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the_o saviour_n suffer_v not_o those_o to_o perish_v who_o depend_v on_o thou_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n vindicate_v thy_o own_o possession_n thou_o be_v the_o head_n afford_v succour_n to_o thy_o member_n thou_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n inspire_v those_o that_o be_v thou_o with_o mutual_a love_n thou_o be_v god_n have_v compassion_n on_o thy_o suppliant_n and_o you_o brethren_n endure_v labour_n with_o a_o good_a courage_n and_o compose_v your_o spirit_n that_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n good_a you_o may_v with_o assure_a hope_n and_o firm_a confidence_n undergo_v whatever_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v upon_o you_o there_o be_v no_o affliction_n so_o great_a but_o humane_a nature_n may_v bear_v it_o if_o accustom_v to_o it_o especial_o if_o there_o be_v christian_a fortitude_n godly_a confidence_n and_o a_o courageous_a mind_n think_v with_o yourselves_o not_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o affliction_n do_v thereby_o become_v the_o more_o 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and_o maintain_v the_o reform_a religion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o also_o to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n as_o likewise_o to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o form_n of_o catechism_n that_o all_o you_o and_o your_o posterity_n after_o you_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o mutual_a love_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v please_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o which_o sacred_a oath_n do_v promise_v fruit_n great_o profitable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o exceed_o desirable_a wherein_o you_o have_v bind_v your_o soul_n under_o a_o execration_n if_o you_o do_v not_o holy_o sincere_o and_o constant_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n perform_v those_o thing_n you_o have_v covenant_v in_o the_o former_a head_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n that_o deny_v all_o humane_a affection_n you_o deal_v faithful_o in_o this_o business_n you_o do_v whole_o cast_v forth_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n not_o only_o the_o bishâ—tyranny_n &_o superstition_n already_o suppress_v but_o also_o heresy_n &_o schism_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n as_o your_o oath_n assert_v let_v your_o own_o conscience_n judge_v how_o heresy_n of_o all_o kind_n can_v pass_v unpunished_a manifold_a seed_n of_o schism_n be_v spread_v without_o control_n and_o profane_a doctrine_n of_o error_n be_v common_o vent_v in_o public_a in_o that_o city_n which_o by_o so_o express_v so_o sacred_a and_o severe_a a_o oath_n have_v bind_v itself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v out_o all_o error_n heresy_n schism_n from_o the_o house_n of_o god_n pardon_v we_o reverend_a brethren_n it_o be_v just_a grief_n of_o heart_n that_o enforce_v we_o to_o complain_v for_o that_o we_o understand_v that_o in_o religion_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v such_o confusion_n rise_v among_o you_o that_o those_o among_o you_o who_o endeaour_n schism_n spread_v heresy_n traduce_v the_o reform_a church_n breed_v stir_n and_o render_v the_o church_n face_n pollute_v do_v so_o without_o control_n exult_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n favour_n not_o seditious_a proceed_n as_o be_v by_o instinct_n of_o its_o holy_a
profession_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o reality_n and_o its_o internal_a nature_n constitute_v the_o church_n mystical_a that_o be_v faith_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 7._o 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a institute_v church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o a_o constitute_v church_n but_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o meet_v together_o not_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n so_o likewise_o be_v that_o meeting_n call_v a_o church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o way_n of_o sermon_n preach_v the_o word_n nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o tell_v what_o god_n have_v do_v among_o the_o gentile_n act._n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 4._o or_o choose_v some_o to_o carry_v their_o decree_n to_o other_o act._n 15._o 22._o which_o be_v act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o that_o meeting_n which_o meet_v only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v also_o a_o church_n and_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n question_n whether_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v pastor_n from_o that_o function_n answer_n the_o reform_a divine_n teach_v that_o none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n may_v arrogate_v any_o power_n to_o himself_o but_o from_o a_o divine_a calling_n and_o delegation_n from_o christ_n for_o whereas_o those_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n none_o may_v perform_v they_o but_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o 5._o 4._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o when_o as_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v this_o call_n and_o delegation_n to_o administer_v those_o holy_a function_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o some_o only_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 28_o 29._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5_o 6._o they_o therefore_o deny_v that_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o allow_v indeed_o to_o all_o believer_n and_o godly_a member_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a a_o spiritual_a dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n for_o divine_a grace_n have_v a_o heavenly_a authority_n and_o majesty_n accompany_v it_o but_o deny_v that_o authority_n of_o office_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o they_o all_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o believer_n for_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 2._o that_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n