we_o confess_v we_o be_v fill_v with_o wonderment_n at_o that_o divine_a hand_n that_o have_v thus_o lead_v the_o judgement_n without_o the_o least_o mutual_a interchange_n or_o intimation_n of_o thought_n or_o notion_n in_o these_o particular_n of_o our_o brethren_n there_o and_o ourselves_o unworthy_a to_o be_v mention_v with_o they_o hear_v only_o we_o crave_v leave_v of_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o those_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o view_n of_o it_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o assent_n not_o to_o all_o expression_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o or_o all_o &_o every_o assertion_n interweave_v in_o it_o yea_o nor_o to_o all_o the_o ground_n or_o allegation_n of_o scripture_n nor_o shall_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n perhaps_o have_v use_v the_o same_o term_n to_o express_v the_o same_o material_n by_o for_o instance_n we_o humble_o conceive_v prophesy_v as_o the_o scripture_n term_n it_o or_o speak_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v sometime_o be_v perform_v by_o brethren_n gift_v though_o not_o in_o office_n as_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o 1_o occasional_o not_o in_o a_o ordinary_a course_n 2._o by_o man_n of_o such_o ability_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n and_o 3._o not_o assume_v this_o of_o themselves_o but_o judge_v such_o by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o power_n and_o so_o allow_v and_o design_v to_o it_o and_o 4._o so_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v subject_v for_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o the_o teach_v elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o caution_v we_o see_v no_o more_o incongruity_n for_o such_o to_o speak_v to_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o congregation_n then_o for_o man_n of_o like_a ability_n to_o speak_v to_o and_o debate_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n which_o this_o reverend_a author_n allow_v and_o here_o with_o we_o be_v practise_v again_o in_o all_o humility_n we_o yet_o see_v not_o that_o assembly_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n act_n 15._o to_o have_v be_v a_o formal_a synod_n of_o messenger_n send_v out_o of_o a_o set_n and_o combine_a association_n from_o neighbour_n church_n but_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o messenger_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n alone_o that_o be_v far_o remote_a each_o from_o other_o and_o elective_o now_o meet_v nor_o be_v we_o for_o the_o present_a convince_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v this_o a_o precedent_n of_o such_o a_o formal_a synod_n do_v act_n therein_o as_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o not_o out_o of_o apostolical_a guidance_n &_o assistance_n but_o we_o rather_o conceive_v if_o we_o will_v simple_o consider_v the_o mutual_a aspect_n which_o these_o two_o church_n and_o their_o elder_n stand_v in_o this_o conjunction_n abstract_v from_o they_o that_o influence_n and_o impression_n which_o that_o superior_a sphere_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v then_o present_a have_v in_o this_o transaction_n this_o to_o have_v be_v a_o consultation_n as_o the_o learned_a author_n do_v also_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o its_o first_o original_n only_o rise_v up_o to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n by_o the_o apostle_n presence_n they_o be_v elder_n of_o all_o the_o church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o reference_n by_o way_n of_o arbitration_n for_o decide_v of_o that_o great_a controversy_n rise_v among_o they_o at_o antioch_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v too_o difficult_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o warrant_n indeed_o for_o all_o such_o way_n of_o communion_n between_o all_o or_o any_o especial_o neighbour_n church_n and_o upon_o like_a occasion_n to_o be_v ordinance_n furnish_v with_o ministerial_a power_n for_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n our_o reason_n for_o this_o we_o be_v now_o many_o way_n bind_v up_o from_o give_v the_o account_n of_o in_o this_o way_n and_o at_o this_o season_n but_o however_o if_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o intend_v as_o the_o learned_a author_n judge_v and_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v act_v therein_o as_o ordinary_a elder_n yet_o the_o line_n of_o that_o proportion_n of_o power_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o that_o pattern_n will_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a power_n etc._n etc._n in_o such_o assembly_n which_o we_o willing_o grant_v and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v with_o what_o a_o wary_a eye_n and_o exact_a aim_n he_o take_v the_o latitude_n and_o elevation_n of_o that_o power_n there_o hold_v forth_o not_o dare_v to_o attribute_v the_o least_o either_o for_o kind_n or_o degree_n than_o what_o that_o example_n warrant_v which_o be_v at_o utmost_a but_o a_o doctrinal_a decernement_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o controversy_n they_o be_v consult_v in_o as_o also_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o those_o that_o have_v teach_v the_o contrary_a as_o belyer_n of_o they_o and_o subverter_n of_o the_o faith_n without_o so_o much_o as_o brandish_v the_o sword_n and_o power_n of_o excommunication_n against_o those_o high_a and_o gross_a delinquent_n or_o other_o that_o shall_v not_o obey_v they_o by_o that_o epistle_n only_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o people_n interest_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n usual_o call_v liberty_n sometime_o power_n &_o the_o elder_n rule_v and_o authority_n which_o make_v that_o first_o distribution_n of_o church_n power_n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o likewise_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o that_o other_o allotment_n of_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a power_n in_o a_o association_n or_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o sever_v from_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o second_o we_o take_v the_o boldness_n to_o cast_v a_o weak_a beam_n of_o our_o dim_a light_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o &_o to_o present_v how_o these_o have_v lie_v state_v in_o our_o thought_n to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v haply_o prevent_v some_o reader_n mistake_n especial_o about_o the_o former_a for_o the_o first_o we_o conceive_v the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n in_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n thus_o mention_v distinct_o apart_o and_o this_o when_o their_o meeting_n together_o be_v speak_v of_o so_o they_o make_v in_o each_o congregation_n two_o distinct_a interest_n though_o meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n as_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o common-council_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o some_o corporation_n be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o company_n of_o alderman_n so_o as_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o both_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o church_n act_n but_o so_o as_o in_o this_o company_n of_o elder_n this_o power_n be_v proper_o authority_n but_o in_o the_o people_n be_v a_o privilege_n or_o power_n a_o apparent_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o by_o this_o that_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o select_a person_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o a_o office_n and_o betrust_v with_o a_o entire_a interest_n of_o power_n for_o a_o multitude_n to_o which_o that_o multitude_n ought_v by_o a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a as_o to_o a_o ordinance_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o consent_n and_o in_o who_o sentence_n the_o ultimate_a formal_a ministerial_a act_n of_o bind_v or_o lose_v shall_v consist_v this_o power_n must_v needs_o be_v esteem_v and_o a_o knowledge_v in_o these_o few_o to_o have_v the_o proper_a notion_n and_o character_n of_o authority_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o power_n which_o must_v yet_o concur_v with_o they_o that_o be_v in_o a_o whole_a body_n or_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o have_v a_o great_a and_o near_a interest_n and_o concernment_n in_o those_o affair_n over_o which_o these_o few_o be_v set_v as_o ruler_n this_o difference_n of_o power_n do_v easy_o appear_v in_o compare_v the_o several_a interest_n of_o father_n and_o child_n in_o his_o disposement_n of_o she_o in_o marriage_n and_o her_o concurrence_n with_o he_o therein_o although_o we_o intend_v not_o the_o parallel_n between_o the_o thing_n themselves_o a_o virgin_n daughter_n have_v a_o power_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v yea_o and_o a_o power_n ultimate_o to_o dissent_v upon_o a_o unsatisfy_a dislike_n yea_o and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o her_o consent_n that_o make_v the_o marriage_n valid_a but_o yet_o for_o her_o parent_n to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o guide_v she_o in_o her_o choice_n which_o she_o ought_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o a_o power_n which_o must_v also_o concur_v to_o bestow_v she_o or_o the_o marriage_n be_v invalid_a this_o compare_v her_o interest_n wherein_o she_o be_v more_o near_o and_o intimate_o concern_v with_o they_o do_v arise_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o extrinsecall_a authority_n whereas_o that_o power_n be_v in_o
judge_v the_o world_n even_o angel_n so_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n the_o 6._o of_o that_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o same_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n he_o intreat_v to_o forgive_v the_o same_o incestuous_a corinthian_a upon_o his_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o if_o it_o be_v say_v to_o judge_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rule_n and_o to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o the_o brethren_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n only_o answ_n all_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_n for_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o way_n of_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o of_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o sentence_n that_o of_o discretion_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o authority_n belong_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n in_o england_n the_o jury_n by_o their_o verdict_n as_o well_o as_o the_o judge_n by_o his_o sentence_n do_v both_o of_o they_o judge_v the_o same_o malefactor_n yet_o in_o the_o jury_n their_o verdict_n be_v but_o a_o act_n of_o their_o popular_a liberty_n in_o the_o judge_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o judicial_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o these_o two_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a great_a be_v the_o difference_n for_o though_o the_o jury_n have_v give_v up_o their_o judgement_n and_o verdict_n yet_o the_o malefactor_n be_v not_o thereupon_o legal_o condemn_v much_o less_o execute_v but_o upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o like_a sort_n here_o though_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n do_v with_o one_o accord_n give_v up_o their_o vote_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o offender_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o thereby_o censure_v till_o upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o yea_o but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o the_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v christ_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n mat._n 18.18_o answ_n the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o that_o the_o brethren_n consent_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o