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church_n act_n apostle_n time_n 3,814 5 3.5207 3 false
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A88943 Church-government and church-covenant discussed, in an answer of the elders of the severall churches in New-England to two and thirty questions, sent over to them by divers ministers in England, to declare their judgments therein. Together with an apologie of the said elders in New-England for church-covenant, sent over in answer to Master Bernard in the yeare 1639. As also in an answer to nine positions about church-government. And now published for the satisfaction of all who desire resolution in those points. Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Mather, Richard, 1596-1669. Apologie of the churches in New-England for church-covenant.; Peters, Hugh, 1598-1660.; Davenport, John, 1597-1670. 1643 (1643) Wing M1270; Thomason E106_8; Thomason E106_9; ESTC R18913 104,756 140

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that_o may_v be_v infect_v with_o corrupt_a opinion_n of_o arminianism_n familisme_n etc._n etc._n or_o any_o other_o dangerous_a error_n against_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o know_v how_o easy_o such_o man_n if_o they_o be_v admit_v may_v infect_v other_o and_o perhaps_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o your_o second_o particular_a for_o both_o these_o we_o have_v our_o warrant_n as_o in_o general_n from_o those_o place_n which_o show_v how_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v qualify_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v saint_n faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n so_o in_o special_a from_o that_o math._n 3._o 6._o act_n 19_o 18_o &_o act_n 8._o 37._o 38._o where_o man_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v make_v profession_n of_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o they_o confess_v their_o sin_n they_o 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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
the_o proper_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o a_o minister_n alone_o and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n alone_o or_o that_o it_o be_v alike_o common_a to_o minister_n and_o lay_v person_n so_o they_o be_v gift_v to_o preach_v 30._o whether_o all_o and_o every_o of_o your_o church_n include_v plymouth_n etc._n etc._n do_v precise_o observe_v the_o same_o course_n both_o in_o constitution_n and_o government_n of_o themselves_o 31._o whether_o will_v you_o permit_v any_o company_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n be_v otherwise_o in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a to_o sit_v down_o by_o you_o and_o set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o form_n of_o discipline_n enjoy_v like_o liberty_n with_o yourselves_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o accept_v as_o a_o sister_n church_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o church_n 32._o whether_o hold_v you_o it_o lawful_a to_o use_v any_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a or_o private_a as_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o other_o either_o make_v by_o himself_o that_o use_v the_o same_o or_o else_o by_o some_o other_o man_n the_o answer_n to_o the_o aforegoing_a question_n the_o first_o question_n answer_v all_o the_o english_a and_o other_o also_o be_v free_o admit_v to_o be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n at_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o exposition_n thereof_o which_o be_v wont_n always_o to_o go_v along_o therewith_o at_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n sing_v of_o psalm_n prayer_n admit_v of_o member_n and_o dispence_v of_o censure_n and_o many_o also_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n communion_n and_o so_o to_o partake_v in_o church_n ordinance_n and_o privilege_n as_o sacrament_n power_n of_o election_n censure_n etc._n etc._n though_o many_o also_o there_o be_v who_o be_v not_o yet_o admit_v to_o this_o church_n communion_n but_o whether_o be_v the_o great_a number_n those_o that_o be_v admit_v hereunto_o or_o those_o that_o be_v not_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v but_o in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o bay_n where_o most_o of_o we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v we_o may_v true_o say_v that_o for_o the_o head_n of_o family_n those_o that_o be_v admit_v be_v far_o more_o in_o number_n then_o the_o other_o beside_o who_o there_o be_v likewise_o sundry_a child_n and_o servant_n that_o be_v admit_v also_o and_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o be_v not_o yet_o receive_v to_o church_n communion_n they_o be_v sundry_a 1._o many_o be_v not_o admit_v because_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v every_o year_n hitherto_o god_n have_v replenish_v the_o country_n with_o many_o new_a comer_n and_o these_o at_o the_o first_o be_v not_o sudden_o take_v in_o as_o member_n of_o church_n till_o by_o time_n there_o have_v be_v some_o trial_n of_o they_o and_o better_a occasion_n to_o know_v they_o what_o they_o be_v sometime_o once_o a_o year_n there_o be_v in_o the_o land_n many_o hundred_o and_o some_o thousand_o of_o this_o sort_n 2._o when_o by_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v know_v many_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v carnal_a and_o give_v no_o testimony_n of_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o shall_v offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o church_n the_o church_n will_v not_o see_v warrant_n to_o receive_v they_o because_o the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 3._o some_o that_o be_v godly_a do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o a_o time_n forbear_v to_o offer_v themselves_o till_o they_o be_v better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n where_o they_o intend_v to_o join_v and_o with_o the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n walk_v in_o this_o country_n and_o and_o till_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n member_n 4._o those_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v godly_a be_v all_o admit_v in_o some_o church_n or_o other_o present_o upon_o their_o own_o desire_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o thereto_o except_o any_o have_v give_v offence_n by_o walk_v in_o any_o particular_a in_o their_o conversation_n otherwise_o then_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o such_o be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n by_o acknowledgeing_a their_o offence_n and_o show_v repentance_n for_o it_o and_o then_o they_o be_v admit_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o the_o appointment_n 2._o of_o jesus_n christ_n another_o what_o weakness_n and_o swerving●_n from_o his_o appointment_n he_o may_v bear_v withal_o for_o a_o time_n before_o he_o renounce_v and_o cast_v off_o a_o people_n from_o be_v his_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a our_o answer_n be_v that_o when_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v to_o be_v e●rected_v plant_v or_o constitute_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o regard_n of_o quality_n shall_v be_v saint_n by_o calling_n visible_a christian_n and_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o eph._n 1._o 1._o and_o in_o respect_n of_o quantity_n no_o more_o in_o number_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o so_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 20_o &_o 14._o 23._o act_n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 22_o 30._o and_o the_o form_n a_o gather_v together_o of_o these_o visible_a christian_n a_o combine_a and_o unite_n of_o they_o into_o one_o body_n by_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o holy_a covenant_n for_o which_o we_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o apolgie_n of_o the_o church_n in_o n._n e._n send_v the_o last_o year_n in_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o mr._n bernard_n for_o the_o latter_a we_o deny_v not_o but_o visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v at_o the_o first_o may_v degenerate_v and_o great_a corruption_n may_v grow_v therein_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o walk_n and_o administration_n and_o yet_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o patience_n may_v bear_v long_o with_o they_o before_o he_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n and_o make_v they_o lo-ammi_a not_o a_o people_n as_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n the_o 7_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v abundant_o manifest_v but_o what_o degree_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v before_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v and_o life_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v destroy_v be_v hard_o for_o we_o precise_o and_o punctual_o to_o determine_v or_o to_o say_v thus_o far_o a_o church_n may_v err_v and_o yet_o remain_v a_o church_n but_o if_o it_o proceed_v any_o further_a than_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n any_o more_o only_o in_o the_o general_a this_o we_o observe_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o present_o cast_v off_o a_o church_n or_o give_v they_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n no_o not_o for_o fundamental_a error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n or_o tyranny_n in_o government_n till_o after_o obstinate_a and_o rebellious_a rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o for_o all_o these_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n when_o they_o crucify_v christ_n yet_o the_o apostle_n reject_v they_o not_o till_o after_o the_o light_n of_o grace_n offer_v and_o blasphemous_o reject_v act_v 13._o 45_o 46._o but_o if_o yourselves_o have_v so_o study_v this_o point_n as_o to_o have_v ripen_v and_o form_v thought_n therein_o we_o shall_v glad_o receive_v light_n from_o you_o we_o do_v not_o know_v any_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o n._n t._n proper_o 3._o so_o call_v but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o question_n in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o clause_n of_o it_o speak_v of_o believer_n within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o although_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n where_o for_o the_o present_a they_o reside_v nor_o of_o any_o other_o this_o speech_n seem_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o apprehension_n to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o must_v needs_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n because_o all_o visible_a church_n be_v congregationall_a as_o mr._n baine_n show_v at_o large_a from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 14._o 27._o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11._o &_o 14._o and_o other_o example_n and_o reason_n with_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o his_o diocese_n trial_o quest_n 1._o whereto_o we_o refer_v you_o in_o this_o point_n neither_o be_v he_o alone_o in_o this_o tenent_n for_o mr._n parker_n and_o many_o other_o teach_v the_o same_o those_o silence_a and_o deprive_v minister_n that_o write_v the_o book_n call_v the_o christian_a and_o
