inconvenient_a in_o such_o assistance_n because_o church_n be_v as_o sister_n one_o to_o another_o cant._n 8._o 8._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o practice_n in_o ordination_n of_o minister_n as_o also_o in_o removal_n of_o they_o to_o have_v such_o assistance_n but_o for_o authority_n and_o power_n we_o know_v none_o that_o minister_n have_v proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o congregation_n or_o church_n save_o that_o one_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a nor_o convenient_a when_o a_o church_n be_v to_o ordain_v officer_n to_o call_v in_o such_o assistance_n viz._n by_o way_n of_o authority_n or_o power_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n four_o we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o ever_o their_o humane_a learning_n be_v whether_o much_o or_o less_o shall_v elect_v and_o choose_v their_o minister_n god_n do_v not_o for_o aught_o we_o 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we_o in_o this_o particular_a 1_o institut_n 4._o 3._o 14._o 15._o 2_o de_n redemp_n in_o 4._o praecep_n p._n 1015._o 1016._o etc._n etc._n who_o allege_v bucer_n and_o musculus_fw-la 3_o 1._o reply_v p._n 44._o etc._n etc._n 4_o medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 21._o sect._n 30_o &_o case_z consc_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 25._o q._n 5._o 5_o demonist_n of_o disc_n c._n 4._o five_o as_o for_o that_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o word_n illiterate_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a or_o convenient_a for_o a_o body_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v illiterate_a or_o want_v man_n of_o humane_a learning_n among_o they_o we_o further_o answer_v thereto_o first_o that_o among_o we_o when_o a_o company_n be_v to_o be_v combine_v into_o a_o church-body_n as_o you_o speak_v there_o be_v usual_o one_o or_o other_o among_o they_o who_o do_v not_o want_v all_o humane_a learning_n but_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o university_n and_o 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that_o speech_n of_o christ_n of_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n matth._n 18._o 20._o do_v plain_o imply_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o who_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o offendor_n may_v appeal_v unto_o and_o in_o so_o do_v tell_v the_o church_n such_o a_o small_a number_n may_v be_v a_o church_n and_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o be_v among_o they_o beside_o the_o time_n have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o adam_n and_o noah_n when_o there_o be_v not_o forty_o person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o adam_n family_n in_o his_o time_n and_o noahâ—_n in_o his_o be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v that_o twenty_o or_o forty_o be_v such_o a_o small_a company_n that_o they_o can_v 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work_n of_o preach_v and_o apply_v but_o a_o apostle_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o rule_v and_o teach_v by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n and_o application_n as_o a_o apostle_n a_o evangelist_n as_o a_o evangelist_n and_o a_o ordinary_a pastor_n as_o a_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o therein_o lie_v the_o difference_n and_o we_o may_v add_v a_o teacher_n as_o a_o teacher_n and_o therein_o be_v he_o distinguish_v both_o from_o the_o pastor_n and_o from_o all_o other_o church_n officer_n even_o as_o by_o the_o same_o they_o all_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o the_o same_o general_a work_n of_o doctrine_n and_o application_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o 3._o and_o for_o the_o teacher_n and_o pastor_n the_o difference_n between_o they_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o be_v principal_o to_o attend_v upon_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o doctrine_n though_o not_o without_o application_n and_o the_o other_o to_o point_n of_o practice_n though_o not_o without_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o of_o they_o be_v call_v he_o that_o teach_v and_o his_o work_n be_v thus_o express_v let_v he_o attend_v on_o teach_v and_o the_o other_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o his_o work_n to_o attend_v on_o exhortation_n rom._n 12._o 7_o 8._o and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o one_o be_v call_v a_o word_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o other_o a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 8._o as_o experience_n also_o show_v that_o one_o man_n gift_n be_v more_o doctrinal_a and_o for_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o another_o more_a exhortatory_n and_o for_o point_n of_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o elder_n among_o we_o whether_o rule_v 23._o only_o or_o rule_v and_o teach_v also_o to_o strive_v for_o authority_n or_o pre-eminence_n one_o above_o another_o as_o remember_v what_o lesson_n our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n when_o they_o be_v at_o strife_n among_o they_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a luk._n 22._o 24_o 25._o etc._n etc._n if_o diotrephes_n strive_v for_o pre-eminence_n 3_o joh._n 9_o 10._o very_o we_o abhor_v such_o strive_v and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n respect_v one_o another_o as_o brethren_n as_o for_o the_o people_n duty_n towards_o their_o elder_n it_o be_v teach_v they_o plain_o in_o that_o place_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 12_o 13._o as_o also_o in_o that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o this_o word_n special_o show_v they_o that_o as_o they_o be_v to_o account_v all_o their_o elder_n worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n so_o in_o special_a manner_n their_o teach_v or_o preach_v elder_n these_o be_v answer_v in_o that_o which_o be_v send_v the_o last_o 25._o year_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v 26._o to_o be_v maintain_v with_o sufficient_a and_o honourable_a maintenance_n according_a to_o his_o need_n and_o occasion_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o person_n call_v charge_v of_o child_n and_o hospitality_n so_o as_o he_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n live_v of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 14._o gal_n 6._o 6._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o this_o maintenance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v as_o alm_n and_o courtesy_n but_o as_o debt_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v pay_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o wage_n luk._n 10._o 17._o which_o the_o apostle_n show_v to_o be_v according_a to_o all_o law_n of_o nature_n nation_n moses_n and_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9_o but_o for_o settle_a and_o stint_a maintenance_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v that_o way_n among_o we_o except_o from_o year_n to_o year_n because_o the_o condition_n of_o minister_n may_v vary_v and_o of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v neither_o do_v we_o know_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n our_o lord_n for_o the_o 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and_o a_o three_o part_n of_o live_a creature_n die_v and_o a_o three_o part_n of_o ship_n be_v destroy_v it_o may_v be_v true_o gather_v thence_o that_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o settle_a endowment_n and_o eminent_a preferment_n into_o the_o church_n have_v be_v the_o corruption_n and_o to_o some_o the_o destruction_n of_o such_o as_o live_v by_o they_o both_o church-officer_n and_o church-member_n we_o do_v not_o permit_v and_o call_v upon_o such_o who_o you_o call_v 27._o mere_a lay_v man_n and_o private_a person_n neither_o be_v in_o the_o ministry_n nor_o intend_v to_o it_o ordinary_o to_o preach_v or_o prophesy_v public_o in_o or_o before_o the_o congregation_n if_o by_o ordinary_o you_o mean_v frequent_o
carry_v matter_n just_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o 19_o among_o other_o thing_n note_v ministerial_a or_o delegated_a power_n of_o government_n and_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o to_o who_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n in_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o peter_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o the_o disciple_n also_o for_o to_o they_o all_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o christ_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o â—eter_a answer_v in_o all_o their_o name_n second_o that_o he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o apostle_n or_o general_a officer_n of_o all_o church_n for_o that_o commission_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v they_o but_o as_o disciple_n and_o believer_n believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n jesus_n christ_n the_o rock_n upon_o who_o the_o church_n be_v build_v wherein_o as_o they_o do_v represent_v all_o believer_n so_o in_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o key_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o believer_n that_o shall_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o this_o power_n of_o government_n be_v express_o give_v to_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17._o according_a hereunto_o in_o that_o description_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n rev._n 4._o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v see_v by_o john_n in_o a_o vision_n sit_v on_o throne_n clothe_v with_o white_a raiment_n have_v on_o their_o head_n crown_n of_o gold_n vers_fw-la 14._o now_o throne_n and_o crown_n be_v ensign_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o authority_n and_o govern_v power_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n doctor_n fulke_n have_v this_o say_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o one_o person_n only_o as_o cyprian_n augustine_n chrysostome_n jerome_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n do_v confess_v against_o the_o pope_n pardon_n chap._n 3._o p._n 381._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n although_o the_o judgement_n and_o execution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exercise_n that_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whoâ—e_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v appoint_v governor_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n against_o the_o rhemist_n on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o doctor_n whitaker_n have_v these_o word_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la nos_fw-la dicimus_fw-la petrum_fw-la gessisse_fw-la personam_fw-la omnium_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la quare_fw-la hanc_fw-la promissionem_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n sed_fw-la toti_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la clave_n accepisse_fw-la de_fw-fr pontiff_a roman_n q._n 2._o c._n 4._o sect._n 17._o and_o in_o that_o book_n he_o be_v pregnant_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o key_n be_v mean_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o these_o key_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o same_o be_v also_o teach_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o every_o visible_a church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o page_n 2_o of_o that_o three_o book_n make_v mention_n of_o four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o word_n of_o the_o key_n and_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16._o 19_o the_o first_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v the_o pope_n only_o to_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o peter_n successor_n the_o second_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o three_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v those_o word_n as_o mean_v of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o minister_n alone_o the_o four_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v peter_n to_o represent_v the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n and_o therefore_o that_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o these_o he_o refuse_v the_o three_o first_o as_o unsound_a and_o maintain_v the_o four_o as_o only_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o master_n baine_n say_v every_o church_n by_o christ_n institution_n have_v power_n of_o government_n diocese_n trial_n quest_n 1._o p._n 8._o and_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 11._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n the_o word_n church_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v here_o not_o figurative_o tataken_v metonymical_o for_o the_o place_n synâ—cdochecally_o for_o minister_n administer_a ordinance_n but_o proper_o for_o a_o body_n politic_a stand_v of_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v and_o of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o by_o these_o word_n of_o he_o it_o may_v also_o be_v conclude_v that_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o for_o the_o power_n of_o government_n by_o church_n institution_n be_v in_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o minister_n be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o figurative_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n and_o therefore_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o people_n and_o minister_n but_o of_o this_o more_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o question_n four_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o independency_n whereof_o this_o question_n also_o make_v mention_n we_o do_v confess_v the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o independent_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o depend_v on_o christ_n both_o for_o direction_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n joh._n 10._o 27._o act._n 3._o 23._o and_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o discern_v those_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v discern_v joh._n â—5_n 5._o and_o 16._o 13._o but_o for_o dependency_n upon_o man_n or_o other_o church_n or_o other_o subordination_n unto_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o appoint_a by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n word_n be_v plain_a if_o a_o man_n hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o beto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n and_o his_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v plain_a also_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 18._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n deliver_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n unto_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o man_n upon_o the_o church_n censure_n come_v to_o be_v in_o case_n as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n yea_o become_v bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o bind_v in_o earth_n and_o also_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v such_o a_o firm_a ratification_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n to_o reverse_v or_o disannul_v the_o same_o and_o so_o take_v away_o that_o kind_n of_o dependency_n and_o subordination_n of_o church_n nos_fw-la plane_n dicimus_fw-la â—cclesias_fw-la initiò_fw-la regi_fw-la solitas_fw-la esse_fw-la à _fw-la suis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la sic_fw-la quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la nullis_fw-la essent_fw-la externis_fw-la aut_fw-la ecclesiâ—s_fw-la aut_fw-la episcopis_fw-la subditae_fw-la non_fw-la colossensis_fw-la ephaesiâ—ae_fw-la non_fw-la philippensis_fw-la thessaloniensi_fw-la non_fw-la hâ—_n romanae_fw-la non_fw-la romanae_fw-la cviquam_fw-la seâ—_n paris_n omnes_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la juris_fw-la essent_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la svi_fw-la omnes_fw-la juris_fw-la et_fw-la mancipij_fw-la whitak_n de_fw-fr pontif._n roman_n question_v 1_o chapter_n 1._o section_n 3._o that_o be_v in_o sum_n the_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a and_o subordinate_a to_o other_o but_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o free_a and_o independent_a we_o affirm_v say_v master_n baine_n that_o all_o church_n be_v singular_a congregation_n equal_a in_o dependent_a each_o of_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o subjection_n diocese_n trial_n q_o 1._o pag._n 13._o the_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o mr._n parker_n his_o three_o book_n of_o eccles_n polity_n have_v this_o title_n de_fw-fr summitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la particularis_fw-la and_o
mention_v that_o only_o he_o that_o do_v those_o may_v perform_v this_o other_o also_o as_o some_o other_o think_v but_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o it_o but_o the_o execution_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o confirmation_n of_o election_n it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o have_v no_o officer_n even_o as_o election_n may_v upon_o which_o it_o do_v depend_v 5._o last_o let_v these_o say_n of_o some_o protestant_a writer_n of_o singular_a note_n either_o for_o holiness_n or_o learning_n or_o both_o be_v well_o consider_v of_o master_n perkins_n say_v succession_n of_o doctrine_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v tie_v by_o god_n and_o annex_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o doctrine_n if_o in_o turkey_n or_o america_n or_o elsewhere_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n of_o private_a person_n they_o need_v not_o send_v into_o europe_n for_o consecrate_a minister_n but_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n from_o within_o themselves_o because_o where_o god_n give_v the_o word_n he_o give_v the_o power_n also_o upon_o gal._n 1._o 11._o doctor_n willet_n say_v whereas_o bellarmine_n object_v that_o as_o in_o the_o old_a law_n the_o priesthood_n go_v by_o carnal_a generation_n and_o lineal_a descent_n from_o aaron_n so_o in_o the_o new_a it_o must_v be_v derive_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v show_v no_o lineal_a descent_n from_o aaron_n neither_o have_v their_o ordination_n from_o his_o successor_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o little_a after_o this_o we_o say_v further_o that_o both_o before_o christ_n there_o be_v true_a pastor_n and_o prophet_n which_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o the_o priest_n of_o aaron_n and_o since_o christ_n that_o receive_v not_o their_o ordination_n successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n first_o in_o the_o old_a law_n when_o the_o ordinary_a priesthood_n be_v corrupt_v god_n raise_v up_o prophet_n from_o other_o tribe_n that_o receive_v not_o from_o the_o priest_n their_o ordination_n and_o allowance_n such_o a_o one_o be_v amos_n who_o be_v among_o herdsman_n and_o be_v make_v a_o prophet_n as_o he_o be_v gather_v wild_a blackberry_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o corrupt_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n have_v raise_v up_o faithful_a minister_n to_o his_o church_n that_o can_v show_v no_o succession_n from_o the_o degenerate_a clergy_n and_o a_o little_a after_o if_o paul_n be_v make_v a_o apostle_n without_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o lawful_a apostle_n much_o more_o may_v the_o lord_n raise_v up_o new_a pastor_n to_o his_o church_n without_o ordination_n from_o the_o usurper_n of_o the_o apostle_n synop_n papism_n contr_n 2._o q._n 3._o of_o succession_n error_n 20._o p._n 81._o morâ—â—y_o his_o word_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n viz_o although_o some_o of_o our_o man_n in_o such_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o our_o time_n without_o wait_v for_o call_v or_o allowance_n of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o title_n of_o pastor_n oppress_v the_o lord_n flock_v do_v at_o first_o preach_v without_o this_o formal_a call_n and_o afterward_o be_v choose_v and_o call_v to_o the_o holy_a ministey_n by_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v teach_v yet_o this_o aught_o to_o seem_v no_o more_o strange_a then_o if_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n the_o people_n without_o wait_v either_o for_o the_o consent_n or_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o those_o that_o tyrannize_v over_o they_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o law_n make_v choice_n of_o good_a and_o wise_a magistrate_n such_o happy_o as_o god_n will_v serve_v his_o turn_n of_o for_o their_o deliverance_n and_o for_o the_o public_a restitution_n and_o hereof_o we_o have_v example_n first_o in_o the_o act_n where_o we_o read_v that_o philip_n who_o be_v but_o a_o deacon_n preach_v in_o samaria_n without_o the_o call_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o without_o their_o privity_n who_o for_o all_o that_o give_v their_o allowance_n to_o his_o work_n in_o frumentius_n carry_v upon_o another_o occasion_n into_o the_o indies_n a_o mere_a layman_n who_o yet_o there_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o a_o good_a while_n after_o be_v there_o make_v bishop_n in_o those_o of_o who_o origen_n speak_v that_o shall_v come_v by_o chance_n into_o a_o city_n where_o never_o any_o christian_a be_v bear_v shall_v there_o begin_v to_o teach_v and_o labour_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o faith_n who_o the_o people_n shall_v afterward_o make_v their_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n and_o beside_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v not_o one_o place_n that_o bind_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o certain_a succession_n but_o contrariwise_o the_o scripture_n show_v that_o god_n will_v send_v two_o special_a witness_n to_o prophesy_v against_o antichrist_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n 11._o p._n 371._o doctor_n whitaker_n answer_v bellarmine_n that_o will_v prove_v protestant_n to_o have_v no_o church_n because_o their_o minister_n have_v no_o ordination_n by_o bishop_n sai_z that_o as_o sometime_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o people_n so_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o ordination_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v sometime_o by_o the_o clergy_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o people_n and_o then_o add_v quod_fw-la si_fw-la vocationem_fw-la corum_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la legitimam_fw-la fuisse_fw-la concedat_fw-la bellarminus_n de_fw-fr ordinatione_fw-la minus_fw-la laboramus_fw-la qui_fw-la enim_fw-la habent_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la vocandi_fw-la iidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la ordinandi_fw-la habent_fw-la si_fw-la legitima_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la non_fw-la possit_fw-la impetrari_fw-la nam_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la sequitur_fw-la vocationem_fw-la qui_fw-la voco_fw-la iâ—_n quasi_fw-la in_o svi_fw-la muneris_fw-la possessionem_fw-la mittitur_fw-la de_fw-la eccles_n q._n 5._o cap._n 6_o p._n 510._o final_o doctor_n ames_n do_v also_o witness_v the_o same_o in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n for_o a_o taste_n take_v these_o few_o say_n of_o his_o in_o this_o case_n viz._n ad_fw-la totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la semper_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la quoad_fw-la jus_o vim_o virtutem_fw-la illam_fw-la quam_fw-la habet_fw-la in_o ministro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la constituendo_fw-la sicut_fw-la celebratio_fw-la matrimonii_fw-la vim_o aut_fw-la virtutem_fw-la omnem_fw-la acceptam_fw-la refert_fw-la legitimo_fw-la consensui_fw-la conjugum_fw-la ecclesie_n statu_fw-la ministerio_fw-la &_o ordine_fw-la deficiente_fw-la collapso_fw-la vel_fw-la corrupto_fw-la à _fw-la plebe_fw-la etiam_fw-la actus_fw-la iste_fw-la ordinationis_fw-la quatenus_fw-la necessarius_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la ministri_fw-la constitutionem_fw-la in_o tali_fw-la casu_fw-la potest_fw-la legitimè_fw-la exerceri_fw-la bellarm_n enervat_fw-la lib._n 3._o de_fw-la clericis_fw-la cap._n 2_o de_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la and_o again_o a_o little_a after_o episcopos_fw-la veros_fw-la à _fw-la veris_fw-la episcopis_fw-la ordinariè_fw-la dicimus_fw-la ordinandâ—s_fw-la esse_fw-la sed_fw-la nomine_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la cui_fw-la ordinantur_fw-la and_o again_o a_o little_a after_o potestas_fw-la ordinandi_fw-la est_fw-la aliquâ—_n modo_fw-la originaliter_fw-la in_o tota_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sicut_fw-la potestas_fw-la videndi_fw-la originaliter_fw-la est_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la animali_fw-la quamvis_fw-la formaliter_fw-la &_o subjectiuè_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o oculo_fw-la tantùm_fw-la tum_fw-la etiam_fw-la ordinationis_fw-la exercitium_fw-la pendet_fw-la à _fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sicut_fw-la actus_fw-la videndi_fw-la hoc_fw-la vel_fw-la illud_fw-la determinatè_fw-la pendet_fw-la non_fw-la ab_fw-la oculo_fw-la sed_fw-la à _fw-la toto_fw-la and_o again_o quamvis_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la benè_fw-la constituta_fw-la non_fw-la debeat_fw-la aliis_fw-la quam_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la ordinandi_fw-la manus_fw-la mandari_fw-la in_fw-la defectu_fw-la tamen_fw-la idoneorum_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la potest_fw-la non_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la mandari_fw-la and_o yet_o again_o in_o the_o next_o place_n si_fw-la concedatur_fw-la hoc_fw-la quòd_fw-la ex_fw-la ordine_fw-la nemo_fw-la possit_fw-la esse_fw-la legitimus_fw-la pastor_n nisi_fw-la sit_fw-la à _fw-la legitimo_fw-la pastore_n &_o episcopo_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la in_o ordinis_fw-la tamen_fw-la defectu_fw-la cum_fw-la jam_fw-la primò_fw-la instaurari_fw-la debet_fw-la ordo_fw-la non_fw-la potestâ—tam_fw-la accuratè_fw-la observari_fw-la atque_fw-la adeo_fw-la extraordinarium_fw-la aliquid_fw-la tum_fw-la potest_fw-la intervenire_fw-la sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la vitio_fw-la these_o word_n you_o see_v be_v punctual_a and_o plain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v minister_n be_v original_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o though_o when_o a_o church_n have_v presbyter_n the_o act_n of_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o defect_n of_o such_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o presbyter_n lawful_o and_o without_o fault_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n that_o be_v in_o their_o beginning_n and_o may_v
