covenant_n with_o god_n and_o conclude_v and_o determine_v upon_o a_o course_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o heal_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o all_o this_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o asa_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n these_o and_o the_o like_a example_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o israelite_n as_o one_o entire_a national_a church_n these_o example_n hold_v forth_o no_o superiority_n in_o one_o church_n or_o court_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o equal_a manner_n give_v advice_n in_o common_a and_o therefore_o such_o example_n be_v fit_a precedent_n for_o church_n of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o assemble_v together_o and_o take_v order_n with_o one_o accord_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o all_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 24_o l._n 22._o quest_n 13._o but_o what_o be_v the_o work_n that_o proper_o belong_v to_o synod_n answ_n it_o belong_v unto_o synod_n and_o counsel_n to_o debate_n and_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n discipline_n platforin_n of_o discipline_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 and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bear_v witness_n against_o maladministration_n and_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n chap._n 16._o sect_n 14._o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n way_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o hit_v right_a upon_o as_o in_o election_n ordination_n and_o censure_n of_o eminent_a person_n in_o office_n it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o holy_a faithful_a office_n of_o the_o vigilancy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o church_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o helpful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o all_o time_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n whither_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n or_o peace_n the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v excuse_v from_o reform_v they_o again_o into_o their_o right_a way_n according_a to_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o all_o the_o several_a church_n within_o their_o covenant_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 58._o line_n 36._o quest_n 14._o what_o be_v then_o that_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o synod_n and_o combination_n of_o church_n have_v in_o these_o case_n be_v it_o only_o declarative_n and_o directive_n or_o consultative_a answ_n we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o give_v counsel_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodal_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v these_o necessary_a thing_n which_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitare_fw-la praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n as_o a_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v gospel_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o minister_n for_o his_o calling_n fake_v and_o sure_o also_o a_o synod_n sometime_o meet_v to_o convince_v and_o admonish_v and_o offend_a church_n or_o presbytery_n they_o have_v power_n if_o they_o can_v heal_v the_o offender_n to_o determine_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o further_o see_v they_o meet_v likewise_o sometime_o for_o general_a reformation_n they_o have_v power_n to_o decree_n and_o publish_v such_o ordinance_n as_o may_v conduce_v according_a to_o god_n to_o such_o reformation_n example_n whereof_o we_o have_v nehem._n 10.32_o 39_o 2_o chron._n 15.12_o 13._o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 25._o line_n 10._o quest_n 15._o how_o far_o then_o be_v particular_a church_n bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o direction_n or_o decree_n of_o synod_n answ_n particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o subject_a to_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n hooker_n mr._n hooker_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n to_o crave_v their_o counsel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n to_o follow_v it_o or_o if_o the_o particular_a church_n err_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o continue_v obstinate_o therein_o the_o consociation_n have_v authority_n to_o renounce_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_n 2._o page_n 80._o line_n 10._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 and_o submission_n not_o only_o for_o their_o agreement_n therewith_o but_o secondary_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v as_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a england_n chap._n 16._o sect_n 5._o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o lawful_a decree_n of_o synod_n receive_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n mr._n nortons_n answ_n to_o apollonius_n page_n 118._o line_n 3._o and_o this_o 1._o under_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o disturb_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o non-communion_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o civil_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v mr._n norton_n ib._n l._n 9_o etc._n etc._n quest_n 16._o but_o have_v the_o synod_n authority_n to_o determine_v or_o conclude_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v bind_v the_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v before_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o so_o apprehend_v it_o for_o what_o need_v church_n send_v to_o a_o synod_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n in_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v before_o hand_n how_o far_o they_o will_v go_v but_o if_o the_o elder_n be_v gather_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o rule_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v consider_v and_o conclude_v sundry_a point_n expedient_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o church_n which_o the_o church_n be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a of_o before_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 26._o line_n 33._o quest_n 17._o but_o what_o if_o the_o synod_n conclude_v and_o determine_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n stand_v for_o the_o truth_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o ready_o to_o be_v grant_v though_o neither_o be_v it_o simple_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o in_o reform_a time_n norton_n mr._n norton_n the_o opinion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v more_o sound_a than_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o synod_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v a_o judicial_a truth_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o supreme_a civil_a judge_n suppose_v the_o parliament_n be_v true_a quoad_fw-la homines_fw-la though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o true_a so_o it_o be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n the_o synod_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o high_a judge_n of_o the_o question_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o true_a yet_o it_o be_v ecclesiastical_o true_a scil._n in_o foro_fw-la exteriore_fw-la 3._o although_o the_o truth_n after_o some_o new_a decree_n of_o a_o new_a synod_n repeal_n the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a may_v remain_v with_o the_o church_n 4._o if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o fundamental_a public_a order_n be_v to_o
yet_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o in_o their_o way_n 7._o a_o combination_n of_o church_n or_o a_o classical_a church_n be_v a_o pure_a gospel_n church_n according_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a platform_n it_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_fw-la that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n rev._n 21.16_o see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o therefore_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o say_v it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a platform_n 8._o class_n and_o synod_n provincial_a and_o national_a be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 9_o therefore_o they_o exceed_o prevaricate_v who_o go_v about_o to_o render_v they_o either_o ridiculous_a as_o some_o or_o odious_a as_o other_o 9_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n necessary_a though_o not_o to_o the_o be_v yet_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 10._o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o rest_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v necessary_a only_o for_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n not_o to_o their_o be_v and_o second_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o improper_a to_o have_v combination_n or_o synod_n fix_v and_o state_v than_o it_o be_v to_o have_v other_o meeting_n for_o discipline_n so_o fix_v 10._o delegation_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o lawful_a gospel-employment_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 11._o 11._o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v meet_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n if_o the_o covenant_n constitute_v the_o church_n quere_z whither_o they_o be_v not_o now_o a_o national_a church_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 