enough_o to_o set_v we_o down_o resolve_v against_o any_o such_o thing_n if_o we_o can_v say_v there_o be_v a_o silence_n about_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v it_o in_o his_o word_n either_o express_o or_o by_o just_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n it_o be_v no_o order_n of_o his_o devise_v scripture_n silence_n about_o any_o tradition_n give_v a_o full_a condemnation_n what_o ever_o pleas_a man_n may_v bring_v for_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v profitable_a many_o have_v be_v edify_v by_o it_o it_o be_v a_o prudent_a way_n to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n many_o wise_a holy_a learned_a man_n have_v plead_v for_o it_o and_o practise_v it_o that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o decency_n in_o it_o and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v no_o way_n harmful_a aâ—l_o this_o be_v full_o answer_v with_o that_o one_o word_n god_n have_v speak_v nothing_o about_o it_o heb._n 7._o 4._o it_o never_o enter_v into_o his_o heart_n to_o enjoin_v it_o jer._n 7._o 31._o thus_o he_o this_o be_v public_o practise_v and_o print_v so_o long_o a_o go_v by_o so_o eminent_a a_o minister_n and_o never_o since_o contradict_v we_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o none_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o it_o and_o we_o be_v thankful_a to_o he_o for_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o doctrine_n so_o full_o lay_v down_o to_o bear_v off_o the_o institution_n tradition_n and_o imposition_n that_o man_n will_v lay_v upon_o we_o but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o consider_v the_o question_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n propound_v and_o the_o answer_v he_o give_v to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o which_o attempt_n we_o shall_v offer_v no_o other_o apology_n for_o our_o brevity_n save_v that_o our_o author_n himself_o 〈…〉_o ight_n have_v be_v as_o brief_a and_o yet_o full_a as_o clear_v and_o 〈…〉_o i've_n gospel_n order_n revive_v etc._n etc._n the_o two_o first_o question_n may_v have_v be_v whole_o spare_v yet_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o good_a introduction_n to_o other_o of_o aâ—â—_n ill_a aspect_n quest_n 1._o whether_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o consist_v of_o saint_n and_o true_a believer_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o state_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o catholic_n be_v visible_a saint_n and_o though_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o give_v in_o the_o word_n yet_o we_o will_v charitable_o hope_v his_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o unite_a minister_n in_o london_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v as_o member_n in_o order_n to_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o special_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o such_o as_o be_v know_v and_o sound_a in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o scandal_n in_o their_o life_n and_o to_o a_o judgement_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v person_n of_o visible_a godliness_n and_o honesty_n credible_o profess_v cordial_a subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n have_v our_o reverend_a author_n only_o say_v thus_o much_o and_o indeed_o more_o be_v needless_a he_o have_v save_v we_o the_o labour_n of_o any_o reflection_n on_o this_o part_n of_o his_o essay_n but_o there_o be_v one_o passage_n in_o p._n 15_o which_o we_o can_v but_o except_v against_o a_o scripture_n say_v he_o which_o have_v respect_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n severe_o rebuke_n those_o minister_n which_o shall_v bring_v man_n that_o be_v uncircumcised_a in_o bearâ—_n unregenerate_a person_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o eat_v the_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n which_o 〈…〉_o y_fw-es that_o be_v there_o partake_v oâ—_n ezek._n 44._o 7_o 9_o a_o hard_a say_n and_o who_o can_v â—ear_v it_o the_o text_n be_v here_o mangle_a and_o the_o principal_a thing_n leave_v out_o what_o god_n have_v join_v our_o reverend_a author_n have_v separate_v to_o drive_v on_o his_o design_n the_o text_n say_v uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o uncircumcised_a in_o flesh_n but_o here_o we_o have_v it_o only_o uncircumcise_v in_o heaâ—t_n interpret_v unregenerate_a person_n what_o a_o rebuke_n be_v this_o to_o the_o best_a of_o minister_n because_o forsooth_o they_o be_v not_o heart_n searcher_n and_o dare_v not_o invade_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n do_v the_o reverend_a author_n or_o the_o church_n with_o he_o never_o admit_v any_o un_fw-fr 〈…〉_o â—erate_a person_n to_o communion_n with_o they_o he_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o rebuke_n be_v to_o himself_o we_o know_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n admit_v judas_n uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n a_o unregenerate_a person_n to_o holy_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v hypocrite_n creep_v in_o many_o of_o who_o turn_v apostate_n nay_o our_o author_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o this_o that_o p._n 19_o he_o quote_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reverend_n m._n coâ—ton_n that_o its_o better_a to_o admit_v diverse_a hypocrite_n than_o to_o keep_v out_o one_o sincere_a child_n of_o god_n it_o be_v obvious_a than_o that_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v admit_v and_o yet_o the_o minister_n incur_v neither_o the_o rebuke_n of_o conscience_n or_o of_o this_o scripture_n nay_o he_o may_v be_v approve_v of_o god_n as_o do_v his_o duty_n though_o hypocrisy_n may_v too_o well_o consist_v with_o sufficient_a knowledge_n find_v belief_n a_o blameless_a life_n a_o credible_a profession_n etc._n etc._n to_o conclude_v it_o be_v very_o observable_a the_o reverend_a author_n close_v this_o first_o enquiry_n by_o say_v that_o the_o church_n here_o be_v free_a to_o admit_v those_o into_o their_o communion_n who_o be_v thus_o qualify_v we_o marvel_v then_o his_o zeal_n be_v not_o stir_v to_o rebuke_v they_o afresh_o but_o what_o will_v the_o reader_n think_v if_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o apology_n after_o all_o for_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o assure_v he_o he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o minister_n ought_v not_o to_o admit_v know_v infidel_n or_o profane_a for_o for_o his_o part_n he_o pretend_v not_o to_o know_v man_n heart_n we_o only_o can_v entreat_v the_o reader_n not_o to_o rebuke_v the_o author_n too_o severe_o for_o his_o inconsistency_n for_o he_o may_v mean_v well_o and_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v unless_o he_o shall_v imagine_v himself_o attack_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o institute_v church_n q_o 2._o whether_o there_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o trial_n of_o person_n concern_v their_o qualification_n and_o fitness_n for_o church_n communion_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v thereunto_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o examine_v the_o force_n of_o the_o author_n argument_n whether_o they_o unresistable_o conclude_v or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o consequence_n be_v good_a from_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o porter_n at_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o 12_o angel_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o mystical_a jerusalem_n to_o the_o trial_n of_o church_n member_n it_o suffice_v that_o the_o reverend_a author_n have_v modest_o state_v this_o truth_n and_o cite_v we_o to_o a_o merciful_a bar_n the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o a_o rational_a charity_n where_o the_o judge_n avoid_v severity_n and_o the_o trial_n be_v manage_v with_o abundant_a tenderness_n the_o bruise_a reed_n be_v not_o break_v nor_o the_o smoke_a flax_n quench_v the_o tender_a lamb_n find_v the_o kind_a shepherd_n arm_n to_o fold_v they_o and_o a_o gentle_a carriage_n in_o his_o bosom_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o part_n of_o the_o good_a shepherd_n and_o we_o can_v now_o glad_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o reverend_a author_n pastoral_a care_n so_o many_o good_a word_n remove_v all_o jealousy_n of_o a_o rigid_a trial_n but_o alas_o the_o cloud_n return_v upon_o we_o and_o a_o black_a doubt_n be_v start_v as_o follow_v q_o 3_o whether_o be_v not_o the_o brethren_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o to_o judge_v concern_v the_o qualification_n and_o fitness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o communion_n the_o reverend_a author_n allow_v there_o may_v be_v a_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n as_o to_o this_o point_n and_o yet_o no_o breach_n of_o union_n we_o think_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o continue_v to_o honour_v the_o person_n though_o we_o expose_v his_o opinion_n so_o we_o â—oâ—â—_n the_o negative_a will_v not_o deleâ—ve_v the_o popular_a cry_n oh_o apostasy_n apostasy_n the_o difference_n as_o the_o reverend_a author_n tell_v we_o be_v between_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o the_o congregational_a way_n the_o former_a give_v this_o power_n only_o to_o the_o eldership_n the_o latter_a join_v the_o fraternity_n with_o they_o he_o take_v up_o for_o the_o latter_a but_o whether_o he_o prove_v it_o the_o world_n may_v see_v when_o we_o have_v consider_v his_o
