other_o church_n gather_v p._n 4._o propos_fw-fr 5._o the_o manner_n how_o p._n 6._o sect._n 2._o how_o the_o church_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o power_n p._n 43._o sect._n 7._o the_o church_n not_o to_o consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v decern_v p._n 56._o sect._n 3_o the_o necessity_n and_o ground_n of_o church-covenant_n p._n 59_o sect._n 4._o the_o first_o and_o second_o commandment_n excellent_o open_v p._n 71._o last_o line_n &_o p._n 72_o 73._o of_o dispensation_n of_o censure_n p._n 89._o chap._n 5._o sect._n 1_o what_o common_a consent_n be_v requisite_a in_o church_n proceed_n p._n 94._o sect._n 3_o of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o church_n censure_n p._n 96._o sect._n 4._o of_o the_o sevenfold_a communion_n between_o several_a church_n p._n 102._o chap._n 6._o sect._n 1_o of_o communion_n of_o consultation_n between_o church_n p._n 105._o sect._n 3_o sect._n 4._o of_o contribution_n p._n 107._o sect._n 5._o of_o reformation_n of_o congregation_n in_o old_a england_n p._n 111._o chap._n 7._o sect._n 1_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o common-prayer_n book_n which_o intimate_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o churchway_n p._n 112_o d._n of_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n p._n 38_o election_n not_o ordain_v of_o deacon_n p._n 42._o sect._n 5._o e_o why_o the_o member_n of_o old_a england_n be_v not_o present_o and_o immediate_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o communion_n their_o child_n to_o baptism_n in_o new_a england_n p._n 76._o sect._n 5._o of_o elder_n who_o to_o be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v p._n 10._o chap._n 2._o sect._n 1_o that_o rule_v elder_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la p._n 13._o sect._n 2._o how_o all_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v p._n 39_o sect._n 4._o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o mere_a lay_v elder_n p._n 26._o the_o father_n mention_n rule_v elder_n p._n 30_o etc._n etc._n f._n against_o set_a form_n of_o liturgy_n p._n 70._o sect._n 4._o g._n whether_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o believe_a grandfather_n or_o grandmother_n may_v entitle_v the_o grandchild_n the_o parent_n be_v a_o unbeliever_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n p._n 115_o h._n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o heathen_n and_o unveleever_n yet_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n p._n 9_o the_o believe_a household_n entitle_v a_o unbeliever_n child_n give_v up_o to_o their_o education_n to_o baptism_n p._n 115_o i._n no_o injunction_n of_o form_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v allow_v by_o church_n p._n 115_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o ignorant_a people_n not_o fit_a for_o church-fellowship_n p._n 11â—_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o church_n on_o their_o own_o officer_n p._n 43._o 50_o no_o jurisdiction_n transcendent_a now_o reserve_v to_o any_o one_o man_n or_o bishop_n p._n 49._o sect._n 9_o k._n as_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n give_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o captivity_n so_o may_v parsonage_n etc._n etc._n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n use_v be_v by_o they_o dispose_v of_o according_a to_o their_o discretion_n for_o their_o best_a advantage_n p._n 114_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d explain_v p._n 116_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d interpret_v p._n 20_o 21_o l._n against_o set_a form_n of_o liturgy_n p._n 70._o sect._n 4._o m._n of_o addition_n of_o member_n to_o a_o church_n p._n 52._o sect._n 1._o 2_o of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o admit_v member_n p._n 64._o sect._n 5_o whether_o minister_n of_o church_n may_v baptize_v the_o infant_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v in_o no_o particular_a church_n p._n 81._o *_o *_o *_o so_o the_o author_n though_o yet_o we_o can_v come_v up_o to_o he_o in_o that_o of_o multiplication_n of_o church_n p._n 109._o sect._n 7._o of_o maintenance_n of_o minister_n in_o old_a england_n p._n 114_o n._n the_o low_a requisite_a number_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n begin_v p._n 53_o the_o great_a number_n a_o church_n may_v increase_v to_o p._n 53._o 54_o o._n the_o order_n of_o gather_v disperse_v christian_n into_o a_o church_n p._n 1_o the_o officer_n of_o church_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v p._n 10_o chap._n 2._o sect._n 1_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n and_o ordination_n p._n 39_o sect._n 4_o of_o diversity_n of_o officer_n p._n 92._o sect._n 2._o p._n what_o warrant_v the_o people_n have_v to_o choose_v their_o officer_n p._n 42._o sect._n 6._o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n p._n 43._o sect._n 1_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n p._n 43._o sect._n 7._o the_o people_n power_n in_o receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n p._n 46._o sect._n 5._o of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o church_n censure_n p._n 96._o sect._n 4._o of_o communion_n of_o church_n by_o way_n of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n p._n 109._o sect._n 7._o certain_a proposition_n tend_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o old_a england_n p._n 113._o sect._n 2._o r._n of_o rule_v elder_n p._n 13._o sect._n 2._o of_o recommendation_n of_o membre_n in_o their_o travel_n or_o final_a departure_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o p._n 103._o sect._n 2_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n of_o congregation_n in_o old_a england_n p_o 111._o cha_z 7._o sect._n 1_o certain_a proposition_n tend_v to_o that_o reformation_n p._n 113._o sect._n 2._o of_o our_o renew_v our_o covenant_n in_o old_a england_n p._n 113._o sect._n 2._o s._n scandalous_a person_n not_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o confession_n of_o the_o bishop_n common-prayer_n book_n p._n 113_o t._n timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v not_o ordain_v as_o bishop_n p._n 46._o sect._n 8._o v._o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o unbeliever_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v unfit_a for_o church-fellowship_n p._n 9_o who_o to_o be_v put_v in_o stead_n of_o vicar_n and_o parson_n p._n 114_o of_o order_v of_o university_n p._n 116_o of_o vestry_n man_n and_o churchwarden_n p._n 34._o w._n of_o church_n widow_n p._n 39_o sect._n 3_o the_o order_n and_o form_n of_o administration_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n p._n 65._o chap._n 4._o sect._n 1_o 2_o 3._o of_o church_n warden_n and_o vestry-man_n p._n 34_o z._n how_o zadok_n be_v say_v to_o be_v anoint_v high_a priest_n by_o the_o people_n p._n 114_o finis_fw-la
bishop_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o good_a old_a bishop_n valerius_n be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o for_o suffer_v augustine_n a_o presbyter_n though_o a_o learned_a presbyter_n to_o preach_v before_o he_o which_o be_v say_v never_o any_o african_a bishop_n have_v allow_v before_o he_o now_o whence_o shall_v such_o a_o offence_n as_o be_v take_v against_o valerius_n arise_v but_o from_o translate_n the_o silence_n of_o rule_v elder_n from_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n unto_o those_o presbyter_n also_o who_o be_v call_v oft_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n free_o and_o diligent_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o but_o when_o through_o corruption_n of_o time_n bishop_n claim_v to_o themselves_o the_o principal_n pastoral_a cure_n of_o soul_n than_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o offensive_a matter_n that_o teach_v elder_n shall_v preach_v before_o they_o as_o before_o it_o be_v unwonted_a for_o rule_v elder_n to_o preach_v before_o the_o teach_v ordinary_o object_n but_o there_o remain_v one_o objection_n or_o two_o which_o some_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n have_v make_v against_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n object_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o office_n of_o ruling_n elder_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o no_o footstep_n leave_v of_o it_o in_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n popery_n itself_o though_o it_o corrupt_v all_o ordinance_n yet_o retain_v some_o footstep_n of_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n though_o much_o pervert_v from_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n at_o all_o of_o those_o rule_v elder_n extant_a in_o any_o church_n but_o those_o of_o genevah_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v their_o pattern_n for_o though_o some_o tell_v we_o of_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o england_n who_o assist_v the_o preacher_n in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o rule_v elder_n for_o these_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v appoint_v not_o for_o assistance_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o churchwarden_n for_o keep_v the_o church_n stock_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o necessary_a repair_v of_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o vestry_n be_v a_o company_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o rich_a parishioner_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v churchwarden_n be_v exercise_v in_o audit_v the_o account_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o admonish_v a_o unruly_a neighbour_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o authority_n as_o ruler_n but_o by_o christian_a discretion_n and_o charity_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rule_v elder_n for_o though_o they_o be_v both_o choose_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o choice_n the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o attend_v to_o nor_o be_v they_o so_o ordain_v either_o with_o the_o like_a holy_a solemnity_n or_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a power_n nor_o allow_v to_o continue_v for_o life_n as_o rule_v elder_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o yet_o such_o as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v see_v in_o they_o some_o footstep_n and_o remnant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v rudera_fw-la of_o that_o holy_a and_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o much_o as_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o chancellor_n commissary_n and_o official_o who_o be_v mere_a lay_v elder_n and_o yet_o administer_v church-government_n not_o in_o one_o church_n only_o but_o in_o many_o score_n of_o church_n what_o other_o thing_n sound_v the_o very_a name_n of_o churchwarden_n guardiani_n ecclesiae_fw-la but_o church-guardian_n or_o church-ruler_n and_o what_o be_v the_o company_n of_o vestryman_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o consistory_n second_o though_o by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o his_o vicar_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o care_n be_v transform_v from_o order_v the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o material_a church_n or_o temple_n yet_o what_o power_n of_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o any_o congregation_n beside_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o churchwarden_n and_o vestery_n man_n do_v assist_v the_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o same_o they_o observe_v all_o scandalous_a disorder_n that_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church-minister_n or_o people_n they_o admonish_v the_o offender_n and_o though_o they_o be_v over-ruler_n to_o present_v all_o disorder_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o