say_v not_o in_o any_o â—…â—…cal_a power_n but_o in_o order_n and_o extent_n than_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o way_n or_o expedient_a whereby_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_n and_o equal_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n wherein_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o act_n and_o consent_n interest_v and_o concern_v much_o less_o can_v there_o be_v aâ—…_n equal_a communion_n of_o church_n of_o several_a nation_n for_o if_o several_a nation_n shall_v need_v and_o desire_v to_o hold_v communion_n of_o council_n who_o shall_v choose_v the_o person_n or_o instrument_n by_o who_o this_o communion_n shall_v be_v hold_v and_o act_v if_o prince_n choose_v they_o it_o be_v not_o a_o regular_a ecclesiastical_a council_n if_o church_n choose_v and_o send_v they_o shall_v some_o church_n only_o choose_v they_o or_o all_o the_o church_n â—…f_n some_o only_o who_o and_o why_o they_o and_o not_o other_o and_o how_o can_v their_o act_n interest_n and_o oblige_v all_o if_o all_o the_o church_n must_v choose_v then_o immediate_o or_o â—…_n delegate_n immediate_o it_o be_v unfeizible_a especial_o to_o act_v in_o knowledge_n and_o prudence_n but_o mediate_o by_o their_o confident_n and_o representative_n they_o may_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o province_n where_o election_n must_v â—…e_v perform_v by_o representative_n in_o which_o way_n a_o general_n and_o equal_a election_n be_v attainable_a and_o without_o it_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v attainable_a now_o that_o several_a nation_n ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n and_o also_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n it_o do_v appear_v in_o these_o scripture_n isa._n 19_o 23_o 24_o 25._o zeph._n 3._o 9_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1â—…_n &_o 14._o 32_o 36._o of_o which_o see_v more_o in_o synod_n at_o boston_n this_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o as_o yet_o no_o way_n or_o expedient_a appear_v whereby_o it_o may_v be_v due_o act_v we_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n therefore_o the_o lord_n open_v this_o way_n which_o be_v so_o attainable_a and_o not_o without_o scripture_n light_n what_o iâ—…_n the_o church_n shall_v set_v upon_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n may_v appear_v unto_o his_o servant_n therein_o as_o for_o the_o episcopal_a way_n of_o government_n alas_o that_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o this_o ordinance_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o constitution_n of_o four_o order_n of_o council_n i._o when_o twelve_o church_n or_o any_o other_o number_n under_o twenty_o â—…our_n shall_v agree_v to_o hold_v communion_n in_o a_o council_n for_o mutual_n help_v and_o shall_v send_v forth_o messenger_n at_o least_o two_o from_o every_o church_n and_o they_o of_o both_o order_n of_o elder_n or_o in_o defect_n of_o rule_v elder_n brethren_n eminent_a in_o piety_n and_o wisdom_n who_o be_v as_o elder_n to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o church_n herein_o combine_v these_o do_v constitute_v the_o first_o order_n of_o a_o complete_a council_n the_o first_o ascent_n of_o the_o glorious_a temple_n the_o first_o row_n in_o compact_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n these_o be_v the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n before_o the_o lord_n represent_v all_o the_o congregation_n which_o send_v they_o it_o be_v both_o needful_a and_o attainable_a that_o these_o council_n shall_v meet_v once_o every_o month_n ii_o when_o twelve_o of_o the_o first_o order_n of_o council_n or_o any_o other_o number_n under_o twenty_o four_o shall_v with_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o all_o their_o particular_a church_n agree_v to_o hold_v communion_n in_o a_o council_n for_o mutual_n help_v and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v send_v forth_o from_o among_o themselves_o at_o least_o one_o principal_a and_o eminent_a teach_v elder_a and_o one_o rule_v elder_a to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o a_o provincial_a synod_n in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o church_n herein_o combine_v these_o do_v constitute_v the_o second_o order_n of_o council_n these_o be_v a_o provincial_a council_n these_o do_v represent_v very_o many_o church_n and_o all_o the_o people_n in_o they_o with_o their_o express_a consent_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o twenty_o four_o elder_n so_o denominate_v by_o their_o least_o and_o constitute_a number_n though_o the_o number_n represent_v be_v very_o great_a according_a to_o rev._n 5._o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n these_o all_o be_v church-messenger_n send_v forth_o to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n though_o immediate_o send_v forth_o by_o the_o first_o council_n with_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v these_o be_v the_o second_o row_n of_o church_n compact_v by_o the_o number_n twelve_o the_o second_o row_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o temple_n of_o equal_a dimension_n to_o the_o first_o and_o build_v upon_o the_o first_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n it_o be_v both_o needful_a and_o attainable_a that_o these_o shall_v meet_v quarterly_o iii_o when_o twelve_o provincial_a council_n or_o any_o other_o number_n under_o twenty_o four_o shall_v with_o the_o explicit_a consent_n of_o the_o first_o council_n and_o with_o the_o explicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v in_o this_o combination_n agree_v to_o hold_v communion_n in_o a_o council_n for_o mutual_a help_n and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v send_v forth_o from_o among_o themselves_o at_o least_o one_o principal_n teach_v elder_a and_o one_o rule_v elder_a both_o eminent_a in_o holiness_n wisdom_n and_o all_o fit_a ability_n to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o a_o national_a synod_n in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o province_n first_o council_n and_o particular_a church_n herein_o combine_v these_o do_v constitute_v a_o three_o order_n of_o council_n these_o be_v a_o national_a council_n these_o do_v represent_v a_o whole_a nation_n of_o church_n and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o twenty_o four_o elder_n as_o rev._n 5_o 1â—…_n 13_o 14._o though_o all_o creature_n concur_v and_o be_v combine_v in_o the_o work_n all_o be_v represent_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o twenty_o four_o elder_n these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o church-messenger_n send_v forth_o to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n but_o they_o be_v immediate_o send_v forth_o by_o the_o proviâ—…iall_a council_n iv._o as_o the_o first_o council_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a person_n in_o all_o the_o church_n so_o the_o provincial_a council_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a instrument_n in_o the_o respective_a province_n and_o the_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a person_n in_o all_o the_o nation_n who_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o ecclesiastical_a election_n before_o they_o arrive_v unto_o this_o high_a and_o â—…oly_a service_n they_o pass_v under_o a_o opportunity_n of_o be_v call_v out_o from_o among_o all_o the_o choice_n jewel_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o be_v in_o â—…n_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o capacity_n it_o will_v be_v both_o needful_a and_o attainable_a that_o these_o shall_v meet_v once_o in_o a_o year_n v._o when_o twelve_o national_a council_n or_o any_o number_n under_o twenty_o four_o shall_v agree_v with_o the_o explicit_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n pass_v and_o arise_v through_o all_o the_o order_n of_o council_n to_o hold_v communion_n in_o council_n for_o mutual_a help_n and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v send_v forth_o at_o least_o one_o teach_v and_o one_o rule_v elder_a man_n eminent_a in_o holiness_n and_o ability_n for_o so_o high_a a_o service_n to_o constitute_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o there_o to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o council_n herein_o combine_v these_o do_v constitute_v a_o four_o order_n of_o council_n they_o be_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o represent_v all_o the_o church_n in_o those_o nation_n before_o the_o lord_n vi_o twenty_o three_o nation_n meet_v in_o one_o council_n will_v be_v a_o great_a glory_n to_o christ_n and_o by_o what_o have_v yet_o be_v in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v ecumenical_a yet_o when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n i_o know_v not_o but_o there_o will_v be_v council_n above_o this_o nay_o why_o may_v there_o not_o be_v twelve_o ascent_n in_o combine_v all_o the_o world_n rev._n 21._o 16_o 17._o but_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n at_o present_v this_o be_v the_o top_n and_o uppermost_a
liberty_n we_o find_v more_o and_o more_o need_n to_o insist_v upon_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o fix_a and_o order_v way_n as_o that_o thereby_o man_n may_v be_v tie_v to_o attend_v unto_o counsel_n iv._o a_o council_n be_v constitute_v acts._n 15._o where_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v give_v we_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o least_o and_o of_o the_o great_a council_n as_o our_o n._n e._n divine_n have_v well_o observe_v there_o can_v be_v a_o less_o council_n than_o that_o be_v for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o church_n mention_v and_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a and_o more_o complete_a one_o because_o there_o be_v the_o great_a counsellor_n a_o most_o complete_a pattern_n even_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n teach_v that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o two_o church_n they_o may_v enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o mutual_a counsel_n though_o more_o incompleat_o but_o if_o there_o he_o many_o church_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o comblning_n church_n into_o complete_a council_n of_o which_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n v._o christ_n who_o have_v all_o power_n mat._n 28._o 20._o have_v derive_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n first_o unto_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o by_o institution_n miâ—…ht_v distribute_v the_o same_o unto_o several_a office_n in_o the_o church_n hence_o as_o all_o church-officer_n especial_o elder_n and_o more_o especial_o teach_v elder_n be_v ordinary_a successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o several_a branch_n of_o church_n power_n so_o council_n of_o church_n be_v their_o eminent_a ordinary_a successor_n in_o point_n of_o counsel_n and_o that_o in_o several_a respect_n first_o because_o in_o council_n there_o be_v most_o light_a and_o near_o to_o infallibility_n and_o the_o more_o complete_a the_o better_a though_o the_o most_o complete_a council_n may_v err_v because_o they_o have_v not_o a_o promise_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n