be_v certain_a also_o that_o believer_n among_o themselves_o have_v charge_n of_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n whereby_o they_o all_o disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v associate_v into_o one_o body_n eph._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 14_o 15._o and_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o require_v this_o mutual_a care_n from_o all_o leu._n 19_o heb._n 3._o and_o 10._o 3._o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v sign_n and_o seal_n to_o confirm_v this_o church-covenant_n and_o so_o institute_v by_o god_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o it_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v by_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n unite_v among_o themselves_o but_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o other_o though_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a who_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o church-communion_n and_o strict_a fellowship_n whereas_o it_o do_v most_o clear_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n chief_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o benefit_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n procure_v by_o christ_n for_o we_o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 10._o rom._n 4._o 11._o of_o the_o passeover_n 1_o cor._n 5._o of_o baptism_n mark_v 1._o 4._o act._n 2._o 38_o 39_o and_o 22._o 16._o rom._n 6._o 3_o 4._o tit._n 3._o 5._o and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n matth._n 26._o 26_o 27_o 28._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24_o 25_o 26._o but_o in_o a_o secondary_a respect_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v seal_n of_o our_o outward_a engraft_v into_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o our_o conjunction_n into_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o 41._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o and_o that_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o the_o communion_n only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n but_o be_v join_v into_o that_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o universal_a as_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o man_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o unity_n and_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o universal_a and_o to_o engraft_v they_o as_o member_n into_o it_o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o as_o by_o excommunication_n due_o perform_v the_o person_n excommunicate_a be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o be_v bind_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v seal_n to_o a_o man_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n not_o only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o therefore_o we_o hold_v that_o these_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v not_o to_o those_o only_o who_o by_o a_o church_n covenant_n have_v join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a who_o have_v due_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o partake_n of_o they_o thus_o our_o belgic_a church_n deny_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o have_v not_o by_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o submission_n to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o as_o neither_o do_v we_o deny_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o call_n can_v join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v force_v to_o travel_v through_o divers_a parochial_a church_n chap._n iii_o of_o a_o institute_n visible_a church_n question_n whether_o no_o other_o external_a visible_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o limit_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v in_o all_o their_o member_n meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n answer_n we_o judge_v a_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n due_o and_o lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o one_o place_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o pastor_n and_o elder_n adjoin_v frequent_a the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n but_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o god_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n it_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n but_o do_v in_o several_a place_n exercise_v the_o divine_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n under_o more_o pastor_n and_o elder_n join_v into_o one_o consistory_n presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n we_o say_v do_v very_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o conceive_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o only_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n disperse_v through_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o do_v in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n make_v up_o one_o body_n catholic_a yea_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o name_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v apply_v to_o a_o company_n of_o elder_n with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n assemble_v together_o for_o transact_v church_n affair_n therefore_o concern_v a_o visible_a church_n institute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o defend_v these_o follow_a position_n 1._o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o celebrate_v divine_a worship_n and_o exercise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a and_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n though_o they_o exercise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o diverse_a place_n under_o several_a pastor_n and_o elder_n join_v into_o one_o presbytery_n this_o position_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n institute_v and_o erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n but_o must_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n meet_v distributive_o from_o house_n to_o house_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o divers_a pastor_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o visible_a institute_v church_n and_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n for_o the_o number_n of_o that_o church_n be_v so_o great_a that_o three_o thousand_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o one_o day_n act._n 2._o 41._o and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n grow_v up_o to_o the_o number_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n act._n 4._o 4._o and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v increase_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n act._n 5._o 14._o act._n 2._o 47._o which_o yet_o daily_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n from_o house_n to_o house_n for_o perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n act._n 2._o 46._o and_o 5._o 42._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n due_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v one_o church_n revel_v 2._o 2._o which_o yet_o be_v govern_v by_o divers_a pastor_n join_v in_o a_o common_a presbytery_n for_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n act_v
send_v ruler_n to_o a_o church_n whereby_o it_o be_v commit_v not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o church-governor_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o tit._n 1._o 5._o etc._n etc._n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o send_v and_o ordain_v pastor_n be_v reserve_v to_o church-governor_n and_o never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n see_v example_n act._n 6._o 6._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o 3._o because_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n or_o degrade_n minister_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o multitude_n for_o to_o who_o belong_v the_o authority_n of_o take_v away_o a_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n to_o the_o same_o it_o belong_v to_o confer_v it_o for_o in_o what_o way_n any_o thing_n be_v obtain_v in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v dissolve_v but_o no_o where_o in_o scripture_n be_v this_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n to_o pass_v a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o false_a minister_n or_o teacher_n or_o remove_v they_o from_o the_o ministry_n but_o be_v require_v of_o the_o angel_n of_o church_n and_o their_o presbyter_n tit._n 1._o 10_o 13._o reve._n 2._o 2_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 20._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o so_o also_o be_v it_o decree_v by_o our_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v not_o transact_v without_o the_o people_n suffrage_n or_o free_a assent_n yet_o that_o the_o mission_n or_o ordination_n into_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n as_o also_o the_o suspension_n and_o degradation_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v do_v by_o the_o consistoriall_a presbytery_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la see_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n at_o middleburgh_n anno._n 1591._o art_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 11_o 58._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno._n 1586._o art_n 4_o 13_o 72._o at_o middleburgh_n anno._n 1581._o art_n 4_o 7_o 64._o at_o dort_n anno._n 1619._o art_n 4_o 5_o 79._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o contrary_a opinion_n follow_v i._o of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n even_o where_o there_o be_v no_o ruler_n or_o governor_n so_o that_o a_o congregation_n of_o believer_n join_v in_o church-covenant_n though_o want_v church_n governor_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o of_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o government_n save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o that_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v a_o organical_a body_n of_o divers_a member_n wherein_o be_v eye_n ear_n hand_n and_o foot_n pastor_n ruler_n and_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 14_o 15._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5._o 6._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o but_o now_o believer_n join_v in_o church_n covenant_n destitute_a of_o church_n ruler_n do_v not_o make_v up_o such_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o therefore_o never_o in_o scripture_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o a_o church_n which_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o church_n ruler_n see_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o revel_v chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o therefore_o to_o no_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v ruler_n be_v we_o to_o