elder_n both_o before_o the_o censure_n in_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a and_o in_o declare_v their_o discernment_n by_o lift_v up_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n and_o after_o the_o censure_n in_o reject_v the_o offender_n censure_v from_o their_o wont_a communion_n and_o yet_o their_o discern_a or_o approve_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o censure_n beforehand_o be_v not_o a_o prevent_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o their_o work_n for_o the_o elder_n before_o that_o have_v not_o only_o private_o examine_v the_o offender_n and_o his_o offence_n and_o the_o proof_n thereof_o to_o prepare_v the_o matter_n and_o ripen_v it_o for_o the_o church_n cognizance_n but_o do_v also_o public_o revise_v the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o material_a passage_n thereof_o before_o the_o church_n and_o do_v withal_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o that_o they_o may_v right_o discern_v and_o approve_v what_o censure_n the_o lord_n require_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o such_o a_o case_n so_o that_o the_o people_n discern_v and_o approve_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o censure_n before_o it_o be_v administer_v arise_v from_o the_o elder_n former_a instruction_n and_o direction_n of_o they_o therein_o whereunto_o the_o people_n give_v consent_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n and_o rule_v of_o christ_n hence_o be_v that_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v in_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n when_o your_o obedience_n be_v fulfil_v 2_o cor._n 10.6_o the_o apostle_n revenge_n of_o disobedience_n by_o way_n of_o reproof_n in_o preach_v do_v not_o follow_v the_o people_n obedience_n but_o proceed_v whether_o the_o people_n obey_v it_o or_o no._n it_o be_v therefore_o their_o revenge_n of_o disobedience_n by_o way_n of_o censure_n in_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v in_o readiness_n when_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n be_v fulfil_v in_o discern_v and_o approve_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o censure_n which_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n have_v declare_v to_o they_o from_o the_o word_n this_o power_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o deal_v in_o this_o sort_n with_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n may_v not_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o a_o private_a brother_n offend_v but_o may_v reach_v also_o to_o a_o offensive_a elder_n for_o as_o have_v be_v touch_v already_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o circumcision_n suppose_v peter_n to_o have_v give_v a_o offence_n in_o eat_v with_o man_n uncircumcised_a they_o open_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o his_o offence_n and_o he_o stand_v not_o with_o they_o upon_o term_n of_o his_o apostleship_n much_o less_o of_o his_o eldership_n but_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o all_o act._n 11.2_o to_o 18._o and_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n to_o deal_v with_o archippus_n warn_v he_o to_o see_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o ministry_n col._n 4.17_o and_o very_o pregnant_a be_v his_o direction_n to_o the_o galatian_n for_o their_o proceed_n to_o the_o utmost_a with_o their_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a false_a teacher_n i_o will_v say_v he_o they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n of_o their_o liberty_n gal._n 5.12_o 13._o as_o have_v be_v open_v above_o in_o chap._n 2._o but_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v power_n or_o liberty_n for_o proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a censure_n of_o their_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v a_o question_n of_o more_o difficulty_n for_o 1._o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o but_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o strong_a influence_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n a_o strong_a party_n of_o the_o brethren_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o side_n with_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o find_v dissension_n and_o opposition_n the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v without_o consult_v with_o the_o synod_n as_o when_o there_o arise_v dissension_n in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n and_o side_v or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o send_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o in_o way_n of_o synod_n determine_v the_o business_n act._n 15.2_o to_o 23._o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n of_o due_a church_n proceed_n in_o case_n of_o dissension_n when_o some_o take_v with_o one_o side_n some_o with_o another_o but_o of_o that_o more_o here_o after_o 2._o excommunication_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a act_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v perform_v but_o by_o some_o ruler_n now_o where_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v culpable_a there_o be_v no_o ruler_n leave_v in_o that_o church_n to_o censure_v they_o as_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n can_v excommunicate_v the_o whole_a church_n though_o apostate_n for_o they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o that_o censure_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o church_n excommunicate_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n because_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o christ_n a_o office_n of_o rule_n without_o their_o officer_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o twentie-foure_a elder_n who_o represent_v the_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n do_v the_o four_o officer_n have_v all_o of_o they_o crown_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o sit_v upon_o throne_n rev._n 4.4_o which_o be_v sign_n of_o regal_a authority_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o crown_n and_o throne_n argue_v they_o to_o be_v king_n no_o more_o than_o their_o white_a raiment_n argue_v they_o to_o be_v priest_n ver_fw-la 4._o but_o neither_o priest_n nor_o king_n by_o office_n but_o by_o liberty_n to_o perform_v like_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o grace_n which_o the_o other_o do_v by_o grace_n and_o office_n as_o priest_n they_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o as_o king_n they_o rule_v their_o lust_n passion_n themselves_o and_o their_o family_n yea_o the_o world_n and_o church_n also_o after_o a_o sort_n the_o world_n by_o improve_n it_o to_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o the_o church_n by_o appoint_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o likewise_o in_o censure_v their_o offender_n not_o only_o by_o their_o officer_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o king_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v but_o also_o by_o their_o own_o royal_a assent_n which_o king_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o do_v but_o only_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o noble_n but_o nevertheless_o though_o the_o church_n want_v authority_n to_o excommunicate_v their_o presbytery_n yet_o they_o want_v not_o liberty_n to_o
elder_n with_o they_o or_o direct_v they_o where_o to_o procure_v such_o to_o come_v unto_o they_o the_o like_a course_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v take_v when_o sundry_a christian_n come_v over_o from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o such_o as_o be_v come_v over_o first_o and_o be_v themselves_o full_a of_o company_n direct_v those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o combination_n of_o themselves_o into_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o plant_v &_o gather_v and_o multiply_v church_n yet_o the_o work_n be_v not_o dead_a but_o the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v leave_v with_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o with_o each_o particular_a church_n for_o her_o part_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o propagate_v and_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n throughout_o all_o generation_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n be_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v make_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o their_o office_n the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7.17_o the_o special_a act_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v many_o the_o first_o and_o principal_n be_v that_o which_o the_o elder_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v chief_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o be_v annex_v thereto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n speak_v rebuke_n and_o exhort_v say_v paul_n to_o titus_n with_o all_o authority_n tit._n 2.15_o and_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v thereto_o be_v plain_a from_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n make_v disciple_n and_o baptize_v they_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v object_v private_a member_n may_v all_o of_o they_o prophesy_v public_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 31._o and_o therefore_o also_o baptize_v and_o so_o this_o act_n of_o authority_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o preach_v elder_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o place_n in_o the_o corinth_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a private_a member_n but_o of_o man_n furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n king_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o coronation_n give_v many_o extraordinary_a large_a gift_n which_o they_o do_v not_o daily_o pour_v out_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o their_o ordinary_a government_n christ_n soon_o after_o his_o ascenfion_n pour_v out_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o in_o time_n succeed_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o of_o many_o other_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v enrich_v with_o all_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o utterance_n i_o cor._n 1.5_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v also_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o put_v upon_o the_o apostle_n a_o necessity_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o frequent_a speak_n with_o tongue_n by_o prefer_v pprophecy_n before_o it_o 1_o cor._n 14.2_o to_o 24._o so_o that_o though_o all_o they_o may_v prophesy_v as_o have_v extraordinary_a gift_n for_o it_o yet_o the_o like_a liberty_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o they_o that_o want_v the_o like_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n none_o beside_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v ordinary_o prophesy_v either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o synagogue_n unless_o they_o be_v either_o furnish_v with_o extraordinatie_a gift_n of_o pprophecy_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o train_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o calling_n as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n when_o amos_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o bethel_n to_o prophesy_v at_o bethel_n amos_n do_v not_o allege_v nor_o plead_v the_o liberty_n of_o any_o israelite_n to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n but_o allege_v only_o his_o extraordinary_a call_n amos_n 7.14_o 15._o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v man_n set_v apart_o and_o train_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o that_o call_n be_v allow_v the_o like_a liberty_n 1_o sam._n 19.20_o answ_n 2._o but_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o israel_n except_o samuel_n and_o eliah_n by_o special_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n in_o corinth_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o administer_v sacrament_n if_o