church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n of_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o branch_n 1._o that_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n 2._o that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-authority_n 3._o that_o both_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o own_o body_n now_o that_o the_o key_n of_o church-priviledge_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o key_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v declare_v above_o in_o chapt._n 3_o but_o that_o these_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n and_o first_o the_o church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o liberty_n may_v appear_v thus_o from_o the_o removal_n of_o any_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n or_o liberty_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v derive_v it_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o church-liberty_n than_o they_o derive_v it_o either_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n or_o from_o other_o church_n but_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n for_o they_o have_v power_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v this_o liberty_n before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o derive_v it_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a liberty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o we_o read_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o of_o ephesus_n nor_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o corinth_n no_o nor_o that_o of_o cenchrea_fw-mi to_o corinth_n though_o it_o be_v a_o church_n situate_a in_o their_o vicinity_n nor_o do_v they_o derive_v their_o liberty_n from_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n for_o we_o find_v no_o foot-step_n in_o the_o pattern_n of_o synod_n act._n 15._o that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n borrow_v any_o of_o their_o liberty_n from_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o borrow_v indeed_o light_a from_o they_o and_o decree_n tend_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o upon_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o truth_n act_n 16.4_o 5._o and_o also_o in_o consolation_n and_o peace_n act._n 15.31_o 32._o but_o they_o do_v not_o borrow_v from_o they_o any_o church-liberty_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 1._o from_o the_o charge_n of_o rule_n over_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o immediate_o from_o christ_n for_o though_o the_o elder_n be_v choose_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n yet_o the_o office_n itself_o be_v ordain_v immediate_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n annex_v to_o the_o office_n be_v limit_v by_o christ_n only_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v elect_v a_o presbytery_n to_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n this_o will_v not_o excuse_v the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o neglect_n of_o rule_n either_o before_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o thus_o run_v the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n 2._o the_o same_o appear_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o rule_n require_v especial_o in_o a_o elder_a without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o election_n to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 4_o 5._o he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n or_o else_o how_o shall_v he_o order_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o like_a gift_n of_o rule_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o elder_a if_o a_o private_a brother_n be_v not_o so_o well_o able_a through_o weakness_n in_o prudence_n or_o courage_n to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n it_o will_v not_o just_o debar_v he_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n but_o the_o like_a defect_n will_v just_o debar_v a_o man_n from_o election_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a neither_o have_v god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n ordinary_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o neither_o have_v he_o give_v they_o the_o first_o receipt_n of_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o gift_n to_o employ_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v how_o can_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n invest_v a_o elder_a with_o rule_n over_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o themselves_o to_o communicate_v to_o he_o ans_fw-fr they_o invest_v he_o with_o rule_n partly_o by_o choose_v he_o to_o the_o office_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v with_o rule_n partly_o by_o profess_v their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o relative_n do_v necessary_o infer_v and_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n over_o they_o for_o in_o yield_a subjection_n they_o either_o set_v up_o or_o acknowledge_v authority_n in_o he_o to_o who_o they_o yield_v subjection_n ob._n 2._o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o ought_v not_o the_o wife_n to_o rule_v the_o servant_n and_o steward_n in_o the_o house_n rather_o than_o they_o she_o be_v it_o not_o meet_v that_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n shall_v hang_v at_o her_o girdle_n rather_o than_o at_o they_o answ_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o queen_n princess_n lady_n of_o great_a honour_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o christ_n psal_n 45.9_o and_o country_n huswife_n poor_a man_n wife_n queen_n and_o great_a person_n have_v several_a office_n and_o officer_n for_o every_o business_n and_o service_n about_o the_o house_n as_o chamberlain_n steward_n treasurer_n comptroller_n usher_n bailiff_n groom_n and_o porter_n who_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o lord_n house_n in_o their_o hand_n there_o be_v not_o a_o key_n leave_v in_o the_o queen_n hand_n of_o any_o office_n but_o only_o of_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o call_v for_o what_o she_o want_v according_a to_o the_o king_n royal_a allowance_n which_o if_o she_o exceed_v the_o officer_n have_v power_n to_o restrain_v she_o by_o order_n from_o the_o king_n but_o country_n huswife_n and_o poor_a man_n wife_n who_o husband_n have_v no_o officer_n bailiff_n or_o steward_n to_o oversee_v and_o order_v their_o estate_n they_o may_v carry_v the_o key_n of_o any_o office_n at_o their_o own_o girdle_n which_o the_o husband_n keep_v not_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o because_o poor_a huswife_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o the_o house_n then_o queen_n but_o because_o of_o their_o poverty_n and_o mean_a estate_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o many_o servant_n to_o their_o husband_n obj._n 3_o the_o whole_a body_n natural_a be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o any_o member_n in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o faculty_n of_o sight_n be_v first_o in_o the_o body_n before_o in_o the_o eye_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n alike_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n there_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o each_o part_n actual_o inexistent_a though_o not_o exert_v or_o put_v forth_o themselves_o till_o each_o member_n be_v articulate_v and_o form_v but_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o the_o several_a function_n of_o church_n power_n be_v not_o actual_o inexistent_a in_o the_o body_n of_o brethren_n unless_o some_o of_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n which_o often_o they_o have_v not_o have_v neither_o presbyter_n nor_o man_n fit_a to_o be_v presbyter_n now_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v