which_o of_o right_n they_o shall_v complain_v of_o when_o the_o offender_n be_v incorrigible_a only_o to_o their_o own_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n for_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n to_o return_v such_o offender_n have_v first_o pay_v they_o their_o fee_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o their_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o amendment_n of_o which_o also_o they_o must_v bring_v a_o certificate_n under_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n hand_n yea_o of_o our_o knowledge_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a privilege_a church_n in_o england_n exempt_v from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n where_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o minister_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v transact_v all_o that_o government_n which_o in_o other_o church_n the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n do_v invade_v and_o usurp_v as_o to_o admonish_v offender_n to_o enjoin_v acknowledgement_n of_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o repress_v idleness_n drunkenness_n swear_v sabbath-breaking_a and_o the_o like_a disorder_n with_o better_a success_n than_o other_o town_n can_v do_v who_o have_v the_o help_n of_o major_n and_o justice_n but_o not_o so_o much_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n unto_o their_o minister_n and_o guardian_n or_o ruler_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o appear_v that_o ancient_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o among_o themselves_o before_o one_o church_n begin_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o another_o object_n the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o rule_v elder_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o perilous_a consequence_n to_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o authority_n answ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v clear_o enough_o limit_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o ruling_n elder_n call_v and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o since_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o the_o sword_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o church-governour_n may_v take_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o wit_n civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o usurpation_n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v princely_a lordly_a but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v only_o stewardly_a and_o ministerial_a for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n to_o eliakim_n isa_n 22.22_o and_o he_o be_v over_o the_o house_n ver._n 15._o which_o phrase_n of_o be_v over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v proper_o gen._n 43.19_o steward_z of_o the_o house_n see_v then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritnall_a and_o not_o worldly_a and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o lordly_a but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a evident_a it_o be_v that_o these_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n may_v only_o attend_v to_o work_n of_o spiritual_a and_o ministerial_a rule_n and_o further_o because_o such_o act_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n as_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o call_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o that_o work_n be_v leave_v unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o what_o act_v soever_o of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n over_o and_o above_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n all_o such_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n and_o none_o but_o such_o to_o instance_n then_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n office_n
the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_a or_o the_o way_n of_o church_n walk_v in_o brotherly_a equality_n or_o co-ordination_a without_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o measure_v and_o examine_v by_o the_o golden_a reed_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n contain_v a_o full_a declaration_n of_o the_o churchway_n in_o all_o particular_n by_o mr._n j._n cotton_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n 1_o thes_n 5.22_o 23._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v by_o matthew_n simmons_n in_o aldersgate-streete_n 1645._o not_o in_o our_o apprehension_n be_v say_v to_o hold_v no_o analogy_n yet_o with_o much_o sweat_n and_o wile_n some_o messenger_n have_v get_v through_o that_o court_n of_o guard_n to_o anticipate_v or_o satisfy_v if_o it_o may_v be_v those_o clamourer_n for_o a_o large_a narration_n 1._o the_o 32._o question_n or_o church-government_n and_o church-covenant_n do_v by_o some_o elder_n of_o n._n e._n they_o have_v have_v with_o second_o of_o frequent_a intimation_n that_o we_o hold_v with_o the_o church_n of_o new_a england_n 2._o the_o apologetical_a narration_n they_o have_v have_v with_o our_o general_a approbation_n of_o it_o 3._o mr_n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o have_v have_v with_o our_o brethren_n epistle_n to_o it_o how_o far_o they_o approve_v it_o 4._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o dissent_v brethren_n be_v in_o print_n 5._o we_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o those_o our_o brethren_n former_o have_v tender_v themselves_o that_o in_o case_n they_o may_v be_v put_v into_o a_o committee_n or_o like_o meet_a posture_n for_o such_o a_o work_n they_o will_v bring_v in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o a_o body_n with_o their_o ground_n and_o reason_n 6._o that_o now_o very_o late_o they_o give_v in_o seven_o proposition_n to_o be_v discuss_v with_o promise_n of_o more_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v debate_v which_o we_o allege_v rather_o to_o vindicate_v our_o particular_a charge_n then_o to_o blame_v man_n who_o reason_n we_o know_v not_o 7._o with_o much_o ado_n we_o have_v present_v you_o with_o a_o full_a declaration_n of_o all_o our_o way_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o learned_a yet_o modest_a treatise_n of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_a etc._n etc._n write_a and_o send_v over_o by_o mr._n cotton_n and_o we_o do_v in_o this_o epistle_n certify_v our_o assent_n thereunto_o save_v that_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o full_o close_a with_o some_o expression_n passim_fw-la in_o the_o book_n before_o some_o of_o which_o we_o mind_v it_o to_o note_v a_o *_o in_o the_o margin_n this_o we_o can_v not_o but_o say_v and_o do_v pace_fw-la tanti_fw-la authoris_fw-la or_o we_o can_v not_o assert_v the_o book_n if_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o treatise_n as_o now_o print_v do_v not_o answer_v punctual_o word_n for_o word_n to_o the_o first_o write_v copy_n let_v the_o reverend_a author_n and_o the_o candid_a reader_n pardon_v we_o because_o we_o have_v not_o the_o fair_a copy_n nor_o know_v we_o till_o the_o book_n be_v near_o do_v that_o there_o be_v a_o better_a to_o be_v have_v nor_o to_o this_o day_n yet_o ever_o see_v it_o therefore_o we_o be_v force_v to_o shift_v with_o this_o so_o as_o to_o keep_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o author_n make_v it_o constare_fw-la sibi_fw-la and_o by_o a_o interpretative_a leave_n in_o his_o absence_n not_o only_o to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o but_o also_o as_o he_o himself_o will_v have_v do_v we_o be_v confident_a if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o our_o case_n or_o present_v here_o lest_o any_o shall_v imagine_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o key_n do_v not_o fit_a all_o the_o ward_n in_o this_o treatise_n to_o a_o hair_n we_o will_v here_o insert_v mr._n cotton_v own_o word_n in_o his_o letter_n come_v from_o he_o in_o new-england_n to_o our_o hand_n in_o the_o very_a nick_n of_o time_n while_o this_o epistle_n lie_v under_o the_o press_n viz._n if_o you_o think_v the_o draught_n of_o church-discipline_n which_o be_v send_v over_o in_o your_o ship_n vari_v from_o that_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o keke_n send_v over_o the_o year_n after_o you_o may_v have_v some_o occasion_n so_o to_o conceive_v from_o some_o difference_n of_o expression_n in_o logical_a term_n but_o not_o a_o jote_n in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o divinity_n or_o church-practise_a so_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o letter_n to_o mr._n r._n m._n diverse_a objection_n former_o lay_v against_o the_o print_n of_o this_o book_n to_o the_o sad_n of_o the_o author_n some_z whereof_o be_v now_o answer_v by_o the_o late_a season_n of_o print_v it_o other_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o that_o conscientious_o and_o candid_o cry_v out_o for_o information_n other_o by_o the_o fore-printing_a of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v the_o full_a mind_n and_o whole_a sphere_n of_o the_o author_n judgement_n in_o this_o other_o by_o that_o put_v forth_o in_o print_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o this_o book_n before_o this_o be_v mid-wised_n by_o the_o press_n into_o the_o world_n all_o reason_n therefore_o now_o it_o can_v speak_v that_o it_o shall_v answer_v for_o itself_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o author_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o and_o of_o other_o too_o of_o the_o other_o judgement_n especial_o of_o those_o that_o call_v for_o full_a declaration_n the_o lord_n root_n out_o of_o all_o our_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n that_o we_o call_v not_o for_o book_n with_o a_o resolution_n rather_o to_o confute_v they_o as_o we_o imagine_v then_o to_o throw_v down_o ourselves_o humble_o under_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n we_o be_v now_o fight_v modo_fw-la militari_fw-la for_o reformation_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o fight_v against_o it_o more_o ecclesiastico_fw-la with_o how_o much_o gravity_n solidity_n and_o modesty_n have_v mr._n cotton_n the_o apologist_n the_o author_n of_o 32._o question_n or_o church_n covenant_n and_o other_o mild_a and_o judicious_a author_n write_v in_o our_o cause_n but_o with_o what_o a_o different_a spirit_n have_v the_o adverse_a part_n reply_v as_o if_o personal_a invective_n and_o imbittr_v a_o stile_n be_v god_n way_n of_o better_v a_o cause_n or_o batter_v a_o opinion_n here_o be_v a_o book_n so_o grave_a and_o solid_a that_o it_o can_v be_v just_o despise_v by_o ingenuous_a learned_a man_n so_o full_a of_o necessary_a case_n and_o truth_n that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v desire_v of_o those_o that_o will_v be_v know_v man_n and_o so_o mild_a and_o gentle_a that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v causeless_o quarrel_v if_o quarrel_v by_o choleric_a man_n have_v we_o not_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o will_v prove_v a_o welcome_a tract_n on_o all_o hand_n for_o the_o reason_n afore-intimated_n we_o can_v with_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o write_a copy_n well_o have_v save_v this_o great_a travel_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o as_o it_o have_v with_o diverse_a of_o the_o like_a nature_n golden_a laver_n or_o vessel_n make_v common-shore_n and_o receptacle_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o filthy_a contempt_n we_o shall_v then_o clear_o and_o full_o decern_v man_n spirit_n and_o descry_v their_o intent_n in_o challenge_v we_o for_o large_a narration_n and_o shall_v beware_v for_o time_n to_o come_v how_o we_o anger_v they_o with_o kindness_n but_o if_o this_o be_v candid_o entertain_v of_o they_o then_o have_v they_o encourage_v we_o in_o due_a time_n to_o impart_v if_o god_n permit_v a_o full_a treatise_n of_o the_o same_o subject_n with_o amplior_fw-la demonstration_n by_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o new-england_n and_o mean_a while_n they_o have_v abundant_o recompense_v the_o labour_n of_o love_n of_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n n.h._n i.h._n the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o new-england_a measure_v by_o the_o golden_a reed_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n chapter_n i._o the_o order_n of_o gather_v disperse_v christian_n into_o a_o church_n proposition_n i._o section_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v institute_v and_o to_o which_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o table_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o his_o church_n the_o administration_n of_o all_o his_o public_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n be_v coetus_fw-la fidelium_fw-la a_o communion_n of_o saint_n a_o combination_n of_o faithful_a godly_a man_n meet_v for_o that_o end_n by_o common_a and_o joint_a consent_n into_o one_o congregation_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o the_o
