the_o ten_o epistle_n of_o his_o four_o book_n that_o he_o ordain_v numiditus_n a_o confessor_n to_o be_v a_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o first_o call_v to_o be_v a_o preacher_n ambrose_n though_o he_o outlive_v those_o time_n of_o pure_a government_n yet_o bear_v full_a witness_n to_o the_o honourable_a use_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n before_o his_o time_n for_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o 1_o tim._n 15.1_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v elder_n in_o year_n honour_v even_o in_o the_o heal_n of_o their_o fault_n he_o urge_v the_o honour_n of_o old_a age_n in_o all_o nation_n whence_o say_v he_o it_o be_v that_o the_o synagogue_n and_o afterward_o the_o church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o negligence_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n in_o the_o church_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o by_o the_o sloth_n of_o teacher_n or_o rather_o pride_n while_o they_o only_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o against_o this_o testimony_n because_o it_o be_v pregnant_a sundry_a exception_n or_o rather_o evasion_n be_v take_v as_o 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v not_o that_o ancient_a ambrose_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o milan_n but_o some_o other_o late_a of_o that_o name_n ans_fw-fr and_o what_o though_o yet_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v this_o other_o ambrose_n who_o testimony_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o ancient_a learned_a writer_n and_o therefore_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_v that_o charge_n and_o brave_a flourish_n that_o rule_v elder_n be_v utter_o unknown_a and_o unheard_a of_o from_o all_o antiquity_n for_o 1500._o year_n a_o second_o exception_n they_o give_v be_v that_o ambrose_n speak_v not_o of_o elder_n in_o office_n but_o in_o year_n without_o who_o counsel_n not_o without_o who_o authority_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v evident_a he_o speak_v of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o synagogue_n now_o the_o elder_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o synagogue_n as_o appear_v by_o sundry_a place_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v without_o their_o counsel_n impli_v that_o nothing_o be_v do_v without_o their_o authority_n as_o the_o same_o phrase_n of_o other_o ancient_n imply_v when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o church-government_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n speak_v cyprian_a to_o his_o presbyter_n epistolarum_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 10._o a_o primordio_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la mei_fw-la i_o determine_v with_o myself_o nihil_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la vestro_fw-la &_o sine_fw-la consensu_fw-la plebis_fw-la meâ_fw-la privatim_fw-la sententiâ_fw-la gerere_fw-la and_o that_o not_o out_o of_o courtesy_n but_o as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o next_o sentence_n imply_v sicuti_fw-la honour_n mutuus_fw-la poscit_fw-la and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n jeromes_n word_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n imply_v authority_n in_o such_o counsel_n whereby_o the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o church_n govern_v their_o own_o church_n though_o otherwise_o in_o govern_v other_o church_n they_o imply_v rather_o advice_n than_o authority_n his_o word_n be_v before_o faction_n and_o schism_n grow_v in_o the_o church_n communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la hierome_n in_o the_o 2._o tom_n of_o his_o work_n and_o upon_o titus_n a_o three_o exception_n they_o give_v be_v that_o by_o elder_n be_v mean_v preach_v elder_n who_o the_o bishop_n be_v wont_a to_o consult_v withal_o in_o government_n but_o now_o have_v leave_v it_o off_o either_o by_o the_o idleness_n of_o the_o learned_a teacher_n who_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n give_v over_o meddle_v with_o matter_n pertain_v to_o government_n or_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o learned_a bishop_n who_o take_v all_o upon_o themselves_o that_o they_o alone_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o for_o if_o you_o expound_v pastorum_fw-la for_o the_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n of_o parish_n only_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v or_o for_o bishop_n alone_o as_o other_o do_v i_o can_v see_v say_v dr._n downham_n how_o the_o exclude_v of_o senior_n and_o take_v the_o whole_a burden_n and_o employment_n upon_o themselves_o can_v by_o ambrose_n be_v impute_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n either_o in_o the_o pastor_n to_o exclude_v lay_a elder_n or_o in_o bishop_n to_o exclude_v learned_a presbyter_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o word_n of_o ambrose_n do_v plain_o imply_v not_o only_o that_o consult_v with_o elder_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n but_o that_o the_o elder_n themselves_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v consult_v with_o be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n also_o for_o his_o word_n be_v the_o synagogue_n and_o afterward_o the_o church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o intimate_v the_o church_n former_o have_v such_o but_o then_o have_v they_o not_o they_o be_v obsolete_a and_o according_o consult_v with_o they_o be_v obsolete_a also_o 2._o it_o be_v plain_a these_o elder_n be_v opposite_a to_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n or_o if_o you_o will_v so_o construe_v they_o learned_a man_n and_o therefore_o these_o elder_n be_v neither_o doctor_n nor_o teacher_n nor_o learned_a man_n but_o to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n or_o learned_a man_n to_o bishop_n only_o be_v too_o great_a a_o arrogancy_n in_o bishop_n and_o too_o great_a a_o injury_n to_o the_o learned_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o every_o age_n till_o antichrist_n his_o darkness_n overwhelm_v all_o in_o ignorance_n as_o well_o bishop_n as_o pastor_n 3._o it_o may_v be_v marvel_v why_o those_o learned_a opposite_n that_o make_v this_o exception_n shall_v understand_v ambrose_n to_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o idleness_n of_o the_o teacher_n that_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n they_o give_v over_o meddle_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o government_n when_o as_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o their_o party_n idleness_n that_o they_o give_v over_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o their_o pride_n that_o they_o ingross_v all_o rule_n and_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o say_v they_o can_v see_v how_o the_o exclude_v of_o senior_n and_o the_o take_n of_o the_o whole_a burden_n of_o government_n upon_o themselves_o can_v by_o ambrose_n be_v impute_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n either_o in_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n sure_o if_o man_n do_v not_o willing_o shut_v their_o eye_n they_o may_v see_v and_o daily_a experience_n make_v it_o palpable_o evident_a that_o they_o who_o be_v most_o idle_a in_o teach_v be_v most_o busy_a and_o proud_a in_o government_n so_o that_o the_o doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la which_o ambrose_n make_v to_o be_v the_o two_o cause_n why_o senior_n in_o the_o church_n and_o consult_v with_o they_o be_v then_o both_o of_o they_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n need_v no_o comment_n to_o expound_v the_o same_o but_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v from_o the_o former_a age_n to_o this_o very_a day_n usurp_v all_o church-government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o any_o man_n say_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o whatsoever_o this_o ambrose_n say_v yet_o that_o famous_a bishop_n ambrose_n do_v utter_o disclaim_v it_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o valentinian_n that_o any_o lay_v ruler_n shall_v be_v judge_n of_o church-office_n and_o cause_n let_v he_o take_v for_o a_o answer_n that_o which_o have_v be_v often_o give_v that_o we_o utter_o deny_v those_o roll_a elder_n to_o be_v layman_n or_o lie_v judge_n but_o part_n of_o that_o church_n body_n which_o those_o ancient_a time_n call_v clerus_fw-la if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o as_o also_o it_o be_v that_o ambrose_n call_v his_o presbyter_n antistites_fw-la and_o vicar_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a style_n of_o high_a honour_n let_v they_o understand_v that_o the_o least_o office_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n will_v easy_o and_o safe_o admit_v as_o great_a acknowledgement_n as_o these_o be_v only_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nothing_o seem_v divine_a and_o high_a but_o secular_a pomp_n and_o worldly_a glory_n have_v thus_o rescue_v the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n unto_o rule_v elder_n from_o all_o exception_n of_o any_o colourable_a weight_n make_v against_o it_o let_v we_o add_v only_o one_o observation_n out_o of_o antiquity_n which_o may_v give_v some_o further_a light_n to_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a of_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v count_v a_o rare_a and_o insolent_a matter_n for_o a_o elder_a to_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o
take_v up_o the_o function_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o as_o over_o troublesome_a and_o incompatible_a to_o their_o ministerial_a employment_n now_o that_o which_o they_o lay_v down_o be_v the_o serve_v of_o table_n and_o distribute_v to_o every_o brother_n according_a to_o his_o need_n act_v 6.2_o with_o 4.35_o if_o then_o their_o own_o need_n require_v they_o may_v with_o the_o church_n allowance_n take_v themselves_o of_o that_o supply_n which_o they_o dispose_v to_o other_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o office_n there_o be_v little_a cause_n they_o shall_v expect_v maintenance_n from_o the_o church_n charge_n for_o their_o office_n take_v they_o very_o little_o off_o from_o attendance_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o family_n see_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n they_o spend_v no_o time_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o to_o collect_v money_n but_o only_o receive_v what_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o as_o a_o oblation_n to_o the_o lord_n lay_v down_o before_o they_o every_o lord_n day_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o what_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o their_o own_o house_n according_a to_o the_o bill_n they_o put_v in_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o look_v what_o time_n they_o may_v spend_v in_o keep_v a_o just_a account_n of_o what_o they_o lie_v out_o or_o in_o visit_v any_o sick_a or_o poor_a brethren_n their_o time_n and_o labour_n spend_v herein_o be_v sufficient_o recompense_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n stock_n or_o treasury_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n second_o beside_o this_o text_n call_v for_o maintenance_n to_o those_o elder_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o office_n of_o rule_v well_o but_o neither_o be_v deacon_n style_v elder_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n neither_o be_v their_o office_n a_o place_n of_o rule_n but_o of_o service_n to_o table_n so_o that_o this_o text_n will_v by_o no_o force_n be_v rack_v to_o bear_v this_o interpretation_n 2._o another_o interpretation_n be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a force_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v more_o than_o simple_o to_o labour_v even_o to_o weary_v a_o man_n self_n with_o labour_n so_o that_o this_o sense_n they_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n word_n the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n that_o discharge_v their_o place_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n chief_o they_o which_o weary_a themselves_o with_o labour_n and_o care_n to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v answ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o apostle_n language_n do_v not_o note_v