some_o public_a offence_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o as_o have_v be_v already_o open_v sure_o though_o this_o three_o reason_n reach_v not_o infant_n yet_o the_o two_o former_a do_v and_o prevent_v as_o their_o parent_n of_o just_a claim_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o they_o of_o due_a right_n of_o baptism_n with_o we_o for_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n over_o they_o neither_o have_v they_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o recommend_v to_o none_o against_o this_o sundry_a thing_n be_v object_v and_o such_o as_o seem_v of_o much_o weight_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v to_o some_o who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o to_o the_o child_n of_o non-member_n as_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.37_o 38._o and_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 10.47_o 48._o paul_n baptize_v lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 16.15.33_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n *_o *_o first_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o unlimited_a power_n and_o may_v baptize_v believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n and_o their_o seed_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v but_o the_o power_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a visible_a church_n which_o have_v call_v they_o to_o minister_v unto_o they_o *_o *_o second_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n baptize_v any_o but_o such_o as_o either_o be_v member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n before_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o else_o they_o gather_v they_o into_o a_o visible_a church_n estate_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o *_o *_o the_o eunuch_n in_o act_n 8._o be_v a_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o text_n say_v he_o come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n for_o to_o worship_n act_v 8.27_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n object_n that_o his_o membership_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o baptism_n see_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o of_o the_o jewish_a *_o *_o for_o whatsoever_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n and_o profess_v that_o faith_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n for_o such_o they_o be_v who_o john_n baptize_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o christ_n disciple_n joh._n 4.2_o yea_o all_o the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n 1_o cor._n 10.2_o *_o *_o as_o for_o lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o both_o their_o family_n they_o live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o city_n of_o philippi_n act._n 16.12_o where_o be_v a_o company_n also_o of_o other_o brethren_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o doubtless_o be_v when_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o act_v 16._o he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o a_o church_n know_v you_o philippian_n say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o church_n communicate_v with_o i_o as_o concern_v give_v and_o receive_v but_o you_o only_o phil._n 4.15_o which_o evident_o hold_v they_o forth_o as_o a_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o paul_n do_v first_o gather_v the_o brethren_n there_o into_o a_o church_n when_o he_o baptize_v lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o other_o there_o and_o indeed_o the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n hold_v it_o forth_o that_o they_o be_v by_o preach_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o their_o child_n mat._n 28.19_o now_o a_o disciple_n as_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n impli_v be_v a_o scholar_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o do_v baptize_v they_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n but_o also_o to_o gather_v they_o as_o disciple_n or_o scholar_n into_o a_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v every_o particular_a visible_a christian_a church_n wherein_o some_o be_v teacher_n some_o be_v disciple_n or_o scholar_n and_o his_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v baptize_v any_o that_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o enter_v they_o into_o it_o in_o which_o regard_n we_o can_v easy_o think_v that_o when_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o family_n he_o do_v only_o perceive_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o evident_o profess_v the_o same_o in_o new_a tongue_n act_n 10.45_o 46_o 47._o but_o that_o he_o do_v also_o gather_v they_o into_o one_o body_n direct_v they_o to_o the_o spiritual_a use_n of_o the_o new_o receive_v gift_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o baptize_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o one_o another_o in_o his_o name_n three_o we_o answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v transcendent_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o receive_v transcendent_a power_n to_o administer_v their_o work_n as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v they_o job_n 20.21_o to_o wit_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la with_o all_o fullness_n of_o power_n so_o that_o any_o one_o apostle_n receive_v both_o the_o gift_n and_o power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n any_o apostle_n may_v do_v the_o work_n not_o only_o of_o a_o apostle_n but_o of_o a_o prophet_n of_o a_o evangelist_n of_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o deacon_n 1.1_o rev._n 1.1_o they_o do_v foretell_v as_o prophet_n thing_n to_o come_v act_v 27.22_o they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o not_o only_o to_o plant_v church_n but_o to_o water_v church_n as_o evangelist_n act_n 15.41_o they_o as_o pastor_n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n with_o wholesome_a word_n of_o exhortation_n 2.7_o 1_o tim._n 2.7_o joh._n 21.25_o they_o as_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o as_o elder_n rule_v the_o church_n not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o as_o deacon_n they_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o distribute_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o 4.35_o act_n 4.35_o though_o when_o the_o apostle_n come_v where_o church_n be_v plant_v they_o do_v put_v forth_o no_o act_n of_o transcendent_a authority_n but_o do_v all_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v do_v any_o act_n which_o any_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o may_v do_v together_o as_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v in_o such_o a_o case_n impose_v hand_n alone_o so_o paul_n may_v set_v apart_o timothy_n to_o some_o special_a office_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o they_o may_v alone_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o they_o alone_o may_v baptize_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o the_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v comprehend_v as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o *_o *_o their_o act_n therefore_o in_o such_o transcendent_a case_n be_v not_o pattern_n nor_o precedent_n for_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v to_o move_v in_o our_o own_o line_n and_o to_o act_v only_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v again_o that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n such_o as_o be_v cast_v out_o be_v not_o hold_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v yet_o right_a unto_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v of_o we_o to_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n they_o prove_v by_o sundry_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divers_a sort_n of_o member_n some_o be_v member_n not_o actual_o but_o in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n 2._o some_o be_v member_n only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o hypocrite_n which_o be_v as_o wooden_a leg_n fasten_v to_o the_o body_n 3._o some_o be_v lively_a member_n knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n to_o the_o brethren_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n 4._o some_o be_v decay_v member_n which_o though_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n &_o
the_o rule_v elder_n have_v receive_v the_o key_n of_o christ_n house_n as_o his_o steward_n it_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o power_n 1._o to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o christ_n house_n or_o church_n that_o be_v to_o admit_v and_o receive_v all_o member_n and_o officer_n into_o place_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o unworthy_a hence_o minister_n be_v say_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o admit_v into_o office_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o if_o minister_n be_v admit_v through_o their_o hand_n into_o office_n in_o the_o church_n how_o much_o more_o private_a member_n after_o due_a trial_n 2._o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v officer_n and_o other_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o unworthy_a shut_v the_o door_n against_o they_o then_o they_o have_v also_o power_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o fellow_n elder_n as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n such_o as_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a offence_n within_o the_o church_n and_o do_v persist_v therein_o for_o ejusdem_fw-la porestatis_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la the_o same_o key_n that_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n have_v power_n to_o shut_v it_o 3._o as_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o steward_n in_o a_o family_n so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o none_o live_v inordinate_o without_o a_o calling_n or_o idle_o in_o a_o call_n but_o every_o one_o employ_v and_o set_v a_o work_n to_o his_o lord_n advantage_n 2_o thes_n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o 4._o as_o a_o steward_n in_o the_o family_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o member_n in_o the_o family_n to_o hinder_v his_o fellow_n in_o his_o lord_n work_v so_o neither_o aught_o the_o rule_v elder_a to_o suffer_v any_o to_o walk_v scandalous_o in_o the_o congregation_n for_o that_o hinder_v edification_n which_o be_v the_o work_n that_o each_o one_o in_o his_o place_n be_v to_o set_v forward_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church-ruler_n be_v to_o attend_v to_o see_v it_o do_v according_o 5._o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_n office_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o congregation_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v