contend_v about_o it_o till_o the_o kingdom_n be_v destroy_v do_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o he_o dedicate_v his_o suffering_n for_o his_o church_n and_o his_o church_n also_o unto_o his_o father_n make_v it_o his_o earnest_n and_o only_a prayer_n for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n that_o we_o all_o may_v be_v one_o in_o he_o john_n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o and_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o the_o father_n hear_v always_o john_n 11.42_o shall_v not_o have_v this_o last_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n hear_v and_o grant_v or_o shall_v it_o be_v grant_v for_o all_o the_o saint_n elsewhere_o and_o not_o for_o the_o saint_n in_o england_n so_o that_o among_o they_o disunion_n shall_v grow_v even_o about_o church-union_n and_o communion_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o little_a faith_n so_o much_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n to_o remove_v a_o mountain_n be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o so_o much_o strength_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o kingdom_n to_o remove_v those_o image_n of_o jealousy_n and_o to_o cast_v those_o stumble_a block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n which_o may_v hinder_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o brotherly_a love_n among_o brethren_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o national_a covenant_n do_v just_o engage_v both_o party_n faithful_o to_o endeavour_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o the_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o much_o more_o of_o all_o blasphemy_n heresy_n and_o damnable_a error_n certain_o if_o congregational_a discipline_n be_v independent_a from_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o independent_a from_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n what_o fellowship_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n light_n with_o darkness_n truth_n with_o error_n the_o faithful_a jew_n need_v not_o the_o help_n of_o the_o samaritan_n to_o re-edify_a the_o temple_n of_o god_n yea_o they_o reject_v their_o help_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v ezra_n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o if_o the_o congregational_a way_n be_v a_o way_n of_o truth_n as_o we_o believe_v and_o if_o the_o brethren_n that_o walk_v in_o it_o be_v zealous_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n as_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o holy_a discipline_n they_o be_v instruct_v 2_o john_n 10.11_o then_o very_o there_o be_v no_o branch_n in_o the_o national_a covenant_n that_o engage_v the_o covenanter_n to_o abhor_v either_o congregational_a church_n or_o their_o way_n which_o be_v due_o administer_v do_v no_o less_o effectual_o extirpate_v the_o antichristian_a hierarchy_n and_o all_o blasphemy_n heresy_n and_o pernicious_a error_n than_o other_o way_n of_o discipline_n do_v which_o be_v more_o general_o and_o public_o receive_v and_o ratify_v but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n commune_v with_o our_o heart_n in_o secret_a and_o he_o who_o be_v the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n let_v he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v his_o kingly_a power_n in_o our_o spirit_n that_o so_o his_o kingdom_n may_v come_v into_o our_o church_n in_o purity_n and_o peace_n amen_n amen_n chapter_n i._o of_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n and_o that_o it_o be_v one_o immutable_a and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n or_o church-government_n or_o discipline_n be_v nothing_o else_o 15_o ezek_n 43.11_o col._n 2_o 5_o 1_o tim_n 3_o 15_o but_o that_o form_n and_o order_n that_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n both_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o administration_n that_o therein_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v 2._o church-government_n be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a respect_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o part_n of_o government_n themselves_o or_o necessary_a circumstance_n thereof_o 6_o heb_fw-mi 3_o 5_o 6_o the_o part_n of_o government_n be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n be_v no_o less_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o be_v moses_n 40_o exod_a 25_o 40_o who_o from_o the_o lord_n deliver_v a_o form_n and_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n 16_o 2_o tim_n 3_o 16_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v now_o also_o so_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o to_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 3._o 24_o 1_o tim_n 3.15_o 1_o chron_n 15_o 13._o ex._n 20_o 4_o 1_o tim_n 6_o 13_o five_o 16_o heb_fw-mi 12_o 27_o 28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 15_o 24_o the_o part_n of_o church-government_n be_v all_o of_o they_o exact_o describe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v part_n or_o mean_n of_o institute_v worship_n according_a to_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o to_o continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o appear_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v until_o he_o shall_v deliver_v it_o up_o unto_o god_n even_o the_o father_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n officer_n 33_o deut_n 12_o 32_o ezek_n 43_o 8_o 1_o king_n 12_o 31_o 32_o 33_o church_n or_o any_o state_n in_o the_o world_n to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n therein_o 4._o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n as_o time_n and_o place_n etc._n etc._n 29_o 1_o king_n 12_o five_o 28_o 29_o belong_v unto_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o so_o leave_v unto_o man_n as_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o they_o they_o may_v thrust_v their_o own_o invention_n upon_o the_o church_n 28_o isay_n 29_o 13_o col_n 2_o 22_o 23._o act_n 15_o 28_o be_v circumscribe_v in_o the_o word_n with_o many_o general_a limitation_n where_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v neither_o worship_n itself_o 34_o mat_n 15_o 9_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11_o 23_o c_o 8_o 34_o nor_o circumstance_n separable_a from_o worship_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o end_n they_o must_v be_v do_v unto_o edification_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n 28_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 26_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 40_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11_o 14_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11_o 16_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 12_o 19_o act_n 15_o 28_o decent_o and_o in_o order_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o civil_a and_o church_n custom_n do_v not_o even_a nature_n itself_o teach_v you_o yea_o they_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n determine_v particular_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o edification_n so_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o error_n of_o man_n concern_v their_o determination_n the_o determine_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o if_o it_o be_v divine_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o general_n and_o in_o special_a of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n 23_o ephes_n 1_o 22_o 23_o &_o 5_o 25_o 26_o 30._o heb._n 22_o 23_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o that_o be_v elect_v redeem_a and_o in_o time_n effectual_o call_v from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n unto_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o 13_o rom_n 4_o 17_o 2_o tim_n 2_o 12_o c_o 4_o 8_o eph_n 6_o 12_o 13_o this_o church_n be_v either_o triumphant_a or_o militant_a triumphant_a the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o be_v glorify_v in_o heaven_n militant_a the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o be_v conflict_v with_o their_o enemy_n upon_o earth_n 3._o 12_o 2_o tim_n 2_o 19_o rev_n 2_o 17_o 1_o cor_fw-la 6_o 17_o eph_n 3_o 17_o rom_n 1_o 8_o 1_o thes_n 1_o 8_o isay_n 2_o 2_o 1_o tim_n 6_o 12_o this_o militant_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o invisible_a and_o visible_a invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n visible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o their_o person_n and_o in_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n 4._o the_o member_n of_o the_o militant_a visible_a church_n consider_v either_o as_o not_o yet_o in_o church-order_n 12_o act_n 19_o 1_o colos_n 2_o 5_o mat_n 18_o 17_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 12_o or_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o church-order_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n and_o so_o beside_o the_o spiritual_a union_n and_o communion_n common_a to_o all_o believer_n they_o enjoy_v moreover_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n ecclesiastical-political_n so_o we_o deny_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n
5._o the_o state_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o militant_a visible_a church_n walk_v in_o order_n 19_o gen_n 18_o 19_o be_v either_o before_o the_o law_n oeconomical_a that_o be_v in_o family_n 6_o exod_n 19_o 6_o or_o under_o the_o law_n national_a or_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n 23_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 23_o only_o congregational_a the_o term_n independent_a we_o approve_v not_o therefore_o neither_o national_a provincial_a nor_o classical_a 26_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 36_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 27_o exod_n 19_o 56_o deut_n 29_o &_o 9_o to_o 15_o act_n 2_o 42_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 26_o 6._o a_o congregational-church_n be_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o the_o militant-visible-church_n consist_v of_o a_o company_n of_o saint_n by_o calling_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o holy_a covenaut_fw-fr for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n one_o of_o another_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o quality_n and_o quantity_n 1_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2_o ephes_n 1_o 1_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v saint_n by_o call_v 2._o by_o saint_n we_o understand_v 2_o heb_fw-mi 6_o 1_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 5_o rom_n 15_o 14_o psal_n 50_o 16_o 17._o act_n 8_o 37_o mat_n 3_o 6_o rom_n 6_o 17_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2_o phil_n 1.1_o col_n 1_o 2_o 1._o such_o as_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o open_a scandal_n but_o also_o do_v together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n walk_v in_o blameless_a obedience_n to_o the_o word_n so_o as_o that_o in_o charitable_a discretion_n they_o may_v be_v account_v saint_n by_o calling_n though_o perhaps_o some_o or_o more_o of_o they_o be_v unsound_a and_o hypocrite_n inward_o because_o the_o member_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n be_v common_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n 21._o eph_n 1.1_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5.2.13_o rev_n 21_o 15_o &_o 20._o ezek_n 44_o 7_o &_o 9_o &_o chap_n 23_o 36_o 39_o num_fw-la 29_o &_o 20_o hag_n 2_o 13_o 14_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11.27_o 29_o psal_n 37_o 21_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 6_o 1_o cor_fw-la 7_o &_o 14_o jer_n 2_o 21_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 12_o jer_n 1.4_o gal_n 5_o 4_o 2_o cor_fw-la 12_o 21_o rev_n 2.14_o 15_o &_o 21_o 21._o and_o sundry_a church_n have_v be_v reprove_v for_o receive_v and_o suffer_v such_o person_n to_o continue_v in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o as_o have_v be_v offensive_a and_o scandalous_a the_o name_n of_o god_n also_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v blaspheme_v and_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n defile_v and_o profane_v the_o heart_n of_o godly_a grieve_v and_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o harden_v &_o holpen_v forward_o to_o damnation_n the_o example_n of_o such_o do_v endanger_v the_o sanctity_n of_o other_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 2._o the_o child_n of_o such_o who_o be_v also_o holy_a 3._o the_o member_n of_o church_n though_o orderly_o constitute_v may_v in_o time_n degenerate_a and_o grow_v corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a which_o though_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o their_o continuance_n therein_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n and_o just_a censure_n do_v not_o immediate_o dissolve_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n 4._o 21._o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 21._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o quantity_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o great_a number_n than_o may_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o convenient_o in_o one_o place_n 17_o mat_n 18_o 17_o nor_o ordinary_o few_o then_o may_v convenient_o carry_v on_o church-work_n hence_o when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o saint_n combine_v into_o a_o church-estate_n 7_o rom_n 16_o 1_o 1_o thes_n 1_o 1_o rev_n 2_o 8_o c_o 3_o 7_o in_o a_o town_n or_o city_n where_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n it_o usual_o call_v those_o saint_n the_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n philadelphia_n and_o the_o like_a but_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o saint_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o province_n wherein_o there_o be_v sundry_a congregation_n 14_o 1_o cor_fw-la 16_o 1_o 19_o gal_n 1_o 2_o 2_o cor_fw-la 8_o 1_o 1_o thes_n 2_o 14_o it_o frequent_o and_o usual_o call_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n as_o the_o churches_n of_o asia_n galatia_n maccdonia_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o what_o be_v write_v of_o sundry_a of_o those_o church_n in_o particular_a how_o they_o be_v assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o place_n 1_o act_n 2_o 46_o c_o 5_o 12_o c_o 6_o 2_o act_v 14_o 27_o s_z 15_o 38_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 4_o c_o 14_o 23_o rom_n 16_o 1_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o cenchrea_n though_o it_o be_v more_o near_o to_o corinth_n it_o be_v the_o port_n thereof_o and_o answerable_a to_o a_o village_n yet_o be_v a_o distinct_a congregation_n from_o corinth_n it_o have_v a_o church_n of_o its_o own_o as_o well_o as_o corinth_n have_v 5._o nor_o can_v it_o with_o reason_n be_v think_v but_o that_o every_o church_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v by_o christ_n have_v a_o ministry_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o any_o other_o then_o congregational_a church_n 28_o act_n 20_o 28_o elder_n be_v appoint_v to_o feed_v not_o all_o flock_n but_o that_o particular_a flock_n of_o god_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n and_o that_o flock_v they_o must_v attend_v even_o the_o whole_a