the_o say_a church_n in_o particular_a in_o church_n fellowship_n 4._o and_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o say_a church_n afterward_o without_o the_o consent_n thereof_o or_o how_o do_v you_o hold_v and_o practice_v in_o these_o thing_n 9_o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v all_o or_o the_o most_o of_o our_o parish_n assembly_n in_o old-england_n to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n with_o which_o you_o may_v lawful_o join_v in_o every_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n if_o occasion_n serve_v thereto_o or_o if_o not_o all_o or_o the_o most_o than_o what_o one_o be_v those_o of_o which_o you_o so_o account_v and_o with_o which_o you_o dare_v so_o partake_v or_o join_v and_o in_o what_o respect_n and_o why_o be_v not_o the_o rest_n such_o as_o well_o as_o they_o 10._o if_o you_o hold_v that_o any_o of_o our_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o that_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v all_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o member_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n then_o whether_o will_v you_o permit_v such_o member_n at_o least_o as_o be_v either_o famous_o know_v to_o yourselves_o to_o be_v godly_a or_o do_v bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a thereof_o from_o other_o that_o be_v so_o know_v or_o from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v member_n here_o to_o partake_v with_o you_o in_o all_o the_o same_o ordinance_n and_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n in_o any_o of_o your_o congregation_n as_o by_o occasion_n they_o may_v be_v there_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o like_a liberty_n as_o you_o will_v permit_v any_o that_o may_v happy_o come_v unto_o you_o from_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n france_n the_o low-countries_n or_o yet_o from_o any_o one_o church_n to_o another_o among_o yourselves_o suppose_v from_o some_o church_n about_o connecticut_n or_o that_o of_o plymouth_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n newtowne_n dorchester_n etc._n etc._n or_o if_o not_o what_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n thereof_o 11._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v our_o present_a stand_v in_o our_o parish_n assembly_n here_o in_o old_a england_n to_o be_v lawful_a and_o safe_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o or_o how_o fâ—rre_o it_o may_v be_v so_o 12._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v that_o every_o believer_n be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o fix_a member_n to_o some_o one_o particular_a congregation_n so_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o and_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o he_o be_v without_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n according_a to_o that_o maxim_n in_o divinity_n extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la 13._o whether_o do_v you_o think_v it_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o a_o company_n of_o private_a and_o illiterate_a person_n into_o a_o church_n body_n combine_v shall_v themselves_o ordinary_o examine_v elect_v ordain_v and_o depose_v their_o own_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n where_o the_o same_o may_v be_v have_v 14._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v that_o every_o small_a company_n of_o seven_o or_o nine_o or_o twenty_o or_o forty_o person_n combine_v into_o a_o church_n body_n be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v all_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o church_n government_n so_o as_o they_o may_v transact_v all_o ecclesiastical_a business_n independent_o among_o themselves_o 15._o whether_o do_v you_o give_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o to_o the_o presbyter_n thereof_o alone_o and_o if_o to_o those_o than_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o act_n of_o government_n and_o superior_a authority_n proper_o so_o call_v may_v the_o presbyter_n do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o member_n may_v do_v or_o without_o the_o particular_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n we_o crave_v to_o have_v those_o particular_a act_n mention_v and_o how_o and_o over_o who_o in_o those_o act_v the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v in_o propriety_n of_o speak_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v 16._o whether_o do_v you_o not_o permit_v woman_n to_o vote_n in_o church_n matter_n 17._o whether_o in_o vote_v do_v the_o major_a part_n always_o or_o at_o any_o time_n carry_v ecclisiasticall_a matter_n with_o you_o or_o in_o what_o thing_n do_v it_o in_o what_o not_o 18._o what_o mean_n have_v you_o to_o preserve_v your_o church_n in_o unity_n and_o verity_n or_o to_o correct_v or_o reduce_v any_o church_n err_v in_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n as_o 1._o whether_o you_o have_v any_o platform_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n agree_v upon_o or_o if_o you_o have_v not_o whether_o mean_v you_o to_o have_v one_o and_o when_o and_o think_v you_o it_o lawful_a and_o expedient_a so_o to_o have_v 2._o whether_o have_v you_o combine_v yourselves_o together_o into_o class_n or_o purpose_n so_o to_o do_v so_o as_o to_o do_v no_o weighty_a matter_n without_o their_o counsel_n and_o consent_v 3._o or_o give_v you_o any_o power_n to_o synod_n and_o counsel_n to_o determine_v and_o order_v thing_n that_o can_v otherwise_o be_v end_v so_o as_o that_o their_o determination_n shall_v bind_v the_o particular_a church_n so_o assemble_v to_o due_a obedience_n in_o case_n they_o decree_v nothing_o but_o according_a to_o truth_n and_o right_n and_o to_o peaceable_a suffering_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o or_o what_o other_o course_n you_o have_v or_o intend_v to_o have_v for_o that_o end_n aforesaid_a 19_o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o each_o particular_a church_n may_v lawful_o make_v such_o law_n or_o order_n ecclesiastical_a for_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o for_o decency_n order_n and_o edification_n as_o shall_v oblige_v all_o her_o member_n and_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v without_o sin_n 20._o wherein_o hold_v you_o that_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v do_v consist_v as_o 1_o whether_o be_v election_n by_o the_o people_n it_o yea_o or_o no_o or_o 2._o be_v it_o so_o essential_a as_o that_o without_o it_o the_o minister_n call_v be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n or_o 3._o be_v ordination_n as_o essential_a a_o part_n thereof_o as_o the_o people_n election_n or_o 4._o be_v it_o but_o a_o mere_a formality_n and_o solemnity_n of_o their_o call_n 21._o whether_o do_v you_o hold_v it_o lawful_a for_o mere_a lie_v or_o private_a man_n to_o ordain_v minister_n in_o any_o case_n 22._o what_o essential_a difference_n put_v you_o between_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o do_v you_o obserate_v the_o same_o difference_n inviolable_o and_o do_v not_o your_o teacher_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n give_v themselves_o usual_o to_o application_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o your_o pastor_n and_o do_v they_o not_o also_o usual_o apply_v the_o seal_n 23._o what_o authority_n or_o eminency_n have_v your_o preach_a elder_n above_o your_o sole_a rule_v elder_n or_o be_v they_o both_o equal_n 24._o whether_o may_v a_o minister_n of_o one_o congregation_n be_v thereto_o request_v do_v as_o a_o minister_n any_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o preach_v baptise_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n ordain_v etc._n etc._n in_o and_o unto_o other_o congregation_n beside_o his_o own_o 25._o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o congregation_n leave_v or_o lose_v his_o place_n suppose_v without_o his_o fault_n do_v withal_o lose_v both_o nomen_fw-la and_o esse_fw-la of_o his_o ministry_n and_o do_v become_v a_o mere_a lay_v or_o private_a man_n until_o he_o be_v a_o new_a elect_a and_o ordain_v 26._o whether_o do_v you_o allow_v or_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o allow_v and_o settle_v any_o certain_a &_o stint_a maintenance_n upon_o your_o minister_n 27._o whether_o do_v you_o permit_v and_o call_v upon_o mere_a lay_n and_o private_a man_n neither_o be_v in_o the_o ministry_n nor_o intend_v to_o it_o ordinary_o to_o preach_v or_o prophesy_v public_o in_o and_o before_o the_o congregation_n and_o whether_o think_v you_o that_o prophesy_v mention_v 1_o cor._n 14._o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o and_o be_v a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a order_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n 28._o whether_o do_v you_o allow_v and_o call_v upon_o your_o people_n public_o before_o all_o the_o congregation_n to_o propound_v question_n move_v doubt_n &_o argue_v with_o their_o minister_n of_o matter_n deliver_v either_o by_o they_o or_o other_o either_o at_o the_o same_o or_o some_o other_o time_n 29._o whether_o hold_v you_o that_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n to_o god_n be_v ordinary_o
modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n lay_v down_o 16._o proposition_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o maintain_v against_o the_o prelate_n give_v this_o for_o the_o four_o of_o they_o viz._n there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o doubtless_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o exercise_v excommunication_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o dr._n whitaker_n show_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o excommunication_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n qui_fw-la justè_fw-la excommunicantur_fw-la say_v he_o co_fw-la satanae_fw-la traditos_fw-la esse_fw-la concedimuâ—_n non_fw-la tâ—men_fw-la posse_fw-la prâ—priem_fw-la dâ—â—i_fw-la ejectâ—s_fw-la ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la quia_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la non_fw-la catholica_fw-la sed_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la censura_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr eccles_n qu._n 1._o c._n 6._o wherefore_o if_o excommunication_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n second_o as_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o without_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n according_a as_o they_o be_v believer_n so_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v unbeliever_n pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o also_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o such_o join_n they_o become_v also_o to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a also_o that_o unless_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o who_o inspection_n and_o government_n they_o have_v commend_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o that_o be_v without_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o without_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o dispense_v censure_n and_o church_n privilege_n to_o pagan_n who_o be_v without_o all_o church_n and_o without_o christ_n also_o or_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o minister_n thereof_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n also_o yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o judgeing_a and_o say_v they_o may_v judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o he_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o simple_o of_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o without_o christ_n and_o no_o more_o than_o so_o but_o also_o of_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n and_o without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o they_o may_v judge_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n 4._o and_o that_o church_n privilege_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o withal_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n send_v the_o last_o year_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a whereto_o we_o do_v refer_v you_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o make_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o constitute_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n they_o do_v it_o by_o be_v all_o of_o they_o baptise_a which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o mr._n smith_n mr._n helwis_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o company_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o church_n the_o papist_n also_o do_v imagine_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o their_o fount_n be_v set_v near_o the_o door_n of_o their_o temple_n to_o signify_v man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v christen_v or_o make_v christian_n soul_n by_o be_v baptise_a but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o baptism_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o in_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v one_o point_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o commit_v to_o it_o as_o circumcision_n and_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o concredit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 7._o 22._o now_o if_o baptism_n in_o its_o first_o be_v and_o institution_n be_v give_v as_o a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o church_n than_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v presuppose_v and_o must_v be_v before_o it_o for_o the_o dones_fw-la or_o person_n to_o who_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o circumcision_n also_o be_v rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o but_o to_o confirm_v something_o that_o be_v before_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v for_o confirmation_n thereof_o to_o bring_v in_o baptism_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o before_o the_o church_n with_o who_o god_n make_v the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n afterward_o be_v to_o make_v baptism_n a_o seal_n unto_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o falsehood_n when_o the_o jesuit_n of_o rheims_n have_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v 12_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o move_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o so_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o move_v they_o also_o to_o faith_n and_o penance_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n this_o say_n of_o make_v man_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n though_o utter_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n of_o their_o discourse_n yet_o seem_v to_o mr._n cartwright_n so_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o bear_v special_a witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o in_o another_o character_n for_o more_o conspicuousnesse_n viz._n that_o baptism_n make_v not_o man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o seal_v their_o incorporation_n into_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v afore_o argument_n of_o act_n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o catechism_n which_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball_n or_o mr._n nicholas_n now_o with_o god_n give_v this_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o christ_n communion_n with_o he_o and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o exposition_n plain_o declare_v that_o when_o they_o call_v baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o signify_v and_o seal_v that_o they_o be_v member_n afore_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n say_v they_o pag_n 144._o gal._n 3._o 7._o or_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 16._o
sin_n for_o that_o censure_n put_v he_o away_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 2._o 13._o and_o make_v he_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n mat._n 18._o 17._o so_o that_o in_o that_o case_n he_o can_v have_v no_o right_n to_o sacrament_n by_o his_o member-ship_n though_o he_o still_o continue_v a_o baptise_a person_n 2._o by_o his_o voluntary_a depart_n from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o same_o when_o it_o be_v unjust_o do_v 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o jude_n 19_o heb._n 10._o 25._o in_o which_o case_n dr._n ames_n resolve_v such_o schismatic_n to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n case_n cons_n lib._n 5._o c._n 12_o q._n 4._o resp._n 3._o 3._o by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n for_o church_n member-ship_n be_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o church_n cease_v the_o membership_n must_v cease_v also_o relatum_fw-la &_o correlatum_fw-la quâ_fw-la â—alia_fw-la sunt_fw-la simul_fw-la adeoquese_n mutuoponunt_fw-la et_fw-la tollunt_fw-la now_o a_o church_n may_v be_v dissolve_v 1._o by_o apostasy_n and_o god_n give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n thereupon_o jer._n 3._o 8._o when_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v in_o such_o a_o church_n some_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n dear_a to_o god_n who_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v bid_v to_o come_v out_o from_o such_o a_o apostate_n church_n rev._n 18._o 4._o hose_n 2._o 1_o 2._o &_o 4_o 15_o 17._o 2._o by_o death_n as_o by_o some_o grievous_a pestilence_n or_o masacre_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o case_n one_o particular_a person_n survive_v can_v be_v count_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n when_o that_o church_n be_v extinct_a of_o which_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o remain_v a_o person_n baptize_v if_o he_o be_v baptize_v afore_o 3._o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v by_o dr._n ames_n case_n cons_n lib._n 5._o c._n 12._o q._n 3._o resp_n 2._o that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o ground_n of_o scripture_n ephes_n 5._o 11._o 2_o chrâ—_n 11._o 14._o then_o that_o will_v be_v another_o case_n wherein_o church_n membership_n be_v disannul_v for_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v count_v in_o that_o state_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n when_o he_o have_v lawful_o and_o necessary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_n unto_o this_o point_n whether_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n which_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o this_o question_n yet_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o make_v answer_n to_o the_o next_o something_o also_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v some_o passage_n in_o your_o amplification_n of_o this_o four_o question_n as_o first_o concern_v those_o word_n wherein_o you_o ask_v whether_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v have_v not_o right_a quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a concern_v which_o word_n we_o may_v say_v 1._o that_o those_o word_n of_o your_o parenthesis_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a do_v plain_o imply_v that_o in_o your_o judgement_n though_o one_o have_v receive_v baptism_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o give_v he_o right_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o other_o thing_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v he_o fit_a wherein_o we_o consent_v with_o you_o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o which_o as_o we_o conceive_v be_v the_o main_a intent_n of_o the_o question_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o baptism_n alone_o shall_v give_v man_n right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o as_o the_o question_n seem_v to_o import_v when_o in_o the_o amplification_n of_o it_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o person_n baptize_v have_v no_o such_o right_a except_o other_o thing_n do_v concur_v to_o make_v they_o fit_a we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o these_o thing_n do_v stand_v together_o second_o those_o word_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o which_o contradict_v the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o question_n so_o they_o be_v so_o general_a and_o of_o such_o a_o latitude_n as_o that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v answer_v the_o reader_n be_v still_o leave_v at_o uncertainty_n for_o if_o such_o a_o parenthesis_n may_v be_v annex_v so_o far_o as_o man_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a then_o the_o like_a question_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o many_o other_o thing_n beside_o baptism_n and_o will_v receive_v the_o very_a same_o answer_n as_o in_o case_n of_o baptism_n it_o will_v receive_v as_o for_o example_n if_o one_o shall_v ask_v whether_o moral_a honesty_n or_o literal_a knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o historical_a faith_n or_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n whether_o any_o of_o these_o do_v not_o give_v man_n right_a to_o church_n privilege_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a you_o know_v the_o answer_n will_v be_v yea._n for_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v sufficient_a alone_o to_o give_v man_n right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o that_o have_v they_o have_v right_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a and_o so_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o they_o that_o have_v receive_v baptism_n have_v right_a as_o you_o say_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a yet_o as_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o baptism_n alone_o do_v give_v man_n such_o a_o right_n so_o still_o it_o remain_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o more_o particular_o declare_v what_o those_o other_o thing_n be_v that_o beside_o baptism_n must_v concur_v to_o make_v one_o fit_a and_o unless_o those_o thing_n be_v express_v in_o particular_a the_o question_n with_o such_o a_o general_a qualification_n as_o be_v here_o set_v down_o may_v be_v answer_v affirmative_o and_o yet_o the_o reader_n will_v be_v still_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o as_o much_o to_o seek_v as_o before_o last_o those_o word_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o question_n have_v need_v to_o be_v further_o clear_v wherein_o you_o ask_v whether_o baptise_a person_n have_v not_o right_a to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n for_o suppose_v a_o open_a blasphemer_n a_o sabath-breaker_n a_o adulterer_n a_o drunkard_n etc._n etc._n that_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v be_v not_o proceed_v against_o according_a to_o rule_v but_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n through_o bribery_n or_o other_o corruption_n of_o the_o time_n will_v you_o say_v that_o such_o a_o person_n have_v right_o either_o before_o god_n or_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n only_o because_o he_o be_v baptize_v sure_o your_o word_n do_v import_v so_o much_o unless_o that_o parenthesis_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a may_v be_v any_o help_n in_o this_o case_n and_o yet_o we_o hope_v you_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o dog_n and_o swine_n have_v no_o right_a either_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la or_o otherwise_o to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n although_o they_o have_v receive_v baptism_n and_o although_o through_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n as_o they_o do_v deserve_v for_o if_o gross_a sinner_n have_v such_o right_n to_o church_n privilege_n only_o because_o they_o be_v baptize_v then_o by_o what_o right_o can_v the_o church_n cast_v they_o out_o by_o excommunication_n as_o you_o seem_v to_o confess_v that_o she_o may_v for_o can_v she_o castiman_n out_o from_o such_o privilege_n whereunto_o they_o have_v right_a doubtless_o such_o proceed_n be_v not_o right_a unless_o the_o church_n have_v such_o a_o transcendent_a power_n as_o the_o apostle_n never_o have_v for_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o power_n for_o destruction_n but_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o 10._o wherefore_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v such_o man_n have_v right_a to_o church_n privilege_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la until_o they_o be_v actual_o cast_v out_o because_o before_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o it_o must_v be_v clear_a to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o right_a or_o else_o she_o can_v have_v no_o lawful_a right_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o 1._o infant_n with_o we_o be_v admit_v member_n in_o