baptism_n therefore_o do_v not_o make_v they_o christian_a soul_n but_o do_v solemn_o signify_v and_o seal_v their_o engraft_v into_o christ_n and_o that_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n have_v with_o he_o their_o head_n and_o do_v confirm_v that_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o it_o 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o 3._o the_o lord_n have_v have_v his_o church_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o baptism_n nor_o circumcision_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n or_o circumcision_n can_v be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n thereof_o viz._n a_o company_n of_o people_n combine_v together_o by_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o this_o have_v be_v before_o baptism_n and_o likewise_o before_o circumcision_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n afore_o abraham_n yea_o if_o baptism_n now_o or_o circumcision_n in_o former_a time_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n then_o for_o forty_o year_n together_o there_o be_v no_o make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o long_a circumcision_n be_v discontinue_v when_o baptism_n be_v not_o yet_o institute_v joss_n 5._o 2_o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o that_o generation_n of_o the_o israelite_n that_o be_v not_o circumcise_v till_o their_o come_n over_o jordan_n unto_o gilgall_n shall_v have_v be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n afore_o that_o time_n of_o their_o circumcision_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o as_o it_o give_v the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o church_n to_o the_o body_n of_o this_o people_n when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7._o ●8_o and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 40._o year_n in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o time_n there_o be_v few_o leave_v remain_v that_o have_v be_v circumcise_v so_o it_o witness_v that_o afore_o this_o time_n of_o their_o circumcision_n they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o his_o church_n deut._n 29._o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o that_o covenant_n be_v not_o make_v with_o their_o father_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o be_v circumcise_v there_o because_o that_o generation_n be_v consume_v in_o the_o wilderness_n for_o their_o murmur_a afore_o this_o time_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n that_o as_o yet_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o circumcision_n that_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v and_o no_o church_n nor_o member_n make_v thereby_o and_o man_n have_v be_v make_v member_n of_o church_n and_o not_o then_o baptize_v but_o before_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n be_v baptize_v of_o john_n confess_v their_o sin_n mat._n 3._o 6._o and_o christ_n make_v and_o baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n joh._n 4._o 1._o and_o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o john_n do_v make_v new_a church_n nor_o gather_v man_n into_o they_o themselves_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o live_v and_o die_a member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v until_o upon_o their_o reject_v of_o christ_n not_o only_o of_o his_o person_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o of_o his_o gospel_n in_o blaspheme_v and_o persecute_v grace_n offer_v they_o the_o two_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o band_n be_v break_v and_o cut_v asunder_o whereby_o god_n do_v break_v the_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v make_v with_o that_o people_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n between_o juda_n and_o israel_n that_o be_v he_o do_v un_o church_n they_o zach._n 11._o 10_o 11._o etc._n etc._n to_o 15._o so_o that_o here_o be_v baptism_n administer_v by_o john_n and_o christ_n and_o yet_o man_n not_o receive_v thereby_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n for_o they_o be_v member_n long_o afore_o again_o when_o any_o of_o those_o of_o jerusalem_n judea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n that_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n or_o any_o of_o those_o many_o more_o that_o be_v baptize_v of_o christ_n be_v afterward_o join_v as_o member_n to_o those_o christian_n church_n in_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n act._n 9_o 31._o as_o no_o doubt_n many_o of_o they_o be_v they_o be_v not_o make_v member_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n by_o be_v baptize_v for_o they_o be_v baptize_v long_o afore_o by_o john_n and_o christ_n so_o that_o those_o man_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o dissolve_v and_o be_v baptize_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o baptism_n that_o make_v they_o member_n either_o of_o the_o one_o church_n or_o of_o the_o other_o 5._o there_o be_v sundry_a inconvenience_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o see_v will_v unavoidable_o follow_v if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o first_o if_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o constitute_v the_o church_n than_o baptism_n may_v be_v dispense_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o minister_n for_o extraordinary_a minister_n as_o apostle_n and_o such_o like_a be_v now_o cease_v and_o ordinary_a minister_n have_v no_o power_n to_o dispense_v baptism_n to_o any_o but_o only_o to_o they_o that_o be_v already_o member_n of_o the_o church_n see_v their_o commission_n and_o power_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o flock_n of_o god_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 beside_o the_o church_n be_v before_o the_o minister_n see_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o if_o baptism_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n than_o man_n must_v be_v baptize_v afore_o there_o be_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o and_o consequent_o without_o minister_n second_o if_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o papist_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o have_v baptism_n so_o far_o right_a for_o substance_n as_o that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v repeat_v but_o mr._n perkins_n teach_v that_o this_o baptism_n prove_v not_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o all_o papist_n be_v member_n to_o be_v any_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o give_v sundry_a reason_n for_o the_o same_o in_o answer_n to_o they_o that_o from_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n administer_v in_o popish_a assembly_n will_v prove_v those_o assembly_n to_o be_v true_a church_n exposit_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_a church_n and_o sure_o for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o will_v be_v avoid_v but_o if_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n either_o papist_n be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n a_o true_a visible_a church_n or_o else_o we_o must_v renounce_v their_o baptism_n as_o corrupt_v and_o false_a even_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o so_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v convert_v from_o among_o they_o must_v be_v baptize_v again_o as_o not_o have_v have_v the_o substance_n of_o baptism_n before_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o say_v that_o baptism_n right_o for_o substance_n partake_v do_v make_v they_o that_o be_v so_o baptise_a member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v though_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v man_n member_n of_o object_n the_o church_n yet_o it_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v member_n as_o a_o cause_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o effect_n or_o a_o antecedent_n by_o a_o consequent_a and_o therefore_o all_o baptise_a person_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n as_o member_n wherever_o they_o become_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o will_v not_o hold_v neither_o but_o suppose_v answ_n a_o man_n have_v receive_v baptism_n as_o a_o member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v administer_v to_o he_o have_v he_o not_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o member_n still_o and_o so_o give_v he_o right_o to_o all_o church_n privilege_n though_o he_o do_v remain_v always_o as_o a_o baptise_a person_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o his_o baptism_n may_v remain_v when_o his_o church_n fellowship_n may_v be_v dissolve_v as_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o right_n to_o sacrament_n thereby_o the_o church_n member-ship_n of_o a_o baptise_a person_n may_v be_v thus_o dissolve_v by_o sundry_a mean_n 1._o by_o some_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n just_o pass_v against_o he_o for_o his_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 b●i●●_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 di●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 no●_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 cons●_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 occasion●●_n habent_fw-la adjungendi_fw-la seize_v ecclesiae_fw-la &_o ●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 incu●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
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 h●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 ●_o 46_o &_o 4._o 24._o &_o ●_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
the_o lesser_a now_o ordination_n be_v less_o than_o election_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a antecedent_n by_o divine_a institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o be_v just_o administer_v be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o person_n lawful_o elect_v into_o his_o office_n or_o a_o put_n of_o he_o into_o possession_n thereof_o whereunto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o by_o election_n as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o precedent_a question_n 3._o if_o a_o church_n have_v minister_n or_o elder_n before_o than_o this_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o assembly_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o as_o also_o many_o other_o act_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 4._o this_o ordination_n thus_o perform_v by_o the_o elder_n for_o the_o church_n may_v fit_o be_v call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a man_n that_o see_v that_o hear_v that_o speak_v when_o these_o act_n be_v instrumental_o perform_v by_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o sense_n master_n parker_n say_v ecclesia_fw-la per_fw-la alios_fw-la docet_fw-la baptisa●que_fw-la polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 7._o p._n 26._o 5._o but_o when_o a_o church_n have_v no_o officer_n but_o the_o first_o officer_n themselves_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v than_o this_o ordination_n by_o the_o rite_n of_o impose_v of_o hand_n may_v be_v perform_v for_o the_o church_n by_o the_o most_o prime_a grave_n and_o able_a man_n from_o among_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v depute_v hereunto_o as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n numb_a 8._o 10._o now_o all_o the_o congregation_n can_v not_o impose_v all_o their_o hand_n upon_o they_o together_o all_o their_o hand_n can_v not_o possible_o reach_v they_o together_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n perform_v this_o rite_n and_o as_o this_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o people_n may_v in_o some_o case_n lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o church_n