Selected quad for the lemma: christian_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
christian_n christian_a church_n pastor_n 1,389 5 9.1051 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41202 A brief refutation of the errors tolleration, erastianism, independency and separation delivered in some sermons from I Job. 4. I, preach'd in the year 1652 : to which are added four sermons preach'd on several occasions / by Mr. James Fergusson ... Fergusson, James, 1621-1667. 1692 (1692) Wing F777; ESTC R21916 200,444 386

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

that_o be_v censure_v so_o in_o the_o 2_o thess_n 3._o 14_o note_n that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o 1_o cor_n 5._o 5._o excommunication_n serve_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v to_o tame_v and_o mortify_v its_o lust_n and_o so_o although_o the_o word_n be_v only_o the_o necessary_a mean_n for_o the_o convert_n of_o soul_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v exercise_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o word_n may_v work_v the_o better_a the_o second_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n we_o have_v to_o establish_v a_o church_n government_n by_o divine_a right_n be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n practice_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o command_v give_v they_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o what_o be_v then_o shall_v be_v a_o rule_n now_o and_o they_o give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n because_o the_o magistrate_n be_v then_o a_o pagan_a and_o so_o will_v not_o meddle_v with_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o case_n be_v now_o otherwise_o when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v turn_v christian._n we_o answer_v first_o by_o this_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n at_o least_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n now_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n institute_v by_o christ_n lay_v on_o a_o perpetual_a obligation_n except_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n have_v set_v a_o period_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v only_o so_o long_o so_o if_o this_o argument_n of_o they_o have_v any_o force_n they_o must_v show_v from_o scripture_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v this_o period_n for_o church_n government_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v only_o in_o force_n under_o a_o idolatrous_a pagan_a magistrate_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o it_o shall_v cease_v under_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n but_o no_o place_n of_o god_n word_n can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o t●is_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o command_n be_v give_v that_o which_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n 1_o timoth._n 6._o 14_o shall_v be_v keep_v to_o his_o second_o come_v and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n second_o we_o answer_v that_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v worse_o under_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o pagan_a magistrate_n if_o so_o be_v that_o under_o the_o one_o they_o have_v a_o intrinsical_a power_n to_o purge_v and_o keep_v his_o church_n free_a from_o scandal_n but_o not_o under_o the_o other_o will_v not_o this_o be_v hard_o three_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n do_v exercise_v government_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v take_v from_o common_a equity_n and_o so_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o church_n at_o all_o time_n we_o find_v this_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 5._o where_o a_o command_n be_v give_v to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o excommunicate_v of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n the_o reason_n give_v be_v first_o the_o good_a of_o the_o man_n soul_n verse_n 5._o second_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v keep_v from_o infection_n vers_fw-la 6._o now_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o see_v to_o these_o at_o all_o time_n we_o come_v to_o the_o four_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o word_n of_o use_n and_o it_o serve_v 1._o to_o reprove_v those_o who_o think_v debate_n about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n useless_a and_o of_o no_o value_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o say_v they_o what_o be_v the_o government_n and_o who_o govern_v if_o sin_n be_v punish_v and_o the_o word_n preach_v i_o answer_v '_o it_o be_v of_o much_o moment_n for_o from_o what_o be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o part_n of_o his_o word_n and_o they_o who_o evert_v it_o or_o give_v way_n to_o the_o evert_n of_o it_o give_v way_n to_o evert_v a_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o to_o the_o bring_v down_o of_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n own_o house_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o concern_v no_o less_o than_o the_o royal_a diadem_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o who_o have_v get_v good_a of_o truth_n be_v bind_v to_o stand_v for_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a truth_n the_o question_n be_v concern_v ch●ists_n kingdom_n if_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n of_o his_o own_o distinct_a from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v ●is_n own_o law_n office-bearer_n court_n censure_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o his_o word_n or_o if_o all_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o that_o purpose_n be_v to_o scra●ched_a out_o and_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o appoint_v what_o law_n rule_n court_n he_o please_v in_o christ_n house_n so_o it_o be_v a_o point_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n a_o doctrine_n to_o be_v avow_v and_o a_o point_n of_o truth_n worth_a the_o suster_n for_o and_o which_o some_o have_v suffer_v for_o and_o boast_v in_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n that_o have_v this_o advantage_n beyond_o other_o truth_n that_o christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o it_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a point_n he_o be_v accuse_v on_o by_o p●late_n and_o he_o avow_v it_o luke_n 23._o 3._o that_o he_o have_v a_o kingdom_n though_o not_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o point_n be_v chief_o lay_v to_o christ_n charge_n in_o john_n 18._o 33._o 34_o 35_o 36_o 37._o and_o this_o be_v the_o p●int_n that_o be_v drive_v home_o by_o the_o jew_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n john_n 19_o it_o be_v his_o 〈◊〉_d on_o the_o cross_n jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v the_o point_n that_o straighten_a pilate_n most_o and_o put_v he_o to_o it_o to_o make_v christ_n suffer_v joh._n 19_o so_o this_o point_n have_v this_o advantage_n that_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n