second_o because_o when_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v constitute_v church_n they_o do_v guide_v and_o counsel_v they_o how_o to_o use_v their_o power_n as_o paul_n do_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n â—…_n 4._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o act_v the_o censure_n himself_o and_o so_o be_v that_o of_o paul_n to_o be_v interpret_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o i_o have_v deliver_v to_o satan_n viz._n as_o i_o do_v the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a by_o give_v such_o counsel_n to_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n in_o thus_o do_v council_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n vi_o inasmuch_o as_o council_n be_v public_a assembly_n and_o that_o not_o only_o ecclesiastical_o public_a but_o civil_o also_o when_o they_o be_v hold_v with_o openness_n and_o boldness_n hence_o civil_a authority_n have_v influence_n by_o law_n and_o command_n to_o give_v allowance_n unto_o such_o assembly_n and_o so_o they_o have_v a_o extrinsecall_v efficiency_n in_o call_v council_n but_o the_o intrinsical_n and_o proper_a efficient_n of_o a_o council_n be_v the_o church_n who_o elect_v and_o send_v messenger_n to_o that_o end_n vii_o the_o member_n constituent_v of_o a_o council_n be_v church-messenger_n the_o person_n send_v aught_o to_o be_v elder_n of_o both_o order_n teach_v and_o rule_v to_o represent_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o in_o defect_n of_o rule_v elder_n to_o represent_v the_o people_n faithful_a brethren_n eminent_a in_o holiness_n and_o wisdom_n who_o be_v as_o elder_n act_v 15._o 2._o certain_z other_z of_o they_o ver._n 22._o choose_a man_n chief_a man_n among_o the_o brethren_n ver._n 32._o be_v prophet_n also_o themselves_o and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v because_o as_o the_o temptation_n of_o learned_a man_n be_v to_o affect_v a_o prolacy_n over_o the_o people_n so_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v to_o affect_v a_o morellian_a democracy_n and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v by_o institution_n balance_v all_o ecclesiastical_a council_n with_o member_n of_o both_o sort_n that_o may_v balance_v each_o other_o by_o number_n at_o least_o though_o not_o in_o weight_n yet_o enough_o to_o prevent_v any_o prevalency_n of_o a_o temptation_n either_o to_o subjugate_v the_o church_n under_o any_o prelatical_a usurpation_n of_o the_o learned_a or_o to_o elevate_v and_o intoxicate_a the_o fraternity_n to_o affect_v any_o inordinate_a power_n which_o rather_o and_o more_o effectual_o teâ—…ds_v to_o enervate_a and_o evacuate_v government_n then_o to_o preserve_v any_o lawful_a and_o just_a liberty_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n the_o end_n of_o the_o church_n send_v these_o messenger_n be_v to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o due_a order_n viii_o the_o organic_n part_n of_o a_o council_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o manage_v their_o affair_n in_o prudence_n and_o order_n be_v moderator_n â—…nd_v notary_n the_o choice_n of_o who_o be_v the_o first_o act_n they_o do_v to_o complete_a themselves_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o action_n it_o may_v sometime_o edify_v to_o change_v moderator_n every_o new_a session_n partâ—…ly_o to_o train_v up_o each_o other_o unto_o that_o special_a work_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o in_o care_v for_o the_o public_a welfare_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o also_o to_o take_v trial_n of_o man_n gift_n spirit_n and_o ability_n unto_o that_o high_a service_n that_o so_o when_o there_o may_v be_v special_a need_n they_o may_v know_v who_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o manage_v the_o council_n at_o such_o â—…_n time_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o most_o effectual_a edification_n and_o public_a well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n though_o moderator_n may_v be_v often_o change_v it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o the_o notary_n shall_v be_v so_o often_o change_v ix_o the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a council_n be_v only_o dogmatical_a or_o doctrinal_a power_n of_o censure_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n fix_v in_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o when_o any_o appeal_n unto_o a_o council_n it_o be_v for_o further_a and_o more_o clear_a light_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o conviction_n thereby_o but_o not_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o juridical_a power_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o gospel-measuring-reed_n by_o the_o number_n twelve_o i._o see_v particular_a congregation_n in_o gospel-order_n be_v church_n and_o these_o church_n for_o their_o well-being_n need_v to_o hold_v and_o exercise_v communion_n by_o council_n and_o one_o church_n as_o antioch_n may_v need_v the_o great_a and_o high_a counsel_n hence_o in_o such_o place_n where_o through_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v numerous_a it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o the_o management_n of_o these_o council_n shall_v be_v in_o order_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o complete_a council_n act_n 15._o for_o multitude_n unorder_v by_o â—…ow_o much_o the_o great_a they_o be_v the_o great_a be_v their_o cumber_v and_o unaptness_n to_o operate_v in_o order_n unto_o their_o end_n lesser_a body_n be_v more_o ready_o order_v and_o have_v a_o great_a aptitude_n to_o be_v active_a in_o their_o order_n unto_o their_o end_n ordo_fw-la anima_fw-la rerum_fw-la ii_o order_n be_v one_o of_o the_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n and_o so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o church_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o order_n 1_o cor_fw-la 14._o 40._o jerusalem_n be_v a_o city_n compact_v psal._n 122._o 3._o and_o the_o more_o orderly_a body_n be_v the_o better_a be_v they_o compact_v body_n that_o be_v compact_v be_v so_o order_v by_o number_n and_o measure_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v the_o most_o glorious_a city_n that_o ever_o shall_v be_v on_o earth_n and_o we_o see_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v compact_v by_o number_n and_o measure_n rev._n 21._o 12_o to_o 18._o and_o the_o foundation_n number_n be_v twelve_o as_o appear_v ver_fw-la 14._o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n have_v twelve_o foundation_n and_o this_o number_n twelve_o be_v multiply_v by_o twelve_o as_o appear_v ver_fw-la 16_o 17._o it_o be_v square_a twelve_o every_o way_n which_o amount_v to_o one_o hundred_o forty_o and_o four_o iii_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a do_v make_v that_o number_n famous_a in_o the_o church_n and_o fundamental_a in_o order_v and_o compact_n of_o church_n into_o ecclesiastical_a combination_n of_o council_n the_o twelve_o tribe_n compact_v in_o order_n be_v the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o heart-ravishing_a camp_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n eye_n do_v look_v upon_o numb_a 24._o 2_o 5_o 6._o the_o twelve_o loaf_n of_o shewbread_n do_v represent_v the_o whole_a visible_a church_n before_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n the_o twelve_o precious_a staâ—…s_n in_o the_o breastplate_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n show_v that_o iâ—…_n such_o a_o number_n christ_n be_v please_v to_o order_n and_o represent_v the_o whole_a militant_a church_n before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n and_o
blessing_n of_o many_o more_o even_o any_o number_n under_o twenty_o and_o a_o hundred_o etc._n etc._n but_o when_o ten_o be_v become_v twenty_o and_o when_o fifty_o be_v become_v a_o hundred_o than_o they_o must_v be_v multiply_v into_o more_o order_n because_o these_o number_n be_v foundation_n number_n by_o which_o the_o order_n of_o the_o government_n be_v multiply_v and_o compact_v and_o when_o that_o be_v transact_v they_o be_v reduce_v unto_o their_o foundation_n number_n so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n of_o government_n the_o least_o number_n of_o a_o complete_a state_v first_o council_n be_v twelve_o church_n who_o least_o number_n of_o messenger_n be_v twenty_o four_o and_o by_o these_o number_n they_o be_v denominate_v though_o they_o may_v be_v more_o church_n in_o a_o combination_n and_o more_o messenger_n from_o some_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o the_o other_o order_n of_o council_n for_o a_o little_o further_a illustration_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v propose_v and_o answer_v six_o question_n which_o may_v let_v in_o a_o little_o further_a light_n into_o this_o frame_n and_o remove_v some_o objection_n quest._n 1._o may_v a_o church_n perform_v any_o ecclesiastical_a act_n by_o messenger_n or_o representative_n in_o their_o name_n answ._n yea._n doubtless_o they_o may_v they_o may_v consult_v and_o agree_v to_o give_v counsel_n in_o such_o case_n as_o may_v be_v present_v for_o that_o end_n touch_v either_o faith_n or_o order_n as_o it_o appear_v act_n 15._o quest_n 2._o may_v a_o church_n elect_v by_o messenger_n or_o representative_n when_o themselves_o can_v be_v present_a where_o such_o election_n be_v perform_v answ._n aâ—…_n act_n of_o election_n may_v be_v transact_v by_o some_o of_o a_o society_n yea_o by_o a_o few_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o rest_n when_o they_o have_v their_o consent_n and_o a_o call_n so_o to_o act_v for_o instance_n if_o a_o lesser_a number_n of_o a_o church_n be_v necessary_o absent_a from_o a_o act_n of_o election_n perform_v in_o a_o lawful_a assembly_n they_o be_v all_o involve_a in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o major_a part_n this_o be_v without_o controversy_n foâ—…_n here_o some_o only_a elect_n and_o all_o be_v engage_v again_o if_o the_o major_a part_n be_v necessary_o absent_a and_o fond_a a_o lesser_a part_n or_o a_o â—…ew_n with_o their_o express_a consent_n to_o do_v a_o act_n oâ—…_n election_n it_o have_v the_o like_a force_n and_o validity_n the_o royal_a arâ—…_n which_o choose_v david_n to_o be_v their_o king_n â—…_n chron._n 12._o be_v far_o the_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o people_n but_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o elect_v for_o they_o and_o do_v perform_v it_o as_o affectual_o as_o if_o the_o whole_a people_n have_v be_v present_a and_o david_n be_v king_n not_o only_o over_o the_o representative_n who_o do_v actual_o choose_v he_o but_o over_o all_o the_o people_n who_o do_v elect_a he_o by_o their_o representative_n if_o the_o party_n sâ—…nt_v to_o transact_v a_o election_n do_v act_n according_a to_o their_o heart_n who_o send_v they_o they_o will_v not_o object_n for_o have_v they_o be_v there_o present_a they_o will_v have_v do_v the_o same_o but_o if_o the_o party_n send_v to_o elect_n do_v not_o elect_a according_a to_o their_o heart_n they_o may_v just_o question_v their_o act_n and_o consider_v of_o their_o apology_n but_o that_o do_v not_o nullify_v the_o act_n in_o point_n of_o order_n when_o political_a