ascribe_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ii_o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o a_o church_n do_v derive_v ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o the_o church-governor_n and_o the_o church-governor_n be_v the_o believer_n servant_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o church_n mouth_n hand_n and_o instrument_n by_o who_o intervention_n she_o do_v execute_v her_o decree_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n under_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o spouse_n and_o wife_n do_v communicate_v government_n stewardship_n and_o legal_a exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o some_o certain_a man_n choose_v by_o herself_o who_o as_o her_o servant_n and_o deputy_n by_o a_o authority_n borrow_v from_o the_o multitude_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v govern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o function_n but_o we_o in_o this_o cause_n do_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n thus_o judge_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o function_n and_o office_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v derive_v and_o receive_v the_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o christ_n alone_o and_o his_o institution_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o act._n 20._o 28._o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v primary_o in_o christ_n which_o christ_n do_v immediate_o communicate_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n therein_o 2._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n by_o this_o nomination_n or_o designation_n of_o a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n be_v due_o confer_v do_v effect_n thus_o much_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o by_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n but_o do_v not_o derive_v this_o power_n on_o that_o person_n but_o the_o presbytery_n of_o church_n by_o a_o potestative_a mission_n or_o authoritative_a ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v apply_v and_o send_v forth_o that_o person_n design_v by_o the_o people_n choice_n into_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o function_n and_o authority_n so_o that_o church_n office_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n confer_v on_o the_o church_n governor_n but_o the_o application_n of_o these_o office_n to_o these_o or_o those_o man_n be_v do_v by_o the_o potestative_a mission_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o the_o previous_a assent_n or_o nomination_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o the_o pastor_n therefore_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o act_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o the_o church_n servant_n proper_o call_v but_o governor_n guide_n father_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v who_o government_n rod_n and_o authority_n they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o embrace_v with_o due_a subjection_n and_o reverence_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o they_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n not_o subjectiuè_n as_o if_o they_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n for_o than_o be_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n but_o finaliter_fw-la or_o objectiuè_fw-la because_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o the_o church_n for_o who_o good_a and_o benefit_n they_o labour_v as_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o servant_n mat._n 20._o 28._o and_o the_o angel_n be_v call_v minister_a spirit_n heb._n 1._o 14._o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o angel_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o vocation_n from_o we_o but_o exercise_v it_o for_o our_o good_a and_o service_n the_o church_n officer_n therefore_o be_v servant_n but_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v ambassador_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o be_v furnish_v with_o his_o command_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 18._o be_v his_o angel_n revel_v 2._o 1._o and_o steward_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o &_o 3_o 10._o iii_o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o excommunication_n can_v be_v due_o and_o lawful_o do_v but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o judge_n in_o the_o case_n of_o excommunication_n although_o we_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n may_v in_o the_o church_n be_v due_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o be_v say_v before_o yet_o to_o set_v all_o the_o church_n member_n in_o the_o place_n of_o judge_n we_o certain_o believe_v will_v bring_v anarchy_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n
which_o we_o ought_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n but_o also_o as_o a_o prayer_n which_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o may_v say_v pray_v you_o therefore_o thus_o say_v he_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 6._o 9_o and_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 11._o 2._o our_o lord_n therefore_o do_v not_o only_o deliver_v a_o rule_n for_o prayer_n but_o compose_v this_o prayer_n in_o set_a word_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o we_o not_o only_o for_o imitation_n but_o to_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n afford_v we_o in_o mercy_n a_o most_o useful_a help_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o not_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o a_o perfect_a supply_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o use_n whereof_o though_o not_o always_o necessary_a yet_o we_o judge_v it_o ofttimes_o safe_a and_o convenient_a our_o lord_n himself_o suggest_v these_o word_n and_o commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o hence_o in_o all_o the_o liturgy_n of_o reform_a church_n that_o be_v extent_n the_o rehearse_v the_o lords-prayer_n be_v prescribe_v so_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o express_a form_n of_o baptise_v matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o by_o absolute_a necessity_n tie_v to_o the_o syllable_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o we_o must_v admit_v no_o mutation_n as_o also_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n have_v their_o set_a form_n in_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n blessing_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passeover_n which_o also_o christ_n by_o his_o practice_n do_v approve_v to_o be_v retain_v see_v mr_n beza_n on_o matth._n 26._o 20._o paulus_n brugensis_n on_o psalm_n 112._o and_o scaliger_n de_fw-fr emendat_fw-la temporum_fw-la lib._n 6._o who_o he_o there_o cit_v as_o also_o ainsworth_n himself_o on_o exod._n 12._o 8._o so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n have_v by_o his_o example_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n matth._n 26._o which_o the_o apostolic_a church_n think_v good_a to_o retain_v and_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 11._o hence_o also_o in_o almost_o all_o reform_a church_n ecclesiastical_a liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v approve_v as_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n form_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v together_o with_o our_o psalter_n and_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a catechism_n allow_v and_o public_o extant_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o carry_v to_o the_o utmost_a indies_n masculine_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a master_n john_n calvin_n epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n say_v he_o i_o much_o approve_v it_o that_o there_o be_v one_o certain_a form_n extant_a from_o which_o minister_n in_o their_o function_n may_v not_o depart_v as_o well_o that_o thereby_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o some_o as_o also_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o may_v so_o more_o certain_o appear_v last_o also_o that_o the_o petulant_a lightness_n of_o some_o may_v be_v prevent_v who_o affect_v innovation_n to_o which_o end_n also_o the_o catechism_n tend_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v so_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o catechism_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n these_o argument_n do_v also_o manifest_o show_v that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v hold_v with_o those_o church_n which_o retain_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n for_o no_o where_o have_v god_n command_v that_o a_o christian_n shall_v separate_v himself_o from_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o prescript_n form_n and_o christ_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v to_o his_o church_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o celebrate_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o appoint_a form_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o we_o think_v it_o uncharitable_a to_o condemn_v all_o those_o godly_a church_n as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n which_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n downward_o even_o to_o this_o day_n have_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o prescript_n and_o set_v form_n and_o therefore_o we_o blame_v the_o precise_a singularity_n of_o those_o man_n who_o banish_v all_o set_a form_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n into_o private_a and_o separate_a congregation_n of_o their_o own_o because_o of_o the_o form_n use_v by_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la a_o table_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o question_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n p._n 1._o q._n whither_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n but_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o with_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o who_o upon_o strict_a examination_n do_v manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o real_a internal_a holiness_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v himself_o of_o his_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o communion_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o any_o congregation_n admit_v other_o in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o evident_a proof_n of_o these_o sign_n they_o admit_v impure_a and_o false_a church-member_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n p._n 13_o q._n whither_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-member_n cha._n iii_o of_o a_o institute_v visible_a church_n p._n 24_o q._n whether_o no_o other_o external_a visible_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o limit_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o god_n publikeworship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v in_o all_o their_o member_n meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n p._n 43_o q._n whither_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