worship_v the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n propos_fw-fr 4._o we_o conceive_v it_o can_v seem_v unreasonable_a that_o in_o the_o same_o way_n by_o which_o particular_a godly_a person_n do_v enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o those_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appropriate_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o a_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n shall_v enter_v into_o church_n estate_n for_o in_o enter_v of_o they_o into_o church_n estate_n the_o lord_n call_v as_o well_o whole_a company_n as_o particular_a person_n to_o enjoy_v the_o like_a liberty_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o like_a liberty_n require_v preparation_n thereunto_o by_o the_o like_a duty_n in_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n such_o as_o be_v receive_v into_o baptism_n they_o do_v first_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therewith_o of_o their_o repentance_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n also_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o he_o matth._n 3.6_o act._n 19.4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip_n receive_v the_o eunuch_n unto_o baptism_n not_o until_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n acts._n 8.37_o but_o now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o all_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o our_o infancy_n and_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v infant_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o well_o order_v church_n till_o they_o have_v approve_v and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n public_o confirm_v that_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n profess_v and_o promise_v for_o they_o at_o their_o baptism_n it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a that_o such_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a christian_n have_v be_v baptize_v infant_n shall_v now_o make_v the_o like_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n estate_n which_o other_o make_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n before_o baptism_n and_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n be_v wont_v public_o to_o make_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o their_o admittance_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n beside_o when_o upon_o peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o upon_o that_o rock_n or_o foundation_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16.16.18_o do_v he_o not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o every_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v as_o on_o christ_n so_o on_o christ_n in_o this_o way_n to_o wit_n on_o christ_n believe_v on_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o faith_n public_o confess_v before_o god_n and_o man_n propos_fw-fr 5._o to_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o it_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o neighbour_a church_n and_o brethren_n be_v requisite_a to_o cry_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o for_o if_o david_n advertisement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o of_o important_a weight_n except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o psal_n 127.1_o how_o much_o more_o important_a be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o alone_o build_v his_o own_o jerusalem_n psal_n 147.2_o be_v seek_v unto_o with_o unfeigned_a humiliation_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o his_o presence_n with_o his_o people_n and_o acceptance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n paul_n think_v it_o requisite_a to_o communicate_v with_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o his_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o proceed_n partly_o to_o prevent_v suspicion_n of_o dissent_n between_o he_o and_o they_o lest_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a partly_o to_o hold_v forth_o mutual_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o give_v and_o take_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2.2.9_o how_o much_o more_o requisite_a will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o gather_v together_o scatter_v christian_n into_o a_o church_n estate_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n crave_v their_o presence_n and_o counsel_n and_o communion_n in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o see_v christian_n magistrate_n be_v also_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o church_n be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o be_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n isa_n 49.23_o it_o can_v but_o encourage_v they_o to_o take_v the_o more_o special_a notice_n and_o care_n of_o every_o church_n and_o to_o provide_v and_o assign_v convenient_a allotment_n of_o land_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o when_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n they_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n and_o proceed_n of_o such_o as_o gather_v into_o church-fellowship_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o government_n and_o yet_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n nor_o regulate_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v clear_o gather_v and_o right_o order_v though_o they_o want_v opportunity_n or_o omit_v to_o acquaint_v the_o magistrate_n with_o their_o proceed_n especial_o when_o magistrate_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n sect_n ii_o now_o then_o to_o apply_v all_o these_o proposition_n to_o our_o present_a order_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v when_o many_o christian_n be_v come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n they_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o some_o church_n or_o other_o according_a to_o the_o second_o proposition_n profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o come_n to_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o come_v together_o be_v so_o well_o know_v one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v company_n and_o yet_o so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v well_o join_v in_o any_o one_o church_n already_o establish_v without_o too_o much_o impeachment_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o livelihood_n the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o each_o church_n be_v prepossess_v by_o other_o before_o they_o they_o then_o take_v that_o course_n which_o other_o company_n take_v before_o they_o they_o consider_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n estate_n and_o fellowship_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o that_o end_n first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o inquire_v out_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o eminent_a gift_n usual_o such_o as_o have_v be_v preacher_n of_o good_a esteem_n in_o england_n who_o may_v guide_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o so_o great_a a_o action_n and_o if_o god_n see_v good_a may_v afterward_o be_v call_v to_o place_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o then_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n touch_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o this_o work_n they_o often_o meet_v together_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o perform_v some_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o spiritual_a conference_n together_o till_o a_o sufficient_a company_n of_o they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o the_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n of_o one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o one_o another_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o live_v stone_n fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a temple_n which_o be_v his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o first_o proposition_n now_o because_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n our_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v be_v carry_v not_o only_o with_o a_o pious_a desire_n to_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o with_o brotherly_a love_n to_o such_o as_o intend_v so_o good_a a_o work_n those_o christian_n therefore_o that_o desire_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n together_o do_v acquaint_v the_o governor_n and_o some_o of_o the_o near_a magistrate_n and_o those_o church_n which_o be_v next_o adjoin_v to_o they_o with_o their_o intention_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o crave_v the_o presence_n of_o some_o from_o among_o they_o at_o the_o day_n appoint_v some_o few_o week_n after_o to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o prayer_n and_o with_o their_o counsel_n if_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n as_o be_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n less_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n than_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n as_o also_o desire_v to_o approve_v themselves_o and_o their_o course_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v more_o free_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n
