a_o letter_n of_o many_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n request_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o reverend_a brethren_n in_o new_a england_n concern_v nine_o position_n write_a anno_fw-la dom._n 1637._o together_o with_o their_o answer_n thereunto_o return_v anno_fw-la 1639._o and_o the_o reply_v make_v unto_o the_o say_a answer_n and_o send_v over_o unto_o they_o anno_fw-la 1640._o now_o publish_v by_o occasion_n mention_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o page_n upon_o the_o desire_n of_o many_o godly_a and_o faithful_a minister_n in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n who_o love_n and_o seek_v the_o truth_n by_o simeon_n ash_n and_o william_n rathband_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a london_n print_v for_o thomas_n vnderhill_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o great_a woodstreet_n 1643._o i_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v this_o reply_n to_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o new-england_n to_o the_o nine_o position_n which_o i_o have_v approve_v and_o judge_v very_o necessary_a and_o seasonable_a to_o be_v print_v and_o publish_v july_n the_o five_o 1643._o james_n cranford_n rector_n of_o christopher_n london_n errata_fw-la page_n 22._o marg._n read_v romae_fw-la p._n 33_o line_n 27_o r._n society_n p_o 37._o l._n 21._o r._n of_o all_o true_a church_n p_o 37._o l._n 3â—_n r._n parium_fw-la p._n 47._o l._n 41_o r._n say_v p_o 48._o l._n 30._o r._n quin._n p._n 50._o l._n 31_o r._n ordinance_n the_o fault_n escape_v in_o the_o quotation_n p._n 5â—_n in_o some_o copy_n the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v by_o beza_n de_fw-fr presb._n p_o 57_o l._n 7._o r._n be_v the_o same_o p_o 61_o l_o 25._o r._n objection_n p._n 61._o l._n 28._o r._n be_v dispense_v p_o 64_o l_o â—4_n r._n which_o without_o p._n 67._o l._n 14._o r_o parium_fw-la p._n 67_o l._n 29_o r._n therefore_o to_o they_o p._n 6â—_n l._n 28._o r._n with_o christ_n to_o the_o reader_n good_a reader_n upon_o the_o receipt_n of_o the_o answer_v return_v unto_o the_o nine_o position_n master_n ball_n move_v by_o the_o request_n of_o brethren_n draw_v up_o this_o reply_n which_o upon_o perusal_n and_o joint_a approbation_n be_v direct_v unto_o the_o reverend_a elder_n of_o the_o several_a church_n in_o new_a england_n the_o reply_n send_v miscarry_v in_o the_o hand_n to_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v though_o both_o letter_n and_o print_a book_n trust_v in_o the_o same_o hand_n be_v deliver_v hereupon_o another_o copy_n be_v from_o new_a england_n desire_v and_o according_o prepare_v in_o the_o year_n follow_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o answer_n be_v tender_v to_o the_o press_n it_o be_v judge_v more_o meet_a to_o keep_v the_o reply_n in_o readiness_n to_o attend_v the_o publish_n of_o the_o answer_n then_o to_o part_v with_o it_o in_o the_o other_o way_n this_o intelligence_n be_v the_o last_o year_n convey_v into_o new_a england_n since_o which_o time_n there_o have_v be_v a_o expectation_n to_o see_v that_o in_o print_n which_o now_o be_v send_v abroad_o to_o open_a view_n by_o this_o relation_n it_o be_v manifest_v who_o be_v volunteer_n and_o who_o be_v press_v to_o come_v forth_o as_o defendant_n in_o these_o controversy_n these_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o love_a brethren_n of_o old_a england_n and_o new_a have_v not_o be_v make_v thus_o notorious_a if_o some_o who_o cry_v up_o the_o church_n way_n in_o new_a england_n as_o the_o only_a way_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v forward_o to_o blow_v they_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n but_o sure_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v remarkable_a in_o bring_v these_o question_n into_o debate_n at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o all_o the_o county_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v call_v together_o by_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n to_o consult_v about_o the_o heal_n of_o our_o breach_n which_o be_v very_o many_o and_o dangerous_a the_o copy_n of_o this_o reply_n be_v commit_v to_o our_o custody_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o publication_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o shall_v preface_n nothing_o concern_v the_o treatise_n itself_o because_o our_o know_a respect_n to_o the_o reverend_a and_o judicious_a author_n will_v tender_v we_o partial_a and_o our_o testimony_n can_v add_v no_o credit_n to_o his_o work_n which_o withal_o indifferent_a reader_n will_v plead_v sufficient_o for_o their_o own_o acceptance_n if_o this_o discourse_n shall_v add_v any_o discovery_n of_o light_n unto_o they_o who_o desire_v a_o sound_a judgement_n in_o the_o controversy_n here_o agitate_a our_o end_n be_v obtain_v and_o our_o prayer_n answer_v who_o be_v thy_o servant_n in_o and_o for_o the_o truth_n simeon_n ash_n william_n rathband_n the_o letter_n of_o those_o minister_n in_o england_n who_o request_v to_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o new_a england_n in_o nine_o position_n wherein_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o request_n be_v true_o report_v reverend_a and_o belove_a brethren_n while_o we_o live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o kingdom_n we_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n join_v in_o the_o same_o ordinance_n labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o gain_v soul_n unto_o his_o kingdom_n and_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o worship_n against_o corruption_n both_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a but_o since_o your_o departure_n into_o new_a england_n we_o hear_v and_o partly_o believe_v it_o that_o divers_a have_v embrace_v certain_a vain_a opinion_n such_o as_o you_o dislike_v former_o and_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o unwarrantable_a as_o that_o a_o stint_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o set_v liturgy_n be_v unlawful_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n where_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v 3._o that_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a and_o approve_a christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v raptize_v until_o their_o parent_n be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n 4._o that_o the_o parent_n themselves_o though_o of_o approve_a piety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n until_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o set_v member_n 5._o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v that_o must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o part_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n 6._o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o set_v member_n but_o they_o must_v promise_v not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o unjust_o or_o leave_v he_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n 8._o that_o a_o minister_n can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n 9_o that_o member_n of_o one_o congregation_n may_v not_o communicate_v in_o another_o these_o and_o other_o such_o like_a which_o we_o omit_v to_o reckon_v up_o be_v write_v and_o report_v to_o be_v the_o common_a tenant_n in_o new_a england_n which_o be_v receive_v with_o great_a applause_n maintain_v with_o great_a confidence_n and_o applaud_v as_o the_o only_a church_n way_n wherein_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o letter_n from_o new_a england_n have_v so_o take_v with_o divers_a in_o many_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n that_o they_o have_v leave_v our_o assembly_n because_o of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o excommunicate_v themselves_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o such_o as_o be_v not_o debar_v from_o it_o and_o be_v turn_v aside_o themselves_o they_o labour_v to_o ensnare_v other_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o scandal_n of_o religion_n the_o wound_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n if_o they_o do_v advise_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o great_a advantage_n of_o they_o that_o be_v wily_a to_o espy_v and_o ready_a to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o advantage_n to_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n belove_v brethren_n if_o you_o stand_v in_o our_o place_n we_o be_v well_o assure_v it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a grief_n unto_o you_o to_o hear_v and_o see_v the_o people_n lead_v afide_fw-la to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o weak_a and_o groundless_a imagination_n and_o in_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n to_o deal_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o we_o grief_n of_o heart_n to_o hear_v that_o you_o have_v change_v from_o that_o truth_n which_o you_o do_v profess_v and_o embrace_v that_o for_o truth_n which_o in_o former_a time_n upon_o sound_a ground_n you_o do_v condemn_v
