12._o draw-net_n 47_o draw-net_n math._n 13._o 47_o and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n which_o be_v further_o in_o scripture_n describe_v to_o be_v organical_a 12._o organical_a 1_o cor._n 12_o 14_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12._o 4_o to_o 9_o ephes_n 4_o 4._o with_o 11_o 12._o quest_n 6._o but_o we_o read_v of_o church_n 31._o church_n gal_n 1._o 2._o 1_o cor._n 14_o 34._o act_n 9_o 31._o in_o the_o plural_a number_n of_o many_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v not_o only_o one_o church_n ans_fw-fr these_o be_v the_o particular_a church_n i_o speak_v of_o of_o the_o same_o name_n and_o nature_n with_o the_o whole_a as_o the_o sea_n be_v but_o one_o 5_o one_o psa_fw-la 95._o 5_o yet_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o wash_v several_a shore_n be_v call_v sea_n 2_o sea_n psa_fw-la 24_o 2_o the_o dry_a land_n but_o one_o 10_o one_o gen._n 1._o 10_o yet_o be_v possess_v by_o several_a nation_n under_o 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the_o several_a regiment_n and_o company_n be_v call_v church_n 7_o church_n eze_n 26_o 7_o so_o particular_a church_n and_o antichristian_a convention_n be_v as_o the_o several_a brigade_n regiment_n or_o company_n of_o those_o two_o army_n hence_o also_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v call_v army_n and_o army_n 13_o army_n cant._n 6_o 10_o 13_o vineyard_n and_o vineyard_n 12_o vineyard_n cant._n 7_o 12_o &_o 8_o 11_o 12_o garden_n and_o garden_n 2_o garden_n cant._n 6_o 2_o as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o churches_n quest_n 7._o what_o sort_n of_o elder_n have_v god_n appoint_v in_o his_o church_n answ_n two_o sort_n extraordinary_a as_o the_o apostle_n 1_o apostle_n 1_o pet_n 5_o 1_o 2_o joh._n v._n 1_o and_o ordinary_a as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n 5_o teacher_n act_n 20_o 17_o 28._o tit._n 1_o 5_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o rule_v not_o only_o church_n but_o pastor_n and_o minister_n also_o be_v man_n of_o a_o high_a order_n 11_o order_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 28._o eph._n 4_o 11_o immediate_o call_v of_o god_n 1_o god_n gal._n 1_o 1_o infallible_a in_o their_o doctrine_n 2_o doctrine_n gal._n 1_o 7_o 8._o &_o 5_o 2_o endow_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n 18_o gift_n act_n 2_o 1_o 2._o &_o 8_o 17_o 18_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o flesh_n act._n 1_o 21_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 1_o be_v enjoin_v ordinary_o to_o travel_v abroad_o to_o plant_v church_n 19_o church_n math._n 28_o 19_o may_v act_v authoritative_o in_o any_o church_n without_o a_o call_n or_o consent_v of_o man_n and_o may_v shake_v the_o dust_n off_o their_o foot_n against_o such_o minister_n or_o other_o as_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o 14_o they_o math._n 10_o 14_o their_o commission_n be_v irrepealable_a the_o limit_n they_o agree_v on_o be_v large_a 9_o large_a gal_n 2_o 9_o but_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o of_o a_o high_a order_n nor_o have_v power_n over_o his_o fellow_n minister_n nor_o have_v a_o immediate_a irrepealable_a call_n not_o infallible_a nor_o in_o these_o time_n 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into_o particular_a congregation_n and_o fix_v particular_a elder_n to_o they_o be_v no_o further_o of_o divine_a institution_n then_o order_n and_o edification_n do_v first_o occasion_n and_o do_v still_o require_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o as_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o levi_n say_v all_o the_o jew_n in_o common_a for_o aught_o we_o know_v while_o they_o be_v together_o afterward_o it_o may_v be_v the_o four_o family_n of_o levite_n as_o aaron_n cohath_n gershon_n metari_fw-la do_v take_v more_o special_a charge_n of_o those_o tribe_n that_o quarter_v on_o the_o same_o side_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n that_o they_o do_v 2_o do_v num._n 2_o 3_o 10_o 18_o 25._o with_o numb_a 3_o 38_o 10_o 18_o 25_o sec_n ainsworth_n in_o num._n 2_o and_o then_o there_o be_v some_o division_n make_v and_o yet_o after_o that_o a_o further_a division_n be_v make_v when_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n come_v to_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o several_a division_n and_o the_o levite_n also_o be_v scatter_v and_o fix_v 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put_v the_o comma_n after_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d full_o bear_v this_o sense_n that_o mathias_n may_v be_v send_v that_o circuit_n which_o judas_n have_v he_o not_o fall_v shall_v have_v go_v and_o in_o likelihood_n it_o be_v from_o this_o agreement_n that_o james_n notwithstanding_o his_o apostolic_a commission_n be_v as_o general_a as_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n do_v not_o travel_v abroad_o as_o the_o other_o do_v but_o stay_v at_o jerusalem_n as_o also_o some_o other_o apostle_n after_o their_o travel_n betake_v themselves_o to_o residence_n in_o some_o one_o place_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o fix_a pastor_n of_o those_o place_n respective_o those_o apostle_n that_o travel_v abroad_o do_v carry_v minister_n