a_o consideration_n of_o certain_a controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n write_a at_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la by_o guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n and_o send_v from_o the_o walachrian_a church_n to_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n octob._n 16._o 1644._o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la translate_v out_o of_o latin_a according_a to_o the_o print_a copy_n london_n print_v by_o g._n m._n for_o tho._n vnderhill_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o woodstreet_n 1645._o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lord_n the_o lord_n william_n boreel_n lord_n of_o duynbeque_n etc._n etc._n counsellor_n and_o chief_a syndick_n of_o the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n the_o lord_n john_n de_fw-fr reed_n lo._n of_o reinswoud_n etc._n etc._n deputy_n in_o ordinary_a in_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o province_n of_o vtrecht_n the_o lord_n albert_n joachimi_fw-la lord_n of_o oedekenskerk_n in_o oostende_v secretary_n of_o the_o republic_n of_o tergoes_a ambassador_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o netherlands_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a and_o most_o illustrious_a lord_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la be_v move_v with_o the_o deplorable_a face_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o english_a church_n will_v glad_o contribute_v some_o assistance_n for_o the_o quench_n of_o that_o flame_n of_o controversy_n rise_v among_o they_o concern_v the_o discipline_n and_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o afford_v not_o their_o prayer_n only_o but_o their_o counsel_n and_o assistance_n also_o meet_v for_o compose_v these_o contention_n whereby_o the_o billow_n of_o dissension_n may_v be_v assuage_v and_o a_o happy_a peace_n restore_v to_o those_o trouble_a church_n by_o their_o authority_n therefore_o and_o command_v they_o have_v employ_v i_o in_o this_o present_a work_n and_o out_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o brotherly_a love_n to_o those_o church_n have_v late_o enjoin_v i_o to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o london_n our_o ecclesiastical_a government_n prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o confirm_v by_o ground_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o reform_a divine_n which_o work_n be_v now_o finish_v and_o after_o a_o diligent_a examination_n by_o those_o pastor_n approve_v i_o offer_v to_o your_o most_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n for_o to_o you_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o all_o the_o tender_a care_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sacred_a peace_n and_o unity_n together_o with_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o netherlands_o principal_o commit_v the_o promote_a whereof_z with_o all_o your_o utmost_a endeavour_n will_v even_o by_o the_o event_n be_v manifest_a if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n there_o will_v permit_v and_o sure_o if_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o providence_n sometime_o prosper_v your_o endeavour_n and_o make_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o we_o all_o effectual_a i_o do_v certain_o trust_v that_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o church_n of_o eng._n may_n by_o your_o assistance_n and_o help_n be_v cure_v and_o the_o dissension_n raise_v by_o your_o peaceable_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n be_v compose_v for_o god_n have_v confer_v on_o you_o large_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n prudence_n piety_n and_o zeal_n whereby_o the_o disturb_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o moderate_a counsel_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o perplex_a affair_n of_o a_o shake_a kingdom_n to_o the_o straight_a bond_n of_o renew_a amity_n which_o that_o the_o great_a and_o gracious_a god_n may_v more_o and_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v in_o you_o and_o bless_v with_o prosperous_a success_n in_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o your_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n i_o beg_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o from_o my_o soul_n desire_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o preserve_v your_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a &_o most_o illustrious_a lordship_n and_o inspire_v those_o counsel_n into_o his_o royal_a majesty_n and_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n which_o you_o afford_v your_o assist_a endeavour_n may_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n together_o with_o edification_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v of_o love_n middleburgh_n the_o first_o of_o november_n 1644._o your_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lordship_n most_o observant_a guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n in_o zealand_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n reverend_n and_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n assemble_v in_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n write_v some_o month_n since_o to_o the_o church_n of_o zealand_n a_o express_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o your_o entire_a friendship_n but_o also_o of_o your_o confidence_n and_o sincere_a affection_n towards_o we_o into_o who_o bosom_n you_o be_v please_v to_o pour_v forth_o your_o fluctuate_a mind_n our_o wish_n and_o endeavour_n be_v that_o we_o may_v give_v you_o a_o real_a experiment_n of_o our_o brotherly_a compassion_n for_o our_o very_a inmost_a bowel_n burn_v within_o we_o with_o the_o zeal_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o affliction_n when_o the_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n of_o our_o holy_a brethren_n pierce_v our_o ear_n and_o when_o we_o serious_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o calamity_n o_o that_o our_o eye_n be_v resolve_v into_o fountain_n of_o water_n that_o we_o may_v lament_v day_n and_o night_n the_o desolation_n of_o the_o people_n our_o mind_n tremble_v to_o hear_v the_o desperate_a counsel_n and_o wicked_a attempt_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o blot_v out_o from_o among_o you_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o a_o reform_a church_n and_o total_o to_o hinder_v all_o better_a counsel_n and_o have_v bring_v it_o thus_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o band_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v break_v all_o thing_n be_v now_o involve_v in_o a_o cruel_a war_n all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n take_v away_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n overthrow_v but_o as_o god_n do_v by_o his_o favour_n prosper_v right_a counsel_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o bring_v the_o wicked_a plot_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o contrive_v they_o and_o by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v over-rule_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v oppress_v either_o to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o own_o or_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o piety_n for_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o true_o love_v god_n they_o do_v not_o fasten_v the_o anchor_n of_o all_o their_o hope_n on_o the_o barren_a sand_n of_o mutable_a thing_n and_o humane_a strength_n but_o on_o the_o solid_a rock_n which_o can_v be_v move_v by_o any_o wave_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n husband_n peculiar_a and_o present_a with_o every_o one_o in_o who_o bosom_n whoever_o do_v with_o full_a confidence_n repose_v themselves_o and_o cast_v all_o their_o care_n on_o he_o alone_o be_v quiet_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n and_o enjoy_v comfort_n and_o be_v as_o well_o thankful_a in_o adversity_n as_o in_o prosperity_n though_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n what_o be_v adverse_a but_o that_o which_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o course_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o be_v prosperous_a but_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o it_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o husband_n the_o lord_n and_o physician_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n because_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o we_o draw_v to_o die_v he_o have_v knit_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o himself_o to_o we_o in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n the_o lord_n because_o by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n he_o have_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n he_o govern_v we_o and_o bear_v rule_v in_o we_o and_o dispose_v at_o his_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o propriety_n the_o physician_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n he_o alone_o do_v efficacious_o heal_v the_o evil_n of_o man_n dispel_v the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o the_o soul_n purge_v his_o church_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o health_n he_o be_v ofttimes_o more_o merciful_a when_o he_o send_v bitter_a thing_n then_o when_o he_o refresh_v with_o sweet_a thing_n he_o know_v what_o be_v expedient_a for_o his_o
