian_n when_o need_n be_v to_o be_v a_o bless_a privilege_n of_o god_n people_n to_o enjoy_v and_o sanctify_v oft_o to_o the_o great_a good_a of_o his_o saint_n and_o be_v neglect_v and_o slight_v have_v be_v oft_o follow_v with_o sad_a event_n reply_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n infer_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n to_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v one_o over_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o this_o essential_o tie_v not_o any_o man_n to_o a_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n for_o then_o even_o occasional_a absence_n shall_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o grant_v our_o church-covenant_n neither_o require_v every_o business_n to_o come_v to_o public_a counsel_n nor_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o hold_v by_o we_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n reply_n you_o say_v you_o bind_v yourselves_o to_o no_o new_a duty_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o require_v neither_o direct_o nor_o by_o consequence_n that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o on_o what_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o can_v but_o grieve_v we_o to_o see_v how_o the_o replyer_n still_o not_o content_a to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o harsh_a sense_n but_o will_v also_o wind_v in_o other_o matter_n into_o his_o discourse_n which_o may_v make_v our_o practice_n seem_v far_o more_o rigid_a than_o it_o be_v first_o he_o urge_v we_o as_o if_o we_o bring_v all_o case_n of_o remove_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o as_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n second_o he_o will_v by_o consequence_n infer_v the_o like_a of_o occasional_a absence_n and_o now_o he_o weave_v in_o that_o also_o as_o if_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o to_o require_v man_n to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o place_n whither_o they_o go_v and_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o occasional_a absence_n which_o be_v far_o from_o we_o reply_n and_o if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o best_a church_n through_o weakness_n and_o temptation_n may_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a administration_n of_o censure_n or_o other_o affair_n but_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o such_o fear_n upon_o so_o little_a ground_n may_v argue_v the_o author_n charity_n concern_v our_o wisdom_n and_o christian_n care_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o very_o great_a reply_n as_o for_o the_o covenant_n itself_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o constrain_v man_n to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o and_o wind_v they_o up_o high_a than_o god_n will_v and_o strain_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o pitch_n you_o seem_v here_o to_o do_v a_o godly_a sober_a mind_n may_v well_o pause_v before_o he_o make_v such_o a_o promise_n answ_n if_o the_o author_n have_v not_o strain_v and_o aggravate_v thing_n beyond_o our_o meaning_n in_o the_o answer_n and_o our_o practice_n this_o will_v not_o have_v come_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n to_o trouble_v a_o sober_a godly_a mind_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o general_o sober_a godly_a mind_n that_o have_v their_o pride_n and_o self-willednesse_a in_o any_o good_a measure_n mortify_v do_v count_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o our_o practice_n of_o this_o point_n to_o be_v both_o easy_a and_o profitable_a neither_o do_v we_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o any_o as_o be_v say_v but_o if_o any_o stumble_v at_o the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o a_o little_a here_o clear_a that_o scruple_n when_o we_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o branch_v our_o reason_n into_o four_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v as_o if_o every_o one_o of_o those_o four_o thing_n be_v make_v a_o distinct_a promise_n in_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n for_o the_o four_o be_v but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o three_o former_a as_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v never_o make_v by_o we_o a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o a_o distinct_a promise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o our_o judgement_n or_o practice_n if_o because_o we_o extend_v our_o watch_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o brethren_n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n it_o will_v no_o more_o follow_v then_o that_o we_o require_v promise_n in_o admission_n in_o a_o thousand_o case_n to_o which_o our_o watch_n also_o extend_v reply_n if_o any_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o every_o business_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o question_v whether_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o or_o not_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o know_v the_o most_o be_v unfit_a to_o counsel_v in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v he_o break_v his_o covenant_n therein_o and_o so_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o a_o sort_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judge_v yourselves_o if_o in_o other_o case_n you_o will_v not_o censure_v this_o to_o be_v a_o high_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o strict_a bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o humane_a constitution_n answ_n to_o extend_v our_o watch_n so_o far_o as_o have_v be_v say_v unto_o these_o case_n of_o removall_n from_o a_o church_n to_o prevent_v sin_n in_o abrupt_a break_v off_o and_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n oft_o fall_v into_o in_o their_o unadvised_a break_n out_o of_o the_o fold_n the_o lord_n have_v place_v they_o in_o and_o to_o further_a their_o best_a good_a in_o their_o removall_n whatever_o be_v think_v of_o it_o we_o count_v it_o no_o breach_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v under_o such_o a_o watch_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o shall_v neglect_v any_o duty_n that_o one_o owe_v to_o another_o so_o far_o as_o it_o tend_v necessary_o to_o those_o end_n we_o may_v well_o reckon_v it_o as_o a_o neglect_n of_o our_o covenant_n but_o because_o it_o be_v offensive_a