body_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a be_v multitudinous_a and_o remote_a from_o the_o place_n of_o action_n either_o all_o can_v act_v or_o if_o they_o do_v it_o must_v be_v by_o representative_n quest._n 3._o may_v a_o church_n elect_a elder_n or_o messenger_n out_o of_o another_o church_n unto_o a_o public_a and_o common_a service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o church_n answ._n yea_o they_o may_v for_o the_o great_a collection_n of_o the_o gentile_a church_n which_o paul_n carry_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o his_o last_o go_v thither_o be_v a_o act_n of_o many_o church_n and_o paul_n with_o those_o that_o go_v with_o he_o to_o present_v it_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o that_o service_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o and_o there_o be_v many_o more_o church_n contributor_n then_o there_o be_v messenger_n send_v to_o carry_v it_o act_n 20._o 4._o there_o be_v but_o seven_o or_o eight_o in_o paul_n company_n but_o all_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n corinth_n asia_n and_o macedonia_n be_v contributor_n therefore_o many_o church_n choose_v messenger_n who_o be_v none_o of_o their_o own_o particular_a church_n unto_o that_o public_a and_o common_a service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o church_n again_o the_o ready_a subjection_n of_o all_o the_o church_n about_o antioch_n and_o other_o place_n act_n 16._o 4._o unto_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v probable_o speak_v that_o as_o the_o trouble_n by_o those_o question_n be_v a_o common_a case_n in_o all_o the_o church_n so_o they_o have_v some_o foreknowledge_n concurrence_n and_o consent_n after_o consent_n sure_a enough_o they_o hâ—…d_v in_o the_o mission_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n teach_v elder_n of_o antioch_n act_v 13._o 2._o unto_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o that_o matter_n again_o see_v the_o rule_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n do_v impose_v upon_o elder_n a_o degree_n of_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o those_o within_o their_o ordered_n communion_n it_o do_v also_o give_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n a_o mutual_a interest_n in_o each_o other_o elder_n hence_o when_o they_o choose_v any_o of_o the_o elder_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o order_n they_o choose_v those_o who_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v their_o own_o in_o who_o they_o have_v a_o ecclesiastical_a interest_n especial_o unto_o this_o public_a service_n of_o counsel_n quest._n 4._o may_v many_o church_n elect_v a_o â—…ew_n of_o their_o elder_n unto_o some_o public_a and_o common_a service_n wherein_o all_o the_o church_n so_o elect_v be_v interest_v answ._n yea_o they_o may_v for_o all_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n galatia_n macedonia_n etc._n etc._n do_v elect_a a_o few_o to_o accompany_v paul_n in_o carry_v their_o contribution_n unto_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o from_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n there_o be_v but_o two_o send_v act_n 20._o 4._o and_o we_o know_v there_o be_v at_o least_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n rev._n 1_o â—…4_n quest._n 5._o when_o two_o or_o a_o few_o elder_n be_v choose_v by_o many_o church_n unto_o some_o public_a and_o common_a service_n of_o the_o church_n do_v they_o represent_v all_o the_o church_n who_o do_v elect_a they_o unto_o that_o service_n answ._n yea_o they_o do_v so_o for_o when_o many_o church_n by_o paul_n order_v send_v a_o few_o messenger_n to_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 23._o to_o fetch_v their_o contribution_n to_o be_v carry_v among_o the_o contribution_n of_o many_o other_o church_n unto_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o paul_n and_o a_o few_o other_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o that_o service_n â—…_n cor._n 8._o 19_o these_o few_o messenger_n do_v represent_v all_o the_o church_n who_o send_v they_o so_o as_o that_o what_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n shall_v transact_v afore_o they_o be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v afore_o all_o the_o church_n viz._n who_o send_v they_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 24._o quest._n 6._o these_o order_n of_o council_n first_o second_o third_z represent_v few_o or_o more_o church_n be_v they_o a_o divine_a institution_n answ._n touch_v the_o first_o council_n consist_v of_o immediate_a messenger_n of_o church_n send_v for_o that_o end_n it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o these_o be_v a_o divine_a institution_n act_v 15._o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v touch_v the_o second_o and_o three_o order_n of_o council_n and_o so_o high_o unto_o the_o high_a ecumenical_a council_n who_o member_n be_v choose_v immediate_o by_o council_n yet_o with_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n not_o immediate_o by_o the_o church_n but_o by_o their_o representative_n touch_v these_o in_o way_n of_o humble_a proposal_n i_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v a_o divine_a institution_n 1._o because_o their_o foundation_n formation_n and_o constitution_n be_v deducible_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o lay_v together_o the_o forego_n question_n and_o answer_n thereunto_o with_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o 2._o because_o this_o multiply_a of_o order_n upon_o order_n seem_v to_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o ascent_n and_o degree_n in_o ezekiel_n temple_n and_o by_o the_o multiplication_n of_o the_o number_n twelve_o in_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n rev._n 21_o etc._n etc._n 3._o because_o if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o multiply_a of_o council_n above_o council_n above_z i_o
order_n of_o council_n and_o somewhat_o high_a than_o we_o can_v yet_o well_o descry_v but_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n can_v see_v all_o the_o world_n in_o the_o gospel_n order_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o now_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v triumph_v in_o his_o militant_a glory_n upon_o earth_n with_o his_o twenty_o four_o elder_n about_o he_o in_o ecclesiastical_a visible_a order_n and_o now_o the_o whole_a militant_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n from_o christ_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4._o 16._o vii_o furthermore_o consider_v that_o though_o i_o have_v propose_v but_o three_o order_n of_o council_n within_o the_o nation_n yet_o in_o populous_a nation_n there_o may_v be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d of_o province_n into_o chief_a province_n and_o sub-province_n if_o a_o nation_n be_v divide_v into_o at_o least_o twelve_o ecclesiastical_a province_n and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o divide_v into_o at_o least_o twelve_o sub-province_n and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o into_z at_o least_o twelve_o precinct_n of_o first_o council_n then_o they_o will_v have_v four_o order_n of_o council_n within_o the_o nation_n and_o three_o such_o ascent_n will_v combine_v all_o the_o world_n into_o the_o holy_a breastplate_n of_o our_o great_a highpriest_n the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n or_o three_o ascent_n in_o one_o nation_n and_o four_o such_o ascent_n in_o the_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v in_o liâ—…e_a manner_n make_v up_o the_o holy_a breastplate_n of_o christ_n which_o council_n may_v meet_v in_o jerusalem_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o if_o that_o be_v so_o literal_a a_o meaning_n of_o sundry_a text_n that_o way_n look_v and_o when_o that_o council_n shall_v agree_v of_o universal_a day_n of_o fast_v or_o feast_v before_o the_o lord_n upon_o just_a occasion_n oh_o what_o glorious_a day_n will_v those_o be_v when_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v appear_v together_o before_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o act_n of_o worship_n viii_o and_o as_o a_o eminent_a preparatory_a to_o these_o glorious_a day_n when_o christ_n shall_v be_v king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o lord_n and_o his_o name_n one_o zech._n 14._o 9_o and_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v accomplish_v that_o prophecy_n eâ—…e_n 34._o 23_o 24._o and_o i_o will_v set_v up_o one_o shepherd_n over_o they_o and_o he_o shall_v feed_v they_o even_o my_o servant_n david_n he_o shall_v feed_v they_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v their_o shepherd_n and_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o my_o servant_n david_n a_o prince_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n have_v 〈◊〉_d it_o when_o christ_n shall_v rule_v all_o the_o world_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o hand_n of_o saint_n even_o holy_a and_o religious_a king_n prince_n and_o chief_a ruler_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v pâ—…_n it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o some_o of_o his_o religious_a and_o learned_a servant_n to_o take_v such_o pain_n about_o the_o holy_a hebrew_n language_n as_o to_o fit_v it_o for_o this_o universal_a glorious_a use_n consider_v that_o above_o all_o language_n speak_v by_o the_o lip_n of_o man_n by_o reasoâ—…â—…f_a iâ—…_n trigraâ—…macall_a foundation_n and_o other_o regular_a consâ—…erations_n for_o the_o multiplication_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o word_n it_o be_v most_o capable_a to_o be_v enlarge_v and_o fit_v to_o express_v all_o thing_n and_o actionâ—…_n all_o motion_n and_o notion_n that_o our_o humanâ—…_n intellect_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o speak_v no_o high_o of_o iâ—…_n in_o this_o â—…ortall_a life_n consider_v also_o that_o it_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v the_o pure_a language_n on_o earth_n not_o as_o yet_o defile_v with_o the_o scurriloâ—…_n froth_n and_o some_o of_o carnal_a wit_n in_o write_n consider_v also_o what_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v in_o thâ—…se_a day_n that_o way_n look_v zeph._n â—…_n â—…_n i_o will_v turn_v to_o the_o people_n a_o pure_a language_n and_o when_o egypt_n be_v convert_v it_o be_v express_v by_o this_o that_o they_o shall_v speak_v the_o language_n of_o canaâ—…_n isa._n 19_o 18_o when_o all_o the_o world_n do_v obeisance_n to_o christ_n disjunction_n than_o all_o language_n shall_v see_v my_o glory_n isa._n 66._o 18._o but_o when_o they_o do_v it_o conjunctim_fw-la in_o what_o language_n better_a than_o in_o it_o in_o which_o god_n first_o speak_v unto_o man_n how_o shall_v all_o flesh_n see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n together_o isa._n â—…0_n 5._o unless_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a language_n and_o what_o one_o fit_a than_o that_o which_o it_o please_v our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o make_v use_n of_o when_o he_o speak_v from_o heaven_n unto_o paulâ—…o_o â—…o_z his_o first_o converâ—…ion_n actsâ—…6_n â—…6_z 13_o â—…_n i_o see_v a_o light_n from_o heaven_n and_o hear_v a_o voice_n