no_o wife_n be_v a_o husband_n this_o be_v wear_v threadbare_a and_o answer_v long_o ago_o by_o the_o assembly_n at_o london_n and_o other_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o author_n himself_o a_o minister_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o a_o double_a notion_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o c_o 〈…〉_o t_o or_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o latter_a sense_n they_o be_v relate_v &_o correlate_n and_o no_o otherwise_o hence_o if_o he_o leave_v they_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n and_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v his_o flock_n but_o still_a he_o may_v be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o thus_o in_o that_o little_a book_n that_o be_v entitle_v the_o judgement_n of_o several_a divine_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n concern_v a_o pastor_n power_n occasional_o to_o exeâ—t_v ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o church_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v his_o particular_a flock_n the_o reverend_a author_n express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n pag._n 1._o the_o ministerial_a power_n which_o a_o pastor_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n â—â—_o not_o so_o â—oâ—fined_v to_o his_o particular_a flock_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n when_o he_o shall_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n else_o where_o and_o a_o little_a after_o i_o be_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a full_o of_o the_o same_o judgement_n with_o the_o learned_a dr._n j._n owen_n in_o 〈◊〉_d judicious_a treatise_n concern_v a_o gospel_n church_n pag._n 100_o 101_o where_o he_o have_v these_o word_n although_o we_o have_v no_o concerâ—â—â—us_a in_o the_o sigâ—ent_n of_o a_o indelible_a character_n accompany_v sacred_a order_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o think_v the_o pastoral_n office_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n must_v leave_v beâ—â—nd_v he_o every_o time_n he_o go_v from_o home_n for_o my_o own_o part_n â—_o i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o bâ—â—nd_a to_o preach_v as_o a_o minister_n authorize_v in_o all_o place_n and_z â—â—_o all_o occasion_n when_o i_o be_o call_v thereunto_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v never_o preach_v more_o in_o this_o world_n thus_o dr._n owen_n we_o see_v then_o that_o our_o reverend_a author_n and_o the_o famous_a dr._n owen_n plain_o hold_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n yet_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o auâ—hroâ—zed_v by_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v capable_a in_o his_o name_n to_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n in_o other_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o be_v not_o our_o author_n sincere_o of_o this_o opinion_n we_o can_v but_o think_v he_o will_v high_o condemn_v any_o minister_n that_o shall_v be_v absent_a from_o his_o flock_n four_o year_n together_o upon_o any_o service_n whatsoever_o â—ure_o if_o he_o be_v no_o way_n capable_a to_o act_v as_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v all_o that_o while_o but_o as_o a_o stray_n bird_n idle_o wander_v from_o its_o nest_n yet_o at_o this_o time_n our_o author_n will_v bear_v the_o world_n in_o hand_n that_o a_o minister_n have_v no_o power_n to_o act_v as_o such_o but_o to_o his_o particular_a flock_n and_o therefore_o quote_v the_o word_n of_o the_o platform_n chap._n 9_o sect_n 7._o he_o that_o be_v clear_o loose_v from_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n can_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o officer_n nor_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o o_o 〈…〉_o e_o in_o any_o other_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v again_o call_v unto_o office_n but_o a_o more_o eminent_a assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o london_n have_v quote_v this_o very_a paragraph_n pag_n 1â—5_n and_o severe_o but_o just_o answer_v it_o as_o a_o great_a absurdity_n and_o contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n whether_o a_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v only_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o church_n where_o he_o be_v â—â—serve_v â—_o will_v result_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o lay_v down_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v suppose_v when_o ever_o a_o person_n be_v separate_v to_o his_o ministry_n but_o see_v our_o lord_n commission_n none_o immediate_o such_o must_v be_v present_a as_o have_v power_n to_o authorise_v commission_n and_o give_v the_o charge_n in_o his_o name_n when_o ever_o a_o call_n be_v give_v receive_v and_o accept_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o word_n message_n or_o letter_n both_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v conceive_v as_o present_a face_n to_o face_n but_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n person_n distance_n etc._n etc._n must_v determine_v this_o matter_n which_o as_o they_o mâ—â—_n fall_v out_o may_v sometime_o render_v it_o both_o prodent_n regular_a and_o necessary_a &_o then_o its_o the_o voice_n of_o providence_n for_o a_o min_n 〈…〉_o to_o be_v ordain_v on_o one_o land_n and_o to_o serve_v in_o another_o q._n 14._o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n in_o grant_v letter_n of_o dismission_n or_o recommendation_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o according_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o other_o church_n the_o reverend_a author_n refer_v to_o many_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a but_o not_o one_o of_o they_o reach_v the_o question_n or_o prove_v â—â—_o dismission_n for_o this_o end_n soil_n to_o take_v a_o person_n off_o from_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o another_o the_o epistle_n or_o letter_n he_o refer_v to_o be_v all_o apostatical_a or_o ministerial_a not_o the_o letter_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o some_o only_o except_v which_o be_v mention_v as_o write_v by_o the_o brethren_n but_o apolâ—â—_n on_o whole_a behalf_n they_o write_v be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o their_o church_n nor_o do_v they_o write_v to_o those_o in_o achaia_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o member_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o minister_n or_o as_o a_o christian_a of_o eminence_n and_o singular_a goodness_n indeed_o there_o may_v be_v a_o good_a use_n of_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o especial_o among_o stranger_n and_o where_o a_o member_n remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o a_o mutual_a satisfaction_n may_v be_v labour_v after_o but_o we_o can_v but_o think_v such_o letter_n frivolous_a when_o in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o at_o two_o street_n distance_n a_o person_n know_v over_o all_o the_o town_n for_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n prefer_v another_o ministry_n civility_n will_v constrain_v such_o person_n to_o acquaint_v then_o minister_n of_o their_o purpose_n and_o the_o same_o christian_a civility_n oblige_v such_o a_o minister_n to_o acquaint_v the_o other_o pastor_n if_o need_v be_v to_o who_o ministry_n they_o repair_v that_o they_o have_v carry_v themselves_o well_o in_o his_o communion_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v they_o may_v prove_v blessing_n in_o all_o other_o but_o as_o for_o the_o brethren_n we_o need_v not_o go_v to_o they_o to_o make_v a_o second_o speech_n now_o to_o ask_v leave_n to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o render_v a_o account_n to_o every_o impertinent_a talker_n who_o think_v the_o man_n marry_v to_o he_o and_o that_o his_o bed_n be_v break_v into_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n for_o a_o divorce_n moreover_o some_o people_n be_v forever_o dissatisfy_v neither_o conveniency_n of_o habitation_n like_v the_o other_o ministry_n profit_v under_o it_o or_o dislike_v of_o some_o custom_n and_o practice_n which_o he_o will_v willing_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o light_n of_o can_v satisfy_v and_o what_o must_v the_o grieve_a person_n do_v further_o in_o this_o case_n why_o true_o he_o have_v do_v his_o duty_n and_o may_v hear_v and_o communicate_v where_o god_n and_o his_o own_o sober_a conscience_n direct_v he_o noâ—_n ought_v any_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o reject_v his_o claim_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o he_o to_o say_v no_o more_o our_o reverend_a author_n have_v in_o a_o former_a treatise_n prove_v that_o person_n baptize_v be_v thereby_o subject_n of_o discipline_n we_o think_v they_o all_o ought_v to_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o society_n where_o they_o be_v there_o person_n be_v dismiss_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o have_v letter_n of_o dismission_n or_o not_o else_o by_o their_o principle_n a_o ordain_a minister_n in_o london_n former_o of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n in_o boston_n be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v accept_v the_o pastoral_a care_n thereof_o must_v first_o send_v over_o a_o packet_n to_o new-england_n for_o a_o letter_n of_o dismission_n and_o dont_fw-fr you_o think_v he_o will_v be_v well_o employ_v qu._n 15_o be_v not_o the_o assert_v that_o a_o pastor_n may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o another_o church_n beside_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n at_o the_o aâ—fire_n