either_o by_o suffrage_n or_o by_o free_a consent_n for_o this_o power_n be_v find_v ground_v on_o rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 1._o 23._o and_o 6._o 2_o 3_o 4._o &_o 14._o 22._o but_o by_o this_o election_n the_o believer_n do_v not_o confer_v or_o derive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n choose_v but_o only_o design_v he_o on_o who_o the_o power_n of_o that_o church_n office_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v confer_v by_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o spiritual_a power_n on_o minister_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v ministerial_o secondary_o and_o subordinate_o perform_v by_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a vocation_n but_o by_o election_n be_v only_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o that_o power_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v and_o by_o ordination_n he_o be_v authoritative_o send_v and_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o function_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o election_n design_v to_o be_v ordain_v ordination_n therefore_o be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o spalleto_n right_o discourse_v de_fw-fr repub_fw-la eccle_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 3._o num_fw-la 54._o but_o the_o act_n of_o election_n or_o nomination_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o prove_v the_o spirit_n and_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o choose_v he_o by_o who_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v lead_v for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o business_n when_o we_o consider_v of_o a_o pastor_n call_v entire_o and_o absolute_o and_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a right_n on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n perform_v and_o thus_o it_o comprehend_v election_n and_o ordination_n election_n have_v three_o part_n examination_n approbation_n and_o nomination_n examination_n consist_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o gift_n and_o former_a conversation_n approbation_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n judgement_n and_o assent_v judgement_n we_o call_v that_o sentence_n whereby_o the_o person_n examine_v be_v judge_v fit_a to_o undertake_v the_o ministry_n and_o may_v profitable_o perform_v it_o assent_n be_v of_o they_o who_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o judgement_n nomination_n be_v when_o one_o by_o name_n be_v by_o common_a advise_v decern_v to_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n ordination_n comprehend_v mission_n and_o admission_n mission_n or_o send_v be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o the_o office_n be_v confer_v on_o the_o person_n elect_v and_o he_o send_v and_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v design_v and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o ministry_n initiation_n or_o admission_n be_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o a_o outward_a rite_n whereby_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n and_o be_v perform_v by_o explain_v the_o divine_a institution_n prayer_n and_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n the_o common_a symbol_n of_o this_o ordination_n be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o this_o whole_a business_n therefore_o of_o vocation_n we_o grant_v to_o the_o people_n nomination_n which_o be_v at_o first_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o common_a the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n mean_v while_o 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their_o consent_n they_o signify_v ancient_o as_o junius_n acknowledge_v disput_fw-la
christ_n be_v not_o require_v of_o all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v gift_v as_o that_o there_o lie_v on_o they_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o soul_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n heb._n 13._o 17._o that_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o read_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 15_o 16._o that_o they_o may_v not_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o tim._n 2_o 4._o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o ambassador_n they_o entreat_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o that_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n their_o portion_n of_o food_n in_o due_a season_n matth._n 24._o 46._o that_o they_o be_v authoritative_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n joh._n 20._o 21._o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o enjoin_v on_o all_o christian_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o hence_o also_o the_o privilege_n and_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o pastor_n who_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o believer_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o that_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o that_o god_n will_v by_o a_o peculiar_a and_o singular_a assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v present_a with_o they_o matth._n 28._o 20._o luk._n 21._o 14_o 15._o and_o so_o a_o prophet_n recompense_n and_o reward_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n matth._n 10._o 42._o therefore_o that_o labour_n duty_n and_o burden_n to_o which_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v be_v not_o impose_v on_o all_o the_o righteous_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n of_o those_o who_o affirm_v this_o to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n perpetual_a and_o ordinary_a in_o the_o church_n that_o a_o private_a christian_a endue_v with_o gift_n either_o ordinary_o or_o upon_o occasion_n be_v think_v fit_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v may_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v public_o in_o the_o church-assemble_o with_o all_o authority_n though_o he_o bear_v no_o church_n office_n but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o even_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n every_o one_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o