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hence_o the_o charge_n be_v more_o express_a that_o ordination_n rather_o than_o election_n shall_v not_o sudden_o and_o hasty_o be_v make_v 22_o make_v 1_o tim._n 5_o 22_o whereas_o if_o election_n have_v only_o or_o chief_o make_v the_o officer_n then_o prudence_n have_v require_v that_o the_o charge_n shall_v have_v be_v more_o express_a against_o hasty_a election_n then_o hasty_a ordination_n 3._o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n not_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n in_o election_n which_o they_o so_o much_o urge_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o principle_n 3_o principle_n heb._n 6_o 3_o 4._o the_o description_n of_o person_n fit_a for_o office_n be_v much_o more_o large_a in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n which_o be_v to_o ordain_v then_o in_o any_o or_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o the_o church_n to_o who_o election_n be_v conceive_v to_o belong_v etc._n belong_v 1_o tâ—â—_n 3_o 2_o etc._n etc._n &_o 12_o etc._n etc._n tit._n 1_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n now_o the_o apostle_n which_o do_v all_o thing_n fit_o will_v acquaint_v those_o most_o with_o the_o qualification_n of_o officer_n which_o have_v the_o great_a hand_n and_o power_n in_o make_v officer_n 5._o fast_v &_o prayer_n be_v to_o beg_v direction_n &_o assistance_n from_o god_n with_o reference_n to_o ordination_n rather_o than_o election_n 2_o election_n act_n 13_o 1_o 2_o the_o apostle_n pray_v not_o before_o the_o election_n of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n as_o they_o will_v if_o that_o have_v be_v of_o the_o greatestmoment_a but_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o when_o the_o election_n be_v past_a they_o pray_v before_o ordination_n 6_o ordination_n act._n 6._o 5._o 6_o 6._o the_o scripture_n speak_v much_o and_o plain_o for_o ordination_n 2_o ordination_n 1_o tim._n 4_o 14._o tit._n 1._o 5_o act._n 14._o 23_o act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 22_o 2_o tim._n 2_o 2_o &_o but_o little_a some_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o that_o obscure_o for_o popular_a election_n of_o elder_n 7._o the_o people_n election_n be_v but_o preparatory_a to_o the_o make_n of_o elder_n or_o a_o nomination_n or_o designation_n of_o some_o person_n to_o that_o office_n if_o be_v try_v by_o the_o presbytery_n they_o be_v approve_v as_o fit_v god_n have_v 22_o d_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 22_o give_v special_a power_n and_o charge_n to_o the_o presbytery_n not_o to_o ordain_v rash_o d_o or_o sudden_o 22_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22_o though_o the_o people_n shall_v elect_v rash_o but_o to_o reject_v that_o rash_a election_n as_o null_n and_o void_a 8._o to_o assert_v that_o minister_n be_v make_v by_o ordination_n do_v make_v the_o line_n of_o ministerial_a power_n more_o straight_o and_o regular_a then_o otherwise_o the_o power_n of_o make_v minister_n be_v first_o in_o christ_n and_o he_o make_v apostle_n they_o as_o his_o steward_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o command_n do_v appoint_v other_o officer_n christ_n be_v the_o chief_a pastor_n 25_o pastor_n 1_o pet._n 2_o 25_o the_o apostle_n next_o 17_o next_o joh._n 21_o 15_o 16_o 17_o than_o elder_n 28_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 2_o act._n 20_o 17_o 28_o christ_n the_o archbishop_n 25_o archbishop_n 1_o pet._n 2_o 25_o apostles_n bishop_n 2d_o bishop_n act._n 1_o 2d_o and_o elder_n 7_o elder_n act_n 20_o 17_o 18._o tit._n 1_o 7_o christ_n be_v send_v and_o the_o apostle_n 21_o apostle_n joh._n 20_o 21_o and_o presbyter_n 11_o presbyter_n eph._n 4._o 8_o 11_o christ_n ordaintwelve_n 14_o ordaintwelve_n mark_z 3_o 14._o joh._n 15_o 14_o and_o the_o twelve_o ordain_v elder_n 23_o elder_n act_n 14_o 23_o and_o to_o elder_n have_v god_n give_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n of_o other_o elder_n successive_o q._n 10._o to_o who_o say_v you_o have_v god_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o ordination_n of_o elder_n ans_fw-fr to_o elder_n supra_fw-la elder_n 1_o tim._n 4_o 14._o tit._n 1_o 5._o ut_fw-la supra_fw-la not_o to_o any_o un-officied_n man_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v no_o precept_n nor_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n do_v leave_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n elder_n the_o power_n of_o ordain_v though_o it_o have_v be_v much_o easy_a to_o have_v write_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v ordain_v their_o own_o elder_n then_o to_o have_v travel_v themselves_o 23_o themselves_o act_n 14_o 23_o or_o to_o have_v send_v timothy_n or_o titus_n for_o that_o purpose_n 5_o purpose_n 1_o tim._n 5_o 22._o tit._n 1_o 5_o 2._o not_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o unofficed_a man_n ordain_v a_o officer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 3._o they_o that_o do_v ordain_v do_v put_v some_o of_o their_o work_n upon_o the_o person_n ordain_v but_o preach_v baptise_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o any_o unofficed_a man_n 4._o he_o that_o ordain_v bless_v he_o that_o be_v ordain_v and_o the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o great_a 7_o great_a heb._n 7_o 7_o 5._o ordination_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o a_o unofficed_a man_n have_v not_o authority_n 6._o the_o church_n can_v lawful_o depute_v a_o man_n to_o ordain_v who_o god_n have_v not_o depute_v nor_o can_v the_o man_n or_o man_n so_o depute_v lawful_o ordain_v except_o the_o church_n have_v a_o charter_n from_o god_n to_o that_o effect_n 7._o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o among_o the_o people_n that_o be_v able_a in_o all_o point_n to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o preach_v presbyter_n as_o they_o that_o ordain_v be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o do_v 7_o do_v tit._n 1_o 5_o 6_o 7_o q._n 11._o but_o be_v not_o ordination_n by_o one_o or_o more_o grave_a man_n depute_v by_o the_o congregation_n more_o lawful_a and_o valid_a than_o