and_o with_o 6._o their_o parent_n so_o as_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v capable_a as_o namely_o to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o parent_n be_v once_o admit_v their_o child_n be_v thereupon_o baptize_v if_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v afore_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o 2._o but_o whether_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o other_o privilege_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n without_o any_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n or_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n be_v another_o question_n of_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n we_o have_v have_v no_o occasion_n yet_o to_o determine_v what_o to_o judge_v or_o practice_v one_o way_n or_o other_o 3._o but_o for_o the_o present_a this_o we_o will_v say_v it_o seem_v by_o those_o word_n of_o your_o parenthesis_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a you_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o child_n of_o church_n member_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n unless_o they_o be_v fit_a wherein_o we_o consent_v with_o you_o as_o count_v it_o altogether_o unsafe_a that_o idiot_n frantic_v or_o person_n open_o ungracious_a and_o profane_a shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n and_o thence_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n whereby_o we_o mean_v only_o a_o renew_n of_o covenant_n or_o a_o new_a profess_v of_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v adulti_fw-la for_o otherwise_o we_o do_v confess_v child_n that_o be_v bear_v when_o their_o parent_n be_v church_n member_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n even_o from_o their_o birth_n gen._n 17._o 7._o 12._o and_o their_o baptism_n do_v seal_v it_o to_o they_o but_o notwithstanding_o their_o birthright_n we_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n though_o you_o seem_v to_o think_v it_o not_o needful_a for_o without_o this_o it_o can_v so_o well_o be_v discern_v what_o fitness_n be_v in_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o other_o church_n privilege_n as_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o may_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o enter_v into_o church-covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o and_o the_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o such_o way_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n member_n if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n and_o shall_v be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o evidence_n against_o they_o of_o their_o unfitnesse_n for_o church_n privilege_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o open_o break_v that_o rule_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n what_o hope_n be_v there_o that_o they_o will_v examine_v themselves_o when_o they_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o who_o when_o other_o do_v examine_v they_o they_o be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o give_v answer_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o or_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o profess_v or_o promise_v any_o such_o matter_n wherefore_o in_o this_o point_n we_o can_v but_o full_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n among_o who_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n as_o zepporus_n write_v to_o admit_v child_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n consuetum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la aetatem_fw-la neque_fw-la doctrina_fw-la catechetica_fw-la perfectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicè_fw-la edant_fw-la etc._n etc._n polit._n ecles_n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o perficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o 4._o but_o how_o long_a child_n shall_v be_v count_v under_o age_n and_o whether_o orphan_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v with_o their_o guardian_n which_o be_v your_o six_o quaery_n we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v your_o judgement_n therein_o as_o have_v of_o ourselves_o hitherto_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o search_v into_o those_o question_n only_o this_o we_o think_v that_o one_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o all_o whereby_o to_o determine_v how_o long_o they_o be_v under_o age_n but_o according_a as_o god_n give_v experience_n and_o maturity_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a which_o he_o give_v soon_o to_o some_o then_o unto_o other_o such_o child_n who_o father_n and_o mother_n be_v neither_o 7._o of_o they_o believer_n and_o sanctify_a be_v count_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o faederal_o holy_a but_o unclean_a what_o ever_o their_o other_o ancestor_n have_v be_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o and_o therefore_o we_o baptise_v they_o not_o if_o you_o can_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 7._o which_o seem_v to_o limit_v this_o faederall_a sanctity_n or_o holiness_n to_o the_o child_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v believer_n we_o shall_v glad_o hearken_v to_o you_o therein_o but_o for_o the_o present_a as_o we_o believe_v we_o speak_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o our_o light_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v go_v one_o degree_n beyond_o the_o next_o parent_n we_o see_v not_o but_o we_o may_v go_v two_o and_o if_o two_o why_o not_o 3._o 4_o 20_o 100_o or_o 1000_o for_o where_o will_v you_o stop_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v all_o child_n to_o baptism_n who_o ancestor_n within_o a_o thousand_o generation_n have_v be_v believer_n as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o we_o may_v by_o this_o reason_n baptise_v the_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o of_o all_o the_o indian_n and_o barbarian_n in_o the_o country_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v have_v some_o believe_a ancestor_n within_o less_o than_o a_o 1000_o generation_n it_o be_v far_o from_o so_o much_o since_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o member_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 8._o saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o col._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o thereupon_o we_o count_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a mean_n whereby_o god_n may_v help_v we_o to_o discern_v whether_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n be_v person_n so_o qualify_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o first_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v concern_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v your_o first_o particular_a in_o this_o quaery_n second_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o take_v a_o trial_n what_o measure_n they_o have_v of_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o know_v that_o without_o knowledge_n man_n can_v well_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o will_v prevent_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o the_o creep_a in_o of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n
child_n as_o in_o baptism_n they_o do_v to_o continue_v therein_o that_o such_o congregation_n be_v true_a church_n notwithstanding_o sundry_a defect_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o wherein_o we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n instit_n 4._o 1._o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n wâ—itaker_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la â—cclesiae_fw-la cap._n 17._o and_o many_o other_o divine_n of_o chief_a note_n nor_o can_v we_o judge_v or_o speak_v harsh_o of_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o nor_o of_o the_o pap_n which_o give_v we_o suck_v three_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o grievous_a corruption_n of_o latter_a year_n have_v great_o increase_v in_o some_o of_o those_o assembly_n as_o we_o hear_v both_o in_o doctrine_n in_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v when_o some_o of_o we_o be_v there_o and_o in_o former_a year_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n and_o with_o grief_n we_o speak_v it_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v unto_o at_o length_n if_o corruption_n shall_v still_o increase_v and_o grow_v '_o they_o may_v come_v in_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o more_o merciful_a unto_o such_o a_o height_n as_o unto_o obstinacy_n in_o evil_a and_o to_o wilifull_n rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o and_o than_o you_o know_v it_o may_v be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o utter_o out_o of_o the_o account_n and_o number_n of_o his_o church_n so_o as_o never_o to_o walk_v among_o they_o any_o more_o which_o we_o hearty_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o prevent_v that_o such_o a_o day_n may_v never_o be_v but_o if_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o of_o her_o declining_n the_o lord_n have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o she_o quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n that_o be_v he_o will_v un-church_n they_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o and_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n shall_v be_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n rev._n 3._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v such_o of_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v themselves_o betimes_o lest_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o they_o as_o he_o haâ—h_v do_v with_o other_o and_o it_o much_o concern_v yourselves_o in_o hearty_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n we_o speak_v iâ—_n and_o so_o we_o desire_v you_o wouâ—d_v accept_v of_o it_o it_o very_o much_o concern_v you_o dear_a brethren_n while_o you_o live_v among_o they_o to_o bear_v faithful_a witness_n against_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v remain_v in_o any_o of_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n worship_n discipline_n and_o ministry_n lâ—st_v by_o any_o sinful_a silence_n or_o slackness_n of_o you_o that_o shall_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n the_o breach_n shall_v be_v make_v wide_a and_o the_o iniquity_n increase_v and_o lest_o man_n shall_v flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o jew_n thought_n themselves_o secure_a because_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 7._o 4._o 4._o because_o you_o will_v know_v not_o only_o whether_o we_o count_v those_o assembly_n to_o bâ—_n church_n but_o what_o we_o will_v do_v for_o join_v in_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o occasion_n serve_v thereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o england_n we_o shall_v willing_o join_v in_o some_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o namely_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v true_o preach_v in_o sundry_a assembly_n there_o yea_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v church_n or_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v whether_o true_a church_n or_o no_o for_o some_o worship_n as_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o church_n assembly_n but_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o other_o meeting_n mars-hill_n at_o athens_n be_v no_o church_n nor_o the_o prison_n at_o philippi_n and_o yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o hear_v lawful_o wâ—th_o good_a success_n in_o thâ—se_a place_n act._n 17._o and_o act._n 16._o how_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hear_v the_o wâ—rd_n in_o many_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n in_o when_o general_o there_o be_v a_o profess_v of_o christ_n and_o in_o many_o of_o they_o mâ—n_z soulâ—s_n that_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n as_o any_o be_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o mâ—ny_v congregation_n indeed_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v mr._n robinson_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfullnesse_n of_o hear_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 5._o but_o why_o we_o dare_v not_o partake_v in_o their_o prescript_n lyturgie_n and_o such_o ordinance_n though_o true_a as_o be_v administer_v therein_o we_o give_v you_o account_v the_o last_o year_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o position_n as_o alâ—o_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n of_o that_o subject_a pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball._n what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o our_o ignorance_n while_o we_o live_v among_o you_o we_o have_v see_v cause_n rather_o to_o bewail_v it_o in_o ourselves_o here_o then_o to_o it_o in_o other_o there_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o never_o yet_o 10._o know_v any_o to_o come_v from_o england_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o you_o do_v here_o describe_v â—_o the_o thing_n you_o mention_v may_v be_v take_v conjunctim_fw-la and_o not_o several_o viz_o to_o be_v man_n famous_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o to_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a thereof_o from_o other_o that_o be_v so_o know_v and_o from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v member_n we_o say_v we_o never_o yet_o know_v any_o to_o come_v to_o we_o from_o thence_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v be_v want_v and_o general_o this_o be_v want_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o they_o bring_v no_o testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v admit_v further_o then_o before_o have_v be_v express_v in_o answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o to_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o before_o they_o have_v join_v to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o our_o church_n for_o though_o some_o that_o come_v over_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v godly_a or_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a with_o they_o from_o private_a christian_n yet_o neither_o be_v our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o nor_o testimonal_a from_o private_a christian_n sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o church-power_n over_o they_o which_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v if_o we_o must_v dispense_v the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v all_o due_a reverent_a respect_n and_o hearty_a love_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v yet_o it_o wâ—uâ—d_v be_v also_o requisite_a if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o join_v to_o any_o of_o our_o church_n that_o wâ—â—_n shall_v know_v the_o congregation_n itself_o from_o which_o they_o come_v not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o also_o what_o manner_n of_o one_o it_o be_v for_o such_o person_n can_v communicate_v with_o we_o in_o church_n ordinance_n in_o their_o own_o right_n because_o they_o join_v not_o as_o member_n in_o any_o of_o our_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o right_a of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o so_o our_o admit_v of_o they_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o person_n themselves_o but_o also_o with_o the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v now_o as_o we_o can_v of_o faith_n admit_v man_n to_o church_n ordinance_n which_o we_o believe_v belong_v only_o to_o church_n member_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o sometime_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o though_o it_o do_v remain_v a_o true_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o corruption_n and_o impurity_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o same_o for_o which_o dr._n ames_n give_v sundry_a ground_n and_o reason_n case_n cons_n lib._n c._n 12._o q._n 3._o resp_n 2._o or_o at_o least_o to_o protest_v against_o some_o gross_a corruption_n therein_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o information_n what_o that_o congregation_n be_v with_o who_o now_o we_o have_v church_n communion_n when_o in_o heir_n right_o we_o admit_v mâ—n_z into_o
communion_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o admit_v such_o mâ—n_z and_o what_o to_o require_v from_o they_o more_o or_o lâ—sse_v and_o this_o together_o with_o that_o want_n of_o testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n be_v one_o mainâ—_n reason_n why_o some_o few_o godly_a man_n that_o have_v come_v from_o england_n upon_o occasion_n not_o with_o purpose_n of_o continuance_n here_o but_o of_o return_v against_o have_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o church_n ordinance_n during_o theiâ—_n abode_n in_o the_o country_n though_o this_o we_o may_v say_v also_o that_o we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o that_o have_v request_v to_o be_v receive_v whereas_o â—uch_v as_o have_v come_v in_o lâ—ke_a manner_n from_o one_o câ—uâ—ch_n to_o another_o amongst_o ourselves_o upon_o their_o request_n have_v be_v receive_v the_o reason_n ne_o say_v be_v because_o these_o church_n be_v better_a know_v then_o the_o parish_n assembly_n be_v 3._o but_o if_o man_n come_v from_o one_o church_n in_o this_o country_n to_o another_o with_o purpose_n there_o to_o stay_v and_o not_o to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o or_o the_o most_o that_o come_v from_o england_n they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o our_o church_n but_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o term_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o man_n be_v receive_v that_o come_v from_o england_n viz_o upon_o personal_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o now_o come_v and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o such_o as_o come_v from_o any_o of_o the_o church_n in_o other_o country_n and_o wherefore_o be_v they_o not_o receive_v otherwise_o because_o we_o renounce_v the_o church_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n as_o no_o true_a church_n not_o so_o but_o because_o we_o believe_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o be_v the_o admit_v of_o member_n any_o true_a church_n may_v err_v and_o there_o may_v now_o be_v see_v some_o unworthiness_n in_o the_o man_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v when_o he_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o other_o church_n and_o therefore_o no_o reason_n that_o the_o act_n of_o one_o church_n in_o the_o admit_v of_o member_n or_o the_o like_a shall_v be_v a_o bind_a rule_n unto_o another_o for_o all_o church_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n to_o admit_v and_o receive_v such_o into_o their_o church_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v fit_a according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o refuse_v other_o without_o respect_n of_o what_o they_o have_v be_v before_o whether_o member_n of_o this_o church_n or_o that_o church_n or_o of_o any_o church_n or_o none_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o our_o walk_n and_o practice_n be_v alike_o towards_o one_o another_o and_o towards_o other_o as_o it_o be_v towards_o you_o in_o which_o practice_n we_o be_v not_o alone_o for_o the_o very_a same_o as_o mr._n parker_n report_v be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n among_o who_o no_o man_n be_v admit_v for_o a_o member_n but_o upon_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n though_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v formal_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n where_o he_o live_v before_o polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 16._o 3._o 4._o p._n 171._o if_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o qu._n be_v any_o doubt_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n 11._o concern_v your_o own_o way_n there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o propound_v such_o a_o qu._n for_o further_a light_n and_o satisfaction_n if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o or_o if_o it_o do_v ariâ—e_v from_o any_o unnecessary_a intermeddle_v of_o we_o in_o your_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o take_v on_o we_o to_o condemn_v or_o judge_v your_o present_a stand_n when_o we_o have_v no_o call_n thereunto_o there_o be_v then_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v give_v account_n of_o our_o own_o do_n or_o say_n but_o if_o it_o come_v from_o some_o man_n we_o shall_v look_v at_o it_o as_o a_o tempt_a question_n tend_v only_o to_o make_v matter_n and_o pick_v quarrel_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o they_o that_o frame_v it_o to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o to_o frâ—me_v their_o own_o answer_n to_o it_o as_o for_o we_o we_o have_v always_o be_v slow_a and_o loath_a to_o judge_v or_o condemn_v your_o present_a stand_n remember_v the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o master_n rom._n 14._o 4._o but_o now_o know_v you_o well_o reverend_a and_o dear_a brethren_n and_o your_o integrity_n we_o think_v we_o may_v lawful_o and_o safe_o answer_v and_o that_o we_o will_v do_v by_o promise_v a_o few_o distinction_n for_o explain_v the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n 1._o concern_v the_o person_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o such_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v so_o dispose_v that_o they_o be_v free_a and_o at_o liberty_n or_o of_o such_o as_o be_v bind_v and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la as_o wife_n child_n under_o the_o government_n of_o parent_n servant_n apprentice_n prisoner_n sickefolke_n etc._n etc._n 2._o concern_v the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o may_v be_v mean_v either_o of_o such_o as_o want_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n or_o sacrament_n or_o discipline_n or_o any_o other_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o have_v many_o ordinance_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v mean_v of_o some_o other_o which_o in_o both_o respect_n be_v reform_v and_o pure_a if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o 3._o concern_v stand_n in_o they_o which_o may_v be_v mean_v only_o of_o habitation_n and_o dwell_v upon_o house_n or_o land_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o parish_n or_o else_o in_o conform_v in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n to_o the_o corrupt_a ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n use_v in_o those_o assembly_n and_o content_v themselves_o therewith_o 4._o concern_v lawful_a and_o safe_a where_o safety_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o of_o safety_n from_o sin_n or_o from_o danger_n by_o persecution_n these_o distinction_n we_o judge_v necessary_a to_o be_v premise_v because_o your_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o count_v your_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n lawful_a and_o safe_a or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o so_o our_o answer_n be_v in_o 3._o proposition_n 1._o some_o person_n and_o namely_o those_o that_o be_v not_o svi_fw-la juris_fw-la may_v lawful_o and_o without_o sin_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o safe_o without_o danger_n of_o persecution_n continue_v such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o do_v dwell_v within_o the_o prâ—câ—â—cts_n of_o they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o neither_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n by_o such_o continue_n of_o their_o stand_n nor_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n through_o their_o own_o default_n 2._o such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n where_o a_o man_n shall_v and_o must_v conform_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o 3._o to_o continue_v such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o to_o live_v in_o the_o want_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o lawful_a nor_o can_v be_v do_v safe_o without_o sin_n of_o they_o to_o who_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v open_v a_o door_n of_o further_a enlargement_n the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n we_o suppose_v you_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o second_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o namely_o by_o such_o as_o these_o though_o israel_n play_v the_o harlot_n yet_o let_v not_o judah_n offend_v and_o come_v not_o you_o to_o gilgall_a nor_o go_v up_o to_o bethaven_n nor_o swear_v the_o lord_n live_v ephraim_n be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o hos_n 4._o 15._o 17._o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n keep_v thyself_o pure_a 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n rev._n 18._o 4._o have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o reprove_v they_o rather_o eph._n 5._o 11._o ephraim_n be_v oppress_v and_o break_v in_o judgement_n because_o he_o willing_o walk_v after_o the_o commandment_n hos_fw-la 5._o 11._o
particular_a congregation_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 4_o &_o 14._o 23._o &_o 11._o 17._o 20._o and_o have_v power_n of_o judgeing_a her_o own_o member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n have_v yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o judgeing_a any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a congregation_n as_o all_o they_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n or_o no._n mr._n bâ—iâ—â—_n as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v very_o large_a and_o clear_a in_o prove_v this_o position_n that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v only_o such_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n ordinary_o and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a diâ—ces_n trial_n q._n 1._o 4._o for_o the_o question_n itself_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o believer_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o else_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n as_o this_o question_n suggest_v but_o upon_o other_o ground_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n cant._n 1._o 8._o math._n 6._o 10._o 33._o 2._o because_o willing_o not_o to_o do_v this_o be_v a_o secret_a disparagement_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o have_v ordain_v churches_n with_o give_v power_n and_o privilegde_n thereunto_o mat._n 18._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o promise_n of_o his_o gration_n presence_n to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o mat._n 18._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 1._o exod._n 20._o 24._o now_o to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o these_o if_o believer_n shall_v live_v and_o noâ—_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n these_o privilege_n and_o promise_n will_v in_o such_o case_n be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n offer_v therein_o unthankful_o neglect_v three_o voluntary_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v note_v and_o condemn_v as_o a_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 25._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o fearful_a unbeliever_n act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o four_o good_a man_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v forward_o in_o practice_v this_o way_n isaiah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o zach._n 8._o 23._o act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o and_o 9_o 26._o and_o have_v mourn_v with_o much_o bitterness_n when_o they_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o liberty_n so_o to_o do_v isaiah_n 56._o 3._o and_o ps_n 42._o and_o 63._o and_o 84._o five_o this_o join_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o orderly_o walk_v which_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n col._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o six_o if_o believer_n do_v neglect_v this_o join_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o wrong_n to_o themselves_o but_o also_o a_o great_a unkindness_n to_o god_n for_o if_o one_o believer_n may_v do_v this_o why_o not_o another_o and_o if_z two_o why_o not_o three_o four_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o believer_n shall_v do_v thus_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n unless_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o unbeliever_n church_n foras_fw-la stone_n in_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o they_o be_v join_v together_o though_o they_o be_v dig_v up_o out_o of_o the_o quarry_n and_o square_v &_o hew_v and_o hereby_o be_v make_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v together_o and_o so_o to_o become_v a_o house_n so_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n till_o they_o be_v join_v in_o holy_a covenant_n in_o some_o congregation_n though_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v so_o christian_n or_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a union_n into_o some_o particular_a congregation_n mr._n perkins_n have_v say_v that_o forth_o of_o the_o militant_a church_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o salvation_n no_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n no_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n no_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o no_o salvation_n conclude_v with_o these_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n every_o man_n must_v be_v admonish_v evermore_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n expos_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n and_o doctor_n ames_n give_v 6._o reason_n why_o every_o christian_a shall_v join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o other_o case_n consâ—_n l._n 4._o c._n 24._o q._n 1._o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v these_o word_n illi_fw-la igitur_fw-la qui_fw-la occasionâ—â—_n habent_fw-la adjungendi_fw-la seize_v ecclesiae_fw-la &_o â—am_fw-la negligunt_fw-la gravissimè_fw-la peccant_a non_fw-la tantum_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la ratione_fw-la institutionis_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o svas_fw-la proprias_fw-la animas_fw-la ratione_fw-la benedictionis_fw-la adjunctae_fw-la etsi_fw-la obstinatè_fw-la persistant_n in_fw-la ipsa_fw-la incuâ—ia_fw-la quicquid_fw-la alius_fw-la profitentur_fw-la vix_fw-la possunt_fw-la haberi_fw-la pro_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la regnum_fw-la dei_fw-la verè_fw-la quaerentibus_fw-la medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 32._o sect._n 28._o first_o whereas_o this_o 13_o question_n speak_v of_o private_a 13._o and_o illiterate_a person_n into_o a_o church_n body_n combine_v we_o look_v at_o this_o as_o a_o incongruous_a expression_n if_o not_o a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o company_n so_o combine_v as_o to_o make_v a_o church_n be_v not_o fit_o call_v private_a though_o they_o be_v illiterate_a in_o respect_n of_o humane_a learning_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o church-body_n especial_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o peace_n and_o liberty_n be_v a_o public_a congregation_n and_o society_n and_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n and_o depose_n of_o minister_n whereof_o the_o question_n make_v mention_v be_v not_o private_a act_n but_o public_a or_o people-like_a neither_o be_v literate_a or_o learned_a man_n therefore_o public_a because_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o humane_a learning_n unless_o withal_o they_o be_v call_v to_o public_a office_n or_o employment_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o if_o illiterate_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o private_a we_o conceive_v that_o exegesis_n be_v not_o good_a second_o whereas_o this_o question_n ask_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o such_o a_o company_n shall_v themselves_o ordinary_o examine_v elect_v ordain_v and_o depose_v their_o own_o minister_n if_o ordinary_o be_v as_o much_o as_o frequent_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o one_o church_n do_v frequent_o come_v to_o such_o action_n that_o be_v to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o the_o same_o man_n this_o be_v not_o without_o suspicion_n of_o much_o levity_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o people_n or_o unfaithfulnesse_n or_o unworthy_a walk_n in_o the_o minister_n or_o both_o and_o therefore_o ordinary_o that_o be_v frequent_a take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o again_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v avoid_v second_o when_o such_o thing_n do_v often_o and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o people_n to_o have_v so_o many_o change_n in_o their_o minister_n as_o be_v that_o of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v three_o shepherd_n have_v i_o cut_v off_o in_o one_o month_n zach._n 11._o 8._o that_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o oft_o as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o land_n many_o be_v the_o prince_n thereof_o pro._n 28._o 2._o so_o in_o like_a sort_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o church_n many_o be_v the_o minister_n thereof_o we_o mean_v when_o they_o have_v many_o minister_n by_o the_o come_n in_o and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o same_o man_n or_o the_o remove_n of_o some_o and_o the_o take_n in_o of_o other_o in_o their_o room_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n when_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o variety_n of_o minister_n at_o the_o same_o time_n act_v 13._o 1._o &_o 21._o 18._o phil._n 1._o 1._o three_o yet_o this_o word_n ordinary_o do_v seem_v to_o imply_v that_o in_o your_o judgement_n sometime_o this_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a to_o be_v do_v now_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o upon_o the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o other_o time_n if_o there_o be_v just_a occasion_n three_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n of_o which_o this_o question_n make_v mention_v if_o this_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n or_o advice_n we_o know_v nothing_o unlawful_a or_o