any_o reply_n that_o if_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n have_v be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gist_n of_o prophefie_n they_o have_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o these_o be_v direct_v to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 14.22_o ans_fw-fr it_o follow_v not_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v to_o examine_v all_o prophecy_n by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v they_o but_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n psal_n 8.20_o yea_o and_o paul_n himself_o refer_v all_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n act._n 26.22_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o examine_v paul_n doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n act._n 17.11_o 12._o 2._o a_o second_o act_n of_o authority_n common_a to_o the_o elder_n be_v they_o have_v power_n as_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n shall_v require_v to_o call_v the_o church_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n together_o for_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6.2_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n stir_v up_o to_o call_v a_o solemn_a assembly_n to_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o sanctify_v a_o fast_a joel_n 1.13_o 14._o 3._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o power_n to_o examine_v if_o apostle_n than_o any_o other_o whether_o officer_n or_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.2_o a_o four_o act_n of_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n who_o the_o people_n have_v choose_v whether_o elder_n or_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o act._n 6.6_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n that_o the_o elder_n open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o send_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n act._n 13.15_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o power_n which_o call_v man_n to_o speak_v to_o put_v man_n to_o silence_v when_o they_o speak_v amiss_o and_o yet_o when_o the_o elder_n themselves_o do_v lie_v under_o offence_n or_o under_o suspicion_n of_o it_o the_o brethren_n have_v liberty_n to_o require_v satisfaction_n in_o a_o modest_a manner_n concern_v any_o public_a breach_n of_o rule_n as_o have_v be_v mention_v above_o out_o of_o act._n 11.2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n 6._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o elder_n to_o prepare_v matter_n beforehand_o which_o be_v to_o be_v transact_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v meet_v at_o the_o house_n of_o james_n give_v direction_n to_o paul_n how_o to_o carry_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v prevent_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v before_o they_o act._n 21.18_o hence_o when_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o brother_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o matth._n 18.17_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v beforehand_o to_o consider_v and_o inquire_v whether_o the_o offence_n be_v real_o give_v or_o no_o whether_o due_o prove_v and_o orderly_o proceed_v in_o by_o the_o brethren_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o not_o due_o satisfy_v by_o the_o offender_n lest_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n be_v open_o cumber_v with_o unnecessary_a and_o tedious_a agitation_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n transact_v before_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v along_o with_o most_o expedition_n and_o best_a edification_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o have_v power_n to_o reject_v causeless_a and_o disorderly_a complaint_n as_o well_o as_o to_o propound_v and_o handle_v just_a complaint_n before_o the_o congregation_n 7._o in_o the_o handle_n of_o a_o offence_n before_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n have_v authority_n both_o jus_fw-la dicere_fw-la and_o sententiam_fw-la serre_fw-la when_o the_o offence_n appear_v true_o scandalous_a the_o elder_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o inform_v the_o church_n what_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o a_o offence_n and_o when_o the_o
and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodall_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n act._n 15.27_o this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v those_o necessary_a thing_n which_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_a power_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n as_o a_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v to_o faith_n a_o obedience_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v gospel_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o minister_n for_o his_o calling_n sake_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v who_o so_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o and_o see_v also_o a_o synod_n sometime_o meet_v to_o convince_v and_o admonish_v a_o offend_a church_n or_o presbytery_n they_o have_v power_n therefore_o if_o they_o can_v heal_v the_o offender_n to_o determine_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o further_o see_v they_o meet_v likewise_o sometime_o for_o general_a reformation_n they_o have_v power_n to_o decree_n and_o publish_v such_o ordinance_n as_o may_v conduce_v according_a to_o god_n unto_o such_o reformation_n example_n whereof_o we_o read_v neh._n 10.32_o to_o 39_o 2_o chron._n 15.12_o 13._o for_o the_o second_o question_n how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n or_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n may_v concur_v with_o the_o elder_n in_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v be_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n as_o 1._o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n modest_o and_o christanly_n among_o the_o elder_n for_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o there_o be_v much_o disputation_n act._n 15.7_o so_o the_o multitude_n have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o disputation_n v._o 12._o for_o after_o peter_n speech_n it_o be_v say_v the_o whole_a multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o silence_n from_o what_o to_o wit_n from_o the_o speech_n last_o in_o hand_n among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v from_o disputation_n 2._o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o approve_v of_o the_o sentence_n of_o james_n and_o determine_v the_o same_o as_o the_o common_a sentence_n of_o they_o all_o 3._o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n and_o in_o writing_n synodall_n letter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o for_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n both_o these_o point_n be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n v._o 22.23_o to_o 29._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v choose_v man_n and_o to_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o see_v the_o whole_a church_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o those_o who_o he_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n v._o 22._o he_o call_v the_o brethren_n v._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n present_a in_o the_o synod_n have_v all_o this_o power_n of_o liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n lay_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 16.4_o that_o paul_n and_o silas_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n for_o to_o keep_v the_o decree_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o preserve_v to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n their_o due_a liberty_n and_o to_o reserve_v to_o the_o elder_n their_o due_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o elder_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v or_o conclude_v any_o act_n that_o shall_v bind_v the_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n which_o before_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o so_o apprehend_v it_o for_o what_o need_v church_n send_v to_o a_o synod_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n in_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v aforehand_o how_o far_o they_o will_v go_v it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n shall_v conclude_v in_o a_o synod_n any_o thing_n prejujudiciall_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v just_o expostulate_v with_o they_o at_o their_o return_n and_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o sancit_v but_o if_o the_o elder_n be_v gather_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o word_n or_o christ_n they_o may_v consider_v and_o conclude_v sundry_a point_n expedient_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o church_n which_o the_o church_n be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a of_o before_o as_o for_o the_o three_o question_n whether_o the_o synod_n have_v power_n to_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o use_n indifferent_a we_o shall_v answer_v it_o negative_o and_o our_o reason_n be_v 1._o from_o the_o pattern_n of_o that_o precedent_n of_o synod_n act._n 15.28_o they_o lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n but_o those_o necessary_a thing_n necessary_a though_o not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o for_o present_a use_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o eat_v thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n of_o the_o gentile_a and_o jew_n both_o by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n as_o paul_n expound_v that_o article_n of_o the_o synod_n 1_o cor._n 8.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o chap._n 10.28_o this_o ea_fw-la ing_z with_o offence_n be_v a_o murder_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n soul_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v forbear_v necessitate_n praecepti_fw-la by_o the_o necessity_n of_o god_n commandment_n 2._o a_o second_o reason_n may_v be_v from_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o apostolical_a commission_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o where_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v if_o then_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o a_o large_a commission_n than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n nor_o elder_n nor_o synod_n nor_o church_n can_v challenge_v if_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n speak_v only_o of_o teach_v such_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n answ_n if_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n shall_v hereupon_o usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n thing_n indifferent_a they_o must_v plead_v this_o their_o authority_n from_o some_o other_o commission_n give_v they_o elsewhere_o for_o in_o this_o place_n there_o be_v no_o foot_n step_n for_o any_o such_o power_n that_o much_o urge_v and_o much_o abuse_v place_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o will_v not_o reach_v it_o for_o though_o paul_n require_v in_o that_o place_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n whether_o prayer_n or_o prophesy_v or_o psalm_n or_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v decent_o and_o orderly_o he_o thereby_o forbid_v any_o performance_n thereof_o undecent_o as_o for_o man_n with_o long_a hair_n and_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o open_a assembly_n especial_o to_o pray_v with_o their_o hair_n loose_v about_o they_o and_o though_o he_o forbid_v also_o man_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o at_o once_o which_o to_o do_v be_v not_o order_n but_o confusion_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o himself_o enjoin_v nor_o allow_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o decent_a who_o want_n or_o who_o contrary_a be_v not_o undecent_a nor_o such_o order_n who_o want_n or_o