they_o be_v and_o last_o as_o for_o settle_a maintenance_n 1._o the_o scripture_n do_v allude_v to_o a_o certain_a and_o settle_a maintenance_n that_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o ministry_n 5_o ministry_n ezek._n 45_o 1_o 5_o in_o compare_v it_o with_o servant_n hire_v and_o wage_n 18_o wage_n 1_o tim_n 5_o 18_o and_o a_o soldier_n pay_v 7_o pay_v 1_o cor._n 9_o 7_o both_o which_o be_v certain_a 2._o god_n doubtless_o have_v as_o much_o care_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o of_o the_o old_a shall_v we_o then_o think_v that_o he_o do_v allow_v the_o one_o certain_a maintenance_n which_o none_o can_v deprive_v they_o of_o and_o make_v the_o other_o uncapable_a of_o such_o maintenance_n 3._o when_o a_o minister_n have_v set-maintenance_n he_o know_v better_o how_o to_o proportion_v his_o live_n his_o alm_n his_o expense_n for_o the_o public_a his_o provision_n for_o his_o child_n and_o how_o to_o keep_v hospitality_n 4._o tithe_n be_v not_o in_o one_o sense_n settle_v or_o stint_a maintenance_n for_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o husbandman_n sow_v and_o god_n prosper_v as_o corn_n be_v little_a or_o much_o good_a or_o bad_a well_o or_o ill_o get_v dear_a or_o cheap_a they_o that_o do_v receive_v tithe_n do_v rise_v or_o fall_v with_o they_o that_o pay_v they_o 5._o magistrate_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o the_o church_n 23_o church_n isai_n 49_o 23_o they_o shall_v bring_v their_o glory_n and_o honour_n into_o it_o 26_o it_o rev._n 21_o 24_o 26_o and_o may_v they_o not_o assign_v certain_a maintenance_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o may_v do_v to_o their_o mean_a servant_n yea_o to_o to_o the_o mean_a man_n in_o the_o kingdom_n if_o so_o they_o please_v but_o of_o this_o enough_o quest_n 14._o who_o may_v lawful_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n answ_n all_o that_o profess_v faith_n and_o repentance_n 37_o repentance_n mat._n 3_o 6_o 7._o act_n 2_o 41_o 47_o act_n 8_o 37_o i_o speak_v of_o jew_n heathen_n and_o other_o stranger_n to_o the_o church_n not_o of_o child_n bear_v within_o the_o church_n which_o may_v be_v baptize_v before_o any_o such_o personal_a profession_n and_o be_v to_o be_v account_v within_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n be_v within_o the_o church_n except_o there_o be_v some_o just_a ground_n of_o personal_a prejudice_n against_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o saul_n who_o the_o apostle_n may_v well_o suspect_v to_o be_v still_o a_o jew_n a_o persecutor_n and_o a_o spy_n and_o that_o he_o but_o assay_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o they_o to_o achieve_v his_o wicked_a end_n till_o they_o hear_v barnabas_n his_o testomony_n concern_v he_o 28_o he_o act_n 9_o 26_o 27_o 28_o but_o second_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o precedent_n of_o the_o call_n of_o christian_n before_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o of_o a_o congregation_n judge_v whether_o that_o work_n be_v wrought_v or_o no_o or_o of_o their_o meeting_n together_o for_o prayer_n and_o mutual_a conference_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o good_a estate_n one_o of_o another_o or_o of_o their_o defer_v admission_n till_o they_o have_v such_o satisfaction_n nor_o do_v jesus_n christ_n as_o man_n know_v jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o a_o jordan_n with_o who_o he_o be_v baptize_v 7_o baptize_v mat._n 3_o 6_o 7_o nor_o be_v john_n baptist_n the_o apostle_n and_o those_o thousand_o and_o myriade_n which_o they_o baptize_v satisfy_v in_o their_o conscience_n of_o the_o regeneration_n each_o of_o other_o esteem_v each_o other_o to_o be_v a_o real_a saint_n nor_o do_v the_o jewish_a church_n though_o call_v saint_n 6_o saint_n psa_fw-la 89._o 5_o 7._o psa_fw-la 149_o 1._o exo._n 19_o 5_o 6_o consist_v only_o of_o such_o which_o be_v at_o least_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n sincere_a convert_v nor_o do_v paul_n writing_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n evince_n that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o writing_n to_o they_o much_o less_o before_o or_o after_o he_o do_v judge_v the_o corinthian_a church_n to_o consist_v whole_o of_o true_a saint_n the_o contrary_a be_v evident_a 34_o evident_a 1_o cor._n 3_o 1_o 2._o &_o 5_o 1_o 2_o &_o 11_o 21._o 2_o cor._n 12_o 20_o 21_o 1_o cor._n 15_o 34_o the_o church_n charity_n be_v but_o a_o leaden_a rule_n no_o certain_a one_o some_o man_n charity_n be_v more_o some_o less_o 39_o less_o act_n 15._o 37_o 38_o 39_o and_o the_o same_o man_n charity_n be_v large_a at_o sometime_o then_o at_o other_o and_o to_o some_o man_n as_o those_o of_o their_o own_o opinion_n kindred_n benefactor_n etc._n etc._n then_o to_o other_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o some_o man_n may_v sometime_o lawful_o admit_v such_o which_z other_o yea_o themselves_o at_o other_o time_n may_v lawful_o reject_v the_o case_n in_o itself_o be_v the_o very_a same_o quest_n 15._o how_o come_v particular_a church_n to_o be_v one_o in_o themselves_o and_o to_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o answ_n first_o their_o habitation_n be_v in_o this_o case_n considerable_a it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v parish_n or_o church_n shall_v be_v confine_v within_o convenient_a local_a limit_n for_o 1._o else_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v live_v 10._o 20._o 50_o a_o 100_o mile_n each_o from_o other_o without_o blame_n 2._o the_o word_n constant_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o christian_a inhabitant_n of_o a_o city_n town_n or_o place_n be_v the_o church_n in_o that_o city_n town_n or_o place_n 3._o church_n be_v usual_o denominate_v from_o place_n as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n rome_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n and_o city_n and_o church_n do_v expound_v one_o another_o 5_o another_o act_n 14_o 23._o titus_n 1_o 5._o act_n 16_o 4_o 5_o 4._o they_o that_o do_v remove_v their_o habitation_n do_v its_o very_a probable_a fall_v into_o membership_n with_o those_o church_n whither_o they_o do_v remove_v 2_o remove_v act._n 18_o 2_o 24_o 25_o 26_o rom._n 16_o 2_o 5._o if_o church_n member_n be_v not_o resident_a among_o themselves_o how_o can_v pastor_n be_v resident_a among_o they_o 2_o they_o 1_o pet_n 5_o 2_o 6._o cohabitation_n of_o church-member_n have_v divers_a pattern_n in_o scripture_n uncontrolled_a by_o precept_n and_o other_o pattern_n for_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o dwell_v near_a to_o one_o true_a church_n though_o corrupt_a as_o corinth_n laodicea_n sardis_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o another_o city_n or_o town_n as_o cenchrea_n or_o that_o any_o dwell_v within_o the_o civil_a comunion_n of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v oft_o for_o