christ_n suffer_v as_o a_o martyr_n for_o it_o shall_v any_o then_o think_v it_o a_o little_a thing_n to_o suffer_v for_o god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o may_v think_v it_o a_o honour_n the_o second_o use_n if_o so_o be_v that_o church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n than_o those_o entrust_v with_o it_o such_o as_o minister_n and_o elder_n will_v discharge_v it_o as_o service_n to_o god_n so_o as_o to_o be_v countable_a to_o he_o t●ere_o shall_v be_v a_o other_o frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o man_n be_v in_o church_n judicatories_n than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o civil_a judicatories_n these_o be_v ordinance_n of_o man_n their_o of_o god_n and_o require_v more_o than_o a_o common_a frame_n of_o spirit_n alas_o we_o may_v say_v for_o the_o unministerial_a like_o carriage_n of_o minister_n and_o elder_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o through_o us_o out_o altogether_o a_o three_o use_v of_o this_o point_n be_v that_o see_v church_n government_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o you_o that_o be_v people_n shall_v obey_v and_o submit_v to_o those_o that_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v not_o t●us_o look_v on_o it_o may_v provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o remove_v the_o hedge_n from_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v god_n know_v what_o we_o will_v be_v we_o be_v evil_a now_o but_o if_o people_n get_v leave_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o seem_v good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n we_o can_v not_o but_o be_v much_o worse_o you_o see_v what_o you_o be_v with_o it_o but_o know_v not_o what_o you_o will_v be_v without_o it_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o erastian_n doctrine_n head_n ii_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o second_o head_n of_o erastian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o here_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n among_o themselves_o some_o give_v he_o all_o power_n to_o dispense_v all_o church_n ordinance_n and_o this_o as_o a_o magistrate_n without_o a_o call_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o administrate_n the_o sacrament_n other_o again_o content_v themselves_o to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o only_o a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n law_n to_o inflict_v church_n censure_n and_o herein_o they_o also_o differ_v some_o put_v this_o power_n whole_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n other_o conjunct_o with_o the_o minister_n a_o three_o place_v it_o in_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n and_o in_o churchman_n but_o as_o
ground_v yourself_o in_o this_o truth_n it_o may_v cost_v you_o much_o and_o though_o it_o shall_v stand_v you_o never_o so_o much_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o avow_n christ_n himself_o suffer_v on_o this_o account_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n have_v think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o suffer_v for_o it_o who_o be_o i_o sai_z master_z welsh_z that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o call_v i_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o glad_a thing_n but_o also_o to_o be_v a_o sufferer_n for_o his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n to_o wittness_v that_o good_a confession_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n of_o saint_n and_o that_o his_o church_n be_v a_o most_o free_a kingdom_n yea_o as_o free_a as_o any_o kingdom_n under_o heaven_n that_o she_o be_v free_a in_o her_o government_n from_o all_o other_o jurisdiction_n on_o earth_n except_o only_a christ_n we_o be_v wait_v say_v he_o with_o joyfulness_n to_o leave_v the_o last_o testimony_n of_o our_o blood_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n if_o it_o will_v please_v our_o god_n to_o be_v so_o favourable_a as_o to_o honour_v we_o with_o that_o dignity_n thus_o he._n and_o who_o know_v how_o soon_o he_o may_v honour_v some_o of_o we_o with_o that_o dignity_n a_o dignity_n indeed_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o royal_a crown_n and_o diadem_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n iu._n a_o brief_a refutation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n head_n i._o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o church-member_n the_o day_n bypass_a we_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o erastianism_n and_o show_v you_o that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o god_n we_o be_v now_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n you_o remember_v when_o we_o enter_v on_o these_o controversy_n about_o church_n government_n we_o show_v you_o there_o be_v four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o first_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n a_o way_n for_o the_o govern_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n king_n or_o parliament_n to_o establish_v what_o way_n of_o government_n they_o please_v the_o second_o point_n be_v that_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n establish_v in_o his_o word_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v execute_v by_o he_o their_o two_o point_n we_o have_v make_v good_a in_o our_o former_a disput_n against_o erastianism_n the_o three_o point_n of_o truth_n be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o commit_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n to_o the_o community_n of_o church_n member_n but_o have_v establish_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n the_o four_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n have_v not_o give_v particular_a eldership_n and_o church_n session_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o church_n government_n in_o their_o hand_n so_o as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n but_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n to_o superior_a church_n judicatory_n such_o as_o presbytry_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n these_o two_o last_o point_n we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o in_o refute_v this_o doctrine_n of_o independency_n this_o error_n of_o independency_n above_o all_o other_o we_o may_v call_v a_o fountain_n error_n it_o be_v the_o sluice_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n be_v make_v to_o all_o other_o error_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o this_o be_v the_o error_n whereby_o the_o most_o part_n of_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n these_o year_n by_o past_a have_v be_v first_o hook_v they_o first_o turn_v independent_o yet_o rest_v not_o long_o there_o but_o proceed_v from_o evil_a to_o worse_o our_o scope_n shall_v be_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a point_n to_o show_v that_o however_o it_o have_v many_o fair_a pretence_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o trial_n