officer_n for_o the_o levite_n be_v such_o upon_o who_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v lay_v their_o hand_n so_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v whether_o these_o reason_n do_v not_o further_o make_v it_o manifest_a 1._o man_n that_o be_v in_o no_o office_n may_v elect_v therefore_o they_o may_v ordain_v because_o ordination_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o execution_n of_o election_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o one_o of_o these_o will_v follow_v either_o that_o the_o officer_n must_v minister_v without_o any_o ordination_n at_o all_o or_o else_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o former_a ordination_n receive_v in_o some_o other_o church_n or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o other_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o some_o other_o church_n that_o be_v ordain_v afore_o they_o and_o so_o the_o ministry_n to_o be_v by_o succession_n but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o the_o second_o be_v to_o establish_v the_o popish_a opinion_n of_o the_o indelible_a character_n imprint_v as_o they_o imagine_v in_o their_o sacrament_n of_o holy_a order_n whereas_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v discern_v if_o when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o any_o church_n they_o have_v need_n of_o a_o new_a election_n notwithstanding_o their_o former_a election_n into_o another_o church_n than_o they_o have_v by_o the_o same_o ground_n need_n of_o a_o new_a ordination_n for_o ordination_n depend_v upon_o election_n if_o their_o former_a election_n be_v cease_v their_o former_a ordination_n be_v cease_v also_o and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a ordination_n unto_o another_o church_n then_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o former_a election_n and_o for_o the_o three_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o authority_n ordinary_a officer_n can_v have_v to_o ordain_v minister_n to_o such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o member_n beside_o at_o some_o time_n namely_o at_o the_o first_o reformation_n after_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o bishop_n and_o priest_n now_o it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a case_n if_o the_o sheep_n must_v have_v no_o shepherd_n but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o they_o by_o the_o wolf_n that_o be_v if_o god_n people_n may_v not_o have_v minister_n but_o only_o from_o the_o popish_a bishop_n this_o be_v to_o say_v either_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o antichrist_n must_v or_o may_v ordain_v minister_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o that_o the_o popish_a bishop_n be_v true_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o protestant_n think_v it_o necessary_a that_o their_o first_o minister_n shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o the_o popish_a bishop_n it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o the_o papist_n do_v thereupon_o believe_v that_o their_o church_n be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o their_o bishop_n true_a minister_n such_o a_o scandal_n be_v it_o unto_o they_o to_o maintain_v this_o personal_a succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o god_n do_v so_o much_o abhor_v antichrist_n that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v his_o people_n to_o seek_v to_o he_o nor_o his_o priest_n to_o ordain_v christ_n minister_n as_o he_o will_v not_o take_v of_o babylon_n a_o stone_n for_o a_o corner_n nor_o a_o stone_n for_o a_o foundation_n jer._n 51._o 26._o 3._o it_o be_v thus_o in_o civil_a corporation_n and_o city_n the_o major_a bailiff_n or_o other_o chief_a officer_n elect_v be_v at_o his_o entrance_n and_o inauguration_n to_o receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o predecessor_n the_o sword_n or_o key_n of_o the_o city_n or_o to_o have_v some_o other_o solemn_a ceremony_n by_o he_o perform_v unto_o he_o yet_o if_o either_o there_o be_v no_o former_a as_o at_o the_o first_o or_o that_o the_o former_a be_v dead_a or_o upon_o necessity_n absent_a when_o his_o successor_n enter_v then_o be_v this_o ceremony_n and_o work_n perform_v by_o some_o other_o the_o fit_a instrument_n neither_o need_v that_o city_n borrow_v any_o officer_n of_o another_o city_n neither_o can_v he_o intermeddle_v there_o without_o usurpation_n though_o both_o the_o corporation_n have_v the_o same_o charter_n under_o the_o same_o king_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o spiritual_a corporation_n or_o city_n the_o church_n of_o god_n 4._o that_o this_o point_n may_v seem_v the_o less_o strange_a to_o you_o we_o pray_v you_o consider_v with_o we_o a_o little_a further_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o ordination_n and_o then_o we_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o eminent_a protestant_a writer_n in_o this_o case_n that_o you_o may_v see_v this_o be_v not_o any_o singular_a opinion_n of_o we_o for_o the_o former_a some_o indeed_o have_v so_o high_o advance_v this_o ordination_n that_o they_o have_v prefer_v it_o far_o above_o preach_v the_o word_n minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n make_v it_o and_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n the_o two_o incommunicable_a prerogative_n of_o a_o bishop_n above_o a_o ordinary_a minister_n yet_o the_o scripture_n teach_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v out_o by_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o ordination_n in_o that_o commission_n of_o they_o but_o only_o of_o teach_v &_o preach_v &_o baptise_v mat._n 28._o 19_o 20._o mark_n 16._o 15_o 16._o if_o ordination_n of_o minister_n have_v be_v such_o a_o special_a work_n there_o will_v belike_o have_v be_v some_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o their_o commission_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o apostle_n count_v preach_v the_o word_n their_o principal_a work_n and_o after_o it_o prayer_n and_o the_o minister_a of_o the_o sacrament_n act._n 6._o 4._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o if_o ordain_v of_o minister_n have_v be_v in_o their_o account_n so_o prime_a a_o work_n it_o may_v seem_v paul_n will_v rather_o have_v tarry_v in_o crete_n to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n there_o then_o have_v go_v himself_o about_o preach_v seave_v titus_n for_o the_o other_o tit._n 1_o 5._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o ordain_v of_o minister_n be_v not_o such_o a_o eminent_a work_n as_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v above_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v superior_n unto_o ordinary_a minister_n preach_v and_o minister_a the_o sacrament_n be_v leave_v as_o inferior_a work_n unto_o minister_n of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o that_o stand_v for_o the_o superiority_n of_o docesan_n bishop_n neither_o be_v it_o equal_a unto_o those_o other_o work_v afore_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 mor●●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 i●_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 ordinand●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 aliqu●_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 potest●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
17._o that_o offence_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o heal_v etc._n etc._n polit._n eccles_n lib._n 3_o cap._n 16._o §_o 4._o pag._n 171_o 172._o much_o more_o he_o have_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o that_o place_n allege_v sundry_a canon_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n of_o reform_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v determine_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o church_n but_o by_o this_o way_n of_o solemn_a covenant_n and_o other_o that_o have_v live_v among_o they_o may_v have_v be_v eye-witness_n that_o this_o be_v their_o usual_a practice_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n if_o church_n 11._o must_v be_v combine_v by_o covenant_n do_v not_o this_o doctrine_n blot_v out_o all_o those_o congregation_n out_o of_o the_o catalogue_n of_o church_n for_o what_o ever_o covenant_n may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o other_o part_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o english_a have_v none_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o covenant_n in_o many_o of_o those_o congregation_n ans●_n be_v more_o implicit_a and_o not_o so_o plain_a as_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o in_o their_o material_n or_o in_o want_n of_o explicit_a combine_v of_o pure_a matter_n or_o many_o of_o their_o way_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o defend_v yet_o we_o hope_v we_o may_v say_v of_o they_o with_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n lib_n 3._o cap._n 16._o §_o 1._o pag._n 167._o non_fw-mi abo_v ea_fw-la realis_fw-la &_o substantialis_fw-la quanquam_fw-la magis_fw-la quam_fw-la par●rat_fw-la implicita_fw-la coitio_fw-la in_fw-la foedus_fw-la eaque_fw-la voluntaria_fw-la professio_fw-la fidei_fw-la substantialis_fw-la quâ_fw-la deo_fw-la gratia_fw-la essentiam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la idque_fw-la visibilis_fw-la hacusque_fw-la sartam_fw-la tectam_fw-la in_o angliâ_fw-la conservavit_fw-la that_o be_v there_o want_v not_o that_o real_a and_o substantial_a come_n together_o or_o agree_v in_o covenant_n though_o more_o implicate_v then_o be_v meet_v and_o that_o substantial_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o england_n unto_o this_o day_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v that_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n be_v utter_o without_o a_o covenant_n be_v these_o first_o because_o there_o be_v many_o christian_a church_n in_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n or_o within_o a_o while_n after_o as_o master_n fox_n show_v at_o large_a act._n &_o mon._n lib._n 2._o beginning_n pag_n 137._o where_o he_o report_v out_o of_o gildas_n that_o england_n receive_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n the_o emperor_n under_o who_o christ_n suffer_v and_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n be_v send_v of_o philip_n the_o apostie_a from_o france_n to_o england_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 63._o and_o remain_v in_o england_n all_o his_o time_n and_o so_o he_o with_o his_o fellow_n lay_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n among_o the_o britain_n people_n and_o other_o preacher_n and_o teacher_n come_v afterward_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o increase_v it_o also_o the_o say_a master_n fox_n report_v out_o of_o tertullian_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v disperse_v abroad_o by_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o apostle_n into_o many_o nation_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n into_o britain_n yea_o into_o the_o wild_a place_n of_o britain_n which_o the_o roman_n can_v never_o attain_v unto_o and_o allege_v also_o out_o of_o ni●●phorus_n that_o simon_n zelotes_n do_v spread_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o west_n ocean_n and_o bring_v the_o same_o into_o the_o isle_n of_o britain_n and_o sundry_a other_o proof_n he_o there_o have_v for_o the_o same_o point_n now_o if_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v bring_v into_o england_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o by_o their_o