do_v not_o note_v distinct_a species_n or_o kind_n of_o church_n but_o be_v only_o several_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o be_v call_v invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o invisible_a union_n which_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n and_o visible_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v visible_a to_o man_n but_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o sense_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n 1._o not_o as_o invisible_a for_o that_o be_v not_o build_v by_o a_o visible_a profession_n such_o as_o peter_n be_v nor_o be_v the_o ordinance_n dispense_v or_o administer_v visible_o in_o it_o to_z or_o by_o man_n in_o visible_a fellowship_n add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o key_n here_o give_v to_o peter_n can_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n even_o the_o same_o person_n to_o who_o they_o have_v open_v the_o door_n before_o which_o can_v befall_v believer_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o not_o as_o visible_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o visible_a as_o a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n that_o be_v visible_a be_v not_o catholic_n though_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v visible_a in_o its_o singular_a member_n yet_o so_o they_o be_v not_o a_o church_n or_o though_o it_o may_v be_v visible_a in_o particular_a congregation_n 56_o see_v mr._n cott._n defence_n of_o the_o way_n of_o congreg_n church_n par_fw-fr 2._o p._n 56_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v catholic_n or_o though_o all_o of_o they_o if_o they_o can_v meet_v together_o may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n church_n or_o general_a assembly_n yet_o so_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n i._n e._n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o such_o assembly_n 15._o see_v mr._n hooker_n '_o â—_o survey_v part_v 1._o ch_z 14_o &_o 15._o if_o possible_a be_v extraordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a assembly_n be_v not_o fit_a judicatory_n to_o hear_v and_o censure_v ordinary_a offence_n or_o to_o administer_v the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church-power_n 2._o if_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n be_v consider_v as_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la which_o be_v such_o a_o whole_a as_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o aggregation_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o army_n be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o several_a regiment_n and_o troop_n or_o a_o kingdom_n of_o all_o the_o city_n and_o county_n within_o it_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n i._n e._n of_o all_o church-power_n for_o 1._o particular_a church_n be_v the_o member_n which_o give_v the_o essential_a cause_n whence_o the_o integrity_n of_o this_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o and_o therefore_o in_o nature_n before_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o its_o effect_n 2._o church-officer_n with_o their_o office_n be_v set_v ordinary_o by_o christ_n institution_n only_o in_o such_o a_o church_n where_o they_o be_v call_v the_o choose_a but_o that_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o for_o that_o choice_n and_o calling_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o relation_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o of_o the_o rule_v mutual_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o heb._n 13.17_o 3._o if_o a_o catholic_n integral_n church_n arise_v from_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o member_n of_o it_o join_v together_o than_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_a from_o they_o all_o as_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o its_o several_a member_n than_o also_o there_o must_v be_v some_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n and_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o there_o be_v a_o general_n over_o a_o army_n beside_o the_o captain_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o several_a regiment_n and_o a_o supreme_a monarch_n in_o a_o kingdom_n beside_o the_o governor_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o county_n but_o no_o such_o catholick-church_n distinct_a from_o all_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v show_v nor_o officer_n or_o act_n of_o it_o beside_o those_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o particular_a church_n 4._o diocesan_a bishop_n look_v at_o these_o word_n as_o give_v the_o key_n to_o they_o as_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n whence_o they_o assume_v the_o power_n of_o ordinathon_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o belong_v to_o they_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la a_o claim_n which_o king_n james_n whether_o out_o of_o his_o policy_n which_o he_o call_v his_o kingcraft_n or_o out_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o pretend_v in_o his_o time_n nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n as_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o sundry_a witness_n against_o that_o usurpation_n we_o read_v of_o bishop_n in_o the_o new-testament_n but_o what_o not_o one_o bishop_n over_o many_o church_n but_o many_o bishop_n over_o one_o church_n not_o diocesan_n but_o congregational_a bishop_n phil._n 1.1_o those_o who_o luke_n call_v elder_n in_o act._n 20.17_o paul_n call_v bishop_n in_o v._o 28._o the_o bishop_n which_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v christ_n ordinance_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v congregational_a elder_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 1-8_a tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o all_o the_o teaching-elders_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow-elders_a coequal_a in_o authority_n above_o who_o paul_n acknowledge_v no_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o set_v these_o above_o all_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 3._o euseb_n eccles_n hist_o l._n 6._o c._n 43._o cypr._n ep._n l._n 3._o ep._n 10_o &_o l._n 1._o ep_v 3._o and_o when_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o of_o the_o pastor_n be_v call_v bishop_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n for_o order_n sake_n yet_o for_o many_o year_n he_o do_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_z 1._o with_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2._o with_o consent_n galat._n dr._n cudw_n on_o the_o postscript_n to_o galat._n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n what_o be_v plead_v from_o titus_n his_o ordain_v tit._n 1.5_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n for_o he_o do_v it_o as_o a_o evangelist_n not_o as_o a_o diocesan_n prelate_n and_o the_o office_n of_o evangelist_n together_o with_o the_o apostle_n cease_v the_o postscript_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o of_o that_o to_o titus_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretan_n be_v apocryphal_a as_o the_o rest_n be_v and_o the_o first_o consist_v not_o with_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o where_o timothy_n be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o not_o tie_v to_o personal_a residence_n to_o abide_v in_o one_o place_n as_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v but_o the_o evangelist_n be_v to_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o set_v thing_n in_o order_n and_o confirm_v the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o titus_n nor_o be_v the_o postscript_n of_o that_o epistle_n of_o more_o credit_n than_o the_o former_a where_o the_o scribe_n say_v it_o be_v write_v from_o nicopolis_n hiperius_fw-la just_o dislike_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o opinion_n in_o the_o scribe_n which_o he_o say_v be_v from_o tit._n 3.12_o because_o paul_n bid_v titus_n come_v to_o he_o to_o nicopolis_n for_o he_o determine_v to_o winter_n there_o whereas_o if_o he_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n he_o will_v have_v say_v i_o purpose_v to_o winter_n here_o not_o there_o as_o beza_n note_v 5._o other_o conclude_v from_o this_o text_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n i_o e._n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o church-officer_n only_o especial_o to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o that_o such_o only_a or_o principal_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o grant_n they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o five_o reason_n especial_o we_o will_v examine_v they_o several_o and_o brief_o 1._o reas_n because_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o steward_n by_o office_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o isa_n 22.12_o answ_n 1._o the_o three_o former_a text_n speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n office_n and_o in_o they_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n not_o of_o ruling-elders_a but_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o ruling-elders_a to_o have_v a_o key_n of_o office_n also_o the_o last_o text_n prove_v only_o that_o the_o key_n sometime_o signify_v office-power_n give_v to_o a_o steward_n which_o none_o deny_v but_o this_o touch_v not_o this_o text_n mat._n 16._o which_o mean_v not_o only_a
alexandrum_fw-la omnia_fw-la probate_a quod_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la tenete_fw-la estote_fw-la probati_fw-la nummularij_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la nummus_fw-la adulter_fw-la est_fw-la &_o figuram_fw-la caesaris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la nec_fw-la signatus_fw-la est_fw-la moneta_fw-la publica_fw-la reprobetur_fw-la qui_fw-la autem_fw-la christi_fw-la faciem_fw-la claro_fw-la praefert_fw-la jumine_fw-la in_fw-la cordis_fw-la nostri_fw-la marsupium_fw-la recondatur_fw-la the_o church_n charter_n contain_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o constitution_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2._o the_o privilege_n and_o power_n give_v to_o such_o church_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o examine_v mr._n paget_n argue_v for_o the_o ecclesistical_a juridical_a power_n of_o class_n i_o shall_v positive_o declare_v what_o power_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n after_o i_o have_v describe_v their_o constitution_n according_a to_o christ_n his_o appointment_n in_o every_o of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v in_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o corporation_n or_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o perfect_a city_n be_v because_o i_o find_v that_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n frequent_o to_o express_v this_o matter_n under_o this_o similitude_n 1â—â—â—_n similitude_n ps_n 48_o 1â—_n 2._o &_o 87.3_o isa_n 26.1_o &_o 60.14_o ezek._n 40.2_o &_o 4â—_n 35_o rev._n 3._o â—â—_o &_o â—0_n â—_o 21._o 〈…〉_o 22._o 〈…〉_o luc._n 1â—â—â—_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o venture_v to_o apply_v it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n in_o scripture_n will_v direct_v and_o warrant_v there_o we_o find_v the_o grand_a charter_n itself_o and_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o these_o record_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n the_o father_n command_v we_o to_o hear_v 17.5_o hear_v mat._n 3.17_o &_o 17.5_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o under_o a_o dreadful_a penalty_n etc._n penalty_n act_n 3.22_o 23._o cypr._n ad_fw-la coecil_n lib._n 2._o ep_n 3._o si_fw-mi solus_fw-la christus_fw-la audiendus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la debemus_fw-la attendere_fw-la quid_fw-la aliquis_fw-la ante_fw-la nos_fw-la faciendum_fw-la putaverit_fw-la sed_fw-la quid_fw-la qui_fw-la ante_fw-la omnis_fw-la est_fw-la christus_fw-la prio_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o faciendum_fw-la statuerit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la hominis_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la sequi_fw-la oportet_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la veritatem_fw-la cùm_fw-la per_fw-la isaiam_fw-la prophetam_fw-la deus_fw-la loquatur_fw-la &_o dicat_fw-la etc._n etc._n whence_o cyprian_n do_v well_o infer_v if_o only_a christ_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attend_v what_o any_o before_o we_o thought_n shall_v be_v do_v but_o what_o christ_n who_o be_v before_o all_o have_v do_v and_o appoint_v to_o be_v do_v for_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o custom_n of_o man_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o vain_a they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n the_o charter_n according_a to_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o their_o power_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la be_v to_o be_v state_v we_o find_v in_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o in_o the_o open_n and_o explain_v whereof_o i_o purpose_v with_o christ_n assistance_n to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n one_a handle_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2_o clear_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o word_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o hold_v forth_o a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o its_o cause_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v several_o and_o distinct_o and_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o objection_n as_o occur_v in_o each_o particular_a may_v be_v due_o weigh_v and_o in_o handle_v they_o i_o shall_v observe_v this_o order_n 1._o i_o shall_v propound_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o certain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n 2._o explicate_v and_o confirm_v they_o 3._o deduce_v thence_o such_o consectary_n or_o inference_n as_o free_o flow_v from_o they_o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n be_v note_v in_o this_o clause_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n i_o who_o be_v that_o even_o he_o who_o peter_n have_v confess_v in_o these_o word_n thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v jesus_n our_o mediator_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o for_o though_o he_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n build_v his_o church_n zach._n 4.6_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o building_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 2._o he_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o preter_fw-la or_o present_a tense_n but_o in_o the_o future_a i_o will_v build_v for_o though_o christ_n be_v yesterday_o be_v to_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v in_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new-testament_n which_o shall_v be_v build_v after_o his_o ascension_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n join_v into_o one_o body_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v concl._n 1_o that_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v the_o only_a immediate_a author_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n appear_v by_o his_o give_v to_o it_o the_o key_n which_o we_o shall_v prove_v hereafter_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n 