approve_a christian_n member_n of_o our_o church_n come_v over_o into_o new_a england_n shall_v desire_v either_o to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o to_o be_v admit_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n before_o they_o be_v set_v member_n of_o any_o society_n these_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n from_o god_n you_o can_v deny_v they_o if_o you_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n ministry_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o god_n as_o you_o profess_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v and_o approve_v orderly_o recommend_v unto_o you_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n baptize_v themselves_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o faith_n that_o their_o child_n shall_v have_v right_a to_o baptism_n in_o all_o true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n lawful_o and_o just_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o one_o visible_a church_n and_o walk_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o they_o have_v right_a to_o this_o privilege_n in_o all_o church_n profess_v their_o entire_a faith_n and_o you_o must_v show_v just_a and_o sound_a reason_n from_o god_n of_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o debar_v their_o seed_n from_o baptism_n and_o parent_n themselves_o from_o the_o supper_n or_o else_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o reverend_a elder_n among_o you_o in_o a_o case_n of_o less_o importance_n and_o not_o concern_v so_o many_o you_o will_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o 18._o add_v to_o the_o word_n and_o make_v eleven_o commandment_n and_o set_v up_o humane_a custom_n and_o selfewill_n against_o god_n appointment_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a thereunto_o but_o you_o deny_v this_o privilege_n to_o the_o true_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o yourselves_o confess_v for_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o congregation_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o your_o opinion_n the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n may_v be_v receive_v unto_o baptism_n upon_o confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n before_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o it_o be_v more_o than_o strange_a to_o we_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o think_v the_o true_a visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v as_o much_o title_n and_o interest_n to_o the_o seal_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n 6_o the_o distinct_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v congregationall_a society_n consist_v only_o of_o so_o many_o as_o might_n and_o do_v meet_v together_o ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n at_o one_o time_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v not_o carry_v the_o weight_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o but_o because_o it_o may_v make_v way_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o some_o other_o point_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o church_n order_n we_o entreat_v leave_v to_o set_v down_o and_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o least_o circuit_n wherein_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o church_n be_v ample_a enough_o to_o contain_v some_o diocese_n and_o the_o least_o city_n populous_a enough_o to_o make_v many_o numbersome_a congregation_n nor_o upon_o this_o that_o to_o 226._o meet_v at_o one_o time_n and_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n be_v a_o thing_n mere_o accidentary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o society_n ecclesiastical_a which_o be_v still_o one_o when_o they_o be_v disperse_v asunder_o and_o no_o particular_a man_n of_o that_o society_n at_o first_o remain_v now_o alive_a the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n as_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n to_o worship_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o their_o edify_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n gather_v in_o the_o city_n of_o samaria_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o philip_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o that_o city_n be_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n be_v more_o than_o can_v probable_o be_v conclude_v out_o of_o scripture_n for_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o the_o great_a part_n can_v not_o ordinary_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n to_o their_o edification_n but_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o samaria_n in_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a embrace_v the_o faith_n 12._o as_o the_o whole_a city_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a have_v give_v heed_n to_o simon_n magus_n before_o so_o to_o philip_n now_o when_o he_o preach_v christ_n and_o the_o text_n say_v express_o that_o samaria_n receive_v the_o gospel_n the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o and_o distinct_a but_o it_o 7_o grow_v and_o increase_v first_o to_o 3000._o then_o to_o 5000._o afterward_o multitude_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n be_v add_v and_o the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n increase_v it_o be_v also_o note_v that_o a_o company_n of_o the_o priest_n receive_v the_o faith_n the_o syriac_a have_v it_o of_o the_o jew_n scil_n inhabit_v judea_n but_o the_o greek_a arabian_a vulgar_a chrisostom_n &_o ethiopian_n approve_v the_o former_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o small_a there_o be_v mention_v also_o of_o million_o of_o believer_n and_o when_o all_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o remain_v at_o 28._o jerusalem_n for_o a_o time_n continue_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o earnest_o and_o diligent_o leave_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o other_o how_o can_v we_o think_v but_o that_o church_n do_v grow_v exceed_o and_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n there_o to_o be_v more_o than_o can_v fit_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o congregation_n without_o question_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o antioch_n be_v not_o small_a of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v express_o that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o barnabas_n and_o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n continue_v there_o one_o whole_a year_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o 21._o god_n and_o teach_v the_o multitude_n so_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n at_o antiach_n after_o that_o this_o church_n be_v visit_v by_o paul_n 26_o and_o barnabas_n who_o continue_v there_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o many_o other_o also_o and_o may_v we_o not_o think_v 35._o that_o this_o church_n do_v quick_o rise_v to_o such_o bigness_n that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n as_o now_o we_o call_v they_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v credit_v that_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o small_a at_o ephesus_n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n that_o when_o paul_n have_v be_v there_o but_o two_o year_n all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o asia_n have_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n both_o jew_n and_o 19_o grecian_n that_o a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a be_v open_v to_o he_o at_o ephesus_n that_o the_o art_n for_o make_v shrine_n and_o diana_n temple_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o and_o that_o those_o that_o have_v use_v curious_a art_n come_v and_o burn_v their_o book_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o great_a danger_n unto_o the_o church_n unless_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v believe_v where_o a_o church_n do_v comprehend_v a_o city_n with_o its_o suburb_n and_o the_o country_n circumjacent_a i._n e._n the_o believer_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n within_o that_o circuit_n it_o may_v well_o be_v that_o the_o number_n do_v so_o increase_v through_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n which_o accompany_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n and_o first_o plant_v of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v not_o well_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n and_o yet_o continue_v one_o society_n for_o when_o a_o number_n be_v gather_v in_o small_a village_n or_o some_o add_v to_o the_o number_n already_o gather_v it_o be_v not_o meet_v they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v because_o small_a nor_o divide_v from_o the_o body_n because_o the_o number_n not_o competent_a to_o make_v a_o entire_a and_o perfect_a body_n of_o itself_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v a_o increase_n of_o elder_n and_o if_o they_o grow_v