nature_n averse_a from_o all_o dissension_n for_o it_o be_v true_o that_o vine_n and_o that_o figtree_n in_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o be_v by_o a_o message_n from_o the_o tree_n call_v upon_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o wage_v war_n answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o natural_a sweetness_n and_o be_v involve_v in_o trouble_n we_o exhort_v you_o therefore_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v serious_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o charity_n require_v you_o that_o you_o take_v care_n to_o discover_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o you_o will_v endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o this_o loathsome_a evil_n of_o schism_n and_o error_n while_o the_o disease_n be_v yet_o curable_a from_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o nation_n of_o your_o city_n unless_o you_o do_v timely_o withstand_v the_o spread_a gangrene_n of_o separatist_n and_o the_o unlawful_a conventicle_n of_o schismatics_n farewell_o all_o sacred_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n due_a policy_n and_o spiritual_a government_n we_o have_v have_v experience_n in_o the_o trouble_n of_o our_o church_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o those_o who_o be_v day_n and_o night_n intent_n on_o innovate_a leave_v no_o stone_n unmoved_a go_v to_o and_o fro_o by_o sea_n by_o land_n to_o gain_v disciple_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o at_o last_o by_o force_n and_o fear_n curb_v and_o oppress_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o god_n the_o remedy_n come_v too_o late_o when_o evil_n have_v get_v strength_n by_o long_a delay_n the_o heavenly_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n go_v to_o ruin_v when_o by_o worldly_a reason_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o be_v protract_v abate_v retard_v settle_v and_o unsettle_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o study_n to_o innovate_v carry_v on_o their_o affair_n subtle_o and_o first_o like_o the_o mystery_n of_o ceres_n they_o keep_v they_o close_o and_o do_v first_o covent_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n they_o love_v the_o dark_a say_v and_o unsay_v and_o say_v again_o as_o they_o find_v suitable_a to_o the_o affair_n and_o time_n and_o be_v hardly_o draw_v forth_o in_o public_a but_o when_o with_o open_a face_n they_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o light_n they_o threaten_v ruin_n believe_v we_o upon_o our_o own_o experience_n you_o must_v therefore_o speedy_o withstand_v their_o design_n at_o first_o these_o thing_n we_o advise_v dear_a brethren_n with_o a_o mind_n trouble_v and_o perplex_v yet_o brotherly_a and_o true_o pious_a for_o we_o sigh_v and_o from_o the_o most_o inward_a sense_n of_o heart_n cry_v to_o god_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a for_o your_o civil_a war_n intestine_a confusion_n the_o dubious_a and_o darksome_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n with_o you_o we_o be_v anxious_a for_o you_o and_o therefore_o be_v force_v to_o change_v our_o voice_n and_o pour_v forth_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o heart_n into_o your_o bosom_n we_o be_v transport_v with_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o beauty_n of_o god_n house_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o church_n peaceable_a unity_n lord_n jesus_n â—digest_a this_o chaos_n of_o confusion_n let_v thy_o spirit_n spread_v itself_o upon_o these_o water_n of_o evil_a fluctuate_a opinion_n thou_o by_o thy_o spirit_n have_v reconcile_v earth_n and_o heaven_n by_o it_o thou_o have_v join_v so_o many_o tongue_n nation_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o man_n into_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v knit_v fast_o to_o thou_o her_o head_n vouchsafe_v therefore_o to_o renew_v that_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o brethren_n that_o all_o these_o confusion_n and_o calamity_n may_v cease_v among_o they_o and_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o godliness_n to_o thy_o church_n reverend_n brethren_n we_o be_v desirous_a to_o repay_v to_o you_o our_o debt_n when_o our_o country_n be_v on_o a_o flame_n by_o the_o intestine_a dissension_n about_o religion_n by_o your_o help_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n be_v our_o wound_n heal_v our_o grief_n assuage_v when_o you_o therefore_o lie_v under_o the_o same_o disease_n we_o labour_v in_o way_n of_o gratitude_n to_o heal_v you_o this_o be_v our_o end_n this_o be_v that_o we_o aim_v at_o this_o our_o labour_n we_o bestow_v to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v pull_v up_o that_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v establish_v among_o you_o and_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n bring_v to_o you_o we_o join_v therefore_o with_o these_o letter_n our_o judgement_n concern_v certain_a controversy_n now_o agitate_a in_o your_o kingdom_n we_o omit_v many_o other_o maintain_v by_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_o which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n nourish_v dissension_n and_o put_v a_o stay_n to_o the_o desire_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o we_o will_v call_v you_o to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o our_o tribunal_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v among_o you_o and_o those_o brother_n who_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a part_n in_o these_o controversy_n man_n learned_a godly_a lover_n of_o peace_n who_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a in_o judge_v explain_v and_o decide_v all_o these_o controversy_n but_o in_o quench_v a_o common_a flame_n in_o a_o city_n they_o not_o without_o cause_n run_v to_o help_v even_o uncalled_a who_o neighbour_n house_n be_v on_o fire_n we_o be_v bind_v not_o only_o by_o the_o same_o bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n but_o by_o the_o common_a danger_n and_o hazard_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o afford_v our_o advice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o will_v bring_v injurious_a and_o destructive_a damage_n to_o our_o reformation_n you_o have_v call_v upon_o we_o in_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n that_o we_o will_v be_v helpful_a to_o you_o in_o your_o shake_a condition_n by_o such_o remedy_n as_o by_o our_o common_a advice_n shall_v be_v think_v meet_v and_o we_o have_v judge_v it_o at_o this_o time_n most_o suitable_a to_o show_v to_o you_o who_o be_v in_o conflict_n your_o disease_n and_o their_o remedy_n to_o signify_v the_o practice_n and_o law_n observe_v by_o our_o church_n in_o their_o spiritual_a government_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o vindicate_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o the_o erroneous_a conceit_n of_o some_o of_o some_o we_o say_v for_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o infect_v with_o this_o ulcer_n and_o therefore_o what_o we_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o public_a writing_n daily_o publish_v among_o you_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o impute_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o defend_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v those_o perverse_a opinion_n or_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o church_n if_o some_o of_o those_o brethren_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n do_v in_o aught_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o wish_v they_o will_v declare_v so_o much_o by_o public_a writing_n and_o express_v it_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v free_v from_o the_o just_a fear_n which_o their_o writing_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o conceive_v for_o not_o without_o cause_n do_v the_o godly_a conceive_v that_o those_o be_v hatch_n some_o monster_n that_o use_v shift_n and_o dare_v not_o with_o open_a face_n clear_o set_v down_o and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n therefore_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o beseech_v those_o brother_n that_o they_o will_v clear_o sincere_o plain_o and_o distinct_o without_o the_o vizard_n of_o rhetorical_a flourish_n declare_v and_o describe_v to_o we_o their_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o here_o and_o there_o a_o piece_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o vent_v doubtful_a expression_n in_o public_a but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n manifest_v it_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v aught_o deficient_a in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o with_o a_o peaceable_a brotherly_a mind_n and_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o truth_n may_v be_v search_v out_o and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o persuade_v most_o dear_a brethren_n with_o a_o mind_n studious_a of_o your_o affair_n most_o desirous_a of_o peace_n well-affected_a to_o you_o solicitous_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n will_v by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n inlighten_v your_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_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
church_n and_o judge_v of_o church_n affair_n so_o as_o that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n govern_v and_o judge_v by_o those_o elder_n as_o their_o instrument_n and_o deputy_n like_v as_o the_o king_n deputy_n represent_v the_o king_n himself_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o judge_a church_n affair_n by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o can_v delegate_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n but_o the_o presbyter_n do_v themselves_o immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v power_n of_o rule_v and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o this_o sense_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o representative_a church_n neither_o do_v we_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o representative_a church_n as_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n shall_v have_v absolute_a power_n by_o their_o law_n and_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o bind_v the_o multitude_n and_o subject_a their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o without_o trial_n they_o shall_v receive_v and_o embrace_v what_o soever_o shall_v be_v determine_v by_o this_o church_n for_o this_o be_v the_o papist_n tyrannical_a antichristian_a representative_a church_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o popish_a bishop_n which_o by_o reform_a church_n be_v deny_v and_o cast_v out_o but_o this_o representative_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n choose_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n receive_v from_o christ_n be_v set_v over_o and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_v it_o by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o decree_n make_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n by_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o decree_v this_o govern_v ministerial_a or_o representative_a church_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n oâ—_n the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o must_v be_v obey_v in_o the_o lord_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o promiscuous_a and_o popular_a government_n but_o be_v commit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n and_o guide_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o believer_n complaint_n bring_v before_o they_o concern_v the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prescribe_v law_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o complaint_n tit._n 1._o 13._o which_o to_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o enjoin_v this_o be_v that_o church-which_a have_v the_o power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n matth._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o