it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o be_v of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o main_a head_n of_o this_o error_n of_o independency_n opposite_a to_o the_o two_o last_o point_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o promise_v to_o make_v out_o the_o first_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n although_o they_o be_v not_o minister_n or_o elder_n to_o the_o community_n of_o believer_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o second_o head_n of_o their_o error_n be_v this_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v entrust_v particular_a congregation_n eldership_n or_o church_n session_n with_o the_o high_a power_n of_o church_n government_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o judicatory_a above_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o account_n as_o for_o the_o first_o head_n of_o their_o error_n which_o we_o be_v to_o speak_v against_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o they_o have_v different_a opinion_n among_o themselves_o some_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n the_o community_n of_o believer_n without_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n yea_o a_o power_n over_o they_o to_o ordain_v they_o censure_n depose_v they_o and_o inflict_v all_o other_o church_n censure_n other_o give_v they_o this_o power_n conjunct_o with_o the_o church_n officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n second_o some_o give_v only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v to_o the_o church_n member_n but_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n they_o allow_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n yet_o so_o as_o to_o the_o people_n depute_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n other_o give_v the_o people_n not_o only_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n so_o that_o the_o people_n may_v sit_v down_o in_o church_n judicatory_n themselves_o enact_v church_n canon_n inflict_v church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n three_o some_o give_v they_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n only_o in_o some_o thing_n as_o the_o excercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n and_o inflict_v church_n censure_n but_o not_o to_o preach_v other_o give_v they_o a_o full_a exercise_n of_o authority_n to_o do_v all_o we_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o these_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n which_o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o make_v good_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o solid_a reason_n to_o wit_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o church_n member_n or_o to_o private_a christian_n either_o the_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o church_n government_n neither_o in_o whole_a nor_o in_o part_n but_o have_v entrust_v it_o whole_o to_o his_o own_o officer_n minister_n and_o elder_n i_o prosecute_a this_o point_n we_o shall_v follow_v forth_o the_o former_a method_n first_o we_o shall_v clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n second_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o three_o we_o shall_v propone_v and_o answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o four_o we_o shall_v shall_v apply_v the_o whole_a to_o some_o use_n i._o for_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n th●a_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v grant_v to_o private_a christian_n and_o what_o we_o deny_v several_a distinction_n will_v be_v give_v first_o there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n and_o christian_a privilege_n we_o do_v grant_v several_a christian_a privilege_n to_o private_a christian_n but_o these_o do_v not_o infer_v any_o church_n power_n or_o authority_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n as_o for_o example_n we_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o people_n a_o power_n of_o elect_v their_o own_o officer_n minister_n or_o elder_n we_o grant_v to_o they_o a_o power_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o e_o they_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v blind_o what_o minister_n say_v but_o have_v a_o power_n to_o try_v what_o they_o say_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o practice_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n upon_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o word_n or_o not_o we_o grant_v these_o privilege_n to_o the_o people_n but_o none_o of_o they_o do_v
church-member_n then_o every_o church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o attend_v all_o church_n judicatories_n to_o wait_v on_o the_o decide_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a question_n but_o what_o inevitable_a confusion_n will_v follow_v on_o this_o how_o long_a time_n will_v it_o take_v to_o inform_v people_n about_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n how_o tedious_a will_v it_o be_v to_o hear_v every_o man_n judgement_n to_o the_o point_n and_o what_o distraction_n will_v it_o be_v to_o people_n calling_n this_o certain_o will_v bring_v great_a confusion_n and_o so_o such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o can_v be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n these_o be_v now_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n iii_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v their_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o truth_n the_o first_o they_o use_v be_v ground_v on_o coloss._n 4._o 17._o a_o command_n there_o be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o believer_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o minister_n say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o this_o they_o infer_v that_o people_n have_v power_n to_o censure_v their_o minister_n and_o so_o have_v church_n authority_n we_o answer_v they_o make_v much_o of_o this_o argument_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v little_a worth_n for_o they_o build_v their_o power_n to_o censure_n upon_o this_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o say_v a_o poor_a reason_n so_o matth._n 18._o 17._o say_v to_o the_o church_n or_o tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v but_o to_o infer_v from_o this_o that_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o church_n be_v very_o ridiculous_a sure_o if_o he_o have_v command_v a_o judicial_a act_n of_o authority_n he_o will_v have_v say_v command_n and_o charge_n archippus_n with_o all_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o like_a case_n he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n but_o as_o we_o show_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n private_a christian_n have_v power_n to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o yea_o their_o pastor_n but_o this_o do_v not_o import_v any_o power_n of_o church-government_n over_o other_o else_o woman_n who_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v power_n of_o church-government_n to_o make_v church_n