speak_v public_o in_o the_o synagogue_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a function_n of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v scribe_n and_o lawyer_n the_o levite_n be_v also_o for_o this_o cause_n distribute_v into_o many_o place_n whereupon_o they_o be_v say_v to_o sit_v on_o moses_n chair_n if_o any_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n as_o the_o prophet_n in_o israel_n this_o be_v permit_v and_o enjoin_v he_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o to_o preach_v in_o god_n name_n when_o the_o prophet_n amos_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n to_o prophecy_n at_o bethel_n he_o do_v not_o challenge_v this_o liberty_n to_o the_o israelite_n that_o they_o may_v public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o god_n name_n in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n but_o plead_v his_o extraordinary_a mission_n whereby_o he_o be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o preach_v this_o word_n amos_n 7._o 14_o 15._o and_o so_o perhaps_o be_v it_o permit_v to_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v fit_v educate_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n 1_o sam._n 19_o 20._o in_o the_o synagogue_n after_o the_o read_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v end_v there_o be_v exhortation_n add_v which_o exhortation_n if_o at_o any_o time_n occasion_n require_v and_o it_o so_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n in_o corrupt_a time_n especial_o it_o be_v indeed_o permit_v to_o some_o out_o of_o order_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v but_o they_o be_v always_o such_o as_o have_v testimony_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o general_a opinion_n of_o their_o mission_n extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o the_o work_v they_o do_v thus_o at_o nazareth_n christ_n be_v permit_v in_o the_o synagogue_n to_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n luk._n 4._o 16._o as_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o miracle_n do_v every_o where_n obtain_v audience_n as_o reverend_a beza_n here_o note_v by_o which_o right_a he_o teach_v both_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o every_o where_n wherefore_o also_o the_o ordinary_a doctor_n demand_v of_o he_o by_o what_o authority_n he_o do_v it_o matt._n 21._o 23._o so_o we_o find_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v allow_v act._n 13._o 15._o public_o to_o speak_v and_o exhort_v in_o the_o synagogue_n at_o antioch_n as_o be_v such_o who_o fame_n be_v already_o know_v to_o those_o of_o antioch_n for_o they_o have_v before_o this_o time_n for_o a_o whole_a year_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o many_o there_o and_o bring_v many_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o agabus_n who_o be_v join_v with_o they_o do_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n foretell_v to_o those_o of_o antioch_n the_o famine_n approach_v where_o be_v also_o many_o other_o prophet_n and_o doctor_n who_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o greek_n see_v act._n 11._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o and_o 13._o 1_o 2._o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n none_o but_o prophet_n by_o gift_n and_o office_n either_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a be_v permit_v public_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o believer_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n name_n as_o appear_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 29_o 30_o 31._o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o any_o in_o the_o congregation_n promiscuous_o but_o of_o prophet_n lawful_o call_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n of_o god_n say_v beza_n on_o this_o place_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o who_o from_o hence_o gather_v that_o any_o of_o the_o assembly_n may_v speak_v in_o the_o church_n and_o who_o reprehend_v the_o custom_n of_o have_v only_o a_o sermon_n preach_v by_o one_o so_o also_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a belgic_a church_n according_a to_o their_o synodical_a canon_n none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n but_o by_o a_o lawful_a call_n and_o due_a examination_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o conversation_n for_o the_o time_n past_a no_o man_n say_v the_o synod_n of_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 6._o shall_v be_v promote_v to_o the_o public_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o he_o be_v a_o establish_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o some_o certain_a church_n yet_o this_o canon_n exclude_v not_o the_o exercise_n of_o proposant_n which_o be_v perform_v the_o door_n be_v shut_v nor_o the_o office_n of_o those_o who_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o church_n oppress_v under_o persecution_n question_n 4._o whether_o those_o infant_n who_o next_o parent_n do_v not_o by_o a_o solemn_a church-covenant_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o incapable_a of_o baptism_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n answer_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v that_o a_o certain_a federall_a holiness_n whereby_o those_o who_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n holy_a have_v right_a to_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o heathen_n turk_n and_o such_o other_o infidel_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o be_v communicate_v to_o a_o whole_a nation_n or_o people_n to_o who_o god_n so_o afford_v the_o table_n of_o his_o covenant_n as_o that_o they_o receive_v and_o profess_v they_o who_o he_o call_v and_o lead_v to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n rom._n 11._o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o this_o federall_a holiness_n be_v transfer_v to_o posterity_n not_o by_o the_o next_o parent_n inherent_a holiness_n by_o who_o faith_n or_o unbelief_n their_o immediate_a posterity_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o or_o confirm_v in_o it_o but_o by_o the_o merciful_a will_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o extend_v the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o his_o covenant_n promise_v to_o parent_n even_o more_o remote_a and_o do_v constant_o afford_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n profess_v the_o faith_n for_o many_o generation_n even_o to_o those_o who_o next_o parent_n be_v ungodly_a and_o unfaithful_a in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n thus_o god_n