speak_v unto_o i_o and_o say_v in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n saul_n saul_n etc._n etc._n chap._n iu._n the_o order_n of_o elect_v all_o thâ—…se_a council_n with_o consideration_n of_o the_o time_n of_o their_o duration_n and_o of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o meeting_n i._o the_o election_n of_o the_o first_o council_n be_v several_o perform_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n combine_v in_o 〈◊〉_d society_n wherein_o there_o seldom_o be_v any_o variety_n of_o choice_n and_o therefore_o no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o action_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v either_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n or_o by_o a_o silent_a vote_n when_o their_o silence_n be_v the_o sign_n of_o their_o concurrence_n iâ—…_n there_o be_v two_o teach_v elder_n the_o church_n may_v send_v they_o â—…oth_n if_o they_o see_v good_a as_o antioch_n send_v paul_n and_o 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v two_o teach_v elder_n of_o that_o church_n act_n 13._o â—…_n and_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o teach_v elder_n who_o they_o send_v the_o like_a number_n of_o rule_v elder_n or_o 〈◊〉_d brethren_n they_o be_v to_o send_v and_o astociate_v with_o they_o ii_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n election_n must_v be_v diligent_o religiouâ—…y_o and_o solâ—…nly_o attend_v and_o perform_v aâ—…_n be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o esseâ—…tially_o requisite_a both_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o all_o council_n and_o for_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o church_n unto_o obedience_n this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n have_v reference_n not_o only_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o first_o council_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o 〈◊〉_d church_n be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o councilâ—…_n none_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v 〈◊〉_d a_o provincial_n national_a or_o ecumenical_a synod_n but_o such_o as_o be_v first_o choose_v by_o some_o particular_a 〈◊〉_d to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o first_o 〈◊〉_d and_o â—…o_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o order_n hence_o 〈◊〉_d it_o must_v be_v careful_o and_o express_o put_v into_o thâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o church_n election_n that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v choose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o the_o order_n of_o it_o both_o in_o provincial_n national_a and_o oecuâ—…e_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d even_o unto_o thâ—…_n high_a point_n for_o though_o all_o that_o be_v thâ—…s_v elect_v and_o send_v by_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v elect_v and_o send_v to_o provincial_a national_a and_o ecumenical_a council_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v send_v and_o all_o of_o they_o be_v to_o elect_v and_o send_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o church_n do_v elect_v and_o send_v they_o to_o this_o first_o council_n they_o be_v by_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n impower_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n through_o all_o the_o order_n thereof_o euâ—…n_o to_o the_o top_n branch_n either_o by_o elect_v other_o or_o be_v â—…ected_v themselves_o unto_o those_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o â—…ches_n iii_o the_o time_n of_o this_o election_n be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n immediate_o precede_v the_o state_v time_n of_o the_o first_o council_n monthly_a meeting_n and_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v send_v forth_o with_o the_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n iv._o the_o provincial_a council_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o choice_a instrument_n in_o all_o the_o first_o council_n by_o who_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o send_v with_o their_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n every_o first_o council_n elect_v the_o most_o holy_a learned_a and_o able_a elder_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v thaâ—…_n they_o have_v who_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o promote_v and_o attain_v the_o endâ—…_n they_o be_v send_v for_o viz._n so_o carry_v on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o a_o provincial_a
state_v meeting_n of_o the_o first_o council_n be_v every_o month_n and_o what_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v on_o the_o â—…irst_n three_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o every_o month_n through_o the_o year_n the_o state_v meet_v of_o the_o provincial_a council_n be_v once_o every_o quarter_n and_o what_o if_o two_o of_o they_o be_v the_o first_o three_o day_n after_o the_o sun_n touch_v the_o middle_a point_n of_o the_o summer_n and_o winter_n solstice_n and_o the_o other_o two_o the_o first_o third_z day_n after_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o the_o vernal_a and_o autumnal_a equinâ—…ial_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o if_o the_o sun_n touch_v any_o of_o these_o point_n upon_o the_o three_o day_n of_o the_o week_n then_o that_o be_v the_o day_n of_o meeting_n if_o on_o any_o other_o day_n than_o the_o three_o day_n after_o the_o state_v meet_v of_o the_o national_a council_n be_v once_o a_o year_n and_o best_a in_o the_o spring_n and_o what_o if_o it_o be_v the_o last_o three_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n call_v march_n fourteen_o the_o law_n of_o the_o constitution_n do_v call_v all_o these_o council_n to_o meet_v at_o the_o state_v time_n without_o any_o other_o order_n or_o appointment_n xv._n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o some_o eminent_a man_n preach_v a_o public_a lecture_n on_o the_o day_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o every_o council_n â—…o_o draw_v many_o saint_n together_o and_o to_o raise_v a_o strong_a breath_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o put_v the_o great_a solemnity_n upon_o so_o holy_a a_o work_n xvi_o occasional_a meeting_n may_v be_v multiply_v either_o by_o intricacy_n of_o case_n variety_n of_o opinion_n troublesomeness_n of_o person_n danger_n of_o church_n gross_a scandal_n that_o can_v proceed_v to_o censure_n because_o of_o some_o obstruction_n without_o the_o help_n of_o counsel_n such_o occasional_a meeting_n if_o foresee_v may_v be_v appoint_v by_o the_o council_n before_o they_o rise_v if_o not_o foresee_v than_o they_o must_v be_v call_v by_o the_o moderator_n then_o in_o be_v and_o the_o notary_n by_o letter_n under_o either_o of_o their_o hand_n where_o distance_n of_o place_n require_v it_o xvii_o the_o place_n of_o meet_v for_o these_o council_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o first_o council_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v or_o tie_v to_o any_o one_o place_n because_o there_o be_v sundry_a consideration_n about_o the_o place_n whereof_o one_o may_v be_v prevalent_a at_o one_o time_n and_o another_o time_n another_o sometime_o the_o age_n and_o unfitness_n for_o travel_v of_o some_o eminent_o useful_a person_n sometime_o the_o common_a conveniency_n for_o all_o sometime_o it_o may_v edify_v to_o meet_v in_o that_o church_n where_o the_o chief_a trouble_n may_v at_o the_o present_a be_v ard_z yet_o this_o not_o always_o so_o because_o the_o trouble_n of_o antioch_n be_v hear_v and_o settle_v at_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o best_a and_o able_a counsel_n be_v to_o be_v have_v with_o the_o least_o trouble_n and_o inconveniency_n unto_o any_o chap._n v._o the_o general_a work_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a council_n these_o ecclesiastical_a council_n be_v to_o do_v for_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n what_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n do_v lie_v upon_o they_o which_o appear_v both_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o end_v of_o their_o meeting_n yea_o they_o be_v to_o do_v for_o all_o the_o world_n what_o lie_v in_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o do_v matth_n 28._o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n i._o hence_o first_o if_o there_o be_v any_o heathen_a people_n that_o yet_o know_v not_o christ_n it_o be_v a_o work_n well-becoming_a any_o of_o these_o order_n of_o council_n and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o their_o harmony_n to_o seek_v out_o and_o send_v forth_o sit_v labourer_n to_o such_o a_o work_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n to_o carry_v the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v jesus_n christ_n unto_o they_o to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o particular_a church_n unto_o who_o society_n such_o instrument_n choose_v by_o the_o council_n do_v belong_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o send_v they_o forth_o unto_o that_o work_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v unto_o barnâ—…bas_n and_o saul_n when_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v and_o send_v forth_o unto_o such_o a_o work_n as_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o act_v 13._o 2_o 3._o and_o this_o will_v be_v one_o holy_a way_n of_o improvement_n of_o church-treasury_n raise_v by_o voluntary_a contribution_n to_o spread_v and_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n to_o all_o the_o world_n ii_o if_o there_o be_v any_o among_o the_o profess_v nation_n that_o sie_a in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o see_v no_o light_n and_o too_o many_o such_o dark_a corner_n there_o be_v in_o the_o land_n of_o zebulon_n and_o naphthali_n mat._n 4_o 15_o 16._o who_o have_v none_o to_o bring_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o light_n and_o life_n unto_o they_o at_o least_o none_o that_o do_v it_o it_o well_o become_v the_o vigilance_n of_o these_o council_n to_o provide_v and_o send_v â—…it_a instrument_n unto_o they_o by_o who_o labour_n the_o light_n through_o grace_n may_v arise_v and_o shine_v among_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o send_v forth_o such_o person_n with_o their_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n as_o abovesaid_a iii_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sister-church_n that_o have_v no_o breast_n which_o by_o death_n or_o other_o mean_v oft_o fall_v out_o where_o church_n be_v numerous_a it_o be_v a_o special_a and_o proper_a care_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a council_n to_o take_v a_o prudent_a pious_a and_o speedy_a course_n for_o their_o supply_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n that_o have_v a_o great_a tendency_n to_o the_o well-being_n not_o only_o of_o that_o church_n but_o of_o the_o council_n also_o into_o who_o communion_n â—…ll_v elder_n be_v receive_v and_o unto_o this_o point_n of_o their_o care_n and_o duty_n it_o do_v belong_v sometime_o to_o remove_v light_n from_o one_o candlestick_n to_o another_o where_o the_o gift_n and_o labour_n of_o some_o special_a instrument_n may_v be_v most_o fruitful_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o