mean_n it_o be_v like_a that_o the_o english_a church_n be_v then_o constitute_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n because_o that_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o constitute_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o also_o in_o the_o time_n asore_n christ_n as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n before_o in_o this_o discourse_n and_o if_o christian_a congregation_n in_o england_n be_v in_o those_o time_n combine_v by_o covenant_n than_o eternity_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o interposition_n of_o many_o corruption_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o after_o time_n that_o can_v disannul_v the_o same_o except_o when_o man_n wilful_o break_v covenant_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o gospel_n through_o obstinacy_n which_o we_o persuade_v ourselves_o they_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o and_o consequent_o the_o covenant_n remain_v which_o have_v preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o church_n to_o this_o day_n though_o the_o mixture_n of_o manifold_a corruption_n have_v make_v the_o covenant_n more_o implicit_a than_o be_v meet_v second_o because_o there_o want_v no_o good_a record_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o selden_n history_n of_o tithe_n to_o prove_v that_o in_o former_a time_n in_o england_n it_o be_v free_a for_o man_n to_o pay_v their_o tithe_n and_o oblation_n where_o themselves_o please_v now_o this_o pay_v of_o tithe_n be_v account_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n or_o sheep_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o see_v this_o be_v by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n as_o member_n thereof_o &_o to_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o as_o sheep_n of_o such_o a_o man_n flock_n be_v also_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a agreement_n and_o consent_n and_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n ●●_o be_v not_o the_o precinct_n of_o parish_n that_o do_v limit_v man_n in_o those_o day_n but_o their_o own_o choice_n three_o those_o question_n and_o answer_v minister_v at_o baptism_n speak_v of_o before_o viz._n do●st_v thou_o renounce_v i_o do_v renounce_v do_v thou_o believe_v i_o do_v believe_v do_v thou_o promise_v i_o do_v promise_n as_o they_o be_v use_v in_o other_o place_n so_o be_v they_o also_o in_o england_n and_o be_v unto_o this_o day_n though_o not_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o sundry_a corruption_n now_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o covenant_n and_o when_o the_o child_n come_v to_o age_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o have_v make_v personal_a confession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v at_o their_o baptism_n by_o their_o parent_n which_o course_n indeed_o afterward_o do_v grow_v into_o a_o sacrament_n of_o confirmation_n but_o that_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o a_o good_a order_n if_o here_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o parishional_a assembly_n be_v not_o bring_v in_o by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a profession_n but_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o proclamation_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o christian_a prince_n do_v but_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o do_v not_o tolerate_v within_o his_o dominion_n any_o open_a idolatry_n or_o the_o open_a worship_n of_o false_a god_n by_o baptize_v person_n but_o suppress_v the_o same_o and_o likewise_o when_o he_o give_v free_a liberty_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o countenance_n also_o and_o encouragement_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v willing_o bend_v thereunto_o ezra_n 1._o 1._o 3._o &_o 7._o 13._o and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n of_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o freeness_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church_n communion_n because_o one_o duty_n can_v oppose_v nor_o contradict_v another_o and_o suppose_v that_o this_o course_n of_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o force_n of_o some_o to_o come_v in_o for_o member_n who_o be_v unfit_a in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v not_o justifiable_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o other_o who_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n desire_v it_o when_o the_o israelite_n depart_v out_o of_o egypt_n there_o go_v a_o mix_a multitude_n with_o they_o many_o go_n with_o they_o that_o be_v not_o israelites_n indeed_o exod._n 12._o and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o mordecay_n and_o hesther_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o favour_n and_o respect_n est_fw-la 8._o 17._o and_o so_o join_v to_o they_o not_o of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a mind_n nor_o of_o any_o sincere_a heart_n towards_o god_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o favour_n or_o ●eare_z of_o man_n yet_o this_o force_a or_o sein_v join_v of_o some_o can_v not_o hinder_v those_o that_o be_v israelites_n indeed_o from_o be_v israelite_n nor_o make_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v no_o jew_n no_o church-member_n and_o the_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 ●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 chr●_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 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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
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 w●itaker_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la ●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 ha●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 i●_n and_o so_o we_o desire_v you_o wou●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 l●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 b●_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 w●th_o good_a success_n in_o th●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 w●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 m●n_z soul●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 m●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 al●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 ●_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 w●u●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 w●●_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 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communion_n that_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o admit_v such_o m●n_z and_o what_o to_o require_v from_o they_o more_o or_o l●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 main●_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 thei●_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 ●uch_v as_o have_v come_v in_o l●ke_a manner_n from_o one_o c●u●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 ari●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 fr●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 pr●c●●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
we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n act._n 4_o 19_o and_o 5._o 29._o jeroboam_n make_v priest_n of_o the_o low_a of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n and_o ordain_v a_o feast_n in_o the_o fifteen_o day_n of_o the_o eigth_n month_n in_o the_o month_n which_o he_o have_v devise_v of_o his_o ●w●e_a heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o the_o levite_n leave_v their_o suburb_n and_o their_o posession_n and_o come_v to_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n for_o jeroboam_fw-la and_o his_o son_n have_v cast_v they_o off_o from_o execute_v the_o priest_n office_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o after_o they_o out_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n such_o as_o set_v their_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n 1_o king_n 12._o 31_o 32_o 33._o with_o 2_o chron._n 11._o 14._o 16._o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a ground_n of_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n as_o this_o second_o proposition_n mention_n be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v continue_v in_o and_o we_o hope_v you_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o second_o proposition_n neither_o though_o we_o be_v afraid_a that_o many_o christian_n when_o it_o come_v to_o practice_n do_v sinful_o pollute_v themselves_o by_o partake_v in_o the_o ceremony_n and_o other_o corruption_n in_o the_o prayer_n in_o the_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o ministry_n remain_v in_o sundry_a of_o those_o assembly_n who_o it_o will_v be_v your_o part_n whilst_o you_o live_v among_o they_o faithful_o and_o by_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v and_o exhort_v to_o save_v themselves_o from_o the_o corruption_n and_o pollution_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o live_v as_o well_o in_o this_o particular_a of_o church_n matter_n and_o god_n worship_n as_o in_o other_o thing_n wherein_o we_o wish_v with_o all_o our_o heart_n that_o ourselves_o when_o time_n be_v have_v be_v more_o watchful_a and_o faithful_a to_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n than_o the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n lie_v not_o our_o ignorance_n to_o our_o charge_n the_o three_o proposition_n may_v be_v make_v good_a sundry_a way_n 1._o by_o precept_n wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v mat._n 28._o 20._o to_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n mat._n 6._o 33._o to_o yield_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o sanctuary_n 2_o chr._n 30._o 8._o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o please_v ourselves_o to_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v 2._o by_o example_n for_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o rest_v seek_v her_o belove_a until_o she_o find_v he_o in_o the_o full_a manner_n cant._n 1._o 7_o 8._o and_o 3._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o david_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o heavy_a lamentation_n when_o he_o want_v the_o full_a fruition_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o his_o long_n and_o prayer_n to_o be_v restore_v thereto_o psal_n 63._o and_o psal_n 42._o and_o 84._o although_o he_o enjoy_v abiathar_n the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o ephod_n with_o he_o and_o likewise_o gad_n the_o prophet_n 1_o sam._n 23._o 6_o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n 1_o sam._n 22._o 5._o when_o good_a ezra_n in_o his_o journey_n from_o babylon_n to_o jerusalem_n view_v the_o people_n at_o the_o river_n ahava_n find_v none_o of_o the_o son_n of_o levi_n there_o afore_o he_o will_v go_v any_o further_a he_o send_v unto_o iddo_n a_o the_o place_n ca●iphia_n for_o minister_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n ezra_n 8._o 15._o 16._o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o find_v by_o the_o law_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o booth_n and_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n in_o the_o seven_o month_n they_o present_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o the_o appoint_a season_n when_o the_o like_a have_v not_o be_v do_v in_o israel_n from_o the_o day_n o●_n joshua_n the_o son_n of_o nun_n unto_o that_o day_n neh._n 8._o 14._o etc._n etc._n yea_o and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o