out_o any_o intention_n or_o labour_n in_o some_o above_o other_o but_o simple_o such_o pain_n in_o a_o place_n somewhat_o parallel_v to_o this_o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o thessalonian_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o minister_n and_o ruler_n with_o singular_a love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n he_o call_v all_o their_o minister_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o make_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o common_a work_n and_o labour_n of_o they_o all_o not_o any_o intensive_a or_o eminent_a labour_n of_o some_o above_o other_o and_o in_o rom._n 16.12_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o godly_a woman_n that_o either_o take_v pain_n about_o he_o or_o about_o other_o spiritual_a work_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o intensive_a or_o eminent_a pain_n and_o labour_n he_o add_v another_o word_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o may_v express_v so_o much_o but_o if_o he_o speak_v simple_o and_o positive_o of_o labour_n hense_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d alone_o salute_v say_v he_o v._o 12._o tryphena_n and_o tryphosa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v translate_v simple_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o other_o that_o take_v more_o painful_a labour_n salute_v mary_n vers_fw-la 6._o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o bestow_v much_o labour_n upon_o we_o and_o ver_fw-la 12._o salute_v the_o belove_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v translate_v who_o labour_v much_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o text_n in_o timothy_n if_o we_o strain_v not_o paul_n word_n beyond_o his_o wont_a meaning_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d than_o such_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n &_o doctrine_n and_o then_o he_o distinguish_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o from_o the_o elder_n that_o labour_v in_o word_n &_o doctrine_n simple_o by_o their_o different_a act_n about_o different_a object_n some_o elder_n be_v conversant_a about_o the_o well_o rule_v of_o the_o life_n &_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n other_o be_v conversant_a in_o labour_n about_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 3._o a_o three_o interpretation_n be_v give_v of_o these_o word_n that_o by_o elder_n rule_v well_o shall_v be_v mean_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n such_o as_o be_v resident_a and_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n affix_v to_o the_o place_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o visit_v and_o to_o confirm_v the_o church_n to_o confirm_v this_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n 1_o cor._n 15.10_o be_v quote_v where_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o if_o he_o have_v mean_v of_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n it_o may_v have_v seem_v arrogancy_n in_o he_o to_o prefer_v himself_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o work_n and_o it_o will_v have_v impute_v some_o aspersion_n of_o negligence_n to_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o his_o labour_n and_o travel_v through_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n so_o he_o may_v speak_v true_o and_o sober_o that_o he_o have_v labour_v more_o abundant_o then_o they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n mary_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o labour_n of_o tryphena_n tryphosa_n &_o persis_n be_v allege_v out_o of_o rom._n 16.6.12_o as_o if_o the_o first_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o paul_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v labour_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o way_n of_o travel_n far_o and_o near_o by_o private_a persuasion_n to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n answ_n this_o interpretation_n be_v indeed_o travel_v for_o and_o far_o fetch_v but_o such_o be_v our_o nature_n willing_a enough_o to_o travel_v far_o and_o wide_a to_o avoid_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o unwelcome_a truth_n how_o much_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o fit_a be_v it_o to_o fetch_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n from_o himself_o and_o to_o take_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n here_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o use_v of_o the_o same_o word_n in_o a_o like_a place_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o where_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o traveller_n abroad_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d labourer_n among_o you_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n resident_a with_o they_o and_o labourer_n among_o they_o paul_n labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v impertinent_o allege_v to_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v express_o of_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v arrogancy_n in_o paul_n to_o have_v speak_v of_o his_o own_o great_a labour_n then_o of_o his_o fellow-apostle_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o respect_n to_o his_o travel_n for_o his_o ministry_n be_v accompany_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o great_a affliction_n and_o wrastling_n both_o within_o and_o without_o whether_o he_o stay_v in_o any_o place_n or_o travel_v abroad_o and_o he_o may_v well_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o as_o indeed_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o gratitude_n require_v it_o of_o he_o to_o take_v the_o more_o pain_n for_o christ_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n after_o his_o conversion_n who_o have_v labour_v more_o busy_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n against_o christ_n and_o against_o the_o gospel_n before_o his_o conversion_n nor_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o usual_a word_n in_o that_o language_n to_o express_v travel_v to_o be_v more_o than_o any_o other_o labour_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o labour_n of_o mary_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o travel_n up_o and_o down_o with_o paul_n but_o rather_o in_o some_o diligent_a hospitality_n and_o service_n unto_o he_o but_o whether_o in_o travel_n or_o in_o her_o house_n be_v not_o at_o all_o express_v in_o the_o word_n sure_o it_o be_v paul_n deni_v the_o take_n of_o a_o sister_n or_o
bishop_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o good_a old_a bishop_n valerius_n be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o for_o suffer_v augustine_n a_o presbyter_n though_o a_o learned_a presbyter_n to_o preach_v before_o he_o which_o be_v say_v never_o any_o african_a bishop_n have_v allow_v before_o he_o now_o whence_o shall_v such_o a_o offence_n as_o be_v take_v against_o valerius_n arise_v but_o from_o translate_n the_o silence_n of_o rule_v elder_n from_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n unto_o those_o presbyter_n also_o who_o be_v call_v oft_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n free_o and_o diligent_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o but_o when_o through_o corruption_n of_o time_n bishop_n claim_v to_o themselves_o the_o principal_n pastoral_a cure_n of_o soul_n than_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o offensive_a matter_n that_o teach_v elder_n shall_v preach_v before_o they_o as_o before_o it_o be_v unwonted_a for_o rule_v elder_n to_o preach_v before_o the_o teach_v ordinary_o object_n but_o there_o remain_v one_o objection_n or_o two_o which_o some_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n have_v make_v against_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n object_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o office_n of_o ruling_n elder_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o no_o footstep_n leave_v of_o it_o in_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n popery_n itself_o though_o it_o corrupt_v all_o ordinance_n yet_o retain_v some_o footstep_n of_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n though_o much_o pervert_v from_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n at_o all_o of_o those_o rule_v elder_n extant_a in_o any_o church_n but_o those_o of_o genevah_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v their_o pattern_n for_o though_o some_o tell_v we_o of_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o england_n who_o assist_v the_o preacher_n in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o rule_v elder_n for_o these_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v appoint_v not_o for_o assistance_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o churchwarden_n for_o keep_v the_o church_n stock_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o necessary_a repair_v of_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o vestry_n be_v a_o company_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o rich_a parishioner_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v churchwarden_n be_v exercise_v in_o audit_v the_o account_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o admonish_v a_o unruly_a neighbour_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o authority_n as_o ruler_n but_o by_o christian_a discretion_n and_o charity_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rule_v elder_n for_o though_o they_o be_v both_o choose_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o choice_n the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o attend_v to_o nor_o be_v they_o so_o ordain_v either_o with_o the_o like_a holy_a solemnity_n or_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a power_n nor_o allow_v to_o continue_v for_o life_n as_o rule_v elder_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o yet_o such_o as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v see_v in_o they_o some_o footstep_n and_o remnant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v rudera_fw-la of_o that_o holy_a and_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o much_o as_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o chancellor_n commissary_n and_o official_o who_o be_v mere_a lay_v elder_n and_o yet_o administer_v church-government_n not_o in_o one_o church_n only_o but_o in_o many_o score_n of_o church_n what_o other_o thing_n sound_v the_o very_a name_n of_o churchwarden_n guardiani_n ecclesiae_fw-la but_o church-guardian_n or_o church-ruler_n and_o what_o be_v the_o company_n of_o vestryman_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o consistory_n second_o though_o by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o his_o vicar_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o care_n be_v transform_v from_o order_v the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o material_a church_n or_o temple_n yet_o what_o power_n of_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o any_o congregation_n beside_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o churchwarden_n and_o vestery_n man_n do_v assist_v the_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o same_o they_o observe_v all_o scandalous_a disorder_n that_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church-minister_n or_o people_n they_o admonish_v the_o offender_n and_o though_o they_o be_v over-ruler_n to_o present_v all_o disorder_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o which_o of_o right_n they_o shall_v complain_v of_o when_o the_o offender_n be_v incorrigible_a only_o to_o their_o own_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n for_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n to_o return_v such_o offender_n have_v first_o pay_v they_o their_o fee_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o their_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o amendment_n of_o which_o also_o they_o must_v bring_v a_o certificate_n under_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n hand_n yea_o of_o our_o knowledge_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a privilege_a church_n in_o england_n exempt_v from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n where_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o minister_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v transact_v all_o that_o