may_v by_o the_o eye_n which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o that_o end_n 2._o the_o confirmation_n or_o proof_n that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v double_a 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o by_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o sundry_a text_n 1._o this_o in_o hand_n clear_o confirm_v it_o if_o that_o good_a ancient_a rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n be_v receive_v dictorum_fw-la intelligentia_fw-la ex_fw-la causis_fw-la dictorum_fw-la sumenda_fw-la est_fw-la for_o christ_n question_n to_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o peter_n confession_n here_o be_v only_o concern_v the_o faith_n common_a to_o the_o church_n who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o hereupon_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o disciple_n make_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n 13._o quia_fw-la christus_fw-la petra_n petrus_n populus_fw-la christianus_n august_n in_o matth._n de_fw-fr verbis_fw-la domini_fw-la ser._n 13._o christ_n testify_v his_o approbation_n of_o it_o by_o call_v he_o peter_n not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o office_n as_o of_o his_o faith_n thus_o public_o profess_v whence_o also_o visible_a believer_n be_v call_v lively_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o christ_n add_v to_o this_o praise_n of_o peter_n a_o twofold_a promise_n 1._o of_o edify_v and_o stablish_v the_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n 2._o of_o afford_v it_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o end_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o city_n or_o house_n the_o door_n or_o gate_n whereof_o be_v christ_n the_o key_n be_v all_o institute_v mean_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n into_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n visible_o be_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o subordinate_a power_n whereof_o be_v here_o give_v to_o the_o church_n immediate_o the_o second_o text_n be_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n &_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n for_o what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o elder_n assemble_v together_o and_o act_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n for_o no_o such_o assembly_n be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n much_o less_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o they_o for_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o other_o member_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o though_o when_o they_o keep_v the_o rule_n they_o be_v as_o elder_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o congregational-church_n the_o three_o text_n be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o paul_n exhort_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o exercise_v this_o their_o power_n which_o he_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o whereby_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o incestuous_a person_n v._n 5._o and_o be_v to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n v._n 7._o and_o be_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v within_o v._n 12._o and_o to_o put_v away_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o v._n 13._o and_o this_o paul_n call_v a_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o thus_o he_o establish_v their_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o exhort_v they_o upon_o the_o man_n repentance_n to_o turn_v the_o key_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o loose_v he_o from_o the_o former_a censure_n by_o forgive_a he_o in_o a_o legal_a or_o judicial_a sense_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o and_o that_o this_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v a_o mere_a congregational-church_n it_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v no_o large_a than_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o because_o in_o such_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o power_n 1._o efficient_a the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n who_o delegate_v this_o subordinate_a power_n to_o who_o it_o please_v he_o by_o his_o own_o appointment_n 2._o the_o material_a cause_n visible_a believer_n 3._o the_o formal_a cause_n covenant_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o submit_v mutual_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v reclaim_v if_o they_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n or_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a if_o they_o be_v find_v obstinate_a 2._o because_o there_o be_v no_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n from_o whence_o a_o congregational-church_n may_v derive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n when_o other_o be_v remove_v they_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n therefore_o they_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o they_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o 2._o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o therefore_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o synod_n both_o lesser_a and_o large_a be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v their_o be_v from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o send_v they_o to_o they_o to_o borrow_v any_o church-power_n but_o only_o light_v from_o they_o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o therefore_o they_o derive_v no_o church-power_n from_o they_o again_o when_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v dead_a or_o censure_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o obstinacy_n in_o scandalous_a evil_n the_o church_n still_o retain_v its_o power_n to_o choose_v other_o as_o a_o corporation_n have_v its_o full_a power_n still_o though_o the_o magistrate_n be_v dead_a or_o cast_v out_o the_o same_o hold_v in_o church_n in_o island_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n when_o they_o can_v have_v the_o help_n of_o synod_n thus_o we_o prove_v fire_n to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n because_o if_o it_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o water_n or_o wood_n it_o be_v there_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o fire_n and_o when_o they_o be_v remove_v yet_o still_o it_o remain_v in_o fire_n the_o like_a reason_n hold_v in_o this_o as_o you_o see_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o of_o which_o we_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o of_o the_o key_n 3._o because_o all_o the_o act_n do_v immediate_o by_o the_o church_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o bind_v and_o lose_v flow_v from_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o 1._o their_o admit_v member_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o for_o till_o the_o brethren_n be_v satisfy_v and_o approve_v one_o fitness_n he_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 10.47_o 2._o their_o choose_v officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o violate_v in_o add_v deacon_n act._n 6.3_o 5._o and_o ruling-elders_a to_o the_o church_n act._n 14.23_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v much_o more_o concern_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n this_o power_n cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 4._o the_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la metuens_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maximè_fw-la habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divinâ_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 4._o people_n principal_o to_o accept_v or_o refuse_v minister_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o worthy_a or_o unworthy_a 3._o their_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o depute_v some_o choose_v out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n thereunto_o in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n reside_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n in_o general_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n as_o they_o be_v ruler_n be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o yet_o the_o invest_n of_o this_o or_o that_o elect_a person_n with_o this_o office_n &_o authority_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n by_o application_n of_o it_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a rather_o than_o to_o another_o this_o be_v by_o the_o