flock_n and_o one_o congregation_n be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o ordinary_a elder_n can_v attend_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o great_a church_n than_o a_o congregation_n which_o may_v rodinary_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o from_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o church_n covenant_n saint_n by_o call_v 15_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 27_o 1_o tim_n 3_o 15_o must_v have_v a_o visible-political-union_n among_o themselves_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o those_o similitude_n hold_v forth_o which_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o to_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o body_n a_o building_n or_o house_n hands_z eye_n foot_n and_o other_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v or_o else_o remain_v separate_a be_v not_o a_o body_n stone_n timber_n though_o square_v hew_a and_o polished_a be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o unite_v so_o saint_n or_o believer_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v not_o a_o church_n unless_o orderly_o knit_v together_o 2._o particular_a church_n can_v be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o but_o by_o their_o form_n ephesus_z be_v not_o smyrna_n 1_o revel_v 1_o and_o pergamus_n thyatira_n but_o each_o one_o a_o distinct_a society_n of_o itself_o have_v officer_n of_o their_o own_o which_o have_v not_o the_o charge_n of_o other_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o praise_v corruption_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o blame_v 3._o this_o form_n be_v the_o visible_a covenant_n agreement_n 11_o exod_n 19_o 5_o verse_n 8_o deut_n 29_o 12_o 13_o zach._n 11_o 14_o c_o 9_o 11_o or_o consent_v whereby_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o observe_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o in_o the_o same_o society_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o church-covenant_n for_o we_o see_v not_o otherwise_o how_o member_n can_v have_v church-power_n one_o over_o another_o mutual_o the_o compare_v of_o each_o particular_a church_n unto_o a_o city_n 2_o ephes_n 2_o 19_o 2_o cor_fw-la 12_o 2_o and_o unto_o a_o spouse_n seem_v to_o conclude_v not_o only_o a_o form_n but_o that_o that_o form_n be_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n 19_o gen_n 17_o 7_o deut_n 29_o 12_o 13_o ephes_n 2_o 12_o 19_o as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unot_v god_n so_o be_v it_o that_o which_o now_o make_v the_o several_a societye_n of_o gentil-believer_n to_o be_v church_n in_o these_o day_n 4._o this_o voluntary_a agreement_n
removal_n of_o habitation_n in_o case_n of_o change_a church-relation_n provide_v that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o too_o much_o detriment_n to_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o we_o for_o our_o part_n have_v do_v the_o same_o but_o to_o put_v a_o necessity_n of_o removal_n of_o habitation_n in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v to_o foment_n and_o cherish_v a_o corrupt_a principle_n of_o make_v civil_a cohabitation_n if_o not_o a_o formal_a cause_n yet_o at_o least_o a_o proper_a adjunct_n of_o church-relation_n which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v now_o to_o foment_n a_o error_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o paul_n judge_v galat._n 2.14_o 4._o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o meet_v or_o safe_a for_o a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n forthwith_o to_o desert_n his_o relation_n to_o his_o church_n betake_v himself_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n though_o he_o may_v discern_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o estate_n or_o government_n of_o his_o own_o for_o first_o faithfulness_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o church-relation_n require_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v first_o convince_v their_o brethren_n of_o their_o sinful_a defect_n and_o due_o wait_v for_o their_o reformation_n before_o they_o depart_v from_o they_o for_o if_o we_o must_v take_v such_o a_o course_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o a_o private_a brother_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n with_o much_o meekness_n and_o patience_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o so_o to_o walk_v with_o like_a tenderness_n towards_o a_o whole_a church_n again_o second_o by_o the_o hasty_a departure_n of_o sound_a member_n from_o a_o defective_a church_n reformation_n be_v not_o promote_v but_o many_o time_n retard_v and_o corruption_n increase_v whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a while_o sincere_a member_n breathe_v after_o purity_n of_o reformation_n abide_v together_o they_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o faithful_a endeavour_n prevail_v much_o with_o their_o elder_n and_o neighbour_n towards_o a_o reformation_n it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o as_o that_o their_o elder_n in_o their_o own_o church_n shall_v receive_v none_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o visible_a saint_n and_o in_o the_o classis_fw-la shall_v put_v forth_o no_o authoritive_a act_n but_o consultative_n only_a touch_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n nor_o touch_v their_o own_o but_o with_o the_o consent_n silent_a consent_n at_o least_o of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o two_o thing_n if_o they_o can_v obtain_v with_o any_o humble_a meek_a holy_a faithful_a endeavour_n we_o conceive_v they_o may_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n find_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o continue_v their_o relation_n with_o their_o own_o presbyterial_a church_n without_o scruple_n 5._o but_o to_o add_v a_o word_n further_o touch_v the_o gather_n of_o church_n out_o of_o church_n what_o if_o there_o be_v no_o express_a example_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n extant_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o which_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o answer_v the_o antipaedobaptist_n may_v suffice_v here_o it_o be_v enough_o if_o any_o evidence_n thereof_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o just_a consequence_n of_o scripture-light_n doctor_n ames_n his_o judgement_n concern_v this_o case_n pass_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v without_o exception_n which_o he_o give_v in_o his_o four_o book_n of_o conscience_n in_o answer_n to_o 2._o quest_n c._n 14._o num._n 16._o if_o any_o say_v he_o wrong_v with_o unjust_a vexation_n or_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o edification_n or_o in_o testimony_n against_o sin_n depart_v from_o a_o church_n where_o some_o evil_n be_v tolerate_v and_o join_v himself_o to_o another_o more_o pure_a yet_o without_o condemn_v of_o the_o church_n he_o leave_v he_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v hold_v as_o a_o schismatic_a or_o as_o guilty_a of_o any_o other_o sin_n where_o the_o tripartite_a disjunction_n which_o the_o judicious_a doctor_n put_v declare_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o departure_n of_o a_o church-member_n from_o his_o church_n when_o either_o through_o weariness_n of_o unjust_a vexation_n or_o in_o way_n of_o provision_n for_o his_o own_o edification_n or_o in_o testimony_n against_o sin_n he_o join_v himself_o to_o another_o congregation_n more_o reform_v any_o one_o of_o these_o he_o judge_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a cause_n of_o departure_n though_o all_o of_o they_o do_v not_o concur_v together_o neither_o will_v such_o a_o practice_n dispoil_v the_o best_a minister_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o their_o best_a hearer_n for_o 1._o sometime_o the_o minister_n themselves_o be_v willing_a to_o join_v with_o their_o better_a sort_n of_o hearer_n in_o this_o way_n of_o reformation_n and_o then_o they_o and_o their_o hearer_n continue_v still_o their_o church-relation_n together_o yea_o and_o confirm_v it_o more_o strait_o and_o strong_o by_o a_o express_a renew_a covenant_n though_o the_o minister_n may_v still_o continue_v their_o wont_a preach_v to_o the_o whole_a parish_n 2._o if_o the_o minister_n do_v dislike_v the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o they_o otherwise_o count_v their_o best_a member_n and_o so_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o they_o therein_o yet_o if_o those_o member_n can_v procure_v some_o other_o minister_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o still_o continue_v their_o dwell_n together_o in_o the_o same_o town_n they_o may_v easy_o order_v the_o time_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n as_o to_o attend_v constant_o upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o former_a church_n and_o either_o after_o or_o before_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o parish_n take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o gather_v together_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o censure_n and_o other_o church-ordinance_n among_o themselves_o the_o first_o apostolic_a church_n assemble_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o the_o open_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o afterward_o gather_v together_o for_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o other_o act_n of_o church-order_n from_o house_n to_o house_n 3._o suppose_v presbyterial_a church_n shall_v communicate_v some_o of_o their_o best_a gift_a member_n towards_o the_o erect_n and_o gather_v of_o another_o church_n it_o will_v not_o forthwith_o be_v their_o detriment_n but_o may_v be_v their_o enlargement_n it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o perfect_a work_n of_o a_o live_a creature_n both_o in_o nature_n and_o grace_n to_o propagate_v and_o multiply_v his_o kind_a and_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o faithful_a spouse_n of_o christ_n to_o set_v forward_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o abroad_o as_o at_o home_n the_o church_n in_o cant._n 8.8_o to_o help_v forward_o her_o little_a sister_n church_n be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o her_o choice_n material_n even_o beam_n of_o cedar_n and_o such_o precious_a live_a stone_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o build_v a_o silver_n palace_n in_o the_o same_o book_n the_o church_n be_v compare_v sometime_o to_o a_o garden_n sometime_o to_o a_o orchard_n cant._n 4.12_o 13._o no_o man_n plant_n a_o garden_n or_o orchard_n but_o seek_v to_o get_v the_o choice_a herb_n and_o plant_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o they_o free_o impart_v they_o nor_o do_v they_o account_v it_o a_o spoil_n to_o their_o garden_n and_o orchard_n but_o rather_o a_o glory_n nevertheless_o we_o go_v not_o so_o far_o we_o neither_o seek_v nor_o ask_v the_o choice_n member_n of_o the_o parish_n but_o accept_v they_o be_v offer_v if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v not_o offer_v by_o the_o minister_n nor_o by_o the_o parish_n church_n who_o have_v most_o right_o in_o they_o but_o only_a by_o themselves_o it_o may_v just_o be_v demand_v what_o right_o or_o what_o power_n have_v either_o the_o minister_n or_o parish-church_n over_o they_o not_o by_o solemn_a church-covenant_n for_o that_o though_o it_o be_v the_o firm_a engagement_n be_v not_o own_v but_o reject_v if_o it_o be_v by_o their_o join_n with_o the_o parish_n in_o the_o call_n and_o election_n of_o a_o minister_n to_o such_o a_o congregation_n at_o his_o first_o come_n there_o be_v indeed_o just_a weight_n in_o such_o a_o engagement_n nor_o do_v we_o judge_v it_o safe_a for_o such_o to_o remove_v from_o such_o a_o minister_n unless_o it_o be_v upon_o such_o ground_n as_o may_v just_o give_v he_o due_a satisfaction_n but_o if_o the_o union_n of_o such_o member_n to_o a_o parish_n church_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o be_v only_o by_o cohabitation_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o parish_n that_o union_n as_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o humane_a law_n so_o by_o humane_a law_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v release_v or_o otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n remove_v his_o habitation_n he_o remove_v also_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o
of_o that_o covenant_n 9_o 2_o tim_n 4.1.2_o tit._n 1_o 9_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n whereof_o they_o be_v alike_o call_v as_o also_o to_o execute_v the_o censure_n be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o application_n of_o the_o word_n the_o preach_n of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o application_n thereof_o they_o be_v alike_o charge_v withal_o 6._o 23._o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o chap._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o both_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o edify_v of_o his_o body_n which_o saint_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o church_n therefore_o we_o account_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v both_o of_o they_o church-officer_n and_o not_o the_o pastor_n for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o teacher_n only_o for_o the_o school_n though_o this_o we_o glad_o acknowledge_v 15_o 1_o sam._n 10.12_o v_o 19_o 20_o 2_o king_n 23_o verse_n 15_o that_o school_n be_v both_o lawful_a profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o train_n up_o of_o such_o in_o good_a literature_n or_o learning_n as_o may_v afterward_o be_v call_v forth_o unto_o office_n of_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n chap._n vii_o of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o rule_v elder_n office_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n 28._o rom_n 12_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 17._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 28._o the_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o so_o call_v to_o exclude_v the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o ruling_n because_o rule_v and_o govern_v be_v common_a to_o these_o with_o the_o other_o 17_o heb_fw-mi 13_o 17_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 17_o whereas_o attend_v to_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o former_a 17_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 17_o 2._o the_o rule_v elder_n work_n be_v to_o join_v with_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o those_o act_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n which_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n commit_v to_o they_o of_o which_o sort_n these_o be_v as_o follow_v i._o 6_o 2_o chron._n 23_o 19_o rev_n 21_o 12_o 1_o tim_n 4_o 14_o mat_n 18_o 17_o 2_o cor_n 2_o 7_o 8_o act_n 2_o 6_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o god_n house_n by_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n approve_v by_o the_o church_n by_o ordination_n of_o officer_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n and_o by_o excommunication_n of_o notorious_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n renounce_v by_o the_o church_n and_o by_o