all_o wisdom_n tenderness_n and_o evidence_n of_o scripture-light_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n so_o to_o be_v that_o so_o the_o church_n concern_v may_v yield_v it_o as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o christ_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o pluck_v out_o their_o right_a eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o christ_n in_o obedience_n as_o unto_o the_o apostle_n so_o unto_o counâ—…ils_n their_o ordinary_a successor_n iv._o as_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n die_v on_o the_o ecclesiastical_a council_n so_o especial_o the_o care_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v in_o combination_n together_o and_o who_o communion_n they_o do_v act_n and_o towards_o who_o their_o first_o trust_n and_o care_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v for_o their_o well-being_n on_o earth_n and_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a be_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o all_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o take_v care_n that_o there_o be_v general_a direction_n for_o public_a worship_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a administration_n and_o conversation_n and_o for_o catecâ—…ism_n and_o platform_n both_o of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n v._o if_o any_o error_n or_o heresy_n arise_v or_o be_v by_o any_o evil_a instrument_n open_o or_o secret_o buzz_v and_o infuse_v or_o any_o way_n â—…ented_v and_o diffuse_v to_o â—…azard_v the_o infect_v and_o poison_v any_o of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v a_o special_a care_n of_o these_o council_n to_o take_v up_o the_o matter_n to_o clear_v up_o the_o light_n of_o the_o case_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o due_a order_n to_o settle_v the_o cause_n and_o suppress_v the_o error_n by_o counsel_v the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o person_n belong_v to_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n if_o need_v be_v vi_o if_o any_o controversy_n or_o doubtful_a disputation_n arise_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church_n about_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n either_o in_o faith_n or_o order_n because_o all_o difference_n of_o opinion_n be_v apt_a to_o breed_v aliemtion_n of_o affection_n and_o give_v entrance_n to_o satan_n and_o grief_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n it_o concern_v the_o council_n with_o all_o care_n and_o prudence_n in_o due_a order_n to_o settle_v and_o siâ—…nce_v such_o a_o controversy_n
be_v iâ—…plored_v for_o our_o church_n or_o for_o the_o nation_n or_o for_o foreign_a church_n and_o nation_n such_o motion_n and_o design_n of_o spread_a and_o propagate_a religion_n as_o be_v in_o hand_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v to_o be_v present_v to_o all_o the_o church_n as_o matter_n of_o prayer_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a 12._o when_o these_o member_n of_o the_o national_a council_n return_n unto_o the_o provincial_a council_n who_o delegate_n they_o immediate_o be_v they_o be_v to_o report_v unto_o they_o the_o state_n and_o affair_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o foreign_a nation_n also_o and_o they_o be_v to_o report_v they_o to_o all_o the_o first_o council_n and_o they_o unto_o all_o the_o church_n as_o matter_n of_o praiâ—…e_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o of_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n unto_o government_n and_o that_o this_o communication_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n may_v be_v the_o more_o ready_o expedit_v 1._o all_o the_o first_o council_n or_o some_o one_o of_o every_o council_n may_v meet_v that_o day_n seven_o night_n after_o the_o provincial_a council_n meet_v to_o hear_v the_o affair_n of_o all_o the_o province_n and_o some_o of_o the_o provincial_a council_n may_v be_v there_o to_o declare_v the_o affair_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o province_n 2._o so_o likewise_o the_o provincial_a council_n or_o some_o of_o every_o provincial_a council_n may_v meet_v that_o day_n seven-night_n after_o the_o session_n of_o the_o national_a council_n to_o hear_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o some_o of_o the_o national_a council_n may_v be_v there_o to_o give_v information_n of_o all_o thing_n â—…ing_v to_o be_v communicâ—…ted_v but_o experience_n will_v put_v man_n upon_o the_o best_a wâ—…y_n of_o order_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o pâ—…rticular_a duty_n of_o the_o oecumeniâ—…al_a council_n i_o pass_v in_o silence_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o consideration_n who_o happy_a 〈◊〉_d it_o shall_v be_v to_o see_v those_o glâ—…rious_a time_n when_o such_o council_n shall_v be_v call_v notwithstanding_o these_o public_a order_n of_o council_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o party_n or_o church_n to_o take_v any_o private_a â—…unsel_n that_o he_o or_o they_o will_v or_o câ—…n_v obtain_v according_a to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d they_o â—…ay_v have_v occâ—…sion_n chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v every_o christian_a parishional_a congregation_n to_o be_v a_o explicit_a reform_v congregational_a church_n i._o every_o parishional_a congregation_n who_o solemn_o renounce_v all_o their_o sin_n and_o evil_n both_o personal_a and_o â—…cclesiastical_a shall_v willing_o by_o what_o way_n mean_n or_o motive_n soever_o thereunto_o induce_v submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n in_o gospel-order_n and_o particular_o to_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o common_a concernment_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o holy_a advice_n of_o the_o forename_a order_n of_o council_n and_o do_v by_o their_o pious_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n and_o concurrence_n orderly_o elect_v all_o officer_n both_o elder_n and_o deacon_n among_o themselves_o and_o promise_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o household_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o christian_a exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n according_a to_o rule_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o parish_n or_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o shall_v herein_o concur_v be_v to_o be_v own_v a_o particular_a reform_v congregational_a church_n and_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o order_n of_o government_n they_o deliver_v this_o act_n of_o they_o in_o writing_n unto_o that_o first_o council_n with_o who_o they_o associate_v there_o to_o be_v record_v ii_o it_o may_v by_o the_o good_a blessing_n of_o god_n great_o promote_v relâ—…gion_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a church_n if_o such_o of_o the_o godly_a gentry_n of_o the_o land_n who_o be_v not_o in_o civil_a authority_n will_v please_v to_o do_v that_o honour_n to_o christ_n to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o his_o service_n in_o accept_v of_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o the_o â—…urches_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o will_v much_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o church-government_n and_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o themselves_o and_o they_o will_v hereby_o render_v themselves_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n iii_o by_o the_o ordinance_n oâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d prudentlâ—…_n exercise_v both_o public_o in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o private_a house_n all_o tâ—…_n church_n be_v to_o be_v train_v up_o unto_o a_o competency_n of_o knowledge_n in_o jesus_n christ._n iu._n special_a â—…are_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o train_n up_o of_o youth_n in_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n make_v manifest_a to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o public_a account_n answer_n or_o confession_n thereof_o aâ—…d_v unto_o a_o explicit_a acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n with_o subâ—…_n and_o engagement_n of_o themselves_o unto_o the_o câ—…urch_n wherein_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n unto_o god_n to_o be_v rule_v by_o religion_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o do_v their_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v v._o upon_o the_o due_a evidence_n of_o some_o hopeful_a real_a work_n and_o change_v of_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n due_o manifest_v to_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o person_n concern_v may_v be_v in_o charity_n conceive_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o &_o â—…o_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o spiritual_o to_o judge_v of_o a_o spiritual_a cause_n such_o aught_o by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v receive_v unto_o communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o such_o male_n unto_o vote_v in_o the_o church_n because_o ordinary_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v also_o able_a spiritual_o to_o discern_v of_o a_o spiritual_a cause_n and_o thereby_o capable_a to_o vote_n in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o fraternity_n be_v call_v to_o vote_v in_o the_o church_n chap._n viii_o touch_v the_o maintenance_n of_o these_o council_n i._o though_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o all_o their_o necessary_a charge_n be_v bear_v for_o they_o for_o who_o go_v on_o a_o warfare_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_n meet_v that_o any_o profit_n or_o revenue_n shall_v be_v annex_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o council_n from_o the_o low_a unto_o the_o high_a worldly_n profit_n power_n and_o splendour_n be_v beneath_o the_o spirit_n and_o aim_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n only_o the_o notary_n place_n be_v a_o service_n of_o much_o â—…bour_n pain_n and_o diligence_n it_o be_v meâ—…t_a that_o some_o consideration_n be_v have_v for_o some_o convenient_a recompense_n for_o their_o labour_n ii_o if_o any_o godly_a mind_a christian_a out_o of_o a_o love_n unto_o and_o zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v desire_v to_o give_v and_o annex_v maintenance_n unto_o any_o of_o these_o forename_a council_n more_o than_o convenient_o to_o bear_v their_o charge_n as_o noble_a constantine_n do_v for_o the_o worldly_a splendour_n of_o the_o bishop_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v but_o religious_o oppose_v for_o it_o will_v certain_o prove_v a_o inlet_n of_o great_a corruption_n ambition_n avarice_n and_o strife_n unworthy_a and_o unfit_a person_n will_v endeavour_v to_o brâ—…be_v themselves_o into_o place_n more_o for_o the_o wage_n then_o for_o the_o work_n iii_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o service_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v iâ—…separable_a from_o the_o work_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o state_n militant_a will_v be_v able_a to_o weather_n and_o keep_v from_o run_v â—…ground_o upon_o but_o revenue_n and_o profit_n be_v separable_a from_o the_o