2._o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a immediate_a institutor_n of_o such_o church_n may_v be_v evince_v 1._o general_o from_o heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o particular_o by_o induction_n thus_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o door_n by_o who_o they_o that_o be_v orderly_o admit_v must_v enter_v joh._n 10.9_o 2._o he_o set_v the_o member_n every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o that_o place_n and_o rank_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.18_o and_o gift_v they_o according_o ephes_n 4.7_o 3._o he_o compact_v the_o whole_a body_n ephes_n 4.16_o and_o firm_o knit_v the_o material_n together_o in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 4._o he_o give_v the_o several_a office_n and_o officer_n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.8_o 11._o 5._o he_o appoint_v the_o visible_a seal_n baptism_n col._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 23_o etc._n etc._n 6._o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o 7._o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o church_n admininistration_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o 8._o the_o censure_n have_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n from_o he_o rev._n 3.7_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 9_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v from_o his_o institution_n of_o they_o and_o effectual_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n dispense_n they_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o reas_n thus_o he_o be_v by_o a_o threefold_a right_n 1._o from_o the_o decree_n and_o donation_n of_o the_o father_n psal_n 2.7_o 8._o john_n 3.35_o and_o 5.22_o 23._o 2._o from_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o from_o his_o conquest_n over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o and_o translate_v they_o into_o his_o kingdom_n col._n 1.13_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n have_v right_a to_o institute_v particular_a christian_a church_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o what_o mould_n he_o please_v from_o this_o conclusion_n thus_o prove_v i_o infer_v as_o follow_v 1._o consect_n then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n and_o head_n of_o such_o church_n as_o himself_o have_v institute_v thus_o from_o christ_n building_n his_o house_n follow_v his_o be_v over_o the_o house_n hebrew_n 3.3_o 6._o and_o he_o be_v over_o it_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o it_o act_n 2.36_o and_o as_o the_o only_a political_a head_n of_o it_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o of_o pre-eminence_n as_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o his_o member_n col._n 1.18_o john_n 3.34_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o government_n ephes_n 5.22_o 23_o 24._o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o influence_n joh._n 15.5_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o common_a gift_n whereof_o hypocrite_n partake_v which_o if_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o church_n be_v but_o dead_a member_n who_o as_o dead_a branch_n in_o the_o vine_n god_n will_v take_v away_o and_o cast_v forth_o joh._n 15.2_o 6._o but_o also_o
in_o resect_v of_o quicken_a grace_n whence_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o pet._n 2.5_o hence_o they_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o thing_n into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o head_n christ_n and_o be_v edify_a and_o edify_v member_n in_o the_o body_n eph._n 4.15_o 16._o nor_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n only_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o also_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n institute_v by_o he_o which_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o by_o christ_n himself_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n the_o king_n whereof_o be_v christ_n his_o subject_n be_v visible_a believer_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o this_o sovereign_a power_n be_v so_o proper_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o communicable_a to_o any_o creature_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v his_o substitute_n or_o vicar_n herein_o for_o neither_o do_v christ_n or_o his_o church_n need_v such_o a_o vicar_n or_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n alone_o col._n 2.10_o nor_o be_v any_o creature_n capable_a of_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o head_n unto_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o 2._o consect_n then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o earthly_a king_n or_o state_n or_o civil_a court_n to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o to_o invent_v and_o impose_v any_o rite_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n upon_o church_n according_a to_o principle_n of_o state-policy_n or_o humane_a prudence_n though_o moses_n be_v as_o well_o a_o great_a prophet_n as_o a_o great_a prince_n yet_o god_n leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n to_o his_o prudence_n but_o limit_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n exod._n 25.40_o nor_o may_v solomon_n though_o the_o wise_a of_o mere_a man_n act_n by_o his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o build_v the_o temple_n 13._o â—_o chon_n 28.11_o 12_o 13._o but_o he_o be_v guide_v therein_o by_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n which_o david_n give_v he_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o concern_v christian_a church_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n which_o he_o require_v the_o minister_n to_o hold_v forth_o distinct_o in_o every_o point_n of_o it_o to_o his_o people_n according_a to_o that_o prophecy_n in_o ezek._n 43.10_o 11._o that_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o whole_a form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o do_v they_o which_o also_o christ_n express_o require_v in_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o 3._o consect_n then_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v exalt_v christ_n and_o his_o institution_n alone_o in_o their_o whole_a church-order_n and_o in_o all_o their_o admistration_n this_o be_v their_o visible_a receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o col._n 2.5_o 6._o the_o church_n be_v christ_n house_n and_o it_o be_v equal_a according_a to_o natural_a light_n and_o civil_a prudence_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v rule_n in_o his_o own_o house_n esth_n 1.22_o much_o more_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man._n artaxerxes_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n with_o all_o such_o as_o encroach_v upon_o christ_n right_a in_o order_v church_n by_o their_o policy_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o fear_v the_o jealousy_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n if_o man_n shall_v take_v such_o liberty_n to_o themselves_o provide_v against_o it_o by_o a_o strict_a decree_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v command_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v diligent_o do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o why_o shall_v there_o be_v wrath_n against_o the_o realm_n etc._n etc._n esth_n 7.23_o nor_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o christ_n less_o formidable_a to_o we_o or_o his_o jealousy_n less_o incense_v against_o those_o that_o either_o add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o or_o alter_v his_o institution_n now_o than_o in_o time_n past_a but_o rather_o more_o hebr._fw-la 12.25_o to_o the_o end_n so_o much_o shall_v serve_v touch_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o material_a cause_n the_o material_n whereof_o this_o spiritual_a building_n must_v consist_v be_v employ_v when_o christ_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v etc._n etc._n together_o with_o peter_n confession_n in_o ver_fw-la 16._o and_o christ_n approbation_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 17._o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o this_o speech_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o rock_n be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o but_o how_o consider_v not_o simple_o and_o in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n but_o 1._o as_o preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n ephes_n 2.20_o 2._o as_o believe_v on_o with_o a_o faith_n make_v visible_a by_o public_a confession_n according_a to_o rom._n 10.9_o 10._o christ_n believe_v on_o be_v the_o foundation_n or_o rock_n of_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n but_o christ_n believe_v on_o and_o confess_v be_v the_o rock_n whereupon_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v build_v in_o this_o exposition_n sundry_a of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n 21._o writer_n basil_n tract_n de_fw-fr poenit_fw-la gre._n naz._n de_fw-fr comp._n disserendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la theod_n in_o psal_n 47._o ambr._n in_o eph._n 2.20_o aug._n in_o lib._n 1._o retract_v c._n 21._o and_o the_o orthodox_n modern_a general_o consent_n the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n which_o these_o word_n of_o the_o charter_n afford_v we_o concern_v the_o material_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v that_o 2._o conclusion_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o and_o only_o such_o grow_a person_n be_v admit_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n who_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v have_v blessedness_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o be_v such_o as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 1._o that_o christ_n here_o mean_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o only_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o have_v partly_o evince_v already_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o hereafter_o 2._o that_o person_n mean_v by_o christ_n here_o be_v adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n appear_v by_o his_o question_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v man_n say_v and_o who_o do_v you_o say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o by_o peter_n answer_n as_o for_o infant_n they_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o baptise_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o only_o as_o they_o be_v include_v in_o their_o parent_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrap_v with_o their_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o that_o such_o adulti_fw-la or_o grow_v person_n must_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n so_o christ_n require_v peter_n to_o do_v here_o and_z when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v say_v christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n viz._n in_o after_o time_n for_o no_o particular_a christian_a church_n be_v actual_o constitute_v at_o this_o time_n nor_o till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o act._n 1._o q._n d._n then_o take_v this_o course_n and_o ever_o after_o all_o the_o world_n over_o if_o you_o will_v have_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o i_o to_o be_v my_o build_n 4._o that_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v so_o make_v as_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v it_o to_o have_v blessedness_n annex_v etc._n etc._n for_o see_v it_o please_v christ_n to_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o build_v his_o church_n zach._n 6.15_o ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o he_o be_v content_a that_o they_o improve_v the_o judgement_n which_o they_o have_v christ_n judgement_n concern_v peter_n be_v infallible_a for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n john_n 2.25_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n who_o judge_n by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o therefore_o their_o judgement_n be_v fallible_a and_o have_v be_v deceive_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n concern_v ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o in_o that_o of_o philip_n and_o the_o church_n in_o samaria_n concern_v simon_n magus_n etc._n etc._n their_o duty_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o man_n may_v by_o rule_n with_o due_a moderation_n and_o gentleness_n to_o try_v they_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o fellowship_n whether_o they_o be_v believer_n or_o not_o refuse_v know_v hypocrite_n though_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v close_a hypocrite_n will_v creep_v in_o 5._o that_o all_o they_o who_o hold_v
judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n etc._n etc._n v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o the_o like_a if_o not_o great_a care_n be_v have_v of_o the_o profession_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o stranger_n the_o child_n of_o such_o proselyte_n as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n isa_n 56.6_o 7._o john_n baptist_n also_o require_v of_o all_o who_o he_o admit_v unto_o his_o baptism_n a_o repenting-confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19.4_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n mat._n 3.9_o answerable_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v of_o all_o grow_v person_n 1._o visible_a repentance_n in_o case_n of_o open_a scandal_n act._n 19.18_o 2._o to_o join_v therewith_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n act._n 2.39_o 3._o a_o profession_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o ancient_a church_n they_o have_v their_o poenitentes_fw-la such_o as_o hold_v forth_o their_o repentance_n public_o and_o their_o catechumeni_fw-la who_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v be_v pagan_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o be_v catechize_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v crave_v baptism_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v fit_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competentes_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n they_o be_v call_v audientes_fw-la or_o auditores_fw-la 17._o auditores_fw-la tertull._n l._n de_fw-la poenit_fw-la c._n 6._o &_o praescr_n advers._fw-la haeret_fw-la c._n 4._o cypr._n l._n 3._o ep_v 17._o 2._o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o do_v nonnihil_fw-la adolescere_fw-la be_v catechize_v and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v believer_n be_v confirm_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church-priviledge_n these_o clemens_n call_v incipientes_fw-la &_o novitio_n and_o so_o do_v other_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wrought_v high_a and_o more_o effectual_o to_o advance_v papal_a usurpation_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o church_n this_o custom_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o popery_n retain_v only_o the_o name_n of_o confirmation_n but_o corrupt_v the_o thing_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o sacrament_n limit_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o diocesan_n praelat_n this_o corrupt_a custom_n be_v continue_v in_o england_n after_o they_o renounce_v the_o pope_n but_o as_o luther_n in_o