send_v ruler_n to_o a_o church_n whereby_o it_o be_v commit_v not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o church-governor_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o tit._n 1._o 5._o etc._n etc._n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o send_v and_o ordain_v pastor_n be_v reserve_v to_o church-governor_n and_o never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n see_v example_n act._n 6._o 6._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o 3._o because_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n or_o degrade_n minister_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o multitude_n for_o to_o who_o belong_v the_o authority_n of_o take_v away_o a_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n to_o the_o same_o it_o belong_v to_o confer_v it_o for_o in_o what_o way_n any_o thing_n be_v obtain_v in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v dissolve_v but_o no_o where_o in_o scripture_n be_v this_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n to_o pass_v a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o false_a minister_n or_o teacher_n or_o remove_v they_o from_o the_o ministry_n but_o be_v require_v of_o the_o angel_n of_o church_n and_o their_o presbyter_n tit._n 1._o 10_o 13._o reve._n 2._o 2_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 20._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o so_o also_o be_v it_o decree_v by_o our_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v not_o transact_v without_o the_o people_n suffrage_n or_o free_a assent_n yet_o that_o the_o mission_n or_o ordination_n into_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n as_o also_o the_o suspension_n and_o degradation_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v do_v by_o the_o consistoriall_a presbytery_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la see_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n at_o middleburgh_n anno._n 1591._o art_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 11_o 58._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno._n 1586._o art_n 4_o 13_o 72._o at_o middleburgh_n anno._n 1581._o art_n 4_o 7_o 64._o at_o dort_n anno._n 1619._o art_n 4_o 5_o 79._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o contrary_a opinion_n follow_v i._o of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n even_o where_o there_o be_v no_o ruler_n or_o governor_n so_o that_o a_o congregation_n of_o believer_n join_v in_o church-covenant_n though_o want_v church_n governor_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o of_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o government_n save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o that_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v a_o organical_a body_n of_o divers_a member_n wherein_o be_v eye_n ear_n hand_n and_o foot_n pastor_n ruler_n and_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 14_o 15._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5._o 6._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o but_o now_o believer_n join_v in_o church_n covenant_n destitute_a of_o church_n ruler_n do_v not_o make_v up_o such_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o therefore_o never_o in_o scripture_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o a_o church_n which_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o church_n ruler_n see_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o revel_v chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o therefore_o to_o no_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v ruler_n be_v we_o to_o ascribe_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ii_o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o a_o church_n do_v derive_v ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o the_o church-governor_n and_o the_o church-governor_n be_v the_o believer_n servant_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o church_n mouth_n hand_n and_o instrument_n by_o who_o intervention_n she_o do_v execute_v her_o decree_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n under_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o spouse_n and_o wife_n do_v communicate_v government_n stewardship_n and_o legal_a exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o some_o certain_a man_n choose_v by_o herself_o who_o as_o her_o servant_n and_o deputy_n by_o a_o authority_n borrow_v from_o the_o multitude_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v govern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o function_n but_o we_o in_o this_o cause_n do_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n thus_o judge_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o function_n and_o office_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v derive_v and_o receive_v the_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o christ_n alone_o and_o his_o institution_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o act._n 20._o 28._o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v primary_o in_o christ_n which_o christ_n do_v immediate_o communicate_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n therein_o 2._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n by_o this_o nomination_n or_o designation_n of_o a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n be_v due_o confer_v do_v effect_n thus_o much_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o by_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n but_o do_v not_o derive_v this_o power_n on_o that_o person_n but_o the_o presbytery_n of_o church_n by_o a_o potestative_a mission_n or_o authoritative_a ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v apply_v and_o send_v forth_o that_o person_n design_v by_o the_o people_n choice_n into_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o function_n and_o authority_n so_o that_o church_n office_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n confer_v on_o the_o church_n governor_n but_o the_o application_n of_o these_o office_n to_o these_o or_o those_o man_n be_v do_v by_o the_o potestative_a mission_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o the_o previous_a assent_n or_o nomination_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o the_o pastor_n therefore_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o act_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o the_o church_n servant_n proper_o call_v but_o governor_n guide_n father_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v who_o government_n rod_n and_o authority_n they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o embrace_v with_o due_a subjection_n and_o