but_o not_o where_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o roll_a and_o ministerial_a church_n of_o presbyter_n be_v therefore_o here_o understand_v whence_o also_o say_v beza_n upon_o matth._n 16._o 18._o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n church_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n as_o matth._n 18._o 17._o to_o wit_n because_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v it_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v by_o paul_n a_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o this_o place_n by_o church_n the_o evangelist_n understand_v a_o college_n of_o elder_n he_o prove_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o do_v after_o make_v mention_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v always_o in_o their_o power_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o tremellius_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v out_o of_o syriack_n to_o the_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o that_o council_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o power_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n deodate_v in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o italian_a bible_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n to_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4._o &_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o also_o have_v their_o consistory_n for_o correction_n of_o manner_n the_o doctor_n and_o professor_n of_o geneva_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o french_a bible_n in_o this_o place_n do_v understand_v those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o ordinary_a call_n of_o administer_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o have_v always_o be_v use_n of_o it_o among_o god_n people_n but_o be_v special_o renew_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n under_o the_o apostle_n the_o dutch_a interpreter_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o new_a dutch_a translation_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n by_o church_n governor_n who_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 2._o it_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n describe_v which_o by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n transact_v the_o church_n affair_n and_o represent_v the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o paul_n ministerial_a spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n as_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n only_o have_v revel_v 3._o 7._o which_o therefore_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o christ_n ambassador_n as_o be_v they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o ministerial_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v also_o gather_v together_o for_o this_o end_n to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o incestuous_a person_n a_o church_n member_n which_o exercise_n be_v commit_v not_o to_o all_o the_o church-member_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v a_o govern_n and_o representative_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o opposite_a opinion_n follow_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n visible_a describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n which_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v those_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o which_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bithynia_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o greek_n whether_o bond_n or_o free_a make_v up_o one_o body_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o 2._o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n limit_v to_o such_o bound_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o may_v be_v ordinary_o contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o perform_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n do_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o the_o essence_n and_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o place_n but_o on_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o bond_n of_o holy_a communion_n for_o as_o ames_n say_v that_o same_o in_o
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 moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n for_o they_o be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o gift_n be_v therefore_o to_o perform_v this_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o people_n but_o to_o lead_v they_o for_o the_o election_n be_v chief_o the_o act_n of_o minister_n the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n to_o consent_v to_o that_o election_n distinct_a 63._o cap._n nosse_fw-la &_o cap._n cum_fw-la longè_fw-la for_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o apostolical_a example_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v first_o to_o nominate_v and_o the_o people_n to_o assent_v to_o that_o nomination_n due_o perform_v or_o to_o consult_v in_o common_a about_o the_o person_n to_o be_v nominate_v or_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o may_v just_o oppose_v that_o nomination_n free_o to_o produce_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n their_o consent_n they_o signify_v ancient_o as_o junius_n acknowledge_v disput_fw-la
38._o anni_fw-la 1604._o de_fw-la potest_fw-la ecclesiast_fw-la thes_n 14._o either_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n or_o in_o silence_n approve_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n a_o assent_v suffrage_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dissent_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o examination_n be_v perform_v by_o learned_a &_o grave_a man_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o pastor_n or_o college_n of_o doctor_n for_o this_o work_n for_o to_o these_o above_o other_o be_v this_o care_n commit_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o act._n 20._o 30._o and_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o examinate_v sufficiency_n and_o learning_n that_o this_o do_v chief_o belong_v to_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n be_v without_o doubt_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o the_o assent_n be_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o they_o acquiesce_v and_o rest_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o examiner_n and_o those_o present_n at_o the_o examination_n but_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_o require_v before_o proceed_v to_o ordination_n be_v a_o thing_n manifest_a all_o this_o business_n of_o election_n do_v not_o constitute_v any_o one_o a_o pastor_n but_o do_v judge_n and_o declare_v that_o person_n to_o be_v fit_a and_o sufficient_o endue_v with_o gift_n and_o decree_v by_o common_a consent_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v invite_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n may_v according_o to_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n be_v confer_v on_o he_o for_o the_o people_n nomination_n and_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o election_n may_v be_v right_o perform_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o which_o be_v choose_v by_o a_o people_n may_v never_o be_v their_o pastor_n to_o wit_n if_o the_o person_n elect_v do_v just_o refuse_v it_o or_o the_o presbytery_n due_o determine_v the_o person_n elect_v to_o be_v unfit_a for_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o people_n but_o by_o ordination_n if_o a_o man_n be_v ecclesiastical_o send_v forth_o and_o separate_v for_o the_o ministry_n act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o ministry_n commit_v to_o he_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o he_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o the_o ministry_n act._n 6._o 6._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o this_o be_v a_o potestative_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o those_o who_o have_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o wit_n to_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4_o 14._o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n that_o minister_v act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o &_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o whence_o also_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n command_v that_o by_o moses_n a_o extraordinary_a prophet_n shall_v sacrifice_n be_v offer_v for_o aaron_n and_o his_o son_n and_o they_o anoint_v when_o he_o make_v they_o priest_n and_o that_o this_o rite_n in_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v still_o continue_v appear_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o zadik_n who_o be_v by_o nathan_n anoint_v to_o be_v priest_n and_o numb_a 8._o 10._o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o firstborn_a who_o enjoy_v a_o ecclesiastical_a function_n be_v the_o levit_n put_v into_o their_o office_n ordination_n therefore_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o potestative_a mission_n whereby_o according_a to_o divine_a appointment_n a_o pastor_n receive_v the_o ecclesiastical_a office_n which_o mission_n or_o send_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n may_v due_o undertake_v a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n rom._n 10._o 15._o 3._o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o agreement_n &_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n for_o example_n in_o excommunication_n of_o a_o member_n in_o a_o church_n private_a believer_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v offend_v brethren_n to_o complain_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o obstinate_a matth._n 18._o 15_o 16._o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n as_o they_o be_v brethren_n in_o christ_n to_o admonish_v their_o governor_n if_o remiss_a and_o negligent_a col._n 4._o 17._o to_o avoid_v a_o person_n excommunicate_a as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n tit._n 3._o 10._o mat._n 18._o 17._o to_o reprove_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 14_o 15._o etc._n etc._n all_o which_o manifest_o require_v a_o assent_n of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o excommunication_n of_o a_o offend_a brother_n the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o retain_v &_o remit_v sin_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n ruler_n in_o some_o thing_n call_v common_o the_o power_n of_o order_n several_o and_o a_o part_n consider_v as_o single_a pastor_n so_o a_o pastor_n may_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n without_o special_a consent_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o the_o governor_n to_o every_o act_n in_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o excommunication_n the_o exercise_n