though_o ●ee_n have_v no_o need_n of_o sacrament_n to_o be_v to_o he_o any_o scale_n of_o remission_n or_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n yet_o in_o conscience_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n mat._n 3._o 15_o and_o for_o our_o example_n do_v both_o observe_v the_o passover_n and_o likewise_o be_v baptise_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o his_o disciple_n at_o his_o last_o supper_n all_o which_o example_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n do_v show_v we_o how_o far_o we_o shall_v be_v from_o content_v ourselves_o to_o live_v in_o the_o voluntary_a want_n of_o any_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o god._n 3._o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v needful_a and_o very_a profitable_a in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v neglect_v to_o think_v of_o any_o of_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o may_v well_o be_v spare_v and_o therefore_o to_o content_v ourselves_o to_o be_v without_o they_o be_v to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o wisdom_n of_o he_o that_o do_v appoint_v they_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o wise_a then_o god_n 4._o our_o own_o infirmity_n and_o spiritual_a w●nts_n be_v such_o as_o that_o we_o have_v continual_a need_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a mean_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v for_o supply_v what_o be_v want_v in_o we_o for_o correct_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o for_o our_o continuance_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n he_o be_v a_o proud_a man_n and_o know_v not_o his_o own_o heart_n in_o any_o measure_n who_o think_v he_o may_v well_o be_v without_o any_o spiritual_a institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a ground_n we_o hold_v i●_n not_o lawful_a nor_o safe_a for_o any_o christian_n that_o be_v free_a to_o continue_v such_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n where_o he_o can_v enjoy_v all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o hereupon_o we_o do_v exhort_v you_o love_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o of_o you_o nor_o of_o any_o other_o who_o your_o example_n may_v embolden_v thereunto_o for_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o you_o and_o upon_o all_o christian_n by_o th●se_a and_o such_o like_a ground_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o neither_o you_o nor_o other_o do_v live_v in_o the_o voluntary_a want_n of_o any_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o either_o ●et_v they_o up_o and_o observe_v they_o in_o the_o place_n where_o you_o be_v or_o else_o if_o you_o be_v free_a to_o remove_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o to_o some_o place_n where_o they_o may_v be_v have_v and_o it_o may_v be_v of_o the_o two_o rather_o this_o latter_a for_o sometime_o i●_n israel_n sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n in_o the_o land_n they_o shall_v sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o ●o_o say_v they_o shall_v we_o sacrifice_v the_o abomination_n of_o the_o egyptian_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o will_v they_o not_o stone_n we_o it_o be_v better_a therefore_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o go_v into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o to_o do_v it_o there_o exo._n 8._o 25._o 26_o 27._o hos_fw-la 2._o 14._o mat._n 10._o 23._o as_o for_o that_o opinion_n that_o may_v be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o that_o if_o any_o obj_fw-la ordinance_n of_o goa_n be_v want_v it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o but_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v without_o sin_n live_v in_o the_o want_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o superior_n provide_v not_o for_o they_o the_o answer_n hereuntois_fw-fr that_o indeed_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n may_v more_o peaceable_o and_o quiet_o be_v observe_v where_o the_o commandment_n and_o countenance_n of_o magistrate_n be_v afford_v for_o than_o be_v fullfil_v the_o say_n that_o be_v write_v king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n thy_o nurse_v mother_n esa_n 49._o 23._o and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v a_o great_a blessing_n when_o god_n that_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n in_o his_o hand_n prov._n 21._o 1._o do_v incline_v they_o to_o favour_n and_o further_o the_o service_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o sometime_o he_o do_v even_o
when_o themselves_o be_v alient_n and_o stranger_n cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n give_v great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v offer_v sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a savour_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o his_o son_n ezra_n 6._o 8_o 9_o 10._o i●_n which_o case_n good_a ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v put_v such_o a_o thing_n into_o the_o king_n heart_n to_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n 7._o 27._o and_o therefore_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n shall_v be_v pray_v for_o that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o godly_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1_o 2._o nevertheless_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ordain_v and_o command_v of_o god_n the_o observe_v of_o they_o in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n yield_v out_o reverence_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o this_o observe_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o lack_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practise_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 4._o 19_o &_o 5._o 29._o and_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n if_o they_o have_v neglect_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o church_n ordinance_n till_o they_o have_v have_v the_o commandment_n of_o magistrate_n therein_o such_o neglect_n will_v have_v be_v their_o grievous_a sin_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v have_v live_v and_o die_v without_o they_o the_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n be_v all_o either_o heathen_n or_o jew_n yet_o enemy_n and_o if_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a and_o profitable_a when_o magistrate_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o so_o when_o magistrate_n do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o christian_n may_v sometime_o be_v loser_n by_o have_v christian_a magistrate_n and_o in_o worse_a condition_n then_o if_o they_o have_v none_o but_o profess_a enemy_n beside_o this_o if_o superior_n shall_v neglect_v to_o provide_v bodily_a sustenance_n for_o they_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n conscience_n will_v be_v so_o scrupulous_a but_o he_o will_v think_v it_o lawful_a b●y_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o provide_v for_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n rather_o than_o to_o sit_v still_a and_o say_v if_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n over_o i_o and_o they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o tell_v how_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o christian_a can_v excuse_v himself_o if_o he_o think_v no●_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n as_o food_n be_v necessary_a for_o his_o temporal_a life_n or_o do_v not_o willing_o in_o this_o spiritual_a hunger_n break_v through_o stone_n wall_n as_o the_o proverb_n i●_n and_o run_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n rather_o than_o to_o perish_v without_o spiritual_a food_n because_o other_o provide_v not_o for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o quere_z concern_v your_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o answer_v of_o we_o and_o the_o exhortation_n therein_o as_o we_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o make_v effectual_a by_o his_o blessing_n for_o those_o good_a end_n which_o we_o intend_v therein_o so_o we_o can_v in_o the_o same_o but_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n in_o time_n past_a as_o see_v not_o a_o little_a cause_n to_o judge_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v for_o our_o sinful_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o england_n ●o_z observe_z and_o walk_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o now_o upon_o occasion_n give_v by_o this_o qu._n we_o do_v commend_v to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o christian_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n pardon_v our_o offence_n and_o direct_v yourselves_o and_o his_o servant_n in_o ●ur_n dear_a native_a country_n both_o in_o remain_v and_o remove_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n whereas_o this_o qu._n in_o the_o first_o clause_n and_o last_o but_o one_o compare_v 12._o together_o speak_v of_o believer_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n we_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n can_v be_v out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salva●on_n but_o possible_o may_v yea_o most_o undoubted_o shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 3._o 16._o and_o 5._o 24._o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_n to_o establish_v fall_v from_o grace_n 2._o for_o that_o say_n extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o only_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n invisible_a or_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o not_o yet_o bear_v joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o 17._o 20._o out_o of_o which_o elect_a company_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a neither_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n joh_n 3._o 3._o but_o as_o for_o the_o visible_a we_o believe_v the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o wolf_n within_o and_o many_o sheep_n without_o joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a that_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o christ_n sheep_n shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 10._o 28._o of_o who_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o not_o join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o the_o thief_n that_o repent_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o gentile_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o be_v then_o he_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o then_o it_o will_v trouble_v a_o man_n to_o tell_v of_o what_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o be_v save_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o job_n and_o of_o his_o friend_n of_o who_o salvation_n we_o make_v no_o question_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o any_o visible_a church_n or_o no_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o house_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n of_o which_o line_n &_o race_n it_o can_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o man_n do_v come_v nor_o that_o they_o join_v themselves_o in_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o that_o church_n the_o centurion_n mat._n 8._o 10._o and_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15._o be_v both_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o save_v and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n man_n of_o year_n ought_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n afore_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o that_o church_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o believer_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n m●y_a di●_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n afore_o he_o can_v be_v join_v as_o that_o good_a emperor_n valenti●ian_n 2._o die_v before_o he_o can_v be_v baptize●_n and_o for_o yourselves_o if_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v intimate_v in_o your_o four_o question_n you_o may_v not_o then_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n without_o baptism_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v far_o from_o you_o to_o imagine_v 3._o we_o do_v hold_v that_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o a_o believer_n do_v not_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_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 for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o he_o write_v to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n which_o church_n be_v a_o
