immediate_o flow_v from_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n but_o be_v dispense_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n mediate_o and_o in_o such_o a_o order_n as_o he_o have_v in_o wisdom_n ordain_v and_o this_o the_o nature_n of_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n necessary_o require_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o the_o church_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o essence_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o spiritual_a union_n and_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n yet_o both_o the_o visible_a government_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o also_o the_o institute_v form_n and_o order_n of_o church-society_n have_v be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o order_n government_n form_n of_o visible_a church-society_n to_o which_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n do_v belong_v can_v just_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n or_o any_o respect_n of_o reason_n or_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o only_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v in_o all_o age_n institute_v the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o such_o society_n to_o who_o the_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o hence_o the_o argument_n for_o a_o national_a form_n of_o a_o church_n to_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a draw_v from_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n procession_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n falls_z flat_a to_o the_o ground_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o must_v then_o be_v in_o family_n only_o now_o as_o it_o be_v about_o abraham_n time_n propos_fw-fr 6._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o great_a dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n so_o far_o as_o tend_v to_o clear_v up_o to_o what_o church_n the_o actual_a administration_n of_o church-government_n and_o all_o institute_v worship_n belong_v do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o common_a nature_n essence_n unity_n visibility_n or_o any_o other_o notion_n under_o which_o it_o may_v fall_v but_o the_o true_a state_n lie_v here_o concern_v the_o nature_n order_n form_n of_o such_o visible_a society_n as_o christ_n jesus_n by_o divine_a institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v reduce_v his_o visible_a member_n unto_o for_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o his_o institute_v ordinance_n and_o therefore_o with_o due_a respect_n to_o the_o godly-learned_n be_v it_o speak_v we_o conceive_v many_o large_a dispute_n in_o this_o question_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o issue_n that_o be_v desire_v and_o intend_v for_o what_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n as_o mr._n ball_n say_v be_v one_o that_o have_v part_v visibiles_fw-la be_v a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la 2._o that_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o only_o a_o totum_fw-la genericum_fw-la in_o relation_n to_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n as_o species_n specialissimae_fw-la of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o general_a which_o respect_n of_o reason_n in_o some_o sense_n we_o free_o consent_v unto_o but_o also_o that_o it_o may_v fall_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la as_o some_o contend_v though_o we_o conceive_v in_o this_o notion_n they_o be_v so_o entangle_v in_o their_o own_o logical_a principle_n as_o that_o they_o can_v get_v out_o without_o break_v they_o and_o fly_v to_o theological_a consideration_n yet_o we_o say_v what_o if_o that_o also_o be_v attain_v 3_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n also_o the_o first_o church_n and_o particular_a church_n ortae_fw-la 4_o yea_o further_o what_o if_o it_o be_v gain_v also_o by_o such_o dispute_n that_o the_o key_n and_o officer_n ordinance_n etc._n etc._n be_v give_v first_o to_o this_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_v we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o what_o our_o brethren_n contend_v for_o be_v by_o all_o this_o obtain_v for_o first_o if_o the_o universal_a number_n of_o visible_a believer_n be_v one_o totum_fw-la aggregatum_fw-la yet_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v one_o institute_v and_o political_a society_n that_o can_v enjoy_v visible_a communion_n together_o in_o visible_a worship_n and_o government_n and_o yet_o more_o hard_a to_o prove_v that_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n these_o all_o be_v to_o be_v actual_o govern_v as_o one_o totum_fw-la second_o what_o though_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v in_o order_n of_o time_n before_o particular_a church_n as_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o they_o and_o constitute_v of_o they_o yet_o this_o prove_v not_o one_o political_a body_n before_o they_o combine_v but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n three_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o first_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n have_v first_o give_v the_o key_n ordinance_n promise_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o christ_n first_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o what_o else_o soever_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n yet_o all_o this_o may_v be_v in_o this_o respect_n that_o christ_n look_v at_o this_o catholic_n church_n first_o as_o the_o chief_a object_n and_o end_n for_o who_o sake_n and_o good_a he_o ordain_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o will_v not_o carry_v the_o cause_n for_o as_o the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o particular_n so_o the_o invisible_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o nature_n and_o priority_n the_o first_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o visible_a as_o visible_a for_o christ_n no_o doubt_n first_o intend_v and_o give_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o to_o the_o object_n and_o end_n of_o the_o same_o for_o who_o good_a they_o be_v all_o ordain_v rather_o then_o for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o contain_v many_o hypocrite_n and_o reprobate_n within_o the_o verge_n of_o it_o but_o now_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o dispensation_n of_o key_n and_o institute_v ordinance_n belong_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o invisible_a church_n quâ_fw-la talis_fw-la can_v be_v that_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n belong_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n quâ_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la catholic_n can_v be_v this_o institute_v society_n to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v it_o be_v a_o know_a rule_n in_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v first_o in_o intention_n be_v last_o in_o execution_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o first_o christ_n propound_v this_o end_n to_o himself_o to_o gather_v edify_v perfect_a sanctify_v save_v his_o catholic_n church_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o &_o 5._o 26._o and_o therefore_o institute_n all_o ordinance_n as_o mean_n to_o far_o and_o attain_v this_o great_a design_n but_o in_o execution_n he_o may_v for_o all_o this_o give_v the_o key_n and_o ordinance_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o immediate_a exercise_n to_o any_o form_n of_o visible_a society_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o institute_v and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o will_v prove_v the_o least_o society_n soon_o than_o a_o great_a and_o see_v our_o brethren_n otherwise_o mind_v make_v much_o use_n of_o simile_n in_o this_o dispute_n we_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o illustrate_v what_o we_o say_v by_o a_o similitude_n partly_o to_o make_v our_o conceiving_n the_o more_o plain_a to_o all_o who_o edification_n we_o seek_v and_o partly_o to_o discover_v the_o invalidity_n of_o many_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o because_o similia_fw-la arguunt_fw-la fidemque_fw-la faciunt_fw-la as_o he_o say_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o right_o apply_v we_o will_v therefore_o propound_v it_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n the_o similitude_n be_v this_o genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o mankind_n in_o general_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o civil_a government_n in_o general_a and_o of_o all_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o as_o the_o object_n and_o the_o end_n and_o let_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o catholic_n number_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o power_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o such_o consequence_n will_v follow_v as_o our_o brethren_n deduce_v from_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o
of_o grace_n which_o be_v ever_o require_v in_o the_o pure_a time_n be_v no_o novel_a invention_n of_o some_o more_o rigid_o incline_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o second_o with_o what_o profession_n charity_n according_a to_o rule_v be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v we_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o breadth_n in_o charity_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o testimonium_fw-la humanum_fw-la or_o a_o man_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o most_o eminent_a profession_n potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la there_o may_v be_v hypocrisy_n latent_fw-la it_o be_v no_o divine_a testimony_n so_o in_o the_o weak_a profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la verum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la there_o may_v be_v truth_n in_o the_o bottom_n hence_o man_n leave_v all_o secret_n to_o god_n the_o work_n of_o grace_n wherewith_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o first_o either_o with_o that_o which_o be_v only_o verbal_a and_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a by_o conviction_n from_o the_o word_n or_o second_o with_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v real_a which_o however_o it_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o convince_v by_o a_o rule_n that_o so_o it_o be_v we_o confess_v we_o be_v fearful_a as_o of_o open_v the_o door_n too_o wide_o so_o of_o shut_v the_o door_n upon_o any_o who_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o receive_v in_o but_o for_o what_o yet_o we_o see_v or_o read_v from_o the_o argument_n here_o allege_v in_o this_o author_n or_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a learned_a we_o think_v that_o church_n charity_n be_v not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o first_o but_o with_o the_o latter_a for_o let_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o so_o short_a or_o so_o weak_a let_v it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o immediate_a relation_n or_o by_o question_n yet_o if_o it_o may_v but_o appear_v to_o a_o regulate_v charity_n so_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o it_o be_v real_a it_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v then_o till_o god_n make_v discovery_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o intend_v not_o to_o heap_v up_o argument_n nor_o answer_v scruple_n but_o these_o four_o thing_n seem_v to_o evince_v as_o much_o 1_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 3000._o convert_a act_n 2._o as_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o one_o day_n immediate_o receive_v so_o many_o thousand_o which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o large_a profession_n of_o every_o one_o so_o also_o they_o attend_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o for_o our_o pattern_n it_o be_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v evident_o join_v with_o humiliation_n prick_v at_o the_o heart_n mourning_n and_o cry_v out_o before_o the_o apostle_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v glad_o receive_v the_o word_n which_o be_v real_a testimony_n of_o some_o real_a change_n from_o what_o they_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o apostle_n receive_v they_o 2_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 5._o from_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o turn_v away_o if_o bare_a profession_n be_v sufficient_a why_o shall_v timothy_n turn_v from_o they_o but_o rather_o receive_v they_o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o profession_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o avoid_v they_o why_o shall_v he_o not_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o from_o private_a but_o church_n communion_n also_o suppose_v they_o such_o as_o not_o o_o neigh_v have_v a_o form_n but_o may_v be_v by_o a_o rule_n convince_v thereof_o 3_o lie_v and_o apparent_a untruth_n can_v make_v a_o man_n fit_a matter_n 9_o for_o a_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o ground_n for_o charity_n to_o rest_v on_o that_o so_o he_o be_v but_o verbal_a profession_n which_o appear_v not_o to_o be_v real_a but_o false_a be_v palpable_a lie_v and_o indeed_o more_o fit_a to_o destroy_v the_o church_n then_o to_o make_v the_o church_n hence_o sanctius_n in_o zach_n 14._o 14_o observe_v that_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o qui_fw-la eum_fw-la fidem_fw-la retineant_fw-la sanctitatem_fw-la abjâ—cerunt_fw-la 4_o if_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o receive_v man_n into_o the_o church_n than_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n cast_v cut_v in_o one_o hour_n shall_v be_v immediate_o receive_v in_o again_o if_o he_o will_v but_o renew_v his_o general_a profession_n of_o faith_n nay_o they_o the_o indian_n in_o maryland_n who_o will_v put_v on_o and_o put_v off_o this_o profession_n as_o their_o ghostly_a father_n the_o popish_a priest_n will_v bestow_v or_o withhold_v garment_n and_o shirt_n upon_o they_o shall_v in_o charity_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v how_o charity_n may_v know_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o profession_n we_o answer_v so_o long_o as_o the_o rule_n be_v attend_v we_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v application_n thereof_o only_o this_o we_o do_v add_v in_o general_a for_o more_o full_a satisfaction_n 1_o such_o a_o faith_n profess_v with_o the_o mouth_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o innocent_a godly_a conversation_n in_o the_o life_n so_o as_o not_o to_o live_v in_o commission_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n or_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n we_o say_v this_o conversation_n make_v faith_n appear_v real_a james_n 2._o 18._o rev._n 22._o 14._o we_o conceive_v more_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o man_n appear_v a_o fit_a member_n of_o a_o church_n then_o of_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v only_o bone_fw-la civis_fw-la and_o bare_a civility_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o latter_a but_o not_o for_o the_o former_a and_o therefore_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v needful_a as_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o not_o only_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o godly_a life_n 2_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v join_v with_o evident_a repentance_n and_o sorrow_n and_o mourn_v for_o sin_n although_o there_o be_v no_o experience_n always_o of_o such_o a_o holy_a life_n antecedent_o see_v for_o thus_o it_o be_v act._n 2._o 37_o 38._o for_o the_o riches_n of_o christ_n grace_n be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o to_o receive_v experience_a christian_n into_o his_o family_n and_o house_n but_o also_o the_o weak_a and_o poor_a who_o may_v stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o and_o therefore_o experience_n of_o a_o blameless_a life_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a for_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n some_o think_v indeed_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v in_o the_o first_o convert_v act._n 2._o 39_o so_o soon_o because_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_v but_o if_o they_o have_v so_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o in_o here_o according_a to_o that_o for_o they_o receive_v divers_a hypocrite_n in_o as_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o other_o of_o their_o act_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v exemplary_a why_o shall_v this_o only_o be_v think_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o extraordinary_a 3_o when_o there_o be_v full_a and_o sufficient_a testimony_n from_o other_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o piety_n although_o their_o humiliation_n faith_n and_o conversation_n be_v not_o so_o well_o know_v for_o we_o see_v the_o church_n receive_v paul_n when_o barnabas_n have_v declare_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o he_o and_o if_o it_o may_v be_v just_a to_o condemn_v another_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o faithful_a witness_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unchristian_a to_o receive_v a_o other_o into_o the_o fold_n of_o christ_n much_o more_o ready_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a christian_n especial_o then_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a open_o and_o public_o ro_o speak_v so_o full_o for_o themselves_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n 2_o question_v whether_o this_o profession_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o church_n answer_v 1._o the_o faithful_a as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o combine_v into_o a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o receive_v other_o to_o themselves_o as_o the_o church_n do_v act_v 9_o 26_o 27._o encourage_v by_o barnabas_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n command_v rom._n 14._o 1._o which_o although_o it_o be_v of_o fellow-member_n into_o their_o affection_n yet_o the_o proportion_n hold_v strong_a for_o receive_v comer_n into_o the_o church_n joh._n ep._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2_o
mind_v from_o we_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o melanchthon_n do_v in_o another_o the_o like_a case_n to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o bosom_n the_o name_n of_o this_o servant_n of_o christ_n now_o asleep_a be_v a_o ointment_n pour_v out_o and_o precious_a to_o we_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v wish_v it_o our_o portion_n to_o have_v answer_v the_o book_n without_o the_o least_o reflect_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o necessity_n herein_o be_v unavoidable_a this_o only_a we_o add_v that_o whatever_o weakness_n may_v pass_v from_o we_o let_v they_o not_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o set_v we_o on_o work_n and_o have_v want_v leisure_n to_o review_v what_o be_v here_o do_v every_o one_o may_v not_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o we_o for_o they_o may_v meet_v we_o in_o the_o same_o end_n though_o they_o use_v not_o the_o same_o argument_n or_o become_v follower_n of_o we_o in_o the_o same_o path_n yet_o we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o alone_o 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stand_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 13._o hear_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o second_o admonition_n to_o the_o parliament_n say_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n which_o of_o all_o other_o must_v not_o be_v touch_v because_o they_o have_v get_v the_o state_n to_o bear_v it_o out_o yet_o he_o have_v but_o a_o bad_a conscience_n that_o in_o this_o time_n will_v hold_v his_o peace_n and_o not_o speak_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o trouble_n know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o intolerable_a abuse_n in_o it_o if_o there_o be_v never_o a_o ill_a word_n or_o sentence_n in_o all_o the_o prayer_n yet_o to_o appoint_v it_o to_o be_v use_v or_o to_o use_v it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v their_o matin_n and_o evensong_n as_o a_o fit_a service_n to_o god_n though_o the_o word_n be_v good_a yet_o the_o use_n be_v naught_o but_o if_o this_o seem_v too_o sharp_a hear_v what_o a_o late_a godly_a and_o learned_a 2._o writer_n speak_v rejicimus_fw-la ill_a as_o precum_fw-la cultusque_fw-la publici_fw-la formulas_fw-la quae_fw-la tyrannide_fw-la quâdam_fw-la conscientiis_fw-la hominum_fw-la ut_fw-la â—ultus_fw-la divini_fw-la part_n essentiales_fw-la impoâ—â—ntur_fw-la quamvis_fw-la quoad_fw-la materiam_fw-la sunt_fw-la legitime_fw-la dispositae_fw-la quoad_fw-la formam_fw-la &_o modum_fw-la tamen_fw-la quo_fw-la inducuntur_fw-la illegitima_fw-la crudelitâ—tis_fw-la instrumenta_fw-la fiunt_fw-la &_o praetextus_fw-la improbae_fw-la malitiae_fw-la &_o occasiones_fw-la violentae_fw-la tyrannidis_fw-la in_o dignissimos_fw-la &_o optimos_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la filios_fw-la reply_n advert_v 5._o you_o be_v general_o you_o say_v loath_a to_o meddle_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o church_n unless_o necessary_o call_v thereunto_o but_o when_o some_o upon_o request_n as_o we_o suppose_v of_o private_a friend_n and_o other_o out_o of_o their_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n have_v labour_v to_o draw_v many_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o minister_v in_o a_o 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knowledge_n of_o and_o if_o any_o by_o such_o write_n do_v abstain_v from_o the_o sacrament_n for_o such_o corruption_n as_o their_o conscience_n will_v be_v defile_v with_o no_o hindrance_n from_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n but_o that_o you_o may_v call_v they_o to_o account_v before_o the_o church_n and_o convince_v and_o censure_v they_o if_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n which_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o mr._n p._n in_o fly_v present_o to_o the_o classis_fw-la chap._n iii_o 2_o position_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v in_o prayer_n or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n where_o a_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v or_o as_o we_o conceive_v your_o meaning_n to_o be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a etc._n etc._n viz._n where_o and_o when_o that_o stint_a liturgy_n be_v use_v reply_n if_o we_o mistake_v not_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n both_o you_o have_v bear_v witness_n against_o both_o that_o you_o call_v the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o this_o more_o 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we_o shall_v refer_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a and_o common_a experience_n whether_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o the_o liturgy_n or_o contrary_a conformity_n to_o it_o be_v the_o great_a block_n of_o offence_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o separatist_n most_o which_o yet_o you_o after_o object_n unto_o we_o we_o suppose_v the_o worthy_n of_o this_o renown_a parliament_n together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n will_v not_o so_o soon_o have_v remove_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o this_o book_n nor_o whole_o stop_v up_o this_o pit_n if_o build_v of_o battlement_n about_o it_o and_o keep_v watchman_n near_o it_o to_o bid_v passenger_n take_v heed_n have_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o cure_v separation_n nor_o do_v we_o think_v that_o this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n will_v have_v be_v in_o more_o jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o we_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v how_o tender_o we_o return_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o question_n then_o of_o those_o faithful_a witness_n in_o scotland_n who_o separate_v their_o life_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n rather_o than_o communicate_v in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o book_n and_o yet_o we_o think_v they_o deserve_v a_o better_a place_n then_o to_o be_v rank_v so_o near_o to_o the_o rigid_a separation_n notwithstanding_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v hearty_o thankful_a for_o what_o he_o humble_o wish_v and_o for_o his_o jealousy_n over_o we_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v godly_a but_o so_o far_o as_o such_o wish_n cast_v a_o cloud_n of_o evil_a suspicion_n over_o we_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o as_o if_o we_o be_v go_v fast_a than_o we_o know_v where_o to_o stay_v we_o wish_v humble_o such_o word_n have_v be_v spare_v till_o some_o other_o time_n concern_v this_o distinction_n a_o letter_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v cite_v print_v without_o the_o author_n knowledge_n that_o put_v a_o difference_n indeed_o between_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o separatist_n 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church_n be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o this_o learned_a author_n shall_v not_o read_v or_o observe_v the_o same_o exceed_v frequent_o in_o the_o separatist_n write_n take_v but_o a_o taste_n in_o the_o first_o page_n of_o mr._n smith_n against_o bernard_n in_o his_o parallel_n censure_n and_o observation_n his_o word_n pag._n 9_o be_v these_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o a_o erroneous_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n be_v a_o real_a idol_n and_o the_o prayer_n they_o offer_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v from_o that_o false_a constitution_n be_v taint_v with_o the_o idolatry_n of_o that_o constitution_n and_o pag._n 10._o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o offer_v up_o service_n to_o god_n in_o a_o church_n of_o a_o false_a constitution_n and_o pag._n 13._o tell_v i_o mr._n bernard_n can_v there_o be_v a_o true_a ministry_n true_a baptism_n true_a faith_n true_a prayer_n true_a preach_v and_o administer_a the_o