their_o trouble_n by_o keep_v out_o such_o complaint_n and_o other_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a for_o the_o church_n cognizance_n and_o by_o order_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v present_v to_o they_o paul_n consult_v with_o the_o elder_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n before_o he_o present_v himself_o to_o the_o agitation_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 21.18_o to_o 24._o 6._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o teacher_n to_o moderate_v the_o carriage_n of_o all_o matter_n in_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v as_o to_o call_v on_o stranger_n of_o other_o church_n or_o member_n to_o speak_v upon_o occasion_n act._n 13.15_o and_o such_o as_o may_v call_v man_n forth_o to_o speak_v may_v call_v for_o silence_n when_o speech_n be_v unseasonable_a 7._o those_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n who_o paul_n send_v for_o to_o wit_n both_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n act_n 20.17_o those_o he_o command_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 28._o which_o impli_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o rule_v but_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n though_o not_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n which_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n nor_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o teacher_n office_n yet_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o admonition_n for_o the_o apostle_n make_v admonition_n the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o that_o be_v that_o rule_n over_o they_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o rule_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o who_o he_o join_v with_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n in_o both_o place_n and_o indeed_o rule_v without_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v dumb_a thus_o all_o elder_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n though_o it_o be_v not_o they_o alone_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v send_v for_o and_o together_o with_o some_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o to_o help_v forward_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o jam._n 5.14_o 15_o 16._o we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o clear_v the_o several_a sort_n of_o these_o elder_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n because_o we_o find_v satan_n have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o set_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n a_o work_n both_o to_o confound_v the_o several_a function_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o utter_o to_o abandon_v the_o office_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a now_o for_o deacon_n which_o be_v the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a service_n of_o the_o church_n all_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v institute_v express_o in_o the_o scripture_n act_n 6.2_o to_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 13._o and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n though_o not_o without_o sundry_a mixture_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n to_o prosecute_v who_o only_o intend_v to_o declare_v and_o clear_v our_o own_o practice_n and_o proceed_n deacon_n therefore_o we_o reserve_v in_o our_o church_n but_o without_o distinction_n of_o pre-eminence_n of_o some_o of_o they_o above_o other_o much_o less_o over_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n neither_o do_v we_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n think_v themselves_o unmeet_a both_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o serve_v table_n also_o and_o therefore_o the_o work_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o and_o which_o the_o deacon_n be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o take_v up_o be_v the_o serve_v of_o table_n act._n 6.2_o to_o wit_n the_o serve_v of_o all_o those_o table_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n to_o provide_v for_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n table_n the_o table_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o poor_a brethren_n whether_o of_o their_o own_o body_n or_o stranger_n for_o the_o maintain_v whereof_o we_o do_v not_o appoint_v they_o to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o collect_v the_o benevolence_n of_o able_a brethren_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o brethren_n bring_v and_o lay_v down_o at_o their_o foot_n act_n 4.35_o and_o thereby_o make_v distribution_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v of_o the_o church_n require_v so_o the_o deacon_n be_v ordain_v to_o take_v up_o and_o execute_v that_o part_n of_o the_o office_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o they_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o brethren_n every_o lord_n day_n bring_v unto_o they_o and_o lay_v down_o before_o they_o or_o else_o bring_v unto_o they_o on_o the_o week_n day_n and_o distribute_v the_o same_o as_o the_o use_n and_o need_v of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v sect_n iii_o as_o for_o widow_n who_o paul_n speak_v of_o as_o vervant_n to_o the_o church_n 2_o tim._n 5.9_o 10._o we_o look_v at_o they_o as_o fit_a assistant_n to_o the_o deacon_n in_o minister_a to_o the_o sick_a poor_a brethren_n in_o sundry_a needful_a service_n which_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a for_o man_n to_o put_v their_o hand_n unto_o only_o we_o find_v it_o somewhat_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o woman_n of_o so_o great_a a_o age_n as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v to_o wit_n of_o threescore_o year_n and_o withal_o to_o be_v so_o hearty_a and_o healthy_a and_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v fit_a to_o undertake_v such_o a_o service_n sect_n iv_o have_v thus_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o officer_n we_o desire_v to_o supply_v each_o of_o our_o church_n withal_o we_o come_v now_o to_o declare_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v unto_o their_o office_n when_o therefore_o any_o of_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o of_o these_o officer_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n in_o defect_n of_o deacon_n and_o so_o in_o defect_n of_o all_o other_o officer_n they_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o such_o person_n as_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v according_a to_o
to_o one_o another_o set-forme_n of_o prayer_n why_o not_o set-forme_n of_o homily_n and_o then_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o successor_n need_v to_o have_v leave_v off_o their_o employment_n in_o minister_a to_o table_n to_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act_n 6.4_o for_o both_o be_v prepare_v to_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o prescription_n of_o other_o whence_o also_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o minister_n shall_v little_o need_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n to_o that_o end_n but_o may_v edify_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o yea_o minister_n though_o destitute_a of_o ministerial_a gift_n may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o public_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o man_n gift_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o so_o indeed_o a_o prescript_n liturgy_n be_v proper_o a_o maintenance_n to_o all_o idol_n dumb_a minister_n and_o in_o this_o forbearance_n of_o prescript_n prayer_n as_o we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n so_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o pattern_n in_o this_o case_n of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o second_o apology_n for_o christian_n a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n send_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n without_o mention_v any_o prescript_n form_n according_a to_o his_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n leave_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o and_o tertullian_n about_o 203._o year_n after_o christ_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o christian_n say_v they_o pray_v sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la pectore_fw-la without_o a_o prompter_n because_o they_o pray_v from_o their_o heart_n tertull._n apolog._n 30._o that_o be_v as_o zeph._n on_o the_o place_n expound_v it_o they_o pray_v not_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o wit_n in_o any_o form_n of_o word_n prescribe_v by_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o in_o those_o bloody_a time_n of_o persecution_n the_o church_n have_v any_o set-forme_n of_o liturgy_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v enjoin_v a_o form_n of_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o their_o emperor_n it_o have_v be_v a_o unskilful_a and_o sinful_a neglect_n both_o in_o justin_n and_o tertullian_n to_o omit_v such_o public_a evidence_n of_o their_o profess_a loyalty_n and_o devotion_n to_o the_o state_n sect_n v._o object_n the_o second_o thing_n in_o our_o administration_n of_o public_a ordinance_n whereof_o many_o require_v account_n of_o we_o be_v why_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n as_o we_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n answ_n let_v it_o first_o be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o then_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n we_o do_v it_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n unless_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v or_o at_o least_o unless_o those_o church_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o their_o desire_n that_o their_o member_n come_v occasional_o among_o we_o may_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o our_o own_o by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o either_o the_o person_n themselves_o or_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v lie_v under_o any_o offence_n before_o the_o church_n now_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o thus_o walk_v be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o power_n requisite_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n to_o administer_v a_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v dispense_v to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o a_o act_n of_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o by_o they_o to_o be_v dispense_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n they_o then_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o they_o we_o may_v not_o dispense_v a_o act_n of_o