reverence_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o they_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n not_o subjectiuè_n as_o if_o they_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n for_o than_o be_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n but_o finaliter_fw-la or_o objectiuè_fw-la because_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o the_o church_n for_o who_o good_a and_o benefit_n they_o labour_v as_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o servant_n mat._n 20._o 28._o and_o the_o angel_n be_v call_v minister_a spirit_n heb._n 1._o 14._o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o angel_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o vocation_n from_o we_o but_o exercise_v it_o for_o our_o good_a and_o service_n the_o church_n officer_n therefore_o be_v servant_n but_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v ambassador_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o be_v furnish_v with_o his_o command_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 18._o be_v his_o angel_n revel_v 2._o 1._o and_o steward_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o &_o 3_o 10._o iii_o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o excommunication_n can_v be_v due_o and_o lawful_o do_v but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o judge_n in_o the_o case_n of_o excommunication_n although_o we_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n may_v in_o the_o church_n be_v due_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o be_v say_v before_o yet_o to_o set_v all_o the_o church_n member_n in_o the_o place_n of_o judge_n we_o certain_o believe_v will_v bring_v anarchy_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n
often_o testify_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o his_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n he_o have_v constant_o keep_v and_o continue_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n promise_v for_o many_o age_n to_o those_o child_n who_o near_a ancestor_n rebel_a against_o god_n and_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v revolt_v from_o god_n see_v psal_n 106._o 35_o 36_o 44_o 45._o isai_n 63._o 10_o 11._o and_o 51._o 1_o 2_o 3._o ezek._n 20._o 8._o etc._n etc._n again_o baptism_n be_v also_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o catholic_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n though_o through_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o opportunity_n or_o the_o like_a they_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a parochial_a church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n as_o also_o their_o child_n but_o that_o any_o be_v constitute_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o embrace_v the_o table_n of_o god_n covenant_n that_o be_v that_o he_o embrace_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n catholic_a and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o live_v in_o that_o holy_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o insidel_n we_o hence_o affirm_v therefore_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n baptism_n lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v not_o only_o to_o those_o infant_n who_o next_o parent_n have_v join_v themselves_o in_o a_o church-covenant_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church-communion_n do_v lead_v their_o life_n pious_o but_o even_o to_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o no_o parochial_a church_n and_o by_o their_o wicked_a way_n have_v render_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o christian_a stock_n and_o baptize_v parent_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o those_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o they_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v be_v according_a to_o the_o accustom_a order_n of_o our_o church_n offer_v to_o baptism_n the_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o ground_n it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o child_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v admit_v to_o circumcision_n although_o their_o next_o parent_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o wallow_v in_o sin_n to_o their_o life_n end_v have_v make_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o themselves_o void_a as_o appear_v josh_n 5._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o where_o the_o child_n of_o such_o israelite_n of_o who_o many_o have_v dye_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o godly_a be_v command_v to_o be_v circumcise_v 2._o because_o the_o child_n even_o of_o ungodly_a parent_n who_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o federall_a holiness_n for_o their_o infidelity_n do_v not_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o his_o constancy_n in_o dispense_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o effect_n rom._n 3._o 3_o hence_o god_n call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o ungodly_a israelite_n his_o child_n although_o they_o offer_v they_o to_o moloch_n ezek_n 16._o 20._o &_o 23._o 37._o for_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o their_o next_o parent_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n towards_o the_o follow_a posterity_n which_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v ezek._n 20._o 18_o 19_o 23_o 36_o 37_o 42_o 43._o and_o therefore_o those_o privilege_n and_o promise_n of_o federall_a holiness_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n of_o that_o holiness_n 3._o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o of_o year_n be_v all_o baptise_a by_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n publican_n soldier_n and_o whoever_o out_o of_o judea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n without_o any_o long_a examination_n if_o so_o be_v they_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n though_o there_o be_v among_o they_o hypocrite_n generation_n of_o viper_n and_o debauch_a man_n and_o therefore_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n this_o question_n walaeus_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o his_o common_a place_n pag._n 494_o 495._o of_o his_o work_n in_o folio_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o live_v wicked_o and_o by_o their_o ungodly_a life_n make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o themselves_o of_o none_o effect_n to_o these_o we_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n where_o they_o thus_o discourse_v disput_fw-la 44._o thes_n 50._o neither_o yet_o do_v we_o therefore_o exclude_v say_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o sacrament_n those_o