restore_v of_o penitent_n forgive_v by_o the_o church_n ii_o to_o call_v the_o church_n together_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n 23_o act_n 21.18_o 22_o 23_o and_o seasonable_o to_o dismiss_v they_o again_o iii_o to_o prepare_v matter_n in_o private_a that_o in_o public_a they_o may_v be_v carry_v a_o end_n with_o less_o trouble_n and_o more_o speedy_a dispatch_n iv_o 12_o act_n 6_o 2_o 3_o c_o 13_o five_o 15_o 2_o cor_n 8_o 10_o heb_fw-mi 13_o 7_o 7_o 2_o thes_n 2_o 10_o 11_o 12_o to_o moderate_v the_o carriage_n of_o all_o matter_n in_o the_o church_n assemble_v as_o to_o propound_v matter_n to_o the_o church_n to_o order_n the_o season_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n and_o to_o pronounce_v sentence_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n v._o to_o be_v guide_n and_o leader_n to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o matter_n whatsoever_o pertain_v to_o church_n administration_n and_o action_n vi_o to_o see_v that_o none_o in_o the_o church_n live_v inordinate_o out_o of_o rank_n and_o place_n without_o a_o calling_n 20_o act_n 20_o 28_o verse_n 32_o 1_o thes_n 5_o 12_o jam_z 5_o 14_o act_n 20_o 20_o or_o idle_o in_o their_o call_n vii_o to_o prevent_v and_o heal_v such_o offence_n in_o life_n or_o in_o doctrine_n as_o may_v corrupt_v the_o church_n viii_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n with_o a_o word_n of_o admonition_n ix_o and_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v for_o to_o visit_v and_o to_o pray_v over_o their_o sick_a brethren_n x._o and_o at_o other_o time_n as_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v thereunto_o 3._o 9_o act_n 6_o 3_o five_o 6_o phil_n 1_o 1_o 1_o tim_n 3_o 8_o 1_o cor_n 12_o 28_o 1_o tim_n 3_o 8_o 9_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v institute_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n sometime_o they_o be_v call_v help_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v qualify_v grave_a not_o double_o tongue_v not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n not_o give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n they_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v and_o then_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v find_v blameless_a the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o church_n gift_n give_v to_o the_o church_n 2_o act_n 4_o 35_o chap._n 6_o 2_o 3_o chap_n 6_o 2_o and_o to_o keep_v the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n 8_o rom_n 12_o 8_o and_o therewith_o to_o serve_v the_o table_n which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o as_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o table_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o necessity_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v in_o simplicity_n 4._o 17_o 1_o cor._n 7_o 17_o the_o office_n therefore_o be_v limit_v unto_o the_o care_n of_o the_o temporal_a good_a thing_n of_o the_o church_n it_o extend_v not_o unto_o the_o attendance_n upon_o and_o administration_n of_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n thereof_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n or_o the_o like_a 5._o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n 3_o 1_o cor_n 16_o 1_o 2_o 3_o commend_v the_o lord_n day_n as_o a_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o 20.28_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o eph._n â—_o 8_o 11._o act_n 20.28_o the_o institute_v of_o all_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o such_o officer_n as_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v be_v altogether_o unlawful_a either_o to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v retain_v therein_o and_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o humane_a creature_n mere_a invention_n and_o appointment_n of_o man_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o house_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n whether_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n arch-bishop_n lord-bishop_n arch-deacon_n official_o commissary_n 15.13_o mat._n 15.13_o and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n and_o retinue_n not_o be_v plant_n of_o the_o lord_n plant_v shall_v all_o be_v certain_o root_v out_o and_o cast_v forth_o 7._o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v ancient_a widow_n where_o they_o may_v be_v have_v to_o minister_v in_o the_o church_n 10_o 2_o tim._n 5.9_o 10_o in_o give_v attendance_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o to_o give_v succour_n unto_o they_o and_o other_o in_o the_o like_a necessity_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o election_n of_o church-officer_n no_o man_n may_v take_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o church-officer_n unto_o himself_o 5.4_o heb._n 5.4_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n 2._o call_v unto_o office_n be_v either_o immediate_a by_o christ_n himself_o such_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3_o galat._n 1_o 1_o act_n 14.23_o chap_n 6_o 3_o and_o prophet_n this_o manner_n of_o call_v end_v with_o they_o as_o have_v be_v say_v or_o mediate_v by_o the_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v meet_v that_o before_o any_o be_v ordain_v or_o choose_v officer_n they_o shall_v first_o be_v try_v and_o prove_v 3_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o chap_n 7_o 10_o act_n 16_o 2_o chap._n 6_o 3_o because_o hand_n be_v not_o sudden_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o any_o and_o both_o elder_n and_o deacon_n must_v be_v of_o honest_a and_o good_a report_n 4._o the_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v be_v those_o gift_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v in_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v elect_v into_o such_o place_n viz_o that_o elder_n must_v be_v blameless_a sober_a apt_a to_o teach_v and_o endue_v with_o such_o other_o qualification_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o 2._o tit._n 1.6_o to_o 9_o deacon_n to_o be_v fit_v as_o be_v direct_v a_v 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 11._o 5._o 5._o act_n 14_o 23_o c._n 1_o 23._o c._n 6_o 3_o 4_o 5._o officer_n be_v to_o be_v call_v by_o such_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v to_o minister_v of_o such_o moment_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o this_o power_n that_o the_o church_n exercise_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o apostle_n 6._o 5.13_o gal._n 5.13_o a_o church_n be_v free_a can_v become_v subject_a to_o any_o but_o by_o a_o free_a
election_n yet_o when_o such_o a_o people_n do_v choose_v any_o to_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 13.17_o heb._n 13.17_o then_o do_v they_o become_v subject_a and_o most_o willing_o submit_v to_o their_o ministry_n in_o the_o lord_n who_o they_o have_v so_o choose_v 7._o 17_o rom._n 16_o 17_o and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o minister_n then_o in_o case_n of_o manifest_a unworthiness_n and_o delinquency_n they_o have_v power_n also_o to_o depose_v they_o for_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o choose_v and_o refuse_v to_o constitute_v in_o office_n and_o remove_v from_o office_n be_v act_n belong_v unto_o the_o same_o power_n 8._o 9_o cant._n 8.8_o 9_o we_o judge_v it_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o well-being_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o where_o it_o may_v convenient_o be_v do_v neighbor-churche_n be_v advise_v withal_o and_o their_o help_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o church-officer_n in_o order_n to_o their_o choice_n 9_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o church-officer_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o or_o diocesan-bishop_n or_o patron_n for_o of_o these_o or_o any_o such_o like_a the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o have_v any_o power_n therein_o chap._n ix_o of_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n church-officer_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n 5.22_o acts._n 13_o 32._o cap._n 14.23_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o but_o also_o to_o be_v ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n with_o which_o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n fast_v also_o be_v to_o be_v join_v 2._o 13.2.3_o num._n 8.10_o act_n 6.5_o 6_o cap._n 13.2.3_o this_o ordination_n we_o account_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o solemn_a put_n of_o a_o man_n into_o his_o place_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o by_o election_n be_v like_o the_o installing_n of_o a_o magistrate_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n ordination_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o go_v before_o but_o to_o follow_v election_n 14.23_o act_n 6.5_o 6._o cap._n 14.23_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o a_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o his_o ordination_n but_o in_o his_o voluntary_a and_o free_a election_n by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o accept_n of_o that_o election_n whereupon_o be_v found_v the_o relation_n between_o pastor_n and_o flock_n between_o such_o a_o minister_n and_o such_o a_o people_n ordination_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o officer_n nor_o give_v he_o the_o essential_o of_o his_o office_n the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o man_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v officer_n before_o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act_n 13.3_o the_o posterity_n of_o levi_n be_v priest_n and_o levit_n before_o hand_n be_v lay_v on_o they_o by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n 3._o 22._o 1_o tim_n 4_o 14_o act_n 13_o 3_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 22._o in_o such_o church_n where_o there_o be_v elder_n imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o elder_n 4._o in_o such_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n orderly_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o 10_o numb_a 8_o 10_o for_o if_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v officer_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o office_n consist_v they_o may_v much_o more_o occasion_n and_o need_v so_o require_v impose_v hand_n in_o ordination_n which_o be_v the_o less_o and_o but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o other_o 5._o nevertheless_o in_o such_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n so_o desire_v we_o see_v not_o why_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v not_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n ordinary_a officer_n lay_v hand_n upon_o the_o officer_n of_o many_o church_n the_o presbytery_n at_o ephesus_n lay_v hand_n upon_o timothy_n a_o evangelist_n 3_o 1_o tim_n 4_o 14_o act_n 13_o 3_o the_o presbytery_n at_o antioch_n lay_v hand_n upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 6._o 18_o 1_o pet_n 5_o 2_o act_n 20_o 18_o church_n officer_n be_v officer_n to_o one_o church_n even_o that_o particular_a over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n insomuch_o as_o elder_n be_v command_v to_o feed_v not_o all_o flock_n but_o that_o flock_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o trust_n and_o depend_v upon_o they_o nor_o can_v constant_a residence_n at_o one_o congregation_n be_v necessary_a for_o a_o minister_n no_o nor_o yet_o lawful_a if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n to_o one_o congregation_n only_o 28_o act_n 20_o 28_o but_o to_o the_o church_n universal_a because_o he_o may_v not_o attend_v one_o part_n only_o of_o the_o church_n whereto_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n but_o he_o be_v call_v to_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o flock_n 7._o he_o that_o be_v clear_o loose_v from_o his_o office-relation_n unto_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n can_v be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o officer_n nor_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o office_n in_o any_o other_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v again_o orderly_o call_v unto_o office_n which_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v we_o know_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v but_o imposition_n of_o hand_n also_o in_o his_o ordination_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o he_o again_o for_o so_o paul_n the_o apostle_n receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n twice_o at_o least_o from_o ananias_n acts._n 9.17_o and_o acts._n 13.3_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o presbytery_n supreme_a and_o lordly_a power_n over_o all_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n 18_o psal_n 2_o 6_o eph_n 1_o 21_o 22_o isay_n 9_o 6_o mat_n 28_o 18_o do_v only_o belong_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o head_n thereof_o he_o have_v the_o government_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 2._o a_o company_n of_o profess_a believer_n ecclesiastical_o confederate_a as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n before_o they_o have_v officer_n &_o without_o they_o 5_o act_n 1_o 23_o c_o 14_o 23_o c_o 6_o 3_o 4_o mat_n 18_o 17_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 4_o 5_o so_o even_o in_o that_o estate_n subordinate_a church-power_n under_o christ_n deligate_v to_o they_o by_o he_o do_v belong_v to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v before_o express_v c._n 5._o s._n 2._o and_o as_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o body_n and_o so_o unto_o a_o church_n body_n to_o be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a power_n for_o its_o own_o preservation_n and_o subsistence_n 3._o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mix_a government_n and_o so_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v long_o before_o the_o term_n of_o independency_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n 12_o rev_n 3_o 7_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 12_o &_o the_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o he_o and_o exercise_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o monarchy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n or_o brotherhood_n of_o the_o church_n 17_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 17_o and_o power_n from_o christ_n grant_v unto_o they_o it_o resemble_v a_o democracy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o power_n comit_v to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o aristocracy_n 4._o the_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o christ_n be_v exercise_v i._o 71_o gal_n 1_o 4_o rev_n 5_o 8_o 9_o mat_n 28_o 20._o eph_n 4_o 8_o 11_o jam_z 4_o 12_o isai_n 33_o 22_o 1_o tim_n â—_o 15_o 2_o cor_fw-la 10_o 4_o 5._o isai_n 32_o 2_o luke_n 1_o 71_o in_o call_v the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o himself_o ii_o in_o institute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o appoint_v his_o minister_n and_o officer_n for_o the_o dispense_n of_o they_o iii_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o our_o way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o house_n iv_o in_o give_v power_n and_o life_n to_o all_o his_o institution_n and_o to_o his_o people_n by_o they_o v._o in_o protect_v and_o deliver_v his_o church_n against_o &_o from_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o peace_n 5._o the_o power_n grant_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brotherhood_n be_v a_o prerogative_n or_o privilege_n which_o the_o church_n do_v exercise_v i._o in_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n whether_o elder_n or_o deacon_n ii_o in_o admission_n of_o their_o own_o member_n 26_o act_n 6_o 3_o 5_o c_o 14_o 23_o c_o 9_o 26_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o remove_v any_o
