all_o natural_a and_o humane_a right_n in_o the_o world._n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n be_v now_o compel_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n and_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_o but_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v divest_v of_o their_o natural_a liberty_n they_o know_v not_o how_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o shall_v be_v teach_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n they_o must_v come_v under_o a_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o society_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o court_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o wise_a man_n in_o church_n as_o now_o there_o be_v think_v to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o among_o other_o also_o christian_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o and_o belong_v unto_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n immediate_o hereon_o all_o the_o right_n liberty_n privilege_n possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o just_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v come_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o especial_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n which_o they_o be_v adjudge_v to_o belong_v unto_o for_o upon_o expulsion_n out_o of_o that_o society_n by_o excommunication_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o it_o have_v frame_v unto_o itself_o all_o their_o right_n and_o title_n and_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v forfeit_v and_o expose_v to_o ruin_n some_o indeed_o do_v earnest_o and_o learned_o contend_v that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v sovereign_a king_n and_o prince_n and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v they_o make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o life_n or_o dignity_n thereby_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o deal_v with_o other_o poor_a man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v excommunicate_v immediate_o he_o lose_v the_o free_a tenure_n of_o his_o life_n liberty_n and_o good_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o land_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o gaol_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n so_o that_o by_o this_o artifice_n all_o man_n hold_v their_o natural_a and_o civil_a right_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n society_n whereto_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v and_o as_o this_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o property_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o value_v so_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o liberty_n but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o employ_v this_o engine_n unto_o great_a man_n and_o man_n in_o power_n who_o may_v yet_o deserve_v excommunication_n as_o well_o as_o some_o of_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a helpless_a and_o friendless_a shall_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o excommunication_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o house_n cast_v into_o prison_n and_o keep_v there_o until_o they_o and_o their_o family_n starve_v and_o perish_v and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o the_o greatness_n authority_n and_o wealth_n of_o many_o who_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n care_v not_o to_o conflict_n withal_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v not_o actual_o bring_v under_o this_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n which_o on_o this_o presumption_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o and_o all_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o all_o society_n apparent_a unto_o all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o namely_o that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n in_o or_o over_o any_o thing_n right_o privilege_n or_o advantage_n but_o what_o man_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o society_n their_o rule_n and_o law_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v not_o the_o life_n the_o liberty_n the_o house_n and_o possession_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n they_o receive_v they_o not_o from_o the_o church_n and_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o think_v that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o take_v they_o away_o yea_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o order_n upon_o the_o good_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o judge_v it_o best_o neither_o to_o exert_v their_o power_n nor_o act_v their_o principle_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o whereas_o they_o esteem_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o belong_v unto_o their_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n excommunicate_v all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o own_o law_n and_o canon_n both_o which_o a_o man_n will_v think_v they_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n unto_o and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o sentence_n send_v out_o the_o capias_fw-la for_o they_o all_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o will_v go_v to_o prison_n or_o no_o and_o then_o in_o what_o a_o fine_a case_n will_v this_o government_n be_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v all_o go_v to_o gaol_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o king_n will_v be_v in_o a_o ill_a state_n to_o defend_v his_o realm_n against_o his_o enemy_n 3._o every_o society_n have_v this_o power_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v incorporate_v in_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o not_o towards_o other_o for_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n or_o who_o shall_v commit_v it_o unto_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o be_v cast_v out_o from_o those_o privilege_n which_o they_o never_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o nor_o a_o right_n unto_o the_o apostle_n rule_n hold_v in_o this_o case_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v without_o who_o be_v not_o right_o incorporate_v into_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v eject_v out_o of_o it_o a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n at_o random_n towards_o all_o that_o those_o who_o exercise_v it_o can_v extend_v force_n unto_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o corporation_n to_o disfranchise_v such_o as_o never_o belong_v unto_o it_o who_o be_v never_o member_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o only_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o the_o expulsion_n of_o any_o person_n out_o of_o such_o a_o society_n be_v a_o wilful_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n who_o observance_n he_o have_v engage_v unto_o upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o it_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v require_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o any_o right_a or_o privilege_n but_o what_o he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o perform_v in_o his_o admittance_n into_o it_o and_o if_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o every_o church-society_n be_v that_o man_n observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v none_o can_v be_v just_o eject_v out_o of_o that_o society_n but_o upon_o a_o wilful_a disobedience_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o ☞_o the_o cast_n of_o man_n out_o of_o church_n communion_n on_o light_n and_o trivial_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o reason_n or_o cause_n whatever_o but_o such_o as_o essential_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereon_o the_o church_n do_v original_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n be_v contrary_a unto_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o thus_o far_o i_o say_v be_v every_o lawful_a confederate_a society_n enable_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o remove_v from_o its_o communion_n and_o from_o a_o participation_n in_o its_o right_n and_o privilege_n any_o of_o its_o number_n who_o will_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o its_o coalescency_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o man_n walk_v together_o in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o institution_n without_o give_v offence_n unto_o one_o another_o or_o those_o that_o be_v without_o by_o any_o sinful_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v abide_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o any_o one_o
from_o the_o scripture_n in_o doctrine_n or_o give_v counsel_n as_o unto_o practice_n synodical_o unto_o they_o who_o proper_a representative_n be_v present_a in_o it_o who_o decree_n and_o determination_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o necessity_n as_o recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o be_v suitable_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o example_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o and_o after_o such_o synod_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o church_n concern_v humble_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o from_o the_o manner_n cause_n and_o end_n of_o their_o assemble_v and_o from_o their_o deportment_n therein_o 2._o what_o regard_n in_o their_o constitution_n and_o determination_n there_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o have_v have_v its_o due_a pre-eminence_n 3._o how_o all_o their_o determination_n have_v be_v educe_v from_o its_o truth_n and_o be_v confirm_v by_o its_o authority_n without_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o judgement_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n none_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o any_o synodical_a determination_n see_v without_o they_o and_o on_o the_o want_n of_o they_o many_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n who_o have_v have_v the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o title_n of_o synod_n or_o council_n have_v be_v den_n of_o thief_n robber_n idolater_n manage_v their_o synodical_a affair_n with_o fury_n wrath_n horrible_a craft_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v the_o second_o ephesine_n the_o second_o at_o nice_a and_o that_o at_o trent_n and_o other_o not_o a_o few_o hence_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v especial_o in_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v