the_o many_o rich_a precious_a treasure_n of_o his_o grace_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n have_v furnish_v sundry_n of_o you_o above_o your_o brethren_n which_o cause_v we_o with_o great_a reverence_n to_o accept_v and_o receive_v what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v be_v please_v to_o impart_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o but_o as_o we_o have_v believe_v so_o have_v we_o hitherto_o practise_v and_o so_o have_v most_o of_o we_o speak_v this_o our_o answer_n to_o your_o particular_n most_o of_o we_o we_o may_v say_v because_o there_o want_v not_o some_o brethren_n among_o we_o who_o proceed_v further_o even_o to_o look_v at_o all_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n invent_v by_o man_n of_o another_o age_n or_o congregation_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v read_v out_o of_o a_o book_n for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o image_n or_o imagination_n of_o man_n forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o as_o we_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n without_o prejudice_n so_o do_v we_o also_o concur_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o all_o go_v in_o bear_v witness_n against_o any_o set_a form_n or_o the_o corruption_n in_o they_o in_o dispatch_v whereof_o we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o slow_a because_o it_o behove_v we_o first_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o settle_v some_o controversy_n among_o ourselves_o before_o we_o can_v well_o attend_v to_o entertain_v discourse_n about_o foreign_a question_n which_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v our_o present_a estate_n and_o practice_n beside_o your_o letter_n be_v send_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o we_o dwell_v far_o asunder_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a thing_n for_o all_o of_o we_o often_o to_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o these_o question_n much_o less_o to_o resolve_v upon_o one_o just_a answer_n but_o have_v at_o length_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n bring_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o issue_n we_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o he_o to_o your_o christian_a and_o judicious_a consideration_n where_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v find_v safe_a and_o due_o warrant_v from_o scripture_n ground_n do_v you_o also_o as_o seem_v vigilant_a watchman_n of_o the_o lord_n flock_v and_o faithful_a witness_n to_o god_n if_o any_o thing_n seem_v doubtful_a to_o you_o consider_v and_o weigh_v it_o very_o well_o before_o you_o reject_v it_o if_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o be_v unsound_a and_o dissonant_n from_o the_o word_n which_o we_o for_o our_o part_n can_v discern_v we_o shall_v willing_o attend_v to_o what_o further_a light_n god_n may_v send_v unto_o we_o by_o you_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o entreat_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o to_o suffer_v such_o apprehension_n to_o lodge_v in_o your_o mind_n which_o you_o intimate_v in_o your_o letter_n as_o if_o we_o here_o justify_v the_o way_n of_o rigid_a separation_n which_o sometime_o among_o you_o we_o have_v former_o bear_v witness_n against_o and_o so_o build_v again_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v destroy_v you_o know_v they_o separate_v from_o your_o congregation_n as_o no_o church_n from_o the_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o you_o as_o mere_a antichristian_a and_o from_o yourselves_o as_o no_o visible_a christian_n but_o we_o profess_v unfeigned_o we_o separate_v from_o the_o corruption_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o your_o church_n and_o from_o such_o ordinance_n administer_v therein_o as_o we_o fear_v be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n and_o for_o yourselves_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o separate_v as_o from_o no_o visible_a christian_n as_o that_o you_o be_v under_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v suffer_v it_o to_o live_v and_o die_v together_o and_o we_o look_v at_o sundry_a of_o you_o as_o man_n of_o that_o eminent_a growth_n in_o christianity_n that_o if_o there_o by_o any_o visible_a christian_n under_o heaven_n among_o you_o be_v the_o man_n which_o for_o these_o many_o year_n have_v be_v write_v in_o your_o forehead_n holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n which_o we_o speak_v not_o to_o prejudice_v any_o truth_n which_o ourselves_o be_v here_o teach_v and_o call_v to_o profess_v but_o we_o still_o believe_v though_o personal_a christian_n may_v be_v eminent_a in_o their_o growth_n of_o christianity_n yet_o church_n have_v still_o need_n to_o grow_v from_o apparent_a defect_n to_o purity_n and_o from_o reformation_n to_o reformation_n age_n after_o age_n till_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o abolish_v antichrist_n with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o come_n to_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a truth_n especial_o touch_v the_o order_n of_o his_o house_n and_o public_a worship_n as_o a_o pledge_n of_o this_o our_o estimation_n of_o you_o and_o sincere_a affection_n to_o you_o we_o have_v send_v you_o these_o answer_n to_o your_o demand_n and_o shall_v be_v ready_a by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v back_o again_o from_o you_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a advertisement_n in_o the_o lord_n now_o the_o lord_n god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n your_o lord_n and_o we_o lead_v we_o all_o unto_o all_o truth_n purge_v out_o all_o leaven_n out_o of_o his_o church_n and_o keep_v we_o blameless_a and_o harmless_a in_o his_o holy_a faith_n and_o fear_n to_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n through_o he_o that_o have_v love_v we_o in_o who_o we_o rest_v your_o very_a love_a brethren_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n reverend_a and_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o shall_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n look_v back_o upon_o former_a course_n and_o call_v thing_n do_v to_o more_o strict_a examination_n for_o be_v overclouded_n with_o ignorance_n compass_v about_o with_o infirmity_n and_o reader_n beset_v with_o many_o temptation_n to_o sin_n know_v what_o we_o know_v best_a but_o dark_o and_o in_o part_n no_o marvel_n if_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v ignorant_o of_o frailty_n for_o want_n of_o due_a consideration_n rash_o mistake_v error_n for_o truth_n condemn_v truth_n for_o error_n suspect_v evil_a without_o cause_n and_o not_o suspect_v where_o be_v just_a reason_n draw_v erroneous_a conclusion_n from_o sound_a principle_n and_o maintain_v truth_n upon_o weak_a ground_n so_o that_o in_o examination_n of_o our_o way_n and_o endeavour_n of_o their_o reformation_n we_o have_v need_v to_o look_v wary_o that_o we_o turn_v not_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o in_o the_o one_o we_o add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o ooth_a and_o of_o ourselves_o be_v apt_a to_o strike_v aside_o to_o both_o a_o loose_a conscience_n will_v be_v profane_a a_o tender_a scrupulous_a it_o stand_v we_o therefore_o upon_o to_o have_v ourselves_o in_o suspicion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o experience_n teach_v that_o many_o have_v swerve_v from_o the_o path_n of_o sound_a peace_n and_o comfort_n on_o each_o hand_n wherefore_o belove_v brethren_n if_o since_o your_o come_n into_o new_a england_n upon_o serious_a review_n of_o former_a action_n you_o have_v discover_v any_o truth_n heretofore_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v they_o because_o of_o your_o former_a judgement_n and_o practice_n that_o we_o shall_v hearty_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o with_o you_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o you_o as_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n our_o instruction_n &_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o position_n mention_v in_o the_o letter_n as_o before_o so_o still_o we_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v new_a opinion_n and_o not_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o true_a antiquity_n opinion_n we_o say_v not_o practice_n for_o not_o change_v your_o opinion_n you_o may_v lawful_o alter_v your_o practice_n nay_o what_o you_o do_v tolerate_v former_o as_o a_o burden_n in_o case_n not_o free_a you_o may_v well_o forgo_v be_v at_o your_o liberty_n your_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o you_o may_v use_v your_o liberty_n in_o forbearance_n of_o a_o set_a liturgy_n and_o yet_o retain_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n that_o you_o have_v before_o you_o may_v forbear_v for_o a_o time_n upon_o special_a reason_n such_o as_o present_a state_n and_o occasion_n may_v suggest_v to_o receive_v to_o the_o sacrament_n approve_v christian_n not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o some_o brethren_n do_v who_o yet_o dare_v not_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n or_o deem_v