infant_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o christian_a stock_n and_o baptise_a parent_n though_o their_o parent_n by_o their_o ungodly_a life_n and_o corrupt_a faith_n have_v make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n to_o themselves_o of_o none_o effect_n if_o by_o those_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o they_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n accustom_v in_o our_o church_n present_v to_o baptism_n because_o under_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o son_n do_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o god_n notwithstanding_o remain_v the_o god_n of_o such_o child_n as_o himself_o witness_v ezek._n 16._o &_o 23_o where_o he_o call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a israelites_n his_o child_n who_o they_o have_v beget_v for_o god_n though_o they_o offer_v they_o to_o moloch_n and_o out_o of_o they_o also_o do_v god_n ordinary_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n wherefore_o also_o he_o command_v the_o child_n of_o such_o israelite_n many_o of_o who_o have_v dye_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v circumcise_v josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v both_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n have_v always_o hold_v without_o controversy_n thus_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n 2._o of_o those_o who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o church-covenant_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o godly_a but_o for_o that_o baptism_n do_v unite_v man_n not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o also_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a we_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o who_o belong_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n see_v what_o we_o have_v say_v above_o concern_v a_o church-covenant_n chap._n vi_o of_o class_n and_o synod_n and_o their_o authority_n question_v 1_o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v authoritative_o judge_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n so_o as_o that_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o decree_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n answer_n we_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o sacred_a communion_n between_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o profess_v one_o common_a faith_n and_o piety_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n and_o body_n of_o a_o spiritual_a polity_n and_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o government_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o common_a so_o ames_n himself_o confess_v medul_n theolog._n lib._n 1_o cap._n 39_o thes_n 27._o that_o particular_a church_n as_o their_o communion_n require_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o scripture_n rule_v and_o example_n teach_v may_v and_o very_o often_o even_o ought_v to_o enter_v into_o mutual_a consociation_n or_o confederation_n among_o themselves_o in_o class_n
pastor_n from_o that_o function_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o p._n 66_o q._n 1._o whether_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v only_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o those_o church-member_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o true_o godly_a so_o as_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o more_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n to_o convert_v the_o stray_a soul_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n then_o all_o believer_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n bind_v to_o do_v question_n 2._o p._n 70._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n lawful_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o ordinary_a ministry_n he_o be_v not_o call_v question_n 3._o p._n 75_o whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o perpetual_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereby_o private_a man_n who_o bear_v no_o church-office_n may_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o explain_v and_o apply_v it_o for_o instruction_n confutation_n reprehension_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o hearer_n question_n 4._o p._n 84_o whether_o those_o infant_n who_o next_o parent_n do_v not_o by_o a_o solemn_a church-covenant_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o incapable_a of_o baptism_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n chap._n vi_o of_o class_n and_o synod_n and_o their_o authority_n p._n 89_o q._n 1._o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v authoritative_o judge_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n so_o as_o that_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o decree_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n question_n 2._o p._n 103_o whether_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n question_n 3._o p._n 118_o whether_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n p._n 130_o q._n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n question_n 2._o p._n 143_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v in_o the_o church_n prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n or_o whether_o those_o church_n who_o use_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n finis_fw-la we_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v delegate_n of_o the_o walacrian_a classis_fw-la do_v testify_v that_o our_o reverend_a colleague_n mr_n william_n apollonius_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o say_v classis_fw-la that_o in_o these_o sad_a trouble_n of_o england_n he_o shall_v by_o write_v set_v down_o what_o be_v the_o government_n practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n which_o we_o also_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o state_n that_o controversy_n by_o way_n of_o thesis_n and_o antithesis_n show_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o that_o we_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v and_o approve_v that_o write_n of_o he_o we_o desire_v from_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o government_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v uniform_a observe_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n we_o pray_v that_o the_o learned_a and_o worthy_a our_o brethren_n and_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n will_v be_v please_v fair_o to_o interpret_v this_o our_o affection_n jacobus_n d'herde_n precedent_n of_o the_o wallacrian_a classis_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la jodocus_n larenus_fw-la assessor_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la isaacus_n hoornbekius_n preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n cornelius_n beuckelarius_n preacher_n at_o vere_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o west-souburch_a maximilianus_n teellinck_fw-mi preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n this_o writing_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o prescript_n of_o the_o 46._o article_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n establish_v by_o the_o most_o renown_a and_o noble_a the_o state_n of_o zealand_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o west-souburch_a