to_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n etc._n etc._n we_o entreat_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o the_o christian_a reader_n to_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o answer_n this_o stand_v in_o the_o three_o thing_n note_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o general_a and_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o this_o particular_a case_n by_o we_o nor_o well_o appliable_a in_o the_o manner_n here_o express_v second_o it_o be_v moderate_v in_o the_o answer_n which_o say_v in_o some_o sort_n he_o shall_v commit_v that_o sin_n if_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o satisfy_v we_o wish_v it_o expunge_v or_o any_o other_o seem_a harshness_n rather_o than_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o any_o last_o that_o you_o may_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o the_o infringement_n of_o christian_a liberty_n herein_o we_o will_v acquaint_v all_o man_n with_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o removal_n from_o one_o town_n and_o church_n to_o another_o and_o from_o full_a to_o new_a plantation_n be_v frequent_o practise_v among_o we_o with_o consent_n and_o approbation_n second_o that_o we_o find_v in_o experience_n that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o sheep_n a_o wander_a disposition_n so_o in_o this_o large_a wilderness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v exercise_v his_o people_n with_o various_a temptation_n by_o liberty_n by_o offer_n of_o large_a outward_a accommodation_n by_o want_n and_o straits_n by_o various_a opinion_n vent_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o respect_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o subject_a many_o time_n to_o outrunnings_n that_o we_o find_v more_o than_o ordinary_a need_n of_o care_n and_o wisdom_n in_o this_o point_n of_o our_o watch_n in_o many_o case_n and_o many_o that_o have_v break_v loose_a from_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o officer_n friend_n and_o of_o the_o church_n have_v deep_o smart_v for_o it_o how_o sad_a a_o case_n be_v it_o when_o some_o brainsick_a master_n of_o a_o family_n transport_v with_o a_o fancy_n a_o odd_a opinion_n will_v needs_o carry_v his_o whole_a
family_n with_o himself_o to_o the_o grief_n and_o hazard_n of_o his_o godly_a wife_n and_o hopeful_a child_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o people_n full_a of_o fanatical_a error_n be_v it_o christian_a liberty_n or_o dangerous_a licentiousness_n to_o leave_v such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o he_o reply_n may_v you_o not_o hear_v from_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o herein_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o he_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n and_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n and_o so_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_a rule_n necessary_a for_o all_o time_n and_o all_o person_n to_o put_v that_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n beyond_o warrant_n to_o bind_v conscience_n under_o so_o heavy_a â—_o penalty_n as_o that_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v they_o to_o debar_v approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o seiled_a member_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o society_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o as_o man_n that_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o your_o practice_n answ_n here_o be_v a_o great_a heap_n of_o heavy_a crimination_n gather_v together_o and_o cast_v upon_o we_o upon_o very_o weak_a ground_n upon_o mistake_n suspicion_n and_o we_o fear_v too_o much_o credulity_n give_v to_o some_o clamorous_a person_n return_v to_o england_n and_o too_o little_a credit_n give_v to_o our_o true_a relation_n and_o faithful_a profession_n most_o of_o these_o have_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o we_o marvel_v how_o they_o come_v in_o so_o twist_v together_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v here_o only_o clear_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o their_o proper_a place_n to_o see_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o here_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v devise_v a_o rite_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v intend_v of_o this_o promise_n of_o not_o removal_n without_o leave_n which_o promise_n be_v not_o require_v of_o we_o nor_o make_v in_o our_o church_n covenant_n as_o we_o have_v say_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n be_v also_o a_o mere_a mistake_n arise_v from_o the_o confound_a of_o a_o second_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o our_o first_o reason_n with_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v distinct_a and_o have_v a_o different_a scope_n for_o whereas_o some_o may_v object_v that_o this_o reason_n from_o the_o covenant_n hold_v with_o such_o as_o grant_v such_o a_o covenant_n lawful_a the_o answer_n say_v that_o some_o indeed_o question_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o we_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o thereupon_o the_o answer_n first_o give_v reason_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o second_o for_o the_o necessity_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n incorporate_v which_o by_o a_o fundamental_a rule_n do_v require_v of_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o they_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o conform_v to_o all_o such_o lawful_a rite_n and_o order_n as_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o that_o society_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o he_o to_o offer_v and_o confusion_n in_o they_o to_o accept_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o easy_o follow_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o a_o people_n enjoy_v privilege_n together_o it_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o some_o promise_n or_o covenant_n which_o covenant_n though_o in_o civil_a society_n it_o may_v consist_v in_o rite_n and_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o for_o their_o good_a yet_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o covenant_n be_v no_o other_o but_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o without_o any_o rite_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o