this_o that_o you_o deny_v not_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o other_o church_n to_o be_v the_o true_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n for_o substance_n than_o you_o ascribe_v little_a more_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o then_o to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o you_o will_v not_o deny_v baptism_n administer_v among_o they_o to_o be_v true_a for_o substance_n if_o you_o deny_v not_o to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o scal_n and_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o then_o either_o your_o judgement_n be_v contrary_a to_o your_o practice_n or_o you_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o destroy_v what_o you_o former_o build_v and_o here_o profess_v all_o possible_a care_n to_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n from_o contempt_n we_o allow_v and_o commend_v provide_v you_o go_v not_o beyond_o the_o lord_n warrant_v and_o deny_v not_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v due_a by_o divine_a appointment_n nor_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o those_o society_n which_o god_n have_v plentiful_o bless_v with_o mean_n of_o grace_n have_v receive_v the_o table_n and_o seal_n and_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o his_o highness_n your_o liberty_n to_o receive_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v be_v not_o call_v into_o question_n nor_o whether_o you_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n inviolate_a according_a to_o order_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n inviolate_a viz_o to_o exclude_v from_o the_o sacrament_n true_a visible_a believer_n or_o know_v recommend_v christian_n former_o member_n of_o visible_a church_n among_o we_o and_o their_o child_n because_o they_o be_v not_o member_n as_o you_o speak_v in_o church_n order_n and_o whether_o god_n allow_v to_o put_v this_o difference_n between_o church_n member_n of_o your_o society_n &_o other_o visible_a believer_n walk_v in_o holiness_n though_o not_o admit_v member_n of_o any_o society_n according_a to_o your_o church_n order_n as_o to_o receive_v the_o one_o though_o member_n of_o another_o society_n unto_o the_o seal_n and_o to_o debar_v the_o other_o and_o their_o child_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o these_o present_a position_n and_o first_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o reason_n for_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n by_o themselves_o and_o then_o so_o far_o as_o we_o judge_v meet_v try_v your_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n you_o make_v against_o it_o 1_o consideration_n the_o seal_n baptism_n &_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o privilege_n peculiar_a thereto_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n indeed_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o be_v a_o ordinance_n give_fw-mi not_o only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n already_o gather_v but_o also_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o man_n to_o the_o church_n that_o yet_o be_v without_o whereas_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v god_n ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o not_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v now_o no_o universal_a visible_a church_n on_o earth_n wherein_o the_o seal_n be_v dispense_v there_o be_v no_o place_n nor_o time_n nor_o officer_n nor_o ordinance_n appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o christ_n our_o lord_n for_o any_o such_o assembly_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v under_o moses_n it_o remain_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n whereunto_o these_o privilege_n be_v give_v be_v congregationall_a consist_v only_o of_o so_o many_o as_o may_v and_o do_v meet_v together_o ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_v of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o edify_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o read_v so_o much_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o not_o only_a when_o they_o be_v of_o divers_a 38._o nation_n the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o also_o of_o the_o same_o nation_n the_o church_n of_o judèa_n and_o not_o only_a when_o that_o country_n be_v of_o large_a extent_n and_o circuit_n the_o church_n of_o asia_n but_o also_o of_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o country_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n yea_o when_o congregation_n in_o several_a city_n be_v speak_v of_o they_o be_v call_v church_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n to_o wind_v up_o all_o see_v the_o church_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v congregationall_a and_o that_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v church_n privilege_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o as_o city_n privilege_n belong_v only_o to_o citizen_n and_o their_o child_n so_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v church_n privilege_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o seed_n and_o that_o see_v sigillum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la donum_fw-la to_o apply_v they_o to_o other_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o abuse_v they_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o a_o corporation_n be_v abuse_v if_o add_v to_o confirm_v the_o grant_n of_o privilege_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o any_o town_n corporate_a to_o one_o that_o be_v no_o freeman_n of_o that_o corporation_n be_v uncapable_a thereof_o reply_n if_o by_o the_o church_n be_v understand_v the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n of_o christ_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n but_o if_o by_o the_o church_n you_o understand_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n in_o church_n order_n the_o seal_n be_v never_o appropriate_v to_o it_o but_o to_o examine_v every_o thing_n in_o order_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v 1_o the_o seal_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o privilege_n peculiar_a thereunto_o not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a as_o you_o say_v but_o also_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n true_a baptism_n be_v not_o without_o the_o 5._o church_n but_o within_o it_o a_o ordinance_n give_v to_o it_o and_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o church_n the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o for_o substance_n right_o use_v token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n and_o entertainment_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o symboll_n 77._o or_o testimony_n whereby_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n this_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o in_o the_o ordinary_a so_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n of_o the_o seal_n as_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v in_o the_o margin_n for_o the_o apostle_n as_o you_o say_v dispense_v the_o seal_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n but_o the_o seal_v dispense_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n privilege_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n privilege_n of_o spiritual_a admittance_n and_o entertainment_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispence_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o not_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o it_o must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o ordinary_a to_o what_o pupose_v then_o be_v those_o word_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n add_v to_o the_o proposition_n if_o thereby_o you_o will_v intimate_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n it_o be_v evident_o cross_v to_o the_o text_n you_o cite_v and_o to_o yourselves_o afterward_o if_o your_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n the_o sacrament_n do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o they_o only_o who_o be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a congregation_n it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o conclusion_n that_o which_o be_v in_o question_n and_o shall_v be_v prove_v and_o that_o which_o this_o very_a scripture_n do_v plentiful_o disprove_v '_o for_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o a_o particular_a congregationall_a church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v baptize_v nor_o in_o a_o church_n way_n before_o baptism_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o grant_v by_o the_o most_o of_o yourselves_o but_o by_o baptism_n solemn_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o for_o your_o purpose_n or_o they_o be_v set_v member_n as_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n seem_v to_o contend_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n frame_v against_o this_o consideration_n and_o