supper_n true_a excommunication_n in_o a_o church_n which_o 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argument_n against_o ceremony_n be_v common_a with_o nonconformist_n and_o therefore_o if_o some_o of_o our_o ground_n be_v find_v in_o they_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v they_o be_v shaft_n take_v out_o of_o the_o same_o quiver_n and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o as_o you_o object_n reply_n thâ—se_o reason_n shall_v be_v common_a to_o all_o that_o plead_v for_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n ordinance_n which_o be_v never_o take_v to_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a either_o by_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o or_o by_o the_o godly_a brethren_n at_o home_n dead_a or_o live_a or_o yet_o by_o the_o most_o of_o the_o brethren_n among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o hold_v society_n or_o by_o any_o minister_n and_o society_n hold_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n these_o 1400._o year_n and_o upward_a unless_o within_o these_o few_o day_n and_o that_o by_o a_o few_o only_o answ_n here_o be_v a_o great_a colour_n of_o novelty_n and_o singularity_n object_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 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less_o offensive_a yet_o the_o application_n of_o this_o of_o select_a prayer_n be_v only_o make_v in_o the_o second_o proposition_n of_o the_o answer_n no_o way_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o neither_o do_v the_o answer_n confess_v those_o prayer_n as_o you_o say_v to_o be_v choice_n and_o faultless_a for_o matter_n and_o manner_n but_o which_o may_v be_v conceive_v less_o offensive_a 2_o whereas_o the_o proposition_n be_v of_o a_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a minister_n such_o unlearned_a idol-priest_n that_o be_v countenance_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o liturgy_n and_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o read_v the_o same_o to_o the_o unspeakable_a hazard_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o soul_n you_o carry_v along_o your_o argument_n only_o in_o the_o term_n of_o a_o ungodly_a minister_n which_o leave_v out_o one_o chief_a ground_n of_o our_o proposition_n viz._n unable_a to_o reduce_v therefore_o this_o proposition_n unto_o its_o true_a state_n which_o the_o answer_n put_v it_o in_o which_o be_v thus_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o and_o when_o that_o whole_a liturgy_n be_v read_v or_o where_o that_o which_o be_v use_v viz._n though_o not_o the_o whole_a be_v read_v by_o a_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a minister_n we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v lawful_a to_o join_v etc._n etc._n where_o that_o which_o be_v read_v by_o a_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a minister_n can_v have_v reference_n to_o the_o select_a prayer_n but_o only_o be_v put_v in_o to_o reach_v the_o whole_a case_n lest_o any_o shall_v say_v may_v we_o not_o join_v therefore_o if_o they_o read_v not_o all_o as_o sometime_o such_o do_v not_o for_o haste_n to_o the_o alehouse_n bear-baiting_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o case_n be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o what_o the_o manner_n of_o such_o priest_n be_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o make_v any_o choice_n of_o select_a prayer_n or_o have_v any_o skill_n indeed_o so_o to_o do_v that_o if_o any_o be_v 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these_o cleave_v to_o his_o sacrifice_n what_o though_o the_o minister_n offer_v the_o service_n so_o do_v the_o priest_n the_o sacrifice_n but_o both_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o join_v with_o he_o in_o offer_v the_o same_o to_o god_n 3_o concern_v malach._n 1._o 13_o 14._o the_o more_o advise_o we_o consider_v it_o the_o more_o persuade_v we_o be_v the_o lord_n allow_v we_o to_o make_v such_o application_n of_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o we_o think_v other_o will_v be_v of_o our_o mind_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o similitude_n that_o be_v in_o this_o case_n with_o that_o in_o malachi_n but_o also_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o argument_n the_o lord_n use_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o corruption_n and_o carelessness_n in_o his_o service_n verse_n 11._o wherein_n the_o lord_n upbraid_v the_o jew_n and_o provoke_v they_o to_o jealousy_n as_o the_o apostle_n paul_n speak_v by_o declare_v the_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o his_o name_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o that_o every_o where_o incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v and_o a_o pure_a offering_n to_o his_o name_n and_o what_o be_v that_o incense_n and_o pure_a offering_n but_o the_o pure_a prayer_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o gentile_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o tertullian_n eusebius_n jerom_n and_o austin_n with_o other_o expound_v it_o and_o he_o apply_v it_o again_o verse_n 14._o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n and_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a if_o then_o the_o lord_n oppose_v the_o pure_a prayer_n and_o worship_n of_o gentile_a church_n to_o the_o corrupt_a careless_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o application_n be_v not_o only_o suitable_a but_o the_o place_n contain_v a_o sad_a admonition_n to_o all_o gentile_a church_n that_o by_o their_o corrupt_a worship_n and_o incense_n so_o far_o frustrate_v as_o it_o be_v god_n expectation_n and_o glory_v of_o their_o pure_a oblation_n reply_n 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his_o worship_n will_v easy_o forgive_v we_o 2_o because_o you_o marvel_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o timorous_a in_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o perhaps_o may_v abate_v much_o the_o marvel_n or_o wonder_n first_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o these_o select_a prayer_n be_v yet_o a_o part_n of_o that_o liturgy_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v corrupt_a in_o matter_n and_o manner_n and_o clog_v with_o such_o evil_a consequence_n as_o be_v afore_o touch_v take_v out_o of_o the_o mass-book_n etc._n etc._n and_o master_n parker_n who_o be_v no_o separatist_n doubt_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o touch_v of_o antichrist_n thing_n make_v unclean_a for_o which_o he_o cite_v 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o haggai_n 2._o 14._o john_n 4._o 23._o park_n of_o the_o cross_n part_v 1._o pag._n 137._o second_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o book_n be_v impose_v by_o a_o unlawful_a antichristian_a authority_n of_o the_o prelate_n to_o who_o to_o give_v place_n and_o subjection_n in_o any_o thing_n be_v just_o to_o be_v question_v and_o we_o know_v that_o a_o man_n may_v acknowledge_v his_o fealty_n and_o hold_v his_o land_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o manner_n by_o a_o small_a rent_n as_o well_o as_o by_o a_o great_a three_o conâ—ider_v this_o corrupt_a service-booke_n have_v be_v overlong_a tolerate_v and_o bear_v withal_o in_o the_o english_a church_n it_o deserve_v not_o so_o honourable_a a_o burial_n as_o the_o jewish_a worship_n but_o have_v stink_v above_o ground_n twice_o 40._o year_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o many_o godly_a who_o breathe_v in_o the_o pure_a air_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v witness_v against_o by_o the_o write_n and_o suffering_n of_o many_o godly_a minister_n and_o christian_n in_o england_n and_o scotland_n four_o many_o godly_a man_n it_o be_v well_o know_v have_v be_v of_o late_a time_n especial_o offend_v at_o many_o good_a minister_n silence_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v no_o more_o plain_o and_o bold_o discover_v the_o corruption_n in_o that_o book_n and_o at_o their_o compliance_n with_o the_o same_o five_o these_o be_v time_n of_o more_o light_n whereby_o the_o lord_n be_v consume_a antichrist_n with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v cause_v the_o more_o to_o fear_v how_o we_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o he_o six_o consider_v the_o season_n when_o this_o answer_n be_v send_v be_v it_o not_o at_o a_o time_n when_o superstitious_a opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o the_o ceremony_n thereof_o be_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a height_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o very_a many_o when_o divers_a superstitious_a popish_a worship_n as_o bow_v at_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n read_v at_o the_o table_n set_v altarwise_a etc._n etc._n be_v add_v to_o the_o heap_n of_o former_a corruption_n when_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o prelate_n rage_v in_o the_o press_n of_o the_o book_n and_o their_o other_o humane_a invention_n when_o many_o minister_n and_o people_n well_o think_v of_o by_o the_o best_a be_v carry_v away_o shameful_o with_o these_o thing_n when_o many_o weak_a christian_n be_v stagger_v and_o waver_v and_o look_v at_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o guide_n ready_a to_o stand_v or_o fall_v with_o they_o last_o consider_v that_o thing_n lawful_a in_o themselves_o may_v be_v inexpedient_a because_o offensive_a in_o their_o use_n and_o so_o far_o unlawful_a which_o offence_n we_o chief_o look_v at_o in_o this_o act_n as_o appear_v by_o our_o answer_n let_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v lay_v together_o and_o weigh_v in_o a_o equal_a balance_n which_o we_o hope_v our_o brethren_n be_v now_o at_o some_o liberty_n and_o leisure_n to_o do_v and_o let_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o speak_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o high_a time_n for_o all_o the_o godly_a in_o england_n to_o take_v unto_o they_o that_o zeal_n and_o courage_n which_o be_v soon_o after_o in_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n to_o cast_v off_o and_o whole_o abandon_v the_o book_n itself_o and_o all_o the_o form_n of_o it_o and_o use_v of_o the_o same_o in_o every_o part_n and_o piece_n thereof_o at_o least_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v cease_v to_o marvel_n at_o our_o timorousness_n of_o such_o a_o season_n how_o ever_o we_o confess_v we_o have_v sometime_o be_v more_o bold_a in_o the_o dark_a these_o consideration_n premise_v as_o they_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n abate_v the_o seem_a rigour_n of_o the_o proposition_n so_o they_o will_v much_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o reply_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o all_o conformity_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n to_o any_o parcel_n of_o that_o book_n at_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o be_v be_v a_o far_o differ_v case_n from_o those_o
to_o rise_v up_o against_o it_o with_o zeal_n and_o detestation_n a_o minister_n godly_a and_o able_a will_v use_v any_o part_n of_o it_o with_o offence_n etc._n etc._n we_o suppose_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v and_o leave_v it_o doubtful_a whether_o the_o godly_a may_v lawful_o join_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o therefore_o we_o desire_v you_o to_o call_v back_o your_o sharp_a censure_n of_o such_o withdraw_a as_o you_o conclude_v this_o passage_n withal_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v appeal_v to_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o minister_n and_o their_o late_a and_o godly_a directory_n herein_o reply_n five_o if_o these_o and_o such_o like_a scruple_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o join_v in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n we_o must_v hold_v communion_n with_o no_o society_n under_o heaven_n for_o may_v not_o the_o brethren_n which_o hold_v all_o stint_a liturgy_n and_o set_a form_n unlawful_a say_v with_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o conceive_a prayer_n if_o they_o give_v too_o little_a honour_n to_o it_o as_o conceive_v the_o other_o lawful_a or_o sinful_o limit_v themselves_o to_o one_o stint_a form_n though_o conceive_v at_o first_o by_o themselves_o etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o must_v in_o treat_v the_o christian_a reader_n still_o to_o carry_v in_o mind_n with_o what_o tenderness_n we_o offer_v ourselves_o in_o this_o point_n and_o upon_o what_o consideration_n we_o dare_v not_o whole_o excuse_v and_o clear_v such_o join_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v and_o therefore_o we_o think_v these_o reason_v will_v be_v far_o differ_v from_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o we_o will_v not_o be_v take_v so_o as_o to_o justify_v such_o rigid_a principle_n as_o these_o be_v we_o hearty_o join_v in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o such_o advance_n of_o small_a difference_n will_v indeed_o bring_v all_o to_o confusion_n and_o we_o be_v far_o we_o hope_v from_o any_o such_o meaning_n if_o our_o answer_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o passage_n give_v just_a advantage_n to_o such_o separation_n we_o be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o it_o but_o we_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v will_v satisfy_v the_o ingenuous_a and_o christian_a reader_n reply_n six_o we_o have_v credible_o hear_v that_o you_o hold_v fellowship_n with_o profess_a rigid_a separatist_n without_o acknowledge_v of_o their_o error_n and_o receive_v they_o as_o member_n or_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n though_o you_o profess_v you_o approve_v not_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n and_o if_o in_o godly_a wisdom_n you_o can_v see_v ground_n to_o join_v with_o they_o we_o marvel_n you_o shall_v be_v so_o timorous_a in_o this_o particular_a answ_n although_o in_o many_o of_o our_o church_n we_o know_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o profess_a rigid_a separatist_n that_o reject_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o no_o church_n and_o their_o minister_n as_o no_o true_a minister_n yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o such_o there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n whence_o we_o grant_v it_o may_v follow_v that_o we_o can_v have_v communion_n in_o god_n worship_n with_o man_n of_o several_a judgement_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v just_o timorous_a of_o join_v or_o approve_v other_o to_o join_v in_o any_o part_n of_o a_o corrupt_a worship_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n etc._n etc._n we_o think_v these_o thing_n have_v not_o the_o same_o face_n or_o show_v of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o they_o live_v peaceable_o with_o we_o we_o can_v well_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o we_o have_v also_o with_o other_o that_o think_v it_o may_v be_v better_a of_o the_o church_n and_o way_n of_o it_o than_o there_o be_v cause_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o corruption_n thereof_o so_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o approve_v their_o opinion_n nor_o conform_v to_o any_o of_o their_o corrupt_a practice_n reply_n seven_o if_o to_o administer_v in_o a_o stint_a form_n be_v scandalous_a to_o such_o as_o separate_v it_o be_v scandal_n take_v not_o give_v and_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o rather_o that_o they_o be_v not_o confirm_v in_o their_o error_n the_o truth_n be_v not_o prejudice_v needless_a scruple_n occasion_v etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o this_o be_v from_o the_o question_n for_o we_o dispute_v of_o your_o liturgy_n not_o of_o any_o liturgy_n or_o stint_v form_n 2_o take_v in_o the_o case_n in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n as_o before_o declare_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v scandal_n may_v be_v give_v at_o least_o we_o put_v the_o case_n of_o a_o scandal_n real_o give_v 3_o how_o far_o a_o man_n in_o some_o case_n of_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n may_v do_v a_o thing_n the_o rather_o for_o such_o reason_n though_o other_o take_v offence_n we_o will_v not_o dispute_v but_o if_o for_o meat_n or_o by_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n by_o eat_v of_o such_o meat_n as_o another_o account_n unclean_a we_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o eat_v flesh_n nor_o drink_v wine_n nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o a_o brother_n stumble_v etc._n etc._n rom._n 14_o 14_o 15_o 20_o 21._o how_o dangerous_a then_o to_o use_v such_o corrupt_a form_n of_o worship_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o when_o a_o weak_a brother_n stumble_v at_o they_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n to_o judge_n we_o doubt_v it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n prescribe_v rom._n 14._o 1_o cor._n 8._o chap._n iii_o 3_o position_n that_o the_o child_n of_o godly_a and_o approve_a christian_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v until_o their_o parent_n be_v set_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n 4_o that_o the_o parent_n themselves_o though_o of_o approve_a piety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lords-supper_n until_o they_o be_v admit_v as_o set_v member_n reply_n what_o be_v here_o premise_a to_o prevent_v mistake_n do_v seem_v more_o to_o raise_v then_o to_o abate_v scruple_n you_o refuse_v not_o all_o communion_n with_o all_o that_o be_v not_o church-member_n and_o so_o much_o they_o profess_v who_o former_o have_v go_v for_o and_o profess_v themselves_o separatist_n from_o our_o assembly_n you_o do_v not_o appropriate_v these_o privilege_n of_o the_o seal_v only_o to_o member_n of_o your_o own_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o mean_v only_o that_o the_o sacrament_n administer_v in_o other_o church_n be_v true_a for_o substance_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o you_o will_v confess_v of_o rome_n if_o you_o deny_v not_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o seal_n and_o to_o receive_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n your_o judgement_n be_v against_o your_o practice_n or_o you_o exclude_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a church_n answ_n we_o see_v not_o how_o such_o scruple_n can_v be_v raise_v without_o great_a mistake_n of_o our_o meaning_n our_o expression_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o distinct_a for_o 1_o what_o if_o some_o separatist_n admit_v private_a communion_n with_o such_o yet_o they_o reject_v your_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o null_n which_o we_o do_v not_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v refuse_v also_o such_o private_a communion_n 2_o we_o marvel_n how_o you_o can_v fall_v into_o such_o a_o mistake_n as_o to_o suppose_v we_o only_o allow_v the_o truth_n of_o sacrament_n for_o substance_n in_o other_o church_n when_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o same_o sentence_n of_o receive_v satisfaction_n by_o letter_n or_o otherwise_o concern_v those_o we_o admit_v to_o the_o seal_n which_o plain_o show_v we_o speak_v of_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n 3_o concern_v fellowship_n with_o those_o church_n we_o may_v admit_v member_n of_o they_o to_o the_o seal_n with_o we_o when_o we_o can_v always_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o administration_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o sinful_a corruption_n wherein_o we_o must_v have_v actual_a fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o yourselves_o will_v not_o join_v in_o case_n you_o must_v kneel_v at_o the_o lords-supper_n 4_o concern_v the_o dilemma_n we_o answer_v 1_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o cross_v to_o this_o profession_n for_o such_o as_o come_v recommend_v from_o foreign_a church_n and_o give_v such_o satisfaction_n as_o be_v meet_v we_o do_v receive_v and_o such_o as_o have_v whole_o cast_v off_o all_o relation_n to_o english_a church_n and_o live_v among_o we_o we_o have_v look_v at_o as_o scatter_a stone_n till_o they_o join_v some_o where_o in_o a_o church_n and_o themselves_o general_o so_o judge_v of_o themselves_o but_o if_o any_o will_v hold_v to_o their_o membership_n in_o england_n and_o come_v orderly_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o we_o have_v not_o noâ—_n shall_v not_o under_o that_o notion_n refuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o we_o exclude_v
but_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o invincible_a hindrance_n foresee_v by_o christ_n and_o intend_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o lord_n limit_v his_o church_n to_o one_o nation_n unite_v it_o into_o that_o form_n of_o a_o national_n church_n ordain_v one_o place_n state_v time_n and_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o one_o government_n for_o the_o same_o so_o now_o the_o lord_n neglect_v all_o such_o thing_n have_v ordain_v a_o complete_a administration_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institute_v visible_a church_n but_o of_o a_o congregation_n and_o seal_n in_o their_o administration_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n our_o first_o consideration_n will_v still_o hold_v firm_a but_o see_v in_o so_o vast_a a_o subject_n to_o say_v little_a be_v to_o say_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o wily_a age_n but_o be_v almost_o dispute_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o much_o darken_v with_o humane_a evasion_n and_o see_v much_o depend_v upon_o this_o controversy_n it_o may_v be_v so_o most_o useful_a before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o argument_n to_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n catholic_n and_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o knot_n and_o difficulty_n of_o this_o question_n which_o of_o late_o have_v so_o much_o exercise_v the_o mind_n of_o many_o godly-learned_n and_o we_o think_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o catholic_n church_n as_o it_o be_v now_o hold_v be_v but_o new_o take_v up_o among_o godly_a reformer_n who_o former_o run_v in_o another_o channel_n as_o be_v ingenuous_o confess_v by_o some_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n this_o new-birth_n seem_v not_o yet_o so_o form_v to_o its_o distinct_a proportion_n as_o time_n may_v bring_v it_o unto_o and_o it_o may_v make_v we_o afraid_a be_v the_o weak_a of_o many_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o diffuse_v and_o knotty_a a_o question_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o own_o insufficiency_n to_o such_o a_o task_n and_o the_o learned_a labour_n of_o such_o in_o this_o point_n who_o we_o reverence_v in_o the_o lord_n yet_o when_o we_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o truth_n will_v be_v unto_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o hand_n 2_o how_o avoidable_o it_o lie_v in_o our_o way_n in_o this_o work_n the_o lord_n have_v call_v we_o unto_o and_o that_o he_o sometime_o do_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v by_o weak_a one_o that_o the_o praise_n may_v be_v his_o own_o in_o hope_n of_o his_o bless_a guidance_n which_o we_o depend_v upon_o herein_o take_v the_o light_n of_o his_o word_n in_o our_o hand_n we_o shall_v rather_o as_o learner_n then_o otherwise_o venture_v to_o propound_v what_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o herein_o concern_v which_o have_v digress_v a_o while_n we_o shall_v return_v we_o hope_v with_o some_o advantage_n of_o clear_a evidence_n to_o justify_v the_o first_o argument_n of_o the_o answer_n against_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o reply_n chap._n v._n a_o digression_n tend_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o that_o controversy_n concern_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o same_o the_o world_n have_v be_v long_o trouble_v with_o the_o equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n church_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a we_o shall_v labour_v to_o set_v down_o our_o thought_n as_o distinct_o and_o plain_o as_o we_o can_v in_o certain_a proposition_n that_o may_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o our_o discourse_n propos_fw-fr 1._o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o elect_a and_o call_v one_o out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o fellowship_n with_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n with_o who_o they_o make_v up_o one_o mystical_a body_n ephes_n 1._o 23._o this_o whole_a church_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o one_o in_o essence_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n for_o this_o church_n christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n ephes_n 5._o 26._o joh._n 10._o 15._o and_o therefore_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la 16._o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o his_o fold_n actual_o shall_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o same_o viz._n by_o effectual_a call_n that_o there_o may_v be_v one_o shepherd_n and_o one_o sheepfold_a whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o whole_a fold_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o stand_v as_o one_o shepherd_n contain_v all_o his_o member_n and_o sheep_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v one_o fold_n in_o relation_n to_o christ_n that_o one_o shepherd_n propos_fw-fr 2d_o this_o one_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n do_v natural_o fall_v under_o various_a notion_n and_o consideration_n as_o omit_v other_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o adjunct_n of_o visibility_n and_o invisibility_n which_o be_v only_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o divine_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a union_n which_o every_o such_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o it_o be_v call_v invisible_a because_o this_o union_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o visible_a fruit_n and_o manifestation_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n it_o be_v call_v visible_a and_o hence_o though_o true_a believer_n be_v only_o univoce_fw-la and_o proper_o member_n of_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n yet_o to_o man_n that_o judge_v only_o by_o outward_a effect_n many_o hypocrite_n eccle._n equivoce_fw-la and_o improper_o be_v account_v of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o speak_v of_o visible_a church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o real_o saint_n propos_fw-fr 3._o as_o this_o church_n come_v to_o be_v visible_a so_o it_o become_v a_o fit_a and_o capable_a subject_n of_o visible_a policy_n and_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o all_o the_o visible_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n a_o capable_a subject_n we_o say_v or_o matter_n fit_a for_o such_o a_o state_n for_o by_o its_o visibility_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o have_v yet_o no_o more_o than_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o no_o visible_a combination_n one_o with_o another_o for_o visible_a believer_n may_v be_v so_o scatter_v in_o several_a country_n that_o they_o can_v make_v up_o one_o society_n propos_fw-fr 4._o and_o therefore_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o this_o church_n to_o enjoy_v actual_a visible_a communion_n under_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o a_o society_n a_o thousand_o uncombined_a person_n meet_v occasional_o in_o one_o place_n though_o their_o natural_a relation_n be_v as_o near_o as_o brethren_n yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o government_n or_o actual_a communion_n in_o any_o civil_a privilege_n if_o they_o stand_v not_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o a_o combine_a society_n as_o after_o shall_v be_v show_v so_o here_o and_o therefore_o act_v 2._o 41_o 42._o first_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o then_o follow_v their_o fellowship_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n as_o after_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v act_v 5._o 14._o believer_n be_v add_v first_o they_o be_v believer_n stand_v in_o that_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o whole_a body_n and_o then_o add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o visible_a combination_n propos_fw-fr 5._o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o a_o church_n who_o have_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o and_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a government_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n and_o ordinance_n but_o such_o a_o society_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o the_o gopel_n institute_v and_o ordain_v for_o that_o end_n we_o say_v actual_a and_o immediate_a right_n unto_o the_o same_o for_o though_o a_o believer_n quâ_fw-la believer_n have_v a_o immediate_a right_n and_o actual_a enjoyment_n of_o such_o benefit_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_o and_o immediate_o flow_v from_o his_o internal_a union_n with_o christ_n as_o justification_n adoption_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o right_a to_o christian_a communion_n with_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o prayer_n gift_n etc._n etc._n as_o flow_v from_o his_o spiritual_a relation_n unto_o they_o yea_o and_o also_o he_o have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o all_o benefit_n purchase_v by_o christ_n in_o a_o due_a order_n and_o manner_n yet_o we_o say_v institute_v privilege_n and_o ordinance_n do_v not_o