and_o that_o golden_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n yet_o a_o pious_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o rude_o insult_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o reverential_a bashfulness_n avoid_v they_o as_o waldensis_n elsewhere_o speak_v but_o when_o form_n be_v compose_v and_o establish_v by_o synod_n call_v authority_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o decide_v of_o truth_n the_o establish_v integrity_n and_o order_n in_o church_n government_n they_o have_v then_o ecclesiastical_a and_o definitive_a authority_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n in_o doctrinal_a cause_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o hold_v therefore_o that_o to_o church_n congregat_v in_o synod_n there_o belong_v power_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n prescribe_v and_o impose_v form_n both_o of_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o private_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o confess_v and_o receive_v under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o ordinary_a power_n ecclesiastical_a do_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v such_o a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n in_o a_o question_n in_o controversy_n act_v 15._o 22_o 29._o and_o 16._o 4._o 2._o because_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o believe_v with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a fiath_n and_o undoubted_a conscience_n these_o may_v synod_n also_o enjoin_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o particular_a church_n for_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o power_n extend_v to_o require_v of_o other_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o may_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n bring_v under_o those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o who_o stubborne_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o may_v therefore_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n impose_v on_o other_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n draw_v up_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 3._o church_n have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o prescribe_v just_a and_o approve_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o church_n and_o for_o overthrow_v the_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o heretic_n and_o disturber_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 13._o 10._o gal._n 5._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o but_o form_n of_o service_n and_o confession_n determine_v concern_v question_n in_o controversy_n be_v approve_v and_o just_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o endanger_v by_o distraction_n and_o the_o poison_n of_o error_n act._n 15._o 23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n they_o may_v therefore_o be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n according_o in_o the_o ancient_a synod_n of_o church_n such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o testify_v not_o only_o what_o themselves_o do_v believe_v but_o also_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o with_o who_o they_o will_v hold_v their_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n as_o all_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n do_v testify_v in_o which_o where_o they_o speak_v concern_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n they_o do_v by_o paul_n example_n anathematise_v those_o who_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o whence_o also_o be_v that_o preface_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o calvin_n right_o epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o provide_v against_o petulant_a wit_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o licence_n and_o the_o gate_n be_v also_o to_o be_v shut_v against_o curious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ready_a course_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v one_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o doctrine_n extant_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o and_o this_o in_o preach_v to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o and_o to_o the_o observance_n thereof_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n so_o as_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n but_o who_o promise_v to_o retain_v that_o consent_n of_o doctrine_n inviolate_a that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a form_n of_o catechism_n for_o the_o use_n of_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n thus_o will_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v familiar_a to_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o will_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o imposture_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v apt_a by_o degree_n to_o creep_v upon_o the_o slothful_a for_o this_o you_o must_v be_v certain_o resolve_v of_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v want_v catechise_v for_o that_o therein_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v contain_v from_o whence_o a_o pure_a and_o good_a harvest_n be_v afterward_o to_o arise_v and_o so_o to_o be_v multiply_v more_o and_o more_o etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o do_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o catechism_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n for_o there_o be_v withal_o this_o other_o benefit_n that_o both_o the_o people_n be_v thereby_o instruct_v will_v be_v better_a able_a to_o profit_v in_o the_o ordinary_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o if_o any_o one_o be_v puff_v up_o will_v bring_v in_o some_o new_a opinion_n