dishonour_n upon_o they_o or_o call_v they_o fool_n this_o charge_n fall_v heavy_a on_o those_o who_o be_v for_o impose_v their_o will_n on_o other_o we_o crave_v no_o more_o but_o to_o enjoy_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n unmixed_a and_o it_o appear_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o who_o flâ—d_v from_o a_o act_n of_o uniformity_n shall_v present_o impose_v on_o themselves_o on_o their_o neighbour_n and_o entail_v the_o mischief_n on_o their_o posterity_n some_o indeed_o will_v make_v the_o design_n of_o our_o first_o planter_n to_o consist_v in_o some_o little_a rite_n modes_n or_o circumstance_n of_o church_n discipline_n and_o those_o such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n no_o where_o require_v these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o dishonour_v their_o country_n and_o their_o father_n memory_n by_o make_v their_o great_a design_n to_o lie_v in_o so_o small_a matter_n and_o it_o be_v notorious_a there_o have_v be_v no_o agreement_n in_o these_o point_n from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v know_v there_o be_v anti-synodatia_a print_v and_o who_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o it_o and_o how_o modest_a his_o dissent_n be_v and_o in_o what_o term_n they_o contradict_v what_o the_o synod_n have_v establish_v though_o the_o like_a be_v criminal_a and_o insufferable_a in_o any_o other_o these_o principle_n in_o church_n discipline_n be_v also_o write_v against_o in_o english_a by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n by_o mr._n câ—â—dry_n mr._n ratherford_n mr._n baâ—ly_o etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n if_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n according_a to_o god_n word_n we_o stand_v for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v grievous_a to_o any_o of_o our_o pious_a ancestor_n be_v they_o now_o on_o earth_n neither_o will_v it_o be_v grievous_a to_o they_o now_o in_o heaven_n nor_o shall_v it_o be_v grievous_a to_o any_o good_a man_n to_o receive_v conviction_n we_o refer_v all_o therefore_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n in_o the_o preface_n or_o epistle_n to_o say_a book_n we_o find_v several_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v just_o except_v against_o but_o design_v neither_o to_o be_v contentious_a nor_o volumnious_a we_o shall_v speak_v but_o to_o one_o or_o two_o in_o pag._n 8._o the_o reverend_a author_n be_v please_v to_o number_v up_o seven_o or_o eight_o erroneous_a doctrine_n as_o he_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v &_o the_o consequence_n from_o all_o be_v this_o that_o if_o we_o espouse_v these_o principle_n we_o give_v away_o the_o whole_a congregational_a cause_n at_o once_o whence_o we_o perceive_v now_o the_o profess_a cause_n which_o the_o author_n engage_v in_o though_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o the_o name_n or_o the_o party_n but_o the_o truth_n they_o delend_v we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o examine_v these_o principle_n hereafter_o it_o may_v subtle_a here_o to_o say_v they_o be_v crafty_o &_o unfair_o word_v &_o in_o the_o dress_n they_o be_v here_o clad_v we_o do_v not_o espouse_v they_o yet_o according_a to_o their_o most_o fair_a &_o genuine_a construction_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n in_o most_o of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v but_o a_o block_n the_o author_n politic_o cast_v in_o the_o way_n which_o at_o last_o we_o fear_v may_v but_o discourage_v some_o from_o embrace_v the_o congregational_a way_n see_v it_o must_v needs_o fight_v for_o its_o life_n against_o some_o truth_n it_o be_v hard_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act_n 9_o 5._o another_o thing_n remarkable_a in_o the_o preface_n be_v the_o author_n heat_n and_o 〈◊〉_d pag_n 9_o shall_v we_o then_o by_o silence_n betray_v the_o truth_n shall_v we_o reâ—ort_v therefore_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o speak_v too_o who_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n side_n who_o shall_v we_o answer_v we_o be_v we_o trust_v through_o god_n grace_n together_o with_o you_o and_o all_o other_o side_v 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v in_o contempt_n be_v there_o no_o one_o that_o will_v stand_v up_o for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n god_n orbid_v but_o we_o shall_v have_v other_o decline_v it_o the_o good_a people_n in_o they_o then_o may_v well_o think_v their_o watchman_n be_v all_o either_o dead_a or_o a_o sleep_n or_o if_o they_o talk_v light_n and_o heady_a they_o may_v conclude_v they_o in_o a_o trance_n or_o not_o quite_o awake_v 〈◊〉_d which_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o i_o dedicate_v this_o ensue_a dissertation_n and_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n we_o address_v you_o in_o the_o follow_a answer_n it_o be_v not_o my_o cause_n but_o you_o nor_o be_v it_o we_o but_o the_o church_n and_o every_o good_a christian_n in_o common_a do_v i_o say_v you_o nay_o it_o be_v christ_n cause_n we_o listen_v under_o the_o same_o banner_n and_o will_v to_o god_n we_o be_v all_o as_o real_o as_o we_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v divest_v whole_o of_o carnal_a self_n ........_o for_o true_o our_o present_a defence_n be_v become_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o these_o church_n but_o why_o all_o this_o heat_n we_o will_v not_o interpret_v too_o hard_o but_o these_o expression_n seem_v plain_o to_o carry_v this_o sense_n that_o every_o one_o who_o obey_v not_o the_o late_o publish_v order_n be_v a_o opposer_n of_o truth_n not_o on_o the_o lord_n side_n enemy_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n whereupon_o the_o reverend_a author_n roll_n himself_o and_o sound_v a_o alarm_n to_o the_o church_n to_o put_v down_o all_o such_o if_o this_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o it_o we_o will_v beg_v his_o pardon_n and_o be_v inform_v better_a but_o true_o sir_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_a zeal_n â—dly_o lavish_v away_o and_o not_o kindle_v from_o above_o â—or_a we_o know_v no_o such_o conspiracy_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o against_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n although_o we_o be_v not_o proselyte_v to_o some_o of_o your_o particular_a opinion_n it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o the_o reverend_a author_n infirmity_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o apostle_n john_n mark_v 9_o 38._o master_n we_o see_v one_o cast_v out_o devil_n in_o thy_o name_n and_o he_o follow_v not_o we_o and_o we_o forbid_v he_o because_o he_o follow_v not_o we_o which_o too_o forward_a zeal_n ouâ—_n lord_n check_v and_o reconcile_v the_o matter_n verse_n 39_o 40._o and_o â—esus_fw-la answer_v forbid_v he_o not_o he_o that_o be_v not_o against_o â—â—_o be_v on_o our_o part_n but_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o many_o other_o we_o â—ould_v instance_n in_o if_o need_n be_v the_o reverend_a author_n though_o very_o zealous_a for_o a_o time_n yet_o be_v not_o very_o steady_a &_o constant_a for_o before_o he_o end_v his_o book_n he_o come_v about_o again_o in_o pag_n 139._o where_o he_o propose_v his_o brother_n essay_n for_o union_n wherein_o he_o show_v how_o inconsiderable_a the_o difference_n be_v between_o those_o of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o congregational_a judgement_n that_o they_o need_v not_o set_v truth_n to_o purchase_v peace_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o cry_v just_a now_o you_o will_v have_v think_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n trample_v under_o foot_n the_o cause_n of_o religion_n desert_v and_z and_o a_o formidable_a war_n commence_v by_o the_o presbyterian_o against_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o reverend_a author_n in_o the_o dissertation_n of_o the_o follow_a question_n make_v use_n of_o abundance_n of_o quotation_n from_o several_a famous_a person_n in_o their_o generation_n but_o in_o some_o the_o sense_n be_v pervert_v to_o a_o wrong_a end_n beside_o the_o obvious_a intention_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o some_o he_o bring_v they_o in_o contradict_v at_o one_o time_n what_o they_o say_v at_o another_o and_o set_v some_o in_o opposition_n to_o other_o and_o where_o he_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v his_o tenet_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o he_o may_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v bring_v many_o other_o to_o contradict_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o amuse_v the_o reader_n and_o to_o cloud_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o terrify_v he_o by_o muster_v a_o legion_n of_o 〈…〉_o artificaâ—_n argument_n we_o shall_v be_v spare_v in_o quotation_n and_o pass_v by_o many_o cite_v by_o the_o author_n though_o we_o approve_v they_o not_o only_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o present_v one_o quotation_n which_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o all_o along_o be_v we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o to_o believe_v what_o god_n never_o speak_v or_o to_o do_v what_o god_n never_o require_v it_o be_v that_o of_o the_o reverend_n mr._n willaâ—a_o in_o his_o forequote_v sermon_n pag._n 23._o 24._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o â—s_v nothing_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o on_o this_o account_n but_o what_o have_v god_n seal_n affix_v to_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o
relation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v in_o the_o negative_a and_o add_v that_o the_o church_n of_o n._n e_z do_v not_o impose_v it_o â—or_a aught_o it_o to_o be_v require_v or_o desire_v he_o give_v four_o substantial_a reason_n why_o it_o ought_v not_o and_o have_v he_o stop_v here_o he_o have_v do_v well_o or_o have_v he_o add_v more_o reason_n to_o those_o four_o as_o he_o can_v have_v do_v it_o have_v be_v a_o acceptable_a performance_n but_o about_o he_o wheel_v again_o and_o seem_v to_o plead_v hard_o for_o it_o or_o something_o like_o it_o which_o he_o call_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n this_o he_o will_v recommend_v from_o a_o story_n receive_v from_o the_o reverend_n mr._n eliot_n but_o we_o have_v hear_v another_o story_n from_o the_o same_o reverend_a person_n how_o when_o one_o of_o the_o brethren_n be_v high_o commend_v his_o neighbour_n relation_n and_o prefer_v it_o to_o other_o the_o say_a mr._n eliot_n turn_v upon_o he_o and_o say_v aâ—_n brother_n do_v it_o be_v so_o much_o take_v with_o fine_a word_n but_o look_v to_o the_o man_n conversation_n the_o author_n relate_v another_o story_n from_o the_o reverend_n mr._n hoâ—_n of_o one_o who_o through_o importunity_n be_v bring_v to_o make_v a_o relation_n and_o make_v the_o congregation_n weep_v when_o he_o do_v it_o but_o whether_o for_o joy_n or_o grief_n we_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a the_o author_n give_v we_o his_o argument_n but_o they_o do_v not_o reach_v his_o end_n he_o plead_v for_o they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v edify_v but_o we_o have_v know_v some_o that_o have_v be_v no_o way_n so_o or_o grant_v they_o be_v always_o so_o can_v that_o justify_v the_o institute_n and_o impose_v they_o will_v it_o â—ot_n be_v edify_v