profess_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o those_o word_n let_v any_o judge_n what_o ground_n be_v give_v by_o we_o of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o devise_v rite_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n give_v any_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n for_o though_o it_o dispute_v from_o the_o necessary_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o member_n when_o whither_o and_o wherefore_o he_o please_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n without_o consent_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n that_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o any_o rite_n custom_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o we_o to_o prevent_v the_o same_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n thereof_o we_o still_o whole_o and_o only_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v order_n and_o reform_v all_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o man_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o remove_v or_o not_o remove_v not_o require_v any_o express_a promise_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o this_o particular_a no_o more_o than_o in_o other_o and_o thus_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v resolve_v you_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o you_o desire_v to_o conclude_v this_o passage_n give_v we_o leave_v without_o offence_n to_o say_v thus_o much_o although_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o desire_v humble_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o trial_n even_o to_o go_v through_o evil_a report_n as_o well_o as_o good_a yea_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o cruel_a mock_n of_o the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o god_n without_o who_o providence_n a_o tongue_n can_v not_o move_v against_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o account_v it_o one_o of_o our_o poor_a affliction_n to_o suffer_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o pen_n or_o tongue_n of_o our_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n for_o who_o we_o daily_o pray_v and_o to_o who_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v provoke_v to_o return_v any_o other_o language_n then_o savour_v of_o love_n and_o respect_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o sore_a crimination_n oft_o upon_o mere_a mistake_n cast_v not_o only_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o both_o by_o this_o learned_a author_n and_o some_o other_o that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o senseless_a of_o the_o dishonour_n be_v reflect_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n herein_o as_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o groan_n out_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o humble_o beseech_v all_o our_o godly_a brethren_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a if_o after_o all_o the_o harsh_a passage_n of_o this_o reply_n such_o a_o heap_n of_o accusation_n as_o be_v here_o throw_v upon_o we_o move_v we_o to_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v unjust_o and_o unground_o cast_v upon_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v but_o think_v have_v draw_v a_o black_a cloud_n over_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v here_o set_v up_o among_o we_o to_o omit_v the_o general_a frame_n of_o this_o reply_n in_o present_v our_o opinion_n and_o way_n to_o the_o people_n as_o if_o we_o concur_v general_o with_o those_o of_o the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o differ_v almost_o in_o every_o thing_n from_o such_o godly_a brethren_n as_o have_v breathe_v after_o purity_n of_o ordinance_n and_o reformation_n to_o omit_v also_o the_o frequent_a insert_v of_o such_o term_n unto_o our_o question_n and_o argument_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o which_o render_v every_o thing_n harst_o and_o full_a of_o rigidness_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o reader_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o we_o and_o omit_v also_o divers_a other_o supposition_n and_o objection_n we_o shall_v only_o desire_v those_o who_o have_v take_v up_o evil_a thought_n concern_v these_o church_n and_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n we_o walk_v in_o from_o this_o reply_n to_o note_v
these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o this_o short_a chapter_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v build_v as_o page_n 79._o that_o we_o hinder_v man_n from_o entrance_n into_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n and_o run_a upon_o this_o strain_n he_o say_v be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o and_o require_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n here_o be_v a_o loud_a outcry_n and_o who_o will_v not_o think_v but_o that_o we_o usual_o propound_v and_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o our_o admission_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o so_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o look_v a_o little_a before_o and_o he_o say_v if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v again_o ibidem_fw-la say_v he_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v overrigid_a in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busy_a body_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n it_o follow_v if_o they_o arrogate_v such_o a_o power_n to_o themselves_o so_o page_n next_o 80._o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o command_v that_o no_o member_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o congregation_n whither_o he_o go_v on_o what_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n to_o what_o end_n be_v this_o insert_v if_o not_o to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o practice_n among_o we_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o occasional_o be_v absent_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v far_o from_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n see_v a_o few_o line_n after_o the_o church_n shall_v burden_n herself_o etc._n etc._n if_o she_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o such_o occasion_n and_o immediate_o after_o we_o fear_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o religious_a exercise_n shall_v be_v profane_v by_o unseasonable_a dispute_n