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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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 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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 â—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
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 iâ—_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 bâ—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 noâ—_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 iâ—_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 â—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 â—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 salvaâ—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 mâ—y_a diâ—_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 valentiâ—ian_n 2._o die_v before_o he_o can_v be_v baptizeâ—_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
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 â—â—_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
church-government_n and_o church-covenant_n discuss_v in_o a_o answer_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o several_a church_n in_o new-england_a to_o two_o and_o thirty_o question_n send_v over_o to_o they_o by_o divers_a minister_n in_o england_n to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n therein_o together_o with_o a_o apology_n of_o the_o say_a elder_n in_o new-england_n for_o church-covenant_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o as_o also_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o nine_o position_n about_o church-government_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_n resolution_n in_o those_o point_n london_n print_v by_o r._n o._n and_o g._n d._n for_o benjamin_n allen_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o pope_n head-al_o 1643._o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o believe_v that_o such_o discourse_n as_o this_o will_v meet_v with_o divers_a censure_n the_o profane_a and_o ignorant_a loathe_v christ_n and_o any_o thing_n concern_v he_o the_o formalist_n account_v such_o truth_n troublesome_a that_o may_v engage_v he_o in_o the_o change_n of_o his_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o question_v the_o tyme_v such_o light_n as_o this_o yea_o doubtless_o this_o pamphlet-glutâ—ed_n age_n will_v so_o look_v upon_o it_o and_o lay_v it_o by_o but_o because_o i_o do_v conceive_v that_o this_o sword_n will_v not_o be_v sheathe_v which_o be_v now_o draw_v till_o church-work_n be_v better_a know_v and_o more_o countenance_v and_o since_o safety_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o temple_n psa_n 27._o 3_o 4_o 5._o i_o can_v not_o but_o help_v on_o this_o which_o attend_v and_o practise_v may_v prove_v our_o security_n next_o to_o christ_n these_o be_v either_o sudden_a answer_n to_o our_o doubt_v and_o inquire_v brethren_n or_o some_o satisfaction_n render_v about_o our_o so_o much_o slight_v church-covenant_n which_o we_o can_v not_o but_o think_v may_v come_v to_o view_v for_o the_o present_a stay_n to_o some_o faithful_a soul_n that_o call_v for_o light_n and_o intend_v to_o use_v it_o well_o for_o other_o of_o what_o kind_n soever_o we_o must_v bear_v their_o hard_a thought_n among_o thâ—se_a usual_a load_n of_o scandal_n that_o man_n of_o our_o judgement_n must_v carry_v especial_o if_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n draw_v they_o forth_o to_o public_a observation_n nor_o do_v we_o purpose_v god_n help_v we_o to_o succumb_v under_o calumny_n be_v the_o livery_n of_o quiet_a time_n than_o these_o let_v we_o be_v vile_a still_o so_o god_n and_o his_o ark_n may_v be_v more_o glorious_a yet_o this_o i_o do_v profess_v for_o myself_o and_o brethren_n that_o as_o we_o have_v not_o be_v deal_v with_o nor_o convince_v of_o any_o offence_n so_o we_o shall_v ever_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o hope_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o over_o look_v these_o barking_n of_o black_a mouth_n and_o wish_v a_o good_a comment_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o text_n of_o our_o plain_a meaning_n the_o only_a way_n i_o know_v to_o reach_v god_n mind_n in_o worship_n will_v be_v to_o love_v the_o truth_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n yea_o to_o love_v it_o when_o it_o shall_v condemn_v our_o practice_n and_o person_n also_o who_o have_v not_o observe_v that_o the_o first_o step_n to_o error_n be_v the_o decline_a the_o truth_n in_o love_n to_o it_o â‚_o hence_o popery_n beget_v she_o first_o brat_n and_o have_v nurse_v it_o up_o with_o thesame_a milk_n we_o will_v earnest_o desire_v that_o none_o will_v call_v that_o unsensonable_a or_o unreasonable_a which_o god_n seem_v even_o now_o to_o call_v for_o at_o the_o call_n of_o this_o synod_n and_o will_v carry_v so_o much_o reason_n with_o it_o as_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n will_v own_v more_o tenderness_n and_o respect_n to_o our_o brethren_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o show_v who_o send_v we_o these_o 32._o question_n no_o other_o deal_n will_v we_o have_v from_o our_o brethren_n not_o consent_v with_o we_o some_o river_n have_v be_v note_v to_o differ_v in_o the_o colour_n of_o the_o water_n yet_o run_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n let_v jesus_n christ_n be_v lift_v up_o by_o we_o all_o let_v we_o love_v he_o whilst_o we_o dispute_v about_o he_o presbytery_n and_o independency_n as_o it_o be_v call_v be_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n fellowship_n now_o look_v at_o since_o we_o hope_v episcop_n 〈…〉_z out_o and_o will_v be_v bury_v without_o expectation_n of_o another_o resurrection_n we_o be_v much_o charge_v with_o what_o we_o own_v not_o viz_o independency_n when_o as_o we_o know_v not_o any_o church_n reform_v more_o look_v at_o sister_n church_n for_o help_v then_o we_o do_v only_o we_o can_v have_v rule_n yet_o discover_v from_o any_o friend_n or_o enemy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v under_o canon_n or_o power_n of_o any_o other_o church_n under_o their_o council_n we_o be_v we_o need_v not_o tell_v the_o wise_a whence_o tyranny_n grow_v in_o church_n and_o how_o common_a wealth_n get_v their_o pressure_n in_o the_o like_a kind_n these_o be_v our_o sigh_n and_o hearty_a wish_n that_o self_n may_v be_v conquer_v in_o this_o poor_a nation_n which_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o these_o truth_n know_v good_a reader_n we_o do_v not_o hereby_o go_v about_o to_o whistle_v thou_o out_o of_o any_o know_v good_a way_n of_o god_n common_o question_n and_o answer_n clear_v up_o the_o way_n when_o other_o treatise_n leave_v we_o to_o darkness_n read_v they_o and_o what_o we_o say_v for_o a_o church-covenant_n it_o may_v save_v charge_n and_o time_n in_o read_v other_o book_n remember_v we_o strive_v not_o here_o for_o masterye_n but_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o practice_n wherein_o if_o thou_o know_v we_o fail_v candidus_n imperti_fw-la if_o we_o agree_v let_v we_o work_v by_o our_o platform_n and_o may_v thy_o soul_n flourish_v as_o a_o green_a heath_n or_o water_a garden_n so_o pray_v thy_o hearty_a h._n peter_n the_o xxxii_o question_n state_v 1_o whether_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o english_a there_o by_o estimation_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o unadmit_v to_o any_o congregation_n among_o you_o and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o 2._o what_o thing_n do_v you_o hold_v to_o be_v essential_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n 3._o whether_o do_v you_o not_o hold_v all_o visible_a believer_n to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o member_n thereof_o and_o not_o without_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o therefore_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o accept_v in_o all_o congregation_n wheresoever_o they_o shall_v come_v and_o be_v so_o know_v and_o ought_v if_o they_o desire_v and_o be_v not_o otherwise_o unfit_a of_o right_a to_o be_v permit_v to_o partake_v in_o all_o god_n ordinance_n and_o church_n privilege_n there_o so_o far_o as_o they_o personal_o concern_v themselves_o although_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o fix_v member_n in_o particular_a covenant_n either_o with_o that_o congregation_n where_o for_o the_o present_a they_o reside_v nor_o with_o any_o other_o 4._o whether_o you_o do_v not_o hold_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 and_o so_o to_o have_v right_a at_o lest_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la to_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a until_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o if_o they_o so_o deserve_v by_o excommunication_n 5._o whether_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v child_n under_o age_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o and_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o parent_n so_o as_o thenceforth_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a without_o any_o other_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n or_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n when_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o year_n and_o how_o long_o do_v you_o count_v they_o under_o age_n 6._o whether_o do_v not_o you_o admit_v orphan_n under_o age_n with_o and_o in_o their_o guardian_n 7._o whether_o do_v you_o admit_v or_o refuse_v child_n under_o age_n only_o accord_v to_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o their_o near_a parent_n or_o do_v you_o not_o admit_v they_o if_o any_o of_o their_o next_o ancestor_n before_o their_o parent_n be_v believer_n 8._o whether_o do_v you_o require_v of_o all_o person_n of_o age_n who_o you_o admit_v member_n of_o any_o church_n 1._o a_o public_a vocal_a declaration_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o soundness_n of_o their_o conversion_n 2._o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o article_n of_o religion_n 3._o a_o express_a verbal_a covenant_v to_o walk_v with_o
modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n lay_v down_o 16._o proposition_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o maintain_v against_o the_o prelate_n give_v this_o for_o the_o four_o of_o they_o viz._n there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o doubtless_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o exercise_v excommunication_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o dr._n whitaker_n show_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o excommunication_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n qui_fw-la justè_fw-la excommunicantur_fw-la say_v he_o co_fw-la satanae_fw-la traditos_fw-la esse_fw-la concedimuâ—_n non_fw-la tâ—men_fw-la posse_fw-la prâ—priem_fw-la dâ—â—i_fw-la ejectâ—s_fw-la ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la quia_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la non_fw-la catholica_fw-la sed_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la censura_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr eccles_n qu._n 1._o c._n 6._o wherefore_o if_o excommunication_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n second_o as_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o without_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n according_a as_o they_o be_v believer_n so_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v unbeliever_n pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o also_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o such_o join_n they_o become_v also_o to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a also_o that_o unless_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o who_o inspection_n and_o government_n they_o have_v commend_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o that_o be_v without_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o without_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o dispense_v censure_n and_o church_n privilege_n to_o pagan_n who_o be_v without_o all_o church_n and_o without_o christ_n also_o or_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o minister_n thereof_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n also_o yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o judgeing_a and_o say_v they_o may_v judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o he_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o simple_o of_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o without_o christ_n and_o no_o more_o than_o so_o but_o also_o of_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n and_o without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o they_o may_v judge_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n 4._o and_o that_o church_n privilege_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o withal_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n send_v the_o last_o year_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a whereto_o we_o do_v refer_v you_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o make_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o constitute_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n they_o do_v it_o by_o be_v all_o of_o they_o baptise_a which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o mr._n smith_n mr._n helwis_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o company_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o church_n the_o papist_n also_o do_v imagine_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o their_o fount_n be_v set_v near_o the_o door_n of_o their_o temple_n to_o signify_v man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v christen_v or_o make_v christian_n soul_n by_o be_v baptise_a but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o baptism_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o in_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v one_o point_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o commit_v to_o it_o as_o circumcision_n and_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o concredit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 7._o 22._o now_o if_o baptism_n in_o its_o first_o be_v and_o institution_n be_v give_v as_o a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o church_n than_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v presuppose_v and_o must_v be_v before_o it_o for_o the_o dones_fw-la or_o person_n to_o who_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o circumcision_n also_o be_v rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o but_o to_o confirm_v something_o that_o be_v before_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v for_o confirmation_n thereof_o to_o bring_v in_o baptism_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o before_o the_o church_n with_o who_o god_n make_v the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n afterward_o be_v to_o make_v baptism_n a_o seal_n unto_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o falsehood_n when_o the_o jesuit_n of_o rheims_n have_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v 12_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o move_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o so_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o move_v they_o also_o to_o faith_n and_o penance_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n this_o say_n of_o make_v man_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n though_o utter_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n of_o their_o discourse_n yet_o seem_v to_o mr._n cartwright_n so_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o bear_v special_a witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o in_o another_o character_n for_o more_o conspicuousnesse_n viz._n that_o baptism_n make_v not_o man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o seal_v their_o incorporation_n into_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v afore_o argument_n of_o act_n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o catechism_n which_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball_n or_o mr._n nicholas_n now_o with_o god_n give_v this_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o christ_n communion_n with_o he_o and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o exposition_n plain_o declare_v that_o when_o they_o call_v baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o signify_v and_o seal_v that_o they_o be_v member_n afore_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n say_v they_o pag_n 144._o gal._n 3._o 7._o or_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 16._o