12._o 12._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o hezekiahs_n day_n and_o in_o josiahs_n day_n be_v a_o precedent_n for_o national_a synod_n and_o council_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 12._o 13._o synod_n be_v useful_a and_o have_v power_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n and_o in_o such_o case_n particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 13._o and_o 15._o and_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o consociate_v church_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o it_o &_o redress_v it_o see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 13._o 14._o synod_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o direct_v and_o give_v counsel_n and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 19_o 15._o synod_n have_v some_o part_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 14._o quere_z why_o not_o all_o as_o well_o as_o some_o and_o where_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o partition_n 16._o the_o decree_n and_o injunction_n of_o synod_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v not_o only_o material_o because_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n but_o formal_o because_o they_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 14._o and_o 15._o 17._o in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o synod_n approve_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v upon_o pain_n 1._o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o disturb_v the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o of_o non-communion_n 3._o of_o punishment_n by_o the_o magistrate_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 15._o if_o so_o than_o first_o the_o magistrate_n may_v use_v compulsion_n and_o coercion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n second_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o westminster_n have_v more_o oblige_a power_n than_o some_o body_n will_v own_v and_o some_o body_n be_v guilty_a of_o something_o 18._o the_o decree_n of_o synod_n though_o erroneous_a yet_o if_o not_o fundamental_o err_v be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o scorn_v but_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o rather_o than_o peace_n and_o order_n disturb_v see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 17._o if_o i_o understand_v this_o aright_o our_o brethren_n say_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v if_o not_o more_o o_o that_o any_o thing_n near_o this_o have_v be_v practise_v 19_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v grant_v that_o synod_n err_v and_o particular_a person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v contrary-minded_n have_v the_o truth_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o 20._o appeal_n be_v warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o necessary_a in_o all_o society_n because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n or_o iniquity_n of_o they_o that_o be_v judge_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 20._o therefore_o great_a be_v either_o their_o ignorance_n or_o their_o iniquity_n who_o deny_v the_o member_n of_o their_o society_n this_o just_a and_o necessary_a liberty_n of_o appeal_n chap._n vii_o of_o communion_n with_o and_o separation_n from_o the_o true_a church_n question_v 1_o whither_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n answ_n there_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o universal_a visisible_a church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 2._o sect_n 3._o quest_n 2._o what_o relation_n or_o respect_n do_v particular_a visible_a church_n bear_v to_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n answ_n a_o congregational_a church_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o militant_a visible_a church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n sect_n 6._o this_o catholic_n mystical_a church_n be_v the_o materia_fw-la prima_fw-la out_o of_o which_o political_a church_n by_o their_o combination_n be_v form_v defence_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n pag._n 104._o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v the_o first_o church_n and_o particular_a church_n ortae_fw-la ibid._n pag._n 78._o quest_n 3._o be_v every_o particular_a person_n bind_v to_o be_v of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n every_o faithful_a person_n be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o positive_a precept_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o such_o single_a congregation_n owen_n mr._n owen_n have_v the_o mark_n and_o note_n by_o which_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v know_v and_o discern_v dr._n owen_n in_o his_o eshcol_n preface_n a_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o one_o or_o other_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 2._o line_n 10._o quest_n 4._o but_o be_v a_o man_n bind_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n where_o his_o dwelling_n be_v answ_n member_n ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n where_o they_o do_v inhabit_v if_o it_o may_v be_v discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n 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 be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v other_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v follow_v will_v threaten_v the_o confusion_n and_o dissolution_n of_o church_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 13._o sect_n 6._o 2._o all_o believer_n of_o one_o place_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n unless_o through_o their_o be_v too_o numerous_a they_o be_v by_o common_a consent_n distinguish_v into_o more_o which_o order_n can_v be_v disturb_v without_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n dr._n owen_n eshcol_n prefao_n a._n 3._o quest_n 5._o but_o be_v a_o man_n bind_v after_o he_o have_v once_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o church_n to_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o this_o church_n all_o his_o day_n answ_n 1._o church-member_n may_v not_o remove_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n discipline_n platform_n discipline_n and_o so_o one_o from_o another_o as_o they_o please_v but_o aught_o to_o dwell_v together_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 13._o sect_n 1._o 2._o people_n join_v with_o a_o parish_n at_o the_o call_n and_o elect_v of_o a_o minister_n at_o his_o first_o come_n have_v such_o just_a weight_n in_o it_o and_o be_v such_o a_o engagement_n as_o we_o do_v not_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 give_v he_o due_a satisfaction_n platform_n of_o discipline_n preface_n pag._n 7._o 3._o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n either_o out_o of_o contempt_n of_o their_o holy_a fellowship_n or_o out_o of_o covetuousness_n or_o for_o great_a enlargement_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 or_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 in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v
bind_v notorious_a offender_n and_o impenitent_n under_o censure_n and_o to_o forgive_v the_o repentant_a mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 13._o but_o yet_o this_o inquire_v and_o hear_v be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o the_o complaint_n be_v immediate_o and_o pro_fw-la primâ_fw-la instantiâ_fw-la to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n or_o fraternity_n no_o but_o it_o be_v first_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o eldership_n prepare_v and_o ripen_v by_o they_o and_o by_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o elder_n before_o that_o have_v not_o only_o examine_v the_o offender_n and_o his_o offence_n and_o the_o proof_n thereof_o private_o but_o do_v also_o public_o revise_v the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o material_a passage_n thereof_o before_o the_o church_n and_o do_v withal_o declare_v the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o that_o they_o may_v right_o discern_v and_o approve_v what_o censure_n the_o lord_n require_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o such_o a_o case_n mr_n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 14._o line_n 36._o quest_n 15._o but_o yet_o after_o the_o elder_n have_v thus_o examine_v the_o case_n and_o declare_v their_o judgement_n concern_v it_o the_o church_n have_v yet_o a_o power_n to_o judge_v have_v they_o not_o answ_n yes_o but_o not_o as_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n for_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o way_n of_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o of_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o sentence_n that_o of_o discretion_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o authority_n belong_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n the_o jury_n by_o their_o verdict_n as_o well_o as_o the_o judge_n by_o his_o sentence_n do_v both_o of_o they_o judge_v the_o same_o malefactor_n yet_o in_o the_o jury_n their_o verdict_n be_v but_o a_o act_n of_o popular_a liberty_n in_o the_o judge_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o judicial_a authority_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 14._o line_n 11._o quest_n 16._o what_o be_v the_o difference_n then_o between_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o brethren_n