canon_n censure_n and_o ordain_v their_o minister_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v as_o occasion_n offer_v obj._n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n they_o bring_v from_o act._n 11._o 1._o when_o peter_n come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n verse_n 3._o the_o people_n challenge_v he_o say_v thou_o wente_v in_o to_o man_n uncircumcised_a and_o do_v eat_v with_o they_o and_o verse_n 4_o he_o begins_z to_o clear_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o rehearse_v the_o matter_n from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o this_o they_o reason_n thus_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v peter_n to_o a_o account_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_n for_o scandal_n it_o be_v answer_v first_o beside_o the_o people_n there_o be_v apostle_n and_o brethren_n there_o verse_n 1_o second_o we_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o follow_v because_o peter_n purge_v himself_o of_o a_o scandal_n unjust_o lay_v upon_o he_o that_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o censure_v he_o for_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o to_o another_o christian_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v stumble_v within_o his_o carriage_n yet_o one_o private_a christian_a have_v not_o church_n power_n over_o another_o to_o censure_n so_o peter_n be_v bind_v to_o clear_v himself_o before_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o take_v with_o it_o but_o that_o that_o one_o can_v not_o be_v a_o church_n judicatory_a have_v power_n to_o inflict_v censure_n on_o peter_n our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v grant_v obj._n 3_o a_o three_o argument_n they_o bring_v against_o the_o truth_n be_v from_o revel_n 2._o 14._o i_o have_v a_o few_o thing_n against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v there_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o balaam_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n here_o be_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n and_o after_o he_o have_v commend_v they_o for_o their_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o exercise_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n to_o wit_n balaam_n jesabel_n and_o the_o nicolattan_n now_o from_o this_o they_o argue_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v reprove_v here_o for_o not_o execute_v discipline_n against_o these_o heretic_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o but_o that_o all_o be_v reprove_v they_o prove_v from_o vers_fw-la 13._o and_o its_o connection_n with_o the_o 14._o say_v they_o these_o who_o be_v commend_v in_o the_o 13._o be_v rebuke_v in_o the_o 14_o verse_n i_o know_v thy_o work_n and_o where_o thou_o dwell_v even_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v etc._n etc._n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n but_o all_o the_o people_n dwell_v where_o satan_n seat_n be_v therefore_o they_o all_o be_v reprove_v answer_v it_o follow_v well_o that_o they_o be_v all_o reprove_v for_o one_o fault_n but_o not_o that_o they_o be_v accessary_a to_o it_o after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v the_o ruler_n part_v judicial_o to_o cast_v out_o these_o vile_a heretic_n it_o be_v the_o people_n part_n to_o have_v stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o it_o now_o because_o these_o be_v neglect_v on_o both_o hand_n both_o have_v their_o own_o guilt_n and_o so_o both_o reprove_v for_o their_o respective_a guilt_n the_o people_n be_v reprove_v for_o not_o mourn_v to_o god_n for_o the_o tollerate_v such_o like_a abomination_n and_o their_o not_o stir_v up_o the_o ruler_n to_o take_v course_n with_o they_o but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v reprove_v for_o not_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o judicatory_a and_o inflict_a censure_n themselves_o that_o be_v the_o ruler_n fault_n and_o therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v all_o rebuke_v for_o their_o accession_n to_o that_o guilt_n in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o we_o clear_v it_o thus_o doubtless_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o teach_v against_o these_o vile_a heretic_n now_o there_o be_v woman_n there_o and_o yet_o sure_o they_o be_v not_o rebuke_v for_o not_o preach_v against_o they_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v silent_a in_o the_o church_n so_o their_o fault_n as_o of_o all_o other_o church_n member_n be_v of_o another_o kind_n to_o wit_n their_o not_o mourn_v nor_o stir_v up_o the_o officer_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o mourn_v stir_v other_o up_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o we_o grant_v but_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o power_n themselves_o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v reprove_v for_o obj._n 4._o the_o four_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o mat_n 18_o 17_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n whence_o say_v they_o the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n but_o so_o it_o be_v church_n officer_n be_v never_o call_v the_o church_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v so_o call_v without_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v this_o argument_n will_v make_v more_o against_o they_o than_o we_o and_o that_o because_o they_o grant_v that_o neither_o woman_n nor_o child_n have_v hand_n in_o church_n government_n but_o only_o profess_v man_n now_o they_o shall_v get_v no_o place_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o man_n assemble_v without_o woman_n and_o child_n second_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o spare_o give_v to_o officer_n without_o the_o people_n yet_o we_o say_v 1._o it_o be_v give_v they_o in_o some_o place_n as_o for_o example_n act_v 18._o 22._o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n when_o he_o have_v land_v at_o caesarea_n and_o go_v up_o and_o salute_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o the_o church_n here_o certain_o can_v be_v mean_v the_o body_n of_o professor_n which_o do_v amount_v to_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n as_o shall_v appear_v from_o act_n 21._o 20._o in_o its_o own_o time_n so_o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a man_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n for_o paul_n have_v so_o short_a time_n to_o stay_v he_o see_v they_o but_o at_o the_o by_o can_v
