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cause_n church_n communion_n separate_v 1,943 5 9.5273 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A90063 Irenicum; or, An essay towards a brotherly peace & union, between those of the congregational and presbyterian way; shewing out of the most learned and renowned divines of the congregational way, that their positions concerning 1. Church matters and members. 2. Church constitution and form. 3. Church state. 4. Church officers and ordination. 5. Church government and censures. 6. Church combinations and synods. 7. Communion with and separation from churches. are sufficient for the establishing a firme and lasting peace between them and the Presbyterians ... In pursuance of the good design begun at the Savoy, where it was agreed, and declared, that such reforming churches as consist of persons sound in the faith, and of conversation becoming the Gospel, ought not to refuse the communion of each other ... Drawn up and published by Discipulus de Tempore Junior. Newcomen, Matthew, 1610?-1669.; D. T. 1659 (1659) Wing N910; Thomason E978_1; ESTC R202985 58,516 89

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not_o yet_o convince_v though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v nor_o admonish_v from_o these_o or_o like_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n or_o seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a platform_n of_o discipline_n cap._n 13._o sect_n 5._o quest_n 6._o but_o what_o if_o there_o be_v many_o wicked_a and_o scandalous_a person_n and_o the_o church_n tolerate_v they_o in_o it_o ought_v not_o the_o godly_a to_o withdraw_v and_o depart_v from_o such_o a_o church_n answ_n 1._o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n for_o want_n of_o some_o ordinance_n or_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n because_o of_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o worshipper_n be_v unlawful_a mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n preface_n a._n 3._o 2._o the_o suffering_n of_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a liver_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a sin_n yet_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o present_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o nor_o to_o ●bstain_v from_o communion_n with_o such_o a_o church_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 8_o 9_o 3._o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o sundry_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o toleration_n of_o some_o open_a scandal_n do_v not_o present_o take_v away_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v separation_n present_o to_o be_v make_v from_o it_o mr._n cotton_n of_o holiness_n of_o church_n member_n pag._n 2._o line_n 8._o 4._o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o their_o time_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o godly_a in_o they_o do_v lawful_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n command_v ordinance_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o never_o teach_v nor_o practise_v separation_n from_o the_o same_o though_o unworthy_a one_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v therein_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 8._o and_o the_o apostle_n keep_v communion_n 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church_n and_o these_o word_n in_o the_o fifteen_o line_n of_o the_o same_o page_n and_o according_a to_o this_o sense_n may_v we_o not_o say_v saint_n saul_n saint_n demas_n saint_n judas_n and_o that_o a_o church_n make_v up_o of_o such_o as_o these_o be_v a_o church_n of_o saint_n both_o these_o sentence_n shall_v have_v be_v put_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o reverend_a author_n there_o cite_v but_o observation_n which_o the_o collector_n conceive_v he_o may_v just_o make_v upon_o his_o word_n irenicum_fw-la or_o a_o essay_n towards_o a_o brotherly_a peace_n and_o union_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v church-member_n question_n i._o what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n now_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n answ_n the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n consist_v of_o no_o other_o matter_n than_o of_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o their_o seed_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o the_o like_a mr._n
engage_v of_o the_o people_n to_o reformation_n by_o edward_n the_o six_o and_z queen_n elizabeth_z have_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o covenant_n to_o constitute_v the_o church_n see_v chapter_n second_o answer_v to_o question_v the_o four_o therefore_o much_o more_o the_o late_a solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n 6._o people_n ordinary_a and_o fix_a attend_v together_o upon_o one_o ministry_n and_o join_v ordinary_o together_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a worship_n have_v the_o nature_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o church_n covenant_n see_v chap._n 2._o answ_n to_o quest_n 4._o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o most_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o covenant_n can_v condemn_v our_o parochial_a assembly_n as_o no_o church_n for_o want_v of_o such_o a_o covenant_n 7._o the_o work_n now_o to_o do_v in_o england_n be_v not_o to_o make_v church_n where_o none_o be_v but_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n see_v chap._n 2._o answ_n to_o quest_n 5._o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o the_o church_n so_o much_o with_o constitute_v and_o gather_v new_a church_n have_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o a_o work_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v withal_o and_o so_o have_v cause_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v say_v unto_o they_o another_o day_n who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n chap._n iii_o of_o church_n state_n question_v 1_o what_o think_v you_o of_o the_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o england_n answ_n the_o faithful_a congregation_n in_o england_n be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n preface_n a_o 3._o hooker_n mr._n hooker_n quest_n 2._o but_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o faithful_a congregation_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o preach_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n