the_o particular_n to_o who_o any_o portion_n of_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v commit_v that_o look_v what_o ever_o power_n or_o right_v any_o of_o the_o possessor_n and_o subject_n thereof_o may_v have_v they_o have_v it_o each_o alike_o immediate_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o a_o mediation_n of_o delegation_n or_o dependence_n on_o each_o other_o from_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v each_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o that_o power_n that_o be_v allot_v to_o they_o and_o for_o the_o particular_a subject_n themselves_o he_o follow_v that_o division_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o which_o the_o controversy_n itself_o have_v make_v unto_o his_o hand_n to_o wit_n 1._o what_o power_n each_o single_a congregation_n which_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o charter_n to_o be_v a_o body-politique_a to_o christ_n have_v grant_v to_o it_o to_o exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o 2._o what_o measure_n or_o rather_o kind_a of_o power_n christ_n have_v place_v in_o neighbour-churche_n without_o it_o and_o in_o association_n with_o it_o for_o the_o first_o as_o he_o suppose_v each_o congregation_n such_o as_o to_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o enjoy_v a_o presbytery_n or_o company_n of_o more_o or_o less_o elder_n proper_a unto_o itself_o so_o be_v thus_o presbyterate_v he_o assert_v this_o incorporate_a body_n or_o society_n to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o primary_n subject_a of_o a_o complete_a and_o entire_a power_n within_o itself_o over_o its_o own_o member_n yea_o and_o the_o sole_a native_a subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o high_a censure_n and_o whereas_o this_o corporation_n consist_v both_o of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n for_o as_o for_o woman_n and_o child_n there_o be_v a_o special_a exception_n by_o a_o statute-law_n of_o christ_n against_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o part_n of_o this_o public_a power_n his_o scopeis_fw-la to_o demonstrate_v a_o distinct_a and_o several_a share_n and_o interest_n of_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n vouchsafe_v to_o each_o of_o these_o and_o disperse_v among_o both_o by_o charter_n from_o the_o lord_n as_o in_o some_o of_o our_o town_n corporate_a to_o a_o company_n of_o alderman_n the_o ruler_n and_o a_o common-council_n a_o body_n of_o the_o people_n there_o use_v to_o be_v the_o like_a he_o give_v unto_o the_o elder_n or_o presbytery_n a_o bind_a power_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o they_o and_o unto_o the_o brethren_n distinct_a and_o apart_o a_o interest_n of_o power_n and_o privilege_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o and_o that_o such_o affair_n shall_v not_o be_v transact_v but_o with_o the_o joint_a agreement_n of_o both_o though_o out_o of_o a_o different_a right_n so_o that_o as_o a_o church_n of_o brethren_n only_o can_v not_o proceed_v to_o any_o public_a censure_n without_o they_o have_v elder_n over_o they_o so_o nor_o in_o the_o church_n have_v the_o elder_n power_n to_o censure_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o likewise_o so_o as_o each_o alone_a have_v not_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v the_o whole_a of_o either_o though_o together_o they_o have_v power_n over_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n in_o each_o and_o because_o these_o particular_a congregation_n both_o elder_n and_o people_n may_v disagree_v and_o miscarry_v and_o abuse_v this_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o he_o therefore_o second_o assert_v a_o association_n or_o communion_n of_o church_n send_v their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n so_o he_o purposely_o choose_v to_o style_v those_o assembly_n of_o elder_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v call_v class_n or_o presbytery_n that_o so_o he_o may_v distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o presbytery_n of_o congregation_n before_o mention_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o christ_n have_v in_o relation_n to_o rectify_v mal-administrations_a and_o heal_a dissension_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o like_a case_n commit_v a_o due_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o power_n suit_v and_o proportion_v to_o those_o end_n and_o furnish_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ability_n to_o give_v counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o further_a upon_o such_o occasion_n with_o a_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o determine_v declare_v and_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o reduce_v such_o congregation_n to_o right_a order_n and_o peace_n only_o in_o his_o bound_a and_o define_v this_o power_n he_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v first_o for_o the_o kind_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o but_o a_o dogmatic_a or_o doctrinal_a power_n though_o stamp_v with_o authority_n ministerial_a as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whether_o in_o judge_v of_o controversy_n of_o faith_n when_o they_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o particular_a congregation_n and_o which_o themselves_o find_v too_o difficult_a for_o they_o or_o in_o decern_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o what_o censure_v they_o do_v deserve_v but_o not_o arm_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v or_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n either_o the_o congregation_n or_o the_o member_n of_o they_o but_o they_o in_o such_o case_n have_v declare_v and_o judge_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o admonish_v the_o peccant_a church_n and_o decern_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v with_o their_o offend_a member_n they_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o formal_a act_n of_o this_o censure_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o can_v only_o execute_v it_o place_v by_o christ_n in_o those_o church_n themselves_o which_o if_o they_o deny_v to_o do_v or_o persist_v in_o their_o miscarriage_n then_o to_o determine_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o also_o for_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n in_o such_o assembly_n and_o association_n of_o church_n he_o limit_n and_o confine_n that_o also_o unto_o case_n and_o with_o caution_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o discourse_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o entrench_v or_o impair_v the_o privilege_n of_o entire_a jurisdiction_n commit_v unto_o each_o congregation_n as_o a_o liberty_n purchase_v they_o by_o christ_n blood_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v thereof_o until_o they_o abuse_v that_o power_n or_o be_v unable_a to_o manage_v it_o and_o in_o that_o case_n only_o to_o assist_v guide_n and_o direct_v they_o and_o not_o take_v on_o they_o to_o administer_v it_o for_o they_o but_o with_o they_o and_o by_o they_o as_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v yet_o neither_o afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a to_o make_v profession_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o high_a wave_n on_o both_o side_n dash_v on_o we_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o brief_a extract_n from_o the_o author_n large_a discourse_n be_v that_o very_a middle-way_n which_o in_o our_o apology_n we_o do_v in_o the_o general_a intimate_a and_o intend_v between_o that_o which_o be_v call_v brownism_n and_o the_o presbyteriall-government_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v whereof_o the_o one_o do_v in_o effect_n put_v the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n and_o drown_v the_o elder_n vote_n who_o be_v but_o a_o few_o in_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o and_o the_o other_o take_v the_o chief_a and_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o rule_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v the_o due_a of_o each_o congregation_n the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n into_o this_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n of_o several_a congregation_n do_v thereby_o in_o like_a manner_n swallow_v up_o not_o only_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o people_n but_o even_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o congregation_n concern_v in_o the_o major_a part_n thereof_o neither_o let_v it_o seem_v arrogance_n in_o we_o but_o a_o testimony_n rather_o to_o the_o truth_n further_o to_o remonstrate_v that_o this_o very_a boundary_a platform_n and_o disposement_n of_o church_n power_n as_o here_o it_o be_v we_o speak_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o set_v out_o and_o state_v as_o also_o that_o the_o tenure_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o all_o these_o subject_n shall_v be_v immediate_a from_o christ_n unto_o they_o all_o be_v now_o new_a unto_o our_o thought_n yea_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o our_o own_o apprehension_n have_v be_v mould_v unto_o long_o since_o and_o this_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o some_o that_o be_v of_o a_o differ_a opinion_n have_v know_v our_o private_a judgement_n long_o as_o likewise_o our_o own_o note_n and_o transcript_n write_v long_o ago_o can_v testify_v beside_o many_o public_a profession_n since_o as_o occasion_n have_v be_v offer_v insomuch_o as_o when_o we_o first_o read_v this_o of_o this_o learned_a author_n know_v what_o have_v be_v the_o more_o general_a current_n both_o of_o the_o practice_n and_o judgement_n of_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o congregationall_a way_n