misconstruction_n which_o not_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o worth_a of_o expositor_n have_v make_v difficult_a let_v we_o add_v a_o argument_n or_o two_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n full_o furnish_v with_o officer_n and_o right_o walk_v in_o judgement_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-authority_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o their_o own_o body_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o be_v usual_o and_o just_o take_v from_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.1_o to_o 5._o obj._n 1_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whether_o elder_n or_o brethren_n but_o rather_o a_o act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n publish_v the_o sentence_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o decree_v and_o judge_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o though_o absent_a in_o body_n yet_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o concern_v he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o though_o paul_n as_o a_o chief_a officer_n of_o every_o church_n judge_v beforehand_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a yet_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n but_o a_o judicious_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n 2._o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n in_o censure_v the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v indeed_o a_o act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n divine_a doctrine_n and_o direction_n as_o all_o church-censure_n by_o whosoever_o administer_v aught_o to_o be_v act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o their_o act_n be_v a_o complete_a act_n of_o just_a power_n even_o a_o act_n of_o all_o that_o liberty_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o any_o censure_n for_o first_o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o and_o that_o be_v the_o high_a power_n in_o the_o church_n second_o the_o spirit_n of_o paul_n that_o be_v his_o apostolic_a spirit_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o they_o in_o deliver_v and_o publish_v the_o sentence_n which_o argue_v both_o his_o power_n and_o they_o be_v co-incident_a and_o concurrent_a in_o this_o sentence_n three_o the_o holy_a end_n and_o use_v of_o this_o sentence_n argue_v the_o heavenly_a power_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v for_o the_o mortify_n of_o his_o corruption_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n four_o when_o his_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o sentence_n paul_n intreat_v the_o church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o to_o 10._o now_o ejusdem_fw-la potestatis_fw-la est_fw-la ligare_fw-la &_o solvere_fw-la claudere_fw-la &_o aperire_fw-la object_n 2._o all_o this_o argue_v no_o more_o but_o that_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v this_o power_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o offender_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o presbytery_n alone_o have_v put_v forth_o this_o power_n yet_o that_o suffice_v to_o make_v good_a the_o proposition_n that_o every_o church_n furnish_v with_o a_o presbytery_n and_o proceed_v righteous_o and_o peaceable_o they_o have_v within_o themselves_o so_o much_o power_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o their_o own_o body_n answ_n 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o text_n that_o the_o brethren_n concur_v also_o in_o this_o sentence_n and_o that_o with_o some_o act_n of_o power_n to_o wit_n such_o power_n as_o the_o want_n of_o put_v it_o forth_o retard_v the_o sentence_n and_o the_o put_n of_o it_o forth_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o first_o the_o reproof_n for_o not_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n soon_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o presbytery_n they_o be_v all_o blame_v for_o not_o mourn_v for_o not_o put_v he_o away_o for_o be_v puff_v up_o rather_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 2._o the_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o all_o when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o a_o church_n meeting_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o command_v they_o all_o put_v away_o therefore_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wiek_v person_n v._o 13._o 3._o he_o declare_v this_o act_n of_o they_o in_o put_v he_o out_o to_o be_v a_o judicial_a act_n v._o 12._o do_v you_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o as_o concur_v in_o this_o act_n with_o the_o presbytery_n have_v a_o power_n in_o it_o as_o be_v say_v may_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o brethren_n for_o here_o be_v a_o act_n of_o judgement_n ascribe_v to_o they_o all_o which_o judgement_n in_o the_o brethren_n he_o esteem_v of_o it_o so_o high_o that_o from_o thence_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o advise_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o refer_v their_o difference_n even_o in_o civil_a matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o brethren_n know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n yea_o the_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 6.1_o 2_o 3._o how_o much_o more_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o law_n and_o that_o before_o infidel_n in_o any_o case_n depend_v between_o brethren_n he_o advise_v they_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v and_o judge_v between_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6.4_o 4._o when_o the_o apostle_n direct_v they_o upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o offender_n to_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2.4_o to_o 10._o he_o speak_v to_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o elder_n to_o forgive_v he_o as_o they_o be_v all_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n offend_v with_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v meet_v they_o shall_v all_o a_o like_o be_v satisfy_v and_o be_v satisfy_v shall_v forgive_v he_o the_o brethren_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o church-consent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n by_o sentence_v his_o absolution_n and_o restitution_n to_o the_o church_n 3._o obj._n but_o be_v not_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v all_o this_o power_n a_o metropolis_n a_o mother_n church_n of_o achaia_n in_o which_o many_o presbytery_n from_o many_o church_n in_o the_o village_n be_v assemble_v to_o administer_v this_o censure_n ans_fw-fr no_o such_o thing_n appear_v from_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n neither_o in_o the_o act_n act._n 18._o nor_o from_o either_o of_o the_o epistle_n 〈…〉_o corinthian_n true_a it_o be_v corinth_n be_v a_o mother-city_n but_o not_o a_o mother-church_n to_o all_o achaia_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o other_o church_n in_o that_o region_n may_v borrow_v much_o light_n from_o their_o gift_n for_o they_o abound_v and_o be_v enrich_v with_o variety_n of_o all_o gift_n 1_o cor._n â—_o 〈◊〉_d but_o yet_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a church_n be_v no_o large_a than_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n one_o congregation_n 1_o conrinth_n 14.23_o a_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o proposition_n that_o every_o church_n so_o furnish_v with_o officer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o carry_v on_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n have_v all_o church_n power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o be_v take_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o offence_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o church_n when_o any_o offence_n commit_v by_o their_o member_n lie_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a christ_n have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o suffer_v balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n revel_v 2.14_o 15._o and_o something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v jezabel_n now_o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o either_o of_o they_o sufficient_a power_n to_o purge_v out_o their_o own_o offender_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o toleration_n of_o they_o yea_o why_o be_v not_o the_o neighbour_n church_n blame_v for_o
church_n discern_v the_o same_o and_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o but_o condescend_v thereto_o it_o be_v a_o further_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n power_n to_o give_v sentence_n against_o the_o offender_n both_o these_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foretell_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 44.23_o 24._o they_o shall_v teach_v my_o people_n the_o difference_n between_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o discern_v between_o the_o unclean_a and_o the_o clean_a and_o in_o controversy_n they_o shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n and_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n 8._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n with_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n num._n 6.23_o to_o 26._o heb._n 7.7_o 9_o the_o elder_n have_v receive_v power_n to_o charge_v any_o of_o the_o people_n in_o private_a that_o none_o of_o they_o live_v either_o inordinate_o without_o a_o calling_n or_o idle_o in_o their_o call_n or_o scandalous_o in_o any_o sort_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o &_o ver_fw-la 8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o apostle_n command_n argue_v a_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n to_o charge_v these_o duty_n upon_o the_o people_n effectual_o 10._o what_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o a_o synod_n be_v more_o fit_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n 11._o in_o case_n the_o church_n shall_v fall_v away_o to_o blasphemy_n against_o christ_n and_o obstinate_a rejection_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o either_o no_o synod_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o no_o help_n by_o a_o synod_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o withdraw_v or_o separate_z the_o disciple_n from_o they_o and_o to_o carry_v away_o the_o ordinance_n with_o they_o and_o therewithal_o sad_o to_o denounce_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o act._n 19.9_o exod._n 33.7_o mark_n 6.11_o luk._n 10_o 11._o act._n 13.46_o obj._n but_o if_o elder_n have_v all_o this_o power_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o act_n of_o rule_n partly_o over_o the_o private_a member_n partly_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o be_v they_o then_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o answ_n the_o elder_n to_o be_v both_o servant_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n may_v both_o of_o they_o stand_v well_o together_o for_o their_o rule_n be_v not_o lordly_a as_o if_o they_o rule_v of_o themselves_o or_o for_o themselves_o but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o christ_n and_o also_o from_o their_o call_n and_o withal_o rule_v the_o church_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o church_n even_o for_o their_o spiritual_a everlasting_a good_a a_o queen_n may_v call_v her_o servant_n her_o mariner_n to_o pilot_n and_o conduct_v she_o over_o the_o sea_n to_o such_o a_o haven_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v by_o she_o to_o such_o a_o office_n she_o must_v not_o rule_v they_o in_o steer_v their_o course_n but_o must_v submit_v herself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v she_o to_o her_o desire_a haven_n so_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o church_n and_o her_o elder_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v to_o synod_n synod_n we_o acknowledge_v be_v right_o order_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o assembly_n we_o find_v three_o just_a cause_n in_o scripture_n 1._o when_o a_o church_n want_v light_n or_o peace_n at_o home_n desire_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o other_o church_n