worldly_a end_n and_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n or_o that_o christian_n dwell_v remote_a one_o from_o another_o be_v of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n 7._o that_o none_o but_o those_o that_o cohabite_v shall_v be_v of_o one_o congregation_n be_v require_v by_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n 1._o for_o their_o more_o commodious_a meeting_n together_o in_o public_a with_o ease_n frequency_n less_o expense_n of_o time_n and_o money_n 2._o their_o more_o easy_a converse_v with_o watch_v over_o comfort_v and_o relieve_v one_o another_o 3._o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o confusion_n contention_n and_o offence_n 4._o for_o the_o more_o convenient_a inspection_n over_o their_o family_n that_o their_o family_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o do_v sanctify_v the_o sabbath_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v command_v that_o church_n shall_v have_v such_o and_o such_o convenient_a bound_n his_o command_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v be_v according_a to_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n second_o these_o christian_n thus_o cohabit_v be_v to_o choose_v or_o to_o submit_v unto_o and_o maintain_v the_o same_o individual_a church-officer_n frequent_a the_o same_o numerical_a sacrament_n and_o other_o ordinance_n and_o so_o be_v easy_o enough_o distinguish_v from_o those_o church_n the_o member_n whereof_o dwell_v elsewhere_o and_o submit_v to_o other_o officer_n and_o frequent_v other_o meeting_n place_n for_o sacrament_n and_o other_o ordinance_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n assemble_v themselves_o a_o whole_a year_n with_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n be_v say_v to_o be_v within_o that_o church_n 1_o church_n act_n 11_o 26_o with_o 13_o 1_o and_o this_o be_v the_o primitive_a way_n when_o many_o christian_n be_v convert_v in_o a_o town_n or_o city_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v they_o elder_n 23_o elder_n act_n 14_o 23_o and_o the_o elder_n and_o christian_a inhabitant_n mutual_o perform_v
the_o main_a point_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n plain_o and_o modest_o handle_v by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n very_o useful_a to_o such_o as_o either_o want_n money_n to_o buy_v or_o leisure_n to_o read_v large_a tract_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o luke_n fawn_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o parrot_n ni_fw-fr paul_n churchyard_n 1649._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o reader_n christian_n reader_n although_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o author_n and_o solidity_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n may_v sufficient_o commend_v itself_o unto_o thy_o perusal_n yet_o i_o shall_v add_v this_o to_o its_o commendation_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a but_o profitable_a short_a but_o sound_n so_o that_o i_o may_v say_v of_o it_o as_o tully_n do_v of_o brutus_n his_o laconical_a epistle_n quam_fw-la multa_fw-la quam_fw-la paucis_fw-la how_o much_o in_o a_o little_a here_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o matter_n in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o study_v brevity_n yet_o solidity_n in_o this_o small_a piece_n by_o the_o reading_z whereof_z not_o only_o the_o weak_a may_v be_v instruct_v but_o the_o strong_a also_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a desire_n of_o he_o who_o subscribe_v himself_o thy_o in_o the_o lord_n christopher_z love_n a_o plain_a platform_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n catechistical_o and_o methodical_o propound_v quest_n i._o what_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n for_o they_o have_v the_o rule_n 17._o rule_n heb._n 13._o 7_o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o the_o key_n which_o in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o they_o do_v carry_v power_n and_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v 7._o call_v isa_n 22_o 22_o rev._n 1._o 18_o &_o 3_o 7._o be_v commit_v to_o they_o 19_o they_o mat._n 16._o 19_o and_o power_n to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n 28_o sin_n john_n 20_o 28_o they_o feed_v and_o govern_v the_o flock_n 28_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 2_o act._n 20_o 17_o 28_o and_o be_v over_o the_o people_n in_o the_o lord_n 12_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5_o 12_o they_o be_v guide_n leader_n bishop_n governor_n pastor_n which_o title_n in_o scripture_n be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o power_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n 14._o magistrate_n josh_n 13._o 21._o numb_a 31._o 14._o mat._n 27._o 2._o jud._n 8_o 14._o act_n 23_o 14._o hence_o the_o angel_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commend_v for_o good_a discipline_n and_o reprehend_v for_o bad_a 3_o bad_a rev._n 2._o 2_o 6_o 14_o 20_o &_o rev._n 3_o quest_n 2._o what_o kind_n of_o government_n have_v presbyter_n or_o elder_n over_o the_o church_n answ_n not_o kingly_a lordly_a or_o magisterial_a power_n which_o only_o belong_v to_o christ_n 22._o christ_n 1_o pet._n 5_o 3._o 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o &_o 12._o 5_o psal_n 2_o 6_o col._n 1._o 18._o eph._n 2_o 22._o but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a 38._o ministerial_a 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 5_o 20._o mat._n 9_o 38._o quest_n 3._o from_o who_o receive_v they_o their_o stewardly_a and_o ministerial_a power_n answ_n from_o jesus_n christ_n 10_o christ_n mat._n 16._o 19_o &_o 28_o 18_o 19_o 20._o joh._n 20._o 21_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 8._o 10_o they_o be_v his_o steward_n i_o steward_n 1_o cor_n 4_o i_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n 20._o ambassador_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o have_v their_o office_n from_o he_o 29._o he_o eph_n 4._o 8._o 11._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o and_o they_o be_v