the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n wherein_o these_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n iv._o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n v._o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n vi_o the_o office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n ix_o of_o deacon_n x._o of_o excommunication_n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n the_o publish_v whereof_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o author_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n owen_n d._n d._n license_v june_n 10._o 1688._o london_n print_v for_o william_n martial_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate_n street_n mdclxxxix_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a as_o it_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o or_o describe_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v but_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n as_o catholic_n and_o mystical_a or_o as_o visible_a and_o organise_v in_o particular_a congregation_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_a which_o be_v purchase_v and_o redeem_v by_o his_o blood_n whether_o already_o call_v or_o uncalled_a militant_a or_o triumphant_a and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n that_o god_n give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n unto_o which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o his_o fullness_n and_o by_o union_n with_o he_o christ_n mystical_a ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a word_n most_o full_o express_v the_o catholic_n church_n use_v in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o i_o e._n in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v all_o appear_v one_o day_n gather_v together_o to_o their_o head_n in_o the_o perfection_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem-state_n where_o they_o will_v make_v a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n the_o day_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v pass_v in_o the_o respective_a age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o day_n of_o its_o espousal_n wherein_o the_o bride_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a but_o then_o will_v be_v she_o full_o marry_a state_n unto_o christ_n then_o will_v be_v the_o perfection_n not_o only_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n call_v a_o perfect_a man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o via_n in_o our_o passage_n unto_o this_o country_n a_o city_n with_o a_o more_o durable_a fix_a foundation_n which_o we_o seek_v in_o order_n therefore_o unto_o the_o complete_n this_o great_a and_o mystical_a body_n christ_n have_v his_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o assembly_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o he_o have_v ordain_v ordinance_n and_o appoint_v officer_n for_o the_o glorious_a foremention_v end_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v no_o other_o sort_n of_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n organise_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a institution_n speak_v of_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n where_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o great_a ordinance_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o church_n be_v oeconomick_a when_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o the_o large_a family_n of_o the_o antidiluvian_n and_o postdiluvian_n patriarch_n where_o no_o doubt_n all_o frequent_o assemble_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o then_o offer_v and_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n then_o in_o use_n after_o the_o descent_n of_o a_o numerous_a progeny_n from_o abraham_n loin_n god_n take_v they_o to_o himself_o in_o one_o visible_a body_n a_o national_a but_o congregational_a church_n to_o which_o he_o form_v they_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o although_o all_o abraham_n natural_a posterity_n according_a to_o the_o external_n part_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o be_v take_v into_o visible_a church-fellowship_n so_o that_o it_o become_v a_o national_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o national_a church_n always_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a land_n as_o be_v congregational_a for_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n during_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple-state_n first_o or_o second_o they_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o assemble_v to_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n thrice_o at_o least_o every_o year_n hence_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v still_o call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n they_o be_v to_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n for_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n what_o other_o be_v at_o any_o time_n elsewhere_o call_v high-place_n be_v condemn_v by_o god_n as_o sin._n last_o when_o christ_n have_v divorce_v this_o people_n abolish_v their_o moysaicall_a constitution_n by_o break_v their_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o their_o staff_n of_o bond_n he_o erect_v his_o gospel_n church_n call_v in_o disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n form_v they_o into_o a_o body_n furnish_v they_o with_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n and_o after_o he_o have_v suffer_v rise_v again_o and_o continue_v here_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o time_n he_o frequent_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o will_n ascend_v unto_o his_o father_n send_v his_o spirit_n in_o a_o plentiful_a manner_n at_o pentecost_n whereby_o most_o of_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o necessary_a miraculous_a gift_n to_o the_o promote_a the_o glory_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n hence_o the_o whole_a evangelical_n ministry_n be_v first_o place_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o far_o as_o extraordinary_a or_o such_o a_o part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o church_n of_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o place_v as_o abide_v or_o stand_v officer_n in_o any_o other_o church_n as_o we_o find_v in_o this_o church_n they_o act_v as_o the_o elder_n thereof_o and_o from_o this_o church_n they_o be_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a solemn_o send_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o apostolic_a function_n in_o preach_v heal_v and_o work_v miracle_n gather_v church_n and_o settle_v officer_n in_o they_o even_o so_o as_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n their_o distinguish_a apostolic_a office_n and_o charge_n from_o which_o the_o evangelist_n differ_v but_o little_a