pass_v in_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n and_o that_o which_o the_o elder_n pass_v answ_n great_a be_v the_o difference_n for_o though_o the_o jury_n have_v give_v up_o their_o judgement_n and_o verdict_n yet_o the_o malefactor_n be_v not_o thereupon_o legal_o condemn_v and_o much_o less_o execute_v but_o upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o like_a sort_n here_o though_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n do_v with_o one_o accord_n give_v up_o their_o vote_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o offender_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o thereby_o censure_v till_o upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n mr._n cotton_n keyes_n page_n 14._o line_n 20._o quest_n 17._o have_v then_o the_o brethren_n no_o power_n of_o authority_n but_o only_o of_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n be_v not_o bind_v and_o lose_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v give_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n answ_n the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o that_o the_o brethren_n consent_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o elder_n both_o before_o the_o censure_n discern_v it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a and_o declare_v this_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n and_o after_o the_o censure_n in_o reject_v the_o offender_n censure_v from_o their_o wont_a communion_n idem_fw-la line_n 4._o quest_n 18._o whither_o be_v this_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n unto_o the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n concern_v the_o excommunication_n of_o a_o member_n a_o act_n of_o authority_n or_o of_o obedience_n answ_n the_o people_n give_v consent_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n and_o rule_v of_o christ_n hence_o be_v that_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v in_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n when_o your_o obedience_n &_o be_v fullfil_v 2_o cor._n 10.6_o the_o apostle_n revenge_n of_o disobedience_n by_o way_n of_o reproof_n in_o preach_v do_v not_o follow_v the_o people_n obedience_n but_o proceed_v whether_o the_o people_n obey_v it_o or_o no_o it_o be_v therefore_o their_o revenge_n of_o disobedience_n by_o way_n of_o censure_n in_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v in_o readiness_n when_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n be_v fulfil_v in_o discern_v and_o approve_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o censure_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n have_v declare_v to_o they_o from_o the_o word_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 15._o line_n 6._o and_o if_o the_o people_n can_v convince_v the_o elder_a of_o his_o error_n or_o mistake_n in_o the_o sentence_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o join_v their_o judgement_n with_o he_o in_o the_o complete_n of_o the_o sentence_n without_o impertinent_a question_n needless_a scruple_n wilful_a and_o disorderly_a gainsaying_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v p._n 3._o page_n 42._o line_n 7._o quest_n 19_o but_o what_o if_o the_o case_n prove_v doubtful_a and_o there_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n answ_n if_o the_o case_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o difference_n grow_v wide_a and_o great_a it_o be_v then_o seasonable_a to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o neighbour_a church_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 3._o page_n 40._o line_n 15._o quest_n 20._o may_v not_o the_o brethren_n proceed_v to_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n without_o the_o elder_n answ_n excommunication_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a act_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v perform_v but_o by_o some_o ruler_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 16._o line_n 6._o object_n but_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n who_o represent_v the_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n do_v the_o four_o officer_n have_v all_o of_o they_o crown_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o sit_v upon_o throne_n which_o be_v sign_n of_o regal_a authority_n answ_n the_o crown_n and_o throne_n argue_v they_o to_o be_v king_n no_o more_o than_o their_o white_a garment_n argue_v they_o to_o be_v priest_n verse_n 4._o but_o neither_o priest_n nor_o king_n by_o office_n but_o by_o liberty_n to_o perform_v like_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o grace_n which_o other_o do_v by_o office_n and_o grace_n both_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 16._o line_n 19_o quest_n 21._o what_o be_v the_o thing_n or_o case_n for_o which_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v answ_n it_o must_v not_o be_v for_o petty_a and_o small_a aberration_n but_o for_o such_o evil_n as_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n enlighten_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n will_v condemn_v in_o himself_o or_o any_o upon_o the_o first_o serious_a consideration_n be_v his_o understanding_n leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o reason_n to_o act_v thereby_o and_o not_o crack-brained_n and_o pervert_v with_o prejudice_n and_o selfishnesse_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 3._o page_n 34._o line_n 30._o quest_n 22._o but_o tell_v we_o somewhat_o more_o particular_o and_o express_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n answ_n such_o evil_n as_o be_v either_o heinous_a or_o abominable_a as_o fornication_n murder_n adultery_n incest_n treason_n or_o if_o not_o so_o gross_a yet_o carry_v the_o face_n of_o evil_n in_o their_o forehead_n upon_o the_o first_o serious_a and_o wellgrounded_n consideration_n of_o reason_n and_o have_v be_v pertinacious_o and_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o after_o all_o mean_v improve_v for_o their_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 3._o page_n 34._o line_n 37._o quest_n 23._o you_o do_v a_o little_a above_o quest_n 8_o mention_v suspension_n as_o a_o censure_n distinct_a from_o excommunication_n in_o what_o case_n be_v that_o practise_v or_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n answ_n in_o two_o case_n first_o thus_o member_n bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v receive_v their_o membership_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v grow_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n must_v come_v to_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 or_o otherwise_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v thereunto_o platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a eng._n chap._n 12._o sect_n 7._o see_v before_o chap._n 3._o quest_n 5._o though_o thy_o suspension_n be_v not_o strict_o a_o censure_n be_v rather_o actus_fw-la charitatis_fw-la than_o potestatis_fw-la and_o as_o they_o call_v it_o suspensio_fw-la per_fw-la modum_fw-la cautelae_fw-la second_o thus_o while_o the_o offend_a brother_n lie_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n he_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o a_o convince_a public_a offender_n
and_o therefore_o till_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o penitent_a and_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o they_o he_o do_v abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o will_v not_o have_v a_o offender_n present_v himself_o nor_o his_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n while_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o his_o brother_n lie_v upon_o he_o mat._n 5.23_o 24._o or_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o law_n do_v forbear_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n while_o they_o lie_v in_o uncleanness_n leu._n 22._o 3_o 4._o or_o as_o one_o who_o lie_v in_o his_o uncleanness_n do_v rather_o pollute_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o than_o receive_v any_o holiness_n from_o it_o mr._n cotton_v way_n of_o the_o church_n page_n 91._o line_n 26._o object_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o offend_a party_n this_o be_v not_o a_o church_n censure_n answ_n if_o the_o church_n discern_v the_o offend_a brother_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v but_o not_o yet_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o offence_n 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 with_o declare_v the_o offender_n to_o be_v under_o the_o public_a offence_n of_o the_o church_n who_o 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 platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n cap._n 14._o sect_n 2._o and_o this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o sâ—spensio_fw-la per_fw-la modum_fw-la censurae_fw-la hitherto_o of_o church_n government_n and_o censure_n now_o out_o of_o these_o particular_n draw_v we_o these_o position_n with_o inference_n thereupon_o 1._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 therefore_o be_v call_v ruler_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 1._o therefore_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o the_o seat_n or_o subject_n of_o rule_n or_o power_n 2._o the_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v unalterable_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o therefore_o they_o who_o believe_v roll_a elder_n to_o be_v