sure_o ordinary_a elder_n do_v never_o concur_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o act_n of_o their_o apostolic_a office_n as_o pen_v scripture_n etc._n etc._n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o the_o apostle_n here_o act_v as_o elder_n leave_v a_o pattern_n for_o such_o like_a judicatory_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o second_o point_n ¶_o iii_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subject_a to_o superior_a the_o three_o point_n we_o have_v to_o make_v out_o be_v this_o that_o inferior_a church_n judicatory_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o superior_a as_o session_n or_o congregational_a eldership_n to_o presbytry_n presbytry_n to_o synod_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o great_a have_v power_n of_o government_n over_o the_o lesser_a for_o receive_v appeal_n from_o they_o complaint_n of_o they_o enact_v of_o church_n canon_n unto_o which_o the_o inferior_a aught_o to_o be_v subject_a in_o the_o lord_n the_o point_n in_o short_a be_v that_o particular_a eldership_n be_v not_o independent_a so_o as_o to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v without_o be_v accountable_a to_o any_o judicatory_a above_o they_o but_o presbytery_n be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v follow_v the_o former_a order_n first_o to_o clear_v the_o question_n second_o to_o bring_v argument_n for_o the_o truth_n three_o to_o answer_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n four_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o use._n i._o for_o the_o first_o we_o allow_v unto_o particular_a congregation_n a_o eldership_n and_o power_n of_o discipline_n within_o themselves_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o their_o particular_a concernment_n but_o as_o for_o thing_n wherein_o other_o congregation_n be_v concern_v with_o they_o we_o hold_v that_o such_o do_v belong_v to_o superior_a judicatory_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n what_o belong_v unto_o all_o shall_v be_v handle_v by_o all_o second_o we_o do_v not_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o single_a congregation_n above_o another_o we_o say_v that_o all_o congregation_n the_o least_o as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a be_v equal_a in_o power_n this_o way_n be_v the_o bishop_n tyranny_n that_o make_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o diocese_n subject_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n the_o parish_n where_o the_o bishop_n live_v so_o that_o all_o other_o be_v to_o subject_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o the_o great_a lord_n bishop_n law_n which_o he_o give_v out_o in_o it_o we_o do_v only_o say_v that_o all_o particular_a congregation_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o a_o presbytery_n make_v up_o of_o elder_n take_v from_o among_o themselves_o wherein_o no_o congregation_n can_v challenge_v power_n more_o than_o another_o the_o mean_a have_v as_o great_a power_n in_o they_o as_o the_o great_a three_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n be_v absolute_a so_o that_o whatever_o they_o conclude_v shall_v stand_v for_o a_o law_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o every_o thing_n we_o affirm_v their_o power_n be_v a_o limit_a and_o ministerial_a power_n it_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o put_v the_o case_n if_o a_o presbytery_n or_o synod_n shall_v conclude_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v wrong_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v blind_o we_o allow_v to_o every_o particular_a christian_a a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o shall_v compare_v the_o act_n of_o church_n judicatories_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o according_o either_o to_o choice_n or_o refuse_v only_o herein_o we_o say_v first_o that_o particular_a christian_n shall_v have_v a_o kind_n of_o loathness_n to_o differ_v from_o the_o judicatories_n of_o the_o church_n arise_v from_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n of_o their_o own_o light_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o although_o they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v other_o blind_o yet_o they_o be_v to_o suspect_v themselves_o rather_o than_o they_o we_o mean_v when_o the_o matter_n be_v dubious_a second_o we_o say_v that_o when_o the_o case_n come_v that_o it_o be_v evident_o see_v that_o superior_a judicatories_n have_v go_v wrong_a private_a christian_n be_v to_o differ_v from_o they_o indeed_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o give_v great_a reverence_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o judicatory_a even_o when_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o dissent_v from_o their_o act_n lest_o by_o their_o furious_a zeal_n they_o cast_v all_o loose_a and_o into_o confusion_n but_o to_o come_v to_o the_o point_n the_o question_n be_v whether_o all_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o particular_a eldership_n and_o so_o if_o particular_a eldership_n be_v independent_a or_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v warrant_v presbytery_n to_o be_v above_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o maintain_v the_o last_o and_o we_o clear_v our_o part_n the_o controversy_n from_o several_a argument_n ii_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o this_o way_n of_o independency_n where_o the_o whole_a power_n be_v put_v in_o one_o congregation_n so_o as_o to_o be_v countable_a to_o none_o we_o shall_v reckon_v four_o or_o five_o of_o these_o defect_n and_o indeed_o very_o great_a defect_n first_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a way_n in_o christ_n church_n to_o right_v a_o man_n that_o be_v wrong_v by_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o eldership_n shall_v wrong_v a_o man_n by_o censure_v he_o unjust_o according_a to_o their_o way_n he_o must_v sit_v with_o the_o wrong_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o he_o till_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n there_o be_v a_o second_o defect_n according_a to_o this_o independent_a way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o heal_v breach_n in_o a_o congregation_n put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o people_n shall_v divide_v from_o the_o elder_n or_o the_o elder_n among_o themselves_o or_o that_o one_o congregation_n may_v have_v a_o contest_v with_o another_o now_o in_o these_o case_n suppose_v both_o these_o party_n to_o be_v wilful_a as_o too_o usual_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o as_o they_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o any_o advice_n without_o authority_n to_o back_o it_o now_o what_o remedy_n be_v leave_v in_o such_o case_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o a_o presbytery_n that_o have_v power_n over_o both_o party_n to_o command_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v what_o be_v right_a and_o can_v we_o think_v that_o christ_n have_v leave_v no_o remedy_n in_o his_o house_n for_o such_o evil_n as_o may_v so_o frequent_o fall_v out_o three_o the_o independent_a way_n leave_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o hold_v down_o plurality_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o so_o then_o let_v a_o particular_a congregation_n set_v up_o what_o religion_n they_o please_v suppose_v it_o be_v popery_n there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n to_o hinder_v it_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n it_o be_v otherwise_o