to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n 5._o name_n mat._n 18._o 19_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o and_o must_v give_v account_n to_o he_o 42._o he_o heb._n 13_o 17_o 18._o luc._n 12._o 41_o 42._o quest_n 4._o but_o do_v they_o not_o receive_v their_o govern_n power_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n answ_n no_o though_o they_o be_v for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o general_n visible_a church_n and_o of_o particular_a church_n 14_o church_n eph._n 4._o 7_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 14_o and_o aught_o to_o make_v themselves_o servant_n thereunto_o as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o thence_o do_v 7._o do_v math_n 20_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 5_o col._n 1._o 7._o and_o though_o they_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o church-government_n be_v not_o convey_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n by_o any_o authentic_a grant_n or_o commission_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o officer_n 2._o the_o people_n be_v not_o call_v governor_n guide_n leader_n as_o the_o officer_n be_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v call_v the_o flock_n 2_o flock_n act_n 20._o 28._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 2_o the_o saint_n 1_o saint_n hebr._n 13_o 24._o phi_n 1._o 1_o as_o distinct_a from_o their_o bishop_n pastor_n ruler_n to_o who_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a 17._o obedient_a 1_o thess_n 5._o 12_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 17._o heb_fw-mi 13._o 7_o 17._o 3._o the_o people_n have_v not_o receive_v from_o christ_n due_a gift_n and_o qualification_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n 29_o jurisdiction_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 4_o 5_o 17_o 28_o 29_o as_o officer_n have_v 14_o have_v ephel_n 4._o 11_o 12_o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14_o 4._o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o god_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n do_v erect_v any_o church_n without_o officer_n see_v adam_n be_v a_o priest_n to_o his_o wife_n ainsworth_n wife_n gen._n 4._o 3_o ainsworth_n and_o family_n as_o noah_n also_o be_v and_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v priest_n 22_o priest_n exod._n 19_o 22_o at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o christ_n his_o apostle_n be_v officer_n in_o commission_n at_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 5._o it_o be_v more_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a that_o all_o the_o male_n shall_v govern_v in_o a_o church_n then_o in_o a_o city_n or_o commonwealth_n that_o the_o elder_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o people_n than_o that_o magistrate_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o their_o subject_n see_v the_o power_n of_o church-government_n be_v derive_v not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o place_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n in_o the_o people_n but_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o say_v no_o such_o thing_n concern_v church-government_n nor_o 6._o do_v it_o warrant_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v exercise_v power_n and_o authority_n in_o preach_v ordain_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n or_o censure_n therefore_o they_o have_v it_o not_o for_o such_o power_n be_v vain_a and_o impertinent_a as_o may_v not_o be_v draw_v into_o act_n by_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o therefore_o pastor_n preach_v baptise_v ordain_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o put_v forth_o the_o people_n power_n but_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 20_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 13_o 10._o math._n 28._o 19_o 20_o quest_n 5._o you_o speak_v of_o a_o general_n visible_a church_n do_v the_o scripture_n hold_v out_o such_o a_o church_n answ_n yes_o for_o 1._o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v general_a officer_n to_o which_o a_o general_a church_n be_v the_o adequate_a correlative_a and_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 28_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11_o 28_o be_v say_v to_o set_v put_v or_o place_v in_o the_o church_n 28_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 28_o as_o speak_v but_o of_o one_o paul_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n 25_o church_n col._n 1._o 25_o 2._o that_o one_o body_n that_o one_o fold_n into_o which_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v baptise_a and_o bring_v 16_o bring_v 1_o cor._n 12_o 12_o 13._o eph_n 2._o 16._o &_o 36_o joh._n 10_o 16_o mast_n needs_o be_v the_o universal_a visible_a church_n 3._o that_o house_n or_o temple_n in_o which_o antichrist_n do_v sit_v 4_o sit_v 2_o thess_n 2._o 4_o that_o woman_n travel_v etc._n travel_v rev._n 12._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n the_o bride_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ_n 2_o christ_n rev._n 21._o 2_o a_o child_n and_o in_o nonage_n under_o the_o law_n and_o at_o full_a age_n under_o the_o gospel_n 2_o gospel_n gal._n 4._o 1_o 2_o that_o assembly_n of_o 24_o elder_n and_o 4_o beast_n 4._o beast_n rev._n 4._o that_o one_o zion_n have_v many_o assembly_n in_o it_o 5_o it_o isa_n 4._o 5_o that_o one_o city_n one_o new_a jerusalem_n 2_o jerusalem_n rev._n 20._o 9_o &_o 21._o 2_o that_o one_o feast_n 2_o feast_n mat._n 22._o 2_o field_n 24._o field_n mit._n 13._o 24._o floor_n 12._o floor_n mat._n 3._o