government_n which_o in_o other_o church_n the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n do_v invade_v and_o usurp_v as_o to_o admonish_v offender_n to_o enjoin_v acknowledgement_n of_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o repress_v idleness_n drunkenness_n swear_v sabbath-breaking_a and_o the_o like_a disorder_n with_o better_a success_n than_o other_o town_n can_v do_v who_o have_v the_o help_n of_o major_n and_o justice_n but_o not_o so_o much_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n unto_o their_o minister_n and_o guardian_n or_o ruler_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o appear_v that_o ancient_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o among_o themselves_o before_o one_o church_n begin_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o another_o object_n the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o rule_v elder_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o perilous_a consequence_n to_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o authority_n answ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v clear_o enough_o limit_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o ruling_n elder_n call_v and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o since_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o the_o sword_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o church-governour_n may_v take_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o wit_n civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o usurpation_n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v princely_a lordly_a but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v only_o stewardly_a and_o ministerial_a for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n to_o eliakim_n isa_n 22.22_o and_o he_o be_v over_o the_o house_n ver._n 15._o which_o phrase_n of_o be_v over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v proper_o gen._n 43.19_o steward_z of_o the_o house_n see_v then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritnall_a and_o not_o worldly_a and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o lordly_a but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a evident_a it_o be_v that_o these_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n may_v only_o attend_v to_o work_n of_o spiritual_a and_o ministerial_a rule_n and_o further_o because_o such_o act_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n as_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o call_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o that_o work_n be_v leave_v unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o what_o act_v soever_o of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n over_o and_o above_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n all_o such_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n and_o none_o but_o such_o to_o instance_n then_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n office_n
the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o to_o 7._o tit._n 1.6_o to_o 9_o deacon_n according_a to_o act_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 12._o for_o the_o church_n have_v not_o absolute_a power_n to_o choose_v who_o they_o listen_v but_o ministerial_a power_n only_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v choose_v have_v gift_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o if_o the_o church_n can_v find_v out_o none_o such_o in_o their_o own_o body_n they_o send_v to_o any_o other_o church_n for_o fit_a supply_n and_o each_o church_n look_v at_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v mutual_o helpful_a one_o to_o another_o in_o yield_v what_o supply_n they_o may_v without_o too_o much_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o according_a to_o cant._n 8.8_o 9_o such_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o work_n they_o take_v some_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o partly_o by_o consultation_n with_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n continue_v there_o in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o fulfil_v the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n 1_o tim._n 3.22_o for_o every_o man_n of_o good_a gift_n be_v not_o always_o endow_v with_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o every_o good_a heart_n be_v not_o fit_v to_o close_v so_o full_o as_o be_v meet_v with_o every_o good_a people_n every_o key_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o open_v every_o lock_n nor_o every_o good_a man_n gift_n fit_a to_o edify_v every_o people_n but_o when_o upon_o trial_n the_o church_n do_v find_v every_o man_n spirit_n among_o they_o desirous_a of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o man_n and_o his_o gift_n then_o they_o agree_v among_o themselves_o upon_o a_o certain_a day_n wherein_o in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n they_o intend_v to_o elect_a he_o to_o office_n among_o themselves_o of_o this_o they_o give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o near_a adjoin_a church_n who_o and_o when_o and_o to_o what_o office_n they_o intend_v to_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n who_o they_o nominate_v to_o they_o entreat_v their_o presence_n and_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o assistance_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v they_o give_v notice_n also_o thereof_o unto_o the_o governor_n and_o such_o other_o of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v near_o to_o they_o that_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v meeting_n with_o no_o just_a exception_n from_o any_o may_v find_v the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o acceptance_n from_o all_o when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v it_o be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n with_o fast_v pray_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 14.23_o &_o 13.1_o 2_o 3._o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o grave_a brethren_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o inquire_v of_o the_o church_n if_o now_o after_o this_o solemn_a seek_v of_o god_n for_o his_o counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a work_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o purpose_n to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o their_o own_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o rule_v elder_a who_o before_o they_o agree_v upon_o then_o have_v take_v their_o silence_n for_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o purpose_n he_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o only_o the_o messenger_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n present_a but_o of_o all_o that_o stand_v by_o because_o and_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a report_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o 1_o tim._n 3.7_o how_o much_o more_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n he_o demand_v therefore_o of_o the_o church_n first_o and_o then_o of_o the_o rest_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o have_v know_v of_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o man_n present_v before_o they_o either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n which_o may_v give_v they_o just_a cause_n to_o forbear_v his_o election_n if_o all_o keep_v silence_n as_o usual_o they_o do_v for_o if_o any_o have_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o man_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o acquaint_v some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o before_o the_o day_n he_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n again_o now_o see_v all_o be_v clear_a for_o their_o free_a election_n of_o he_o to_o such_o a_o office_n he_o desire_v all_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n to_o declare_v their_o election_n of_o he_o with_o one_o accord_n by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v do_v he_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o the_o party_n choose_v whether_o he_o do_v accept_v of_o that_o call_n which_o the_o church_n have_v give_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o that_o office_n he_o have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o wherein_o he_o have_v chief_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o the_o elder_a do_v then_o admonish_v the_o church_n what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o all_o in_o his_o word_n towards_o he_o who_o they_o have_v thus_o choose_v and_o afterward_o advertise_v he_o what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o in_o that_o place_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o both_o of_o their_o mutual_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o he_o then_o with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o two_o or_o three_o other_o of_o the_o grave_a christian_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o body_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ordain_v he_o unto_o that_o office_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v furnish_v he_o with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n to_o accept_v and_o own_v he_o therein_o to_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o to_o breath_n in_o all_o his_o administration_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o bless_v all_o his_o go_v out_o and_o come_n in_o before_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v his_o speech_n upon_o the_o person_n on_o who_o their_o hand_n be_v impose_v he_o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o presbytery_n express_v their_o ordination_n of_o he_o to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o put_v a_o solemn_a charge_n upon_o he_o to_o look_v well_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n as_o one_o that_o must_v give_v account_n of_o all_o their_o soul_n unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appear_v after_o this_o the_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n present_a observe_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o day_n perform_v by_o the_o officer_n then_o choose_v and_o ordain_v and_o in_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o election_n and_o ordination_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v give_v unto_o he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n testify_v their_o brotherly_a acceptance_n of_o he_o and_o their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o gracious_a gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o and_o do_v exhort_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o after_o public_a praise_n give_v to_o god_n by_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n he_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n with_o a_o blessing_n sect_n v._o for_o our_o call_n of_o deacon_n we_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o ordain_v they_o with_o like_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n because_o we_o do_v not_o read_v the_o apostle_n give_v any_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o first_o deacon_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 6._o but_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v look_v out_o among_o themselves_o man_n fit_o qualify_v for_o that_o call_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n former_o mention_v and_o have_v make_v some_o proof_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o lord_n day_n or_o other_o public_a holy_a meeting_n do_v ordain_v they_o to_o the_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o over_o that_o business_n with_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n sect_n vi_o object_n two_o thing_n be_v here_o demand_v first_o by_o what_o warrant_v the_o people_n choose_v their_o officer_n answ_n from_o the_o precedent_n