decline_v in_o faith_n worship_n and_o holiness_n than_o synod_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o convention_n where_o these_o thing_n be_v absent_a for_o they_o have_v already_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o lead_v on_o and_o justify_v all_o the_o apostasy_n which_o church_n have_v fall_v into_o for_o never_o be_v there_o yet_o synod_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o confirm_v all_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n which_o have_v in_o common_a practice_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o a_o progress_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v ever_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o of_o they_o for_o outward_a reformation_n of_o any_o use_n or_o signification_n 2._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n determine_v article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v order_n and_o decree_n for_o the_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o appointment_n to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o obey_v on_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o authority_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n and_o the_o trouble_n by_o custom_n and_o tyranny_n thereto_o annex_v or_o act_v in_o a_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n or_o person_n be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n for_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v plead_v but_o prescription_n from_o the_o four_o century_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o fatal_a apostasy_n become_v visible_a the_o proof_n of_o both_o these_o assertion_n depend_v on_o what_o be_v before_o declare_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o these_o synod_n for_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v evince_v no_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o here_o allow_v yet_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v far_o illustrate_v by_o some_o brief_a consideration_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o synod_n record_v act._n 15._o 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o they_o can_v not_o compose_v among_o themselves_o because_o those_o who_o cause_v the_o difference_n pretend_a authority_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o be_v evident_a v._n 1._o and_o 14._o 2._o the_o mean_n of_o its_o convention_n be_v the_o desire_n and_o voluntary_a reference_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n make_v by_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n where_o the_o difference_n be_v unto_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n whence_o as_o it_o be_v pretend_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n arise_v unto_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n to_o be_v consult_v of_o with_o their_o own_o messenger_n 3._o the_o person_n constitute_v the_o synod_n be_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o that_o antioch_n with_o who_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v join_v in_o the_o same_o delegation_n 4._o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n be_v debate_v as_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n on_o james_n proposal_n the_o determination_n be_v make_v 5._o there_o be_v nothing_o impose_v a_o new_a on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n only_a direction_n be_v give_v in_o one_o particular_a instance_n as_o unto_o duty_n necessary_a on_o many_o account_n unto_o the_o gentile_a convert_v namely_o to_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o instance_n of_o its_o practice_n as_o whereon_o scandal_n will_v ensue_v which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n even_o before_o this_o determination_n and_o be_v so_o still_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o mention_v in_o the_o decree_n only_o it_o be_v now_o declare_v unto_o they_o 6._o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o synod_n propose_v the_o reception_n of_o and_o compliance_n with_o its_o decree_n be_v four_o 1._o that_o what_o they_o have_v determine_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o mind_n they_o know_v either_o by_o inspiration_n or_o immediate_a revelation_n make_v unto_o themselves_o or_o by_o what_o be_v write_v or_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o on_o all_o other_o occasion_n they_o allege_v as_o what_o be_v the_o word_n and_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v this_o latter_a way_n namely_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v intend_v however_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v propose_v or_o confirm_v in_o synod_n but_o what_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n either_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o by_o scripture_n revelation_n 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o presence_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o 3._o that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v be_v necessary_a that_o be_v antecedent_o so_o unto_o that_o determination_n namely_o the_o abstain_v from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o case_n of_o scandal_n 4._o from_o the_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o mutual_a communion_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a church_n do_v thus_o say_v they_o you_o shall_v do_v well_o which_o be_v all_o the_o sanction_n of_o their_o decree_n manifest_v that_o it_o be_v doctrinal_a not_o authoritative_a in_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n 7._o the_o doctrinal_a abridgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n they_o call_v the_o impose_v of_o no_o other_o burden_n in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o they_o reject_v namely_o the_o impose_v a_o yoke_n of_o ceremony_n upon_o they_o v_o 10._o so_o as_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v that_o they_o will_v lay_v no_o burden_n on_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o advise_v they_o unto_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o scandal_n for_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v impose_v any_o yoke_n or_o lay_v any_o burden_n on_o the_o disciple_n but_o only_o the_o yoke_n and_o burden_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o commission_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o synod_n convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o several_a church_n concern_v in_o mutual_a communion_n may_v declare_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o decree_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n true_a and_o necessary_a because_o reveal_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v own_a and_o observe_v on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 16._o line_n 31._o for_o to_o read_v do_v p._n 23._o l._n 34._o r._n state_n p._n 27_o l._n 2._o r._n believer_n be_v p._n 31._o l._n 11._o r._n mat._n 20._o p._n 40._o l._n 23._o r._n if_o so_o be_v p._n 41._o l._n 25._o r._n we_o inquire_v not_o p._n 47._o l._n ult_n r._n these_o p._n 53._o l._n 6._o ephes._n 4.7_o p._n 71._o l._n 33._o r._n light._n p._n 72._o l._n 8._o r._n mere_a p._n 103_o l._n 33._o r._n auricular_a p._n 112._o l._n 29._o r._n conc._n p_o 117._o l._n 9_o after_o public_o add_v read._n p._n 119._o l._n 22_o r._n their_o mix_a p._n 129._o l._n 5._o for_o 18_o r._n 28._o p._n 132._o l._n 9_o for_o 9_o r._n 3._o p._n 141._o l._n 30._o read_v over_o you_o p._n 147._o l._n 25._o for_o 39_o r._n 38._o p._n 168._o l._n 20._o for_o 24._o r._n 21._o p._n 186._o l._n 20._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 192._o l._n 14._o r._n will_v full_o p_o 205._o l._n 35_o r._n this_o p._n 228._o l._n 21_o r._n do_v p._n 244._o l._n 9_o r._n furnace_n p_o 256._o l._n 15._o r._n probable_a psal._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o psal._n 24.3_o 4._o psal._n 93_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 8.23_o ephes._n 5.27_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o ezek._n 22.26_o joh._n 3.3_o tit._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o joh._n 3.5_o act._n 2.38_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o phil._n 3_o 18_o 19_o tit._n 1.15_o 16._o act._n 15.8_o revel_v 2.23_o act._n 8.13_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o rom._n 9.6_o 7._o tit._n 1.16_o mat._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rom._n 10.10_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o chap._n 9.13_o matth._n 10.32_o 33._o luke_n 9.16_o 2_o tim._n 2.12_o rom._n 15.9_o joh._n 12.42_o 1_o joh._n 4.2_o 3_o 15._o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o matth._n 10.37_o 38_o 39_o mar._n 8.34_o 38._o luke_n 9.23_o phil._n 3.18_o act._n 4.10_o 11_o 20._o act._n 24.14_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o phil._n 1.10_o ☞_o ☞_o matth._n 18.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 23.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2_o joh._n 9.10_o act._n 20.18_o 29._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 3._o cant._n 1.7_o jerem._n 13.17_o chap._n 23.2_o ezek._n 34.3_o gen._n 49.24_o psal._n 23.1_o psal._n 80.1_o joh._n 10.11_o 14_o 16._o heb._n 13.20_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o chap._n 5.4_o ☜_o ☞_o jam_fw-la 5.16_o joh._n 17.20_o exod._n 32.11_o deut._n 9.18_o levit._fw-la 16.24_o 1_o sam._n 12.23_o 2_o cor._n 13.7_o 9_o ephes._n 1.15_o 16_o 17._o ch._n 3.14_o phil._n 1.4_o col._n 1.3_o 2_o thess._n 1.11_o ☞_o ☜_o ☞_o ☞_o ☜_o ☞_o