of_o religion_n determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o determination_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o great_a honour_n and_o conscientious_a respect_n and_o obligation_n as_o from_o christ_n and_o if_o a_o offend_a church_n refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o their_o determination_n they_o may_v withdraw_v from_o they_o and_o deny_v they_o church-communion_n which_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n may_v be_v ratify_v and_o back_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o therefore_o synodical_a determination_n may_v oblige_v those_o church_n which_o do_v not_o choose_v they_o nor_o make_v any_o reference_n to_o they_o quest_n 20._o but_o they_o can_v judge_v authoritative_o nor_o excommunicate_v one_o or_o more_o offend_a church_n they_o may_v only_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o for_o if_o a_o national_a synod_n shall_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n than_o every_o member_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o national_a officer_n and_o have_v relation_n of_o elder_n to_o all_o and_o every_o the_o church_n within_o a_o nation_n and_o why_o be_v they_o not_o to_o preach_v to_o all_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o and_o to_o feed_v by_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o by_o discipline_n answ_n as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o non-communion_n of_o church_n or_o person_n we_o say_v 1._o if_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n can_v proceed_v no_o further_o but_o to_o non-communion_n a_o offend_a church_n than_o the_o synod_n have_v in_o this_o no_o more_o power_n over_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o a_o particular_a person_n than_o one_o brother_n have_v over_o another_o brother_n yea_o over_o a_o whole_a church_n for_o they_o say_v that_o a_o brother_n may_v admonish_v declare_v and_o withdraw_v communion_n 2._o separate_a church_n of_o independent_o brownist_n anabaptist_n etc._n etc._n count_v non-communion_n no_o punishment_n to_o themselves_o but_o a_o privilege_n or_o if_o it_o be_v a_o censure_n it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o they_o inflict_v on_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o apply_v the_o strong_a remedy_n for_o the_o weak_a and_o least_o dangerous_a disease_n viz._n the_o case_n of_o a_o offend_a brother_n and_o the_o weak_a remedy_n to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a disease_n viz._n the_o case_n of_o a_o offend_a church_n 2._o excommunication_n of_o church_n by_o synod_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o know_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o only_o of_o some_o particular_a person_n in_o those_o church_n which_o be_v most_o eminent_o guilty_a the_o meeting_n at_o jerusalem_n censure_v the_o false_a teacher_n at_o antioch_n 15._o antioch_n act_n 15._o not_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n as_o when_o a_o prince_n or_o state_n make_v a_o a_o law_n against_o rebel_n or_o traitor_n to_o punish_v they_o with_o death_n in_o case_n a_o army_n of_o such_o rebel_n or_o traitor_n or_o a_o whole_a province_n rebel_n this_o multitude_n do_v not_o excuse_v any_o one_o person_n of_o they_o from_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o that_o law_n or_o the_o penalty_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o prince_n or_o state_n shall_v not_o in_o prudence_n execute_v that_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n upon_o every_o person_n of_o they_o but_o upon_o some_o principal_a offender_n yet_o be_v that_o whole_a province_n or_o army_n of_o rebel_n subordinate_a to_o that_o prince_n or_o state_n and_o the_o law_n thereof_o 3._o it_o follow_v not_o that_o if_o a_o pastor_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o authoritative_a national_a assembly_n that_o then_o he_o be_v a_o national_a pastor_n and_o shall_v preach_v to_o every_o congregation_n over_o which_o he_o rule_v for_o 1._o as_o knight_n and_o burgess_n in_o parliament_n be_v not_o each_o of_o they_o several_o and_o single_o kingdom_n officer_n though_o in_o that_o body_n they_o do_v many_o authoritative_a act_n relate_v to_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n and_o colonel_n in_o a_o council_n of_o war_n may_v order_v the_o whole_a army_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v each_o of_o they_o a_o general_a officer_n so_o it_o be_v a_o incongruous_a and_o unjust_a speech_n to_o say_v that_o every_o member_n of_o a_o authoritative_a national_a assembly_n be_v a_o national_a church_n officer_n 2._o as_o a_o colonel_n do_v not_o single_o and_o several_o govern_v the_o whole_a army_n but_o joint_o with_o other_o in_o a_o council_n of_o war_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o lead_v up_o or_o train_v every_o regiment_n so_o a_o pastor_n who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o national_a assembly_n do_v not_o separatim_fw-la govern_v all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n but_o joint_o with_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v separatim_fw-la feed_v they_o 3._o all_o that_o can_v be_v conclude_v be_v this_o that_o he_o shall_v feed_v they_o by_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o by_o discipline_n and_o so_o he_o do_v he_o with_o the_o rest_n do_v put_v forth_o doctrinal_a power_n to_o bring_v light_n to_o the_o church_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v they_o may_v and_o aught_o upon_o occasion_n and_o why_o then_o may_v they_o not_o feed_v by_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o by_o doctrine_n why_o may_v they_o not_o admonish_v offender_n and_o if_o they_o may_v and_o this_o admonition_n be_v a_o censure_n why_o may_v they_o not_o proceed_v to_o other_o act_n of_o censure_n 4._o elder_n receive_v their_o power_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n and_o though_o the_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o their_o power_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a change_n yet_o have_v a_o call_n they_o may_v preach_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n or_o rule_v in_o any_o congregation_n or_o do_v one_o of_o these_o and_o not_o the_o other_o where_o their_o call_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v the_o one_o and_o not_o the_o other_o quest_n 21._o but_o can_v you_o show_v that_o elder_n may_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o church_n answ_n yes_o but_o 1._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o mr_n burrough_n irenicon_n