power_n but_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n we_o have_v no_o ministerial_a power_n over_o they_o and_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o other_o church_n not_o of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o further_o than_o they_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o from_o their_o own_o church_n either_o by_o letter_n or_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o country_n who_o we_o do_v admit_v to_o communion_n with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o now_o for_o our_o brethren_n who_o come_v out_o of_o england_n many_o of_o they_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o those_o who_o be_v well_o know_v and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o well_o approve_v yet_o they_o bring_v no_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n to_o we_o from_o those_o church_n who_o have_v interest_n in_o they_o and_o power_n over_o they_o and_o beside_o we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o any_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n when_o once_o they_o remove_v their_o dwell_n out_o of_o that_o parish_n they_o be_v account_v as_o no_o long_a member_n of_o that_o church_n so_o that_o they_o come_v over_o to_o we_o as_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n at_o all_o either_o in_o old_a england_n or_o in_o new_a and_o so_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o no_o church_n either_o there_o or_o here_o how_o then_o can_v we_o dispense_v a_o act_n of_o power_n to_o they_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o either_o commend_v to_o we_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v will_v it_o be_v think_v reasonable_a in_o case_n that_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n come_v over_o to_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o drunkenness_n or_o whoredom_n or_o other_o scandalous_a crime_n if_o the_o church_n where_o he_o sojourn_v among_o shall_v proceed_v to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o a_o act_n coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la may_v he_o not_o demand_v just_o by_o what_o authority_n we_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o enter_v into_o our_o communion_n this_o may_v therefore_o yield_v we_o a_o just_a defence_n they_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v in_o any_o case_n by_o excommunication_n to_o they_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o dispense_v the_o communion_n but_o so_o it_o be_v we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v any_o of_o our_o congregation_n though_o never_o so_o scandalous_a by_o excommunicate_v unless_o they_o first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o our_o fellowship_n therefore_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n till_o then_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o our_o communion_n 2._o a_o second_o ground_n of_o their_o practice_n we_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o though_o they_o be_v seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o yet_o not_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v confederate_a and_o join_v together_o in_o some_o particular_a visible_a church_n none_o may_v ordinary_o dispense_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n nor_o may_v he_o dispense_v it_o to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n none_o be_v partaker_n either_o of_o the_o passeover_n or_o of_o circumcision_n unless_o they_o be_v either_o israelite_n bear_v or_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n job_n and_o his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n with_o they_o though_o all_o of_o they_o righteous_a by_o faith_n and_o all_o of_o the_o stock_n and_o kindred_n of_o abraham_n yet_o we_o read_v of_o none_o of_o they_o to_o be_v circumcise_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a they_o be_v for_o have_v they_o be_v circumcise_a they_o will_v not_o have_v keep_v so_o deep_a silence_n of_o it_o throughout_o all_o their_o conference_n with_o job_n as_o they_o do_v especial_o have_v so_o often_o occasion_n to_o urge_v the_o pollution_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o birth_n whereof_o circumcision_n have_v be_v a_o most_o pertinent_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o same_o and_o wherefore_o be_v they_o not_o all_o circumcise_a be_v all_o of_o they_o righteous_a by_o faith_n but_o only_o because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o
murder_n rail_a extortion_n and_o the_o like_a or_o such_o as_o be_v general_o account_v damnable_a and_o detestable_a among_o christian_n as_o idolatry_n blasphemy_n profaneness_n etc._n etc._n we_o take_v ourselves_o bind_v to_o proceed_v more_o roundly_o against_o such_o for_o in_o such_o case_n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_v we_o to_o such_o gradual_a proceed_n by_o private_a admonition_n but_o if_o any_o brother_n say_v he_o be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o no_v not_o to_o eat_v for_o it_o do_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o honour_n of_o his_o church_n to_o accept_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a crime_n without_o further_a censure_n but_o it_o become_v the_o church_n be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n rather_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o fellowship_n of_o such_o notorious_a wickedness_n by_o expression_n of_o their_o zeal_n and_o just_a indignation_n against_o such_o sin_n by_o cast_v out_o the_o committer_n thereof_o from_o fellowship_n among_o they_o for_o though_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o offender_n do_v remove_v any_o offence_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o church_n be_v not_o wont_v ordinary_o to_o grant_v repentance_n unto_o such_o notorious_a sinner_n until_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v upon_o they_o while_o the_o offender_n lie_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n though_o he_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o from_o all_o other_o liberty_n of_o church-fellowship_n as_o vote_v in_o election_n admission_n of_o member_n censure_n etc._n etc._n yet_o we_o do_v not_o debar_v he_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n in_o time_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n or_o prayer_n or_o such_o other_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n for_o this_o liberty_n we_o do_v not_o forbid_v to_o heathen_n and_o indian_n and_o person_n excommunicate_a be_v but_o as_o heathen_n in_o respect_n of_o worship_n although_o worse_a than_o heathen_n even_o as_o publican_n in_o respect_n of_o familiar_a private_a communion_n for_o though_o we_o may_v eat_v with_o a_o heathen_a 1_o cor._n 10.27_o yet_o with_o a_o publican_n the_o jew_n will_v not_o eat_v mat._n 9.11_o no_o more_o may_v we_o with_o excommunicate_a person_n 2_o cor._n 5.11_o but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o a_o heathen_a be_v forbid_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n in_o the_o synagogue_n though_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v to_o they_o of_o a_o sacramental_a nature_n act._n 21.28_o 29._o nor_o may_v they_o enter_v as_o member_n into_o the_o congregation_n deut._n 13.13_o to_o 8._o but_o suppose_v heathen_n be_v forbid_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n even_o in_o the_o synagogue_n yet_o see_v that_o wall_n of_o partition_n between_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v now_o break_v down_o as_o in_o other_o respect_n so_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o now_o unlawful_a for_o a_o infidel_n or_o heathen_a to_o come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o 24_o 25._o as_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o like_a liberty_n either_o to_o indian_n or_o negars_n so_o not_o to_o excommunicate_v person_n moreover_o this_o further_a compassion_n and_o succour_n we_o afford_v to_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n that_o though_o we_o have_v cast_v he_o out_o of_o our_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n peculiar_a to_o church-fellowship_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o cast_v he_o out_o also_o of_o our_o heart_n nor_o out_o of_o our_o prayer_n nor_o out_o of_o our_o care_n to_o recover_v such_o a_o lose_a sheep_n into_o christ_n fold_n again_o and_o therefore_o still_o though_o we_o forbear_v all_o familiar_a fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o countenance_n towards_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a yet_o we_o account_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o still_o take_v opportunity_n to_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 15._o and_o if_o we_o find_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n upon_o the_o censure_n or_o by_o the_o rebuke_n of_o many_o minister_v unto_o he_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v humble_v as_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 2_o cor._n 2.6_o the_o elder_n discover_v the_o same_o do_v call_v he_o forth_o before_o the_o church_n where_o he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o confess_v his_o sin_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n against_o he_o and_o hold_v forth_o a_o repent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v with_o common_a consent_n forgive_v he_o and_o comfort_v he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n to_o he_o by_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o into_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n house_n as_o before_z sect_n iii_o in_o all_o these_o transaction_n of_o church_n proceed_n when_o we_o say_v we_o do_v this_o or_o that_o with_o common_a consent_n our_o meaning_n be_v we_o do_v not_o carry_v on_o matter_n either_o by_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n or_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o general_a and_o joint_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o primitive_a church_n which_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o succeed_a age_n carry_v all_o their_o administration_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v with_o one_o accord_n act_v 2.46_o as_o become_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o judgement_n and_o all_o to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n act._n 4.32_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o phil._n 2.2_o 3._o but_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o any_o difference_n do_v arise_v as_o sometime_o there_o do_v through_o the_o remain_a darkness_n of_o our_o mind_n see_v we_o all_o know_v but_o in_o part_n than_o such_o as_o do_v dissent_n from_o their_o brethren_n be_v require_v