as_o the_o best_a treasure_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o insure_v by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v happy_a here_o and_o hereafter_o by_o bartholomew_n ashwood_n late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n price_n bind_v 2s_n 6d_o another_o book_n of_o the_o same_o author_n entitle_v the_o heavenly_a trade_n or_o the_o best_a merchandise_n the_o only_a way_n to_o live_v well_o in_o impoverish_v time_n a_o discourse_n occasion_v from_o the_o decay_n of_o earthly_a trade_n and_o visible_a waste_n of_o practical_a piety_n in_o the_o day_n we_o live_v in_o offer_v argument_n and_o counsel_n to_o all_o towards_o a_o speedy_a revival_n of_o die_a godliness_n and_o timely_a prevention_n of_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n thereof_o hang_v over_o we_o very_o necessary_a for_o all_o family_n price_n 2_o s._n 6_o d._n some_o other_o book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o william_n marshal_n caryl_n exposition_n on_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o job_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o folio_n pool_n synopsis_n criticorum_fw-la in_o v._o volume_n latin._n be_v synopsis_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o two_o large_a volume_n in_o latin_a with_o the_o index_n be_v to_o be_v sell_v very_o cheap_a in_o quire_n both_o volume_n for_o 20_o s_o and_o both_o vol._n well_o bind_v for_o 30_o s._n pool_n annotation_n in_o english._n two_o volume_n index_n to_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v sell_v alone_o price_n 5_o s._n dr._n owen_n on_o the_o hebrew_n in_o four_o volume_n owen_n on_o the_o spirit_n clark_n martyrology_n mellificium_fw-la chirurgiae_fw-la or_o the_o marrow_n of_o chirurgery_n a_o anatomical_a treatise_n institution_n of_o physic_n with_o hippocrates_n aphorism_n large_o comment_v upon_o the_o marrow_n of_o physic_n show_v the_o cause_n sign_n and_o cure_n of_o most_o disease_n incident_a to_o humane_a body_n choice_a experience_a receipt_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o several_a distemper_n the_o four_o edition_n enlarge_v withm_n any_o addition_n and_o purge_v from_o many_o fault_n that_o escape_v in_o the_o former_a impression_n illustrate_v with_o twelve_o copper_n cut_v by_o james_n cook_n of_o warwick_n practitioner_n in_o physic_n and_o chirurgery_n there_o be_v also_o a_o very_a useful_a book_n of_o the_o same_o author_n for_o those_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o be_v their_o own_o physician_n entitle_v select_a observation_n of_o english_a body_n of_o eminent_a person_n in_o desperate_a disease_n to_o which_o be_v now_o add_v a_o hundred_o rich_a counsel_n and_o advice_n for_o several_a honourable_a person_n with_o all_o the_o several_a medicine_n and_o method_n by_o which_o the_o several_a cure_n be_v effect_v with_o direction_n about_o drink_v the_o bath_n water_n price_n bind_v 2_o s._n 6_o d._n clarkson_n primitive_a episcopacy_n octavo_fw-la price_n bind_v 1_o s._n 6_o d._n owen_n of_o justification_n be_v brief_a and_o impartial_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n chap._n i._n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o unto_o its_o essence_n constitution_n and_o be_v or_o as_o unto_o its_o power_n and_o order_n when_o it_o be_v organise_v as_o unto_o its_o essence_n and_o be_v its_o constituent_a part_n be_v its_o matter_n and_o form._n these_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o by_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v the_o person_n whereof_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v with_o their_o qualification_n and_o by_o its_o form_n the_o reason_n cause_n and_o way_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o relation_n among_o they_o which_o give_v they_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o therewithal_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o a_o church_n either_o privilege_n or_o power_n as_o such_o our_o first_o enquiry_n being_n concern_v what_o sort_n of_o person_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n require_v and_o admit_v to_o be_v the_o visible_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n we_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o our_o determination_n by_o respect_n unto_o his_o honour_n glory_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o rule_n to_o reckon_v such_o person_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n member_n of_o his_o body_n such_o as_o he_o require_v and_o own_v for_o other_o be_v not_o so_o who_o will_v not_o be_v tolerate_v at_o least_o not_o approve_v 5.27_o in_o a_o well_o govern_v kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n be_v high_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o but_o it_o be_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o notorious_o and_o flagitious_o wicked_a until_o they_o become_v pest_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o be_v they_o esteem_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v think_v little_o less_o than_o schism_n to_o forbid_v they_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o sacred_a privilege_n howbeit_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o general_n represent_v the_o kingdom_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o consist_v of_o person_n call_v saint_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n with_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o if_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n with_o we_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o we_o understand_v aright_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o the_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o it_o above_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o subject_n such_o a_o holiness_n as_o the_o world_n in_o its_o wisdom_n know_v not_o we_o will_v due_o consider_v who_o we_o avow_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o those_o who_o know_v aught_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o profess_v that_o person_n open_o profane_a vicious_a sensual_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a be_v approve_v and_o own_a of_o christ_n as_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n 5._o or_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o old_a opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o mixture_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o it_o be_v make_v a_o scarecrow_n to_o frighten_v man_n from_o attempt_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o a_o covert_n for_o the_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o member_n only_o some_o thing_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v premise_v unto_o what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o the_o right_n state_v of_o this_o enquiry_n as_o 1._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v of_o any_o as_o unto_o personal_a qualification_n in_o a_o visible_a uncontrollable_a profession_n to_o constitute_v they_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 22.26_o and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o most_o righteous_a and_o severe_a law_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v a_o good_a subject_a or_o citizen_n the_o distinction_n between_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o lose_v now_o all_o negative_a qualification_n as_o that_o man_n be_v not_o oppressor_n drunkard_n reviler_n swearer_n adulterer_n etc._n etc._n be_v require_v hereunto_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o general_o more_o be_v require_v to_o constitute_v such_o a_o citizen_n as_o shall_v represent_v the_o righteous_a law_n he_o live_v under_o than_o to_o constitute_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n 2._o that_o whereas_o regeneration_n be_v express_o require_v in_o the_o gospel_n 5._o to_o give_v a_o right_n and_o privilege_n unto_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n whereby_o that_o kingdom_n of_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o kingdom_n in_o and_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o a_o interest_n wherein_o never_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v something_o better_o more_o excellent_a and_o sublime_a than_o any_o thing_n the_o law_n and_o polity_n of_o man_n pretend_v unto_o or_o prescribe_v wherefore_o it_o can_v consist_v in_o any_o outward_a rite_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o worst_a and_o vile_a of_o man_n beside_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n unto_o its_o consist_v in_o any_o such_o rite_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o and_o many_o thing_n require_v unto_o good_a citizen_n be_v far_o better_o than_o the_o mere_a observation_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n of_o this_o regeneration_n baptism_n be_v the_o symbol_n the_o sign_n 3.21_o expression_n and_o representation_n wherefore_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n partaker_n of_o it_o it_o give_v all_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v until_o they_o come_v unto_o such_o season_n wherein_o the_o personal_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n whereon_o the_o continuation_n of_o
season_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o full_a a_o indication_n of_o sincerity_n as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n through_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o non_fw-la admission_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v on_o a_o conjunction_n in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o be_v otherwise_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n prejudicial_a unto_o their_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o church_n can_v answer_v the_o refusal_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o such_o person_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v become_v a_o church_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n be_v by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o solemn_a agreement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o such_o church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v so_o to_o be_v continue_v only_o in_o that_o state_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n few_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o be_v require_v to_o enstate_v they_o in_o church_n order_n and_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o first_o erection_n yet_o that_o that_o continuation_n may_v be_v regular_a it_o be_v require_v that_o its_o first_o congregate_a for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n be_v so_o as_o also_o that_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v wherefore_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o first_o gather_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n plant_v or_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o church_n do_v consist_v each_o of_o they_o of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o another_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n and_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o those_o believer_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o other_o become_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o general_a that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o guide_v they_o in_o these_o affair_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o that_o other_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o they_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_v by_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n