and_o with_o 6._o their_o parent_n so_o as_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o church_n privilege_n of_o which_o infant_n be_v capable_a as_o namely_o to_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o parent_n be_v once_o admit_v their_o child_n be_v thereupon_o baptize_v if_o they_o be_v not_o baptize_v afore_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o 2._o but_o whether_o they_o shall_v thereupon_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o other_o privilege_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n without_o any_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n or_o enter_v into_o church_n covenant_n be_v another_o question_n of_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infancy_n of_o these_o church_n we_o have_v have_v no_o occasion_n yet_o to_o determine_v what_o to_o judge_v or_o practice_v one_o way_n or_o other_o 3._o but_o for_o the_o present_a this_o we_o will_v say_v it_o seem_v by_o those_o word_n of_o your_o parenthesis_n be_v otherwise_o fit_a you_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o child_n of_o church_n member_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o church_n privilege_n unless_o they_o be_v fit_a wherein_o we_o consent_v with_o you_o as_o count_v it_o altogether_o unsafe_a that_o idiot_n frantic_v or_o person_n open_o ungracious_a and_o profane_a shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n and_o thence_o we_o may_v infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n whereby_o we_o mean_v only_o a_o renew_n of_o covenant_n or_o a_o new_a profess_v of_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n covenant_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v adulti_fw-la for_o otherwise_o we_o do_v confess_v child_n that_o be_v bear_v when_o their_o parent_n be_v church_n member_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n even_o from_o their_o birth_n gen._n 17._o 7._o 12._o and_o their_o baptism_n do_v seal_v it_o to_o they_o but_o notwithstanding_o their_o birthright_n we_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o personal_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o church-covenant_n when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n though_o you_o seem_v to_o think_v it_o not_o needful_a for_o without_o this_o it_o can_v so_o well_o be_v discern_v what_o fitness_n be_v in_o they_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o other_o church_n privilege_n as_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o may_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o enter_v into_o church-covenant_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o the_o lord_n before_o he_o and_o the_o church_n to_o walk_v in_o all_o such_o way_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o church_n member_n if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n and_o shall_v be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o evidence_n against_o they_o of_o their_o unfitnesse_n for_o church_n privilege_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o open_o break_v that_o rule_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n what_o hope_n be_v there_o that_o they_o will_v examine_v themselves_o when_o they_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_n of_o that_o cup_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o who_o when_o other_o do_v examine_v they_o they_o be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o give_v answer_n or_o how_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o or_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v refuse_v to_o profess_v or_o promise_v any_o such_o matter_n wherefore_o in_o this_o point_n we_o can_v but_o full_o approve_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n among_o who_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n as_o zepporus_n write_v to_o admit_v child_n that_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n consuetum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la aetatem_fw-la neque_fw-la doctrina_fw-la catechetica_fw-la perfectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicè_fw-la edant_fw-la etc._n etc._n polit._n ecles_n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o perficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o 4._o but_o how_o long_a child_n shall_v be_v count_v under_o age_n and_o whether_o orphan_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v with_o their_o guardian_n which_o be_v your_o six_o quaery_n we_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v your_o judgement_n therein_o as_o have_v of_o ourselves_o hitherto_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o search_v into_o those_o question_n only_o this_o we_o think_v that_o one_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o all_o whereby_o to_o determine_v how_o long_o they_o be_v under_o age_n but_o according_a as_o god_n give_v experience_n and_o maturity_n of_o natural_a understanding_n and_o spiritual_a which_o he_o give_v soon_o to_o some_o then_o unto_o other_o such_o child_n who_o father_n and_o mother_n be_v neither_o 7._o of_o they_o believer_n and_o sanctify_a be_v count_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o faederal_o holy_a but_o unclean_a what_o ever_o their_o other_o ancestor_n have_v be_v 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o and_o therefore_o we_o baptise_v they_o not_o if_o you_o can_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o that_o scripture_n 1_o cor._n 7._o which_o seem_v to_o limit_v this_o faederall_a sanctity_n or_o holiness_n to_o the_o child_n who_o next_o parent_n one_o or_o both_o be_v believer_n we_o shall_v glad_o hearken_v to_o you_o therein_o but_o for_o the_o present_a as_o we_o believe_v we_o speak_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o our_o light_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v go_v one_o degree_n beyond_o the_o next_o parent_n we_o see_v not_o but_o we_o may_v go_v two_o and_o if_o two_o why_o not_o 3._o 4_o 20_o 100_o or_o 1000_o for_o where_o will_v you_o stop_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v all_o child_n to_o baptism_n who_o ancestor_n within_o a_o thousand_o generation_n have_v be_v believer_n as_o some_o will_v have_v we_o we_o may_v by_o this_o reason_n baptise_v the_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o of_o all_o the_o indian_n and_o barbarian_n in_o the_o country_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v have_v some_o believe_a ancestor_n within_o less_o than_o a_o 1000_o generation_n it_o be_v far_o from_o so_o much_o since_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n come_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o ark_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o all_o member_n of_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 8._o saint_n and_o faithful_a in_o christ_n jesus_n eph._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o col._n 1._o 2._o phil._n 1._o 1._o and_o thereupon_o we_o count_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o use_v all_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a mean_n whereby_o god_n may_v help_v we_o to_o discern_v whether_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o for_o church_n member_n be_v person_n so_o qualify_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o first_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v concern_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o work_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v your_o first_o particular_a in_o this_o quaery_n second_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o do_v believe_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o take_v a_o trial_n what_o measure_n they_o have_v of_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o know_v that_o without_o knowledge_n man_n can_v well_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n as_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o will_v prevent_v as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o the_o creep_a in_o of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n
child_n as_o in_o baptism_n they_o do_v to_o continue_v therein_o that_o such_o congregation_n be_v true_a church_n notwithstanding_o sundry_a defect_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n find_v in_o they_o wherein_o we_o follow_v the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n instit_n 4._o 1._o 9_o 10._o etc._n etc._n wâ—itaker_n de_fw-fr notis_fw-la â—cclesiae_fw-la cap._n 17._o and_o many_o other_o divine_n of_o chief_a note_n nor_o can_v we_o judge_v or_o speak_v harsh_o of_o the_o womb_n that_o bear_v we_o nor_o of_o the_o pap_n which_o give_v we_o suck_v three_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o grievous_a corruption_n of_o latter_a year_n have_v great_o increase_v in_o some_o of_o those_o assembly_n as_o we_o hear_v both_o in_o doctrine_n in_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o government_n thereof_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v when_o some_o of_o we_o be_v there_o and_o in_o former_a year_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o without_o fear_n and_o with_o grief_n we_o speak_v it_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v unto_o at_o length_n if_o corruption_n shall_v still_o increase_v and_o grow_v '_o they_o may_v come_v in_o time_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o more_o merciful_a unto_o such_o a_o height_n as_o unto_o obstinacy_n in_o evil_a and_o to_o wilifull_n rejection_n of_o reformation_n and_o the_o mean_n thereof_o and_o than_o you_o know_v it_o may_v be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o utter_o out_o of_o the_o account_n and_o number_n of_o his_o church_n so_o as_o never_o to_o walk_v among_o they_o any_o more_o which_o we_o hearty_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o prevent_v that_o such_o a_o day_n