if_o every_o sabbath_n day_n evening_n some_o well_o dispose_v talkative_a brethren_n shall_v stand_v up_o and_o relate_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o week_n past_a yet_o shall_v we_o make_v it_o a_o law_n or_o custom_n will_v not_o some_o people_n assure_v you_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o edify_v by_o a_o woman_n preach_v in_o public_a and_o yet_o will_v our_o reverend_a author_n be_v induce_v to_o prostitute_v his_o pulpit_n to_o they_o or_o part_n with_o a_o salary_n to_o cherish_v their_o zeal_n again_o the_o relation_n of_o experience_n be_v plead_v for_o in_o that_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v by_o they_o but_o we_o have_v know_v some_o to_o god_n dishonour_n be_v insipid_a senseless_a thing_n to_o use_v our_o author_n own_o word_n mere_a formality_n too_o scandalous_a and_o superstitious_a he_o say_v they_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o gain_v love_n with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v know_v some_o that_o have_v lose_v love_n and_o credit_n by_o they_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v a_o institute_v mean_n for_o any_o of_o these_o end_n whether_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o promote_v his_o glory_n edisie_v the_o congregation_n or_o gain_v love_n if_o not_o they_o be_v but_o the_o institution_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o the_o before_o quote_v mr._n willard_n instruct_v we_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n for_o edification_n and_o the_o promote_a christian_a love_n among_o his_o people_n but_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o these_o impose_v relation_n neither_o when_o christ_n himself_o nor_o when_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o administer_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o appearance_n of_o such_o a_o custom_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n indeed_o there_o be_v some_o occasion_n as_o our_o author_n observe_v on_o which_o a_o person_n who_o have_v have_v a_o remarkable_a conversion_n may_v declare_v it_o but_o there_o be_v neither_o precept_n nor_o rule_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v at_o this_o set_a time_n and_o in_o public_a and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o impose_v it_o when_o our_o father_n flee_v from_o the_o imposition_n of_o man_n whether_o arbitrary_a imposition_n be_v insufferable_a in_o themselves_o or_o not_o yet_o certain_o they_o be_v â—old_a and_o insolent_a in_o new-england_n where_o the_o great_a outcry_n be_v make_v against_o they_o in_o other_o but_o it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n smile_v be_v he_o never_o so_o serious_a or_o displease_v to_o read_v the_o text_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o this_o custom_n as_o that_o psal_n â—0_n 10._o i_o have_v not_o conceal_v thy_o truth_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n and_o indeed_o the_o royal_a prophet_n have_v be_v inexcusable_a if_o he_o have_v as_o a_o minister_n will_v now_o that_o shall_v not_o declare_v to_o his_o flock_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n again_o psal_n 66._o 16._o he_o say_v come_v and_o hear_v all_o you_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o i_o will_v declare_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n we_o imagine_v the_o reverend_a author_n suppose_v the_o psalmist_n thus_o call_v aloud_o in_o some_o vast_a religious_a concourse_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o his_o partake_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o shall_v we_o grant_v a_o supposal_n so_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a yet_o this_o make_v nothing_o for_o impose_v relation_n for_o than_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v speak_v and_o challenge_v by_o the_o people_n do_v you_o come_v and_o stand_v forth_o sir_n and_o tell_v we_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o your_o soul_n and_o then_o we_o admit_v you_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o temple_n another_o text_n strange_o pervert_v to_o scare_v some_o good_a people_n be_v that_o mat._n 10._o 33._o whosoever_o deny_v i_o before_o man_n he_o will_v i_o also_o deny_v before_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o confess_v christ_n without_o make_v formal_a speech_n in_o the_o church_n and_o as_o if_o a_o credible_a profession_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n the_o take_v his_o name_n upon_o we_o in_o baptism_n and_o the_o renewal_a of_o our_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o a_o devout_a attendance_n on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o the_o true_a confession_n our_o lord_n expect_v woe_n be_v to_o the_o world_n if_o all_o be_v to_o be_v rate_v denier_n of_o christ_n who_o whether_o from_o inability_n modesty_n or_o a_o just_a indignation_n refuse_v to_o make_v a_o quaint_a speech_n in_o the_o church_n the_o last_o scripture_n we_o shall_v name_v which_o have_v be_v equal_o abuse_v with_o the_o rest_n be_v that_o in_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o that_o christian_n shall_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o everyone_o that_o ask_v it_o to_o wit_n in_o a_o proper_a place_n and_o time_n for_o a_o fit_a end_n and_o on_o sufficient_a reason_n where_o there_o be_v authority_n to_o command_v or_o it_o be_v desire_v with_o modesty_n the_o sense_n indeed_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o defend_v our_o faith_n against_o the_o scoff_v and_o cavil_n of_o infidel_n and_o persecutor_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o christian_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o argue_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o confute_v gainsayers_a so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v infer_v hence_o any_o public_a speech_n in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v be_v rather_o a_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o a_o sermon_n to_o prove_v its_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n but_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o intimate_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v make_v a_o state_v term_n of_o communion_n and_o we_o be_v sure_o the_o church_n have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o debar_v the_o resuser_n from_o any_o christian_a privilege_n then_o to_o require_v oath_n subscription_n and_o conformity_n to_o a_o thousand_o more_o ceremony_n we_o have_v but_o one_o remark_n more_o to_o make_v here_o and_o that_o be_v the_o apostle_n require_v this_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n to_o be_v give_v with_o meekness_n &_o fear_n the_o true_a sense_n whereof_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v contend_v even_o with_o infidel_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o argue_v with_o a_o intemperate_a passion_n or_o zeal_n or_o if_o we_o construe_v it_o as_o in_o opposition_n to_o pride_n and_o presumption_n of_o a_o man_n own_o gift_n and_o ability_n it_o be_v a_o severe_a rebuke_n to_o many_o of_o our_o bold_a and_o forward_a zealot_n who_o have_v be_v fame_v for_o their_o promptness_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o first_o that_o have_v fall_v under_o its_o deserve_a â—ash_n we_o shall_v indeed_o be_v better_o reconcile_v to_o this_o custom_n of_o relation_n be_v this_o prescribe_a meekness_n and_o fear_n more_o visible_a in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v the_o misery_n the_o more_o meek_a and_o fearful_a be_v hereby_o keep_v out_o of_o
god_n house_n while_o the_o more_o conceit_a and_o presumptuous_a never_o boggle_v at_o this_o oâ—_n any_o thing_n else_o but_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v a_o gross_a corruption_n of_o this_o laudable_a practice_n which_o the_o author_n do_v well_o to_o cenâ—ure_v and_o that_o be_v when_o some_o who_o have_v no_o good_a intention_n of_o their_o own_o get_v other_o to_o devise_v a_o relation_n for_o they_o the_o author_n may_v be_v satisfy_v there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o such_o report_n neither_o charity_n nor_o interest_n shall_v make_v we_o too_o incredulous_a but_o then_o he_o pass_v a_o severe_a sentence_n on_o such_o liar_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o they_o true_o deserve_v iâ—_n in_o their_o relation_n they_o pretend_v to_o tell_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n or_o if_o they_o so_o much_o as_o suggest_v it_o to_o be_v their_o own_o devise_v but_o if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n &_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o material_a who_o compose_v it_o if_o they_o can_v conscientious_o subscribe_v to_o it_o and_o indeed_o a_o general_n form_n may_v be_v best_a of_o all_o in_o the_o case_n if_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v make_v we_o to_o sum_v up_o all_o we_o not_o only_o believe_v with_o our_o author_n that_o such_o as_o delude_v the_o church_n by_o bring_v relation_n not_o of_o their_o own_o devise_v do_v exceed_o provoke_v the_o lord_n but_o also_o that_o the_o imposer_n of_o they_o as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n do_v so_o too_o qâ—_n 5._o have_v tâ—â—_n church_n covenant_n as_o common_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n any_o scripture_n foundation_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o question_n the_o reverend_a author_n and_o other_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o their_o discourse_n about_o it_o love_n much_o to_o keep_v in_o the_o dark_a we_o confess_v ourselves_o at_o a_o loss_n about_o those_o word_n as_o common_o practise_v and_o solomon_n have_v long_o ago_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o answer_v a_o matter_n before_o he_o understand_v it_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o shame_n to_o he_o the_o reverend_a author_n know_v we_o suppose_v or_o if_o he_o do_v we_o do_v that_o in_o some_o church_n of_o n._n e._n they_o have_v no_o church_n covenant_n at_o all_o and_o that_o in_o other_o church_n it_o be_v different_o p_o 〈…〉_o some_o understand_v by_o it_o