essential_o of_o government_n and_o yet_o constitute_v none_o in_o their_o church_n live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o duty_n contrary_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n 3._o church_n censure_n be_v christ_n appointment_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o and_o can_v be_v dispense_v at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o without_o ruler_n see_v answ_o to_o q._n 19_o therefore_o church_n that_o have_v no_o ruler_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v observe_v all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o appoinment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o petty_a matter_n and_o small_a aberration_n be_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o excommunication_n but_o such_o evil_n as_o be_v either_o heinous_a and_o abominable_a or_o at_o least_o be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n enlighten_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v condemn_v in_o any_o upon_o the_o first_o serious_a consideration_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 20_o 21._o 5._o offence_n be_v not_o immediate_o and_o at_o the_o first_o dash_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n but_o first_o to_o the_o elder_n to_o be_v consider_v debate_v ripen_v by_o they_o receive_v as_o serious_a and_o weighty_a or_o reject_v as_o slight_v and_o frivolous_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 11._o and_o therefore_o that_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o next_o immediate_a step_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o brethren_n and_o private_a admonition_n it_o be_v not_o tell_v the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n but_o tell_v the_o elder_n 6._o the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v in_o censure_n it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n but_o a_o power_n of_o liberty_n and_o the_o judgement_n they_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n but_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o jury_n the_o eldership_n be_v as_o the_o judge_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15_o 16._o 7._o the_o church_n bind_v and_o lose_v only_o by_o consent_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o consent_n of_o they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v manifest_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 18._o 8._o in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o difference_n it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o crave_v the_o help_n and_o counsel_n of_o neighbour_a church_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 19_o 9_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o church-member_n some_o complete_a who_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o ordinance_n some_o incompleate_a who_o have_v receive_v their_o membership_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o other_o church-priviledge_n till_o they_o have_v pass_v a_o trial_n and_o have_v receive_v approbation_n of_o their_o fitness_n for_o those_o enjoyment_n a_o offend_a brother_n lie_v under_o public_a admonition_n be_v suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n before_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v therefore_o suspension_n be_v a_o censure_n distinct_a from_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n chap._n vi_o of_o combination_n or_o consotiation_n of_o church_n into_o class_n or_o synod_n question_v 1_o whither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o join_v together_o in_o consotiation_n on_o combination_n of_o church_n answ_n though_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church_n power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a for_o such_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n and_o consotiation_n so_o i_o think_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n though_o the_o print_a copy_n say_v consolation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church_n affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n preface_n a._n 3._o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 54._o line_n 27._o quest_n 2._o why_o do_v some_o say_v this_o consotiation_n of_o church_n be_v useful_a answ_n the_o consotiation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o useful_a serve_v not_o alone_a to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o settle_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_o mind_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o same_o hooker_n mr._n hooker_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 1._o line_n 2._o when_o many_o and_o those_o select_a and_o eminent_a lay_v the_o best_a of_o their_o ability_n together_o improve_v their_o part_n and_o prayer_n disquisition_n consultation_n determination_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o their_o eternal_a peace_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 2._o line_n 2._o quest_n 3._o why_o do_v you_o say_v it_o be_v safe_a answ_n it_o be_v safe_a for_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o councillor_n there_o be_v safety_n as_o in_o civil_a so_o in_o church_n affair_n prov._n 11.14_o mr._n cotton_v keys_n pag._n 55._o line_n 4._o cotton_n mr._n cotton_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n force_v man_n out_o of_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o experience_n to_o confess_v this_o that_o in_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n et_fw-la plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o issue_n of_o the_o council_n evidence_v as_o much_o act._n 16.4_o 5._o they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o faith_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 2._o line_n 9_o quest_n 4._o but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o need_v of_o such_o consotiation_n answ_n though_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o
be_v prefer_v before_o obedience_n to_o a_o affirmative_a precept_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a though_o therefore_o a_o hoof_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o liberty_n and_o life_n of_o the_o ten_o thousand_o of_o israel_n yet_o when_o the_o whole_a community_n be_v more_o endanger_v by_o the_o want_n of_o public_a order_n than_o by_o the_o present_v not_o observe_v of_o some_o affirmative_a command_n not_o fundamental_a we_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o public_a order_n than_o to_o the_o present_a obedience_n of_o such_o a_o command_n 5._o therefore_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o case_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o submit_v itself_o to_o such_o order_n but_o yet_o without_o sin_n mr._n nortons_n answ_n to_o apollonius_n pag._n 118.119_o quest_n 18._o but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v do_v answ_n 1._o the_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v norton_n mr._n norton_n but_o the_o church_n be_v modest_o and_o peaceable_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o effor_o be_v never_o to_o be_v approve_v though_o for_o awhile_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v 3._o wise_o and_o patient_o we_o must_v wait_v in_o our_o station_n in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o mean_n till_o god_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a season_n shall_v reveal_v the_o truth_n mr._n norton_n against_o apollonius_n page_n 119._o line_n 30._o quest_n 19_o have_v all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o synod_n equal_a power_n answ_n a_o synod_n consist_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v it_o do_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n their_o power_n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o distinct_a the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n the_o power_n which_o the_o elder_n have_v it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o authority_n the_o brethren_n have_v first_o liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n modest_o and_o christianly_o among_o the_o elder_n so_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15.7_o 12._o second_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o determine_v the_o same_o as_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o they_o all_o three_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n and_o in_o writing_n synodal_n letter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o for_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n act_v 13._o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o to_o 29._o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n lay_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o appear_v act_v 16.4_o so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o preserve_v to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n their_o due_a liberty_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o elder_n their_o due_a authority_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 26._o line_n 1._o quest_n 20._o whether_o may_v a_o person_n or_o person_n wrong_v by_o particular_a church_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n or_o not_o for_o redress_v answ_n there_o be_v a_o right_a of_o appeal_n in_o weighty_a cause_n from_o a_o inferior_a to_o a_o superior_a sentence_n norton_n mr._n norton_n and_o see_v that_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o