few_o or_o more_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v annoy_v with_o corrupt_a teacher_n who_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o breed_v no_o small_a dissension_n among_o they_o in_o the_o church_n they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o messenger_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o join_v the_o elder_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o doubtless_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n it_o argue_v that_o they_o send_v not_o to_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a and_o authentical_a oracle_n of_o god_n for_o then_o what_o need_v the_o advice_n and_o help_v of_o elder_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o holy_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n who_o may_v not_o only_o relieve_v they_o by_o some_o wise_a counsel_n and_o holy_a order_n but_o also_o set_v a_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n how_o error_n and_o dissension_n in_o church_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o heal_v and_o the_o course_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n take_v for_o clear_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o by_o publish_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n with_o apostolic_a authority_n from_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o by_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o free_a disputation_n act._n 15._o v._n 7._o which_o be_v as_o fit_v a_o course_n for_o imitation_n in_o after_o age_n as_o it_o be_v seasonable_a for_o practice_n then_o 2._o just_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n give_v we_o another_o ground_n for_o the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n or_o of_o their_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n when_o any_o church_n lie_v under_o scandal_n through_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v by_o more_o private_a advertisement_n of_o their_o own_o member_n or_o of_o their_o neighbour_n minister_n or_o brethren_n for_o there_o be_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n as_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o between_o the_o church_n we_o have_v a_o little_a sister_n say_v one_o church_n to_o another_o cant._n 8.8_o therefore_o church_n have_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n among_o themselves_o look_v then_o as_o one_o brother_n be_v offend_v with_o another_o and_o not_o able_a to_o heal_v he_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n private_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o by_o proportion_n if_o one_o church_n see_v matter_n of_o offence_n in_o another_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o heal_v it_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n it_o will_v hehove_v they_o to_o procure_v the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n that_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v orderly_o hear_v and_o judge_v and_o remove_v 3._o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o state_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o country_n may_v be_v corrupt_v and_o beginning_n to_o discern_v their_o corruption_n may_v desire_v the_o concourse_n and_o counsel_n of_o one_o another_o for_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a and_o general_a reformation_n and_o then_o so_o meeting_n and_o confer_v together_o may_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o conclude_v and_o determine_v upon_o a_o course_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a heal_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o frequent_a practice_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o asa_n 2_o cron._n 15.10_o to_o 15._o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o to_o 19_o in_o the_o time_n of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34.29_o to_o 33._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n ezra_n 10.1_o to_o 5._o these_o and_o the_o like_a example_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o israelite_n as_o one_o entire_a national_a church_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o appeal_v from_o every_o synagogue_n and_o court_n in_o israel_n to_o the_o national_a high_a priest_n and_o court_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v all_o of_o they_o subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o precedent_n be_v usual_o wave_v by_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o not_o appliable_a to_o christian_a church_n but_o these_o example_n hold_v forth_o no_o superiority_n in_o one_o church_n or_o court_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o equal_a manner_n give_v advice_n in_o common_a and_o take_v one_o common_a course_n for_o redress_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o such_o example_n be_v fit_a precedent_n for_o church_n of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o assemble_v togegether_o and_o take_v order_n with_o one_o accord_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o all_o now_o a_o synod_n be_v assemble_v three_o question_n arise_v about_o their_o power_n 1._o what_o be_v that_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v 2._o how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n concur_v with_o the_o presbytery_n in_o it_o the_o brotherhood_n with_o the_o eldership_n 3._o whether_o the_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v reach_v to_o the_o enjoin_v of_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o in_o their_o use_n indifferent_a for_o the_o first_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n
5._o from_o this_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o spiritual_a power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o gift_n in_o these_o office_n and_o place_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o they_o be_v from_o he_o mat._n 28.20_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1.29_o 1_o cor._n 15.9_o the_o g_o odd_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n his_o purchase_n of_o his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o his_o deep_a humiliation_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v all_o of_o they_o obtain_v to_o he_o this_o his_o high_a exaltation_n to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o enjoy_v as_o king_n thereof_o this_o sovereign_a power_n col._n 1.19_o col._n 2.2_o 9_o 10._o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.8_o to_o 11._o but_o of_o this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o protestant_n especial_o studious_a of_o reformation_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o ministerial_a power_n we_o give_v these_o follow_a proposition_n i._n propos_fw-fr a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o saint_n profess_v the_o faith_n take_v indefinite_o for_o any_o church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o church-office_n with_o all_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o be_v execute_v among_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o gorinth_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o not_o as_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n unto_o they_o but_o common_a to_o they_o with_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o come_v all_o together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 23._o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o same_o church_n that_o god_n have_v set_v the_o officer_n and_o their_o gift_n and_o all_o variety_n of_o member_n and_o their_o function_n in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.28_o where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o translate_v some_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v set_v all_o but_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n v._n 27._o he_o proceed_v to_o exemplify_v those_o member_n in_o v._o 28._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v which_o member_n apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o the_o relative_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o gender_n with_o the_o antecedent_n before_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o respect_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o person_n intend_v rather_o than_o the_o gender_n of_o their_o name_n and_o to_o render_v the_o relative_n of_o the_o same_o gender_n and_o case_n with_o the_o substantive_n follow_n so_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a observation_n that_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o national_a church_n nor_o of_o any_o national_a officer_n give_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o a_o nationall_n church_n all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o jerusalem_n deut._n 16.16_o and_o he_o appoint_v they_o there_o a_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o certain_a solemn_a sacrifice_n by_o he_o to_o be_v administer_v leu._n 16.1_o to_o 29._o and_o together_o with_o he_o other_o priest_n and_o elder_n and_o judge_n to_o who_o all_o appeal_n shall_v be_v bring_v and_o who_o shall_v judge_v all_o difficult_a and_o transcendent_a case_n deut._n 17.8_o to_o 11._o but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o national_a church_n or_o high_a priest_n or_o court_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o yet_o we_o willing_o grant_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o equal_a power_n may_v in_o some_o case_n appoint_v by_o christ_n meet_v together_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o messenger_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o may_v perform_v sundry_a act_n of_o power_n there_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o the_o officer_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o synod_n yea_o and_o the_o synod_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o power_n they_o put_v forth_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o primary_o give_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o particular_a congregation_n either_o as_o the_o first_o subject_n in_o who_o they_o be_v resident_a or_o as_o the_o first_o object_n about_o who_o they_o be_v conversant_a and_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v gather_v and_o employ_v ii_o propos_fw-fr the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o apostolical_a power_n apostolical_a power_n stand_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o that_o each_o apostle_n have_v in_o he_o all_o ministerial_a power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n may_v exhort_v as_o pastor_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o teach_v as_o teacher_n 1_o tim._n 2.7_o rule_v as_o ruler_n 2_o tim._n 4.1_o receive_v and_o distribute_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deacon_n act._n 4.35_o yea_o any_o one_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v baptise_v yea_o and_o censure_v a_o offender_n too_o as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o he_o for_o we_o read_v that_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o church_n act._n 8.38_o and_o that_o paul_n himself_o excommunicate_v alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o he_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o any_o church_n or_o presbytery_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o where_o he_o can_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n in_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church-power_n he_o willing_o take_v it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o with_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o but_o when_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o ordain_v or_o excommunicate_v be_v absent_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o church_n the_o apostle_n may_v proceed_v to_o put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o church_n act_n without_o they_o the_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o power_n which_o they_o receive_v immediate_o from_o christ_n will_v bear_v they_o out_o in_o it_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n to_o wit_n with_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o sovereign_a power_n so_o send_v i_o you_o with_o like_a amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o ministerial_a power_n joh._n 20.21_o 2._o apostolical_a power_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o one_o their_o line_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n psal_n 19.4_o compare_v with_o rom._n 10._o and_o as_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v in_o all_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.19_o so_o they_o receive_v charge_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n sheep_n and_o lamb_n which_o impli_v all_o act_n of_o pastoral_a government_n over_o all_o the_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n of_o christ_n joh._n 21.15_o 16_o 17._o now_o this_o apostolical_a power_n centre_v all_o church-power_n into_o one_o man_n and_o extend_v itself_o forth_o to_o the_o circumference_n of_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o so_o be_v they_o also_o the_o last_o nevertheless_o that_o ample_a and_o universal_a latitude_n of_o power_n which_o be_v conjoin_v in_o they_o be_v now_o divide_v even_o by_o themselves_o among_o all_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n respective_o the_o officer_n of_o each_o church_n attend_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o neglect_v the_o good_a of_o other_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v mutual_o helpful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n iii_o propos_fw-fr when_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o of_o church-authority_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o