be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n not_o to_o sit_v down_o as_o stand_v pastor_n to_o all_o or_o any_o particular_a congregation_n but_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n to_o gather_v to_o direct_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o practice_n of_o their_o doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n wherefore_o this_o apostolic_a care_n commit_v to_o they_o prove_v nothing_o either_o of_o the_o catholic_n authority_n claim_v by_o a_o oecumenick_n pastor_n or_o that_o charge_n of_o many_o congregation_n claim_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n whence_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o all_o church_n officer_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v any_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n be_v give_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o read_v of_o no_o pastor_n of_o many_o congregation_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o congregation_n to_o which_o officer_n be_v annex_v nor_o of_o any_o representative_a church_n as_o some_o will_v have_v that_o apostolic_a power_n do_v descend_v to_o successor_n we_o utter_o deny_v it_o be_v not_o derivable_a for_o none_o after_o they_o can_v say_v they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o our_o lord_n before_z or_o after_o his_o resurrection_n none_o since_o so_o qualify_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o preach_v and_o work_v miracle_n and_o none_o but_o the_o pope_n challenge_v such_o a_o extensive_a care_n for_o and_o power_n over_o all_o church_n that_o which_o descend_v from_o they_o to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v and_o why_o not_o to_o head_n it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o
as_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v to_o use_v it_o unto_o all_o its_o end_n in_o his_o way_n and_o method_n whereof_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n be_v one_o and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o conceive_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o double_a capacity_n whilst_o he_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o same_o congregation_n be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n experience_n can_v reach_v unto_o 2._o in_o occasional_a preach_v in_o other_o place_n whereunto_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n may_v be_v call_v and_o direct_v by_o divine_a providence_n for_o although_o we_o have_v no_o concernment_n in_o the_o figment_n of_o a_o indelible_a character_n accompany_v sacred_a order_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o pastoral_a office_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o man_n must_v leave_v behind_o he_o every_o time_n he_o go_v from_o home_n or_o that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n or_o in_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o divest_v he_o of_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v dismiss_v or_o depose_v from_o it_o by_o christ_n himself_o through_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n wherever_o a_o true_a minister_n preach_v he_o preach_v as_o a_o minister_n for_o as_o such_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o it_o whereof_o the_o chief_a as_o be_v say_v be_v the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n yea_o of_o such_o weight_n be_v it_o that_o the_o conveniency_n and_o edification_n of_o particular_a church_n aught_o to_o give_v place_n unto_o it_o when_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a opportunity_n and_o providential_a call_n for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a there_o be_v not_o labourer_n sufficient_a for_o it_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o leave_v their_o constant_a attendance_n on_o their_o pastoral_a charge_n in_o those_o church_n at_o least_o for_o a_o season_n to_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o the_o more_o public_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n nor_o will_v any_o particular_a church_n be_v unwilling_a hereunto_o which_o understand_v that_o even_o the_o whole_a end_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v but_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o that_o their_o good_a and_o advantage_n be_v to_o give_v place_n unto_o that_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o whole_a the_o good_a shepherd_n will_v leave_v the_o ninety_o and_o nine_o sheep_n to_o seek_v after_o one_o that_o wander_v and_o we_o may_v certain_o leave_v a_o few_o for_o a_o season_n to_o seek_v after_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o night-wanderer_n when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o by_o divine_a providence_n and_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o trial_n of_o it_o at_o this_o time_n the_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v most_o celebrate_v and_o that_o deserve_o in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o this_o and_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n have_v be_v such_o as_o who_o ministry_n god_n make_v eminent_o successful_a unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n to_o affirm_v that_o they_o do_v not_o do_v their_o work_n as_o minister_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o minsterial_a office_n be_v to_o cast_v away_o the_o crown_n and_o destroy_v the_o principal_a glory_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o my_o own_o part_n if_o i_o do_v not_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o preach_v as_o a_o minister_n and_o as_o a_o minister_n authorize_v in_o all_o place_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n when_o i_o be_o call_v thereunto_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v never_o preach_v much_o more_o in_o this_o world._n nor_o do_v i_o know_v at_o all_o what_o rule_n they_o walk_v by_o who_o continue_v public_a constant_a preach_v for_o many_o year_n and_o yet_o neither_o desire_n nor_o design_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o any_o pastoral_n office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o i_o must_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o the_o debate_n of_o these_o thing_n 6._o it_o belong_v unto_o man_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n to_o be_v ready_a willing_a and_o able_a to_o comfort_v relieve_v and_o refresh_v those_o that_o be_v tempt_v toss_v weary_v with_o fear_n and_o ground_n of_o disconsolation_n in_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o desertion_n the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a be_v require_v in_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n unto_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a one_o excellent_a qualification_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o priestly_a office_n