among_o ecclesiastical_a person_n many_o difference_n do_v arise_v who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o right_n of_o appeal_n must_v be_v grant_v there_o appeal_n be_v of_o divine_a and_o natural_a right_n and_o necessary_a in_o all_o society_n because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v judge_n mr._n nortons_n answer_n to_o apoll._n 3._o pag._n 112._o line_n antepenult_n &_o page_n 114._o hitherto_o of_o the_o combination_n or_o consociation_n of_o church_n and_o of_o synod_n and_o their_o power_n now_o from_o these_o particular_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v let_v we_o draw_v some_o position_n with_o their_o inference_n first_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o church_n affair_n of_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n about_o they_o see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o hence_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o if_o a_o express_a consent_n and_o covenant_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la and_o constitutive_a of_o a_o church_n then_o these_o particular_a church_n thus_o join_v together_o make_v up_o one_o church_n not_o representatiuè_a &_o impropriè_fw-la but_o true_o and_o proper_o have_v the_o true_a formale_a of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o that_o essentiam_fw-la 2._o if_o they_o have_v thus_o covenant_v together_o to_o transact_v thing_n by_o common_a consent_n than_o every_o church_n of_o the_o consociation_n have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o all_o matter_n that_o the_o fraternity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v to_o wit_n of_o consent_v or_o of_o dissent_v 3._o if_o they_o covenant_n to_o administer_v all_o their_o affair_n not_o without_o common_a consent_n then_o quere_z whether_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a voice_n which_o be_v more_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v for_o 4._o if_o they_o covenant_n to_o administer_v all_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consent_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o any_o person_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o weight_n as_o doubtless_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o a_o soul_n to_o satan_n be_v and_o also_o a_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n he_o that_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o will_v it_o not_o from_o the_o concession_n follow_v that_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v excommunicate_v a_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_v church_n 2._o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v safe_a useful_a and_o wholesome_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 2.3_o 5_o 8._o they_o therefore_o who_o refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o other_o church_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v let_v these_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n 3._o even_o the_o strong_a and_o best_a church_n have_v need_n of_o association_n first_o that_o they_o may_v help_v the_o weak_a for_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o second_o for_o themselves_o for_o the_o best_a may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o for_o want_v of_o association_n may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 4._o therefore_o 1._o these_o association_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v elective_a for_o then_o the_o strong_a and_o athletic_a church_n may_v combine_v together_o and_o exclude_v the_o weak_a and_o less_o athletic_a say_v we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o which_o will_v frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o combination_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n be_v for_o church_n that_o be_v in_o vicinity_n to_o combine_v together_o 2._o if_o the_o strong_a church_n may_v need_v consociation_n to_o prevent_v degeneration_n and_o apostasy_n than_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o have_v these_o consociation_n fix_v and_o state_v not_o occasional_a only_o &_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la sero_fw-la med_a cina_fw-la paratur_fw-la quum_fw-la mala_fw-la per_fw-la long_o as_o inualuêre_fw-la moras_fw-la 4._o combination_n of_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 6._o therefore_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o not_o only_o live_v without_o this_o ordinance_n but_o despise_v it_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v think_v so_o to_o do_v 5._o combination_n of_o church_n be_v no_o more_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n than_o the_o consociation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o their_o apostolical_a power_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 6._o 6._o as_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o therefore_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o congregational_a church_n to_o refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o their_o brethren_n of_o another_o judgement_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n what_o do_v it_o declare_v but_o this_o that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o think_v we_o in_o our_o ministry_n work_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o weaken_v our_o hand_n and_o hinder_v our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v because_o though_o we_o do_v god_n work_v
give_v in_o wisdom_n and_o compassion_n to_o his_o church_n quest_n 1_o 2._o 3._o therefore_o how_o those_o church_n can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v near_o the_o rule_n and_o walk_v close_a to_o the_o rule_n who_o either_o have_v no_o officer_n at_o all_o as_o the_o church_n of_o h._n and_o the_o church_n of_o n._n or_o else_o content_a themselves_o with_o one_o officer_n a_o pastor_n have_v neither_o teacher_n ruler_n nor_o deacon_n as_o most_o of_o the_o gather_a church_n in_o england_n be_v this_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o rule_v be_v not_o this_o either_o to_o slight_v the_o compassion_n of_o christ_n in_o give_v these_o officer_n or_o to_o contradict_v the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n and_o proclaim_v those_o office_n needless_a and_o useless_a which_o christ_n judge_v needful_a and_o useful_a and_o therefore_o appoint_v in_o his_o church_n 5._o ordination_n be_v a_o fundamental_a in_o church_n discipline_n and_o give_v the_o officer_n right_a in_o his_o office_n jus_o in_o re_fw-mi see_v quest_n 9_o 10._o therefore_o ordination_n be_v more_o than_o election_n which_o only_o give_v jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la and_o quaere_fw-la how_o many_o minister_n of_o our_o gather_a church_n can_v have_v a_o full_a right_n and_o authority_n to_o administer_v all_o ordinance_n have_v only_a election_n of_o the_o people_n which_o give_v but_o jus_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la and_o not_o ordination_n which_o give_v jus_o in_o re_fw-mi 6._o ordination_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rule_n and_o pertain_v to_o the_o presbytersy_n or_o presbytery_n que._n 11._o therefore_o not_o to_o the_o fraternity_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n 7._o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v in_o public_a quest_n 1â—_n therefore_o why_o do_v many_o of_o the_o churchway_n so_o frequent_o baptize_v child_n in_o private_a 8._o the_o sacrament_n be_v badge_n to_o show_v our_o separation_n from_o all_o profane_a society_n and_o to_o signify_v our_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o our_o spiritual_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n our_o head_n mystical_o see_v quâ—st_n 13._o answ_n therefore_o the_o sacrament_n be_v note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o the_o protestant_a writer_n have_v always_o maintain_v against_o the_o papist_n 9_o a_o person_n have_v his_o first_o right_n to_o the_o sacrament_n because_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o seal_n quest_n 14._o therefore_o the_o church_n covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o give_v not_o a_o man_n his_o first_o right_n to_o the_o sacrament_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o be_v the_o sacrament_n a_o seal_n of_o that_o 10._o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o right_a order_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o party_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a congregation_n not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a quest_n 14._o therefore_o whether_o the_o congregation_n be_v constitute_v after_o this_o or_o that_o form_n by_o express_a covenant_n or_o not_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o independent_a congregation_n or_o a_o classical_a congregation_n it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a congregation_n he_o come_v in_o a_o right_a order_n of_o christ_n 11._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v their_o member-ship_n in_o their_o infancy_n shall_v come_v to_o their_o trial_n and_o examination_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o supper_n and_o this_o examination_n may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o elder_n yea_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o for_o all_o woman_n it_o be_v most_o warrantable_a and_o most_o without_o exception_n