church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n of_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o branch_n 1._o that_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n 2._o that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-authority_n 3._o that_o both_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o own_o body_n now_o that_o the_o key_n of_o church-priviledge_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o key_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v declare_v above_o in_o chapt._n 3_o but_o that_o these_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n and_o first_o the_o church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o liberty_n may_v appear_v thus_o from_o the_o removal_n of_o any_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n or_o liberty_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v derive_v it_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o church-liberty_n than_o they_o derive_v it_o either_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n or_o from_o other_o church_n but_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n for_o they_o have_v power_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v this_o liberty_n before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o derive_v it_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a liberty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o we_o read_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o of_o ephesus_n nor_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o corinth_n no_o nor_o that_o of_o cenchrea_fw-mi to_o corinth_n though_o it_o be_v a_o church_n situate_a in_o their_o vicinity_n nor_o do_v they_o derive_v their_o liberty_n from_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n for_o we_o find_v no_o foot-step_n in_o the_o pattern_n of_o synod_n act._n 15._o that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n borrow_v any_o of_o their_o liberty_n from_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o borrow_v indeed_o light_a from_o they_o and_o decree_n tend_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o upon_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o truth_n act_n 16.4_o 5._o and_o also_o in_o consolation_n and_o peace_n act._n 15.31_o 32._o but_o they_o do_v not_o borrow_v from_o they_o any_o church-liberty_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 1._o from_o the_o charge_n of_o rule_n over_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o immediate_o from_o christ_n for_o though_o the_o elder_n be_v choose_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n yet_o the_o office_n itself_o be_v ordain_v immediate_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n annex_v to_o the_o office_n be_v limit_v by_o christ_n only_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v elect_v a_o presbytery_n to_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n this_o will_v not_o excuse_v the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o neglect_n of_o rule_n either_o before_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o thus_o run_v the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n 2._o the_o same_o appear_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o rule_n require_v especial_o in_o a_o elder_a without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o election_n to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 4_o 5._o he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n or_o else_o how_o shall_v he_o order_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o like_a gift_n of_o rule_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o elder_a if_o a_o private_a brother_n be_v not_o so_o well_o able_a through_o weakness_n in_o prudence_n or_o courage_n to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n it_o will_v not_o just_o debar_v he_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n but_o the_o like_a defect_n will_v just_o debar_v a_o man_n from_o election_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a neither_o have_v god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n ordinary_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o neither_o have_v he_o give_v they_o the_o first_o receipt_n of_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o gift_n to_o employ_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v how_o can_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n invest_v a_o elder_a with_o rule_n over_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o themselves_o to_o communicate_v to_o he_o ans_fw-fr they_o invest_v he_o with_o rule_n partly_o by_o choose_v he_o to_o the_o office_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v with_o rule_n partly_o by_o profess_v their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o relative_n do_v necessary_o infer_v and_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n over_o they_o for_o in_o yield_a subjection_n they_o either_o set_v up_o or_o acknowledge_v authority_n in_o he_o to_o who_o they_o yield_v subjection_n ob._n 2._o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o ought_v not_o the_o wife_n to_o rule_v the_o servant_n and_o steward_n in_o the_o house_n rather_o than_o they_o she_o be_v it_o not_o meet_v that_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n shall_v hang_v at_o her_o girdle_n rather_o than_o at_o they_o answ_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o queen_n princess_n lady_n of_o great_a honour_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o christ_n psal_n 45.9_o and_o country_n huswife_n poor_a man_n wife_n queen_n and_o great_a person_n have_v several_a office_n and_o officer_n for_o every_o business_n and_o service_n about_o the_o house_n as_o chamberlain_n steward_n treasurer_n comptroller_n usher_n bailiff_n groom_n and_o porter_n who_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o lord_n house_n in_o their_o hand_n there_o be_v not_o a_o key_n leave_v in_o the_o queen_n hand_n of_o any_o office_n but_o only_o of_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o call_v for_o what_o she_o want_v according_a to_o the_o king_n royal_a allowance_n which_o if_o she_o exceed_v the_o officer_n have_v power_n to_o restrain_v she_o by_o order_n from_o the_o king_n but_o country_n huswife_n and_o poor_a man_n wife_n who_o husband_n have_v no_o officer_n bailiff_n or_o steward_n to_o oversee_v and_o order_v their_o estate_n they_o may_v carry_v the_o key_n of_o any_o office_n at_o their_o own_o girdle_n which_o the_o husband_n keep_v not_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o because_o poor_a huswife_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o the_o house_n then_o queen_n but_o because_o of_o their_o poverty_n and_o mean_a estate_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o many_o servant_n to_o their_o husband_n obj._n 3_o the_o whole_a body_n natural_a be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o any_o member_n in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o faculty_n of_o sight_n be_v first_o in_o the_o body_n before_o in_o the_o eye_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n alike_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n there_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o each_o part_n actual_o inexistent_a though_o not_o exert_v or_o put_v forth_o themselves_o till_o each_o member_n be_v articulate_v and_o form_v but_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o the_o several_a function_n of_o church_n power_n be_v not_o actual_o inexistent_a in_o the_o body_n of_o brethren_n unless_o some_o of_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n which_o often_o they_o have_v not_o have_v neither_o presbyter_n nor_o man_n fit_a to_o be_v presbyter_n now_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v
give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n as_o such_o primo_fw-la &_o per_fw-la se_fw-la than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n for_o a_o quatenus_fw-la adomnia_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la obj._n 4._o but_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a tenant_n in_o many_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mix_v of_o a_o monarchy_n a_o aristocracy_n and_o a_o democracy_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sovereign_a and_o monarchical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o presbytery_n it_o be_v stewardly_a and_o aristocratical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o election_n and_o censure_n it_o be_v democraticall_a which_o argue_v the_o people_n have_v some_o stock_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n authority_n after_o a_o sort_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o people_n as_o 1._o when_o a_o man_n act_v by_o counsel_n according_a to_o his_o own_o discern_v free_o he_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dominus_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la so_o the_o people_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o liberty_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v domini_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la lord_n of_o their_o own_o action_n 2._o the_o people_n by_o their_o act_n of_o liberty_n as_o in_o election_n of_o officer_n and_o concurrency_n in_o censure_n of_o offender_n and_o in_o the_o determination_n and_o promulgation_n of_o synodall_n act_n they_o have_v a_o great_a stroke_n or_o power_n in_o the_o order_n of_o church_n affair_n which_o may_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o potestas_fw-la a_o power_n which_o many_o time_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n but_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n then_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v open_v above_o in_o chap._n 3._o for_o no_o act_n of_o the_o people_n power_n or_o liberty_n do_v proper_o bind_v unless_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n concur_v with_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o like_a removal_n of_o other_o subject_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o derive_v their_o authority_n as_o be_v use_v before_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o brethren_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n the_o