only_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o perform_v by_o his_o grace_n the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o and_o our_o christian_a bâ—eâ—â—â—en_n &_o according_o â—o_o propose_n it_o other_o mean_v by_o it_o a_o covenant_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v in_o communion_n therewith_o till_o by_o their_o consent_n dismiss_v other_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o order_n to_o a_o person_n partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n either_o there_o or_o else_o where_o and_o other_o have_v notion_n of_o it_o quite_o different_a from_o all_o these_o the_o reverend_a author_n first_o bear_v we_o down_o with_o a_o formidable_a authority_n tell_v we_o the_o question_n be_v consider_v at_o a_o general_n convention_n of_o the_o minister_n may_n 1â—98_n and_o that_o all_o the_o minister_n then_o present_a save_o one_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o affirmative_a but_o we_o have_v hear_v qâ—â—te_o otherwise_o and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o propose_v and_o urge_v to_o have_v the_o church_n covenant_n more_o distinct_o open_v though_o it_o be_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o be_v a_o good_a policy_n to_o hurry_v on_o a_o vote_n their_o cause_n depend_v on_o and_o like_o a_o first_o principle_n it_o must_v not_o be_v deliberate_v or_o debate_v and_o such_o as_o we_o hear_v be_v the_o mannagement_n of_o that_o vote_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a the_o reverend_a author_n avoid_v whether_o industâ—iousty_a or_o no_o we_o shall_v not_o guess_v to_o state_n the_o nature_n of_o this_o covenant_n but_o confuse_o say_v as_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o church_n in_o n._n e._n in_o the_o preface_n we_o have_v the_o author_n own_o description_n of_o this_o covenant_n where_o he_o call_v it_o explicit_a covenant_v with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o sometime_o with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n but_o we_o renew_v our_o complaint_n that_o we_o be_v yet_o most_o miserable_o in_o the_o dark_a it_o may_v be_v inquire_v here_o whether_o it_o be_v two_o distinct_a covenant_n one_o with_o god_n and_o the_o other_o with_o his_o people_n iâ—_n so_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a church_n covenant_n if_o but_o one_o whether_o it_o bind_v the_o person_n that_o enter_v into_o it_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o case_n a_o person_n be_v dismiss_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o his_o whole_a duty_n or_o from_o a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o whether_o god_n and_o his_o church_n promise_n â—he_v same_o thing_n to_o the_o party_n covenant_v these_o query_n be_v offer_v only_o to_o provoke_v a_o clear_a state_n of_o the_o thing_n debate_v which_o shall_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o people_n before_o it_o be_v impose_v on_o their_o conscience_n as_o a_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o before_o our_o author_n end_v this_o chapter_n he_o put_v another_o disguise_n and_o a_o more_o take_v face_n on_o this_o matter_n he_o will_v infatuate_a that_o the_o church_n covenant_n as_o practise_v in_o new-england_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o a_o holy_a lâ—â—â—_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v both_o synod_n and_o several_a private_a reverend_a man_n name_n but_o this_o unfair_a deal_n may_v be_v strip_v of_o its_o disguise_n by_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o allow_v a_o church_n covenant_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o allow_v it_o not_o 1_o st_o we_o own_o and_o plead_v for_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n whereby_o a_o person_n or_o people_n become_v he_o and_o bâ—nd_v themselves_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o way_n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o constitute_v israel_n of_o old_a to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o by_o which_o â—â—_o become_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n their_o god_n and_o they_o his_o people_n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o israel_n renew_v with_o god_n in_o the_o wilderness_n uncut_a 26._o 17_o 18._o to_o this_o god_n annex_v his_o seal_n circumâ—â—sion_n in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o baptism_n under_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v by_o this_o covenant_n that_o a_o person_n or_o people_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o do_v become_v member_n of_o his_o body_n by_o this_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v constitute_v and_o we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o those_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n we_o own_o and_o which_o we_o renew_v every_o time_n we_o attend_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n psal_n 50._o 5._o and_o this_o covenant_n ought_v to_o be_v explicit_a open_o profess_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o false_a and_o abusive_a in_o nuntion_n but_o frequent_o make_v in_o a_o awful_a desk_n that_o people_n be_v against_o all_o explicit_a covenant_n or_o the_o open_a renewal_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o calumny_n that_o we_o can_v hear_v of_o it_o must_v therefore_o arise_v either_o from_o idle_a fear_n or_o some_o mischievous_a policy_n 2_o â—ly_o we_o also_o high_o approve_v of_o a_o covenant_n of_o reformation_n a_o great_a 〈…〉_o uty_n in_o time_n of_o apostasy_n and_o gross_a corruption_n of_o manner_n to_o covenant_n to_o put_v away_o these_o and_o those_o reign_a sin_n to_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o perform_v such_o particular_a duty_n as_o have_v be_v visible_o neglect_v oâ—_n this_o we_o have_v frequent_a instance_n in_o scripture_n ezra_n 10_o 3_o 5._o 3_o we_o may_v also_o allow_v a_o covenant_n between_o minister_n &_o people_n whereby_o they_o â—iâ—â—_n themselves_o to_o thâ—se_a respective_a duty_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v make_v incumbent_n on_o they_o on_o account_n of_o that_o relation_n but_o we_o altogether_o deny_v a_o church_n covenant_n in_o the_o follow_a sense_n and_o say_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v no_o where_o appoint_v in_o his_o word_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o covenant_n entâ—â—ed_v into_o by_o some_o person_n of_o a_o christian_a society_n exclusive_a of_o the_o rest_n whereby_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n one_o with_o another_o shall_v thereby_o call_v themselves_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n make_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o they_o to_o depend_v on_o this_o covenant_n so_o that_o those_o who_o scruple_n it_o or_o refuse_v to_o join_v in_o it_o shall_v on_o that_o
account_n not_o enjoy_v they_o and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o covenant_v or_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v or_o unmake_v officer_n to_o admit_v or_o reject_v church_n member_n to_o manage_v discipline_n to_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o christ_n house_n in_o his_o name_n as_o if_o they_o have_v warrant_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o so_o to_o do_v of_o such_o a_o church_n covenant_n neither_o moses_n nor_o christ_n himself_o the_o prophet_n nor_o the_o aposty_n have_v speak_v any_o thing_n none_o of_o the_o scripture_n argument_n or_o quotation_n of_o our_o reverend_a author_n prove_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o we_o will_v take_v leave_n therefore_o to_o call_v it_o man_n covenant_n and_o noâ—_n god_n for_o it_o have_v nor_o god_n seal_v affix_v to_o it_o &_o though_o good_a wise_a or_o learned_a man_n may_v endeavour_v to_o obtrude_v it_o and_o plead_v its_o harmless_a â—â—ifying_v or_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n yet_o according_a to_o the_o afore-quoted_n rule_n of_o the_o reverend_a mr._n willard_n we_o be_v to_o reject_v it_o and_o shall_v do_v so_o till_o it_o come_v with_o a_o divine_a stamp_n but_o possible_o this_o may_v be_v call_v a_o misrepresentation_n you_o will_v say_v who_o own_v it_o or_o will_v plead_v for_o it_o in_o this_o dress_n we_o answer_v by_o query_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o several_a that_o own_o and_o plead_v for_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o wish_v there_o be_v a_o less_o number_n but_o to_o evince_v it_o let_v we_o take_v it_o into_o the_o several_a part_n be_v there_o none_o that_o plead_v for_o a_o separate_a covenant_n which_o some_o and_o general_o the_o lesser_a part_n must_v enter_v into_o and_o if_o it_o be_v good_a and_o for_o good_a end_n why_o must_v so_o many_o be_v exclude_v if_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v manner_n if_o to_o maintain_v the_o ministry_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o to_o lay_v strict_a bond_n of_o duty_n if_o to_o bring_v man_n more_o effectual_o to_o submit_v to_o discipline_n why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a bring_v in_o for_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v oblige_v to_o these_o duty_n and_o why_o must_v the_o covenant_n be_v separate_v again_o do_v not_o some_o plead_v it_o be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o a_o person_n partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n require_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o he_o first_o institute_v that_o holy_a sacrament_n do_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o administer_v it_o be_v it_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o where_o iâ—_n the_o scripture_n that_o command_v it_o and_o why_o shall_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n be_v annex_v to_o man_n covenant_n again_o do_v not_o some_o plead_v that_o those_o who_o thus_o covenant_n have_v the_o power_n to_o make_v and_o unmake_v officer_n the_o reverend_a author_n will_v not_o escape_v here_o who_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o and_o final_o do_v not_o some_o pretend_v â—â—at_v these_o be_v the_o person_n commission_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o