may_v never_o be_v but_o if_o ephesus_n repent_v not_o of_o her_o declining_n the_o lord_n have_v threaten_v that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o she_o quick_o and_o remove_v her_o candlestick_n that_o be_v he_o will_v un-church_n they_o rev._n 2._o 4_o 5._o and_o lukewarm_a laodicea_n shall_v be_v spew_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n rev._n 3._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v such_o of_o they_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v themselves_o betimes_o lest_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o they_o as_o he_o haâ—h_v do_v with_o other_o and_o it_o much_o concern_v yourselves_o in_o hearty_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n we_o speak_v iâ—_n and_o so_o we_o desire_v you_o wouâ—d_v accept_v of_o it_o it_o very_o much_o concern_v you_o dear_a brethren_n while_o you_o live_v among_o they_o to_o bear_v faithful_a witness_n against_o the_o corruption_n that_o be_v remain_v in_o any_o of_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o constitution_n worship_n discipline_n and_o ministry_n lâ—st_v by_o any_o sinful_a silence_n or_o slackness_n of_o you_o that_o shall_v blow_v the_o trumpet_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n the_o breach_n shall_v be_v make_v wide_a and_o the_o iniquity_n increase_v and_o lest_o man_n shall_v flatter_v themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n under_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o jew_n thought_n themselves_o secure_a because_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 7._o 4._o 4._o because_o you_o will_v know_v not_o only_o whether_o we_o count_v those_o assembly_n to_o bâ—_n church_n but_o what_o we_o will_v do_v for_o join_v in_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o occasion_n serve_v thereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o england_n we_o shall_v willing_o join_v in_o some_o part_n of_o god_n true_a worship_n and_o namely_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v true_o preach_v in_o sundry_a assembly_n there_o yea_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o to_o be_v church_n or_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v whether_o true_a church_n or_o no_o for_o some_o worship_n as_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o church_n assembly_n but_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o other_o meeting_n mars-hill_n at_o athens_n be_v no_o church_n nor_o the_o prison_n at_o philippi_n and_o yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v preach_v and_o hear_v lawful_o wâ—th_o good_a success_n in_o thâ—se_a place_n act._n 17._o and_o act._n 16._o how_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hear_v the_o wâ—rd_n in_o many_o parish_n assembly_n in_o england_n in_o when_o general_o there_o be_v a_o profess_v of_o christ_n and_o in_o many_o of_o they_o mâ—n_z soulâ—s_n that_o be_v sincere_a and_o upright_o heart_a christian_n as_o any_o be_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o mâ—ny_v congregation_n indeed_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n see_v mr._n robinson_n treatise_n of_o the_o lawfullnesse_n of_o hear_v the_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 5._o but_o why_o we_o dare_v not_o partake_v in_o their_o prescript_n lyturgie_n and_o such_o ordinance_n though_o true_a as_o be_v administer_v therein_o we_o give_v you_o account_v the_o last_o year_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o position_n as_o alâ—o_o in_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o discourse_n of_o that_o subject_a pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball._n what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o our_o ignorance_n while_o we_o live_v among_o you_o we_o have_v see_v cause_n rather_o to_o bewail_v it_o in_o ourselves_o here_o then_o to_o it_o in_o other_o there_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o never_o yet_o 10._o know_v any_o to_o come_v from_o england_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o you_o do_v here_o describe_v â—_o the_o thing_n you_o mention_v may_v be_v take_v conjunctim_fw-la and_o not_o several_o viz_o to_o be_v man_n famous_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o to_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a thereof_o from_o other_o that_o be_v so_o know_v and_o from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v member_n we_o say_v we_o never_o yet_o know_v any_o to_o come_v to_o we_o from_o thence_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o thing_n here_o mention_v be_v want_v and_o general_o this_o be_v want_v in_o all_o of_o they_o that_o they_o bring_v no_o testimonial_a from_o the_o congregation_n itself_o and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v admit_v further_o then_o before_o have_v be_v express_v in_o answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o to_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o before_o they_o have_v join_v to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o our_o church_n for_o though_o some_o that_o come_v over_o be_v famous_o know_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v godly_a or_o bring_v sufficient_a testimonial_a with_o they_o from_o private_a christian_n yet_o neither_o be_v our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o nor_o testimonal_a from_o private_a christian_n sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o church-power_n over_o they_o which_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v if_o we_o must_v dispense_v the_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n to_o they_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o procure_v all_o due_a reverent_a respect_n and_o hearty_a love_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o if_o the_o thing_n mention_v be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v yet_o it_o wâ—uâ—d_v be_v also_o requisite_a if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o church_n ordinance_n with_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o join_v to_o any_o of_o our_o church_n that_o wâ—â—_n shall_v know_v the_o congregation_n itself_o from_o which_o they_o come_v not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n but_o also_o what_o manner_n of_o one_o it_o be_v for_o such_o person_n can_v communicate_v with_o we_o in_o church_n ordinance_n in_o their_o own_o right_n because_o they_o join_v not_o as_o member_n in_o any_o of_o our_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v in_o right_a of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o so_o our_o admit_v of_o they_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o upon_o such_o term_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o person_n themselves_o but_o also_o with_o the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v now_o as_o we_o can_v of_o faith_n admit_v man_n to_o church_n ordinance_n which_o we_o believe_v belong_v only_o to_o church_n member_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o sometime_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v so_o corrupt_a that_o though_o it_o do_v remain_v a_o true_a church_n yet_o for_o the_o corruption_n and_o impurity_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o the_o same_o for_o which_o dr._n ames_n give_v sundry_a ground_n and_o reason_n case_n cons_n lib._n c._n 12._o q._n 3._o resp_n 2._o or_o at_o least_o to_o protest_v against_o some_o gross_a corruption_n therein_o in_o regard_v whereof_o we_o have_v need_v to_o have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o information_n what_o that_o congregation_n be_v with_o who_o now_o we_o have_v church_n communion_n when_o in_o heir_n right_o we_o admit_v mâ—n_z into_o