of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o receive_v they_o to_o all_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o the_o lord_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o agree_v with_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n so_o when_o the_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o church-gathering_a be_v come_v the_o person_n depute_v from_o the_o neighbour_a church_n be_v present_a who_o common_o be_v the_o teach_n and_o rule_v elder_n and_o as_o many_o also_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v with_o they_o at_o that_o time_n the_o whole_a day_n be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n especial_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o in_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v gather_v select_v some_o chief_a one_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o mouth_n for_o those_o service_n which_o do_v then_o on_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o they_o appoint_v and_o choose_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o address_v himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o the_o whole_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o four_o proposition_n this_o do_v with_o the_o silent_a approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n he_o propound_v the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n eph._n 2.12_o deny_v also_o any_o sufficiency_n in_o themselves_o to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v transgressor_n from_o their_o youth_n up_o they_o profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v their_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n withal_o they_o profess_v their_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v one_o to_o another_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a subjection_n according_a to_o god_n not_o forsake_v their_o assembly_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v and_o minister_a one_o to_o another_o as_o become_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v thus_o or_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n propound_v the_o covenant_n himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o church-estate_n they_o all_o declare_v their_o joint_a consent_n in_o this_o covenant_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o write_v then_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n find_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n accept_v they_o by_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v down_o among_o they_o in_o their_o performance_n of_o their_o holy_a duty_n they_o appoint_v some_o from_o among_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v to_o reach_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n testify_v their_o proceed_n to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o brotherly_a fellowship_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o in_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o all_o the_o church_n according_a to_o these_o beginning_n and_o so_o prayer_n be_v make_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_v and_o acceptance_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n as_o also_o for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o church_n both_o in_o this_o country_n and_o throughout_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o england_n a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n be_v sing_v quest_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o if_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o infidel_n answ_n 1._o if_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o infidel_n they_o be_v first_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o they_o may_v become_v believer_n and_o so_o fit_a material_n for_o church-fellowship_n before_o any_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v by_o they_o whereas_o these_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v person_n convert_v already_o if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o but_o be_v not_o all_o baptise_a person_n fit_a for_o church-fellowship_n as_o all_o circumcise_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o passeover_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o passeover_n whereto_o all_o jew_n be_v admit_v young_a and_o old_a unless_o defile_v with_o some_o pollution_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereto_o person_n of_o grown_a year_n and_o fit_a to_o examine_v themselves_o be_v invite_v and_o therefore_o neither_o child_n nor_o ignorant_a person_n nor_o profane_a nor_o scandalous_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o into_o church-fellowship_n if_o it_o again_o be_v object_v but_o be_v not_o all_o baptise_a person_n church-member_n already_o by_o their_o baptism_n answ_n no._n 1._o papist_n and_o other_o notorious_a heretic_n be_v baptise_a 2._o and_o many_o in_o other_o church_n have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n psal_n 50.16_o 3._o a_o church_n relapse_v with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o they_o can_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n in_o their_o church-fellowship_n be_v bind_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a enter_v into_o covenant_n the_o same_o which_o in_o effect_n be_v do_v with_o we_o 4._o though_o godly_a man_n baptise_a member_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n be_v to_o be_v account_v church-member_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v their_o habitation_n and_o election_n to_o that_o church_n yet_o several_a baptise_a person_n break_v off_o from_o their_o several_a church_n to_o which_o sometime_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o now_o meet_v accidental_o in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o therefore_o one_o church_n anew_o among_o themselves_o unless_o they_o will_v imagine_v that_o chimaera_n of_o a_o universal_a visible_a church_n chap._n ii_o touch_v church-officer_n with_o their_o election_n and_o ordination_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o gather_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v our_o next_o care_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o all_o those_o officer_n and_o member_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n until_o his_o second_o come_v for_o they_o be_v all_o give_v for_o the_o edify_a and_o perfect_v of_o his_o body_n until_o we_o all_o grow_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o writing_n to_o be_v master-builder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o their_o foundation_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o foundation_n which_o they_o by_o their_o writing_n have_v lay_v eph._n 2.20_o but_o in_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o same_o eminent_a calling_n they_o continue_v not_o whence_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o barnabas_n as_o the_o last_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4.9_o and_o when_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o be_v plant_v it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v plant_v by_o new_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o former_a twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 21.19_o to_o wit_n by_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n still_o leave_v behind_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v either_o elder_n who_o the_o apostle_n call_v also_o bishop_n tit._n 1.5.7_o act._n 20.17.28_o or_o deacon_n of_o elder_n he_o make_v two_o sort_n one_o sort_n he_o call_v they_o that_o rule_n the_o other_o they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n whether_o of_o exhortation_n as_o the_o pastor_n or_o of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o teacher_n 2_o tim._n 5.17_o for_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a preach_a elder_n the_o apostle_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o and_o such_o several_a kind_n of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o one_o in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n by_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n of_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n express_o hold_v forth_o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o he_o that_o teach_v say_v he_o let_v he_o wait_v on_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n which_o argue_v a_o difference_n of_o their_o function_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o proper_a or_o especial_a action_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o
comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n that_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v hereafter_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o house_n no_o bodily_a infirmity_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n nor_o national_a pollution_n as_o that_o of_o some_o stranger_n shall_v hinder_v their_o admittance_n into_o his_o church_n only_o this_o the_o lord_n require_v both_o of_o the_o eunuch_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o of_o the_o stranger_n ver_fw-la 6._o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o they_o do_v also_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n as_o antecedent_n to_o their_o entrance_n into_o church-fellowship_n to_o wit_n take_v hold_v of_o it_o by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o it_o and_o of_o their_o subjection_n to_o it_o object_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o separate_v or_o debar_v such_o from_o church-fellowship_n as_o be_v join_v to_o himself_o by_o faith_n who_o can_v think_v it_o what_o reason_n can_v you_o give_v for_o it_o answ_n the_o text_n be_v plain_a that_o eunuch_n moabite_n and_o ammonite_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o israel_n for_o ever_o without_o exception_n of_o godliness_n or_o ungodliness_n some_o indeed_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o the_o law_n against_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n reach_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o those_o nation_n but_o against_o man_n the_o law_n be_v clear_a but_o if_o the_o law_n have_v exclude_v they_o only_o upon_o point_n of_o their_o own_o ungodliness_n that_o be_v no_o singular_a curse_n to_o they_o no_o nation_n under_o heaven_n can_v expect_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n unless_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n what_o reason_n god_n may_v have_v for_o exclude_v the_o eunuch_n we_o leave_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n but_o yet_o himself_o give_v a_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o against_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n take_v from_o their_o malignant_a enmity_n against_o god_n people_n deut._n 23.4_o 5_o 6._o against_o the_o eunuch_n he_o give_v no_o express_a reason_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v reason_n sufficient_a who_o can_v tell_v whether_o god_n will_v not_o thereby_o type_n out_o the_o debar_v of_o barren_a christian_n from_o church-fellowship_n object_n 3._o the_o word_n separation_n impli_v they_o have_v be_v sometime_o of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v in_o common_a sense_n that_o any_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o never_o be_v answ_n why_o not_o what_o be_v separate_v but_o sever_v may_v not_o england_n be_v sever_v from_o scotland_n by_o the_o river_n of_o tweed_n and_o from_o france_n and_o germany_n and_o holland_n by_o the_o sea_n though_o they_o be_v never_o join_v to_o any_o of_o those_o nation_n do_v not_o god_n make_v the_o star_n to_o separate_v between_o the_o day_n and_o the_o night_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a gen._n 1.14_o and_o yet_o day_n and_o night_n be_v never_o join_v in_o one_o society_n so_o that_o from_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n we_o have_v two_o passage_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o admit_v church-member_n witness_v unto_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v join_v to_o himself_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v also_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o his_o church_n before_o he_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n which_o be_v his_o church_n both_o which_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o place_n because_o the_o place_n be_v a_o pprophecy_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o wit_n when_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n unto_o all_o nation_n ver_fw-la 9_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n object_n 4._o but_o the_o covenant_n here_o speak_v of_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o church_n covenant_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o lord_n between_o he_o and_o his_o people_n but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o towards_o another_o answ_n this_o objection_n be_v prevent_v before_o in_o the_o first_o point_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n that_o be_v with_o his_o church_n his_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o silent_a consent_n covenant_v with_o he_o and_o also_o one_o with_o another_o to_o yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o though_o this_o place_n prophesy_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v express_o of_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o let_v no_o man_n wonder_v why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a express_a mention_n of_o the_o poeple_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o this_o promise_n come_v to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n grow_v up_o together_o in_o divine_a institution_n and_o administration_n there_o be_v express_a mention_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n be_v national_a and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o suspicious_a to_o they_o who_o be_v party_n to_o it_o themselves_o but_o very_o acceptable_a but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o magistrate_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v alien_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n think_v it_o meet_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o covenant_n not_o plain_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o parable_n and_o similitude_n as_o know_v the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v breed_v no_o small_a jealousy_n in_o civil_a state_n as_o seem_v most_o dangerous_a to_o civil_a peace_n but_o yet_o in_o apt_a similitude_n they_o so_o describe_v the_o estate_n of_o church_n as_o do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o joint_a covenant_n both_o between_o the_o lord_n and_z they_o i_o with_o another_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n the_o receive_n of_o member_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n for_o 1._o they_o so_o describe_v every_o church_n of_o god_n as_o a_o city_n of_o god_n as_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n be_v style_v rev._n 21.4_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o more_o glorious_a church_n than_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n yet_o it_o partake_v in_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o they_o all_o every_o true_a church_n be_v as_o well_o a_o city_n of_o god_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o hence_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v of_o the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o now_o every_o city_n be_v found_v in_o some_o confederacy_n by_o oath_n or_o such_o like_a bond_n and_o every_o citizen_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o city_n by_o take_v the_o same_o oath_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o bond_n wherein_o the_o whole_a city_n stand_v engage_v which_o hold_v forth_o to_o a_o intelligent_a heart_n that_o if_o every_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o city_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o fellow-citizen_n then_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v plant_v and_o found_v in_o some_o covenant_n or_o confederacy_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v implant_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o body_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o profess_v subjection_n thereunto_o again_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n call_v it_o espouse_v of_o it_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o it_o impli_v plain_o that_o he_o draw_v they_o all_o as_o one_o body_n to_o profess_v their_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o all_o and_o of_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n if_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o his_o conversion_n of_o their_o particular_a soul_n unto_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o as_o one_o virgin_n but_o so_o many_o soul_n so_o many_o virgin_n but_o now_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o one_o virgin_n it_o plain_o argue_v he_o join_v they_o all_o as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o one_o body_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o christ_n jesus_n for_o there_o be_v no_o
offer_v up_o to_o god_n either_o by_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o the_o word_n read_v and_o expound_v by_o they_o who_o preach_v in_o the_o morning_n if_o there_o be_v time_n and_o preach_v by_o the_o other_o and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n administer_v if_o any_o of_o the_o church_n do_v offer_v their_o child_n thereunto_o the_o deacon_n who_o sit_v in_o a_o seat_n under_o the_o elder_n yet_o in_o sundry_a church_n lift_v up_o high_a than_o the_o other_o pewe_v do_v call_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o as_o god_n have_v prosper_v they_o and_o have_v make_v their_o heart_n willing_a there_o be_v now_o time_n leave_v for_o contribution_n present_o the_o people_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a in_o sundry_a church_n do_v arise_v the_o first_o pew_n first_o the_o next_o next_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n in_o order_n and_o present_a before_o the_o lord_n their_o holy_a offering_n for_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o their_o solemn_a feast_n none_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a deut._n 16.16_o and_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v only_o unto_o christian_n the_o ordinary_a solemn_a feast_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o christian_n lay_v down_o their_o oblation_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n act_n 4.35_o into_o who_o place_n for_o that_o service_n deacon_n be_v substitute_v act_v 6.3_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n give_v order_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n every_o one_o shall_v lay_v by_o he_o into_o the_o treasury_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o god_n have_v prospen_v they_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o which_o ordinance_n justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o time_n that_o the_o able_a sort_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o apology_n and_o cyprian_a rebuke_v a_o wealthy_a rich_a widow_n for_o believe_v she_o can_v celebrate_v the_o lord_n day_n as_o holy_a and_o yet_o neglect_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o lord_n treasury_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n de_fw-fr eleemosynâ_fw-la locuple_n &_o dive_v dominicum_fw-la celebrare_fw-la te_fw-la credis_fw-la quae_fw-la corbonam_fw-la omnino_fw-la non_fw-la respicis_fw-la after_o the_o contribution_n end_v the_o time_n leave_v be_v take_v up_o in_o sundry_a church_n in_o the_o public_a trial_n and_o admission_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o so_o after_o a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o all_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v that_o day_n and_o a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o the_o people_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v beside_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n every_o week_n we_o sometime_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n either_o of_o notable_a judgement_n do_v set_v a_o part_n a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n or_o upon_o special_a mercy_n we_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n the_o ground_n whereof_o we_o conceive_v be_v general_o know_v and_o approve_v among_o christian_n moreover_o every_o week_n in_o most_o of_o our_o church_n lecture_n be_v keep_v on_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o week_n day_n so_o that_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n make_v willing_a and_o his_o hand_n do_v not_o detain_v by_o bodily_a infirmity_n or_o other_o necessary_a employment_n if_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o bay_n may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n almost_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o one_o church_n or_o other_o not_o far_o distant_a from_o they_o sect_n iv_o in_o all_o these_o administration_n only_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v clear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o 1._o why_o in_o our_o public_a prayer_n we_o forbear_v to_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prescript_n liturgy_n 2._o why_o in_o our_o sacrament_n we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n as_o be_v say_v before_o we_o do_v receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n for_o the_o former_a the_o reason_n usual_o give_v may_v suffice_v 1._o from_o the_o pattern_n of_o all_o the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n never_o give_v leave_v to_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n neither_o do_v any_o of_o they_o take_v leave_v to_o impose_v any_o form_n of_o liturgy_n upon_o any_o church_n and_o yet_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v place_n for_o prescribe_v set_v form_n to_o any_o it_o have_v be_v most_o seasonable_a in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n who_o member_n be_v as_o child_n under_o age_n gal._n 4.2_o 3._o may_v stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o such_o a_o help_n it_o be_v easy_o acknowledge_v moses_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o blessing_n nunb_n 6.23_o to_o 26._o and_o david_n sundry_a psalm_n of_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n teach_v his_o disciple_n not_o only_o to_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o thus_o or_o these_o word_n luk._n 11.2_o but_o neither_o be_v these_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o prescribe_v any_o use_n but_o arbitrary_a and_o occasional_a of_o these_o form_n as_o they_o may_v suit_n our_o occasion_n god_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a messenger_n may_v prescribe_v this_o or_o that_o form_n to_o his_o church_n but_o will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a officer_n who_o have_v only_o receive_v a_o common_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o do_v the_o like_a god_n who_o forbid_v his_o people_n to_o make_v to_o themselves_o image_n or_o imagination_n invention_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n have_v not_o restrain_v himself_o to_o set_v up_o what_o image_n or_o form_n himself_o see_v good_a object_n these_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o praise_n though_o as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v of_o god_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v apply_v without_o special_a commandment_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o a_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n at_o this_o time_n so_o they_o be_v the_o device_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n answ_n they_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o be_v matter_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n without_o commandment_n or_o at_o least_o without_o such_o direction_n as_o amount_v to_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n from_o god_n for_o moses_n express_o say_v on_o this_o wise_a shall_v you_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o numb_a 6.23_o the_o 102._o psalm_n be_v express_v in_o the_o title_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o one_o that_o be_v afflict_v but_o of_o any_o in_o like_a estate_n and_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v general_a concern_v all_o the_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n of_o david_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v sing_v they_o with_o holy_a melody_n unto_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5.19_o and_o christ_n word_n luk._n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o second_o reason_n why_o we_o forbear_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prescript_n liturgy_n be_v take_v from_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o we_o conceive_v prohibit_v such_o prescript_n liturgy_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n general_o know_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o all_o sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o prohibition_n of_o one_o of_o they_o or_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o some_o or_o other_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o upon_o the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 22.40_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o judicious_a expositor_n of_o they_o but_o open_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o commandment_n by_o synecdoches_n and_o metonymy_n synecdoches_n to_o comprehend_v all_o sin_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n and_o all_o the_o degree_n thereof_o and_o metonymy_n to_o comprehend_v all_o cause_n and_o mean_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o so_o that_o for_o open_v the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v both_o make_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o any_o image_n or_o similitude_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n or_o respect_n image_n or_o similitude_n be_v forbid_v image_n or_o similitude_n be_v forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n not_o as_o object_n of_o worship_n for_o all_o false_a object_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o
