christ_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o then_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n then_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a gift_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o minister_n so_o much_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o he_o must_v receive_v law_n in_o who_o name_n he_o must_v do_v his_o office_n and_o to_o who_o he_o must_v give_v account_n answ_n this_o objection_n will_v hold_v as_o strong_o against_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v as_o class_n synod_n or_o church_n catholic_n and_o therefore_o by_o this_o manner_n of_o reason_v the_o lord_n jesus_n must_v do_v all_o thing_n immediate_o himself_o in_o choose_v officer_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o his_o minister_n must_v receive_v law_n do_v all_o in_o the_o name_n 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odium_fw-la upon_o this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o rank_n we_o with_o separatist_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v easy_o wipe_v off_o and_o stick_v as_o fast_o upon_o the_o class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o other_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n reply_n if_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v to_o do_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o the_o body_n to_o admit_v member_n cast_v out_o make_v and_o depose_v minister_n etc._n etc._n by_o authority_n from_o christ_n we_o can_v see_v how_o in_o your_o judgement_n the_o execution_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v concredit_v to_o the_o minister_n answ_n if_o the_o power_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v right_o distinguish_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o officer_n as_o it_o ought_v a_o dim_a sight_n may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o key_n by_o the_o officer_n authoritative_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o place_n obediential_o follow_v 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murder_n or_o manslaughter_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o in_o case_n of_o damage_n cost_n in_o civil_a case_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o although_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n be_v great_a yet_o the_o execution_n authoritative_o may_v be_v whole_o in_o the_o officer_n reply_n four_o that_o which_o you_o add_v that_o god_n will_v not_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n to_o a_o ordinance_n but_o when_o it_o be_v dispense_v by_o those_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v thereunto_o must_v be_v wary_o understand_v or_o it_o may_v occasion_v error_n and_o distraction_n not_o a_o few_o etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o shall_v not_o contradict_v your_o wariness_n in_o this_o case_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v a_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o ordinance_n administer_v by_o such_o as_o he_o appoint_v though_o some_o corruption_n be_v admix_v in_o the_o entrance_n and_o administration_n but_o we_o doubt_v not_o the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o purity_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o administration_n and_o participation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n but_o what_o need_v there_o be_v or_o use_v of_o this_o note_n we_o see_v not_o our_o word_n be_v sound_a and_o safe_a enough_o but_o it_o seem_v your_o tenderness_n of_o the_o stand_n of_o minister_n and_o ordinance_n in_o england_n occasion_v this_o wariness_n and_o we_o deny_v not_o what_o you_o say_v that_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n dispense_v by_o we_o give_v some_o approbation_n to_o our_o stand_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n the_o lord_n merciful_o pass_v over_o our_o many_o corruption_n but_o this_o will_v no_o way_n give_v allowance_n to_o the_o many_o gross_a corruption_n and_o defect_n which_o cleave_v to_o our_o stand_n and_o administration_n nor_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o any_o in_o such_o corruption_n after_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o reply_n second_o as_o for_o the_o assumption_n that_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n but_o that_o flockis_a not_o ever_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n neither_o the_o bond_n so_o straight_o whereby_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o that_o one_o society_n that_o they_o may_v not_o upon_o occasion_n perform_v some_o ministerial_a act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n of_o their_o proper_a assembly_n answ_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o the_o assumption_n that_o we_o may_v give_v the_o more_o distinct_a answer_n we_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o explicate_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o limitation_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o the_o church_n which_o it_o be_v like_a they_o who_o draw_v up_o the_o answer_n have_v former_o do_v have_v the_o time_n then_o be_v as_o critical_a as_o they_o be_v grow_v since_o 1_o when_o we_o say_v the_o ministry_n be_v limit_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o so_o limit_v it_o to_o 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the_o answer_n will_v be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o impertinent_a and_o just_a so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o reason_n though_o the_o corruption_n in_o that_o service_n and_o this_o be_v not_o alike_o we_o grant_v but_o before_o we_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o your_o dis-junction_a let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a here_o once_o for_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o people_n in_o join_v with_o the_o read_n of_o this_o liturgy_n or_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o be_v read_v usual_o by_o such_o idol-priest_n first_o concern_v the_o liturgy_n itself_o if_o you_o respect_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n or_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a to_o rip_v up_o what_o for_o matter_n have_v be_v object_v by_o the_o godly_a reformer_n consider_v but_o two_o thing_n object_v strong_o by_o mr._n cartwright_n against_o the_o form_n or_o manner_n of_o it_o first_o that_o it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o popish_a massebook_n concern_v which_o he_o 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when_o whitgift_n have_v say_v it_o be_v not_o material_a that_o dean_n canon_n come_v from_o the_o pope_n cartwright_n reply_v thus_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v it_o skill_v not_o if_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n for_o whatsoever_o come_v from_o the_o pope_n who_o be_v antichrist_n come_v first_o from_o the_o devil_n cartw._n reply_v pag._n 204._o second_o he_o object_v that_o absurd_a manner_n of_o chap_a and_o interrupt_v the_o prayer_n of_o which_o mr._n cartwright_n say_v that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o supplication_n to_o a_o prince_n he_o will_v think_v he_o to_o make_v his_o supplication_n before_o he_o know_v what_o to_o ask_v or_o that_o he_o have_v forget_v some_o piece_n of_o his_o suit_n 138._o or_o that_o he_o be_v distract_v in_o his_o understanding_n much_o more_o may_v be_v add_v but_o we_o have_v only_o touch_v this_o sore_a and_o in_o the_o word_n of_o that_o learned_a and_o zealous_a reformer_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v neither_o the_o opinion_n of_o that_o book_n nor_o the_o reason_n against_o it_o be_v so_o new_a or_o proper_a to_o the_o separatist_n as_o be_v pretend_v now_o what_o comfort_n can_v any_o godly_a conscience_n have_v to_o join_v in_o or_o conform_v unto_o such_o a_o form_n of_o worship_n as_o this_o be_v further_o consider_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o the_o book_n as_o we_o speak_v still_o of_o join_v in_o it_o who_o know_v not_o that_o such_o must_v subject_v their_o child_n to_o that_o gross_a idol_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o see_v and_o approve_v the_o pollution_n of_o god_n ordinance_n with_o the_o same_o and_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n join_v in_o that_o idolatrous_a gesture_n of_o kneel_v and_o therefore_o how_o the_o godly_a can_v join_v lawful_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o such_o part_n as_o those_o idol-priest_n dispense_v let_v all_o nonconformist_n judge_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o superstitious_o precise_a such_o be_v in_o press_v all_o conformity_n to_o every_o gesture_n and_o ceremony_n prescribe_v in_o their_o book_n which_o they_o so_o idolize_v as_o they_o have_v good_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o maintain_v they_o second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o imposition_n hereof_o by_o the_o prelate_n and_o late_a strict_a press_v thereof_o upon_o the_o people_n to_o be_v present_a and_o conform_v full_o to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o upon_o minister_n to_o use_v it_o the_o very_a yield_v of_o conformity_n thereto_o do_v miserable_o cast_v away_o the_o liberty_n purchase_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n enthral_v the_o church_n to_o antichrist_n and_o lift_v up_o the_o power_n of_o antichrist_n in_o his_o tyrannous_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n three_o we_o may_v add_v the_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o scandal_n that_o follow_v from_o admit_v this_o liturgy_n which_o be_v touch_v in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o position_n we_o here_o pass_v over_o these_o thing_n consider_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v need_v to_o disprove_v the_o first_o part_n of_o your_o disjunction_n which_o you_o decline_v in_o state_v the_o question_n but_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o position_n itself_o be_v confirm_v now_o let_v we_o consider_v your_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o your_o disjunction_n which_o be_v thus_o reply_v if_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o minister_n than_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v with_o such_o on_o one_o in_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o minister_n make_v it_o unlawful_a than_o all_o communion_n in_o any_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n with_o such_o minister_n be_v unlawful_a and_o so_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 〈◊〉_d in_o hold_v communion_n with_o such_o wheâ—â—_n the_o priest_n be_v dumb_a dog_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n christ_n the_o apostle_n do_v ever_o forbear_v themselves_o or_o warn_v the_o faithful_a not_o to_o communicate_v with_o such_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n our_o saviour_n charge_v the_o disciple_n to_o beware_v of_o the_o leaven_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisea_n but_o never_o forbid_v they_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o if_o you_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n of_o those_o unable_a and_o ungodly_a minister_n of_o england_n reader_n as_o they_o be_v call_v of_o the_o common-service_n we_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v in_o a_o state_v way_n with_o they_o in_o any_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n proper_o ministerial_a in_o any_o act_n that_o private_a person_n may_v perform_v we_o may_v communicate_v with_o they_o but_o not_o in_o ministerial_a work_n as_o sacrament_n for_o although_o be_v impose_v on_o any_o church_n as_o minister_n and_o so_o receive_v by_o they_o their_o ministerial_a act_n be_v not_o a_o nullity_n yet_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o such_o their_o act_n of_o receive_v they_o than_o the_o church_n sin_v in_o choose_v they_o or_o be_v impose_v in_o receive_v they_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o ministry_n be_v such_o as_o be_v utter_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n and_o reject_v of_o he_o and_o by_o the_o like_a reason_n the_o godly_a sin_n in_o receive_v sacrament_n etc._n etc._n from_o they_o as_o minister_n of_o christ_n know_v they_o intrude_v into_o that_o office_n and_o have_v no_o authority_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o do_v we_o may_v hear_v a_o private_a gift_a christian_a prophecy_n but_o if_o he_o intrude_v without_o a_o lawful_a call_n into_o the_o ministry_n we_o may_v not_o receive_v he_o nor_o approve_v of_o he_o therein_o cyprian_n speech_n be_v common_o note_v that_o plebs_fw-la maxim_n habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la yet_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o general_o observe_v which_o be_v this_o plebs_fw-la obsequenâ—…_n praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la deum_fw-la meâ—…uens_fw-la à _fw-la peccatore_fw-la proposito_fw-la separare_fw-la se_fw-la debet_fw-la nec_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la sacrilegia_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la sacrificia_fw-la iniscere_fw-la cum_fw-la ipse_fw-la maxim_n habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la eligendi_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v the_o people_n observe_v divine_a precept_n and_o fear_v god_n aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a minister_n neither_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sacrilegious_a priest_n see_v they_o chief_o have_v power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o reject_v unworthy_a second_o we_o see_v no_o demonstrative_a argument_n that_o the_o priest_n and_o pharisee_n be_v whole_o unable_a for_o the_o work_n
will_v never_o meet_v to_o combine_v but_o they_o be_v only_o a_o visible_a number_n of_o saint_n we_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o clear_v this_o scripture_n because_o we_o conceive_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o lie_v in_o it_o and_o this_o be_v answer_v the_o light_n of_o it_o we_o hope_v will_v scatter_v the_o darkness_n that_o be_v bring_v upon_o divers_a other_o scripture_n which_o be_v draw_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o catholic_n church_n as_o rom._n 12.4_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1.25_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 1â—…_n ephes_n 4.11_o in_o which_o last_o scripture_n we_o never_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v give_v not_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n only_o much_o less_o to_o such_o a_o diminutive_a congregation_n consist_v of_o 40_o 60_o or_o 100_o only_a as_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o iâ—…pawn_v all_o power_n in_o this_o or_o that_o congregational_a body_n but_o to_o a_o congregationall_a church_n consider_v as_o the_o genus_fw-la of_o all_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o to_o this_o congregationall_a church_n only_o but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o do_v this_o argue_v one_o political_a body_n consist_v of_o all_o these_o for_o though_o veâ—…s_o 16._o the_o whole_a body_n be_v say_v to_o be_v compact_v yet_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o political_a not_o spiritual_a way_n of_o compact_v we_o confess_v with_o submission_n our_o weakness_n can_v apprehend_v the_o last_o scripture_n which_o we_o find_v cite_v that_o seem_v to_o look_v this_o way_n be_v 1_o pet._n 5.1_o feed_v the_o flock_n which_o be_v among_o you_o answ_n 1_o we_o answer_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v distributive_o for_o the_o several_a flock_n in_o all_o those_o country_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o their_o particular_a elder_n not_o collective_o to_o be_v feed_v as_o one_o flock_n in_o common_a for_o the_o country_n be_v so_o many_o and_o large_a as_o it_o be_v impossible_a yea_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a parallel_n james_n 2.2_o where_o write_v to_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n scatter_v abroad_o yet_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o man_n come_v into_o their_o assembly_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v collective_o as_o if_o they_o have_v one_o assembly_n among_o they_o all_o but_o distributive_o of_o any_o assembly_n 2_o though_o they_o be_v call_v a_o flock_n not_o flock_n yet_o this_o as_o râ—…imes_o observe_v be_v not_o because_o it_o be_v one_o flock_n real_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o some_o respect_n of_o reason_n which_o also_o he_o expound_v to_o be_v per_fw-la internam_fw-la we_o have_v rather_o say_v spiritualem_fw-la unionem_fw-la but_o not_o per_fw-la externam_fw-la combinationem_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o which_o spiritual_a union_n that_o be_v true_a which_o mr._n ball_n cit_v out_o of_o cyprian_a 7._o etsi_fw-la pastor_n multi_fw-la sumus_fw-la unam_fw-la tamen_fw-la gregâ—…m_fw-la pascimus_fw-la as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v episcopatus_fw-la unus_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la una_fw-la in_o â—…oto_fw-la mundo_fw-la hence_o also_o may_v appear_v a_o answer_n to_o divers_a argument_n the_o chief_a whereof_o we_o shall_v run_v through_o objection_n 1_o if_o by_o baptism_n we_o be_v not_o admit_v into_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o into_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12.13_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n answ_n baptism_n admit_v we_o into_o the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n whether_o visible_a or_o invisible_a of_o all_o age_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o catholic_n political_a body_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v for_o then_o every_o baptize_v person_n shall_v be_v a_o member_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v a_o oar_n in_o every_o boat_n in_o elect_a officer_n admit_v member_n censure_v offender_n etc._n etc._n which_o mr._n ball_n will_v not_o grant_v and_o indeed_o will_v bring_v in_o endless_a confusion_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n beside_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o combine_a society_n without_o their_o consent_n for_o otherwise_o so_o many_o may_v crowd_n into_o the_o church_n because_o baptize_v as_o shall_v overthrow_v the_o edification_n thereof_o and_o that_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o objection_n 2_o when_o any_o scandalous_a person_n be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n ergo_fw-la he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n for_o he_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o who_o be_v never_o within_o answ_n 1_o some_o answer_n that_o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o only_o consequenter_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v that_o this_o be_v take_v away_o by_o say_v that_o as_o when_o the_o left_a hand_n cut_v off_o a_o finger_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n it_o be_v not_o the_o left_a hand_n only_o that_o cut_v it_o off_o but_o the_o whole_a man_n deliberate_a reason_n and_o will_n consent_v for_o if_o this_o similitude_n will_v suit_v than_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o consult_v and_o consent_v antecedenter_n before_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v cut_v off_o any_o member_n which_o ordinary_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v 2_o but_o further_o according_a to_o our_o former_a principle_n lay_v down_o we_o say_v he_o that_o be_v just_o cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n he_o be_v moral_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o all_o but_o not_o political_o and_o formal_o for_o to_o excommunicate_v political_o and_o formal_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o superior_a authority_n next_o under_o christ_n so_o that_o what_o be_v bind_v by_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o act_n the_o minister_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v the_o person_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n charge_v the_o church_n not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v say_v that_o one_o church_n put_v forth_o such_o a_o act_n of_o superior_a authority_n bind_v or_o charge_v all_o church_n politicè_fw-la and_o judicialitâ—…r_v not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o for_o so_o one_o church_n shall_v exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o all_o church_n and_o that_o without_o their_o actual_a approbation_n for_o quod_fw-la spectat_fw-la ad_fw-la 〈◊〉_d debat_fw-la ob_fw-la 〈◊〉_d approbari_fw-la if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v excommunicate_a by_o a_o intrinsical_a power_n not_o only_o in_o itself_o but_o intrinsicall_a in_o the_o whole_a body_n the_o question_n will_v be_v what_o be_v that_o intrinsicall_a power_n be_v it_o natural_a or_o voluntary_a to_o say_v it_o be_v natural_a be_v too_o absurd_a it_o voluntary_a than_o neither_o congregation_n class_n province_n nation_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o previous_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o must_v voluntary_o concur_v thereunto_o and_o if_o the_o catholic_n presbytery_n as_o 〈◊〉_d say_v have_v no_o next_o but_o a_o a_o remote_a power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o this_o remote_a power_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o rare_a contingens_fw-la or_o almost_o never_o than_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o be_v not_o from_o a_o intrinsâ—…call_a power_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o power_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a but_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o whole_a to_o the_o part_n as_o the_o power_n of_o see_v be_v first_o in_o the_o man_n then_o in_o the_o eye_n yet_o not_o derive_v from_o hand_n leg_n shoulder_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o sun_n have_v intrinsical_v light_n in_o every_o part_n not_o by_o derivation_n from_o one_o part_n to_o another_o so_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v from_o christ_n the_o head_n to_o all_o the_o integral_a part_n in_o point_n that_o several_o concern_v the_o same_o first_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o every_o particular_a congregation_n receive_v its_o power_n of_o the_o key_n immediate_o from_o christ_n not_o by_o derivation_n from_o any_o presbytery_n or_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n independent_a neither_o also_o can_v congregation_n derive_v the_o power_n seat_v in_o they_o to_o presbytery_n nor_o any_o great_a body_n take_v it_o from_o they_o second_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v this_o intrinsical_a power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o be_v there_o proper_o seat_v by_o christ_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o political_a church_n classical_a provincial_n national_n or_o catholic_n that_o have_v any_o such_o intrinsical_a power_n as_o be_v in_o the_o sun_n this_o be_v not_o yet_o prove_v to_o our_o understanding_n we_o deny_v â—…ot_v the_o use_n of_o lesser_a and_o great_a synodâ—…_n