the_o sacrament_n due_o administer_v with_o discipline_n also_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o sacrament_n must_v not_o be_v administer_v to_o undue_a person_n such_o as_o be_v the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a nor_o the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a must_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n if_o discipline_n be_v right_o administer_v yea_o though_o all_o these_o do_v not_o concur_v joint_o yet_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v find_v though_o defective_a for_o integrity_n mr._n cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 10._o line_n 17._o 2._o for_o where_o there_o have_v be_v a_o church_n that_o have_v yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n then_o in_o case_n a_o settle_a ministry_n be_v continue_v there_o god_n still_o continue_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n there_o mr._n cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 5._o line_n 12._o and_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n be_v preserve_v though_o there_o be_v find_v in_o it_o some_o hypocrite_n and_o some_o notorious_o scandalous_a both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n mr._n cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 19_o l._n 1._o 3._o neither_o do_v the_o hypocrisy_n of_o sundry_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o toleration_n of_o some_o open_a scandal_n present_o take_v away_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n mr._n cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 2._o line_n 8._o 4._o for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n though_o orderly_o constitute_v may_v in_o time_n grow_v corrupt_a which_o though_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o their_o continuance_n therein_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n and_o church-censure_n do_v not_o immediate_o dissolve_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n corinth_n pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a england_n chap._n 3._o sect_n 3._o 5._o yea_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v make_v but_o a_o hypocritical_a ignorant_a and_o verbal_a profession_n of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o he_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o such_o a_o society_n may_v have_v the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o the_o action_n thereof_o be_v not_o null_a mr._n cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 62._o l._n 33._o quest_n 3._o but_o there_o be_v many_o precious_a promise_n make_v to_o and_o many_o glorious_a thing_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o can_v they_o be_v true_o apply_v to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o answ_n look_v what_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n they_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n offer_v to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a whereof_o the_o lively_a be_v the_o chief_a mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n baptism_n p._n 6._o l._n 9_o 2._o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o prophesy_v of_o the_o transcendent_a glorious_a happiness_n of_o a_o exact_a pure_a church_n in_o some_o age_n of_o it_o another_o to_o command_v and_o foretell_v the_o perpetual_a continuance_n of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o purity_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt_v p._n 134._o l._n 20._o quest_n 4._o but_o be_v it_o not_o better_o therefore_o to_o gather_v the_o saint_n those_o that_o be_v real_o gracious_a and_o holy_a into_o body_n by_o themselves_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v corrupt_a member_n answ_n this_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n to_o cast_v they_o upon_o supposal_n that_o these_o corrupt_a member_n be_v such_o as_o receive_v her_o membership_n in_o their_o infancy_n out_o of_o the_o church_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v allow_v but_o two_o cause_n for_o the_o cast_n off_o any_o person_n out_o of_o the_o church_n first_o obstinacy_n persist_v in_o after_o the_o admonition_n fo●_n a_o offence_n first_o private_a mat._n 18.17_o second_o break_v ou●_n into_o some_o heinous_a crime_n against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o mr._n cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n p._n 56._o l._n 21._o quest_n but_o if_o such_o member_n as_o these_o be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o nor_o withdraw_v from_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v answ_n such_o as_o be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n and_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n be_v initiate_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n though_o destitute_a of_o spiritual_a grace_n until_o they_o just_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o fellowship_n for_o even_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_n 10.14_o mr._n cotton_n holiness_n of_o church-member_n pag._n 1._o line_n 16._o 2._o such_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o same_o and_o receive_v their_o membership_n in_o their_o infancy_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n when_o grow_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n they_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o which_o because_o holy_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o unworthy_a therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o shall_v come_v to_o their_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o manifest_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o a_o open_a profession_n thereof_o before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o otherwise_o not_o to_o be_v admit_v thereto_o platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a england_n chap._n 12._o sect_n 7._o 3._o yet_o these_o church_n member_n that_o be_v so_o bear_v or_o receive_v in_o their_o childhood_n before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o full_a communion_n have_v many_o privilege_n which_o other_o not_o church-member_n have_v not_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o upon_o they_o to_o wit_n baptism_n and_o so_o if_o not_o regenerate_v be_v in_o a_o more_o hopeful_a way_n of_o attain_v regenerate_a grace_n and_o all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n both_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o seal_v they_o be_v also_o under_o church-watch_n and_o so_o consequent_o subject_a to_o the_o reprehension_n admonition_n and_o censure_n thereof_o for_o their_o heal_n and_o amendment_n as_o need_v shall_v require_v platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 12._o sect_n 7._o infant_n though_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o when_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o year_n they_o shall_v degeenrate_v into_o a_o profane_a or_o scandalous_a course_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v tolerate_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n yea_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n but_o content_v themselves_o in_o a_o ignorant_a civil_a worldly_a course_n of_o life_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a communion_n with_o the_o sincere_a member_n