to_o one_o another_o set-forme_n of_o prayer_n why_o not_o set-forme_n of_o homily_n and_o then_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o successor_n need_v to_o have_v leave_v off_o their_o employment_n in_o minister_a to_o table_n to_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act_n 6.4_o for_o both_o be_v prepare_v to_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o prescription_n of_o other_o whence_o also_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o minister_n shall_v little_o need_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n to_o that_o end_n but_o may_v edify_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o yea_o minister_n though_o destitute_a of_o ministerial_a gift_n may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o public_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o man_n gift_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o so_o indeed_o a_o prescript_n liturgy_n be_v proper_o a_o maintenance_n to_o all_o idol_n dumb_a minister_n and_o in_o this_o forbearance_n of_o prescript_n prayer_n as_o we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n so_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o pattern_n in_o this_o case_n of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o second_o apology_n for_o christian_n a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n send_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n without_o mention_v any_o prescript_n form_n according_a to_o his_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n leave_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o and_o tertullian_n about_o 203._o year_n after_o christ_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o christian_n say_v they_o pray_v sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la pectore_fw-la without_o a_o prompter_n because_o they_o pray_v from_o their_o heart_n tertull._n apolog._n 30._o that_o be_v as_o zeph._n on_o the_o place_n expound_v it_o they_o pray_v not_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o wit_n in_o any_o form_n of_o word_n prescribe_v by_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o in_o those_o bloody_a time_n of_o persecution_n the_o church_n have_v any_o set-forme_n of_o liturgy_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v enjoin_v a_o form_n of_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o their_o emperor_n it_o have_v be_v a_o unskilful_a and_o sinful_a neglect_n both_o in_o justin_n and_o tertullian_n to_o omit_v such_o public_a evidence_n of_o their_o profess_a loyalty_n and_o devotion_n to_o the_o state_n sect_n v._o object_n the_o second_o thing_n in_o our_o administration_n of_o public_a ordinance_n whereof_o many_o require_v account_n of_o we_o be_v why_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n as_o we_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n answ_n let_v it_o first_o be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o then_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n we_o do_v it_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n unless_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v or_o at_o least_o unless_o those_o church_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o their_o desire_n that_o their_o member_n come_v occasional_o among_o we_o may_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o our_o own_o by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o either_o the_o person_n themselves_o or_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v lie_v under_o any_o offence_n before_o the_o church_n now_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o thus_o walk_v be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o power_n requisite_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n to_o administer_v a_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v dispense_v to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o a_o act_n of_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o by_o they_o to_o be_v dispense_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n they_o then_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o they_o we_o may_v not_o dispense_v a_o act_n of_o power_n but_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n we_o have_v no_o ministerial_a power_n over_o they_o and_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o other_o church_n not_o of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o further_o than_o they_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o from_o their_o own_o church_n either_o by_o letter_n or_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o country_n who_o we_o do_v admit_v to_o communion_n with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o now_o for_o our_o brethren_n who_o come_v out_o of_o england_n many_o of_o they_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o those_o who_o be_v well_o know_v and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o well_o approve_v yet_o they_o bring_v no_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n to_o we_o from_o those_o church_n who_o have_v interest_n in_o they_o and_o power_n over_o they_o and_o beside_o we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o any_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n when_o once_o they_o remove_v their_o dwell_n out_o of_o that_o parish_n they_o be_v account_v as_o no_o long_a member_n of_o that_o church_n so_o that_o they_o come_v over_o to_o we_o as_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n at_o all_o either_o in_o old_a england_n or_o in_o new_a and_o so_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o no_o church_n either_o there_o or_o here_o how_o then_o can_v we_o dispense_v a_o act_n of_o power_n to_o they_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o either_o commend_v to_o we_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v will_v it_o be_v think_v reasonable_a in_o case_n that_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n come_v over_o to_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o drunkenness_n or_o whoredom_n or_o other_o scandalous_a crime_n if_o the_o church_n where_o he_o sojourn_v among_o shall_v proceed_v to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o a_o act_n coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la may_v he_o not_o demand_v just_o by_o what_o authority_n we_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o enter_v into_o our_o communion_n this_o may_v therefore_o yield_v we_o a_o just_a defence_n they_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v in_o any_o case_n by_o excommunication_n to_o they_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o dispense_v the_o communion_n but_o so_o it_o be_v we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v any_o of_o our_o congregation_n though_o never_o so_o scandalous_a by_o excommunicate_v unless_o they_o first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o our_o fellowship_n therefore_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n till_o then_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o our_o communion_n 2._o a_o second_o ground_n of_o their_o practice_n we_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o though_o they_o be_v seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o yet_o not_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v confederate_a and_o join_v together_o in_o some_o particular_a visible_a church_n none_o may_v ordinary_o dispense_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n nor_o may_v he_o dispense_v it_o to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n none_o be_v partaker_n either_o of_o the_o passeover_n or_o of_o circumcision_n unless_o they_o be_v either_o israelite_n bear_v or_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n job_n and_o his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n with_o they_o though_o all_o of_o they_o righteous_a by_o faith_n and_o all_o of_o the_o stock_n and_o kindred_n of_o abraham_n yet_o we_o read_v of_o none_o of_o they_o to_o be_v circumcise_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a they_o be_v for_o have_v they_o be_v circumcise_a they_o will_v not_o have_v keep_v so_o deep_a silence_n of_o it_o throughout_o all_o their_o conference_n with_o job_n as_o they_o do_v especial_o have_v so_o often_o occasion_n to_o urge_v the_o pollution_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o birth_n whereof_o circumcision_n have_v be_v a_o most_o pertinent_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o same_o and_o wherefore_o be_v they_o not_o all_o circumcise_a be_v all_o of_o they_o righteous_a by_o faith_n but_o only_o because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o