the_o catholich_n church_n now_o we_o reduce_v what_o we_o intend_v into_o a_o argument_n thus_o if_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n concern_v the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v as_o true_o be_v affirm_v upon_o like_a ground_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n then_o à _fw-la pâ—ri_fw-la it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o one_o catholic_n visible_a institute_v totum_fw-la that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o same_o then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n body_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v the_o first_o subject_a oâ—_n civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o actual_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o govern_v and_o be_v govern_v as_o one_o catholic_n body_n in_o communion_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v of_o mankind_n 47â—_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o ergo_fw-la and_o it_o be_v prove_v per_fw-la part_n thus_o 1_o for_o the_o unity_n be_v not_o all_o mankind_n oft_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o be_v mankind_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o so_o frequent_o all_o mankind_n be_v call_v man_n gen._n 6._o 5_o 6_o 7._o i_o will_v not_o strive_v with_o man_n etc._n etc._n yea_o it_o be_v one_o kingdom_n psal_n 145._o 11_o 12_o 13._o which_o if_o we_o view_v the_o whole_a psalm_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o general_a government_n of_o god_n providence_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o mankind_n therein_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11_o 12._o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o all_o be_v one_o kingdom_n act_v 17._o 26._o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n all_o be_v one_o blood_n all_o have_v their_o bound_n set_v by_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v seek_v he_o and_o feel_v after_o he_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v for_o one_o catholic_n church_n because_o it_o have_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o spirit_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o love_n and_o pray_v one_o for_o the_o other_o etc._n etc._n so_o there_o be_v a_o like_a unity_n here_o for_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o mankind_n have_v one_o lord_n and_o king_n over_o all_o god_n who_o be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n call_v a_o head_n over_o all_o 1_o chron._n 29._o 11._o yea_o jesus_n christ_n be_v lord_n of_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o head_n over_o all_o to_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1._o 22._o all_o have_v one_o law_n the_o moral_a law_n the_o common_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o righteousness_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o this_o writ_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o they_o have_v all_o one_o spirit_n of_o reason_n dispose_v they_o to_o society_n and_o mutual_a office_n of_o love_n one_o faculty_n of_o speak_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o communion_n one_o end_n to_o feel_v after_o god_n act._n 17._o and_o seek_v you_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a kind_n all_o aught_o to_o love_v one_o another_o desire_n and_o seek_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o one_o another_o isaiah_n 58._o 7._o yea_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o common_a head_n by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o common_a providence_n and_o out_o of_o his_o love_n of_o mankind_n have_v a_o common_a and_o constant_a influence_n into_o all_o giving_z not_o only_a life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o good_a thing_n act_n 17._o but_o also_o all_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n art_n skill_n for_o government_n etc._n etc._n to_o king_n judges_z father_n master_n and_o all_o officer_n of_o civil_a government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o what_o ever_o else_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o catholic_n church_n onâ—_n may_v here_o be_v apply_v and_o as_o for_o principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o all_o mankind_n will_v fall_v either_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o genus_fw-la homo_fw-la whereof_o the_o individua_fw-la be_v species_n specialissimae_fw-la or_o in_o another_o respect_n all_o person_n all_o family_n city_n kingdom_n may_v in_o a_o sense_n make_v one_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la or_o aggregatum_fw-la second_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o all_o this_o number_n of_o mankind_n be_v one_o visibile_fw-la totum_fw-la by_o the_o argument_n use_v for_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n for_o that_o which_o have_v visible_a part_n be_v a_o visible_a totum_fw-la iâ—_n hold_v here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n yea_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o visible_a body_n because_o it_o have_v organ_n and_o visible_a officer_n in_o it_o it_o will_v hold_v here_o for_o all_o mankind_n be_v but_o one_o army_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o have_v army_n of_o heaven_n and_o army_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o this_o body_n god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v set_v and_o by_o his_o ordinance_n have_v ordain_v father_n master_n husband_n judge_n king_n etc._n etc._n to_o govern_v in_o this_o body_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a rule_v and_o subjection_n by_o the_o five_o commandment_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v in_o all_o man_n heart_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o why_o be_v not_o this_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o totum_fw-la visibile_fw-la three_o for_o priority_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o as_o god_n have_v first_o in_o nature_n and_o intention_n give_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o to_o this_o and_o that_o particular_a believer_n and_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v and_o be_v feed_v and_o govern_v by_o shepherd_n first_o to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o sheep_n second_o to_o this_o or_o that_o flock_n so_o in_o nature_n and_o god_n intention_n he_o have_v first_o give_v to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n power_n of_o be_v govern_v with_o government_n and_o governor_n before_o they_o be_v give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o family_n city_n kingdom_n etc._n etc._n so_o likewise_o what_o be_v say_v of_o promise_n give_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n first_o be_v it_o not_o as_o true_a here_o those_o promise_n and_o blessing_n increase_v and_o multiply_v subdue_v the_o earth_n and_o inhabit_v it_o the_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o you_o shall_v be_v on_o all_o beast_n and_o all_o like_a promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o marriage_n of_o liberty_n to_o eat_v flesh_n etc._n etc._n mention_v gen._n 2._o &_o 9_o and_o all_o over_o the_o scripture_n be_v they_o not_o in_o nature_n first_o give_v to_o mankind_n and_o then_o to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n family_n city_n so_o if_o church_n power_n and_o all_o officer_n and_o office_n be_v first_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n not_o to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n so_o it_o be_v here_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v submit_v to_o the_o high_a power_n for_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n rom._n 13_o 〈◊〉_d i_o say_v god_n king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v judgement_n and_o such_o like_a scripture_n do_v this_o first_o belong_v to_o this_o or_o that_o kingdom_n city_n etc._n etc._n and_o not_o rather_o that_o god_n have_v first_o set_v up_o and_o ordain_v civil_a power_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v obey_v of_o all_o mankind_n first_o and_o then_o in_o this_o or_o that_o state_n be_v foederall_a holiness_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o in_o a_o sense_n we_o will_v not_o now_o contradict_v so_o be_v legitimation_n first_o the_o privilege_n of_o marry_a society_n in_o general_a in_o all_o mankind_n and_o then_o of_o this_o or_o that_o family_n be_v the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n first_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o here_o the_o member_n of_o every_o family_n city_n &c_n &c_n first_o and_o last_o of_o the_o number_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o when_o the_o society_n be_v dissolve_v they_o be_v still_o of_o mankind_n and_o do_v not_o all_o society_n spring_v of_o mankind_n and_o be_v a_o additament_n and_o increase_n to_o it_o the_o one_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v over_o tedious_a to_o follow_v this_o parallel_n so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a instance_n to_o guide_v the_o reader_n to_o apply_v whatever_o else_o be_v or_o can_v be_v say_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o common_a nature_n and_o logical_a notion_n under_o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a may_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v say_v that_o may_v more_o proper_o concern_v the_o case_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o institute_v society_n we_o shall_v consider_v in_o due_a place_n now_o from_o that_o which_o have_v
church_n be_v mould_v up_o into_o one_o political_a body_n either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la or_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o the_o case_n stand_v so_o to_o be_v and_o then_o the_o similitude_n will_v be_v of_o some_o use_n three_o in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o army_n suppose_v they_o never_o meet_v yet_o there_o be_v such_o political_a union_n as_o full_o reach_v the_o political_a communion_n for_o which_o end_n it_o be_v combine_v viz._n that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v peace_n and_o justice_n in_o and_o by_o a_o just_a government_n or_o by_o the_o protection_n of_o the_o army_n but_o if_o such_o a_o political_a body_n be_v combine_v to_o have_v such_o communion_n as_o a_o church-communion_n be_v than_o it_o will_v require_v convent_v together_o as_o elsewhere_o we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_a for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o one_o to_o have_v political_a communion_n together_o which_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o we_o see_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o political_a combination_n but_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o counsel_n and_o helpfulnesse_n one_o to_o another_o as_o need_n require_v so_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o brotherly_a consociation_n of_o church_n together_o be_v union_n sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o communion_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o take_v away_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o leave_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o examination_n of_o the_o judicious_a we_o shall_v now_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v help_v we_o come_v to_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o this_o knotty_a controversy_n as_o we_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v state_v and_o carry_v viz._n what_o be_v that_o form_n of_o a_o political_a church_n which_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v as_o the_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o actual_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o with_o another_o therein_o and_o here_o give_v we_o leave_v before_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o question_n itself_o to_o make_v a_o little_a further_o use_v of_o our_o former_a similitude_n for_o illustration_n and_o then_o we_o will_v show_v where_o the_o ne_fw-fr plus_fw-fr ultra_fw-la as_o we_o conceive_v must_v stand_v it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n that_o although_o much_o may_v be_v say_v for_o the_o unity_n visibility_n and_o priority_n thereof_o before_o any_o part_n of_o it_o yet_o no_o reason_n will_v enforce_v that_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n etc._n etc._n in_o respect_n of_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a enjoyment_n thereof_o and_o so_o here_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n we_o will_v now_o add_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o such_o reason_n yet_o in_o execution_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o least_o civil_a society_n yea_o a_o family_n may_v be_v and_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o civil_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o civil_a government_n so_o the_o least_o political_a church_n society_n may_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n of_o church_n power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o and_o of_o immediate_a communion_n in_o all_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o we_o think_v that_o there_o by_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v seat_v and_o the_o edification_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v best_o be_v attain_v thereby_o concern_v family_n we_o see_v no_o footstep_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n from_o adam_n and_o noah_n of_o any_o sovereign_a or_o universal_a government_n further_o than_o in_o the_o first_o father_n of_o mankind_n after_o who_o as_o they_o increase_v family_n go_v out_o and_o combine_v make_v city_n and_o so_o commonwealth_n by_o mutual_a consent_n as_o in_o gen._n 10._o and_o other_o story_n appear_v except_o by_o the_o tyrannous_a usurpation_n of_o some_o as_o nimrod_n the_o rest_n be_v bring_v under_o and_o this_o no_o doubt_n among_o any_o free_a people_n be_v still_o the_o most_o orderly_o just_a and_o safe_a way_n of_o erect_v all_o form_n of_o civil_a government_n family_n to_o combine_v into_o town_n city_n kingdom_n or_o aristocratical_a state_n but_o here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o similitude_n a_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v the_o first_o church_n that_o have_v the_o key_n of_o church_n power_n and_o church_n communion_n then_o as_o family_n shall_v combine_v into_o town_n and_o city_n and_o they_o into_o great_a commonwealth_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n so_o here_o these_o first_o church_n may_v not_o stand_v independent_o but_o aught_o to_o combine_v into_o great_a body_n till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v one_o whole_a church_n to_o this_o we_o say_v this_o will_v not_o follow_v upon_o this_o evident_a reason_n because_o civil_a society_n and_o government_n thereof_o be_v herein_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o may_v admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n various_a law_n and_o constitution_n various_a privilege_n etc._n etc._n according_a as_o man_n shall_v conceive_v best_a for_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v not_o against_o the_o common_a moral_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o the_o good_a of_o those_o society_n but_o here_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o must_v attend_v what_o kind_n of_o church_n he_o have_v institute_v so_o we_o must_v cleave_v to_o such_o rule_n privilege_n and_o form_n of_o government_n and_o administration_n as_o he_o have_v ordain_v not_o presume_v to_o go_v one_o step_n beyond_o the_o same_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n to_o alienate_v the_o power_n right_n or_o privilege_n christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o same_o or_o to_o mould_n up_o any_o other_o political_a church_n than_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o here_o we_o conceive_v stand_v immovable_o the_o ne_fw-la plus_fw-la ultra_fw-la of_o this_o similitude_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o estate_n of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n to_o power_n and_o government_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o thing_n well_o weigh_v to_o we_o seem_v to_o overthrow_v all_o such_o intermediate_v form_n of_o church_n or_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o mr._n ball_n call_v the_o same_o as_o classical_a provincial_n diocesan_n national_n patriarchicall_a etc._n etc._n which_o we_o see_v not_o how_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v constitute_v either_o descendendo_fw-la from_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o ascendendo_fw-la from_o the_o combination_n of_o particular_n except_o institution_n can_v be_v find_v for_o the_o same_o we_o find_v indeed_o that_o some_o endeavour_n to_o build_v such_o form_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o moral_a principle_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o god_n have_v give_v government_n to_o be_v over_o a_o multitude_n and_o that_o of_o many_o society_n as_o well_o as_o person_n that_o one_o society_n may_v not_o suffer_v as_o well_o as_o one_o person_n and_o that_o therefore_o must_v be_v give_v of_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n to_o a_o society_n and_o multitude_n of_o little_a church_n power_n of_o external_a government_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o principle_n in_o nature_n that_o general_o bind_v free_a society_n to_o submit_v to_o one_o common_a government_n must_v many_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n by_o consequence_n all_o kingdom_n combine_v in_o government_n lest_o one_o kingdom_n be_v hurt_v â—_o must_v moab_n ammon_n edom_n tyre_n sydon_n judea_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o contiguous_a in_o near_a vicinity_n to_o each_o other_o combine_v in_o one_o government_n 2_o be_v it_o not_o as_o suitable_a to_o morality_n and_o reason_n in_o such_o combination_n that_o they_o set_v up_o one_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o when_o many_o grow_v ignorant_a evil_a or_o heady_a to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o prevent_v wrong_a as_o to_o set_v up_o many_o 3_o do_v abraham_n lot_n melchisedeck_v and_o such_o family_n church_n walk_v against_o ground_n of_o morality_n and_o nature_n that_o do_v not_o so_o combine_v we_o may_v add_v more_o but_o forbear_v but_o we_o can_v desire_v our_o dear_a brethren_n to_o be_v wary_a of_o scatter_v such_o principle_n for_o though_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v nature_n yet_o look_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n constitution_n and_o government_n be_v never_o erect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o divine_a institution_n so_o for_o the_o