admit_v and_o reject_v of_o church_n member_n this_o the_o reverend_a author_n defend_v with_o all_o his_o may_v under_o the_o three_o question_n though_o as_o we_o show_v he_o can_v find_v no_o proof_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o church_n covenant_n which_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n q._n 6._o be_v public_a read_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o explication_n or_o exhortation_n therewith_o part_n of_o the_o work_n incumbent_a on_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o author_n do_v not_o mean_a as_o we_o suppose_v if_o there_o be_v no_o explication_n or_o exhortation_n throughout_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o exercise_n if_o he_o do_v he_o fight_v with_o the_o air_n for_o we_o know_v no_o sect_n of_o man_n but_o have_v some_o explication_n though_o many_o among_o we_o neglect_n read_v we_o therefore_o take_v his_o sense_n to_o be_v this_o if_o no_o explication_n follow_v immediate_o without_o the_o interposition_n of_o prayer_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o we_o conceive_v that_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v the_o word_n may_v very_o proper_o be_v call_v exposition_n explication_n &_o exhortation_n and_o that_o in_o every_o sermon_n there_o be_v a_o competent_a portion_n of_o scripture_n for_o one_o time_n explicate_v and_o apply_v noâ—_n can_v we_o imagine_v the_o reverend_a author_n mean_v that_o every_o clause_n a_o minister_n read_v in_o public_a shall_v be_v in_o a_o formal_a manner_n explicate_v methinks_v it_o shall_v satisfy_v if_o after_o one_o or_o more_o chapter_n read_v some_o select_a clause_n verse_n oâ—_n paragraph_n be_v insist_v on_o and_o expound_v i._n e._n choose_v as_o a_o text_n and_o preach_v on_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o author_n if_o but_o for_o quote_v the_o text_n in_o timothy_n where_o it_o be_v give_v he_o in_o charge_n as_o his_o ministerial_a work_n to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_n as_o well_o as_o to_o doctrine_n &_o exhortation_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o synagogue_n say_v the_o reverend_a author_n we_o all_o know_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n at_o some_o set_v and_o solemn_a time_n we_o also_o know_v for_o so_o it_o be_v appoint_v deut._n 31._o 11._o again_o he_o grant_v that_o in_o just_a in_o martyr_n time_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v and_o thereupon_o follow_v a_o sermon_n we_o shall_v have_v be_v thankful_a if_o he_o have_v add_v more_o proof_n by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n as_o he_o can_v easy_o have_v do_v and_o thereby_o confirm_v some_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o stagger_v he_o can_v have_v toâ—d_v how_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o west_n minster_n do_v order_n and_o advise_v to_o iâ—_n he_o can_v have_v quote_v the_o many_o famous_a church_n that_o do_v practice_v it_o at_o this_o day_n he_o can_v have_v name_v several_a famous_a minister_n in_o england_n and_o some_o in_o new-england_n that_o plead_v for_o it_o and_o practice_v it_o he_o can_v have_v tell_v of_o more_o than_o the_o bishop_n of_o derry_n that_o complain_v of_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o and_o that_o to_o use_v the_o woâ—ds_n of_o a_o most_o eminent_a divine_a not_o far_o from_o we_o as_o the_o most_o just_a reproach_n that_o the_o church_n of_o new-england_n labour_n under_o he_o can_v have_v tell_v for_o encouragement_n that_o it_o be_v a_o clause_n in_o our_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n in_o new-england_n chap._n 22._o which_o treat_v of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o sabbath_n day_n sect._n 5_o the_o read_a the_o scripture_n preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sing_v of_o psalm_n as_o also_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v all_o part_n of_o the_o religious_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o obedience_n to_o god_n with_o understanding_n faith_n reverence_n and_o godly_a â—ear_n final_o he_o can_v have_v tell_v we_o have_v he_o search_v all_o our_o new-england_n antiquity_n on_o this_o head_n how_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o our_o version_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o read_n of_o david_n psalm_n as_o other_o scripture_n in_o church_n be_v teach_v to_o be_v one_o end_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o sing_v of_o they_o which_o be_v another_o end_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o say_v that_o read_v with_o exposition_n be_v here_o mean_v for_o then_o why_o be_v it_o not_o so_o say_v however_o it_o look_v very_o odd_o that_o they_o who_o neither_o read_v nor_o expound_v shall_v talk_v so_o much_o and_o quote_v so_o many_o nameâ—_n as_o our_o author_n have_v do_v for_o a_o practice_n which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o come_v up_o unto_o we_o have_v hear_v what_o our_o author_n have_v say_v and_o much_o more_o that_o he_o can_v have_v say_v to_o encourage_v this_o good_a practice_n his_o discouragement_n follow_v and_o first_o he_o brand_v it_o with_o a_o hard_a uncouth_a name_n and_o twice_o tell_v we_o that_o somâ—_n call_v it_o dumb_a read_n we_o wish_v he_o have_v name_v those_o that_o so_o term_v it_o there_o be_v so_o much_o venom_n in_o the_o epithet_n and_o so_o complicate_v a_o malignity_n in_o the_o phrase_n that_o we_o fear_v its_o infectious_a and_o may_v propagate_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n &_o contempt_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o irreverence_n to_o his_o maker_n the_o author_n well_o think_v so_o odious_a a_o mark_n on_o the_o front_n will_v give_v all_o honest_a people_n a_o disgust_n to_o â—â—_o villainous_a and_o stigmatise_v a_o practice_n but_o his_o policy_n have_v fail_v he_o for_o it_o raise_v a_o just_a indignation_n in_o all_o sensible_a and_o ingenuous_a christian_n we_o will_v for_o once_o inform_v the_o
reverend_a author_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v read_v in_o church_n audible_o and_o intelligible_o nor_o can_v we_o guess_v what_o dumb_a read_n shall_v mean_v unless_o when_o man_n sleep_v over_o their_o book_n and_o in_o charity_n to_o the_o author_n we_o wish_v he_o have_v be_v a_o sleep_n when_o this_o unlucky_a word_n droâ—t_v from_o his_o pen._n we_o be_v further_o behold_v to_o the_o author_n for_o his_o judgement_n that_o the_o read_n of_o one_o chapter_n with_o a_o brief_a explication_n wiâ—â—_n edify_v the_o congregation_n more_o than_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o twenty_o chapter_n but_o this_o be_v only_o his_o single_a opinion_n and_o as_o it_o will_v not_o weigh_v against_o the_o daily_a experience_n of_o thousand_o of_o people_n who_o must_v judge_v for_o themselves_o so_o neither_o do_v it_o favour_n of_o modesty_n to_o think_v any_o one_o of_o his_o sermon_n oâ—_n short_a comment_n can_v edify_v more_o than_o the_o read_n of_o twenty_o chapter_n we_o will_v not_o charge_v on_o the_o reverend_a author_n all_o the_o hard_a consequence_n of_o his_o own_o word_n or_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o be_v audacious_a so_o vile_o to_o disparage_v the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n alas_o sir_n the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o of_o we_o to_o make_v it_o perfect_a we_o have_v the_o confession_n of_o many_o who_o have_v come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n read_v with_o prejudice_n that_o god_n give_v it_o authority_n from_o the_o lip_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o we_o know_v that_o as_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o profitable_a without_o any_o help_n or_o advantage_n from_o we_o for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n â—o_o perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n as_o well_o as_o his_o people_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o itself_o it_o can_v not_o be_v so_o by_o be_v explain_v here_o let_v our_o confession_n of_o faith_n speak_v for_o we_o chap._n 1._o sect._n 7._o all_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o alike_o plain_a in_o themselves_o nor_o alike_o clear_a unto_o all_o yet_o those_o thing_n w_o 〈…〉_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v believe_v and_o observe_v for_o salvation_n be_v so_o clear_o propound_v &_o open_v in_o some_o place_n oâ—_n scripture_n or_o other_o that_o not_o only_o the_o learned_a but_o the_o unlearned_a in_o a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n may_v attain_v unto_o a_o sufficient_a understanding_n of_o they_o there_o be_v one_o argument_n in_o pagâ—_n 47_o 48_o bring_v by_o the_o reverend_a author_n against_o this_o dumb_a read_n but_o so_o picious_a a_o stuâ—â—ble_n so_o miserable_a a_o inconsequence_n that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o name_v iâ—_n to_o issue_v this_o head_n we_o be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v that_o the_o read_n god_n word_n in_o the_o great_a congregation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o honour_n we_o can_v do_v it_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a acknowledgement_n we_o can_v make_v to_o he_o who_o in_o mercy_n have_v give_v we_o his_o word_n and_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o it_o at_o the_o great_a day_n qu._n 7._o be_v baptism_n to_o be_v administer_v to_o all_o child_n who_o any_o profess_v christian_n shall_v engage_v to_o see_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o reverend_a author_n according_a to_o his_o wont_a bounty_n aâ—_n first_o dash_n concede_v to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o oppose_v the_o adoptive_a right_n we_o then_o declare_v ourselves_o satisfy_v and_o crave_v no_o more_o for_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v that_o any_o man_n can_v engage_v or_o undertake_v for_o the_o education_n of_o a_o child_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o he_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o parent_n devolve_v on_o he_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o child_n nor_o will_v any_o