but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o fear_n conceive_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n viz._n if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o that_o before_o the_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o seem_v robinson_n in_o case_n of_o some_o notorious_a obstinate_a offender_n will_v have_v some_o censure_n pass_v to_o prevent_v pollution_n of_o a_o ordinance_n and_o be_v this_o ground_n sufficient_a again_o in_o the_o same_o page_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v thick_o sow_v herein_o say_v he_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o preserve_v unity_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o seek_v a_o ground_n it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o mistake_n â—s_v be_v show_v before_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a profession_n of_o the_o answer_n that_o we_o promise_v no_o new_a duty_n but_o only_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o all_o saint_n in_o church_n order_n much_o less_o do_v we_o set_v up_o new_a rite_n and_o custom_n and_o as_o if_o all_o these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o leaf_n be_v two_o little_a page_z next_z 81._o we_o have_v a_o whole_a catalogue_n gather_v together_o from_o other_o place_n and_o this_o that_o by_o lay_v thing_n together_o the_o odium_fw-la raise_v may_v stick_v the_o deep_a for_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v but_o to_o press_v custom_n expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_a rule_n necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o all_o person_n to_o put_v authority_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o intermeddle_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o that_o upon_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v it_o to_o debar_v know_v christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n as_o settle_a member_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n against_o light_n to_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n concern_v all_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a nor_o approve_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o true_o weak_a enough_o as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o discourse_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o author_n for_o thus_o he_o add_v this_o be_v that_o we_o can_v approve_v and_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n these_o thing_n we_o have_v thus_o brief_o present_v in_o one_o view_v not_o to_o dishonour_v the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a author_n who_o memory_n we_o honour_v two_o thing_n we_o charitable_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o remove_v over_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o first_o we_o consider_v his_o spirit_n may_v be_v over_o grieve_v and_o provoke_v to_o this_o harshness_n by_o the_o withdrawing_n of_o many_o christian_n from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a liturgy_n in_o which_o cause_n he_o stand_v too_o far_o engage_v and_o suppose_v new-england_n way_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o he_o be_v the_o more_o sharp_a second_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o reply_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o be_v send_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o less_o blamable_a but_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v now_o publish_v and_o the_o harshness_n thereof_o may_v do_v much_o hurt_n we_o be_v press_v to_o clear_v ourselves_o wherein_o if_o any_o thing_n reflect_v upon_o the_o author_n or_o publisher_n we_o can_v avoid_v it_o neither_o do_v we_o write_v thus_o as_o if_o we_o will_v whole_o justify_v ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o particular_a miscarriage_n that_o happy_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o in_o some_o church_n or_o other_o may_v have_v happen_v we_o have_v much_o cause_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o our_o god_n and_o abase_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dust_n before_o man_n for_o all_o the_o weakness_n sin_n error_n and_o miscarriage_n that_o have_v be_v find_v among_o we_o in_o one_o kind_n and_o another_o only_o this_o we_o may_v profess_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n that_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n we_o have_v seek_v after_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o frame_v of_o discipline_n as_o we_o can_v conceive_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o help_n of_o the_o best_a reformer_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o evil_n discover_v unto_o we_o but_o bewail_v our_o great_a defect_n in_o all_o reply_n and_o here_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o you_o have_v consider_v already_o that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n thereof_o you_o stand_v here_o all_o this_o day_n say_v moses_n before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n joshua_n circumcise_v but_o it_o be_v uncredible_a to_o think_v there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v not_o give_v good_a testimony_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a thing_n especial_o in_o the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o know_v their_o material_n and_o because_o the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n step_v somewhat_o out_o of_o his_o way_n to_o call_v we_o to_o give_v answer_n in_o this_o controversy_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n especial_o in_o this_o present_a turn_n of_o time_n we_o shall_v therefore_o glad_o accept_v of_o this_o occasion_n to_o declare_v ourselves_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o we_o may_v to_o the_o two_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n qu._n first_o whether_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n at_o there_o admission_n thereunto_o answ_n 1._o second_o whether_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n hereof_o whether_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v etc._n etc._n for_o answer_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v express_v ourselves_o in_o these_o particular_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n first_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o what_o may_v keep_v a_o church_n already_o constitute_v from_o be_v account_v no_o church_n