38._o anni_fw-la 1604._o de_fw-la potest_fw-la ecclesiast_fw-la thes_n 14._o either_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n or_o in_o silence_n approve_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n a_o assent_v suffrage_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dissent_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o examination_n be_v perform_v by_o learned_a &_o grave_a man_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o pastor_n or_o college_n of_o doctor_n for_o this_o work_n for_o to_o these_o above_o other_o be_v this_o care_n commit_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o act._n 20._o 30._o and_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o examinate_v sufficiency_n and_o learning_n that_o this_o do_v chief_o belong_v to_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n be_v without_o doubt_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o the_o assent_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o acquiesce_v and_o rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o examiner_n and_o those_o present_n at_o the_o examination_n but_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_o require_v before_o proceed_v to_o ordination_n be_v a_o thing_n manifest_a all_o this_o business_n of_o election_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o one_o a_o pastor_n but_o do_v judge_n and_o declare_v that_o person_n to_o be_v fit_a and_o sufficient_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o decree_v by_o common_a consent_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v invite_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n may_v according_o to_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n be_v confer_v on_o he_o for_o the_o people_n nomination_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o election_n may_v be_v right_o perform_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o which_o be_v choose_v by_o a_o people_n may_v never_o be_v their_o pastor_n to_o wit_n if_o the_o person_n elect_v do_v just_o refuse_v it_o or_o the_o presbytery_n due_o determine_v the_o person_n elect_v to_o be_v unfit_a for_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o people_n but_o by_o ordination_n if_o a_o man_n be_v ecclesiastical_o send_v forth_o and_o separate_v for_o the_o ministry_n act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o ministry_n commit_v to_o he_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o the_o ministry_n act._n 6._o 6._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o this_o be_v a_o potestative_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o those_o who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o wit_n to_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4_o 14._o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n that_o minister_v act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o &_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o whence_o also_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n command_v that_o by_o moses_n a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n shall_v sacrifice_n be_v offer_v for_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o they_o anoint_v when_o he_o make_v they_o priest_n and_o that_o this_o rite_n in_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v still_o continue_v appear_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o zadik_n who_o be_v by_o nathan_n anoint_v to_o be_v priest_n and_o numb_a 8._o 10._o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o firstborn_a who_o enjoy_v a_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v the_o levit_n put_v into_o their_o office_n ordination_n therefore_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o potestative_a mission_n whereby_o according_a to_o divine_a appointment_n a_o pastor_n receive_v the_o ecclesiastical_a office_n which_o mission_n or_o send_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n may_v due_o undertake_v a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n rom._n 10._o 15._o 3._o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o agreement_n &_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n for_o example_n in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o member_n in_o a_o church_n private_a believer_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v offend_v brethren_n to_o complain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o obstinate_a matth._n 18._o 15_o 16._o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o they_o be_v brethren_n in_o christ_n to_o admonish_v their_o governor_n if_o remiss_a and_o negligent_a col._n 4._o 17._o to_o avoid_v a_o person_n excommunicate_a as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n tit._n 3._o 10._o mat._n 18._o 17._o to_o reprove_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n all_o which_o manifest_o require_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offend_a brother_n the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o retain_v &_o remit_v sin_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n ruler_n in_o some_o thing_n call_v common_o the_o power_n of_o order_n several_o and_o a_o part_n consider_v as_o single_a pastor_n so_o a_o pastor_n may_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n without_o special_a consent_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o the_o governor_n to_o every_o act_n in_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o excommunication_n the_o exercise_n and_o power_n thereof_o be_v give_v to_o a_o unity_n not_o to_o one_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o single_a pastor_n several_o for_o in_o the_o church_n one_o single_a man_n have_v not_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n if_o a_o pastor_n alone_o do_v excommunicate_v any_o one_o that_o excommunication_n be_v invalide_v as_o well_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o one_o pastor_n alone_o do_v baptise_v a_o person_n without_o a_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n be_v valide_fw-la the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a to_o