burrough_n burrough_n irenicon_n and_o as_o he_o say_v by_o other_o congregational_a man_n also_o not_o only_o that_o synod_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o also_o that_o the_o elder_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o officer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o they_o do_v such_o synodical_a act_n as_o they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o many_o congregation_n 2._o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o minister_n for_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n he_o can_v administer_v it_o to_o a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n and_o if_o to_o one_o then_o to_o two_o three_o six_o twelve_o twenty_o etc._n etc._n which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v still_o consider_v as_o of_o distinct_a church_n for_o communion_n must_v be_v betwixt_o two_o at_o the_o least_o as_o congregational_a man_n assert_v and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o do_v it_o once_o it_o be_v not_o unlawful_a to_o do_v it_o twice_o thrice_o or_o as_o often_o as_o the_o same_o call_v and_o occasion_n require_v it_o and_o if_o he_o may_v do_v it_o when_o member_n of_o other_o church_n come_v to_o he_o he_o may_v as_o well_o do_v it_o when_o he_o go_v to_o they_o unless_o the_o place_n or_o he_o or_o their_o go_n or_o come_v to_o the_o place_n do_v alter_v the_o case_n which_o be_v no_o whit_n probable_a and_o if_o a_o minister_n may_v act_v ministerial_o to_o the_o member_n of_o one_o other_o church_n why_o not_o of_o two_o three_o or_o more_o church_n when_o they_o be_v together_o may_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o any_o of_o those_o church_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o all_o of_o they_o if_o he_o may_v why_o may_v not_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o say_a church_n join_v together_o in_o that_o administration_n if_o not_o which_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v and_o if_o elder_n may_v join_v together_o in_o act_v ministerial_o in_o point_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o divers_a congregation_n why_o not_o in_o point_n of_o censure_n where_o do_v the_o scripture_n require_v the_o one_o and_o not_o the_o other_o how_o come_v the_o one_o to_o overthrow_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n and_o people_n and_o not_o the_o other_o 3_o tichicus_n of_o asia_n be_v commend_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o coloss_n not_o only_o as_o a_o belove_a brother_n a_o gift_a brother_n but_o as_o a_o faithful_a minister_n 7_o minister_n ephes_n 6_o 21._o 22._o col._n 4._o 7_o and_o send_v to_o they_o why_o do_v paul_n send_v a_o minister_n and_o commend_v he_o to_o they_o as_o a_o faithful_a minister_n if_o he_o may_v not_o exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o either_o
the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n become_v a_o church_n together_o sufficient_o distinguish_v from_o other_o and_o this_o be_v far_o from_o the_o church-covenant_n urge_v by_o some_o it_o be_v only_o a_o agreement_n employ_v in_o action_n as_o when_o a_o man_n dwell_v in_o a_o town_n join_v in_o choose_v constable_n and_o other_o office_n pay_v lay_n and_o tax_n assist_v officer_n and_o bear_v office_n if_o require_v do_v tacit_o agree_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o that_o town_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v say_v that_o he_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n or_o that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n do_v make_v he_o so_o quest_n 16._o how_o large_a or_o how_o little_o may_v particular_a church_n be_v answ_n a_o church_n must_v consist_v of_o more_o than_o two_o or_o three_o though_o when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o world_n but_o adam_n and_o eve_n they_o two_o make_v a_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o for_o two_o or_o three_o be_v to_o give_v the_o second_o admonition_n which_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o here_o they_o be_v to_o tell_v the_o church_n 17._o church_n math._n 18_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n must_v of_o necessity_n consist_v of_o more_o than_o two_o or_o three_o yea_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o church_n a_o competent_a number_n to_o be_v officer_n and_o member_n at_o least_o the_o member_n shall_v be_v as_o a_o flock_n that_o be_v many_z though_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n but_o one_o pastor_n the_o church_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v numerous_a consist_v of_o thousand_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n only_o in_o city_n and_o in_o great_a town_n cenchrea_n the_o least_o be_v a_o much_o frequent_v populous_a and_o famous_a haven-town_n 16_o haven-town_n gualther_n in_o rom._n 16_o so_o also_o be_v the_o church_n of_o galatia_n macedonia_n judea_n place_v in_o the_o city_n of_o those_o country_n as_o antioch_n laodicea_n philippi_n thessalonica_n jerusalem_n lidda_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o numerous_a soever_o any_o church_n do_v grow_v we_o read_v not_o that_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o church_n or_o that_o there_o be_v more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o any_o one_o city_n or_o town_n as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v consist_v of_o as_o many_o as_o may_v meet_v every_o lord_n day_n in_o ove_z place_n for_o edification_n so_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v consist_v of_o more_o than_o do_v or_o can_v meet_v with_o edification_n in_o one_o place_n 1._o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n and_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o jordan_n be_v baptize_v by_o john_n 7_o john_n mat._n 3._o 6_o 7_o and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n baptize_v more_o disciple_n than_o john_n 1_o john_n joh._n 4._o 1_o and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n believe_v in_o jesus_n 30_o jesus_n joh_n 2._o 23_o &_o 7_o 31._o &_o 8_o 30_o