church_n 2._o ubi_fw-la est_fw-la vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ibi_fw-la esse_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o eligendi_fw-la et_fw-la ordiâ—ndi_fw-la ministros_fw-la melanct._n de_fw-fr potest_fw-la episcop_n arg._n 2._o 4._o their_o expostulate_v with_o any_o member_n in_o case_n of_o suppose_a offence_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whereunto_o peter_n submit_v though_o a_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 11.2_o 3_o 4._o 5._o their_o public_a admonish_a offender_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whether_o they_o be_v offend_v brethren_n or_o offend_a officer_n mat._n 18.18_o col._n 4.17_o let_v he_o hear_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n say_v to_o archippus_n fulfil_v etc._n etc._n 6._o their_o excommunicate_v obstinate_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n whether_o a_o brother_n mat._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o or_o a_o officer_n gal._n 5.12_o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o church_n 7._o their_o receive_n again_o or_o release_n from_o censure_n those_o that_o have_v be_v under_o censure_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o â—ower_n this_o also_o cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o the_o vix_fw-la plebi_fw-la persuadeo_fw-la imò_fw-la extorqueo_fw-la ut_fw-la tale_n patiantur_fw-la admitti_fw-la et_fw-la justior_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la fraternitatis_fw-la dolour_n exeo_fw-la quod_fw-la unus_fw-la atque_fw-la alius_fw-la obnitente_fw-la plebe_fw-la &_o contradicente_fw-la meâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la facilitate_v suscepti_fw-la priores_fw-la extiterunt_fw-la quà m_fw-la priùs_fw-la fuerant_fw-la nec_fw-la fidem_fw-la poenitentiae_fw-la seruare_fw-la potuerunt_fw-la quia_fw-la nec_fw-la cum_fw-la verâ_fw-la poenitentiâ_fw-la venerant_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 3._o people_n or_o fraternity_n who_o though_o they_o glad_o receive_v such_o as_o return_v with_o repentance_n yet_o he_o can_v hardly_o persuade_v they_o yea_o extort_v it_o from_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o in_o who_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n appear_v and_o he_o justify_v they_o herein_o blame_v himself_o for_o too_o much_o facility_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o church_n be_v before_o its_o officer_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n essential_o and_o have_v all_o church-power_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n and_o when_o the_o officer_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o death_n or_o censure_n for_o 1._o as_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n who_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o man_n agree_v to_o he_o though_o he_o want_v some_o bodily_a member_n so_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o socâ—â—_n of_o visible_a believer_n confederate_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o mutual_a submission_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n agree_v to_o it_o though_o it_o want_v officer_n 2._o such_o a_o church_n can_v call_v their_o officer_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o officer_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v before_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o its_o effect_n a_o corporation_n have_v its_o be_v and_o power_n of_o a_o corporation_n within_o itself_o before_o it_o have_v magistrate_n because_o it_o can_v choose_v magistrate_n and_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o put_v out_o can_v put_v other_o into_o their_o stead_n and_o place_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n 2._o corollary_n then_o though_o the_o church_n have_v its_o essential_a be_v and_o power_n without_o officer_n yet_o it_o be_v defective_a two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o member_n it_o have_v not_o its_o complete_a integrity_n of_o member_n without_o they_o bartimeus_n be_v a_o true_a man_n without_o his_o eye_n but_o not_o perfect_a with_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o part_n and_o member_n so_o be_v the_o church_n defective_a and_o maim_v without_o officer_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v defective_a in_o its_o member_n so_o also_o in_o its_o operation_n if_o it_o want_v officer_n for_o some_o ordinance_n can_v be_v at_o all_o administer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o the_o outward_a seal_n or_o sacrament_n which_o be_v annex_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v by_o he_o limit_v unto_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n by_o office_n mat._n 28.19_o and_o some_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o in_o order_v speech_n in_o public_a in_o church-debate_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o like_a can_v be_v do_v without_o ruling-elders_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o official_a watch_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v private_a disorder_n in_o conversation_n among_o the_o member_n 3._o some_o can_v be_v so_o do_v by_o other_o as_o by_z officer_n 1._o not_o with_o that_o attendance_n to_o they_o as_o the_o need_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v he_o that_o have_v a_o office_n be_v bind_v to_o wait_v on_o it_o rom._n 12.7_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o continual_o act._n 6.4_o to_o be_v in_o it_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v free_v by_o the_o church_n from_o other_o distract_n care_v which_o will_v disable_v he_o to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o 2._o not_o with_o authority_n which_o belong_v to_o rule_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o authority_n heb._n 13.17_o so_o in_o other_o act_n which_o be_v proper_o official_a and_o authoritative_a hence_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o officer_n and_o private_a member_n in_o their_o seveâ—â—â—_n manner_n of_o act_v in_o thing_n common_a to_o both_o a_o church_n want_v officer_n may_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o admission_n of_o such_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o membership_n with_o the_o church_n in_o who_o fitness_n thereunto_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v and_o in_o ordain_v officer_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o gather_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o fraternity_n and_o in_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o censure_n but_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v only_o at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n pro_fw-la hâc_fw-la vel_fw-la illâ_fw-la vice_fw-la the_o same_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o teach_v and_o ruling-elders_a in_o another_o manner_n viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n without_o particular_a leave_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o officer_n to_o attend_v unto_o their_o work_n not_o only_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o receive_v into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o the_o church_n approve_v but_o also_o to_o try_v the_o fitness_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o fellowship_n before_o they_o propound_v they_o to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o hold_v in_o officer_n to_o be_v call_v and_o when_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o and_o agree_v to_o ordain_v they_o the_o eldership_n impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o theâ—â—_n office_n when_o offence_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o step_n as_o the_o elder_n do_v propound_v the_o case_n so_o it_o must_v first_o be_v notify_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v try_v whether_o the_o rule_n have_v be_v attend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a step_n and_o that_o they_o may_v clear_v all_o difficulty_n and_o then_o propound_v the_o case_n when_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o public_a cognizance_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o be_v so_o if_o they_o neglect_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n or_o assume_v any_o undue_a power_n to_o themselves_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v may_v complain_v to_o the_o church_n and_o as_o need_n may_v require_v they_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o judge_v and_o in_o the_o close_a to_o propound_v the_o sentence_n wherein_o the_o church_n consent_v and_o they_o concur_v with_o they_o authoritative_o 3._o corollary_n then_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o church-power_n and_o of_o ordinary_a office-power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n and_o officer_n respective_o within_o that_o body_n or_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a memberly_n or_o official_a relation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n can_v act_v in_o admit_v the_o member_n choose_v the_o officer_n nor_o censure_a offender_n of_o another_o church_n nor_o may_v the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n administer_v the_o seal_n or_o ordain_v officer_n or_o perform_v other_o proper_a act_n of_o official_a authority_n out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n in_o another_o