elder_n of_o church_n be_v never_o find_v in_o scripture_n to_o derive_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o their_o own_o congregation_n either_o from_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o from_o any_o synod_n of_o church_n all_o particular_a church_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a power_n each_o of_o they_o respective_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n none_o of_o they_o call_v other_o their_o rabbi_n or_o master_n or_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o authority_n over_o they_o but_o all_o of_o they_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o as_o fellow_n brethren_n matth._n 23.8_o 9_o 10._o and_o though_o in_o a_o synod_n they_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o synod_n to_o exercise_v authority_n in_o impose_v burden_n such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v upon_o all_o church_n who_o elder_n be_v present_a with_o they_o act._n 15.28_o for_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n in_o all_o church_n yet_o the_o elder_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o walk_v with_o the_o brethren_n of_o their_o own_o church_n in_o light_n and_o peace_n they_o need_v not_o to_o derive_v from_o the_o synod_n any_o power_n to_o impose_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a burden_n upon_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o power_n and_o charge_n from_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n discern_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v and_o walk_v in_o peace_n with_o their_o elder_n they_o ready_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o overseer_n in_o whatsoever_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v by_o they_o commend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n 3._o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o argument_n 1_o in_o point_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v oven_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o people_n conscience_n when_o both_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n whereto_o he_o be_v call_v have_v put_v forth_o the_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o about_o he_o as_o when_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o office_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a act_n have_v due_a respect_n to_o the_o inward_a ministerial_a gift_n whereunto_o god_n have_v furnish_v he_o he_o may_v then_o look_v at_o himself_o as_o call_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o exercise_v his_o talent_n in_o that_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o send_v of_o god_n to_o they_o what_o defect_n may_v be_v find_v in_o such_o a_o call_n when_o the_o brethren_n exercise_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n their_o lawful_a authority_n in_o his_o ordination_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v to_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o want_v imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n who_o succee_v in_o the_o place_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n leave_v the_o one_o in_o ephesus_n the_o other_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o ans_fw-fr touch_v ordination_n by_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o they_o by_o bishop_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o godly_a learned_a heretofore_o especial_o of_o late_a time_n the_o sum_n come_v to_o these_o conclusion_n 1_o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v not_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n as_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n timothy_n be_v express_o term_v a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o titus_n be_v as_o clear_o decipher_v to_o be_v a_o evangelist_n as_o timothy_n by_o the_o character_n of_o a_o evangelist_n which_o either_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o or_o eusebius_n note_v in_o his_o ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 37._o gr._n cap._n 31._o lat._n not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o certain_a church_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n finish_v their_o work_n in_o plant_v and_o water_v church_n where_o they_o come_v they_o do_v indeed_o ordain_v officer_n where_o they_o want_v and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o several_a church_n yet_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o tim._n 5._o but_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o direction_n in_o the_o epistle_n either_o to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n 2._o conclusion_n those_o bishop_n who_o calling_n or_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o those_o epistle_n to_o be_v continue_v they_o be_v altogether_o synonyma_fw-la with_o presbyter_n tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o to_o 7._o 3._o conclus_fw-la we_o read_v of_o many_o bishop_n to_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 14.23_o and_o chap._n 20.17_o 28._o tit._n 1.5.7_o but_o not_o of_o many_o church_n much_o less_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o large_a diocese_n to_o one_o bishop_n 4._o conclus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o transcendent_a proper_a work_n cut_v out_o or_o reserve_v for_o such_o a_o transcendent_a officer_n as_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o transcendent_a act_n reserve_v to_o he_o by_o the_o advocate_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n now_o both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o rule_n and_o paul_n to_o timothy_n acknowledge_v no_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o labour_n in_o
word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n above_o they_o the_o elder_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1._o tim._n 5.17_o 5_o conclus_fw-la when_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o of_o the_o pastor_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n be_v call_v bishop_n for_o order_n sake_n yet_o for_o many_o year_n he_o do_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_o 1_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2_o with_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v note_v out_o of_o eusebius_n ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 6._o ca._n 43._o gr._n ca._n 35._o lat._n cyprian_n epist_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 10._o &_o lib._n 1._o epist_n 3._o casanb_n adversus_fw-la baronium_n exercitat_fw-la 15._o num_fw-la 28._o when_o it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o hiereme_a to_o confirm_v the_o same_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilie_o ecelesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o poor_a evasion_n to_o put_v it_o off_o with_o observe_v that_o he_o say_v communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilie_o not_o authoritate_fw-la for_o 1._o no_o authority_n be_v due_a to_o presbyter_n over_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n no_o more_o then_o to_o the_o pastor_n over_o they_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow-elders_a and_o coequal_a in_o authority_n and_o 2._o when_o hiereme_a say_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n but_o all_o with_o it_o else_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o bishop_n govern_v the_o church_n with_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o wit_n ask_v but_o not_o follow_v and_o that_o will_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o hieronus_fw-la testimony_n to_o say_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o ask_v the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o in_o ask_v their_o counsel_n and_o not_o follow_v it_o the_o bishop_n shall_v order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n against_o their_o counsel_n now_o that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o against_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n be_v flat_a contradictory_n 2._o for_o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v with_o their_o elder_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o own_o body_n it_o be_v take_v from_o their_o indispensable_a and_o independent_a power_n in_o church_n censure_n the_o censure_n that_o be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n now_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n for_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o if_o the_o offender_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v onearth_v shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n against_o this_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n many_o objection_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v but_o none_o that_o will_v hold_v object_n 1._o by_o church_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o extant_a nor_o can_v the_o apostle_n than_o have_v understand_v christ_n if_o he_o have_v so_o mean_v but_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o he_o deliver_v their_o censure_n in_o a_o jewish_a phrase_n to_o account_v a_o man_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n answ_n 1._o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o then_o extant_a yet_o the_o apostle_n know_v as_o well_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o as_o they_o understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o it_o be_v enough_o the_o apostle_n look_v for_o a_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v gather_v and_o build_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n and_o be_v build_v shall_v be_v endue_v with_o heavenly_a power_n in_o their_o censure_n which_o they_o more_o full_o understand_v afterward_o when_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o come_v to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n answ_n 2._o the_o allusion_n in_o the_o church-censure_n to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n in_o account_v a_o man_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n do_v not_o argue_v that_o christ_n direct_v his_o disciple_n to_o complain_v of_o scandal_n to_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n but_o only_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o walk_v towards_o obstinate_a offender_n excommunicate_a by_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o wit_n to_o walk_v towards_o they_o as_o the_o jew_n walk_v towards_o heathen_n to_o wit_n deny_v to_o they_o religious_a communion_n and_o as_o towards_o publican_n withhold_a from_o they_o familiar_a civil_a communion_n for_o so_o the_o jew_n say_v to_o christ_n disciple_n why_o eat_v your_o master_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n answ_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o christ_n will_v send_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v complaint_n of_o their_o offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o first_o be_v it_o likely_a he_o will_v send_v his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n for_o right_a and_o heal_a unto_o wolf_n and_o tiger_n both_o their_o sanhedrim_n and_o most_o of_o their_o synogogue_n be_v no_o better_o and_o if_o here_o and_o there_o some_o elder_n of_o their_o synagogue_n be_v better_o affect_v yet_o how_o may_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o it_o be_v where_o any_o of_o themselves_o dwell_v and_o if_o that_o may_v appear_v too_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o jew_n already_o agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 9.22_o object_n 2._o against_o the_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o bishop_n or_o his_o commissary_n answ_n 1._o one_o man_n be_v not_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v one_o man_n may_v represent_v a_o church_n the_o reply_n be_v ready_a one_o man_n can_v represent_v the_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n but_o so_o be_v neither_o the_o bishop_n nor_o his_o commissary_n they_o not_o for_o they_o but_o they_o come_v unsent_a for_o like_o water_n into_o a_o