to_o propound_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o dissent_n which_o if_o they_o be_v weighty_a and_o hold_v forth_o from_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n all_o the_o rest_n do_v submit_v and_o yield_v thereunto_o not_o as_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o brethren_n only_o but_o as_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n who_o voice_n alone_o must_v rule_v in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n will_v hear_v it_o and_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n will_v follow_v it_o thus_o paphnutius_fw-la be_v say_v to_o turn_v about_o the_o whole_a general_a council_n of_o nice_a in_o the_o point_n of_o minister_n marriage_n but_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o as_o do_v dissent_n do_v upon_o due_a consideration_n appear_v to_o have_v little_a or_o no_o weight_n in_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o some_o other_o of_o the_o brethren_n do_v declare_v unto_o they_o the_o invalidity_n thereof_o if_o they_o be_v satisfy_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n do_v then_o proceed_v with_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v yet_o it_o be_v either_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o so_o through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o through_o strength_n of_o pride_n and_o so_o through_o stiffness_n of_o will_n if_o the_o former_a be_v the_o let_v they_o take_v further_a pain_n love_o to_o inform_v they_o and_o patient_o bear_v with_o they_o till_o matter_n be_v further_o clear_v so_o that_o at_o length_n they_o come_v either_o to_o consent_v to_o go_v along_o with_o their_o brethren_n or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v content_a to_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o for_o their_o part_n to_o sit_v still_o and_o to_o make_v no_o further_a deal_n with_o the_o church_n proceed_n but_o if_o through_o partialty_n or_o prejudice_n their_o dissent_n do_v appear_v to_o spring_v from_o stiffness_n of_o will_n or_o from_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n which_o yet_o fall_v out_o very_o rare_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v by_o love_v and_o brotherly_a information_n to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o better_a judgement_n of_o their_o brethren_n the_o church_n do_v proceed_v with_o common_a consent_n to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o pride_n and_o self-willednesse_a and_o so_o leave_v they_o under_o the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n whereby_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o voice_n be_v take_v from_o they_o till_o they_o have_v remove_v this_o
bishop_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o good_a old_a bishop_n valerius_n be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o for_o suffer_v augustine_n a_o presbyter_n though_o a_o learned_a presbyter_n to_o preach_v before_o he_o which_o be_v say_v never_o any_o african_a bishop_n have_v allow_v before_o he_o now_o whence_o shall_v such_o a_o offence_n as_o be_v take_v against_o valerius_n arise_v but_o from_o translate_n the_o silence_n of_o rule_v elder_n from_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n unto_o those_o presbyter_n also_o who_o be_v call_v oft_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n free_o and_o diligent_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o but_o when_o through_o corruption_n of_o time_n bishop_n claim_v to_o themselves_o the_o principal_n pastoral_a cure_n of_o soul_n than_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o offensive_a matter_n that_o teach_v elder_n shall_v preach_v before_o they_o as_o before_o it_o be_v unwonted_a for_o rule_v elder_n to_o preach_v before_o the_o teach_v ordinary_o object_n but_o there_o remain_v one_o objection_n or_o two_o which_o some_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n have_v make_v against_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n object_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o office_n of_o ruling_n elder_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o no_o footstep_n leave_v of_o it_o in_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n popery_n itself_o though_o it_o corrupt_v all_o ordinance_n yet_o retain_v some_o footstep_n of_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n though_o much_o pervert_v from_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n at_o all_o of_o those_o rule_v elder_n extant_a in_o any_o church_n but_o those_o of_o genevah_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v their_o pattern_n for_o though_o some_o tell_v we_o of_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o england_n who_o assist_v the_o preacher_n in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o rule_v elder_n for_o these_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v appoint_v not_o for_o assistance_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o churchwarden_n for_o keep_v the_o church_n stock_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o necessary_a repair_v of_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o vestry_n be_v a_o company_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o rich_a parishioner_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v churchwarden_n be_v exercise_v in_o audit_v the_o account_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o admonish_v a_o unruly_a neighbour_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o authority_n as_o ruler_n but_o by_o christian_a discretion_n and_o charity_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rule_v elder_n for_o though_o they_o be_v both_o choose_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o choice_n the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o attend_v to_o nor_o be_v they_o so_o ordain_v either_o with_o the_o like_a holy_a solemnity_n or_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a power_n nor_o allow_v to_o continue_v for_o life_n as_o rule_v elder_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o yet_o such_o as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v see_v in_o they_o some_o footstep_n and_o remnant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v rudera_fw-la of_o that_o holy_a and_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o much_o as_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o chancellor_n commissary_n and_o official_o who_o be_v mere_a lay_v elder_n and_o yet_o administer_v church-government_n not_o in_o one_o church_n only_o but_o in_o many_o score_n of_o church_n what_o other_o thing_n sound_v the_o very_a name_n of_o churchwarden_n guardiani_n ecclesiae_fw-la but_o church-guardian_n or_o church-ruler_n and_o what_o be_v the_o company_n of_o vestryman_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o consistory_n second_o though_o by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o his_o vicar_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o care_n be_v transform_v from_o order_v the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o material_a church_n or_o temple_n yet_o what_o power_n of_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o any_o congregation_n beside_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o churchwarden_n and_o vestery_n man_n do_v assist_v the_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o same_o they_o observe_v all_o scandalous_a disorder_n that_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church-minister_n or_o people_n they_o admonish_v the_o offender_n and_o though_o they_o be_v over-ruler_n to_o present_v all_o disorder_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o which_o of_o right_n they_o shall_v complain_v of_o when_o the_o offender_n be_v incorrigible_a only_o to_o their_o own_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n for_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n to_o return_v such_o offender_n have_v first_o pay_v they_o their_o fee_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o their_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o amendment_n of_o which_o also_o they_o must_v bring_v a_o certificate_n under_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n hand_n yea_o of_o our_o knowledge_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a privilege_a church_n in_o england_n exempt_v from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n where_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o minister_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v transact_v all_o that_o government_n which_o in_o other_o church_n the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n do_v invade_v and_o usurp_v as_o to_o admonish_v offender_n to_o enjoin_v acknowledgement_n of_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o repress_v idleness_n drunkenness_n swear_v sabbath-breaking_a and_o the_o like_a disorder_n with_o better_a success_n than_o other_o town_n can_v do_v who_o have_v the_o help_n of_o major_n and_o justice_n but_o not_o so_o much_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n unto_o their_o minister_n and_o guardian_n or_o ruler_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o appear_v that_o ancient_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o among_o themselves_o before_o one_o church_n begin_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o another_o object_n the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o rule_v elder_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o perilous_a consequence_n to_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o authority_n answ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v clear_o enough_o limit_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o ruling_n elder_n call_v and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o since_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o the_o sword_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o church-governour_n may_v take_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o wit_n civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o usurpation_n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v princely_a lordly_a but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v only_o stewardly_a and_o ministerial_a for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n to_o eliakim_n isa_n 22.22_o and_o he_o be_v over_o the_o house_n ver._n 15._o which_o phrase_n of_o be_v over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v proper_o gen._n 43.19_o steward_z of_o the_o house_n see_v then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritnall_a and_o not_o worldly_a and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o lordly_a but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a evident_a it_o be_v that_o these_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n may_v only_o attend_v to_o work_n of_o spiritual_a and_o ministerial_a rule_n and_o further_o because_o such_o act_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n as_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o call_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o that_o work_n be_v leave_v unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o what_o act_v soever_o of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n over_o and_o above_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n all_o such_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n and_o none_o but_o such_o to_o instance_n then_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n office_n