of_o power_n under_o christ_n to_o manage_v the_o same_o within_o themselves_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n intend_v to_o establish_v by_o this_o promise_n the_o complete_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o such_o a_o church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o itâ—_n officer_n be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 18.18_o where_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v give_v by_o name_n to_o such_o a_o church_n the_o word_n therefore_o in_o sum_n hold_v forth_o a_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n of_o a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v thus_o evince_v the_o censure_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v with_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n the_o proposition_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v pass_v without_o opposition_n but_o i_o find_v this_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o obj._n the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n or_o court_n proceed_v right_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v appeal_v from_o it_o why_o will_v not_o the_o same_o hold_n in_o church-censure_n also_o answ_n 1._o because_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o civil_a court_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o spiritual_a bind_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v 2._o because_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o the_o reason_n why_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o inferior_a civil_a court_n and_o judge_n be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o there_o prosecute_v and_o thereby_o determine_v as_o the_o inferior_a court_n in_o israel_n stand_v under_o the_o high_a synedrion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o supreme_a court_n ordain_v by_o christ_n over_o particular_a church_n the_o assumption_n that_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n be_v express_o in_o the_o text_n as_o it_o have_v be_v expound_v true_o say_v some_o what_o a_o particular_a church_n bind_v on_o earth_n cleave_v non_fw-la errante_fw-la be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o judgement_n therefore_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v and_o then_o their_o bind_a power_n be_v go_v answ_n 1._o if_o possibility_n of_o err_v in_o judgement_n be_v a_o warrantable_a ground_n of_o appeal_n from_o particular_a church_n then_o the_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v to_o such_o a_o tribunal_n and_o judge_n as_o can_v err_v which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o heaven_n 2._o on_o this_o ground_n the_o universal_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o general_a council_n much_o more_o inferior_a synod_n and_o class_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v without_o appeal_n for_o a_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v not_o seldom_o but_o often_o not_o in_o small_a matter_n only_o but_o in_o those_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n yea_o they_o may_v be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o err_v as_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n corrupt_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v more_o eye_n &_o plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la i_o answer_v true_a caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la viz._n if_o they_o be_v equal_o near_o the_o mark_n but_o their_o sight_n be_v hinder_v more_o than_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o their_o proper_a concernment_n as_o they_o be_v further_o from_o the_o mark_n in_o such_o case_n than_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o full_a power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o classical_a national_a not_o ecumenical_a assembly_n have_v any_o such_o power_n for_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v also_o 3._o christ_n who_o well_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o what_o be_v best_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o particular_a church_n notwithstanding_o their_o possibility_n of_o err_a a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o judgement_n in_o their_o own_o matter_n within_o themselves_o the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n conclu_n 7._o conclu_n be_v complete_v with_o officer_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n within_o itself_o complete_a subordinate_a church-power_n in_o all_o church-affair_n proper_a to_o itself_o when_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o have_v complete_a or_o sufficient_a church-power_n thereby_o i_o mean_v 1._o that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n to_o supply_v unto_o it_o any_o power_n that_o it_o want_v in_o its_o own_o matter_n and_o 2._o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o subjection_n under_o any_o other_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a so_o as_o that_o thereby_o the_o judicial_a act_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v hinder_v or_o make_v void_a in_o a_o word_n potestas_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la in_fw-la re_fw-la propria_fw-la summa_fw-la est_fw-la the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v chief_a in_o thing_n proper_a to_o itself_o 2._o i_o add_v that_o this_o chiefty_a of_o power_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v subordinate_a to_o show_v that_o the_o absolute_a supremacy_n of_o power_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v only_o delegated_a from_o christ_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o its_o officer_n the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v perfect_o monarchical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o elder_n act_v their_o authoririty_n or_o office-power_n it_o be_v aristocratical_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fraternity_n act_v its_o chuch-power_n in_o judgement_n it_o be_v democratical_a and_o in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o member_n both_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n it_o be_v aristocratico-democratical_a above_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o set_v any_o high_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a on_o earth_n subject_v particular_a church_n thereunto_o in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la a_o clear_a proof_n of_o such_o power_n as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v describe_v you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5_o 15_a say_v not_o as_o some_o do_v that_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a power_n in_o that_o church_n but_o of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o decree_v it_o and_o judge_v he_o before_o and_o commit_v no_o more_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o 5.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 5.3_o though_o paul_n as_o a_o apostle_n judge_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v yet_o he_o so_o judge_v only_o dogmatical_o by_o teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n not_o judicial_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o accordingly_z the_o church_n cast_v he_o out_o by_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n of_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o though_o in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n deliver_v by_o paul_n for_o 1._o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o and_o that_o be_v the_o high_a power_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 5._o which_o argue_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o power_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o on_o earth_n 3._o when_o god_n bless_v this_o sentence_n by_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o work_v repentance_n in_o he_o paul_n exhort_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6-10_a and_o do_v not_o claim_v the_o power_n over_o they_o of_o a_o superior_a judge_n to_o absolve_v he_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n without_o they_o nor_o do_v he_o write_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a church_n but_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n both_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o thereby_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n to_o be_v so_o full_o in_o they_o that_o as_o their_o not_o put_v it_o into_o act_n retard_v the_o sentence_n before_o
that_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a for_o their_o eternal_a good_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n when_o the_o sentence_n proceed_v either_o according_a to_o the_o eighteen_o of_o matthew_n upon_o their_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n in_o less_o heinous_a offence_n or_o according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o rev._n 22.15_o upon_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o against_o common_a light_n to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v they_o in_o due_a time_n 1_o pet._n 5.6_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o he_o to_o add_v efficacy_n to_o his_o ordinance_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v due_o and_o true_o humble_v their_o corruption_n powerful_o mortify_v and_o their_o soul_n eternal_o save_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o take_v not_o part_n with_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o ordinance_n but_o take_v part_n with_o the_o ordinance_n against_o your_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o your_o honour_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o exalt_v his_o rule_n and_o let_v other_o learn_v hereby_o to_o fear_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n but_o persist_v obstinate_o in_o sin_n 2._o corollary_n then_o a_o congregational_a church_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n this_o be_v reveal_v to_o john_n as_o that_o frame_n of_o church-government_n which_o shall_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o see_v a_o throne_n set_v in_o heaven_n the_o trinity_n sit_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n between_o it_o and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n