pastor_n and_o teacher_n shall_v be_v much_o or_o little_a confound_v be_v this_o to_o take_v as_o illimited_a power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n how_o shall_v this_o tend_v to_o abrogate_v the_o distinction_n of_o church_n assembly_n from_o the_o confuse_a multitude_n or_o how_o be_v the_o profanation_n of_o the_o seal_n thereby_o endanger_v you_o ask_v if_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o church_n estate_n man_n of_o approve_a piety_n as_o we_o say_v be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o seal_n how_o shall_v their_o piety_n be_v approve_v to_o the_o church_n not_o by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o alone_o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o you_o say_v the_o same_o that_o there_o be_v many_o godly_a person_n and_o of_o approve_a piety_n among_o we_o who_o be_v not_o approve_v by_o their_o own_o report_n of_o themselves_o unless_o you_o will_v take_v their_o wisdom_n faith_n patience_n courage_n constancy_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n for_o their_o report_n approve_v we_o say_v by_o as_o ample_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n as_o the_o apostle_n exact_v of_o they_o who_o they_o receive_v into_o church_n fellowship_n or_o can_v be_v require_v of_o member_n admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n if_o man_n will_v follow_v the_o lord_n direction_n or_o as_o you_o can_v give_v to_o ordinance_n member_n of_o your_o society_n you_o profess_v high_a respect_n of_o your_o brethren_n in_o old_a england_n but_o it_o seem_v you_o judge_v they_o insufficient_a to_o give_v orderly_a testimony_n of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o approve_a christian_n well_o know_v unto_o they_o and_o live_v among_o they_o which_o two_o can_v well_o agree_v we_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o who_o against_o light_n refuse_v to_o profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o join_v themselves_o orderly_o in_o fellowship_n with_o some_o approve_a church_n but_o of_o such_o as_o do_v with_o all_o readiness_n profess_v subjection_n and_o walk_v according_o and_o hearty_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o complete_a church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n or_o have_v opportunity_n thereunto_o and_o if_o exception_n be_v take_v against_o they_o only_o who_o refuse_v against_o light_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n by_o what_o rule_n do_v you_o proceed_v when_o you_o judge_v man_n to_o refuse_v against_o light_n or_o debar_v they_o who_o do_v not_o refuse_v against_o conscience_n but_o for_o lack_v of_o opportunity_n no_o doubt_n as_o you_o say_v but_o now_o and_o then_o a_o man_n of_o approve_a piety_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o may_v be_v find_v too_o light_a yea_o and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n when_o he_o have_v come_v to_o trial_n and_o no_o question_n but_o many_o have_v be_v admit_v by_o the_o church_n who_o indeed_o and_o truth_n be_v much_o too_o light_a and_o some_o refuse_v who_o deserve_v better_a than_o they_o that_o cast_v they_o off_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v what_o error_n have_v be_v commit_v nor_o what_o blessing_n you_o have_v find_v upon_o your_o proceed_n we_o hearty_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o keep_v your_o congregation_n pure_a make_v his_o ordinance_n more_o and_o more_o effectual_a go_v before_o you_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o you_o shall_v walk_v and_o multiply_v his_o mercy_n upon_o you_o in_o the_o same_o but_o this_o we_o be_v persuade_v and_o therefore_o we_o speak_v that_o in_o debar_v godly_a christian_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o much_o more_o the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n from_o holy_a baptism_n you_o exceed_v your_o commission_n you_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o go_v beyond_o your_o due_a bound_n and_o notwithstanding_o your_o circumspection_n more_o worthy_a and_o faithful_a christian_n have_v be_v deny_v when_o of_o less_o worth_n and_o mean_a sufficiency_n have_v pass_v and_o be_v by_o you_o receive_v answ_n 6._o consid_n none_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n but_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o office_n of_o ministry_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o call_v till_o first_o there_o be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v he_o see_v the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o partake_v 4._o of_o the_o seal_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n state_n that_o so_o they_o may_v call_v a_o minister_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n unto_o they_o and_o this_o duty_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n lie_v not_o only_o upon_o some_o christian_n but_o equal_o upon_o all_o ergo_fw-la no_n christian_n can_v expect_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n till_o he_o have_v join_v himself_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o indeed_o see_v a_o church_n and_o a_o minister_n call_v by_o the_o church_n be_v of_o such_o necessity_n for_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n it_o may_v seem_v unreasonable_a that_o some_o christian_n shall_v be_v bind_v to_o become_v a_o church_n and_o to_o call_v a_o minister_n that_o so_o the_o seal_n may_v be_v dispense_v and_o other_o man_n when_o this_o be_v do_v have_v equal_a liberty_n to_o the_o seal_n who_o refuse_v to_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n reply_n this_o conclusion_n be_v not_o to_o the_o question_n propound_v for_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o can_v not_o of_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o join_v it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o contempt_n or_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o god_n ordinance_n or_o desire_v of_o carnal_a liberty_n and_o not_o to_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n but_o for_o lack_v of_o opportunity_n or_o through_o their_o fault_n that_o shall_v admit_v they_o but_o do_v not_o for_o if_o in_o any_o of_o your_o church_n you_o shall_v require_v more_o of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v then_o christ_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n do_v or_o press_v that_o upon_o their_o conscience_n which_o they_o can_v consent_v unto_o if_o they_o shall_v sit_v down_o quiet_o for_o the_o time_n and_o serve_v god_n in_o private_a when_o they_o can_v enjoy_v church_n privilege_n it_o be_v your_o fault_n and_o not_o they_o and_o they_o may_v more_o just_o challenge_v the_o assembly_n as_o injurious_a and_o tyrannical_a than_o you_o they_o as_o wilful_a despiser_n of_o god_n ordinance_n we_o accuse_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n of_o your_o chuche_n but_o we_o know_v the_o zealous_a multitude_n may_v sometime_o be_v rash_a and_o when_o a_o reason_n be_v crave_v of_o your_o judgement_n why_o you_o do_v debar_v the_o most_o know_a and_o approve_a christian_n which_o come_v over_o and_o their_o child_n from_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o dislike_v you_o shall_v put_v this_o note_n upon_o they_o as_o if_o against_o light_n they_o refuse_v orderly_o to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n what_o warrant_v you_o have_v thus_o to_o censure_n what_o use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o dispute_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o your_o godly_a wisdom_n to_o judge_v in_o the_o consideration_n itself_o there_o be_v many_o proposition_n couch_v together_o which_o we_o must_v examine_v several_o as_o they_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o conclusion_n intend_v and_o then_o try_v whether_o it_o can_v be_v raise_v from_o they_o the_o first_o proposition_n that_o none_o have_v power_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n but_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o office_n of_o ministry_n be_v free_o grant_v the_o second_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o call_v till_o first_o there_o be_v a_o church_n to_o call_v he_o need_v explication_n for_o by_o the_o church_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o be_v one_o body_n without_o officer_n or_o guide_n and_o such_o a_o church_n there_o can_v be_v without_o a_o ministry_n to_o call_v and_o admit_v they_o into_o church-fellowship_n the_o apostle_n baptize_v not_o themselves_o but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o &_o those_o not_o call_v of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v baptize_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o the_o apostle_n appoint_v by_o election_n elder_n in_o every_o city_n or_o church_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o church_n before_o elder_n be_v set_v over_o it_o but_o this_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o believer_n by_o baptism_n admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n to_o call_v a_o minister_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o dispense_v the_o seal_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n entire_o and_o by_o the_o seal_n of_o initiation_n be_v solemn_o receive_v into_o the_o