the_o title_n of_o the_o 21._o be_v de_fw-fr paritate_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la where_o he_o open_v and_o explain_v and_o by_o many_o argument_n and_o testimony_n confirm_v what_o we_o hold_v of_o the_o independency_n and_o parity_n of_o church_n to_o which_o learned_a discourse_n of_o he_o we_o refer_v you_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v that_o there_o 15._o shall_v be_v a_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o every_o church_n â—it_n 1_o 5._o act_n 14._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o who_o work_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n by_o the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n 5._o â—7_n and_o unto_o who_o so_o teach_v and_o rule_v all_o the_o people_n ought_v to_o be_v obedient_a and_o submit_v themselves_o heb._n 13._o 17._o and_o therefore_o a_o government_n mere_o popular_a or_o democraticall_a which_o divine_v and_o orthodox_n writer_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v in_o morillius_n and_o such_o like_a be_v far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o church_n and_o we_o believe_v far_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n second_o nevertheless_o a_o government_n mere_o aristocratical_a wherein_o the_o church_n government_n be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o elder_n as_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o body_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o entermedle_v by_o way_n of_o power_n therein_o such_o a_o government_n we_o conceive_v also_o to_o be_v without_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n and_o likewise_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o infringe_v that_o liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o in_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n in_o admit_v of_o member_n and_o censure_v of_o offender_n even_o minister_n themselves_o when_o they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n must_v admonish_v archippus_n of_o his_o duty_n col._n 4._o 17._o master_n parker_n you_o know_v have_v 22._o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o superiority_n of_o the_o church_n over_o and_o above_o her_o officer_n polit._n eccles_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 12._o and_o master_n baine_n say_v if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n by_o election_n to_o choose_v a_o minister_n and_o so_o power_n of_o institute_v he_o then_o of_o destitute_v also_o instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la diocese_n trial_o p._n 88_o and_o again_o no_o reason_n evince_v the_o pope_n though_o a_o general_a pastor_n subject_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o church_n ecumenical_a but_o the_o same_o prove_v a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o we_o may_v add_v and_o a_o congregationall_a minister_n subject_a to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n pag._n 89._o and_o whereas_o it_o may_v be_v object_v then_o may_v sheep_n censure_v the_o shepherd_n child_n their_o father_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o this_o he_o answer_v that_o similitude_n hold_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n natural_a parent_n be_v no_o way_n child_n nor_o in_o state_n of_o subjection_n to_o their_o child_n but_o spiritual_a father_n be_v so_o father_n that_o in_o some_o respect_n they_o be_v child_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o shepherd_n be_v no_o way_n sheep_n but_o minister_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 2._o parent_n and_o shepherd_n be_v absolute_o parent_n and_o shepherd_n be_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o spiritual_a parent_n and_o pastor_n be_v no_o long_o so_o than_o they_o do_v according_o behave_v themselves_o p._n 89._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o more_o aâ—_n large_a be_v this_o objection_n answer_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 12._o p._n 78._o 79._o and_o again_o if_o their_o own_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o show_v wherein_o other_o have_v such_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o person_n who_o belong_v not_o to_o their_o own_o church_n p._n 89._o so_o that_o all_o power_n be_v not_o in_o the_o officer_n alone_o see_v the_o officer_n themselves_o if_o they_o offend_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n even_o paul_n himself_o though_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n without_o the_o church_n but_o send_v to_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v it_o and_o blame_v they_o because_o they_o have_v not_o do_v it_o soon_o 1_o cor._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o officer_n alone_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n reprove_v pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v balaamite_n nicholaitan_n and_o the_o woman_n jezebel_n among_o they_o and_o call_v on_o they_o for_o reformation_n herein_o rev._n 2._o send_v his_o epistle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o those_o church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o church_n or_o whole_a congregation_n as_o appear_v rev._n 1._o 11._o and_o also_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o those_o epistle_n where_o the_o word_n be_v let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v not_o only_o to_o the_o angel_n but_o unto_o the_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o these_o corrupt_a person_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o reform_v of_o they_o a_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o all_o now_o the_o reform_v of_o abuse_n in_o the_o church_n argue_v some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n as_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o argue_v some_o remissness_n therein_o and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n be_v require_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o all_o of_o the_o angel_n alone_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v to_o the_o reform_v of_o abuse_n when_o they_o appear_v to_o spring_v up_o among_o they_o as_o appear_z by_o their_o behaviour_n &_o practice_n when_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a have_v set_v up_o the_o altar_n upon_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n jos_n 22._o for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n gather_v themselves_o together_o at_o shilo_n to_o go_v up_o to_o war_n against_o they_o v_o 12._o and_o when_o phineas_n and_o ten_o prince_n with_o he_o be_v send_v to_o expostulate_v with_o they_o about_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n that_o send_v they_o v_o 13_o 14._o and_o when_o they_o deliver_v their_o message_n they_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o trespass_n be_v this_o etc._n etc._n v_o 16._o which_o plain_o declare_v that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n or_o ruler_n alone_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o see_v abuse_n reform_v and_o redress_v which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o some_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o when_o achan_n the_o son_n of_o caâ—mi_n have_v commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n â—is_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v count_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o such_o a_o sin_n as_o bring_v a_o plague_n upon_o they_o all_o for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n v_o 1._o and_o god_n say_v to_o joshua_n not_o the_o elâ—ers_n have_v sin_v but_o israel_n have_v sin_v and_o they_o have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n and_o they_o have_v steal_v of_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o put_v it_o among_o their_o own_o stuff_n v_o 11._o and_o for_o this_o wrath_n fall_v on_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o man_n perish_v not_o alone_o in_o his_o iniquity_n josh_n 22._o 20._o now_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o have_v perish_v alone_o but_o wrath_n must_v fall_v upon_o they_o all_o and_o why_o shall_v his_o sin_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o congregation_n if_o the_o care_n of_o prevent_v it_o and_o timely_o suppress_v the_o same_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o some_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n have_v not_o be_v a_o duty_n lie_v upon_o all_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o upon_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n alone_o doubtless_o the_o just_a lord_n who_o say_v every_o man_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o burden_n gal._n 6._o 5._o will_v not_o have_v bring_v wrath_n upon_o all_o the_o congregation_n for_o achans_n sin_n if_o such_o government_n as_o may_v have_v prevent_v or_o timely_o reform_v the_o same_o have_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n alone_o and_o before_o this_o time_n all_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o not_o the_o elder_n alone_o be_v command_v to_o put_v leper_n and_o unclean_a person_n out_o of_o the_o camp_n numb_a 5._o 1_o 2._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o all_o exercise_n
of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o but_o some_o power_n be_v in_o the_o people_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o count_v it_o no_o sacrilege_n for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n though_o not_o in_o office_n to_o handle_v those_o key_n mat._n 16._o but_o rather_o a_o frivolous_a thing_n to_o think_v otherwise_o quasi_fw-la absque_fw-la sacrilegio_fw-la say_v he_o tractare_fw-la clave_n privaâ—i_fw-la nequeant_fw-la qui_fw-la eâ—â—s_fw-la privatim_fw-la tractare_fw-la jubeatur_fw-la quoties_fw-la fratres_fw-la suos_fw-la admonere_fw-la consolari_fw-la et_fw-la aedificare_fw-la imò_fw-la veâ—ò_fw-la est_fw-la &_o publica_fw-la clavium_fw-la tractatio_fw-la quam_fw-la plebs_fw-la christiana_n in_fw-la unum_fw-la coacta_fw-la sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la sacrilegio_fw-la ministrat_n 1_o cor._n 5._o polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 2._o p._n 8._o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o singular_a conceit_n of_o he_o or_o we_o but_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o many_o worthy_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o do_v with_o great_a consent_n hold_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a form_n compound_v of_o all_o three_o estate_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v therein_o si_fw-mi velimus_fw-la christum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la respicere_fw-la fuit_fw-la semper_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la regimen_fw-la monarchicum_fw-la si_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la presbyterâ—s_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o doctrina_fw-la et_fw-la disciplina_fw-la svas_fw-la part_n agebant_fw-la aristocraticum_fw-la si_fw-la totum_fw-la corpus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quatenus_fw-la in_o electione_n episcoporum_fw-la et_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la suffragia_fw-la ferebat_fw-la it_o a_o tamen_fw-la ut_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d semper_fw-la à _fw-la presbyteris_fw-la servaretur_fw-la democraticum_fw-la sic_fw-la partim_fw-la aristocritum_fw-la partim_fw-la democraticum_fw-la partim_fw-la etiam_fw-la monarchicum_fw-la est_fw-la semper_fw-la que_fw-la fuit_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la regimen_fw-la whita_n de_fw-fr pontiff_a rom._n qu._n 1._o c._n 1._o sect_n 2._o the_o church_n say_v mr._n cartwright_n be_v govern_v with_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o the_o philosopher_n that_o write_v of_o the_o best_a commonwealth_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o best_a for_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n it_o be_v a_o monarchy_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o pastor_n that_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o with_o like_a authority_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v a_o aristocraty_n or_o rule_v of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o in_o respect_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o seclude_v but_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o church_n matter_n it_o be_v a_o democraty_n or_o popular_a state_n 1_o reply_v p._n 51._o and_o when_o dr._n whitegift_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o admonition_n will_v infer_v this_o consequence_n viz._n that_o then_o the_o more_o that_o rule_v the_o better_a estate_n it_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o the_o popular_a state_n shall_v be_v the_o best_a in_o answer_n hereunto_o he_o say_v i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o before_o where_o i_o declare_v that_o the_o mix_a estate_n be_v best_a both_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o of_o this_o our_o realm_n pag._n 181._o 182._o and_o again_o whereas_o mr._n dr._n say_v that_o excommunication_n and_o consequent_o absolution_n or_o restore_n to_o the_o church_n again_o pertain_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o show_v that_o the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o excommunication_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o absolution_n or_o restore_n unto_o the_o church_n again_o p._n 183._o and_o again_o it_o be_v certain_a saint_n paul_n do_v both_o understand_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n viz._n that_o rule_n mat._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n but_o he_o communicate_v this_o power_n of_o excommunication_n with_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o the_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v by_o many_o and_o not_o by_o one_o and_o by_o the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n alone_o for_o he_o bid_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n twice_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n once_o by_o a_o metaphor_n another_o time_n in_o plain_a word_n that_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o in_o the_o 2d._o epistle_n understand_v of_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o man_n he_o intreat_v they_o that_o they_o will_v receive_v he_o again_o and_o therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o excommunication_n do_v pertain_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o excommunication_n do_v in_o like_a manner_n appertainunto_o it_o p._n 184._o and_o again_o that_o the_o ancient_n have_v the_o order_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o people_n consent_n be_v require_v &_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o of_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o excommunicate_v etc._n etc._n it_o may_v appear_v almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o cyprian_n epistle_n in_o augustine_n time_n it_o appear_v also_o that_o that_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v p._n 187._o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v mr._n fenner_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a presbytery_n and_o of_o the_o business_n which_o the_o presbytery_n be_v to_o deal_v in_o which_o he_o distinguish_v into_o judiciarie_n as_o decide_v of_o doubt_n and_o dispence_v of_o censure_n and_o extrajudiciary_n as_o election_n ordination_n etc._n etc._n have_v these_o word_n atque_fw-la haec_fw-la sunt_fw-la negotia_fw-la quae_fw-la praestari_fw-la debent_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la per_fw-la omnes_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la summa_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la potestas_fw-la presbyterio_fw-la demandata_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la tamen_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o his_o quae_fw-la maximi_fw-la sunt_fw-la momenti_fw-la et_fw-la ad_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la totius_fw-la bonum_fw-la velruinam_fw-la maxim_n spectant_fw-la post_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d svam_fw-la de_fw-fr his_o capio_fw-la consilia_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la denunciantur_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la quid_fw-la habeant_fw-la quod_fw-la consulant_fw-la vel_fw-la objiciant_fw-la in_o â—â—edium_fw-la proferant_fw-la postea_fw-la autem_fw-la auditis_fw-la et_fw-la assentien_n ibus_fw-la nisi_fw-la ad_fw-la majorem_fw-la senatum_fw-la negotium_fw-la deferri_fw-la fuerit_fw-la necesse_fw-la ad_fw-la turbas_fw-la vitaâ—das_fw-la sive_fw-la componendas_fw-la quod_fw-la tum_fw-la cum_fw-la major_n pars_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la dissentit_fw-la faciendum_fw-la est_fw-la decervenda_fw-la et_fw-la pro_fw-la decretis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la proâ—onenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la and_o then_o he_o declare_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o those_o matter_n maxim_n momenti_fw-la viz._n excommunication_n absolution_n election_n and_o deposing_n of_o minister_n and_o such_o like_a sacrae_fw-la the._n lib._n 7._o c_o 7._o wherein_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n as_o censure_n and_o election_n the_o people_n if_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o counsel_n or_o object_n have_v liberty_n to_o bring_v it_o in_o and_o afterward_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v when_o they_o have_v be_v hear_v speak_v and_o have_v give_v their_o consent_n for_o which_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o people_n he_o bring_v these_o scripture_n 2_o chro._n 30._o 23._o act_n 1._o 15._o 23._o 26._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o &_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 6._o 7._o zanchius_n speak_v of_o that_o question_n per_fw-la quos_fw-la exerceri_fw-la debet_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la answer_v thus_o nempe_fw-la per_fw-la ecclesiaâ—_n seu_fw-la per_fw-la ministros_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la nomine_fw-la eoque_fw-la et_fw-la cum_fw-la consensu_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la promissio_fw-la illa_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la ligaveritis_fw-la ad_fw-la totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la est_fw-la facta_fw-la ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n praeterea_fw-la apostolus_fw-la hoc_fw-la expressius_fw-la declaravit_fw-la 1_o cor._n 5._o congregatis_fw-la vobis_fw-la etc._n etc._n alloquebatur_fw-la autem_fw-la totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la patres_fw-la idem_fw-la docent_fw-la cyprianus_n ad_fw-la cornelium_n rom._n episcopum_fw-la seribit_fw-la se_fw-la multum_fw-la laborasse_fw-la apud_fw-la plebem_fw-la ut_fw-la par_fw-fr daretur_fw-la lapsis_fw-la pâ—enitentibus_fw-la si_fw-la ergo_fw-la non_fw-la erat_fw-la unius_fw-la episcopi_fw-la cum_fw-la svo_fw-la presbyterio_n solvere_fw-la quempiam_fw-la sed_fw-la requirebatur_fw-la plebis_fw-la eoque_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consensus_fw-la ergo_fw-la neque_fw-la ligari_fw-la quispiam_fw-la poterat_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la excommunicari_fw-la sine_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consensu_fw-la augustinus_n etiam_fw-la contra_fw-la donatistas_n ait_fw-la supersedendum_fw-la esse_fw-la excommunicatione_n quando_fw-la tota_fw-la plebs_fw-la laborant_fw-la eodem_fw-la merbo_fw-la quid_fw-la ita_fw-la causam_fw-la adfert_fw-la quia_fw-la inquit_fw-la non_fw-la assentientur_fw-la excommunicationi_fw-la etc._n etc._n satis_fw-la aperte_fw-la docet_fw-la tunc_fw-la temporis_fw-la non_fw-la solitum_fw-la fuisse_fw-la excommunicationem_fw-la ferri_fw-la in_o quempiam_fw-la sine_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consensu_fw-la et_fw-la ratio_fw-la est_fw-la in_o promptu_fw-la quae_fw-la enim_fw-la adomnes_n pertinent_a eum_fw-la consensu_fw-la omnium_fw-la fieri_fw-la debent_fw-la ergo_fw-la sine_fw-la totius_fw-la