carry_v matter_n just_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o 19_o among_o other_o thing_n note_v ministerial_a or_o delegated_a power_n of_o government_n and_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o to_o who_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n in_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o peter_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o the_o disciple_n also_o for_o to_o they_o all_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o christ_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o â—eter_a answer_v in_o all_o their_o name_n second_o that_o he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o apostle_n or_o general_a officer_n of_o all_o church_n for_o that_o commission_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v they_o but_o as_o disciple_n and_o believer_n believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n jesus_n christ_n the_o rock_n upon_o who_o the_o church_n be_v build_v wherein_o as_o they_o do_v represent_v all_o believer_n so_o in_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o key_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o believer_n that_o shall_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o this_o power_n of_o government_n be_v express_o give_v to_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17._o according_a hereunto_o in_o that_o description_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n rev._n 4._o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v see_v by_o john_n in_o a_o vision_n sit_v on_o throne_n clothe_v with_o white_a raiment_n have_v on_o their_o head_n crown_n of_o gold_n vers_fw-la 14._o now_o throne_n and_o crown_n be_v ensign_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o authority_n and_o govern_v power_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n doctor_n fulke_n have_v this_o say_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o one_o person_n only_o as_o cyprian_n augustine_n chrysostome_n jerome_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n do_v confess_v against_o the_o pope_n pardon_n chap._n 3._o p._n 381._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n although_o the_o judgement_n and_o execution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exercise_n that_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whoâ—e_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v appoint_v governor_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n against_o the_o rhemist_n on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o doctor_n whitaker_n have_v these_o word_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la nos_fw-la dicimus_fw-la petrum_fw-la gessisse_fw-la personam_fw-la omnium_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la quare_fw-la hanc_fw-la promissionem_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n sed_fw-la toti_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la clave_n accepisse_fw-la de_fw-fr pontiff_a roman_n q._n 2._o c._n 4._o sect._n 17._o and_o in_o that_o book_n he_o be_v pregnant_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o key_n be_v mean_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o these_o key_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o same_o be_v also_o teach_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o every_o visible_a church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o page_n 2_o of_o that_o three_o book_n make_v mention_n of_o four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o word_n of_o the_o key_n and_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16._o 19_o the_o first_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v the_o pope_n only_o to_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o peter_n successor_n the_o second_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o three_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v those_o word_n as_o mean_v of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o minister_n alone_o the_o four_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v peter_n to_o represent_v the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n and_o therefore_o that_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o these_o he_o refuse_v the_o three_o first_o as_o unsound_a and_o maintain_v the_o four_o as_o only_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o master_n baine_n say_v every_o church_n by_o christ_n institution_n have_v power_n of_o government_n diocese_n trial_n quest_n 1._o p._n 8._o and_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 11._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n the_o word_n church_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v here_o not_o figurative_o tataken_v metonymical_o for_o the_o place_n synâ—cdochecally_o for_o minister_n administer_a ordinance_n but_o proper_o for_o a_o body_n politic_a stand_v of_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v and_o of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o by_o these_o word_n of_o he_o it_o may_v also_o be_v conclude_v that_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o for_o the_o power_n of_o government_n by_o church_n institution_n be_v in_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o minister_n be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o figurative_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n and_o therefore_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o people_n and_o minister_n but_o of_o this_o more_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o question_n four_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o independency_n whereof_o this_o question_n also_o make_v mention_n we_o do_v confess_v the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o independent_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o depend_v on_o christ_n both_o for_o direction_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n joh._n 10._o 27._o act._n 3._o 23._o and_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o discern_v those_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v discern_v joh._n â—5_n 5._o and_o 16._o 13._o but_o for_o dependency_n upon_o man_n or_o other_o church_n or_o other_o subordination_n unto_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o appoint_a by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n word_n be_v plain_a if_o a_o man_n hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o beto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n and_o his_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v plain_a also_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 18._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n deliver_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n unto_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o man_n upon_o the_o church_n censure_n come_v to_o be_v in_o case_n as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n yea_o become_v bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o bind_v in_o earth_n and_o also_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v such_o a_o firm_a ratification_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n to_o reverse_v or_o disannul_v the_o same_o and_o so_o take_v away_o that_o kind_n of_o dependency_n and_o subordination_n of_o church_n nos_fw-la plane_n dicimus_fw-la â—cclesias_fw-la initiò_fw-la regi_fw-la solitas_fw-la esse_fw-la à _fw-la suis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la sic_fw-la quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la nullis_fw-la essent_fw-la externis_fw-la aut_fw-la ecclesiâ—s_fw-la aut_fw-la episcopis_fw-la subditae_fw-la non_fw-la colossensis_fw-la ephaesiâ—ae_fw-la non_fw-la philippensis_fw-la thessaloniensi_fw-la non_fw-la hâ—_n romanae_fw-la non_fw-la romanae_fw-la cviquam_fw-la seâ—_n paris_n omnes_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la juris_fw-la essent_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la svi_fw-la omnes_fw-la juris_fw-la et_fw-la mancipij_fw-la whitak_n de_fw-fr pontif._n roman_n question_v 1_o chapter_n 1._o section_n 3._o that_o be_v in_o sum_n the_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a and_o subordinate_a to_o other_o but_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o free_a and_o independent_a we_o affirm_v say_v master_n baine_n that_o all_o church_n be_v singular_a congregation_n equal_a in_o dependent_a each_o of_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o subjection_n diocese_n trial_n q_o 1._o pag._n 13._o the_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o mr._n parker_n his_o three_o book_n of_o eccles_n polity_n have_v this_o title_n de_fw-fr summitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la particularis_fw-la and_o