2_o cor._n 8.1_o 2._o 2._o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o put_v of_o any_o one_o bishop_n above_o his_o fellow_n except_o only_o the_o difference_n of_o rule_v and_o teach_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o those_o as_o they_o be_v not_o set_v over_o many_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v any_o of_o they_o set_v above_o his_o fellow_n only_o the_o preacher_n be_v allow_v more_o reverence_n and_o maintenance_n than_o the_o ruler_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v some_o singular_a bishop_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o any_o transcendent_a and_o eminent_a office_n he_o will_v have_v appoint_v he_o also_o some_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a proper_a work_n of_o his_o office_n but_o what_o shall_v that_o be_v shall_v it_o be_v ordination_n as_o hierome_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n in_o his_o time_n quid_fw-la facit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la facit_fw-la why_o that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n or_o shall_v it_o be_v hear_v accusation_n against_o elder_n and_o censure_v they_o according_o as_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o 20_o why_o that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n also_o now_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v no_o act_n of_o rule_n nor_o any_o elder_n or_o bishop_n that_o do_v rule_n as_o worthy_a of_o great_a honour_n than_o such_o elder_n as_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o it_o be_v therefore_o apparent_o contradictory_n to_o the_o institution_n give_v by_o paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o set_v up_o any_o eminent_a or_o transcendent_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o rule_n or_o exercise_v of_o office_n of_o more_o honour_n and_o power_n then_o pertain_v to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o neither_o ordination_n nor_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v both_o of_o they_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o transcendent_a bishop_n but_o pertain_v indifferent_o to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n sect_n ix_o object_n but_o if_o no_o transcendent_a act_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n be_v reserve_v unto_o one_o bishop_n alone_o above_o other_o minister_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o rev._n 2.3_o each_o singular_a angel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v alone_o for_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o angel_n why_o shall_v one_o angel_n alone_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o those_o fault_n in_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o hand_n alone_o to_o redress_v and_o punish_v they_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o john_n and_o find_v also_o in_o other_o scripture_n to_o use_v the_o name_n of_o angel_n not_o singular_o for_o one_o person_n but_o collective_o for_o a_o company_n administer_a the_o same_o work_n as_o the_o seven_o angel_n that_o sound_v the_o seven_o trumpet_n and_o the_o seven_o angel_n that_o pour_v out_o the_o seven_o vial_n be_v not_o seven_o singular_a person_n but_o seven_o company_n or_o sort_n of_o person_n perform_v that_o service_n and_o when_o david_n say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o they_o which_o fear_v he_o psal_n 34.7_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o angel_n alone_o but_o of_o many_o of_o they_o for_o one_o alone_a can_v pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o all_o they_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o that_o john_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v not_o mean_a by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n one_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o person_n more_o than_o one_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o speech_n unto_o they_o as_o unto_o many_o the_o devil_n say_v he_o shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n rev._n 2.10_o some_o of_o you_o 〈◊〉_d gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o imply_v more_o than_o one_o and_o again_o in_o rev._n 2.24_o speak_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n but_o unto_o you_o plural_a you_o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o in_o the_o plural_a i_o say_v and_o unto_o the_o rest_n of_o thiatira_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o angel_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o than_o one_o person_n for_o he_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n object_n but_o now_o say_v some_o let_v it_o be_v so_o then_o if_o such_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a bishop_n that_o be_v diocesan_n bishop_n who_o claim_v a_o peerless_a power_n in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o themselves_o alone_o have_v no_o foothold_a in_o the_o scripture_n then_o let_v they_o neither_o have_v name_n nor_o place_n portion_n right_a nor_o memorial_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n be_v clear_a for_o a_o presbytery_n and_o acknowledge_v imposition_n of_o hand_n even_o upon_o timothy_n how_o much_o more_o upon_o other_o elder_n by_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o answ_n we_o willing_o also_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o where_o god_n have_v furnish_v any_o church_n with_o a_o presbytery_n to_o they_o it_o pertain_v to_o ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n any_o elder_n or_o deacon_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o office_n by_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o if_o the_o church_n want_v a_o presbytery_n for_o want_v of_o elder_n they_o want_v a_o warrant_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o another_o church_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o elect_a elder_n our_o reason_n be_v reason_n 1_o first_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v a_o work_n of_o church_n power_n as_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v now_o as_o no_o church_n have_v power_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o stand_v in_o brotherly_a equality_n one_o towards_o another_o so_o the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o elder_n of_o another_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o of_o they_o receive_v the_o same_o commission_n joh._n 20.23_o have_v none_o of_o they_o power_n over_o another_o so_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v all_o of_o they_o the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o they_o none_o of_o they_o have_v power_n over_o another_o and_o therefore_o no_o power_n of_o ordination_n of_o one_o another_o officer_n reason_n 2_o as_o every_o church_n have_v equal_o receive_v the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o ought_v they_o to_o maintain_v and_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o same_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n purchase_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o at_o a_o less_o rate_n it_o may_v not_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o church_n christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n have_v obtain_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n mat._n 28.18_o phil._n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o and_o look_v where_o he_o have_v communicate_v the_o same_o by_o his_o testament_n ratify_v in_o his_o blood_n there_o it_o ought_v to_o remain_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n whence_o it_o appear_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o put_v over_o that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o christ_n out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v all_o of_o they_o equal_a power_n from_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v confer_v upon_o peter_n and_o paul_n james_n and_o john_n a_o transcendent_a government_n over_o they_o all_o if_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n as_o be_v say_v of_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n gal._n 2.9_o and_o so_o more_o eminent_a in_o gift_n then_o all_o their_o brethren_n it_o may_v put_v upon_o their_o brethren_n a_o expediency_n and_o sometime_o a_o necessity_n to_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o more_o counsel_n but_o not_o to_o call_v they_o to_o more_o authority_n in_o like_a sort_n if_o a_o church_n in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o be_v of_o more_o eminent_a gift_n and_o grace_n than_o a_o church_n in_o a_o village_n it_o be_v a_o just_a occasion_n for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o village_n to_o listen_v the_o more_o after_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n but_o not_o to_o submit_v the_o more_o unto_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a a_o classis_fw-la of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o many_o church_n may_v excel_v in_o more_o variety_n of_o all_o ability_n than_o the_o