in_o the_o person_n that_o dispense_v partly_o in_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v dispense_v ibid._n p._n line_n 20._o quest_n 4._o what_o be_v essential_a in_o the_o person_n that_o dispense_v the_o ordinance_n answ_n in_o the_o person_n that_o dispense_v the_o kind_n of_o officer_n appoint_v to_o that_o work_n the_o nature_n bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o office_n all_o these_o be_v essential_o mr._n hooker_n ibid._n line_n 22._o quest_n 5._o what_o be_v the_o ordinance_n that_o these_o be_v to_o disperse_v answ_n the_o ordinance_n that_o these_o be_v to_o dispense_v be_v preach_v prayer_n seal_n church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n these_o all_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n a_o fetch_v from_o the_o word_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n among_o all_o people_n at_o all_o time_n in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n ibid._n line_n 25._o quest_n 6._o may_v there_o then_o be_v no_o alteration_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o call_v essential_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o power_n of_o person_n officer_n church_n nor_o all_o the_o state_n in_o the_o world_n to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n but_o as_o god_n do_v appoint_v all_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o institution_n do_v endure_v there_o ever_o as_o scripture_n speak_v until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o same_o power_n which_o appoint_v change_v they_o so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o be_v to_o expect_v no_o alteration_n christ_n the_o lawgiver_n he_o only_o appoint_v none_o but_o he_o can_v and_o he_o have_v make_v know_v his_o will_n that_o he_o will_v not_o change_v they_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 1._o p._n 5._o l._n 32._o quest_n 7._o what_o be_v the_o circumstantial_o of_o government_n answ_n the_o circumstantial_o of_o discipline_n as_o time_n place_n the_o carrying_z on_o of_o these_o dispensation_n in_o civil_a decency_n suitable_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n as_o peace_n and_o persecution_n the_o general_a rule_n of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o word_n deliver_v but_o the_o particular_a application_n admit_v variety_n mutability_n and_o alteration_n according_a as_o necessity_n or_o conveniency_n shall_v appear_v by_o emergent_a occasion_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 1_o page_n 6._o line_n 3._o quest_n 8._o you_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o most_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o church_n government_n namely_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n but_o what_o say_v you_o of_o church_n censure_n be_v they_o necessary_a answ_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o prevent_n remove_v and_o heal_v of_o offence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o reclaim_n and_o gain_v of_o offend_a brethren_n for_o the_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a offence_n for_o purge_v out_o the_o leaven_n which_o may_v infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n for_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o for_o prevent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o may_v just_o fall_v upon_o the_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v suffer_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o notorious_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a england_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 1._o quest_n 9_o how_o many_o censure_n be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n answ_n three_o the_o first_o admonition_n the_o second_o suspension_n the_o three_o excommunication_n quest_n 10._o what_o be_v admonition_n answ_n admonition_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o more_o private_a when_o the_o offend_a brother_n admonish_v the_o offender_n of_o his_o offence_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n between_o he_o and_o the_o offender_n alone_o the_o second_o less_o private_a and_o yet_o not_o public_a when_o he_o take_v one_o or_o two_o with_o he_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 2._o mr._n cotton_v way_n pag._n 89._o quest_n 11._o but_o what_o if_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v not_o gain_v by_o either_o of_o these_o admonition_n answ_n the_o offend_a brother_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n in_o god_n way_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o way_n pag._n 90._o line_n 12._o quest_n 12._o what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o god_n way_n answ_n the_o offend_a brother_n be_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o tell_v it_o the_o church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n chap._n sect_n 2._o that_o be_v he_o tell_v the_o elder_n who_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o church_n that_o by_o they_o it_o may_v be_v present_v before_o the_o church_n mr._n cotton_v way_n pag._n 90._o line_n 13._o the_o matter_n must_v first_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o elder_n and_o by_o they_o debate_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 3._o p._n 36_o l._n 2._o quest_n 13._o but_o why_o must_v the_o mattor_n be_v first_o bring_v to_o the_o elder_n and_o debate_v by_o they_o answ_n 1._o for_o that_o they_o be_v guide_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.17_o