another_o though_o now_o and_o then_o as_o need_n require_v church_n send_v to_o other_o church_n for_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n mean_v to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o unity_n and_o verity_n 18._o and_o to_o reform_v any_o that_o may_v err_v thanks_n be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v sundry_a first_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o psal_n 19_o 7_o 8._o second_o the_o ministry_n appoint_v by_o christ_n viz._n of_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n and_o deacon_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12._o 28._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 1._o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o &c_n &c_n and_o vers_fw-la 8._o and_o in_o both_o these_o we_o have_v frequent_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o require_v church_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n in_o the_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o &_o 2._o 13._o 11._o ephes_n 4._o 3._o &_o phil._n 1._o 27._o &_o 2._o 1._o 2._o and_o his_o promise_n to_o lead_v his_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o holy_a agreement_n therein_o jer._n 32._o 29._o isa_n 11_o 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n zeph._n 3._o 9_o joh._n 16._o 13._o with_o many_o motive_n and_o rule_n from_o scripture_n for_o continue_v in_o the_o say_a truth_n and_o love_n now_o faith_n make_v use_v of_o these_o promise_n and_o submit_v to_o these_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o so_o both_o these_o be_v mix_v with_o faith_n be_v profitable_a mean_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o that_o end_n aforesaid_a heb._n 4._o 2._o as_o these_o church_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n for_o these_o year_n since_o our_o come_n into_o this_o country_n and_o any_o other_o mean_v sanctify_v of_o god_n for_o the_o aforesaid_a end_n we_o hope_v we_o shall_v be_v glad_a with_o thankful_a heart_n to_o improve_v and_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v as_o for_o a_o platform_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n which_o you_o mention_v as_o one_o mean_v hereunto_o if_o thereby_o you_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n we_o know_v nothing_o but_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o expedient_a in_o some_o case_n for_o any_o particular_a person_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n to_o do_v it_o or_o any_o church_n or_o aâ—l_o the_o church_n in_o any_o christian_a commonwealth_n to_o compile_v and_o set_v forth_o such_o a_o platform_n the_o practice_n of_o those_o church_n who_o confession_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o book_n call_v the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n as_o also_o of_o master_n robinson_n at_o leiden_fw-mi and_o other_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o other_o part_n in_o the_o low-countries_n who_o have_v publish_v such_o platform_n we_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o condemn_v or_o disallow_v neither_o count_v we_o it_o unlawful_a or_o inexpedient_a for_o any_o church_n or_o church_n or_o person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o country_n upon_o just_a occasion_n to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v of_o a_o platform_n to_o be_v impose_v by_o authority_n upon_o other_o or_o ourselves_o as_o a_o bind_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n so_o that_o all_o man_n must_v believe_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o platform_n without_o add_v alter_v or_o omit_v than_o we_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o such_o platform_n be_v lawful_a or_o expedient_a for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o do_v in_o any_o particular_a swerve_v from_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n then_o the_o impose_v of_o they_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o unlawful_a and_o if_o they_o be_v according_a to_o it_o than_o they_o may_v seem_v needless_a in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a which_o reason_n against_o such_o platform_n make_v nothing_o against_o sermon_n or_o preach_a though_o sermon_n must_v be_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n because_o preach_v be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o needless_a which_o we_o can_v say_v of_o such_o platform_n beside_o as_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o they_o may_v be_v a_o snare_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o dangerous_a temptation_n of_o attend_v more_o to_o the_o form_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o imposer_n then_o to_o the_o examine_v thereof_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o their_o faith_n may_v by_o this_o mean_n stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n or_o will_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o if_o man_n have_v dominion_n over_o their_o faith_n which_o thing_n ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 5._o &_o 2._o 1._o ver_fw-la christian_n have_v liberty_n from_o god_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a act._n 17._o 11._o joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 21._o but_o the_o foresay_a impose_v of_o platform_n and_o confession_n compile_v by_o man_n do_v seem_v to_o abridge_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v any_o mean_n of_o unity_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o dangerous_a hindrance_n of_o some_o verity_n and_o degree_n of_o truth_n as_o bind_v man_n to_o rest_n in_o their_o former_a apprehension_n and_o knowledge_n without_o liberty_n to_o better_v their_o judgement_n in_o those_o point_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o any_o further_a light_n which_o god_n may_v give_v to_o his_o best_a servant_n and_o most_o discern_a beyond_o what_o they_o see_v at_o first_o and_o therefore_o we_o doubt_v such_o impose_v platform_n be_v not_o lawful_a or_o at_o least_o wise_a not_o expedient_a the_o consociation_n of_o church_n into_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a as_o namely_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o one_o church_n but_o common_a to_o they_o all_o and_o likewise_o when_o a_o church_n be_v not_o able_a to_o end_v any_o matter_n that_o concern_v only_o themselves_o than_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o neighbour_n church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o 2._o the_o ground_n and_o use_v of_o class_n and_o synod_n with_o the_o limitation_n therein_o to_o be_v observe_v be_v summary_o lay_v down_o by_o doctor_n ames_n medul_n theol._n l_o 1._o c._n 39_o sect._n 27._o unto_o who_o we_o do_v whole_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o when_o you_o speak_v of_o do_v no_o weighty_a matter_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o counsel_n of_o a_o class_n we_o dare_v not_o so_o far_o restrain_v the_o particular_a church_n as_o fear_v this_o will_v be_v to_o give_v the_o class_n a_o undue_a power_n and_o more_o than_o belong_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o word_n as_o be_v also_o a_o abridgement_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o transact_v their_o own_o matter_n whether_o more_o or_o less_o weighty_a among_o themselves_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v able_a without_o such_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o class_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o in_o answer_n to_o q._n 14._o sect._n 3_o &_o 4._o of_o that_o answer_n and_o master_n parker_n testify_v that_o in_o genevah_n and_o in_o the_o low-countries_n where_o they_o have_v some_o use_n of_o class_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o their_o particular_a congregation_n be_v absque_fw-la potestate_fw-la omni_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la grandtoribus_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o excommunicatione_n the_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o without_o power_n in_o the_o more_o weighty_a matter_n as_o in_o excommunication_n polit._n eccles_n li._n 2._o c._n 36._o sect._n 11._o p._n 310._o and_o master_n baine_n show_v the_o same_o say_v they_o have_v power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o but_o for_o great_a edification_n voluntary_o confederate_a not_o to_o use_v or_o exercise_v their_o power_n but_o with_o mutual_a communion_n one_o ask_v the_o counsel_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o other_o diocese_n trial_o q._n 1._o p._n 21._o and_o a_o little_a after_o geneva_n make_v his_o consociation_n not_o as_o if_o the_o prime_a church_n be_v imperfect_a and_o to_o make_v one_o church_n by_o this_o union_n but_o because_o though_o they_o be_v entire_a church_n and_o have_v the_o power_n of_o church_n yet_o they_o need_v support_v in_o exercise_v of_o it_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o say_v before_o in_o q._n 14_o viz._n that_o all_o church_n have_v right_a of_o government_n within_o themselves_o but_o some_o have_v need_n of_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o because_o they_o be_v of_o less_o ability_n to_o transact_v their_o own_o matter_n