presbytery_n be_v christ_n weeding-hook_n to_o weed_v out_o heresy_n so_o we_o observe_v wherever_o it_o be_v set_v up_o it_o bear_v heresy_n down_o and_o no_o wonder_n for_o judicatories_n be_v so_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o that_o what_o be_v oversee_v in_o the_o one_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o other_o four_o by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o authoritative_a mean_n for_o unity_n and_o uniformity_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n among_o congregation_n but_o every_o one_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v take_v a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o this_o congregation_n one_o way_n and_o that_o congregation_n another_o way_n which_o doubtless_o will_v prove_v a_o great_a stumble_a block_n to_o the_o weak_a not_o know_v unto_o what_o congregation_n to_o join_v because_o of_o the_o great_a diversity_n among_o all_o put_v the_o case_n to_o clear_v it_o in_o some_o thing_n whereby_o you_o may_v guess_v at_o other_o that_o in_o one_o congregation_n they_o will_v both_o read_v and_o expound_v in_o another_o they_o will_v only_o read_v in_o other_o the_o line_n be_v not_o read_v for_o sing_v and_o in_o another_o it_o be_v read_v in_o some_o congregation_n child_n be_v not_o baptise_a but_o in_o time_n of_o sermon_n in_o other_o that_o baptism_n be_v administrate_n at_o other_o time_n also_o in_o some_o congregation_n two_o prayer_n before_o a_o sermon_n in_o another_o but_o one_o in_o another_o the_o conclusion_n sing_v in_o another_o not_o now_o though_o the_o strong_a will_v not_o stumble_v at_o these_o thing_n know_v that_o such_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o least_o indifferent_a yet_o to_o the_o weak_a christian_a they_o may_v prove_v a_o ground_n of_o stumble_v for_o usual_o such_o present_o stamp_n conscience_n on_o that_o part_n of_o
the_o difference_n which_o they_o like_v best_a and_o hence_o arise_v contest_v jangle_n and_o matter_n of_o rent_v the_o church_n now_o there_o be_v no_o way_n in_o independency_n leave_v for_o prevent_v of_o this_o five_o the_o way_n of_o independency_n leave_v no_o remedy_n to_o a_o congregation_n want_v a_o minister_n for_o trial_n of_o the_o next_o that_o come_v who_o trial_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o people_n by_o this_o way_n of_o they_o how_o slight_a that_o trial_n will_v be_v any_o may_v judge_v how_o few_o parish_n can_v try_v a_o minister_n in_o his_o ability_n if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o preach_v convince_v gainsayer_n watch_v against_o raven_a wolf_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v remee_v in_o the_o way_n of_o presbytery_n according_a to_o paul_n rule_n 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o that_o minister_n be_v ordain_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n this_o for_o the_o first_o argument_n from_o five_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o independent_a way_n other_o defect_n also_o may_v be_v instance_a but_o these_o may_v suffice_v our_o second_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o matth._n 18._o 16._o 17._o 18._o where_o jesus_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o private_a scandal_n or_o deal_v with_o a_o offend_a brother_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o if_o christ_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o way_n for_o gain_v a_o offend_a brother_n how_o much_o more_o for_o gain_v a_o offend_a church_n it_o be_v above_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o church_n may_v offend_v walk_v inoder_o wrest_v justice_n now_o sure_o god_n care_n must_v be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n than_o of_o one_o member_n so_o that_o our_o consequence_n hold_v but_o we_o assume_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o heal_v the_o scandal_n of_o a_o offend_a congregation_n or_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o complean_v to_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n above_o they_o this_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o our_o opposite_n themselves_o will_v not_o censure_v them-themselves_a they_o can_v be_v both_o judge_n and_o party_n 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o proportion_n for_o by_o that_o same_o rule_n that_o private_a christian_n be_v to_o be_v complean_v of_o to_o that_o eldership_n whereof_o they_o be_v part_n so_o the_o eldership_n be_v to_o be_v complean_v of_o to_o that_o presbytry_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o part_n and_o if_o the_o christian_a liberty_n of_o the_o private_a christian_a be_v not_o take_v away_o by_o the_o one_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o just_a power_n of_o the_o eldership_n take_v away_o by_o the_o other_o our_o three_o argument_n be_v from_o that_o which_o we_o handle_v before_o that_o in_o scripture_n be_v hold_v forth_o government_n by_o presbytry_n over_o single_a congregation_n and_o by_o synod_n over_o presbytry_n from_o whence_o we_o argue_v thus_o that_o the_o way_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v by_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v still_o be_v so_o govern_v for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o the_o way_n then_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n be_v by_o presbytry_n and_o synod_n it_o be_v prove_v before_o so_o we_o have_v only_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o argument_n that_o therefore_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v govern_v so_o now_o and_o to_o clear_v this_o consequence_n consider_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o whatever_o be_v record_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n can_v be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o imitation_n to_o the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v write_v afore_o time_n be_v for_o our_o learning_n and_o instruction_n rome_n 15._o 4._o 2._o those_o primitive_a church_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n now_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v of_o that_o kind_n be_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n a_o promise_n of_o who_o presence_n they_o have_v with_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n and_o if_o so_o than_o their_o practice_n must_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o generation_n follow_v 1_o cor_n 11._o 1._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o etc._n etc._n 3._o we_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n as_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o give_v the_o people_n liberty_n in_o choise_v their_o own_o deacon_n act._n 7._o we_o argue_v that_o the_o people_n may_v choice_n their_o own_o officer_n yet_o and_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o have_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim_n 5._o 15._o we_o argue_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v rule_v elder_n yet_o so_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o