ever_o in_o ordinary_a way_n the_o sacrament_n be_v lawful_o dispense_v or_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o now_o the_o premise_n be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o exception_n the_o conclusion_n to_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o will_v fall_v of_o itself_o and_o thereunto_o we_o oppose_v the_o direct_a contrary_n that_o infidel_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n or_o godly_a christian_n former_o visible_a believer_n know_v and_o approve_a member_n of_o congregation_n profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o desire_v and_o expect_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v dispense_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o seed_n though_o for_o the_o present_a they_o be_v not_o join_v into_o such_o church-state_n and_o call_v of_o minister_n as_o you_o require_v answer_v 7._o consideration_n that_o our_o practice_n may_v not_o be_v censure_v as_o novel_a and_o singular_a give_v we_o leave_v to_o produce_v a_o precedent_n of_o the_o like_a care_n observe_v and_o approve_v by_o public_a countenance_n of_o state_n in_o the_o day_n of_o edward_n 6._o of_o bless_a and_o famous_a memory_n who_o in_o the_o year_n 1550._o grant_v johannes_n alasco_n a_o learned_a noble_a man_n of_o poland_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n liberty_n to_o gather_v a_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n and_o to_o order_v themselves_o according_a as_o they_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n among_o other_o godly_a order_n establish_v in_o that_o church_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n to_o prevent_v the_o profanation_n of_o it_o we_o will_v repeat_v in_o alascoes_n own_a word_n baptism_n in_o our_o church_n say_v he_o be_v administer_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o public_a sermon_n for_o see_v baptism_n do_v so_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v drive_v thence_o which_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o it_o true_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v perform_v public_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o common_a again_o he_o add_v now_o see_v our_o church_n be_v by_o god_n blessing_n so_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v one_o parish_n of_o stranger_n disperse_v throughout_o the_o whole_a city_n or_o one_o body_n corporate_a as_o it_o be_v call_v in_o the_o king_n grant_v and_o yet_o all_o stranger_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n yea_o there_o be_v those_o who_o while_o they_o avoid_v all_o church_n will_v pretend_v to_o the_o english_a church_n that_o they_o be_v join_v with_o we_o and_o to_o we_o that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o english_a church_n and_o so_o do_v abuse_n both_o they_o and_o we_o lest_o the_o english_a church_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o imposture_n of_o such_o man_n and_o that_o under_o colour_n of_o our_o church_n we_o do_v baptize_v their_o infant_n alone_o who_o have_v adjoin_v themselves_o to_o our_o church_n by_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o that_o our_o church_n may_v be_v certain_a that_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v be_v their_o seed_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o thereto_o in_o manner_n aforesaid_a the_o father_n of_o the_o infant_n to_o be_v baptize_v it_o possible_a he_o can_v or_o other_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o notable_a credit_n in_o the_o church_n do_v offer_v the_o infant_n to_o baptism_n and_o do_v public_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o suffer_v no_o stranger_n to_o offer_v infant_n to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n who_o have_v not_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n lest_o otherwise_o they_o who_o present_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n may_v in_o time_n plead_v that_o they_o belong_v to_o our_o church_n and_o so_o shall_v deceive_v the_o english_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o those_o which_o present_v infant_n to_o baptism_n they_o propound_v three_o question_n the_o first_o be_v be_v these_o infant_n which_o you_o offer_v the_o seed_n of_o this_o church_n that_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v here_o baptize_v by_o our_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n answer_v yea._n this_o instance_n be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o alasco_n affirm_v in_o the_o preface_n of_o that_o book_n that_o this_o liberty_n be_v by_o the_o king_n grant_v to_o they_o out_o of_o his_o desire_n to_o settle_v alike_o reformation_n in_o the_o english_a church_n which_o in_o effect_n you_o see_v the_o same_o with_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o particular_a reply_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n record_v by_o john_n alasco_n be_v far_o different_a from_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n not_o in_o some_o by-circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o main_a point_n in_o question_n for_o your_o judgement_n be_v that_o true_a visible_a believer_n baptize_v and_o partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o other_o church_n not_o yet_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n or_o fellowship_n have_v no_o right_a or_o interest_n in_o the_o seal_n they_o nor_o their_o seed_n but_o this_o church_n of_o stranger_n hold_v no_o such_o opinion_n as_o their_o own_o word_n which_o you_o have_v omit_v do_v plain_o speak_v and_o paul_n testify_v say_v they_o that_o by_o christ_n ordinance_n the_o church_n itself_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o member_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v clean_o or_o holy_a by_o the_o ministry_n of_o baptism_n whence_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o baptism_n do_v neither_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o without_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n second_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o they_o for_o so_o they_o profess_v yet_o nevertheless_o that_o we_o may_v open_o show_v that_o the_o english_a church_n and_o we_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n though_o we_o differ_v somewhat_o from_o they_o both_o in_o language_n and_o ceremony_n we_o do_v not_o refuse_v that_o the_o english_a may_v as_o public_a witness_n of_o the_o church_n offer_v the_o infant_n of_o our_o member_n to_o baptism_n in_o our_o church_n if_o they_o have_v both_o the_o use_n of_o our_o language_n and_o a_o certain_a testimony_n of_o their_o piety_n as_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o member_n be_v accustom_v to_o offer_v the_o infant_n of_o the_o english_a to_o baptism_n in_o the_o english_a church_n if_o your_o judgement_n be_v this_o of_o the_o english_a church_n your_o judgement_n in_o acknowledge_v we_o member_n of_o true_a church_n and_o practice_v in_o debar_v visible_a believer_n and_o their_o seed_n from_o the_o seal_n be_v opposite_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o three_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v by_o they_o to_o prevent_v the_o imposture_n of_o some_o who_o whilst_o they_o avoid_v all_o church_n pretend_v to_o the_o english_a that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o stranger_n and_o to_o the_o stranger_n that_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o english_a but_o you_o debar_v know_v christian_n who_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o with_o you_o not_o to_o prevent_v imposture_n of_o they_o who_o avoid_v all_o church_n yea_o you_o debar_v they_o as_o man_n have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o herein_o you_o can_v show_v no_o precedent_n ancient_a or_o modern_a either_o from_o scripture_n or_o monument_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o your_o practice_n be_v without_o example_n so_o without_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v consent_v unto_o you_o in_o this_o particular_a which_o we_o thus_o propound_v 1_o reason_n that_o sacred_a order_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o all_o his_o saint_n to_o keep_v and_o walk_v by_o that_o be_v religious_o to_o be_v observe_v but_o for_o man_n to_o set_v up_o that_o as_o a_o necessary_a order_n which_o god_n never_o allow_v approve_a or_o command_v be_v great_a presumption_n now_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o ordain_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n or_o body_n politic_a of_o faithful_a people_n join_v together_o in_o spiritual_a church-fellowship_n by_o covenant_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n