but_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v require_v of_o such_o as_o join_v unto_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o corrupt_a as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o protestant_a writer_n hoth_v out_o of_o the_o example_n of_o some_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o the_o old_a in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n thereof_o we_o think_v in_o this_o same_o doctor_n field_n expression_n may_v be_v safe_o 7_o receive_v some_o profess_v christ_n say_v he_o but_o not_o whole_o and_o entire_o as_o heretic_n some_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a truth_n but_o not_o in_o unity_n as_o schismatic_n some_o profess_v it_o in_o untie_v but_o not_o in_o sincerity_n as_o profane_a person_n and_o hypocrite_n some_o in_o unity_n and_o sincerity_n all_o these_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n by_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consequent_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o sort_n the_o church_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o think_v that_o 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certainty_n from_o such_o infallible_a sign_n of_o it_o as_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o hide_a be_v of_o it_o within_o but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o hope_v the_o best_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 7_o in_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o mean_a profession_n even_o when_o it_o sometime_o fear_v the_o worst_a and_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o present_a to_o convince_v the_o contrary_n three_o this_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o profession_n or_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o word_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o complete_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o also_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o act_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o hence_o large_a profession_n and_o long_a relation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n though_o full_a of_o exceed_a glory_n when_o humble_o and_o prudent_o make_v we_o exact_v not_o rigorous_o and_o necessary_o of_o all_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n direct_v we_o not_o so_o to_o judge_v because_o many_o christian_n may_v be_v draw_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o seed_n of_o faith_n yet_o may_v sometime_o not_o know_v it_o sometime_o remember_v not_o the_o work_n of_o it_o sometime_o through_o bashfulness_n fear_n want_v of_o part_n nor_o not_o train_v up_o under_o a_o know_a ministry_n not_o be_v able_a to_o profess_v it_o so_o full_o and_o clear_o hence_o also_o to_o keep_v out_o other_o from_o communion_n out_o of_o groundless_a fear_n that_o all_o their_o profession_n may_v be_v in_o hypocrisy_n we_o allow_v not_o because_o no_o man_n in_o his_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o fear_n but_o by_o the_o word_n hence_o also_o to_o account_v any_o unfit_a for_o the_o church_n because_o their_o heart_n can_v close_v with_o they_o or_o because_o they_o like_v not_o their_o spirit_n speak_v not_o with_o favour_n or_o any_o such_o like_a principle_n and_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o rule_n or_o convict_a argument_n from_o the_o word_n why_o thus_o they_o do_v we_o think_v be_v rigour_n not_o charity_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n for_o humane_a charity_n do_v not_o make_v god_n church_n but_o such_o person_n which_o from_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n charity_n be_v to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v here_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o look_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o certainty_n to_o faith_n but_o not_o for_o charity_n which_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o another_o estate_n and_o therefore_o upon_o a_o hopeful_a supposition_n that_o the_o premise_n their_o profession_n be_v true_a hopeful_o only_o make_v the_o conclusion_n the_o question_n â—eing_v bring_v to_o this_o narrow_a it_o will_v here_o lie_v viz._n first_o whether_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n second_o with_o what_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n charity_n according_a to_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v the_o first_o we_o think_v be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n exod._n 19_o or_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_n 2._o and_o in_o other_o like_a scripture_n do_v call_v for_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o especial_o of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n exd._n 19_o deut._n 29._o it_o be_v not_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v his_o word_n to_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n which_o in_o a_o prepare_a people_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v to_o go_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o look_v as_o they_o do_v require_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v so_o upon_o the_o profession_n thereof_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o also_o appear_v act_v 2._o 38._o which_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v and_o tremble_v and_o profane_a man_n of_o much_o knowledge_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o unfit_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o act._n 8._o 37._o philip_n not_o only_o require_v faith_n but_o a_o believe_a with_o all_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o eunuch_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o profession_n baptize_v he_o and_o hence_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n colosse_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n how_o be_v it_o because_o debito_fw-la and_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la only_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n for_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v true_o such_o among_o they_o and_o so_o in_o concreto_fw-la be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o visible_a church_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o none_o among_o they_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o title_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o