be_v call_v to_o examination_n by_o the_o catechism_n he_o will_v straight_o be_v discover_v thus_o calvin_n and_o thus_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n be_v that_o authority_n apply_v to_o our_o form_n of_o harmony_n to_o wit_n the_o confession_n the_o catechism_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n decree_v and_o confirm_v in_o synod_n that_o the_o profession_n the_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n thereof_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n enjoin_v to_o all_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o who_o live_v in_o the_o holy_a union_n of_o our_o church_n see_v the_o syne_v at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o art_n 2._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 2._o &_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 8._o etc._n etc._n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o grant_v it_o indeed_o lawful_a for_o a_o private_a person_n or_o even_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o and_o for_o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n to_o make_v confession_n and_o form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o prescribe_v they_o either_o by_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n as_o bind_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o observe_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o now_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v with_o that_o firm_a faith_n and_o unmoved_a constancy_n and_o certainty_n of_o mind_n as_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o all_o believer_n shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o the_o church_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n judge_v that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n sure_o they_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a authority_n prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o constrain_v man_n to_o observance_n thereof_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n all_o who_o be_v faithful_a son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n see_v rev._n 2._o 13._o act._n 7._o 57_o 58._o luk._n 21._o 15_o 16._o therefore_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o profession_n prescribe_v out_o of_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o those_o who_o be_v by_o office_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o integrity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n yea_o and_o we_o may_v bind_v our_o soul_n by_o oath_n to_o preserve_v and_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o away_o from_o the_o holy_a profession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o see_v psal_n 119._o 106._o nehem._n 9_o 38._o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o
to_o the_o church_n of_o that_o kingdom_n any_o new_a right_n but_o that_o right_a which_o before_o they_o have_v to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o defection_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n be_v hinder_v and_o as_o it_o be_v suspend_v they_o may_v now_o free_o and_o pure_o again_o reduce_v to_o practice_v thus_o do_v the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n often_o in_o the_o time_n of_o defection_n or_o extraordinary_a necessity_n enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 4._o neither_o do_v we_o hold_v that_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o the_o question_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o altogether_o unlawful_a for_o it_o be_v lawful_a also_o express_o public_o and_o solemn_o to_o vow_v to_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n enjoin_v to_o all_o believer_n but_o that_o necessity_n of_o make_v this_o public_a solemn_a and_o express_v covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n require_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o essential_a constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o union_n above_o mention_v we_o conceive_v sufficient_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o join_a man_n profess_v the_o faith_n into_o one_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o essence_n and_o entireness_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o union_n be_v sufficient_a we_o deny_v therefore_o in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o a_o solemn_a and_o express_a church_n covenant_n between_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o without_o such_o a_o covenant_n there_o will_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n no_o member_n of_o a_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n 2._o we_o deny_v also_o that_o by_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n that_o right_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n have_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o grace_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o other_o benefit_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v these_o 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o such_o church-covenant_n between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n do_v require_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o necessary_a but_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n they_o receive_v such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n inâ—o_v the_o church_n visible_a and_o join_v in_o the_o same_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o those_o who_o be_v without_o any_o such_o covenant_n receive_v into_o a_o ecclesiastical_a body_n with_o themselves_o see_v act_n 2._o 42_o 47._o &_o 5._o 13._o &_o 8._o 12._o &_o 9_o 26._o &_o 18._o 8._o 2._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o synagogue_n enter_v not_o into_o any_o solemn_a church_n covenant_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n but_o only_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n when_o they_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n all_o the_o faithful_a of_o the_o whole_a national_a church_n renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o restore_v the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o when_o they_o be_v