of_o office_n and_o the_o power_n that_o a_o pastor_n have_v over_o other_o be_v by_o the_o election_n of_o those_o that_o choose_v he_o their_o officer_n who_o thereby_o become_v his_o proper_a flock_n hence_o he_o have_v no_o power_n as_o a_o officer_n over_o those_o of_o a_o other_o flock_n unless_o he_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o such_o a_o officer_n may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o his_o office_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n e._n g._n a_o minister_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la &_o as_o a_o pastor_n not_o bare_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n only_o may_v preach_v for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o edificaon_n of_o those_o that_o be_v within_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o every_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o mean_n of_o convert_v and_o therefore_o not_o only_o to_o intend_v but_o to_o attend_v the_o conversion_n of_o man_n especial_o in_o preach_v to_o his_o own_o congregation_n for_o christ_n have_v sheep_n which_o be_v his_o flock_n to_o be_v gather_v into_o his_o fold_n which_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n proper_a flock_n and_o the_o pastor_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n of_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o intend_v their_o gather_n in_o as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o flock_n again_o as_o he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o office_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o believer_n so_o also_o he_o may_v ex_fw-la officio_fw-la shut_v it_o against_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o unbeliever_n that_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 10.14_o jer._n 1.10_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o of_o his_o proper_a flock_n again_o a_o pastor_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n to_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o his_o his_o own_o congregation_n if_o they_o desire_v it_o who_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o proper_a flock_n last_o a_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n may_v perform_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n occasional_o to_o those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o poor_a of_o another_o church_n yet_o be_v no_o officer_n or_o deacon_n of_o the_o other_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o to_o illustrate_v this_o a_o captain_n of_o a_o band_n of_o soldier_n be_v a_o officer_n only_o over_o his_o own_o band_n but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o subdue_v enemy_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o those_o that_o submit_v a_o steward_n be_v a_o officer_n over_o his_o master_n family_n not_o over_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o office_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o stranger_n that_o come_v to_o his_o lord_n table_n thus_o far_o it_o be_v clear_a but_o now_o whether_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v the_o seal_n in_o another_o congregation_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a yet_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o occasional_o be_v call_v thereunto_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n he_o may_v lawful_o do_v the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o a_o state_v presbytery_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o in_o all_o such_o act_n the_o church_n still_o keep_v her_o power_n in_o she_o own_o hand_n while_o the_o minister_n have_v no_o authority_n nor_o can_v put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n but_o at_o her_o desire_n and_o according_a to_o her_o own_o necessity_n neither_o do_v this_o make_v a_o minister_n a_o pastor_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o pastoral_a office_n consist_v in_o take_v charge_n of_o a_o people_n and_o have_v power_n of_o authority_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o towards_o his_o church_n but_o all_o that_o be_v say_v do_v include_v neither_o of_o these_o nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o they_o may_v set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n over_o themselves_o in_o the_o same_o church_n that_o therefore_o they_o may_v combine_v &_o set_v up_o a_o presbytery_n of_o many_o church_n the_o first_o be_v their_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o christ_n not_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o have_v such_o among_o they_o as_o may_v ordinary_o feed_v teach_v watch_v over_o they_o and_o rule_v they_o the_o end_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a so_o to_o submit_v to_o other_o who_o may_v find_v work_n enough_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o look_v as_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o many_o congregation_n to_o join_v together_o to_o set_v one_o pastor_n over_o they_o successive_o to_o feed_v they_o for_o so_o they_o make_v a_o pluralist_n and_o the_o bramble_n the_o king_n of_o tree_n nor_o yet_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o as_o in_o the_o first_o ambitious_a time_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o power_n over_o all_o single_o but_o under_o all_o joint_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o set_v up_o many_o pastor_n who_o by_o their_o plurality_n of_o vote_n may_v whole_o drown_v that_o power_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o last_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o may_v desire_v the_o benefit_n and_o exercise_v of_o a_o other_o office_n occasional_o that_o they_o may_v or_o shall_v do_v it_o constant_o no_o more_o then_o because_o they_o may_v desire_v sundry_a minister_n to_o preach_v among_o they_o every_o sabbath_n for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v content_v themselves_o to_o live_v altogether_o without_o any_o of_o their_o own_o now_o for_o application_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o argument_n although_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o sense_n explain_v may_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o office_n in_o another_o congregation_n or_o to_o other_o in_o his_o own_o congregation_n yet_o will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o a_o minister_n may_v administer_v seal_n to_o such_o as_o be_v of_o no_o congregation_n which_o be_v now_o the_o question_n reply_n now_o to_o remove_v those_o 2013_o objection_n of_o mr._n ball_n which_o only_o reach_v the_o question_n in_o hand_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v reply_v the_o 8._o when_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v to_o labour_v the_o come_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o god_n these_o be_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o the_o elder_n ordinary_o in_o the_o city_n though_o the_o number_n may_v be_v so_o great_a in_o they_o can_v not_o well_o meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o same_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o either_o the_o pastor_n must_v baptise_v they_o be_v no_o member_n or_o they_o must_v remain_v without_o baptism_n till_o they_o grow_v into_o a_o body_n and_o choose_v minister_n to_o baptise_v they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o precedent_n in_o scripture_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o three_o way_n which_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o will_v ease_v the_o difficulty_n viz._n the_o pastor_n may_v baptize_v they_o unto_o their_o own_o congregation_n so_o long_o as_o the_o number_n do_v not_o exceed_v beyond_o edification_n and_o then_o divide_v their_o number_n may_v make_v divers_a church_n of_o one_o and_o they_o call_v pastor_n over_o they_o and_o so_o we_o see_v act._n 2._o they_o add_v 3000._o and_o after_o more_o till_o they_o be_v scatter_v and_o when_o peace_n be_v restore_v act._n 9_o the_o church_n be_v not_o only_o edify_v but_o multiply_v verse_n 3._o and_o so_o the_o consequence_n of_o your_o 9_o reply_n be_v also_o take_v away_o reply_n there_o be_v no_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n warrant_v the_o admit_v of_o set_a member_n of_o one_o congregation_n to_o the_o seal_n in_o another_o more_o than_o the_o admit_v of_o approve_a christian_n that_o be_v not_o set_v member_n the_o pastor_n be_v no_o more_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o neither_o of_o they_o set_v member_n and_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v member_n for_o the_o time_n be_v answ_n we_o have_v before_o show_v in_o the_o first_o consideration_n that_o which_o warrant_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n to_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o rom._n 16.1_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o orderly_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o a_o other_o be_v recommend_v thereunto_o by_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v not_o the_o like_a for_o any_o not_o in_o church_n order_n at_o all_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o respect_n of_o particular_a relation_n with_o that_o pastor_n and_o flock_n yet_o that_o be_v a_o disparity_n in_o regard_n of_o immediate_a right_n that_o the_o one_o have_v to_o the_o
communion_n with_o he_o as_o a_o true_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n he_o do_v belong_v to_o as_o they_o may_v do_v with_o a_o member_n unjust_o cast_v out_o but_o till_o that_o appear_v unto_o they_o they_o can_v so_o esteem_v and_o honour_v he_o be_v orderly_o depose_v but_o must_v at_o least_o suspend_v their_o judgement_n till_o the_o case_n be_v clear_v four_o we_o answer_v clear_o and_o plain_o to_o the_o chief_a scope_n of_o the_o question_n if_o a_o minister_n be_v unjust_o depose_v or_o forsake_v by_o his_o particular_a church_n and_o he_o also_o withal_o renounce_v and_o forsake_v they_o so_o far_o as_o all_o office_n and_o relation_n between_o they_o cease_v then_o be_v he_o no_o long_o a_o officer_n or_o pastor_n in_o any_o church_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v call_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o a_o minister_n office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o indelible_a character_n but_o consist_v in_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o if_o a_o minister_n once_o ordain_v his_o relation_n cease_v his_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v still_o remain_v why_o shall_v not_o a_o roll_a elder_a or_o deacon_n remain_v a_o elder_a or_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n as_o well_o all_o be_v officer_n ordain_v of_o christ_n alike_o give_v to_o his_o church_n officer_n choose_v and_o ordain_v by_o lay_v on_o of_o â—…ands_n alike_o but_o weâ—…_n suppose_v you_o will_v not_o say_v a_o deacon_n in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v remain_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o catholic_a church_n therefore_o not_o a_o minister_n second_o we_o shall_v now_o consider_v what_o be_v here_o say_v and_o first_o this_o language_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o usual_a church_n as_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v union_n with_o and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o universal_a it_o be_v a_o unusual_a expression_n to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n and_o therefore_o bear_v with_o we_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o your_o meaning_n the_o usual_a church_n in_o england_n have_v be_v either_o the_o arch-deacon_n church_n in_o the_o deanaâ—…ies_n or_o diocesan_n in_o the_o bishopric_n or_o provincial_n or_o national_n but_o we_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o intend_a here_o yet_o to_o all_o this_o and_o the_o jurisdiction_n thereof_o particular_a church_n have_v be_v subject_a as_o part_n there_o but_o if_o by_o usual_a church_n you_o mean_v a_o classical_a provincial_n or_o national_n church_n we_o must_v entreat_v better_a ground_n for_o any_o of_o these_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v confess_v our_o mind_n and_o meaning_n be_v not_o so_o that_o we_o look_v at_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o any_o such_o relation_n to_o the_o usual_a and_o intermediate_v church_n between_o it_o and_o the_o catholic_a the_o second_o sense_n therefore_o we_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o before_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o know_v not_o because_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o know_v what_o the_o universal_a church_n judge_v except_o we_o can_v hear_v it_o speak_v or_o see_v its_o practice_n if_o the_o only_a head_n prophet_n and_o shepherd_n of_o the_o church_n jesus_n christ_n be_v fit_a to_o declare_v her_o judgement_n we_o will_v be_v try_v thereby_o who_o we_o know_v have_v set_v elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n act._n 14.23_o to_o watch_v over_o their_o particular_a flock_n act._n 20.28_o but_o not_o over_o any_o other_o church_n that_o we_o can_v find_v neither_o do_v this_o destroy_v the_o unity_n or_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n nor_o of_o particular_a church_n one_o with_o another_o as_o be_v say_v for_o church_n may_v enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o without_o such_o state_v form_n under_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o another_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o reply_n for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n to_o other_o church_n then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o god_n one_o nor_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v together_o on_o nor_o the_o minister_n one_o non_fw-la the_o flock_n which_o they_o feed_v one_o answ_n in_o what_o sense_n be_v intend_v to_o have_v the_o minister_n one_o and_o flock_v one_o we_o do_v not_o see_v if_o you_o mean_v one_o by_o one_o visible_a government_n over_o the_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o church_n and_o minister_n you_o must_v at_o last_o rise_v to_o oecomenicall_a pastor_n or_o council_n that_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a which_o can_v scarce_o ever_o be_v have_v if_o you_o mean_v a_o unity_n by_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o officeâ—…_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a helpefulnesse_n of_o church_n and_o minister_n without_o usurpation_n such_o a_o unity_n and_o community_n be_v not_o destroy_v and_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o follow_v can_v many_o distinct_a society_n of_o town_n or_o corporation_n make_v up_o one_o county_n except_o the_o major_n or_o constable_n in_o one_o town_n be_v a_o major_n or_o constable_n in_o other_o also_o by_o this_o reason_n the_o deacon_n of_o one_o church_n be_v the_o deacon_n of_o all_o or_o else_o the_o unity_n be_v destroy_v reply_n if_o the_o pastor_n derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n when_o the_o church_n have_v set_v he_o aside_o what_o right_o have_v he_o to_o administer_v among_o that_o people_n answ_n true_o but_o we_o say_v he_o derive_v all_o his_o authority_n from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n indeed_o apply_v that_o office_n to_o he_o to_o which_o the_o authority_n be_v annex_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n hence_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o if_o they_o without_o christ_n depose_v he_o they_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n but_o his_o right_n remain_v reply_n as_o they_o give_v right_a to_o a_o unworthy_a man_n to_o minister_v among_o they_o if_o they_o call_v he_o unjust_o so_o they_o take_v right_a from_o the_o worthy_a if_o they_o unjust_o depose_v he_o answ_n we_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o parity_n in_o foro_fw-la externo_fw-la but_o as_o in_o the_o call_n his_o outward_a call_v consist_v in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o call_n and_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o call_v to_o complete_a his_o power_n of_o administration_n now_o this_o by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n may_v be_v destroy_v in_o a_o â—…ust_v censure_v without_o his_o consent_n but_o can_v unjust_o be_v wring_v from_o he_o without_o his_o consent_n &_o therefore_o he_o may_v hold_v his_o right_n till_o either_o he_o be_v just_o depose_v or_o willing_o relinquish_v the_o same_o upon_o their_o injurious_a interruption_n of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o right_n reply_n and_o whereas_o you_o say_v the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o office_n for_o the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o the_o flock_n be_v relative_n and_o therefore_o if_o their_o election_n give_v he_o authority_n among_o they_o to_o feed_v their_o câ—…sting_v he_o off_o have_v strip_v he_o of_o the_o same_o power_n they_o give_v he_o answ_n we_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o yet_o the_o execution_n may_v be_v unjust_o hinder_v though_o the_o right_n and_o office_n remain_v but_o we_o may_v well_o retort_v this_o argument_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o usual_a or_o catholic_a church_n thus_o if_o the_o minister_n be_v for_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o office_n for_o the_o execution_n and_o so_o the_o pastor_n and_o flock_n be_v relative_n than_o he_o that_o may_v just_o for_o ever_o be_v hinder_v of_o all_o execution_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v his_o flock_n or_o can_v so_o much_o as_o just_o approve_v and_o admonish_v they_o for_o the_o same_o sure_o he_o have_v a_o poor_a office_n and_o ministry_n but_o such_o a_o minister_n that_o have_v no_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v his_o flock_n under_o his_o charge_n may_v just_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o all_o church_n and_o can_v censure_v or_o reprove_v his_o catholic_n or_o usual_a church_n for_o the_o same_o therefore_o he_o be_v indeed_o no_o minister_n and_o and_o have_v no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n â—…hap_n xvii_o position_n 8._o that_o one_o minister_n can_v perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o congregation_n reply_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o congregation_n meet_v together_o solemn_o to_o worship_n god_n etc._n etc._n be_v proper_o ministerial_a etc._n etc._n answ_n concern_v our_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o position_n we_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o position_n to_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n only_o here_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o our_o expression_n that_o a_o minister_n exercise_v in_o another_o church_n do_v it_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o call_n but_o only_o by_o his_o gift_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o may_v occasion_v stumble_v yet_o the_o the_o next_o word_n follow_v do_v full_o express_v our_o mind_n viz._n that_o he_o do_v not_o put_v forth_o such_o a_o ministerial_a act_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n in_o dispense_n of_o god_n ordinance_n as_o a_o minister_n do_v perform_v to_o that_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n for_o so_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v any_o ministerial_a act_n with_o that_o authority_n he_o do_v to_o his_o own_o which_o further_o clear_v up_o our_o expression_n in_o the_o second_o consideration_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o none_o but_o his_o proper_a flock_n although_o some_o act_n of_o his_o office_n may_v extend_v beyond_o his_o own_o flock_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v still_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o any_o minister_n so_o exercise_v in_o another_o church_n which_o be_v once_o put_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o what_o authority_n do_v thou_o these_o thing_n let_v he_o study_v how_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n for_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o learn_v it_o from_o this_o reply_n we_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o godly_a learned_a servant_n of_o christ_n who_o possible_o may_v be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o think_v that_o a_o minister_n preach_v in_o another_o congregation_n do_v it_o only_o as_o a_o gift_a man_n as_o the_o refuter_fw-la of_o doctor_n downam_n with_o other_o in_o former_a time_n of_o reformation_n believe_v also_o but_o we_o desire_v that_o if_o any_o difference_n appear_v herein_o it_o may_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o same_o cause_n for_o substance_n we_o maintain_v if_o by_o sundry_a line_n we_o all_o meet_v at_o last_o in_o the_o same_o point_n finis_fw-la with_fw-mi pet._n mart._n loc._n com._n de_fw-fr excom_n brin_n watch_n part_v 3._o capâ—…_n 10._o jun._n lib._n 1._o paral_n 6._o g._n apol._n cap._n 7._o q._n 2._o ibid._n p._n 138._o peter_n martyr_n in_o 1_o king_n 12._o verse_n 31._o pet._n mart._n com._n loc._n the_o idol_n in_o praeâ—…_n l._n 1._o john_n 2.15_o 16._o conc._n miliv_n can._n 12._o tertull._n apol._n cap._n 30._o vid._n chemnit_fw-la ex._n de_fw-fr innoc._n sanctorum_fw-la vid._n birth_n of_o heresy_n out_o of_o elasopolitans_n comment_n pet._n mart._n loc_n â—…om_n the_o idol_n whit._n de_fw-fr eccle._n 1_o cor._n 15.47_o vid._n brightm_n an._n in_o loc._n cypr._n lib._n 3._o epist_n 13._o cypr._n lib._n 4._o epist_n 7._o 7._o right_o of_o presbyt_fw-la pag._n 482._o page_n 22._o page_n 68_o tertul._n lib._n 4._o com._n mar._n mar._n calvin_n epist_n 332._o chamier_n de_fw-fr euchar_n cap._n 13._o reply_v to_o the_o second_o consideration_n of_o the_o answer_n pet_n mart._n de_fw-fr excom_n loc._n com._n com._n official_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 6.7_o rev._n 2.2_o and_o 3.9_o act_n 2_o 38.8_o â—…7_n 19_o 17_o 18_o â—…_n cham_fw-mi de_fw-fr bap._n lib._n 5._o cap._n 1â—…_n