their_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o maintain_v be_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n john_n baptist_n also_o though_o he_o baptize_v none_o into_o a_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v require_v the_o less_o yet_o as_o he_o real_o promise_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o he_o require_v that_o very_a faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o may_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o this_o heavenly_a benefit_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o he_o require_v they_o manifest_v by_o their_o profession_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o save_a work_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o a_o creed_n which_o be_v require_v for_o then_o a_o papist_n be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n nor_o willingness_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o then_o heap_n of_o profane_a person_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v profession_n of_o a_o work_n and_o save_a work_n
apostle_n ordinary_a and_o first_o lead_v practice_n and_o example_n be_v for_o those_o position_n not_o against_o they_o 2_o you_o grant_v here_o that_o act_n 2._o and_o 8._o and_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o we_o must_v suppose_v though_o not_o express_v for_o how_o else_o can_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o the_o mocker_n and_o other_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o profession_n this_o must_v be_v by_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o his_o doctrine_n press_v three_o thing_n 1._o conversion_n or_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n 2._o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o those_o word_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 38._o 3._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o and_o substance_n of_o his_o exhortation_n which_o include_v a_o gather_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o text_n say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o that_o they_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 2._o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o do_v all_o this_o appear_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o confession_n can_v any_o man_n think_v such_o soul_n will_v make_v but_o a_o break_a heart_a gracious_a confession_n which_o to_o any_o discern_a charity_n must_v be_v take_v to_o argue_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o very_a character_n give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o so_o brief_a a_o history_n do_v clear_o evince_v what_o we_o contend_v for_o consider_v also_o the_o story_n acts._n 8._o and_o first_o not_o to_o pass_v over_o what_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v be_v baptize_v continue_v with_o philip_n and_o wonder_v so_o that_o no_o doubt_n they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o when_o peter_n discover_v his_o falseness_n see_v what_o he_o say_v verse_n 21._o thou_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n let_v any_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o christ_n and_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n because_o not_o right_a whether_o the_o apostle_n peter_n or_o the_o church_n will_v have_v receive_v he_o if_o such_o have_v be_v discover_v before_o and_o for_o the_o eunuch_n philip_n require_v his_o profession_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n look_v for_o a_o sound_n work_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o include_v true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v that_o confession_n of_o peter_n for_o true_a faith_n flesh_n and_o â—lood_o have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o yea_o it_o include_v subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o rare_a but_o a_o common_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n believe_v and_o confess_v to_o include_v true_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n that_o suit_n with_o that_o foundation_n as_o rom._n 10._o 9_o so_o expound_v verse_n 10_o 11._o as_o be_v more_o than_o historical_a faith_n so_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1_o 2._o and_o 5._o 1._o the_o like_a character_n of_o a_o penitent_a and_o gracious_a carriage_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v observe_v act._n 19_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o see_v you_o have_v give_v we_o this_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o pattern_n we_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o take_v away_o the_o conceit_n of_o novelty_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o tertullian_n say_v in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n we_o admit_v no_o man_n to_o any_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n unless_o he_o first_o have_v show_v we_o of_o who_o he_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o second_o whether_o he_o admit_v and_o hold_v the_o general_a principle_n wherein_o all_o christian_n do_v and_o ever_o do_v agree_v otherwise_o proscribe_v against_o he_o as_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o admit_v man_n to_o disputation_n no_o doubt_n much_o more_o in_o receive_v man_n to_o church_n communion_n but_o if_o this_o seem_v not_o full_a enough_o take_v another_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a there_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la instruct_v for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n with_o who_o they_o take_v much_o pain_n in_o sanctify_v they_o before_z by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o for_o their_o admission_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o they_o 1._o nominis_fw-la professio_fw-la 2._o scrutinium_fw-la 3._o abrenuntiatio_n 4._o fidei_fw-la professio_fw-la their_o scrutinium_fw-la which_o they_o call_v examen_fw-la competentium_fw-la or_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v competent_a or_o fit_v for_o admission_n this_o examen_fw-la be_v very_o strict_a as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o alcuinus_fw-la by_o learned_a *_o 15._o chamier_n fiant_fw-la scrutinia_fw-la ut_fw-la explorentur_fw-la saepius_fw-la a_o post_n renuntiationum_fw-la satanae_n sacra_fw-la verba_fw-la datae_fw-la fidei_fw-la radicitus_fw-la cord_n defixerint_fw-la