matth._n 28.20_o this_o can_v original_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v as_o remote_a cause_n or_o prerequisite_a condition_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v such_o be_v baptism_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n convenient_a cohabitation_n resort_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o neither_o any_o of_o these_o distinct_o or_o separately_z nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o such_o church_n state_n ensue_v they_o can_v altogether_o engage_v unto_o those_o duty_n nor_o communicate_v those_o power_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o state._n be_v there_o no_o other_o order_n in_o particular_a church_n no_o other_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o nor_o rule_n over_o they_o no_o other_o duty_n no_o other_o end_v assign_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n of_o cohabitation_n determine_v by_o civil_a authority_n may_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v entrust_v in_o itself_o with_o sundry_a power_n and_o privilege_n depend_v on_o sundry_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o constitute_v new_a relation_n between_o person_n that_o neither_o natural_o nor_o moral_o be_v before_o so_o relate_v as_o marriage_n do_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o it_o require_v new_a mutual_a duty_n and_o give_v new_a mutual_a right_n among_o themselves_o not_o require_v of_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o unto_o their_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o state_n can_v arise_v from_o or_o have_v any_o other_o formal_a cause_n but_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o virtual_a confederation_n of_o those_o concern_v unto_o these_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o foundation_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n unto_o they_o by_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n i_o say_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o their_o formal_a cause_n the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o will_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o society_n in_o all_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o natural_a such_o as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o power_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v predetermine_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n even_o that_o of_o nature_n wherein_o powers_z privilege_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v establish_v as_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n nor_o after_o its_o first_o institution_n can_v any_o one_o be_v incorporate_v into_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o nor_o if_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v can_v there_o be_v any_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n ensue_v be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o 2._o that_o by_o his_o word_n or_o law_n he_o have_v grant_v power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o prescribe_v duty_n unto_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o wherein_z they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n who_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o such_o a_o church_n 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o church_n relation_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o command_n wherefore_o 4._o this_o join_n of_o themselves_o whereon_o depend_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n all_o their_o obligation_n unto_o church_n duty_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o 5._o herein_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o their_o officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 6._o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v express_o to_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o phrase_n every_o where_o signify_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 7._o this_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o express_a engagement_n make_v unto_o he_o of_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n and_o it_o have_v so_o on_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n annex_v unto_o this_o engagement_n on_o our_o part_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 8._o
preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o which_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n towards_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v express_v 1_o cor._n 5.1_o 2_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o sin_n whereof_o the_o person_n charge_v be_v guilty_a with_o the_o ignominy_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o ver._n 1._o 2._o he_o blame_v the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o gild_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o have_v proceed_v to_o his_o removal_n or_o expulsion_n out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v take_v away_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o they_o ver._n 2._o 3._o he_o declare_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o take_v away_o or_o remove_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o actual_o effect_v by_o that_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o he_o ver._n 3._o 4._o he_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o excision_n 1._o the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n institute_v this_o ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n give_v right_o and_o power_n unto_o it_o for_o its_o administration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n 2._o the_o declarative_a cause_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o sentence_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o authoritative_a declaration_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n with_o my_o spirit_n 3._o the_o instrumental_a ministerial_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o church_n do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o ver._n 4._o and_o thereby_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n ver._n 7._o whence_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o that_o be_v all_o those_o who_o on_o his_o repentance_n be_v oblige_v to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n ver._n 7._o 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v the_o deliver_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ver._n 5._o not_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o body_n by_o death_n but_o the_o through_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n whereby_o he_o be_v short_o afterward_o recover_v and_o restore_v into_o his_o former_a condition_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o exemplify_v as_o 1._o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v a_o scandalous_a sin_n unrepented_a of_o 2._o the_o preparation_n for_o its_o execution_n which_o be_v the_o church_n sense_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n with_o humiliation_n for_o it_o 3._o the_o warranty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n wherein_o his_o authority_n be_v engage_v 4._o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 5._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o end_n of_o it_o 1._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n its_o purge_n and_o vindication_n 2._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n excommunicate_v his_o repentance_n reformation_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v usual_o reply_v hereunto_o that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apostolical_a power_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o we_o into_o example_n for_o he_o himself_o both_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o assert_v his_o presence_n in_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o what_o be_v do_v beside_o it_o be_v a_o delivery_n of_o the_o man_n to_o satan_n that_o be_v into_o his_o power_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o cruciate_v by_o he_o to_o be_v terrify_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o punish_v in_o his_o body_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v unto_o death_n such_o be_v the_o delivery_n of_o a_o man_n to_o satan_n by_o the_o apostle_n mention_v here_o and_o 1_o tim._n 1.9_o 20._o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n in_o any_o church_n at_o present_a to_o deliver_v a_o offender_n unto_o satan_n nor_o any_o appear_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o pretence_n wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o church_n at_o present_a i_o answer_v 1._o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o any_o church_n whether_o present_a or_o absent_a by_o their_o own_o authority_n do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o nor_o their_o power_n act_v in_o subordination_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o guidance_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o place_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o exert_n of_o any_o apostolical_a power_n intimate_v the_o church_n itself_o be_v charge_v with_o its_o duty_n and_o direct_v to_o exercise_v its_o authority_n in_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o offender_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o case_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o scandalous_a sin_n unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n give_v offence_n unto_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n confirm_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o by_o express_v divine_a command_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v reject_v from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n until_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n nor_o its_o be_v be_v continue_v as_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n do_v manifest_a 4._o the_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o fact_n and_o right_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n itself_o whence_o it_o be_v afterward_o high_o commend_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o its_o duty_n herein_o 2_o cor._n 2._o in_o brief_a it_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a order_n that_o be_v here_o prescribe_v as_o without_o the_o observance_n whereof_o no_o church_n can_v long_o subsist_v 5._o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n about_o the_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n