presbytery_n of_o any_o one_o church_n yet_o that_o only_o reach_v to_o make_v their_o counsel_n the_o more_o weighty_a and_o acceptable_a but_o not_o to_o invest_v they_o with_o more_o rule_n or_o more_o authority_n three_o if_o a_o church_n shall_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o another_o church_n for_o ordination_n of_o their_o elder_n they_o may_v as_o well_o repair_v and_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o censure_v of_o their_o offender_n and_o will_v not_o that_o be_v a_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o church-government_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o if_o a_o brother_n see_v his_o brother_n fall_v into_o a_o scandal_n and_o after_o deal_v with_o he_o first_o himself_o alone_a and_o then_o with_o the_o conviction_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n find_v he_o to_o give_v no_o satisfaction_n at_o all_o whither_o shall_v the_o offend_a brother_n repair_v if_o to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o brother_n offend_v be_v a_o member_n that_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o or_o what_o ground_n of_o repair_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n by_o what_o authority_n shall_v they_o proceed_v to_o censure_v the_o offender_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n indeed_o if_o a_o brother_n offend_v shall_v complain_v to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o offend_a brother_n be_v a_o member_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n through_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n or_o other_o remissness_n it_o may_v then_o be_v lawful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o brotherly_a love_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n which_o one_o church_n owe_v and_o bear_v to_o another_o the_o brother_n offend_v and_o not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o proceed_n of_o his_o own_o church_n against_o the_o offence_n may_v then_o repair_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n and_o crave_v their_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v upon_o good_a inquiry_n the_o proceed_n of_o their_o sister-church_n they_o may_v admonish_v the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n touch_v what_o they_o judge_v amiss_o but_o if_o the_o elder_n harken_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o elder_n who_o admonish_v they_o be_v unsatisfied_a may_v acquaint_v their_o own_o church_n with_o the_o offence_n of_o their_o neighbour_n church_n and_o then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n they_o may_v admonish_v they_o thereof_o by_o letter_n and_o messenger_n send_v to_o they_o to_o that_o purpose_n if_o yet_o the_o church_n admonish_v harken_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o church_n offend_v may_n and_o aught_o to_o acquaint_v their_o neighbour_n church_n therewithal_o who_o may_v join_v with_o they_o either_o in_o convince_a the_o offend_a church_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o prevail_v with_o they_o unto_o reformation_n or_o else_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o obstinacy_n they_o may_v from_o thenceforth_o withdraw_v all_o continuance_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o transgression_n which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o church_n may_v go_v in_o a_o churchway_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n of_o a_o neighbour-church_n in_o any_o offence_n and_o so_o far_o they_o may_v go_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o rule_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o look_v what_o rule_n a_o brother_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o seek_v to_o heal_v the_o offence_n of_o a_o brother_n the_o same_o rule_n may_v and_o aught_o a_o sister-church_n to_o attend_v unto_o in_o seek_v to_o heal_v a_o offend_a sister-church_n and_o look_v as_o paul_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o equal_a power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o peter_z reprove_v peter_n open_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v gal._n 2.11_o so_o one_o church_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o equal_a power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o another_o may_v reprove_v another_o church_n open_o when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o look_v by_o what_o power_n they_o may_v reprove_v they_o by_o the_o same_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o they_o harken_v not_o to_o their_o reproof_n according_a to_o god_n but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o brother_n offend_v to_o complain_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o another_o church_n till_o he_o see_v no_o hope_n of_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n by_o his_o own_o church_n at_o home_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n to_o the_o church_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o such_o officer_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v look_v as_o in_o the_o first_o primitive_a church_n the_o lord_n add_v to_o they_o daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 2.47_o so_o do_v we_o admit_v and_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o he_o send_v and_o add_v to_o we_o the_o first_o and_o low_a number_n of_o a_o church_n to_o which_o the_o other_o member_n be_v add_v be_v not_o express_o limit_v in_o the_o word_n only_o it_o be_v not_o so_o low_a as_o some_o have_v conceive_v to_o consist_v only_o of_o two_o or_o three_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n mat._n 18.20_o where_o a_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n be_v make_v to_o two_o or_o three_o to_o conceive_v it_o make_v to_o the_o low_a number_n of_o a_o church-body_n for_o those_o two_o or_o three_o be_v not_o consider_v there_o as_o a_o church-body_n but_o as_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o witness_n to_o join_v with_o a_o brother_n offend_v in_o convince_a and_o admonish_v the_o brother_n that_o give_v the_o offence_n against_o who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o they_o they_o be_v then_o further_o to_o proceed_v and_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o a_o small_a company_n agree_v in_o a_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n either_o to_o heal_v a_o offend_a brother_n by_o their_o own_o admonition_n or_o to_o witness_v against_o he_o before_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o special_a promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o duty_n lest_o they_o may_v think_v such_o a_o labour_n of_o love_n undertake_v in_o vain_a but_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o see_v these_o two_o or_o three_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o person_n and_o the_o cause_n to_o a_o great_a body_n than_o themselves_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o domestical_a church_n in_o adam_n and_o eve_n at_o the_o beginning_n yet_o such_o a_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o a_o great_a number_n the_o very_a officer_n of_o a_o church_n complete_o furnish_v be_v no_o less_o than_o four_o a_o pastor_n a_o teacher_n a_o elder_a a_o deacon_n and_o therefore_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n have_v need_v to_o be_v of_o a_o great_a number_n than_o so_o and_o though_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n may_v consist_v without_o the_o integrity_n of_o all_o his_o member_n as_o a_o lame_a man_n that_o want_v some_o of_o his_o member_n may_v have_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o under_o seven_o a_o church_n can_v hardly_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o member_n as_o do_v perform_v any_o part_n of_o a_o church-body_n to_o such_o a_o body_n how_o many_o member_n may_v be_v add_v be_v not_o limit_v express_o in_o the_o word_n only_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o all_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n that_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v for_o as_o have_v be_v note_v above_o the_o apostle_n so_o describe_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o meeting_n in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o but_o if_o all_o can_v hear_v all_o can_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o when_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o shall_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o 1_o cor._n 11.33_o which_o argue_v the_o church_n endue_v with_o only_a ordinary_a officer_n shall_v consist_v of_o no_o great_a number_n than_o that_o all_o may_v partake_v together_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o one_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o such_o parish_n as_o consist_v of_o 15000._o though_o they_o be_v all_o fit_a material_n for_o church-fellowship_n yet_o aught_o to_o be_v divide_v into_o many_o church_n as_o too_o large_a for_o one_o when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a bee_n swarm_v into_o a_o new_a hive_n so_o shall_v such_o excessive_a number_n of_o christian_n issue_n forth_o into_o more_o church_n whence_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o error_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o limitation_n or_o distinction_n of_o parish_n mean_v of_o church_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la for_o though_o
espousal_n without_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o espousage_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o their_o covenant_n 3._o the_o mutual_a relation_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n in_o the_o church_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o member_n to_o member_n and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o do_v all_o of_o they_o necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a confederacy_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v partake_v herein_o must_v partake_v in_o their_o confederacy_n suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n as_o every_o year_n some_o or_o other_o do_v there_o be_v not_o any_o minister_n of_o any_o of_o our_o church_n can_v usurp_v pastoral_a authority_n over_o he_o unless_o that_o christian_a call_v he_o thereunto_o or_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o his_o ministration_n according_a to_o god_n nor_o can_v such_o a_o man_n expect_v any_o minister_n watchfulness_n over_o he_o as_o his_o minister_n unless_o the_o minister_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o accept_v such_o a_o charge_n and_o profess_v so_o much_o no_o church_n in_o the_o country_n nor_o all_o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o censure_v any_o stranger_n though_o a_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o nor_o can_v he_o challenge_v such_o watchfulness_n from_o they_o unless_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o just_a call_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o his_o blood_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n and_o for_o all_o his_o child_n give_v they_o all_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o their_o own_o fellow-member_n unto_o who_o to_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o infant_n who_o make_v choice_n in_o their_o parent_n but_o of_o such_o who_o know_v their_o liberty_n and_o be_v call_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o till_o than_o that_o a_o man_n tender_a and_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o it_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o receive_v he_o for_o the_o church_n receive_v a_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 14.1_o impli_v and_o presuppose_v his_o offering_n and_o give_v up_o of_o himself_o unto_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o he_o impli_v and_o hold_v forth_o no_o less_o than_o their_o profess_a acceptance_n of_o he_o unto_o all_o those_o holy_a liberty_n with_o they_o and_o performance_n of_o all_o such_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o he_o which_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o let_v man_n call_v this_o expression_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o call_v church-covenant_n sect_n v._o let_v we_o proceed_v then_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o three_o point_n why_o we_o communicate_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o propound_v receive_v of_o member_n unto_o their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o like_a power_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a member_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n then_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la aperire_fw-la &_o claudere_fw-la instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v to_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o who_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o