grace_n do_v not_o destroy_v nature_n yet_o look_v as_o a_o particular_a church_n constitution_n and_o government_n be_v never_o erect_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o divine_a institution_n so_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o many_o over_o one_o why_o shall_v there_o not_o be_v the_o like_a institution_n but_o to_o come_v more_o near_o to_o the_o case_n itself_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n political_a church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o the_o actual_a administration_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v as_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o 2._o that_o the_o true_a form_n of_o all_o church_n society_n institute_v by_o christ_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v the_o actual_a administration_n and_o immediate_a participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o all_o other_o institute_v ordinance_n as_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v only_o congregationall_a first_o concern_v the_o first_o to_o make_v our_o discourse_n more_o distinct_a and_o plain_a we_o shall_v premise_v here_o that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o at_o all_o take_v in_o or_o respect_v that_o question_n about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o guide_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v have_v a_o fit_a place_n to_o speak_v something_o of_o it_o but_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o intermingle_v thing_n we_o look_v only_o at_o the_o true_a subject_n in_o which_o and_o unto_o which_o the_o actual_a and_o immediate_a dispensation_n and_o participation_n of_o church_n government_n and_o outward_a ordinance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o here_o we_o first_o reason_n thus_o such_o a_o church_n society_n as_o christ_n institute_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n constitute_v and_o govern_v in_o but_o the_o apostle_n never_o constitute_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n society_n or_o govern_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v say_v ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n command_v in_o matth._n 28.20_o and_o be_v sufficient_o furnish_v with_o power_n and_o wisdom_n so_o to_o do_v beside_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o power_n from_o christ_n as_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n john_n 20._o and_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v then_o at_o the_o few_o there_o be_v never_o since_o such_o a_o opportunity_n or_o possibility_n to_o constitute_v such_o a_o church_n if_o christ_n jesus_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o assumption_n or_o second_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o the_o apostle_n ever_o constitute_v and_o administer_v in_o such_o a_o church_n catholic_a it_o be_v either_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n mention_v act_n 1_o &_o 2._o etc._n etc._n or_o that_o assembly_n that_o meet_v act_v 15._o for_o we_o meet_v with_o no_o other_o that_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v suppose_v but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v such_o a_o constitute_v church_n ergo._fw-la 1_v concern_v the_o church_n name_v act_v 1._o carry_v on_o act_v 2._o etc._n etc._n we_o free_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o constitute_v church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n with_o elder_n and_o deacon_n afterward_o choose_v do_v govern_v for_o as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n act_v 2.47_o so_o likewise_o we_o see_v there_o be_v in_o it_o election_n act._n 1._o &_o 6_o and_o administration_n of_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o worship_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o admission_n of_o member_n chap._n 2.41_o 47._o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o may_v have_v be_v excommunication_n also_o but_o that_o this_o church_n be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o prove_v thus_o if_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n than_o it_o be_v such_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a essence_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o representation_n but_o neither_o way_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o it_o can_v not_o be_v because_o it_o consist_v at_o the_o first_o but_o of_o 120._o which_o be_v a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n for_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o there_o be_v above_o 500_o brethren_n to_o who_o christ_n appear_v at_o once_o which_o be_v but_o some_o few_o week_n before_o beside_o all_o that_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v convert_v and_o baptize_v by_o john_n which_o be_v very_o many_o yea_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n proper_o all_o the_o jewish_a church_n not_o yet_o dissolve_v be_v part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o that_o age_n visible_a last_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n believer_n be_v already_o of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o this_o as_o act_v 5.13_o 14._o second_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o representation_n for_o if_o so_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n only_o as_o the_o catholic_n guide_v or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n with_o they_o act_v 1._o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n only_o shall_v have_v have_v power_n to_o set_v apart_o barnabas_n and_o maâ—…thias_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o election_n be_v by_o peter_n himself_o commit_v to_o and_o act_v by_o the_o whole_a company_n call_v the_o brethren_n and_o disciple_n act_n 1.15_o 16_o 26._o where_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o he_o speak_v to_o all_o so_o it_o be_v conclude_v with_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o all_o second_o if_o so_o because_o the_o apostle_n be_v catholic_n guide_n than_o wherever_o they_o meet_v be_v a_o catholic_n church_n yea_o where_o two_o or_o three_o or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v there_o be_v the_o catholic_n representative_a church_n and_o so_o many_o such_o church_n for_o any_o two_o or_o one_o have_v the_o catholic_a power_n as_o well_o as_o all_o paul_n ordain_v rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n in_o all_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o if_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v meet_v 1_o cor._n 7.17_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2_o that_o assembly_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a catholic_a church_n because_o first_o there_o be_v the_o woman_n in_o the_o same_o now_o woman_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o be_v messenger_n to_o represent_v church_n second_o beside_o these_o can_v not_o be_v representative_a messenger_n from_o other_o church_n because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o constitute_v church_n we_o see_v no_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v any_o other_o constitute_v visible_a church_n before_o this_o last_o all_o the_o action_n of_o that_o church_n mention_v especial_o those_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o of_o admission_n of_o member_n baptism_n word_n seal_n fellowship_n day_n by_o day_n in_o such_o ordinance_n choice_n of_o deacon_n etc._n etc._n speak_v aloud_o against_o a_o representative_a church_n we_o shall_v rather_o have_v hear_v of_o constitution_n censure_n etc._n etc._n from_o such_o a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n of_o general_a counsel_n object_n we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n because_o they_o elect_v a_o catholic_n officer_n for_o the_o whole_a church_n viz._n a_o apostle_n ans_fw-fr to_o which_o we_o answer_v 1_o all_z the_o catholic_n church_n and_o guide_v thereof_o have_v no_o power_n so_o to_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o case_n reserve_v to_o christ_n himself_o else_o paul_n argument_n to_o prove_v his_o apostleship_n have_v not_o be_v strong_a because_o he_o be_v not_o call_v by_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n gal._n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 9.1_o 2_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o a_o preparatory_a act_n thereunto_o with_o a_o after_o consent_n the_o election_n be_v proper_o do_v immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o what_o be_v do_v might_n as_o well_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o particular_a church_n guide_v by_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o object_n second_o it_o be_v object_v many_o of_o these_o be_v man_n of_o galilee_n which_o by_o their_o habitation_n can_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n answ_n true_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o be_v of_o galilee_n but_o they_o have_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o be_v command_v by_o christ_n to_o remain_v a_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o then_o to_o go_v forth_o to_o samaria_n judea_n and_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v 1.4_o 8._o and_o therefore_o no_o church_n relation_n in_o galilee_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o join_v in_o this_o first_o constitute_v church_n or_o give_v any_o colour_n that_o they_o come_v as_o member_n representative_a from_o any_o church_n in_o galilee_n and_o
so_o much_o for_o the_o plea_n for_o a_o catholic_n church_n from_o act_n 1._o etc._n etc._n now_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v suppose_v of_o a_o catholic_n church_n representative_a in_o act._n 15._o if_o it_o be_v such_o then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o catholic_a officer_n only_o or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o assembly_n also_o but_o in_o neither_o respect_n ergo._fw-la 1_o not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o as_o be_v say_v any_o one_o apostle_n may_v make_v a_o representative_a catholic_n church_n have_v the_o whole_a power_n as_o much_o as_o all_o of_o they_o together_o for_o though_o they_o will_v meet_v oft_o to_o consult_v and_o assist_v one_o another_o yet_o not_o for_o defect_n of_o power_n in_o any_o one_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n here_o will_v not_o say_v it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o suppose_v here_o they_o act_v rather_o as_o elder_n with_o the_o rest_n than_o out_o of_o their_o apostolical_a power_n 2_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n for_o then_o that_o assembly_n must_v consist_v of_o the_o messenger_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o decree_n shall_v have_v be_v direct_v to_o all_o the_o church_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v appear_v for_o first_o we_o read_v of_o no_o other_o messenger_n but_o those_o from_o antioch_n and_o how_o to_o evince_v more_o than_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v be_v hard_o second_o if_o we_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v before_o this_o assembly_n it_o will_v appear_v very_o strange_a and_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o paul_n have_v be_v in_o arabia_n before_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n gal._n 1.17_o and_o when_o he_o and_o barnabas_n go_v send_v out_o from_o antioch_n act_v 13._o they_o go_v to_o several_a island_n and_o country_n as_o cyprus_n paphos_n salamis_n etc._n etc._n beside_o what_o other_o place_n scatter_v christian_n and_o apostle_n have_v preach_v in_o now_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n of_o messenger_n send_v from_o all_o these_o place_n second_o the_o decree_n be_v express_o direct_v to_o the_o gentile_n believe_v in_o antioch_n syria_n and_o cilicia_n where_o it_o seem_v this_o question_n have_v trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n act_n 15.23_o 24._o which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o catholic_n church_n neither_o be_v it_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n have_v any_o messenger_n there_o much_o less_o that_o all_o the_o church_n have_v their_o messenger_n object_n but_o it_o be_v say_v they_o may_v have_v have_v their_o messenger_n there_o if_o they_o will_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o decree_n as_o of_o a_o general_a council_n answ_n it_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o church_n have_v lawful_a summons_n to_o send_v their_o messenger_n to_o that_o assembly_n before_o there_o can_v be_v lay_v any_o blame_n on_o they_o for_o neglect_v the_o same_o or_o they_o be_v all_o tie_v to_o the_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o assembly_n as_o a_o general_a council_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a much_o less_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o silent_a argument_n 2_o every_o political_a body_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o member_n into_o a_o society_n but_o christ_n have_v not_o institute_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n shall_v combine_v into_o a_o society_n ergo._fw-la propos_fw-fr prove_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o instance_n give_v of_o any_o free_a society_n civil_a or_o sacred_a that_o be_v under_o policy_n but_o that_o it_o arise_v from_o combination_n how_o come_v israel_n to_o be_v one_o national_n church_n but_o by_o a_o national_a covenant_n and_o that_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n or_o how_o come_v any_o national_a provincial_a classical_a church_n that_o be_v plead_v for_o to_o be_v such_o but_o by_o some_o such_o combination_n why_o be_v this_o church_n of_o this_o classis_fw-la not_o of_o another_o but_o by_o combination_n second_o in_o a_o political_a body_n the_o whole_a have_v power_n to_o order_v every_o part_n but_o this_o power_n among_o person_n that_o be_v free_a be_v only_o by_o combination_n assump_n prove_v first_o because_o christ_n never_o institute_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a as_o this_o be_v for_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n in_o every_o age_n so_o to_o do_v second_o christ_n ordain_v combination_n for_o communion_n in_o his_o worship_n but_o this_o communion_n also_o be_v impossible_a to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o one_o ergo._fw-la three_o corrupt_a church_n be_v visible_a church_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v or_o any_o to_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o combination_n of_o all_o church_n asian_n african_a european_a american_n corrupt_a and_o uncorrupt_a for_o prudent_a man_n may_v easy_o foresee_v the_o heavy_a consequent_n thereof_o argument_n 3_o every_o political_a church_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n to_o elect_v she_o own_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n have_v not_o such_o power_n ergo._fw-la proposit_n prove_v this_o all_o scripture_n example_n show_v that_o every_o church_n or_o flock_n of_o believer_n have_v her_o pastor_n act._n 14._o tit._n 1._o second_o according_a to_o our_o brethren_n principle_n if_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v choose_v a_o pastor_n much_o more_o the_o catholic_n because_o all_o privilege_n be_v primary_o give_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n that_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a assump_n prove_v first_o if_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v choose_v pastor_n over_o it_o than_o they_o may_v make_v apostle_n because_o catholic_n pastor_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n second_o the_o reason_n against_o a_o universal_a bishop_n be_v strong_a here_o as_o that_o their_o office_n be_v not_o describe_v in_o the_o word_n nor_o their_o power_n able_a to_o reach_v all_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v choose_v her_o pastor_n in_o the_o part_n or_o particular_a society_n which_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o not_o catholic_n pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n answ_n if_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o particular_a church_n choose_v pastor_n over_o themselves_o who_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o be_v part_n partium_fw-la and_o so_o part_n totius_fw-la than_o they_o come_v to_o our_o hand_n for_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o catholic_n tâ—…tum_n that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o officer_n but_o in_o its_o part_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o particular_a church_n have_v the_o officer_n in_o they_o do_v make_v one_o political_a body_n or_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v catholic_n pastor_n argument_n 4_o christ_n jesus_n institute_v no_o such_o political_a body_n as_o destroy_v church_n policy_n but_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n political_a destroy_v policy_n ergo._fw-la assump_n prove_v because_o it_o swallow_v up_o the_o power_n not_o only_o of_o all_o church_n congregationall_a but_o all_o other_o form_n of_o church_n by_o take_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n from_o they_o for_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v seat_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o church_n from_o which_o there_o can_v be_v just_o no_o appeal_n for_o matth._n 18._o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v seat_v in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o whatsoever_o it_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o high_a judge_n in_o the_o high_a court_n and_o from_o the_o sentence_n of_o this_o high_a court_n and_o judge_n how_o can_v there_o be_v any_o appeal_n but_o now_o suppose_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o that_o as_o the_o high_a church_n hence_o no_o inferior_a church_n can_v bind_v on_o earth_n so_o as_o that_o the_o same_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n see_v appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o they_o to_o a_o high_a power_n on_o earth_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n proceed_v right_o as_o in_o a_o inferior_a sanhedrin_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n yet_o may_v we_o appeal_v from_o he_o answ_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o sentence_n of_o every_o civil_a court_n do_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o every_o civil_a court_n have_v not_o this_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o looâ—…ing_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n second_o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o bind_n in_o civil_a court_n and_o appeal_n may_v be_v yet_o make_v from_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v because_o
rule_v like_a beza_n his_o episcopus_fw-la humanus_fw-la with_o subjection_n in_o case_n of_o error_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o nay_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o they_o may_v choose_v a_o universal_a pastor_n and_o so_o give_v away_o the_o power_n to_o one_o if_o all_o will_v agree_v in_o a_o word_n they_o only_o may_v combine_v into_o a_o political_a body_n where_o the_o whole_a may_v excommunicate_v any_o part_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o whole_a because_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v capable_a of_o excommunication_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o as_o be_v say_v before_o 5_o a_o particular_a church_n therefore_o must_v be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v so_o combine_v together_o that_o it_o may_v ordinary_o enjoy_v church_n communion_n to_o exercise_v church_n power_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o her_o officer_n and_o lead_v by_o they_o hence_o titus_n be_v to_o set_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n and_o these_o elder_n be_v such_o as_o can_v ordinary_o feed_v they_o by_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o rule_v and_o govern_v they_o now_o that_o such_o a_o congregationall_a church_n be_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v first_o by_o those_o many_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o one_o country_n and_o in_o small_a compass_n as_o several_a church_n not_o as_o one_o as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n samaria_n and_o galilee_n act_v 9_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1.1_o yea_o not_o only_o in_o one_o small_a country_n but_o in_o city_n or_o near_o unto_o they_o we_o read_v of_o distinct_a church_n as_o corinth_n though_o god_n have_v much_o people_n there_o yet_o it_o be_v one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o and_o have_v another_o church_n near_o to_o it_o viz._n cenchrea_n also_o rome_n who_o the_o apostle_n salute_v send_v also_o salutation_n by_o they_o to_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o household_n which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o that_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o these_o add_v that_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o number_n be_v the_o great_a of_o any_o that_o we_o read_v of_o yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 1._o and_o chap._n 2.41_o 42._o what_o be_v object_v against_o this_o to_o prove_v it_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v answer_v before_o other_o objection_n against_o this_o and_o like_a example_n shall_v be_v consider_v in_o their_o due_a place_n as_o we_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o that_o a_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o be_v more_o objection_n against_o the_o completeness_n thereof_o which_o yet_o be_v prove_v thus_o that_o church_n which_o have_v power_n of_o all_o the_o key_n give_v unto_o it_o for_o actual_a administration_n within_o itself_o be_v a_o complete_a church_n but_o so_o have_v a_o particular_a congregation_n ergo._fw-la the_o first_o part_n be_v evident_a because_o where_o all_o the_o key_n be_v with_o full_a power_n to_o administer_v the_o same_o there_o nothing_o be_v want_v the_o assumption_n be_v prove_v thus_o if_o all_o those_o officer_n to_o who_o be_v give_v the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o exercise_v the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o a_o congregation_n then_o all_o the_o key_n be_v so_o give_v to_o it_o but_o so_o it_o be_v for_o since_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v there_o be_v no_o other_o officer_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o ruler_n call_v sometime_o bishop_n sometime_o elder_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v prove_v act_n 14._o tit._n 1.4_o and_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n who_o ordain_v such_o officer_n in_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n ergo._fw-la objection_n 1_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o a_o congregation_n have_v such_o officer_n as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o that_o such_o must_v combine_v with_o other_o in_o way_n of_o co-ordination_a to_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o so_o to_o be_v help_v and_o complete_v by_o they_o answ_n we_o grant_v much_o help_n may_v be_v have_v by_o sister_n church_n and_o consultative_a presbytery_n but_o that_o which_o take_v away_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o point_n of_o government_n from_o the_o church_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o do_v not_o complete_a it_o but_o take_v away_o and_o destroy_v the_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o for_o though_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o congregation_n may_v oft_o consent_v yet_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n must_v carry_v it_o whether_o he_o consent_v or_o no_o and_o therefore_o his_o power_n be_v swallow_v up_o beside_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o mystery_n that_o every_o pastor_n even_o such_o as_o have_v no_o flock_n shall_v be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o yet_o a_o pastor_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o own_o flock_n over_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v he_o a_o bishop_n and_o for_o which_o flock_n he_o must_v give_v account_n unto_o god_n objection_n 2_o it_o can_v have_v a_o synod_n which_o be_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o complete_a church_n answ_n by_o this_o reason_n a_o classical_a church_n be_v not_o complete_a because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o national_n council_n nor_o a_o national_n church_n because_o it_o can_v have_v a_o general_a council_n if_o it_o be_v say_v a_o classis_fw-la have_v all_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o a_o complete_a church_n we_o say_v the_o like_a of_o a_o congregation_n objection_n 3_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v cast_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o england_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o submit_v to_o combination_n so_o here_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a not_o so_o when_o among_o other_o church_n answ_n if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o all_o civil_a officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o as_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a government_n in_o his_o family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o come_v among_o neither_o do_v he_o in_o prudence_n he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n etc._n etc._n but_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o here_o a_o church_n have_v complete_a officer_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n except_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o second_o though_o a_o family_n not_o have_v complete_a civil_a government_n in_o itself_o must_v combine_v where_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o never_o to_o yield_v up_o its_o family-government_n over_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n no_o civil_a prudence_n or_o moral_a rule_n teach_v man_n ever_o so_o to_o practice_v and_o therefore_o why_o in_o such_o a_o case_n shall_v a_o church_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o itself_o to_o pastor_n of_o many_o church_n to_o rule_v it_o in_o common_a and_o not_o rather_o as_o a_o classis_fw-la be_v overawe_v by_o the_o provincial_n only_a in_o common_a thing_n so_o in_o congregation_n pastor_n shall_v govern_v their_o flock_n and_o only_o in_o thing_n common_a be_v under_o a_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o classis_fw-la do_v act_n in_o such_o thing_n only_o for_o in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offender_n the_o offence_n be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o answer_v if_o so_o then_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o provincial_n and_o national_n church_n by_o this_o reason_n assume_v all_o to_o themselves_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la for_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o as_o also_o upon_o this_o ground_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o classis_fw-la admit_v all_o the_o member_n of_o every_o congregation_n under_o they_o for_o this_o also_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o three_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v leave_v to_o civil_a prudence_n and_o may_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o many_o form_n of_o government_n but_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v and_o maintain_v such_o order_n of_o government_n as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o give_v it_o up_o to_o many_o no_o more_o then_o to_o