germany_n seek_v to_o introduce_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o into_o the_o church_n there_o so_o do_v cranmer_n under_o that_o godly_a king_n edward_n the_o 6_o endeavour_v in_o england_n and_o commit_v the_o perusal_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n to_o that_o godly_a learned_a and_o moderate_a theologue_n bucer_n who_o examine_v the_o book_n find_v among_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v 17._o censura_fw-la m._n buceri_fw-la super_fw-la lib._n ordinat_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 17._o must_v say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o answer_v the_o question_n of_o the_o short_a catechism_n bucer_n censure_n upon_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o require_v diligent_a ponderation_n if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v recite_v god_n abhor_v such_o as_o confess_v he_o in_o word_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o be_v catechise_v institute_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v answer_v in_o word_n only_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o lord_n say_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v and_o not_o only_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o require_v such_o worshipper_n as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n unto_o baptism_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v require_v as_o may_v be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o mouth_n or_o get_v only_o by_o humane_a teach_n but_o also_o it_o must_v have_v those_o sign_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n as_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o though_o the_o church_n can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n which_o fruit_n afterward_o he_o declare_v at_o large_a but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o point_n have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n than_o dispute_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o question_n under_o so_o much_o agitation_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o formal_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n or_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o this_o church_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o house_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o material_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o but_o christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o material_a house_n but_o of_o the_o constitute_n of_o that_o holy_a society_n which_o he_o call_v his_o church_n under_o the_o metaphor_n of_o build_v a_o house_n which_o every_o way_n suit_v the_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o a_o material_a house_n suppose_v of_o stone_n be_v build_v by_o orderly_o place_v and_o strong_o cement_n they_o together_o which_o before_o be_v either_o scatter_a stone_n or_o a_o confuse_a and_o loose_a heap_n but_o not_o a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v thus_o frame_v and_o compact_v together_o so_o this_o holy_a society_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o coadunition_n or_o knit_v together_o of_o many_o saint_n into_o one_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o they_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v build_v by_o a_o orderly_a join_n and_o firm_o knit_v the_o part_n together_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o the_o mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o orderly_a and_o firm_o knit_v to_o the_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o the_o same_o hold_v in_o city_n and_o family_n which_o be_v thus_o build_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o same_o matephor_n in_o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o concl._n 3_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n by_o the_o public_a mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o with_o another_o though_o all_o man_n seem_v to_o grant_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o be_v from_o a_o covenant_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o that_o want_v a_o explicit_a covenant_n do_v yet_o plead_v their_o implicit_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o church-state_n yet_o such_o dispute_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o church_n covenant_n that_o i_o be_o compel_v to_o handle_v this_o point_n also_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o clear_v and_o settle_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n show_v 1._o to_o what_o end_n it_o serve_v 2._o what_o it_o import_v 3._o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 4._o draw_v some_o consectary_n from_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o the_o next_o end_n of_o their_o confederate_n be_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o and_o to_o walk_v together_o according_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v sanctify_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 2._o the_o covenant_n itself_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o on_o the_o lord_n part_n it_o impli_v 1._o the_o lord_n give_v they_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o 2._o his_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n according_o isa_n 56.4_o 5_o
office-power_n but_o all_o power_n which_o serve_v to_o shut_v and_o open_v the_o house_n or_o city_n of_o god_n not_o power_n of_o the_o steward_n only_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o this_o great_a king_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o her_o husband_n be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n even_o to_o heaven_n have_v give_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o family_n and_o reject_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o for_o those_o end_n to_o judge_v also_o because_o such_o act_n require_v judgement_n and_o to_o call_v the_o steward_n to_o his_o place_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o key_n of_o office_n by_o election_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o power_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o she_o yet_o it_o come_v original_o from_o she_o reas_n 2._o because_o christ_n here_o give_v the_o key_n only_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v i._n e._n only_o to_o teacher_n and_o elder_n answ_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n be_v give_v only_o to_o teacher_n &_o elder_n only_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n have_v that_o formal_o yet_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o large_a than_o office-power_n viz._n to_o admit_v reject_v etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v their_o office_n from_o the_o church_n and_o their_o office-power_n by_o the_o church_n original_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n in_o the_o church_n before_o office-power_n which_o do_v communicate_v and_o convey_v office-power_n to_o its_o officer_n 3._o reas_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v act_n of_o the_o office-power_n of_o pastor_n ruler_n feeder_n by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n answ_n bind_v and_o lose_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o in_o this_o text_n comprehend_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o church-power_n and_o these_o act_n be_v not_o only_o by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n for_o then_o the_o ruling-eld_a shall_v have_v no_o key_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v but_o also_o by_o admonition_n excommunication_n admission_n which_o issue_n from_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o common_a to_o the_o people_n with_o they_o 2._o though_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o she_o may_v not_o exercise_v any_o act_n proper_a to_o office-power_n without_o officer_n who_o she_o do_v and_o must_v call_v to_o that_o end_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 4._o reas_n if_o this_o place_n give_v not_o warrant_v and_o authority_n to_o officer_n what_o warrant_v have_v they_o for_o their_o office-power_n answ_n 1._o this_o place_n give_v warrant_n for_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o church_n do_v according_o call_v they_o to_o that_o place_n and_o invest_v they_o with_o office_n with_o voluntary_a profess_a subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n of_o office_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o several_a act_n of_o office-power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o be_v abundant_o warrant_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 5._o reas_n they_o to_o who_o the_o key_n be_v here_o give_v do_v authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o their_o act_n be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v officer_n can_v by_o any_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n answ_n the_o word_n authority_n sometime_o be_v take_v more_o general_o for_o power_n sometime_o more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o rule_v and_o office-power_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o foregive_v judicial_o in_o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o former_a censure_n the_o officer_n forgive_v authoritative_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o interpretation_n 6._o other_o look_v at_o the_o key_n as_o give_v to_o peter_n here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n indefinite_o take_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a definite_a church_n that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v receive_v the_o key_n from_o they_o or_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o that_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o parity_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la therefore_o the_o church_n here_o intend_v must_v be_v take_v general_o and_o indefinite_o as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o or_o the_o general_a church_n as_o exist_v its_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v object_v against_o this_o that_o peter_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a congregation_n when_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a for_o no_o such_o church_n be_v then_o constitute_v no_o more_o be_v there_o a_o presbytery_n then_o constitute_v when_o christ_n direct_v peter_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o after_o proceed_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o mat._n 18._o which_o yet_o they_o hold_v but_o not_o true_o to_o be_v the_o presbytery_n as_o we_o shall_v evince_v hereafter_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o grant_n that_o that_o rule_n serve_v to_o order_v member_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o case_n when_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o force_n in_o this_o text_n also_o some_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n in_o this_o text_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n because_o he_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o his_o speech_n for_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o person_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o he_o say_v not_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o key_n but_o vary_v the_o person_n he_o turn_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n say_v and_o unto_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n here_o be_v no_o change_v of_o person_n nor_o turn_v of_o speech_n in_o christ_n give_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n but_o as_o christ_n begin_v so_o he_o continue_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 17._o christ_n pronounce_v peter_n bless_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 18._o he_o give_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n to_o peter_n confession_n that_o upon_o this_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n and_o establish_v it_o as_o impregnable_a against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o v._o 19_o he_o give_v unto_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o though_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o calling_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o the_o key_n be_v here_o original_o and_o primary_o commit_v to_o the_o 3._o the_o toti_n ecclesiae_fw-la dedit_fw-la christus_fw-la clave_n sed_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la certi_fw-la essent_fw-la qui_fw-la clavibus_fw-la utantur_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honoremque_fw-la dei_fw-la zanc._n in_o praec_fw-la 4._o quaest_n 3._o vid._n park_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 3._o church_n in_o general_n exist_v in_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v produce_v sundry_a writer_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a of_o other_o country_n and_o our_o own_o if_o need_v require_v to_o confirm_v this_o exposition_n yea_o of_o the_o author_n quote_v by_o mr._n p._n not_o a_o few_o consent_n herein_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v cyprian_n and_o augustine_n who_o in_o sundry_a place_n speak_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o these_o two_o i_o the_o rather_o name_n because_o i_o find_v in_o approve_a history_n that_o sundry_a martyr_n be_v confirm_v in_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o testimony_n have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n hieronimus_fw-la savanarola_n a_o godly_a learned_a preacher_n in_o florence_n a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n 565._o illyr_n catal_a test_n verit_fw-la count_v