which_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n do_v voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o government_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o authoritative_a jurisdiction_n and_o ecclesiastical_a coaction_n by_o spiritual_a punishment_n on_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o former_a that_o this_o government_n be_v voluntary_a the_o whole_a people_n by_o their_o free_a and_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o election_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o excommunication_n of_o member_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v proper_o government_n the_o whole_a people_n do_v not_o rule_n or_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o ruler_n and_o those_o that_o be_v rule_v and_o therefore_o only_a the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o church_n in_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v christ_n vicegerent_n to_o rule_v and_o in_o his_o name_n to_o command_v to_o judge_v and_o by_o church_n censure_n to_o correct_v the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a office_n have_v therefore_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n over_o and_o above_o the_o people_n consent_n a_o authoritative_a and_o coactive_a power_n of_o the_o discipline_n and_o rod_n of_o christ_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n we_o deny_v therefore_o in_o this_o controversy_n that_o there_o belong_v to_o the_o brotherhood_n or_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v join_v with_o the_o eldership_n in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a judicial_a act_n as_o judge_n authorise_v with_o christ_n authority_n in_o judge_a cause_n ecclesiastical_o determine_v we_o maintain_v therefore_o in_o this_o cause_n these_o follow_a assertion_n i._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o a_o constitute_v church_n be_v not_o by_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o brotherhood_n or_o people_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o presbytery_n &_o those_o that_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o church_n or_o the_o pastor_n and_o rule_v elder_n only_o this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o that_o office_n which_o do_v essential_o contain_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o some_o specifical_o choose_v for_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o to_o apostle_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n as_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v joh._n 20._o 21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o therefore_o to_o those_o only_a and_o not_o to_o all_o believer_n do_v this_o power_n belong_v for_o to_o those_o have_v god_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n who_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o who_o be_v
and_o that_o golden_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n yet_o a_o pious_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o rude_o insult_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o reverential_a bashfulness_n avoid_v they_o as_o waldensis_n elsewhere_o speak_v but_o when_o form_n be_v compose_v and_o establish_v by_o synod_n call_v authority_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o decide_v of_o truth_n the_o establish_v integrity_n and_o order_n in_o church_n government_n they_o have_v then_o ecclesiastical_a and_o definitive_a authority_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n in_o doctrinal_a cause_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o hold_v therefore_o that_o to_o church_n congregat_v in_o synod_n there_o belong_v power_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n prescribe_v and_o impose_v form_n both_o of_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o private_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o confess_v and_o receive_v under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o ordinary_a power_n ecclesiastical_a do_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v such_o a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n in_o a_o question_n in_o controversy_n act_v 15._o 22_o 29._o and_o 16._o 4._o 2._o because_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o believe_v with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a fiath_n and_o undoubted_a conscience_n these_o may_v synod_n also_o enjoin_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o particular_a church_n for_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o power_n extend_v to_o require_v of_o other_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o may_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n bring_v under_o those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o who_o stubborne_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o may_v therefore_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n impose_v on_o other_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n draw_v up_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 3._o church_n have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o prescribe_v just_a and_o approve_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o church_n and_o for_o overthrow_v the_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o heretic_n and_o disturber_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 13._o 10._o gal._n 5._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o but_o form_n of_o service_n and_o confession_n determine_v concern_v question_n in_o controversy_n be_v approve_v and_o just_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o endanger_v by_o distraction_n and_o the_o poison_n of_o error_n act._n 15._o 23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n they_o may_v therefore_o be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n according_o in_o the_o ancient_a synod_n of_o church_n such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o testify_v not_o only_o what_o themselves_o do_v believe_v but_o also_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o with_o who_o they_o will_v hold_v their_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n as_o all_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n do_v testify_v in_o which_o where_o they_o speak_v concern_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n they_o do_v by_o paul_n example_n anathematise_v those_o who_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o whence_o also_o be_v that_o preface_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o calvin_n right_o epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o provide_v against_o petulant_a wit_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o