in_o the_o high_a sanhedrin_n of_o israel_n but_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o like_v to_o be_v such_o a_o supreme_a court_n where_o such_o appeal_n may_v be_v end_v ergo._fw-la object_n 2_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o what_o a_o particular_a church_n bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n except_o they_o err_v but_o then_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v and_o their_o power_n be_v go_v answ_n on_o this_o ground_n the_o universal_a church_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v on_o earth_n so_o as_o in_o heaven_n without_o appeal_n for_o they_o may_v err_v and_o that_o not_o only_o rare_o but_o frequent_o witness_v the_o complaint_n of_o nazianzen_n and_o other_o of_o the_o time_n pass_v yea_o they_o may_v be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o err_v consider_v the_o great_a part_n of_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n corrupt_v yea_o though_o they_o may_v have_v better_a eye_n yet_o they_o be_v further_o from_o the_o mark_n if_o particular_a church_n have_v no_o power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a or_o be_v divide_v upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n neither_o classical_a national_n or_o oecumeniall_a counsel_n have_v any_o such_o power_n for_o they_o may_v err_v grow_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a and_o be_v miserable_o divide_v as_o well_o as_o a_o congregationall_a church_n other_o church_n may_v admonish_v in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o counsel_n when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n want_v light_a and_o moderate_a if_o desire_v in_o case_n of_o difference_n but_o still_o the_o power_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n other_o argument_n may_v be_v add_v but_o see_v this_o controversy_n as_o we_o hope_v will_v be_v more_o full_o and_o purposely_o dispute_v by_o a_o far_o better_a hand_n therefore_o we_o shall_v fall_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o scripture_n and_o some_o few_o general_a argument_n which_o we_o meet_v withal_o in_o mr._n ball_n brief_o propound_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o author_n more_o large_o insist_v upon_o which_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o help_v we_o to_o vindicate_v and_o clear_v up_o we_o think_v other_o reason_n and_o scripture_n of_o less_o force_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o and_o first_o we_o find_v cant._n 6._o 4._o etc._n etc._n to_o prove_v the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n visible_a to_o be_v one_o ministerial_a body_n because_o it_o be_v call_v one_o compare_v to_o a_o army_n terrible_a with_o banner_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o order_n of_o discipline_n and_o describe_v as_o be_v a_o organical_a body_n have_v eye_n hair_z tooth_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o theologia_n symbolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la except_o it_o can_v be_v make_v clear_a that_o the_o parable_n be_v apply_v according_a to_o the_o true_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o no_o further_o which_o here_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o evince_v we_o know_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o the_o canticle_n be_v various_o apply_v by_o good_a interpreter_n brightman_n none_o of_o the_o mean_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o loc._n scripture_n apply_v this_o place_n to_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n and_o the_o time_n of_o pure_a church_n to_o arise_v after_o it_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o discipline_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o warlike_a power_n whereby_o that_o state_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v defend_v itself_o 2_o but_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n visible_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v one_o ministerial_a church_n for_o first_o the_o catholic_a church_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o catholic_a ministerial_a body_n as_o well_o in_o the_o day_n from_o adam_n to_o abraham_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o by_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v prove_v christ_n the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o organical_a body_n as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o cant._n 5._o 10_o 11._o etc._n etc._n the_o church_n do_v allegorical_o describe_v the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o christ_n in_o several_a organ_n and_o part_n but_o we_o suppose_v though_o christ_n jesus_n in_o his_o humane_a nature_n have_v member_n yet_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o member_n of_o his_o humane_a body_n but_o the_o glorious_a excellency_n and_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o lover_n who_o be_v take_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o their_o spouse_n in_o all_o their_o member_n when_o the_o spouse_n say_v cant._n 1._o 1._o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_n of_o his_o mouth_n it_o be_v too_o gross_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o argue_v from_o thence_o that_o christ_n the_o husband_n of_o his_o church_n be_v a_o organical_a body_n three_o and_o last_o when_o the_o church_n be_v call_v one_o the_o only_a one_o of_o her_o mother_n though_o it_o be_v true_a she_o be_v one_o it_o seem_v rather_o to_o set_v out_o her_o excellency_n as_o rare_a and_o but_o one_o than_o her_o unity_n and_o so_o the_o other_o description_n all_o tend_v to_o set_v forth_o her_o beauty_n in_o the_o eye_n and_o esteem_v of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o army_n terrible_a with_o banner_n for_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n vers_fw-la the_o last_o she_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o company_n of_o mahanaim_n or_o two_o army_n which_o be_v all_o one_o for_o the_o company_n of_o mahanaim_n consist_v of_o two_o army_n gen._n 32._o 1_o 2_o 3._o where_o jacob_n host_n meet_v a_o host_n of_o angel_n he_o call_v the_o place_n mahanaim_n or_o two_o host_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v the_o catholic_n church_n be_v terrible_a with_o two_o army_n of_o banner_n as_o one_o answ_n a_o second_o and_o chief_a scripture_n we_o meet_v withal_o in_o divers_a author_n be_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o etc._n etc._n whence_o the_o reason_n stand_v thus_o that_o church_n wherein_o apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n etc._n etc._n be_v set_v be_v a_o organical_a church_n but_o those_o be_v set_v in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n ergo._fw-la for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o scripture_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o attend_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o come_v now_o to_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o church_n have_v write_v unto_o he_o about_o chap._n 7._o 1._o &_o 8._o 1._o &_o 12._o 1._o and_o this_o about_o spiritual_a gift_n wherein_o they_o abound_v chap._n 1._o 7._o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o their_o contention_n and_o disorder_n chap._n 1._o 12_o 13._o hence_o he_o be_v studious_a the_o more_o to_o reunite_v they_o again_o chap._n 12._o 13._o and_o to_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o improve_v their_o gift_n orderly_o to_o edification_n chap._n 14._o and_o in_o this_o chapter_n he_o persuade_v their_o mind_n to_o unity_n who_o be_v divide_v partly_o through_o pride_n in_o their_o own_o gift_n partly_o by_o disdain_n of_o other_o not_o so_o gift_v hence_o he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n 1_o what_o once_o they_o be_v follow_v dumb_a idol_n 2_o that_o all_o gift_n be_v from_o the_o free_a dispensation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n one_o spirit_n 3_o that_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v dispense_v great_a variety_n of_o gift_n operation_n and_o administration_n 4_o that_o all_o be_v give_v to_o profit_v withal_o and_o these_o thing_n he_o illustrate_v by_o a_o simile_n take_v from_o a_o natural_a body_n which_o have_v large_o present_v and_o apply_v to_o this_o church_n vers_fw-la 27._o he_o conclude_v with_o the_o variety_n of_o administration_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o so_o much_o differ_v chap._n 1._o 12_o 13._o god_n have_v set_v say_v he_o in_o the_o church_n not_o only_a apostle_n or_o prophet_n or_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o these_o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n &_o c_o no_o but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v give_v you_o variety_n of_o these_o gift_n and_o administration_n and_o therefore_o chap._n 3._o to_o quiet_v they_o he_o say_v paul_n a_o apostle_n apollo_n a_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n all_o be_v you_o and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o we_o see_v nothing_o in_o the_o chapter_n but_o be_v appliable_a to_o corinth_n in_o particular_a yea_o apply_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o what_o he_o speak_v vers_fw-la 22._o of_o one_o body_n he_o apply_v to_o they_o vers_n 27._o what_o he_o speak_v vers_fw-la 28._o of_o apostle_n and_o
of_o such_o doctrinal_a power_n as_o the_o pattern_n act_v 15._o hold_v forth_o and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o learned_a 482._o mr._n rutherford_n conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o a_o general_a council_n for_o thus_o he_o say_v very_o i_o profess_v i_o can_v see_v what_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o censure_v scandal_n can_v be_v in_o a_o general_a council_n there_o may_v be_v some_o meâ—â—_n doctrinal_a power_n in_o such_o a_o council_n if_o such_o can_v be_v have_v and_o that_o be_v all_o and_o how_o a_o national_n provincial_n or_o classical_a synod_n be_v lesser_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a can_v put_v forth_o such_o act_n as_o the_o whole_a can_v do_v ipsi_fw-la viderint_fw-la it_o be_v true_a a_o particular_a church_n may_v formal_o cast_v out_o a_o scandalous_a member_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n matth._n 18._o yet_o the_o argument_n from_o proportion_n will_v not_o hold_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o great_a assembly_n against_o any_o particular_a church_n offend_v though_o other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o if_o excommunication_n cast_v out_o a_o offender_n out_o of_o all_o church_n than_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v excommunicate_v except_o it_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o though_o it_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n last_o if_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n as_o be_v say_v but_o a_o cross_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v meet_v to_o put_v forth_o its_o suppose_a intrinsical_n power_n then_o let_v the_o particular_a church_n enjoy_v that_o power_n till_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v meet_v 2_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v institute_v such_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o a_o catholic_n body_n which_o as_o be_v say_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la shall_v be_v till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n so_o many_o age_n and_o which_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o orderly_o meet_v to_o this_o day_n object_n 3._o if_o all_o pastor_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n but_o all_o pastor_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ergo._fw-la answ_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v thus_o that_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o good_a of_o every_o part_n redound_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a yea_o if_o some_o pastoral_a care_n also_o be_v intend_v towards_o other_o church_n and_o to_o fetch_v in_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o not_o of_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o former_o open_v by_o we_o but_o if_o this_o argument_n intend_v that_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n as_o of_o one_o political_a church_n than_o we_o deny_v the_o assumption_n upon_o this_o ground_n because_o a_o pastoral_n office_n consist_v proper_o in_o have_v a_o charge_n and_o power_n over_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n act._n 20._o 28._o but_o he_o have_v no_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o if_o so_o he_o must_v give_v account_n to_o christ_n of_o the_o whole_a neither_o have_v he_o power_n over_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n be_v never_o choose_v by_o it_o nor_o it_o subject_v to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v say_v such_o be_v make_v pastor_n by_o ordination_n of_o the_o presbyter_n not_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n who_o only_o appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o who_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o he_o be_v either_o a_o catholic_n pastor_n that_o have_v power_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v which_o we_o think_v none_o will_v yield_v they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v pastor_n only_o in_o name_n without_o power_n which_o be_v absurd_a nor_o do_v the_o similitude_n of_o a_o physician_n make_v doctor_n of_o physic_n at_o large_a by_o a_o college_n of_o physician_n help_v in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o suppâ—seth_v he_o to_o be_v make_v such_o a_o doctor_n before_o he_o be_v elect_v by_o any_o people_n to_o exercise_v this_o faculty_n which_o apply_v to_o this_o case_n of_o a_o pastor_n as_o have_v ordination_n to_o make_v he_o a_o pastor_n at_o large_a before_o election_n to_o this_o or_o that_o people_n be_v utter_o against_o all_o example_n of_o scripture_n as_o act_n 1._o &_o 6._o &_o 14_o object_n 4._o that_o which_o belong_v to_o a_o little_a part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n quâ_fw-la talis_fw-la belong_v to_o a_o great_a part_n much_o more_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o immediate_a exercise_n of_o the_o key_n belong_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n then_o much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o any_o great_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a answ_n 1_o such_o as_o say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o similar_v body_n have_v need_n explicate_v themselves_o for_o to_o speak_v proper_o and_o strict_o by_o this_o rule_n every_o particular_a visible_a believer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o totum_fw-la aggregativum_fw-la must_v have_v nomen_fw-la &_o naturam_fw-la totius_fw-la and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o church_n or_o if_o they_o so_o divide_v this_o catholic_n similar_v body_n as_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o can_v join_v in_o god_n ordinance_n the_o minimum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la then_o particular_a visible_a believer_n consider_v as_o exist_v out_o of_o these_o congregation_n can_v be_v member_n formal_o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n 2_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o catholic_n church_n consider_v as_o visible_a and_o invisible_a be_v one_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a body_n yet_o this_o catholic_n body_n be_v under_o no_o catholic_n policy_n but_o only_o in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n which_o be_v spiritual_o one_o body_n be_v politicè_fw-la many_o body_n so_o that_o the_o part_n of_o this_o spiritual_a toâ—um_fw-la be_v not_o distinct_a body_n spirituali_fw-la relatione_fw-la for_o then_o every_o company_n of_o woman_n be_v a_o church_n body_n but_o politicâ_fw-la combinatione_fw-la and_o hence_o though_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v one_o similar_v body_n spiritual_o due_a caution_n and_o interpretation_n observe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o similar_v body_n political_o and_o hence_o every_o society_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n hence_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o therefore_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o sense_n viz._n what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o spiritual_a and_o so_o participate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o whole_a be_v spiritual_a yet_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n as_o political_a do_v not_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o political_a exempli_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la consider_v a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o a_o number_n redeem_v call_v to_o christ_n espouse_v to_o he_o this_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o if_o any_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o such_o much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a yet_o consider_v a_o church_n as_o a_o combine_a body_n so_o what_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a for_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n to_o elect_v and_o enjoy_v constant_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o totum_fw-la the_o catholic_n mystical_a church_n be_v indeed_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la out_o of_o which_o political_a church_n by_o their_o combination_n be_v form_v but_o it_o be_v no_o first_o form_v political_a similar_v church_n whence_o every_o particular_a church_n immediate_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o whole_a have_v in_o it_o partem_fw-la talis_fw-la materiae_fw-la &_o partem_fw-la formae_fw-la object_n 5._o if_o there_o be_v church_n communion_n between_o all_o church_n than_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o there_o be_v church_n communion_n of_o all_o church_n in_o hear_v receive_v sacrament_n exhort_v one_o another_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o etc._n etc._n ergo._fw-la answ_n we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fraternal_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n not_o only_o internal_o but_o external_o without_o such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v one_o political_a combine_a body_n such_o as_o here_o we_o dispute_v of_o as_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o
they_o may_v choose_v a_o diocesan_n pastor_n one_o or_o many_o to_o feed_v all_o or_o one_o to_o rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilâ—e_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1._o 1._o yea_o not_o only_o in_o one_o small_a country_n but_o in_o city_n or_o near_o unto_o they_o we_o read_v of_o distinct_a church_n as_o corinth_n though_o god_n have_v much_o people_n there_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o and_o have_v another_o church_n near_o to_o it_o viz._n cenchrea_n also_o rome_n who_o the_o apostle_n salute_v send_v also_o salutation_n by_o they_o to_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o household_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o these_o add_v that_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o number_n be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o that_o we_o read_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1._o and_o chap._n 2._o 41_o 42._o what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v answer_v before_o other_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o like_a example_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o due_a place_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o that_o a_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v more_o objection_n against_o the_o completeness_n thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n of_o all_o the_o key_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o actual_a administration_n within_o itself_o be_v a_o complete_a church_n but_o so_o have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o part_n be_v evident_a because_o where_o all_o the_o key_n be_v with_o full_a power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o there_o nothing_o be_v want_v the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o all_o those_o officer_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o exercise_v the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o congregation_n then_o all_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v to_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o since_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n call_v sometime_o bishop_n sometime_o elder_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v prove_v act_n 14._o tit._n 1._o 4._o and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o 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complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o submit_v to_o combination_n so_o here_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a not_o so_o when_o among_o other_o church_n answ_n if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o as_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a government_n in_o his_o family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o come_v among_o neither_o do_v he_o in_o prudence_n he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o here_o a_o church_n have_v complete_a officer_n be_v not_o 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say_v that_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v act_n in_o such_o thing_n only_o for_o in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offender_n the_o offence_n be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o answer_v if_o so_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o provincial_n and_o national_n church_n by_o this_o reason_n assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la for_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o as_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o classis_fw-la admit_v all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o this_o also_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o three_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v leave_v to_o civil_a prudence_n and_o may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o many_o form_n of_o government_n but_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o maintain_v such_o order_n of_o government_n as_o
covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v the_o flock_n people_n or_o sheep_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n there_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o assertion_n seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a to_o fall_v from_o that_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n be_v a_o foundation_n of_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n and_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o order_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o visible_a church_n for_o first_o if_o this_o be_v so_o that_o every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o man_n may_v set_v up_o as_o many_o form_n of_o visible_a church_n as_o they_o please_v if_o the_o people_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n visible_o at_o least_o the_o archdeacon_n with_o his_o commissary_n priest_n churchwarden_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o true_a church_n so_o 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of_o god_n especial_o every_o christian_a family_n be_v the_o church_n for_o they_o profess_v the_o entire_a faith_n join_v daily_o in_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n receive_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v among_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n obedient_a unto_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n why_o not_o call_v for_o a_o minister_n and_o have_v seal_n ordinary_o dispense_v to_o they_o three_o upon_o this_o ground_n a_o company_n of_o christian_a woman_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v a_o church_n to_o who_o the_o seal_n belong_v and_o who_o see_v not_o how_o all_o orderly_a dispensation_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v overturn_v by_o this_o assertion_n we_o very_o believe_v this_o author_n be_v far_o from_o admit_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o position_n itself_o will_v unavoidable_o enforce_v the_o same_o neither_o can_v we_o impute_v this_o assertion_n to_o any_o inconsiderateness_n through_o heat_n of_o disputation_n for_o if_o any_o shall_v maintain_v the_o personal_a covenant_n of_o people_n with_o god_n to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o constitute_v visible_a church_n and_o not_o admit_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o more_o public_a or_o general_a covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a whereby_o a_o company_n of_o christian_n be_v make_v one_o people_n join_v in_o one_o congregation_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o walk_v together_o in_o his_o way_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v every_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o be_v a_o church_n as_o here_o be_v say_v and_o therefore_o admit_v all_o form_n of_o church_n and_o all_o family_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v church_n and_o so_o bring_v in_o the_o confusion_n object_v which_o we_o desire_v may_v well_o be_v consider_v all_o your_o argument_n stand_v upon_o that_o ground_n of_o personal_a covenant_n with_o 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participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o true_a church_n if_o he_o have_v neither_o renounce_v the_o society_n nor_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n or_o church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o know_v and_o approve_a christian_n member_n of_o our_o church_n come_v to_o new-england_n shall_v desire_v to_o have_v their_o child_n baptize_v or_o themselves_o admit_v to_o the_o lords-supper_n before_o they_o be_v set_v member_n among_o you_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v upon_o what_o ground_n from_o god_n you_o can_v deny_v they_o if_o you_o acknowledge_v our_o church_n ministry_n and_o sacrament_n to_o be_v true_a as_o you_o profess_v and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v and_o approve_v orderly_o recommend_v unto_o you_o answ_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o here_o express_v for_o the_o substance_n however_o some_o reason_n speak_v unto_o before_o intermix_v we_o pass_v over_o and_o to_o your_o question_n we_o frame_v a_o ready_a answer_n from_o your_o own_o word_n for_o first_o you_o grant_v that_o if_o such_o member_n have_v renounce_v that_o society_n wherein_o they_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o seal_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repute_v member_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v general_o the_o case_n of_o all_o approve_a christian_n among_o we_o who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o so_o renounce_v the_o church_n that_o bear_v they_o and_o give_v they_o suck_v as_o no_o true_a church_n yet_o see_v they_o be_v grow_v so_o corrupt_a many_o way_n as_o they_o can_v neither_o enjoy_v some_o needful_a ordinance_n nor_o partake_v in_o those_o they_o have_v without_o sin_n they_o have_v therefore_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v all_o further_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o membership_n in_o they_o and_o so_o by_o your_o own_o grant_n neither_o themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n here_o can_v take_v they_o as_o member_n of_o your_o church_n to_o receive_v they_o under_o that_o respect_n second_o if_o any_o yet_o have_v not_o so_o far_o renounce_v those_o church_n they_o belong_v unto_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o orderly_o recommend_v unto_o we_o which_o also_o you_o grant_v aught_o to_o be_v and_o indeed_o otherwise_o we_o may_v oft_o receive_v person_n just_o excommunicate_a or_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o church_n any_o where_o or_o otherwise_o under_o great_a offence_n as_o frequent_a example_n among_o ourselves_o do_v show_v though_o the_o church_n may_v think_v well_o of_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o what_o else_o follow_v in_o this_o paragraph_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n and_o much_o of_o it_o in_o word_n also_o that_o we_o have_v answer_v before_o and_o therefore_o we_o pass_v it_o over_o and_o that_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o after_o as_o for_o that_o you_o desire_v leave_v to_o set_v down_o and_o we_o to_o examine_v what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o that_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o distinct_a church_n name_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v congregationall_a society_n we_o shall_v consider_v as_o follow_v reply_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n that_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n as_o one_o assembly_n to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o for_o their_o edify_n as_o in_o samaria_n jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n answ_n although_o we_o expect_v not_o objection_n in_o this_o case_n against_o the_o currant_n tenent_n of_o our_o godly_a reformer_n baine_n parker_n etc._n etc._n with_o who_o we_o join_v and_o we_o may_v refer_v you_o to_o they_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o beat_a objection_n of_o the_o prelate_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o examine_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o digression_n the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o if_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v so_o great_a in_o some_o city_n as_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o