now_o in_o heaven_n be_v that_o he_o be_v touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o know_v how_o to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v his_o whole_a flock_n in_o this_o world_n be_v a_o company_n of_o tempt_a one_o his_o own_o life_n on_o the_o earth_n he_o call_v the_o time_n of_o his_o temptation_n and_o those_o who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o his_o flock_n under_o he_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o endeavour_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v but_o among_o they_o there_o be_v some_o always_o that_o be_v cast_v under_o darkness_n and_o disconsolation_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n some_o at_o the_o entrance_n of_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n whilst_o they_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o sharpness_n of_o conviction_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o condition_n some_o be_v relapse_v into_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n some_o under_o great_a sore_a and_o last_a affliction_n some_o upon_o press_v urgent_a particular_a occasion_n some_o on_o sovereign_n divine_a desertion_n some_o through_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o injection_n of_o blasphemous_a thought_n into_o their_o mind_n with_o many_o other_o occasion_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n now_o the_o trouble_n disconsolation_n dejection_n and_o fear_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o person_n in_o these_o exercise_n and_o temptation_n be_v various_a oftentimes_o urge_v and_o fortify_v with_o subtle_a argue_v and_o fair_a pretence_n perplex_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n almost_o to_o despair_n and_o death_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o pastor_n 1._o to_o be_v able_a right_o to_o understand_v the_o various_a case_n that_o will_v occur_v of_o this_o kind_n from_o such_o principle_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o experience_n as_o will_v bear_v a_o just_a confidence_n in_o a_o prudent_a application_n unto_o the_o relief_n of_o they_o concern_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a to_o know_v how_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a it_o will_v not_o be_v do_v by_o a_o collection_n and_o determination_n of_o case_n which_o yet_o be_v useful_a it_o its_o place_n for_o hardly_o shall_v we_o meet_v with_o two_o case_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o will_v exact_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n all_o manner_n of_o circumstance_n give_v they_o variety_n but_o a_o skill_n understanding_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o the_o conflict_n that_o be_v between_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o method_n and_o wiles_n of_o satan_n of_o the_o wiles_n of_o principality_n and_o power_n or_o wicked_a spirit_n in_o high_a place_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n and_o end_n of_o divine_a desertion_n with_o wisdom_n to_o make_v application_n out_o of_o such_o principle_n of_o fit_a medicine_n and_o remedy_n unto_o every_o sore_a and_o distemper_n be_v require_v hereunto_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o some_o despise_a by_o some_o neglect_a by_o some_o look_v after_o only_o in_o state_v case_n of_o conscience_n in_o which_o work_v it_o be_v know_v that_o some_o have_v horrible_o debauch_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o other_o to_o the_o scandal_n and_o ruin_n of_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v prevail_v but_o not_o to_o dispute_v how_o far_o such_o help_n as_o book_n write_v of_o case_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v useful_a herein_o which_o they_o may_v be_v great_o unto_o those_o who_o know_v how_o to_o use_v they_o aright_o the_o proper_a way_n whereby_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n must_v obtain_v this_o skill_n and_o understanding_n be_v by_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n meditation_n thereon_o fervent_a prayer_n experience_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o temptation_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n with_o a_o prudent_a observation_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o other_o and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o opposition_n make_v to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o without_o these_o thing_n all_o pretence_n unto_o this_o ability_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n
case_n dubious_a and_o disputable_a wherein_o right_o and_o wrong_n be_v not_o easy_o determinable_a unto_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v admit_v when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o testimony_n and_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o two_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o 2._o all_z prejudices_fw-la all_o partiality_n all_o provocation_n all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o this_o administration_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o lord_n wherefore_o 3._o we_o be_v continual_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o tend_v unto_o this_o sentence_n and_o eminent_o in_o the_o sentence_n itself_o to_o charge_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n consider_v his_o love_n grace_n mercy_n and_o patience_n with_o instance_n of_o his_o condescension_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o this_o world._n 4._o there_o be_v also_o require_v of_o we_o herein_o a_o constant_a remembrance_n that_o we_o also_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o liable_a to_o temptation_n which_o may_v restrain_v and_o keep_v in_o awe_n that_o forwardness_n and_o confidence_n which_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o manifest_v in_o such_o case_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n a_o watchful_a eye_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v over_o the_o method_n of_o satan_n who_o by_o all_o mean_n seek_v to_o pervert_v this_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o too_o often_o prevail_v in_o that_o design_n and_o if_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o management_n and_o pursuit_n of_o this_o ordinance_n he_o get_v advantage_n to_o pervert_v it_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o any_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o that_o church_n in_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n therein_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o excommunication_n by_o a_o curse_a noise_n and_o clamour_v with_o bell_n book_n and_o candle_n such_o as_o we_o have_v instance_n of_o in_o some_o papal_a council_n be_v a_o horrible_a anti-christian_n abomination_n so_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o