how_o approvable_a the_o man_n may_v be_v and_o what_o discipline_n it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v set_v up_o for_o shall_v we_o in_o such_o general_a word_n as_o be_v there_o express_v promise_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n that_o shall_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o discipline_n and_o then_o shall_v be_v take_v at_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o our_o word_n we_o may_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v bind_v to_o accept_v of_o a_o company_n of_o papist_n or_o arminian_n or_o familist_n or_o anabaptist_n as_o a_o sister_n church_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o something_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o in_o their_o discipline_n that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n approvable_a and_o yet_o we_o pray_v you_o hearty_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o conceive_v of_o we_o in_o this_o passage_n that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o make_v any_o such_o comparison_n as_o if_o yourselves_o be_v not_o approve_v in_o our_o conscience_n far_o above_o the_o best_a of_o such_o man_n yea_o and_o above_o ourselves_o in_o many_o respect_n we_o have_v say_v before_o in_o that_o which_o we_o send_v you_o the_o last_o year_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n we_o say_v it_o now_o again_o that_o you_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v suffer_v to_o live_v and_o die_v together_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o question_n be_v mean_v of_o yourselves_o or_o any_o of_o you_o and_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a people_n join_v with_o you_o as_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v it_o because_o you_o do_v not_o express_v so_o much_o we_o think_v if_o you_o be_v here_o we_o shall_v glad_o accept_v of_o you_o and_o your_o people_n as_o a_o sister-church_n and_o that_o you_o will_v do_v the_o like_a to_o we_o and_o yet_o not_o when_o you_o shall_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v one_o form_n of_o church-discipline_n and_o we_o another_o but_o because_o we_o be_v persuade_v if_o you_o be_v here_o you_o will_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o do_v and_o not_o any_o other_o or_o else_o if_o we_o be_v swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n in_o any_o particular_a as_o god_n know_v we_o be_v but_o weak_a man_n and_o far_o from_o dream_v of_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n god_n will_v by_o you_o send_v in_o more_o light_n unto_o we_o then_o yet_o we_o see_v and_o make_v you_o instrument_n in_o his_o hand_n for_o perfect_a what_o be_v here_o begin_v according_a to_o his_o will_n for_o strengthen_v what_o be_v weak_a and_o reform_v what_o may_v be_v find_v to_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o as_o we_o be_v desirous_a that_o you_o may_v join_v with_o we_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o we_o now_o walk_v which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n so_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o willing_a to_o receive_v light_n from_o you_o and_o to_o redress_v as_o god_n shall_v help_v we_o whatsoever_o by_o you_o or_o any_o other_o he_o may_v discover_v to_o we_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o reformation_n for_o which_o cause_n among_o other_o we_o do_v the_o more_o earnest_o desire_n if_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n will_v that_o he_o may_v send_v you_o hither_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o if_o you_o be_v here_o there_o will_v be_v such_o agreement_n between_o you_o and_o we_o that_o either_o you_o will_v approve_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v and_o practice_v or_o that_o we_o shall_v approve_v of_o what_o you_o may_v show_v we_o to_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o such_o a_o question_n whether_o we_o may_v set_v up_o and_o practice_v another_o discipline_n and_o yet_o be_v accept_v as_o a_o sister-church_n but_o rather_o of_o blessing_n the_o lord_n when_o that_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v in_o you_o and_o we_o which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o prophet_n i_o will_v give_v they_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o way_n i_o will_v turn_v unto_o the_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n that_o they_o may_v all_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n jer._n 32._o 39_o zeph._n 3._o 9_o we_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o gal._n 5._o 10._o phil._n 3._o 15._o this_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o posit_n 1._o &_o 2._o send_v unto_o you_o 32._o the_o last_o year_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_a for_o church-covenant_n or_o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n send_v over_o in_o answer_n to_o master_n bernard_n in_o the_o year_n 1639._o and_o now_o publish_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o desire_n resolution_n in_o this_o point_n london_n print_v by_o t._n p._n and_o m._n s._n for_o benjamin_n allen._n 1643._o a_o discourse_n touch_v the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o especial_o concern_v church-covenant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o covenant_n which_o a_o company_n do_v enter_v into_o when_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o which_o a_o particular_a person_n enter_v into_o when_o he_o become_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n 1639._o jer_n 50._o 5._o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v although_o that_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o namely_o in_o the_o four_o and_o five_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v in_o part_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n return_v from_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o year_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o place_n to_o that_o time_n only_o but_o may_v extend_v it_o further_o to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spiritual_a return_n not_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o but_o of_o the_o gentile_n also_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v convert_v from_o pagan_a antichristian_a babylonish_n or_o jewish_a bondage_n and_o captivity_n or_o from_o slavery_n to_o sin_n and_o self-righteousnesse_n and_o shall_v be_v join_v to_o god_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o as_o some_o passage_n in_o this_o scripture_n be_v never_o full_o accomplish_v at_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o seventy_o year_n and_o namely_o this_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n shall_v return_v both_o together_o for_o the_o ten_o tribe_n return_v not_o at_o all_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o literal_o concern_v the_o jew_n be_v type_n and_o figure_n signify_v the_o like_a thing_n concern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n in_o which_o respect_n sincere_a convert_n be_v call_v jew_n rome_n 2._o 29._o and_o israelites_n gal._n 6._o 16._o joh._n 1._o 47._o and_o our_o sacrament_n be_v make_v antitype_n of_o they_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o rome_n be_v call_v babylon_n rev._n 17._o 5._o and_o papist_n be_v call_v gentile_n rev._n 11._o 2._o and_o therefore_o the_o captivity_n of_o babylon_n may_v well_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n of_o god_n people_n to_o antichristian_a bondage_n and_o their_o return_n from_o babylon_n to_o zion_n a_o type_n of_o the_o return_n of_o christian_n from_o romish_a slavery_n to_o the_o true_a zion_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v add_v further_o that_o this_o place_n seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o private_a or_o personal_a conversion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a christian_a but_o also_o further_o of_o the_o open_a and_o joint_a call_n of_o a_o company_n because_o it_o be_v say_v they_o shall_v come_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o child_n of_o judah_n together_o and_o that_o their_o say_n shall_v not_o be_v let_v i_o join_v etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n so_o note_v the_o join_n of_o a_o company_n together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n with_o god_n concern_v which_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v first_o brief_o to_o show_v how_o diverse_o covenant_n be_v take_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o sometime_o import_v general_o any_o firm_a appointment_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o man_n do_v not_o promise_n