the_o watchman_n and_o overseer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v know_v the_o cause_n and_o controversy_n to_o the_o full_a in_o all_o circumstance_n difficulty_n wind_n and_o turn_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o lead_v the_o congregation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n which_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o they_o know_v the_o way_n themselves_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 3._o pag._n 36._o line_n 3._o 2._o to_o they_o it_o appertain_v to_o judge_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o so_o need_v and_o require_v the_o presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o body_n to_o express_v their_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o the_o party_n guilty_a of_o they_o or_o no_o for_o if_o they_o be_v petty_a business_n and_o altogether_o unfit_a and_o unworthy_a to_o trouble_v the_o congregation_n withal_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o prevent_v such_o causeless_a and_o needless_a disturbance_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppress_v any_o further_a proceed_n therein_o mr._n hooker_n part_v 3._o pag._n 36._o line_n 10._o object_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o the_o elder_n be_v corrupt_a in_o judgement_n or_o partial_a in_o affection_n they_o may_v silence_v the_o weight_a cause_n that_o can_v be_v and_o so_o prejudice_v the_o innocency_n of_o those_o they_o be_v not_o friendly_a to_o and_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o corrupt_a and_o partial_a way_n they_o sinful_o favour_n answ_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o suppress_v such_o petty_a occasion_n as_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o time_n pain_n and_o disturbance_n that_o must_v be_v spend_v upon_o they_o so_o yet_o to_o prevent_v injustice_n and_o partiality_n in_o such_o case_n the_o party_n who_o take_v himself_o wrong_v may_v complain_v of_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o behalf_n and_o if_o the_o congregation_n see_v apparent_o that_o they_o have_v deal_v unjust_o and_o partial_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o rectify_v but_o if_o the_o complaint_n prove_v unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o he_o that_o complain_v for_o he_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v sharp_o and_o severe_o as_o out_o of_o pride_n and_o perverseness_n refuse_v to_o listen_v to_o the_o seasonable_a advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o he_o by_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o because_o he_o have_v needless_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 3._o pag._n 6._o line_n 26._o three_o the_o preparation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o elder_n because_o if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v numerous_a they_o will_v be_v unable_a with_o any_o comely_a conveniency_n to_o weigh_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o difficulty_n which_o will_v certain_o and_o necessary_o occur_v in_o such_o agitation_n nor_o can_v in_o reason_n bestow_v their_o time_n and_o pain_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o work_n will_v sometime_o require_v ibid._n quest_n 14._o but_o what_o be_v the_o work_n or_o power_n of_o the_o member_n then_o in_o order_n unto_o censure_n answ_n as_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o privilege_n to_o expostulate_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o case_n of_o private_a scandal_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n matth._n 18.15_o 16._o so_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o brethren_n have_v power_n and_o privilege_n to_o join_v with_o the_o elder_n in_o inquire_v hear_v judge_v of_o public_a scandal_n so_o as_o to_o
be_v prefer_v before_o obedience_n to_o a_o affirmative_a precept_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a though_o therefore_o a_o hoof_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o liberty_n and_o life_n of_o the_o ten_o thousand_o of_o israel_n yet_o when_o the_o whole_a community_n be_v more_o endanger_v by_o the_o want_n of_o public_a order_n than_o by_o the_o present_v not_o observe_v of_o some_o affirmative_a command_n not_o fundamental_a we_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o public_a order_n than_o to_o the_o present_a obedience_n of_o such_o a_o command_n 5._o therefore_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o case_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o submit_v itself_o to_o such_o order_n but_o yet_o without_o sin_n mr._n nortons_n answ_n to_o apollonius_n pag._n 118.119_o quest_n 18._o but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v do_v answ_n 1._o the_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v norton_n mr._n norton_n but_o the_o church_n be_v modest_o and_o peaceable_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o effor_o be_v never_o to_o be_v approve_v though_o for_o awhile_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v 3._o wise_o and_o patient_o we_o must_v wait_v in_o our_o station_n in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o mean_n till_o god_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a season_n shall_v reveal_v the_o truth_n mr._n norton_n against_o apollonius_n page_n 119._o line_n 30._o quest_n 19_o have_v all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o synod_n equal_a power_n answ_n a_o synod_n consist_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v it_o do_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n their_o power_n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o distinct_a the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n the_o power_n which_o the_o elder_n have_v it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o authority_n the_o brethren_n have_v first_o liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n modest_o and_o christianly_o among_o the_o elder_n so_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15.7_o 12._o second_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o determine_v the_o same_o as_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o they_o all_o three_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n and_o in_o writing_n synodal_n letter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o