undue_a representation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n for_o person_n open_o guilty_a of_o profaneness_n in_o sin_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o all_o christian_a obedience_n 3._o all_o excommunication_n be_v evangelical_o null_a where_o there_o be_v want_v a_o evangelical_n frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v and_o there_o be_v present_v a_o anti-evangelical_a order_n in_o its_o administration_n 4._o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o after_o all_o the_o contest_v and_o dispute_v about_o this_o excommunication_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o noise_n that_o it_o have_v make_v the_o horrible_a abuse_n that_o it_o have_v be_v put_v unto_o the_o wrest_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o rule_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o it_o with_o the_o needless_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o its_o institution_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o nothing_o belong_v unto_o it_o nothing_o require_v unto_o its_o administration_n wherein_o man_n outward_a interest_n be_v at_o all_o concern_v and_o which_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n in_o any_o church-society_n may_v not_o perform_v and_o discharge_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n it_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o have_v traverse_v these_o thing_n into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o posture_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a unto_o spiritual_a wisdom_n unpracticable_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o ruinous_a unto_o all_o evangelical_n order_n and_o discipline_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n church_n so_o appoint_v and_o establish_v in_o order_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v aught_o to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o or_o with_o each_o other_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o order_n for_o these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o the_o general_a end_n of_o they_o be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n consider_v antecedent_o unto_o their_o institution_n in_o particular_a this_o end_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a or_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o promotion_n hereof_o be_v commit_v joint_o and_o several_o unto_o all_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o with_o respect_n hereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o mutual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v their_o consent_n endeavour_n and_o conjunction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therein_o their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o this_o communion_n be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n equal_o and_o the_o duty_n and_o act_n of_o it_o in_o all_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n between_o they_o or_o subordination_n among_o they_o as_o shall_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o act_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o act_n of_o some_o shall_v be_v act_n of_o authority_n and_o those_o of_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n or_o egubium_n in_o a_o city_n or_o a_o village_n the_o communion_n of_o they_o all_o be_v mutual_a the_o act_n of_o it_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n however_o one_o church_n may_v have_v more_o advantage_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a therein_o than_o another_o and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o advantage_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v effectual_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o disorder_n which_o at_o length_n destroy_v the_o catholic_n church_n with_o all_o church-communion_n whatever_o for_o some_o church_n especial_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v many_o advantage_n in_o gift_n ability_n number_n and_o reputation_n above_o many_o above_o most_o church_n for_o usefulness_n in_o their_o mutual_a communion_n the_o guide_n of_o it_o insensible_o turn_v and_o pervert_v the_o address_n make_v unto_o they_o the_o advises_n and_o assistance_n desire_v of_o they_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n or_o their_o pretence_n of_o such_o address_n and_o desire_n into_o a_o usurpation_n first_o of_o a_o primacy_n of_o honour_n then_o of_o order_n then_o of_o supremacy_n and_o jurisdiction_n unto_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o communion_n and_o at_o length_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o state_v and_o subsist_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o church_n on_o their_o first_o institution_n quick_o find_v themselves_o indigent_a and_o want_v though_o not_o as_o unto_o their_o be_v power_n and_o order_n yet_o as_o unto_o their_o well-being_n with_o their_o preservation_n in_o truth_n and_o order_n upon_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n as_o also_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o usefulness_n and_o serviceableness_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o further_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o care_n hereof_o and_o the_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o defect_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n during_o their_o life_n which_o paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v only_o a_o press_a care_n and_o burden_n unto_o they_o be_v afterward_o contend_v for_o by_o other_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n the_o pretence_n of_o it_o in_o one_o especial_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o curse_a domination_n under_o the_o style_n and_o title_n of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la dei._n but_o if_o a_o thousand_o pretence_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o supply_a church_n defect_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o any_o other_o order_n way_n or_o means_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o equal_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v all_o find_v destitute_a of_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n primitive_a antiquity_n the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o church_n yea_o of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o yet_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o all_o that_o disposal_n of_o church_n into_o several_a story_n of_o subordination_n with_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o which_o now_o prevail_v in_o the_o world._n but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o such_o imagination_n until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o union_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o