therefore_o such_o examination_n in_o presbyterian_a church_n be_v not_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a nor_o deserve_v so_o much_o ignominy_n and_o scorn_n as_o some_o have_v cast_v upon_o it_o 12._o the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n not_o only_o of_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n but_o with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n see_v quest_n 16._o therefore_o they_o who_o will_v partake_v with_o none_o but_o the_o member_n of_o their_o own_o church_n or_o a_o church_n of_o the_o like_a constitution_n nor_o suffer_v their_o member_n to_o partake_v in_o none_o but_o their_o own_o church_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a breach_n of_o christian_a love_n that_o can_v be_v unsaint_v and_o unchurch_v all_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v upon_o the_o earth_n but_o themselves_o and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o papal_a pride_n judge_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v all_o other_o church_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o say_v no_o one_o church_n have_v power_n over_o another_o 13._o the_o wickedness_n of_o a_o minister_n do_v no_o way_n make_v void_a the_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n nor_o give_v the_o people_n a_o dispensation_n to_o contemn_v it_o see_v quest_n 18._o 14._o the_o roll_a elder_n office_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o ground_v in_o scripture_n as_o none_o can_v controvert_v it_o but_o he_o who_o spirit_n and_o apprehension_n be_v prepossess_v and_o forestall_v with_o prejudice_n quest_n 21.22_o 15._o the_o power_n and_o work_v of_o the_o roll_a elder_n be_v very_o great_a and_o his_o office_n very_o needful_a in_o the_o church_n quest_n 23_o 24._o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v have_v none_o of_o these_o roll_a elder_n over_o they_o but_o leave_v all_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o liberty_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v not_o only_o single_a member_n or_o officer_n but_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o all_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n cast_v off_o the_o lord_n government_n be_v son_n of_o korah_n who_o condemnation_n sleep_v not_o etc._n etc._n quest_n 24._o answ_n 1._o quaere_fw-la whether_o some_o other_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o anabaptist_n familist_n etc._n etc._n 16._o if_o the_o roll_a elder_n be_v confine_v within_o his_o compass_n the_o wing_n of_o the_o pope_n and_o bishop_n will_v be_v clip_v and_o their_o power_n exceed_o impeach_v quest_n 25._o therefore_o there_o be_v neither_o truth_n or_o modesty_n in_o they_o that_o say_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n which_o be_v manage_v by_o roll_a elder_n as_o well_o as_o the_o congregational_a be_v as_o tyrannical_a as_o prelacy_n and_o as_o antichristian_a as_o popery_n 17._o it_o be_v the_o devil_n subtlety_n to_o disgrace_n divide_v pull_v down_o the_o roll_a elder_n quest_n 23._o let_v they_o therefore_o consider_v who_o work_n they_o do_v and_o what_o reward_n without_o repentance_n they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v who_o drive_v such_o a_o design_n 18._o deacon_n be_v officer_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o needful_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n quest_n 26._o 19_o the_o maintenance_n of_o minister_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n not_o mercy_n debt_n not_o alm_n quest_n 28._o 20._o officer_n and_o ordinance_n be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o visible_a church_n not_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o elect_a that_o be_v among_o they_o who_o good_a next_o under_o his_o own_o glory_n christ_n principal_o intend_v quest_n 29._o therefore_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v not_o first_o in_o christ_n intention_n therefore_o the_o visible_a church_n especial_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o such_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o boast_v herself_o in_o her_o privilege_n as_o the_o spouse_n and_o lacie_n and_o queen_n of_o christ_n see_v these_o and_o all_o other_o privilege_n be_v give_v she_o not_o for_o her_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o elect_a chap._n v._o of_o church_n government_n and_o censure_n question_v 1_o who_o be_v the_o seat_n or_o subject_n of_o church_n rule_n or_o government_n answ_n church_n 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 discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n who_o therefore_o be_v call_v ruler_n the_o holy_a ghost_n frequent_o yea_o always_o when_o he_o mention_v church_n rule_n and_o church_n government_n ascribe_v it_o to_o elder_n whereas_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_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 to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a england_n chap._n 10._o sect._n 7._o quest_n 2._o how_o be_v church_n government_n to_o be_v consider_v answ_n church_n government_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o essential_o or_o circumstantial_o of_o it_o mr._n hooker_n part_n 1._o page_n 3._o line_n 18._o quest_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o essential_o of_o church_n government_n answ_n the_o essential_o require_v to_o the_o complete_n of_o church_n government_n be_v partly_o
church_n hear_v their_o minister_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o their_o church_n answ_n we_o may_v hold_v and_o retain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o baptise_v our_o child_n as_o occasion_n may_v fall_v out_o by_o absence_n of_o our_o minister_n in_o their_o church_n 23._o apologetical_a narration_n they_o say_v but_o do_v not_o mat._n 23._o and_o by_o occasional_a receive_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o church_n and_o receive_v such_o member_n of_o they_o as_o be_v due_o qualify_v unto_o communion_n with_o we_o occasional_o also_o our_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o their_o congregation_n and_o receive_v they_o also_o to_o preach_v in_o we_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n paper_n give_v to_o the_o committee_n of_o accommodation_n by_o thomas_n goodwin_n philip_n nye_n william_n bridge_n sydrach_n simson_n jerom._n burrough_n pag._n 29._o line_n 17._o quest_n 9_o what_o shall_v we_o judge_v then_o of_o the_o separatist_n or_o brownist_n be_v they_o of_o antichrist_n answ_n sure_o their_o practice_n be_v blame_v worthy_a 1._o because_o they_o separate_v where_o christ_n keep_v fellowship_n rev._n 1.18_o and_o that_o he_o walk_v with_o we_o we_o argue_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n because_o he_o be_v still_o please_v to_o dispense_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o edify_v many_o soul_n thereby_o and_o therefore_o sure_o christ_n have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o pure_a than_o his_o maker_n where_o christ_n vouchsafe_v fellowship_n shall_v man_n renounce_v it_o if_o they_o be_v convert_v where_o have_v they_o their_o conversion_n 2._o have_v not_o many_o of_o god_n servant_n heretofore_o keep_v company_n with_o church_n as_o corrupt_v as_o we_o be_v do_v not_o peter_n and_o john_n keep_v company_n with_o their_o person_n and_o shall_v they_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o curious_a 3._o christ_n command_v if_o thy_o brother_n offend_v thou_o admonish_v he_o mat._n 18.17_o etc._n etc._n then_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n he_o do_v not_o say_v let_v the_o church_n be_v unto_o the_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n if_o the_o church_n hear_v not_o thy_o complaint_n now_o there_o be_v many_o of_o our_o separatist_n never_o admonish_v their_o brethren_n nor_o make_v their_o complaint_n to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o do_v and_o the_o church_n hear_v they_o not_o must_v they_o therefore_o excommunicate_v the_o church_n and_o renounce_v it_o therefore_o unless_o you_o find_v in_o it_o blasphemy_n or_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n of_o separation_n mr._n cotton_v exposition_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n fol._n 156._o l._n 38._o object_n i._o they_o say_v our_o worship_n be_v corrupt_a answ_n suppose_v there_o be_v and_o be_v sundry_a abuse_n in_o the_o church_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n yet_o that_o be_v no_o safe_a ground_n of_o separation_n ezek._n 5.11_o ezek._n 9.4_o so_o when_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n corrupt_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n their_o sin_n be_v great_a yet_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n to_o separate_v and_o abhor_v 1_o sam._n 2.17_o mr._n cotton_v exposition_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n fol._n 157._o line_n 10._o object_n 2_o they_o say_v our_o government_n be_v antichristian_a answ_n we_o say_v it_o be_v that_o government_n that_o expel_v antichrist_n and_o sundry_a have_v witness_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o i_o say_v further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o corruption_n in_o our_o state_n as_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n keep_v fellowship_n with_o they_o as_o two_o high_a priest_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n line_n 13._o obj._n 3_o they_o