for_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o hereon_o the_o offender_n be_v deliver_v so_o into_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v cruciate_v agitate_a and_o at_o length_n kill_v as_o some_o imagine_v nor_o can_v any_o instance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n though_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o who_o upon_o their_o rejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v enrage_v unto_o a_o opposition_n against_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o simon_n magus_n marcian_n and_o other_o 2._o yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n include_v in_o their_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n as_o be_v pretend_v for_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o man_n humiliation_n recovery_n and_o salvation_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n and_o this_o effect_n be_v actual_o have_v for_o the_o man_n be_v heal_v and_o restore_v wherefore_o this_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o exciting_a of_o save_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n adapt_v unto_o the_o case_n of_o fall_v by_o scandalous_a sin_n peculiar_o effectual_a above_o any_o other_o gospel_n ordinance_n now_o this_o can_v be_v such_o a_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n as_o that_o pretend_a which_o can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o destruction_n and_o death_n 3._o this_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o cast_n of_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n so_o give_v he_o up_o as_o unto_o his_o outward_a condition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n and_o publican_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n for_o he_o who_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o according_a unto_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o debar_v from_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o visible_o and_o regular_o devest_v of_o all_o present_a right_n to_o they_o and_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o belong_v unto_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n the_o gather_n of_o man_n by_o conversion_n into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o turn_n of_o they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.18_o a_o delivery_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o a_o translation_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n col._n 1.13_o wherefore_o after_o a_o
the_o present_a offence_n and_o scandal_n may_v be_v provide_v against_o by_o a_o act_n of_o rectoral_a prudence_n in_o cause_v the_o offend_a person_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o a_o season_n v._o it_o be_v inquire_v five_o whether_o such_o as_o voluntary_o causeless_o and_o disorderly_o do_v leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n though_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a immorality_n maâ—_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v answ._n 1._o where_o person_n be_v esteem_v member_n of_o church_n by_o external_a cause_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o by_o parochial_a cohabitation_n they_o may_v remove_v from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o by_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o habitation_n according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n for_o such_o cohabitation_n be_v the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o any_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o church_n in_o particular_a upon_o the_o cease_n of_o that_o cause_n the_o relation_n cease_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n 2._o where_o person_n be_v member_n of_o church_n by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o express_v personal_a consent_n causeless_a departure_n from_o they_o be_v a_o evil_a liable_a unto_o many_o aggrevation_n 3._o but_o whereas_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v edification_n there_o may_v be_v many_o just_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o a_o person_n may_v remove_v himself_o from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o one_o church_n unto_o that_o of_o another_o and_o of_o these_o reason_n he_o himself_o be_v judge_v on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o deny_v unto_o any_o such_o person_n their_o liberty_n desire_v peaceable_o and_o according_a unto_o order_n 4._o it_o be_v declare_v before_o that_o where_o any_o person_n guilty_a of_o and_o under_o admonition_n for_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n their_o so_o do_v be_v no_o impediment_n unto_o a_o far_o procedure_v against_o they_o 5._o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o we_o church_n or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o far_o differ_v in_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o that_o they_o have_v not_o entire_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o if_o a_o man_n leave_v a_o church_n of_o one_o sort_n to_o join_v with_o one_o of_o another_o as_o suppose_v he_o leave_v a_o select_a congregation_n to_o join_v in_o a_o parochial_a church_n constant_o and_o total_o he_o may_v be_v just_o excommunicate_v for_o so_o do_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o do_v belong_v answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o if_o any_o man_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o a_o select_a congregation_n those_o who_o have_v power_n over_o those_o parish_n will_v make_v no_o question_n whether_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v he_o or_o no_o in_o their_o way_n but_o 2._o suppose_v person_n so_o depart_v from_o particular_a congregation_n 1._o to_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n 2._o that_o they_o depart_v quiet_o without_o attempt_v disorder_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o they_o do_v actual_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o church_n who_o constitution_n principles_n and_o worship_n they_o do_v approve_v whereby_o their_o visible_a profession_n be_v preserve_v the_o church_n may_v not_o just_o proceed_v unto_o their_o excommunication_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o declare_v that_o such_o person_n have_v on_o their_o own_o accord_n forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o under_o its_o watch_n or_o care_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n further_o oblige_v towards_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o christian_a duty_n in_o general_n 6._o as_o for_o those_o who_o departure_n be_v as_o voluntary_a and_o causeless_o so_o accompany_v with_o other_o evil_n such_o as_o be_v revile_n reproach_n and_o false_a accusation_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o obstinate_a offender_n vi_o the_o six_o enquiry_n be_v what_o time_n be_v to_o be_v give_v after_o solemn_a admonition_n before_o actual_a excommunication_n answ._n 1._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o to_o run_v over_o the_o word_n i_o admonish_v you_o a_o first_o second_o and_o third_z time_n so_o immediate_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v that_o wherein_o man_n be_v great_o to_o be_v pity_v for_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o take_v on_o themselves_o to_o act_n order_n and_o dispose_v of_o that_o we_o ascribe_v it_o not_o unto_o worse_a and_o more_o evil_a cause_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v a_o considerable_a season_n or_o space_n of_o time_n between_o solemn_a admonition_n and_o excommunication_n for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o former_a be_v the_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n nor_o do_v its_o efficacy_n thereunto_o depend_v on_o or_o consist_v in_o the_o actual_a give_v of_o it_o but_o as_o other_o moral_a cause_n which_o may_v work_v gradual_o upon_o occasional_a advantage_n want_v of_o light_n some_o present_a exasperation_n and_o temptation_n may_v seem_v to_o frustrate_v a_o present_a admonition_n when_o they_o do_v but_o suspend_v its_o present_a efficacy_n which_o it_o may_v afterward_o obtain_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o church_n admonition_n that_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abide_v in_o prayer_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o the_o case_n may_v possible_o require_v some_o long_a time_n to_o be_v spend_v 4._o no_o present_a appearance_n of_o obstinacy_n or_o impenitence_n under_o admonition_n which_o be_v usual_o plead_v shall_v cause_v a_o immediate_a proceedure_n unto_o excommunication_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o distinct_a institution_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o wherein_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o proper_a season_n for_o its_o use_n and_o efficacy_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o represent_v the_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o love_n which_o hope_v all_o thing_n bear_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n 4._o all_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n by_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o so_o as_o to_o defer_v the_o ultimate_a sentence_n nulla_fw-la unquam_fw-la de_fw-la morte_fw-la hominis_fw-la cunctatio_fw-la long_fw-mi est_fw-la 5._o if_o new_a sin_n be_v add_v of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o other_o kind_n unto_o former_a scandal_n whilst_o person_n be_v under_o admonition_n it_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o proceedure_n vii_o it_o may_v be_v far_o inquire_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o false_a opinion_n about_o they_o answ._n 1._o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o positive_o state_v rev._n 2.2_o 6_o 15_o 16_o 20._o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o tit._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o other_o place_n that_o it_o need_v no_o far_a determination_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o error_n intend_v be_v about_o or_o against_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o that_o hold_v they_o can_v hold_v the_o head_n but_o real_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n no_o pretend_a usefulness_n of_o such_o person_n no_o peaceableness_n as_o unto_o outward_a deportment_n which_o man_n guilty_a of_o such_o abomination_n will_v frequent_o cover_v themselves_o withal_o can_v countenance_v the_o church_n in_o forbear_v after_o due_a admonition_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n that_o be_v from_o it_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o from_o a_o gangrene_n in_o any_o member_n unto_o the_o body_n the_o indignation_n of_o christ_n express_v against_o such_o pernicious_a doctrine_n the_o opposition_n of_o they_o to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n which_o in_o most_o of_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o render_v a_o church_n altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o omit_v their_o duty_n herein_o 3._o false_a opinion_n in_o lesser_a thing_n when_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o christian_a practice_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n and_o sundry_a rule_n be_v give_v unto_o this_o end_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o howbeit_o in_o that_o low_a ebb_n of_o grace_n love_n and_o prudence_n which_o we_o