do_v not_o at_o first_o receive_v he_o because_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n until_o barnabas_n by_o his_o testimony_n of_o he_o have_v remove_v their_o scruple_n which_o argue_v the_o private_a brethren_n in_o a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o public_a officer_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o church_n power_n in_o elect_v and_o call_v minister_n to_o office_n it_o have_v be_v show_v above_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v and_o call_v their_o own_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o speech_n of_o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o epist_n 41._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la dignos_fw-la eligendi_fw-la velindignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la and_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a how_o much_o more_o of_o receive_v worthy_a christian_n and_o refuse_v of_o unworthy_a yea_o in_o the_o epistle_n go_v before_o he_o speak_v express_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v some_o who_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o they_o which_o argue_v evident_o their_o power_n in_o receive_v member_n chap._n iu._n concern_v our_o order_n and_o form_n in_o administration_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o able_a help_n officer_n and_o brethren_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o public_a ordinance_n in_o public_a assembly_n especial_o on_o every_o lord_n day_n wherein_o our_o principal_a care_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o administer_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o and_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o all_o those_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v we_o light_n in_o their_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o dress_n or_o paint_v of_o humane_a invention_n for_o as_o the_o first_o commandment_n require_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o his_o own_o only_a true_a worship_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n without_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o isa_n 29.13_o deut._n 12.32_o so_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o observe_v much_o less_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o church_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o any_o institution_n of_o their_o own_o whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o government_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n our_o reason_n hereof_o one_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o be_v take_v from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v as_o large_a as_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o church-governors_n and_o yet_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o mat._n 28.20_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o he_o have_v command_v they_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n then_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15.29_o necessary_a they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n other_o for_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o thing_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v offensive_a the_o prohibition_n of_o they_o cease_v to_o bind_v object_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v the_o apostle_n commission_n reach_v only_o to_o matter_n of_o substance_n not_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o necessity_n not_o indifferency_n we_o answer_v let_v they_o show_v we_o another_o commission_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o put_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n of_o form_n and_o of_o indifferency_n and_o we_o shall_v submit_v but_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o commission_n give_v to_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o much_o urge_a place_n 1_o
be_v true_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n jesus_n yet_o for_o the_o present_n have_v no_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n these_o be_v like_a to_o a_o leg_n or_o arm_n to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o dead_a palsy_n which_o though_o it_o remain_v for_o a_o time_n without_o feeling_n and_o nourishment_n yet_o be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n it_o may_v be_v recover_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o strong_a medicine_n and_o make_v whole_a as_o the_o other_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v excommunicate_v person_n for_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o engraff_n they_o be_v true_a member_n and_o can_v be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.18_o and_o though_o they_o be_v hold_v as_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o church_n censure_n as_o also_o because_o christ_n ratifi_v in_o heaven_n what_o the_o church_n have_v do_v on_o earth_n and_o likewise_o because_o in_o themselves_o they_o want_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o be_v touch_v with_o repentance_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a because_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n remain_v in_o they_o and_o that_o knit_v the_o bond_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n answ_n those_o godly_a learned_a divine_n who_o do_v thus_o argue_v we_o do_v so_o high_o esteem_v and_o so_o deep_o reverence_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n our_o own_o and_o not_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v rather_o let_v it_o fall_v then_o defend_v it_o by_o opposition_n to_o the_o grave_a judgement_n of_o such_o holy_a saint_n but_o because_o we_o may_v not_o accept_v person_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v force_v to_o excuse_v ourselves_o from_o submit_v to_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o yet_o general_o in_o other_o we_o yield_v unto_o they_o our_o answer_n therefore_o be_v that_o howsoever_o such_o excommunicate_a person_n as_o be_v true_o faithful_a notwithstanding_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n because_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n remain_v in_o they_o yet_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a join_v in_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n they_o be_v not_o knit_v but_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o communion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n nor_o faith_n itself_o that_o knit_v a_o man_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o holy_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o communion_n which_o profession_n when_o a_o faithful_a man_n have_v violate_v by_o some_o notorious_a scandalous_a crime_n or_o by_o wilful_a obstinacy_n in_o stand_v out_o in_o any_o offence_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v now_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n and_o therefore_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o seal_v thereof_o himself_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n his_o seed_n which_o be_v his_o member_n from_o baptism_n he_o be_v not_o now_o as_o a_o dead_a palsy_n member_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n ne_fw-fr pars_fw-la sincera_fw-la trahatur_fw-la the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v still_o lay_v hold_n upon_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n when_o yet_o he_o can_v in_o any_o lively_a manner_n for_o the_o time_n lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o may_v still_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n of_o the_o firstborn_a when_o yet_o he_o have_v neither_o part_n nor_o portion_n nor_o fellowship_n in_o the_o particular_a flock_n and_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n now_o because_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n nor_o to_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o such_o but_o to_o the_o visible_a particular_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o member_n thereof_o such_o therefore_o as_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o memberlike_a communion_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v cut_v off_o also_o from_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o communion_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v a_o heathen_a to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o supper_n nor_o their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n so_o neither_o dare_v we_o receive_v a_o excommunicate_a person_n who_o be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o heathen_a unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o his_o child_n to_o baptism_n object_n it_o be_v object_v again_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v the_o personal_a sin_n of_o the_o parent_n may_v not_o keep_v the_o blessing_n from_o the_o child_n and_o therefore_o not_o deprive_v it_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n the_o same_o power_n of_o christ_n that_o ratifi_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o excommunicate_a parent_n though_o it_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o child_n from_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o the_o father_n yet_o it_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o outward_a fruition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n and_o from_o the_o seal_v thereof_o for_o as_o christ_n give_v the_o child_n no_o right_n unto_o baptism_n but_o by_o the_o father_n right_a unto_o the_o coverant_a and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o he_o take_v away_o the_o father_n right_a from_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o take_v away_o the_o child_n right_n also_o the_o personal_a sin_n of_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n a_o mere_a private_a or_o personal_a sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o public_a person_n of_o his_o family_n for_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n at_o his_o receive_n into_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o public_a person_n for_o receive_v he_o and_o his_o child_n who_o can_v make_v no_o profession_n but_o by_o his_o mouth_n into_o the_o church_n so_o his_o violation_n of_o his_o profession_n by_o a_o scandalous_a crime_n be_v as_o a_o public_a violation_n thereof_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n who_o stand_v and_o fall_v before_o the_o church_n in_o his_o name_n and_o person_n object_n it_o be_v yet_o further_o object_v we_o must_v always_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o person_n excommunicate_a which_o do_v not_o make_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v grievous_a offender_n and_o open_a apostate_n which_o join_v themselves_o with_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o between_o turk_n and_o infidel_n that_o be_v forth_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o never_o belong_v to_o christ_n answ_n we_o willing_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n and_o apostate_n and_o turk_n to_o wit_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v excommunicate_a person_n be_v near_a to_o help_v and_o mean_n of_o conversion_n than_o turk_n for_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o turk_n be_v near_o than_o apostate_n for_o better_v it_o be_v never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n give_v unto_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2.21_o but_o yet_o in_o this_o they_o all_o agree_v they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o heathen_n mat._n 18.17_o and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o parent_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n object_n moreover_o it_o be_v still_o further_o object_v in_o behalf_n of_o infant_n command_v 2_o if_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n enlarge_v itself_o to_o thousand_o why_o shall_v man_n question_v whether_o such_o infant_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o by_o the_o right_n of_o their_o ancestor_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o extension_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o thousand_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o extend_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o ancestor_n it_o may_v suffice_v as_o well_o to_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o infidel_n and_o apostate_n and_o so_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o urge_v in_o the_o last_o argument_n will_v be_v take_v away_o for_o it_o be_v not_o above_o 66._o generation_n from_o noah_n to_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o genealogy_n luk._n 3.23_o to_o 38._o and_o there_o have_v not_o pass_v as_o many_o more_o generation_n from_o christ_n time_n to_o the_o turk_n and_o infidel_n of_o this_o present_a age_n