one_o if_o testimony_n be_v needful_a we_o may_v produce_v zanchi_n zwinglius_fw-la parker_n baines_n and_o other_o who_o be_v full_o with_o we_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o dr._n downam_n himself_o confess_v that_o the_o most_o of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o a_o populous_a congregation_n and_o this_o confession_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o witty_a passage_n of_o his_o refuter_fw-la or_o his_o epistoler_n who_o against_o the_o bishop_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o congregationall_a church_n with_o we_o with_o who_o expression_n for_o the_o recreation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o reader_n we_o will_v conclude_v the_o papist_n say_v he_o he_o tell_v we_o just_a as_o the_o organ_n go_v at_o rome_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o bishop_n jurisdiction_n be_v not_o limit_v but_o by_o the_o pope_n appointment_n his_o power_n of_o itself_o indifferent_o reaching_z over_o all_o the_o world_n our_o prelatist_n will_v persuade_v we_o to_o the_o tune_n of_o canterbury_n that_o neither_o church_n nor_o bishop_n have_v his_o bound_n determine_v by_o the_o pope_n nor_o yet_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o leave_v to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o prince_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o one_o mould_n with_o the_o civil_a state_n now_o the_o plain_a christian_n find_v nothing_o but_o humane_a uncertainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o devise_n he_o content_v himself_o with_o plain_a song_n and_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v christian_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o such_o society_n as_o may_v assemble_v themselves_o together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o that_o unto_o such_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a pastor_n he_o i_o say_v in_o his_o simplicity_n call_v these_o assembly_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o pastor_n his_o bishop_n thus_o much_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o it_o be_v institute_v in_o the_o gospel_n now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o be_v to_o show_v how_o church_n government_n and_o ordinance_n be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o same_o where_o we_o shall_v propound_v these_o thesis_n for_o explication_n of_o ourselves_o first_o though_o pastourship_n consider_v as_o a_o office_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o people_n to_o feed_v they_o authoritative_o be_v one_o of_o these_o ordinance_n give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o christ_n have_v give_v it_o for_o the_o gather_n in_o of_o his_o elect_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o grant_v some_o act_n of_o the_o ministry_n viz._n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o church_n second_o seal_n and_o other_o privilege_n although_o de_fw-la jure_fw-la and_o remote_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_a church_n or_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n yet_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la and_o next_o they_o belong_v proper_o to_o this_o subject_a which_o we_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o make_v good_a three_o they_o be_v not_o so_o appropriate_v to_o such_o congregation_n only_o as_o to_o exclude_v the_o member_n of_o those_o congregation_n which_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n or_o other_o form_n of_o government_n for_o we_o have_v a_o brotherly_a esteem_n of_o such_o congregation_n notwithstanding_o that_o tertium_fw-la quoddam_fw-la separabile_fw-la of_o government_n as_o mr._n baines_n call_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o a_o church_n now_o constitute_v and_o may_v be_v absent_a the_o church_n remain_v a_o church_n four_o although_o it_o be_v say_v by_o some_o divine_n that_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n so_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o outward_a form_n and_o that_o therefore_o bare_a profession_n of_o faith_n make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o they_o who_o so_o speak_v for_o there_o be_v a_o double_a profession_n of_o faith_n personal_a which_o be_v act_v several_o by_o particular_a person_n and_o common_a which_o be_v act_v conjoint_o in_o and_o with_o a_o society_n the_o first_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o catholic_a number_n of_o visible_a saint_n and_o so_o fit_a matter_n for_o political_a church-society_n the_o other_o make_v a_o man_n of_o the_o political_a church_n formal_o and_o complete_o and_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n profession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o external_a form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n but_o not_o in_o the_o other_o now_o that_o in_o and_o to_o this_o subject_n so_o profess_v the_o seal_n and_o other_o ordinance_n belong_v may_v be_v prove_v thus_o argument_n 1_o first_o the_o seal_n and_o other_o church-ordinance_n must_v either_o belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o or_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o these_o can_v belong_v to_o the_o catholic_n in_o actual_a dispensation_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v ergo._fw-la for_o that_o church_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o actual_a dispensation_n of_o seal_n censure_n etc._n etc._n be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o participation_n thereof_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o the_o catholic_n number_n of_o visible_a believer_n as_o catholic_n and_o out_o of_o particular_a society_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n the_o same_o ergo._fw-la the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o any_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o capable_a of_o participate_v in_o seal_n that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o dispense_n they_o at_o least_o not_o have_v a_o next_o power_n to_o elect_v officer_n to_o do_v it_o the_o assumption_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v no_o political_a body_n the_o sole_a subject_n of_o church_n administration_n neither_o in_o the_o whole_a nor_o in_o the_o part_n as_o exist_v out_o of_o congregation_n argument_n 2_o if_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v into_o particular_a society_n that_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o seal_n etc._n etc._n then_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o they_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n but_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o that_o end_n for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o erect_v any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o respect_n shall_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o these_o particular_a temple_n destroy_v and_o thus_o a_o door_n of_o liberty_n be_v open_v to_o many_o to_o live_v loose_o without_o the_o care_n and_o watch_v and_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o world_n argument_n 3_o if_o the_o seal_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v immediate_o to_o believer_n or_o profess_v believer_n as_o such_o than_o they_o may_v be_v administer_v private_o to_o any_o one_o wherever_o he_o be_v find_v but_o that_o be_v very_o irregular_a and_o against_o the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o protestant_a divine_n who_o give_v large_a testimony_n against_o private_a baptism_n or_o of_o the_o lords-supper_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o weight_n in_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o papist_n or_o anabaptist_n allege_v for_o the_o contrary_n argument_n 4_o lest_o we_o seem_v to_o stand_v alone_o in_o this_o controversy_n let_v the_o argument_n produce_v by_o didoclavius_n and_o he_o that_o write_v concern_v perth_n assembly_n against_o private_a baptism_n be_v consider_v and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o most_o of_o they_o do_v strong_o conclude_v against_o administration_n thereof_o to_o any_o but_o church-member_n argument_n 5_o the_o learned_a author_n mr._n ball_n in_o this_o his_o dispute_n against_o our_o conclusion_n yet_o in_o his_o discourse_n let_v fall_v sundry_a thing_n that_o confirm_v it_o 22._o as_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v the_o society_n of_o man_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n divide_v into_o many_o particular_a church_n whence_o we_o argue_v if_o the_o catholic_n church_n exi_v only_o in_o these_o particular_a church_n the_o seal_n must_v only_o be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o member_n thereof_o also_o 68_o that_o baptism_n be_v a_o solemn_a admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n whence_o three_o thing_n will_v follow_v first_o that_o baptism_n sometime_o administer_v private_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a pattern_n second_o that_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v administer_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o immediate_o if_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a society_n three_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a society_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n of_o so_o great_a
concernment_n &_o if_o baptism_n must_v be_v administer_v in_o it_o why_o ought_v not_o why_o may_v not_o such_o join_v to_o that_o society_n at_o least_o as_o member_n for_o a_o time_n also_o when_o he_o say_v divers_a time_n that_o man_n be_v make_v member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n speak_v of_o such_o church_n as_o choose_v officer_n over_o they_o yea_o that_o the_o apostle_n constitute_v chrche_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o like_a which_o we_o shall_v note_v in_o the_o answer_n now_o what_o do_v these_o argue_v but_o a_o yield_a of_o the_o cause_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n make_v member_n and_o constitute_v church_n by_o baptism_n this_o be_v only_o sacramental_o and_o if_o so_o then_o of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v real_o member_n of_o such_o church_n before_o baptism_n thus_o we_o have_v run_v through_o this_o large_a field_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v detain_v we_o long_o than_o we_o intend_v yet_o to_o prevent_v mistake_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o union_n communion_n and_o combination_n of_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v add_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o we_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n sometime_o as_o one_o body_n sometime_o as_o many_o and_o therefore_o call_v church_n and_o hence_o our_o care_n be_v to_o preserve_v not_o only_o the_o distinction_n of_o church_n as_o many_o by_o particular_a combination_n but_o also_o their_o unity_n as_o be_v one_o by_o spiritual_a relation_n 2_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n we_o say_v for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n and_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulative_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privative_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o independency_n as_o that_o which_o be_v maintain_v by_o contempt_n or_o careless_a neglect_n of_o sister_n church_n faciunt_fw-la favos_fw-la &_o vespae_fw-la mar._n faciunt_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la &_o marcionitae_n say_v tertullian_n we_o utter_o dislike_v such_o dependency_n of_o church_n upon_o other_o as_o be_v build_v upon_o usurpation_n and_o spoil_n of_o particular_a church_n have_v thus_o large_o digress_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o dispute_n in_o hand_n we_o desire_v to_o be_v excuse_v if_o we_o be_v the_o more_o brief_a in_o our_o answer_n to_o particular_n which_o now_o we_o shall_v attend_v unto_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o order_n chap._n vi_o reply_n the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a as_o you_o say_v but_o also_o in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o say_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v a_o ordinance_n give_v only_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n gather_v must_v it_o not_o be_v understand_v of_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n as_o well_o as_o of_o ordinary_a etc._n etc._n add_v these_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n be_v to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n which_o you_o foresee_v may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_n and_o example_n but_o so_o as_o they_o cut_v asunder_o the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n itself_o and_o make_v it_o of_o no_o force_n answ_n before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o reply_n it_o be_v needful_a to_o clear_v our_o meaning_n from_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o word_n ordinary_a dispensation_n which_o be_v right_o understand_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o no_o way_n cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o the_o consideration_n as_o be_v object_v for_o whereas_o first_o you_o extend_v the_o opposite_a term_n extraordinary_a dispensation_n to_o the_o whole_a general_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o second_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o practice_n be_v not_o to_o baptize_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n we_o neither_o intend_v the_o first_o nor_o do_v we_o grant_v the_o second_o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n ordinary_o and_o general_o practise_v according_a to_o common_a rule_n in_o this_o point_n of_o baptise_v as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o leave_v their_o practice_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o therefore_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n in_o this_o thing_n we_o shall_v stick_v to_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o only_o extraordinary_a power_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o also_o have_v sometime_o a_o immediate_a call_n unto_o some_o act_n and_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o warrant_v what_o they_o do_v therefore_o there_o be_v some_o of_o their_o action_n especial_o in_o respect_n of_o some_o circumstance_n thereof_o which_o ordinary_a pastor_n not_o so_o assist_v may_v not_o do_v as_o in_o this_o case_n when_o they_o baptize_v in_o private_a house_n in_o the_o wilderness_n alone_o and_o not_o in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o congregation_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o some_o few_o case_n some_o do_v think_v they_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o a_o particular_a church_n yet_o if_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n be_v otherwise_o we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v the_o ordinary_a not_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o thus_o the_o sinew_n and_o force_n of_o the_o consideration_n remain_v strong_a notwithstanding_o this_o word_n of_o ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o that_o this_o be_v our_o meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o discern_v by_o the_o scripture_n cite_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o prove_v the_o seal_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n among_o which_o act_v 2.41_o 42_o 47._o contain_v the_o apostle_n first_o practice_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v express_v and_o mr._n ball_n take_v notice_n thereof_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o afterward_o though_o in_o his_o print_a reply_n those_o quotation_n be_v whole_o leave_v out_o 2_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_o do_v not_o baptize_v into_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o story_n of_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n first_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v gather_v disciple_n into_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o other_o time_n or_o season_n of_o do_v it_o can_v be_v show_v in_o all_o the_o story_n of_o their_o act_n yea_o sometime_o they_o be_v so_o sudden_o call_v away_o or_o enforce_v away_o by_o persecution_n after_o they_o have_v convert_v disciple_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a if_o not_o impossible_a they_o shall_v do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o when_o they_o convert_v and_o baptize_v they_o as_o act_n 16.40_o &_o 17.5_o etc._n etc._n but_o to_o come_v more_o particular_o unto_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n first_o and_o exemplary_a practice_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o of_o their_o ordinary_a proceed_n therein_o the_o first_o convert_v which_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v after_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v up_o be_v those_o in_o that_o famous_a place_n act_v 2.41_o concern_v who_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n peter_n not_o only_o preach_v unto_o they_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o promise_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v but_o according_a to_o that_o commission_n mat._n 28._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n be_v the_o very_a scope_n of_o his_o exhortation_n and_o this_o imply_v a_o gather_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o all_o this_o word_n they_o glad_o receive_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 41._o declare_v
their_o baptise_v he_o record_v withal_o their_o add_v to_o they_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o the_o former_a and_o that_o the_o same_o day_n as_o be_v perform_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o indeed_o when_o a_o convert_n public_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o as_o easy_o do_v to_o reâ—…eive_v he_o to_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n as_o into_o the_o catholic_n before_o baptism_n but_o first_o to_o baptize_v they_o and_o then_o the_o same_o day_n to_o add_v or_o join_v they_o to_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o unprobable_a and_o that_o this_o add_v be_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o the_o next_o place_n you_o may_v note_v be_v act_n 5.14_o where_o the_o holy_a ghost_n omit_v the_o baptise_v of_o those_o believer_n yet_o speak_v of_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o if_o the_o one_o employ_v the_o other_o and_o that_o their_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v by_o their_o join_n to_o the_o church_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o opposition_n between_o verse_n 13_o &_o 14._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o but_o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n 3_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o samaria_n although_o so_o great_a a_o work_n be_v declare_v in_o so_o few_o word_n in_o one_o verse_n act._n 8.12_o yet_o the_o text_n put_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n of_o philip_n doctrine_n between_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o plain_o enough_o show_v that_o they_o teach_v the_o observe_n of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o object_n of_o save_a faith_n and_o this_o they_o receive_v by_o faith_n and_o profess_v before_o they_o be_v baptize_v now_o the_o first_o and_o most_o famous_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v that_o so_o they_o practise_v why_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o their_o like_a practice_n in_o other_o example_n when_o nothing_o be_v say_v that_o contradict_v the_o same_o as_o act_v 10._o in_o the_o baptise_v of_o cornelius_n his_o house_n where_o so_o many_o be_v meet_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o all_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o apostle_n peter_n baptize_v they_o and_o leave_v they_o out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o shall_v worship_v he_o and_o be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n if_o we_o doubt_v of_o it_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a therein_o we_o may_v as_o well_o question_v whether_o those_o believer_n act_n 4.4_o &_o 9.35_o &_o vers_fw-la 42._o whether_o any_o of_o these_o confess_v their_o faith_n or_o be_v baptize_v for_o nothing_o be_v say_v thereof_o so_o likewise_o act_v 11._o where_o we_o read_v of_o many_o believe_a turn_v to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 21._o of_o the_o add_v other_o to_o the_o lord_n vers_n 24._o but_o nothing_o of_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n or_o baptism_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v call_v a_o church_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o express_v their_o baptism_n without_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o sometime_o join_v without_o baptism_n and_o sometime_o he_o express_v both_o acts._n 2.41_o and_o therefore_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o like_a of_o the_o case_n of_o lydia_n and_o the_o jailor_n consider_v the_o former_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v so_o express_o of_o a_o church_n at_o