for_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v unto_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 1_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o institution_n 2._o that_o upon_o a_o prescription_n of_o duty_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o their_o performance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v especial_a promise_n of_o god_n annex_v thereunto_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o matter_n of_o confederation_n whereof_o mutual_a express_a restipulation_n be_v the_o form_n they_o all_o concur_v herein_o 9_o this_o covenant_n which_o we_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n absolute_o consider_v nor_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o that_o covenant_n prescribe_v in_o it_o but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o as_o faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o like_a be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o nor_o have_v annex_v unto_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n absolute_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o gospel_n duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o do_v belong_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o especial_a promise_n of_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o church_n 10._o whereas_o therefore_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n believer_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v bind_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o that_o state_n whereon_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o presence_n of_o he_o do_v interest_n they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n their_o so_o do_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n include_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n sit_v and_o be_v 11._o beside_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o there_o be_v many_o mutual_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o which_o join_v in_o church_n society_n and_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o submit_v unto_o whereunto_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o must_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n that_o be_v they_o must_v agree_v consent_n and_o engage_v among_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o mutual_a duty_n to_o use_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o those_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n see_v jerem._n 50.4_o 5._o 12._o this_o complete_v the_o confederation_n intend_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o which_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o perform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n state._n 13._o indeed_o herein_o most_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o do_v not_o that_o nor_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o unto_o what_o end_n do_v they_o join_v themselves_o unto_o parochial_a church_n and_o assembly_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o require_v all_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o to_o do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o penalty_n annex_v unto_o its_o neglect_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o may_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o so_o do_v be_v it_o not_o to_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o that_o society_n in_o those_o assembly_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v there_o not_o therein_o virtual_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n among_o they_o unto_o all_o those_o end_n it_o must_v be_v so_o with_o they_o who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n 14._o now_o whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o know_v gospel_n duty_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensable_o oblige_v unto_o the_o more_o express_v our_o engagement_n be_v concern_v they_o the_o more_o do_v we_o glorify_v christ_n in_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o great_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v abide_v on_o our_o conscience_n and_o great_a encouragement_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o mutual_a duty_n as_o also_o the_o more_o evident_a will_v the_o warranty_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o church_n unto_o those_o society_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v virtual_o only_o observe_v especial_o in_o church_n of_o some_o continuance_n wherein_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a consent_n unto_o the_o first_o covenant-constitution_n 15._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v officer_n ruler_n or_o leader_n in_o his_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o look_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o administer_v and_o dispense_v all_o its_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o its_o authority_n the_o consent_n and_o engagement_n insist_v on_o be_v express_o require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o for_o without_o this_o no_o believer_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o relation_n unto_o another_o as_o his_o pastor_n guide_n overseer_n ruler_n unto_o the_o end_v mention_v wherein_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v by_o he_o with_o authority_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n 16._o wherefore_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o obediential_a act_n of_o believer_n in_o such_o number_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o church_n edification_n joint_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n rest_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n thereon_o give_v and_o communicate_v by_o his_o law_n all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o joint_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o state_n with_o a_o especial_a subjection_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n of_o rule_n and_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o state._n 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o which_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o conscientious_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n can_v question_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n or_o no._n and_o whereas_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o any_o church_n state._n 18._o thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n will_v take_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n into_o a_o new_a peculiar_a church_n state_n he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n herein_o as_o he_o prescribe_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o many_o bless_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o power_n and_o privilege_n innumerable_a so_o the_o people_n solemn_o covenant_v and_o engage_v with_o he_o that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o whereby_o they_o coalesce_v into_o that_o church_n state_n which_o abode_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n this_o covenant_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v exod._n 24._o for_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v there_o with_o the_o people_n and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o couénant_n of_o grace_n under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o that_o be_v establish_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o in_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o a_o gospel_n dispensation_n for_o god_n never_o renew_v that_o covenant_n under_o any_o consideration_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a covenant_n which_o god_n then_o make_v with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o make_v it_o with_o their_o father_n deut._n 5.2_o 3._o whereby_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o erect_v into_o a_o church_n state_n wherein_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o enjoin_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v
in_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n and_o great_a penury_n of_o able_a teacher_n so_o that_o person_n in_o holy_a ministry_n design_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n but_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o pretend_a office._n 2._o where_o any_o such_o be_v admit_v through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n or_o the_o usurpation_n of_o undue_a power_n over_o church_n in_o impose_v minister_n on_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o their_o administration_n until_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o convict_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o on_o evidence_n hereof_o the_o people_n will_v voluntary_o adhere_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o vnchurch_n themselves_o 3._o where_o such_o person_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v place_v as_o pastor_n in_o or_o over_o any_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o the_o removal_n or_o reformation_n it_o be_v lawful_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o as_o wherein_o edification_n be_v better_a provide_v for_o for_o whereas_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a end_n of_o church_n of_o all_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o administration_n it_o be_v the_o high_a folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v or_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n without_o seek_v relief_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n wherein_o that_o end_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v 4._o where_o the_o generality_n of_o