believer_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rom._n 16._o 1._o we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o orderly_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o a_o other_o be_v recommend_v thereunto_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a for_o any_o not_o in_o church_n order_n at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a relation_n with_o that_o pastor_n and_o flock_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o regard_n of_o immediate_a right_n that_o the_o one_o have_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o be_v out_o of_o that_o order_n of_o christ_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o order_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n visible_a ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o reply_n if_o a_o synod_n consist_v of_o sundry_a member_n of_o particular_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o common_a and_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o prayer_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o supper_n we_o can_v see_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o as_o unlawful_a although_o that_o assembly_n be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n or_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n over_o they_o etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o suâ—h_v a_o assembly_n may_v pray_v together_o be_v no_o question_n for_o every_o family_n may_v do_v so_o and_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o supper_n also_o in_o a_o right_a order_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o meet_v where_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a institute_v church_n they_o may_v have_v communion_n therewith_o in_o the_o supper_n be_v many_o as_o well_o as_o few_o but_o whether_o they_o may_v as_o a_o church_n be_v no_o political_a body_n but_o member_n of_o many_o political_a church_n administer_v church_n ordinance_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n we_o will_v see_v some_o reason_n before_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o lawful_a so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o some_o do_v account_v such_o a_o synod_n ecclesia_fw-la orta_fw-la yet_o not_o proper_o such_o a_o church_n as_o have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n authority_n and_o privilege_n belong_v thereto_o they_o may_v consult_v and_o doctrinal_o determine_v of_o case_n of_o that_o assembly_n act_v 15._o but_o further_a to_o proceed_v we_o see_v no_o rule_n nor_o pattern_n beside_o if_o such_o a_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n may_v administer_v seal_n why_o may_v not_o any_o other_o assembly_n of_o church_n member_n or_o minister_n do_v the_o samâ—_n and_o so_o this_o power_n will_v be_v carry_v without_o limitation_n we_o know_v not_o how_o far_o if_o they_o once_o depart_v from_o a_o particular_a church_n chap._n viii_o consid_n 3._o reply_n to_o the_o three_o consideration_n this_o whole_a reason_n as_o it_o be_v propound_v make_v only_o against_o itself_o who_o ever_o think_v that_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o proper_a to_o confederate_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o old_a visible_a believer_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o in_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o time_n though_o not_o join_v to_o the_o society_n of_o abraham_n family_n to_o exclude_v job_n melchisedeck_v etc._n etc._n because_o not_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v wellnigh_o a_o contradiction_n and_o so_o to_o debar_v know_v approve_v christian_n etc._n etc._n answ_n that_o this_o reason_n make_v not_o against_o itself_o mr._n ball_n himself_o have_v clear_v when_o he_o state_v our_o consideration_n true_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v as_o will_v appear_v however_o here_o he_o somewhat_o trouble_v the_o water_n needlesse_o that_o the_o ground_n may_v not_o appear_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o our_o answer_n which_o deny_v melchisedech_n job_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o time_n indeed_o we_o instance_n in_o they_o as_o person_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o mention_v their_o membership_n in_o family_n church_n as_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n if_o they_o have_v not_o right_a to_o circumcision_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o right_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n except_o they_o join_v to_o the_o church_n at_o first_o in_o abraham_n family_n and_o so_o after_o to_o the_o same_o church_n in_o israel_n and_o the_o more_o special_a church_n relation_n in_o abraham_n family_n be_v require_v to_o circumcision_n the_o strong_a be_v the_o force_n of_o our_o reason_n not_o the_o weak_a for_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o it_o follow_v that_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o though_o visible_o profess_v the_o faith_n except_o they_o join_v also_o to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o or_o in_o which_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v and_o give_v reply_n the_o true_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o this_o consideration_n be_v that_o as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispense_v to_o all_o visible_a believer_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o abraham_n family_n or_o the_o people_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n no_o more_o may_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v now_o to_o any_o believer_n unless_o they_o be_v join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n these_o word_n right_o state_v the_o consideration_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o any_o way_n it_o make_v against_o itself_o or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n first_o to_o darken_v it_o as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n reply_n the_o strength_n of_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o parity_n between_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n but_o this_o parity_n be_v not_o find_v in_o every_o thing_n as_o yourselves_o allege_v to_o unfold_v it_o more_o full_o we_o will_v consider_v three_o thing_n first_o wherein_o the_o sacrament_n agree_v and_o wherein_o they_o differ_v answ_n it_o matter_n not_o in_o how_o many_o thing_n the_o sacrament_n differ_v so_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o thing_n question_v and_o though_o we_o may_v raise_v dispute_n and_o query_n about_o some_o particular_n in_o this_o large_a discourse_n upon_o this_o first_o head_n yet_o see_v here_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o the_o parity_n in_o the_o point_n now_o question_v viz._n concern_v the_o person_n to_o who_o circumcision_n and_o baptism_n do_v belong_v we_o shall_v take_v what_o be_v grant_v and_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v circumcision_n and_o baptism_n be_v both_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o so_o they_o agree_v in_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o the_o order_n of_o administration_n if_o the_o right_a proportion_n be_v observe_v now_o that_o we_o â—â—ld_v the_o right_a proportion_n in_o the_o person_n may_v appear_v first_o in_o that_o as_o be_v grant_v circumcision_n seal_v the_o entrance_n into_o the_o covenant_n but_o this_o covenant_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v with_o abraham_n whereby_o on_o god_n part_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o many_o special_a blessing_n whereof_o lot_n and_o other_o not_o in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o whereby_o abraham_n his_o seed_n and_o family_n be_v bind_v for_o their_o part_n to_o be_v a_o people_n to_o god_n and_o to_o observe_v this_o sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o other_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o answ_n second_o as_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v abraham_n and_o his_o household_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o believe_a jew_n that_o be_v the_o person_n to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o therefore_o not_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o for_o then_o lot_n have_v be_v include_v so_o by_o right_a proportion_n not_o all_o visible_a believer_n as_o such_o but_o such_o as_o with_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n be_v in_o visible_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n when_o and_o to_o which_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n be_v give_v and_o therefore_o as_o all_o family_n church_n but_o abraham_n be_v in_o a_o new_a form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v exclude_v so_o much_o more_o such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o visible_a constitute_v church_n at_o all_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o proposition_n itself_o certain_a it_o be_v circumcision_n and_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v only_o to_o the_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n to_o man_n in_o covenant_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n but_o that_o in_o abraham_n time_n none_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o join_v not_o to_o abraham_n family_n we_o have_v
first_o institution_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v dispense_v to_o none_o but_o member_n of_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n answ_n it_o be_v free_o grant_v first_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n second_o that_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o church_n mystical_a consider_v as_o visible_a though_o not_o always_o political_a three_o that_o these_o may_v receive_v baptism_n by_o such_o as_o have_v power_n to_o baptize_v they_o but_o immediate_o to_o baptize_v they_o none_o have_v power_n but_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v as_o have_v be_v former_o show_v but_o it_o will_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o ordinary_a officer_n have_v such_o a_o power_n want_v such_o extraordinary_a call_n because_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a have_v right_o unto_o the_o seal_n yet_o the_o immediate_a fruition_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v by_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o a_o political_a body_n the_o only_a subject_n according_a to_o order_n of_o all_o such_o institution_n otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v private_a baptism_n if_o the_o extraordinary_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v press_v for_o our_o pattern_n reply_n then_o the_o apostle_n in_o dispense_n seal_v walk_v by_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o ground_n common_a to_o we_o and_o then_o the_o difficulty_n remain_v be_v only_o this_o whether_o a_o pastor_n may_v dispense_v seal_n to_o such_o as_o have_v right_a to_o they_o and_o do_v orderly_o desire_v they_o though_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o set_a member_n of_o a_o congregation_n answ_n we_o grant_v the_o apostle_n ordinary_o and_o general_o baptize_v upon_o common_a ground_n but_o still_o when_o they_o do_v so_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o baptize_v they_o and_o in_o the_o like_o orderly_a way_n any_o pastor_n may_v do_v the_o same_o second_o we_o answer_v thing_n may_v be_v do_v sano_fw-la sensu_fw-la upon_o common_a and_o moral_a ground_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v do_v by_o other_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n to_o give_v one_o instance_n in_o stead_n of_o many_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o gather_v in_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o minister_n upon_o the_o same_o common_a ground_n must_v now_o preach_v the_o gospel_n also_o yet_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n on_o those_o ground_n preach_v to_o all_o nation_n this_o do_v not_o warrant_v minister_n now_o to_o do_v the_o like_a so_o here_o though_o we_o baptize_v believer_n as_o they_o do_v yet_o we_o may_v not_o do_v it_o to_o all_o in_o all_o case_n as_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n hold_v only_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v alike_o as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a ground_n reply_n second_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o baptism_n be_v evermore_o administer_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n for_o before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o disciple_n baptize_v when_o they_o be_v neither_o apostle_n nor_o evangelist_n proper_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n if_o philip_n ananias_n and_o other_o may_v baptize_v such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o particular_a congregation_n then_o may_v ordinary_a pastor_n do_v the_o like_a answ_n you_o mistake_v here_o in_o the_o force_n of_o our_o answer_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n to_o which_o this_o objection_n and_o answer_n belong_v for_o we_o do_v not_o make_v all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n extraordinary_a but_o general_o orderly_a in_o the_o way_n we_o profess_v second_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o particular_n not_o to_o wrestle_v with_o the_o ghost_n of_o humane_a imagination_n and_o conjecture_n whether_o any_o beside_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v the_o 3000._o act._n 2._o as_o for_o philip_n and_o ananias_n if_o they_o baptize_v do_v they_o baptize_v as_o private_a man_n or_o as_o church_n officer_n if_o the_o second_o what_o officer_n be_v they_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a we_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v they_o be_v ordinary_a who_o be_v honour_v with_o such_o extraordinary_a work_n but_o in_o what_o office_n soever_o they_o be_v those_o particular_a action_n in_o baptise_v the_o eunuch_n and_o paul_n be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a call_n of_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o story_n reply_n three_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o person_n baptize_v be_v in_o church_n state_n or_o order_n if_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v this_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o man_n have_v not_o right_a to_o baptism_n because_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n but_o because_o disciple_n and_o as_o you_o say_v join_v together_o in_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o grant_v that_o since_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o in_o visible_a christian_a church_n the_o seal_n belong_v proper_o and_o ordinary_o to_o the_o member_n of_o christian_a church_n not_o jewish_a yet_o we_o may_v affirm_v that_o if_o in_o any_o special_a case_n a_o believer_n be_v baptize_v by_o any_o that_o have_v a_o special_a call_v thereto_o where_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n present_v actual_o to_o join_v unto_o yet_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v the_o case_n do_v not_o so_o much_o vary_v from_o the_o set_n order_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o time_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o intend_v reply_n if_o the_o eunuch_n and_o centurion_n be_v proselyte_n and_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o samaritan_n who_o philip_n baptize_v be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o any_o gentile_n or_o the_o jailor_n be_v set_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a assembly_n be_v very_o strange_a etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o be_v full_o answer_v before_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n and_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o and_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 2._o to_o join_v man_n to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o need_v not_o seem_v strange_a reply_n in_o the_o apostle_n practise_v two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n second_o the_o substance_n or_o quality_n of_o the_o act._n in_o some_o circumstance_n the_o baptise_v of_o some_o of_o these_o may_v be_v extraordinary_a but_o the_o substance_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o action_n be_v ground_v upon_o â—ules_n perpetual_a and_o common_a to_o we_o and_o they_o that_o be_v do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1_o we_o suppose_v among_o such_o circumstance_n you_o will_v reckon_v that_o for_o one_o that_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v alone_o in_o the_o wilderness_n not_o in_o any_o visible_a assembly_n of_o saint_n wherein_o ordinary_a pastor_n may_v not_o imitate_v that_o act_n and_o this_o come_v not_o far_o short_a of_o what_o we_o say_v for_o the_o chief_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n lie_v in_o their_o absence_n from_o such_o a_o assembly_n and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o christian_a but_o he_o that_o baptize_v they_o why_o not_o into_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o 2_o the_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o apostle_n extraordinary_a power_n and_o do_v thing_n upon_o common_a ground_n be_v so_o oft_o say_v for_o substance_n and_o answer_v before_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o trouble_v the_o reader_n again_o with_o the_o same_o thing_n reply_n second_o a_o argument_n follow_v necessary_o from_o a_o particular_a example_n to_o a_o general_a when_o the_o proof_n of_o one_o particular_a to_o another_o be_v make_v by_o force_n of_o the_o similitude_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a kind_n under_o which_o those_o particular_n be_v contain_v now_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o speak_v of_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v name_v why_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o baptize_v such_o as_o be_v no_o set_a member_n and_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v unlawful_a in_o all_o case_n for_o pastor_n of_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o ordinary_o and_o therefore_o your_o argument_n do_v not_o hold_v if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o common_a practice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o some_o few_o special_a case_n we_o retort_v the_o argument_n thus_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v ordinary_o upon_o common_a ground_n that_o pastor_n ought_v to_o do_v but_o ordinary_o they_o baptize_v disciple_n admit_v they_o first_o into_o particular_a church_n therefore_o in_o the_o three_o reason_n we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o
that_o the_o apostle_n do_v walk_v by_o ordinary_a rule_n general_o reply_n four_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o receive_v the_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n be_v back_v on_o divine_a precept_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v they_o baptize_v such_o without_o receive_v they_o into_o some_o particular_a church_n we_o deny_v this_o assumption_n upon_o the_o ground_n lay_v down_o before_o reply_n five_o in_o the_o first_o consideration_n you_o prove_v the_o seal_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n by_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o if_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v by_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n in_o your_o sense_n this_o testimony_n be_v insufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n answ_n although_o the_o print_a copy_n of_o our_o answer_n omit_v this_o proof_n whole_o and_o also_o rom._n 9_o 4_o yet_o in_o our_o true_a cypy_n we_o allege_v act_v 2_o 41_o 42._o 47._o wherein_o you_o will_v find_v not_o only_o this_o passage_n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o verse_n 47._o that_o the_o conversion_n and_o baptise_v of_o disciple_n be_v omit_v the_o join_n or_o add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v put_v in_o the_o stead_n thereof_o which_o proof_n as_o they_o be_v omit_v whole_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n so_o also_o you_o make_v no_o reply_n unto_o they_o second_o by_o these_o proof_n it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o apostle_n act_n in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n as_o extraordinary_a but_o that_o their_o first_o and_o lead_v example_n be_v ordinary_a and_o in_o that_o order_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v regard_v much_o labour_n have_v be_v save_v in_o this_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v spend_v to_o little_a purpose_n and_o our_o second_o reason_n reply_n in_o due_a order_n the_o sealeâ—_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v but_o the_o grant_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o where_o one_o be_v grant_v none_o be_v deny_v etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o seal_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o by_o a_o remote_a right_n to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v as_o have_v be_v oft_o say_v but_o not_o immediate_a yet_o in_o the_o very_o propound_v of_o this_o reason_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n that_o do_v cut_v the_o â—â—ewes_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o limitation_n of_o due_a order_n which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v can_v no_o where_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n let_v any_o show_n what_o order_n christ_n have_v put_v his_o catholic_n visible_a church_n into_o or_o where_o that_o order_n be_v to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o order_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o such_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o partake_v in_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v find_v second_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o not_o only_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v link_v together_o and_o be_v the_o grant_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o so_o be_v not_o visible_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o part_n of_o that_o grant_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n we_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o visible_a believer_n require_v and_o take_v up_o this_o part_n of_o the_o grant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o for_o sigillum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la donum_fw-la let_v they_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o the_o seal_n be_v ready_a for_o they_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reply_n about_o rom._n 4._o 11._o as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o follow_v be_v thing_n so_o oft_o repeat_v and_o answer_v before_o as_o make_v it_o tedious_a to_o all_o chap._n xiiii_o position_n 5._o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o that_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externo_fw-la foro_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n they_o may_v be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o one_o part_n must_v err_v now_o hence_o the_o question_n be_v move_v whether_o the_o power_n he_o so_o in_o the_o people_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n determine_v must_v stand_v answ_n if_o our_o whole_a answer_n have_v be_v attend_v unto_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o it_o can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n to_o omit_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o answer_n affirmative_o wherein_o we_o cite_v mr._n parker_n as_o consent_v with_o he_o in_o the_o second_o part_n to_o the_o position_n as_o state_v our_o answer_n be_v plain_o negative_a that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o so_o seat_v neither_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o follow_v be_v our_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o position_n because_o church_n ought_v to_o carry_v thing_n not_o by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o this_o position_n imply_v but_o by_o strength_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o god_n and_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 8._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 8._o now_o let_v any_o judge_n whether_o the_o position_n do_v not_o imply_v such_o a_o absurdity_n so_o oft_o as_o thing_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n against_o the_o officer_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v better_a reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o the_o learned_a author_n have_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o syllable_n that_o lend_v to_o dislodge_v these_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n he_o will_v have_v believe_v our_o plain_a negation_n of_o this_o position_n which_o indeed_o be_v according_a to_o our_o constant_a practice_n never_o follow_v the_o major_a part_n of_o vote_n against_o the_o officer_n but_o count_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o such_o case_n either_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o major_a part_n or_o lesser_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o yield_v not_o to_o the_o vote_n but_o reason_n if_o they_o be_v stranger_n or_o to_o suspend_v the_o business_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n if_o they_o can_v agree_v but_o a_o division_n arise_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 15._o reply_n among_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o as_o fenner_n parker_n i._o d._n distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o refer_v we_o to_o mr._n parker_n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o differ_v judgement_n from_o he_o in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o