philippi_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n 4._o at_o which_o time_n we_o have_v no_o more_o conversion_n express_v but_o of_o those_o two_o family_n at_o least_o they_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a fruit_n of_o paul_n ministry_n at_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o lydia_n house_n see_v paul_n go_v out_o of_o prison_n to_o her_o house_n he_o be_v say_v to_o see_v the_o brethren_n and_o comfort_v they_o so_o depart_v verse_n 40._o beside_o why_o may_v not_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v they_o into_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o well_o as_o into_o the_o catholic_n or_o all_o church_n as_o some_o say_v they_o profess_v subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o he_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o church_n he_o have_v there_o constitute_v the_o fullness_n of_o power_n in_o the_o apostle_n may_v do_v great_a matter_n without_o breach_n of_o order_n though_o no_o rule_n for_o we_o so_o to_o do_v neither_o be_v it_o strange_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o time_n to_o begin_v a_o church_n in_o a_o family_n see_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n in_o three_o several_a family_n rom._n 16.5_o col._n 4.15_o phil._n 2._o which_o though_o many_o understand_v to_o be_v call_v church_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o godliness_n of_o those_o family_n yet_o if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o many_o eminent_a saint_n the_o apostle_n salute_v who_o no_o doubt_n have_v godly_a family_n not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v their_o household_n much_o less_o give_v they_o such_o a_o title_n but_o only_o to_o these_o three_o name_v second_o how_o distinct_a his_o salutation_n be_v first_o the_o governor_n and_o then_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n three_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o only_o send_v his_o salutation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16.5_o but_o also_o keep_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n he_o send_v salutation_n from_o that_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 16.19_o all_o which_o do_v strong_o argue_v there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o then_o that_o they_o be_v godly_a family_n and_o therefore_o may_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o constitute_v church_n in_o those_o family_n though_o other_o christian_n also_o may_v join_v with_o they_o reply_n thus_o have_v clear_v our_o meaning_n and_o the_o consideration_n itself_o there_o will_v remain_v very_o few_o extraordinary_a case_n if_o any_o of_o who_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v they_o be_v not_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a church_n when_o baptize_v as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n which_o as_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a immediate_a call_n of_o philip_n so_o to_o do_v so_o also_o there_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n thereof_o the_o lord_n intend_v thereby_o rather_o by_o he_o to_o send_v the_o gospel_n into_o ethiopia_n then_o to_o retain_v he_o in_o any_o other_o place_n to_o join_v with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o baptism_n of_o paul_n who_o as_o without_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n he_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o immediate_a voice_n of_o christ_n so_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o immediate_a call_n of_o ananias_n so_o to_o do_v now_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o further_o be_v reply_v answ_n the_o seal_v baptism_n and_o the_o lords-supper_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a but_o also_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n true_a baptism_n be_v not_o without_o the_o church_n but_o in_o it_o a_o ordinance_n give_v to_o it_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n hence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o if_o the_o seal_n in_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o to_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n than_o also_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o 1_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v for_o first_o if_o the_o apostle_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n baptize_v private_o will_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o second_o if_o because_o the_o ministry_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o limit_v to_o particular_a church_n will_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n minister_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n three_o as_o we_o have_v oft_o say_v that_o seal_n belong_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la to_o all_o believer_n as_o such_o as_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o first_o as_o to_o its_o object_n and_o end_n and_o all_o that_o be_v true_o baptize_v be_v baptize_v into_o it_o and_o thus_o never_o out_o of_o it_o as_o be_v token_n of_o our_o spiritual_a admittance_n into_o the_o lord_n family_n both_o in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o actual_a fruition_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o which_o the_o question_n be_v state_v may_v ordinary_o be_v have_v or_o give_v to_o such_o as_o set_v loose_a from_o all_o society_n the_o apostle_n have_v extraordinary_a power_n be_v general_a pastor_n over_o all_o person_n
we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o when_o they_o grow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o number_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o more_o congregationall_a church_n and_o so_o no_o other_o form_n arise_v from_o the_o multitude_n but_o we_o suppose_v you_o mean_v of_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o answer_v to_o your_o assumption_n we_o deny_v that_o any_o such_o multitude_n of_o believer_n as_o be_v here_o call_v a_o church_n be_v so_o great_a as_o can_v not_o meet_v to_o edification_n and_o first_o concern_v samaria_n reply_n that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n gather_v in_o samaria_n will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o that_o city_n be_v only_o a_o congregationall_a assembly_n be_v more_o than_o can_v probable_o be_v conclude_v answ_n we_o grant_v a_o church_n or_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o samaria_n and_o we_o accept_v your_o reason_n as_o good_a because_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n and_o be_v baptize_v whâ—…e_o by_o the_o way_n you_o grant_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o before_o that_o the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregationall_a assembly_n lie_v not_o in_o 〈…〉_z prove_v until_o you_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o believer_n be_v call_v a_o church_n or_o one_o church_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a story_n 〈…〉_z nor_o any_o other_o where_o that_o we_o can_v find_v and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o as_o philip_n convert_v and_o baptize_v so_o great_a a_o multitude_n at_o several_a time_n and_o gather_v they_o into_o the_o church_n or_o church_n as_o he_o baptize_v they_o so_o he_o may_v gather_v several_a church_n as_o well_o as_o one_o see_v that_o none_o doubt_v but_o that_o congregationall_a church_n 〈◊〉_d a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n what_o ever_o man_n contend_v for_o beside_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n in_o samaria_n as_o great_a as_o you_o will_v have_v it_o it_o prove_v nothing_o reply_n the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o and_o distinct_a yet_o increase_v to_o 3000_o then_o to_o 5000_o etc._n etc._n answ_n be_v it_o so_o the_o increase_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v call_v one_o distinct_a church_n it_o be_v one_o congregation_n viz._n until_o they_o scatter_v by_o the_o persecution_n about_o stephen_n acts._n 7.8_o which_o be_v evident_a by_o these_o two_o argument_n first_o act_v 2.41_o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v the_o 3000_o add_v to_o the_o 120._o they_o have_v their_o communion_n together_o describe_v 1_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n to_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n verse_n 42._o second_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o outward_a communion_n in_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 44_o &_o 45_o now_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o part_n of_o this_o communion_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n and_o place_n be_v describe_v verse_n 46._o viz._n in_o their_o spiritual_a duty_n they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a communion_n in_o their_o state_n they_o eat_v their_o meat_n from_o house_n to_o house_n this_o latter_a require_v many_o table_n and_o many_o house_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o so_o that_o although_o in_o their_o outward_a communion_n it_o be_v in_o private_a house_n yet_o their_o spiritual_a communion_n it_o be_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n viz._n the_o temple_n where_o they_o have_v room_n enough_o be_v the_o place_n erect_v for_o a_o national_n church_n and_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n be_v not_o interrupt_v therein_o by_o any_o persecution_n we_o need_v not_o step_v out_o of_o our_o way_n to_o reply_v to_o all_o that_o be_v say_v against_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o note_v that_o they_o daily_o with_o one_o accord_n 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v not_o ansâ—…ered_v by_o any_o 〈…〉_z 2_o this_o appear_v act_n â—…_z 1_o 5._o where_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o election_n of_o deacon_n be_v before_o and_o by_o the_o multitude_n verse_n 1._o by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n verse_n 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o church-meeting_n and_o church_n act_n we_o read_v of_o before_o their_o scatter_n neither_o can_v â—…t_o appear_v that_o the_o jew_n and_o â—…recians_n who_o widow_n murmur_v be_v two_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v choose_v all_o by_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o whole_a not_o distinct_o so_o many_o for_o this_o and_o so_o many_o for_o that_o church_n as_o it_o be_v needful_a if_o they_o be_v two_o church_n these_o proof_n be_v so_o clear_a the_o inconvenience_n object_v be_v of_o no_o force_n and_o sufficient_o answer_v by_o many_o example_n of_o as_o great_a assembly_n meet_v ordinary_o to_o edification_n as_o beside_o the_o auditory_a of_o chrysostome_n cite_v by_o other_o the_o assembly_n of_o stepney_n in_o london_n yarmouth_n in_o norfolk_n and_o other_o in_o our_o experience_n beza_n a_o man_n not_o love_v to_o hyperbolise_v say_v that_o be_v in_o paris_n there_o meet_v at_o a_o sermon_n 332._o 24000._o and_o of_o a_o synodall_n assembly_n that_o they_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n no_o less_o than_o 10000_o beza_n epist._n 65._o reply_n without_o question_v the_o number_n of_o believer_n at_o antioch_n be_v not_o small_a of_o which_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o that_o a_o great_a multitude_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v think_v the_o church_n rise_v to_o such_o aâ—…_n bigness_n as_o can_v not_o well_o assemble_v in_o one_o congregation_n act_v 11.21_o &_o 14.27_o answ_n 1_o in_o that_o place_n act_v 11.21_o the_o great_a number_n that_o believe_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o the_o scatter_a christian_n at_o phenice_n cyprus_n and_o antioch_n for_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o all_o and_o their_o whole_a success_n be_v sum_v up_o together_o nothing_o say_v before_o of_o the_o other_o place_n 2_o though_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n teach_v much_o people_n yet_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o this_o much_o people_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o church_n 3_o though_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o do_v it_o follow_v they_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n and_o if_o first_o disciple_n be_v there_o call_v christian_n must_v it_o need_v be_v for_o their_o number_n and_o not_o rather_o for_o eminent_a likeness_n to_o christ_n with_o other_o specialty_n of_o providence_n 4_o it_o be_v express_o say_v the_o church_n be_v gather_v together_o act_v 14.27_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o the_o elder_n only_o as_o if_o they_o only_o can_v meet_v for_o chap._n 15.30_o they_o gather_v the_o multitude_n together_o so_o that_o it_o be_v noâ—…_n 〈…〉_z but_o 〈…〉_z to_o gâ—…ther_o in_o 〈◊〉_d place_n reply_n the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v great_a at_o ephesus_n where_o paul_n preach_v two_o year_n all_o that_o dwell_v 〈…〉_z hear_v 〈…〉_z and_o effectual_a way_n open_v 〈…〉_z the_o 〈…〉_z of_o diâ—…na_fw-la her_o temple_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v seâ—…_n aâ—…â—…ought_v 〈◊〉_d those_o 〈…〉_z burn_v their_o book_n open_o which_o can_v not_o 〈…〉_z great_a danger_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n have_v 〈◊〉_d act_v 19.10_o 19_o 27._o answ_n 1_o be_v it_o so_o that_o many_o be_v convert_v and_o the_o word_n grâ—…w_o mighty_o this_o prove_v not_o thâ—â—_n all_o who_o hear_v paul_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n for_o then_o all_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v of_o that_o church_n act_n 19.10_o who_o do_v hear_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d jewe_n and_o gentile_n as_o for_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o shrine_n and_o diana_n temple_n to_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o a_o little_a spark_n may_v â—…indle_v such_o fear_n and_o raise_v such_o outcry_n in_o the_o covetous_a craftsman_n by_o who_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v see_v in_o a_o superstitious_a 〈◊〉_d our_o own_o experience_n may_v teach_v how_o soon_o a_o profane_a people_n will_v cry_v our_o against_o a_o faithful_a minister_n before_o he_o have_v convert_v ten_o 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o city_n 2_o that_o they_o can_v not_o burn_v their_o book_n open_o without_o danger_n to_o the_o church_n except_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o city_n believe_v seem_v a_o strange_a reason_n as_o if_o believer_n 〈◊〉_d not_o profess_v open_o except_o they_o have_v a_o great_a number_n to_o maintain_v they_o with_o club-law_n open_a profession_n in_o those_o time_n
even_o among_o a_o few_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o be_v daunt_v with_o the_o grim_a look_n of_o persecution_n 3_o and_o last_o we_o grant_v ephesus_n may_v be_v a_o numerous_a church_n yet_o neither_o there_o noâ—…_n any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v from_o rev._n 2.7_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n 〈…〉_z can_v persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o congregation_n for_o that_o argue_v no_o more_o that_o ephesus_n be_v a_o compound_n of_o many_o church_n then_o that_o it_o be_v compound_v with_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n yea_o the_o church_n of_o all_o the_o world_n for_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o one_o church_n be_v speak_v for_o the_o use_n of_o all_o reply_n it_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n to_o 〈◊〉_d together_o in_o one_o place_n ordinary_o noâ—…_n be_v the_o society_n break_v off_o by_o persecutionâ—…_n when_o 〈…〉_z together_o in_o one_o place_n be_v interrupt_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a one_o church_n or_o society_n by_o persecution_n or_o otherwise_o may_v meet_v in_o several_a company_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v that_o place_n or_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n be_v proper_o essential_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o iâ—…_n to_o necessary_a both_o 〈…〉_z to_o â—…e_v able_a at_o least_o so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o 〈…〉_z of_o the_o society_n thus_o to_o meet_v together_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o communion_n thereof_o in_o all_o ordinance_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n thereof_o it_o be_v necessary_a when_o the_o papist_n to_o maintain_v their_o private_a mass_n say_v that_o place_n be_v but_o accidental_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o that_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o place_n as_o hâ—…rdin_n object_n any_o more_o then_o to_o observe_v day_n monethâ—…_n time_n condemn_v as_o beggarly_a element_n by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 4._o as_o also_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v unite_v together_o by_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o meet_v not_o in_o the_o same_o place_n as_o the_o ancient_n â—…o_o tell_v 13._o how_o do_v learned_a chamity_n answer_v they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o although_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a place_n be_v not_o necessary_a yet_o a_o place_n indefinite_o take_v isâ—…_n â—…_z and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v restrain_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o a_o place_n because_o it_o can_v be_v administer_v but_o conventu_fw-la fidelium_fw-la and_o this_o conventus_fw-la must_v be_v in_o some_o place_n and_o he_o add_v that_o although_o all_o the_o faithful_a have_v communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n though_o they_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o place_n yet_o this_o he_o say_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o spiritual_a not_o sacramental_a communion_n nunquam_fw-la â—…rim_fw-la auditum_fw-la qui_fw-la hierosolymis_fw-la erant_fw-la sacramentaliter_fw-la communicasse_fw-la cum_fw-la iis_fw-la qui_fw-la alexandrie_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v communion_n in_o one_o place_n together_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n as_o we_o do_v reply_n seven_o see_v then_o both_o the_o seal_n in_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n this_o with_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v but_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o several_a reply_v make_v we_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o the_o judicious_a have_v well_o observe_v our_o answer_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v the_o conclusion_n chap._n vii_o consid_n 2._o answer_n the_o preposition_n be_v grant_v that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v limit_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o in_o that_o you_o allege_v for_o confirmation_n some_o thing_n may_v be_v note_v 1_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o that_o passage_n but_o confirm_v for_o the_o seal_n be_v institute_v before_o his_o death_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o proposition_n be_v grant_v and_o the_o proof_n mat._n 28.19_o be_v we_o doubt_v not_o pertinent_a in_o the_o author_n own_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o we_o brotherly_a love_n may_v easy_o have_v pass_v over_o great_a mistake_n than_o the_o answer_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v into_o for_o by_o first_o institution_n here_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o institute_v in_o that_o first_o time_n of_o all_o divine_a ordinance_n we_o be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o use_n and_o so_o no_o institution_n of_o baptism_n before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o this_o confutation_n may_v have_v be_v spare_v reply_n second_o we_o see_v not_o how_o you_o can_v apply_v that_o text_n matth._n 28_o 19_o to_o preach_v by_o office_n which_o by_o your_o exposition_n be_v a_o dispense_n of_o a_o fit_a portion_n to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o household_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v to_o every_o creature_n etc._n etc._n answ_n as_o if_o that_o commission_n matth._n 28._o do_v not_o authorise_v they_o also_o and_o require_v they_o to_o dispense_v fit_a portion_n to_o the_o church_n do_v not_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n lie_v on_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 7.17_o be_v not_o apostle_n give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o other_o officer_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o therefore_o this_o note_n also_o may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v reply_n three_o if_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n you_o comprehend_v preach_v by_o office_n dispense_n seal_v etc._n etc._n we_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o those_o passage_n which_o speak_v of_o this_o power_n the_o execution_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o authority_n be_v commit_v answ_n this_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v only_o in_o the_o answer_n touch_v by_o the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o some_o 1_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a opinion_n to_o hold_v that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n and_o to_o allege_v matth._n 16._o &_o 18._o for_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o well_o have_v be_v set_v in_o the_o margin_n many_o ancient_a divine_n and_o our_o own_o modern_a as_o fulke_n whittaker_n baine_n parker_n and_o other_o as_o robinson_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o desire_n to_o possess_v people_n with_o that_o conceit_n that_o we_o go_v in_o new_a way_n with_o the_o separatist_n alone_o 2_o we_o distinguish_v between_o power_n and_o authority_n there_o be_v a_o power_n right_a or_o privilege_n as_o joh._n 1.12_o which_o be_v not_o authority_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o first_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o which_o they_o have_v right_a to_o choose_v officer_n act_n 6._o &_o 14._o receive_a member_n etc._n etc._n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v we_o ascribe_v only_o to_o the_o officer_n under_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v who_o the_o church_n must_v obey_v now_o we_o grant_v that_o where_o authority_n be_v give_v there_o power_n to_o exercise_v it_o be_v give_v also_o as_o mat._n 28._o joh._n 20._o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o minister_n and_o so_o where_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n there_o power_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o orderly_o be_v give_v also_o as_o mat._n 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o reply_n if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o must_v derive_v their_o authority_n immediate_o from_o the_o church_n and_o not_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o power_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v give_v etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o deny_v your_o consequence_n for_o the_o lord_n may_v give_v power_n to_o his_o church_n in_o all_o ordinary_a case_n and_o yet_o reserve_v to_o himself_o that_o prerogative_n to_o do_v what_o he_o please_v immediate_o without_o the_o church_n as_o be_v clear_a that_o in_o this_o case_n he_o have_v first_o call_v his_o twelve_o apostle_n mat._n 10._o before_o he_o institute_v the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n after_o he_o be_v please_v to_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 1._o to_o choose_v two_o and_o take_v one_o of_o they_o immediate_o by_o a_o lot_n and_o when_o paul_n be_v call_v he_o appear_v to_o he_o immediate_o and_o call_v he_o both_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o his_o apostleship_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o their_o call_n be_v a_o reserve_a case_n reply_n if_o minister_n dispense_v the_o seal_n as_o the_o steward_n of_o