the_o pharisee_n say_v the_o world_n be_v go_v after_o he_o 19_o he_o joh._n 12_o 19_o and_o after_o christ_n ascension_n there_o be_v add_v 3000_o soul_n 41_o soul_n act._n 2_o 41_o and_o 5000_o 4_o 5000_o act._n 4._o 4_o and_o afterward_o the_o disciple_n be_v multiply_v great_o and_o a_o great_a company_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o faith_n 7_o faith_n act._n 6._o 1_o 7_o now_o all_o these_o which_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v a_o city_n a_o world_n of_o people_n thousand_o and_o multitude_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o the_o last_o leave_v number_v can_v not_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o hear_v the_o word_n for_o no_o one_o room_n in_o a_o private_a house_n can_v hold_v they_o all_o no_o one_o man_n voice_n can_v reach_v they_o much_o less_o can_v so_o many_o thousand_o orderly_o at_o once_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n together_o nor_o can_v be_v accommodate_v with_o bed_n to_o sit_v lie_v or_o lean_a upon_o which_o be_v christ_n gesture_n a_o table_n to_o receive_v at_o and_o cup_n to_o drink_v in_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o sever_v themselves_o into_o divers_a company_n for_o break_v of_o bread_n 46_o bread_n act_n 2_o 46_o and_o to_o meet_v distributive_o in_o their_o private_a house_n for_o that_o purpose_n hence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o proof_n be_v offer_v by_o some_o that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o temple_n to_o heat_v the_o word_n which_o be_v common_a to_o jew_n with_o christian_n and_o to_o choose_v officer_n which_o be_v not_o every_o lord_n day-work_n and_o to_o which_o the_o presence_n of_o woman_n and_o child_n the_o great_a half_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o require_v yet_o not_o one_o word_n be_v bring_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o all_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o chief_a church-ordinance_n 2._o twelve_o apostle_n 1_o apostle_n math._n 9_o 35._o &_o 10_o 1_o seventy_o disciple_n 2_o disciple_n luke_n 10_o 2_o beside_o elder_n mention_v act._n 11._o 30_o 11._o act._n 11._o 30_o as_o be_v extant_a before_o that_o time_n which_o doubtless_o be_v diligent_a preacher_n in_o jerusalem_n the_o chief_a place_n of_o their_o residence_n and_o can_v not_o all_o nor_o most_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v once_o every_o lord_n day_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n 3._o the_o church_n that_o pray_v for_o peter_n meet_v many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n and_o other_o of_o they_o james_n and_o his_o brethren_n elsewhere_o 17_o elsewhere_o act._n 12._o 5._o with_o 12_o 17_o so_o that_o church_n do_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n 4._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n abode_n in_o jerusalem_n with_o peter_n fifteen_o day_n 18_o day_n gal._n 1._o 18_o and_o doubtless_o peter_n and_o he_o frequent_v the_o church-meeting_n yet_o he_o see_v no_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n save_v james_n the_o lord_n brother_n he_o say_v not_o they_o be_v not_o in_o jerusalem_n but_o he_o see_v they_o not_o which_o have_v be_v very_o improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a see_v the_o apostle_n be_v diligent_a in_o preach_v if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o church-meeting_n in_o jerusalem_n more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n and_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a may_v be_v give_v in_o other_o church_n of_o samaria_n ephesus_n corinth_n etc._n etc._n q._n 17._o may_v not_o every_o congregation_n enjoy_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n within_o itself_o ans_fw-fr no_o 1._o synod_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v have_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n yea_o general_a counsel_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o less_o church_n than_o the_o universal_a visible_a 2._o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v only_o of_o private_a member_n can_v enjoy_v ordination_n by_o presbyter_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v she_o in_o that_o state_n regular_o partake_v in_o sacrament_n and_o censure_n therefore_o combination_n or_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v useful_a and_o needful_a in_o the_o aforesaid_a case_n as_o also_o in_o case_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n insufficiency_n to_o transact_v she_o own_o business_n in_o case_n of_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o case_n of_o a_o incompetent_a particular_a eldership_n of_o appellation_n of_o presume_a maladministration_n of_o division_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o difference_n between_o church_n of_o spread_a heresy_n endanger_n truth_n &_o peace_n decision_n of_o hard_a question_n direction_n in_o hard_a case_n or_o the_o like_a 15_o like_a act._n 15_o quest_n 18._o do_v the_o scripture_n warrant_v the_o use_n and_o subordination_n of_o congregational_a classical_a provincial_a national_a and_o ecumenical_a assembly_n ans_fw-fr yes_o it_o do_v for_o 1._o of_o congregational_a assembly_n no_o question_n be_v make_v 2._o the_o prove_v of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o consist_v of_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o and_o their_o elder_n questionless_a convening_n for_o act_n of_o government_n of_o those_o congregation_n do_v also_o prove_v the_o warrantableness_n of_o a_o classical_a assembly_n 3._o there_o be_v warrant_v sufficient_a for_o combination_n of_o church_n and_o the_o scripture_n not_o limit_v it_o to_o such_o or_o such_o limit_n beyond_o which_o it_o may_v not_o exceed_v do_v sufficient_o warrant_v the_o great_a combination_n as_o occasion_n may_v require_v they_o and_o they_o may_v with_o conveniency_n be_v have_v the_o scripture_n do_v not_o determine_v those_o case_n in_o which_o a_o church_n may_v call_v neighbour_a church_n together_o for_o advice_n nor_o with_o how_o many_o church_n or_o with_o what_o church_n