church_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n be_v head_v by_o pastor_n defective_a in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o matter_n declare_v there_o all_o public_a church-reformation_n be_v moral_o impossible_a and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n let_v church_n and_o churchman_n say_v what_o they_o please_v some_z few_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v inquire_v into_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o minister_n without_o relation_n unto_o any_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o office-power_n thereby_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o minister_n unto_o or_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o to_o convert_v infidel_n although_o he_o be_v not_o relate_v unto_o any_o particular_a flock_n or_o congregation_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a discuss_v sundry_a thing_n about_o the_o power_n and_o way_n of_o ordination_n which_o influence_n this_o controversy_n but_o only_o speak_v brief_o unto_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n endow_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n unto_o that_o work_n when_o he_o may_v be_v orderly_o call_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god._n for_o 1._o such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o call_n unto_o it_o material_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v warrant_v he_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 14.12_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o important_a work_n by_o prayer_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n and_o useful_a in_o church_n affair_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n act._n 13.12_o 2._o a_o public_a testimony_n unto_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o person_n undertake_v the_o work_n of_o preach_v be_v necessary_a 1._o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o be_v occasion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o 2._o unto_o the_o safety_n of_o they_o among_o who_o he_o may_v exercise_v his_o gift_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o false_a teacher_n or_o seducer_n nor_o will_v the_o primitive_a church_n allow_v nor_o be_v it_o allowable_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o any_o person_n not_o so_o testify_v unto_o not_o so_o send_v and_o warrant_v shall_v undertake_v constant_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o such_o person_n so_o set_v apart_o and_o send_v may_v be_v esteem_v minister_n in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o call_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v instate_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office._n this_o be_v original_o the_o work_n of_o evangelist_n which_o office_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v elsewhere_o the_o work_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n 3._o no_o church_n whatever_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v man_n minister_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n since_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o office_n the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n be_v devolve_v mere_o on_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v leave_v without_o the_o verge_n of_o church-institution_n god_n alone_o can_v send_v and_o warrant_v man_n for_o the_o undertake_n of_o that_o work._n nor_o can_v any_o man_n know_v or_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o call_n unto_o that_o work_n without_o some_o previous_a guidance_n of_o divine_a providence_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o diffuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n among_o who_o or_o near_o unto_o who_o their_o habitation_n be_v cast_v and_o they_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o divine_a warranty_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o many_o worthy_a person_n have_v do_v effectual_o in_o new_a england_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a who_o may_v be_v cast_v among_o they_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o according_a unto_o his_o ability_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o ordain_v a_o person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_a antecedent_o unto_o any_o designation_n by_o divine_a providence_n thereunto_o 4._o no_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o or_o complete_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n but_o he_o be_v ordain_v unto_o a_o determinate_a office_n as_o a_o bishop_n a_o elder_a a_o pastor_n but_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v but_o he_o who_o be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o contrary_a practice_n 1._o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v no_o ordinary_a officer_n but_o in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v their_o proper_a charge_n and_o care_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o nor_o be_v there_o mention_n of_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o such_o as_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n where-unto_a they_o do_v relate_v act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o revel_v 2.3_o nor_o be_v any_o such_o practice_n know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o 2._o it_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o all_o such_o ordination_n declare_v null_a so_o as_o not_o to_o communicate_v office-power_n or_o give_v any_o ministerial_a authority_n so_o it_o be_v express_o in_o the_o first_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o the_o council_n decree_v that_o all_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o such_o case_n be_v invalid_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n yea_o so_o exact_a and_o careful_a be_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o if_o any_o one_o for_o any_o just_a cause_n as_o he_o judge_v himself_o do_v leave_v his_o particular_a church_n or_o charge_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o to_o officiate_v occasional_o in_o that_o church_n or_o any_o where_o else_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o eustathius_n a_o bishop_n of_o pamphilia_n the_o good_a man_n find_v the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n very_o troublesome_a by_o reason_n of_o secular_a business_n that_o it_o be_v encumber_v withal_o and_o much_o opposition_n with_o reproach_n that_o befall_v he_o from_o the_o church_n itself_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n lay_v down_o and_o resign_v his_o charge_n the_o church_n choose_v one_o theodorus_n in_o his_o room_n but_o afterward_o he_o desire_v that_o though_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o charge_n he_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n title_n
ascribe_v unto_o they_o ver._n 5._o all_o these_o thing_n do_v suppose_v a_o right_n and_o duty_n thereon_o to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o excommunication_n to_o reside_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n wherefore_o 5._o there_o be_v some_o act_n belong_v hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n itself_o and_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a such_o be_v the_o previous_a cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o any_o neglect_n about_o it_o preparatory_a duty_n unto_o its_o execution_n in_o prayer_n mourn_v and_o admonition_n which_o be_v express_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o testification_n of_o their_o consent_n unto_o it_o by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n without_o these_o thing_n excommunication_n be_v but_o a_o name_n with_o a_o noise_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o hence_o arise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n that_o be_v consequential_a unto_o his_o exclusion_n from_o among_o they_o such_o be_v pray_v for_o he_o as_o one_o note_v by_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n in_o his_o exclusion_n and_o such_o as_o without_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o 7._o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n unto_o the_o formal_a compleatness_n of_o this_o sentence_n a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o office-power_n be_v require_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n only_o 2._o the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o comprise_v authority_n to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v entrust_v with_o they_o only_o 8._o wherefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a right_n interest_n and_o duty_n particular_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n act_n in_o it_o as_o officer_n with_o authority_n the_o brethren_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v no_o way_n exclude_v from_o their_o power_n consent_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o those_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o where_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o whole_a duty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n render_v ineffectual_a i._o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o excommunication_n just_o deserve_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n of_o trouble_n or_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v unto_o the_o church_n therein_o it_o be_v usual_o grant_v that_o so_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v which_o seem_v in_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o austin_n the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n intend_v be_v threefold_a 1._o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o from_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 3._o from_o the_o church_n 1._o trouble_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o it_o over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n not_o grant_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n those_o that_o execute_v it_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o penalty_n ordain_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v be_v great_a and_o of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o receive_v a_o provocation_n hereby_o they_o may_v occasion_v or_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o 3._o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v divide_v on_o these_o consideration_n so_o as_o that_o last_a difference_n may_v be_v occasion_v among_o they_o which_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o