by_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v upon_o for_o renew_v such_o a_o covenant_n 3._o no_o man_n can_v enjoin_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o enjoy_v the_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n have_v not_o enjoin_v without_o damnable_a will-worship_n but_o god_n have_v not_o enjoin_v such_o a_o covenant_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o have_v enjoin_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o covenant_n as_o the_o essential_a form_n of_o church-communion_n so_o as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o will-worship_n and_o so_o to_o be_v reject_v 4._o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n visible_a be_v associate_v and_o unite_v into_o external_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n be_v baptism_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o circumcision_n be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o as_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 47._o lydia_n act_v 16._o 15._o &_o other_o be_v by_o baptism_n ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o those_o of_o year_n be_v join_v with_o a_o embrace_n and_o profession_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o believer_n act_n 2._o 41._o the_o berean_o act_n 17._o 10._o and_o by_o christ_n commandment_n mat._n 28._o 19_o hence_o say_v the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n that_o beside_o the_o primary_n use_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n there_o be_v other_o secondary_a use_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n the_o external_a engraft_v they_o into_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n act_v 2._o 41._o the_o unite_n of_o christ_n member_n among_o themselves_o and_o into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o and_o consequent_o upon_o these_o a_o signification_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o assembly_n of_o unbeliever_n this_o church-covenant_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a hence_o also_o our_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o in_o admit_v of_o pastor_n or_o church_n member_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o church_n covenant_n which_o yet_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n who_o member_n have_v all_o essential_a requisite_n necessary_a to_o church_n communion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o make_v this_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o true_a believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n be_v indeed_o material_n of_o a_o church_n who_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n want_v the_o form_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o argument_n upon_o which_o we_o reject_v this_o position_n be_v because_o the_o form_n of_o a_o thing_n give_v it_o its_o be_v and_o operation_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o property_n no_o operation_n or_o act_v of_o a_o true_a church_n in_o such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a company_n who_o be_v not_o join_v in_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o this_o opinion_n deprive_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v in_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n of_o a_o true_a church_n ministry_n of_o the_o power_n of_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n of_o a_o lawful_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n and_o deny_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n in_o those_o church_n to_o be_v true_o and_o right_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o make_v this_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v that_o moment_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o church_n have_v church-power_n over_o his_o congregation_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o the_o people_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o exercise_v the_o care_n and_o power_n and_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n whereas_o it_o be_v certain_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n receive_v ecclesiastical_a power_n over_o their_o flock_n and_o the_o people_n become_v subject_a to_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o pastor_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n in_o faith_n not_o from_o any_o contract_n which_o those_o man_n make_v among_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n call_v whereby_o the_o pastor_n be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o flock_n enjoin_v by_o divine_a appointment_n to_o receive_v the_o ministry_n and_o labour_n of_o their_o pastor_n by_o god_n institution_n for_o their_o salvation_n see_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 11_o 12._o and_o it_o
its_o external_a manner_n of_o existence_n in_o which_o be_v include_v both_o godly_a and_o reprobate_n ii_o we_o reject_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o in_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o external_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v by_o a_o strict_a examination_n first_o try_v by_o other_o believer_n or_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n holy_a conference_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n and_o have_v manifest_v to_o they_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o have_v afterward_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n public_o profess_v a_o sincere_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v either_o by_o a_o continue_a speech_n or_o by_o question_n and_o answer_n make_v manifest_a by_o evident_a sign_n the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n that_o in_o a_o church_n covenant_n sincere_o faithful_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o both_o can_v and_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o we_o read_v not_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n this_o manner_n of_o admit_v church_n member_n be_v in_o use_n those_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o be_v not_o in_o this_o manner_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o man_n be_v upon_o such_o a_o