who_o only_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v grant_v object_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_v among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n may_v come_v and_o keep_v the_o passeover_n among_o they_o but_o we_o here_o withhold_v the_o lord_n supper_n from_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v answ_n our_o answer_n be_v they_o that_o be_v circumcise_v among_o the_o israelite_n may_v right_o keep_v the_o passeover_n among_o they_o because_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o israel_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o one_o synagogue_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v minister_n in_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n in_o proportion_n whereunto_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n require_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o impediment_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o unfitnesse_n to_o examine_v themselves_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n requisite_a to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o passeover_n but_o now_o because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o another_o constitution_n none_o of_o they_o national_a as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v but_o all_o of_o they_o congregationall_a baptism_n in_o one_o church_n do_v not_o give_v a_o man_n right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o unless_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o all_o as_o in_o israel_n they_o be_v or_o unless_o that_o one_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o do_v recommend_v their_o right_n and_o power_n to_o another_o 3._o a_o three_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n which_o we_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o partake_v together_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n so_o we_o deal_v with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o so_o we_o deal_v with_o the_o member_n of_o neighbour_n church_n in_o this_o country_n none_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o while_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o public_a scandal_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n direction_n that_o if_o a_o man_n bring_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o his_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o he_o he_o shall_v there_o leave_v his_o gift_n and_o go_v first_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v his_o gift_n mat._n 5.23_o 24._o if_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o a_o man_n own_o private_a direction_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o rule_n also_o for_o a_o whole_a church_n to_o direct_v a_o offend_a brother_n to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o case_n of_o a_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v therefore_o direct_v both_o the_o brethren_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o of_o any_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n that_o if_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o shall_v first_o remove_v such_o public_a offence_n as_o either_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v lie_n under_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o ☜_o ☜_o that_o according_a to_o the_o figure_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o passeover_n no_o leaven_n must_v be_v find_v among_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n together_o now_o though_o we_o rather_o choose_v to_o cover_v in_o silence_n and_o to_o mourn_v in_o secret_a for_o any_o corruption_n find_v in_o other_o church_n especial_o in_o these_o so_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o they_o and_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o our_o own_o due_a proceed_n here_o constrain_v we_o to_o confess_v sundry_a public_a offence_n under_o which_o our_o english_a parish_n church_n lie_v and_o wherein_o our_o self_n also_o be_v defile_v while_o we_o live_v in_o they_o and_o our_o countryman_n be_v defile_v that_o come_v over_o to_o we_o from_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o come_v over_o not_o as_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o they_o leave_v that_o relation_n where_o they_o leave_v their_o habitation_n but_o of_o a_o nationall_n church_n whereof_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o no_o pattern_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o national_a church_n nor_o any_o national_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o some_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n upon_o some_o covenant_n or_o stipulation_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o of_o some_o in_o their_o stead_n who_o they_o call_v godfather_n which_o also_o be_v without_o warrant_n yet_o general_o they_o have_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o any_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n or_o repentance_n or_o promise_v of_o performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n make_v for_o they_o which_o be_v a_o offence_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o own_o church_n express_v in_o the_o rubric_n before_o the_o common_a catechism_n but_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v none_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o such_o as_o profess_v their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o in_o their_o parish_n communion_n which_o not_o communion_n of_o spirit_n but_o co-habitation_n beget_v they_o partake_v with_o all_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n not_o exclude_v drunkard_n whoremonger_n profane_a swearer_n covetous_a worldling_n atheist_n papist_n and_o the_o like_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o not_o a_o little_a leaven_n but_o a_o great_a mass_n of_o leaven_n have_v deep_o leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o have_v worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n both_o in_o prescript_n form_n of_o liturgy_n and_o litany_n and_o in_o such_o ceremony_n as_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v public_o enjoin_v as_o neither_o dark_a nor_o dull_a but_o apt_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o dull_a mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n by_o some_o notable_a and_o special_a signification_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o have_v yield_v voluntary_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o appoint_v in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v approve_v the_o same_o whether_o by_o subscription_n or_o by_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n or_o by_o conformity_n to_o their_o usurpation_n and_o injunction_n these_o or_o such_o like_a public_a offence_n as_o we_o have_v bewail_v in_o ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o they_o so_o we_o have_v think_v it_o needful_a that_o our_o brethren_n also_o who_o come_v over_o to_o we_o shall_v profess_v their_o repentance_n of_o the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o a_o positive_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o contrary_a sincere_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n with_o we_o sect_n vi_o if_o these_o ground_n may_v suffice_v to_o justify_v our_o non-admittance_n of_o all_o the_o countryman_n promiscuous_o that_o come_v over_o to_o we_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o further_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o also_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o may_v suffice_v to_o justify_v our_o non-admittance_n of_o their_o infant_n unto_o baptism_n infant_n can_v claim_v right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o right_n of_o one_o of_o their_o parent_n or_o both_o where_o neither_o of_o the_o parent_n can_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o their_o infant_n can_v claim_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o they_o can_v claim_v right_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o have_v not_o lawful_a liberty_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o parent_n or_o to_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o either_o for_o our_o want_n of_o due_a power_n over_o they_o or_o through_o their_o want_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o
be_v ready_a to_o send_v and_o commend_v such_o of_o their_o member_n as_o their selve_o may_v spare_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n but_o not_o call_v to_o office_n among_o themselves_o to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o brethren_n sect_n vi_o a_o six_o way_n of_o communion_n among_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o admonition_n as_o it_o one_o church_n shall_v be_v credible_o give_v to_o understand_v of_o some_o scandal_n arise_v in_o another_o church_n whether_o by_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n and_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n the_o report_n be_v find_v true_a the_o church_n hear_v thereof_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n or_o both_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o such_o offence_n be_v find_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o take_v a_o speedy_a and_o diligent_a course_n for_o the_o redress_n thereof_o but_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v remiss_a therein_o or_o be_v faulty_a themselves_o they_o then_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n thereof_o to_o call_v upon_o their_o officer_n as_o paul_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o coloss_n to_o call_v upon_o archippus_n to_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n col._n 4.17_o if_o the_o church_n hear_v they_o the_o scandal_n be_v remove_v if_o it_o hear_v they_o not_o the_o church_n offend_v herewith_o take_v in_o the_o help_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n more_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o exhortation_n or_o admonition_n it_o still_o the_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n lie_v persi_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o brethren_n either_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o congregation_n of_o many_o or_o all_o the_o church_n together_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v or_o else_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o weighty_a and_o of_o ill_a though_o not_o general_a consequence_n the_o church_n offend_v with_o they_o will_v as_o just_o they_o may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o forbear_v all_o such_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o which_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o walk_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o we_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v put_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o this_o duty_n towards_o any_o of_o our_o church_n the_o lord_n hitherto_o so_o far_o prevent_v with_o his_o grace_n that_o no_o church_n have_v stand_v out_o so_o long_o in_o maintain_v any_o offence_n find_v among_o they_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o which_o god_n forbid_v we_o look_v at_o it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v faithful_a one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o like_a sort_n as_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n be_v call_v to_o be_v faithful_a one_o towards_o another_o do_v not_o church_n enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o well_o as_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n take_v care_n not_o only_o for_o her_o own_o member_n but_o for_o her_o little_a sister_n which_o have_v no_o breast_n cant._n 8.8_o and_o will_v she_o have_v take_v no_o care_n of_o have_v her_o breast_n heal_v if_o her_o breast_n have_v be_v distemper_v and_o give_v corrupt_a milk_n the_o apostle_n have_v a_o public_a care_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o be_v the_o public_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_v dead_a with_o they_o aught_o not_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v a_o care_n and_o watchful_a eye_n over_o the_o public_a good_a of_o one_o another_o though_o not_o virtute_fw-la officii_fw-la yet_o intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la sect_n vii_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o way_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n though_o this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a eminency_n of_o the_o apostolic_a calling_n for_o they_o in_o their_o lifetime_n to_o travel_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o beget_v disciple_n to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-estate_n and_o so_o to_o plant_v church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o prosecute_v and_o carry_v along_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n throughout_o all_o generation_n and_o in_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v immediate_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o that_o fullness_n of_o measure_n which_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n do_v require_v if_o then_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o process_n of_o time_n to_o be_v so_o far_o multiply_v as_o that_o like_a bee_n when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a they_o be_v necessary_o occasion_v to_o swarm_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o case_n when_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n can_v reach_v to_o all_o in_o such_o or_o in_o the_o