who_o sit_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n rev._n 4.1_o 9_o thither_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o ordinance_n by_o a_o offend_a brother_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n or_o by_o any_o member_n that_o find_v himself_o over-rigorous_o dealâ—_n with_o by_o his_o brethren_n in_o these_o step_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o that_o there_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o christ_n if_o the_o church_n want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o consent_n for_o the_o sentence_n they_o be_v to_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o by_o their_o light_n and_o counsel_n but_o still_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o censure_n entire_o in_o the_o church_n where_o christ_n have_v place_v it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o chief_a tribunal_n in_o the_o exerciâ—â—_n of_o church-government_n unto_o which_o appeal_n must_v be_v last_o make_v juridical_o and_o from_o which_o no_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o expect_v 2._o that_o this_o chief_a tribunal_n must_v have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n above_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v judial_o censure_v by_o any_o power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n all_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v the_o chief_a tribunal_n that_o say_v some_o must_v be_v the_o class_n under_o which_o such_o church_n stand_v and_o the_o synod_n under_o which_o the_o class_n be_v subordinate_a and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n may_v be_v remove_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o say_v can_v be_v do_v if_o you_o put_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n for_o what_o if_o a_o elder_a what_o if_o the_o whole_a edership_n yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n offend_v the_o church_n can_v censure_v their_o elder_n for_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o to_o judge_v their_o judge_n nor_o will_v they_o censure_v themselves_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n of_o many_o elder_n may_v and_o will_v reform_v all_o by_o judicial_o censure_v all_o answ_n 1._o this_o argument_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_n or_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o matth._n 18._o be_v â—â—t_n for_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n but_o of_o such_o private_a and_o less_o heinous_a offence_n as_o grow_v public_a and_o notorious_a only_o by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n for_o if_o offence_n be_v public_a and_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_a church_n to_o proceed_v by_o those_o step_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rev._n 22.15_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o make_v the_o people_n ruler_n of_o their_o ruler_n or_o judge_n of_o their_o judge_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n over_o they_o in_o case_n of_o delinquency_n for_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a rule_n or_o authority_n but_o of_o the_o high_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o may_v well_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o their_o privilege_n without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o authority_n of_o elder_n wherein_o as_o officer_n they_o be_v above_o the_o brethren_n whilst_o they_o act_v according_a to_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o become_v delinquent_n then_o as_o member_n they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n must_v submit_v to_o they_o as_o ruler_n while_o they_o right_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n in_o preach_v administer_a the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o censure_n order_v speech_n and_o silence_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o other_o official_a act_n but_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o church_n question_v or_o proceed_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o good_a advice_n of_o neighbour-churche_n and_o elder_n who_o as_o they_o concur_v in_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o their_o ordination_n so_o they_o shall_v concur_v in_o approve_v this_o censure_n as_o just_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n from_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o mayor_n in_o a_o free_a city_n or_o corporation_n be_v in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o his_o office_n above_o the_o court_n none_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o act_n peculiar_a to_o his_o place_n yet_o if_o he_o corrupt_v the_o people_n pervert_v justice_n or_o be_v any_o way_n gross_o and_o scandalous_o delinquent_a the_o court_n can_v censure_v and_o despose_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o any_o member_n to_o preserve_v its_o purity_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n against_o any_o in_o the_o body_n that_o will_v corrupt_v disturb_v or_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o the_o covenant_n bind_v every_o member_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a either_o to_o be_v reform_v or_o remove_v from_o communion_n of_o it_o thereby_o 3._o their_o plaster_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o heal_v the_o sore_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v either_o too_o broad_a when_o offence_n of_o brethren_n may_v be_v heal_v by_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o or_o it_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o 1._o those_o assembly_n be_v too_o seldom_o and_o can_v sit_v together_o long_o enough_o to_o remove_v the_o many_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o frequent_o in_o church_n 2._o non_fw-fr can_v they_o excommunicate_v a_o church_n nor_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o warrant_n from_o christ_n 3._o class_n and_o synod_n and_o general_a council_n may_v be_v under_o just_a offence_n as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o 4._o this_o plaster_n hinder_v the_o heal_n of_o the_o sore_n of_o church_n for_o pronunciatum_fw-la appellatio_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la prima_fw-la sententia_fw-la tantisper_fw-la extinguitur_fw-la donec_fw-la de_fw-la causae_fw-la cognition_n ad_fw-la superiorem_fw-la devolutâ_fw-la fuerit_fw-la pronunciatum_fw-la if_o a_o delinquent_n dislike_a the_o church_n proceed_v appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o national_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n which_o may_v not_o assemble_v in_o a_o age_n while_o the_o appeal_n depend_v he_o shall_v stand_v as_o uncensured_a for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o appeal_n now_o how_o can_v that_o heal_v which_o be_v cross_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a wise_a physician_n he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_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 &_o publican_n but_o he_o who_o appeal_v from_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n therefore_o he_o that_o so_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n which_o this_o tradition_n of_o appeal_n from_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la
to_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n contradict_v and_o so_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o high_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o itself_o 3._o corollary_n then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la will_v well_o consist_v with_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o both_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n ordinance_n do_v not_o interfere_v as_o the_o communion_n of_o neighbour-family_n do_v not_o cross_v the_o complete_a government_n of_o several_a family_n within_o themselves_o respective_o in_o thing_n proper_o domestical_a and_o as_o communion_n among_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n hinder_v not_o the_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o each_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n within_o itself_o in_o its_o proper_a concernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n therefore_o church-communion_n must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a association_n for_o mutual_a helpfulness_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o not_o in_o way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n whether_o of_o another_o church_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o several_a church_n assemble_v in_o class_n or_o synod_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o former_a way_n be_v exercise_v according_a to_o rule_n in_o sundry_a case_n as_o 1._o in_o mutual_a care_n 2._o in_o recommendation_n of_o member_n 3._o in_o participation_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o 4._o in_o relieve_v and_o succour_v one_o another_o 5._o in_o countenance_v by_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o a_o church_n in_o its_o first_o gather_v and_o unto_o elder_n at_o their_o ordination_n 6._o in_o consult_v one_o with_o another_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o require_v the_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n 16._o see_v these_o particular_n prove_v in_o the_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n