work_n â—…d_n must_v be_v religious_o and_o earnest_o keep_v off_o it_o be_v a_o worâ—…_n that_o will_v sure_o corrupt_a â—_o this_o bless_a work_n and_o glorious_a service_n of_o jesur_n christ._n iv._o a_o small_a revenue_n will_v maintain_v the_o government_n of_o church_n by_o council_n even_o in_o a_o great_a nation_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o vast_a revenue_n which_o the_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n hauâ—…_n faâ—…ed_v and_o enrich_v themselves_o withal_o which_o also_o have_v advantage_v they_o to_o arrogate_v unto_o themselves_o and_o 〈◊〉_d civil_a authority_n and_o by_o these_o carnal_a 〈◊〉_d unto_o the_o church_n religion_n have_v be_v corrupt_v most_o man_n have_v be_v damn_v and_o â—…ew_v save_v therefore_o the_o church_n ought_v now_o in_o our_o reformation_n and_o resâ—…rection_n to_o despise_v the_o world_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v great_a revenue_n to_o be_v annex_v unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n especial_o v._o the_o religious_a meeting_n of_o council_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o meeting_n of_o all_o man_n throughout_o the_o nation_n for_o they_o be_v many_o shine_a light_n meet_v together_o and_o all_o man_n will_v mark_v what_o they_o do_v and_o one_o inch_n of_o exâ—…ss_n in_o they_o who_o aâ—…e_v the_o centre_n will_v be_v a_o ell_n in_o the_o people_n hence_o they_o must_v strive_v to_o be_v pattern_n to_o all_o man_n 1._o in_o gravity_n not_o full_a of_o miâ—…th_n laughter_n and_o jest_a â—…_n in_o sobriety_n no_o excess_n in_o drink_v wine_n and_o strong_a drink_n 3._o in_o moderation_n of_o diet_n ornament_n or_o any_o pomp._n 4._o in_o seduâ—…ity_n and_o diligence_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o curse_v be_v he_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negtigent_o 5._o in_o all_o holiness_n of_o discourse_n and_o behaviour_n 6._o in_o patience_n and_o meekneâ—…_n of_o spirit_n in_o all_o matter_n 7._o in_o care_n for_o the_o public_a cause_n of_o christ_n and_o welfare_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n the_o chief_a care_n of_o all_o which_o do_v first_o and_o chief_o lie_v upon_o the_o moderator_n vi_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o the_o first_o council_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o grave_n and_o exemplar_n eâ—…ers_v in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o because_o according_a to_o ouâ—…_n custom_n there_o may_v be_v sundry_a that_o be_v young_a raw_a and_o weak_a and_o need_v to_o be_v train_v up_o unto_o the_o gravity_n prudence_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o christ_n his_o ecclesiastical_a kingdom_n care_n be_v also_o to_o be_v have_v that_o grave_a sober_a and_o prudenâ—…_n rule_v elder_n may_v be_v send_v such_o as_o may_v be_v a_o awe_n unto_o grâ—…en_n and_o young_a scholar_n where_o need_n may_v be_v care_n be_v also_o to_o be_v have_v that_o they_o stay_v no_o long_o than_o necessary_a business_n and_o just_a employment_n hold_v they_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o temptation_n like_o company-keeping_a in_o vanity_n and_o smoke_v away_o their_o precious_a time_n vii_o their_o entertainment_n may_v be_v 8_o d._n ordinary_a at_o â—…oon_n and_o 6_o d._n at_o night_n provide_v they_o be_v necessitaâ—…ed_v to_o tarâ—…y_v â—…ll_a night_n otherwise_o their_o charge_n be_v but_o their_o dinner_n and_o horse_n meaâ—…_n for_o the_o defrâ—…ying_n of_o which_o charge_n the_o deacon_n of_o that_o church_n where_o they_o meet_v may_v be_v authorize_v so_o to_o order_v the_o matteâ—…_n with_o the_o deacon_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o that_o combination_n as_o that_o the_o charge_n shall_v be_v by_o they_o defray_v and_o not_o put_v to_o the_o account_n of_o any_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o by_o the_o same_o hand_n some_o recompense_n may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o notary_n for_o their_o labour_n and_o service_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o which_o charge_n the_o voluntary_a contribution_n of_o every_o church_n will_v be_v such_o a_o treasury_n as_o will_v never_o know_v want_n so_o long_o as_o religion_n and_o love_n to_o christ_n remain_v and_o rule_v among_o they_o viii_o the_o provincial_a council_n will_v be_v more_o choice_n and_o grave_a assembly_n and_o their_o treatment_n must_v be_v with_o more_o respect_n and_o reverence_n but_o their_o expense_n with_o the_o like_a moderation_n and_o sobriety_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o these_o dwell_v more_o remote_a be_v full_a of_o work_n and_o must_v tarry_v long_o if_o the_o state_n entertain_v these_o and_o allow_v they_o 10_o li._n a_o session_n for_o their_o four_o state_v session_n in_o a_o year_n and_o 5_o li._n for_o the_o notary_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o great_a charge_n and_o if_o the_o national_a council_n have_v 100_o li._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la for_o their_o attendance_n and_o notary_n one_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la will_v suffice_v for_o a_o great_a nation_n where_o they_o may_v be_v in_o twenty_o ecclesiastical_a province_n and_o this_o charge_n will_v be_v less_o than_o the_o the_o revenue_n of_o some_o one_o bishopric_n the_o design_n of_o antichrist_n be_v to_o pamper_v the_o flesh_n the_o design_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o mortiâ—…ie_v it_o and_o to_o honour_v grace_n finis_fw-la finis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
communion_n of_o church_n or_o the_o divine_a management_n of_o gospel-churche_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o council_n constitute_v in_o order_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o the_o way_n of_o bring_v all_o christian_a parish_n to_o be_v particular_a reform_v congregationall_a church_n humble_o propose_v as_o a_o way_n which_o have_v so_o much_o light_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o that_o it_o may_v lawful_o be_v submit_v unto_o by_o all_o and_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o unite_n those_o two_o holy_a and_o eminent_a party_n the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o congregationals_n as_o also_o to_o prepare_v for_o the_o hoped-for_a resurrection_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o propose_v a_o way_n to_o bring_v all_o christian_a nation_n unto_o a_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n write_a by_o john_n eliot_n teacher_n of_o roxbury_n in_o n._n e._n psal._n 1._o â—…0_n that_o you_o may_v try_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a 1_o john_n 4_o 1._o try_v the_o spirit_n cambridge_n print_v by_o marmaduke_n johnson_n 1665._o preface_n although_o a_o few_o copy_n of_o this_o small_a script_n be_v print_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o publish_v only_o commit_v private_o to_o some_o godly_a and_o able_a hand_n to_o be_v view_v correct_v amend_v or_o reject_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o hold_v wright_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n ballance_n or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v the_o humble_a request_n of_o the_o author_n that_o whatever_o objection_n rectification_n or_o emendatiâ—…ns_n may_v occurreâ—…_n they_o may_v be_v convey_v unto_o he_o who_o desire_v nothing_o may_v be_v accept_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o promotion_n of_o the_o holy_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o procure_n of_o half_n so_o many_o copy_n write_v and_o correct_v will_v be_v more_o difficult_a and_o chargeable_a than_o the_o print_n of_o these_o few_o i_o beg_v the_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o precioâ—…s_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v never_o have_v the_o least_o singer_n in_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o holiness_n and_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o to_o this_o i_o subscribe_v myself_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o labourer_n in_o our_o lord_n vineyard_n john_n eliot_n communion_n of_o church_n or_o the_o divine_a management_n of_o gospel-churche_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o council_n chap._n i._o prolegomena_n or_o thing_n premise_v i._o there_o be_v two_o holy_a public_a society_n famous_a in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o a_o church_n of_o believer_n 2._o a_o council_n of_o church_n a_o church_n of_o believer_n be_v a_o company_n of_o visible_a saint_n combine_v together_o with_o one_o heart_n to_o hold_v communion_n in_o all_o the_o institute_v gospel-worship_n ordinance_n and_o discipline_n which_o christ_n have_v sit_v for_o and_o give_v unto_o a_o particular_a church_n such_o a_o company_n be_v frequent_o call_v a_o church_n see_v a_o few_o place_n act_v 2._o 47_o &_o 11._o 26._o &_o 14._o 23_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 18_o 20_o 22_o etc._n etc._n a_o council_n be_v a_o society_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o communion_n by_o their_o representative_n for_o their_o well-being_n and_o well-ordering_a all_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o mutual_a counsel_n in_o truth_n peace_n and_o holiness_n our_o pattern_n be_v that_o great_a council_n act_v 15._o which_o consist_v of_o two_o church_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n express_o agree_v to_o give_v and_o take_v counsel_n and_o it_o be_v leâ—…_n as_o a_o standard_n and_o pattern_n â—…ow_v the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o counsel_n be_v to_o be_v use_v and_o manage_v for_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n ii_o the_o constitution_n of_o both_o these_o building_n or_o society_n be_v eminent_a and_o observable_a in_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n a_o church_n of_o believer_n be_v first_o institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o afterward_o put_v in_o practice_n by_o the_o apostle_n matth._n 16._o 18._o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n the_o rock_n confess_v be_v christ_n christ_n confessëd_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 〈◊〉_d peter_n confess_v be_v a_o hew_a stone_n square_v to_o the_o foundation_n 〈◊〉_d a_o believer_n make_v ecclesiastical_o visible_a sit_v for_o church-building_n and_o fellowship_n a_o company_n of_o such_o confessor_n or_o a_o company_n of_o these_o confess_v believer_n 1._o have_v power_n to_o join_v together_o into_o a_o gospel_n church-state_n as_o they_o do_v act_n 1._o 13_o 14._o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n so_o act_v 2._o 46._o 2._o they_o have_v power_n to_o call_v officer_n by_o who_o they_o become_v a_o organic_n body_n and_o sit_v to_o administer_v and_o enjoy_v all_o institute_v worship_n act_v 1._o 15_o 23._o peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o act_n 6._o 3._o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o man_n act_n 14._o 23._o by_o bold_v up_o band_n make_v elder_n 3._o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o officer_n the_o church_n do_v actual_o enjoy_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n for_o their_o edisication_n both_o directive_n