ecclesiae_fw-la consensu_fw-la excommunicari_fw-la nemo_fw-la debet_fw-la and_o then_o compare_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n which_o have_v the_o dictator_n the_o senate_n and_o the_o quirite_n and_o show_v that_o the_o church_n government_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o monarchy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o presbyter_n a_o aristocratie_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n a_o democraty_n he_o conclude_v thus_o in_o rebus_fw-la igitur_fw-la gravissimis_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la totum_fw-la corpus_fw-la pertinent_a uti_fw-la est_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la sine_fw-la consensu_fw-la et_fw-la authoritate_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la nihil_fw-la fieri_fw-la debet_fw-la de_fw-fr redempt_n in_o prae_fw-la c._n 4._o pag._n 983._o etc._n etc._n calvin_n word_n be_v these_o cyprianus_n cum_fw-la meminit_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la svo_fw-la tempore_fw-la exerceretur_fw-la viz._n potestas_fw-la jurisdictionis_fw-la adjungere_fw-la solet_fw-la totum_fw-la clerum_fw-la episcopo_fw-la sed_fw-la libi_fw-la quoque_fw-la demonstrat_fw-la sic_fw-la praefuisse_fw-la clerum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la ut_fw-la plebs_fw-la interim_n à _fw-la cognition_n non_fw-la excluderetur_fw-la sic_fw-la enim_fw-la scribit_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la mei_fw-la statui_fw-la sine_fw-la cleri_fw-la consilio_fw-la &_o plebis_fw-la consensu_fw-la nihil_fw-la agere_fw-la instit._fw-la 1._o 4._o c._n 11._o sect._n 6._o and_o again_o hoc_fw-la addo_fw-la illam_fw-la esse_fw-la legitimam_fw-la in_o excommunicando_fw-la homine_fw-la progressionem_fw-la quam_fw-la demonstrat_fw-la paulus_n si_fw-la non_fw-la soli_fw-la seniores_fw-la seorsim_fw-la id_fw-la faciant_fw-la sed_fw-la conscia_fw-la &_o approbante_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la in_fw-la eum_fw-la scilicet_fw-la modum_fw-la ut_fw-la plebis_fw-la multitudo_fw-la non_fw-la regat_fw-la actionem_fw-la sed_fw-la observet_fw-la ut_fw-la testis_fw-la &_o custos_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la per_fw-la libidinem_fw-la à _fw-la paucis_fw-la geratur_fw-la instit_n l._n 4._o c._n 12._o sect._n 7._o those_o minister_n that_o pen_v the_o christian_a and_o modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n do_v say_v that_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n that_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n ought_v not_o to_o perform_v any_o main_a and_o material_a ecclesiastical_a act_n without_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o propos_fw-fr 8._o the_o refuter_fw-la of_o doctor_n downams_n sermon_n for_o the_o superiority_n of_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v plain_a and_o full_a also_o in_o this_o point_n in_o part_n 2._o of_o his_o reply_n p._n 104_o 105_o 106._o where_n answer_v doctor_n downam_n that_o count_v it_o schismatical_a novelty_n that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n government_n shall_v be_v hold_v in_o part_n to_o be_v democrattcall_a and_o that_o his_o refuter_fw-la for_o so_o hold_v be_v a_o brownist_n or_o anabaptist_n he_o not_o only_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o deliver_v his_o own_o judgement_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a form_n compound_v of_o all_o three_o estate_n but_o for_o the_o same_o tenant_n and_o that_o the_o church_n government_n be_v in_o part_n democraticall_a or_o popular_a he_o allege_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o century_n of_o illyricus_n of_o doctor_n fulke_n doctor_n willet_n cyprian_n augustine_n p._n martyr_n dr_n whitaker_n and_o other_o master_n baines_n his_o judgement_n we_o hear_v before_o in_o the_o former_a question_n vrsinus_n speak_v of_o that_o question_n quibus_fw-la commissa_fw-la est_fw-la potestas_fw-la clavium_fw-la have_v these_o word_n quibus_fw-la denunciatio_fw-la verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la delegata_fw-la est_fw-la iisdem_fw-la &_o potestas_fw-la illa_fw-la clavium_fw-la quae_fw-la verò_fw-la denunciatio_fw-la fit_a in_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la disciplina_fw-la est_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesie_n ad_fw-la totam_fw-la enim_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la pertinet_fw-la disciplina_fw-la &_o jurisdictio_fw-la spiritualis_fw-la sed_fw-la alio_fw-la modo_fw-la fit_a illa_fw-la denunciatio_fw-la in_o verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la ministerio_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la judicio_fw-la and_o then_o tell_v how_o this_o denunciation_n be_v do_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n he_o come_v to_o declare_v how_o it_o be_v do_v in_o church_n censure_n in_o ecclesiastico_fw-la judicio_fw-la say_v he_o gratiae_fw-la &_o irae_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a denunciati_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la aliquo_fw-la privatim_fw-la sed_fw-la à _fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la aut_fw-la nomine_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la '_o ab_fw-la it_o qui_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la delecti_fw-la sunt_fw-la communi_fw-la omnium_fw-la consensu_fw-la and_o a_o little_a after_o answer_v objection_n bring_v against_o the_o use_n of_o excommunication_n he_o have_v these_o word_n potest_fw-la concedi_fw-la quod_fw-la christus_fw-la non_fw-la intelligat_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la viz._n in_o that_o place_n matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n sed_fw-la propriè_fw-la sumat_fw-la vocabulum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ante_fw-la christum_fw-la jdaicaeâ—_n post_n christum_fw-la christianae_n sed_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la jurisdictione_n oportet_fw-la aliquem_fw-la esse_fw-la ordinem_fw-la aliquos_fw-la oportet_fw-la esse_fw-la constitutos_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la alioquin_fw-la esset_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o speak_v of_o that_o question_n quis_fw-la ordo_fw-la seruari_fw-la debeat_fw-la in_o exercenda_fw-la clavium_fw-la potestate_fw-la he_o say_v principalis_fw-la pars_fw-la in_o excommunicatione_n est_fw-la denunciatio_fw-la qua_fw-la etc._n etc._n atque_fw-la haec_fw-la denunciatio_fw-la qua_fw-la quis_fw-la excommunicatur_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la penes_fw-la ministrum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la sed_fw-la penes_fw-la ipsam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la &_o ejus_fw-la nomine_fw-la fit_a quia_fw-la mandatum_fw-la hoc_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la datum_fw-la est_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la nam_fw-la ipse_fw-la ait_fw-la expressè_fw-la dic_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la and_o final_o speak_v of_o abuse_n to_o be_v avoid_v and_o caution_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o excommunication_n he_o have_v such_o word_n in_o the_o four_o proposition_n or_o rule_v there_o annex_v as_o do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v his_o judgement_n that_o if_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v pass_v by_o a_o few_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n such_o proceed_n will_v be_v both_o oligarchy_n and_o tyranny_n attentem_fw-la expendatum_fw-la say_v he_o à _fw-la toto_fw-la presbyterio_n probetur_fw-la ab_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la non_fw-la suscipiatur_fw-la private_a â_fw-la authoritate_fw-la ne_fw-la ministerium_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la convertatur_fw-la in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o tyrannidem_fw-la in_o his_o comment_n upon_o the_o catechism_n in_o the_o place_n de_fw-fr clavibus_fw-la regni_fw-la coelorum_fw-la pareus_n deliver_v certain_a porismata_fw-la or_o conclusion_n concern_v excommunication_n have_v this_o for_o the_o five_o of_o they_o quòd_fw-la excommunicandi_fw-la potestas_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a penes_fw-la unum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la vel_fw-la paucos_fw-la pastor_n sed_fw-la penes_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la proindelicet_fw-la pastor_n &_o presbyteri_fw-la ordinis_fw-la cau_o â_fw-la primas_fw-la habeant_fw-la part_n circa_fw-la censuras_fw-la ecclesiasticas_fw-la &_o per_fw-la eos_fw-la hâ—_n administrentur_fw-la quod_fw-la tamen_fw-la citra_fw-la consensum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pastor_n ad_fw-la exclusionem_fw-la procedâ—re_fw-la non_fw-la debeant_fw-la alibi_fw-la demonstravimus_fw-la in_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o a_o little_a after_o answer_v stapletons_n objection_n that_o will_v have_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v in_o the_o bishop_n alone_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o case_n of_o cyprian_a who_o can_v not_o absolve_v the_o lapsi_fw-la without_o the_o people_n cyprianus_n say_v he_o ad_fw-la cornelium_n romanum_fw-la episcopum_fw-la scribit_fw-la sâ—_n multum_fw-la apua_fw-la plebem_fw-la laborasse_fw-la ut_fw-la pax_fw-la daretur_fw-la lapsis_fw-la quam_fw-la si_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la dare_v potuisset_fw-la non_fw-la erat_fw-la cur_n adeo_fw-la in_o persuadenda_fw-la plebe_fw-la se_fw-la fatigasset_fw-la so_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o pareus_n and_o cyprian_n all_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o presbyter_n but_o some_o power_n be_v in_o the_o people_n musculus_fw-la although_o he_o think_v there_o be_v little_a use_n of_o excommunication_n and_o church_n discipline_n where_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v use_v he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o people_n exclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n therein_o as_o may_v appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o he_o where_o he_o speak_v de_fw-fr disciplina_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la hisce_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la non_fw-la constituet_fw-la minister_n svo_fw-la proprio_fw-la arbitratu_fw-la sed_fw-la erit_fw-la ad_fw-la institutionem_fw-la earum_fw-la director_n &_o adhibebit_fw-la suffragia_fw-la &_o consensum_fw-la sue_v plebis_fw-la ne_fw-la quicquam_fw-la invitae_fw-la ecclesie_n imponatur_fw-la denique_fw-la curabit_fw-la ut_fw-la plebs_fw-la ipsa_fw-la viros_fw-la grave_n timentes_fw-la dei_fw-la ac_fw-la boni_fw-la testimonii_fw-la deligat_fw-la quorum_fw-la curâ_fw-la &_o vigilantiâ_fw-la disciplina_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la administratur_fw-la &_o si_fw-la quid_fw-la gravioris_fw-la momenti_fw-la accidat_fw-la ad_fw-la ipsam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la referatur_fw-la loc._n come_v de_fw-fr ministris_fw-la verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o tit_n de_fw-fr potestate_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la p._n 377._o and_o afterward_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o that_o place_n come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o depose_n of_o unworthy_a minister_n he_o have_v these_o word_n quaeritur_fw-la hic_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la disciplina_fw-la ista_fw-la administrari_fw-la debeat_fw-la respondeo_fw-la
primum_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la populus_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habens_fw-la elegendi_fw-la dignum_fw-la ministrum_fw-la habet_fw-la etiam_fw-la testae_fw-la cypriano_n potestatem_fw-la indignum_fw-la recusandi_fw-la deinde_fw-la qui_fw-la judices_fw-la sunt_fw-la censoresque_fw-la morum_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la ex_fw-la officio_fw-la tenentur_fw-la redargnere_fw-la peccantem_fw-la ministrum_fw-la si_fw-la duobus_fw-la aut_fw-la tribus_fw-la testibus_fw-la fide_fw-la dignis_fw-la coram_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la dei_fw-la convictus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la tertiò_fw-la iidem_fw-la cum_fw-la consensu_fw-la &_o suffragiis_fw-la plebis_fw-la deponent_a ministrum_fw-la vel_fw-la ad_fw-la ltempus_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o universum_fw-la vel_fw-la excommunicabunt_fw-la tandem_fw-la juxta_fw-la quaitatem_fw-la peccati_fw-la vel_fw-la defectus_fw-la illius_fw-la p._n 429._o doctor_n ames_n say_v potestas_fw-la huius_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la viz._n of_o excommunication_n quoad_fw-la jus_o ipsum_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ad_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la illam_fw-la in_o communi_fw-la cujus_fw-la membrum_fw-la est_fw-la peccator_fw-la ad_fw-la illos_fw-la enim_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ejicere_fw-la ad_fw-la quos_fw-la pertinet_fw-la primò_fw-la admittere_fw-la &_o corporis_fw-la totius_fw-la interest_n ex_fw-la aequo_fw-la membrorum_fw-la conservatio_fw-la vel_fw-la amputatio_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesiâ—_n idcirco_fw-la consensu_fw-la eoque_fw-la magistratu_fw-la non_fw-la permittente_fw-la tantum_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o approbante_fw-la &_o constituente_fw-la est_fw-la executioni_fw-la mandanda_fw-la medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 37._o sect._n 26._o last_o master_n parker_n observe_v a_o distinction_n between_o power_n and_o the_o dispence_n of_o power_n that_o the_o one_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o presbyter_n have_v these_o word_n neque_fw-la tamen_fw-la dispensatio_fw-la omnis_fw-la omneque_fw-la exercitum_fw-la est_fw-la penes_fw-la rectores_fw-la solos_fw-la sed_fw-la juxta_fw-la temperamentum_fw-la formae_fw-la partim_fw-la aristocratice_fw-la partim_fw-la democraticae_n de_fw-la mandaâ—ae_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la suis_fw-la ecclesiâ—_n que_fw-la ipsa_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la obire_fw-la satis_fw-la commodè_fw-la nequit_fw-la retinente_fw-la vero_fw-la dispensationem_fw-la illam_fw-la illudque_fw-la exercitium_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsi_fw-la convenit_fw-la &_o pertinet_fw-la ad_fw-la ejus_fw-la lignitatem_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la &_o libertatem_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la donatam_fw-la posit_n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v imo_fw-la vero_fw-la est_fw-la &_o publica_fw-la clavium_fw-la tractatio_fw-la quam_fw-la plebes_fw-la christiana_n in_fw-la unum_fw-la coacta_fw-la sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la acrilegio_fw-la administrat_fw-la polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 2_o p._n 8._o these_o testimony_n we_o think_v good_a to_o produce_v in_o this_o question_n lest_o any_o shall_v think_v that_o to_o give_v any_o church_n power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o people_n be_v some_o singular_a opinion_n of_o we_o swerve_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o disallow_v by_o orthodox_n writer_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o beside_o these_o here_o cite_v the_o same_o be_v teach_v by_o uther_n also_o who_o now_o we_o spare_v to_o allege_v intend_v only_a â—hese_n few_o for_o a_o taste_n instead_o of_o many_o 2._o and_o therefore_o when_o this_o question_n demand_v whether_o we_o give_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o church_n power_n of_o government_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n or_o to_o the_o presbyter_n thereof_o alone_o our_o answer_n be_v neither_o thus_o nor_o so_o neither_o all_o to_o â—he_v people_n exclude_v the_o presbytery_n nor_o all_o to_o the_o presbytery_n exclude_v the_o people_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n either_o mere_o democraticall_a or_o mere_o aristocratical_a neither_o of_o which_o we_o believe_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v 3._o whereas_o this_o question_n demand_v to_o know_v what_o act_n of_o government_n the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v more_o than_o any_o other_o may_v do_v and_o to_o have_v those_o particular_a act_n mention_v this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v a_o very_a large_a demand_n for_o who_o be_v able_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o government_n which_o any_o one_o governor_n may_v perform_v in_o his_o time_n especial_o if_o he_o continue_v long_o in_o his_o place_n but_o if_o your_o meaning_n in_o this_o point_n be_v not_o of_o the_o individuall_n but_o of_o the_o species_n or_o kind_n yet_o even_o there_o also_o it_o be_v much_o to_o require_v the_o particular_a mention_v of_o all_o yet_o to_o give_v you_o a_o taste_n take_v these_o the_o call_n of_o assembly_n and_o dismiss_v of_o the_o same_o again_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o office_n and_o be_v the_o people_n mouth_n unto_o god_n in_o prayer_n the_o dispense_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o permit_v of_o any_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n and_o again_o enjoin_v silence_n the_o put_v of_o matter_n to_o vote_n and_o pronounce_v of_o sentence_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n or_o receive_v in_o of_o penitent_n after_o their_o fall_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v act_n of_o church_n government_n which_o the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o another_o member_n may_v not_o do_v without_o breach_n of_o order_n and_o presume_v above_o his_o place_n 4._o it_o be_v also_o here_o demand_v what_o the_o presbyter_n may_v do_v without_o the_o particular_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o when_o they_o do_v what_o the_o lord_n christ_n who_o steward_n they_o be_v by_o his_o word_n require_v of_o they_o in_o their_o place_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n â—or_a the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o consent_v thereto_o christ_n sheep_n ought_v to_o hear_v his_o voice_n john_n 10._o 27._o and_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o name_n heb._n 13._o 17._o and_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o such_o case_n wilful_o dissent_v the_o church_n ought_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o one_o for_o not_o consent_v to_o the_o will_n and_o way_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sinful_a dissent_n of_o such_o a_o one_o so_o that_o this_o passage_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o presbyter_n do_v their_o duty_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n go_v upon_o a_o supposal_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n of_o that_o which_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v neither_o be_v we_o to_o suppose_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v rule_n when_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n do_v not_o dissent_v nor_o be_v divide_v one_o from_o another_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n a_o l._n 4._o 32._o yet_o none_o needs_o to_o doubt_v but_o there_o be_v rule_v and_o government_n among_o they_o when_o yet_o their_o agreement_n be_v such_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o flder_n do_v nothing_o without_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v a_o miserable_a mistake_n either_o to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n must_v needs_o dissent_v one_o from_o another_o or_o if_o they_o all_o consent_n that_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rule_v but_o against_o the_o people_n mind_n they_o be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a shepherd_n to_o their_o flock_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n say_v with_o force_n and_o rigour_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o ezech._n 34._o 4._o as_o for_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o place_n which_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o master_n of_o the_o church_n command_v not_o nor_o allow_v such_o thing_n they_o neither_o aught_o to_o do_v nor_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o consent_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v themselves_o partaker_n of_o their_o ruler_n sin_n and_o so_o to_o bring_v judgement_n upon_o they_o all_o as_o when_o the_o priest_n do_v wicked_o bear_v rule_n and_o the_o people_n love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o jeremiah_n 5._o 31._o 5._o last_o this_o question_n demand_v how_o and_o over_o who_o in_o those_o act_n of_o government_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n more_o than_o by_o other_o member_n or_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o presbyter_n do_v rule_v in_o propriety_n of_o speak_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n wherein_o be_v sundry_a particular_n 1._o how_o they_o rule_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o neither_o the_o elder_n nor_o the_o people_n do_v rule_n with_o lordly_a and_o princely_a rule_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o power_n for_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o christ_n over_o his_o church_n who_o be_v the_o only_a lord_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 5._o and_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v isa_n 33._o 23._o psal_n 2._o luk._n 19_o 27._o jam._n 4._o 12._o the_o elder_n be_v forbid_v to_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o or_o to_o exercise_v
authority_n as_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v matth._n 20._o 25_o 26._o luk._n 22._o 25_o 26._o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o rule_v as_o to_o do_v what_o themselves_o please_v but_o they_o must_v do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v mat._n 28._o 20._o mr._n baine_n show_v from_o these_o word_n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o ministery_n but_o one_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 5._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n more_o lord_n than_o one_o and_o say_v he_o look_v as_o great_a lord_n have_v in_o their_o house_n minister_n of_o more_o and_o less_o honour_n from_o the_o steward_n to_o the_o scullery_n but_o no_o lordlike_o or_o master-like_a power_n in_o any_o beside_o themselves_o so_o be_v it_o with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n apostle_n and_o other_o have_v more_o or_o less_o honourable_a service_n but_o no_o masterlike_a power_n over_o the_o mean_a of_o their_o fellow_n servant_n on_o ephes_n 1._o 22._o p._n 395._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n have_v any_o power_n but_o ministerial_a in_o the_o church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o evangelist_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 20._o 2_o tim._n 4._o yea_o such_o a_o service_n as_o do_v make_v the_o minister_n have_v it_o so_o servant_n that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n lord_n many_o minister_n one_o lord_n we_o preach_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n diocese_n trial_n q._n 2._o p._n 74._o the_o elder_n be_v to_o rule_v as_o steward_n mat._n 24._o 45._o luke_n 12._o 42._o as_o shepherd_n act._n 20._o 28._o as_o captain_n guide_n leader_n or_o overseer_n by_o go_v before_o the_o people_n and_o show_v they_o the_o word_n and_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 1._o 5._o &_o 5._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o hâ—b_n 13._o 17._o 2._o how_o they_o rule_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v whereto_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v in_o these_o act_n even_o as_o act_v be_v more_o than_o consent_v and_o as_o it_o be_v more_o to_o be_v a_o steward_n over_o of_o the_o house_n then_o one_o of_o the_o household_n or_o to_o be_v a_o guide_n or_o leader_n then_o to_o be_v guide_v or_o lead_v 3._o over_o who_o they_o do_v rule_v even_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_a and_o every_o member_n in_o particular_a even_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 2._o the_o rule_n be_v express_v and_o plain_a that_o woman_n ought_v not_o to_o 16._o speak_v in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 34._o 1_o tim._n 2_o 11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o vote_n in_o church_n matter_n beside_o vote_v import_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n now_o it_o be_v not_o government_n and_o authority_n but_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n which_o belong_v unto_o woman_n by_o the_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o woman_n among_o we_o church_n matter_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v mere_o by_o 17._o multitude_n or_o plurality_n of_o vote_n but_o by_o rule_n from_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n who_o will_n and_o not_o the_o will_v either_o of_o the_o major_n or_o minor_a part_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o law_n for_o church_n jam._n 4._o 12._o isa_n 33._o 22._o mat._n 23._o 8_o 9_o exod._n 23._o 2._o 21._o 22._o for_o our_o practice_n among_o we_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o usual_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v in_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n and_o so_o give_v a_o joint_n unanimus_fw-la vote_n and_o the_o rule_n require_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o rom._n 15._o 6._o and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a church_n where_o thing_n be_v carry_v nor_o mere_o by_o the_o major_a or_o minor_a part_n the_o rest_n dissent_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o with_o one_o accord_n act._n 1._o 14._o &_o â—_o 46_o &_o 4._o 24._o &_o â—_o 12._o &_o 15._o 25._o so_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n matter_n with_o we_o be_v carry_v according_a to_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n that_o be_v with_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o may_v be_v your_o meaning_n be_v in_o this_o question_n to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o church_n will_v be_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n and_o to_o know_v what_o course_n we_o take_v at_o such_o time_n but_o if_o church_n lay_v aside_o their_o own_o affection_n and_o give_v attendance_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o be_v as_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o humble_a spirit_n and_o sincere_a and_o withal_o depend_v on_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o king_n for_o guidance_n in_o their_o work_n we_o know_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o supposal_n that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v divide_v in_o their_o vote_n especial_o consider_v what_o promise_n he_o have_v make_v unto_o his_o church_n of_o godly_a concord_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o and_o of_o his_o own_o gracious_a presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o jer._n 32._o 39_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o mat._n 18._o 20._o which_o promife_n we_o believe_v be_v not_o in_o vain_a nevertheless_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o through_o the_o corruption_n &_o distemper_n of_o man_n some_o dissension_n may_v arise_v for_o a_o time_n in_o a_o true_a church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n fall_v out_o among_o we_o which_o we_o bless_v god_n be_v not_o often_o then_o before_o matter_n be_v put_v to_o the_o vote_n our_o course_n of_o proceed_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n if_o the_o elder_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n consent_n in_o one_o conclusion_n yet_o if_o any_o brother_n dissent_n he_o be_v patient_o hear_v and_o his_o alledgement_n of_o scripture_n or_o good_a reason_n be_v due_o weigh_v if_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o judgement_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o whole_a church_n will_v ready_o yield_v though_o before_o they_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v but_o if_o it_o appear_v they_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o major_a part_n be_v factious_o or_o partial_o carry_v the_o rest_n labour_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n by_o the_o rule_n if_o they_o yield_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o comfortable_o concur_v in_o the_o matter_n if_o they_o still_o continue_v obstinate_a they_o be_v admonish_v and_o so_o stand_v under_o censure_n their_o vote_n be_v nullify_v if_o they_o without_o obstinate_a opposition_n of_o the_o rest_n do_v dissent_v still_o yet_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v weighty_a as_o in_o excommunication_n till_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n have_v be_v due_o ponder_v and_o all_o brotherly_a mean_n have_v be_v use_v for_o mutual_a information_n and_o conviction_n if_o the_o difference_n still_o continue_v the_o sentence_n if_o the_o matter_n be_v weighty_a be_v still_o demur_v even_o till_o other_o church_n have_v be_v consult_v with_o who_o in_o such_o a_o case_n will_v send_v their_o elder_n to_o communicate_v their_o apprehension_n and_o light_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la bind_v the_o church_n to_o rest_v in_o their_o dictate_v but_o by_o propound_v their_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n these_o course_n with_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n which_o usual_o deny_v his_o ordinance_n faithful_o take_v and_o follow_v will_v prevail_v either_o to_o settle_v one_o unanimous_a consent_n in_o the_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o dissentor_n submission_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o major_a part_n though_o they_o see_v not_o light_v sufficient_a to_o warrant_v they_o to_o act_v in_o the_o business_n such_o subjection_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n ephes_n 5._o 21._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o if_o the_o church_n or_o the_o elder_n shall_v refuse_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o church_n according_a to_o god_n they_o will_v after_o brotherly_a admonition_n and_o due_a patient_a wait_a deny_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n till_o they_o shall_v give_v better_a evidence_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o never_o have_v occasion_n of_o such_o withdraw_a communion_n of_o one_o church_n from_o