published-by_a the_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n anno._n 1649._o the_o eight_o month_n chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v than_o ourselves_o 7._o in_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n all_o these_o and_o if_o withdraw_a fellowship_n upon_o just_a cause_n be_v add_v to_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o apostle_n may_v do_v to_o another_o without_o exercise_v church-government_n over_o they_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n to_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la the_o scripture_n no_o where_o approve_v not_o of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o church_n and_o par_fw-fr in_o parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la nor_o of_o one_o church_n to_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a neighbour-churche_n the_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o pattern_n they_o say_v of_o such_o a_o synod_n let_v we_o see_v how_o their_o classical_a assembly_n answer_v it_o 1._o that_o be_v no_o set_a meeting_n monthly_a or_o quarterly_a but_o mere_o occasional_a act._n 15.1_o 2._o 2._o if_o be_v not_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o assemble_v verse_n 22_o 23._o 3._o it_o be_v but_o a_o meeting_n of_o two_o church_n that_o of_o antioch_n send_v their_o messenger_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n who_o residence_n for_o the_o present_a be_v there_o join_v with_o they_o verse_n 4_o 6._o 4._o that_o assembly_n give_v their_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o antioch_n &_o of_o the_o person_n that_o teach_v it_o as_o troublesome_a and_o subverter_n verse_n 24._o but_o do_v neither_o excommunicate_v they_o nor_o command_v the_o church_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 5._o they_o direct_v and_o charge_v the_o church_n from_o the_o word_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v verse_n 28_o 29._o but_o they_o do_v not_o do_v their_o act_n of_o power_n for_o they_o 6._o nor_o do_v this_o assembly_n exercise_v church-government_n over_o that_o church_n at_o antioch_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n or_o in_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n or_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n or_o in_o excommunicate_v or_o in_o reverse_v or_o nullify_n the_o censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o church_n for_o these_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la to_o every_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o yet_o because_o i_o study_v peace_n and_o consent_n with_o godly_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o truth_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n right_o gather_v and_o order_v have_v so_o much_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o in_o these_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n for_o in_o scripture_n be_v willing_a also_o to_o yield_v further_o if_o it_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o more_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o there_o be_v two_o case_n wherein_o the_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n and_o determination_n of_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n 1._o when_o they_o want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o competent_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o themselves_o approve_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o attainment_n of_o their_o end_n in_o seek_v light_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n agree_v to_o send_v to_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n though_o two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o have_v sufficient_a light_n within_o themselves_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o convict_o from_o scripture_n the_o elder_n and_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o brethren_n by_o far_o consent_v therein_o no_o rule_n require_v or_o allow_v that_o for_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o a_o delinquent_n who_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n or_o of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n who_o side_n with_o he_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o censure_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o proceed_v till_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n have_v be_v consult_v for_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v 1._o it_o will_v disturb_v all_o church-proceeding_n 2._o and_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la it_o must_v issue_v there_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n if_o as_o many_o elder_n in_o that_o assembly_n dissent_n as_o brethren_n do_v before_o in_o the_o church-meeting_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v gain_v thereby_o and_o if_o the_o delinquent_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o issue_n and_o so_o appeal_n may_v be_v draw_v further_o till_o a_o delinquent_n wrest_v himself_o at_o last_o from_o all_o power_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o case_n be_v when_o that_o which_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la in_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o consider_v become_v res_fw-la communis_fw-la in_o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o proceed_v for_o though_o receive_v of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v act_n of_o the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o never_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o establish_v by_o that_o grant_n a_o absolute_a power_n in_o such_o church_n to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o other_o church_n if_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o a_o right_a seed_n shall_v turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n unto_o god_n and_o become_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a or_o scandalous_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n know_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o choose_v such_o into_o office_n and_o refuse_v to_o admit_v into_o fellowship_n or_o office_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o fellowship_n such_o as_o testify_v according_a to_o rule_n against_o these_o evil_n and_o refuse_v to_o consent_v with_o they_o therein_o etc._n etc._n the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n or_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n if_o the_o evil_n spread_v to_o the_o disturb_v corrupt_a or_o scandalize_a
forth_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o be_v receive_v though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v former_o scandalous_a yet_o now_o hold_v forth_o repentance_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v 1_o cor._n 6.11_o and_o though_o some_o be_v at_o present_a weak_a in_o faith_n yet_o if_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v they_o the_o church_n must_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 3._o for_o christ_n approve_v this_o confession_n of_o peter_n though_o he_o be_v at_o present_a but_o weak_a in_o faith_n as_o the_o follow_a story_n in_o this_o chapter_n v._o 22_o 23._o clear_o show_v 6._o that_o none_o but_o such_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n for_o this_o chapter_n limit_n the_o church_n to_o accept_v only_o such_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n i_o e._n christ_n believe_v on_o and_o public_o confess_v a_o mere_a verbal_a confession_n be_v not_o that_o rock_n for_o the_o devil_n make_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o build_v on_o he_o luke_n 4.34_o but_o this_o confession_n of_o peter_n be_v such_o as_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o christ_n threefold_a elegy_n or_o praise_v of_o it_o 1._o from_o its_o effect_n bless_a be_v thou_o &c_n &c_n as_o joh._n 17.3_o 2._o from_o the_o procreant_a cause_n of_o it_o not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o my_o father_n have_v reveal_v it_o as_o mat._n 11.25_o 26._o 3._o from_o the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o peter_n before_o promise_v john_n 1.42_o and_o now_o confirm_v to_o he_o signify_v a_o stone_n whereby_o christ_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v his_o faith_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thereby_o a_o live_a stone_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v a_o principal_a place_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n in_o which_o sense_n peter_n appli_v a_o like_a title_n to_o other_o believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o who_o yet_o be_v inferior_a in_o degree_n to_o himself_o but_o also_o give_v he_o this_o prerogative_n and_o honour_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n act._n 2._o and_o the_o gentile_n act._n 15.7_o the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o two_o argument_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o the_o name_n whereby_o he_o call_v this_o holy_a society_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n i._n e._n a_o company_n call_v out_o whence_o see_v joh._n 15.19_o to_o what_o see_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o how_o not_o only_o by_o active_a vocation_n by_o man_n ministry_n exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v so_o sundry_a be_v