offence_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o if_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o the_o dissent_n whether_o of_o one_o or_o more_o brethren_n do_v arise_v from_o such_o darkness_n and_o intricacie_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n as_o that_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v find_v themselves_o either_o unable_a to_o clear_v the_o matter_n full_o or_o at_o least_o unfit_a in_o regard_n of_o some_o prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v conceive_v against_o they_o which_o sometime_o do_v fall_v out_o though_o very_o seldom_o in_o such_o a_o case_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v weighty_a and_o the_o doubt_v great_a on_o both_o side_n than_o with_o common_a consent_n we_o call_v in_o for_o light_n from_o other_o church_n and_o entreat_v they_o to_o send_v over_o to_o we_o such_o of_o their_o elder_n or_o brethren_n as_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o judge_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n upon_o their_o come_n the_o church_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o whole_a cause_n and_o all_o the_o proceed_n in_o it_o be_v lay_v open_a to_o they_o who_o by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n ponder_v and_o study_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o truth_n be_v clear_v a_o right_a way_n of_o peace_n and_o concord_n discover_v and_o advise_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o brethren_n on_o all_o part_n comfortable_o satisfy_v sect_n iv_o in_o these_o transaction_n we_o know_v not_o what_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o exception_n or_o controversy_n but_o only_o that_o we_o allow_v to_o the_o people_n so_o much_o power_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n both_o in_o bind_v a_o offender_n to_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n and_o in_o lose_v of_o penitent_n from_o the_o same_o but_o the_o reason_n that_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o take_v this_o course_n seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v evident_a ground_n from_o scripture-light_n and_o therefore_o may_v excuse_v we_o from_o follow_v the_o pattern_n of_o such_o church_n as_o rather_o consult_v with_o humane_a wisdom_n then_o divine_a institution_n in_o this_o case_n our_o first_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o royal_a rule_n of_o love_n and_o wisdom_n in_o heal_a offence_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 18.17_o where_o he_o direct_v a_o brother_n offend_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o offender_n final_o to_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o the_o church_n tell_v say_v he_o the_o church_n now_o we_o can_v find_v throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o ever_o the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v any_o otherwise_o then_o for_o the_o society_n and_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a unless_o it_o be_v once_o where_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o civil_a assembly_n act._n 19.41_o but_o never_o for_o one_o bishop_n or_o counsellor_n or_o archdeacon_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n acknowledge_v any_o of_o these_o office_n in_o the_o church_n at_o all_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o take_v a_o bishop_n as_o now_o they_o stand_v nor_o can_v the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o word_n of_o multitude_n hold_v forth_o a_o bishop_n or_o his_o commissary_n who_o be_v but_o one_o person_n for_o though_o one_o person_n may_v represent_v a_o whole_a church_n when_o he_o be_v send_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n name_n with_o instruction_n from_o the_o church_n yet_o such_o be_v not_o the_o case_n here_o the_o bishop_n come_v in_o his_o own_o name_n and_o the_o commissary_n in_o the_o bishop_n name_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n name_n nor_o with_o instruction_n from_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o with_o destruction_n or_o at_o least_o with_o disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v the_o word_n church_n take_v throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o a_o assembly_n of_o presbyter_n the_o consistory_n be_v a_o word_n unheard_a of_o there_o nor_o be_v any_o complaint_n direct_v thither_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o hear_n &_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n as_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v say_v to_o be_v assemble_v in_o the_o house_n of_o james_n to_o prepare_v and_o instruct_v paul_n for_o the_o carriage_n of_o his_o matter_n before_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o to_o be_v administer_v by_o they_o though_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o they_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n be_v blame_v for_o neglect_n of_o proceed_v against_o offender_n whether_o balaam_n or_o jezabel_n or_o the_o nicholaitan_n the_o charge_n be_v give_v not_o to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n only_o but_o to_o the_o church_n also_o themselves_o let_v he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.17.29_o and_o though_o the_o word_n congregation_n which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o church_n be_v sometime_o put_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o elder_n or_o judge_n of_o the_o congregation_n yet_o 1._o it_o be_v far_o more_o frequent_o put_v for_o the_o elder_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n meet_v together_o as_o he_o that_o observe_v the_o several_a place_n shall_v find_v it_o 2._o when_o it_o be_v put_v for_o the_o elder_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o numb_a 35.12.24_o 25._o it_o be_v never_o understand_v of_o they_o sit_v in_o a_o consistory_n by_o themselves_o apart_o from_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n who_o also_o have_v liberty_n in_o such_o case_n to_o rescue_v a_o innocent_a from_o unjust_a punishment_n 1_o sam._n 14.45_o object_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o when_o christ_n direct_v the_o brother_n offend_v to_o tell_v the_o church_n he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n to_o who_o we_o may_v orderly_o and_o ordinary_o complain_v now_o this_o we_o can_v do_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n answ_n we_o willing_o grant_v it_o will_v be_v orderly_o to_o tell_v any_o offence_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n before_o it_o be_v present_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n both_o because_o they_o be_v the_o mouth_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n and_o also_o meet_v it_o be_v all_o thing_n be_v prepare_v by_o they_o for_o the_o church_n cognizance_n that_o so_o the_o church_n be_v not_o cumber_v as_o sometime_o it_o may_v with_o unnecessary_a and_o frivolous_a agitation_n but_o though_o the_o elder_n in_o such_o a_o case_n have_v power_n to_o direct_v and_o persuade_v what_o be_v best_a to_o be_v do_v yet_o not_o power_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v public_a case_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o the_o brother_n offend_v be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o advice_n answ_n 2._o when_o a_o whole_a multitude_n be_v assemble_v in_o a_o body_n any_o offence_n may_v be_v orderly_a and_o ordinary_o tell_v unto_o they_o by_o a_o complainant_n especial_o in_o case_n any_o officer_n among_o they_o shall_v call_v he_o forth_o to_o tell_v his_o complaint_n as_o the_o levite_n orderly_o tell_v his_o complaint_n to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n assemble_v at_o mispah_n judg._n 20.3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n object_n 2._o the_o church_n christ_n direct_v unto_o he_o presuppose_v to_o be_v the_o ordinary_a executioner_n of_o all_o discipline_n and_o censure_n which_o the_o multitude_n be_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n ratify_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n do_v show_v the_o number_n of_o they_o to_o be_v small_a mat._n 18.20_o where_o two_o or_o three_o etc._n etc._n answ_n the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ordinary_o execute_v all_o discipline_n and_o censure_n by_o the_o presbyter_n and_o the_o presbyter_n by_o their_o consent_n the_o promise_n make_v to_o two_o or_o three_o ver_fw-la 20._o respect_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n who_o deal_v in_o the_o cause_n before_o it_o come_v to_o the_o church_n as_o in_o like_a sort_n the_o promise_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o the_o church_n bind_v in_o earth_n ver_fw-la 19_o pertain_v to_o the_o ratify_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o to_o wit_n in_o vers_fw-la 17._o a_o second_o reason_n why_o we_o allow_v such_o power_n to_o the_o people_n in_o church-censure_n be_v take_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n direction_n for_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o he_o direct_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n to_o who_o he_o write_v that_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n when_o say_v he_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o
and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n where_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o verse_n forego_v that_o he_o have_v judge_v already_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v do_v not_o argue_v that_o now_o the_o church_n be_v at_o hand_n he_o take_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v the_o cause_n whole_o unto_o himself_o and_o the_o publication_n and_o declaration_n of_o it_o only_o in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o he_o have_v see_v already_o evident_a cause_n to_o judge_v the_o party_n worthy_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o direct_v they_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o action_n as_o 1._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o the_o principal_a power_n of_o all_o church-censure_n rest_v 2._o when_o they_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v gather_v together_o not_o the_o bishop_n nor_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o 3._o and_o paul_n spirit_n with_o they_o to_o wit_n so_o much_o of_o apostolical_a authority_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o present_a with_o it_o in_o such_o case_n 4._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o they_o in_o this_o action_n which_o hold_v forth_o their_o authority_n 5._o when_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v humble_v under_o this_o censure_n paul_n beseech_v they_o to_o forgive_v he_o to_o comfort_v he_o to_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o now_o they_o who_o have_v power_n of_o forgive_a a_o offender_n have_v power_n also_o of_o bind_v he_o under_o wrath_n ejusdem_fw-la potestatis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ligare_fw-la etc._n etc._n &_o solvere_fw-la object_n 1._o all_o this_o argue_v no_o more_o but_o that_o some_o in_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o text_n that_o attribute_v any_o power_n to_o the_o presbytery_n apart_o or_o singular_o above_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o the_o reproof_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o all_o for_o not_o mourn_v and_o take_v the_o offence_n to_o heart_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o ver_fw-la 1.2_o so_o be_v commandment_n direct_v to_o they_o all_o when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o proceed_v unto_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o exhort_v they_o all_o again_o put_v away_o therefore_o say_v he_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o that_o by_o a_o judicial_a power_n to_o wit_n as_o under_o christ_n