for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o application_n of_o a_o office_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n we_o will_v demand_v whether_o christ_n do_v this_o to_o such_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n immediate_o or_o mediate_o if_o immediate_o than_o their_o call_n be_v not_o in_o this_o different_a from_o apostle_n which_o paul_n express_o distinguish_v gal._n 1_o 1._o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o by_o jesus_n christ_n false_a teacher_n be_v of_o man_n and_o by_o man_n true_a pastor_n as_o thomas_n john_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o god_n by_o man_n and_o if_o christ_n communicate_v this_o office_n and_o the_o authority_n annex_v unto_o it_o mediate_o by_o man_n not_o immediate_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n to_o call_v and_o so_o to_o apply_v this_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n john_n thomas_n etc._n etc._n we_o hold_v this_o fraternal_a ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o we_o shall_v defend_v this_o position_n and_o where_o ever_o it_o be_v else_o place_v it_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o to_o the_o sentence_n of_o parker_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o misinterpret_v one_o word_n of_o his_o sentence_n do_v pervert_v his_o whole_a meaning_n his_o word_n be_v pro_fw-la dono_fw-la conditionali_fw-la ut_fw-la rectoribus_fw-la communicetur_fw-la i._n e._n that_o the_o church_n may_v not_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o officer_n nor_o keep_v it_o in_o her_o own_o hand_n or_o that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v his_o meaning_n and_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o position_n he_o hold_v so_o strong_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n reply_n after_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v it_o take_v not_o effect_n for_o it_o be_v no_o where_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o christ_n first_o commit_v this_o power_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o after_o to_o the_o community_n the_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o immediate_o they_o derive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o who_o they_o be_v set_v over_o their_o charge_n in_o who_o name_n they_o execute_v their_o office_n etc._n etc._n yea_o pastorship_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o apostleship_n and_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v but_o the_o office_n and_o order_n of_o pastor_n the_o call_n authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n give_v to_o the_o church_n take_v effect_n from_o the_o begin_n in_o christ_n institution_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v needless_a to_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o take_v effect_v after_o second_o that_o minister_n and_o guide_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n if_o you_o mean_v ordinary_a officer_n and_o that_o every_o pastor_n be_v not_o immediate_o call_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n the_o place_n act._n 28._o 8._o ephes_n 4._o 8._o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o prove_v that_o all_o officer_n be_v immedate_o from_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n and_o over_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n this_o the_o lord_n can_v do_v and_o do_v do_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o church_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o rule_n and_o institution_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v come_v at_o last_o home_n to_o our_o tenant_n as_o here_o you_o do_v that_o pastorship_n the_o office_n power_n jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n annex_v to_o it_o be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n viz._n by_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o pastor_n every_o one_o that_o receive_v this_o office_n have_v it_o from_o christ_n but_o by_o his_o church_n call_v they_o to_o the_o same_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n apply_v it_o to_o they_o and_o thus_o far_o we_o agree_v with_o you_o reply_n the_o steward_n be_v appoint_v of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o family_n alone_o and_o have_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o he_o every_o ambassador_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o embassage_n do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o who_o he_o be_v send_v but_o if_o the_o function_n order_n and_o authority_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n than_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a receptacle_n answ_n answ_n first_o though_o pastor_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o function_n dispense_v the_o word_n and_o other_o mystery_n of_o christ_n as_o from_o he_o immediate_o and_o so_o be_v fit_o compare_v to_o ambassador_n and_o steward_n yet_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o one_o and_o other_o to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v a_o plain_a dissimilitude_n the_o one_o be_v call_v mediate_o the_o other_o immediate_o by_o their_o master_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o prove_v nothing_o what_o do_v this_o argument_n conclude_v if_o only_o that_o the_o function_n and_o order_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o first_o subject_n we_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o the_o application_n of_o the_o office_n to_o such_o a_o person_n so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o outward_a call_n it_o follow_v not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o function_n and_o office_n may_v be_v from_o christ_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o by_o the_o church_n reply_n thus_o protestant_n divine_v dispute_v against_o papist_n if_o bishop_n receive_v their_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o exercise_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o mandate_n mission_n and_o commission_n from_o he_o than_o not_o from_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o for_o presbyter_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o bishop_n answ_n the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o dispute_n be_v because_o the_o pope_n claim_v a_o plenitude_n of_o power_n from_o peter_n whence_o all_o must_v see_v derive_v to_o all_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n be_v they_o never_o so_o orderly_o choose_v and_o ordain_v in_o their_o own_o esteem_n and_o so_o indeed_o usurp_v the_o prerogative_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o like_a usurpation_n â—â—_o its_o degree_n be_v in_o the_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n but_o here_o the_o case_n be_v far_o different_a the_o church_n clame_v no_o such_o power_n but_o only_o ministerial_a in_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o officer_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n and_o so_o the_o application_n of_o that_o office_n unto_o the_o person_n which_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n of_o scripture_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v the_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o they_o derive_v not_o their_o power_n from_o the_o people_n but_o from_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o they_o whereunto_o christ_n have_v annex_v that_o power_n last_o the_o like_a argument_n may_v be_v object_v against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n you_o can_v or_o will_v suppose_v even_o the_o presbytery_n itself_o reply_n it_o be_v usual_o object_v that_o the_o church_n can_v convey_v what_o she_o never_o have_v but_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v their_o pastor_n whereunto_o the_o answer_n be_v direct_a and_o plain_a nothing_o can_v give_v that_o it_o have_v not_o formal_o or_o virtual_o unless_o it_o give_v it_o as_o a_o instrument_n minister_a to_o one_o that_o have_v it_o but_o so_o it_o may_v give_v what_o it_o never_o have_v nor_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o steward_n may_v give_v all_o the_o office_n in_o his_o master_n house_n as_o ministerial_o execute_v his_o master_n pleasure_n answ_n this_o answer_n do_v not_o satisfy_v for_o we_o can_v put_v off_o our_o old_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o every_o instrument_n minister_a to_o the_o principal_a cause_n do_v confer_v vim_o ad_fw-la effectum_fw-la and_o so_o far_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o effect_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o so_o far_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v virtual_o or_o formal_o the_o same_o in_o itself_o if_o a_o conduit_n convey_v water_n ministerial_o from_o the_o fountain_n to_o the_o house_n it_o have_v water_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o it_o do_v concur_v to_o the_o effect_n and_o so_o the_o church_n can_v give_v the_o key_n to_o the_o officer_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v she_o receive_v they_o from_o christ_n virtual_o to_o give_v they_o to_o the_o officer_n second_o for_o the_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o steward_n give_v the_o office_n to_o such_o
promise_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o society_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v without_o the_o church_n allowance_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v of_o all_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v we_o can_v discern_v upon_o what_o ground_n your_o practice_n be_v warrant_v answ_n we_o be_v still_o enforce_v to_o clear_v our_o answer_n from_o mistake_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o answer_n leave_v it_o doubtful_a whether_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o position_n affirmative_o and_o in_o practice_n require_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o church_n covenant_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v the_o case_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v first_o mind_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o then_o add_v what_o be_v needful_a to_o take_v away_o the_o scruple_n and_o first_o the_o answer_n say_v that_o we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a and_o most_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o brethren_n shall_v not_o forsake_v fellowship_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o removall_n approve_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o position_n affirm_v for_o first_o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n include_v a_o necessity_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o expediency_n and_o agreeablenesse_n to_o rule_v not_o to_o break_v off_o abrupt_o second_o the_o position_n affirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o case_n in_o practice_n as_o in_o many_o case_n beside_o for_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n reach_v to_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o which_o we_o make_v no_o promise_n express_v in_o the_o entrance_n three_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o answer_n acknowledge_v only_o that_o brethren_n remove_v shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o take_v counsel_n in_o such_o weighty_a affair_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o this_o position_n in_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n our_o answer_n do_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o be_v negative_a second_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o full_a enough_o because_o we_o see_v our_o brethren_n here_o run_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o question_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v and_o mr._n rutherford_n and_o other_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o confess_a practice_n we_o do_v therefore_o clear_o and_o plain_o deny_v the_o position_n and_o affirm_v that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o our_o admission_n of_o member_n to_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n we_o only_o count_v such_o removall_n especial_o of_o family_n a_o action_n among_o many_o other_o whereunto_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n do_v extend_v to_o prevent_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n thereof_o and_o to_o further_a the_o best_a good_a of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n by_o counsel_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o dear_a affection_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n cleave_v together_o in_o love_n have_v private_o resolve_v or_o agree_v together_o not_o to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o we_o have_v take_v knowledge_n of_o and_o we_o think_v that_o have_v be_v very_o rare_a but_o for_o any_o such_o public_a promise_n covenant_n or_o church_n oath_n as_o some_o strain_v thing_n to_o the_o height_n have_v call_v it_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v be_v require_v or_o practise_v among_o we_o this_o be_v so_o there_o need_v no_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v resident_a in_o for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o divers_a may_v and_o do_v forbear_v to_o join_v because_o of_o their_o unsettlednesse_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n second_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n some_o may_v be_v advise_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o private_a friend_n in_o a_o church_n to_o forbear_v till_o they_o be_v some_o way_n settle_v but_o that_o any_o be_v debar_v from_o communion_n when_o they_o desire_v it_o because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n unless_o other_o just_a cause_n hinder_v it_o neither_o suit_n with_o our_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v practice_v other_o way_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v you_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o a_o father_n bestow_v his_o child_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_v in_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n when_o church_n grow_v populous_a they_o must_v be_v negligent_a or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o taâ—ke_n and_o for_o the_o present_a to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o be_v usurpation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o our_o answer_n be_v but_o attend_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o practice_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o such_o case_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v may_v be_v spare_v for_o thus_o we_o say_v we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a etc._n etc._n that_o none_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o abrupt_o break_v off_o etc._n etc._n this_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o plain_a and_o easy_a case_n many_o time_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o removal_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o abrupt_a break_v off_o or_o forsake_v fellowship_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o counsel_n as_o in_o case_n of_o servant_n marriage_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o no_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o some_o removal_n of_o family_n also_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o open_o carry_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o of_o the_o church_n none_o scruple_n it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o demand_n of_o dismission_n or_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n the_o same_o be_v grant_v but_o in_o removal_n of_o some_o member_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o same_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o need_v the_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o officer_n and_o whole_a church_n as_o be_v confess_v after_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v call_v to_o counsel_n and_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n for_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mediate_o by_o advise_v with_o some_o who_o may_v satisfy_v the_o rest_n if_o need_v be_v reply_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o expedient_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n over_o rigid_a and_o the_o member_n busiebody_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o rule_n of_o love_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v seek_v the_o edification_n and_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n as_o of_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o member_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n in_o one_o church_n body_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o shoulder_n zeph._n 3._o 9_o and_o to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o this_o do_v reach_n to_o all_o the_o action_n and_o way_n of_o one_o another_o so_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o this_o iâ—_n and_o we_o think_v this_o ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v our_o practice_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v which_o may_v wipe_v off_o the_o aspersion_n of_o be_v rigid_a or_o busybody_n reply_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n be_v peace_n but_o overmany_a counsellor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n answ_n we_o grant_v it_o may_v do_v so_o neither_o do_v we_o bring_v all_o case_n to_o public_a like_o counsel_n but_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o needs_o the_o public_a counsel_n of_o all_o and_o as_o we_o have_v a_o
gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n so_o we_o confess_v to_o his_o praise_n that_o we_o find_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n in_o matter_n orderly_o carry_v and_o gather_v up_o from_o the_o various_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o experience_n of_o many_o christian_n when_o need_n be_v to_o be_v a_o bless_a privilege_n of_o god_n people_n to_o enjoy_v and_o sanctify_v oft_o to_o the_o great_a good_a of_o his_o saint_n and_o be_v neglect_v and_o slight_v have_v be_v oft_o follow_v with_o sad_a event_n reply_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n infer_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n to_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v one_o over_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o this_o essential_o tie_v not_o any_o man_n to_o a_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n for_o then_o even_o occasional_a absence_n shall_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o grant_v our_o church-covenant_n neither_o require_v every_o business_n to_o come_v to_o public_a counsel_n nor_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o hold_v by_o we_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n reply_n you_o say_v you_o bind_v yourselves_o to_o no_o new_a duty_n but_o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o require_v neither_o direct_o nor_o by_o consequence_n that_o no_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o on_o what_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o can_v but_o grieve_v we_o to_o see_v how_o the_o replyer_n still_o not_o content_a to_o take_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o harsh_a sense_n but_o will_v also_o wind_v in_o other_o matter_n into_o his_o discourse_n which_o may_v make_v our_o practice_n seem_v far_o more_o rigid_a than_o it_o be_v first_o he_o urge_v we_o as_o if_o we_o bring_v all_o case_n of_o remove_n and_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o as_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n second_o he_o will_v by_o consequence_n infer_v the_o like_a of_o occasional_a absence_n and_o now_o he_o weave_v in_o that_o also_o as_o if_o it_o be_v practise_v by_o we_o to_o require_v man_n to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o place_n whither_o they_o go_v and_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o occasional_a absence_n which_o be_v far_o from_o we_o reply_n and_o if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o deny_v not_o but_o the_o best_a church_n through_o weakness_n and_o temptation_n may_v spend_v too_o much_o time_n in_o the_o most_o necessary_a administration_n of_o censure_n or_o other_o affair_n but_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n with_o such_o fear_n upon_o so_o little_a ground_n may_v argue_v the_o author_n charity_n concern_v our_o wisdom_n and_o christian_n care_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v not_o very_o great_a reply_n as_o for_o the_o covenant_n itself_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o constrain_v man_n to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o and_o wind_v they_o up_o high_a than_o god_n will_v and_o strain_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o pitch_n you_o seem_v here_o to_o do_v a_o godly_a sober_a mind_n may_v well_o pause_v before_o he_o make_v such_o a_o promise_n answ_n if_o the_o author_n have_v not_o strain_v and_o aggravate_v thing_n beyond_o our_o meaning_n in_o the_o answer_n and_o our_o practice_n this_o will_v not_o have_v come_v to_o so_o high_a a_o pitch_n to_o trouble_v a_o sober_a godly_a mind_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o general_o sober_a godly_a mind_n that_o have_v their_o pride_n and_o self-willednesse_a in_o any_o good_a measure_n mortify_v do_v count_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o our_o practice_n of_o this_o point_n to_o be_v both_o easy_a and_o profitable_a neither_o do_v we_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o any_o as_o be_v say_v but_o if_o any_o stumble_v at_o the_o four_o branch_n of_o the_o first_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n let_v we_o a_o little_a here_o clear_a that_o scruple_n when_o we_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o branch_v our_o reason_n into_o four_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o take_v as_o if_o every_o one_o of_o those_o four_o thing_n be_v make_v a_o distinct_a promise_n in_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n for_o the_o four_o be_v but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o three_o former_a as_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v never_o make_v by_o we_o a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o a_o distinct_a promise_n of_o it_o either_o in_o our_o judgement_n or_o practice_n if_o because_o we_o extend_v our_o watch_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o brethren_n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o we_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n it_o will_v no_o more_o follow_v then_o that_o we_o require_v promise_n in_o admission_n in_o a_o thousand_o case_n to_o which_o our_o watch_n also_o extend_v reply_n if_o any_o shall_v not_o meddle_v with_o every_o business_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o question_v whether_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o or_o no_o or_o not_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o know_v the_o most_o be_v unfit_a to_o counsel_v in_o such_o a_o case_n do_v he_o break_v his_o covenant_n therein_o and_o so_o commit_v a_o sin_n in_o a_o sort_n like_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n judge_v yourselves_o if_o in_o other_o case_n you_o will_v not_o censure_v this_o to_o be_v a_o high_a encroachment_n upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o a_o strict_a bind_n of_o man_n conscience_n by_o humane_a constitution_n answ_n to_o extend_v our_o watch_n so_o far_o as_o have_v be_v say_v unto_o these_o case_n of_o removall_n from_o a_o church_n to_o prevent_v sin_n in_o abrupt_a break_v off_o and_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o hurt_n and_o damage_n which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n oft_o fall_v into_o in_o their_o unadvised_a break_n out_o of_o the_o fold_n the_o lord_n have_v place_v they_o in_o and_o to_o further_a their_o best_a good_a in_o their_o removall_n whatever_o be_v think_v of_o it_o we_o count_v it_o no_o breach_n of_o christian_a liberty_n but_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v under_o such_o a_o watch_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o shall_v neglect_v any_o duty_n that_o one_o owe_v to_o another_o so_o far_o as_o it_o tend_v necessary_o to_o those_o end_n we_o may_v well_o reckon_v it_o as_o a_o neglect_n of_o our_o covenant_n but_o because_o it_o be_v offensive_a to_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n etc._n etc._n we_o entreat_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o the_o christian_a reader_n to_o consider_v that_o in_o the_o answer_n this_o stand_v in_o the_o three_o thing_n note_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o general_a and_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o this_o particular_a case_n by_o we_o nor_o well_o appliable_a in_o the_o manner_n here_o express_v second_o it_o be_v moderate_v in_o the_o answer_n which_o say_v in_o some_o sort_n he_o shall_v commit_v that_o sin_n if_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o satisfy_v we_o wish_v it_o expunge_v or_o any_o other_o seem_a harshness_n rather_o than_o offence_n be_v give_v to_o any_o last_o that_o you_o may_v not_o impute_v unto_o we_o the_o infringement_n of_o christian_a liberty_n herein_o we_o will_v acquaint_v all_o man_n with_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o removal_n from_o one_o town_n and_o church_n to_o another_o and_o from_o full_a to_o new_a plantation_n be_v frequent_o practise_v among_o we_o with_o consent_n and_o approbation_n second_o that_o we_o find_v in_o experience_n that_o as_o there_o be_v in_o sheep_n a_o wander_a disposition_n so_o in_o this_o large_a wilderness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n have_v exercise_v his_o people_n with_o various_a temptation_n by_o liberty_n by_o offer_n of_o large_a outward_a accommodation_n by_o want_n and_o straits_n by_o various_a opinion_n vent_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n etc._n etc._n in_o these_o respect_v the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o subject_a many_o time_n to_o outrunnings_n that_o we_o find_v more_o than_o ordinary_a need_n of_o care_n and_o wisdom_n in_o this_o point_n of_o our_o watch_n in_o many_o case_n and_o many_o that_o have_v break_v loose_a from_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o officer_n friend_n and_o of_o the_o church_n have_v deep_o smart_v for_o it_o how_o sad_a a_o case_n be_v it_o when_o some_o brainsick_a master_n of_o a_o family_n transport_v with_o a_o fancy_n a_o odd_a opinion_n will_v needs_o carry_v his_o whole_a