she_o be_v but_o simple_o the_o power_n of_o she_o own_o act_n in_o which_o her_o own_o concernment_n which_o do_v interest_n her_o free_a by_o a_o intrinsical_v right_a the_o like_a difference_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o have_v see_v a_o government_n temper_v of_o a_o aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n in_o which_o suppose_v the_o people_n have_v a_o share_n and_o their_o actual_a consent_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o law_n and_o sentence_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o a_o few_o noble_n that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o who_o concernment_n be_v less_o general_a in_o who_o the_o formal_a sanction_n of_o all_o shall_v lie_v in_o these_o it_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o multitude_n but_o power_n and_o interest_n and_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o presbytry_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o else_o as_o we_o have_v long_o since_o be_v resolve_v all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n about_o their_o rule_n and_o of_o the_o people_n obedience_n to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o metaphor_n and_o to_o hold_v no_o porportion_n with_o any_o substantial_a reality_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o in_o this_o distribution_n of_o power_n christ_n have_v have_v a_o suitable_a and_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o church_n as_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o have_v qualify_v and_o dignify_v it_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n but_o it_o be_v comparative_o come_v forth_o of_o its_o nonage_n &_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o ripe_a age_n both_o as_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o difference_n from_o the_o old_a run_v in_o the_o prophet_n &_o as_o paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n express_v it_o they_o be_v therefore_o more_o general_o able_a if_o visible_a saint_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o church_n under_o the_o n._n testanent_a to_o join_v with_o their_o guide_n &_o leader_n in_o judge_v &_o discern_v what_o concern_v their_o own_o &_o their_o brethren_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v not_o now_o lodge_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o all_o church_n matter_n sole_o &_o entire_o in_o the_o church_n tutor_n &_o governor_n as_o of_o old_a when_o it_o be_v under_o age_n he_o do_v but_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o weakness_n &_o unskilfulnes_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o in_o comparison_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ascend_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o on_o purpose_n for_o their_o guidance_n &_o the_o government_n of_o they_o he_o have_v therefore_o place_v a_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o those_o officer_n over_o they_o not_o direct_v only_o but_o bind_v so_o as_o not_o only_o nothing_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o church_n government_n shall_v be_v do_v without_o they_o but_o not_o esteem_v valid_o do_v unless_o do_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o due_a and_o golden_a balance_a and_o poise_v of_o power_n and_o interest_n authority_n and_o privilege_n in_o elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n this_o government_n may_v neither_o degenerate_a into_o lordlynesse_n and_o oppression_n in_o ruler_n over_o the_o flock_n as_o not_o have_v all_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n alone_o nor_o yet_o into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o flock_n among_o themselves_o &_o so_o as_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v transact_v to_o common_a edification_n &_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o second_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o paradox_n that_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a authority_n shall_v be_v find_v sever_v from_o that_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o second_v it_o if_o not_o obey_v every_o minister_n and_o pastor_n have_v in_o himself_o alone_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v his_o charge_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o to_o instruct_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o authority_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o those_o under_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o vi_o materiae_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o command_n in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o he_o shall_v speak_v with_o no_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o man_n yea_o a_o child_n who_o speak_v a_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o word_n shall_v lead_v we_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v but_o further_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o ministerial_a authority_n which_o christ_n have_v endow_v he_o withal_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o by_o they_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o his_o over_o they_o and_o towards_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o alone_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n in_o he_o to_o enforce_v his_o doctrine_n if_o any_o do_v gainsay_v it_o neither_o therefore_o be_v this_o authority_n as_o in_o he_o consider_v to_o be_v judge_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o draw_v man_n to_o obedience_n neither_o let_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o power_n of_o this_o censure_n of_o cut_v man_n off_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n in_o which_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o indeed_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o &_o other_o of_o excommunication_n lie_v shall_v be_v inseparable_o link_v by_o christ_n unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o proper_a native_a privilege_n hereof_o so_o as_o that_o no_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o elder_n just_o presume_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a &_o judicious_a shall_v assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o or_o sever_v the_o formal_a power_n thereof_o from_o the_o particular_a congregation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o christ_n institution_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n something_o analogous_a thereunto_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o illustorate_v if_o not_o to_o justify_v this_o dispersion_n of_o interest_n and_o so_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o there_o may_v be_v find_v even_o of_o this_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o sentence_n to_o death_n of_o any_o subject_n in_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a civil_a punishment_n so_o of_o all_o other_o the_o near_a and_o exact_a parallel_n to_o this_o in_o spirituall_n of_o cut_v a_o soul_n off_o and_o deliver_v it_o to_o satan_n yet_o the_o power_n of_o this_o high_a judgement_n be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o lawyer_n only_o no_o not_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n themselves_o man_n select_v for_o wisdom_n faithfulness_n and_o gravity_n who_o yet_o be_v by_o office_n design_v to_o have_v a_o inerest_n herein_o but_o when_o they_o upon_o any_o special_a cause_n of_o difficulty_n for_o council_n and_o direction_n in_o such_o judgement_n do_v all_o meet_v as_o sometime_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o pronounce_v this_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o any_o man_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o jury_n of_o his_o peer_n which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o rank_n and_o in_o corporation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o place_n and_o with_o a_o jury_n of_o these_o man_n of_o themselves_o not_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n two_o judge_n yea_o one_o with_o other_o justice_n on_o the_o bench_n have_v power_n to_o adjudge_v and_o pronounce_v that_o which_o all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o lawyer_n in_o this_o kingdom_n together_o have_v not_o without_o a_o jury_n and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n use_v to_o admire_v the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n herein_o &_o do_v esteem_v this_o privilege_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o this_o particular_a peculiar_a to_o our_o nation_n as_o one_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o law_n and_o do_v make_v beast_n of_o it_o as_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o security_n to_o each_o person_n life_n as_o we_o think_v no_o nation_n about_o we_o can_v show_v the_o like_a and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o constitution_n but_o this_o which_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o insist_v on_o the_o dispersion_n of_o power_n into_o several_a hand_n which_o in_o capital_a matter_n every_o man_n trial_n shall_v run_v through_o whereof_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o tie_n of_o like_a common_a interest_n to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o faithfulness_n as_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o direct_v therein_o and_o beside_o that_o interest_n that_o be_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n fraternity_n yea_o or_o neighbourhood_n or_o like_o wise_a that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o common_a case_n of_o man_n alike_o subject_v to_o a_o authority_n set_v over_o they_o to_o sentence_v they_o there_o be_v also_o the_o special_a advantage_n of_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o the_o heinous_a