do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o ver_fw-la 12._o and_o lest_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o he_o magnify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o saint_n take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o stretch_v their_o judicature_n in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o civil_a matter_n also_o know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n yea_o the_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3._o and_o thereupon_o he_o incourage_v they_o to_o betrust_v the_o decide_n of_o any_o civil_a cause_n depend_v between_o brethren_n to_o the_o judicature_n of_o the_o mean_a brother_n in_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 4._o rather_o then_o to_o fly_v sudden_o unto_o civil_a magistrate_n especial_o among_o the_o heathen_a object_n 2._o but_o if_o the_o power_n of_o judicature_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o with_o the_o presbytery_n than_o all_o the_o multitude_n shall_v be_v make_v governor_n and_o who_o then_o shall_v be_v govern_v answ_n the_o multitude_n of_o brethren_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o elder_n so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v aright_o to_o wit_n while_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o hear_v joh._n 10.4_o but_o in_o case_n the_o officer_n do_v err_v and_o commit_v offence_n they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o brethren_n though_o otherwise_o the_o brethren_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.17_o object_n 3._o a_o democraticall_a government_n may_v do_v well_o in_o athens_n a_o city_n fruitful_a of_o pregnant_a wit_n but_o will_v soon_o degenerate_a to_o a_o anarchy_n a_o popular_a tumult_n among_o rude_a common_a people_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o so_o godly_a learn_v a_o man_n as_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o prefer_v athens_n before_o jerusalem_n pregnant_a wit_n before_o sanctify_a heart_n answ_n 2._o though_o the_o government_n be_v democraticall_a as_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o tumultuous_a disorder_n where_o not_o the_o will_n of_o each_o man_n bear_v the_o sway_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n alone_o be_v hear_v who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o wise_a monarch_n of_o the_o church_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v tumult_n and_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n can_v be_v avoid_v where_o the_o multitude_n have_v all_o of_o they_o not_o only_o leave_v but_o power_n to_o speak_v and_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v the_o word_n out_o of_o the_o other_o mouth_n and_o one_o of_o they_o to_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o will_v not_o this_o make_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o confluence_n of_o cyclops_n answ_n all_o such_o disorder_n be_v easy_o and_o timely_o prevent_v by_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o restrain_v any_o man_n speech_n while_o another_o be_v speak_v and_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o mean_v speech_n that_o grow_v either_o impertinent_a or_o intemperate_a the_o elder_n have_v receive_v in_o special_a manner_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o democraticall_a but_o as_o the_o best_a government_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a temper_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n who_o voice_n only_o must_v be_v hear_v and_o his_o rule_n keep_v it_o be_v a_o monarchy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o choose_v officer_n and_o joint_a power_n with_o the_o officer_n in_o admit_v member_n in_o censure_v offender_n it_o be_v a_o democracy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o officer_n instruction_n and_o reproof_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o in_o order_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v a_o aristocracy_n what_o be_v find_v good_a in_o any_o civil_a government_n be_v in_o church-government_n and_o what_o be_v find_v evil_a be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n safe_o avoid_v and_o prevent_v but_o that_o we_o may_v more_o distinct_o declare_v ourselves_o wherein_n lie_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o mutual_a authority_n both_o of_o the_o church_n over_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o elder_n over_o the_o church_n we_o conceive_v the_o church_n exercise_v several_a act_n of_o authority_n over_o their_o elder_n to_o wit_n in_o three_o case_n 1._o in_o call_v and_o elect_v they_o to_o office_n and_o in_o ordain_v they_o also_o thereunto_o in_o defect_n of_o their_o presbytery_n 2._o in_o send_v they_o forth_o upon_o the_o public_a service_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v forth_o choose_v minister_n with_o letter_n of_o instruction_n to_o antioch_n and_o other_o church_n act_n 15.22_o now_o the_o ambassador_n be_v not_o great_a than_o he_o that_o send_v he_o but_o usual_o inferior_a job_n 13.16_o 3._o in_o case_n of_o offence_n give_v by_o any_o elder_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a eldership_n together_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o require_v satisfaction_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v due_a satisfaction_n to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o we_o see_v when_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v offence_n against_o peter_n for_o communicate_v with_o the_o gentile_n and_o contend_v with_o he_o about_o it_o peter_n condescend_v to_o give_v ample_a and_o due_a account_n of_o his_o action_n to_o the_o fatisfaction_n of_o they_o all_o act_v 11.2_o to_o 8._o if_o admonition_n and_o in_o some_o case_n excommunication_n be_v ordinance_n of_o god_n sanctify_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n go_v astray_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a injury_n to_o the_o elder_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o wholesome_a medicine_n when_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o soul_n shall_v come_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v a_o rule_v case_n cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejus_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la if_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o ipsa_fw-la
as_o cyprian_n say_v lib._n 1._o ep._n 4._o maximè_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la then_o as_o he_o say_v there_o also_o potestatem_fw-la etiam_fw-la babet_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la &_o abdicandi_fw-la on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o elder_n have_v rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o do_v express_v it_o in_o sundry_a act_n of_o authority_n as_o 1._o in_o call_v the_o church_n together_o upon_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n act_v 6.2_o 2._o in_o open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o assembly_n act_v 13.15_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o the_o elder_n themselves_o lie_v under_o offence_n or_o suspicion_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v begin_v with_o they_o act_v 11.2_o yet_o with_o due_a reverence_n observe_v as_o to_o their_o year_n so_o to_o their_o place_n 1_o tim._n 5.1_o 3._o in_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v to_o charge_v command_n to_o reprove_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n 1_o tim._n 5.7_o &_o 6.17_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o tit._n 2.15_o 4._o in_o dispense_n all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o though_o they_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o dispense_n a_o censure_n yet_o they_o set_v it_o on_o with_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o it_o be_v no_o small_a power_n they_o put_v forth_o in_o direct_v the_o church_n what_o censure_n be_v due_a according_a to_o the_o word_n as_o in_o our_o native_a country_n though_o the_o judge_n dispense_v no_o sentence_n but_o according_a to_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o jury_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v great_a both_o in_o direct_v the_o jury_n to_o give_v in_o their_o verdict_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o in_o pronounce_v sentence_n with_o power_n and_o terror_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o their_o verdict_n the_o like_a do_v the_o elder_n in_o dispense_n church-censure_n 5._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n and_o that_o with_o a_o blessing_n numb_a 6.23_o to_o 26._o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o superiority_n heb._n 7.7_o 6._o in_o case_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o other_o notorious_a scandal_n commit_v by_o they_o and_o their_o obstinacy_n therein_o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o upon_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o israelite_n moses_n take_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pitch_v it_o without_o the_o camp_n exod._n 33.7_o and_o paul_n with_o barnabas_n reject_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o blaspemy_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n act._n 13.45_o 46._o chapter_n vi._n sect_n i._o we_o come_v now_o to_o that_o last_o part_n of_o our_o order_n which_o stand_v in_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n among_o ourselves_o though_o one_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n either_o of_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o another_o for_o we_o know_v of_o none_o such_o give_v we_o by_o christ_n yet_o we_o maintain_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v also_o help_v forward_o our_o mutual_a communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v account_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n thereof_o seven_o way_n there_o be_v wherein_o we_o exercise_v holy_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o which_o for_o distinction_n and_o memory_n sake_n we_o may_v sum_n up_o in_o so_o many_o short_a name_n first_o by_o way_n of_o participation_n second_o of_o recommendation_n three_o of_o consultation_n fourthly_a of_o congregation_n five_o of_o contribution_n sixthly_a of_o admonition_n seventh_o of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n 1._o for_o participation_n we_o have_v occasional_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o church_n that_o when_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n be_v occasion_v to_o rest_n with_o we_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o the_o supper_n come_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o neither_o the_o person_n themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n they_o come_v from_o lie_v under_o any_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v admit_v they_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o for_o we_o look_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o only_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o also_o of_o our_o communion_n with_o his_o member_n and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n but_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n sect_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n we_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o in_o this_o wise_a when_o any_o of_o our_o member_n by_o occasion_n of_o business_n be_v call_v to_o reside_v and_o continue_v for_o any_o time_n in_o another_o town_n we_o give_v he_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n giving_z testimony_n of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o brother_n approve_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o become_v saint_n unto_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o he_o in_o brotherly_a love_n to_o his_o build_n up_o in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o pattern_n whereof_o we_o take_v from_o paul_n recommendation_n of_o phebe_n a_o deaconesse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rom._n 16.1_o 2._o of_o which_o letter_n he_o make_v mention_n also_o to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o not_o as_o needful_a for_o himself_o but_o for_o other_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o but_o if_o a_o brother_n have_v necessary_a occasion_n to_o remove_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n