from_o their_o fellowship_n again_o hence_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n any_o one_o brother_n have_v power_n to_o convince_v &_o admonish_v a_o offend_a brother_n 17_o mat_n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o and_o in_o case_n of_o not_o hear_v he_o to_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o to_o set_v on_o the_o admonition_n and_o in_o case_n of_o not_o hear_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o tell_v the_o church_n 8_o it_o be_v 3_o 10_o col_n 4_o 17_o mat_n 18_o 17_o 2_o cor_fw-la 2_o 7_o 8_o and_o as_o his_o offence_n may_v require_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v power_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o public_a censure_n of_o he_o whether_o by_o admonition_n or_o excommunication_n &_o upon_o his_o repentance_n to_o restore_v he_o again_o unto_o his_o fromer_fw-ge communion_n 6._o in_o case_n a_o elder_a offend_v incorrigible_o the_o matter_n so_o require_v as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v he_o to_o office_n 17._o col_fw-fr 4_o 17_o rom_n 16_o 17._o so_o they_o have_v power_n according_a to_o order_n the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v direct_v thereto_o to_o remove_v he_o from_o his_o office_n &_o be_v now_o but_o a_o member_n in_o case_n he_o add_v contumacy_n to_o his_o sin_n the_o church_n that_o have_v power_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o fellowship_n 18.17_o mat._n 18.17_o have_v also_o the_o same_o power_n to_o cast_v he_o out_o that_o they_o have_v concern_v any_o other_o member_n 7._o 12_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o thes_n 5_o 12_o church-government_n or_o rule_n be_v place_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v ruler_n while_o they_o rule_v with_o god_n yet_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n 17_o rom_n 12.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 28_o 29._o heb._n 13.7_o 17_o according_a as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n frequent_o yea_o always_o where_o it_o mention_v church-rule_n and_o curch-government_n ascribe_v it_o to_o elder_n whereas_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v express_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o obey_v their_o elder_n and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o organic_n or_o complete_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o some_o that_o be_v governor_n and_o some_o that_o be_v govern_v in_o the_o lord_n 8._o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 15_o act_n 20_o 28_o chap_n 6_o 2_o num_fw-la 16_o 12_o ezek._n 46_o 10_o act_n 13_o 15_o and_o according_o to_o call_v the_o church_n together_o upon_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n when_o the_o member_n so_o call_v without_o just_a cause_n may_v not_o refuse_v to_o come_v nor_o when_o they_o be_v come_v depart_v before_o they_o be_v dismiss_v 4_o hosea_n 4_o 4_o nor_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n before_o they_o have_v leave_v from_o the_o elder_n nor_o continue_v so_o do_v when_o they_o require_v silence_n nor_o may_v they_o oppose_v nor_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n without_o sufficient_a and_o weighty_a cause_n because_o such_o practice_n be_v manifest_o contrary_a unto_o order_n and_o government_n and_o in-lets_a of_o disturbance_n and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n 9_o 5_o rev._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 19_o act_n 21_o 18_o 22_o 23_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o it_o belong_v also_o unto_o the_o elder_n to_o examine_v any_o officer_n or_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o accusation_n bring_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o church_n hear_v in_o handle_v of_o offence_n and_o other_o matter_n before_o the_o church_n they_o have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o pubilsh_fw-mi the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o same_o 26_o num._n 6.23_o to_o 26_o and_o to_o pronounce_v sentence_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n last_o they_o have_v power_n when_o they_o dismiss_v the_o people_n to_o bless_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 10_o this_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o elder_n do_v not_o any_o wise_a prejudice_n the_o power_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o brotherhood_n as_o neither_o the_o power_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o brethren_n do_v prejudice_v the_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o elder_n 7_o act_n 14.15_o v._o 23._o c_o 6.2_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o but_o they_o may_v sweet_o agree_v together_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n furnish_v with_o the_o great_a church-power_n who_o take_v in_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o church-administrations_a also_o that_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n 2.9_o and_o chap._n 10.6_o do_v declare_v that_o what_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v and_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n 17_o heb_fw-mi 13_o 17_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o of_o their_o ordinary_a elder_n 11._o from_o the_o premise_n namely_o that_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o government_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elder_n power_n of_o privilege_n remain_v with_o the_o brotherhood_n as_o power_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o censure_n and_o power_n of_o liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o liberty_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o organic_n church_n and_o right_a administration_n all_o church_n act_n proceed_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o mix_a administration_n so_o as_o no_o church_n act_n can_v be_v consummate_v or_o perfect_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o church-officer_n the_o apostle_n conclude_v 18_o 1_o cor_n 9_o 9_o five_o 15_o mat_n 9_o 38_o c_o 10_o 1â—_n 1_o tim_n 5_o 18_o that_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a maintenance_n be_v due_a unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o equity_n thereof_o as_o also_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o call_v elder_n laborer_n and_o workman_n but_o also_o speak_v of_o they_o do_v say_v 6_o galat_n 6_o 6_o that_o the_o laborer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o hire_n 18_o 1_o cor_n 9_o 9_o verse_n 14_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 18_o and_o require_v that_o he_o which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n shall_v communicate_v to_o he_o in_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o mention_n it_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o forbid_v the_o muzle_v of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn._n 2._o the_o scripture_n allege_v require_v this_o maintenance_n as_o a_o bind_a duty_n and_o due_a debt_n and_o not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o alm_n and_o free_a gift_n therefore_o people_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o and_o when_o they_o please_v in_o this_o matter_n no_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o command_v duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o aught_o of_o duty_n 11_o rom_n 15_o 20_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 11_o to_o minister_v of_o their_o carnal_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o labour_n among_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v any_o other_o workman_n their_o wage_n or_o to_o discharge_v and_o satisfy_v their_o other_o debt_n or_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o the_o apostle_n gal._n 6.6_o enjoin_v that_o he_o which_o be_v teach_v 6_o galat_n 6_o 6_o communicate_v to_o he_o that_o teach_v in_o all_o good_a thing_n do_v not_o leave_v it_o arbitrary_a what_o or_o how_o much_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v or_o in_o what_o proportion_n but_o even_o the_o late_a 16.2_o 1_o cor._n 16.2_o as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n 4._o not_o only_o member_n of_o church_n but_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n 6._o galat._n 6_o 6._o be_v to_o contribute_v unto_o he_o that_o teach_v in_o all_o good_a thing_n in_o case_n that_o congregation_n be_v defective_a in_o their_o contribution_n the_o deacon_n be_v to_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n 4._o act_n 6.3_o 4._o if_o their_o call_n suffice_v not_o the_o church_n by_o her_o power_n be_v to_o require_v it_o of_o their_o member_n and_o where_o church-power_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n do_v not_o or_o can_v attain_v the_o end_n 13.11_o neh._n 13.11_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o ministry_n due_o provide_v for_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o commend_a example_n of_o nehemiah_n the_o magistrate_n be_v nurse_v father_n 49.23_o
from_o another_o as_o they_o plea_n nor_o without_o just_a &_o weighty_a cause_n but_o aught_o to_o live_v and_o dwell_v together_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v command_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o such_o departure_n tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n as_o the_o pull_n of_o stone_n and_o piece_n of_o timber_n from_o the_o build_n and_o of_o member_n from_o the_o natural_a body_n tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o whole_a 2._o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n in_o such_o time_n and_o place_n when_o counsel_n may_v be_v have_v 11.14_o prov._n 11.14_o to_o consult_v with_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n about_o their_o removal_n that_o according_o they_o have_v their_o approbation_n may_v be_v encourage_v or_o otherwise_o desist_v they_o who_o be_v join_v with_o consent_n shall_v not_o depart_v without_o consent_n except_o force_v thereunto_o 3._o if_o a_o member_n departure_n be_v manifest_o unsafe_a and_o sinful_a 21.14_o rom._n 14.23_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o act_n 21.14_o the_o church_n may_v not_o consent_v thereunto_o for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v not_o act_v in_o faith_n and_o shall_v partake_v with_o he_o in_o his_o sin_n if_o the_o case_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o person_n not_o to_o be_v persuade_v it_o seem_v best_a to_o leave_v the_o matter_n unto_o god_n and_o not_o forcible_o to_o detayn_v he_o 4._o just_a reason_n for_o a_o member_n removal_n of_o himself_o from_o the_o church_n be_v 1_o if_o a_o man_n can_v continue_v without_o partake_v in_o sin_n 11._o 8.1_o ephes_n 5.11_o act_n 9.25_o and_o ver_fw-la 29_o 30._o c._n 8.1_o in_o case_n of_o personal_a persecution_n so_o paul_n depart_v from_o the_o desciple_n at_o damascus_n also_o in_o case_n of_o general_a persecution_n when_o all_o be_v scatter_v 111._o in_o case_n of_o real_a and_o not_o only_o pretend_v 13.10_o neh._n 13.10_o want_v of_o competent_a subsistence_n a_o door_n be_v open_v for_o better_a supply_n in_o another_o place_n together_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o these_o or_o like_a case_n a_o member_n may_v lawful_o remove_v and_o the_o church_n can_v lawful_o detain_v he_o 5._o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n 10._o 2_o tim_n 4_o 10._o either_o out_o of_o contempt_n of_o their_o holy_a fellowship_n or_o out_o of_o covetousness_n or_o for_o great_a inlargement_n with_o just_a grief_n to_o the_o church_n or_o out_o of_o schism_n or_o want_v of_o love_n 10_o rom_n 16_o 17._o judas_n 10_o and_o out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o unkindness_n or_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o 2_o eph._n 4.2_o 3._o col_fw-fr 3_o 13_o galio_n 1_o 2_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v &_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n &_o of_o which_o evil_n the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v nor_o admonish_v for_o these_o or_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n or_o seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a 6._o 26_o isai_n 56_o 8_o act_v 9_o 26_o such_o member_n as_o have_v orderly_o remove_v their_o habitation_n ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o order_n where_o they_o do_v inhabit_v if_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o they_o can_v neither_o perform_v the_o duty_n nor_o receive_v the_o privilege_n of_o member_n such_o a_o example_n tolerate_v in_o some_o 33_o 1_o cor_n 14_o 33_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v other_o which_o if_o many_o shall_v follow_v will_v threaten_v the_o dissolution_n and_o confusion_n of_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n 7._o 27_o act_n 18_o 27_o order_n require_v that_o a_o member_n thus_o remove_v have_v letter_n testimonial_a and_o of_o dismission_n from_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o yet_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v join_v lest_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v delude_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v he_o in_o faith_n and_o not_o be_v corrupt_v by_o receive_v deceiver_n and_o false_a brethren_n until_o the_o person_n dismiss_v be_v receive_v into_o another_o church_n he_o cease_v not_o by_o his_o letter_n of_o dismission_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o church_n can_v make_v a_o member_n no_o member_n but_o by_o excommunication_n 8._o 1_o rom_n 16_o 1_o 2_o 2_o cor_fw-la 3_o 1_o if_o a_o member_n be_v call_v to_o remove_v only_o for_o a_o time_n where_o a_o church_n be_v letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v requisite_a and_o sufficient_a for_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n in_o the_o ordinance_n &_o in_o their_o watch_n as_o phoebe_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n have_v letter_n write_v for_o she_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o she_o may_v be_v receive_v as_o become_v saint_n 9_o such_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o dismission_n be_v write_v for_o apollo_n 1_o act_n 18_o 27_o col_n 4_o 10_o rom_n 16_o 1_o for_o marcus_n to_o the_o colosian_o for_o phoebe_n to_o the_o roman_n for_o sundry_a other_o to_o other_o church_n &_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o some_o person_n not_o sufficient_o know_v otherwise_o have_v special_a need_n of_o such_o letter_n 1_o 2_o cor_fw-la 3_o 1_o though_o he_o for_o his_o part_n have_v no_o need_n thereof_o the_o use_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v