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 usual_o have_v be_v minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o godly_a there_o and_o be_v here_o by_o the_o company_n that_o do_v so_o combine_v intend_v to_o be_v choose_v afterward_o for_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o according_o after_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v be_v in_o due_a time_n elect_v and_o ordain_v into_o their_o place_n second_o but_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o among_o they_o at_o their_o first_o combine_v and_o unite_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o can_v hinder_v they_o of_o liberty_n to_o choose_v minister_n to_o themselves_o afterward_o when_o god_n shall_v send_v any_o to_o they_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o work_n because_o this_o be_v a_o liberty_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o by_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o they_o that_o be_v fit_a matter_n to_o be_v combine_v into_o a_o church-body_n be_v not_o so_o illiterate_a but_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n thereof_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o have_v learned_a christ_n the_o need_n they_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v he_o the_o worth_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o the_o happiness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reproach_v as_o illiterate_a or_o unworthy_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n nay_o they_o have_v the_o best_a learning_n without_o which_o all_o other_o learning_n be_v but_o madness_n and_o folly_n and_o science_n false_o so_o call_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o and_o indeed_o of_o none_o account_v with_o god_n nor_o available_a for_o direction_n and_o guidance_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v this_o election_n of_o minister_n nor_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o 20._o &_o 2._o 14_o job_n 32._o 8._o 9_o though_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v very_o useful_a therewith_o three_o you_o know_v and_o we_o doubt_v not_o do_v abhor_v as_o much_o as_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o vilify_v believer_n in_o christ_n for_o want_v thereof_o say_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n which_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v john_n 7._o 47._o 48._o 49._o first_o a_o company_n of_o forty_o person_n or_o twenty_o or_o less_o be_v 14._o not_o such_o a_o small_a company_n but_o they_o may_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o and_o true_o so_o call_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o against_o they_o but_o this_o that_o such_o a_o number_n may_v seem_v not_o sufficient_a we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n do_v any_o where_o say_v they_o must_v be_v above_o forty_o or_o else_o they_o can_v be_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v just_o say_v it_o nay_o rather_o 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 noah●_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 be_v a_o church_n second_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o ability_n and_o right_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a in_o as_o much_o as_o some_o case_n be_v more_o difficult_a than_o other_o and_o some_o church_n of_o less_o spiritual_a ability_n than_o other_o and_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v assistance_n and_o direction_n at_o some_o time_n so_o much_o as_o at_o other_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o church_n shall_v seek_v for_o light_n and_o counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o other_o 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 in_o a_o question_n which_o can_v not_o be_v determine_v among_o themselves_o act._n 15._o 2._o but_o this_o be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v no_o right_n but_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a three_o as_o for_o right_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v long_o endeavour_v to_o have_v end_v that_o matter_n among_o themselves_o before_o they_o determine_v to_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n vers_fw-la 2._o which_o show_v that_o they_o have_v power_n or_o right_a to_o have_v transact_v that_o business_n among_o themselves_o if_o ability_n have_v serve_v or_o otherwise_o that_o endeavour_n have_v be_v sinful_a as_o be_v a_o presume_v to_o do_v that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v no_o right_n we_o conceive_v then_o that_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o they_o be_v not_o above_o forty_o or_o twenty_o person_n or_o ten_o or_o the_o least_o number_n that_o you_o mention_v have_v right_a and_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o transact_v all_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a business_n among_o themselves_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v able_a and_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 ●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 ●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 a●_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 ca●mi_n have_v commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n ●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 el●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 priva●i_fw-la nequeant_fw-la qui_fw-la e●●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 ve●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 presbyter●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 ●●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 vita●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 pro●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 ecclesia●_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 p●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
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 ecclesi●_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 manda●ae_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la suis_fw-la ecclesi●_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 ●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 ●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 ●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
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
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
have_v very_o sinful_o break_v it_o ver_fw-la 59_o but_o even_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o not_o for_o their_o sake_n or_o for_o their_o righteousness_n ezek._n 36._o 32._o deut._n 9_o 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o what_o force_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_v viz._n if_o god_n will_v do_v we_o good_a but_o not_o for_o our_o good_a keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o promise_v obedience_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v church_n estate_n all_o man_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o here_o be_v a_o plain_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la this_o enter_v into_o covenant_n may_v keep_v out_o many_o good_a man_n from_o join_v 5._o to_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a lay_v aside_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o good_a man_n may_v for_o a_o time_n be_v unsatisfied_a answ_n about_o it_o till_o they_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v warrantable_a enough_o for_o all_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o tribe_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o altar_n set_v up_o upon_o the_o bank_n of_o jordan_n by_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o a_o half_a till_o they_o understand_v the_o intent_n and_o use_n of_o it_o and_o for_o what_o purpose_v it_o be_v erect_v and_o then_o they_o be_v satisfy_v josh_n 22._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o peter_n eat_v with_o the_o gentile_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n till_o they_o understand_v what_o peter_n have_v to_o say_v for_o his_o defence_n therein_o and_o then_o they_o rest_v well_o satisfy_v act._n 11._o but_o if_o man_n understand_v what_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v trouble_v at_o it_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o promise_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n in_o church-estate_n for_o will_v good_a man_n refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n or_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v they_o refuse_v to_o profess_v and_o promise_v so_o much_o if_o a_o man_n understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o refuse_v to_o enter_v into_o it_o when_o he_o have_v opportunity_n thereto_o such_o refuse_v be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o his_o corruption_n it_o be_v ignorance_n at_o the_o best_a and_o if_o not_o so_o than_o it_o may_v be_v perverseness_n of_o will_n or_o some_o want_n of_o will_n to_o perform_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o sure_o there_o be_v small_a hope_n that_o such_o will_v yield_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v refuse_v to_o profess_v or_o promise_v it_o but_o the_o scripture_n act._n 2._o 41._o tell_v of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n without_o 6._o any_o covenant_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o 3000._o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n in_o one_o day_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n answ_n first_o that_o 3000._o be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o that_o join_v in_o covenant_n may_v easy_o be_v do_v by_o they_o all_o in_o one_o day_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v at_o penticost_n at_o which_o time_n of_o the_o year_n the_o day_n be_v at_o the_o long_a and_o 2._o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o david_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n in_o one_o day_n 2._o sam._n 5_o 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o david_n and_o the_o tribe_n and_o so_o between_o this_o 3000._o and_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v open_o declare_v and_o they_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o may_v by_o some_o sign_n or_o other_o express_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o in_o one_o day_n second_o as_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o indeed_o it_o be_v do_v by_o those_o 3000._o soul_n for_o it_o be_v say_v ver_fw-la 