for_o all_o together_o unto_o another_o church_n and_o there_o to_o take_v up_o his_o settle_a habitation_n for_o the_o necessary_a employment_n of_o his_o call_n or_o for_o other_o just_a end_n he_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o his_o intimate_a friend_n and_o brethren_n and_o it_o may_v be_v if_o conveniency_n permit_v the_o whole_a church_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n which_o if_o they_o do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o weighty_a they_o then_o write_v more_o ample_a letter_n of_o recommendation_n unto_o that_o church_n in_o his_o behalf_n wherein_o they_o do_v recommend_v he_o whole_o to_o their_o charge_n now_o not_o as_o one_o of_o themselves_o but_o as_o one_o of_o they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v resign_v he_o and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n belove_v in_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o those_o christian_a liberty_n and_o holy_a duty_n wherein_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o member_n unto_o all_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o letter_n because_o they_o do_v so_o full_o recommend_v a_o brother_n unto_o another_o church_n be_v to_o dismiss_v he_o from_o his_o own_o we_o therefore_o for_o distinction_n sake_n call_v they_o letter_n of_o dismission_n which_o indeed_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o but_o that_o the_o former_a recommend_v he_o to_o another_o church_n for_o a_o time_n these_o for_o ever_o the_o brother_n thus_o dismiss_v to_o another_o church_n bring_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o elder_a of_o that_o church_n who_o read_v they_o before_o the_o church_n demand_v the_o church_n consent_n for_o his_o acceptance_n if_o he_o be_v well_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o they_o express_v their_o consent_n either_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n but_o if_o the_o man_n be_v whole_o unknown_a and_o doubt_v of_o by_o they_o though_o they_o reserve_v due_a honour_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o send_v they_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o church_n may_v err_v sometime_o as_o well_o in_o judgement_n of_o person_n as_o of_o doctrine_n hanc_fw-la veniam_fw-la perimusque_fw-la damusque_fw-la vicissim_fw-la we_o take_v liberty_n to_o take_v some_o trial_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o gift_n and_o then_o either_o upon_o his_o just_a approbation_n of_o he_o we_o receive_v he_o or_o if_o we_o see_v just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n in_o he_o we_o return_v he_o with_o the_o cause_n back_o again_o to_o his_o own_o church_n who_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o her_o own_o fellowship_n and_o take_v care_n for_o his_o heal_n for_o we_o look_v at_o our_o church-covenant_n as_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n jer._n 50.51_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o may_v be_v translate_v or_o resign_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o as_o god_n hand_n shall_v direct_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o violate_v by_o we_o but_o only_o by_o the_o member_n cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o such_o
demerit_n as_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n but_o if_o a_o member_n be_v importunate_o desirous_a to_o remove_v whole_o from_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v unto_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n favour_n of_o nothing_o but_o levity_n or_o covetousness_n or_o schism_n or_o the_o like_a according_a to_o their_o covenant_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o brethren_n of_o his_o own_o church_n labour_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sinful_a weakness_n herein_o to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o purpose_n to_o which_o counsel_n god_n usual_o tow_v his_o heart_n to_o stoop_v and_o submit_v but_o if_o after_o all_o their_o dissuasion_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o bent_n of_o his_o spirit_n unremovable_o set_v upon_o removal_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o his_o sin_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o his_o danger_n imminent_a they_o use_v indulgence_n towards_o he_o as_o not_o willing_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o prison_n to_o any_o man_n but_o when_o man_n thus_o depart_v god_n usual_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o bitter_a curse_n either_o take_v away_o their_o life_n from_o they_o or_o blast_v they_o with_o poverty_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o scandal_n where_o they_o come_v or_o in_o entertain_v they_o with_o such_o restless_a agitation_n that_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o repent_v of_o their_o former_a rashness_n and_o many_o time_n to_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v break_v away_o sect_n iii_o our_o three_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o consultation_n whereof_o we_o have_v give_v some_o touch_n before_o as_o 1._o in_o time_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n the_o brethren_n who_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n do_v give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o presence_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o of_o such_o other_o brethren_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v meet_a to_o send_v to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o competent_a gift_n of_o such_o member_n as_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o further_o to_o give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o order_n of_o that_o day_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o 2._o in_o the_o choice_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n one_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o send_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n about_o they_o for_o such_o elder_n and_o brethren_n as_o may_v give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v as_o have_v be_v former_o deliver_v 3._o in_o case_n of_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-censure_n and_o the_o like_a to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o partiality_n or_o prejudice_n the_o church_n be_v sometime_o occasion_v to_o send_v to_o the_o neighbour-churche_n one_o or_o more_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n depend_v among_o they_o who_o give_v advice_n according_a to_o the_o word_n do_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n heal_v jealousy_n and_o compose_v difference_n and_o settle_v peace_n and_o love_n among_o they_o and_o this_o also_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o 4._o in_o doubtful_a case_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n where_o yet_o no_o difference_n have_v rise_v but_o all_o or_o most_o be_v uncertain_a what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o whether_o a_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v by_o right_a of_o his_o grandfather_n covenant_n or_o the_o like_a the_o church_n do_v sometime_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n who_o deliberate_a by_o consider_v and_o argue_v the_o matter_n and_o agree_v upon_o what_o they_o conceive_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n each_o church_n send_v their_o judgement_n and_o their_o reason_n either_o by_o elder_n or_o by_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n that_o send_v to_o they_o sect_n iv_o a_o four_o way_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o congregation_n or_o gather_v together_o many_o church_n or_o the_o messenger_n of_o many_o church_n to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v either_o some_o corrupt_a opinion_n or_o suspicious_a practice_n which_o be_v scatter_v and_o find_v in_o many_o church_n at_o once_o can_v well_o be_v heal_v in_o any_o one_o alone_a in_o which_o case_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n desirous_a to_o maintain_v verity_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n do_v both_o acquaint_v our_o magistrate_n be_v nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o end_n of_o a_o general_a and_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o do_v also_o solicit_v the_o church_n to_o send_v some_o fit_a person_n at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o such_o a_o church_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v most_o seasonable_o hold_v to_o consider_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o agitation_n the_o assembly_n be_v meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o presence_n call_v for_o by_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v be_v propound_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o we_o meet_v or_o by_o some_o other_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v propound_v the_o elder_n do_v declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o point_n in_o order_n one_o after_o another_o together_o with_o their_o reason_n from_o the_o word_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v free_a for_o any_o man_n present_a and_o all_o may_v be_v present_a if_o they_o will_v as_o well_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o after_o leave_v orderly_o crave_v or_o obtain_v to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n without_o offence_n whence_o disputation_n do_v arise_v as_o in_o act._n 15.7_o till_o all_o party_n be_v either_o satisfy_v or_o convince_v and_o so_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v clear_v and_o this_o course_n be_v take_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o all_o the_o point_n remain_v which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o not_o so_o full_o clear_v and_o agree_v upon_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o such_o as_o may_v admit_v further_a discussion_n yea_o and_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n without_o disunion_n of_o affection_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n yet_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n people_n the_o mean_a while_n in_o such_o thing_n each_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o christian_a liberty_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v all_o come_v they_o judge_v and_o mind_n one_o thing_n if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v who_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o love_n hold_v forth_o the_o same_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v in_o time_n reveal_v the_o same_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o agree_v in_o this_o one_o not_o to_o condemn_v nor_o to_o despise_v one_o another_o in_o difference_n of_o weakness_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v rom._n 14.2_o 3_o 4._o sect_n v._o a_o five_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o contribution_n or_o communication_n in_o yield_a supply_n to_o one_o another_o want_n for_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o decay_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v their_o onw_n necessity_n in_o outward_a thing_n among_o themselves_o we_o shall_v take_v it_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o minister_v to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n act._n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.25_o 26._o hitherto_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o all-sufficient_a goodness_n so_o to_o supply_v we_o all_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o we_o have_v have_v scarce_o any_o occasion_n never_o but_o once_o to_o exercise_v our_o mutual_a love_n and_o liberality_n to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v we_o consider_v aforehand_o what_o mutual_a help_n god_n require_v of_o we_o from_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o such_o a_o case_n also_o if_o any_o of_o our_o church_n do_v want_v some_o fit_a member_n to_o employ_v in_o some_o public_a office_n among_o they_o and_o shall_v make_v know_v their_o want_n to_o some_o other_o church_n who_o may_v abound_v in_o such_o blessing_n as_o sometime_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n have_v four_o or_o five_o prophet_n among_o they_o act._n 13.1_o when_o other_o want_v the_o church_n that_o abound_v in_o such_o help_n