ship_n chief_o for_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o though_o some_o of_o christ_n servant_n have_v find_v some_o favour_n from_o some_o few_o of_o bishop_n man_n of_o more_o learning_n and_o ingenuity_n yet_o those_o bishop_n have_v find_v the_o less_o favour_n themselves_o from_o their_o fellow-bishop_n answ_n 2._o the_o bishop_n ordinary_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o congregation_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v and_o what_o be_v his_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n give_v to_o the_o church_n answ_n 3._o the_o new_a testament_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n as_o claim_v honour_n above_o the_o elder_n that_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o object_n 3._o to_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v to_o tell_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o we_o deny_v not_o the_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o not_o to_o they_o as_o the_o church_n but_o as_o the_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n who_o if_o upon_o hear_v the_o cause_n and_o examine_v the_o witness_n they_o find_v it_o ripe_a for_o public_a censure_n they_o be_v then_o to_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o try_v and_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o church_n discern_v full_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n may_v consent_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n against_o it_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o they_o all_o who_o hear_v and_o fear_v will_v learn_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a wickedness_n answ_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v never_o put_v for_o the_o presbytery_n alone_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v express_o for_o the_o fraternity_n alone_o as_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n act._n 15.22_o and_o therefore_o tell_v the_o church_n can_v be_v mean_v tell_v the_o presbytery_n alone_o object_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o congregation_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o
another_o and_o yet_o paul_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o confer_v with_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n lest_o he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n galat._n 2.2_o and_o though_o in_o conference_n the_o chief_a apostle_n add_v nothing_o to_o paul_n ver_fw-la 6._o yet_o when_o they_o perceive_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o uncircumcision_n be_v commit_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o that_o of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n they_o give_v unto_o one_o another_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n ver_fw-la 9_o now_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v by_o just_a proportion_n that_o if_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v each_o of_o they_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o consult_v and_o confer_v together_o about_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o their_o call_n and_o to_o their_o doctrine_n then_o sure_o church_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n though_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o communicate_v their_o course_n and_o proceed_n in_o such_o case_n one_o with_o another_o to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o the_o same_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o do_v mutual_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o ordination_n or_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o much_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v again_o something_o may_v be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o confirmation_n yet_o for_o illustration_n of_o this_o point_n by_o compare_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a platform_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v constitute_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n state_n at_o their_o last_o conversion_n the_o dimension_n of_o this_o church_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 48.30_o be_v according_a to_o junius_n twelve_o furlong_n which_o after_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o be_v double_a to_o the_o common_a be_v about_o three_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n but_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o revel_n 21.16_o be_v say_v to_o be_v twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n now_o how_o can_v these_o two_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n stand_v together_o which_o be_v so_o far_o discrepant_a one_o from_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n twelve_o furlong_n in_o twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n the_o fit_a and_o fair_a reconciliation_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o ezekiel_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o any_o ordinary_a jewish_a church_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o john_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o many_o particular_a jewish_a church_n combine_v together_o in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o thousand_o church_n not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v constitute_v in_o a_o nationall_n and_o diocesan_n frame_n with_o nationall_n officer_n and_o diocesan_n bishop_n or_o the_o like_a but_o that_o sometime_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o will_v be_v gather_v into_o a_o synod_n and_o all_o of_o they_o will_v have_v such_o mutual_a care_n and_o yield_v such_o mutual_a brotherly_a help_n and_o communion_n one_o to_o another_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o body_n if_o any_o man_n say_v theologia_n symbolica_fw-la or_o parabolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la that_o argument_n from_o such_o parable_n and_o mystical_a resemblance_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o valid_a let_v he_o enjoy_v his_o own_o apprehension_n and_o if_o he_o can_v yield_v a_o better_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n let_v he_o wave_v this_o collection_n nevertheless_o if_o there_o be_v no_o argumentative_a power_n in_o parable_n why_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o much_o delight_n in_o that_o kind_n of_o teach_v and_o why_o do_v john_n and_o daniel_n and_o ezekiel_n deliver_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o prophecy_n in_o parable_n if_o we_o must_v take_v they_o for_o riddle_n and_o not_o for_o document_n nor_o argument_n sure_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o argument_n they_o serve_v not_o for_o document_n but_o furthermore_o touch_v this_o great_a work_n of_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o add_v this_o caution_n caution_n a_o caution_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o christ_n church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o through_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o neither_o may_v the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o they_o may_v indeed_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o direct_v in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o they_o but_o not_o take_v they_o away_o though_o themselves_o shall_v be_v willing_a the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v give_v equal_a power_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o eleven_o of_o they_o to_o forbid_v the_o twelve_o to_o do_v any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n without_o their_o intervention_n neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o nine_o who_o be_v of_o inferior_a gift_n to_o commit_v the_o guidance_n and_o command_n of_o all_o their_o apostolic_a administration_n unto_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v all_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o immediate_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o because_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a in_o office_n and_o every_o one_o to_o give_v account_n for_o himself_o unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o like_a case_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o particular_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v moreover_o a_o threefold_a further_a inconvenience_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o attend_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o these_o ordinary_a admninistraon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyter_n common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la 1._o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o way_n of_o discipline_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v by_o this_o mean_v not_o receive_v nor_o enjoin_v nor_o practise_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o but_o by_o their_o deputy_n or_o overseer_n 2._o the_o same_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o synod_n in_o act_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n but_o in_o act_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v hereby_o receive_v and_o enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o and_o by_o they_o only_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o which_o be_v a_o three_o inconvenience_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n only_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyter_n still_o keep_v the_o church_n as_o under_o nonage_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o their_o ripe_a year_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o mother_n to_o bear_v her_o young_a daughter_n in_o her_o arm_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v on_o its_o own_o foot_n while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o infancy_n be_v kind_o and_o comely_a but_o when_o the_o damsel_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n for_o the_o mother_n still_o to_o bear_v she_o in_o her_o arm_n for_o fear_v of_o stumble_v it_o be_v a_o uncecessary_a burden_n to_o the_o mother_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o virgin_n such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o the_o community_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n be_v as_o the_o mother_n each_o particular_a church_n be_v as_o the_o daughter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n while_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o nonage_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a to_o leave_v the_o whole_a guidance_n and_o bear_v thereof_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o tutor_n and_o governor_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o national_a court_n but_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v up_o or_o shall_v be_v grow_v at_o least_o to_o more_o maturity_n it_o be_v meet_v more_o to_o give_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o stand_v alone_o and_o to_o walk_v upon_o she_o own_o leg_n and_o yet_o in_o any_o such_o part_n of_o her_o way_n as_o may_v be_v more_o hard_a to_o hit_v right_a upon_o as_o in_o her_o election_n and_o ordinance_n and_o censure_n of_o eminent_a person_n in_o office_n it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o holy_a and_o faithful_a office_n of_o the_o vigilancy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o church_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o helpful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o all_o time_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n whether_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o peace_n the_o community_n of_o church_n may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v excuse_v from_o reform_v they_o again_o into_o their_o right_a way_n according_a to_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o all_o the_o several_a church_n within_o their_o covenant_n soli_fw-la christo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v license_v and_o enter_v according_a to_o order_n finis_fw-la