call_v who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o wrought_v upon_o to_o answer_v that_o call_n but_o put_v it_o off_o as_o they_o who_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o great_a supper_n luk._n 14.18_o with_o excuse_n such_o be_v call_v but_o no_o church_n therefore_o more_o be_v require_v to_o qualify_v for_o membership_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n viz._n passive_a vocation_n whereby_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o answer_v god_n call_v by_o submission_n thereunto_o at_o least_o in_o outward_a profession_n though_o some_o do_v it_o but_o feined_o ps_n 18.44_o saint_n by_o internal_a and_o invisible_a call_n be_v such_o as_o answer_v god_n call_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o saint_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a call_n be_v subdue_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o word_n in_o visible_a profession_n thus_o all_o that_o be_v call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n have_v so_o much_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o that_o they_o all_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n and_o labour_v in_o it_o though_o not_o with_o like_a sincerity_n mat._n 20._o according_a to_o this_o clause_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v for_o the_o material_n of_o they_o else_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v give_v both_o the_o 1.2_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o eph._n 1.2_o member_n and_o 3.15_o and_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o &_o 6.16_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o church_n such_o high_a title_n as_o they_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o by_o these_o title_n describe_v the_o invisible_a church_n only_o but_o visible_a church_n for_o to_o such_o paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v apply_v in_o other_o text_n manifest_o to_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v these_o title_n describe_v particular_a church_n only_o according_a to_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o member_n but_o such_o they_o do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_n charity_n conceive_v all_o their_o member_n to_o be_v as_o paul_n tell_v the_o philippian_n phil._n 1.6_o 7._o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o membership_n with_o they_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o conclusion_n note_v by_o we_o reas_n 2_o from_o christ_n appropriate_v such_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o himself_o own_v it_o for_o his_o my_o church_n q._n d._n i_o own_o any_o church_n thus_o build_v by_o myself_o to_o be_v my_o church_n according_a to_o that_o in_o act._n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o lord_n add_v they_o how_o not_o only_o by_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n and_o so_o add_v they_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o also_o by_o his_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n before_o they_o and_o by_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d brethren_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o visible_a â—munion_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n as_o appear_v v._o 41_o 42._o thus_o he_o add_v they_o daily_o to_o the_o church_n which_o clear_v it_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o therefore_o presidential_a to_o the_o church_n in_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n they_o who_o be_v thus_o add_v be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v they_o be_v such_o either_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v fallible_a the_o church_n look_v at_o they_o according_a to_o their_o fruit_n viz._n their_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o christian_a conversation_n observe_v so_o much_o in_o both_o that_o they_o see_v reason_n in_o charity_n guide_v by_o rule_n to_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n such_o be_v the_o three_o thousand_o speak_v of_o in_o v._o 41._o as_o appear_v by_o their_o affectionate_a and_o submissive_a inquire_v of_o the_o apostle_n who_o they_o mock_v before_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n v._o 37._o and_o afterward_o by_o their_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n both_o of_o promise_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n with_o faith_n and_o of_o precept_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o froward_a generation_n with_o obedience_n true_a it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o one_o day_n make_v so_o large_a account_n of_o god_n work_n upon_o they_o as_o be_v common_o hold_v forth_o in_o our_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o effect_v too_o large_a narration_n but_o wish_v such_o passage_n as_o be_v superfluous_a leave_v out_o and_o at_o that_o time_n less_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v express_v than_o necessity_n call_v for_o among_o we_o ordinary_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o more_o quick_a spiritual_a discern_a than_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o church_n have_v and_o concern_v the_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o offering_n themselves_o to_o church-fellowship_n visible_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o such_o visible_a confession_n of_o christ_n be_v with_o manifest_a hazard_n to_o their_o life_n give_v good_a ground_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o conceive_v charitable_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o these_o place_n and_o time_n where_o church-fellowship_n be_v a_o honour_n and_o draw_v after_o it_o sundry_a outward_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v as_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n concern_v their_o good_a conversation_n so_o by_o their_o hold_v forth_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n both_o quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la creditur_fw-la of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o how_o it_o work_v in_o they_o as_o mr._n rogers_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o faith_n say_v it_o may_v be_v know_v of_o
say_v salute_v they_o of_o such_o a_o house_n who_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v a_o exemplary_a family_n and_o a_o seminary_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o power_n as_o this_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n 2._o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n heb_fw-mi 12.23_o but_o that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n on_o earth_n to_o worship_n god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v here_o 3._o most_o common_o it_o signify_v a_o congregational_a church_n or_o a_o holy_a society_n join_v together_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o law_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n and_o so_o sometime_o it_o signify_v a_o definite_a particular_a congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n as_o that_o at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 20._o and_o 14.23_o and_o in_o that_o acceptation_n it_o note_n sometime_o the_o brethren_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o elder_n act._n 15.22_o sometime_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v together_o as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 11.20_o but_o never_o the_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n but_o in_o this_o place_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o particular_a definite_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a christian_a church_n build_v by_o christ_n more_o or_o rather_o than_o other_o it_o remain_v that_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n here_o in_o a_o indefinite_a sense_n and_o so_o the_o word_n church_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o paul_n say_v he_o persecute_v the_o church_n phil._n 3.6_o not_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n only_o or_o damascus_n but_o all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n gal._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n call_v every_o christian_a congregational_a church_n thus_o build_v his_o church_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v this_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v collect_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o quantity_n and_o compass_n congregational_a concl._n 4_o this_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n 1._o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n clear_o show_v that_o they_o so_o understand_v this_o branch_n of_o the_o church-charter_n and_o therefore_o they_o speak_v of_o christian-churche_n as_o several_a and_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.33_o yea_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o country_n as_o galatia_n gal_n 1.2_o judea_n v._o 22._o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8.1_o yea_o in_o corinth_n where_o god_n have_v much_o people_n act._n 18.10_o yet_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o though_o cenchrea_n be_v a_o port_n near_o unto_o corinth_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o church_n distinct_a from_o corinth_n rom._n 16.1_o the_o church_n also_o in_o jerusalem_n though_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v