confession_n join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o whereby_o hypocrite_n and_o person_n not_o convert_v may_v have_v entrance_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n whence_o also_o in_o our_o reform_a church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o member_n of_o church_n be_v admit_v by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n a_o solemn_a protestation_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n a_o testimony_n of_o a_o unblameable_a and_o inoffensive_a life_n as_o also_o ames_n himself_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v due_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o obedience_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 17._o and_o in_o some_o more_o numerous_a church_n in_o the_o netherlands_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o church_n great_a prudence_n in_o admit_v member_n that_o those_o who_o desire_v admission_n into_o church-communion_n before_o their_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v for_o some_o week_n several_a time_n private_o exercise_v and_o instruct_v if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o exercise_v and_o this_o instruction_n be_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o visitation_n of_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o be_v also_o public_o offer_v to_o all_o when_o notice_n be_v give_v of_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o minister_n inquire_v likewise_o of_o the_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v communion_n with_o we_o afterward_o they_o use_v to_o undergo_v a_o examination_n before_o the_o consistory_n in_o their_o consistoriall_a meeting_n or_o before_o the_o delegate_n of_o the_o consistory_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o minister_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o catechism_n and_o last_o of_o all_o have_v be_v thus_o try_v they_o do_v in_o public_a before_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n give_v answer_n to_o these_o general_a position_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o persist_v till_o death_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o as_o become_v this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v those_o who_o desire_v admission_n admit_v to_o our_o church_n communion_n this_o custom_n though_o laudable_a be_v not_o indeed_o contrary_a but_o yet_o be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o all_o our_o church_n which_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o urge_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o great_a ecclesiastical_a prudence_n in_o so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o esteem_v that_o order_n establish_v in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o due_a admit_v of_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n question_n whether_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o a_o public_a and_o express_a agreement_n and_o promise_n associate_v and_o unite_v among_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o fear_n and_o sacred_a worship_n of_o god_n unity_n of_o faith_n brotherly_a love_n mutual_a edification_n and_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o without_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n nor_o true_a church_n member_n answer_n the_o reform_a church_n judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o there_o be_v sacred_a union_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n express_v by_o certain_a external_a act_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o visible_a church_n society_n under_o one_o ministry_n and_o spiritual_a discipline_n but_o this_o union_n they_o affirm_v the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n enter_v into_o among_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o in_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o will_v frequent_v the_o same_o divine_a worship_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o church_n governor_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a and_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o discipline_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o this_o union_n there_o be_v they_o affirm_v a_o kind_n of_o tacit_n and_o virtual_a covenant_n which_o unit_v the_o faithful_a into_o a_o particular_a church_n although_o such_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o they_o in_o express_a term_n be_v not_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o question_n require_v we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o save_a grace_n between_o god_n and_o repent_a sinner_n found_v in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n whereby_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n as_o well_o in_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n as_o out_o of_o it_o by_o which_o covenant_n all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o partaker_n of_o it_o obtain_v right_a to_o all_o those_o save_a benefit_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o tacit_n or_o virtual_a covenant_n between_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o external_a particular_a church_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o mutual_a duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o particular_a church_n communion_n as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o care_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n frequent_v the_o same_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o which_o covenant_n they_o also_o obtain_v to_o themselves_o right_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o we_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o express_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n enter_v into_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n when_o the_o church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n or_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o for_o the_o preserve_n or_o propagate_a or_o restore_v of_o the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o which_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o there_o do_v not_o accrue_v