of_o right_a and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o pastor_n may_v desire_v the_o seal_n of_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o answ_n this_o objection_n be_v easy_a for_o in_o desire_v seal_n of_o he_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o ministry_n they_o do_v now_o choose_v he_o however_o at_o first_o they_o oppose_v his_o come_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n whereof_o we_o speak_v reply_n these_o proposition_n be_v allow_v for_o currant_n a_o nation_n or_o people_n plunge_v into_o idolatry_n or_o infidelity_n or_o otherwise_o dischurch_v can_v by_o ordinary_a mean_n recover_v into_o a_o church_n estate_n wherein_o they_o may_v lawful_o and_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n desire_n or_o expect_v that_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v dispense_v unto_o they_o answ_n what_o shall_v hinder_v if_o the_o whole_a nation_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o recover_v themselves_o into_o church_n indeed_o that_o be_v rare_a to_o be_v find_v that_o all_o will_v affect_v such_o a_o recovery_n but_o we_o see_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v but_o all_o the_o nation_n or_o so_o many_o as_o be_v awaken_v in_o conscience_n to_o bewail_v their_o apostasy_n and_o lament_v after_o the_o lord_n have_v especial_o the_o countenance_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n several_a company_n of_o christian_n may_v combine_v in_o church_n so_o as_o may_v best_o suit_n with_o their_o edification_n choose_v officer_n and_o enjoy_v ordinance_n nay_o è_fw-la contra_fw-la our_o protestant_a divine_n as_o chemnitius_n field_n brentius_n whitacher_n luther_n etc._n etc._n make_v people_n power_n of_o elect_v their_o minister_n the_o best_a foundation_n of_o a_o people_n recovery_n of_o a_o true_a ministry_n and_o church_n estate_n reply_n the_o five_o proposition_n rise_v beyond_o measure_n that_o no_o christian_a can_v expect_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o seal_n till_o he_o have_v join_v himself_o in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n we_o conceive_v you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o child_n and_o woman_n have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n if_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consent_v in_o the_o call_n of_o the_o minister_n must_v they_o separate_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o seem_a sâ—…ellings_n of_o this_o proposition_n will_v easy_o full_a and_o run_v within_o bank_n and_o bound_n if_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n for_o by_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v the_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o all_o church_n member_n to_o his_o ministry_n after_o he_o be_v call_v as_o well_o as_o the_o act_n of_o election_n of_o he_o at_o the_o first_o it_o be_v irrational_a to_o think_v a_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v over_o again_o whensoever_o a_o member_n be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o ouâ—…_n meaning_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o conceive_v and_o be_v so_o take_v woman_n choose_v their_o minister_n that_o be_v voluntary_o submit_v to_o he_o be_v choose_v child_n be_v subject_v to_o he_o by_o their_o parent_n the_o dissent_v part_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o be_v choose_v and_o â—…oe_v if_o they_o remain_v under_o his_o ministry_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n you_o have_v or_o can_v suppose_v reply_n here_o you_o say_v people_n must_v join_v in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n before_o they_o can_v lawful_o desire_v and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o seal_n and_o another_o have_v zealous_o affirm_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n to_o choose_v a_o officer_n not_o train_v up_o and_o try_v in_o debaâ—…ing_n disâ—…ssâ—…g_a câ—…ying_v and_o contrive_v church_n affair_n in_o adâ—…nishing_v â—…châ—…ting_a comfort_a etc._n etc._n lâ—…y_o these_o together_o and_o consider_v how_o long_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n must_v be_v compel_v to_o wâ—…t_a god_n ordinance_n answ_n first_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o profession_n in_o the_o latter_a thus_o to_o join_v we_o with_o mr._n robinson_n as_o another_o of_o the_o same_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o will_v glad_o receive_v every_o syllable_n from_o we_o that_o may_v dislodge_v their_o thought_n of_o separation_n in_o we_o as_o we_o be_v hearty_o desire_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o this_o reply_n we_o think_v will_v not_o so_o close_o join_v we_o with_o such_o they_o will_v have_v we_o part_v from_o and_o upon_o so_o little_a occasion_n and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n unless_o they_o do_v much_o forget_v themselves_o second_o when_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o choice_n of_o minister_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o hand_n shall_v not_o rash_o be_v lay_v on_o any_o man_n and_o deacon_n the_o low_a office_n shall_v be_v prove_v and_o then_o minister_v be_v find_v blameless_a yea_o he_o say_v and_o these_o also_o prove_v imply_v that_o other_o also_o shall_v be_v so_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o what_o fault_n can_v be_v find_v with_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o either_o robinson_n or_o ourselves_o speak_v if_o our_o meaning_n and_o his_o be_v but_o charitable_o take_v if_o his_o word_n be_v overzealous_a to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a sin_n to_o do_v otherwise_o what_o be_v that_o to_o we_o three_o for_o the_o delay_n of_o ordinance_n if_o both_o these_o be_v take_v together_o in_o most_o case_n it_o need_v not_o be_v long_o where_o god_n afford_v able_a and_o fit_a man_n for_o office_n but_o if_o some_o delay_n be_v and_o that_o a_o church_n want_v some_o ordinance_n and_o can_v by_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n enjoy_v they_o which_o be_v rare_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o forbear_v some_o ordinance_n a_o while_n then_o miscarry_v in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o choice_n of_o officer_n upon_o which_o the_o follow_a comfort_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o much_o depend_v the_o demand_n follow_v be_v answer_v in_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o we_o hope_v not_o with_o word_n but_o proof_n especial_o in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o reply_n in_o the_o first_o consideration_n neither_o do_v we_o see_v any_o such_o difficulty_n but_o that_o such_o christian_n may_v as_o easy_o join_v to_o such_o a_o church_n for_o a_o time_n as_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o sit_v loose_a from_o it_o for_o transient_a member_n we_o disallow_v not_o reply_n if_o the_o proposition_n may_v stand_v for_o good_a i_o fear_v we_o shall_v scarce_o find_v that_o ever_o in_o ordinary_a way_n the_o sacrament_n be_v lawful_o dispense_v or_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o god_n since_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o they_o answ_n if_o they_o be_v take_v in_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o in_o that_o latitude_n we_o intend_v they_o we_o see_v no_o such_o cause_n of_o scruple_n for_o what_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o all_o true_a church_n then_o for_o people_n first_o to_o choose_v their_o minister_n &_o then_o to_o receive_v the_o seal_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o ancient_a reformer_n it_o be_v true_a many_o corruption_n have_v be_v in_o many_o true_a church_n and_o usurpation_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v their_o minister_n as_o also_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o and_o oft_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o church_n but_o as_o the_o maintain_n of_o any_o truth_n of_o god_n against_o those_o corruption_n in_o worship_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o argue_v a_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o such_o church_n but_o convince_v only_o the_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o they_o so_o in_o this_o case_n to_o assert_v the_o right_a way_n of_o church_n elect_v officer_n and_o enjoy_v ordinance_n against_o all_o corruption_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v a_o nullity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n themselves_o we_o may_v say_v that_o this_o conclusion_n rise_v beyond_o measure_n the_o objection_n be_v thus_o answer_v we_o leave_v the_o conclusion_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n chap._n xii_o reply_n to_o the_o seven_o consideration_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o stranger_n in_o london_n record_v by_o john_n alasco_n be_v far_o differ_v from_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o point_n in_o question_n for_o first_o say_v they_o paul_n testify_v that_o the_o church_n itself_o without_o exception_n of_o any_o member_n of_o it_o be_v clean_o or_o holy_a by_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n answ_n we_o confess_v the_o same_o reply_n second_o they_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o one_o with_o they_o answ_n the_o church_n of_o england_n they_o call_v it_o not_o but_o the_o
the_o word_n be_v baptize_v but_o withal_o that_o they_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o fellowship_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o verse_n 47._o that_o the_o conversion_n and_o baptise_v of_o disciple_n be_v omit_v the_o join_n or_o add_v to_o the_o church_n be_v put_v in_o the_o stead_n thereof_o which_o proof_n as_o they_o be_v omit_v whole_o in_o the_o print_a copy_n so_o also_o you_o make_v no_o reply_n unto_o they_o second_o by_o these_o proof_n it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v see_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o apostle_n act_n in_o this_o case_n of_o baptism_n as_o extraordinary_a but_o that_o their_o first_o and_o lead_v example_n be_v ordinary_a and_o in_o that_o order_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v regard_v much_o labour_n have_v be_v save_v in_o this_o dispute_n which_o have_v be_v spend_v to_o little_a purpose_n and_o our_o second_o reason_n reply_n in_o due_a order_n the_o seal_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v but_o the_o grant_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o their_o seed_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v so_o link_v together_o that_o where_o one_o be_v grant_v none_o be_v deny_v etc._n etc._n answ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o seal_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o by_o a_o remote_a right_n to_o who_o the_o grant_n be_v give_v as_o have_v be_v oft_o say_v but_o not_o immediate_a yet_o in_o the_o very_o propound_v of_o this_o reason_n we_o may_v observe_v two_o thing_n that_o do_v cut_v the_o sinew_n of_o it_o 1_o the_o limitation_n of_o due_a order_n which_o as_o have_v be_v say_v can_v no_o where_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n let_v any_o show_n what_o order_n christ_n have_v put_v his_o catholic_n visible_a church_n into_o or_o where_o that_o order_n be_v to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o order_n every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v to_o such_o church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o partake_v in_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n which_o be_v there_o only_o to_o be_v find_v second_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o not_o only_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v link_v together_o and_o be_v the_o grant_v seal_v up_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o if_o so_o be_v not_o visible_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o same_o part_n of_o that_o grant_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n we_o suppose_v none_o will_v deny_v it_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o visible_a believer_n require_v and_o take_v up_o this_o part_n of_o the_o grant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o for_o sigillum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la dâ—…num_fw-la let_v they_o take_v this_o gift_n and_o the_o seal_n be_v ready_a for_o they_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reply_n about_o rom._n 4.11_o as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o follow_v be_v thing_n so_o oft_o repeat_v and_o answer_v before_o as_o make_v it_o tedious_a to_o all_o chap._n xiiii_o position_n 5._o that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v so_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n shall_v allow_v must_v be_v do_v though_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o that_o peradventure_o upon_o more_o substantial_a reason_n reply_n this_o question_n be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o demand_n be_v not_o whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n matter_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o you_o interpret_v the_o position_n but_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n so_o lie_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o that_o sentence_n must_v proceed_v in_o externo_fw-la foro_fw-la according_a to_o the_o vote_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n and_o so_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o they_o have_v no_o power_n against_o god_n but_o for_o god_n yet_o in_o execution_n of_o that_o power_n they_o may_v be_v divide_v in_o judgement_n and_o one_o part_n must_v errâ—…_n now_o hence_o the_o question_n be_v move_v whether_o the_o power_n be_v so_o in_o the_o people_n that_o what_o the_o major_a part_n determine_v must_v stand_v answ_n if_o our_o whole_a answer_n have_v be_v attend_v unto_o it_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o it_o can_v not_o with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v subject_a to_o such_o a_o mistake_n to_o omit_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o answer_n affirmative_o wherein_o we_o cite_v mr._n parker_n as_o consent_v with_o he_o in_o the_o second_o part_n to_o the_o position_n as_o state_v our_o answer_n be_v plain_o negative_a that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o so_o seat_v neither_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n what_o follow_v be_v our_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o position_n because_o church_n ought_v to_o carry_v thing_n not_o by_o number_n of_o vote_n against_o god_n as_o this_o position_n imply_v but_o by_o strength_n of_o rule_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o god_n and_o for_o edification_n 2_o cor._n 13.8_o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o now_o let_v any_o judge_n whether_o the_o position_n do_v not_o imply_v such_o a_o absurdity_n so_o oft_o as_o thing_n shall_v be_v carry_v by_o the_o major_a vote_n against_o the_o officer_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v better_a reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o the_o learned_a author_n have_v be_v so_o ready_a to_o embrace_v any_o syllable_n that_o lend_v to_o dislodge_v these_o thought_n of_o we_o as_o lean_v to_o separation_n he_o will_v have_v believe_v our_o plain_a negation_n of_o this_o position_n which_o indeed_o be_v according_a to_o our_o constant_a practice_n never_o follow_v the_o major_a part_n of_o vote_n against_o the_o officer_n but_o count_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o such_o case_n either_o to_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o major_a part_n or_o lesser_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o to_o yield_v not_o to_o the_o vote_n but_o reason_n if_o they_o be_v stranger_n or_o to_o suspend_v the_o business_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n if_o they_o can_v agree_v but_o a_o division_n arise_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 15._o reply_n among_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n some_o as_o fenner_n parker_n i._o d._n distinguish_v between_o the_o power_n itself_o which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o execution_n which_o they_o confine_v to_o the_o presbytery_n other_o give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o if_o in_o the_o dispensation_n they_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v but_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o derive_v their_o authority_n and_o here_o lie_v the_o stone_n at_o which_o the_o separation_n stumble_v and_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n wherein_o we_o require_v your_o plain_a answer_n but_o have_v receive_v no_o satisfaction_n you_o refer_v we_o to_o mr._n parker_n reason_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v of_o far_o differ_v judgement_n from_o he_o in_o the_o point_n itself_o and_o if_o your_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v as_o the_o separation_n as_o we_o fear_v you_o dissent_v from_o he_o and_o we_o from_o you_o in_o these_o consideration_n answ_n we_o be_v sorry_a to_o see_v this_o reverend_a man_n of_o god_n so_o strong_o possess_v with_o a_o prejudicate_a opinion_n and_o fear_n of_o our_o concurrence_n 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affirm_v that_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o transact_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n who_o minister_v in_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o and_o over_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o power_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o community_n whereby_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o concur_v with_o their_o guide_n so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n unto_o they_o and_o when_o upon_o just_a cause_n they_o dissent_v from_o they_o still_o they_o be_v to_o walk_v respectful_o towards_o they_o and_o we_o think_v our_o brethren_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o mr._n parker_n and_o fenner_n give_v as_o much_o to_o the_o church_n in_o excommunication_n as_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o in_o any_o of_o our_o public_a write_n but_o see_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o this_o learned_a author_n from_o this_o particular_a question_n about_o excommunication_n to_o that_o beat_a 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with_o all_o authority_n titus_n 2.15_o some_o able_a and_o gift_a though_o not_o in_o office_n may_v occasional_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o word_n yet_o not_o with_o a_o office-authority_n but_o a_o officer_n preach_v as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o so_o also_o in_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o offender_n wherein_o though_o the_o fraternity_n have_v a_o power_n whether_o in_o consent_v or_o otherwise_o yet_o they_o act_v obediential_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o guide_n declare_v the_o rule_n go_v before_o they_o in_o example_n and_o command_v they_o if_o need_v be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v his_o pleasure_n but_o the_o officer_n act_v in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o room_n they_o stand_v and_o hence_o we_o think_v that_o in_o case_n the_o fraternity_n without_o officer_n shall_v cast_v out_o any_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o may_v be_v 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explain_v and_o confirm_v we_o have_v only_o brief_o set_v down_o both_o to_o wash_v off_o the_o blot_n of_o popular_a government_n from_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o all_o authority_n be_v take_v from_o the_o minister_n or_o nothing_o leave_v they_o but_o to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n to_o â—…it_v mere_o as_o a_o moderator_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o utter_o disclaim_v and_o also_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o more_o clear_a answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v here_o in_o the_o reply_n we_o grant_v therefore_o the_o first_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n thereof_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o official_a power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o only_o there_o be_v give_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o choose_v officer_n which_o officer_n shall_v execute_v the_o same_o reply_n 2_o if_o christ_n give_v this_o power_n to_o the_o community_n be_v it_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n or_o take_v it_o effect_v after_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v not_o the_o first_o for_o then_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o shall_v derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o community_n which_o they_o do_v not_o answ_n this_o reason_n be_v answer_v before_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o tenant_n in_o the_o second_o consideration_n where_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o which_o we_o refer_v the_o reader_n neither_o do_v we_o say_v the_o official_a power_n be_v so_o give_v to_o the_o community_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v here_o add_v we_o shall_v consider_v so_o far_o as_o concern_v we_o reply_n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n as_o for_o their_o end_n and_o all_o their_o authority_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o church_n as_o for_o the_o whole_a but_o the_o authority_n itself_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o immediate_a subject_n nor_o derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o governor_n be_v give_v of_o christ_n for_o a_o gift_n to_o the_o church_n but_o not_o a_o gift_n absolute_a that_o it_o may_v reside_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o for_o a_o conditional_a gift_n communicate_v to_o the_o governor_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a parker_n pol._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 8._o answ_n 1_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o extraordinary_a officer_n we_o now_o dispute_v not_o it_o be_v answer_v before_o and_o for_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o officer_n we_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o application_n of_o a_o office_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n we_o will_v demand_v whether_o christ_n do_v this_o to_o such_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n immediate_o or_o mediate_o if_o immediate_o than_o their_o call_n be_v not_o in_o this_o different_a from_o apostle_n which_o paul_n express_o distinguish_v gal._n 1.1_o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o of_o god_n and_o by_o jesus_n christ_n false_a teacher_n be_v of_o man_n and_o by_o man_n true_a pastor_n as_o thomas_n john_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o god_n by_o man_n and_o if_o christ_n communicate_v this_o office_n and_o the_o authority_n annex_v unto_o it_o mediate_o by_o man_n not_o immediate_o the_o question_n be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o power_n to_o call_v and_o so_o to_o apply_v this_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n john_n thomas_n etc._n etc._n we_o hold_v this_o fraternal_a ministerial_a power_n under_o christ_n