have_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n we_o argue_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v they_o yet_o and_o from_o their_o practice_n in_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n act_n 27._o we_o argue_v therefore_o we_o shall_v celebrate_v it_o on_o that_o day_n yet_o now_o if_o so_o be_v that_o their_o practice_n shall_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o we_o in_o other_o thing_n why_o not_o also_o in_o church_n government_n by_o presbytry_n and_o synod_n especial_o see_v that_o we_o have_v make_v out_o that_o their_o practice_n be_v as_o clear_v in_o this_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n a_o four_o consideration_n to_o strengthen_v this_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n now_o have_v these_o same_o reason_n to_o move_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o that_o government_n which_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v and_o a_o law_n or_o practice_n be_v still_o bind_v so_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n remain_v now_o the_o reason_n that_o move_v the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o submit_v to_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v first_o because_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o all_o the_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o presbytry_n as_o say_v be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o particular_a congregation_n now_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o yet_o second_o in_o act_n 15._o there_o arise_v a_o controversy_n in_o antioch_n and_o because_o the_o controversy_n can_v be_v compose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a church_n of_o antioch_n therefore_o it_o be_v refer_v unto_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o many_o presbytry_n all_o concern_v in_o it_o so_o there_o be_v business_n of_o common_a concernment_n to_o many_o presbytry_n yet_o and_o some_o that_o can_v be_v end_v in_o one_o presbytry_n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v synod_n for_o compose_v of_o these_o thing_n yet_o and_o see_v the_o apostle_n extraordinarly_a assist_v one_o whereof_o may_v have_v compose_v the_o controversy_n will_v nevertheless_o have_v a_o synodical_a convention_n for_o end_v controversy_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o do_v it_o who_o gift_n be_v far_o inferior_a to_o they_o by_o all_o which_o it_o remain_v clear_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o that_o point_n be_v bind_v to_o we_o now_o argument_n four_o there_o be_v no_o pattern_n of_o such_o a_o independent_a congregation_n by_o precept_n or_o practice_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n where_o one_o particular_a congregation_n with_o one_o pastor_n and_o their_o eldership_n do_v exercise_n or_o may_v exercise_v all_o church_n government_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o that_o independent_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a first_o a_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o ordination_n of_o minister_n by_o one_o congregation_n second_o by_o precept_n and_o practice_n ordination_n be_v to_o be_v by_o more_o pastor_n than_o one_o as_o act_n 1._o 13._o act._n 6._o 2._o act_n 13._o 13._o 1_o tim_n 4._o 14._o so_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o it_o be_v by_o pastor_n and_o many_o pastor_n and_o so_o can_v be_v by_o a_o single_a congregation_n where_o there_o be_v require_v and_o shall_v be_v say_v they_o but_o one_o pastor_n as_o to_o what_o they_o say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n excommunicate_v the_o incestous_a man_n we_o answer_v corinth_n be_v a_o presbyterial_a church_n and_o second_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o they_o may_v excommunicate_v independent_o for_o if_o a_o controversy_n have_v arisen_a about_o it_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v end_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v to_o have_v their_o recourse_n to_o a_o synod_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n have_v act_v 15._o argument_n five_o if_o so_o be_v that_o congregation_n be_v independent_a and_o no_o benefit_n of_o appeal_n allow_v to_o the_o party_n grieve_v then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v in_o great_a slavery_n than_o the_o jewish_a but_o this_o be_v absurd_a for_o christian_n be_v in_o a_o estate_n of_o great_a liberty_n as_o appear_v from_o galat._n 4._o 1._o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o clear_v the_o first_o proposition_n we_o lie_v down_o these_o thing_n first_o there_o be_v a_o subordination_n of_o judicatories_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o
that_o the_o apostle_n john_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o whorish_a rome_n and_o be_v command_v all_o god_n people_n to_o separate_a from_o the_o antichristian_a church_n now_o let_v any_o judge_n if_o that_o be_v not_o loose_a reason_v we_o be_v command_v to_o separate_a from_o rome_n who_o have_v overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n worship_n the_o creature_n instead_o of_o the_o creator_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o separate_a from_o christ_n true_a and_o pure_a church_n and_o god_n worship_n in_o they_o if_o so_o be_v profane_a man_n be_v keep_v in_o they_o it_o be_v a_o senseless_a consequence_n obj._n iii_o their_o three_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la ●_o 11._o but_o now_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o not_o to_o keep_v company_n etc._n etc._n say_v they_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v our_o ordinary_a meat_n with_o wicked_a man_n and_o far_o more_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o they_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sin_n that_o scandalous_a and_o ignorant_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o when_o they_o be_v admit_v partly_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o minister_n and_o partly_o through_o abound_a corruption_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o private_a christian_a be_v to_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o church_n because_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v as_o to_o this_o place_n here_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v true_a every_o tender_a christian_n be_v forbid_v to_o use_v familiar_a society_n with_o fornicator_n but_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o forbid_v as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a at_o all_o time_n to_o eat_v with_o they_o for_o even_o paul_n himself_o eat_v with_o heathen_n act_n 27._o 35._o so_o the_o thing_n here_o forbid_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v not_o use_v intimate_fw-la society_n with_o wicked_a man_n yet_o so_o as_o when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o eschew_v it_o be_v lawful_a both_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o as_o put_v the_o case_n we_o