come_v up_o but_o of_o late_a must_v first_o prove_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o hold_v their_o peace_n white_a way_n 44._o 1._o and_o the_o same_o we_o say_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o church-covenant_n second_o and_o yet_o they_o that_o search_v the_o story_n and_o writer_n of_o the_o time_n and_o age_n next_o after_o the_o apostle_n may_v find_v some_o testimony_n of_o church-covenant_n in_o those_o day_n for_o instance_n justine_n martyr_n in_o his_o apol._n 2._o make_v mention_n of_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v regeneration_n and_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o promise_n to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o general_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o time_n that_o never_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n nor_o his_o child_n neither_o but_o they_o put_v he_o to_o answer_v three_o question_n abrenuntio_n whereto_o he_o answer_v abrenuntio_fw-la credis_fw-la whereto_o his_o answer_n be_v credo_fw-la and_o spondes_fw-la to_o which_o he_o answer_v spondes_fw-la so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o open_a declaration_n of_o his_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o two_o first_o particular_n and_o a_o open_a bind_v himself_o by_o covenant_n or_o promise_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o three_o but_o much_o need_v not_o to_o be_v say_v in_o this_o point_n unto_o they_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v scripture_n antiquity_n to_o be_v sufficient_a though_o after_o time_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v if_o church-covenant_n be_v so_o necessary_a than_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n 10._o be_v to_o be_v condemn_v as_o no_o church_n for_o they_o have_v no_o such_o covenant_n they_o that_o have_v know_v those_o church_n not_o only_o by_o their_o answ_n write_n and_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o synod_n and_o otherwise_o but_o also_o by_o live_v among_o they_o and_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o their_o order_n do_v report_n otherwise_o of_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v combine_v together_o by_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o one_o another_o zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o manner_n use_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o admit_v the_o child_n of_o church-member_n to_o the_o lord_n table_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o catechise_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o child_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o public_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n consuetum_fw-la est_fw-la sai_z lâ—e_z ut_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la atatem_fw-la inque_fw-la doctrinâ_fw-la catecheticâ_fw-la profectum_fw-la ad_fw-la sacram_fw-la coenam_fw-la primum_fw-la admittuntur_fw-la fidei_fw-la confessionem_fw-la coram_fw-la totâ_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la publicae_fw-la edant_fw-la per_fw-la parent_n aut_fw-la qui_fw-la parentum_fw-la loco_fw-la sunt_fw-la jussû_fw-fr ministri_fw-la in_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la conspectum_fw-la producti_fw-la quòdque_fw-la in_o illa_fw-la confession_n per_fw-la dei_fw-la gratiam_fw-la perstare_fw-la ac_fw-la juxta_fw-la illam_fw-la vitam_fw-la instituere_fw-la insuper_fw-la etiam_fw-la disciplina_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la ultrò_fw-la ac_fw-la spout_v suâ_fw-la subjicere_fw-la seize_v velint_fw-la spondeant_fw-la atque_fw-la stipulentur_fw-la polit._n eccles_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 14._o p._n 158._o that_o be_v the_o manner_n be_v that_o they_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o age_n and_o proficiency_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o catechism_n be_v first_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n make_v confession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o parent_n or_o they_o that_o be_v instead_o of_o parent_n at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o likewise_o shall_v promise_v and_o covenant_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o have_v confess_v and_o to_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o it_o yea_o and_o moreover_o to_o subject_v themselves_o free_o and_o willing_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o word_n we_o see_v be_v full_a and_o plain_a that_o child_n be_v not_o in_o those_o church_n receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n without_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o enter_v into_o covenant_n before_o and_o if_o they_o take_v this_o course_n with_o child_n come_v to_o age_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n or_o more_o that_o the_o same_o course_n shall_v be_v hold_v with_o man_n of_o year_n when_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n and_o so_o the_o same_o zepperus_n speak_v of_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o mutual_a confederation_n have_v these_o word_n which_o as_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o combine_v of_o many_o church_n so_o may_v they_o be_v combine_v of_o many_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n 〈◊〉_d illa_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quam_fw-la in_o symbolo_fw-la profit_n nunc_fw-la apostolico_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la hic_fw-la requirit_fw-la &_o vult_fw-la quam_fw-la obligationem_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la membrorum_fw-la &_o confoederationem_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v that_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o we_o profess_v in_o the_o creed_n do_v require_v and_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o bind_n of_o they_o together_o by_o covenant_n polit._n eccles_n li._n 3_o c._n 8._o p_o 721._o to_o these_o testimony_n of_o zâ—ppâ—râ—â—_n those_o word_n may_v be_v add_v of_o mr._n parker_n our_o own_o countryman_n a_o man_n of_o singular_a note_n for_o learning_n and_o holiness_n who_o also_o himself_o live_v sometime_o beyond_o sea_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o there_o end_v his_o day_n so_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o give_v the_o more_o credit_n to_o his_o testimony_n he_o have_v so_o good_a mean_n full_o to_o know_v the_o state_n and_o order_n of_o those_o church_n now_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o solennis_n forma_fw-la absque_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la alicujus_fw-la communionem_fw-la nullus_fw-la ritè_fw-la recipitur_fw-la of_o a_o solemn_a form_n without_o which_o no_o man_n be_v right_o receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n have_v these_o word_n hic_fw-la mos_fw-la ille_fw-la est_fw-la reformatarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la in_o lapsis_fw-la restituendis_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o extraâ—eis_fw-la iâ—ò_fw-la quibuscunque_fw-la recipiendis_fw-la qui_fw-la ad_fw-la habitandum_fw-la alicubi_fw-la confident_a etsi_fw-la fortè_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la illius_fw-la loci_fw-la quo_fw-la ante_fw-la commoâ—_n abantur_fw-la juxta_fw-la hanc_fw-la formam_fw-la admissi_fw-la prius_fw-la fuerant_fw-la examinat_fw-la presbyterium_fw-la plebs_fw-la consentit_fw-la cuique_fw-la testes_fw-la vita_fw-la sua_fw-la secum_fw-la adfert_fw-la vel_fw-la testimonia_fw-la salâ—em_fw-la publicatur_fw-la nomen_fw-la cuiusque_fw-la competentis_fw-la pro_fw-la conâ—ioâ—e_fw-la admonetur_fw-la cuique_fw-la siquid_fw-la habeat_fw-la quod_fw-la excipiat_fw-la ut_fw-la denunciet_a presbyteris_fw-la si_fw-mi nihil_fw-la contrà _fw-la adferatur_fw-la admittitur_fw-la quidem_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la solerni_fw-la pactione_n cum_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la spondet_fw-la verò_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la se_fw-la ambulaturum_fw-la prout_fw-la sanctam_fw-la illam_fw-la communionem_fw-la decet_fw-la disciplinae_fw-la illius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la subjacere_fw-la velle_fw-la se_fw-la fratribus_fw-la illius_fw-la communionis_fw-la invigilaturum_fw-la juxta_fw-la christi_fw-la praeceptum_fw-la matth._n 18._o 17._o ut_fw-la praeveniantur_fw-la sanentur_fw-la que_fw-la scandala_fw-la &_o illi_fw-la ad_fw-la studium_fw-la bonorum_fw-la operum_fw-la provehantur_fw-la that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n not_o only_o in_o restore_v such_o as_o have_v fall_v but_o in_o admit_v of_o stranger_n yea_o of_o all_o whoever_o they_o be_v who_o do_v sit_v down_o in_o any_o place_n for_o habitation_n though_o perhaps_o they_o have_v be_v former_o admit_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o church_n where_o they_o have_v former_o dwell_v the_o presbytery_n do_v examine_v the_o people_n do_v consent_n every_o man_n bring_v with_o he_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n or_o at_o leastwise_o testimony_n the_o name_n of_o each_o one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o member_n be_v publish_v in_o the_o assembly_n every_o one_o be_v admonish_v if_o he_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o the_o party_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o presbytery_n if_o nothing_o be_v bring_v against_o he_o than_o indeed_o he_o be_v admit_v but_o yet_o no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o church_n he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v walk_v as_o become_v that_o holy_a fellowship_n that_o he_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o that_o church_n that_o he_o will_v watch_v over_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o communion_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18._o