i._n e._n let_v examination_n be_v make_v that_o it_o oft_o may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o have_v deep_o fix_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o sacred_a word_n of_o their_o profess_a faith_n and_o what_o ever_o any_o may_v think_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o their_o discipline_n in_o this_o point_n chamier_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n by_o way_n of_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o who_o word_n upon_o it_o be_v these_o certain_z nemo_fw-la improbare_fw-la potest_fw-la seriam_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la sanctis_fw-la rebus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la quantum_fw-la fieri_fw-la poterit_fw-la lateant_fw-la simones_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n certain_o no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o serious_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v profanation_n of_o sacred_a thing_n lest_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o as_o simon_n magus_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n go_v before_o in_o their_o example_n for_o philip_n act_v 8._o be_v demand_v of_o the_o eunuch_n what_o hinder_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o simple_o thou_o may_v but_o with_o this_o supposition_n add_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n now_o this_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v either_o by_o recite_v the_o creed_n in_o a_o eminent_a place_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o praeclarâ_fw-la â—iduciâ_fw-la with_o full_a affiance_n as_o he_o observe_v out_o of_o clement_n and_o augustine_n or_o else_o respondendo_fw-la interroganti_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la per_fw-la singula_fw-la in_o subsidium_fw-la forte_fw-fr pudoris_fw-la aut_fw-la memoriae_fw-la i._n e._n by_o answer_v to_o the_o minister_n propound_v question_n concern_v their_o faith_n for_o help_v of_o their_o bashfulness_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n also_o beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 14._o commend_v much_o the_o severity_n and_o zeal_n of_o former_a pastor_n and_o church_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o bemoan_v the_o negligence_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o filth_n he_o conclude_v thus_o itaque_fw-la frustra_fw-la disputabitur_fw-la tum_fw-la voce_fw-la tum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la nisi_fw-la conversione_n cordium_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d initium_fw-la instaurationis_fw-la sumatur_fw-la reverend_a mr._n hildersham_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o their_o pastor_n answer_v thus_o yes_o very_o for_o see_v matth._n 3._o 6._o act_n 8._o 37._o god_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o congregation_n or_o their_o minister_n their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o do_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o require_v this_o of_o they_o
which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v cultus_fw-la institutus_fw-la reply_n second_o a_o person_n baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o that_o particular_a congregation_n only_o but_o into_o all_o church_n and_o in_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptize_v person_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v of_o they_o now_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o baptize_v person_n walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o able_a to_o examine_v himself_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o all_o circumcise_a person_n have_v right_o thereby_o to_o eat_v the_o passeover_n in_o any_o society_n where_o god_n shall_v choose_v to_o put_v his_o name_n there_o exod._n 4._o 47._o deut._n 16._o 1_o 1._o answ_n this_o seem_v to_o touch_v the_o question_n itself_o rather_o than_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o four_o consideration_n but_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o it_o as_o it_o stand_v 1._o here_o you_o grant_v that_o a_o person_n baptize_v be_v baptize_v unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o we_o accept_v as_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o question_n unaware_o 2._o if_o you_o mean_v that_o such_o have_v a_o liberty_n of_o communion_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o all_o church_n where_o he_o come_v we_o grant_v so_o far_o as_o nothing_o in_o he_o just_o hinder_v but_o if_o you_o mean_v that_o he_o be_v baptize_v into_o all_o church_n so_o as_o to_o challenge_v a_o right_n of_o membership_n in_o they_o all_o we_o deny_v it_o as_o a_o position_n that_o will_v take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o we_o have_v former_o show_v 3._o we_o deny_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o baptize_v person_n able_a to_o examine_v himself_o &_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o baptize_v person_n for_o then_o a_o papist_n convert_v to_o the_o truth_n able_a to_o examine_v himself_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o every_o church_n before_o he_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o his_o conversion_n and_o faith_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o he_o may_v be_v such_o a_o baptize_v person_n and_o we_o may_v say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o excommunicate_a penitent_a 4._o we_o grant_v that_o a_o baptize_v person_n be_v not_o only_o baptize_v in_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n whereof_o he_o be_v first_o a_o member_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n of_o his_o initiation_n into_o that_o particular_a church_n only_o then_o he_o must_v be_v rebaptise_v as_o oft_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o another_o but_o he_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o sense_n former_o show_v into_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n and_o hence_o have_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la or_o a_o remote_a right_n unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n every_o where_o but_o that_o therefore_o he_o have_v immediate_a right_n to_o the_o fruition_n of_o all_o when_o he_o be_v sever_v from_o that_o particular_a church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v that_o follow_v not_o for_o as_o he_o