for_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n act_v 13._o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o to_o 29._o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n lay_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o appear_v act_v 16.4_o so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o preserve_v to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n their_o due_a liberty_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o elder_n their_o due_a authority_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 26._o line_n 1._o quest_n 20._o whether_o may_v a_o person_n or_o person_n wrong_v by_o particular_a church_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n or_o not_o for_o redress_v answ_n there_o be_v a_o right_a of_o appeal_n in_o weighty_a cause_n from_o a_o inferior_a to_o a_o superior_a sentence_n norton_n mr._n norton_n and_o see_v that_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o among_o ecclesiastical_a person_n many_o difference_n do_v arise_v who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o right_n of_o appeal_n must_v be_v grant_v there_o appeal_n be_v of_o divine_a and_o natural_a right_n and_o necessary_a in_o all_o society_n because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v judge_n mr._n nortons_n answer_n to_o apoll._n 3._o pag._n 112._o line_n antepenult_n &_o page_n 114._o hitherto_o of_o the_o combination_n or_o consociation_n of_o church_n and_o of_o synod_n and_o their_o power_n now_o from_o these_o particular_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v let_v we_o draw_v some_o position_n with_o their_o inference_n first_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o church_n affair_n of_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n about_o they_o see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o hence_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o if_o a_o express_a consent_n and_o covenant_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la and_o constitutive_a of_o a_o church_n then_o these_o particular_a church_n thus_o join_v together_o make_v up_o one_o church_n not_o representatiuè_a &_o impropriè_fw-la but_o true_o and_o proper_o have_v the_o true_a formale_a of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o that_o essentiam_fw-la 2._o if_o they_o have_v thus_o covenant_v together_o to_o transact_v thing_n by_o common_a consent_n than_o every_o church_n of_o the_o consociation_n have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o all_o matter_n that_o the_o fraternity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v to_o wit_n of_o consent_v or_o of_o dissent_v 3._o if_o they_o covenant_n to_o administer_v all_o their_o affair_n not_o without_o common_a consent_n then_o quere_z whether_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a voice_n which_o be_v more_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v for_o 4._o if_o they_o covenant_n to_o administer_v all_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consent_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o any_o person_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o weight_n as_o doubtless_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o a_o soul_n to_o satan_n be_v and_o also_o a_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n he_o that_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o will_v it_o not_o from_o the_o concession_n follow_v that_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v excommunicate_v a_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_v church_n 2._o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v safe_a useful_a and_o wholesome_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 2.3_o 5_o 8._o they_o therefore_o who_o refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o other_o church_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v let_v these_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n 3._o even_o the_o strong_a and_o best_a church_n have_v need_n of_o association_n first_o that_o they_o may_v help_v the_o weak_a for_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o second_o for_o themselves_o for_o the_o best_a may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o for_o want_v of_o association_n may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 4._o therefore_o 1._o these_o association_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v elective_a for_o then_o the_o strong_a and_o athletic_a church_n may_v combine_v together_o and_o exclude_v the_o weak_a and_o less_o athletic_a say_v we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o which_o will_v frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o combination_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n be_v for_o church_n that_o be_v in_o vicinity_n to_o combine_v together_o 2._o if_o the_o strong_a church_n may_v need_v consociation_n to_o prevent_v degeneration_n and_o apostasy_n than_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o have_v these_o consociation_n fix_v and_o state_v not_o occasional_a only_o &_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la sero_fw-la med_a cina_fw-la paratur_fw-la quum_fw-la mala_fw-la per_fw-la long_o as_o inualuêre_fw-la moras_fw-la 4._o combination_n of_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 6._o therefore_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o not_o only_o live_v without_o this_o ordinance_n but_o despise_v it_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v think_v so_o to_o do_v 5._o combination_n of_o church_n be_v no_o more_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n than_o the_o consociation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o their_o apostolical_a power_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 6._o 6._o as_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o therefore_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o congregational_a church_n to_o refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o their_o brethren_n of_o another_o judgement_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n what_o do_v it_o declare_v but_o this_o that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o think_v we_o in_o our_o ministry_n work_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o weaken_v our_o hand_n and_o hinder_v our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v because_o though_o we_o do_v god_n work_v