may_v by_o the_o eye_n which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o that_o end_n 2._o the_o confirmation_n or_o proof_n that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v double_a 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o by_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o sundry_a text_n 1._o this_o in_o hand_n clear_o confirm_v it_o if_o that_o good_a ancient_a rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n be_v receive_v dictorum_fw-la intelligentia_fw-la ex_fw-la causis_fw-la dictorum_fw-la sumenda_fw-la est_fw-la for_o christ_n question_n to_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o peter_n confession_n here_o be_v only_o concern_v the_o faith_n common_a to_o the_o church_n who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o hereupon_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o disciple_n make_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n 13._o quia_fw-la christus_fw-la petra_n petrus_n populus_fw-la christianus_n august_n in_o matth._n de_fw-fr verbis_fw-la domini_fw-la ser._n 13._o christ_n testify_v his_o approbation_n of_o it_o by_o call_v he_o peter_n not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o office_n as_o of_o his_o faith_n thus_o public_o profess_v whence_o also_o visible_a believer_n be_v call_v lively_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o christ_n add_v to_o this_o praise_n of_o peter_n a_o twofold_a promise_n 1._o of_o edify_v and_o stablish_v the_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n 2._o of_o afford_v it_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o end_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o city_n or_o house_n the_o door_n or_o gate_n whereof_o be_v christ_n the_o key_n be_v all_o institute_v mean_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n into_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n visible_o be_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o subordinate_a power_n whereof_o be_v here_o give_v to_o the_o church_n immediate_o the_o second_o text_n be_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n &_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n for_o what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o elder_n assemble_v together_o and_o act_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n for_o no_o such_o assembly_n be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n much_o less_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o they_o for_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o other_o member_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o though_o when_o they_o keep_v the_o rule_n they_o be_v as_o elder_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o congregational-church_n the_o three_o text_n be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o paul_n exhort_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o exercise_v this_o their_o power_n which_o he_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o whereby_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o incestuous_a person_n v._n 5._o and_o be_v to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n v._n 7._o and_o be_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v within_o v._n 12._o and_o to_o put_v away_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o v._n 13._o and_o this_o paul_n call_v a_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o thus_o he_o establish_v their_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o exhort_v they_o upon_o the_o man_n repentance_n to_o turn_v the_o key_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o loose_v he_o from_o the_o former_a censure_n by_o forgive_a he_o in_o a_o legal_a or_o judicial_a sense_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o and_o that_o this_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v a_o mere_a congregational-church_n it_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v no_o large_a than_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o because_o in_o such_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o power_n 1._o efficient_a the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n who_o delegate_v this_o subordinate_a power_n to_o who_o it_o please_v he_o by_o his_o own_o appointment_n 2._o the_o material_a cause_n visible_a believer_n 3._o the_o formal_a cause_n covenant_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o submit_v mutual_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v reclaim_v if_o they_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n or_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a if_o they_o be_v find_v obstinate_a 2._o because_o there_o be_v no_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n from_o whence_o a_o congregational-church_n may_v derive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n when_o other_o be_v remove_v they_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n therefore_o they_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o they_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o 2._o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o therefore_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o synod_n both_o lesser_a and_o large_a be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v their_o be_v from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o send_v they_o to_o they_o to_o borrow_v any_o church-power_n but_o only_o light_v from_o they_o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o therefore_o they_o derive_v no_o church-power_n from_o they_o again_o when_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v dead_a or_o censure_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o obstinacy_n in_o scandalous_a evil_n the_o church_n still_o retain_v its_o power_n to_o choose_v other_o as_o a_o corporation_n have_v its_o full_a power_n still_o though_o the_o magistrate_n be_v dead_a or_o cast_v out_o the_o same_o hold_v in_o church_n in_o island_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n when_o they_o can_v have_v the_o help_n of_o synod_n thus_o we_o prove_v fire_n to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n because_o if_o it_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o water_n or_o wood_n it_o be_v there_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o fire_n and_o when_o they_o be_v remove_v yet_o still_o it_o remain_v in_o fire_n the_o like_a reason_n hold_v in_o this_o as_o you_o see_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o of_o which_o we_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o of_o the_o key_n 3._o because_o all_o the_o act_n do_v immediate_o by_o the_o church_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o bind_v and_o lose_v flow_v from_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o 1._o their_o admit_v member_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o for_o till_o the_o brethren_n be_v satisfy_v and_o approve_v one_o fitness_n he_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 10.47_o 2._o their_o choose_v officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o violate_v in_o add_v deacon_n act._n 6.3_o 5._o and_o ruling-elders_a to_o the_o church_n act._n 14.23_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v much_o more_o concern_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n this_o power_n cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 4._o the_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la metuens_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maximè_fw-la habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divinâ_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 4._o people_n principal_o to_o accept_v or_o refuse_v minister_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o worthy_a or_o unworthy_a 3._o their_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o depute_v some_o choose_v out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n thereunto_o in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n reside_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n in_o general_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n as_o they_o be_v ruler_n be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o yet_o the_o invest_n of_o this_o or_o that_o elect_a person_n with_o this_o office_n &_o authority_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n by_o application_n of_o it_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a rather_o than_o to_o another_o this_o be_v by_o the_o
church_n 2._o ubi_fw-la est_fw-la vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ibi_fw-la esse_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o eligendi_fw-la et_fw-la ordiâ—ndi_fw-la ministros_fw-la melanct._n de_fw-fr potest_fw-la episcop_n arg._n 2._o 4._o their_o expostulate_v with_o any_o member_n in_o case_n of_o suppose_a offence_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whereunto_o peter_n submit_v though_o a_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 11.2_o 3_o 4._o 5._o their_o public_a admonish_a offender_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whether_o they_o be_v offend_v brethren_n or_o offend_a officer_n mat._n 18.18_o col._n 4.17_o let_v he_o hear_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n say_v to_o archippus_n fulfil_v etc._n etc._n 6._o their_o excommunicate_v obstinate_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n whether_o a_o brother_n mat._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o or_o a_o officer_n gal._n 5.12_o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o church_n 7._o their_o receive_n again_o or_o release_n from_o censure_n those_o that_o have_v be_v under_o censure_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o â—ower_n this_o also_o cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o the_o vix_fw-la plebi_fw-la persuadeo_fw-la imò_fw-la extorqueo_fw-la ut_fw-la tale_n patiantur_fw-la admitti_fw-la et_fw-la justior_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la fraternitatis_fw-la dolour_n exeo_fw-la quod_fw-la unus_fw-la atque_fw-la alius_fw-la obnitente_fw-la plebe_fw-la &_o contradicente_fw-la meâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la facilitate_v suscepti_fw-la priores_fw-la extiterunt_fw-la quà m_fw-la priùs_fw-la fuerant_fw-la nec_fw-la fidem_fw-la poenitentiae_fw-la seruare_fw-la potuerunt_fw-la quia_fw-la nec_fw-la cum_fw-la verâ_fw-la poenitentiâ_fw-la venerant_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 3._o people_n or_o fraternity_n who_o though_o they_o glad_o receive_v such_o as_o return_v with_o repentance_n yet_o he_o can_v hardly_o persuade_v they_o yea_o extort_v it_o from_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o in_o who_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n appear_v and_o he_o justify_v they_o herein_o blame_v himself_o for_o too_o much_o facility_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o church_n be_v before_o its_o officer_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n essential_o and_o have_v all_o church-power_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n and_o when_o the_o officer_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o death_n or_o censure_n for_o 1._o as_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n who_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o man_n agree_v to_o he_o though_o he_o want_v some_o bodily_a member_n so_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o socâ—â—_n of_o visible_a believer_n confederate_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o mutual_a submission_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n agree_v to_o it_o though_o it_o want_v officer_n 2._o such_o a_o church_n can_v call_v their_o officer_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o officer_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v before_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o its_o effect_n a_o corporation_n have_v its_o be_v and_o power_n of_o a_o corporation_n within_o itself_o before_o it_o have_v magistrate_n because_o it_o can_v choose_v magistrate_n and_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o put_v out_o can_v put_v other_o into_o their_o stead_n and_o place_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n 2._o corollary_n then_o though_o the_o church_n have_v its_o essential_a be_v and_o power_n without_o officer_n yet_o it_o be_v defective_a two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o member_n it_o have_v not_o its_o complete_a integrity_n of_o member_n without_o they_o bartimeus_n be_v a_o true_a man_n without_o his_o eye_n but_o not_o perfect_a with_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o part_n and_o member_n so_o be_v the_o church_n defective_a and_o maim_v without_o officer_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v defective_a in_o its_o member_n so_o also_o in_o its_o operation_n if_o it_o want_v officer_n for_o some_o ordinance_n can_v be_v at_o all_o administer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o the_o outward_a seal_n or_o sacrament_n which_o be_v annex_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v by_o he_o limit_v unto_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n by_o office_n mat._n 28.19_o and_o some_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o in_o order_v speech_n in_o public_a in_o church-debate_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o like_a can_v be_v do_v without_o ruling-elders_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o official_a watch_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v private_a disorder_n in_o conversation_n among_o the_o member_n 3._o some_o can_v be_v so_o do_v by_o other_o as_o by_z officer_n 1._o not_o with_o that_o attendance_n to_o they_o as_o the_o need_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v he_o that_o have_v a_o office_n be_v bind_v to_o wait_v on_o it_o rom._n 12.7_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o continual_o act._n 6.4_o to_o be_v in_o it_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v free_v by_o the_o church_n from_o other_o distract_n care_v which_o will_v disable_v he_o to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o 2._o not_o with_o authority_n which_o belong_v to_o rule_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o authority_n heb._n 13.17_o so_o in_o other_o act_n which_o be_v proper_o official_a and_o authoritative_a hence_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o officer_n and_o private_a member_n in_o their_o seveâ—â—â—_n manner_n of_o act_v in_o thing_n common_a to_o both_o a_o church_n want_v officer_n may_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o admission_n of_o such_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o membership_n with_o the_o church_n in_o who_o fitness_n thereunto_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v and_o in_o ordain_v officer_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o gather_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o fraternity_n and_o in_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o censure_n but_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v only_o at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n pro_fw-la hâc_fw-la vel_fw-la illâ_fw-la vice_fw-la the_o same_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o teach_v and_o ruling-elders_a in_o another_o manner_n viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n without_o particular_a leave_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o officer_n to_o attend_v unto_o their_o work_n not_o only_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o receive_v into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o the_o church_n approve_v but_o also_o to_o try_v the_o fitness_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o fellowship_n before_o they_o propound_v they_o to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o hold_v in_o officer_n to_o be_v call_v and_o when_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o and_o agree_v to_o ordain_v they_o the_o eldership_n impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o theâ—â—_n office_n when_o offence_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o step_n as_o the_o elder_n do_v propound_v the_o case_n so_o it_o must_v first_o be_v notify_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v try_v whether_o the_o rule_n have_v be_v attend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a step_n and_o that_o they_o may_v clear_v all_o difficulty_n and_o then_o propound_v the_o case_n when_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o public_a cognizance_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o be_v so_o if_o they_o neglect_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n or_o assume_v any_o undue_a power_n to_o themselves_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v may_v complain_v to_o the_o church_n and_o as_o need_n may_v require_v they_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o judge_v and_o in_o the_o close_a to_o propound_v the_o sentence_n wherein_o the_o church_n consent_v and_o they_o concur_v with_o they_o authoritative_o 3._o corollary_n then_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o church-power_n and_o of_o ordinary_a office-power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n and_o officer_n respective_o within_o that_o body_n or_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a memberly_n or_o official_a relation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n can_v act_v in_o admit_v the_o member_n choose_v the_o officer_n nor_o censure_a offender_n of_o another_o church_n nor_o may_v the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n administer_v the_o seal_n or_o ordain_v officer_n or_o perform_v other_o proper_a act_n of_o official_a authority_n out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n in_o another_o