and_o power_n thereof_o be_v give_v to_o a_o unity_n not_o to_o one_o to_o the_o community_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o single_a pastor_n several_o for_o in_o the_o church_n one_o single_a man_n have_v not_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n if_o a_o pastor_n alone_o do_v excommunicate_v any_o one_o that_o excommunication_n be_v invalide_v as_o well_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o one_o pastor_n alone_o do_v baptise_v a_o person_n without_o a_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n be_v valide_fw-la the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a to_o which_o all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n do_v voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o government_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o there_o be_v in_o it_o authoritative_a jurisdiction_n and_o ecclesiastical_a coaction_n by_o spiritual_a punishment_n on_o the_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o former_a that_o this_o government_n be_v voluntary_a the_o whole_a people_n by_o their_o free_a and_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o agreement_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o election_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o excommunication_n of_o member_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o latter_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v proper_o government_n the_o whole_a people_n do_v not_o rule_n or_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o ruler_n and_o those_o that_o be_v rule_v and_o therefore_o only_a the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o church_n in_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v christ_n vicegerent_n to_o rule_v and_o in_o his_o name_n to_o command_v to_o judge_v and_o by_o church_n censure_n to_o correct_v the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a office_n have_v therefore_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n over_o and_o above_o the_o people_n consent_n a_o authoritative_a and_o coactive_a power_n of_o the_o discipline_n and_o rod_n of_o christ_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o people_n we_o deny_v therefore_o in_o this_o controversy_n that_o there_o belong_v to_o the_o brotherhood_n or_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v join_v with_o the_o eldership_n in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a judicial_a act_n as_o judge_n authorise_v with_o christ_n authority_n in_o judge_a cause_n ecclesiastical_o determine_v we_o maintain_v therefore_o in_o this_o cause_n these_o follow_a assertion_n i._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o a_o constitute_v church_n be_v not_o by_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o brotherhood_n or_o people_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o presbytery_n &_o those_o that_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o church_n or_o the_o pastor_n and_o rule_v elder_n only_o this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o that_o office_n which_o do_v essential_o contain_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o some_o specifical_o choose_v for_o it_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o to_o apostle_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n as_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v joh._n 20._o 21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o therefore_o to_o those_o only_a and_o not_o to_o all_o believer_n do_v this_o power_n belong_v for_o to_o those_o have_v god_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n who_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o who_o be_v
and_o our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o mat._n 16._o 17_o 18._o where_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v promise_v to_o peter_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o ordinary_a ruler_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o to_o those_o be_v promise_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o retain_v and_o remit_v sin_n ver_fw-la 19_o which_o authority_n be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n ambassador_n who_o he_o send_v into_o the_o world_n with_o his_o authority_n joh._n 20._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o to_o those_o therefore_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o excommunication_n entrust_v and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v not_o promise_v 2._o from_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o church_n representative_a or_o company_n of_o presbyter_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n whereby_o they_o actual_o cast_v out_o the_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n from_o church-communion_n which_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n 3._o our_o assertion_n be_v evident_a from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o my_o spirit_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v such_o a_o man_n be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o this_o rebuke_n or_o church_n censure_n be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o many_o as_o he_o write_v 2_o cor._n 2_o 6._o sure_o that_o by_o these_o many_o the_o apostle_n understand_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v easy_o manifest_a if_o all_o be_v present_a at_o the_o deliberate_v every_o one_o even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v see_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o paul_n shall_v not_o have_v write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o for_o this_o have_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o commend_v that_o cause_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v urge_v for_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o have_v by_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n correct_v the_o incestuous_a person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o prevail_v with_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o will_v now_o afford_v pardon_n to_o he_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o further_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o many_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o former_a place_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gather_v together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o since_o we_o know_v that_o this_o power_n be_v by_o christ_n commit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lie_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spiritual_a key_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v that_o by_o the_o term_n many_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o company_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v commit_v hence_o bullinger_n on_o that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5._o do_v thus_o comment_n therefore_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v a_o holy_a senate_n of_o presbyter_n which_o do_v diligent_o admonish_v offender_n in_o the_o church_n sharp_o correct_v they_o yea_o and_o exclude_v they_o from_o church_n fellowship_n to_o wit_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o amendment_n may_v be_v expect_v and_o hyperius_n note_v upon_o this_o place_n that_o by_o congregation_n must_v not_o simple_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n among_o who_o be_v mingle_v many_o jew_n ananias_n false_a brethren_n man_n vicious_a who_o will_v never_o suffer_v that_o such_o a_o sentence_n shall_v be_v unanimous_o pass_v but_o rather_o certain_a select_a elder_n eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n in_o who_o power_n he_o will_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o like_a cause_n so_o that_o these_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o hence_o appear_v that_o matth._n 18._o after_o it_o be_v say_v tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v add_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o he_o say_v sufficient_a be_v the_o punishment_n that_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetic_n chap._n 39_o say_v that_o all_o the_o approve_a elder_n use_v to_o preside_v if_o any_o say_v he_o do_v so_o offend_v as_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v debar_v from_o communicate_v in_o prayer_n and_o assembly_n and_o all_o holy_a commerce_n all_o the_o approve_a elder_n do_v preside_v who_o attain_v that_o honour_n not_o for_o money_n but_o desert_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o question_v 1_o whether_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v only_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o those_o church-member_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o true_o godly_a so_o as_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o more_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n to_o convert_v the_o stray_a soul_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n then_o all_o believer_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n bind_v to_o do_v answer_n we_o judge_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n due_o and_o true_o preach_v and_o public_o receive_v be_v both_o a_o mean_n of_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o mean_n also_o of_o confirm_v and_o save_v of_o believer_n who_o do_v already_o in_o a_o visible_a church_n profess_v the_o faith_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o question_n 1._o that_o private_a christian_n from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n make_v use_n of_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o man_n edification_n do_v sometime_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n those_o soul_n which_o go_v astray_o and_o bring_v those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v john_n 4._o 29._o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 16._o 2._o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o office_n of_o he_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o send_v of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n do_v confer_v any_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o he_o or_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v for_o the_o power_n of_o god_n only_o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v do_v give_v to_o the_o word_n preach_v a_o virtue_n and_o save_a efficacy_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 11._o &_o 15._o 10._o but_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o he_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o do_v by_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n authoritative_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o which_o god_n do_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n give_v assistance_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n so_o that_o pastor_n as_o pastor_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o faith_n be_v give_v and_o first_fw-mi attain_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o those_o who_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o mission_n and_o function_n preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o man_n see_v rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o gal._n 3._o 2._o 2._o because_o pastor_n of_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o office_n they_o bear_v be_v father_n who_o do_v first_o beget_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o god_n do_v give_v spirit_n and_o life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n see_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o gal._n 4._o 19_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o 3._o pastor_n be_v enjoin_v as_o a_o office_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o meekness_n mildness_n and_o patience_n if_o perhaps_o god_n will_v give_v repentance_n to_o those_o who_o be_v hold_v captive_n in_o the_o share_n of_o the_o devil_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25_o 26._o to_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o grace_n act._n 26._o 18._o to_o seek_v lose_v sheep_n for_o the_o lord_n ezek._n 34._o 4_o 5._o and_o to_o bring_v into_o captivity_n to_o the_o