41._o that_o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o do_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n receive_v it_o for_o this_o receive_n of_o the_o word_n be_v note_v as_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o inward_a receive_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n but_o also_o a_o open_a profess_v that_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o for_o a_o inward_a receive_n of_o it_o in_o their_o heart_n without_o a_o open_a profess_v thereof_o outward_o will_v not_o have_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o admit_v of_o they_o unto_o baptism_n now_o this_o word_n which_o they_o receive_v be_v a_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38_o 39_o and_o to_o obedience_n in_o sever_a themselves_o from_o other_o and_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o untoward_a generation_n ver_fw-la 40._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o open_o profess_v that_o they_o glad_o receive_v this_o word_n there_o be_v a_o open_a profess_v of_o their_o repentance_n for_o sin_n ver_fw-la 40._o of_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a sum_n of_o church-covenant_n yea_o and_o further_o their_o very_a preparation_n to_o this_o repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o that_o true_a compunction_n and_o sorrow_n of_o soul_n be_v also_o open_o make_v manifest_a ver_fw-la 37._o but_o yet_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o long_a narration_n of_o every_o one_o several_o reply_n as_o now_o be_v use_v when_o man_n do_v enter_v into_o church-covenant_n when_o each_o one_o make_v a_o good_a long_a speech_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_a as_o be_v show_v before_o that_o they_o do_v answ_n open_o profess_v repentance_n faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o difference_n in_o the_o length_n or_o largeness_n of_o their_o speech_n in_o express_v of_o themselves_o that_o can_v make_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o thing_n majus_n &_o minus_fw-la non_fw-la diversificant_a speciem_fw-la and_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o they_o may_v be_v brief_a because_o there_o be_v not_o such_o need_n they_o shall_v be_v long_o in_o regard_n of_o some_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o their_o time_n and_o we_o first_o there_o be_v the_o apostle_n present_a to_o hear_v their_o confession_n and_o to_o judge_v thereof_o who_o be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a discern_a and_o therefore_o brief_a express_v of_o man_n self_n may_v suffice_v whereas_o the_o best_a christian_n yea_o the_o best_a minister_n among_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o need_v more_o time_n for_o study_n and_o for_o preparation_n for_o our_o sermon_n then_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o we_o need_v more_o time_n to_o hear_v and_o try_v the_o soundness_n of_o man_n repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v add_v withal_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o primative_a christian_n man_n of_o such_o excellent_a discern_v be_v sometime_o deceive_v and_o can_v not_o always_o so_o discern_v but_o that_o some_o hypocrite_n will_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o example_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n do_v witness_n how_o much_o more_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o day_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o shall_v be_v very_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o try_v the_o spiritual_a estate_n of_o they_o that_o offer_v to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n second_o their_o time_n also_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o their_o christianity_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o reproach_n and_o danger_n of_o excommunication_n joh._n 9_o 22._o of_o imprisonment_n act._n 4._o 3._o and_o 5._o 18._o and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o to_o see_v man_n now_o to_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v so_o hate_v and_o who_o himself_o but_o a_o while_n before_o be_v crucify_v this_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a matter_n and_o therefore_o in_o word_n man_n may_v be_v the_o brief_a when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o our_o time_n in_o new_a england_n do_v not_o persecute_v christ_n and_o christian_n and_o christian_a church_n but_o countenance_v they_o and_o protect_v they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v more_o need_n now_o to_o be_v more_o studious_a in_o examination_n of_o man_n estate_n when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v
in_o favour_n many_o of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n become_v jew_n esth_n 8._o 17._o but_o why_o be_v there_o so_o little_a proof_n of_o this_o church-covenant_n in_o the_o new_a 7._o testament_n 1._o suppose_v the_o new_a testament_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v answ_n have_v ground_n sufficient_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o it_o be_v god_n reveal_v will_n in_o those_o day_n that_o a_o company_n shall_v become_v a_o church_n and_o particular_a person_n become_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o now_o likewise_o unless_o covenant_v be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a paedigogie_n indeed_o if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n but_o be_v some_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o such_o case_n also_o a_o ground_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v necessary_a as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o such_o thing_n wherein_o there_o be_v any_o change_n or_o variation_n from_o what_o be_v use_v in_o those_o time_n afore_o christ_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v national_n church_n but_o congregationall_a and_o not_o one_o visible_a church_n but_o many_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n these_o be_v matter_n that_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n nor_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v use_v in_o those_o day_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v warrant_n for_o they_o in_o the_o new_a and_o so_o we_o have_v but_o for_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o new_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o any_o leviticall_a ordinance_n peculiar_a to_o the_o jewish_a pedigogie_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o give_v warrant_v for_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a as_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o 2._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o want_v good_a warrant_n for_o it_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o 1._o the_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v it_o isa_n 56._o 6_o 7._o and_o 44._o 5._o and_o jer._n 50._o 5._o ezek._n 20._o 37._o and_o in_o sundry_a other_o place_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n at_o this_o time_n because_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o before_o only_o let_v those_o word_n of_o isa_n 44._o 5._o be_v well_o consider_v and_o see_v if_o they_o do_v not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o solemn_o bind_v themselves_o by_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n one_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o another_o shall_v call_v himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jacob_n and_o another_o shall_v subscribe_v with_o his_o hand_n and_o surname_n himself_o by_o the_o name_n of_o israel_n these_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a for_o open_v profess_v of_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o open_a bind_v of_o man_n self_n by_o covenant_n unto_o he_o as_o we_o conceive_v nothing_o need_v be_v more_o 2._o the_o apostle_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v practise_v in_o their_o day_n else_o how_o shall_v we_o understand_v that_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o breadth_n phil._n 1._o 5._o if_o this_o combine_v into_o church-fellowship_n be_v no_o part_n thereof_o yea_o when_o it_o be_v say_v they_o continue_v steadfast_o or_o as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v well_o be_v translate_v they_o strong_o do_v cleave_v together_o or_o hold_v together_o in_o such_o a_o fellowship_n which_o be_v not_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o sacrament_n nor_o prayer_n but_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o all_o these_o if_o this_o combine_a themselves_o into_o a_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o society_n of_o church-state_n be_v no_o part_n thereof_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o understand_v it_o nor_o what_o that_o fellowship_n shall_v mean_v if_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n have_v not_o be_v particular_o mention_v in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o may_v have_v be_v think_v that_o the_o fellowship_n in_o which_o they_o so_o steadfast_o cleave_v together_o have_v be_v no_o more_o but_o their_o come_n together_o to_o observe_v these_o say_a ordinance_n and_o their_o communion_n therein_o but_o when_o all_o these_o be_v particular_o mention_v and_o fellowship_n mention_v among_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v not_o confound_v it_o with_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o by_o doctrine_n be_v mean_v sacrament_n and_o by_o sacrament_n be_v mean_v prayer_n as_o to_o say_v that_o by_o fellowship_n be_v mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n and_o sacrament_n and_o prayer_n and_o if_o these_o as_o they_o be_v distinct_o name_v be_v distinct_a ordinance_n and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v than_o fellowship_n be_v name_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n import_v something_o distinct_a from_o they_o all_o and_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o they_o nor_o with_o any_o of_o they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o other_o may_v be_v confound_v one_o with_o another_o and_o if_o so_o then_o as_o this_o fellowship_n may_v import_v the_o communion_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o good_n one_o for_o the_o help_n of_o another_o so_o it_o must_v first_o of_o all_o imply_v a_o combine_a of_o themselves_o into_o church-state_n by_o mutual_a agreement_n consent_n or_o covenant_n furthermore_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v that_o by_o experience_n of_o the_o corinthian_n liberal_a contribution_n to_o the_o poor_a saint_n man_n glorify_v god_n for_o their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 9_o 13._o he_o plain_o employ_v thereby_o that_o the_o corinthian_n have_v make_v a_o profession_n or_o promise_n of_o such_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n as_o do_v comprehend_v this_o particular_a of_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n among_o other_o thing_n and_o their_o liberal_a distribution_n which_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v look_v at_o as_o one_o point_n of_o their_o real_a performance_n of_o that_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v before_o profess_v and_o promise_v now_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o profess_v or_o promise_v of_o such_o subjection_n and_o therefore_o this_o place_n be_v another_o proof_n of_o church-covenant_n beside_o it_o have_v be_v show_v afore_o in_o argument_n 3._o that_o