another_o though_o now_o and_o then_o as_o need_n require_v church_n send_v to_o other_o church_n for_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n mean_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o unity_n and_o verity_n 18._o and_o to_o reform_v any_o that_o may_v err_v thanks_n be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v sundry_a first_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o psal_n 19_o 7_o 8._o second_o the_o ministry_n appoint_v by_o christ_n viz._n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n and_o deacon_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 1._o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o &c_n &c_n and_o vers_fw-la 8._o and_o in_o both_o these_o we_o have_v frequent_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o require_v church_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n in_o the_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o &_o 2._o 13._o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 3._o &_o phil._n 1._o 27._o &_o 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o his_o promise_n to_o lead_v his_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o holy_a agreement_n therein_o jer._n 32._o 29._o isa_n 11_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n zeph._n 3._o 9_o joh._n 16._o 13._o with_o many_o motive_n and_o rule_n from_o scripture_n for_o continue_v in_o the_o say_a truth_n and_o love_n now_o faith_n make_v use_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o submit_v to_o these_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o so_o both_o these_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n be_v profitable_a mean_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o that_o end_n aforesaid_a heb._n 4._o 2._o as_o these_o church_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n for_o these_o year_n since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o country_n and_o any_o other_o mean_v sanctify_v of_o god_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n we_o hope_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a with_o thankful_a heart_n to_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v as_o for_o a_o platform_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o you_o mention_v as_o one_o mean_v hereunto_o if_o thereby_o you_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n we_o know_v nothing_o but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a in_o some_o case_n for_o any_o particular_a person_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n to_o do_v it_o or_o any_o church_n or_o aâ—l_o the_o church_n in_o any_o christian_a commonwealth_n to_o compile_v and_o set_v forth_o such_o a_o platform_n the_o practice_n of_o those_o church_n who_o confession_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o book_n call_v the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n as_o also_o of_o master_n robinson_n at_o leiden_fw-mi and_o other_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o other_o part_n in_o the_o low-countries_n who_o have_v publish_v such_o platform_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o condemn_v or_o disallow_v neither_o count_v we_o it_o unlawful_a or_o inexpedient_a for_o any_o church_n or_o church_n or_o person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o country_n upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v of_o a_o platform_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o authority_n upon_o other_o or_o ourselves_o as_o a_o bind_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n must_v believe_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o platform_n without_o add_v alter_v or_o omit_v than_o we_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o such_o platform_n be_v lawful_a or_o expedient_a for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o do_v in_o any_o particular_a swerve_v from_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n then_o the_o impose_v of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o unlawful_a and_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o it_o than_o they_o may_v seem_v needless_a in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a which_o reason_n against_o such_o platform_n make_v nothing_o against_o sermon_n or_o preach_a though_o sermon_n must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o preach_v be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o needless_a which_o we_o can_v say_v of_o such_o platform_n beside_o as_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o snare_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o dangerous_a temptation_n of_o attend_v more_o to_o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o imposer_n then_o to_o the_o examine_v thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o their_o faith_n may_v by_o this_o mean_n stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n or_o will_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o if_o man_n have_v dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n which_o thing_n ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 5._o &_o 2._o 1._o ver_fw-la christian_n have_v liberty_n from_o god_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a act._n 17._o 11._o joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 21._o but_o the_o foresay_a impose_v of_o platform_n and_o confession_n compile_v by_o man_n do_v seem_v to_o abridge_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o mean_n of_o unity_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o dangerous_a hindrance_n of_o some_o verity_n and_o degree_n of_o truth_n as_o bind_v man_n to_o rest_n in_o their_o former_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n without_o liberty_n to_o better_v their_o judgement_n in_o those_o point_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o any_o further_a light_n which_o god_n may_v give_v to_o his_o best_a servant_n and_o most_o discern_a beyond_o what_o they_o see_v at_o first_o and_o therefore_o we_o doubt_v such_o impose_v platform_n be_v not_o lawful_a or_o at_o least_o wise_a not_o expedient_a the_o consociation_n of_o church_n into_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a as_o namely_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o one_o church_n but_o common_a to_o they_o all_o and_o likewise_o when_o a_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o end_v any_o matter_n that_o concern_v only_o themselves_o than_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o neighbour_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 2._o the_o ground_n and_o use_v of_o class_n and_o synod_n with_o the_o limitation_n therein_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v summary_o lay_v down_o by_o doctor_n ames_n medul_n theol._n l_o 1._o c._n 39_o sect._n 27._o unto_o who_o we_o do_v whole_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o when_o you_o speak_v of_o do_v no_o weighty_a matter_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o counsel_n of_o a_o class_n we_o dare_v not_o so_o far_o restrain_v the_o particular_a church_n as_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v to_o give_v the_o class_n a_o undue_a power_n and_o more_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n as_o be_v also_o a_o abridgement_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o transact_v their_o own_o matter_n whether_o more_o or_o less_o weighty_a among_o themselves_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v able_a without_o such_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o class_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o q._n 14._o sect._n 3_o &_o 4._o of_o that_o answer_n and_o master_n parker_n testify_v that_o in_o genevah_n and_o in_o the_o low-countries_n where_o they_o have_v some_o use_n of_o class_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o their_o particular_a congregation_n be_v absque_fw-la potestate_fw-la omni_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la grandtoribus_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o excommunicatione_n the_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o without_o power_n in_o the_o more_o weighty_a matter_n as_o in_o excommunication_n polit._n eccles_n li._n 2._o c._n 36._o sect._n 11._o p._n 310._o and_o master_n baine_n show_v the_o same_o say_v they_o have_v power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o for_o great_a edification_n voluntary_o confederate_a not_o to_o use_v or_o exercise_v their_o power_n but_o with_o mutual_a communion_n one_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o diocese_n trial_o q._n 1._o p._n 21._o and_o a_o little_a after_o geneva_n make_v his_o consociation_n not_o as_o if_o the_o prime_a church_n be_v imperfect_a and_o to_o make_v one_o church_n by_o this_o union_n but_o because_o though_o they_o be_v entire_a church_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n yet_o they_o need_v support_v in_o exercise_v of_o it_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o say_v before_o in_o q._n 14_o viz._n that_o all_o church_n have_v right_a of_o government_n within_o themselves_o but_o some_o have_v need_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o because_o they_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n to_o transact_v their_o own_o matter_n
and_o usual_o for_o where_o ordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o want_v to_o a_o church_n and_o neither_o detain_v from_o their_o work_n by_o sickness_n nor_o just_a absence_n we_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o offer_v our_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o our_o best_a gift_n but_o yet_o if_o you_o oppose_v ordinary_a to_o extraordinary_a we_o do_v confess_v that_o some_o private_a member_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v eminent_o fit_v with_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n be_v also_o man_n of_o humble_a spirit_n and_o holy_a life_n all_o which_o qualification_n we_o find_v but_o in_o a_o few_o may_v without_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n from_o god_n be_v call_v forth_o by_o by_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o occasion_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o absence_n or_o bodily_a weakness_n of_o minister_n or_o for_o trial_n of_o gift_n when_o a_o man_n intend_v the_o ministry_n to_o speak_v to_o edification_n exhortation_n and_o comfort_n jehosaphat_n send_v prince_n who_o neither_o be_v minister_n nor_o intend_v so_o to_o be_v to_o teach_v with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o wit_n at_o least_o to_o encourage_v the_o people_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n come_v among_o they_o 2_o chron._n 17._o 7_o 8_o 9_o as_o jehosaphat_n himself_o also_o do_v the_o like_a 2_o chron._n 20._o 20._o yea_o and_o be_v their_o mouth_n also_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n v_o 2._o 5._o to_o 13._o as_o for_o that_o prophesy_a 1_o cor._n 14._o we_o conceive_v as_o some_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a so_o some_o thing_n ordinary_a extraordinary_a that_o private_a man_n and_o new_a convert_n shall_v be_v so_o soon_o &_o so_o sudden_o &_o so_o much_o enlighten_v &_o enlarge_v as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o prophesy_v public_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n but_o yet_o this_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v ordinary_a that_o some_o private_a man_n may_v be_v find_v at_o least_o in_o some_o church_n grow_v christian_n of_o able_a gift_n who_o may_v have_v receive_v a_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o for_o such_o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o require_v any_o more_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n for_o they_o to_o prophesy_v in_o our_o church_n then_o for_o jehosaphat_n and_o his_o prince_n to_o prophecy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n our_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v that_o we_o never_o know_v any_o 28._o minister_n that_o do_v call_v upon_o the_o people_n thus_o to_o do_v and_o as_o for_o we_o such_o call_n upon_o they_o be_v far_o from_o we_o all_o that_o we_o know_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o this_o case_n be_v this_o that_o some_o think_v the_o people_n have_v a_o liberty_n to_o ask_v a_o question_n public_o for_o their_o better_a satisfaction_n upon_o very_o urgent_a and_o weighty_a cause_n though_o even_o this_o be_v doubt_v of_o by_o other_o and_o all_o judge_n the_o ordinary_a practice_n of_o it_o not_o necessary_a but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o meek_o and_o wise_o carry_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a if_o not_o utter_o unlawful_a and_o therefore_o such_o ask_n of_o question_n be_v seldom_o use_v in_o any_o church_n among_o we_o and_o in_o most_o church_n never_o true_a it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n a_o little_a afore_o the_o synod_n divers_a that_o be_v infect_v with_o corrupt_a opinion_n be_v very_o bold_a &_o forward_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o ask_v question_n after_o sermon_n especial_o when_o they_o have_v hear_v something_o deliver_v public_o that_o do_v make_v against_o their_o tenant_n by_o which_o kind_n of_o ask_v question_n they_o plain_o discover_v of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v but_o for_o be_v call_v upon_o by_o we_o thus_o to_o do_v as_o it_o seem_v to_o your_o question_n that_o you_o have_v be_v inform_v the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o now_o these_o man_n be_v long_o since_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o to_o a_o island_n call_v aquedneck_n depart_v from_o among_o we_o some_o of_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v or_o banish_v or_o both_o &_o other_o depart_v voluntary_o or_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o like_a censure_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o departure_n of_o these_o troublesome_a spirit_n from_o among_o we_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o synod_n &_o sermon_n that_o have_v lay_v open_a &_o reprove_v this_o disorderly_a ask_n of_o question_n a_o man_n may_v now_o live_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n unto_o another_o in_o these_o congregation_n &_o not_o hear_v any_o man_n open_a his_o mouth_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o ask_v question_n 1._o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n unto_o god_n do_v not_o always_o 29._o follow_v the_o preach_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v in_o a_o lawful_a office_n of_o ministry_n as_o experience_n and_o scripture_n do_v abundant_o witness_v isaiah_n 49._o 4_o 5._o &_o 53._o 1._o ezech._n 3._o 7._o 2_o king_n 17._o 13_o 14._o mat._n 11._o 20_o 21._o etc._n etc._n john_n 12._o 37._o 2._o and_o when_o it_o do_v follow_v it_o be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o office_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o god_n blessing_n and_o the_o mighty_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o he_o please_v without_o which_o the_o minister_n and_o his_o office_n can_v have_v have_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o to_o convert_v sinner_n unto_o god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o no_o more_o than_o peter_n and_o john_n can_v heal_v the_o lame_a man_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o power_n or_o holiness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o act._n 3._o 12._o for_o otherwise_o faithful_a minister_n shall_v not_o have_v their_o labour_n bless_v for_o conversion_n some_o more_o and_o some_o less_o but_o all_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n inasmuch_o as_o one_o of_o they_o be_v no_o more_o a_o minister_n then_o another_o nor_o no_o more_o in_o office_n then_o another_o their_o office_n be_v the_o same_o the_o effect_n in_o conversion_n will_v be_v the_o same_o if_o conversion_n be_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v the_o soul_n psal_n 19_o 7._o and_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n rom._n 1._o 16._o and_o therefore_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n to_o god_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o not_o to_o the_o minister_n nor_o any_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o sound_a conversion_n of_o sinner_n whensoever_o such_o a_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v do_v argue_v that_o the_o instrument_n of_o such_o conversion_n be_v send_v of_o god_n god_n will_v not_o so_o have_v bless_v they_o as_o to_o convert_v any_o by_o they_o if_o himself_o have_v not_o send_v they_o at_o all_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o jer._n 23._o 32._o 4._o and_o yet_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o god_n word_n be_v not_o make_v effectual_a to_o conversion_n unless_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o minister_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o church_n officer_n for_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n john_n 4._o 39_o act._n 8._o 4._o with_o 11._o 19_o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 7._o 16._o they_o that_o be_v scatter_v abroad_o upon_o the_o persecution_n that_o arise_v about_o steven_n be_v not_o church_n officer_n at_o least_o all_o of_o they_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v their_o chief_n if_o not_o their_o only_a preach_v officer_n be_v not_o scatter_v abroad_o upon_o that_o persecution_n but_o remain_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n act_v 8._o 1._o and_o yet_o these_o man_n do_v so_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o grecian_n that_o through_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v with_o they_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v of_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n by_o who_o testimony_n of_o christ_n many_o of_o the_o samaritan_n believe_v on_o he_o to_o restrain_v the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n word_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o to_o say_v that_o none_o can_v be_v convert_v by_o it_o unless_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o minister_n be_v to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n where_o he_o have_v not_o limit_v himself_o who_o be_v free_a in_o work_v by_o who_o he_o please_v and_o as_o he_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 11._o even_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v john_n 3._o 8._o and_o sometime_o do_v bring_v to_o pass_v great_a thing_n by_o weak_a mean_n that_o his_o own_o glory_n may_v be_v the_o more_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 27_o 28_o 29._o if_o any_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n stand_v together_o that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v no_o minister_n may_v be_v a_o instrument_n of_o conversion_n and_o yet_o
conversion_n of_o sinner_n argue_v that_o the_o man_n be_v send_v of_o god_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o send_v according_a to_o the_o divers_a degree_n thereof_o for_o sometime_o it_o import_v no_o more_o but_o such_o a_o act_n of_o god_n dispose_v providence_n whereby_o man_n be_v gift_v and_o enable_v for_o such_o or_o such_o a_o work_n and_o permit_v thereunto_o though_o they_o have_v no_o command_n from_o he_o for_o the_o do_v thereof_o nor_o do_v it_o not_o with_o a_o sincere_a mind_n in_o any_o obedience_n to_o god_n but_o for_o corrupt_v and_o sinister_a end_n of_o their_o own_o thus_o god_n send_v the_o king_n of_o assyria_n against_o the_o jew_n isa_n 10._o 6._o and_o band_n of_o the_o caldee_n and_o band_n of_o other_o nation_n against_o jehojakim_n and_o against_o judah_n to_o destroy_v it_o 2_o king_n 24._o 2._o and_o yet_o they_o have_v no_o command_n from_o he_o to_o do_v this_o but_o sin_v grievous_o in_o so_o do_v thus_o they_o that_o preach_v christ_n not_o sincere_o but_o of_o envy_n and_o strife_n to_o add_v affliction_n to_o paul_n band_n yet_o inasmuch_o as_o they_o preach_v christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n joy_v at_o their_o preach_n phil._n 1._o 15_o 16._o thus_o baalam_n in_o his_o prophecy_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n and_o for_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o god_n people_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n though_o his_o heart_n and_o end_n be_v corrupt_a and_o sinful_a but_o if_o man_n be_v not_o only_o enable_v with_o gift_n for_o such_o or_o such_o a_o work_n but_o beside_o this_o have_v a_o sincere_a mind_n and_o desire_v in_o the_o use_n thereof_o to_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n such_o man_n may_v much_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n john_n 7._o 18._o for_o these_o man_n have_v not_o only_a ability_n and_o gift_n from_o god_n and_o permission_n to_o employ_v they_o as_o the_o former_a have_v but_o also_o his_o spirit_n within_o they_o which_o do_v set_v their_o heart_n on_o right_n and_o holy_a end_n which_o the_o other_o want_v and_o yet_o if_o man_n do_v want_v a_o lawful_a office_n of_o ministry_n wherein_o to_o exercise_v those_o gift_n or_o a_o lawful_a call_n to_o that_o office_n or_o exercise_n they_o may_v in_o that_o respect_n be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n or_o not_o to_o be_v call_v of_o he_o though_o send_v of_o he_o in_o the_o first_o or_o second_o respect_n thus_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o they_o run_v and_o i_o send_v they_o not_o jer._n 23._o 21._o i_o perceive_v that_o god_n have_v not_o send_v he_o but_o he_o pronounce_v his_o prophecy_n because_o sanballat_n and_o tobiah_n have_v hire_v he_o neh._n 6._o 12._o and_o yet_o doubtless_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n dispose_v providence_n he_o have_v send_v they_o as_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o god_n send_v strong_a delusion_n and_o lie_a prophet_n and_o unfaithful_a shepherd_n 2_o thes_n 2._o 11._o 1_o king_n 22._o 22_o 23._o zech._n 11._o 16._o to_o be_v a_o plague_n unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o for_o trial_n to_o his_o servant_n deut._n 13._o 3._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o now_o let_v these_o distinction_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o we_o may_v perceive_v how_o if_o a_o man_n convert_v sinner_n certain_o god_n send_v he_o and_o yet_o some_o that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o any_o office_n in_o the_o ministry_n may_v through_o his_o blessing_n convert_v sinner_n a_o man_n convert_v none_o unless_o god_n send_v he_o in_o the_o first_o or_o second_o sense_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v convert_v and_o not_o be_v send_v if_o send_v be_v take_v in_o the_o three_o sense_n that_o be_v for_o a_o lawful_a call_n into_o some_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o may_v add_v further_a a_o man_n may_v be_v send_v in_o this_o three_o sense_n and_o yet_o convert_v none_o if_o he_o be_v not_o also_o send_v in_o the_o first_o 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of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v plain_a and_o large_a in_o this_o point_n 1_o rep._n p._n 177._o as_o be_v likewise_o mr._n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 2._o c._n 42._o and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o book_n unto_o who_o we_o refer_v you_o herein_o and_o if_o that_o discipline_n which_o we_o here_o practice_v be_v as_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o the_o same_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o unalterable_a we_o see_v not_o how_o another_o can_v be_v lawful_a and_o therefore_o if_o a_o company_n of_o people_n shall_v come_v hither_o and_o here_o set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o we_o pray_v you_o think_v not_o much_o if_o we_o can_v promise_v to_o approve_v of_o they_o in_o so_o do_v especial_o until_o we_o see_v
how_o approvable_a the_o man_n may_v be_v and_o what_o discipline_n it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o shall_v we_o in_o such_o general_a word_n as_o be_v there_o express_v promise_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o discipline_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v take_v at_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o our_o word_n we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v bind_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n of_o papist_n or_o arminian_n or_o familist_n or_o anabaptist_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o something_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o in_o their_o discipline_n that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a and_o yet_o we_o pray_v you_o hearty_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o conceive_v of_o we_o in_o this_o passage_n that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o make_v any_o such_o comparison_n as_o if_o yourselves_o be_v not_o approve_v in_o our_o conscience_n far_o above_o the_o best_a 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pure_a language_n that_o they_o may_v all_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n jer._n 32._o 39_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o we_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o gal._n 5._o 10._o phil._n 3._o 15._o this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o posit_n 1._o &_o 2._o send_v unto_o you_o 32._o the_o last_o year_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_a for_o church-covenant_n or_o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_n resolution_n in_o this_o point_n london_n print_v by_o t._n p._n and_o m._n s._n for_o benjamin_n allen._n 1643._o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n 1639._o jer_n 50._o 5._o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v although_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v in_o part_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n return_v from_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o year_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o place_n to_o that_o time_n only_o but_o may_v extend_v it_o further_o to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spiritual_a return_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v convert_v from_o pagan_a antichristian_a babylonish_n or_o jewish_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n or_o from_o slavery_n to_o sin_n and_o self-righteousnesse_n and_o shall_v be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o as_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o scripture_n be_v never_o full_o accomplish_v at_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o seventy_o year_n and_o namely_o this_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n shall_v return_v both_o together_o for_o the_o ten_o tribe_n return_v not_o at_o all_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o literal_o concern_v the_o jew_n be_v type_n and_o figure_n signify_v the_o like_a thing_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n in_o which_o respect_n sincere_a convert_n be_v call_v jew_n rome_n 2._o 29._o and_o israelites_n gal._n 6._o 16._o joh._n 1._o 47._o and_o our_o sacrament_n be_v make_v antitype_n of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o rome_n be_v call_v babylon_n rev._n 17._o 5._o and_o papist_n be_v call_v gentile_n rev._n 11._o 2._o and_o therefore_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n may_v well_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n of_o god_n people_n to_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n to_o zion_n a_o type_n of_o the_o return_n of_o christian_n from_o romish_a slavery_n to_o the_o true_a zion_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v add_v further_o that_o this_o place_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o private_a or_o personal_a conversion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a christian_a but_o also_o further_o of_o the_o open_a and_o joint_a call_n of_o a_o company_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v come_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o that_o their_o say_n shall_v not_o be_v let_v i_o join_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n so_o note_v the_o join_n of_o a_o company_n together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n concern_v which_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v first_o brief_o to_o show_v how_o diverse_o covenant_n be_v take_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o import_v general_o any_o firm_a appointment_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v not_o promise_n