protestant_n and_o papist_n yet_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o express_v what_o in_o it_o do_v not_o full_o satisfy_v we_o four_o thing_n in_o it_o seem_v defective_a to_o we_o 1._o that_o any_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v leave_v without_o power_n for_o here_o in_o this_o distribution_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v contradistinguish_v from_o a_o key_n of_o power_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o real_a defect_n in_o omit_v a_o integrall_a part_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v that_o key_n of_o power_n or_o liberty_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o popish_a clergy_n omit_v it_o who_o have_v oppress_v all_o church-libertie_n and_o protestant_n church_n have_v recover_v the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v well_o satisfy_v therewith_o so_o as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v look_v no_o far_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o discern_v their_o defect_n of_o church-power_n or_o liberty_n due_a unto_o they_o in_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o other_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v in_o withhold_v a_o key_n or_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o have_v wrest_v to_o themselves_o a_o undue_a power_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n 3._o there_o be_v another_o defect_n in_o the_o distribution_n in_o divide_v the_o key_n of_o order_n from_o the_o key_n of_o jurisdiction_n of_o purpose_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o power_n of_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la who_o though_o they_o want_v the_o key_n of_o order_n have_v never_o enter_v into_o holy_a order_n as_o they_o be_v call_v or_o at_o most_o into_o the_o order_n of_o deacon_n only_o whereof_o our_o lord_n speak_v nothing_o touch_v jurisdiction_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v invest_v with_o jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o more_o than_o ministerial_a authority_n even_o above_o those_o elder_n who_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n by_o this_o sacrilegious_a breach_n of_o order_n which_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o file_n and_o rank_n in_o a_o army_n satan_n have_v rout_v and_o ruin_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o 4._o a_o four_o defect_n but_o yet_o the_o least_o which_o we_o observe_v in_o this_o distribution_n be_v that_o order_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o for_o though_o we_o be_v far_o from_o allow_v that_o sacrilegious_a usurpation_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n which_o we_o hear_v of_o to_o our_o grief_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o some_o place_n that_o private_a christian_n ordinary_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n public_o and_o to_o minister_v sacrament_n yet_o we_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o office_n and_o order_n office_n we_o look_v at_o as_o peculiar_a to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o some_o peculiar_a function_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v either_o elder_n or_o deacon_n but_o order_n speak_v of_o church-order_n proper_o take_v be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o officer_n or_o private_a brethren_n there_o be_v a_o order_n as_o well_o in_o they_o that_o be_v subject_a as_o in_o they_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o maid_n in_o athenaeus_n be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o well_o as_o her_o mistress_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o make_v office_n and_o order_n aequipollent_a we_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n so_o there_o be_v no_o erroneous_a apprehension_n wrap_v into_o the_o matter_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o such_o a_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o scripture_n phrase_n for_o it_o become_v true_a israelite_n rather_o to_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n than_o the_o language_n of_o ashdod_n when_o paul_n behold_v and_o rejoice_v to_o behold_v how_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o he_o sum_v up_o all_o their_o church_n estate_n to_o wit_n their_o beauty_n and_o power_n in_o these_o two_o faith_n and_o order_n col._n 2.5_o 6._o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o key_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o key_n of_o order_n the_o key_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n luke_n 11.52_o and_o which_o he_o complain_v the_o lawyer_n have_v take_v away_o now_o that_o key_n of_o knowledge_n christ_n speak_v of_o be_v such_o that_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v take_v away_o they_o that_o have_v it_o have_v power_n by_o it_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n themselves_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o open_v the_o door_n to_o other_o to_o enter_v also_o now_o such_o a_o knowledge_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n be_v only_a faith_n which_o be_v often_o therefore_o call_v knowledge_n as_o isa_n 53.11_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o that_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o joh._n 17.3_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n to_o know_v thou_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v on_o thou_o this_o key_n therefore_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n save_v knowledge_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o key_n of_o faith_n be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n a_o faithful_a soul_n know_v the_o scripture_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o receive_v christ_n and_o enter_v through_o he_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o here_o he_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n through_o faith_n 4.3_o faith_n heb._n 4.3_o and_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o enter_v also_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o he_o believe_v to_o justification_n so_o he_o make_v confession_n to_o salvation_n which_o be_v perfect_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n rom._n 10.10_o the_o key_n of_o order_n be_v the_o power_n whereby_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n walk_v orderly_o himself_o according_a to_o his_o place_n in_o the_o church_n and_o help_v his_o brethren_n to_o walk_v orderly_o also_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n call_v upon_o paul_n so_o to_o carry_v himself_o before_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o walk_v orderly_o act._n 21.18.24_o orderly_o to_o wit_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n with_o who_o he_o then_o converse_v and_o it_o be_v the_o commandment_n which_o paul_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thessalonica_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a 2_o thes_n 3.6_o this_o their_o withdraw_a from_o he_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a be_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o key_n of_o order_n and_o it_o be_v a_o like_a exercise_n of_o the_o same_o key_n of_o order_n when_o he_o require_v the_o brethren_n to_o warn_v the_o unruly_a which_o be_v in_o the_o original_a the_o same_o word_n to_o admonish_v the_o disorderly_a 1_o