family_n with_o himself_o to_o the_o grief_n and_o hazard_n of_o his_o godly_a wife_n and_o hopeful_a child_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o people_n full_a of_o fanatical_a error_n be_v it_o christian_a liberty_n or_o dangerous_a licentiousness_n to_o leave_v such_o a_o man_n to_o his_o own_o counsel_n and_o not_o meddle_v with_o he_o reply_n may_v you_o not_o hear_v from_o your_o own_o ground_n that_o herein_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o never_o come_v into_o he_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o his_o body_n and_o in_o so_o do_v if_o your_o exposition_n hold_v good_a you_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n and_o so_o press_v custom_n only_o expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_a rule_n necessary_a for_o all_o time_n and_o all_o person_n to_o put_v that_o authority_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n to_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n beyond_o warrant_n to_o bind_v conscience_n under_o so_o heavy_a â—_o penalty_n as_o that_o of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v they_o to_o debar_v approve_a christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v as_o seiled_a member_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o society_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o as_o man_n that_o against_o light_n refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v approve_v which_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v in_o your_o practice_n answ_n here_o be_v a_o great_a heap_n of_o heavy_a crimination_n gather_v together_o and_o cast_v upon_o we_o upon_o very_o weak_a ground_n upon_o mistake_n suspicion_n and_o we_o fear_v too_o much_o credulity_n give_v to_o some_o clamorous_a person_n return_v to_o england_n and_o too_o little_a credit_n give_v to_o our_o true_a relation_n and_o faithful_a profession_n most_o of_o these_o have_v be_v clear_v in_o the_o former_a passage_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o and_o we_o marvel_v how_o they_o come_v in_o so_o twist_v together_o here_o again_o we_o shall_v here_o only_o clear_v ourselves_o of_o the_o first_o and_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o their_o proper_a place_n to_o see_v our_o answer_n to_o the_o other_o here_o it_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v devise_v a_o rite_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n and_o prevent_v the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v intend_v of_o this_o promise_n of_o not_o removal_n without_o leave_n which_o promise_n be_v not_o require_v of_o we_o nor_o make_v in_o our_o church_n covenant_n as_o we_o have_v say_v and_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n be_v also_o a_o mere_a mistake_n arise_v from_o the_o confound_a of_o a_o second_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n against_o our_o first_o reason_n with_o the_o second_o reason_n of_o our_o practice_n which_o be_v distinct_a and_o have_v a_o different_a scope_n for_o whereas_o some_o may_v object_v that_o this_o reason_n from_o the_o covenant_n hold_v with_o such_o as_o grant_v such_o a_o covenant_n lawful_a the_o answer_n say_v that_o some_o indeed_o question_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o we_o hope_v you_o do_v not_o question_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o thereupon_o the_o answer_n first_o give_v reason_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o second_o for_o the_o necessity_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o society_n incorporate_v which_o by_o a_o fundamental_a rule_n do_v require_v of_o all_o that_o enter_v into_o they_o and_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o to_o conform_v to_o all_o such_o lawful_a rite_n and_o order_n as_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o well_o be_v of_o that_o society_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o he_o to_o offer_v and_o confusion_n in_o they_o to_o accept_v and_o from_o hence_o it_o easy_o follow_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o a_o people_n enjoy_v privilege_n together_o it_o be_v necessary_a fundamental_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o some_o promise_n or_o covenant_n which_o covenant_n though_o in_o civil_a society_n it_o may_v consist_v in_o rite_n and_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o for_o their_o good_a yet_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n this_o covenant_n be_v no_o other_o but_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o without_o any_o rite_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o themselves_o as_o we_o profess_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o those_o word_n let_v any_o judge_n what_o ground_n be_v give_v by_o we_o of_o such_o a_o imputation_n of_o devise_v rite_n etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v the_o second_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n give_v any_o ground_n of_o this_o imputation_n for_o though_o it_o dispute_v from_o the_o necessary_a ruin_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o member_n when_o whither_o and_o wherefore_o he_o please_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n without_o consent_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n that_o give_v a_o hint_n of_o any_o rite_n custom_n or_o order_n devise_v by_o we_o to_o prevent_v the_o same_o but_o for_o the_o avoid_n thereof_o we_o still_o whole_o and_o only_o bind_v ourselves_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n to_o direct_v order_n and_o reform_v all_o action_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o show_v unto_o man_n whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o remove_v or_o not_o remove_v not_o require_v any_o express_a promise_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o this_o particular_a no_o more_o than_o in_o other_o and_o thus_o we_o hope_v we_o have_v resolve_v you_o of_o our_o practice_n as_o you_o desire_v to_o conclude_v this_o passage_n give_v we_o leave_v without_o offence_n to_o say_v thus_o much_o although_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n we_o desire_v humble_o to_o submit_v to_o this_o part_n of_o our_o trial_n even_o to_o go_v through_o evil_a report_n as_o well_o as_o good_a yea_o all_o the_o reproach_n and_o cruel_a mock_n of_o the_o world_n know_v that_o we_o have_v deserve_v much_o more_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o god_n without_o who_o providence_n a_o tongue_n can_v not_o move_v against_o we_o yet_o we_o can_v but_o account_v it_o one_o of_o our_o poor_a affliction_n to_o suffer_v in_o this_o kind_n from_o the_o pen_n or_o tongue_n of_o our_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n for_o who_o we_o daily_o pray_v and_o to_o who_o we_o hope_v we_o shall_v never_o be_v provoke_v to_o return_v any_o other_o language_n then_o savour_v of_o love_n and_o respect_n but_o we_o must_v confess_v we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o sore_a crimination_n oft_o upon_o mere_a mistake_n cast_v not_o only_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o way_n of_o god_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o that_o both_o by_o this_o learned_a author_n and_o some_o other_o that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o senseless_a of_o the_o dishonour_n be_v reflect_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n herein_o as_o whole_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o groan_n out_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o know_v our_o heart_n wherefore_o we_o humble_o beseech_v all_o our_o godly_a brethren_n to_o bear_v with_o we_o a_o little_a if_o after_o all_o the_o harsh_a passage_n of_o this_o reply_n such_o a_o heap_n of_o accusation_n as_o be_v here_o throw_v upon_o we_o move_v we_o to_o present_v to_o the_o reader_n a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v unjust_o and_o unground_o cast_v upon_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v but_o think_v have_v draw_v a_o black_a cloud_n over_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v here_o set_v up_o among_o we_o to_o omit_v the_o general_a frame_n of_o this_o reply_n in_o present_v our_o opinion_n and_o way_n to_o the_o people_n as_o if_o we_o concur_v general_o with_o those_o of_o the_o rigid_a separation_n and_o differ_v almost_o in_o every_o thing_n from_o such_o godly_a brethren_n as_o have_v breathe_v after_o purity_n of_o ordinance_n and_o reformation_n to_o omit_v also_o the_o frequent_a insert_v of_o such_o term_n unto_o our_o question_n and_o argument_n contrary_a to_o the_o true_a state_n thereof_o which_o render_v every_o thing_n harst_o and_o full_a of_o rigidness_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o reader_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o we_o and_o omit_v also_o divers_a other_o supposition_n and_o objection_n we_o shall_v only_o desire_v those_o who_o have_v take_v up_o evil_a thought_n concern_v these_o church_n and_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n we_o walk_v in_o from_o this_o reply_n to_o note_v
these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o this_o short_a chapter_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v build_v as_o page_n 79._o that_o we_o hinder_v man_n from_o entrance_n into_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n and_o run_a upon_o this_o strain_n he_o say_v be_v it_o ever_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n thereof_o unto_o this_o day_n that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v propound_v unto_o and_o require_v of_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n fellowship_n here_o be_v a_o loud_a outcry_n and_o who_o will_v not_o think_v but_o that_o we_o usual_o propound_v and_o require_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o our_o admission_n which_o yet_o be_v nothing_o so_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o look_v a_o little_a before_o and_o he_o say_v if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v again_o ibidem_fw-la say_v he_o we_o think_v the_o church_n be_v overrigid_a in_o exact_v such_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o member_n go_v beyond_o their_o measure_n as_o busy_a body_n and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n it_o follow_v if_o they_o arrogate_v such_o a_o power_n to_o themselves_o so_o page_n next_o 80._o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o command_v that_o no_o member_n shall_v remove_v or_o occasional_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o place_n of_o his_o habitation_n before_o he_o have_v acquaint_v the_o congregation_n whither_o he_o go_v on_o what_o occasion_n etc._n etc._n to_o what_o end_n be_v this_o insert_v if_o not_o to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o practice_n among_o we_o that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o occasional_o be_v absent_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v far_o from_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n see_v a_o few_o line_n after_o the_o church_n shall_v burden_n herself_o etc._n etc._n if_o she_o take_v upon_o she_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o all_o such_o occasion_n and_o immediate_o after_o we_o fear_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o religious_a exercise_n shall_v be_v profane_v by_o unseasonable_a dispute_n but_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o fear_n conceive_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n viz._n if_o such_o business_n must_v be_v determine_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o that_o before_o the_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o seem_v robinson_n in_o case_n of_o some_o notorious_a obstinate_a offender_n will_v have_v some_o censure_n pass_v to_o prevent_v pollution_n of_o a_o ordinance_n and_o be_v this_o ground_n sufficient_a again_o in_o the_o same_o page_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v thick_o sow_v herein_o say_v he_o you_o have_v devise_v a_o expedient_a or_o necessary_a rite_n or_o custom_n to_o preserve_v unity_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o seek_v a_o ground_n it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o mistake_n â—s_v be_v show_v before_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a profession_n of_o the_o answer_n that_o we_o promise_v no_o new_a duty_n but_o only_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n require_v of_o all_o saint_n in_o church_n order_n much_o less_o do_v we_o set_v up_o new_a rite_n and_o custom_n and_o as_o if_o all_o these_o particular_a imputation_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o leaf_n be_v two_o little_a page_z next_z 81._o we_o have_v a_o whole_a catalogue_n gather_v together_o from_o other_o place_n and_o this_o that_o by_o lay_v thing_n together_o the_o odium_fw-la raise_v may_v stick_v the_o deep_a for_o thus_o the_o word_n be_v but_o to_o press_v custom_n expedient_a for_o the_o time_n as_o stand_a rule_n necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o all_o person_n to_o put_v authority_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n which_o god_n never_o put_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o intermeddle_v to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o that_o upon_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n as_o the_o sin_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v it_o to_o debar_v know_v christian_n from_o the_o seal_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n as_o settle_a member_n and_o yet_o charge_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a season_n against_o light_n to_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n concern_v all_o which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a nor_o approve_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v among_o we_o and_o what_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o true_o weak_a enough_o as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o our_o discourse_n and_o here_o it_o be_v the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o author_n for_o thus_o he_o add_v this_o be_v that_o we_o can_v approve_v and_o yet_o we_o suspect_v will_v follow_v from_o your_o judgement_n these_o thing_n we_o have_v thus_o brief_o present_v in_o one_o view_v not_o to_o dishonour_v the_o learned_a and_o reverend_a author_n who_o memory_n we_o honour_v two_o thing_n we_o charitable_o take_v notice_n of_o to_o remove_v over_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o first_o we_o consider_v his_o spirit_n may_v be_v over_o grieve_v and_o provoke_v to_o this_o harshness_n by_o the_o withdrawing_n of_o many_o christian_n from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o corrupt_a liturgy_n in_o which_o cause_n he_o stand_v too_o far_o engage_v and_o suppose_v new-england_n way_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o he_o be_v the_o more_o sharp_a second_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o reply_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o he_o to_o be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n but_o to_o be_v send_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o less_o blamable_a but_o see_v these_o thing_n be_v now_o publish_v and_o the_o harshness_n thereof_o may_v do_v much_o hurt_n we_o be_v press_v to_o clear_v ourselves_o wherein_o if_o any_o thing_n reflect_v upon_o the_o author_n or_o publisher_n we_o can_v avoid_v it_o neither_o do_v we_o write_v thus_o as_o if_o we_o will_v whole_o justify_v ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o particular_a miscarriage_n that_o happy_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o in_o some_o church_n or_o other_o may_v have_v happen_v we_o have_v much_o cause_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o our_o god_n and_o abase_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dust_n before_o man_n for_o all_o the_o weakness_n sin_n error_n and_o miscarriage_n that_o have_v be_v find_v among_o we_o in_o one_o kind_n and_o another_o only_o this_o we_o may_v profess_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n that_o in_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o endeavour_n of_o our_o life_n we_o have_v seek_v after_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n and_o frame_v of_o discipline_n as_o we_o can_v conceive_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o help_n of_o the_o best_a reformer_n to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n not_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o any_o evil_n discover_v unto_o we_o but_o bewail_v our_o great_a defect_n in_o all_o reply_n and_o here_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o you_o have_v consider_v already_o that_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o they_o be_v call_v to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n wrought_v in_o their_o soul_n or_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n thereof_o you_o stand_v here_o all_o this_o day_n say_v moses_n before_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o shall_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o wilderness_n joshua_n circumcise_v but_o it_o be_v uncredible_a to_o think_v there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v not_o give_v good_a testimony_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a thing_n especial_o in_o the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o know_v their_o material_n and_o because_o the_o reverend_a and_o learned_a author_n step_v somewhat_o out_o of_o his_o way_n to_o call_v we_o to_o give_v answer_n in_o this_o controversy_n of_o such_o great_a weight_n especial_o in_o this_o present_a turn_n of_o time_n we_o shall_v therefore_o glad_o accept_v of_o this_o occasion_n to_o declare_v ourselves_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o we_o may_v to_o the_o two_o branch_n of_o the_o question_n qu._n first_o whether_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n at_o there_o admission_n thereunto_o answ_n 1._o second_o whether_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v to_o be_v judge_n hereof_o whether_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v etc._n etc._n for_o answer_v to_o which_o we_o shall_v express_v ourselves_o in_o these_o particular_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n first_o that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o of_o what_o may_v keep_v a_o church_n already_o constitute_v from_o be_v account_v no_o church_n
but_o of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v require_v of_o such_o as_o join_v unto_o a_o church_n for_o a_o church_n may_v be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o corrupt_a as_o be_v general_o observe_v by_o protestant_a writer_n hoth_v out_o of_o the_o example_n of_o some_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o the_o old_a in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n thereof_o we_o think_v in_o this_o same_o doctor_n field_n expression_n may_v be_v safe_o 7_o receive_v some_o profess_v christ_n say_v he_o but_o not_o whole_o and_o entire_o as_o heretic_n some_o profess_v the_o whole_a save_a truth_n but_o not_o in_o unity_n as_o schismatic_n some_o profess_v it_o in_o untie_v but_o not_o in_o sincerity_n as_o profane_a person_n and_o hypocrite_n some_o in_o unity_n and_o sincerity_n all_o these_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n by_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consequent_o in_o some_o degree_n and_o sort_n the_o church_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o think_v that_o 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certainty_n from_o such_o infallible_a sign_n of_o it_o as_o may_v demonstrate_v the_o hide_a be_v of_o it_o within_o but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n which_o hope_v the_o best_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 7_o in_o the_o weak_a christian_n and_o mean_a profession_n even_o when_o it_o sometime_o fear_v the_o worst_a and_o be_v not_o able_a at_o the_o present_a to_o convince_v the_o contrary_n three_o this_o judgement_n of_o charity_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o another_o profession_n or_o that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o word_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v as_o a_o complete_a rule_n not_o only_o of_o faith_n but_o also_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o act_n unto_o their_o end_n and_o hence_o large_a profession_n and_o long_a relation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n though_o full_a of_o exceed_a glory_n when_o humble_o and_o prudent_o make_v we_o exact_v not_o rigorous_o and_o necessary_o of_o all_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n direct_v we_o not_o so_o to_o judge_v because_o many_o christian_n may_v be_v draw_v to_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o seed_n of_o faith_n yet_o may_v sometime_o not_o know_v it_o sometime_o remember_v not_o the_o work_n of_o it_o sometime_o through_o bashfulness_n fear_n want_v of_o part_n nor_o not_o train_v up_o under_o a_o know_a ministry_n not_o be_v able_a to_o profess_v it_o so_o full_o and_o clear_o hence_o also_o to_o keep_v out_o other_o from_o communion_n out_o of_o groundless_a fear_n that_o all_o their_o profession_n may_v be_v in_o hypocrisy_n we_o allow_v not_o because_o no_o man_n in_o his_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o his_o fear_n but_o by_o the_o word_n hence_o also_o to_o account_v any_o unfit_a for_o the_o church_n because_o their_o heart_n can_v close_v with_o they_o or_o because_o they_o like_v not_o their_o spirit_n speak_v not_o with_o favour_n or_o any_o such_o like_a principle_n and_o yet_o can_v give_v no_o rule_n or_o convict_a argument_n from_o the_o word_n why_o thus_o they_o do_v we_o think_v be_v rigour_n not_o charity_n regulate_v by_o the_o word_n for_o humane_a charity_n do_v not_o make_v god_n church_n but_o such_o person_n which_o from_o god_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n charity_n be_v to_o receive_v and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v here_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o look_v for_o a_o ground_n of_o certainty_n to_o faith_n but_o not_o for_o charity_n which_o can_v be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o another_o estate_n and_o therefore_o upon_o a_o hopeful_a supposition_n that_o the_o premise_n their_o profession_n be_v true_a hopeful_o only_o make_v the_o conclusion_n the_o question_n â—eing_v bring_v to_o this_o narrow_a it_o will_v here_o lie_v viz._n first_o whether_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n second_o with_o what_o profession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n charity_n according_a to_o a_o rule_n be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v the_o first_o we_o think_v be_v write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o neither_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n exod._n 19_o or_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n act_n 2._o and_o in_o other_o like_a scripture_n do_v call_v for_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o especial_o of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o his_o people_n exd._n 19_o deut._n 29._o it_o be_v not_o with_o this_o condition_n if_o they_o do_v believe_v his_o word_n to_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n but_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n which_o in_o a_o prepare_a people_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v require_v to_o go_v preach_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o baptize_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o look_v as_o they_o do_v require_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v so_o upon_o the_o profession_n thereof_o they_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o also_o appear_v act_v 2._o 38._o which_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v and_o tremble_v and_o profane_a man_n of_o much_o knowledge_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o unfit_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o act._n 8._o 37._o philip_n not_o only_o require_v faith_n but_o a_o believe_a with_o all_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o eunuch_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o profession_n baptize_v he_o and_o hence_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n at_o corinth_n colosse_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n be_v call_v saint_n and_o sanctify_v of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n how_o be_v it_o because_o debito_fw-la and_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la only_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o then_o all_o who_o hear_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o church_n for_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o or_o be_v it_o because_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v true_o such_o among_o they_o and_o so_o in_o concreto_fw-la be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o so_o for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o visible_a church_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o yet_o none_o among_o they_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n unless_o any_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n invisible_a be_v essential_a to_o the_o be_v and_o title_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o their_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n which_o they_o maintain_v be_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o the_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n john_n baptist_n also_o though_o he_o baptize_v none_o into_o a_o new_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v require_v the_o less_o yet_o as_o he_o real_o promise_v remission_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o messiah_n so_o he_o require_v that_o very_a faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o may_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o this_o heavenly_a benefit_n and_o therefore_o if_o what_o he_o require_v they_o manifest_v by_o their_o profession_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o save_a work_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o hold_v forth_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o a_o creed_n which_o be_v require_v for_o then_o a_o papist_n be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n nor_o willingness_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o then_o heap_n of_o profane_a person_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v profession_n of_o a_o work_n and_o save_a work_n