licence_n and_o the_o gate_n be_v also_o to_o be_v shut_v against_o curious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ready_a course_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v one_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o doctrine_n extant_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o and_o this_o in_o preach_v to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o and_o to_o the_o observance_n thereof_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n so_o as_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n but_o who_o promise_v to_o retain_v that_o consent_n of_o doctrine_n inviolate_a that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a form_n of_o catechism_n for_o the_o use_n of_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n thus_o will_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v familiar_a to_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o will_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o imposture_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v apt_a by_o degree_n to_o creep_v upon_o the_o slothful_a for_o this_o you_o must_v be_v certain_o resolve_v of_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v want_v catechise_v for_o that_o therein_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v contain_v from_o whence_o a_o pure_a and_o good_a harvest_n be_v afterward_o to_o arise_v and_o so_o to_o be_v multiply_v more_o and_o more_o etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o do_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o catechism_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n for_o there_o be_v withal_o this_o other_o benefit_n that_o both_o the_o people_n be_v thereby_o instruct_v will_v be_v better_a able_a to_o profit_v in_o the_o ordinary_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o if_o any_o one_o be_v puff_v up_o will_v bring_v in_o some_o new_a opinion_n be_v call_v to_o examination_n by_o the_o catechism_n he_o will_v straight_o be_v discover_v thus_o calvin_n and_o thus_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n be_v that_o authority_n apply_v to_o our_o form_n of_o harmony_n to_o wit_n the_o confession_n the_o catechism_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n decree_v and_o confirm_v in_o synod_n that_o the_o profession_n the_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n thereof_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n enjoin_v to_o all_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o who_o live_v in_o the_o holy_a union_n of_o our_o church_n see_v the_o syne_v at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o art_n 2._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 2._o &_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 8._o etc._n etc._n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o grant_v it_o indeed_o lawful_a for_o a_o private_a person_n or_o even_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o and_o for_o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n to_o make_v confession_n and_o form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o prescribe_v they_o either_o by_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n as_o bind_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o observe_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o now_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v with_o that_o firm_a faith_n and_o unmoved_a constancy_n and_o certainty_n of_o mind_n as_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o all_o believer_n shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o the_o church_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n judge_v that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n sure_o they_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a authority_n prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o constrain_v man_n to_o observance_n thereof_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n all_o who_o be_v faithful_a son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n see_v rev._n 2._o 13._o act._n 7._o 57_o 58._o luk._n 21._o 15_o 16._o therefore_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o profession_n prescribe_v out_o of_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o those_o who_o be_v by_o office_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o integrity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n yea_o and_o we_o may_v bind_v our_o soul_n by_o oath_n to_o preserve_v and_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o away_o from_o the_o holy_a profession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o see_v psal_n 119._o 106._o nehem._n 9_o 38._o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o
doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v by_o ordinary_a ministerial_a knowledge_n may_v by_o common_a consent_n be_v explain_v and_o decide_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n also_o about_o the_o proper_a form_n of_o speak_v and_o proceed_v agreeable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o those_o church_n hold_v which_o set_v forth_o those_o confession_n and_o canon_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o all_o those_o orthodox_n with_o who_o they_o will_v keep_v communion_n shall_v hold_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o restraint_n of_o licentiousness_n in_o invent_v new_a opinion_n and_o order_n to_o distract_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o last_o that_o there_o may_v remain_v a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o vicious_a or_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a innovation_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n the_o concord_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o better_o preserve_v they_o be_v useful_a therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n divine_a scripture_n as_o handmaid_n with_o due_a subjection_n without_o any_o absolute_o necessary_a prescription_n of_o use_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a sense_n but_o be_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n to_o those_o only_a who_o with_o licentiousness_n rather_o than_o liberty_n endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o principle_n which_o be_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o christian_a discipline_n and_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o even_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o listen_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n reject_v as_o be_v far_o from_o christian_a modesty_n 4._o we_o attribute_v therefore_o to_o these_o form_n only_o a_o hypotheticall_a necessity_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o