sentence_n may_v prevent_v for_o answer_n hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v as_o 1._o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n of_o any_o thing_n sinful_a or_o moral_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n its_o officer_n or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n by_o refuse_v to_o omit_v the_o pronounce_v of_o this_o sentence_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o trouble_v mention_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o a_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 2._o we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o as_o that_o no_o rational_a indifferent_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherever_o excommunication_n be_v administer_v 2._o that_o sufficient_a time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o for_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o afterward_o have_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o person_n after_o admonition_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n do_v real_o suffer_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o tolerate_v such_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v on_o these_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o countenance_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n or_o to_o acquit_v the_o church_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o first_o presence_n of_o danger_n be_v vain_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o touch_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n and_o conservation_n of_o humane_a law_n it_o reach_v not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o life_n or_o liberty_n nor_o their_o estate_n or_o the_o least_o secular_a privilege_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o do_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o power_n or_o censure_n of_o other_o nor_o prejudge_v they_o as_o unto_o office_n or_o advantage_n of_o life_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n herein_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o parent_n disenherit_v a_o rebellious_a child_n 2._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o persecution_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o person_n provoke_v i_o say_v 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v provoke_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n to_o testify_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v a_o case_n of_o confession_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o deter_v by_o this_o consideration_n from_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o seduce_a jew_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n with_o other_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o reprove_v his_o church_n according_a as_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o duty_n or_o neglective_a of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n thereon_o revel_v 2.3_o and_o 4._o he_o will_v take_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o as_o shall_v turn_v all_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o unto_o their_o advantage_n 3._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v but_o that_o if_o rule_v order_n love_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o prevent_v such_o difference_n there_o be_v no_o way_n appoint_v of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abundant_o they_o must_v bear_v their_o own_o blame_n who_o occasion_n such_o difference_n ii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o if_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o be_v under_o admonition_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n shall_v voluntary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o and_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o excommunication_n answ._n 1._o some_z say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o voluntary_a convention_n of_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o some_o other_o of_o neighbour_a church_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n or_o heresy_n among_o they_o in_o and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o call_v together_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith._n in_o after_o age_n those_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o italy_n germany_n france_n and_o england_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n advise_v about_o thing_n civil_a and_o political_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o religious_a especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o mutual_a contest_v between_o pope_n and_o prince_n in_o they_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v lose_v and_o bury_v and_o all_o religion_n almost_o destroy_v thus_o this_o laudable_a practice_n of_o church_n act_v their_o mutual_a communion_n by_o meeting_n in_o synod_n or_o assembly_n by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n to_o advise_v about_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a concernment_n and_o joint_a edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o countenance_v by_o primitive_a apostolical_a example_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o design_v interest_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o all_o church-power_n in_o such_o synod_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n give_v unto_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o instance_n innumerable_a and_o whereas_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v fill_v so_o many_o volume_n with_o their_o act_n and_o do_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o pope_n will_v place_v all_o religion_n in_o they_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n so_o bellarmine_n affirm_v pighius_fw-la to_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr coelest_n hierarch_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 1._o but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o de_fw-fr council_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o superstructure_n pretend_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o of_o these_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o principal_n for_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o public_a edification_n incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n they_o be_v presume_v just_o to_o know_v best_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o to_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n under_o consideration_n and_o they_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v than_o any_o private_a brethren_n can_v do_v and_o so_o receive_v that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o also_o they_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o report_v and_o recommend_v the_o synodal_n determination_n unto_o their_o church_n and_o a_o contrary_a practice_n will_v quick_o introduce_v confusion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o alone_o shall_v be_v so_o send_v or_o delegated_a by_o the_o church_n but_o many_o have_v other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v so_o until_o prelatical_a usurpation_n overturn_v their_o liberty_n so_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v from_o antioch_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o be_v impudent_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a concur_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n there_o make_v 5._o that_o which_o be_v term_v the_o call_n of_o these_o synod_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n for_o the_o end_n before_o declare_v i_o no_o way_n deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v convene_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n with_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v meet_a within_o his_o own_o territory_n yea_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o convention_n meet_v man_n out_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o other_o by_o their_o consent_n to_o advise_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v he_o advice_n about_o such_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o regulate_v himself_o according_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v with_o good_a success_n and_o may_v be_v with_o bad_a also_o and_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o church_n have_v power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o convene_v themselves_o in_o synod_n to_o exercise_v any_o exterior_a jurisdiction_n that_o shall_v affect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v allow_v but_o whereas_o the_o synod_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o any_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v outward_o concern_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n but_o only_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o their_o call_n beyond_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o external_a peace_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o when_o they_o can_v obtain_v they_o must_v deport_v themselves_o as_o in_o case_n of_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o synod_n in_o what_o measure_n extent_n and_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o although_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v concern_v their_o original_a nature_n cause_n use_v and_o end_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a power_n ascribe_v unto_o synod_n the_o first_o be_v declarative_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v constitutive_a appoint_v and_o ordain_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o observe_v by_o and_o upon_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o three_o 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ultimate_o into_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v thereof_o not_o only_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v own_v but_o there_o be_v a_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o if_o due_o seek_v and_o regard_v whence_o great_a respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o decree_n respect_v either_o 1._o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n declare_v and_o be_v recommendatory_a of_o they_o on_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o person_n to_o censure_n excommunicate_a or_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o just_a power_n of_o synod_n may_v be_v positive_o and_o negative_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n