a_o benefit_n &_o help_v to_o the_o party_n for_o who_o they_o be_v write_v &_o for_o the_o further_a of_o his_o receive_n among_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o place_n whereto_o he_o go_v and_o the_o due_a satisfaction_n of_o they_o in_o their_o receive_n of_o he_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o excommunication_n and_o other_o censure_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n 13_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 20_o deut_n 17_o 12_o 13_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o prevent_n remove_v and_o heal_v of_o offence_n in_o the_o church_n 24_o judas_n 29_o deut_n 13_o 11_o 1_o cor_n 5_o 6_o rom_n 2_o 24_o for_o the_o reclaim_n and_o gain_v of_o offend_a brethren_n for_o the_o deter_v of_o other_o from_o the_o like_a offence_n for_o purge_v out_o the_o leaven_n which_o may_v infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n for_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n 20_o rev_n 2_o 14_o 15_o 16_o &_o 20_o &_o the_o holy_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o may_v just_o fall_v upon_o the_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v suffer_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o notorious_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n 2._o 4_o mat_n 5_o 23_o 24_o luk_n 17_o 3_o 4_o if_o a_o offence_n be_v private_a one_o brother_n offend_v another_o the_o offender_n be_v to_o go_v &_o acknowledge_v his_o repentance_n for_o it_o unto_o his_o offend_a brother_n who_o be_v then_o to_o forgive_v he_o but_o if_o the_o offender_n neglect_n or_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o the_o brother_n offend_v be_v to_o go_v 15_o mat_n 18_o 15_o &_o convince_v &_o admonish_v he_o of_o it_o between_o themselves_o private_o if_o thereupon_o the_o offender_n be_v bring_v to_o repent_v of_o his_o offence_n the_o admonisher_n have_v win_v his_o brother_n but_o if_o the_o offender_n hear_v not_o his_o brother_n 16_o verse_n 16_o the_o brother_n offend_v be_v to_o take_v with_o he_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v whether_o the_o word_n of_o admonition_n if_o the_o offender_n receive_v it_o or_o the_o word_n of_o complaint_n if_o he_o refuse_v it_o 17._o verse_n 17._o for_o if_o he_o refuse_v it_o the_o offend_a brother_n be_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o by_o penitent_a confession_n he_o be_v recover_v and_o gain_v and_o if_o the_o church_n discern_v he_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v yet_o not_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o offence_n 10_o tit_n 3_o 10_o as_o in_o case_n of_o heresy_n they_o be_v to_o dispense_v to_o he_o a_o public_a admonition_n which_o declare_v the_o offender_n to_o lie_v under_o the_o public_a offence_n of_o the_o church_n do_v thereby_o withhold_v or_o suspend_v he_o from_o the_o holy_a fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o his_o offence_n be_v remove_v by_o penitent_a confession_n 17_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o still_o continue_v obstinate_a they_o be_v to_o cast_v he_o out_o by_o excommunication_n 3._o but_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v more_o public_a at_o first_o 18._o 1_o cor_n 5_o 4_o 5_o &_o verse_n 18._o and_o of_o a_o more_o heinous_a and_o criminal_a nature_n to_o wit_n such_o as_o be_v conden_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n
one_o apostle_n have_v over_o another_o yet_o as_o one_o apostle_n may_v admonish_v another_o so_o may_v one_o church_n admonish_v another_o and_o yet_o without_o usurpation_n in_o which_o case_n if_o the_o church_n that_o lie_v under_o offence_n proportion_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o by_o proportion_n do_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o church_n which_o do_v admonish_v she_o the_o church_n be_v to_o acquaint_v other_o neighbor-churche_n with_o that_o offence_n which_o the_o offend_a church_n still_o lie_v under_o together_o with_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o brotherly_a admonition_n give_v unto_o they_o whereupon_o those_o other_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o second_v the_o admonition_n former_o give_v and_o if_o still_o the_o offend_a church_n continue_v in_o obstinacy_n and_o impenitency_n they_o may_v forbear_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o help_n of_o a_o synod_n or_o counsel_n of_o neighbour_n church_n walk_v orderly_o if_o a_o great_a can_v convenient_o be_v have_v for_o their_o conviction_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n have_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v obstinate_a particular_a church_n approve_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n respective_o concern_v they_o and_o thereupon_o out_o of_o a_o religious_a care_n to_o keep_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a they_o may_v just_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o participation_n with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o from_o such_o other_o act_n of_o holy_a communion_n as_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n do_v otherwise_o allow_v and_o require_v nevertheless_o if_o any_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o lie_v under_o public_a offence_n do_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v in_o due_a sort_n bear_v witnel_n against_o it_o 18.25_o gen._n 18.25_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o wont_a communion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a that_o the_o innocent_a shall_v suffer_v with_o the_o offensive_a yea_o furthermore_o if_o such_o innocent_a member_n after_o due_a wait_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o their_o own_o church_n shall_v at_o last_o with_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o neighbour_n church_n withdraw_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o another_o we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o other_o church_n to_o receive_v they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v orderly_o dismiss_v to_o they_o from_o their_o own_o church_n iv_o a_o four_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o participation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n occasional_o come_v unto_o another_o we_o willing_o admit_v they_o to_o partake_v with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n not_o only_o with_o christ_n nor_o only_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n 12.13_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12.13_o but_o also_o with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o which_o regard_n we_o refuse_v not_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n present_v to_o we_o if_o either_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v absent_a or_o such_o a_o fruit_n of_o holy_a fellowship_n be_v desire_v with_o we_o in_o like_a case_n such_o church_n as_o be_v furnish_v with_o more_o minister_n than_o one_o do_v willing_o afford_v one_o of_o their_o own_o minister_n to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o absent_a or_o sick_a minister_n of_o another_o church_n for_o a_o needful_a season_n v._o a_o five_o way_n of_o church-communion_n be_v 16.3_o rom._n 16.3_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n when_o a_o member_n of_o one_o church_n have_v occasion_n to_o reside_v in_o another_o church_n if_o but_o for_o a_o season_n we_o commend_v he_o to_o their_o watchful_a fellowship_n by_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n but_o if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o settle_v his_o abode_n there_o we_o commit_v he_o according_a to_o his_o desire_n 18.27_o act_n 18.27_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o their_o covenant_n by_o letter_n of_o dismission_n vi_o a_o sixth_o way_n of_o church-communion_n be_v in_o case_n of_o need_n to_o minister_v relief_n and_o succour_n one_o unto_o another_o 11.22_o act_n 11.22_o either_o of_o able_a member_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o officer_n 27._o vers_fw-la 29._o rom._n 13.26_o 27._o or_o of_o outward_a support_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o poor_a church_n as_o do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n contribute_v liberal_o to_o the_o poor_a saint_n at_o jerusalem_n 3._o when_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n purpose_v to_o gather_v into_o church-fellowship_n it_o be_v requisite_a for_o their_o safe_a proceed_v &_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n proportion_n gal._n 2.1_o 2._o and_o 9_o by_o proportion_n that_o they_o signify_v their_o intent_n unto_o the_o neighbour_n church_n walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o desire_v their_o presence_n and_o help_v and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o they_o ought_v ready_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o except_v against_o their_o proceed_n 4._o beside_o these_o several_a way_n of_o communion_n there_o be_v also_o a_o way_n of_o propagation_n of_o church_n when_o a_o church_n shall_v grow_v too_o numerous_a it_o be_v a_o way_n 9_o isay_n 40.20_o cant_n 8_o 8_o 9_o &_o fit_a season_n to_o propagate_v one_o church_n out_o of_o another_o by_o send_v forth_o such_o of_o their_o member_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o remove_v and_o to_o procure_v some_o officer_n to_o they_o as_o may_v enter_v with_o they_o into_o church-estate_n a_o among_o themselves_o as_o bee_n when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a issue_n forth_o by_o swarm_n and_o be_v gather_v into_o other_o hive_n so_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v do_v the_o same_o upon_o like_a necessity_n and_o therein_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n both_o in_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n and_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n chap._n xvi_o of_o synod_n synod_n orderly_o assemble_v and_o right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n 15._o act_n 15.2_o to_o 15._o act_v 15._o we_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v yet_o many_o time_n through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o perverseness_n of_o time_n necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n therein_o 2._o synod_n be_v spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v therefore_o make_v up_o of_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n the_o next_o efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o under_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n send_v forth_o their_o elder_n 3_o act_n 15.2_o 3_o &_o other_o messenger_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 6._o verse_n 6._o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o they_o in_o argue_v debate_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n 23_o ver_fw-la 7._o to_o 23_o and_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v do_v put_v forth_o the_o proper_a and_o formal_a act_n of_o a_o synod_n 16.4.15_o verse_n 31._o act_n 16.4.15_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o synod_n 3._o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n by_o call_v to_o the_o church_n to_o send_v forth_o their_o elder_n and_o other_o messenger_n 11._o 1_o chron._n 29_o 4_o 5._o to_o 11._o to_o counsel_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o synod_n 15._o act_n 15._o be_v a_o church_n act_n and_o may_v be_v transact_v by_o the_o church_n even_o when_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v be_v enemy_n to_o church_n and_o to_o churchassemblye_n 4._o it_o belong_v unto_o synod_n and_o counsel_n to_o debate_v and_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n 23._o act_n 17.1.2.6.7_o 1_o chron._n 15_o 23._o and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o clear_v from_o the_o word_n holy_a direction_n for_o the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n &_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bear_v witness_n against_o misadministration_n and_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n 29_o 2_o chron._n 29.6_o 7_o act_n 15_o 24._o vers_fw-la 28_o 29_o &_o to_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n which_o that_o presidentiall_a synod_n do_v forbear_v 5._o the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n so_o far_o as_o consonant_a to_o the_o
word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n &_o submission_n not_o only_o for_o their_o agreement_n therewith_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a ground_n thereof_o and_o without_o which_o they_o bound_v not_o at_o all_o but_o also_o secondary_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v 15_o act_n 15_o as_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n 6._o because_o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o many_o church_n to_o come_v all_o together_o in_o one_o place_n in_o all_o their_o member_n universal_o therefore_o they_o may_v assemble_v by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n go_v not_o all_o to_o jerusalem_n 2_o act_n 15_o 2_o but_o some_o select_a man_n for_o that_o purpose_n because_o none_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v more_o fit_a to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o advise_v of_o way_n for_o the_o good_a thereof_o than_o elder_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o messenger_n for_o such_o assembly_n they_o have_v special_a respect_n unto_o such_o 23_o act_n 15_o 2._o vers_fw-la 22_o 23_o yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_a paul_n &_o barnabas_n but_o certain_a other_o also_o be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n act_n 15._o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n but_o other_o brethren_n also_o do_v assemble_v &_o meet_v about_o the_o matter_n therefore_o synod_n be_v to_o consist_v both_o of_o elder_n &_o other_o church-member_n endue_v with_o gift_n &_o send_v by_o the_o church_n not_o exclude_v the_o presence_n of_o any_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a it_o be_v lawful_a profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o christian_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o church_n estate_n and_o therein_o to_o exercise_v all_o the_o ordinanace_n of_o christ_n accoridng_v unto_o the_o word_n 3_o act_n 2_o 41_o 47_o c_o 4_o 1_o 2_o 3_o although_o consent_n of_o the_o magistrate_n can_v not_o be_v have_v thereunto_o because_o the_o apostle_n &_o christian_n in_o their_o time_n do_v frequent_o thus_o practice_v when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v all_o of_o they_o jewish_n or_o pagan_a and_o most_o persecute_v enemy_n will_v give_v no_o countenance_n or_o consent_v to_o such_o matter_n 2._o church-government_n stand_v in_o no_o opposition_n to_o civil_a government_n of_o commonwealth_n 36_o john_n 18_o 36_o nor_o any_o way_n intrench_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o their_o jurisdiction_n 25.8_o john_n 18.36_o act_n 25.8_o nor_o any_o whit_n weaken_v their_o hand_n in_o govern_v but_o rather_o strengthen_v they_o and_o further_v the_o people_n in_o yield_v more_o hearty_a &_o conscionable_a obedience_n unto_o they_o whatsoever_o some_o ill_a affect_a person_n to_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n have_v