in_o word_n sacrament_n prayer_n sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o collection_n act_v 2._o 42._o they_o continuâ—…ct_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o sellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n col._n 3._o 16._o teach_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n etc._n etc._n â—…1_n cor._n 16._o 1_o 2._o every_o first_o day_n lie_v by_o itself_o etc._n etc._n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o neuter_n gender_n as_o well_o as_o masculine_a and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v read_v because_o they_o have_v two_o distinct_a collection_n â—…t_v that_o time_n the_o collection_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o itself_o a_o public_a not_o a_o private_a collection_n corrective_a 1_o cor._n â—…5_n 425._o when_o gather_v together_o deliver_v to_o saâ—…_n iii_o the_o administration_n of_o and_o participation_n in_o all_o these_o ordiâ—…ances_n while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o flesh_n and_o state_n militant_a be_v in_o full_a of_o variety_n of_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n especial_o where_o church_n be_v numerous_a that_o the_o work_n can_v long_o be_v carry_v on_o a_o while_n it_o sometime_o may_v viz._n while_o the_o church_n be_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o adversary_n and_o when_o there_o be_v elder_n eminent_a in_o piety_n humility_n and_o ability_n without_o state_v help_n the_o help_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v institute_v be_v counsel_n when_o antiech_n have_v trouble_v in_o some_o point_n of_o doctrine_n the_o remedy_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n apply_v be_v counsel_n give_v they_o by_o a_o formal_a council_n act_v 15._o when_o corinth_n want_v help_v in_o a_o point_n of_o discipline_n the_o apostle_n do_v help_v by_o minister_a counsel_n unto_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o he_o counsel_v the_o church_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o man_n the_o sinner_n excommunication_n be_v a_o sharp_a rod_n make_v up_o of_o seven_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a twig_n or_o a_o strong_a purgation_n compound_v of_o seven_o violent_a ingredient_n viz._n 1._o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o familiar_a communion_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o worship_n 3._o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o usual_a walk_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o unsavoury_a salt_n or_o a_o loathsome_a thing_n that_o do_v offend_v 5._o he_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n from_o eat_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n viz._n christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n where_o the_o spirit_n sit_v as_o in_o his_o sealing-office_n 6._o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o familiar_a civil_a communion_n with_o the_o saint_n he_o may_v not_o be_v invite_v to_o eat_v with_o they_o 7._o he_o be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o that_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o a_o brother_n ah_o who_o tremble_v not_o to_o minister_v such_o a_o pill_n to_o lay_v on_o such_o a_o rod_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v need_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o administer_v with_o all_o care_n fear_v and_o clearness_n and_o all_o this_o show_v and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o show_v what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o counsel_n which_o after_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o congregational_a church_n in_o fullness_n of_o
cause_n to_o defer_v proceed_v unto_o censure_n as_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o his_o appeal_n or_o whatsoever_o the_o case_n or_o trouble_v be_v only_o all_o such_o proposal_n by_o any_o of_o the_o â—…ernity_n must_v be_v with_o due_a reverence_n humility_n and_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n vi_o if_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n whatever_o have_v any_o question_n or_o case_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o propose_v unto_o the_o council_n they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n may_v have_v liberty_n in_o a_o reverend_a and_o orderly_a manner_n to_o propose_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o answer_v also_o any_o other_o matter_n concern_v the_o public_a good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o promotion_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v discuss_v and_o order_v as_o fast_n feast_n â—…ropagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o like_a vii_o if_o business_n so_o multiply_v that_o one_o day_n suffice_v not_o to_o fiâ—…ish_v the_o work_n the_o council_n have_v liberty_n to_o appoint_v other_o time_n so_o ofâ—…_n aâ—…_n they_o need_v within_o the_o month_n and_o if_o they_o finish_v not_o in_o that_o month_n it_o must_v be_v leave_v on_o record_n how_o the_o case_n stand_v and_o so_o to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o council_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v for_o the_o next_o month_n which_o ordinary_o in_o this_o order_n will_v be_v the_o same_o person_n or_o at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o viii_o if_o any_o case_n prove_v too_o hard_o for_o they_o to_o resolve_v or_o if_o they_o be_v conâ—…iderably_o divide_v in_o judgement_n than_o the_o case_n be_v to_o be_v transmit_v to_o the_o next_o provincial_a council_n and_o â—…ecorded_v so_o to_o be_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o transmit_v the_o saâ—…_n ix_o if_o they_o agree_v in_o counsel_n about_o any_o case_n or_o point_n of_o religion_n in_o faith_n or_o order_n and_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n or_o church_n concern_v therein_o do_v not_o accept_v of_o their_o counsel_n and_o judgement_n he_o or_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o appeal_v to_o the_o next_o provincial_a council_n provide_v that_o if_o the_o council_n advise_v the_o church_n to_o proceed_v to_o ceâ—…re_v they_o be_v to_o follow_v that_o counsel_n notwithstanding_o his_o appeal_n and_o not_o to_o 〈◊〉_d sin_n to_o lie_v upon_o their_o brother_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o appealaâ—…_n power_n to_o stop_v the_o clear_a process_n of_o a_o gospel-medicine_n to_o his_o soul_n in_o gross_a scandal_n some_o will_v never_o come_v under_o the_o soul-medicine_n of_o christ_n jesus_n or_o not_o so_o soon_o as_o be_v meet_v but_o he_o may_v appeal_v high_o for_o all_o action_n of_o the_o church_n and_o council_n be_v â—…ble_a to_o a_o review_n until_o it_o come_v unto_o the_o high_a and_o his_o appeal_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o manner_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v record_v x._o every_o first_o council_n in_o the_o session_n immediate_o forego_v the_o quarterly_a time_n of_o the_o provincial_a council_n meet_v must_v choose_v from_o among_o themselves_o at_o least_o one_o teach_v elder_a and_o one_o rule_v elder_a to_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o provincial_a synod_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o there_o to_o represent_v the_o first_o council_n who_o choose_v and_o send_v they_o and_o all_o the_o church_n with_o they_o combine_a and_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n among_o they_o according_a to_o due_a order_n xi_o unto_o these_o thus_o choose_v for_o the_o provincial_a council_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o writing_n first_o a_o note_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v with_o they_o second_o a_o note_n of_o such_o case_n as_o be_v transmiâ—…ed_v to_o the_o provincial_a council_n if_o any_o such_o be_v and_o three_o a_o note_n of_o such_o appeal_v as_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o if_o any_o such_o be_v all_o these_o be_v first_o read_v be_v then_o deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o thus_o they_o be_v send_v with_o their_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n xii_o when_o all_o these_o elder_n do_v return_v to_o their_o own_o church_n they_o â—…re_v so_o far_o as_o in_o prudence_n be_v meet_v to_o relate_v the_o particular_a state_n of_o all_o the_o church_n the_o act_n of_o the_o council_n the_o person_n chosâ—…n_v for_o the_o provincial_a council_n the_o case_n transmit_v and_o appeal_v or_o so_o much_o as_o may_v give_v they_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affair_n of_o christ_n as_o matter_n of_o continual_a prayer_n praise_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o the_o church_n the_o particular_a work_n of_o the_o provincial_a council_n the_o second_o order_n of_o council_n the_o provincial_a council_n be_v meet_v at_o the_o state_v time_n and_o in_o the_o place_n agree_v on_o moderator_n and_o notary_n choose_v the_o work_n bless_v as_o in_o the_o council_n of_o the_o first_o order_n then_o 1._o the_o moderator_n with_o the_o co-attestation_n of_o his_o associate_n rule_v elâ—…er_n declare_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o first_o council_n that_o send_v they_o as_o also_o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v in_o that_o council_n which_o he_o deliver_v in_o writing_n and_o may_v be_v now_o read_v in_o this_o council_n then_o he_o deliver_v in_o write_v such_o case_n as_o be_v transmit_v to_o they_o and_o such_o appeal_v as_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o if_o any_o such_o be_v these_o be_v also_o read_v in_o the_o council_n be_v keep_v in_o order_n by_o the_o notary_n 2._o the_o notary_n be_v to_o record_v the_o present_a state_n of_o that_o council_n and_o the_o general_a good_a estate_n of_o all_o the_o church_n refer_v unto_o the_o record_n thereof_o now_o present_v 3._o the_o moderator_n be_v to_o call_v upon_o all_o the_o elder_n in_o order_n with_o their_o associate_n delegated_a from_o all_o the_o first_o council_n who_o be_v all_o to_o do_v as_o the_o moderator_n do_v declare_v the_o state_n of_o the_o council_n and_o of_o the_o church_n deliver_v their_o write_n to_o the_o notary_n which_o be_v all_o read_v and_o record_v 4._o the_o notary_n be_v to_o produce_v when_o call_v for_o all_o the_o paper_n which_o present_v any_o business_n or_o work_n unto_o the_o council_n either_o by_o transmission_n or_o by_o appeal_n which_o be_v orderly_o to_o be_v discuss_v care_n be_v take_v that_o all_o person_n concern_v be_v present_a and_o have_v free_a and_o competent_a liberty_n to_o argue_v answer_n object_n dispute_n or_o what_o else_o may_v be_v requisite_a for_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n 5._o if_o there_o be_v no_o case_n transmit_v nor_o appeal_v from_o any_o first_o council_n than_o the_o business_n of_o the_o lord_n touch_v all_o their_o church_n be_v with_o glory_n and_o praise_n to_o christ_n so_o soon_o finish_v as_o mention_v 6._o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o have_v any_o question_n or_o case_n concern_v religion_n &_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n of_o christ_n now_o they_o have_v liberty_n in_o due_a reverence_n and_o order_n to_o propose_v the_o same_o to_o be_v discuss_v and_o answer_v