there_o than_o we_o read_v of_o in_o other_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n act._n 2.41_o 44_o 47._o and_o 6.2_o 15._o the_o same_o hold_v concern_v other_o great_a city_n the_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v congregational_a and_o if_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n grow_v too_o great_a for_o one_o congregation_n doubtless_o more_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o case_n &_o if_o several_a part_n of_o the_o church_n meet_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n now_o and_o then_o here_o and_o there_o as_o they_o may_v yet_o they_o continue_v one_o congregation_n have_v the_o same_o officer_n in_o common_a for_o any_o thing_n appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_n now_o let_v we_o see_v why_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v be_v congregational_a reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o end_n of_o church-fellowship_n which_o be_v mutual_a edification_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v institute_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v unto_o edification_n 1._o cor._n 14.26_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v attain_v unless_o they_o so_o meet_v together_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v v._o 13_o hence_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v not_o to_o forsake_v their_o assemble_v together_o heb._n 10.25_o which_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.42_o 44._o therefore_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v feed_v together_o act._n 20.28_o and_o to_o a_o house_n or_o family_n the_o member_n whereof_o enjoy_v the_o same_o family-priviledge_n in_o common_a under_o the_o same_o family-order_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v from_o their_o duty_n to_o take_v up_o offence_n among_o brethren_n which_o can_v be_v end_v private_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o which_o impli_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n must_v consist_v of_o more_o than_o two_o or_o three_o for_o though_o two_o or_o three_o may_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinancy_n withdraw_v from_o a_o convict_a delinquent_n and_o though_o two_o or_o three_o pray_v together_o may_v expect_v the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n as_o v._o 19_o 20._o upon_o their_o admonition_n yet_o two_o or_o three_o can_v issue_v the_o matter_n complete_o in_o way_n of_o church-censure_n but_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a number_n again_o how_o can_v two_o or_o three_o choose_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o officer_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v describe_v by_o four_o live_a creature_n in_o rev._n 4.6_o 7._o viz._n pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_a and_o deacon_n 2._o that_o they_o must_v not_o exceed_v the_o quantity_n and_o compass_n of_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o church_n must_v meet_v ordinary_o together_o with_o their_o officer_n for_o these_o purpose_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v officer_n as_o deacon_n act._n 6.2_o 3_o 5._o elder_n act._n 14.23_o to_o receive_v and_o admit_v member_n act._n 9.26_o for_o prophesy_v 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o seal_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o and_o for_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o and_o to_o release_v from_o censure_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o conâ—â—ctaries_n be_v these_o coral_n 1_o then_o the_o congregational_a frame_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o humane_a invention_n or_o constitution_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o parish_n frame_n as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o join_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n within_o such_o a_o praecinct_n into_o one_o church_n enjoin_v they_o all_o to_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o at_o easter_n be_v mere_o humane_a not_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o golden_a reed_n which_o be_v the_o church-measure_n but_o by_o the_o court-measure_n rev._n 11.1_o 2._o but_o that_o member_n so_o qualify_v as_o christ_n require_v and_o so_o confederate_v shall_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o golden_a reed_n whereby_o the_o city_n and_o gate_n and_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new-jerusalem_n be_v measure_v rev._n 21.15_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o few_o as_o to_o cut_v off_o church-jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o nor_o so_o many_o but_o that_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o of_o their_o fellowship_n within_o themselves_o coral_n 2_o then_o when_o a_o people_n grow_v to_o be_v so_o numerous_a in_o any_o church_n that_o they_o can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o to_o church-end_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v into_o sundry_a congregational_a church_n for_o though_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n because_o they_o may_v stand_v in_o so_o large_a a_o place_n together_o and_o see_v the_o sacrifice_n burn_v yet_o that_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o such_o multitude_n shall_v be_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n where_o more_o communion_n be_v require_v then_o in_o see_v some_o one_o ordinance_n
do_v not_o note_v distinct_a species_n or_o kind_n of_o church_n but_o be_v only_o several_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o be_v call_v invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o invisible_a union_n which_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n and_o visible_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v visible_a to_o man_n but_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o sense_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n 1._o not_o as_o invisible_a for_o that_o be_v not_o build_v by_o a_o visible_a profession_n such_o as_o peter_n be_v nor_o be_v the_o ordinance_n dispense_v or_o administer_v visible_o in_o it_o to_z or_o by_o man_n in_o visible_a fellowship_n add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o key_n here_o give_v to_o peter_n can_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n even_o the_o same_o person_n to_o who_o they_o have_v open_v the_o door_n before_o which_o can_v befall_v believer_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o not_o as_o visible_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o visible_a as_o a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n that_o be_v visible_a be_v not_o catholic_n though_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v visible_a in_o its_o singular_a member_n yet_o so_o they_o be_v not_o a_o church_n or_o though_o it_o may_v be_v visible_a in_o particular_a congregation_n 56_o see_v mr._n cott._n defence_n of_o the_o way_n of_o congreg_n church_n par_fw-fr 2._o p._n 56_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v catholic_n or_o though_o all_o of_o they_o if_o they_o can_v meet_v together_o may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n church_n or_o general_a assembly_n yet_o so_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n i._n e._n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o such_o assembly_n 15._o see_v mr._n hooker_n '_o â—_o survey_v part_v 1._o ch_z 14_o &_o 15._o if_o possible_a be_v extraordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a assembly_n be_v not_o fit_a judicatory_n to_o hear_v and_o censure_v ordinary_a offence_n or_o to_o administer_v the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church-power_n 2._o if_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n be_v consider_v as_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la which_o be_v such_o a_o whole_a as_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o aggregation_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o army_n be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o several_a regiment_n and_o troop_n or_o a_o kingdom_n of_o all_o the_o city_n and_o county_n within_o it_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n i._n e._n of_o all_o church-power_n for_o 1._o particular_a church_n be_v the_o member_n which_o give_v the_o essential_a cause_n whence_o the_o integrity_n of_o this_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o and_o therefore_o in_o nature_n before_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o its_o effect_n 2._o church-officer_n with_o their_o office_n be_v set_v ordinary_o by_o christ_n institution_n only_o in_o such_o a_o church_n where_o they_o be_v call_v the_o choose_a but_o that_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o for_o that_o choice_n and_o calling_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o relation_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o of_o the_o rule_v mutual_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o heb._n 13.17_o 3._o if_o a_o catholic_n integral_n church_n arise_v from_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o member_n of_o it_o join_v together_o than_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_a from_o they_o all_o as_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o its_o several_a member_n than_o also_o there_o must_v be_v