suggest_v to_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n form_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n can_v not_o rise_v &_o stand_v without_o the_o fall_n &_o weaken_v of_o their_o government_n which_o be_v also_o of_o christ_n 49.23_o isay_n 49.23_o whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v most_o true_a that_o they_o may_v both_o stand_v together_o and_o flourish_v the_o one_o be_v helpful_a unto_o the_o other_o in_o their_o distinct_a and_o due_a administration_n 3._o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n be_v not_o for_o the_o restrai_v of_o church_n 2.2_o rom._n 13.4_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o or_o any_o other_o good_a work_n but_o for_o help_v in_o &_o further_a thereof_o &_o therefore_o the_o consent_n &_o countenance_n of_o magistrate_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v or_o light_o esteem_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v part_n of_o that_o honour_n due_a to_o christian_n magistrate_n to_o desire_n &_o crave_v their_o consent_n &_o approbation_n therein_o which_o be_v obtain_v the_o church_n may_v then_o proceed_v in_o their_o way_n with_o much_o more_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n 4._o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n to_o compel_v their_o subject_n to_o become_v church-member_n and_o to_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v reprove_v 5.11_o ezek._n 44.7.9_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o that_o bring_v unworthy_a one_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n then_o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o priest_n so_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o civil_a magistrate_n those_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o cast_v out_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o to_o thrust_v into_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o hold_v they_o therein_o 5._o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o church-officer_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n 20.25.26_o matth._n 20.25.26_o so_o be_v it_o unlawful_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o work_n proper_a to_o church_n officer_n the_o act_n of_o moses_n &_o david_n who_o be_v not_o only_a prince_n 17._o 2_o chron._n 26_o 16_o 17._o but_o prophet_n be_v extraordnary_n therefore_o not_o imitable_a against_o such_o usurpation_n the_o lord_n witness_v by_o smite_v uzziah_n with_o leprosy_n for_o presume_v to_o offer_v incense_n 6._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o take_v care_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o improve_v his_o civil_a authority_n for_o the_o observe_n of_o the_o duty_n command_v in_o the_o first_o 82.2_o psal_n 82.2_o as_o well_o as_o for_o observe_v of_o the_o duty_n command_v in_o the_o second_o table_n they_o be_v call_v go_n the_o end_n of_o the_o magistrate_n office_n 2.1.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.1.2_o be_v not_o only_o the_o quiet_a &_o peaceable_a life_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o matter_n of_o righteousness_n and_o honesty_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o godliness_n yea_o of_o all_o godliness_n moses_n joshua_n david_n solomon_n asa_n jehoshaphat_n hezekiah_n josiah_n 3.29_o 1_o king_n 15.14_o c._n 22.43_o 2_o king_n 12.3_o c._n 14.4_o c_o 15_o 35._o 1_o king_n 20.42_o job_n 29.25_o c._n 31_o 26.28_o neh._n 14._o jonah_n 3_o 7._o ezra_n 7._o dan._n 3.29_o be_v much_o commend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o put_v forth_o their_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a such_o king_n as_o have_v be_v fail_v this_o way_n be_v frequent_o tax_v &_o reprove_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o only_o the_o king_n of_o judah_fw-mi but_o also_o job_n nehemiah_n the_o king_n of_o niniveh_n darius_n artaxerxes_n nebucadnezar_n who_o none_o look_v at_o as_o type_n of_o christ_n though_o be_v it_o so_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o just_a objection_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o exercise_v their_o authority_n this_o way_n 7_o the_o object_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o thing_n mere_o inward_a and_o so_o not_o subject_a to_o his_o cognisance_n &_o view_n as_o unbeleif_n hardness_n of_o heart_n erroneous_a opinion_n not_o vent_v but_o only_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v act_v by_o the_o outward_a man_n neither_o be_v their_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o command_v such_o act_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n 11_o 1_o king_n 20.28_o vers_fw-la 11_o and_o punish_v the_o neglect_n thereof_o as_o be_v but_o mere_a invention_n &_o device_n of_o man_n but_o about_o such_o act_n as_o be_v command_v &_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n yea_o such_o as_o the_o word_n do_v clear_o determine_v though_o not_o always_o clear_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o other_o yet_o clear_o in_o it_o slfe_a in_o these_o he_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o put_v forth_o his_o authority_n 13.4_o deut._n 13._o 1_o king_n 20.28_o vers_fw-la 42_o dan._n 3.29_o zach._n 13.3_o neh._n 13.21_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o rom._n 13.4_o though_o ofttimes_o actual_o he_o do_v it_o not_o 8_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n heresy_n vent_v corrupt_a and_o pernicious_a opinion_n that_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n open_a contempt_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n disturb_v the_o peaceable_a administration_n &_o exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n &_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v by_o civil_a authority_n 9_o if_o any_o church_n one_o or_o more_o shall_v grow_v schismatical_a rend_v itself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n or_o shall_v walk_v incorrigible_o or_o obstinate_o in_o any_o corrupt_a way_n of_o their_o own_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n in_o such_o case_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o put_v forth_o his_o coercive_a power_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v 22_o joshua_n 22_o the_o tribe_n on_o this_o side_n jordan_n intend_v to_o make_v war_n against_o the_o other_o tribe_n for_o build_v the_o altar_n of_o witness_n who_o they_o suspect_v to_o have_v turn_v away_o therein_o from_o follw_v of_o the_o lord_n finis_fw-la a_o table_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n in_o this_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o form_n of_o church-government_n in_o general_n and_o that_o it_o be_v one_o immutable_a and_o prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o general_n and_o in_o special_a of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n page_n 2_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o quality_n and_o quantity_n page_n 3_o chap._n iv_o of_o the_o form_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o church-covenant_n page_z 4_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o to_o who_o church-power_n do_v first_o belong_v page_z 7_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n page_z 7_o chap._n vii_o of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n page_z 8_o chap._n viii_o of_o election_n of_o church-officer_n page_n 10_o chap._n ix_o of_o ordination_n and_o impositionof_n hand_n page_z 11_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o presbytery_n page_n 12_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o church-officer_n page_n 15_o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n page_n 16_o chap._n xiii_o of_o church-member_n their_o removal_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o and_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o dismission_n page_n 19_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o excommunication_n and_o other_o church-censure_n page_n 20_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n one_o with_o another_o page_n 23_o chap._n xvi_o of_o synod_n page_n 27_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a page_n 28_o
with_o they_o in_o all_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o religion_n we_o hope_v it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o we_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o they_o so_o we_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o same_o common_a faith_n and_o fellow_n heir_n of_o the_o same_o common_a salvation_n yea_o moreover_o as_o this_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o they_o will_v exempt_v we_o even_o in_o their_o judgement_n from_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n so_o we_o trust_v it_o may_v exempt_v we_o in_o like_a sort_n from_o suspicion_n of_o schism_n that_o though_o we_o be_v force_v to_o dessent_fw-la from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o church-discipline_n yet_o our_o dissent_n be_v not_o take_v up_o out_o of_o arrogancy_n of_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o who_o they_o see_v willing_o condescend_v to_o learn_v of_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o carry_v with_o uncharitable_a censoriousness_n towards_o they_o both_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o essential_a character_n of_o schisem_n but_o in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n as_o we_o walk_v along_o with_o they_o and_o follow_v they_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n so_o where_o we_o conceive_v a_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o some_o few_o point_n touch_v church-order_n we_o still_o reserve_v due_a reverence_n to_o they_o who_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v through_o christ_n the_o glorious_a light_n of_o both_o nation_n and_o only_o crave_v leave_v as_o in_o spirit_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n whither_o soever_o be_v go_v and_o after_o the_o apostle_n example_n as_o we_o believe_v so_o we_o speak_v and_o if_o the_o example_n of_o such_o poor_a outcast_n as_o ourselves_o may_v prevail_v if_o not_o with_o all_o for_o that_o be_v too_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o hope_v for_o yet_o with_o some_o or_o other_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v come_v to_o mind_n and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o such_o as_o dissent_v from_o they_o we_o hope_v in_o christ_n it_o will_v not_o only_o moderate_v the_o harsh_a judge_n and_o condemn_v of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o difference_n of_o judgement_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o choice_a saint_n 3_o but_o also_o prevent_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n the_o peril_n of_o the_o distraction_n and_o destruction_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o both_o kingdom_n otherwise_o if_o brethren_n shall_v go_v on_o to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o the_o apostle_n fear_v as_o we_o also_o with_o sadness_n of_o heart_n do_v it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o consume_n of_o they_o and_o we_o all_o which_o the_o lord_n prevent_v we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o beside_o these_o aspersion_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n other_o exception_n also_o be_v take_v at_o our_o way_n of_o church-government_n but_o as_o we_o conceive_v upon_o as_o little_a ground_n as_o 1._o that_o by_o admit_v none_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o our_o church_n but_o saint_n by_o calling_n we_o rob_v many_o parish-church_n of_o their_o best_a member_n to_o make_v up_o one_o of_o our_o congregation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n a_o thing_n not_o hear_v of_o in_o scripture_n but_o also_o to_o weaken_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o the_o best_a minister_n in_o the_o parish_n by_o dispoyl_v they_o of_o their_o best_a hearer_n 2._o that_o we_o provide_v no_o course_n for_o the_o gain_n and_o call_v in_o of_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a and_o scandalous_a person_n who_o we_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o our_o church_n and_o so_o exclude_v from_o the_o wholesome_a remedy_n of_o church-discipline_n 3._o that_o in_o our_o way_n we_o sow_v seed_n of_o division_n and_o hindrance_n of_o edification_n in_o every_o family_n whilst_o admit_v into_o our_o church_n only_a voluntary_n the_o husband_n will_v be_v of_o one_o church_n the_o wife_n of_o another_o the_o parent_n of_o one_o church_n the_o child_n of_o another_o the_o master_n of_o one_o church_n the_o servant_n of_o another_o and_o so_o the_o parent_n and_o master_n be_v of_o different_a church_n from_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n they_o can_v take_v a_o just_a account_n of_o their_o profit_v by_o what_o they_o hear_v yea_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o husband_n parent_n and_o master_n shall_v be_v chargeable_a to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o many_o other_o church_n and_o church-officer_n beside_o their_o own_o which_o will_v prove_v a_o charge_n and_o burden_n unsupportable_a but_o for_o answer_n as_o to_o the_o first_o for_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n we_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n unheard_a of_o in_o scripture_n the_o first_o christian_a church_n be_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o out_o of_o many_o synagogue_n in_o that_o church_n and_o consist_v partly_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n partly_o of_o the_o galilean_n who_o though_o they_o keep_v some_o communion_n in_o some_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o the_o temple_n yet_o neither_o do_v they_o frequent_v the_o sacrifice_n nor_o repair_v to_o the_o sanedrim_n for_o the_o determine_n of_o their_o church-cause_n but_o keep_v entire_a and_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n church_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o gentile_n at_o antioch_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o constitute_v partly_o of_o the_o disperse_a brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n whereof_o some_o be_v man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyren_n and_o partly_o of_o the_o believe_a gentile_n act_n 11.20_o 21._o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o at_o antioch_n be_v gather_v not_o out_o of_o any_o christian_a church_n but_o out_o of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o synagogue_n which_o be_v short_o after_o to_o be_v abolish_v and_o their_o gather_n to_o antioch_n be_v upon_o occasion_n of_o dispersion_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v more_o strong_o and_o strait_o tie_v by_o express_v holy_a covenant_n to_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n till_o it_o be_v abolish_v than_o any_o member_n of_o christian_a parish-church_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v tie_v to_o keep_v fellowship_n with_o their_o parish-church_n the_o episcopal_a canon_n which_o bound_v they_o to_o attend_v on_o their_o parish_n church_n it_o be_v likely_a they_o be_v now_o abolish_v with_o the_o episcopacy_n the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v