church_n the_o church_n may_v by_o communion_n of_o church_n upon_o orderly_a recommendation_n receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n unto_o fellowship_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o seal_n be_v and_o the_o officer_n may_v administer_v they_o to_o such_o be_v accept_v by_o the_o body_n for_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o so_o much_o from_o the_o rule_n rom._n 16.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o but_o not_o to_o act_v in_o judgement_n for_o the_o church_n have_v this_o privilege_n proper_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o and_o to_o judge_v only_o those_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o whereas_o i_o allege_v this_o text_n against_o mr._n paget_n to_o prove_v that_o church-ordinance_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n mr._n rutterf_n meet_v with_o that_o expression_n say_v mr._n d._n will_v have_v pastor_n so_o far_o stranger_n to_o all_o congregation_n save_v their_o own_o that_o he_o say_v other_o church_n be_v without_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o allege_v for_o this_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o paul_n mean_v not_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o congregation_n but_o he_o mean_v infidel_n and_o heathen_a as_o in_o other_o scripture_n for_o paul_n judge_v and_o excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n have_v mr._n rutt_n be_v please_v to_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o my_o own_o defence_n of_o that_o passage_n 313._o in_o my_o apolog_n reply_v pag._n 312_o 313._o print_v sundry_a year_n before_o he_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n in_o these_o dispute_v about_o church_n affair_n he_o may_v have_v find_v that_o write_v by_o i_o touch_v the_o sense_n and_o my_o application_n of_o that_o text_n which_o may_v have_v prevent_v his_o exagitate_v that_o matter_n nor_o do_v he_o with_o any_o congruity_n argue_v from_o paul_n excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o he_o say_v be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o prove_v that_o pastor_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o judge_v judicial_o or_o excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o other_o congregation_n for_o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n a_o extraordinary_a officer_n have_v a_o illimited_a commission_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o delegated_a power_n both_o in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o administer_v church-ordinance_n without_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v and_o to_o execute_v all_o office_n in_o any_o church_n where_o officer_n be_v want_v but_o pastor_n be_v ordinary_a officer_n have_v a_o limit_a commission_n to_o do_v only_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o those_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o therefore_o though_o paul_n may_v excommunicate_v one_o that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n yet_o the_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n may_v not_o yet_o paul_n can_v not_o excommunicate_v one_o that_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o without_o as_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a be_v for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n do_v so_o appropriate_a church-judgment_n to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o that_o he_o exempt_v from_o it_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n all_o that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o congregation_n though_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o be_v without_o some_o be_v total_o without_o all_o church-communion_n as_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a other_o though_o in_o church-communion_n elsewhere_o yet_o not_o in_o communion_n of_o membership_n of_o that_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o put_v away_o from_o they_o not_o one_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n mr._n rutt_n say_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n though_o member_n of_o some_o other_o church_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n can_v not_o excommunicate_v they_o yet_o paul_n may_v and_o do_v by_o his_o apostolical_a power_n thus_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n some_o be_v without_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n to_o conclude_v one_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n two_o way_n 1._o simple_o and_o absolute_o so_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a that_o be_v of_o no_o church_n 2._o comparative_o so_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n compare_v with_o those_o that_o be_v of_o this_o body_n 4._o corollary_n then_o church_n gather_v and_o officer_n ordain_v in_o these_o day_n without_o apostle_n be_v true_a church_n and_o true_a church-officer_n according_a to_o christ_n and_o church_n thus_o organise_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v true_a and_o entire_a church_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n as_o well_o as_o those_o primitive_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o put_v into_o this_o charter_n whereof_o we_o speak_v as_o a_o conditional_a clause_n which_o may_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v if_o christ_n have_v intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o necessary_a he_o do_v not_o say_v upon_o this_o rock_n my_o apostle_n shall_v build_v my_o church_n and_o to_o my_o church_n build_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n viz._n by_o such_o instrument_n as_o christ_n will_v raise_v and_o use_v and_o bless_v in_o that_o work_n in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o this_o church_n thus_o build_v he_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n object_n but_o christ_n give_v the_o commission_n of_o gather_v church_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.8_o 11_o 12._o answ_n those_o and_o the_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n do_v indeed_o show_v that_o god_n use_v apostle_n principal_o in_o this_o work_n but_o not_o only_o for_o as_o to_o teach_v and_o baptise_v be_v common_a to_o other_o teaching-officer_n as_o well_o as_o apostle_n so_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n by_o make_v man_n disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v do_v by_o other_o beside_o apostle_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n act._n 11.20_o 21._o the_o disperse_a disciple_n plant_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o member_n whereof_o be_v first_o call_v christian_n a_o church_n who_o plant_v barnabas_n approve_v ver_fw-la 23._o 2._o they_o show_v that_o god_n will_v use_v apostle_n herein_o for_o a_o time_n but_o not_o always_o which_o i_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o proper_a work_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o first_o model_n and_o pattern_n of_o plant_v and_o gather_v church_n which_o ordinary_a instrumentts_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 10._o and_o in_o that_o sense_n their_o work_n continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o their_o manner_n of_o work_v viz._n from_o a_o immediate_a call_n inspiration_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n proper_a to_o apostle_n in_o make_v those_o pattern_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o end_v with_o their_o office_n in_o the_o first_o age_n since_o when_o there_o never_o have_v be_v apostle_n in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o mathias_n succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n by_o god_n election_n act._n 1.26_o yet_o after_o james_n be_v behead_v no_o apostle_n be_v choose_v to_o succeed_v he_o though_o the_o apostle_n live_v long_o after_o 2._o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o live_v long_a of_o the_o apostle_n describe_v by_o revelation_n from_o christ_n all_o the_o officer_n that_o shall_v be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n in_o christian_a church_n after_o that_o age_n under_o four_o sort_n of_o live_a creature_n which_o note_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n after_o that_o age_n viz._n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n revel_v 4.1_o 6_o 7._o verse_n 19_o and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n hold_v forth_o the_o ratification_n of_o christ_n grant_n of_o the_o key_n unto_o a_o congregational-church_n with_o the_o chiefty_a
and_o their_o put_n of_o it_o into_o act_n be_v a_o judicial_a act_n in_o they_o all_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o so_o their_o forgive_a he_o will_v be_v a_o legal_a and_o judicial_a acquit_v he_o from_o thaâ—_n sentence_n 2_o cor._n 2._o this_o church_n be_v our_o pattern_n and_o its_o practice_n in_o this_o be_v presidential_a to_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n reas_n 1_o from_o the_o guilt_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o such_o church_n when_o any_o scandal_n give_v by_o their_o member_n remain_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a therefore_o paul_n apply_v this_o reproof_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n brethren_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n for_o their_o slowness_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n christ_n reprove_v the_o angel_n and_o church_n both_o of_o pergamus_n rev._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o of_o thyatira_n ver_fw-la 20._o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o sufficient_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o purge_v out_o such_o leaven_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o tolerate_v the_o same_o and_o why_o be_v not_o other_o church_n or_o the_o class_n blame_v for_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n over_o they_o if_o they_o stand_v under_o any_o such_o and_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o he_o say_v to_o other_o church_n also_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a remissness_n which_o admonition_n all_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v lest_o else_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o severally_z and_o respective_o to_o preserve_v their_o member_n and_o whole_a fellowship_n in_o spiritual_a purity_n and_o safety_n heb._n 12.15_o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o most_o free_a and_o perfect_a city_n which_o thucydides_n say_v have_v three_o privilege_n viz._n to_o use_v 1._o their_o own_o law_n 2._o magistrate_n 3._o judgement_n whence_o he_o call_v every_o such_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o city_n be_v not_o account_v entire_a and_o perfect_a city_n of_o themselves_o but_o less_o worthy_a member_n of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n 7._o grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la bell_n &_o pac_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o p._n 4_o 5_o 7._o under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v the_o summa_fw-la potestas_fw-la of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n be_v that_o cujus_fw-la actus_fw-la alterius_fw-la juri_fw-la non_fw-la subsunt_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la alterius_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la humanae_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la irriti_fw-la possunt_fw-la reddi_fw-la now_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o free_a city_n the_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 48.1_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n ver_fw-la 2._o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v sufficient_a and_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o to_o manage_v the_o key_n without_o dependence_n on_o class_n etc._n etc._n in_o its_o own_o concernment_n yet_o herein_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o such_o perfect_a city_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o such_o city_n may_v part_v with_o their_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n dedimus_fw-la liv._o dec._n 1._o l._n 1._o idem_fw-la ibid._n l._n 7._o populum_fw-la campanum_n urbemque_fw-la delubra_fw-la deûm_fw-la divina_fw-la humanaque_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o vestram_fw-la p.c._n ditioâ—em_fw-la dedimus_fw-la as_o be_v overmatch_v by_o a_o potent_a enemy_n in_o this_o case_n the_o collative_n yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o city_n and_o liberty_n to_o tarqvinius_n priscus_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n or_o when_o they_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n by_o a_o enemy_n who_o they_o will_v not_o have_v to_o rule_v over_o they_o and_o can_v defend_v themselves_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o campani_a distress_a by_o the_o samnite_n which_o force_v they_o to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v with_o all_o their_o liberty_n unto_o the_o roman_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v facti_fw-la alienae_n potestatis_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v presuppose_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o thus_o to_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o question_n estne_v populus_fw-la collatinus_n in_fw-la suâ_fw-la potestate_fw-la but_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o alienate_v from_o themselves_o their_o church-liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o they_o gal._n 5.1_o and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v keep_v and_o manage_v the_o same_o luke_n 16.2_o reas_n 3_o from_o the_o concession_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v this_o truth_n calcem_fw-la the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o syn._n p._n 33._o ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la mr._n pag._n acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n shall_v sojourn_v among_o the_o indian_n or_o among_o heretic_n where_o it_o can_v not_o obtain_v fellowship_n with_o other_o church_n out_o of_o itself_o or_o if_o by_o violence_n or_o other_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n any_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o enjoy_v this_o benefit_n of_o combination_n with_o other_o church_n in_o classical_a government_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o want_n this_o church_n shall_v subsist_v still_o