like_a case_n the_o church_n surcharge_v with_o multitude_n may_v send_v forth_o sundry_a of_o their_o member_n fit_a for_o the_o purpose_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o church-estate_n among_o themselves_o or_o if_o a_o number_n of_o godly_a christian_n shall_v come_v over_o into_o a_o country_n where_o they_o find_v the_o church_n so_o full_a that_o they_o can_v with_o conveniency_n join_v with_o they_o the_o church_n may_v comfortable_o encourage_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n among_o themselves_o they_o may_v also_o commend_v both_o unto_o the_o one_o company_n and_o unto_o the_o other_o such_o able_a gift_a man_n who_o they_o may_v fit_o choose_v to_o be_v minister_n and_o officer_n to_o they_o and_o both_o then_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o beginning_n as_o also_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v church-officer_n among_o themselves_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o presence_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v requisite_a for_o the_o propagation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o have_v we_o give_v unto_o all_o our_o holy_a brethren_n throughout_o the_o church_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o just_a and_o true_a account_n of_o all_o our_o proceed_n in_o church-affaire_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o way_n and_o order_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o rule_n in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o go_v astray_o it_o be_v our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n unto_o all_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v erranti_fw-la comiter_fw-la monstrare_fw-la viam_fw-la but_o if_o the_o way_n we_o walk_v in_o be_v find_v upon_o serious_a and_o mature_a consideration_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v let_v all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n be_v entreat_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o people_n but_o rather_o seek_v how_o to_o address_v themselves_o and_o to_o call_v on_o other_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o straight_a step_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o grace_n till_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o glory_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n sect_n i._o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prescribe_v unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n man_n of_o their_o church_n and_o eminent_a light_n in_o the_o world_n what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o pursue_v and_o perfect_v the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o england_n nay_o we_o know_v our_o own_o tenuity_n the_o store_n of_o business_n enough_o which_o we_o have_v to_o attend_v unto_o near_a home_n nevertheless_o as_o we_o can_v cease_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o seek_v their_o good_a as_o our_o own_o so_o we_o can_v but_o rejoice_v with_o they_o to_o behold_v that_o open_a door_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o and_o with_o that_o all_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o far_o enlarge_v towards_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o wave_n as_o we_o hear_v his_o hand_n be_v enlarge_v towards_o they_o only_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o
spirit_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o with_o they_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o prosper_v his_o work_n among_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reduce_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o pattern_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o primitive_a simplicity_n describe_v above_o four_o thing_n we_o observe_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n which_o make_v way_n for_o reformation_n among_o they_o first_o the_o efficient_a instrument_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n which_o be_v either_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n whether_o philip_n or_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n or_o simon_n zelotes_n as_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n may_v read_v in_o mr._n fox_n book_n of_o act_n and_o monument_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o next_o after_o the_o story_n of_o the_o ten_o primitive_a persecution_n out_o of_o gildas_n tertullian_n origen_n beda_n nicephorus_n which_o be_v so_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v right_o gather_v and_o plant_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o since_o have_v spring_v from_o popish_a apostasy_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o from_o want_n of_o through_o and_o perfect_a purge_v out_o of_o that_o leaven_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n so_o that_o all_o the_o work_n now_o be_v not_o to_o make_v they_o church_n which_o be_v none_o before_o but_o to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n second_o the_o public_a service-booke_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o godly_a discipline_n that_o notorious_a sinner_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o both_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o other_o admonish_v by_o their_o example_n may_v be_v the_o more_o afraid_a to_o offend_v which_o godly_a discipline_n be_v a_o thing_n say_v the_o book_n much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v restore_v again_o see_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n it_o be_v therefore_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a and_o swerve_v from_o the_o primitive_a godly_a discipline_n three_o in_o the_o public_a rubric_n before_o the_o catechism_n it_o be_v order_v that_o when_o child_n come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v learn_v what_o other_o promise_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n they_o shall_v then_o themselves_o with_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n open_o before_o the_o church_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o also_o promise_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o will_v evermore_o endeavour_v themselves_o faithful_o to_o observe_v and_o keep_v such_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o confession_n they_o have_v assent_v to_o which_o course_n the_o book_n in_o a_o few_o word_n after_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o time_n past_a that_o child_n come_v to_o perfect_a age_n have_v be_v instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o direction_n if_o it_o be_v as_o due_o observe_v as_o it_o be_v express_o order_v do_v plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o to_o be_v confirm_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o unfit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v express_o confess_v their_o faith_n open_o before_o the_o church_n and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v serious_o do_v and_o not_o perfunctory_o be_v somewhat_o of_o like_a nature_n with_o our_o receive_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o join_v they_o by_o covenant_n four_o in_o the_o exhortation_n before_o the_o communion_n the_o minister_n be_v direct_v to_o denounce_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o god_n a_o hinderer_n or_o slanderer_n of_o his_o word_n a_o adulterer_n or_o be_v in_o malice_n or_o envy_v or_o in_o any_o other_o grievous_a crime_n they_o shall_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o come_v to_o that_o holy_a table_n lest_o after_o the_o take_n of_o that_o sacrament_n the_o devil_n enter_v into_o they_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o judas_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o argue_v they_o will_v allow_v no_o scandalous_a person_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o these_o thing_n presuppose_v real_o perform_v and_o serious_o attend_v to_o may_v open_v a_o door_n to_o sundry_a passage_n of_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a reformation_n sect_n ii_o tender_v certain_a proposition_n tend_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n propos_fw-fr 1._o where_o godly_a minister_n be_v already_o plant_v in_o any_o congregation_n let_v they_o with_o due_a encouragement_n from_o the_o state_n call_v the_o people_n to_o solemn_a humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o own_o sin_n &_o those_o of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v imitate_v so_o do_v ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n with_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n nehem._n 9.2.2_o 3_o 4._o &_o ezra_n 10.1_o 2.9_o 10._o for_o though_o the_o parliament_n &_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v protest_v and_o covenant_v reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v yet_o they_o have_v cause_n also_o to_o be_v humble_v and_o that_o thorough_o for_o the_o time_n past_a 2._o let_v such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o of_o approve_a conversation_n take_v up_o that_o course_n which_o the_o service-book_n as_o have_v be_v say_v give_v a_o hint_n of_o renew_v their_o covenant_n former_o make_v in_o baptism_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o promise_a reformation_n of_o life_n not_o only_o in_o their_o private_a conversation_n but_o also_o in_o their_o public_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n 3._o let_v no_o minister_n that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n better_a than_o his_o own_o belly_n stand_v upon_o his_o advocation_n from_o his_o patron_n but_o rather_o expect_v his_o vocation_n from_o his_o people_n 4._o for_o this_o end_n let_v every_o patron_n restore_v his_o jus_o patronatus_fw-la to_o the_o church_n or_o if_o it_o seem_v too_o hard_a a_o thing_n for_o they_o to_o part_v so_o free_o with_o their_o freehold_n though_o they_o ought_v free_o to_o give_v unto_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v free_o from_o he_o the_o parliament_n may_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a part_n of_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o benefice_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o annex_v it_o to_o their_o own_o private_a inheritance_n reserve_v so_o much_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o a_o sufficient_a maintenance_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o though_o thing_n dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n can_v be_v alienate_v or_o divert_v to_o private_a use_n without_o sacrilege_n yet_o that_o hold_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n accept_v as_o sacred_a to_o himself_o but_o god_n no_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n or_o allowance_n of_o land_n dedicate_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o for_o the_o church_n service_n they_o may_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o their_o consent_n as_o sometime_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n give_v away_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o captivity_n 2_o king_n 18.15_o 16._o 5._o the_o people_n have_v call_v or_o choose_v their_o minister_n one_o or_o more_o unto_o office_n in_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n let_v they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n depute_v some_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o with_o prayer_n over_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n set_v he_o apart_o to_o that_o office_n the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v say_v to_o anoint_v zadok_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o high_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o solomon_n to_o be_v king_n 1_o chron._n 29.22_o which_o be_v a_o sacred_a right_n as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o