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
often_o testify_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o his_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n he_o have_v constant_o keep_v and_o continue_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n promise_v for_o many_o age_n to_o those_o child_n who_o near_a ancestor_n rebel_a against_o god_n and_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v revolt_v from_o god_n see_v psal_n 106._o 35_o 36_o 44_o 45._o isai_n 63._o 10_o 11._o and_o 51._o 1_o 2_o 3._o ezek._n 20._o 8._o etc._n etc._n again_o baptism_n be_v also_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o catholic_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n though_o through_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o opportunity_n or_o the_o like_a they_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a parochial_a church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n as_o also_o their_o child_n but_o that_o any_o be_v constitute_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o embrace_v the_o table_n of_o god_n covenant_n that_o be_v that_o he_o embrace_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n catholic_a and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o live_v in_o that_o holy_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o insidel_n we_o hence_o affirm_v therefore_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n baptism_n lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v not_o only_o to_o those_o infant_n who_o next_o parent_n have_v join_v themselves_o in_o a_o church-covenant_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church-communion_n do_v lead_v their_o life_n pious_o but_o even_o to_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o no_o parochial_a church_n and_o by_o their_o wicked_a way_n have_v render_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o christian_a stock_n and_o baptize_v parent_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o those_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o they_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v be_v according_a to_o the_o accustom_a order_n of_o our_o church_n offer_v to_o baptism_n the_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o ground_n it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o child_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v admit_v to_o circumcision_n although_o their_o next_o parent_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o wallow_v in_o sin_n to_o their_o life_n end_v have_v make_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o themselves_o void_a as_o appear_v josh_n 5._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o where_o the_o child_n of_o such_o israelite_n of_o who_o many_o have_v dye_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o godly_a be_v command_v to_o be_v circumcise_v 2._o because_o the_o child_n even_o of_o ungodly_a parent_n who_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o federall_a holiness_n for_o their_o infidelity_n do_v not_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o his_o constancy_n in_o dispense_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o effect_n rom._n 3._o 3_o hence_o god_n call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o ungodly_a israelite_n his_o child_n although_o they_o offer_v they_o to_o moloch_n ezek_n 16._o 20._o &_o 23._o 37._o for_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o their_o next_o parent_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n towards_o the_o follow_a posterity_n which_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v ezek._n 20._o 18_o 19_o 23_o 36_o 37_o 42_o 43._o and_o therefore_o those_o privilege_n and_o promise_n of_o federall_a holiness_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n of_o that_o holiness_n 3._o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o of_o year_n be_v all_o baptise_a by_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n publican_n soldier_n and_o whoever_o out_o of_o judea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n without_o any_o long_a examination_n if_o so_o be_v they_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n though_o there_o be_v among_o they_o hypocrite_n generation_n of_o viper_n and_o debauch_a man_n and_o therefore_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n this_o question_n walaeus_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o his_o common_a place_n pag._n 494_o 495._o of_o his_o work_n in_o folio_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o live_v wicked_o and_o by_o their_o ungodly_a life_n make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o themselves_o of_o none_o effect_n to_o these_o we_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n where_o they_o thus_o discourse_v disput_fw-la 44._o thes_n 50._o neither_o yet_o do_v we_o therefore_o exclude_v say_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o sacrament_n those_o infant_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o christian_a stock_n and_o baptise_a parent_n though_o their_o parent_n by_o their_o ungodly_a life_n and_o corrupt_a faith_n have_v make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n to_o themselves_o of_o none_o effect_n if_o by_o those_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o they_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n accustom_v in_o our_o church_n present_v to_o baptism_n because_o under_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o son_n do_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o god_n notwithstanding_o remain_v the_o god_n of_o such_o child_n as_o himself_o witness_v ezek._n 16._o &_o 23_o where_o he_o call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a israelites_n his_o child_n who_o they_o have_v beget_v for_o god_n though_o they_o offer_v they_o to_o moloch_n and_o out_o of_o they_o also_o do_v god_n ordinary_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n wherefore_o also_o he_o command_v the_o child_n of_o such_o israelite_n many_o of_o who_o have_v dye_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v circumcise_v josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v both_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n have_v always_o hold_v without_o controversy_n thus_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n 2._o of_o those_o who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o church-covenant_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o godly_a but_o for_o that_o baptism_n do_v unite_v man_n not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o also_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a we_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o who_o belong_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n see_v what_o we_o have_v say_v above_o concern_v a_o church-covenant_n chap._n vi_o of_o class_n and_o synod_n and_o their_o authority_n question_v 1_o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v authoritative_o judge_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n so_o as_o that_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o decree_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n answer_n we_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o sacred_a communion_n between_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o profess_v one_o common_a faith_n and_o piety_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n and_o body_n of_o a_o spiritual_a polity_n and_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o government_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o common_a so_o ames_n himself_o confess_v medul_n theolog._n lib._n 1_o cap._n 39_o thes_n 27._o that_o particular_a church_n as_o their_o communion_n require_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o scripture_n rule_v and_o example_n teach_v may_v and_o very_o often_o even_o ought_v to_o enter_v into_o mutual_a consociation_n or_o confederation_n among_o themselves_o in_o class_n