and_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n other_o say_v the_o same_o of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o island_n and_o add_v 2_o mr._n herle_n indep_n p._n 2_o that_o in_o such_o case_n a_o single_a congregation_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n mr._n rutterf_n add_v that_o when_o church_n can_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o neighbour_a church_n with_o that_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n as_o their_o occasion_n may_v require_v among_o they_o ordination_n and_o so_o excommunication_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n from_o this_o concession_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o 1._o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n quà _fw-la talis_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_n in_o a_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n within_o itself_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n yea_o that_o the_o church-power_n native_o and_o natural_o lie_v in_o the_o congregation_n for_o such_o case_n be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o first_o synod_n which_o be_v look_v at_o as_o presidential_a to_o all_o synod_n be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o two_o church_n which_o be_v two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a 2._o the_o other_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n have_v no_o right_a to_o take_v away_o this_o power_n from_o it_o for_o none_o may_v put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v join_v as_o well_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o that_o note_a in_o mat._n 19.7_o god_n have_v join_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la to_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o then_o shall_v sunder_v it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n to_o place_v it_o in_o class_n as_o superior_a judicatories_n where_o god_n never_o put_v it_o 3._o if_o the_o first_o church_n in_o a_o continent_n have_v this_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o before_o other_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o other_o church_n there_o long_o after_o shall_v deprive_v they_o of_o it_o by_o set_v up_o a_o classis_fw-la as_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a over_o they_o then_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o a_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o and_o will_v give_v they_o cause_n to_o complain_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n 34._o pow._n of_o class_n &_o syn._n p._n 33._o idem_fw-la p_o 34._o but_o not_o increase_v our_o joy_n but_o they_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v this_o dependency_n and_o union_n with_o other_o church_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o mean_n and_o can_v without_o sin_n neglect_v the_o same_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o but_o a_o matter_n arbitrary_a at_o best_a they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o a_o church_n to_o combine_v unto_o classeâ—_n and_o synod_n for_o their_o spiritual_a government_n if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n as_o to_o join_v a_o man_n self_n as_o a_o member_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o and_o conclude_v all_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o sin_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o walk_v not_o as_o become_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12.5_o 1_o cor._n 12.15_o ephes_n 4.16_o answ_n 1._o the_o proof_n allege_v do_v show_v that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o exercise_v in_o
that_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a for_o their_o eternal_a good_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n when_o the_o sentence_n proceed_v either_o according_a to_o the_o eighteen_o of_o matthew_n upon_o their_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n in_o less_o heinous_a offence_n or_o according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o rev._n 22.15_o upon_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o against_o common_a light_n to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v they_o in_o due_a time_n 1_o pet._n 5.6_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o he_o to_o add_v efficacy_n to_o his_o ordinance_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v due_o and_o true_o humble_v their_o corruption_n powerful_o mortify_v and_o their_o soul_n eternal_o save_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o take_v not_o part_n with_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o ordinance_n but_o take_v part_n with_o the_o ordinance_n against_o your_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o your_o honour_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o exalt_v his_o rule_n and_o let_v other_o learn_v hereby_o to_o fear_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n but_o persist_v obstinate_o in_o sin_n 2._o corollary_n then_o a_o congregational_a church_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n this_o be_v reveal_v to_o john_n as_o that_o frame_n of_o church-government_n which_o shall_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o see_v a_o throne_n set_v in_o heaven_n the_o trinity_n sit_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n between_o it_o and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n who_o sit_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n rev._n 4.1_o 9_o thither_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o ordinance_n by_o a_o offend_a brother_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n or_o by_o any_o member_n that_o find_v himself_o over-rigorous_o dealâ—_n with_o by_o his_o brethren_n in_o these_o step_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o that_o there_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o christ_n if_o the_o church_n want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o consent_n for_o the_o sentence_n they_o be_v to_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o by_o their_o light_n and_o counsel_n but_o still_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o censure_n entire_o in_o the_o church_n where_o christ_n have_v place_v it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o chief_a tribunal_n in_o the_o exerciâ—â—_n of_o church-government_n unto_o which_o appeal_n must_v be_v last_o make_v juridical_o and_o from_o which_o no_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o expect_v 2._o that_o this_o chief_a tribunal_n must_v have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n above_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v judial_o censure_v by_o any_o power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n all_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v the_o chief_a tribunal_n that_o say_v some_o must_v be_v the_o class_n under_o which_o such_o church_n stand_v and_o the_o synod_n under_o which_o the_o class_n be_v subordinate_a and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n may_v be_v remove_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o say_v can_v be_v do_v if_o you_o put_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n for_o what_o if_o a_o elder_a what_o if_o the_o whole_a edership_n yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n offend_v the_o church_n can_v censure_v their_o elder_n for_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o to_o judge_v their_o judge_n nor_o will_v they_o censure_v themselves_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n of_o many_o elder_n may_v and_o will_v reform_v all_o by_o judicial_o censure_v all_o answ_n 1._o this_o argument_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_n or_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o matth._n 18._o be_v â—â—t_n for_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n but_o of_o such_o private_a and_o less_o heinous_a offence_n as_o grow_v public_a and_o notorious_a only_o by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n for_o if_o offence_n be_v public_a and_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_a church_n to_o proceed_v by_o those_o step_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rev._n 22.15_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o make_v the_o people_n ruler_n of_o their_o ruler_n or_o judge_n of_o their_o judge_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n over_o they_o in_o case_n of_o delinquency_n for_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a rule_n or_o authority_n but_o of_o the_o high_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o may_v well_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o their_o privilege_n without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o authority_n of_o elder_n wherein_o as_o officer_n they_o be_v above_o the_o brethren_n whilst_o they_o act_v according_a to_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o become_v delinquent_n then_o as_o member_n they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n must_v submit_v to_o they_o as_o ruler_n while_o they_o right_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n in_o preach_v administer_a the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o censure_n order_v speech_n and_o silence_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o other_o official_a act_n but_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o church_n question_v or_o proceed_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o good_a advice_n of_o neighbour-churche_n and_o elder_n who_o as_o they_o concur_v in_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o their_o ordination_n so_o they_o shall_v concur_v in_o approve_v this_o censure_n as_o just_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n from_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o mayor_n in_o a_o free_a city_n or_o corporation_n be_v in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o his_o office_n above_o the_o court_n none_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o act_n peculiar_a to_o his_o place_n yet_o if_o he_o corrupt_v the_o people_n pervert_v justice_n or_o be_v any_o way_n gross_o and_o scandalous_o delinquent_a the_o court_n can_v censure_v and_o despose_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o any_o member_n to_o preserve_v its_o purity_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n against_o any_o in_o the_o body_n that_o will_v corrupt_v disturb_v or_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o the_o covenant_n bind_v every_o member_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a either_o to_o be_v reform_v or_o remove_v from_o communion_n of_o it_o thereby_o 3._o their_o plaster_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o heal_v the_o sore_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v either_o too_o broad_a when_o offence_n of_o brethren_n may_v be_v heal_v by_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o or_o it_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o 1._o those_o assembly_n be_v too_o seldom_o and_o can_v sit_v together_o long_o enough_o to_o remove_v the_o many_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o frequent_o in_o church_n 2._o non_fw-fr can_v they_o excommunicate_v a_o church_n nor_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o warrant_n from_o christ_n 3._o class_n and_o synod_n and_o general_a council_n may_v be_v under_o just_a offence_n as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o 4._o this_o plaster_n hinder_v the_o heal_n of_o the_o sore_n of_o church_n for_o pronunciatum_fw-la appellatio_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la prima_fw-la sententia_fw-la tantisper_fw-la extinguitur_fw-la donec_fw-la de_fw-la causae_fw-la cognition_n ad_fw-la superiorem_fw-la devolutâ_fw-la fuerit_fw-la pronunciatum_fw-la if_o a_o delinquent_n dislike_a the_o church_n proceed_v appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o national_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n which_o may_v not_o assemble_v in_o a_o age_n while_o the_o appeal_n depend_v he_o shall_v stand_v as_o uncensured_a for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o appeal_n now_o how_o can_v that_o heal_v which_o be_v cross_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a wise_a physician_n he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n but_o he_o who_o appeal_v from_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n therefore_o he_o that_o so_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n which_o this_o tradition_n of_o appeal_n from_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la
to_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n contradict_v and_o so_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o high_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o itself_o 3._o corollary_n then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la will_v well_o consist_v with_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o both_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n ordinance_n do_v not_o interfere_v as_o the_o communion_n of_o neighbour-family_n do_v not_o cross_v the_o complete_a government_n of_o several_a family_n within_o themselves_o respective_o in_o thing_n proper_o domestical_a and_o as_o communion_n among_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n hinder_v not_o the_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o each_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n within_o itself_o in_o its_o proper_a concernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n therefore_o church-communion_n must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a association_n for_o mutual_a helpfulness_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o not_o in_o way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n whether_o of_o another_o church_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o several_a church_n assemble_v in_o class_n or_o synod_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o former_a way_n be_v exercise_v according_a to_o rule_n in_o sundry_a case_n as_o 1._o in_o mutual_a care_n 2._o in_o recommendation_n of_o member_n 3._o in_o participation_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o 4._o in_o relieve_v and_o succour_v one_o another_o 5._o in_o countenance_v by_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o a_o church_n in_o its_o first_o gather_v and_o unto_o elder_n at_o their_o ordination_n 6._o in_o consult_v one_o with_o another_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o require_v the_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n 16._o see_v these_o particular_n prove_v in_o the_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n published-by_a the_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n anno._n 1649._o the_o eight_o month_n chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v than_o ourselves_o 7._o in_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n all_o these_o and_o if_o withdraw_a fellowship_n upon_o just_a cause_n be_v add_v to_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o apostle_n may_v do_v to_o another_o without_o exercise_v church-government_n over_o they_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n to_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la