can_v not_o get_v it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o follow_v paul_n practice_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o it_o be_v in_o minister_n power_n to_o hold_v they_o back_o if_o they_o do_v it_o it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o private_a christian_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o debarr_v they_o and_o so_o can_v get_v eat_v with_o they_o eschew_v without_o neglect_v of_o a_o duty_n be_v bind_v to_o separate_a obj._n iu._n their_o four_o objection_n be_v from_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5._o 6_o know_v you_o not_o that_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n scandalous_a man_n infect_v the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v infect_v infect_v the_o worship_n and_o so_o if_o i_o come_v to_o the_o worship_n it_o be_v infect_v to_o i_o and_o i_o do_v sin_n now_o this_o be_v a_o consequence_n far_o from_o paul_n word_n a_o little_a leaven_n say_v he_o leaven_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o cast_v out_o the_o incestous_a man_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v if_o he_o be_v not_o put_v out_o cast_v out_o yourselves_o as_o for_o that_o they_o say_v that_o profane_a man_n infect_v the_o worship_n it_o be_v without_o ground_n it_o be_v true_a profane_a man_n ofttimes_o infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v but_o they_o do_v not_o infect_v the_o worship_n for_o the_o way_n that_o profane_a man_n infect_v these_o among_o who_o they_o live_v be_v not_o physical_a as_o the_o pest_n infect_v every_o thing_n it_o touch_v but_o they_o infect_v by_o their_o evil_a example_n and_o so_o a_o profane_a man_n may_v infect_v another_o man_n but_o by_o his_o evil_a example_n can_v infect_v the_o worship_n because_o the_o worship_n be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o evil_a example_n as_o a_o man_n be_v and_o so_o if_o i_o can_v keep_v myself_o from_o follow_v their_o example_n the_o worship_n be_v pure_a and_o clean_a to_o i_o obj._n v._o their_o last_o objection_n be_v say_v they_o my_o come_n to_o the_o table_n with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o in_o their_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n so_o i_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n &_o say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o better_a for_o i_o to_o withdraw_v we_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o plausible_a argument_n to_o deter_v people_n that_o be_v tender_a but_o when_o try_v it_o will_v be_v find_v weak_a for_o if_o so_o be_v this_o argument_n do_v hold_v for_o separate_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o will_v conclude_v also_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hear_v preach_v with_o they_o for_o our_o hear_n preach_a with_o they_o be_v a_o countenance_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o our_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o and_o the_o wicked_a man_n profane_v the_o holy_a thing_n in_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o and_o by_o this_o it_o shall_v follow_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v be_v pollute_v which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o speak_v by_o his_o preach_v to_o profane_a multitude_n for_o in_o that_o he_o countenance_v they_o therefore_o second_o for_o a_o more_o full_a answer_n we_o say_v worship_v with_o they_o be_v not_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o hold_v they_o out_o but_o not_o otherwise_o thou_o do_v say_v amen_o to_o what_o they_o do_v profess_v that_o they_o be_v serve_v god_n do_v the_o command_v duty_n but_o not_o to_o their_o hypocritical_a way_n in_o do_v of_o it_o do_v christ_n say_v amen_n to_o the_o pharisee_n way_n of_o hear_v although_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o so_o neither_o do_v thou_o but_o as_o be_v already_o say_v thou_o approve_v of_o they_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v the_o command_a duty_n but_o that_o it_o be_v do_v impenitent_o thou_o by_o thy_o join_v in_o the_o worship_n approve_v it_o not_o this_o for_o their_o objection_n iv._o for_o use_v our_o first_o be_v this_o to_o regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o occasion_n give_v to_o this_o error_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v regrate_a that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n profane_a and_o wicked_a and_o that_o people_n walk_v not_o like_o their_o holy_a call_v we_o may_v regrate_a that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o elder_n do_v not_o purge_v out_o scandalous_a person_n do_v not_o labour_v to_o find_v they_o and_o censure_v they_o and_o debarr_v they_o from_o communion_n but_o most_o of_o all_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regret_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v purge_v out_o other_o their_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v purge_v out_o as_o scandalous_a themselves_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n threaten_v to_o rent_n the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o shall_v let_v man_n arise_v among_o ourselves_o under_o pretence_n of_o pious_a strictness_n to_o cast_v at_o our_o worship_n we_o behove_v to_o say_v just_o be_v the_o lord_n although_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v no_o excuse_n but_o a_o fearful_a sin_n to_o they_o who_o by_o their_o carriage_n rent_n and_o undo_v the_o church_n because_o of_o some_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o it_o use_v ii_o the_o second_o use_n be_v that_o you_o will_v not_o think_v all_o alike_o guilty_a that_o may_v incline_v to_o this_o error_n of_o separate_n from_o lawful_a worship_n because_o of_o wicked_a man_n be_v admit_v to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v some_o pious_o strict_a that_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n loath_a at_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o they_o can_v get_v it_o but_o in_o wicked_a man_n company_n and_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n because_o they_o can_v live_v without_o the_o ordinance_n therefore_o they_o incline_v to_o make_v up_o a_o little_o church_n of_o good_a man_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o devil_n take_v advantage_n of_o their_o zeal_n to_o make_v they_o dishonour_n god_n by_o run_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a now_o although_o the_o humour_n of_o such_o shall_v not_o be_v give_v way_n to_o yet_o those_o who_o incline_v this_o way_n from_o a_o desire_n of_o strictness_n be_v much_o to_o be_v pity_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o ringleader_n of_o this_o error_n it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o have_v be_v more_o carry_v on_o by_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o holiness_n than_o any_o true_a love_n to_o holiness_n itself_o it_o have_v be_v usual_o find_v in_o heady_a man_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o rupture_n in_o t●e_v church_n that_o