thes_n 5.14_o and_o this_o key_n of_o order_n to_o wit_n order_n understand_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o elder_n or_o brethren_n furthermore_o of_o order_n there_o be_v two_o key_n a_o key_n of_o power_n or_o interest_n and_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v term_v in_o the_o scripture_n liberty_n so_o distinguish_v it_o from_o that_o part_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o that_o spiritual_a liberty_n whether_o of_o impunity_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v set_v free_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n from_o satan_n hell_n bondage_n of_o sin_n curse_v of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o service_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n nor_o of_o immunity_n whereby_o we_o have_v power_n to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o prayer_n and_z as_o heir_n of_o glory_n to_o look_v for_o our_o inheritance_n in_o light_n but_o of_o that_o external_a liberty_n or_o interest_n which_o christ_n also_o have_v purchase_v for_o his_o people_n as_o liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o call_v well_o gift_v man_n to_o office_n in_o that_o his_o church_n liberty_n to_o partake_v in_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o churchs_n liberty_n and_o interest_n to_o join_v with_o
officer_n in_o the_o due_a censure_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o like_a this_o liberty_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v often_o exemplify_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v it_o express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o liberty_n brethren_n say_v he_o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o your_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o galath_n 5.13_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o that_o liberty_n mean_v church_n liberty_n or_o power_n in_o order_v church_n affair_n will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consult_v with_o the_o context_n rather_o than_o with_o commenter_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v spend_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n partly_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o call_n partly_o in_o disputation_n against_o justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o end_n of_o v._o 8._o of_o chap._n 5._o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n he_o descend_v not_o to_o exhort_v unto_o bonos_fw-es more_o be_v in_o general_n as_o usual_o commenter_n take_v it_o but_o to_o instruct_v in_o church_n discipline_n in_o which_o he_o give_v three_o or_o four_o direction_n to_o the_o ten_o v._o of_o chap._n 6._o 1_o touch_v the_o censure_n of_o those_o corrupt_a teacher_n who_o have_v pervert_v and_o trouble_v they_o with_o that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 9_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n 2._o touch_v the_o gentle_a admonition_n and_o restore_n of_o a_o brother_n fall_v by_o infirmity_n chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 1._o to_o 5._o 3._o touch_v the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o minister_n ver_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o beneficence_n to_o other_o ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o touch_v the_o first_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o corrupt_a teacher_n 1_o he_o lay_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o that_o which_o himself_o give_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinth_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n vers_fw-la 9_o 2_o he_o presume_v the_o church_n will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o he_o and_o concur_v in_o the_o censure_n of_o he_o that_o trouble_v they_o with_o corrupt_a doctrine_n v._o 10._o from_o fellowship_n with_o which_o corrupt_a doctrine_n he_o clear_v himself_o v._o 11._o 3_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v what_o censure_n he_o wish_v may_v be_v dispense_v against_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o corrupt_a teacher_n i_o will_v say_v he_o they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o cut_v off_o to_o wit_n by_o excommunication_n ver_fw-la 12._o now_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o power_n have_v we_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o the_o apostle_n answer_v they_o have_v a_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o wit_n to_o join_v with_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o cast_v they_o out_o or_o cut_v they_o off_o for_o brethren_n say_v he_o you_o be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v further_o object_v yea_o but_o give_v the_o people_n this_o power_n and_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n either_o to_o cast_v off_o their_o teacher_n or_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o the_o people_n will_v soon_o take_v advantage_n to_o abuse_v this_o liberty_n unto_o much_o carnal_a licentiousness_n the_o apostle_n prevent_v that_o with_o a_o word_n of_o wholesome_a counsel_n brethren_n say_v he_o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o your_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o v._o 13._o and_o thereupon_o seasonable_o pursue_v this_o counsel_n with_o a_o caveat_n to_o beware_v of_o abuse_v this_o liberty_n to_o carnal_a contention_n a_o usual_a disease_n of_o popular_a liberty_n and_o withal_o dehort_v they_o from_o all_o other_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n evident_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o key_n of_o power_n or_o liberty_n give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o brethren_n with_o the_o elder_n as_o to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o entrance_n to_o the_o minister_n call_v so_o to_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o entrance_n against_o they_o in_o some_o case_n as_o when_o through_o corrupt_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n they_o turn_v from_o shepherd_n to_o become_v ravenous_a wolf_n have_v speak_v then_o of_o that_o first_o key_n of_o order_n namely_o the_o key_n of_o power_n in_o a_o more_o large_a sense_n or_o liberty_n in_o the_o church_n there_o remain_v the_o other_o key_n of_o order_n which_o be_v the_o key_n of_o authority_n or_o of_o rule_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n which_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v a_o moral_a power_n in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o state_n bind_v or_o release_n a_o inferiors_n in_o point_n of_o subjection_n this_o key_n when_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o peter_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o give_v to_o he_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n joh._n 20.23_o they_o thereby_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v to_o their_o successor_n the_o elder_n whereby_o they_o be_v call_v to_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v before_o they_o act._n 20.28_o and_o indeed_o by_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o law_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n accompany_v the_o same_o they_o bound_v sinner_n under_o the_o curse_n and_o their_o conscience_n under_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o they_o and_o by_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n accompany_v the_o same_o they_o remit_v sin_n and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o believe_a repent_a soul_n from_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o open_a to_o they_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o key_n as_o they_o preach_v with_o all_o authority_n not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o administer_v the_o seal_n thereof_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o virtue_n also_o of_o this_o key_n they_o with_o the_o church_n do_v bind_v a_o obstinate_a offender_n under_o excommunication_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o and_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o upon_o his_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o this_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n and_o so_o of_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o any_o man_n out_o of_o love_n to_o antiquity_n do_v rather_o affect_v to_o keep_v to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o former_a more_o ancient_a distribution_n as_o there_o be_v who_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o change_v antiquos_fw-la terminos_fw-la verborum_fw-la as_o agrorum_fw-la we_o will_v not_o stick_v upon_o the_o word_n right_o explain_v out_o of_o desire_n both_o to_o