espousal_n without_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o espousage_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o their_o covenant_n 3._o the_o mutual_a relation_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n in_o the_o church_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o member_n to_o member_n and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o do_v all_o of_o they_o necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a confederacy_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v partake_v herein_o must_v partake_v in_o their_o confederacy_n suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n as_o every_o year_n some_o or_o other_o do_v there_o be_v not_o any_o minister_n of_o any_o of_o our_o church_n can_v usurp_v pastoral_a authority_n over_o he_o unless_o that_o christian_a call_v he_o thereunto_o or_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o his_o ministration_n according_a to_o god_n nor_o can_v such_o a_o man_n expect_v any_o minister_n watchfulness_n over_o he_o as_o his_o minister_n unless_o the_o minister_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o accept_v such_o a_o charge_n and_o profess_v so_o much_o no_o church_n in_o the_o country_n nor_o all_o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o censure_v any_o stranger_n though_o a_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o nor_o can_v he_o challenge_v such_o watchfulness_n from_o they_o unless_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o just_a call_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o his_o blood_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n and_o for_o all_o his_o child_n give_v they_o all_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o their_o own_o fellow-member_n unto_o who_o to_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o infant_n who_o make_v choice_n in_o their_o parent_n but_o of_o such_o who_o know_v their_o liberty_n and_o be_v call_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o till_o than_o that_o a_o man_n tender_a and_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o it_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o receive_v he_o for_o the_o church_n receive_v a_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 14.1_o impli_v and_o presuppose_v his_o offering_n and_o give_v up_o of_o himself_o unto_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o he_o impli_v and_o hold_v forth_o no_o less_o than_o their_o profess_a acceptance_n of_o he_o unto_o all_o those_o holy_a liberty_n with_o they_o and_o performance_n of_o all_o such_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o he_o which_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o let_v man_n call_v this_o expression_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o call_v church-covenant_n sect_n v._o let_v we_o proceed_v then_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o three_o point_n why_o we_o communicate_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o propound_v receive_v of_o member_n unto_o their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o like_a power_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a member_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n then_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la aperire_fw-la &_o claudere_fw-la instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v to_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o who_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o do_v not_o at_o first_o receive_v he_o because_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n until_o barnabas_n by_o his_o testimony_n of_o he_o have_v remove_v their_o scruple_n which_o argue_v the_o private_a brethren_n in_o a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o public_a officer_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o church_n power_n in_o elect_v and_o call_v minister_n to_o office_n it_o have_v be_v show_v above_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v and_o call_v their_o own_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o speech_n of_o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o epist_n 41._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la dignos_fw-la eligendi_fw-la velindignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la and_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a how_o much_o more_o of_o receive_v worthy_a christian_n and_o refuse_v of_o unworthy_a yea_o in_o the_o epistle_n go_v before_o he_o speak_v express_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v some_o who_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o they_o which_o argue_v evident_o their_o power_n in_o receive_v member_n chap._n iu._n concern_v our_o order_n and_o form_n in_o administration_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o able_a help_n officer_n and_o brethren_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o public_a ordinance_n in_o public_a assembly_n especial_o on_o every_o lord_n day_n wherein_o our_o principal_a care_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o administer_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o and_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o all_o those_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v we_o light_n in_o their_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o dress_n or_o paint_v of_o humane_a invention_n for_o as_o the_o first_o commandment_n require_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o his_o own_o only_a true_a worship_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n without_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o isa_n 29.13_o deut._n 12.32_o so_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o observe_v much_o less_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o church_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o any_o institution_n of_o their_o own_o whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o government_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n our_o reason_n hereof_o one_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o be_v take_v from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v as_o large_a as_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o church-governors_n and_o yet_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o mat._n 28.20_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o he_o have_v command_v they_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n then_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15.29_o necessary_a they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n other_o for_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o thing_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v offensive_a the_o prohibition_n of_o they_o cease_v to_o bind_v object_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v the_o apostle_n commission_n reach_v only_o to_o matter_n of_o substance_n not_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o necessity_n not_o indifferency_n we_o answer_v let_v they_o show_v we_o another_o commission_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o put_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n of_o form_n and_o of_o indifferency_n and_o we_o shall_v submit_v but_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o commission_n give_v to_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o much_o urge_a place_n 1_o
and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n where_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o verse_n forego_v that_o he_o have_v judge_v already_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v do_v not_o argue_v that_o now_o the_o church_n be_v at_o hand_n he_o take_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v the_o cause_n whole_o unto_o himself_o and_o the_o publication_n and_o declaration_n of_o it_o only_o in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o he_o have_v see_v already_o evident_a cause_n to_o judge_v the_o party_n worthy_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o direct_v they_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o action_n as_o 1._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o the_o principal_a power_n of_o all_o church-censure_n rest_v 2._o when_o they_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v gather_v together_o not_o the_o bishop_n nor_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o 3._o and_o paul_n spirit_n with_o they_o to_o wit_n so_o much_o of_o apostolical_a authority_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o present_a with_o it_o in_o such_o case_n 4._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o they_o in_o this_o action_n which_o hold_v forth_o their_o authority_n 5._o when_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v humble_v under_o this_o censure_n paul_n beseech_v they_o to_o forgive_v he_o to_o comfort_v he_o to_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o now_o they_o who_o have_v power_n of_o forgive_a a_o offender_n have_v power_n also_o of_o bind_v he_o under_o wrath_n ejusdem_fw-la potestatis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ligare_fw-la etc._n etc._n &_o solvere_fw-la object_n 1._o all_o this_o argue_v no_o more_o but_o that_o some_o in_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o text_n that_o attribute_v any_o power_n to_o the_o presbytery_n apart_o or_o singular_o above_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o the_o reproof_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o all_o for_o not_o mourn_v and_o take_v the_o offence_n to_o heart_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o ver_fw-la 1.2_o so_o be_v commandment_n direct_v to_o they_o all_o when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o proceed_v unto_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o exhort_v they_o all_o again_o put_v away_o therefore_o say_v he_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o that_o by_o a_o judicial_a power_n to_o wit_n as_o under_o christ_n do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o ver_fw-la 12._o and_o lest_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o he_o magnify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o saint_n take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o stretch_v their_o judicature_n in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o civil_a matter_n also_o know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n yea_o the_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3._o and_o thereupon_o he_o incourage_v they_o to_o betrust_v the_o decide_n of_o any_o civil_a cause_n depend_v between_o brethren_n to_o the_o judicature_n of_o the_o mean_a brother_n in_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 4._o rather_o then_o to_o fly_v sudden_o unto_o civil_a magistrate_n especial_o among_o the_o heathen_a object_n 2._o but_o if_o the_o power_n of_o judicature_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o with_o the_o presbytery_n than_o all_o the_o multitude_n shall_v be_v make_v governor_n and_o who_o then_o shall_v be_v govern_v answ_n the_o multitude_n of_o brethren_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o elder_n so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v aright_o to_o wit_n while_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o hear_v joh._n 10.4_o but_o in_o case_n the_o officer_n do_v err_v and_o commit_v offence_n they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o brethren_n though_o otherwise_o the_o brethren_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.17_o object_n 3._o a_o democraticall_a government_n may_v do_v well_o in_o athens_n a_o city_n fruitful_a of_o pregnant_a wit_n but_o will_v soon_o degenerate_a to_o a_o anarchy_n a_o