writing_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o church_n heretic_n and_o erroneous_a person_n contention_n or_o sophistication_n fraudulent_a expression_n and_o interpretation_n or_o the_o adversary_n calumny_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o testification_n of_o a_o consent_n with_o other_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o present_a or_o a_o necessary_a declare_v the_o union_n of_o concord_n and_o consent_n 5._o therefore_o these_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n out_o of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o can_v be_v prescribe_v to_o church_n but_o by_o college_n of_o prophet_n to_o who_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o government_n be_v commit_v hence_o the_o meeting_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n compose_v explication_n out_o of_o scripture_n of_o opinion_n in_o controversy_n act._n 15._o and_o set_v out_o a_o epistle_n wherein_o by_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n concern_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n it_o be_v decide_v and_o a_o canon_n prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n 6._o we_o consider_v these_o form_n either_o as_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v divine_a be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o indices_fw-la in_o explain_v and_o determine_v dubious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o controversy_n for_o be_v search_v out_o by_o so_o great_a diligence_n of_o godly_a teacher_n and_o approve_v by_o their_o consent_n and_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o can_v see_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o attribute_v to_o these_o form_n be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indices_fw-la of_o some_o controvert_v doctrine_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o meditation_n even_o of_o a_o private_a christian_a much_o more_o of_o a_o numerous_a company_n of_o prophet_n may_v be_v a_o index_n or_o they_o be_v consider_v formal_o as_o they_o be_v synodical_a determination_n due_o conclude_v confirm_v with_o ecclesiaasticall_a authority_n carry_v in_o they_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o badge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a union_n and_o communion_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o decide_v and_o explain_v ecclesiastical_a controversy_n in_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o joint_o we_o attribute_v to_o they_o this_o authority_n which_o we_o propose_v in_o vrsin_n word_n their_o authority_n say_v he_o be_v show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o recede_v from_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o recite_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v innovaâ—â—â—_n in_o form_n of_o exposition_n or_o speech_n without_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n yea_o and_o if_o they_o either_o have_v indeed_o or_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n blame-worthy_a nothing_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v attempt_v in_o a_o rash_a disorderly_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n nothing_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o contrary_a without_o a_o previous_a communicate_v of_o opinion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v teacher_n and_o other_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v though_o therefore_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o synod_n which_o prescribe_v those_o form_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o infallible_a nor_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o authority_n oblige_v believer_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v determine_v in_o those_o form_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o synod_n which_o constitute_v those_o form_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n give_v by_o god_n for_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o rend_n of_o church_n whereby_o they_o may_v inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o such_o as_o open_o oppose_v their_o decree_n hence_o have_v those_o form_n a_o excellent_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v for_o as_o the_o learned_a camero_n well_o note_v tom_n 1._o prelect_v de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o discourse_n concern_v the_o infallability_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n it_o make_v that_o this_o be_v not_o rash_o and_o without_o accurate_a and_o grave_a observation_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o synod_n have_v a_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o a_o great_a than_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o teacher_n judge_v single_o and_o apart_o they_o have_v also_o more_o certain_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_n &_o disputation_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o have_v also_o a_o better_a course_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n concern_v a_o controversy_n raise_v and_o what_o course_n the_o church_n observe_v therein_o so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o form_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o upon_o light_n and_o probable_a reason_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v bind_v so_o far_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o form_n decree_v as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o that_o case_n which_o obedience_n be_v a_o observance_n of_o christian_a humility_n and_o modesty_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a in_o such_o case_n abstain_v from_o public_a or_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o condemnation_n or_o confutation_n of_o the_o opinion_n determine_v in_o those_o form_n and_o this_o evident_a because_o for_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o church_n we_o have_v the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a authority_n of_o god_n command_v to_o obey_v they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o for_o oppose_v they_o we_o have_v only_o uncertain_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o common_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v hold_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a again_o to_o oppose_v open_o the_o form_n of_o church_n upon_o argument_n but_o probable_a and_o less_o evident_a give_v a_o unbridled_a and_o endless_a licence_n of_o contradict_v any_o ecclesiastical_a decree_n whatever_o yea_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n prescribe_v in_o those_o form_n of_o church_n