the_o scripture_n no_o where_o approve_v not_o of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o church_n and_o par_fw-fr in_o parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la nor_o of_o one_o church_n to_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a neighbour-churche_n the_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o pattern_n they_o say_v of_o such_o a_o synod_n let_v we_o see_v how_o their_o classical_a assembly_n answer_v it_o 1._o that_o be_v no_o set_a meeting_n monthly_a or_o quarterly_a but_o mere_o occasional_a act._n 15.1_o 2._o 2._o if_o be_v not_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o assemble_v verse_n 22_o 23._o 3._o it_o be_v but_o a_o meeting_n of_o two_o church_n that_o of_o antioch_n send_v their_o messenger_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n who_o residence_n for_o the_o present_a be_v there_o join_v with_o they_o verse_n 4_o 6._o 4._o that_o assembly_n give_v their_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o antioch_n &_o of_o the_o person_n that_o teach_v it_o as_o troublesome_a and_o subverter_n verse_n 24._o but_o do_v neither_o excommunicate_v they_o nor_o command_v the_o church_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 5._o they_o direct_v and_o charge_v the_o church_n from_o the_o word_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v verse_n 28_o 29._o but_o they_o do_v not_o do_v their_o act_n of_o power_n for_o they_o 6._o nor_o do_v this_o assembly_n exercise_v church-government_n over_o that_o church_n at_o antioch_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n or_o in_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n or_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n or_o in_o excommunicate_v or_o in_o reverse_v or_o nullify_n the_o censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o church_n for_o these_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la to_o every_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o yet_o because_o i_o study_v peace_n and_o consent_n with_o godly_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o truth_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n right_o gather_v and_o order_v have_v so_o much_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o in_o these_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n for_o in_o scripture_n be_v willing_a also_o to_o yield_v further_o if_o it_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o more_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o there_o be_v two_o case_n wherein_o the_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n and_o determination_n of_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n 1._o when_o they_o want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o competent_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o themselves_o approve_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o attainment_n of_o their_o end_n in_o seek_v light_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n agree_v to_o send_v to_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n though_o two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o have_v sufficient_a light_n within_o themselves_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o convict_o from_o scripture_n the_o elder_n and_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o brethren_n by_o far_o consent_v therein_o no_o rule_n require_v or_o allow_v that_o for_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o a_o delinquent_n who_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n or_o of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n who_o side_n with_o he_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o censure_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o proceed_v till_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n have_v be_v consult_v for_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v 1._o it_o will_v disturb_v all_o church-proceeding_n 2._o and_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la it_o must_v issue_v there_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n if_o as_o many_o elder_n in_o that_o assembly_n dissent_n as_o brethren_n do_v before_o in_o the_o church-meeting_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v gain_v thereby_o and_o if_o the_o delinquent_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o issue_n and_o so_o appeal_n may_v be_v draw_v further_o till_o a_o delinquent_n wrest_v himself_o at_o last_o from_o all_o power_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o case_n be_v when_o that_o which_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la in_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o consider_v become_v res_fw-la communis_fw-la in_o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o proceed_v for_o though_o receive_v of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v act_n of_o the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o never_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o establish_v by_o that_o grant_n a_o absolute_a power_n in_o such_o church_n to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o other_o church_n if_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o a_o right_a seed_n shall_v turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n unto_o god_n and_o become_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a or_o scandalous_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n know_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o choose_v such_o into_o office_n and_o refuse_v to_o admit_v into_o fellowship_n or_o office_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o fellowship_n such_o as_o testify_v according_a to_o rule_n against_o these_o evil_n and_o refuse_v to_o consent_v with_o they_o therein_o etc._n etc._n the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n or_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n if_o the_o evil_n spread_v to_o the_o disturb_v corrupt_a or_o scandalize_a
of_o many_o church_n have_v power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n act._n 15.6_o 2._o to_o argue_v debate_n and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o word_n verse_n 7_o 23_o 3._o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v vers_fw-la 23._o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 24_o 28_o 29._o 4._o such_o determination_n and_o direction_n be_v find_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v be_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o 5._o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a persistance_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n in_o their_o scandalous_a evil_n against_o light_n convict_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n so_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v by_o they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o church-communion_n till_o they_o repent_v and_o reform_v this_o follow_v in_o proportion_n from_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 2.9_o and_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o person_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o such_o offend_a church_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o neither_o do_v that_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15.29_o here_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o join_v with_o my_o brethren_n in_o add_v some_o caution_n touch_v the_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 57_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 57_o either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o throâ—â—â—_n ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o ball._n mr._n shepherd_n &_o mr._n allen_n defense_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n in_o answ_n to_o mr._n ball._n other_o express_v their_o apprehension_n in_o way_n of_o caution_n touch_v this_o matter_n thus_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n or_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulatiuè_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privatiuè_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o as_o these_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o classical_a power_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v tanquam_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la so_o in_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o i_o with_o they_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n due_a moderation_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o exercise_v brotherly_a communion_n in_o testify_v against_o such_o act_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n be_v according_a to_o scripture-light_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o 1._o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o though_o as_o elder_n yet_o not_o as_o apostle_n nor_o as_o infallible_o assist_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a in_o their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o in_o a_o masterly_a way_n impose_v their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n upon_o other_o but_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o receive_v only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o that_o church_n hold_v forth_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a apprehension_n let_v they_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o answer_v convict_o or_o let_v that_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la without_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n 2._o godly_a wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o proceed_n in_o make_v difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v church_n to_o connive_v at_o grosser_n scandal_n nor_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o small_a difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n much_o less_o for_o censure_v and_o hold_v under_o censure_n impenitent_a person_n when_o the_o scandalous_a obstinacy_n of_o delinquent_n be_v res_fw-la propriâ_fw-la to_o that_o church_n though_o some_o other_o church_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o guide_n who_o possible_o may_v side_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o delinquent_n out_o of_o some_o secret_a grutch_v against_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o party_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v lay_v under_o that_o censure_n or_o shall_v now_o be_v release_v from_o it_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v contrary_a to_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n if_o a_o church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a matter_n than_o this_o will_v cause_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n between_o church_n where_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v exercise_v with_o true_a humility_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n see_v the_o moderation_n of_o that_o african_a synod_n whereof_o cyprian_n write_v thus_o to_o stephanus_n caeterum_fw-la scimus_fw-la quosdam_fw-la quod_fw-la semel_fw-la imbiberint_fw-la 1._o cypr._n l._n 2._o ep._n 1._o nolle_fw-la deponere_fw-la nec_fw-la propositum_fw-la suum_fw-la facilè_fw-la mutare_fw-la sed_fw-la salvo_fw-la inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la quaedam_fw-la propria_fw-la quae_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la semel_fw-la sint_fw-la usurpata_fw-la retinere_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o re_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la cviquam_fw-la facimus_fw-la aut_fw-la legem_fw-la damus_fw-la cum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la administratione_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la suae_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la liberum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la praepositus_fw-la rationem_fw-la actus_fw-la svi_fw-la domino_fw-la redditurus_fw-la yet_o these_o proper_a practice_n of_o some_o church_n differ_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n which_o be_v establish_v as_o he_o say_v consensu_fw-la &_o authoritate_fw-la communi_fw-la nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v end_n of_o breach_n among_o church_n unless_o due_a moderation_n in_o such_o case_n
be_v exercise_v that_o love_n among_o church_n may_v be_v maintain_v 3._o unto_o these_o let_v it_o be_v add_v that_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v brotherly_a love_n so_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v show_v to_o any_o one_o church_n and_o before_o other_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o their_o love_n in_o not_o easy_o receive_v suggestion_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o it_o though_o from_o some_o elder_a or_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o another_o church_n who_o may_v possible_o speak_v against_o they_o out_o of_o envy_n or_o ill_a will_n much_o more_o in_o not_o countenance_v a_o censure_v delinquent_n complain_v against_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n by_o who_o he_o be_v censure_v in_o a_o disorderly_a tumultuous_a manner_n as_o desirous_a to_o beget_v reproach_n and_o trouble_v to_o that_o church_n and_o contention_n and_o division_n among_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n 3._o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o ep._n 3._o from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o revenge_n the_o african_a pastor_n be_v careful_a hereof_o as_o cyprian_a note_n cum_fw-la statutum_fw-la sit_fw-la omnibus_fw-la nobis_fw-la &_o aequum_fw-la sit_fw-la pariter_fw-la ac_fw-la justum_fw-la ut_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la causa_fw-la illic_fw-la audiatur_fw-la ubi_fw-la est_fw-la crimen_fw-la admissum_fw-la &_o singulis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la portio_fw-la egregis_fw-la sit_fw-la ascripta_fw-la quam_fw-la regat_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la &_o gubernet_fw-la rationem_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la domino_fw-la rediturus_fw-la oportet_fw-la utique_fw-la eos_fw-la quibus_fw-la praesumus_fw-la non_fw-la circumcurdare_v nec_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la concordiam_fw-la cohaerentem_fw-la suâ_fw-la subdolâ_fw-la &_o fallaci_fw-la temeritate_fw-la collidere_fw-la sed_fw-la agere_fw-la illic_fw-la causam_fw-la svam_fw-la ubi_fw-la &_o accusatores_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o testes_fw-la svi_fw-la criminis_fw-la possint_fw-la last_o if_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o church_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n shall_v determine_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o church_n power_n within_o itself_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o not_o be_v sancit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v right_o order_v according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a spiritual_a remedy_n against_o all_o those_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o think_n can_v be_v redress_v unless_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n be_v establish_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n as_o if_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o two_o faction_n &_o opposition_n within_o itself_o or_o if_o there_o be_v