say_v our_o ministry_n and_o call_v be_v antichristian_a answ_n we_o say_v we_o do_v not_o profess_v ourselves_o enemy_n to_o christ_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n and_o for_o our_o call_v many_o of_o we_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o people_n approbation_n or_o by_o such_o as_o be_v set_v up_o by_o the_o king_n or_o state_n and_o if_o god_n bless_v our_o ministry_n to_o convert_v thousand_o to_o god_n it_o be_v a_o evident_a sign_n god_n approve_v our_o call_v for_o if_o it_o be_v antichristian_a they_o will_v not_o convert_v soul_n unto_o god_n ibid._n line_n 18._o object_n 4._o they_o say_v our_o people_n be_v corrupt_a and_o some_o such_o as_o paul_n bid_v not_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o as_o drunkard_n whoremonger_n and_o the_o like_a answ_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a person_n in_o our_o church_n but_o cotton_n mr._n cotton_n 1._o private_a christian_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o put_v they_o out_o 2._o for_o minister_n if_o they_o see_v it_o will_v turn_v to_o the_o dissipation_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o flock_n it_o be_v better_a to_o forbear_v 1_o cor._n 5._o mat._n 13.29_o 30._o ezra_n 4.20_o they_o cease_v from_o build_v the_o temple_n when_o there_o come_v a_o command_n against_o it_o thing_n o_o that_o you_o be_v wise_a to_o consider_v these_o thing_n therefore_o they_o have_v better_o forbear_v when_o it_o can_v be_v redress_v without_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o church_n 3._o the_o corruption_n of_o some_o do_v not_o corrupt_v the_o church_n nor_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v many_o church_n as_o corrupt_v as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n yet_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v they_o renounce_v it_o mr._n cotton_v exposition_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n fol._n 157._o line_n 28._o hitherto_o of_o communion_n with_o and_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n now_o to_o draw_v some_o position_n from_o these_o particular_n with_o some_o inference_n upon_o they_o 1._o there_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o materia_fw-la prima_fw-la of_o particular_a political_a church_n and_o may_v in_o some_o respect_n be_v call_v the_o first_o church_n and_o particular_a church_n ortae_fw-la chap._n 4._o answ_n to_o first_o and_o second_o question_n therefore_o the_o catholic_a visile_n church_n be_v not_o a_o chimaera_n nor_o a_o chief_a pillar_n of_o popery_n as_o some_o please_v to_o speak_v 2._o every_o faithful_a person_n yea_o every_o one_o that_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o or_o other_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 3._o chap._n 4._o therefore_o some_o or_o other_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v every_o one_o that_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n and_o desire_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o for_o to_o say_v that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o yet_o no_o church_n bind_v to_o receive_v he_o be_v to_o lay_v a_o impossible_a obligation_n upon_o a_o christian_n 3._o all_o the_o believer_n of_o one_o place_n be_v it_o town_n village_n or_o parish_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o in_o one_o church_n and_o this_o order_n can_v be_v disturb_v without_o guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o it_o be_v most_o for_o edification_n for_o man_n to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v see_v chap._n 4._o answ_n to_o quest_n 4._o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o gather_v into_o one_o church_n member_n dwell_v in_o three_o four_o or_o six_o several_a place_n distant_a many_o mile_n each_o from_o other_o tend_v not_o to_o edification_n nor_o can_v be_v excuse_v from_o guilt_n of_o schism_n 4._o people_n join_v with_o a_o parish_n in_o choose_v and_o call_v a_o minister_n be_v such_o a_o engagement_n as_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o such_o to_o remove_v from_o such_o a_o minister_n but_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o may_v give_v he_o due_a satisfaction_n see_v chap._n 4._o answ_n to_o quest_n 5._o therefore_o they_o have_v provide_v but_o a_o uneasy_a pillow_n for_o themselves_o to_o lay_v their_o head_n on_o another_o day_n who_o have_v cast_v off_o those_o minister_n with_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n to_o the_o break_n and_o sad_v of_o their_o heart_n who_o themselves_o choose_v and_o call_v as_o most_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o gather_a church_n so_o call_v throughout_o england_n have_v do_v 5._o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n 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 enlargement_n with_o just_a grief_n to_o the_o church_n or_o out_o of_o schism_n or_o for_o want_n of_o love_n or_o out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o
the_o presbyterian_a way_n for_o mâ—_n cotton_n say_v the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v it_o be_v but_o a_o power_n of_o liberty_n but_o the_o power_n of_o authority_n be_v in_o the_o elder_n see_v cap._n 5._o answ_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15_o 16._o 1._o if_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n have_v not_o so_o much_o liberty_n as_o in_o the_o congregational_a for_o first_o they_o have_v not_o the_o liberty_n of_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o prophesy_v answ_n master_n cotton_n and_o master_n hooker_n both_o have_v tell_v we_o how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o allow_v this_o liberty_n which_o some_o presume_v to_o take_v to_o themselves_o see_v before_o cap._n 4._o answer_v 〈◊〉_d question_v 6._o 2._o if_o you_o say_v they_o in_o the_o presbytery_n have_v not_o that_o liberty_n of_o consent_v or_o dissent_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n as_o the_o congregational_a have_v but_o the_o examination_n be_v take_v in_o private_a by_o the_o elder_n answ_n so_o it_o be_v frequent_o in_o the_o congregational_a church_n and_o for_o some_o person_n constant_o as_o we_o have_v see_v above_o cap._n 14._o ans_fw-fr to_o quest_n 14_o 15._o 3._o if_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n have_v not_o the_o same_o liberty_n and_o power_n in_o censure_n that_o they_o have_v in_o the_o congregational_a answ_n yea_o the_o same_o for_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n have_v not_o power_n to_o receive_v complaint_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o hear_v and_o examine_v witness_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v transact_v before_o and_o among_o the_o elder_n second_o the_o elder_n they_o make_v report_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n and_o withal_o declare_v what_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o censure_v or_o not_o censure_v of_o the_o person_n three_o the_o people_n they_o upon_o this_o relation_n judge_v of_o the_o whole_a but_o with_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n not_o with_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n four_o they_o thus_o judge_v bound_v the_o offender_n by_o consent_n not_o authority_n five_o this_o consent_n be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n not_o of_o power_n all_o these_o we_o have_v see_v clear_o assert_v cap._n 5._o in_o answ_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o now_o all_o this_o the_o brethren_n may_v and_o do_v enjoy_v and_o exercise_v in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n if_o you_o say_v brethren_n in_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n can_v excommunicate_v without_o their_o officer_n answ_n no_o more_o may_v they_o in_o the_o congregational_a way_n as_o appear_v cap._n 3._o answ_n to_o quest_n 20._o if_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n have_v not_o power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o congregational_a answ_n according_a to_o the_o presbyterian_a principle_n they_o have_v and_o the_o practice_n be_v so_o in_o france_n netherlands_o geneva_n scotland_n and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o england_n it_o be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n do_v yet_o invest_v the_o patron_n with_o a_o power_n of_o nominate_v and_o present_v a_o minister_n but_o the_o brethren_n have_v their_o vote_n in_o choose_v the_o other_o officer_n elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o the_o presbyterian_a affirm_v and_o they_o grant_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v it_o in_o the_o choose_n of_o their_o teach_a elder_n much_o more_o beside_o there_o be_v many_o instance_n of_o presbyterian_a congregation_n in_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o england_n that_o do_v choose_v their_o own_o officer_n if_o you_o say_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n can_v depose_v their_o minister_n or_o other_o officer_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n answer_n no_o more_o may_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n regular_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o assertion_n see_v cap._n 6._o quest_n 1.13_o 14._o if_o you_o say_v these_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v ordinance_n that_o be_v not_o of_o christ_n institution_n as_o 1._o they_o examine_v those_o who_o they_o admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n although_o they_o own_v they_o for_o member_n answ_n yet_o they_o nowhere_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o prudential_a practice_n which_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n own_o and_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o they_o see_v cap._n 4._o answ_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15._o 2._o if_o you_o say_v the_o presbyterian_a church_n have_v suspension_n of_o person_n not_o excommunicate_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n answ_n they_o own_o and_o use_v it_o not_o otherwise_o than_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n do_v as_o appear_v cap._n 3_o answer_n to_o quest_n 22_o 23._o if_o you_o say_v they_o have_v class_n and_o synod_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n i_o answer_v the_o congregational_a church_n own_o they_o for_o such_o and_o ascribe_v more_o than_o a_o consultative_a power_n to_o they_o see_v cap._n 6._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la if_o you_o except_v against_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o minister_n see_v cap._n 7._o quest_n 7._o answ_n to_o the_o objection_n if_o you_o say_v their-churche_n be_v true_a church_n but_o not_o pure_a you_o have_v pure_a church_n and_o pure_a ordinance_n i_o answer_v these_o be_v indeed_o the_o device_n whereby_o people_n be_v draw_v away_o from_o they_o to_o you_o but_o i_o beseech_v you_o tell_v we_o particular_o what_o ordinance_n have_v you_o pure_a than_o your_o brethren_n be_v the_o word_n more_o pure_o preach_v among_o you_o than_o among_o they_o come_v the_o gospel_n forth_o from_o you_o or_o come_v it_o unto_o you_o only_o be_v there_o pure_a prayer_n and_o pure_a sacrament_n among_o you_o than_o among_o they_o do_v not_o they_o call_v upon_o the_o true_a jehovah_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o you_o do_v abhor_v and_o renounce_v all_o other_o object_n and_o mean_n of_o worship_n do_v not_o they_o baptise_v with_o water_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o you_o do_v do_v not_o they_o break_v the_o same_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o cup_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n in_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n as_o you_o do_v where_o then_o or_o what_o be_v these_o pure_a ordinance_n which_o you_o have_v more_o than_o your_o brethren_n and_o for_o the_o purity_n of_o your_o church_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o answer_v as_o our_o reform_a divine_n answer_v the_o like_a cavil_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o brownist_n by_o recrimination_n yet_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v be_v there_o not_o with_o you_o even_o with_o you_o also_o sinner_n against_o the_o lord_n but_o i_o will_v refer_v you_o for_o answer_v to_o your_o own_o friend_n cap._n 1._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la and_o cap._n 7._o quest_n 6_o 7._o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o you_o have_v make_v and_o do_v yet_o continue_v this_o sad_a division_n and_o if_o you_o have_v no_o other_o than_o these_o as_o i_o think_v you_o have_v not_o let_v all_o the_o world_n judge_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o destroy_v and_o overthrow_v by_o your_o own_o concession_n and_o let_v i_o be_v permit_v to_o speak_v to_o you_o once_o again_o in_o the_o word_n of_o jotham_n harken_v to_o i_o that_o god_n may_v hearken_v to_o you_o you_o have_v be_v study_v the_o purity_n of_o church_n to_o the_o utmost_a apex_n of_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v beyond_o there_o may_v be_v a_o purity_n supra_fw-la statutum_fw-la as_o well_o as_o a_o devotion_n but_o o_o that_o you_o will_v study_v the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o that_o not_o only_o these_o of_o your_o own_o idea_n and_o platform_n but_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v hear_v some_o much_o complain_n of_o rigid_a presbyterian_o do_v not_o you_o derive_v that_o title_n of_o rigid_a to_o yourselves_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a way_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v their_o readiness_n to_o peace_n in_o their_o several_a model_n of_o association_n publish_v by_o several_a country_n to_o which_o these_o collection_n out_o of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o congregational_a way_n come_v so_o near_o that_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o come_v in_o and_o unite_v especial_o at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o when_o we_o have_v see_v already_o such_o ill_a fruit_n of_o our_o division_n and_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v yet_o worse_o the_o rigidness_n will_v lie_v at_o your_o door_n see_v your_o brethren_n and_o you_o agree_v in_o faith_n and_o worship_n why_o shall_v you_o live_v like_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n like_o protestant_n and_o papist_n like_a lutheran_n and_o calvinist_n know_v you_o not_o it_o will_v be_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n why_o see_v yourselves_o be_v convince_v and_o have_v declare_v that_o member_n of_o reform_a church_n ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o may_v consist_v with_o their_o principle_n respective_o and_o communion_n with_o presbyterian_o may_v consist_v with_o your_o principle_n at_o least_o it_o do_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o from_o who_o you_o profess_v to_o have_v receive_v the_o principle_n of_o your_o way_n why_o shall_v you_o yet_o abhor_v their_o communion_n if_o you_o do_v judge_v whether_o your_o own_o mouth_n and_o hand_n have_v not_o condemn_v you_o harken_v therefore_o to_o i_o that_o god_n may_v hearken_v unto_o you_o or_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o i_o yet_o hark_v to_o irenaeus_n lib._n 4._o adv_n haeres_fw-la cap._n 4._o probatio_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o minime_fw-la contradictioni_fw-la obnoxia_fw-la quae_fw-la etiam_fw-la ab_fw-la adversary_n ipsis_fw-la symbola_fw-la testificationis_fw-la profert_fw-la i._n e._n that_o be_v a_o true_a proof_n and_o not_o to_o be_v contradict_v that_o bring_v forth_o the_o testimony_n even_o of_o the_o adversary_n harken_v to_o basil_n homil_n in_o chr._n nativ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i.e._n the_o witness_n of_o adversary_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o credit_n harken_v to_o chrysostome_n homil_n 82_o â—n_v johan._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v a_o unrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o truth_n if_o a_o man_n call_v adversary_n to_o witness_v what_o he_o speak_v harken_v to_o cyprian_a de_fw-fr uni_fw-la eccles_n quomodo_fw-la possunt_fw-la duo_fw-la aut_fw-la tres_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la christi_fw-la colligi_fw-la quos_fw-la constat_fw-la a_o christo_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la ejus_fw-la evangelio_n separari_fw-la non_fw-it enim_fw-la nos_fw-la ab_fw-la illis_fw-la sed_fw-la illi_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la recesserunt_fw-la et_fw-la cum_fw-la haereses_fw-la &_o schismata_fw-la postmodumnatae_fw-la sunt_fw-la dum_fw-la conventicula_fw-la sibi_fw-la diversa_fw-la constituunt_fw-la veritatis_fw-la caput_fw-la atque_fw-la originem_fw-la reliquerunt_fw-la i_o e._n how_o can_v two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o be_v separate_v from_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o gospel_n for_o we_o have_v not_o depart_v from_o they_o but_o they_o from_o we_o etc._n etc._n harken_v to_o aust_n epistola_fw-la ad_fw-la orthod_n con._n donat._n quicunque_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la &_o scripture_n sanctis_fw-la consentiunt_fw-la &_o unitati_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la non_fw-la communicant_a non_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la libr._n 3._o cont._n donat._n non_fw-la habet_fw-la dei_fw-la charitatem_fw-la qui_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la non_fw-la diligit_fw-la unitatem_fw-la i.e._n they_o that_o agree_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v not_o communicate_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o the_o church_n he_o have_v not_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o love_v the_o church_n unity_n harken_v to_o paul_n l_o cor._n 1.10_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o all_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o division_n among_o you_o but_o that_o you_o be_v perfect_o join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n phil._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o if_o there_o be_v therefore_o any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n that_o you_o be_v like_o mind_a have_v the_o same_o love_n be_v of_o one_o accord_n of_o one_o mind_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowllness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o gal._n 5.15_o but_o if_o you_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o consume_v one_o of_o another_o errata_fw-la page_n 9_o line_n 3._o read_v on_o p._n 22._o l._n 13._o r._n endue_v p._n 29._o l._n 24._o r._n governor_n p._n 43._o l._n 35._o r._n this_o p._n 46._o l._n 36._o r._n or_o p._n 47._o l._n 32._o r._n consotiation_n p._n 54._o l._n 1._o r._n be_v finis_fw-la