conclusion_n as_o for_o mr._n robinson_n though_o we_o do_v not_o approve_v the_o sentence_n you_o cite_v out_o of_o he_o yet_o we_o doubt_v whether_o you_o do_v not_o go_v beyond_o his_o sense_n &_o meaning_n but_o according_a to_o our_o sense_n of_o this_o position_n before_o lay_v down_o neither_o this_o absurdity_n of_o lordship_n over_o the_o officer_n nor_o any_o other_o that_o be_v instance_a in_o under_o this_o reason_n do_v at_o all_o follow_v and_o they_o may_v be_v as_o strong_o urge_v against_o the_o presbytery_n class_n synod_n catholic_n church_n or_o any_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n that_o can_v be_v name_v and_o the_o objection_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o church_n choose_v officer_n to_o execute_v the_o power_n commit_v to_o she_o be_v so_o answer_v in_o the_o same_o page_n as_o will_v serve_v we_o as_o well_o as_o you_o viz._n god_n will_v have_v she_o elect_a officer_n of_o his_o designment_n that_o be_v such_o as_o the_o rule_n direct_v she_o to_o choose_v to_o do_v his_o work_n according_a to_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o then_o they_o be_v god_n servant_n and_o not_o the_o church_n and_o receive_v that_o charge_n and_o function_n immediate_o from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o the_o people_n we_o mean_v no_o otherwise_o then_o by_o that_o outward_a call_v instrumental_o apply_v that_o office_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o close_o with_o you_o herein_o and_o indeed_o this_o power_n of_o elect_a officer_n do_v not_o ever_o include_v authority_n over_o they_o who_o they_o choose_v but_o rather_o willing_a subjection_n unto_o they_o and_o set_v they_o up_o to_o rule_v as_o when_o a_o woman_n choose_v a_o husband_n she_o make_v he_o her_o husband_n in_o a_o sort_n but_o withal_o her_o head_n and_o ruler_n so_o when_o a_o people_n choose_v a_o major_n etc._n etc._n answ_n four_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v first_o and_o immediate_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v why_o in_o defect_n of_o officer_n the_o church_n may_v not_o rule_v feed_v bind_v loose_a preach_v and_o administer_v sacrament_n or_o if_o any_o fail_v in_o office_n why_o she_o may_v not_o supply_v that_o want_n by_o her_o power_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n do_v contain_v both_o authority_n and_o exercise_n power_n be_v give_v that_o it_o may_v be_v exercise_v as_o it_o be_v vouchsafe_v but_o the_o church_n can_v exercise_v these_o act_n of_o rule_n ergo._fw-la answ_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v some_o of_o the_o key_n formal_o but_o only_o virtual_o and_o as_o be_v say_v out_o of_o parker_n not_o as_o a_o gift_n absolute_a but_o conditional_a that_o it_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o officer_n such_o power_n as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v formal_o she_o may_v and_o do_v exercise_v as_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v officer_n a_o power_n of_o judge_v in_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o and_o the_o like_a the_o power_n of_o preach_v proper_o so_o call_v &_o dispense_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o authority_n the_o church_n have_v they_o only_o virtual_o and_o therefore_o must_v choose_v officer_n to_o who_o christ_n her_o lord_n have_v give_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n a_o corporation_n that_o by_o patent_n from_o the_o king_n have_v many_o privilege_n the_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n incorporate_v and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o yet_o many_o act_n can_v be_v put_v forth_o but_o by_o officer_n due_o choose_v and_o so_o here_o reply_n for_o these_o reason_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o any_o more_o we_o judge_v the_o community_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o to_o be_v the_o immediate_a receptacle_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n not_o to_o belong_v unto_o they_o answ_n by_o this_o conclusion_n it_o appear_v that_o how_o ever_o the_o author_n begin_v profess_o against_o we_o as_o separatist_n in_o this_o point_n yet_o he_o follow_v the_o cause_n against_o mr._n parker_n with_o who_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v friend_n second_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o fraternal_a power_n of_o judge_v though_o official_a authority_n be_v not_o formal_o give_v to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o officer_n reply_n if_o consent_n of_o church_n be_v ask_v in_o this_o point_n to_o omit_v other_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n speak_v full_o and_o express_o for_o we_o in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discip_n cap._n 1._o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n in_o the_o congregation_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n grant_v of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o it_o use_v a_o proper_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n beza_n de_fw-fr presb._n pag._n 60._o helu._n confess_v cap._n 18._o belgic_a etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a godly_a and_o zealous_a reformer_n be_v ask_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n may_v be_v produce_v that_o hold_v the_o church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n as_o fulke_n whitaker_n parker_n peter_n martyr_n musculus_fw-la and_o other_o beside_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a divine_n and_o counsel_n gerson_n and_o the_o parisian_a divine_v well_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a concern_v quotation_n of_o the_o scottish_a discipline_n the_o first_o word_n lie_v so_o weak_a a_o foundation_n as_o leave_v the_o build_n ready_a to_o fall_v in_o these_o word_n the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o they_o that_o exercise_v spiritual_a function_n have_v a_o certain_a power_n etc._n etc._n but_o where_o be_v the_o church_n so_o take_v not_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v with_o any_o solid_a reason_n notwithstanding_o all_o wrestle_a of_o man_n to_o find_v it_o out_o but_o general_o for_o the_o company_n of_o the_o faithful_a either_o the_o universal_a or_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o sometime_o consider_v with_o her_o officer_n and_o divers_a time_n as_o distinguish_v from_o they_o as_o act_n 14.23_o and_o 20.13.28_o jam._n 5.14_o revel_v 2.1.8.12_o etc._n etc._n but_o never_o contra_fw-la for_o the_o officer_n distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o be_v give_v immediate_o to_o the_o officer_n be_v in_o and_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v fall_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o faithful_a if_o the_o scripture_n may_v judge_v indeed_o among_o the_o papist_n and_o so_o the_o prelate_n the_o clergy_n have_v long_o get_v and_o hold_v possession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o testament_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o bear_v this_o foundation_n but_o we_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o reader_n far_o about_o humane_a testimony_n chap._n xv._n position_n 6._o that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n but_o they_o must_v promise_v not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n reply_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n abrupt_o to_o break_v away_o when_o and_o whither_o they_o please_v and_o forsake_v fellowship_n another_o thing_n not_o to_o depart_v or_o remove_v habitation_n unless_o the_o congregation_n will_v give_v leave_n also_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n mutual_o to_o compound_v and_o agree_v not_o to_o depart_v from_o each_o other_o without_o consent_n and_o approbation_n and_o other_o to_o require_v a_o promise_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o society_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v without_o the_o church_n allowance_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v of_o all_o member_n to_o be_v admit_v we_o can_v discern_v upon_o what_o ground_n your_o practice_n be_v warrant_v answ_n we_o be_v still_o enforce_v to_o clear_v our_o answer_n from_o mistake_n for_o it_o seem_v the_o answer_n leave_v it_o doubtful_a whether_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o position_n affirmative_o and_o in_o practice_n require_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o a_o part_n of_o our_o church_n covenant_n of_o all_o that_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v the_o case_n more_o full_o we_o shall_v first_o mind_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o answer_n and_o then_o add_v what_o be_v needful_a to_o take_v away_o the_o scruple_n and_o first_o the_o answer_n say_v that_o we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a and_o most_o according_a to_o rule_v that_o brethren_n shall_v not_o forsake_v fellowship_n etc._n etc._n but_o in_o removall_n approve_v themselves_o etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o position_n affirm_v for_o first_o that_o none_o
be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n include_v a_o necessity_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o expediency_n and_o agreeablenesse_n to_o rule_v not_o to_o break_v off_o abrupt_o second_o the_o position_n affirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o promise_n the_o answer_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o case_n in_o practice_n as_o in_o many_o case_n beside_o for_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n reach_v to_o such_o particular_a act_n of_o which_o we_o make_v no_o promise_n express_v in_o the_o entrance_n three_o the_o position_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n leave_v the_o answer_n acknowledge_v only_o that_o brethren_n remove_v shall_v approve_v themselves_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o take_v counsel_n in_o such_o weighty_a affair_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v not_o own_o this_o position_n in_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o therefore_o in_o effect_n our_o answer_n do_v deny_v the_o same_o and_o be_v negative_a second_o if_o the_o word_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v not_o full_a enough_o because_o we_o see_v our_o brethren_n here_o run_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o question_n if_o such_o a_o promise_n be_v require_v and_o mr._n rutherford_n and_o other_o take_v it_o up_o as_o a_o confess_a practice_n we_o do_v therefore_o clear_o and_o plain_o deny_v the_o position_n and_o affirm_v that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v without_o such_o a_o promise_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o practice_n in_o our_o admission_n of_o member_n to_o require_v such_o a_o promise_n we_o only_o count_v such_o removall_n especial_o of_o family_n a_o action_n among_o many_o other_o whereunto_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o church_n do_v extend_v to_o prevent_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v any_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n thereof_o and_o to_o further_a the_o best_a good_a of_o such_o as_o be_v under_o our_o charge_n by_o counsel_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n if_o any_o minister_n and_o people_n of_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o dear_a affection_n or_o any_o other_o christian_n cleave_v together_o in_o love_n have_v private_o resolve_v or_o agree_v together_o not_o to_o part_v from_o each_o other_o in_o any_o church_n it_o be_v the_o most_o that_o we_o have_v take_v knowledge_n of_o and_o we_o think_v that_o have_v be_v very_o rare_a but_o for_o any_o such_o public_a promise_n covenant_n or_o church_n oath_n as_o some_o strain_v thing_n to_o the_o height_n have_v call_v it_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v be_v require_v or_o practise_v among_o we_o this_o be_v so_o there_o need_v no_o ground_n of_o that_o which_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n first_o you_o exclude_v all_o such_o as_o be_v not_o set_v member_n from_o the_o seal_n and_o yet_o hinder_v they_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n society_n because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n in_o the_o place_n they_o be_v resident_a in_o for_o the_o present_a here_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o what_o you_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n answ_n first_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o divers_a may_v and_o do_v forbear_v to_o join_v because_o of_o their_o unsettlednesse_n in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o present_a abode_n second_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n some_o may_v be_v advise_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o private_a friend_n in_o a_o church_n to_o forbear_v till_o they_o be_v some_o way_n settle_v but_o that_o any_o be_v debar_v from_o communion_n when_o they_o desire_v it_o because_o they_o can_v promise_v continuance_n unless_o other_o just_a cause_n hinder_v it_o neither_o suit_n with_o our_o judgement_n nor_o practice_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v practice_v other_o way_n we_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o give_v you_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o practise_v not_o reply_n second_o it_o pertain_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n to_o take_v notice_n or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n may_v not_o a_o servant_n remove_v from_o his_o master_n to_o another_o congregation_n or_o a_o father_n bestow_v his_o child_n in_o marriage_n to_o one_o of_o another_o congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v be_v call_v to_o counsel_v in_o the_o matter_n etc._n etc._n when_o church_n grow_v populous_a they_o must_v be_v negligent_a or_o weary_a of_o such_o a_o task_n and_o for_o the_o present_a to_o challenge_v so_o much_o authority_n over_o one_o another_o be_v usurpation_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o our_o answer_n be_v but_o attend_v such_o apprehension_n of_o our_o practice_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o such_o case_n and_o all_o that_o follow_v may_v be_v spare_v for_o thus_o we_o say_v we_o judge_v it_o expedient_a etc._n etc._n that_o none_o forsake_v fellowship_n and_o abrupt_o break_v off_o etc._n etc._n this_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o necessity_n of_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o counsel_n in_o every_o plain_a and_o easy_a case_n many_o time_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o removal_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o abrupt_a break_v off_o or_o forsake_v fellowship_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o counsel_n as_o in_o case_n of_o servant_n marriage_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o no_o trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o in_o some_o removal_n of_o family_n also_o the_o case_n be_v clear_a and_o open_o carry_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o of_o the_o church_n none_o scruple_n it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o demand_n of_o dismission_n or_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n the_o same_o be_v grant_v but_o in_o removal_n of_o some_o member_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o same_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n as_o need_v the_o prayer_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o officer_n and_o whole_a church_n as_o be_v confess_v after_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v it_o pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o be_v call_v to_o counsel_n and_o judge_v of_o every_o particular_a member_n removal_n for_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mediate_o by_o advise_v with_o some_o who_o may_v satisfy_v the_o rest_n if_o need_v be_v reply_n let_v it_o be_v show_v that_o ever_o by_o divine_a right_n this_o power_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o we_o will_v confess_v it_o expedient_a but_o till_o then_o we_o think_v the_o church_n over_o rigid_a and_o the_o member_n busy_a body_n etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o rule_n of_o love_n whereby_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v admonish_v seek_v the_o edification_n and_o good_a one_o of_o another_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n as_o of_o all_o christian_n but_o as_o member_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n in_o one_o church_n body_n who_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o one_o shoulder_n zeph._n 3._o â—…_n and_o to_o uphold_v the_o worship_n of_o christ_n therein_o as_o this_o do_v reach_n to_o all_o the_o action_n and_o way_n of_o one_o another_o so_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o such_o a_o action_n as_o this_o iâ—…_n and_o we_o think_v this_o ground_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v our_o practice_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v which_o may_v wipe_v off_o the_o aspersion_n of_o be_v rigid_a or_o busybody_n reply_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n be_v peace_n but_o overmany_a counsellor_n oft_o cause_v distraction_n and_o different_a apprehension_n breed_v delay_n answ_n we_o grant_v it_o may_v do_v so_o neither_o do_v we_o bring_v all_o case_n to_o public_a counsel_n but_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o as_o needs_o the_o public_a counsel_n of_o all_o and_o as_o we_o have_v a_o gracious_a promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n who_o be_v the_o counsellor_n so_o we_o confess_v to_o his_o praise_n that_o we_o find_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o church_n of_o saint_n in_o matter_n orderly_o carry_v and_o gather_v up_o from_o the_o various_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n grace_n and_o experience_n of_o many_o christian_n when_o need_n be_v to_o be_v a_o bless_a privilege_n of_o god_n people_n to_o enjoy_v and_o sanctify_v oft_o to_o the_o great_a good_a of_o his_o saint_n and_o be_v neglect_v and_o slight_v have_v be_v oft_o follow_v with_o sad_a event_n reply_n the_o nature_n of_o your_o church-covenant_n infer_v not_o a_o necessity_n of_o bring_v every_o such_o business_n to_o the_o church_n for_o you_o bind_v yourselves_o mutual_o to_o watch_v one_o over_o another_o etc._n etc._n but_o this_o essential_o tie_v not_o any_o man_n to_o a_o perpetual_a residence_n in_o one_o place_n for_o then_o even_o occasional_a absence_n shall_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o grant_v our_o church-covenant_n neither_o require_v every_o business_n to_o come_v to_o public_a counsel_n nor_o perpetual_a
profess_v their_o faith_n again_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n matth._n 16.16_o 18._o viz._n profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o last_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o such_o a_o profession_n yet_o if_o this_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o own_o joy_n to_o see_v god_n glorify_v and_o christ_n name_n profess_v and_o his_o virtue_n hold_v forth_o and_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o love_n to_o those_o that_o join_v with_o they_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v do_v before_o saint_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v before_o persecutor_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o what_o be_v now_o say_v we_o think_v sufficient_a to_o undermine_v what_o be_v oppose_v herein_o by_o other_o and_o may_v easy_o give_v answer_n to_o the_o three_o argument_n of_o the_o learned_a authourâ—…_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o clear_o up_o our_o practice_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o aspersion_n of_o our_o rigidum_fw-la examen_fw-la for_o which_o we_o be_v by_o some_o condemn_v but_o for_o further_a clear_v we_o shall_v answer_v to_o the_o particular_n now_o to_o your_o reason_n more_o particular_o against_o this_o from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o enter_v and_o renew_v covenant_n then_o answ_n we_o answer_v first_o when_o as_o you_o say_v they_o profess_v the_o covenant_n promise_v to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o god_n to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n to_o walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o uprightnes_n this_o imply_v a_o profession_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n second_o they_o do_v not_o immediate_o enter_v into_o covenant_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v long_o before_o prepare_v they_o for_o it_o for_o they_o be_v humble_v much_o in_o egypt_n in_o so_o much_o as_o their_o sigh_n come_v up_o to_o god_n exod._n 2.23_o 24_o 25._o they_o have_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o their_o good_a against_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o that_o land_n by_o many_o miracle_n they_o have_v god_n visible_a presence_n in_o the_o cloud_n be_v instruct_v by_o moses_n concern_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v with_o they_o in_o abraham_n they_o be_v mighty_o deliver_v at_o the_o red_a sea_n so_o that_o they_o believe_v moses_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o sing_v his_o praise_n exod._n 14.31_o psalm_n 106.12_o they_o be_v also_o instruct_v again_o concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v to_o sanctify_v themselves_o three_o day_n legal_o which_o be_v for_o spiritual_a end_n and_o of_o spiritual_a use_n exod._n 19.10_o and_o thus_o be_v prepare_v as_o fit_a matter_n for_o covenant_n they_o then_o enter_v thereinto_o and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v thus_o external_o and_o ecclesiastical_o holy_a though_o many_o be_v internal_o stiffnecked_a blind_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o our_o part_n we_o desire_v no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o preparation_n in_o some_o work_n of_o grace_n if_o appear_v though_o not_o indeed_o real_a as_o may_v make_v way_n for_o church_n covenant_n among_o a_o people_n now_o as_o we_o see_v be_v then_o reply_n when_o john_n baptist_n begin_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v a_o new_a people_n for_o christ_n he_o admit_v none_o but_o upon_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o question_n that_o he_o put_v forth_o to_o they_o to_o discover_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n or_o repel_v any_o upon_o that_o pretence_n that_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o answ_n though_o the_o scripture_n record_v such_o thing_n very_o brief_o else_o the_o world_n will_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v as_o john_n speak_v yet_o he_o that_o advise_o consider_v the_o case_n may_v see_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v by_o john_n to_o his_o baptism_n first_o john_n be_v send_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n to_o cast_v down_o every_o high_a hill_n etc._n etc._n second_o his_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n mark_n 1.4_o three_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v ever_o put_v for_o true_a repentance_n when_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o pardon_n make_v to_o it_o prov._n 28_o 1â—…_n 1_o john_n 