scandalous_a contention_n between_o two_o church_n or_o between_o the_o eldership_n and_o brotherhood_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o scandalous_a delinquency_n i_o say_v these_o and_o the_o like_a inconvenience_n will_v be_v better_o redress_v in_o this_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o classical_a government_n for_o this_o way_n be_v ground_v upon_o divine_a institution_n so_o be_v not_o that_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n follow_v and_o accompany_v his_o own_o institution_n not_o man_n device_n if_o vzzah_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o stay_v the_o ark_n his_o good_a intention_n can_v not_o justify_v his_o action_n but_o his_o not_o act_v according_o to_o god_n order_n be_v his_o death_n the_o prelate_n have_v as_o plausible_a a_o plea_n for_o their_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n and_o take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n viz._n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o conformity_n yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_v unto_o all_o man_n last_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n may_v befall_v classical_a and_o synodal_n assembly_n yea_o and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o what_o remedy_n be_v there_o for_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o this_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n afford_v to_o particular_a church_n corollary_n 4._o then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la aught_o to_o be_v thankful_o receive_v right_o improve_v and_o faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o by_o other_o church_n and_o their_o officer_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v thankful_o receive_v as_o a_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n who_o heart_n be_v engage_v to_o approach_v unto_o he_o jer._n 30.21_o the_o grant_n by_o charter_n of_o entireness_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o unto_o city_n and_o corporation_n have_v ever_o be_v high_o esteem_v as_o a_o act_n of_o special_a grace_n from_o the_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o privilege_n with_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o that_o the_o chief_a captain_n in_o act_n 22.25_o 26_o 28._o purchase_v his_o freedom_n in_o rome_n with_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n this_o grant_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o member_n of_o they_o sundry_a way_n 1._o for_o their_o ease_n in_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v examine_v and_o issue_v at_o home_n without_o chargeable_a tiresome_a journey_n to_o the_o classical_a or_o synodal_n assembly_n to_o have_v their_o matter_n determine_v there_o 2._o for_o encouragement_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o speech_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o answer_v before_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v a_o memberlike_a and_o pastoral_a care_n and_o respect_n of_o he_o whereas_o the_o presence_n of_o sundry_a strange_a face_n of_o person_n of_o superior_a rank_n and_o quality_n will_v not_o a_o little_a daunt_v he_o which_o may_v occasion_v his_o fall_n in_o his_o cause_n 3._o for_o their_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o church_n proceed_v where_o as_o all_o circumstance_n can_v be_v best_o clear_v so_o more_o moderation_n may_v rational_o be_v expect_v from_o their_o own_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o from_o stranger_n comparative_o and_o from_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o censure_n and_o the_o same_o either_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v their_o own_o case_n they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o which_o be_v strong_a inducement_n to_o moderation_n exod._n 23.9_o gal._n 6.1_o than_o from_o a_o judicatory_a of_o constant_a judge_n who_o think_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o danger_n 4._o for_o common_a edification_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v by_o their_o presence_n in_o church-proceeding_n act_n 5.11_o this_o they_o lose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n classical_a assembly_n consist_v only_o of_o elder_n meeting_n and_o act_v apart_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v right_o improve_v which_o be_v then_o do_v when_o church-proceeding_n be_v orderly_o carry_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n both_o by_o the_o eldership_n and_o fraternity_n act_v the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v delegated_a to_o they_o respective_o according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n in_o the_o due_a order_n and_o with_o mutual_a consent_n according_a to_o god_n 3._o it_o must_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n 1._o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whereby_o the_o church_n act_v according_a to_o rule_v be_v make_v under_o christ_n the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o without_z appeal_n to_o other_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n who_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v church-censure_n or_o to_o release_v man_n from_o they_o matth._n 18.18_o object_n what_o if_o the_o brother_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o church_n proceed_v ans_fw-fr the_o elder_n have_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v their_o proceed_n and_o the_o brethren_n either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o major_a part_n by_o far_o judge_a according_o let_v he_o suspect_v his_o own_o apprehension_n fear_v that_o satan_n temptation_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n pride_n and_o self-flattery_n may_v darken_v and_o harden_v he_o prov._n 28.14_o 2._o let_v he_o attend_v serious_o to_o the_o light_n hold_v forth_o from_o scripture_n for_o his_o conviction_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a in_o he_o 3._o let_v he_o thankful_o close_a with_o the_o light_n that_o do_v shine_v unto_o he_o and_o answerable_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o himself_o the_o evil_n which_o that_o light_n reprove_v and_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o compass_n of_o his_o guilt_n seek_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o further_a help_n with_o a_o self-denying_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o rule_n 4._o if_o he_o can_v show_v convict_o to_o the_o church_n some_o error_n in_o the_o elder_n expound_v or_o apply_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n whereupon_o the_o censure_n proceed_v let_v he_o fall_v under_o the_o rule_n or_o look_v at_o it_o as_o his_o great_a sin_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o covenant_n
which_o bind_v he_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o find_v that_o through_o sinful_a prejudice_n he_o can_v receive_v the_o light_n hold_v forth_o when_o he_o have_v no_o objection_n of_o weight_n against_o it_o 2._o other_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o preserve_v the_o entireness_n of_o power_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la inviolate_a the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o righteousness_n bind_v every_o man_n hereunto_o one_o corporation_n must_v uphold_v the_o just_a right_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o another_o if_o a_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n ox_n or_o sheep_n go_v astray_o he_o must_v in_o any_o case_n bring_v they_o again_o unto_o his_o brother_n deut._n 22.1_o much_o more_o if_o he_o see_v a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n go_v astray_o by_o sinful_a prejudice_n against_o the_o church_n he_o must_v in_o any_o case_n convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o angel_n return_v hagar_n to_o sarah_n her_o mistress_n gen._n 16.8_o 9_o for_o this_o purpose_n 1._o they_o must_v not_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_n much_o less_o against_o the_o church_n and_o eldership_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o therefore_o much_o less_o from_o a_o delinquent_n under_o public_a censure_n and_o that_o in_o his_o one_o cause_n 2._o if_o more_o join_v with_o he_o attest_v what_o he_o say_v they_o must_v see_v 1_o whether_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faction_n side_v with_o a_o censure_v delinquent_n against_o the_o church_n or_o no._n if_o yea_o they_o must_v testify_v against_o their_o way_n as_o contrary_a to_o rule_v and_o avoid_v they_o as_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 16.17_o if_o not_o they_o must_v inquire_v 1_o whether_o they_o have_v plead_v with_o the_o church_n itself_o hos_fw-la 2.2_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o become_v such_o as_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zach._n 8.21_o before_o they_o become_v accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n unto_o other_o 2_o whether_o they_o proceed_v peaceable_o or_o tumultuous_o and_o tumultuos_o they_o do_v act_n if_o they_o seek_v nor_o light_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n first_o at_o home_n but_o refuse_v help_v that_o way_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v trouble_n and_o disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n by_o spread_v their_o complaint_n abroad_o and_o those_o not_o to_o some_o one_o church_n without_o who_o help_n the_o question_n can_v be_v end_v as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o eight_o or_o nine_o church_n some_o near_a some_o far_o distant_a from_o the_o church_n some_o 40_o 50_o 100_o 150_o mile_n off_o and_o that_o without_o give_v notice_n of_o their_o purpose_n to_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n if_o so_o they_o may_v clear_o see_v a_o evil_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o business_n with_o which_o other_o shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 3_o whether_o they_o do_v positive_o justify_v the_o delinquent_n in_o that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v censure_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n or_o only_o declare_v their_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o delinquent_n in_o some_o respect_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a concern_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o censure_n if_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o thus_o speak_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n 4_o whether_o they_o come_v only_o in_o a_o backbiting_a way_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n public_o before_o the_o church_n which_o they_o accuse_v private_o if_o not_o they_o must_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_v against_o common_a equity_n act._n 25.16_o 5_o what_o the_o end_n be_v which_o they_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o in_o take_v this_o course_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o light_v only_a or_o for_o the_o nullify_n of_o the_o censure_n by_o the_o power_n of_o other_o if_o the_o former_a they_o can_v safe_o conclude_v any_o thing_n alterâ_fw-la parte_fw-la inauditâ_fw-la remember_v what_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 18.17_o if_o the_o latter_a they_o must_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n but_o all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o inform_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n whether_o their_o report_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o to_o give_v such_o advice_n from_o scripture_n as_o the_o case_n require_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n exhort_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a space_n to_o attend_v the_o rule_n in_o memberlike_a submission_n to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o church_n according_a to_o god_n quest_n but_o suppose_v that_o the_o party_n censure_v think_v he_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v wrong_v be_v there_o no_o course_n to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o free_n of_o he_o from_o a_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a in_o his_o apprehension_n answ_n if_o he_o have_v hold_v forth_o convince_a light_n as_o he_o conceive_v to_o the_o church_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v wrong_v and_o have_v wait_v patient_o for_o redress_n but_o can_v find_v none_o and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o join_v with_o some_o other_o church_n he_o may_v remove_v his_o dwell_n if_o no_o other_o church_n be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n or_o without_o that_o if_o there_o be_v and_o he_o may_v offer_v himself_o to_o their_o fellowship_n make_v know_v to_o they_o his_o case_n if_o in_o other_o respect_n they_o approve_v he_o as_o one_o who_o fellowship_n with_o they_o will_v be_v helpful_a or_o comfortable_a to_o they_o they_o will_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whence_o he_o come_v with_o his_o desire_n and_o crave_v their_o advice_n which_o will_v draw_v from_o that_o church_n a_o full_a narrative_n of_o his_o case_n upon_o examination_n whereof_o these_o who_o desire_v his_o fellowship_n will_v labour_v with_o he_o to_o further_a his_o repentance_n and_o his_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o offend_a church_n according_a to_o rule_n which_o be_v do_v the_o church_n that_o be_v offend_v will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o forgive_v he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o recommend_v he_o to_o that_o fellowship_n where_o he_o desire_v to_o settle_v but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o the_o church_n that_o have_v thus_o far_o labour_v in_o the_o business_n will_v acquaint_v other_o neighbour-churche_n with_o the_o matter_n and_o crave_v their_o advice_n who_o find_v either_o that_o the_o church_n do_v err_v in_o judgement_n or_o that_o the_o delinquent_n have_v satisfy_v the_o rule_n of_o repentance_n will_v signify_v their_o apprehension_n to_o both_o the_o church_n and_o according_o the_o party_n be_v either_o release_v by_o the_o one_o or_o receive_v by_o the_o other_o each_o of_o they_o preserve_v its_o church-power_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la according_a to_o their_o light_n maintain_v still_o church-communion_n notwithstanding_o their_o different_a apprehension_n touch_v this_o matter_n 2._o if_o the_o case_n be_v reducible_a to_o what_o be_v note_v in_o the_o three_o corollary_n there_o you_o may_v find_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n prescribe_v according_a to_o congregational_a principle_n without_o his_o remove_n 3._o in_o some_o case_n a_o mischief_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o inconvenience_n as_o lawyer_n speak_v better_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n want_v a_o remedy_n for_o a_o case_n that_o may_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o man_n life_n than_o to_o be_v under_o the_o continual_a dropping_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o in_o all_o case_n 4._o we_o have_v former_o prove_v that_o classical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v helpful_a to_o church_n that_o it_o frustrate_v christ_n grant_n of_o power_n to_o particular_a church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la finis_fw-la