apostle_n ordinary_a and_o first_o lead_v practice_n and_o example_n be_v for_o those_o position_n not_o against_o they_o 2_o you_o grant_v here_o that_o act_n 2._o and_o 8._o and_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o we_o must_v suppose_v though_o not_o express_v for_o how_o else_o can_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o the_o mocker_n and_o other_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o profession_n this_o must_v be_v by_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o his_o doctrine_n press_v three_o thing_n 1._o conversion_n or_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n 2._o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o those_o word_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 38._o 3._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o and_o substance_n of_o his_o exhortation_n which_o include_v a_o gather_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o text_n say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o that_o they_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 2._o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o do_v all_o this_o appear_v but_o by_o their_o profession_n and_o what_o kind_n of_o confession_n can_v any_o man_n think_v such_o soul_n will_v make_v but_o a_o break_a heart_a gracious_a confession_n which_o to_o any_o discern_a charity_n must_v be_v take_v to_o argue_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o the_o very_a character_n give_v of_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o so_o brief_a a_o history_n do_v clear_o evince_v what_o we_o contend_v for_o consider_v also_o the_o story_n acts._n 8._o and_o first_o not_o to_o pass_v over_o what_o be_v say_v of_o simon_n magus_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v he_o believe_v be_v baptize_v continue_v with_o philip_n and_o wonder_v so_o that_o no_o doubt_n they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n but_o when_o peter_n discover_v his_o falseness_n see_v what_o he_o say_v verse_n 21._o thou_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v for_o thy_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n let_v any_o here_o consider_v that_o if_o he_o have_v no_o part_n nor_o lot_n in_o christ_n and_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n because_o not_o right_a whether_o the_o apostle_n peter_n or_o the_o church_n will_v have_v receive_v he_o if_o such_o have_v be_v discover_v before_o and_o for_o the_o eunuch_n philip_n require_v his_o profession_n of_o faith_n if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n look_v for_o a_o sound_n work_n of_o grace_n and_o though_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o include_v true_a faith_n in_o he_o for_o salvation_n as_o we_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n take_v that_o confession_n of_o peter_n for_o true_a faith_n flesh_n and_o â—lood_o have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o build_v the_o church_n on_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16._o yea_o it_o include_v subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o rare_a but_o a_o common_a thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n believe_v and_o confess_v to_o include_v true_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n that_o suit_n with_o that_o foundation_n as_o rom._n 10._o 9_o so_o expound_v verse_n 10_o 11._o as_o be_v more_o than_o historical_a faith_n so_o 1_o john_n 4._o 1_o 2._o and_o 5._o 1._o the_o like_a character_n of_o a_o penitent_a and_o gracious_a carriage_n and_o confession_n may_v be_v observe_v act._n 19_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o see_v you_o have_v give_v we_o this_o occasion_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n from_o the_o first_o pattern_n we_o shall_v add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o take_v away_o the_o conceit_n of_o novelty_n which_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n as_o much_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o tertullian_n say_v in_o his_o book_n of_o prescription_n we_o admit_v no_o man_n to_o any_o disputation_n about_o divine_a thing_n unless_o he_o first_o have_v show_v we_o of_o who_o he_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o second_o whether_o he_o admit_v and_o hold_v the_o general_a principle_n wherein_o all_o christian_n do_v and_o ever_o do_v agree_v otherwise_o proscribe_v against_o he_o as_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o in_o those_o time_n they_o be_v so_o strict_a in_o admit_v man_n to_o disputation_n no_o doubt_n much_o more_o in_o receive_v man_n to_o church_n communion_n but_o if_o this_o seem_v not_o full_a enough_o take_v another_o in_o the_o church_n of_o old_a there_o be_v catechumeni_fw-la instruct_v for_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n with_o who_o they_o take_v much_o pain_n in_o sanctify_v they_o before_z by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o often_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o for_o their_o admission_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n in_o use_n among_o they_o 1._o nominis_fw-la professio_fw-la 2._o scrutinium_fw-la 3._o abrenuntiatio_n 4._o fidei_fw-la professio_fw-la their_o scrutinium_fw-la which_o they_o call_v examen_fw-la competentium_fw-la or_o the_o examination_n of_o such_o as_o be_v competent_a or_o fit_v for_o admission_n this_o examen_fw-la be_v very_o strict_a as_o be_v observe_v out_o of_o alcuinus_fw-la by_o learned_a *_o 15._o chamier_n fiant_fw-la scrutinia_fw-la ut_fw-la explorentur_fw-la saepius_fw-la a_o post_n renuntiationum_fw-la satanae_n sacra_fw-la verba_fw-la datae_fw-la fidei_fw-la radicitus_fw-la cord_n defixerint_fw-la i._n e._n let_v examination_n be_v make_v that_o it_o oft_o may_v be_v try_v whether_o they_o have_v deep_o fix_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o sacred_a word_n of_o their_o profess_a faith_n and_o what_o ever_o any_o may_v think_v of_o the_o strictness_n of_o that_o their_o discipline_n in_o this_o point_n chamier_n give_v a_o large_a testimony_n by_o way_n of_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o who_o word_n upon_o it_o be_v these_o certain_z nemo_fw-la improbare_fw-la potest_fw-la seriam_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la sanctis_fw-la rebus_fw-la diligentiam_fw-la ne_fw-la quantum_fw-la fieri_fw-la poterit_fw-la lateant_fw-la simones_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n certain_o no_o man_n can_v disallow_v such_o serious_a diligence_n to_o prevent_v profanation_n of_o sacred_a thing_n lest_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o as_o simon_n magus_n may_v lie_v hide_v and_o say_v he_o the_o apostle_n go_v before_o in_o their_o example_n for_o philip_n act_v 8._o be_v demand_v of_o the_o eunuch_n what_o hinder_v i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o answer_v not_o simple_o thou_o may_v but_o with_o this_o supposition_n add_v if_o thou_o believe_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n now_o this_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v either_o by_o recite_v the_o creed_n in_o a_o eminent_a place_n before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o that_o praeclarâ_fw-la â—iduciâ_fw-la with_o full_a affiance_n as_o he_o observe_v out_o of_o clement_n and_o augustine_n or_o else_o respondendo_fw-la interroganti_fw-la sacerdoti_fw-la per_fw-la singula_fw-la in_o subsidium_fw-la forte_fw-fr pudoris_fw-la aut_fw-la memoriae_fw-la i._n e._n by_o answer_v to_o the_o minister_n propound_v question_n concern_v their_o faith_n for_o help_v of_o their_o bashfulness_n or_o want_v of_o memory_n also_o beza_n in_o his_o epist_n 14._o commend_v much_o the_o severity_n and_o zeal_n of_o former_a pastor_n and_o church_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o bemoan_v the_o negligence_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o filth_n he_o conclude_v thus_o itaque_fw-la frustra_fw-la disputabitur_fw-la tum_fw-la voce_fw-la tum_fw-la scriptis_fw-la nisi_fw-la conversione_n cordium_fw-la &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d initium_fw-la instaurationis_fw-la sumatur_fw-la reverend_a mr._n hildersham_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o people_n that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o their_o pastor_n answer_v thus_o yes_o very_o for_o see_v matth._n 3._o 6._o act_n 8._o 37._o god_n require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o year_n of_o discretion_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v know_v to_o the_o congregation_n or_o their_o minister_n their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n he_o do_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o require_v this_o of_o they_o
that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o see_v 1._o that_o his_o judgement_n be_v that_o act._n 8._o and_o mat._n 3._o the_o people_n do_v make_v know_v their_o spiritual_a estate_n to_o the_o congregation_n or_o minister_n when_o they_o profess_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o second_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o now_o so_o to_o be_v last_o we_o may_v appeal_v herein_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o very_a many_o godly_a minister_n in_o our_o dear_a england_n whether_o they_o groan_v not_o under_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o precious_a with_o the_o vile_a in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o glad_o have_v it_o otherwise_o which_o can_v be_v without_o such_o a_o way_n of_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o or_o else_o in_o constitute_v but_o corrupt_v church_n by_o cast_v out_o such_o as_o after_o admonition_n appear_v impenitent_a in_o sin_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o discipline_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n vote_v at_o first_o by_o the_o present_a reverend_a assembly_n and_o present_v in_o their_o directory_n to_o the_o parliament_n if_o we_o be_v not_o misinform_v who_o word_n be_v these_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v thereto_o mean_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v be_v find_v upon_o careful_a examination_n by_o the_o minister_n before_o the_o other_o church-officer_n to_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o profess_v their_o willingness_n to_o submit_v thewselve_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o approve_a conversation_n according_a to_o christ_n the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v nor_o those_o of_o another_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n or_o be_v very_o well_o know_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o instance_n concern_v unbaptise_v person_n only_o which_o be_v not_o our_o case_n answ_n 1._o multitude_n of_o baptize_v person_n in_o these_o day_n be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o some_o unbaptised_a and_o therefore_o as_o apt_a to_o pollute_v god_n ordinance_n 2._o chamiers_fw-fr reason_n why_o unbaptised_a person_n be_v to_o go_v under_o such_o strict_a examination_n hold_v good_a in_o our_o case_n 3._o such_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v by_o john_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o those_o that_o be_v church_n member_n before_o reply_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n in_o after_o time_n some_o article_n be_v add_v for_o explanation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o time_n but_o for_o substance_n the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n it_o be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a however_o the_o time_n which_o follow_v the_o scripture_n pattern_n be_v both_o obscure_a to_o we_o and_o no_o infallible_a pattern_n yet_o many_o church_n use_v great_a strictness_n as_o be_v show_v in_o receive_v and_o restore_v fall_v member_n and_o if_o afterward_o heresy_n give_v just_a occasion_n to_o require_v further_a profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o add_v more_o article_n for_o explanation_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o more_o explicate_v confession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o formality_n and_o mere_a outside_n profession_n of_o so_o many_o civilist_n formalist_n and_o atheist_n require_v the_o same_o reply_n if_o you_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o this_o or_o that_o way_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n at_o least_o not_o agree_v upon_o among_o yourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o authority_n you_o do_v it_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n you_o stand_v answ_n this_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n if_o so_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o profess_a practice_n to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o if_o any_o have_v so_o do_v as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o opinion_n prevail_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disapprove_v the_o same_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o see_v any_o have_v some_o way_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v humble_v for_o sin_n bring_v home_o to_o christ_n by_o faith_n or_o have_v any_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o life_n answerable_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n chap._n xvi_o position_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o or_o leave_v he_o unjust_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n and_o your_o answer_n be_v for_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v by_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v answ_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o answer_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a nor_o the_o ground_n impertinent_a and_o we_o accept_v your_o grant_n of_o it_o that_o a_o minister_n just_o reject_v by_o his_o church_n be_v no_o long_o a_o minister_n then_o we_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o indelible_a character_n in_o the_o office_n but_o that_o his_o ministry_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o then_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v not_o dissolve_v his_o office_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o he_o be_v find_v worthy_a after_o upon_o repentance_n to_o be_v call_v to_o another_o church_n he_o must_v be_v new_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o his_o office_n be_v no_o minister_n upon_o his_o just_a depose_n reply_n but_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o build_v the_o sentence_n which_o you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o be_v speak_v before_o and_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v thing_n in_o vain_a reply_n second_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v neither_o confine_v to_o one_o society_n only_o nor_o next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o deputation_n of_o the_o person_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v be_v from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o but_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o answ_n these_o thing_n about_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n by_o the_o church_n be_v also_o speak_v to_o before_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v these_o thing_n may_v well_o be_v spare_v but_o what_o we_o find_v here_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o place_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o elect_v her_o officer_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o confess_v a_o truth_n by_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v so_o many_o restriction_n in_o the_o case_n that_o they_o much_o abate_v and_o weaken_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a liberty_n and_o power_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o this_o man_n come_v to_o have_v this_o office_n apply_v to_o he_o if_o immediate_o than_o he_o be_v in_o this_o a_o apostle_n if_o mediate_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n or_o else_o show_v by_o who_o 2._o that_o the_o church_n choose_v ministerial_o and_o aught_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o fit_v with_o gift_n and_o so_o far_o design_v by_o christ_n we_o grant_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o such_o which_o of_o
be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n he_o remain_v every_o way_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n by_o right_a a_o minister_n as_o he_o be_v before_o except_o he_o reject_v they_o and_o so_o dissolve_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o they_o but_o if_o the_o question_n speak_v of_o a_o orderly_a censure_n of_o deposition_n unjust_o than_o we_o judge_v of_o that_o case_n as_o we_o will_v do_v in_o any_o other_o censure_n of_o a_o member_n by_o excommunication_n &_o therefore_o we_o say_v he_o be_v still_o a_o minister_n in_o foro_fw-la interno_fw-la before_o christ_n for_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la second_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o church_n he_o have_v still_o right_a true_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o and_o be_v their_o minister_n though_o unjust_o hinder_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o ministry_n as_o a_o member_n unjust_o censure_v have_v a_o true_a right_n to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o membership_n though_o unjust_o hinder_v from_o the_o same_o though_o in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la we_o grant_v to_o they_o or_o in_o their_o account_n he_o be_v no_o minister_n as_o a_o person_n excommunicate_v be_v to_o they_o no_o member_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o church_n if_o it_o do_v appear_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_o depose_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o esteem_v he_o still_o and_o receive_v he_o and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o as_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n he_o do_v belong_v to_o as_o they_o may_v do_v with_o a_o member_n unjust_o cast_v out_o but_o till_o that_o appear_v unto_o they_o they_o can_v so_o esteem_v and_o honour_v he_o be_v orderly_o depose_v but_o must_v at_o least_o suspend_v their_o judgement_n till_o the_o case_n be_v clear_v four_o we_o answer_v clear_o and_o plain_o to_o the_o chief_a scope_n of_o the_o question_n if_o a_o minister_n be_v unjust_o depose_v or_o forsake_v by_o his_o particular_a church_n and_o he_o also_o withal_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v they_o so_o far_o as_o all_o office_n and_o relation_n between_o they_o cease_v then_o be_v he_o no_o long_o a_o officer_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o church_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v call_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o minister_n office_n in_o the_o church_n iâ—_n no_o indelible_a character_n but_o consist_v in_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n once_o ordain_v his_o relation_n cease_v his_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v still_o remain_v why_o shall_v not_o a_o roll_a elder_a or_o deacon_n remain_v a_o elder_a or_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o all_o be_v officer_n ordain_v of_o christ_n alike_o give_v to_o his_o church_n officer_n choose_v and_o ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n alike_o but_o we_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o say_v a_o deacon_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v remain_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o not_o a_o minister_n second_o we_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o say_v and_o first_o this_o language_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v union_n with_o and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a it_o be_v a_o unusual_a expression_n to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o therefore_o bear_v with_o we_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o your_o meaning_n the_o usual_a church_n in_o england_n have_v be_v either_o the_o arch-deacon_n church_n in_o the_o deanery_n or_o diocesan_n in_o the_o bishopric_n or_o provincial_n or_o national_n but_o we_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o intend_a here_o yet_o to_o all_o this_o and_o the_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o particular_a church_n have_v be_v subject_a as_o part_n there_o but_o if_o by_o usual_a church_n you_o mean_v a_o classical_a provincial_n or_o national_n church_n we_o must_v entreat_v better_a ground_n for_o any_o of_o these_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v confess_v our_o mind_n and_o meaning_n be_v not_o so_o that_o we_o look_v at_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o any_o such_o relation_n to_o the_o usual_a and_o intermediate_v church_n between_o it_o and_o the_o catholic_a the_o second_o sense_n therefore_o we_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o before_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o know_v not_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o know_v what_o the_o universal_a church_n judge_v except_o we_o can_v hear_v it_o speak_v or_o see_v its_o practice_n if_o the_o only_a head_n prophet_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n be_v fit_a to_o declare_v her_o judgement_n we_o will_v be_v try_v thereby_o who_o we_o know_v have_v sâ—t_a elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n act._n 14._o 23._o to_o watch_n over_o their_o particular_a flock_n act._n 20._o 28._o but_o not_o over_o any_o other_o church_n that_o we_o can_v find_v neither_o do_v this_o destroy_v the_o unity_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n nor_o of_o particular_a church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o be_v say_v for_o church_n may_v enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o without_o such_o state_v form_n under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o another_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o reply_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n to_o other_o church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o nor_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v together_o on_o nâ—r_v the_o minister_n one_o nor_o the_o â—â—â—cke_n which_o they_o feed_v one_o answ_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v intend_v to_o have_v the_o minister_n one_o and_o flock_v one_o we_o do_v not_o see_v if_o you_o mean_v one_o by_o one_o visible_a government_n over_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o church_n and_o minister_n you_o must_v at_o last_o rise_v to_o oecomenicall_a pastor_n or_o council_n that_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a which_o can_v scarce_o ever_o be_v have_v if_o you_o mean_v a_o unity_n by_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o office_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a helpefulnesse_n of_o church_n and_o minister_n without_o usurpation_n such_o a_o unity_n and_o community_n be_v not_o destroy_v and_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o follow_v can_v many_o distinct_a society_n ot_fw-mi town_n or_o corporation_n make_v up_o one_o county_n except_o the_o major_n or_o constable_n in_o one_o town_n be_v a_o major_n or_o constable_n in_o other_o also_o by_o this_o reason_n the_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n be_v the_o deacon_n of_o all_o or_o else_o the_o unity_n be_v destroy_v reply_n if_o the_o pastor_n derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n have_v set_v he_o aside_o what_o right_o have_v he_o to_o administer_v among_o that_o people_n answ_n true_o but_o we_o say_v he_o derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n indeed_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o he_o to_o which_o the_o authority_n be_v annex_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n hence_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o without_o christ_n depose_v he_o they_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n but_o his_o right_n remain_v reply_n as_o they_o give_v right_a to_o a_o unworthy_a man_n to_o minister_v among_o they_o if_o they_o call_v he_o unjust_o so_o they_o take_v right_a from_o the_o worthy_a if_o they_o unjust_o depose_v he_o answ_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la but_o as_o in_o the_o call_n his_o outward_a call_v consist_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o call_n and_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o call_v to_o complete_a his_o power_n of_o administration_n now_o this_o by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n may_v be_v destroy_v in_o a_o just_a censure_n without_o his_o consent_n but_o can_v unjust_o be_v wring_v from_o he_o without_o his_o consent_n &_o therefore_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o right_n till_o either_o he_o be_v just_o depose_v or_o willing_o relinquish_v the_o same_o upon_o their_o injurious_a interruption_n of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o right_n reply_n and_o whereas_o you_o say_v the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o office_n for_o the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o flock_n be_v relative_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o election_n give_v he_o authority_n among_o they_o to_o feed_v their_o cast_v he_o off_o have_v strip_v he_o of_o the_o same_o power_n they_o give_v he_o aâ—su_fw-la we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o the_o execution_n may_v be_v unjust_o hinder_v though_o the_o right_n and_o office_n remain_v but_o we_o may_v well_o retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o usual_a or_o catholic_a church_n thus_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o office_n for_o