1.9_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o require_v confession_n of_o sin_n be_v it_o without_o remorse_n or_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v it_o not_o with_o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n which_o he_o point_v unto_o joh._n 1.29_o and_o require_v with_o repentance_n act._n 19.4_o four_o do_v not_o he_o fall_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n with_o dreadful_a thunder_a of_o god_n judgement_n for_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n without_o conversion_n of_o heart_n and_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n mat._n 3.7_o and_o this_o luke_n say_v he_o preach_v to_o the_o multitude_n luke_n 3.7_o and_o whether_o any_o be_v receive_v that_o embrace_v not_o that_o doctrine_n and_o show_v the_o same_o in_o their_o confession_n viz._n that_o their_o heart_n be_v humble_v and_o that_o the_o renounce_v their_o high_a thought_n of_o their_o privilege_n of_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n and_o profess_a amendment_n &_o fruit_n meet_v for_o the_o same_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o to_o prove_v and_o thus_o much_o be_v evident_a on_o the_o contrary_a that_o pharesee_v &_o lawyer_n distinguish_v from_o the_o people_n and_o publican_n reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o not_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o and_o what_o counsel_n but_o that_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o john_n luke_n 7.29_o 30_o lay_v all_o these_o together_o and_o let_v any_o who_o thought_n be_v not_o prepossess_v with_o prejudices_fw-la say_v whether_o this_o confession_n be_v not_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o a_o discern_a charity_n ought_v to_o take_v for_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n reply_n â—…_n it_o appear_v many_o way_n that_o when_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n they_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n who_o they_o receive_v but_o they_o receive_v man_n upon_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o amendment_n of_o life_n without_o strict_a inquiry_n what_o work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o in_o after_o age_n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o profession_n at_o first_o require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v to_o baptism_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o enâ—…uch_n when_o he_o be_v baptize_v i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n answ_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v how_o still_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o prove_v in_o the_o three_o and_o four_o position_n break_v out_o at_o every_o turn_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o that_o disputation_n do_v not_o hinder_v for_o if_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o people_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o as_o the_o proof_n for_o this_o act._n 2.38_o and_o 8.37_o and_o 19.17_o 18_o 19_o allege_v in_o the_o margin_n show_v than_o still_o it_o appear_v they_o admit_v man_n into_o plant_v church_n when_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o the_o refore_o the_o apostle_n ordinary_a and_o first_o lead_v practice_n and_o example_n be_v for_o those_o position_n not_o against_o they_o 2_o you_o grant_v here_o that_o act_n 2._o and_o 8._o and_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o so_o we_o must_v suppose_v though_o not_o express_v for_o how_o else_o can_v the_o apostle_n distinguish_v such_o as_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n from_o the_o mocker_n and_o other_o now_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o profession_n this_o must_v be_v by_o the_o story_n itself_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o his_o doctrine_n press_v three_o thing_n 1._o conversion_n or_o repentance_n for_o their_o sin_n 2._o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o those_o word_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n verse_n 38._o 3._o with_o many_o other_o word_n he_o exhort_v they_o say_v save_v yourselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n that_o be_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o and_o substance_n of_o his_o exhortation_n which_o include_v a_o gather_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n now_o the_o text_n say_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o first_o that_o they_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v 2._o they_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n that_o be_v
be_v baptize_v be_v find_v upon_o careful_a examination_n by_o the_o minister_n before_o the_o other_o church-officer_n to_o have_v a_o competent_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o profess_v their_o willingness_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v of_o approve_a conversation_n according_a to_o christ_n the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v nor_o those_o of_o another_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n or_o be_v very_o well_o know_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o instance_n concern_v unbaptise_v person_n only_o which_o be_v not_o our_o case_n answ_n 1._o multitude_n of_o baptize_v person_n in_o these_o day_n be_v as_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a as_o some_o unbaptised_a and_o therefore_o as_o apt_a to_o pollute_v god_n ordinance_n 2._o chamiers_fw-fr reason_n why_o unbaptised_a person_n be_v to_o go_v under_o such_o strict_a examination_n hold_v good_a in_o our_o case_n 3._o such_o profession_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v by_o john_n and_o the_o apostle_n of_o those_o that_o be_v church_n member_n before_o reply_n the_o creed_n be_v honour_v by_o the_o ancient_n with_o glorious_a title_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o they_o understand_v that_o rule_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o ascend_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n say_v go_v teach_v all_o nation_n in_o after_o time_n some_o article_n be_v add_v for_o explanation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o those_o time_n but_o for_o substance_n the_o church_n never_o require_v other_o acknowledgement_n etc._n etc._n answ_n if_o you_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n it_o be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o ancient_a however_o the_o time_n which_o follow_v the_o scripture_n pattern_n be_v both_o obscure_a to_o we_o and_o no_o infallible_a pattern_n yet_o many_o church_n use_v great_a strictness_n as_o be_v show_v in_o receive_v and_o restore_v fall_v member_n and_o if_o afterward_o heresy_n give_v just_a occasion_n to_o require_v further_a profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o add_v more_o article_n for_o explanation_n why_o may_v not_o the_o church_n require_v a_o more_o explicate_v confession_n of_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n the_o formality_n and_o mere_a outside_n profession_n of_o so_o many_o civilist_n formalist_n and_o atheist_n require_v the_o same_o reply_n if_o you_o put_v man_n to_o declare_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v wrought_v in_o this_o or_o that_o way_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n at_o least_o not_o agree_v upon_o among_o yourselves_o we_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v by_o what_o authority_n you_o do_v it_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n you_o stand_v answ_n this_o be_v but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n if_o so_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o judgement_n and_o profess_a practice_n to_o limit_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o if_o any_o have_v so_o do_v as_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o opinion_n prevail_v among_o we_o we_o do_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disapprove_v the_o same_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o see_v any_o have_v some_o way_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o be_v humble_v for_o sin_n bring_v home_o to_o christ_n by_o faith_n or_o have_v any_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o life_n answerable_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n chap._n xvi_o position_n 7._o that_o a_o minister_n be_v so_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n that_o if_o they_o dislike_v he_o or_o leave_v he_o unjust_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o minister_n reply_n the_o question_n be_v of_o minister_n unjust_o forsake_v or_o drive_v from_o the_o church_n and_o your_o answer_n be_v for_o most_o part_n of_o minister_n set_v aside_o or_o deprive_v by_o their_o own_o default_n we_o never_o purpose_v to_o speak_v one_o word_n for_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n who_o christ_n have_v put_v out_o of_o office_n and_o therefore_o your_o labour_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o just_o reject_v by_o the_o the_o church_n be_v no_o long_o minister_n may_v well_o have_v be_v save_v answ_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o position_n be_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o minister_n office_n whether_o it_o consist_v in_o his_o office_n relation_n to_o the_o flock_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o answer_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a nor_o the_o ground_n impertinent_a and_o we_o accept_v your_o grant_n of_o it_o that_o a_o minister_n just_o reject_v by_o his_o church_n be_v no_o long_o a_o minister_n then_o we_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o indelible_a character_n in_o the_o office_n but_o that_o his_o ministry_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a flock_n not_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o then_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v not_o dissolve_v his_o office_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o he_o be_v find_v worthy_a after_o upon_o repentance_n to_o be_v call_v to_o another_o church_n he_o must_v be_v new_o elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o his_o office_n be_v no_o minister_n upon_o his_o just_a depose_n reply_n but_o we_o will_v examine_v your_o conclusion_n upon_o which_o you_o build_v the_o sentence_n which_o you_o pass_v against_o they_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a etc._n etc._n answ_n what_o be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o be_v speak_v before_o and_o we_o will_v not_o repeat_v thing_n in_o vain_a reply_n second_o the_o power_n of_o feed_v which_o the_o minister_n have_v be_v neither_o confine_v to_o one_o society_n only_o nor_o next_o derive_v to_o he_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o deputation_n of_o the_o person_n which_o christ_n have_v design_v be_v from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o but_o neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o answ_n these_o thing_n about_o the_o call_n of_o a_o minister_n by_o the_o church_n be_v also_o speak_v to_o before_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o assertion_n be_v grant_v these_o thing_n may_v well_o be_v spare_v but_o what_o we_o find_v here_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o place_n we_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o elect_v her_o officer_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o confess_v a_o truth_n by_o the_o godly_a learned_a that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v yet_o here_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v so_o many_o restriction_n in_o the_o case_n that_o they_o much_o abate_v and_o weaken_v this_o great_a and_o precious_a liberty_n and_o power_n give_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n and_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n be_v grant_v but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o this_o man_n come_v to_o have_v this_o office_n apply_v to_o he_o if_o immediate_o than_o he_o be_v in_o this_o a_o apostle_n if_o mediate_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n or_o else_o show_v by_o who_o 2._o that_o the_o church_n choose_v ministerial_o and_o aught_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v describe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o fit_v with_o gift_n and_o so_o far_o design_v by_o christ_n we_o grant_v but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v twenty_o such_o which_o of_o they_o do_v christ_n design_n but_o who_o the_o church_n free_o choose_v and_o therefore_o that_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o their_o power_n that_o they_o must_v choose_v ministerial_o and_o who_o christ_n so_o design_n the_o case_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o other_o ordinance_n dispense_v examination_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n by_o his_o institution_n the_o person_n to_o be_v censure_v be_v design_v or_o describe_v by_o christ_n a_o notorious_a or_o obstinate_a sinner_n the_o church_n pass_v this_o sentence_n only_o ministerial_o and_o yet_o put_v forth_o a_o great_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o apply_v the_o sentence_n to_o this_o or_o that_o person_n and_o so_o here_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o any_o shall_v say_v they_o depute_v this_o officer_n neither_o virtual_o nor_o formal_o when_o as_o the_o act_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o which_o be_v the_o outward_a call_n of_o the_o officer_n must_v needs_o come_v from_o a_o power_n formal_o in_o the_o church_n to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o when_o the_o church_n or_o officer_n censure_v a_o offender_n etc._n etc._n answ_n reply_n the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v requisite_a in_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o grant_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o elder_n go_v before_o or_o along_o with_o they_o act_v 1_o
nor_o of_o such_o doctrinal_a power_n oâ—…_n the_o paâ—â—ern_a act_n 15._o hold_v forth_o and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o learned_a 482._o mâ—…_n rutherford_n conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o a_o general_a council_n for_o thus_o he_o say_v very_o i_o profess_v i_o can_v see_v whâ—â—_n power_n of_o jurisdiction_n tâ—…_n censure_n scandal_n can_v be_v in_o a_o general_a council_n there_o maâ—…ke_v some_o 〈◊〉_d doctrinal_a power_n in_o such_o a_o câ—…uncell_n if_o such_o can_v be_v have_v and_o that_o be_v all_o and_o how_o a_o national_n provincial_n or_o classical_a synod_n be_v lesser_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a can_v put_v forth_o such_o act_n as_o the_o whole_a can_v do_v ipsi_fw-la vidâ—…rint_fw-la it_o be_v tâ—…ue_a a_o particular_a church_n may_v formal_o cast_v out_o a_o scandalous_a member_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n matth._n 18._o yet_o the_o argument_n from_o proportion_n will_v not_o hold_v in_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o great_a assembly_n against_o any_o particular_a church_n offend_v though_o other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n we_o deny_v not_o for_o if_o excommunication_n cast_v out_o a_o offender_n out_o of_o all_o church_n than_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v excommunicate_v except_o it_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o itself_o though_o it_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n last_o if_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n as_o be_v say_v but_o a_o cross_n that_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v meet_v to_o put_v forth_o its_o suppose_a intâ—…insecall_n power_n then_o let_v the_o particular_a church_n enjoy_v that_o power_n till_o the_o catholic_n church_n can_v meet_v a_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o very_o strange_a that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v institute_v such_o a_o supreme_a power_n in_o a_o catholic_n body_n which_o aâ—…_n be_v say_v de_fw-la jure_fw-la shall_v be_v till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n so_o many_o age_n and_o which_o for_o aught_o appear_v never_o orderly_o meet_v to_o this_o day_n objection_n 3_o if_o all_o pastor_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o there_o be_v such_o a_o catholic_n church_n but_o all_o pastor_n be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ergo._fw-la answ_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v thus_o that_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a the_o good_a of_o every_o part_n redoâ—…nding_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a yea_o if_o some_o pastoral_a care_n also_o be_v intend_v towards_o other_o church_n and_o to_o fetch_v in_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o not_o of_o the_o church_n we_o grant_v all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o plâ—…ce_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o former_o open_v by_o we_o but_o if_o this_o argument_n intend_v that_o they_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n body_n as_o of_o one_o political_a church_n than_o we_o deny_v the_o assumption_n upon_o this_o ground_n because_o a_o pastoral_n office_n consiâ—…ts_v proper_o iâ—…_n have_v a_o charge_n and_o power_n over_o those_o to_o who_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n act._n 20._o â—…8_n but_o he_o have_v no_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o if_o so_o he_o must_v give_v account_n to_o christ_n of_o the_o whole_a neither_o have_v he_o power_n over_o such_o a_o catholic_n church_n be_v never_o choose_v by_o it_o â—…or_v it_o subject_v to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v say_v such_o be_v make_v pastor_n by_o ordinaâ—…ion_n of_o the_o presbyâ—â—â—â—_n not_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n who_o only_o appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o who_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o he_o be_v either_o a_o catholic_n pastor_n that_o have_v power_n to_o intâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v which_o we_o think_v none_o will_v yeâ—…lâ—…_n they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v pastor_n only_o in_o name_n without_o power_n which_o be_v absurd_a nor_o do_v the_o similitude_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d make_v doctor_n of_o physic_n at_o large_a by_o a_o college_n of_o physician_n help_v in_o this_o case_n for_o it_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v make_v such_o â—…_n doctor_n before_o he_o be_v elect_v by_o any_o people_n to_o exercise_v this_o faculty_n which_o applyâ—…d_v to_o this_o case_n of_o a_o pastor_n â—…s_v have_v ordination_n to_o make_v he_o a_o pastor_n at_o large_a before_o election_n to_o thâ—â—_n or_o that_o people_n be_v utter_o against_o all_o example_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d actâ—…_n 1_o &_o â—…_n &_o 14_o objection_n 4_o that_o whiâ—â—_n belong_v to_o a_o little_a part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n and_o tâ—…lis_fw-la belong_v to_o a_o great_a part_n much_o more_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o immâ—…diâ—…te_a exercise_n of_o the_o key_n bâ—…long_v to_o a_o single_a congregation_n then_o much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o 〈…〉_z of_o the_o whole_a answ_n 1_o such_o as_o say_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o similar_v body_n have_v need_n explicate_v theâ—…selves_n for_o to_o speak_v proper_o and_o strict_o by_o this_o â—…ile_n every_o particular_a visible_a believer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o 〈…〉_z must_v have_v nomen_fw-la &_o naturam_fw-la totius_fw-la and_o so_o every_o believer_n be_v a_o church_n or_o if_o they_o so_o divide_v this_o catholic_n similar_v body_n as_o to_o make_v a_o particular_a congrâ—…gation_n that_o can_v join_v in_o god_n ordiâ—…ancâ—â—_n the_o 〈◊〉_d quoth_v stâ—…_n then_o particular_a visible_a beleeverâ—…_n consider_v as_o exist_v out_o of_o these_o congregation_n can_v be_v mâ—…mbers_n formal_o of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n 2_o we_o aâ—…_n knowledge_n the_o catholic_n church_n consider_v as_o visible_a and_o invisâ—â—â—â—_n iâ—…_n one_o spiritual_a or_o mystical_a body_n yet_o this_o catholic_n body_n be_v under_o â—…o_o catholic_n policy_n but_o only_o in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d have_v be_v prove_v before_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n which_o be_v spiritual_o one_o body_n be_v politicè_fw-la many_o body_n so_o that_o the_o part_n of_o this_o spiritual_a totum_fw-la be_v not_o distinct_a body_n 〈…〉_z for_o then_o every_o company_n of_o woman_n be_v a_o church_n body_n but_o 〈…〉_z and_o hence_o though_o the_o catholic_n church_n 〈…〉_z body_n spiritual_o due_a caution_n and_o interpretation_n observe_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o similar_v body_n political_o and_o hence_o every_o society_n of_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n hence_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o part_n of_o a_o similar_v body_n as_o a_o part_n belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o therefore_o what_o belong_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o sense_n viz._n what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o spiritual_a and_o so_o participate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a belong_v much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o whole_a be_v spiritual_a yet_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n as_o political_a do_v not_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a because_o the_o whole_a be_v not_o political_a exempli_fw-la gradiâ—…_n consider_v a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o a_o number_n redeem_v call_v to_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d to_o he_o this_o much_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a and_o so_o if_o any_o privilege_n belong_v to_o they_o as_o such_o much_o more_o to_o the_o whole_a yeâ—…_n consider_v a_o church_n as_o a_o combine_a body_n so_o what_o belong_v to_o this_o part_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a for_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o part_n to_o elect_v and_o enjoy_v constant_o pastor_n over_o it_o but_o this_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a as_o a_o totum_fw-la the_o catholic_n mystical_a church_n be_v indeed_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la out_o of_o which_o political_a church_n by_o their_o combination_n be_v form_v but_o it_o be_v no_o first_o form_v political_a similar_v church_n whence_o every_o particular_a church_n immediate_o participate_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o whole_a have_v 〈…〉_z tem_fw-la talis_fw-la materiae_fw-la &_o partem_fw-la formâ—…_n answ_n objection_n 5_o if_o there_o be_v church_n communion_n between_o all_o church_n than_o there_o be_v one_o catholic_n church_n but_o there_o be_v church_n communion_n of_o all_o church_n in_o hear_v receive_v sacrament_n exhort_v one_o another_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o etc._n etc._n ergo._fw-la we_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o â—…raâ—â—â—nall_n ecclesiastical_a communion_n not_o only_o internal_o but_o external_o without_o such_o a_o union_n as_o make_v one_o political_a combine_a body_n such_o as_o here_o we_o dispute_v of_o as_o two_o or_o three_o congregation_n may_v have_v communion_n together_o and_o yet_o not_o be_v one_o political_a body_n twenty_o synagogue_n may_v have_v