god_n to_o make_v they_o disciple_n 15._o and_o not_o to_o preach_v unto_o disciple_n only_o or_o member_n of_o the_o household_n 9_o the_o apostle_n certain_o have_v authority_n and_o preach_v by_o authority_n but_o they_o preach_v not_o to_o infidel_n and_o heathen_n as_o to_o disciple_n or_o etc._n member_n of_o the_o church_n much_o less_o do_v they_o give_v a_o portion_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o household_n which_o be_v the_o preach_n by_o office_n which_o you_o acknowledge_v three_o if_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n you_o comprehend_v preach_v by_o office_n dispense_n the_o seal_n cast_v out_o and_o receive_v again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n we_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a we_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n ever_o grant_v such_o power_n to_o the_o faithful_a as_o faithful_a join_v together_o in_o covenant_n in_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n the_o execution_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n be_v commit_v 224._o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o must_v derive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o power_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v but_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n immediate_o and_o if_o the_o dispensation_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n do_v it_o hold_v in_o all_o thing_n or_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o preach_v by_o office_n do_v they_o dispense_v the_o seal_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o or_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n if_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o in_o the_o second_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o minister_n so_o much_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v law_n in_o who_o name_n he_o must_v do_v his_o office_n and_o to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n we_o can_v wish_v you_o have_v explain_v in_o what_o sense_n you_o hold_v the_o dispensation_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n and_o by_o who_o for_o if_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v to_o do_v in_o all_o matter_n concern_v the_o body_n to_o 202_o admit_v member_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o make_v and_o depose_v minister_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v by_o authority_n derive_v from_o christ_n we_o can_v see_v how_o in_o your_o judgement_n the_o dispensation_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n four_o that_o which_o you_o add_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n to_o a_o ordinance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v thereunto_o must_v be_v wary_o understand_v or_o it_o may_v occasion_v error_n and_o distraction_n not_o a_o few_o you_o know_v what_o corruption_n soon_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o doctrine_n worship_n office_n and_o entrance_n thereunto_o and_o how_o ready_a and_o apt_a be_v the_o conclusion_n from_o your_o word_n that_o 79._o christ_n have_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n in_o his_o ordinance_n to_o his_o church_n but_o of_o this_o before_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a see_v god_n have_v vouchsafe_v his_o blessing_n in_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o yourselves_o when_o you_o stand_v as_o visible_a minister_n in_o the_o congregation_n and_o church_n of_o old_a england_n you_o must_v confess_v do_v approve_v both_o your_o stand_n and_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o you_o second_o as_o for_o the_o assumption_n that_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a charge_n or_o society_n but_o that_o flock_n be_v not_o ever_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n neither_o the_o band_n so_o straight_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o that_o one_o society_n that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o occasion_n perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n or_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o their_o proper_a assembly_n for_o first_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n a_o act_n of_o office_n and_o not_o a_o exercise_n of_o gift_n only_o but_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o assembly_n may_v dispense_v the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o set_a member_n of_o another_o society_n upon_o occasion_n as_o you_o confess_v in_o this_o and_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o position_n and_o if_o the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n may_v lawful_o upon_o occasion_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n in_o another_o society_n from_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o then_o may_v the_o pastor_n of_o one_o congregation_n perform_v a_o ministerial_a act_n to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o and_o if_o to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o then_o in_o another_o congregation_n with_o consent_n and_o upon_o occasion_n second_o as_o the_o minister_n be_v exhort_v to_o feed_v their_o fleek_n so_o be_v every_o christian_n and_o minister_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n but_o you_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o conclusion_n i_o must_v examine_v myself_o ergo_fw-la 5._o no_o man_n be_v debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o his_o unworthiness_n or_o to_o be_v try_v or_o examine_v by_o other_o to_o be_v observe_v admonish_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n for_o notorious_a sin_n no_o more_o can_v it_o be_v right_o gather_v from_o the_o former_a passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o upon_o occasion_n to_o perform_v 252._o any_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o people_n or_o society_n because_o ordinary_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v his_o own_o flock_n three_o as_o the_o minister_n have_v peculiar_a relation_n to_o their_o particular_a flock_n so_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o particular_a minister_n unto_o who_o they_o be_v tie_v in_o special_a manner_n as_o to_o their_o overseer_n who_o must_v give_v account_n for_o theirscul_n and_o if_o this_o peculiar_a relation_n betwixt_o the_o people_n &_o the_o minister_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o people_n from_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o another_o minister_n nor_o the_o minister_n from_o perform_v the_o ministerial_a act_n to_o the_o member_n of_o another_o congregation_n neither_o do_v his_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o his_o own_o flock_n hinder_v he_o from_o administer_a unto_o other_o upon_o just_a occasion_n be_v entreat_v thereunto_o as_o the_o combine_a of_o the_o people_n to_o their_o peculiar_a minister_n do_v not_o quite_o cut_v off_o their_o communion_n with_o other_o minister_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o restrain_v of_o a_o minister_n to_o a_o peculiar_a flock_n quite_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o administer_a upon_o occasion_n unto_o another_o people_n paul_n appoint_v the_o ephesian_a elder_n unto_o the_o care_n &_o charge_n only_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a flock_n but_o so_o to_o attend_v they_o 13._o ordinary_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v may_v perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n the_o take_a heed_n unto_o their_o flock_n which_o paul_n require_v in_o this_o place_n do_v comprehend_v under_o it_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o if_o it_o must_v be_v restrain_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n only_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o pastor_n to_o preach_v or_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o any_o public_a assembly_n save_o his_o own_o upon_o any_o occasion_n as_o these_o be_v duty_n prtain_v to_o common_a confession_n or_o profession_n of_o faith_n ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o be_v true_a be_v not_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n from_o country_n to_o country_n to_o plant_v and_o erect_v church_n but_o they_o be_v tie_v ordinary_o to_o one_o flock_n as_o the_o text_n prove_v and_o to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v common_o cite_v but_o that_o a_o pastor_n be_v so_o tie_v to_o his_o flock_n that_o he_o can_v perform_v no_o ministerial_a act_n to_o any_o other_o upon_o any_o occasion_n that_o it_o prove_v not_o nor_o can_v we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o so_o understand_v by_o divine_n ancient_a or_o modern_a