popular_a tumult_n among_o rude_a common_a people_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o so_o godly_a learn_v a_o man_n as_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o prefer_v athens_n before_o jerusalem_n pregnant_a wit_n before_o sanctify_a heart_n answ_n 2._o though_o the_o government_n be_v democraticall_a as_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o tumultuous_a disorder_n where_o not_o the_o will_n of_o each_o man_n bear_v the_o sway_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n alone_o be_v hear_v who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o wise_a monarch_n of_o the_o church_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v tumult_n and_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n can_v be_v avoid_v where_o the_o multitude_n have_v all_o of_o they_o not_o only_o leave_v but_o power_n to_o speak_v and_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v the_o word_n out_o of_o the_o other_o mouth_n and_o one_o of_o they_o to_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o will_v not_o this_o make_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o confluence_n of_o cyclops_n answ_n all_o such_o disorder_n be_v easy_o and_o timely_o prevent_v by_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o restrain_v any_o man_n speech_n while_o another_o be_v speak_v and_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o mean_v speech_n that_o grow_v either_o impertinent_a or_o intemperate_a the_o elder_n have_v receive_v in_o special_a manner_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o democraticall_a but_o as_o the_o best_a government_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a temper_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n who_o voice_n only_o must_v be_v hear_v and_o his_o rule_n keep_v it_o be_v a_o monarchy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o choose_v officer_n and_o joint_a power_n with_o the_o officer_n in_o admit_v member_n in_o censure_v offender_n it_o be_v a_o democracy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o officer_n instruction_n and_o reproof_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o in_o order_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v a_o aristocracy_n what_o be_v find_v good_a in_o any_o civil_a government_n be_v in_o church-government_n and_o what_o be_v find_v evil_a be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n safe_o avoid_v and_o prevent_v but_o that_o we_o may_v more_o distinct_o declare_v ourselves_o wherein_n lie_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o mutual_a authority_n both_o of_o the_o church_n over_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o elder_n over_o the_o church_n we_o conceive_v the_o church_n exercise_v several_a act_n of_o authority_n over_o their_o elder_n to_o wit_n in_o three_o case_n 1._o in_o call_v and_o elect_v they_o to_o office_n and_o in_o ordain_v they_o also_o thereunto_o in_o defect_n of_o their_o presbytery_n 2._o in_o send_v they_o forth_o upon_o the_o public_a service_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v forth_o choose_v minister_n with_o letter_n of_o instruction_n to_o antioch_n and_o other_o church_n act_n 15.22_o now_o the_o ambassador_n be_v not_o great_a than_o he_o that_o send_v he_o but_o usual_o inferior_a job_n 13.16_o 3._o in_o case_n of_o offence_n give_v by_o any_o elder_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a eldership_n together_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o require_v satisfaction_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v due_a satisfaction_n to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o we_o see_v when_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v offence_n against_o peter_n for_o communicate_v with_o the_o gentile_n and_o contend_v with_o he_o about_o it_o peter_n condescend_v to_o give_v ample_a and_o due_a account_n of_o his_o action_n to_o the_o fatisfaction_n of_o they_o all_o act_v 11.2_o to_o 8._o if_o admonition_n and_o in_o some_o case_n excommunication_n be_v ordinance_n of_o god_n sanctify_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n go_v astray_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a injury_n to_o the_o elder_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o wholesome_a medicine_n when_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o soul_n shall_v come_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v a_o rule_v case_n cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejus_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la if_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o ipsa_fw-la
as_o cyprian_n say_v lib._n 1._o ep._n 4._o maximè_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la then_o as_o he_o say_v there_o also_o potestatem_fw-la etiam_fw-la babet_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la &_o abdicandi_fw-la on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o elder_n have_v rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o do_v express_v it_o in_o sundry_a act_n of_o authority_n as_o 1._o in_o call_v the_o church_n together_o upon_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n act_v 6.2_o 2._o in_o open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o assembly_n act_v 13.15_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o the_o elder_n themselves_o lie_v under_o offence_n or_o suspicion_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v begin_v with_o they_o act_v 11.2_o yet_o with_o due_a reverence_n observe_v as_o to_o their_o year_n so_o to_o their_o place_n 1_o tim._n 5.1_o 3._o in_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v to_o charge_v command_n to_o reprove_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n 1_o tim._n 5.7_o &_o 6.17_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o tit._n 2.15_o 4._o in_o dispense_n all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o though_o they_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o dispense_n a_o censure_n yet_o they_o set_v it_o on_o with_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o it_o be_v no_o small_a power_n they_o put_v forth_o in_o direct_v the_o church_n what_o censure_n be_v due_a according_a to_o the_o word_n as_o in_o our_o native_a country_n though_o the_o judge_n dispense_v no_o sentence_n but_o according_a to_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o jury_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v great_a both_o in_o direct_v the_o jury_n to_o give_v in_o their_o verdict_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o in_o pronounce_v sentence_n with_o power_n and_o terror_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o their_o verdict_n the_o like_a do_v the_o elder_n in_o dispense_n church-censure_n 5._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n and_o that_o with_o a_o blessing_n numb_a 6.23_o to_o 26._o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o superiority_n heb._n 7.7_o 6._o in_o case_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o other_o notorious_a scandal_n commit_v by_o they_o and_o their_o obstinacy_n therein_o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o upon_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o israelite_n moses_n take_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pitch_v it_o without_o the_o camp_n exod._n 33.7_o and_o paul_n with_o barnabas_n reject_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o blaspemy_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n act._n 13.45_o 46._o chapter_n vi._n sect_n i._o we_o come_v now_o to_o that_o last_o part_n of_o our_o order_n which_o stand_v in_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n among_o ourselves_o though_o one_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n either_o of_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o another_o for_o we_o know_v of_o none_o such_o give_v we_o by_o christ_n yet_o we_o maintain_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v also_o help_v forward_o our_o mutual_a communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v account_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n thereof_o seven_o way_n there_o be_v wherein_o we_o exercise_v holy_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o which_o for_o distinction_n and_o memory_n sake_n we_o may_v sum_n up_o in_o so_o many_o short_a name_n first_o by_o way_n of_o participation_n second_o of_o recommendation_n three_o of_o consultation_n fourthly_a of_o congregation_n five_o of_o contribution_n sixthly_a of_o admonition_n seventh_o of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n 1._o for_o participation_n we_o have_v occasional_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o church_n that_o when_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n be_v occasion_v to_o rest_n with_o we_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o the_o supper_n come_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o neither_o the_o person_n themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n they_o come_v from_o lie_v under_o any_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v admit_v they_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o for_o we_o look_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o only_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o also_o of_o our_o communion_n with_o his_o member_n and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n but_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n sect_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n we_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o in_o this_o wise_a when_o any_o of_o our_o member_n by_o occasion_n of_o business_n be_v call_v to_o reside_v and_o continue_v for_o any_o time_n in_o another_o town_n we_o give_v he_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n giving_z testimony_n of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o brother_n approve_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o become_v saint_n unto_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o he_o in_o brotherly_a love_n to_o his_o build_n up_o in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o pattern_n whereof_o we_o take_v from_o paul_n recommendation_n of_o phebe_n a_o deaconesse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rom._n 16.1_o 2._o of_o which_o letter_n he_o make_v mention_n also_o to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o not_o as_o needful_a for_o himself_o but_o for_o other_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o but_o if_o a_o brother_n have_v necessary_a occasion_n to_o remove_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n for_o all_o together_o unto_o another_o church_n and_o there_o to_o take_v up_o his_o settle_a habitation_n for_o