unto_o god_n any_o thing_n back_o again_o thus_o the_o preserve_n of_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n and_o of_o the_o world_n from_o be_v drown_v any_o more_o by_o a_o flood_n the_o interchangeable_a succession_n of_o day_n and_o night_n the_o give_v of_o the_o priesthood_n unto_o phineas_n the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o shewbread_n every_o sabbath_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o heave-offering_a unto_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o covenant_n or_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o god_n gen._n 6._o 18._o &_o 9_o 9_o 10_o 11._o jer._n 33._o 20._o num._n 25._o 12_o 13._o levit._fw-la 24._o 8._o num._n 18._o 19_o but_o sometime_o covenant_n be_v take_v more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o a_o agreement_n which_o god_n do_v make_v with_o man_n when_o he_o promise_v some_o blessing_n unto_o man_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o perform_v some_o duty_n back_o again_o to_o he_o take_v thus_o it_o have_v two_o part_n first_o a_o promise_n or_o stipulation_n of_o some_o blessing_n on_o god_n part_n second_o restipulation_n or_o promise_n or_o bind_v of_o man_n unto_o duty_n back_o again_o on_o his_o part_n both_o these_o be_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v to_o thou_o a_o god_n thou_o shall_v be_v to_o i_o a_o people_n and_o so_o gen._n 17._o 1._o &_o v_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o the_o covenant_n take_v thus_o be_v either_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o again_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o as_o it_o be_v personal_a private_a and_o particular_a between_o god_n and_o one_o particular_a soul_n make_v covenant_n with_o god_n and_o god_n with_o he_o either_o at_o his_o first_o conversion_n or_o at_o other_o time_n of_o which_o we_o read_v 2_o sam._n 23._o 5._o &_o psal_n 119_o 106._o &_o 66._o 13_o 14._o &_o 27_o 8._o &_o psal_n 119._o 7_o 8_o second_o it_o be_v general_a and_o public_a of_o a_o company_n joint_o together_o of_o which_o this_o text_n jer._n 50._o 5._o seem_v most_o proper_o to_o speak_v as_o also_o that_o deut._n 29._o 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o exod._n 19_o 5_o 6_o and_o many_o other_o a_o covenant_n take_v thus_o general_o when_o it_o respect_v spiritual_a blessing_n and_o spiritual_a duty_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v church-covenant_n which_o church-covenant_n differ_v not_o in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n promise_v from_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o particular_a soul_n but_o only_o in_o some_o other_o respect_n as_o first_o the_o one_o be_v of_o one_o christian_a in_o particular_a the_o other_o of_o a_o company_n joint_o together_o second_o if_o right_a order_n be_v observe_v a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o enter_v into_o church-covenant_n till_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n before_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o personal_a estate_n three_o the_o one_o be_v usual_o do_v in_o private_a as_o in_o a_o man_n closet_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o other_o in_o some_o public_a assembly_n four_o the_o one_o in_o these_o day_n be_v of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a as_o a_o christian_a the_o other_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o every_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o now_o concern_v church-covenant_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v note_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n thereof_o first_o the_o description_n of_o it_o second_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o the_o benefit_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o for_o the_o former_a it_o may_v be_v thus_o describe_v viz._n a_o solemn_a and_o public_a promise_n before_o the_o lord_n whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n call_v by_o the_o power_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o and_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o cleave_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o brotherly_a love_n and_o desirous_a to_o partake_v together_o in_o all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v in_o confidence_n of_o his_o gracious_a acceptance_n in_o christ_n bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o to_o another_o to_o walk_v together_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o holy_a worship_n in_o he_o and_o of_o edification_n one_o towards_o another_o as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n require_v of_o every_o christian_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o this_o description_n there_o be_v comprise_v six_o thing_n first_o the_o general_a name_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o solemn_a and_o public_a promise_n a_o promise_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o join_n in_o covenant_n here_o a_o enter_v into_o covenant_n deut._n 29._o 10._o solemn_a and_o public_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o they_o say_v let_v we_o join_v second_o the_o object_n the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n himself_o and_o likewise_o to_o one_o another_o for_o come_v let_v we_o join_v imply_v mutual_a consent_n together_o three_o the_o agent_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n christians_o not_o turk_n indian_n etc._n etc._n saint_n psal_n 50._o 5._o 16_o 17._o call_v to_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n so_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 9_o else_o if_o they_o be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a material_n for_o such_o a_o build_n as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n ephes_n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o rev._n 21._o 27._o by_o his_o providence_n to_o live_v together_o else_o they_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o lord_n ordinance_n together_o as_o church_n ought_v to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o act._n 14_o 27._o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n cleave_v together_o in_o faith_n and_o love_n so_o act._n 4_o 32._o if_o they_o differ_v namely_o in_o opinion_n or_o in_o their_o affection_n and_o shall_v join_v in_o this_o covenant_n breach_n faction_n rent_n and_o schism_n will_v be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o such_o join_n thing_n so_o unlike_a will_v not_o close_v nor_o long_a hold_n together_o dan._n 2._o 43_o desirous_a to_o partake_v in_o all_o ordinance_n this_o shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o join_n in_o covenant_n together_o psal_n 110._o 3._o willing_a and_o not_o pride_n nor_o gain_v nor_o the_o like_a four_o the_o act_n bind_v themselves_o that_o now_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o own_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o they_o may_v say_v now_o as_o psal_n 56._o 12._o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o or_o as_o num._n 30._o 2._o if_o he_o bind_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o vow_n five_o the_o matter_n promise_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o such_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o mutual_a edification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n and_o church-member_n they_o bind_v not_o themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o devise_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o invention_n of_o man_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v neither_o be_v it_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n for_o that_o be_v impossible_a to_o perform_v and_o presumption_n to_o promise_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o in_o general_a the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o special_o such_o duty_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n &_o edification_n of_o one_o another_o as_o concern_v church-state_n which_o now_o they_o enter_v into_o six_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v confidence_n of_o god_n gracious_a acceptance_n and_o assistance_n through_o christ_n for_o in_o all_o our_o way_n god_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v pro._n 3._o 6._o and_o much_o more_o in_o such_o special_a matter_n of_o weight_n if_o man_n in_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n look_v for_o acceptance_n through_o any_o worth_n of_o their_o own_o or_o promise_v duty_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o show_v themselves_o like_a to_o the_o pharisee_n luk._n 18._o 10_o 11._o and_o turn_v the_o church-covenant_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n gal._n 3._o 10._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o two_o particular_n first_o that_o this_o be_v that_o whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n do_v become_v a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o constitute_a form_n of_o a_o church_n second_o this_o be_v that_o by_o take_v hold_v whereof_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v constitute_v afore_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o every_o christian_a church_n
add_v ver_fw-la 14._o three_o those_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v add_v and_o join_v to_o they_o by_o such_o a_o act_n as_o other_o dare_v not_o put_v forth_o act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n in_o convert_v of_o they_o but_o by_o some_o voluntary_a act_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o consent_n for_o god_n convert_v grace_n depend_v not_o upon_o man_n dare_v or_o not_o dare_v to_o receive_v it_o if_o to_o be_v join_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v then_o when_o it_o be_v say_v some_o dare_v not_o be_v join_v the_o meaning_n shall_v be_v they_o dare_v not_o be_v convert_v nor_o suffer_v faith_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o which_o be_v gross_a arminianism_n suspend_v the_o convert_n grace_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o the_o creature_n four_o and_o as_o this_o join_n which_o other_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v so_o if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v what_o the_o thing_n be_v wherein_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o agree_v and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o their_o body_n and_o society_n that_o be_v they_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o they_o for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o for_o this_o they_o both_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v nor_o be_v it_o only_o of_o join_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n for_o this_o also_o they_o dare_v do_v and_o many_o do_v it_o in_o great_a multitude_n so_o that_o many_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n become_v believer_n and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n ver_fw-la 14._o at_o this_o very_a time_n when_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o of_o join_v to_o they_o in_o affection_n or_o approbation_n of_o their_o way_n for_o this_o they_o also_o dare_v do_v and_o do_v express_v so_o much_o in_o magnify_v and_o commend_v they_o when_o yet_o they_o dare_v not_o join_v unto_o they_o ver_fw-la 13._o which_o magnify_v of_o they_o do_v imply_v that_o they_o hear_v their_o doctrine_n and_o see_v their_o practice_n and_o approve_v it_o and_o high_o commend_v they_o for_o the_o same_o wherefore_o see_v this_o join_n which_o some_o dare_v not_o do_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o be_v convert_v nor_o of_o join_v in_o habitation_n nor_o of_o join_v in_o affection_n nor_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o their_o assembly_n nor_o of_o approbation_n and_o expression_n that_o way_n it_o remain_v that_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o join_v in_o that_o near_a relation_n of_o church-fellowship_n among_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v engage_v by_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o church_n five_o if_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o be_v convert_v than_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v be_v join_v as_o a_o member_n of_o every_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o great_a confusion_n of_o that_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v man_n may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o hearty_a affection_n and_o love_n and_o 2._o yet_o without_o any_o covenant_n true_o but_o this_o will_v not_o make_v they_o member_n of_o that_o church_n answ_n for_o then_o saul_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o he_o be_v join_v a_o member_n for_o he_o be_v join_v to_o they_o in_o hearty_a affection_n afore_o and_o therefore_o assay_v to_o join_v as_o a_o member_n and_o so_o be_v they_o that_o dare_v not_o join_v act._n 5._o 13._o yea_o than_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o many_o church_n yea_o of_o all_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v to_o love_v they_o and_o bear_v hearty_a affection_n to_o they_o all_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v unite_v in_o hearty_a affection_n to_o the_o church_n in_o scotland_n in_o holland_n in_o france_n in_o new-england_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o all_o these_o church_n nor_o subject_n to_o their_o censure_n as_o member_n be_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o dwell_v among_o they_o in_o 3_o the_o same_o town_n neither_o will_v habitation_n with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o town_n make_v answer_n a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o suppose_v saul_n to_o have_v dwell_v in_o the_o same_o house_n afore_o his_o conversion_n in_o which_o he_o dwell_v after_o which_o be_v not_o unpossible_a nor_o unlikely_a yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n afore_o his_o conversion_n no_o nor_o of_o some_o time_n after_o though_o he_o may_v have_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o church-member_n there_o the_o member_n of_o the_o dutch_a and_o french_a church_n in_o london_n or_o other_o town_n in_o england_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o english-congregation_n or_o church_n no_o more_o than_o the_o english_a be_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o dwell_v promiscuous_o together_o in_o the_o same_o street_n of_o the_o same_o town_n towne-dwelling_a will_v not_o make_v a_o man_n a_o freeman_n of_o a_o company_n in_o london_n or_o some_o other_o corporation_n for_o many_o other_o dwell_v in_o the_o town_n with_o they_o yea_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o street_n that_o be_v not_o free_a of_o their_o company_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o as_o dwell_v in_o town_n with_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o not_o member_n thereof_o may_v be_v because_o they_o frequent_v not_o their_o assembly_n idiot_n and_o infidel_n may_v come_v into_o the_o public_a meeting_n among_o answ_n the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 23_o 24_o 25._o yet_o idiot_n and_o infidel_n be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saul_n after_o his_o conversion_n may_v have_v come_v in_o among_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o public_a duty_n and_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o have_v make_v he_o of_o one_o body_n with_o they_o some_o indian_n moor_n and_o other_o natural_a person_n come_v into_o our_o meeting_n in_o new-england_n some_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o other_o by_o the_o command_n or_o counsel_n of_o their_o master_n and_o governor_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v hereby_o make_v church-member_n wherefore_o see_v neither_o conversion_n nor_o love_a affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o meeting_n do_v join_v a_o man_n as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o some_o man_n have_v all_o these_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o member_n and_o other_o be_v sometime_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o want_v some_o of_o these_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o want_v sound_a conversion_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o as_o sound_v conversion_n make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o of_o his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o church_n approbation_n and_o acceptance_n of_o he_o which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n that_o give_v he_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n but_o join_v do_v not_o always_o signify_v join_v in_o covenant_n philip_n join_v 5._o to_o the_o eunnuchs_n chariot_n and_o dust_n to_o man_n foot_n act._n 8._o 29._o &_o luke_n 10_o 11._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o any_o covenant_n the_o word_n indeed_o may_v express_v any_o close_a join_n whether_o natural_a answ_n as_o the_o branch_n be_v join_v to_o the_o vine_n or_o a_o arm_n or_o other_o member_n to_o the_o body_n or_o artificial_a as_o when_o two_o stick_n be_v join_v to_o become_v one_o in_o ezekiel_n hand_n ezek._n 37._o or_o when_o carpenter_n or_o mason_n do_v join_v piece_n of_o stone_n or_o timber_n together_o to_o make_v one_o house_n neh._n 4._o 6._o ezr._n 4._o 12._o but_o be_v not_o only_o the_o force_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v stand_v upon_o but_o when_o join_v be_v use_v to_o express_v such_o join_n wherein_o a_o man_n voluntary_o take_v on_o he_o a_o new_a relation_n there_o it_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n whether_o the_o relation_n be_v moral_a and_o civil_a or_o religious_a and_o ecclesiastical_a we_o speak_v of_o voluntary_a relation_n for_o there_o be_v natural_a relation_n as_o between_o parent_n
and_o child_n and_o these_o need_v no_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o covenant_n to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o parent_n or_o a_o child_n there_o be_v also_o violent_a relation_n as_o between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v no_o covenant_n neither_o but_o other_o be_v voluntary_a and_o these_o always_o imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o be_v found_v therein_o whether_o they_o be_v moral_a and_o civil_a as_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n pro._n 2._o 17._o between_o master_n and_o servant_n luk._n 15._o 15._o between_o prince_n and_o subject_a between_o partner_n in_o trade_n 2_o chro._n 20._o 35_o 36_o 37._o where_o the_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n be_v that_o man_n shall_v bare_v such_o a_o share_n of_o charge_n and_o receive_v such_o a_o share_n of_o profit_n or_o religious_a as_o between_o minister_n and_o people_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n all_o these_o be_v do_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o a_o woman_n as_o her_o husband_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o man_n can_v join_v himself_o to_o another_o as_o a_o servant_n or_o apprentice_n but_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o may_v we_o say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nor_o into_o any_o body_n corporate_a but_o by_o the_o same_o way_n and_o mean_n if_o man_n be_v unite_v into_o a_o body_n politic_a or_o incorporate_a a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o they_o by_o mere_a hearty_a affection_n unless_o withal_o he_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o by_o some_o contract_n or_o covenant_n now_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v every_o particular_a church_n a_o body_n incorporate_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 13._o and_o to_o forgive_v and_o receive_v in_o penitent_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 7._o 8_o as_o a_o body_n incorporate_a and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v join_v unto_o they_o must_v do_v it_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n or_o agreement_n and_o so_o this_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n may_v be_v a_o four_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n all_o voluntary_a relation_n all_o relation_n which_o be_v neither_o natural_a 4._o nor_o violent_a be_v enter_v into_o by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o he_o that_o join_v into_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o relation_n therefore_o join_v to_o a_o church_n as_o a_o member_n be_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n a_o five_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o power_n which_o all_o 5._o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v over_o all_o their_o member_n in_o the_o lord_n if_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o member_n have_v power_n in_o the_o lord_n over_o all_o their_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o the_o assumption_n in_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o church_n have_v power_n over_o their_o member_n be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o 13._o where_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o suffer_v the_o incestuous_a man_n among_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o cast_v he_o out_o from_o among_o they_o now_o this_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o room_n for_o they_o to_o say_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o he_o and_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v in_o other_o scripture_n also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 17._o psal_n 149._o 6._o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n viz._n that_o then_o member_n do_v engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n be_v prove_v by_o this_o reason_n that_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o such_o as_o have_v not_o engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n and_o commit_v power_n unto_o they_o by_o profess_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o the_o truth_n whereof_o may_v appear_v by_o two_o reason_n first_o because_o all_o christian_n have_v power_n and_o right_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n to_o who_o they_o commit_v their_o soul_n act._n 6._o &_o 1_o &_o 14._o 23._o where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d import_v choose_v by_o election_n and_o so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v and_o translate_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o he_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o ministerial_a gift_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o minister_n to_o every_o church_n nor_o invest_v he_o with_o spiritual_a power_n over_o they_o nor_o though_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o unless_o they_o call_v he_o and_o he_o accept_v of_o that_o call_v and_o as_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n so_o likewise_o to_o choose_v their_o brethren_n according_a to_o god_n rom._n 14._o 1._o now_o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o none_o can_v have_v power_n over_o they_o as_o officer_n and_o brethren_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v nor_o promise_v by_o any_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o lord_n second_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v exercise_v any_o act_n of_o church-power_n over_o such_o a_o man_n as_o never_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o they_o suppose_n to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o whoredom_n or_o drunkenness_n or_o the_o like_a the_o man_n may_v protest_v against_o their_o act_n and_o their_o sentence_n as_o coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la and_o they_o can_v not_o justify_v their_o proceed_n if_o indeed_o there_o have_v pass_v no_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n between_o he_o and_o they_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v you_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o pass_v sentence_n or_o censure_n upon_o i_o i_o be_o none_o of_o your_o church_n but_o of_o another_o church_n suppose_v in_o holland_n in_o france_n etc._n etc._n and_o i_o be_o only_o here_o now_o for_o merchandise_n sake_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o occasion_n what_o shall_v they_o say_v to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n if_o there_o never_o pass_v any_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o but_o minister_n have_v power_n over_o the_o people_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n object_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o not_o by_o man_n engage_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v man_n minister_n to_o such_o a_o people_n officer_n answer_n to_o such_o a_o church_n or_o make_v they_o sheep_n of_o my_o flock_n be_v it_o not_o those_o scripture_n that_o make_v every_o man_n a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o ruler_n to_o a_o people_n unless_o they_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n and_o then_o in_o so_o do_v they_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o those_o scripture_n take_v hold_v on_o they_o one_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o a_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n that_o give_v he_o power_n over_o she_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n command_v people_n to_o obey_v their_o minister_n so_o it_o command_v wife_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o husband_n ephes_n 5._o 22._o and_o yet_o all_o man_n know_v a_o man_n can_v take_v this_o woman_n for_o he_o wife_n but_o by_o covenant_n so_o that_o if_o she_o once_o make_v herself_o a_o wife_n by_o she_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v on_o she_o and_o bind_v she_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o wife_n but_o if_o she_o have_v make_v no_o covenant_n the_o man_n have_v no_o power_n over_o she_o as_o her_o husband_n neither_o be_v she_o his_o wife_n so_o if_o man_n once_o make_v themselves_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a covenant_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v of_o they_o and_o bind_v they_o to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o member_n to_o their_o fellow-brethren_n and_o of_o people_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o if_o they_o never_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n to_o be_v their_o minister_n nor_o covenant_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n he_o then_o can_v have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o as_o a_o minister_n unto_o they_o because_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n a_o six_o argument_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v 6._o between_o member_n and_o not_o