and_o if_o work_v multiply_v the_o council_n may_v either_o tarry_v together_o or_o multiply_v their_o session_n so_o oft_o as_o they_o see_v cause_n in_o their_o quarter_n and_o what_o case_n they_o have_v unfinished_a they_o be_v to_o leave_v they_o upon_o record_n for_o the_o next_o council_n 7._o if_o there_o be_v any_o case_n too_o difficult_a for_o they_o or_o that_o they_o be_v considerable_o divide_v in_o judgement_n in_o than_o that_o case_n be_v to_o transmit_v to_o the_o national_a council_n the_o notary_n be_v to_o record_v it_o with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o 8._o if_o any_o counsel_n or_o judgement_n agree_v on_o by_o this_o council_n be_v not_o accept_v or_o acquiesce_v in_o by_o the_o party_n or_o party_n concern_v he_o or_o they_o may_v appeal_v unto_o the_o national_a council_n for_o further_a light_n and_o the_o notary_n be_v to_o record_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o provide_v that_o if_o this_o council_n advise_v the_o church_n to_o proceed_v to_o censure_n they_o may_v so_o do_v if_o they_o see_v cause_n notwithstanding_o his_o appeal_n 9_o those_o provincial_a council_n which_o do_v immediate_o forego_v the_o state_v time_n of_o the_o national_a council_n meet_v be_v each_o of_o they_o to_o choose_v at_o least_o one_o teach_v and_o one_o rule_v elder_a according_a to_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a who_o be_v to_o be_v representative_n of_o these_o provincial_a council_n and_o of_o all_o the_o first_o council_n and_o church_n with_o they_o combine_a in_o the_o national_a council_n who_o be_v choose_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o that_o order_n 10._o the_o notary_n be_v public_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o every_o council_n to_o deliver_v in_o write_v unto_o they_o who_o be_v choose_v for_o the_o
national_a council_n 1._o the_o present_a state_n of_o all_o the_o first_o council_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v with_o they_o 2._o all_o the_o cause_n that_o be_v transmit_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o national_a council_n 3._o the_o appeal_n if_o any_o such_o be_v all_o these_o be_v first_o read_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v send_v with_o their_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n 11._o if_o these_o council_n foresee_v any_o future_a session_n this_o quarter_n they_o may_v now_o agree_v upon_o the_o same_o if_o any_o fast_n or_o feast_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o all_o their_o church_n they_o may_v now_o agree_v upon_o it_o and_o propose_v the_o cause_n thereof_o 12._o when_o these_o elder_n do_v next_o meet_v in_o their_o first_o council_n they_o must_v prudent_o and_o faithful_o report_v the_o good_a state_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o first_o council_n in_o the_o province_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v with_o they_o and_o all_o other_o weighty_a affair_n fit_v to_o be_v communicate_v that_o so_o they_o may_v relate_v they_o to_o their_o church_n that_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v mutter_v of_o joy_n praise_v thanksgiving_n prayer_n and_o obedience_n in_o all_o the_o church_n the_o particular_a work_n of_o the_o national_a and_o high_a ecclesiastical_a council_n within_o the_o nation_n the_o national_a council_n be_v meet_v at_o the_o state_v time_n and_o place_n agree_v on_o complete_v and_o bless_v then_o 1._o the_o moderator_n with_o the_o co_z attestation_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_a his_o associate_n be_v to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o present_a good_a estate_n of_o that_o provincial_a council_n which_o send_v they_o as_o also_o the_o state_n of_o all_o the_o first_o council_n and_o particular_a church_n with_o they_o combine_v also_o he_o declare_v such_o casesâ—…s_n â—…s_z be_v transmit_v by_o they_o unto_o this_o council_n and_o such_o appeal_v as_o be_v make_v unto_o they_o as_o part_v of_o the_o presentâ—…_n business_n of_o this_o council_n all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o write_v distinct_o unto_o the_o notary_n who_o read_v they_o all_o and_o then_o record_v the_o present_a good_a estate_n of_o that_o province_n and_o all_o the_o council_n and_o church_n therein_o combine_v as_o also_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v from_o they_o dilate_v unto_o the_o present_a council_n 2._o the_o moderator_n call_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o provincial_a representative_n in_o order_n who_o be_v to_o make_v the_o like_a declaration_n â—…s_v the_o moderator_n have_v do_v with_o the_o co-attestation_n of_o their_o associate_n rule_v elder_n all_o their_o paper_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o notary_n who_o be_v to_o read_v and_o then_o record_v they_o distinct_o with_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a state_n of_o all_o the_o province_n in_o the_o nation_n who_o representative_n do_v there_o appear_v &_o make_v declaration_n thereof_o before_o the_o national_a council_n 3._o the_o notary_n be_v orderly_a to_o propose_v all_o the_o matter_n present_v by_o the_o provincial_a council_n when_o the_o moderator_n require_v the_o same_o care_n be_v have_v that_o the_o person_n concern_v be_v present_a and_o have_v free_a and_o competent_a liberty_n to_o argue_v answer_n object_n in_o due_a reverend_a and_o modest_a manner_n and_o to_o do_v what_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o the_o truth_n 4._o if_o there_o be_v no_o case_n transmit_v to_o they_o nor_o appeal_v the_o affair_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n be_v present_o issue_v with_o glory_n and_o praise_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o king_n of_o peace_n 5._o if_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n within_o the_o nation_n or_o of_o any_o other_o nation_n have_v any_o case_n or_o question_n about_o religion_n they_o may_v now_o have_v liberty_n of_o propose_v the_o same_o to_o receive_v a_o answer_n 6._o if_o any_o case_n of_o difficulty_n be_v such_o as_o that_o they_o can_v obtain_v a_o issue_n and_o resolution_n satisfactory_a than_o the_o case_n must_v be_v record_v and_o stay_v until_o by_o further_a consideration_n and_o discussion_n god_n shall_v please_v to_o reveal_v further_a light_n therein_o because_o there_o be_v no_o high_a council_n to_o appeal_v unto_o for_o light_n within_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o such_o casé_v so_o the_o apostle_n do_v walk_v and_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o walk_v phil_n 3._o 15_o 16._o let_v we_o therefore_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n you_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v god_n shall_v reveal_v even_o this_o unto_o you_o nevertheless_o whereunto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o due_a weight_n and_o worth_n then_o either_o by_o transmission_n or_o appeal_n it_o may_v ascend_v unto_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n 7._o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n who_o opinion_n or_o practice_n receive_v a_o judgement_n with_o counsel_n and_o advice_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o person_n or_o person_n concern_v and_o he_o or_o they_o rest_v not_o therein_o as_o to_o peace_n and_o order_n then_o if_o he_o or_o they_o be_v they_o many_o or_o few_o be_v not_o already_o under_o church_n censure_n the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v be_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o council_n in_o the_o case_n unto_o their_o censure_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n do_v upon_o the_o advice_n of_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o for_o the_o heal_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o bring_v of_o they_o unto_o repentance_n and_o good_a order_n which_o be_v effect_v the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o act_n both_o in_o conviction_n and_o correction_n be_v attend_v and_o thus_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o year_n the_o whole_a order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n have_v its_o course_n and_o that_o in_o a_o most_o difficult_a case_n 8._o but_o yet_o if_o he_o or_o they_o rest_v not_o such_o be_v high_a disturber_n and_o must_v be_v suppress_v by_o civil_a power_n and_o in_o civil_a order_n he_o that_o do_v not_o submit_v unto_o and_o rest_v in_o as_o to_o peace_n and_o order_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o capital_a offence_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n deut._n 17._o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o order_n be_v better_a than_o any_o of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o great_a good_a to_o preserve_v order_n then_o to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o the_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a violater_n thereof_o and_o the_o loss_n of_o order_n and_o peace_n in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n than_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n zec._n 13._o 3_o 6._o 9_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v or_o commit_v to_o civil_a authority_n either_o from_o the_o church_n or_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v and_o act_v by_o the_o national_a council_n where_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o keep_v a_o clear_a distinction_n betwixt_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o not_o to_o meddle_v or_o in_o the_o least_o intrude_v or_o entrench_v upon_o civil_a authority_n the_o usurpation_n of_o antichrist_n upon_o the_o civil_a authority_n must_v ever_o keep_v the_o ecclesiastical_a council_n in_o a_o vigilant_a fear_n of_o that_o aspire_a pride_n a_o worm_n too_o apt_a to_o breed_v and_o grow_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o learned_a and_o eminent_o gift_a man_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o vigilant_a spirit_n of_o mortification_n and_o humble_a subjection_n unto_o order_n 10_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o a_o appoint_a committee_n of_o this_o national_a council_n be_v always_o some_o or_o other_o of_o they_o resident_a near_o unto_o the_o supreme_a civil_a authority_n that_o they_o may_v speedy_o have_v notice_n of_o all_o occurrence_n that_o may_v have_v respect_n unto_o or_o concern_v the_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v receive_v command_n from_o authority_n about_o fast_n or_o feast_n according_a to_o the_o well_o or_o ill_o be_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o nation_n or_o the_o church_n either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o and_o may_v call_v together_o the_o whole_a council_n if_o there_o be_v any_o cause_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o etc._n etc._n 11._o such_o public_a fast_n and_o feast_n as_o concern_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n to_o solemnize_v which_o be_v not_o first_o command_v by_o civil_a authority_n why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v appoint_v and_o agree_v on_o by_o the_o national_a councilâ—…_n such_o public_a sin_n as_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v such_o mercy_n as_o be_v to_o