judge_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o fellow-brethren_n only_o then_o let_v they_o allow_v some_o spiritual_a power_n to_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n though_o not_o church-power_n and_o in_o church_n power_n let_v they_o put_v in_o as_o well_o a_o key_n of_o liberty_n that_o be_v a_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o interest_n as_o a_o key_n of_o authority_n and_o by_o their_o key_n of_o order_n as_o they_o do_v understand_v the_o key_n of_o office_n so_o let_v they_o not_o divide_v from_o it_o the_o key_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o christ_n have_v give_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v office_n and_o so_o we_o willing_o consent_v with_o they_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v and_o first_o of_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o order_n as_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v divers_a so_o be_v the_o subject_n to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v divers_a as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n diversity_n of_o function_n belong_v to_o diversity_n of_o member_n 1._o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o key_n of_o faith_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a whether_o join_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o no._n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n man_n of_o grow_v year_n be_v first_o call_v and_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o even_o now_o a_o indian_a or_o pagan_n may_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n till_o he_o have_v first_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o some_o before_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o to_o christian_n for_o
judge_v the_o world_n even_o angel_n so_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n the_o 6._o of_o that_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o same_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n he_o intreat_v to_o forgive_v the_o same_o incestuous_a corinthian_a upon_o his_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o if_o it_o be_v say_v to_o judge_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rule_n and_o to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o the_o brethren_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n only_o answ_n all_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_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 that_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 their_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 if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o these_o two_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a 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 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 if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o yea_o but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o the_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v christ_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n mat._n 18.18_o 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 in_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a and_o in_o declare_v their_o discernment_n by_o lift_v up_o of_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 and_o yet_o their_o discern_a or_o approve_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o censure_n beforehand_o be_v not_o a_o prevent_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o their_o work_n for_o the_o elder_n before_o that_o have_v not_o only_o private_o examine_v the_o offender_n and_o his_o offence_n and_o the_o proof_n thereof_o to_o prepare_v the_o matter_n and_o ripen_v it_o for_o the_o church_n cognizance_n 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 to_o the_o church_n 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 so_o that_o the_o people_n discern_v and_o approve_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o censure_n before_o it_o be_v administer_v arise_v from_o the_o elder_n former_a instruction_n and_o direction_n of_o they_o therein_o whereunto_o 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 be_v fulfil_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._n 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 or_o elder_n have_v declare_v to_o they_o from_o the_o word_n this_o power_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o deal_v in_o this_o sort_n with_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n may_v not_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o a_o private_a brother_n offend_v but_o may_v reach_v also_o to_o a_o offensive_a elder_n for_o as_o have_v be_v touch_v already_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o circumcision_n suppose_v peter_n to_o have_v give_v a_o offence_n in_o eat_v with_o man_n uncircumcised_a they_o open_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o his_o offence_n and_o he_o stand_v not_o with_o they_o upon_o term_n of_o his_o apostleship_n much_o less_o of_o his_o eldership_n but_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o all_o act._n 11.2_o to_o 18._o and_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n to_o deal_v with_o archippus_n warn_v he_o to_o see_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o ministry_n col._n 4.17_o and_o very_o pregnant_a be_v his_o direction_n to_o the_o galatian_n for_o their_o proceed_n to_o the_o utmost_a with_o their_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a false_a teacher_n i_o will_v say_v he_o they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n of_o their_o liberty_n gal._n 5.12_o 13._o as_o have_v be_v open_v above_o in_o chap._n 2._o but_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v power_n or_o liberty_n for_o proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a censure_n of_o their_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v a_o question_n of_o more_o difficulty_n for_o 1._o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o but_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o strong_a influence_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n a_o strong_a party_n of_o the_o brethren_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o side_n with_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o find_v dissension_n and_o opposition_n the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v without_o consult_v with_o the_o synod_n as_o when_o there_o arise_v dissension_n in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n and_o side_v or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o send_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o in_o way_n of_o synod_n determine_v the_o business_n act._n 15.2_o to_o 23._o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n of_o due_a church_n proceed_n in_o case_n of_o dissension_n when_o some_o take_v with_o one_o side_n some_o with_o another_o but_o of_o that_o more_o here_o after_o 2._o 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 now_o where_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v culpable_a there_o be_v no_o ruler_n leave_v in_o that_o church_n to_o censure_v they_o as_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n can_v excommunicate_v the_o whole_a church_n though_o apostate_n for_o they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o that_o censure_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o church_n excommunicate_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n because_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o christ_n a_o office_n of_o rule_n without_o their_o officer_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o twentie-foure_a 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 rev._n 4.4_o which_o be_v sign_n of_o regal_a authority_n the_o answer_n be_v 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 raiment_n argue_v they_o to_o be_v priest_n ver_fw-la 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 the_o other_o do_v by_o grace_n and_o office_n as_o priest_n they_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o as_o king_n they_o rule_v their_o lust_n passion_n themselves_o and_o their_o family_n yea_o the_o world_n and_o church_n also_o after_o a_o sort_n the_o world_n by_o improve_n it_o to_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o the_o church_n by_o appoint_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o likewise_o in_o censure_v their_o offender_n not_o only_o by_o their_o officer_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o king_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v but_o also_o by_o their_o own_o royal_a assent_n which_o king_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o do_v but_o only_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o noble_n but_o nevertheless_o though_o the_o church_n want_v authority_n to_o excommunicate_v their_o presbytery_n yet_o they_o want_v not_o liberty_n to_o