two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o which_o primary_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o inferior_a consistory_n but_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o of_o all_o church_n the_o superior_a consistory_n be_v comprehend_v likewise_o 3._o we_o deduce_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n borrow_v her_o frame_n of_o her_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n from_o the_o constitution_n not_o pedagogical_a but_o essential_a and_o perpetual_a of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n consistory_n be_v now_o lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o same_o form_n according_a to_o which_o the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v constitute_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_o evident_a that_o this_o order_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v of_o old_a institute_v by_o god_n and_o by_o the_o father_n most_o religious_o observe_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o good_a order_n of_o a_o church_n not_o to_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o distinct_a nature_n of_o that_o government_n but_o now_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v synagogicall_a consistory_n in_o each_o city_n wherein_o the_o scribe_n and_o levit_n be_v preside_v some_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o man_n more_o eminent_a in_o dignity_n be_v join_v to_o they_o who_o office_n consist_v as_o well_o in_o teach_v as_o in_o moderate_v the_o action_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o believer_n manner_n and_o dispense_v pious_a reprehension_n and_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o the_o vice_n of_o offender_n and_o there_o be_v also_o at_o jerusalem_n a_o general_a consistory_n or_o synedrium_fw-la hold_v to_o which_o the_o most_o weighty_a matter_n be_v bring_v which_o in_o the_o lesser_a synagogicall_a judicatories_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o difficulty_n or_o the_o dissension_n of_o party_n can_v not_o be_v decide_v or_o end_v see_v deut._n 17._o 8_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7._o jer._n 26._o 9_o etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n our_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a gersom_a bucer_n in_o his_o dissertation_n the_o gubernation_n ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 65._o do_v thus_o propose_v and_o not_o to_o be_v tedious_a it_o be_v requisite_a to_o set_v down_o distinct_o in_o what_o respect_n the_o order_n appoint_v among_o the_o jew_n do_v express_v the_o polity_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o hold_v their_o meeting_n for_o first_o as_o of_o old_a the_o use_n of_o sacred_a consistory_n as_o well_o synagogicall_a in_o the_o several_a city_n as_o the_o supreme_a at_o jerusalem_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n institution_n for_o the_o pass_n of_o judgement_n and_o determine_v controversy_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n birth_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v as_o well_o particular_o in_o each_o city_n as_o in_o many_o city_n in_o common_a some_o form_n of_o ordinary_a judicatory_a to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n may_v be_v due_o perform_v and_o the_o censure_n of_o manner_n administer_v else_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a either_o then_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n command_v that_o he_o who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n or_o the_o apostle_n reproof_n reprehend_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o have_v neglect_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o public_a judicatory_a of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n neither_o only_a have_v each_o particular_a church_n their_o proper_a distinct_a consistory_n but_o that_o also_o divers_a church_n when_o more_o weighty_a controversy_n do_v arise_v which_o can_v not_o in_o lesser_a assembly_n be_v determine_v do_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v together_o to_o one_o general_a council_n the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v act_v 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o not_o only_a this_o ordinary_a superior_a court_n or_o sanedrim_n be_v keep_v at_o jerusalem_n but_o extraordinary_a convention_n call_v for_o the_o church_n reformation_n the_o establish_v religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o a_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o for_o other_o holy_a occasion_n see_v example_n thereof_o deut._n 29._o 20._o 2_o chro._n 15._o 9_o &_o 29._o 4_o &_o 34._o 29_o nehem._n 10._o 32._o to_o 34._o and_o such_o convention_n be_v celebrate_v for_o moral_a duty_n the_o celebration_n of_o they_o lie_v as_o a_o duty_n on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o time_n 4._o a_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n by_o apostolical_a precept_n whatsoever_o therefore_o a_o ecclesiastical_a prophet_n do_v in_o his_o sacred_a function_n perform_v either_o in_o sacred_a doctrine_n or_o divine_a worship_n or_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o prophet_n therefore_o one_o single_a prophet_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prophet_n of_o other_o church_n and_o consequent_o assembly_n of_o many_o prophet_n meeting_n out_o of_o divers_a church_n be_v here_o establish_v to_o who_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o prophet_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v subject_a other_o argument_n be_v also_o at_o hand_n in_o this_o cause_n if_o we_o purpose_v to_o contend_v by_o number_n of_o argument_n hence_o also_o do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o hold_v their_o synod_n endow_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a which_o do_v so_o impose_v their_o decree_n on_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o permit_v not_o a_o private_a or_o particular_a church_n to_o alter_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o enjoin_v all_o to_o observe_v their_o canon_n establish_v till_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o appoint_v by_o the_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n ann._n 1571._o art_n 53._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 91._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 69._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586_o art_n 79._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 80._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 86._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o allow_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n no_o other_o power_n then_o of_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n as_o one_o brother_n towards_o another_o and_o one_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a sister_n church_n may_v be_v counsel_n and_o persuasion_n direct_v and_o exhort_v to_o their_o duty_n so_o neither_o have_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o church_n that_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o synod_n and_o class_n any_o other_o authority_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o persuade_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v against_o who_o we_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o what_o master_n john_n cotton_n himself_o have_v in_o a_o late_a treatise_n in_o english_a concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n chap._n 6._o we_o dare_v not_o say_v say_v he_o that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodall_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n act_v 15._o 27._o this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v those_o necessary_a thing_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_a power_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n thus_o master_n cotton_n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o their_o contrary_a opinion_n who_o allow_v to_o
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
pastor_n from_o that_o function_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o p._n 66_o q._n 1._o whether_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v only_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o those_o church-member_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o true_o godly_a so_o as_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o more_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n to_o convert_v the_o stray_a soul_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n then_o all_o believer_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n bind_v to_o do_v question_n 2._o p._n 70._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n lawful_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o ordinary_a ministry_n he_o be_v not_o call_v question_n 3._o p._n 75_o whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o perpetual_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereby_o private_a man_n who_o bear_v no_o church-office_n may_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o explain_v and_o apply_v it_o for_o instruction_n confutation_n reprehension_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o hearer_n question_n 4._o p._n 84_o whether_o those_o infant_n who_o next_o parent_n do_v not_o by_o a_o solemn_a church-covenant_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o incapable_a of_o baptism_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n chap._n vi_o of_o class_n and_o synod_n and_o their_o authority_n p._n 89_o q._n 1._o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v authoritative_o judge_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n so_o as_o that_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o decree_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n question_n 2._o p._n 103_o whether_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n question_n 3._o p._n 118_o whether_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n p._n 130_o q._n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n question_n 2._o p._n 143_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v in_o the_o church_n prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n or_o whether_o those_o church_n who_o use_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n finis_fw-la we_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v delegate_n of_o the_o walacrian_a classis_fw-la do_v testify_v that_o our_o reverend_a colleague_n mr_n william_n apollonius_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o say_v classis_fw-la that_o in_o these_o sad_a trouble_n of_o england_n he_o shall_v by_o write_v set_v down_o what_o be_v the_o government_n practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n which_o we_o also_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o state_n that_o controversy_n by_o way_n of_o thesis_n and_o antithesis_n show_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o that_o we_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v and_o approve_v that_o write_n of_o he_o we_o desire_v from_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o government_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v uniform_a observe_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n we_o pray_v that_o the_o learned_a and_o worthy_a our_o brethren_n and_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n will_v be_v please_v fair_o to_o interpret_v this_o our_o affection_n jacobus_n d'herde_n precedent_n of_o the_o wallacrian_a classis_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la jodocus_n larenus_fw-la assessor_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la isaacus_n hoornbekius_n preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n cornelius_n beuckelarius_n preacher_n at_o vere_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o west-souburch_a maximilianus_n teellinck_fw-mi preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n this_o writing_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o prescript_n of_o the_o 46._o article_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n establish_v by_o the_o most_o renown_a and_o noble_a the_o state_n of_o zealand_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o west-souburch_a