the_o necessary_a employment_n of_o his_o call_n or_o for_o other_o just_a end_n he_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o his_o intimate_a friend_n and_o brethren_n and_o it_o may_v be_v if_o conveniency_n permit_v the_o whole_a church_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n which_o if_o they_o do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o weighty_a they_o then_o write_v more_o ample_a letter_n of_o recommendation_n unto_o that_o church_n in_o his_o behalf_n wherein_o they_o do_v recommend_v he_o whole_o to_o their_o charge_n now_o not_o as_o one_o of_o themselves_o but_o as_o one_o of_o they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v resign_v he_o and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n belove_v in_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o those_o christian_a liberty_n and_o holy_a duty_n wherein_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o member_n unto_o all_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o letter_n because_o they_o do_v so_o full_o recommend_v a_o brother_n unto_o another_o church_n be_v to_o dismiss_v he_o from_o his_o own_o we_o therefore_o for_o distinction_n sake_n call_v they_o letter_n of_o dismission_n which_o indeed_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o but_o that_o the_o former_a recommend_v he_o to_o another_o church_n for_o a_o time_n these_o for_o ever_o the_o brother_n thus_o dismiss_v to_o another_o church_n bring_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o elder_a of_o that_o church_n who_o read_v they_o before_o the_o church_n demand_v the_o church_n consent_n for_o his_o acceptance_n if_o he_o be_v well_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o they_o express_v their_o consent_n either_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n but_o if_o the_o man_n be_v whole_o unknown_a and_o doubt_v of_o by_o they_o though_o they_o reserve_v due_a honour_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o send_v they_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o church_n may_v err_v sometime_o as_o well_o in_o judgement_n of_o person_n as_o of_o doctrine_n hanc_fw-la veniam_fw-la perimusque_fw-la damusque_fw-la vicissim_fw-la we_o take_v liberty_n to_o take_v some_o trial_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o gift_n and_o then_o either_o upon_o his_o just_a approbation_n of_o he_o we_o receive_v he_o or_o if_o we_o see_v just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n in_o he_o we_o return_v he_o with_o the_o cause_n back_o again_o to_o his_o own_o church_n who_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o her_o own_o fellowship_n and_o take_v care_n for_o his_o heal_n for_o we_o look_v at_o our_o church-covenant_n as_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n jer._n 50.51_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o may_v be_v translate_v or_o resign_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o as_o god_n hand_n shall_v direct_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o violate_v by_o we_o but_o only_o by_o the_o member_n cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o such_o
spirit_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o with_o they_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o prosper_v his_o work_n among_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reduce_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o pattern_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o primitive_a simplicity_n describe_v above_o four_o thing_n we_o observe_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n which_o make_v way_n for_o reformation_n among_o they_o first_o the_o efficient_a instrument_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n which_o be_v either_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n whether_o philip_n or_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n or_o simon_n zelotes_n as_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n may_v read_v in_o mr._n fox_n book_n of_o act_n and_o monument_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o next_o after_o the_o story_n of_o the_o ten_o primitive_a persecution_n out_o of_o gildas_n tertullian_n origen_n beda_n nicephorus_n which_o be_v so_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v right_o gather_v and_o plant_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o since_o have_v spring_v from_o popish_a apostasy_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o from_o want_n of_o through_o and_o perfect_a purge_v out_o of_o that_o leaven_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n so_o that_o all_o the_o work_n now_o be_v not_o to_o make_v they_o church_n which_o be_v none_o before_o but_o to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n second_o the_o public_a service-booke_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o godly_a discipline_n that_o notorious_a sinner_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o both_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o other_o admonish_v by_o their_o example_n may_v be_v the_o more_o afraid_a to_o offend_v which_o godly_a discipline_n be_v a_o thing_n say_v the_o book_n much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v restore_v again_o see_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n it_o be_v therefore_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a and_o swerve_v from_o the_o primitive_a godly_a discipline_n three_o in_o the_o public_a rubric_n before_o the_o catechism_n it_o be_v order_v that_o when_o child_n come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v learn_v what_o other_o promise_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n they_o shall_v then_o themselves_o with_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n open_o before_o the_o church_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o also_o promise_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o will_v evermore_o endeavour_v themselves_o faithful_o to_o observe_v and_o keep_v such_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o confession_n they_o have_v assent_v to_o which_o course_n the_o book_n in_o a_o few_o word_n after_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o time_n past_a that_o child_n come_v to_o perfect_a age_n have_v be_v instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o direction_n if_o it_o be_v as_o due_o observe_v as_o it_o be_v express_o order_v do_v plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o to_o be_v confirm_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o unfit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v express_o confess_v their_o faith_n open_o before_o the_o church_n and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v serious_o do_v and_o not_o perfunctory_o be_v somewhat_o of_o like_a nature_n with_o our_o receive_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o join_v they_o by_o covenant_n four_o in_o the_o exhortation_n before_o the_o communion_n the_o minister_n be_v direct_v to_o denounce_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o god_n a_o hinderer_n or_o slanderer_n of_o his_o word_n a_o adulterer_n or_o be_v in_o malice_n or_o envy_v or_o in_o any_o other_o grievous_a crime_n they_o shall_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o come_v to_o that_o holy_a table_n lest_o after_o the_o take_n of_o that_o sacrament_n the_o devil_n enter_v into_o they_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o judas_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o argue_v they_o will_v allow_v no_o scandalous_a person_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o these_o thing_n presuppose_v real_o perform_v and_o serious_o attend_v to_o may_v open_v a_o door_n to_o sundry_a passage_n of_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a reformation_n sect_n ii_o tender_v certain_a proposition_n tend_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n propos_fw-fr 1._o where_o godly_a minister_n be_v already_o plant_v in_o any_o congregation_n let_v they_o with_o due_a encouragement_n from_o the_o state_n call_v the_o people_n to_o solemn_a humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o own_o sin_n &_o those_o of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v imitate_v so_o do_v ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n with_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n nehem._n 9.2.2_o 3_o 4._o &_o ezra_n 10.1_o 2.9_o 10._o for_o though_o the_o parliament_n &_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v protest_v and_o covenant_v reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v yet_o they_o have_v cause_n also_o to_o be_v humble_v and_o that_o thorough_o for_o the_o time_n past_a 2._o let_v such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n 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ought_v free_o to_o give_v unto_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v free_o from_o he_o the_o parliament_n may_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a part_n of_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o benefice_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o annex_v it_o to_o their_o own_o private_a inheritance_n reserve_v so_o much_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o a_o sufficient_a maintenance_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o though_o thing_n dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n can_v be_v alienate_v or_o divert_v to_o private_a use_n without_o sacrilege_n yet_o that_o hold_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n accept_v as_o sacred_a to_o himself_o but_o god_n no_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n or_o allowance_n of_o land_n dedicate_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o for_o the_o church_n service_n they_o may_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o their_o consent_n as_o sometime_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n give_v away_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o captivity_n 2_o king_n 18.15_o 16._o 5._o the_o people_n have_v call_v or_o choose_v their_o minister_n one_o or_o more_o unto_o office_n in_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n let_v they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n depute_v some_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o with_o prayer_n over_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n set_v he_o apart_o to_o that_o office_n the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v say_v to_o anoint_v zadok_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o high_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o solomon_n to_o be_v king_n 1_o chron._n 29.22_o which_o be_v a_o sacred_a right_n as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o