satisfy_v as_o we_o conceive_v if_o they_o attend_v upon_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o any_o other_o church_n though_o not_o within_o their_o own_o parish_n but_o no_o such_o like_a covenant_n of_o god_n nor_o any_o other_o religious_a tie_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o attend_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o parish_n church_n as_o do_v lie_v upon_o the_o jew_n to_o attend_v upon_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o temple_n and_o synagogue_n 2._o though_o the_o jewish_a temple_n church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v to_o be_v abolish_v yet_o that_o do_v not_o make_v the_o desertion_n of_o it_o by_o the_o member_n to_o be_v lawful_a till_o it_o be_v abolish_v future_a abolition_n be_v no_o warrant_n for_o present_a desertion_n unless_o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o some_o case_n whilst_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o in_o present_a stand_n to_o desert_n it_o to_o wit_n either_o for_o avoid_v of_o present_a pollution_n or_o for_o hope_n of_o great_a edification_n and_o so_o for_o better_a satisfaction_n to_o conscience_n in_o either_o future_a event_n or_o foresight_n of_o they_o do_v not_o desolve_v present_a relation_n else_o wife_n child_n servant_n may_v desert_n their_o husband_n parent_n master_n when_o they_o be_v mortal_o sick_a 3._o what_o the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v in_o join_v to_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n it_o may_v well_o be_v conceive_v the_o member_n of_o any_o christian_a church_n may_v do_v the_o like_a for_o satisfaction_n of_o conscience_n peace_n of_o conscience_n be_v more_o desirable_a than_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o freedom_n from_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n be_v more_o comfortable_a to_o a_o sincere_a heart_n than_o freedom_n from_o persecution_n if_o it_o be_v say_v these_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o join_v to_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n remove_v their_o habitation_n together_o with_o their_o relation_n which_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n will_v do_v it_o will_v much_o abate_v the_o grievance_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o their_o presbyterial_a church_n we_o very_o can_v wish_v they_o so_o to_o do_v as_o well_o approve_v the_o like_a
consent_n or_o covenant_n for_o all_o these_o be_v here_o take_v for_o the_o same_o although_o the_o more_o express_a and_o plain_a it_o be_v the_o more_o full_o it_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o mutual_a duty_n and_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o it_o and_o leave_v less_o room_n for_o the_o question_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o church-estate_n of_o a_o company_n of_o professor_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o membership_n of_o particular_a person_n yet_o we_o conceive_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v keep_v where_o there_o be_v a_o real_a agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o a_o company_n of_o faithful_a person_n to_o meet_v constant_o together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n which_o real_a agreement_n and_o consent_n they_o do_v express_v by_o their_o constant_a practice_n in_o come_v together_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n 29_o exod_n 19_o 5_o to_o 8._o &_o 24_o 3_o 17_o josh_n 24_o 18_o to_o 24_o psal_n 50_o 5_o neh_n 9_o 38_o c_o 10_o 1._o gen_n 17_o deut_n 29_o and_o by_o their_o religious_a subjection_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o the_o rather_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v how_o scripture_n covenant_n have_v be_v enter_v into_o not_o only_o express_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o by_o sacrifice_n by_o hand_n writing_n and_o seal_v and_o also_o sometime_o by_o silent_a consent_n without_o any_o writing_n or_o expression_n of_o word_n at_o all_o 5._o this_o form_n then_o be_v by_o mutual_a covenant_n it_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o baptism_n 1._o not_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n because_o that_o be_v invisible_a 2._o not_o a_o bare_a profession_n because_o that_o declare_v they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v member_n of_o one_o church_n then_o of_o another_o 3._o not_o cohabitation_n atheist_n or_o infidel_n may_v dwell_v together_o with_o believer_n 4._o not_o baptism_n because_o it_o presuppose_v a_o church_n estate_n as_o circumcision_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o give_v no_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v before_o it_o and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n without_o it_o seal_n presuppose_v a_o covenant_n already_o in_o be_v one_o person_n be_v a_o complete_a subject_n of_o baptism_n but_o one_o person_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v a_o church_n 6._o 1.3_o act_n 2_o 47_o &_o 9_o 26_o mat_n 3_o 13_o 14_o 15_o &_o 28.19_o 20_o psal_n 133.2_o 3._o &_o 87.7_o mat._n 18.20_o 1_o john_n 1.3_o all_o believer_n ought_v as_o god_n give_v they_o opportunity_n thereunto_o to_o endeavour_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o example_n and_o institution_n by_o the_o profess_a acknowledgement_n of_o and_o subjection_n unto_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o good_a of_o communion_n found_v upon_o their_o visible_a union_n and_o contain_v in_o the_o promise_v of_o christ_n special_a presence_n in_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o 17_o ps_n 119._o last_o 1_o pet_n 2_o 25_o eph._n 4.16_o john_n 22.24_o 25._o mat_n 18_o 15_o 16_o 17_o and_o in_o he_o one_o with_o another_o also_o for_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o recover_v of_o they_o in_o case_n of_o wander_v which_o all_o christ_n sheep_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o this_o life_n be_v unable_a to_o return_v of_o themselves_o together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o of_o their_o posterity_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n otherwise_o if_o a_o believer_n offend_v he_o remain_v destitute_a of_o the_o remedy_n provide_v in_o that_o behalf_n and_o shall_v all_o believer_n neglect_v this_o duty_n of_o join_v to_o all_o particular_a congregation_n it_o may_v follow_v thereupon_o that_o christ_n shall_v have_v no_o visible_a political_a church_n upon_o earth_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o to_o who_o church-power_n do_v first_o belong_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n 5.12_o mat_n 28.18_o rev_n 3.7_o isai_n 9.6_o john_n 20.21_o 23._o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 32._o it_o be_v 1_o 5_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5.12_o be_v either_o supreme_a or_o subordinat_a and_o ministerial_a the_o supreme_a by_o way_n of_o gift_n from_o the_o father_n be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o ministerial_a be_v either_o extraordinary_a as_o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n or_o ordinary_a as_o every_o particular_a congregational_a church_n 2._o ordinary_a church-power_n be_v either_o the_o power_n of_o office_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o eldership_n or_o power_n of_o privilege_n such_o as_o belong_v unto_o the_o brotherhood_n the_o latter_a be_v in_o the_o brethren_n formal_o 30_o rom_n 12_o 4_o 8._o act_n 1_o 23_o c_o 6_o 3_o 4_o c_o 14_o 23_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 29_o 30_o and_o immediate_o from_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o as_o it_o may_v according_a to_o order_n be_v act_v or_o exercise_v immediate_o by_o themselves_o the_o former_a be_v not_o in_o they_o formal_o or_o immediate_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v act_v or_o exercise_v immediate_o by_o they_o but_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o they_o in_o that_o they_o design_v the_o person_n unto_o office_n who_o only_o be_v to_o act_v or_o to_o exercise_v this_o power_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n a_o church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o people_n combine_v together_o by_o covenant_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o there_o may_v be_v the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n without_o any_o officer_n see_v there_o be_v both_o the_o form_n and_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n which_o be_v employ_v 23_o act_n 14_o 23_o when_o it_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n 2._o nevertheless_o though_o officer_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a 11_o rom_n 10_o 17_o jer_n 3_o 15_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 28_o ephes_n 4_o 11_o psal_n 68_o 18_o eph._n 4_o 8_o 11_o to_o the_o simple_a be_v of_o church_n when_o they_o be_v call_v yet_o ordinary_o to_o their_o call_n they_o be_v and_o to_o their_o well-being_n and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n jesus_n out_o of_o his_o tender_a compassion_n have_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v officer_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v 13_o eph._n 4.12_o 13_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v useful_a and_o needful_a for_o the_o church_n yea_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o receive_v gift_n for_o man_n and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n 8_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 28_o eph_n 4_o 11_o gall_n 1_o act_n 8_o 6_o 26_o 19_o c_o 11_o 25_o rom_n 11_o 7_o 8_o whereof_o officer_n for_o the_o church_n be_v just_o account_v no_o small_a part_n they_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o all_o the_o saint_n 3._o these_o officer_n be_v either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a extraordinary_n as_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n ordinary_a as_o elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n as_o they_o be_v call_v extraordinary_o by_o christ_n so_o their_o office_n end_v with_o themselves_o 9_o 1_o cor_fw-la 4_o 9_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o paul_n direct_v timothy_n how_o to_o carry_v along_o church-administrations_a give_v no_o direction_n about_o the_o choice_n or_o course_n of_o apostle_n 3._o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2_o v._o 8._o to_o 13._o tit._n 1_o 5._o act._n 20.17.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o prophet_n or_o evangelist_n but_o only_o of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o when_o paul_n be_v to_o take_v his_o last_o leave_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n he_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o feed_v the_o church_n to_o no_o other_o but_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n the_o like_a charge_n do_v peter_n commit_v to_o the_o elder_n 4._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o phil._n 1.1_o act_n 20.17.28_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 17._o of_o elder_n who_o also_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v bishop_n some_o attend_v chief_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n other_o attend_v especial_o unto_o rule_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v rule_v elder_n 5._o 12.8_o eph._n 4.11_o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 12.8_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n appear_v to_o be_v distinct_a the_o pastor_n special_a work_n be_v to_o attend_v to_o exhortation_n and_o therein_o to_o administer_v a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n the_o teacher_n be_v to_o attend_v to_o doctrine_n and_o therein_o to_o administer_v a_o word_n of_o knowledge_n and_o either_o of_o they_o to_o administer_v the_o seal_n
isay_n 49.23_o and_o nurse_v mother_n and_o stand_v charge_v with_o the_o custody_n of_o both_o table_n because_o it_o be_v better_a to_o prevent_v a_o scandal_n that_o it_o may_v not_o come_v and_o easy_a also_o than_o to_o remove_v it_o when_o it_o be_v give_v 14._o 2_o cor._n 8.13_o 14._o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o rule_v that_o by_o the_o church_n care_v each_o man_n shall_v know_v his_o proportion_n according_a to_o rule_n wha1t_v he_o shall_v do_v before_o he_o do_v it_o that_o so_o his_o judgement_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o just_a offence_n prevent_v in_o what_o be_v do_v chap._n xii_o of_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n 22.12_o 2_o chron._n 23_o 19_o mat._n 13.25_o &_o 22.12_o do_v not_o by_o god_n appointment_n stand_v so_o wide_o open_a that_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n good_a or_o bad_a may_v free_o enter_v therein_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v thereto_o as_o member_n aught_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v first_o whether_o they_o be_v fit_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o church-society_n 8.37_o act_n 8.37_o or_o not_o the_o eunuch_n of_o aethiopia_n before_o his_o admission_n be_v examine_v by_o philip_n 2.2_o rev._n 2.2_o whether_o he_o do_v believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o try_v such_o as_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o 9.26_o act_n 9.26_o there_o be_v like_o reason_n for_o try_v of_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n the_o officer_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n 19_o rev._n 21.12_o 2_o chron._n 23_o 19_o and_o therefore_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o make_v trial_n of_o the_o fitness_n of_o such_o who_o enter_v twelve_o angel_n be_v set_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n 37._o act._n 2.38_o to_o 41._o c._n 8._o 37._o lest_o such_o as_o be_v ceremonial_o unclean_a shall_v enter_v thereinto_o 2._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o church-member_n be_v repentance_n from_o sin_n and_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n whereof_o man_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v at_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o which_o then_o they_o must_v profess_v and_o hold_v forthin_o such_o sort_n 3.6_o matth._n 3.6_o as_o may_v satisfy_v rational_a charity_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v there_o indeed_o john_n baptist_n admit_v man_n to_o baptism_n confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o of_o other_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o come_v 19.18_o act_n 19.18_o and_o confess_v and_o show_v their_o deed_n 3._o the_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v in_o those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n 14.1_o rom._n 14.1_o because_o weak_a christian_n if_o sincere_a have_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o faith_n repentance_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v require_v in_o church-member_n and_o such_o have_v most_o need_v of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o their_o confirmation_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n 12.20_o mat._n 12.20_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n 40.11_o isay_n 40.11_o but_o gather_v the_o tender_a lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o