have_v this_o latter_a right_n in_o the_o first_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v baptize_v so_o he_o must_v have_v it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n afterward_o now_o if_o in_o the_o first_o church_n the_o fruition_n of_o ordinance_n come_v by_o orderly_o join_v to_o it_o so_o it_o must_v be_v afterward_o for_o as_o we_o say_v before_o such_o as_o the_o communion_n be_v such_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o union_n he_o that_o will_v have_v political_a communion_n with_o the_o political_a church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v some_o where_o in_o political_a union_n with_o they_o otherwise_o one_o may_v have_v communion_n in_o all_o church_n &_o yet_o never_o unite_v himself_o to_o any_o one_o which_o loose_a walk_n we_o be_v persuade_v christ_n jesus_n will_v not_o allow_v 5_o the_o similitude_n from_o a_o circumcise_a person_n will_v not_o hold_v first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o parity_n between_o several_a family_n in_o the_o same_o church_n and_o several_a church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o rather_o several_a seat_n of_o communicant_n in_o the_o same_o church_n answer_v several_a family_n eat_v the_o passover_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n second_o a_o edomite_n circumcise_a though_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n in_o his_o own_o country_n never_o so_o full_o yet_o may_v not_o eat_v the_o passover_n till_o he_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n as_o all_o other_o proselyte_n do_v &_o so_o be_v it_o here_o reply_n three_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o every_o church_n privilege_n one_o may_v have_v right_a to_o some_o who_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o other_o as_o member_n of_o one_o church_n may_v join_v in_o hear_v and_o prayer_n with_o another_o church_n but_o not_o meddle_v in_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o therefore_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a to_o be_v take_v without_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o admit_v a_o believer_n into_o communion_n in_o any_o church_n privilege_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v answ_n what_o be_v here_o object_v from_o the_o liberty_n or_o restriction_n of_o church_n member_n in_o another_o congregation_n be_v answer_v before_o in_o the_o first_o objection_n and_o therefore_o the_o proposition_n may_v stand_v good_a for_o all_o that_o be_v here_o say_v 2_o that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o as_o the_o proposition_n be_v neither_o the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o our_o reason_n nor_o any_o way_n allow_v by_o we_o for_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o power_n to_o admit_v but_o of_o the_o right_a to_o be_v partaker_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v a_o power_n in_o officer_n to_o admit_v member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o the_o seal_n though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 3_o if_o our_o proposition_n seem_v to_o need_v proof_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v at_o hand_n because_o those_o that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n or_o proper_a privilege_n or_o propriety_n of_o the_o church_n as_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n viz._n outward_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n ordain_v by_o he_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n and_o joint_o give_v to_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o look_v to_o what_o church_n he_o have_v give_v the_o one_o he_o have_v give_v the_o other_o also_o if_o the_o one_o viz._n censure_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o a_o visible_a congregation_n than_o the_o other_o they_o be_v all_o both_o seal_n and_o censure_n contain_v in_o the_o key_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o visible_a institute_v church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_n as_o such_o for_o a_o godly_a man_n just_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n yet_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o catholic_n reply_n that_o visible_a believer_n baptize_v into_o a_o true_a church_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o walk_v in_o holy_a obedience_n and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v judge_v such_o as_o be_v without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n because_o they_o be_v not_o external_o join_v as_o set_v member_n to_o some_o peculiar_a congregation_n in_o church_n covenant_n be_v affirm_v not_o prove_v answ_n come_v to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o argument_n it_o be_v express_v according_a to_o the_o frequent_a manner_n in_o this_o reply_n in_o such_o term_n as_o it_o be_v not_o affirm_v by_o we_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o want_v proof_n blame_v not_o we_o our_o assumption_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o church_n covenant_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o church_n censure_n where_o by_o be_v in_o church_n covenant_n we_o mean_v either_o implicit_o or_o explicit_o membership_n in_o any_o true_a church_n as_o in_o our_o answer_n we_o express_v to_o prevent_v mistake_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o and_o in_o apply_v hereof_o we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o such_o be_v simple_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n but_o in_o some_o respect_n only_o viz._n in_o regard_n of_o visible_a church_n communion_n reply_n first_o it_o do_v oft_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o best_a member_n of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n in_o the_o church_n may_v be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a society_n and_o shall_v their_o posterity_n be_v count_v alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o their_o parent_n be_v unjust_o separate_v from_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o lord_n answ_n this_o objection_n be_v before_o answer_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n where_o be_v give_v the_o instance_n of_o athanasius_n and_o it_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o reply_n itself_o in_o the_o next_o word_n sure_o as_o parent_n unjust_o excommunicate_v do_v continue_v still_o