elder_n with_o they_o or_o direct_v they_o where_o to_o procure_v such_o to_o come_v unto_o they_o the_o like_a course_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v take_v when_o sundry_a christian_n come_v over_o from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o such_o as_o be_v come_v over_o first_o and_o be_v themselves_o full_a of_o company_n direct_v those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o combination_n of_o themselves_o into_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o plant_v &_o gather_v and_o multiply_v church_n yet_o the_o work_n be_v not_o dead_a but_o the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v leave_v with_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o with_o each_o particular_a church_n for_o her_o part_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o propagate_v and_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n throughout_o all_o generation_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n be_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v make_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o their_o office_n the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7.17_o the_o special_a act_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v many_o the_o first_o and_o principal_n be_v that_o which_o the_o elder_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v chief_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o be_v annex_v thereto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n speak_v rebuke_n and_o exhort_v say_v paul_n to_o titus_n with_o all_o authority_n tit._n 2.15_o and_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v thereto_o be_v plain_a from_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n make_v disciple_n and_o baptize_v they_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v object_v private_a member_n may_v all_o of_o they_o prophesy_v public_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 31._o and_o therefore_o also_o baptize_v and_o so_o this_o act_n of_o authority_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o preach_v elder_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o place_n in_o the_o corinth_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a private_a member_n but_o of_o man_n furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n king_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o coronation_n give_v many_o extraordinary_a large_a gift_n which_o they_o do_v not_o daily_o pour_v out_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o their_o ordinary_a government_n christ_n soon_o after_o his_o ascenfion_n pour_v out_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o in_o time_n succeed_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o of_o many_o other_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v enrich_v with_o all_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o utterance_n i_o cor._n 1.5_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v also_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o put_v upon_o the_o apostle_n a_o necessity_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o frequent_a speak_n with_o tongue_n by_o prefer_v pprophecy_n before_o it_o 1_o cor._n 14.2_o to_o 24._o so_o that_o though_o all_o they_o may_v prophesy_v as_o have_v extraordinary_a gift_n for_o it_o yet_o the_o like_a liberty_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o they_o that_o want_v the_o like_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n none_o beside_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v ordinary_o prophesy_v either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o synagogue_n unless_o they_o be_v either_o furnish_v with_o extraordinatie_a gift_n of_o pprophecy_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o train_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o calling_n as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n when_o amos_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o bethel_n to_o prophesy_v at_o bethel_n amos_n do_v not_o allege_v nor_o plead_v the_o liberty_n of_o any_o israelite_n to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n but_o allege_v only_o his_o extraordinary_a call_n amos_n 7.14_o 15._o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v man_n set_v apart_o and_o train_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o that_o call_n be_v allow_v the_o like_a liberty_n 1_o sam._n 19.20_o answ_n 2._o but_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o israel_n except_o samuel_n and_o eliah_n by_o special_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n in_o corinth_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o administer_v sacrament_n if_o any_o reply_n that_o if_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n have_v be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gist_n of_o prophefie_n they_o have_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o these_o be_v direct_v to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 14.22_o ans_fw-fr it_o follow_v not_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v to_o examine_v all_o prophecy_n by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v they_o but_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n psal_n 8.20_o yea_o and_o paul_n himself_o refer_v all_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n act._n 26.22_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o examine_v paul_n doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n act._n 17.11_o 12._o 2._o a_o second_o act_n of_o authority_n common_a to_o the_o elder_n be_v they_o have_v power_n as_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n shall_v require_v to_o call_v the_o church_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n together_o for_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6.2_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n stir_v up_o to_o call_v a_o solemn_a assembly_n to_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o sanctify_v a_o fast_a joel_n 1.13_o 14._o 3._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o power_n to_o examine_v if_o apostle_n than_o any_o other_o whether_o officer_n or_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.2_o a_o four_o act_n of_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n who_o the_o people_n have_v choose_v whether_o elder_n or_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o act._n 6.6_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n that_o the_o elder_n open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o send_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n act._n 13.15_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o power_n which_o call_v man_n to_o speak_v to_o put_v man_n to_o silence_v when_o they_o speak_v amiss_o and_o yet_o when_o the_o elder_n themselves_o do_v lie_v under_o offence_n or_o under_o suspicion_n of_o it_o the_o brethren_n have_v liberty_n to_o require_v satisfaction_n in_o a_o modest_a manner_n concern_v any_o public_a breach_n of_o rule_n as_o have_v be_v mention_v above_o out_o of_o act._n 11.2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n 6._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o elder_n to_o prepare_v matter_n beforehand_o which_o be_v to_o be_v transact_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v meet_v at_o the_o house_n of_o james_n give_v direction_n to_o paul_n how_o to_o carry_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v prevent_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v before_o they_o act._n 21.18_o hence_o when_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o brother_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o matth._n 18.17_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v beforehand_o to_o consider_v and_o inquire_v whether_o the_o offence_n be_v real_o give_v or_o no_o whether_o due_o prove_v and_o orderly_o proceed_v in_o by_o the_o brethren_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o not_o due_o satisfy_v by_o the_o offender_n lest_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n be_v open_o cumber_v with_o unnecessary_a and_o tedious_a agitation_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n transact_v before_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v along_o with_o most_o expedition_n and_o best_a edification_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o have_v power_n to_o reject_v causeless_a and_o disorderly_a complaint_n as_o well_o as_o to_o propound_v and_o handle_v just_a complaint_n before_o the_o congregation_n 7._o in_o the_o handle_n of_o a_o offence_n before_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n have_v authority_n both_o jus_fw-la dicere_fw-la and_o sententiam_fw-la serre_fw-la when_o the_o offence_n appear_v true_o scandalous_a the_o elder_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o inform_v the_o church_n what_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o a_o offence_n and_o when_o the_o