gentle_o in_o his_o bosom_n such_o charity_n and_o tenderness_n be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o weak_a christian_a if_o sincere_a may_v not_o be_v exclude_v nor_o discourage_v severity_n of_o examination_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v 4._o in_o case_n any_o through_o excessive_a fear_n or_o other_o infirmity_n be_v unable_a to_o make_v their_o personal_a relation_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n in_o public_a it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o elder_n have_v receive_v private_a satisfaction_n make_v relation_n thereof_o in_o public_a before_o the_o church_n they_o testify_v their_o assent_n thereunto_o this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o tend_v most_o to_o edification_n but_o whereas_o person_n be_v of_o better_a ability_n there_o it_o be_v most_o expedient_a that_o they_o make_v their_o relation_n and_o confession_n personal_o with_o their_o own_o mouth_n as_o david_n profess_v of_o himself_o 66.16_o psal_n 66.16_o 5._o a_o personal_a and_o public_a confession_n and_o declare_v of_o god_n manner_n of_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v both_o lawful_a expedient_a and_o useful_a in_o sundry_a respect_n and_o upon_o sundry_a ground_n those_o three_o thousand_o act_n 2.37.41_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n at_o peter_n sermon_n together_o with_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o sin_n which_o now_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o their_o ready_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o exhortation_n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o we_o be_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v able_a and_o ready_a upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o declare_v and_o show_v our_o repentance_n for_o sin_n faith_n unfeigned_a and_o effectual_a call_n 1.18_o heb._n 11.1_o ephes_n 1.18_o because_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n i_o have_v not_o hide_v thy_o righteousness_n from_o the_o great_a congregaaion_n psal_n 40.10_o 6._o this_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o it_o must_v be_v make_v by_o such_o at_o their_o admission_n that_o be_v never_o in_o church-society_n before_o so_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o the_o same_o may_v also_o be_v perform_v by_o such_o as_o have_v former_o be_v member_n of_o some_o other_o church_n and_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o now_o join_v themselves_o as_o member_n may_v lawful_o require_v the_o same_o those_o three_o thousand_o act_v 2._o which_o make_v their_o confession_n 5.24_o mat._n 3.5_o 6._o galat._n 2.4_o 1_o tim._n 5.24_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o so_o be_v they_o that_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n church_n may_v err_v in_o their_o admission_n and_o person_n regular_o admit_v may_v fall_v into_o offence_n otherwise_o if_o church_n may_v obtrude_v their_o member_n or_o if_o church-member_n may_v obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o other_o church_n without_o due_a trial_n the_o matter_n so_o require_v both_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n will_v hereby_o be_v infringe_v in_o that_o they_o may_v not_o examine_v those_o concern_v who_o fitness_n for_o communion_n they_o be_v unsatisfied_a and_o beside_o the_o infringe_n of_o their_o liberty_n 8.8_o cant._n 8.8_o the_o church_n themselves_o will_v unavoidable_o be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o ordinance_n defile_v whilst_o they_o may_v not_o refuse_v but_o must_v receive_v the_o unworthy_a which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a 7._o the_o like_a trial_n be_v to_o be_v require_v from_o such_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o same_o or_o receive_v their_o membership_n and_o be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n when_o be_v grow_v up_o unto_o year_n of_o discretion_n they_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o which_o because_o holy_a thing_n must_v not_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o unworthy_a 11.27_o matth._n 7.6_o 1_o cor._n 11.27_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o shall_v come_v to_o their_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o manifest_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o a_o open_a profession_n thereof_o before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o otherwise_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v thereunto_o yet_o these_o church-member_n that_o be_v so_o bear_v or_o receive_v in_o their_o childhood_n before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o full_a communion_n have_v many_o privilege_n which_o other_o not_o church-member_n have_v not_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o upon_o they_o viz._n baptism_n and_o so_o if_o not_o regenerate_v yet_o be_v in_o a_o more_o hopeful_a way_n of_o attain_v regenerate_a grace_n and_o all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n both_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o seal_n they_o be_v also_o under_o church-watch_n and_o consequent_o subject_a to_o the_o reprehension_n admonition_n and_o censure_n thereof_o for_o their_o heal_n and_o amendment_n as_o need_n shall_v require_v chap._n xiii_o of_o church-member_n their_o removal_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o and_o of_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o dismission_n church-member_n may_v not_o remove_v or_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n 10.25_o heb._n 10.25_o and_o so_o one_o
then_o the_o church_n without_o such_o gradual_a proceed_n be_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o offender_n from_o their_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o further_o mortify_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o the_o heal_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 4._o in_o deal_v with_o a_o offender_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o we_o be_v neither_o overstrict_n or_o rigorous_a nor_o too_o indulgent_a or_o remiss_a 1_o galat_n 6_o 1_o our_o proceed_n herein_o aught_o to_o be_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v ourselves_o lest_o we_o also_o be_v tempt_v 14_o mat_n 18_o 34_o 23_o c_o 6_o 14.35_o ezek_n 13_o 10_o jer_n 6_o 14_o &_o that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v need_n of_o much_o forgiune_n from_o the_o lord_n yet_o the_o win_v &_o heal_v of_o the_o offender_n soul_n be_v the_o end_n of_o these_o endeavour_n we_o must_v not_o daub_v with_o untempered_a mortar_n nor_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o our_o brethren_n slight_o on_o some_o have_v compassion_n other_o save_v with_o fear_n 5._o 14_o mat_n 18_o 17_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 11_o 2_o thes_n 3_o 6_o 14_o while_o the_o offender_n remain_v excommunicate_a the_o church_n be_v to_o refrarn_v from_o all_o member-like_a communion_n with_o he_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o also_o from_o all_o familiar_a communion_n with_o he_o in_o civil_a thing_n far_o than_o the_o necessity_n of_o natural_a or_o domestical_a or_o civil_a relation_n do_v require_v and_o be_v therefore_o to_o forbear_v to_o eat_v &_o drink_v with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a 6._o excommunication_n be_v a_o spiritual_a punishment_n it_o do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o excommunicate_a in_o nor_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o civil_a right_n and_o therefore_o touch_v not_o prince_n or_o other_o magistrate_n in_o point_n of_o their_o civil_a dignity_n or_o avothority_n 25_o 1_o cor_n 14_o 24_o 25_o and_o the_o excommunicate_a be_v but_o as_o a_o publican_n and_o a_o heathen_a heathen_n being_n lawful_o permit_v to_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o church_n assembly_n 14_o 2_o thes_n 3_o 14_o we_o acknowledge_v therefore_o the_o like_a liberty_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n may_v be_v permit_v to_o person_n excommunicate_a that_o be_v permit_v unto_o heathen_a and_o because_o we_o be_v not_o without_o hope_n of_o his_o recovery_n we_o be_v not_o to_o account_v he_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o to_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 7._o if_o the_o lord_n sanctify_v the_o censure_n to_o the_o offender_n so_o as_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n 8_o 2_o cor_n 2_o 7_o 8_o he_o do_v testify_v his_o repentance_n with_o humble_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o judge_v of_o himself_o give_v glory_n unto_o god_n the_o church_n be_v then_o to_o forgive_v he_o and_o to_o comfort_v he_o and_o to_o restore_v he_o to_o the_o wont_a brotherly_a communion_n which_o former_o he_o enjoy_v with_o they_o 8._o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a or_o scandalous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o fellowship_n 20_o rev_n 2_o 14_o 15_o vers_n 20_o and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n in_o those_o that_o have_v power_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o redress_v it_o and_o do_v it_o not_o nevertheless_o 1_o mat_n 23_o 3_o act_n 3_o 1_o in_o as_o much_o as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o godly_a in_o they_o do_v lawful_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n command_v ordinance_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o neither_o teach_v nor_o practise_v separation_n from_o the_o same_o though_o unworthy_a one_o be_v permit_v therein_o and_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n wherein_o be_v many_o unworthy_a person_n 12_o 2_o cor_n 6_o chap_n 15_o 12_o and_o practice_n be_v never_o command_v to_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o of_o the_o same_o therefore_o the_o godly_a in_o like_a case_n be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v 9_o as_o separation_n from_o such_o a_o church_n wherein_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n be_v tolerate_v be_v not_o present_o necessary_a so_o for_o the_o member_n thereof_o otherwise_o worthy_a hereupon_o to_o abstain_v from_o communicate_v with_o such_o a_o church_n 25_o 2_o chron_n 30_o 18_o gen_n 18_o 25_o in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v unlawful_a for_o as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o a_o innocent_a person_n to_o be_v punish_v for_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o wherein_o he_o have_v no_o hand_n and_o whereunto_o he_o give_v no_o consent_n so_o be_v it_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o a_o godly_a man_n shall_v neglect_v duty_n and_o punish_v himself_o in_o not_o come_v for_o his_o portion_n in_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o seal_n as_o he_o ought_v because_o other_o be_v suffer_v to_o come_v that_o ought_v not_o especial_o consider_v that_o himself_o do_v neither_o consent_n to_o their_o sin_n nor_o to_o their_o approach_n to_o the_o ordinance_n in_o their_o sin_n 9.10_o ezek._n 9.10_o nor_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o other_o who_o shall_v put_v they_o away_o and_o do_v not_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n do_v hearty_o mourn_v for_o these_o thing_n modest_o and_o seasonable_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n if_o the_o church_n can_v be_v referm_v they_o may_v use_v their_o liberty_n as_o be_v specify_v chap._n 13._o sect._n 4._o but_o this_o all_o the_o godly_a be_v bind_v unto_o even_o every_o one_o to_o do_v his_o endeavour_n according_a to_o his_o power_n and_o place_n that_o the_o unworthy_a may_v be_v due_o proceed_v against_o by_o the_o church_n to_o who_o this_o matter_n do_v appertain_v chap._n xv._o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n one_o with_o another_o although_o church_n be_v distinct_a 2.1_o rev._n 1.4_o cant._n 8.8_o rom._n 16.16_o 1_o cor_fw-la 16.19_o act_n 15.23_o rev._n 2.1_o and_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v confound_v one_o with_o another_o and_o equal_a and_o therefore_o have_v not_o dominion_n one_o over_o another_o yet_o all_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o preserve_v church-communion_n one_o with_o another_o because_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a unto_o christ_n not_o only_o as_o a_o mystical_a but_o as_o a_o political_a head_n whence_o be_v derive_v a_o communion_n suitable_a thereunto_o 2._o the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v exercise_v sundry_a way_n 1._o 8.8_o cant._n 8.8_o by_o way_n of_o mutual_a care_n in_o take_v think_v for_o one_o another_o welfare_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o consultation_n one_o with_o another_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o require_v the_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n touch_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v than_o ourselves_o as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n consult_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n 2_o act_n 15_o 2_o about_o the_o question_n of_o circumcision_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o about_o the_o false_a teacher_n that_o broach_v that_o doctrine_n in_o which_o case_n 6_o act_n 15_o 6_o when_o any_o church_n want_v light_a or_o peace_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v a_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o word_n to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o elder_n and_o other_o messenger_n in_o a_o synod_n to_o consider_v &_o argue_v the_o point_n in_o doubt_n or_o difference_n 23_o verse_n 22_o 23_o and_o have_v find_v out_o he_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n to_o commend_v the_o same_o by_o their_o letter_n and_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n who_o the_o same_o may_v concern_v but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v rend_v with_o division_n among_o themselves_o or_o lie_v under_o any_o open_a scandal_n &_o yet_o refuse_v to_o consult_v with_o other_o church_n for_o heal_v or_o remove_v of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o just_a offence_n both_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o other_o church_n as_o betray_v too_o much_o want_n of_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n 34.4_o ezck._n 34.4_o not_o to_o seek_v to_o bind_v up_o the_o breach_n and_o wound_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o church_n call_v aloud_o upon_o other_o church_n to_o exercise_v a_o full_a act_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n to_o wit_n by_o way_n of_o admonition_n iii_o a_o three_o way_n then_o of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o admonition_n to_o wit_n in_o case_n any_o public_a offence_n be_v find_v in_o a_o church_n which_o they_o either_o discern_v not_o 14._o gal._n 2.11_o to_o 14._o or_o be_v slow_a in_o proceed_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o the_o remove_n and_o heal_v of_o paul_n have_v no_o authority_n over_o peter_n yet_o when_o he_o see_v peter_n not_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n he_o public_o rebuke_v he_o before_o the_o church_n though_o church_n have_v no_o more_o authority_n one_o over_o another_o than_o