conscientious_a minister_n accept_v the_o engagement_n of_o one_o who_o have_v no_o power_n or_o ability_n to_o perform_v his_o vow_n so_o that_o this_o engagement_n necessary_o imply_v the_o care_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o father_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v a_o adoptive_a right_n to_o baptism_n but_o the_o author_n stumble_v at_o the_o phrase_n profess_a christian_n and_o seem_v to_o think_v that_o the_o question_n if_o carry_v in_o the_o affirmative_a will_v conclude_v for_o papist_n socinian_o and_o the_o grosl_a heretic_n as_o also_o for_o the_o most_o notorious_a prostigate_v and_o profane_a person_n as_o if_o it_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o protestant_n divine_a to_o accept_v the_o engagement_n of_o some_o lewd_a debauchce_n or_o profess_v papist_n to_o institute_v his_o child_n for_o the_o devil_n or_o popery_n our_o complaint_n here_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o reverend_a mr._n how_o once_o make_v of_o his_o adversary_n that_o â—e_v grave_o fall_v a_o combat_v with_o his_o own_o man_n of_o straw_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o be_v torture_v in_o effigy_n but_o to_o pacific_a he_o we_o will_v inform_v he_o what_o a_o charitable_a man_n will_v understand_v by_o a_o profess_a christian_a viâ—_n the_o sâ—me_n that_o our_o catechism_n do_v when_o it_o instruct_v we_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o any_o till_o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o leave_v our_o author_n therefore_o to_o fight_v it_o out_o with_o that_o reverend_a assembly_n for_o true_o his_o argument_n be_v formidable_a against_o they_o in_o as_o much_o as_o papist_n socinian_o heretic_n the_o profane_a etc._n etc._n do_v all_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o interest_n faction_n passion_n and_o personal_a opposition_n that_o it_o blind_v a_o man_n on_o a_o sudden_a to_o fight_v with_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v learned_a and_o reverence_v from_o his_o infancy_n qu._n 8._o be_v baptism_n in_o a_o private_a house_n where_o there_o be_v no_o church_n assembly_n allowable_a the_o question_n seem_v to_o grant_v there_o may_v be_v a_o church_n assembly_n in_o a_o private_a house_n as_o we_o read_v rom._n 16._o 5._o phil._n 2._o so_o there_o may_v be_v a_o public_a place_n and_o no_o assembly_n we_o agree_v with_o the_o reverend_a author_n that_o baptism_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n nor_o may_v it_o be_v administer_v by_o one_o who_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o public_a ministry_n neither_o shall_v it_o usual_o and_o oâ—â—inaâ—â—ly_o be_v administer_v but_o in_o a_o full_a congregation_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n nor_o will_v we_o drop_v a_o word_n to_o discourage_v so_o pious_a a_o practice_n yet_o let_v the_o congregation_n be_v never_o so_o great_a if_o the_o administrator_n be_v not_o a_o public_a minister_n commission_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v call_v private_a baptism_n and_o altogether_o unallowable_a and_o if_o the_o number_n of_o people_n be_v small_a and_o the_o place_n otherwise_o private_a yet_o if_o the_o administrator_n be_v a_o public_a officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o baptism_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n be_v call_v public_a and_o in_o some_o case_n as_o that_o of_o dangerous_a sickness_n not_o only_o allowable_a but_o necessary_a and_o a_o duty_n when_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n act_v in_o his_o office_n though_o but_o few_o be_v present_a yet_o they_o be_v act_n of_o public_a authority_n as_o true_o as_o those_o do_v in_o high_a court_n and_o with_o great_a solemnity_n although_o among_o we_o where_o church_n be_v orderly_o settle_v there_o be_v little_a occasion_n either_o for_o private_a preach_n or_o baptism_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o more_o public_a both_o be_v the_o more_o god_n and_o his_o ordinance_n be_v honour_v &_o thâ—_n general_a profit_n of_o his_o people_n consult_v but_o yet_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o there_o be_v some_o case_n of_o necessity_n wherein_o it_o be_v once_o duty_n to_o seek_v a_o more_o private_a baptism_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n not_o permit_v a_o more_o public_a attendance_n and_o no_o minister_n ought_v to_o refuse_v their_o desire_n as_o for_o instance_n in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o death_n it_o will_v be_v cruelty_n to_o deny_v such_o a_o request_n if_o privacy_n be_v the_o only_a objection_n we_o need_v not_o suggest_v that_o all_o what_o we_o call_v private_a baptism_n there_o may_v be_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o people_n present_a the_o neighbourhood_n be_v call_v in_o and_o notice_n give_v to_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n we_o observe_v a_o good_a medium_fw-la herein_o between_o the_o two_o dangerous_a extreme_n we_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a &_o common_a baptise_v in_o private_a for_o which_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n be_v so_o very_o faulty_a and_o we_o will_v
correct_v our_o own_o defect_n here_o at_o home_n in_o refuse_v to_o baptise_v in_o private_a be_v the_o extremity_n never_o so_o great_a or_o life_n never_o so_o hazardous_a not_o that_o we_o be_v at_o all_o tinge_v with_o the_o error_n of_o st._n austin_n namely_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o baptism_n to_o salvation_n â—ut_v we_o â—â—â—eem_v iâ—_n the_o most_o public_a own_n of_o god_n which_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n admit_v of_o or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n aâ—_n present_a allow_v and_o 〈…〉_o good_a to_o â—e_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o blessing_n and_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o 〈…〉_o his_o own_o institâ—tions_n 〈…〉_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o private_a baptism_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n abundant_o appear_v from_o that_o one_o instance_n of_o the_o gaoler_n act_v 15._o 33._o to_o â—â—â—ch_v our_o author_n answer_v st._n paul_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a officer_n but_o by_o his_o leave_n that_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n in_o those_o thing_n in_o taâ—e_n of_o a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a nature_n in_o the_o church_n as_o baptism_n iâ—_n â—ndeed_o his_o other_o reason_n be_v good_a that_o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o noâ—_n impossible_a to_o get_v a_o congregation_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o necessity_n be_v put_v upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v the_o gaoler_n and_o family_n in_o private_a which_o plain_o hold_v forth_o thus_o much_o that_o in_o like_a case_n of_o necessity_n as_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n danger_n of_o death_n etc._n etc._n the_o same_o practice_n be_v allowable_a and_o a_o duty_n wherein_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n gracious_a presence_n with_o we_o as_o well_o as_o when_o it_o iâ—_n administer_v in_o a_o large_a congregation_n mat._n 18._o 20._o for_o where_o two_o oâ—_n thâ—â—e_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o any_o name_n there_o aâ—_n i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o q._n 9_o oâ—ght_n all_o that_o contribute_v towards_o the_o maintenance_n to_o have_v the_o privileage_n of_o vote_v in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o pastor_n the_o reverand_n author_n in_o the_o very_a first_o line_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n thru_v in_o a_o most_o â—â—kind_a insinuation_n and_o not_o altogether_o free_a from_o calumny_n as_o if_o the_o affirmative_a can_v not_o be_v maintain_v but_o the_o change_n of_o simony_n must_v be_v incur_v we_o therefore_o once_o for_o all_o profess_v that_o we_o abhor_v as_o much_o as_o he_o pretend_v to_o do_v the_o thought_n that_o money_n shall_v purchase_v we_o church_n privilege_n but_o this_o be_v so_o wide_a a_o ramble_n that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a while_n to_o say_v more_o to_o it_o all_o the_o author_n argument_n under_o this_o head_n infer_v only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o church_n privilege_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n and_o â—â—der_v his_o four_o argument_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n pastor_n be_v choose_v by_o all_o and_o only_o their_o flock_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v noâ—_n can_v he_o have_v express_v the_o truth_n in_o more_o apt_a word_n for_o long_o since_o he_o have_v catch_v we_o i_o â—as_v adult_v baptize_v person_n be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o 〈◊〉_d prove_v it_o in_o his_o treatise_n annix_v to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o new_a england_n under_o which_o denomination_n they_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o vote_v in_o the_o election_n of_o a_o minister_n indeed_o there_o be_v one_o argument_n at_o first_o blush_n seem_v pretty_a plausible_a p._n 68_o for_o they_o who_o have_v no_o rigâ—â—_n to_o the_o lordâ—_n supper_n themselves_o â—o_o apâ—onâ—t_v â—â—â—_o shall_v be_v the_o dispenser_n oâ—_n that_o ordinance_n to_o other_o be_v â—igâ—ly_o irrational_a we_o answer_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v but_o one_o part_n of_o a_o minister_n work_v and_o but_o a_o little_a part_n compare_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n let_v we_o turn_v the_o argument_n then_o and_o say_v for_o some_o few_o to_o appoint_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o preacher_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v as_o high_o irrational_a suppose_v we_o what_o be_v frequent_a in_o this_o country_n thirty_o or_o forty_o communicant_n and_o it_o may_v be_v two_o hundred_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o convenient_a time_n be_v it_o not_o every_o whiâ—_n as_o absurd_a that_o not_o one_o of_o these_o who_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v prepare_v and_o admit_v