give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n as_o such_o primo_fw-la &_o per_fw-la se_fw-la than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n for_o a_o quatenus_fw-la adomnia_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la obj._n 4._o but_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a tenant_n in_o many_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mix_v of_o a_o monarchy_n a_o aristocracy_n and_o a_o democracy_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sovereign_a and_o monarchical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o presbytery_n it_o be_v stewardly_a and_o aristocratical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o election_n and_o censure_n it_o be_v democraticall_a which_o argue_v the_o people_n have_v some_o stock_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n authority_n after_o a_o sort_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o people_n as_o 1._o when_o a_o man_n act_v by_o counsel_n according_a to_o his_o own_o discern_v free_o he_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dominus_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la so_o the_o people_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o liberty_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v domini_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la lord_n of_o their_o own_o action_n 2._o the_o people_n by_o their_o act_n of_o liberty_n as_o in_o election_n of_o officer_n and_o concurrency_n in_o censure_n of_o offender_n and_o in_o the_o determination_n and_o promulgation_n of_o synodall_n act_n they_o have_v a_o great_a stroke_n or_o power_n in_o the_o order_n of_o church_n affair_n which_o may_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o potestas_fw-la a_o power_n which_o many_o time_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n but_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n then_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v open_v above_o in_o chap._n 3._o for_o no_o act_n of_o the_o people_n power_n or_o liberty_n do_v proper_o bind_v unless_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n concur_v with_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o like_a removal_n of_o other_o subject_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o derive_v their_o authority_n as_o be_v use_v before_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o brethren_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n the_o elder_n of_o church_n be_v never_o find_v in_o scripture_n to_o derive_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o their_o own_o congregation_n either_o from_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o from_o any_o synod_n of_o church_n all_o particular_a church_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a power_n each_o of_o they_o respective_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n none_o of_o they_o call_v other_o their_o rabbi_n or_o master_n or_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o authority_n over_o they_o but_o all_o of_o they_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o as_o fellow_n brethren_n matth._n 23.8_o 9_o 10._o and_o though_o in_o a_o synod_n they_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o synod_n to_o exercise_v authority_n in_o impose_v burden_n such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v upon_o all_o church_n who_o elder_n be_v present_a with_o they_o act._n 15.28_o for_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n in_o all_o church_n yet_o the_o elder_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o walk_v with_o the_o brethren_n of_o their_o own_o church_n in_o light_n and_o peace_n they_o need_v not_o to_o derive_v from_o the_o synod_n any_o power_n to_o impose_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a burden_n upon_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o power_n and_o charge_n from_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n discern_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v and_o walk_v in_o peace_n with_o their_o elder_n they_o ready_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o overseer_n in_o whatsoever_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v by_o they_o commend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n 3._o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o argument_n 1_o in_o point_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v oven_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o people_n conscience_n when_o both_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n whereto_o he_o be_v call_v have_v put_v forth_o the_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o about_o he_o as_o when_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o office_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a act_n have_v due_a respect_n to_o the_o inward_a ministerial_a gift_n whereunto_o god_n have_v furnish_v he_o he_o may_v then_o look_v at_o himself_o as_o call_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o exercise_v his_o talent_n in_o that_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o send_v of_o god_n to_o they_o what_o defect_n may_v be_v find_v in_o such_o a_o call_n when_o the_o brethren_n exercise_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n their_o lawful_a authority_n in_o his_o ordination_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v to_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o want_v imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n who_o succee_v in_o the_o place_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n leave_v the_o one_o in_o ephesus_n the_o other_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o ans_fw-fr touch_v ordination_n by_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o they_o by_o bishop_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o godly_a learned_a heretofore_o especial_o of_o late_a time_n the_o sum_n come_v to_o these_o conclusion_n 1_o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v not_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n as_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n timothy_n be_v express_o term_v a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o titus_n be_v as_o clear_o decipher_v to_o be_v a_o evangelist_n as_o timothy_n by_o the_o character_n of_o a_o evangelist_n which_o either_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o or_o eusebius_n note_v in_o his_o ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 37._o gr._n cap._n 31._o lat._n not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o certain_a church_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n finish_v their_o work_n in_o plant_v and_o water_v church_n where_o they_o come_v they_o do_v indeed_o ordain_v officer_n where_o they_o want_v and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o several_a church_n yet_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o tim._n 5._o but_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o direction_n in_o the_o epistle_n either_o to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n 2._o conclusion_n those_o bishop_n who_o calling_n or_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o those_o epistle_n to_o be_v continue_v they_o be_v altogether_o synonyma_fw-la with_o presbyter_n tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o to_o 7._o 3._o conclus_fw-la we_o read_v of_o many_o bishop_n to_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 14.23_o and_o chap._n 20.17_o 28._o tit._n 1.5.7_o but_o not_o of_o many_o church_n much_o less_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o large_a diocese_n to_o one_o bishop_n 4._o conclus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o transcendent_a proper_a work_n cut_v out_o or_o reserve_v for_o such_o a_o transcendent_a officer_n as_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o transcendent_a act_n reserve_v to_o he_o by_o the_o advocate_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n now_o both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o rule_n and_o paul_n to_o timothy_n acknowledge_v no_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o labour_n in_o