member_n if_o there_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o distinction_n between_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n then_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o member_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a as_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o some_o be_v within_o and_o may_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n and_o other_o be_v without_o and_o may_v not_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o without_o this_o join_n in_o covenant_n that_o can_v sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o some_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o yet_o have_v no_o grace_n and_o other_o may_v have_v grace_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o do_v distinguish_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o affection_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o every_o approbation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o come_v into_o their_o assembly_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v touch_v before_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v here_o the_o more_o brief_o pass_v over_o and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o particular_a concern_v the_o use_n of_o church-covenant_n that_o it_o be_v by_o join_v therein_o that_o a_o particular_a person_n become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o remove_v sundry_a objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o to_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n against_o church-covenant_n that_o so_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o they_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_v to_o full_a satisfaction_n if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n church-covenant_n be_v a_o term_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n answer_n first_o so_o be_v sacrament_n trinity_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o those_o term_n may_v be_v lawful_o use_v because_o the_o thing_n mean_v thereby_o be_v find_v second_o but_o see_v the_o covenant_n be_v between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n as_o the_o two_o party_n that_o be_v confederate_a it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n covenant_n or_o the_o church-covenant_n as_o when_o mamre_o aver_n &_o eschol_n be_v confederate_a with_o abraham_n gen._n 14._o 13._o may_v not_o one_o true_o say_v abraham_n be_v confederate_a with_o they_o relative_n do_v mutual_o put_v and_o establish_v one_o another_o three_o the_o scripture_n allow_v both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o the_o church_n eze._n 16._o 8._o &_o the_o people_n covenant_n or_o saint_n covenant_n or_o church_n covenant_n with_o he_o deut._n 29._o 12._o psal_n 50._o 5._o jer._n 50._o 5._o four_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o both_o the_o word_n both_o the_o lord_n covenant_n and_o the_o church-covenant_n because_o both_o be_v confederate_a and_o for_o that_o of_o church-covenant_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n also_o viz._n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o covenant_n as_o a_o marriage-covenant_n pro._n 2._o 17._o and_o a_o brotherly_a covenant_n 1_o sam._n 20._o 8._o the_o church-covenant_n be_v thus_o call_v not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v a_o church_n or_o member_n thereof_o that_o make_v it_o but_o also_o because_o they_o enter_v into_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o church-estate_n and_o church-duty_n the_o duty_n which_o they_o bind_v themselves_o unto_o in_o this_o covenant_n be_v such_o especial_o as_o concern_v a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o but_o this_o church-covenant_n put_v some_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o covenant_n 2._o of_o grace_n which_o every_o believer_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o with_o god_n and_o seem_v to_o charge_v the_o same_o with_o insufficiency_n for_o every_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a heb._n 8._o 7._o 1._o a_o second_o covenant_n do_v argue_v that_o the_o first_o be_v not_o faultless_a answ_n where_o the_o covenant_n be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v and_o so_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o the_o free_a covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v argue_v that_o righteousness_n and_o life_n can_v not_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o law_n or_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n gal._n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 3._o 2._o but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o covenant_n that_o be_v renew_v or_o make_v again_o though_o upon_o a_o new_a occasion_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o the_o second_o time_n or_o a_o three_o or_o a_o four_o do_v disannul_v the_o first_o or_o cast_v disparagement_n upon_o the_o same_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n give_v to_o adam_n be_v not_o blame_v or_o fault_v because_o it_o be_v renew_v in_o sinai_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v first_o give_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n after_o his_o fall_n afterward_o to_o abraham_n then_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o type_n and_o shadow_n and_o again_o after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o none_o of_o these_o do_v disannul_v the_o former_a or_o argue_v the_o same_o to_o be_v faulty_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v still_o the_o same_o covenant_n though_o renew_v upon_o new_a occasion_n and_o in_o some_o particular_n in_o some_o other_o manner_n and_o the_o like_a we_o say_v concern_v church-covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n which_o a_o man_n make_v when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o another_o covenant_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o every_o believer_n be_v bring_v into_o at_o his_o first_o conversion_n but_o a_o open_a profession_n of_o a_o man_n subjection_n to_o that_o very_a covenant_n special_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v church_n estate_n into_o which_o estate_n the_o man_n be_v now_o enter_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o make_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o the_o church-covenant_n 3_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o keep_v it_o and_o we_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o god_n will_v give_v we_o power_n this_o ground_n be_v very_o true_a that_o no_o man_n have_v power_n of_o himself_o answ_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o good_a be_v but_o all_o a_o man_n power_n and_o ability_n must_v come_v of_o god_n through_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 3._o 5._o phil._n 2._o 13._o joh._n 15._o 5._o but_o the_o inference_n be_v not_o good_a that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a to_o ento_z into_o church-covenant_n for_o 1._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o promise_n be_v unlawful_a and_o all_o covenant_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n the_o covenant_n of_o service_n yea_o and_o the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o grace_n when_o a_o particular_a soul_n promise_v faith_n and_o new_a obedience_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o no_o not_o the_o covenant_n of_o marriage_n which_o a_o man_n be_v able_a of_o himself_o to_o keep_v as_o the_o adultery_n of_o david_n and_o bathsheba_n among_o other_o do_v plain_o prove_v 2._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v power_n to_o they_o that_o in_o self-deniall_n seek_v it_o of_o he_o and_o trust_v to_o his_o promise_n for_o it_o ezek._n 36._o 27._o jer._n 31._o 33._o rom._n 6._o 14._o jer._n 32._o 40._o the_o true_a inference_n therefore_o from_o this_o ground_n from_o man_n disabilitie_n to_o perform_v be_v this_o that_o therefore_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n for_o that_o be_v peter_n fault_n in_o promise_a not_o to_o deny_v christ_n but_o to_o die_v with_o he_o rather_o but_o church-covenant_n as_o also_o all_o other_o promise_n shall_v be_v enter_v into_o in_o a_o humble_a look_v up_o to_o christ_n jesus_n for_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o perform_v thou_o therefore_o my_o son_n be_v strong_a in_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 2._o tim._n 2._o 1._o god_n disallow_v covenant_n of_o man_n make_v and_o so_o our_o church-covenant_n 4._o in_o those_o word_n but_o not_o by_o thy_o covenant_n ezek._n 16._o 61._o god_n do_v not_o reprove_v they_o there_o for_o make_v covenant_n for_o answ_n than_o he_o be_v contrary_a to_o himself_o who_o elsewhere_o call_v they_o to_o do_v it_o exod._n 29._o deut._n 29._o and_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o psal_n 50._o 5._o yea_o and_o in_o that_o very_a place_n of_o ezek._n 16._o acknowledge_v a_o covenant_n between_o he_o and_o they_o ver_fw-la 60._o 62._o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v he_o will_v do_v they_o good_a but_o not_o for_o their_o good_a keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n for_o they_o
come_v up_o but_o of_o late_a must_v first_o prove_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o hold_v their_o peace_n white_a way_n 44._o 1._o and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o church-covenant_n second_o and_o yet_o they_o that_o search_v the_o story_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o time_n and_o age_n next_o after_o the_o apostle_n may_v find_v some_o testimony_n of_o church-covenant_n in_o those_o day_n for_o instance_n justine_n martyr_n in_o his_o apol._n 2._o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o promise_n to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o general_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o time_n that_o never_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n nor_o his_o child_n neither_o but_o they_o put_v he_o to_o answer_v three_o question_n abrenuntio_n whereto_o he_o answer_v abrenuntio_fw-la credis_fw-la whereto_o his_o answer_n be_v credo_fw-la and_o spondes_fw-la to_o which_o he_o answer_v spondes_fw-la so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o open_a declaration_n of_o his_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o two_o first_o particular_n and_o a_o open_a bind_v himself_o by_o covenant_n or_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o three_o but_o much_o need_v not_o to_o be_v say_v in_o this_o point_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v scripture_n antiquity_n to_o be_v sufficient_a though_o after_o time_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v if_o church-covenant_n be_v so_o necessary_a than_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n 10._o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o no_o church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n they_o that_o have_v know_v those_o church_n not_o only_o by_o their_o answ_n write_n and_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o synod_n and_o otherwise_o but_o also_o by_o live_v among_o they_o and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o their_o order_n do_v report_n otherwise_o of_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v combine_v together_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o another_o zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o manner_n use_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o admit_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o child_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n consuetum_fw-la est_fw-la sai_z lâ—e_z ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la atatem_fw-la inque_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la catecheticâ_fw-la profectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la totâ_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicae_fw-la edant_fw-la per_fw-la parent_n aut_fw-la qui_fw-la parentum_fw-la loco_fw-la sunt_fw-la jussû_fw-fr ministri_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la conspectum_fw-la producti_fw-la quòdque_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la confession_n per_fw-la dei_fw-la gratiam_fw-la perstare_fw-la ac_fw-la juxta_fw-la illam_fw-la vitam_fw-la instituere_fw-la insuper_fw-la etiam_fw-la disciplina_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la ultrò_fw-la ac_fw-la spout_v suâ_fw-la subjicere_fw-la seize_v velint_fw-la spondeant_fw-la atque_fw-la stipulentur_fw-la polit._n eccles_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o proficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o and_o if_o they_o take_v this_o course_n with_o child_n come_v to_o age_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n or_o more_o that_o the_o same_o course_n shall_v be_v hold_v with_o man_n of_o year_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n and_o so_o the_o same_o zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o mutual_a confederation_n have_v these_o word_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n so_o may_v they_o be_v combine_v of_o many_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n 〈◊〉_d illa_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quam_fw-la in_o symbolo_fw-la profit_n nunc_fw-la apostolico_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la hic_fw-la requirit_fw-la &_o vult_fw-la quam_fw-la obligationem_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la membrorum_fw-la &_o confoederationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v that_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o creed_n do_v require_v and_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o bind_n of_o they_o together_o by_o covenant_n polit._n eccles_n li._n 3_o c._n 8._o p_o 721._o to_o these_o testimony_n of_o zâ—ppâ—râ—â—_n those_o word_n may_v be_v add_v of_o mr._n parker_n our_o own_o countryman_n a_o man_n of_o singular_a note_n for_o learning_n and_o holiness_n who_o also_o himself_o live_v sometime_o beyond_o sea_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o there_o end_v his_o day_n so_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o give_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o his_o testimony_n he_o have_v so_o good_a mean_n full_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o those_o church_n now_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o solennis_n forma_fw-la absque_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la alicujus_fw-la communionem_fw-la nullus_fw-la ritè_fw-la recipitur_fw-la of_o a_o solemn_a form_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v right_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v these_o word_n hic_fw-la mos_fw-la ille_fw-la est_fw-la reformatarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la in_o lapsis_fw-la restituendis_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o extraâ—eis_fw-la iâ—ò_fw-la quibuscunque_fw-la recipiendis_fw-la qui_fw-la ad_fw-la habitandum_fw-la alicubi_fw-la confident_a etsi_fw-la fortè_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la illius_fw-la loci_fw-la quo_fw-la ante_fw-la commoâ—_n abantur_fw-la juxta_fw-la hanc_fw-la formam_fw-la admissi_fw-la prius_fw-la fuerant_fw-la examinat_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la plebs_fw-la consentit_fw-la cuique_fw-la testes_fw-la vita_fw-la sua_fw-la secum_fw-la adfert_fw-la vel_fw-la testimonia_fw-la salâ—em_fw-la publicatur_fw-la nomen_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la competentis_fw-la pro_fw-la conâ—ioâ—e_fw-la admonetur_fw-la cuique_fw-la siquid_fw-la habeat_fw-la quod_fw-la excipiat_fw-la ut_fw-la denunciet_a presbyteris_fw-la si_fw-mi nihil_fw-la contrà _fw-la adferatur_fw-la admittitur_fw-la quidem_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la solerni_fw-la pactione_n cum_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la spondet_fw-la verò_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la se_fw-la ambulaturum_fw-la prout_fw-la sanctam_fw-la illam_fw-la communionem_fw-la decet_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la illius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la subjacere_fw-la velle_fw-la se_fw-la fratribus_fw-la illius_fw-la communionis_fw-la invigilaturum_fw-la juxta_fw-la christi_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la matth._n 18._o 17._o ut_fw-la praeveniantur_fw-la sanentur_fw-la que_fw-la scandala_fw-la &_o illi_fw-la ad_fw-la studium_fw-la bonorum_fw-la operum_fw-la provehantur_fw-la that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n not_o only_o in_o restore_v such_o as_o have_v fall_v but_o in_o admit_v of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o all_o whoever_o they_o be_v who_o do_v sit_v down_o in_o any_o place_n for_o habitation_n though_o perhaps_o they_o have_v be_v former_o admit_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o have_v former_o dwell_v the_o presbytery_n do_v examine_v the_o people_n do_v consent_n every_o man_n bring_v with_o he_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n or_o at_o leastwise_o testimony_n the_o name_n of_o each_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o member_n be_v publish_v in_o the_o assembly_n every_o one_o be_v admonish_v if_o he_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o the_o party_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o presbytery_n if_o nothing_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o than_o indeed_o he_o be_v admit_v but_o yet_o no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o church_n he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v walk_v as_o become_v that_o holy_a fellowship_n that_o he_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o that_o church_n that_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o
separation_n for_o doctor_n ames_n his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o medulla_n theol._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o §_o 14_o 15_o 17._o fideles_fw-la non_fw-la constitunt_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la particularem_fw-la quamvis_fw-la simul_fw-la forsan_fw-la plures_fw-la in_o eodem_fw-la loco_fw-la conveniant_fw-la aut_fw-la vivre_fw-fr nisi_fw-la speciali_fw-la vinculo_fw-la intersese_v conjunguntur_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v believer_n do_v not_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o that_o meet_v together_o and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o place_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v together_o by_o some_o special_a bond_n among_o themselves_o for_o so_o one_o church_n will_v many_o time_n be_v dissolve_v into_o many_o and_o many_o church_n confound_v into_o one_o now_o this_o bond_n be_v a_o covenant_n either_o express_v or_o implicit_a whereby_o believer_n do_v bind_v themselves_o particular_o to_o perform_v all_o such_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o mutual_o to_o one_o another_o as_o pertain_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n and_o their_o edification_n and_o thereupon_o no_o man_n be_v right_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o by_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o stipulation_n or_o promise_v of_o obedience_n these_o word_n do_v plain_o and_o full_o show_v his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v hold_v and_o practise_v in_o new-england_n at_o this_o day_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o for_o that_o severity_n and_o regiditie_n of_o separation_n may_v be_v clear_v from_o sundry_a of_o his_o work_n wherein_o he_o plain_o and_o full_o bear_v witness_v against_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o in_o his_o fresh_a suit_n against_o ceremony_n pag._n 207._o and_o in_o his_o second_o manuduction_n wherein_o he_o purposely_o and_o at_o large_a deal_v in_o this_o argument_n of_o separation_n sure_o it_o be_v master_n can_v in_o his_o book_n wherein_o he_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o nonconformist_n principle_n do_v profess_o and_o express_o oppose_v himself_o against_o doctor_n ames_n in_o the_o point_n of_o separation_n which_o show_v how_o far_o the_o good_a doctor_n be_v from_o favour_v that_o way_n when_o they_o most_o zealous_o therein_o do_v count_v he_o to_o be_v a_o special_a opposite_a of_o they_o as_o indeed_o he_o be_v and_o for_o master_n parker_n his_o judgement_n of_o church-covenant_n be_v hear_v before_o in_o part_n where_o he_o so_o much_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o this_o point_n and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v see_v of_o his_o judgement_n herein_o in_o the_o sixteen_o chap._n of_o the_o three_o book_n of_o his_o polit._n ecclesiastica_fw-la and_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o likewise_o lib_n 1._o cap._n 13._o 14._o of_o the_o same_o treatise_n he_o plentiful_o and_o plain_o show_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o way_n of_o separation_n as_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v in_o a_o admonition_n to_o the_o reader_n prefix_v before_o that_o book_n by_o i._o r._n svo_fw-la suorumque_fw-la nomine_fw-la so_o that_o this_o assertion_n appear_v to_o be_v untrue_a wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o none_o but_o brownist_n and_o separatist_n do_v approve_v of_o church-covenant_n as_o for_o the_o inference_n from_o this_o ground_n that_o therefore_o church-covenant_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v because_o it_o be_v plead_v for_o and_o practise_v by_o the_o separatist_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o separatist_n hold_v no_o truth_n or_o if_o they_o hold_v a_o truth_n we_o must_v not_o hold_v it_o that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v we_o differ_v from_o they_o either_o of_o which_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o affirm_v if_o the_o papist_n hold_v sundry_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o trinity_n of_o person_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v promise_v and_o the_o only_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o many_o such_o like_a must_v we_o deny_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o papist_n this_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o condemn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n because_o it_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o pharisee_n act._n 23._o 8._o and_o so_o we_o say_v of_o church-covenant_n hold_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o of_o the_o separation_n as_o also_o many_o other_o truth_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o no_o reason_n that_o truth_n shall_v be_v refuse_v because_o the_o separatist_n maintain_v it_o when_o doctor_n bancroft_n in_o a_o sermon_n at_o pauls-crosse_n have_v avouch_v that_o the_o superiority_n of_o bishop_n above_o other_o minister_n be_v by_o god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o to_o make_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n odious_a affirm_v that_o aerius_n persist_v in_o it_o be_v condemn_v for_o a_o heretic_n by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o martin_n and_o his_o companion_n do_v maintain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o aerius_n what_o say_v learned_a doctor_n reinolds_n hereunto_o in_o a_o letter_n to_o sir_n francis_n knoll_v who_o require_v he_o to_o show_v his_o judgement_n herein_o touch_v martin_n say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n behave_v himself_o otherwise_o then_o in_o discretion_n and_o charity_n he_o ought_v let_v the_o blame_n be_v lay_v where_o the_o fault_n be_v and_o defend_v he_o not_o but_o if_o by_o the_o way_n he_o utter_v a_o truth_n mingle_v with_o whatsoever_o else_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n shall_v be_v condemn_v for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n no_o more_o than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v be_v reprove_v because_o it_o be_v maintain_v and_o hold_v by_o the_o pharisee_n wherefore_o remove_v the_o odious_a name_n of_o martin_n from_o that_o which_o be_v sincerity_n and_o love_n be_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o very_a same_o do_v we_o say_v to_o they_o that_o will_v make_v church-covenant_n to_o be_v odious_a because_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n who_o be_v common_o call_v brownist_n if_o man_n behave_v themselves_o otherwise_o then_o they_o ought_v we_o defend_v they_o not_o therein_o but_o if_o they_o hold_v any_o truth_n mingle_v with_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o will_v not_o have_v that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n to_o be_v condemn_v for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n truth_n shall_v not_o be_v refuse_v because_o of_o other_o corruption_n that_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o that_o hold_v it_o if_o you_o with_o they_o hold_v church-covenant_n you_o justify_v they_o in_o all_o reply_n their_o way_n of_o separation_n and_o erroneous_a opinion_n not_o so_o for_o many_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a christian_n answ_n that_o stand_v member_n of_o the_o parish_n in_o england_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o hold_v any_o private_a religious_a communion_n with_o such_o person_n and_o that_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v none_o of_o they_o true_a church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o hear_v any_o of_o those_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n none_o of_o which_o be_v justify_v at_o all_o by_o hold_v church-covenant_n though_o they_o do_v hold_v the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessary_a and_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o these_o opinion_n and_o that_o of_o church-covenant_n that_o he_o that_o hold_v this_o must_v needs_o hold_v the_o other_o also_o but_o the_o time_n have_v be_v when_o yourselves_o do_v not_o hold_v church-covenant_n 13._o as_o now_o you_o do_v when_o you_o be_v in_o england_n you_o be_v not_o of_o this_o mind_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o your_o change_n since_o your_o come_n to_o new_a england_n be_v suspect_v and_o offensive_a if_o you_o change_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o this_o manner_n god_n know_v whether_o you_o may_v come_v at_o last_o and_o therefore_o man_n may_v well_o be_v afraid_a of_o hold_v with_o you_o in_o this_o point_n which_o yourselves_o do_v not_o hold_v when_o you_o live_v in_o your_o native_a country_n some_o of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o england_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o answ_n god_n do_v see_v the_o necessity_n of_o church-covenant_n and_o do_v also_o preach_v it_o to_o the_o people_n among_o who_o we_o minister_v though_o neither_o so_o soon_o nor_o so_o full_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o which_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v humble_v and_o to_o judge_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n but_o suppose_v we_o have_v never_o know_v nor_o practise_v the_o same_o before_o our_o come_n into_o this_o country_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n when_o god_n hold_v it_o forth_o unto_o