which_o be_v the_o catholic_a visible_a church_n the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o 13._o world_n divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whereof_o some_o be_v pure_a other_o impure_a some_o more_o other_o less_a sound_n hereunto_o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o every_o multitude_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n be_v indefinite_o call_v the_o church_n i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o which_o sense_n all_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o the_o world_n may_v true_o be_v call_v one_o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v to_o many_o disperse_a church_n who_o can_v not_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n nor_o be_v feed_v by_o one_o shepherd_n speak_v of_o they_o singular_o as_o one_o flock_n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o but_o that_o flock_n be_v the_o stranger_n disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n asia_n cappadocia_n and_o bythinia_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o join_v together_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n or_o make_v one_o distinct_a congregat_v assembly_n ecclesiae_fw-la and_o if_o the_o catholic_a militant_a church_n be_v one_o society_n the_o seal_n that_o be_v give_v as_o a_o prerogative_n to_o the_o church_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o they_o in_o due_a order_n though_o they_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n fellowship_n you_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o the_o flock_n or_o society_n be_v one_o so_o be_v the_o ministry_n faith_n covenant_n and_o sacrament_n 7._o which_o be_v give_v as_o a_o communion_n prerogative_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o appropriate_v to_o this_o or_o that_o part_n ormember_v as_o separate_v from_o the_o whole_a which_o be_v further_o evidence_v hereby_o that_o sometime_o it_o have_v and_o too_o often_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n i._n e._n he_o may_v hold_v profess_v and_o maintain_v that_o holy_a catholic_a faith_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a without_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v who_o for_o the_o present_n be_v no_o actual_a member_n of_o any_o particular_a or_o visible_a society_n in_o church_n order_n as_o for_o example_n a_o man_n may_v be_v cut_v off_o by_o excommunication_n from_o all_o commerce_n with_o the_o present_a visible_a church_n wherein_o he_o be_v breed_v and_o bear_v when_o he_o be_v not_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o catholic_a orthodoxal_a example_n church_n he_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o every_o particular_a society_n when_o his_o right_n and_o title_n to_o they_o be_v much_o better_a than_o these_o who_o have_v most_o injurious_o cast_v he_o out_o or_o debar_v he_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n whether_o visible_a or_o invisible_a be_v the_o effect_n and_o property_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o agree_v to_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n thereof_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o that_o body_n under_o the_o head_n and_o if_o particular_a church_n have_v communion_n together_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v that_o they_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n which_o be_v one_o 4._o though_o there_o be_v no_o universal_a congregation_n or_o assembly_n nor_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v many_o visible_a assembly_n or_o society_n true_a church_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v which_o have_v not_o be_v unite_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o church-order_n into_o one_o congregationall_a body_n or_o society_n for_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o flock_n people_n or_o sheep_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n there_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o child_n and_o seed_n of_o abraham_n 10._o and_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o abraham_n though_o but_o two_o or_o three_o and_o so_o of_o the_o same_o church_n with_o he_o by_o that_o covenant_n the_o communication_n and_o accept_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v a_o undoubted_a token_n of_o a_o people_n in_o covenant_n or_o confederate_n but_o every_o society_n profess_v the_o 2â—2_n true_a and_o entire_a faith_n join_v in_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n it_o be_v simple_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n that_o it_o be_v lay_v upon_o christ_n the_o foundation_n which_o be_v do_v the_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v forbid_v or_o the_o want_n of_o what_o be_v command_v can_v put_v the_o society_n from_o the_o title_n or_o right_a of_o a_o church_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o head_n corner_n stone_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o people_n come_v unto_o christ_n unite_v unto_o he_o build_v upon_o he_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o he_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o covenant_n by_o god_n himself_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v a_o people_n in_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o church_n so_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o sacrament_n if_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o true_a and_o sound_a christian_n and_o people_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o a_o privilege_n whether_o in_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n we_o accept_v it_o as_o good_a and_o sound_a but_o it_o make_v against_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o keep_v away_o such_o as_o have_v right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o ordinance_n if_o you_o mean_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v only_o to_o set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a society_n combine_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v among_o you_o we_o can_v receive_v it_o because_o it_o imply_v a_o distinction_n not_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o cross_v to_o yourselves_o and_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o scripture_n have_v nothing_o but_o many_o thing_n against_o it_o as_o have_v be_v show_v 5_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n know_v and_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o and_o their_o seed_n be_v member_n of_o true_a and_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v esteem_v among_o you_o before_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o church_n membership_n as_o you_o call_v it_o for_o every_o society_n profess_v the_o entire_a and_o true_a faith_n and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o matter_n substantial_a be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n and_o every_o visible_a 117._o believer_n receive_v the_o word_n and_o profess_v the_o true_a entire_a faith_n admit_v to_o the_o right_n and_o lawful_a participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n if_o he_o have_v neither_o renounce_v that_o society_n nor_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n or_o church_n censure_n for_o the_o entire_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o dwell_n of_o the_o truth_n among_o man_n the_o right_a use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v ever_o join_v with_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o they_o that_o true_o partake_v of_o the_o seal_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o church_n for_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o without_o but_o within_o the_o church_n a_o ordinance_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n other_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n as_o divine_a providence_n shall_v minister_v occasion_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o position_n you_o say_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n well_o know_v and_o approve_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n which_o church_n do_v mutual_o and_o with_o good_a acceptance_n communicate_v each_o of_o they_o at_o other_o church_n even_o so_o often_o as_o god_n providence_n lead_v they_o thereunto_o and_o themselves_o desire_v it_o in_o your_o preface_n to_o this_o consideration_n you_o say_v you_o admit_v to_o fellowship_n of_o the_o seal_n the_o know_v approve_a and_o orderly_o recommend_v member_n of_o any_o true_a church_n and_o if_o know_v and_o