to_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v the_o person_n who_o shall_v do_v this_o work_n for_o tâ—em_v but_o the_o person_n must_v be_v altogether_o choose_v by_o other_o whâ—â—_n he_o have_v not_o this_o work_n to_o do_v for_o a_o hopeful_a argument_n that_o will_v help_v both_o side_n the_o reverend_a author_n call_v it_o a_o privilege_n purchase_v for_o the_o communicant_n only_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o give_v no_o proof_n aâ—_n all_o of_o any_o such_o appropriation_n and_o leave_v â—â—_o yet_o in_o the_o firm_a belief_n that_o the_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v for_o the_o whole_a flock_n who_o have_v need_n stand_v for_o their_o own_o we_o may_v here_o borrow_v of_o the_o author_n the_o maxim_n he_o give_v we_o in_o another_o case_n quod_fw-la tangit_fw-la omnes_fw-la â—â—bâ—t_fw-la aâ—_n oâ—â—â—bâ—s_fw-la app_z 〈…〉_o arâ—_n it_o be_v explode_v in_o the_o other_o case_n but_o if_o he_o will_v give_v uâ—_n leave_v to_o put_v in_o aequaliter_fw-la quod_fw-la tangit_fw-la omneâ—_n aequaliter_fw-la etc._n etc._n then_o â—t_a will_v suit_v the_o casâ—_n and_o afford_v he_o some_o conviction_n the_o reverend_a author_n also_o give_v we_o another_o maxim_n in_o pag._n 87._o with_o this_o elogium_fw-la that_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o nature_n and_o reason_n though_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o make_v strong_o against_o he_o here_o namely_o that_o which_o pertain_v to_o all_o be_v not_o valid_a if_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n have_v not_o a_o consent_n in_o it_o for_o some_o place_n have_v no_o communicant_n and_o there_o all_o grant_v this_o right_a and_o privilege_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a if_o afterward_o they_o come_v to_o have_v some_o communicant_n by_o what_o rule_n or_o reason_n do_v they_o take_v away_o that_o privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o other_o before_n in_o short_a let_v our_o author_n find_v one_o text_n that_o limit_n or_o confine_n it_o to_o the_o communicant_n alone_o and_o then_o deprive_v the_o majority_n but_o since_o scripture_n fail_v he_o he_o have_v another_o refuge_n viz._n the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o last_o of_o these_o we_o think_v except_v boston_n and_o of_o both_o we_o need_v only_o say_v that_o as_o they_o be_v do_v by_o man_n so_o they_o may_v be_v alter_v and_o undo_v by_o the_o same_o man_n when_o they_o please_v it_o be_v also_o hint_v that_o this_o may_v prove_v fatal_a to_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n truth_n do_v no_o harm_n and_o we_o rather_o think_v it_o may_v be_v retort_v on_o the_o author_n and_o his_o practice_n there_o be_v late_o a_o grievous_a complaint_n make_v by_o a_o principal_a man_n of_o swanzy_n before_o some_o minister_n and_o other_o that_o the_o law_n which_o give_v the_o power_n to_o the_o communicant_n only_o to_o call_v a_o minister_n be_v like_a to_o ruin_v they_o and_o their_o posterity_n forever_o by_o exclude_v they_o from_o a_o able_a and_o orthodox_n ministry_n and_o the_o ordinance_n for_o the_o baptist_n take_v advantage_n thereby_o have_v set_v up_o a_o gift_a brother_n and_o spoil_v the_o place_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n qu._n 10._o be_v it_o expedient_a that_o church_n shall_v enter_v into_o a_o consociation_n or_o agreement_n that_o matter_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a â—â—â—ortance_n such_o as_o the_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n the_o ordination_n deposition_n or_o translation_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v do_v with_o common_a consent_n the_o reverend_a author_n answer_v that_o it_o be_v both_o expedient_a and_o necessary_a though_o he_o have_v answer_v as_o well_o have_v he_o say_v it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a but_o leâ—t_o we_o be_v misunderstand_a in_o this_o matter_n let_v the_o reader_n careful_o observe_v we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o communion_n or_o fellowship_n or_o prayer_n or_o assistance_n or_o duty_n that_o the_o church_n or_o people_n of_o god_n owe_v to_o one_o another_o be_v needless_a but_o for_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v part_n and_o result_v from_o the_o catholic_n and_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o bind_v to_o perform_v all_o duty_n both_o to_o the_o head_n &_o to_o all_o the_o member_n respective_o for_o such_o to_o talk_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o agreement_n on_o this_o account_n seem_v very_o idle_a and_o
congregational_a brother_n the_o answer_n satisfy_v a_o presbyterian_a it_o seem_v also_o that_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o gospel_n order_n multiply_v a_o pace_n for_o in_o pag._n 22._o they_o be_v mere_o a_o few_o gentleman_n at_o boston_n and_o new-york_n but_o by_o that_o time_n you_o come_v to_o pag_n 30._o our_o brethren_n of_o connecticut_n exceed_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o new-england_n in_o proclaim_v their_o indisposition_n to_o it_o and_o by_o the_o follow_a exclamation_n o_o timâ—â—_n and_o manner_n â—t_z seem_v that_o cicero_n must_v be_v call_v from_o the_o grave_a to_o inveigh_v against_o these_o raw-yoâ—â—â—s_a thâ—se_a licentious_a caâ—alâ—es_n we_o can_v pass_v over_o pag._n 61._o without_o a_o remark_n the_o apostasy_n of_o our_o young_a man_n say_v our_o author_n be_v great_a before_o the_o lord_n the_o apostasy_n it_o seem_v respect_v the_o examination_n and_o qualification_n of_o commâ—â—â—â—â—nts_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o be_v suggest_v to_o be_v in_o dâ—â—â—ying_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n with_o repentance_n fait_z and_z love_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v so_o accuse_v or_o not_o vindicate_v our_o brethren_n this_o be_v to_o allege_v a_o crime_n abhor_v by_o the_o generation_n 〈◊〉_d well_o but_o they_o zealous_o disperse_v unhappy_a pamphlet_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o institute_v church_n â—â—_o refer_v to_o that_o be_v but_o one_o and_o what_o other_o the_o reverend_a author_n mean_v we_o can_v guess_v and_o that_o trâ—atiâ—â—_n in_o most_o part_n be_v a_o mine_n of_o gold_n and_o a_o rich_a treasury_n of_o right_a thought_n the_o next_o surmise_n be_v a_o mere_a defamation_n that_o goâ—ge_n roberts_n dolittle_n book_n must_v be_v hâ—â—sed_v back_o to_o europe_n again_o a_o preâ—â—â—_n device_n to_o praise_v the_o gentleman_n beyond_o sea_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n condemn_v those_o here_o that_o conform_v to_o their_o constant_a practice_n have_v the_o attestation_n in_o pag_n 63_o be_v only_o to_o recommend_v the_o follow_a treatise_n of_o the_o excellent_a mr._n quick_v to_o our_o perusal_n and_o practice_n no_o minister_n in_o new_a england_n that_o câ—â—â—s_v himself_o a_o presbyterian_a but_o will_v cheerful_o subscribe_v it_o but_o we_o believe_v few_o will_v confederate_n in_o its_o reflection_n on_o the_o reverend_n mr._n sâ—â—ddard_n or_o favour_v that_o worse_a report_n that_o under_o the_o vmbrage_n of_o the_o name_n of_o presbyterian_o some_o will_v bring_v in_o innovation_n ruinous_a to_o our_o church_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o spirit_n of_o mr._n quick_v book_n and_o to_o add_v one_o guest_n hâ—re_o it_o be_v twenty_o to_o one_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o attestator_n know_v what_o a_o soft_a answer_n be_v to_o be_v prefix_v to_o their_o attestation_n for_o this_o will_v not_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o man_n have_v subscribe_v a_o paper_n which_o have_v they_o know_v will_v have_v be_v place_v to_o such_o advantage_n as_o to_o the_o less_o discern_a râ—adâ—â—_n to_o seem_v a_o attestation_n to_o the_o whole_a book_n they_o will_v have_v refuse_v their_o name_n with_o indignation_n what_o remain_v be_v to_o recommend_v that_o treatise_n the_o young_a man_n claim_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o serious_a and_o diligent_a perusal_n of_o our_o youth_n a_o performance_n for_o its_o kind_n very_o perfect_a and_o high_o profitable_a but_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o his_o treatise_n be_v both_o abuse_v in_o this_o impression_n mr._n quick_a be_v here_o betray_v in_o a_o specious_a show_n of_o reverence_n and_o friendship_n while_o his_o name_n be_v use_v to_o combat_n those_o very_a man_n and_o their_o principle_n which_o he_o most_o value_v and_o honour_n and_o be_v mr._n quick_n here_o among_o we_o and_o shall_v continue_v what_o be_v his_o state_v practice_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o will_v be_v decry_v among_o the_o presbyterian_a formalist_n in_o pag_n 9_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v now_o magnify_v for_o a_o reformer_n for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v sincere_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v our_o exemplary_a reformer_n and_o wiâ—h_v our_o reverend_a author_n will_v credit_v their_o character_n of_o he_o and_o follow_v his_o example_n for_o he_o be_v conscientious_a to_o have_v the_o scripture_n read_v â—very_n sabbath_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n together_o with_o 〈◊〉_d ten_o commandment_n and_o he_o as_o often_o use_v the_o lord_n prayer_n nay_o 〈…〉_o few_o year_n since_o this_o reverend_a and_o holy_a person_n take_v leave_v of_o a_o reverend_a minister_n return_v to_o we_o in_o word_n to_o this_o effect_n sir_n 〈◊〉_d our_o reverend_a brethren_n in_o new-england_n that_o they_o must_v come_v over_o to_o the_o presbyteriâ—â—_n government_n if_o they_o will_v perserve_v their_o church_n and_o will_v it_o not_o now_o provoke_v a_o just_a indignation_n to_o see_v people_n so_o delude_v and_o a_o gentleman_n name_n so_o dear_a and_o venerable_a as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o advance_v against_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o will_v it_o not_o turn_v unto_o we_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o use_v the_o author_n word_n pag_n 5â—â—_n not_o only_o that_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n but_o also_o to_o do_v 〈◊〉_d quick_a justice_n finis_fw-la