those_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o join_v or_o assay_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o 47._o and_o 5_o 13._o and_o 9_o 26._o be_v not_o expound_v according_a to_o the_o full_a meaning_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o join_v if_o join_v in_o covenant_n be_v leave_v out_o and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v bear_v good_a witness_n unto_o church-covenant_n though_o as_o we_o say_v before_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v speak_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o 8._o the_o covenant_n be_v needless_a this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o four_o of_o the_o 32._o question_n answ_n where_o it_o be_v show_v at_o large_a that_o baptism_n ●●_o a_o seal_v of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o make_v the_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o always_o so_o much_o as_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v member_n this_o church-covenant_n be_v a_o late_a devise_n and_o be_v not_o know_v in_o ancient_a 9_o time_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v first_o true_a antiquity_n be_v that_o of_o the_o scripture_n now_o since_o answ_n church_n covenant_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o in_o this_o discourse_n it_o can_v be_v charge_v to_o want_v true_a antiquity_n when_o the_o papist_n be_v wont_a to_o charge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o protestant_n with_o novelty_n and_o such_o as_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o luther_n the_o orthodox_n be_v wont_a to_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n then_o let_v it_o be_v condemn_v for_o novelty_n and_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o best_a antiquity_n even_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n our_o faith_n faith_n doctor_n white_a be_v in_o all_o point_v the_o same_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o consequent_o of_o the_o same_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o all_o they_o that_o say_v it_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 l●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 z●pp●r●●_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 extra●eis_fw-la i●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 commo●_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 sal●em_fw-la publicatur_fw-la nomen_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la competentis_fw-la pro_fw-la con●io●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
we_o nor_o that_o other_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o we_o for_o receive_v the_o same_o for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n man_n may_v still_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o make_v any_o progress_n in_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v unconstant_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o we_o be_v command_v nor_o to_o fashion_n ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o former_a lust_n of_o our_o ignorance_n 1._o pet._n 1._o 14._o but_o to_o be_v change_v rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o renew_v ephes_n 4._o 23._o and_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a ephes_n 4._o yea_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o holiness_n 2._o pet._n 3._o 18._o and_o be_v strong_a and_o strong_a job_n 17._o 9_o that_o our_o good_a work_n may_v be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o then_o at_o the_o first_o revel_v 2._o 19_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n and_o ephesian_n that_o the_o time_n have_v be_v when_o they_o be_v not_o the_o same_o man_n that_o now_o they_o be_v when_o he_o write_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o blame_v they_o for_o leave_v their_o former_a opinion_n or_o practice_n but_o commend_v they_o for_o it_o 1._o cor._n 6._o 11._o ephes_n 2._o 3._o etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o ephesus_z the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v expound_v unto_o he_o more_o perfect_o by_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n whereas_o before_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v only_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o dispraise_n at_o all_o to_o he_o that_o now_o upon_o better_a information_n he_o will_v change_v his_o judgement_n to_o the_o better_a nor_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v the_o mean_n thereof_o act._n 18._o 25_o 26._o nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la maliura_fw-la transire_fw-la the_o time_n have_v be_v and_o we_o may_v be_v humble_v for_o it_o when_o we_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o some_o of_o we_o in_o many_o sinful_a course_n and_o shall_v any_o be_v offend_v because_o we_o be_v not_o still_o the_o same_o and_o when_o god_n call_v we_o from_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o christ_n yet_o some_o of_o we_o live_v a_o long_a time_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n impose_v in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o see_v not_o the_o evil_a of_o they_o but_o when_o god_n do_v open_v our_o eye_n and_o let_v we_o see_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n thereof_o we_o can_v see_v but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o withhold_a the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o a_o great_a unthankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o light_v reveal_v to_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v still_o have_v continue_v in_o that_o course_n through_o a_o inordinate_a desire_n of_o seem_v constant_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o any_o just_a cause_n of_o offence_n that_o we_o have_v change_v our_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o those_o thing_n when_o we_o once_o perceive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o disallow_v they_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v sometime_o object_v against_o mr._n cartwright_n and_o other_o that_o desire_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n in_o regard_n of_o discipline_n and_o church-order_n that_o they_o which_o stand_v so_o much_o for_o reformation_n in_o discipline_n do_v in_o after_o time_n add_v and_o alter_v some_o thing_n beyond_o what_o they_o see_v at_o first_o and_o what_o themselves_o have_v former_o desit_v and_o that_o therefore_o be_v so_o murable_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o apprehension_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v nor_o hearken_v unto_o to_o which_o objection_n mr._n pa●k●r_n make_v full_a answer_n in_o eccles_n lib._n 2._o ca._n 36._o p._n 307_o where_o he_o show_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o bishop_n jewel_n doctor_n reinolds_n and_o other_o that_o in_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n god_n bring_v not_o his_o servant_n into_o perfection_n in_o knowledge_n and_o zeal_n at_o the_o first_o but_o by_o degree_n so_o as_o they_o grow_v and_o make_v progress_n in_o these_o thing_n in_o such_o wise_a that_o their_o good_a work_n be_v more_o at_o the_o last_o then_o at_o the_o first_o as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n even_o as_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v blind_a when_o christ_n ●●_o store_v he_o to_o his_o sight_n can_v at_o the_o first_o but_o see_v man_n like_o tr●…_n walk_v and_o afterward_o see_v every_o man_n clear_o and_o therefore●…_n be_v no_o good_a argue_v to_o say_v these_o man_n have_v alter_v and_o correc●…_n such_o thing_n from_o what_o their_o apprehension_n be_v at_o first_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v now_o if_o this_o be_v no_o good_a argue_v against_o mr._n cartwright_n and_o those_o that_o in_o england_n have_v be_v studious_a of_o reformation_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o than_o it_o be_v no_o good_a argument_n against_o we_o in_o this_o m●●ter_n of_o church-covenant_n to_o say_v we_o now_o hold_v and_o practice_v otherwise_o then_o we_o have_v do_v in_o former_a time_n if_o any_o shall_v here_o reply_v that_o change_n from_o conformity_n to_o the_o ceremony_n reply_n to_o worship_n god_n more_o pure_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o not_o blame-worthy_a and_o that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o case_n of_o apollo_n of_o the_o corinthian_n and_o ephesian_n forementioned_a and_o of_o cartwright_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o his_o time_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v true_a and_o thereby_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o answ_n simple_o the_o change_v a_o man_n opinion_n or_o practice_n that_o can_v be_v count_v blame-worthy_a or_o offensive_a but_o change_v without_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o in_o point_n of_o church-covenant_n the_o iss●●_n must_v not_o be_v whether_o we_o or_o other_o have_v former_o know_v and_o practise_v it_o but_o whether_o it_o have_v ground_n from_o god_n word_n for_o if_o it_o have_v as_o we_o hope_v have_v be_v prove_v before_o in_o this_o discourse_n than_o the_o observe_v of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n of_o just_a offence_n unto_o other_o not_o imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n to_o ourselves_o though_o in_o time_n pass_v we_o have_v not_o have_v so_o much_o light_n as_o to_o discern_v the_o necessity_n and_o use_n thereof_o the_o good_a lord_n pardon_v every_o one_o that_o prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v god_n though_o he_o be_v not_o cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o grant_v unto_o all_o his_o church_n and_o servant_n that_o their_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a and_o by_o his_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v lead_v forward_o into_o all_o truth_n till_o antichrist_n be_v utter_o consume_v with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n and_o the_o holy_a city_n new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o god_n out_o of_o heaven_n as_o a_o bride_n adorn_v for_o her_o husband_n the_o lamb_n the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o who_o be_v all_o glory_n of_o affiance_n and_o service_n for_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la to._n 2._o to_o 3._o to_o 4._o object_n answ_n to_o 5._o &_o 6._o to_o 7._o to_o 8._o to_o 9_o to_o 10._o to_o 11._o obj_fw-la answ_n to_o 12._o to_o 13._o to_o 14._o to_o 15._o to_o 16._o to_o 17._o to_o 18._o to_o 19_o to_o 20._o to_o 21._o t●_n 22._o to_o 23._o to_o 24._o &_o 25._o to_o 26._o to_o 27._o to_o 28._o to_o 29._o to_o 30._o to_o 31._o to_o 32._o object_n 1_o answer_n object_n 2_o answer_n object_n 3_o answer_n object_n 4_o answer_n argu._n 2._o object_n 1._o answer_n obj._n 2._o answ_n obj._n 3_o answer_n argu._n 3_o argu._n 4._o argu._n 5._o object_n answer_n argu._n 1._o argu._n 2._o object_n answer_n argu._n 3_o object_n 1._o answer_n obj._n 2._o answ_n obj._n 3_o answer_n object_n 4._o answ_n object_n 5._o answ_n argu._n 4._o argu._n 5._o object_n answer_n argu._n 6._o object_n 1._o answer_n object_n 2._o answ_n obj._n 3_o answ_n obj._n 4._o answ_n obj._n 5._o answ_n obj._n 6._o answ_n reply_n answ_n obj._n 7._o answ_n obj._n 8._o answ_n obj._n 9_o answ_n obj._n 10._o answ_n obj_fw-la 11._o ans●_n obj._n 12._o answ_n answ_n by_o brownist_n and_o separatist_n you_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o of_o the_o rigid_a separation_n reply_n answ_n obje_fw-fr 13._o answ_n reply_n answ_n