some_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n and_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o there_o be_v a_o general_n over_o a_o army_n beside_o the_o captain_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o several_a regiment_n and_o a_o supreme_a monarch_n in_o a_o kingdom_n beside_o the_o governor_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o county_n but_o no_o such_o catholick-church_n distinct_a from_o all_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v show_v nor_o officer_n or_o act_n of_o it_o beside_o those_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o particular_a church_n 4._o diocesan_a bishop_n look_v at_o these_o word_n as_o give_v the_o key_n to_o they_o as_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n whence_o they_o assume_v the_o power_n of_o ordinathon_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o belong_v to_o they_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la a_o claim_n which_o king_n james_n whether_o out_o of_o his_o policy_n which_o he_o call_v his_o kingcraft_n or_o out_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o pretend_v in_o his_o time_n nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n as_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o sundry_a witness_n against_o that_o usurpation_n we_o read_v of_o bishop_n in_o the_o new-testament_n but_o what_o not_o one_o bishop_n over_o many_o church_n but_o many_o bishop_n over_o one_o church_n not_o diocesan_n but_o congregational_a bishop_n phil._n 1.1_o those_o who_o luke_n call_v elder_n in_o act._n 20.17_o paul_n call_v bishop_n in_o v._o 28._o the_o bishop_n which_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v christ_n ordinance_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v congregational_a elder_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 1-8_a tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o all_o the_o teaching-elders_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow-elders_a coequal_a in_o authority_n above_o who_o paul_n acknowledge_v no_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o set_v these_o above_o all_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 3._o euseb_n eccles_n hist_o l._n 6._o c._n 43._o cypr._n ep._n l._n 3._o ep._n 10_o &_o l._n 1._o ep_v 3._o and_o when_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o of_o the_o pastor_n be_v call_v bishop_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n for_o order_n sake_n yet_o for_o many_o year_n he_o do_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_z 1._o with_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2._o with_o consent_n galat._n dr._n cudw_n on_o the_o postscript_n to_o galat._n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n what_o be_v plead_v from_o titus_n his_o ordain_v tit._n 1.5_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n for_o he_o do_v it_o as_o a_o evangelist_n not_o as_o a_o diocesan_n prelate_n and_o the_o office_n of_o evangelist_n together_o with_o the_o apostle_n cease_v the_o postscript_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o of_o that_o to_o titus_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretan_n be_v apocryphal_a as_o the_o rest_n be_v and_o the_o first_o consist_v not_o with_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o where_o timothy_n be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o not_o tie_v to_o personal_a residence_n to_o abide_v in_o one_o place_n as_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v but_o the_o evangelist_n be_v to_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o set_v thing_n in_o order_n and_o confirm_v the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o titus_n nor_o be_v the_o postscript_n of_o that_o epistle_n of_o more_o credit_n than_o the_o former_a where_o the_o scribe_n say_v it_o be_v write_v from_o nicopolis_n hiperius_fw-la just_o dislike_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o opinion_n in_o the_o scribe_n which_o he_o say_v be_v from_o tit._n 3.12_o because_o paul_n bid_v titus_n come_v to_o he_o to_o nicopolis_n for_o he_o determine_v to_o winter_n there_o whereas_o if_o he_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n he_o will_v have_v say_v i_o purpose_v to_o winter_n here_o not_o there_o as_o beza_n note_v 5._o other_o conclude_v from_o this_o text_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n i_o e._n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o church-officer_n only_o especial_o to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o that_o such_o only_a or_o principal_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o grant_n they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o five_o reason_n especial_o we_o will_v examine_v they_o several_o and_o brief_o 1._o reas_n because_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o steward_n by_o office_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o isa_n 22.12_o answ_n 1._o the_o three_o former_a text_n speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n office_n and_o in_o they_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n not_o of_o ruling-elders_a but_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o ruling-elders_a to_o have_v a_o key_n of_o office_n also_o the_o last_o text_n prove_v only_o that_o the_o key_n sometime_o signify_v office-power_n give_v to_o a_o steward_n which_o none_o deny_v but_o this_o touch_v not_o this_o text_n mat._n 16._o which_o mean_v not_o only_a
key_n in_o a_o large-sense_n the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o censure_n these_o the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v by_o open_v and_o shut_v 1._o they_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n subordinate_o when_o they_o admit_v only_o such_o and_o all_o such_o to_o fellowship_n who_o christ_n receive_v rom._n 14.1_o 3._o 2._o the_o door_n of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n they_o do_v open_a in_o the_o church_n subordinate_o when_o they_o elect_v and_o ordain_v such_o unto_o office_n as_o christ_n have_v prepare_v and_o call_v thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 1-14_a and_o then_o only_o to_o such_o office_n as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v only_o four_o rev._n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o for_o widow_n be_v include_v in_o deacon_n these_o be_v reduce_v to_o two_o general_a head_n in_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o so_o be_v their_o function_n in_o rom._n 12.6_o 7._o and_o yield_v unto_o they_o all_o and_o only_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v annex_v to_o their_o office_n and_o particular_o unto_o teach_v and_o rule_v officer_n that_o subjection_n and_o honour_n which_o the_o word_n call_v for_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o 3._o they_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bind_v man_n from_o church_n ordinance_n and_o privilege_n 1._o by_o not_o admit_v those_o to_o church-fellowship_n against_o who_o they_o have_v just_a exception_n act._n 9.26_o 2._o by_o judge_v and_o censure_v scandlaous_a member_n whether_o brethren_n or_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n rule_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o and_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3._o by_o hold_v they_o under_o censure_n without_o release_n till_o their_o repentance_n be_v to_o satisfaction_n according_a to_o christ_n rule_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o 4._o what_o the_o order_n be_v wherein_o christ_n will_v have_v these_o church-affair_n to_o be_v act_v the_o order_n be_v this_o first_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o one_o another_o and_o their_o fitness_n for_o church-fellowship_n and_o thereupon_o confederate_v together_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o mutual_a watchfulness_n and_o submission_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n become_v a_o congregational-church_n they_o have_v now_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n 2._o be_v such_o they_o must_v look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o for_o such_o officer_n as_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n these_o they_o must_v choose_v and_o ordain_v profess_v their_o voluntary_a submission_n to_o their_o office-rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o lord_n till_o this_o be_v do_v they_o can_v complete_o act_v all_o church-affair_n in_o due_a order_n till_o they_o have_v teaching-elders_a though_o there_o be_v gifted-brethren_n among_o they_o that_o may_v prophesy_v 1_o cor._n 14._o yet_o they_o have_v none_o to_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act._n 6.4_o such_o attendance_n be_v proper_a to_o officer_n rom._n 12.7_o nor_o 3._o to_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o authority_n as_o a_o officer_n must_v tit._n 2.15_o nor_o 4._o to_o administer_v the_o seal_n which_o christ_n have_v annex_v to_o the_o official_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o without_o ruling-elders_a who_o shall_v call_v the_o church_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v on_o special_a weighty_a occasion_n act._n 6.2_o who_o shall_v prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o church_n 1._o by_o examine_v officer_n or_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.2_o 2._o by_o state_v and_o clear_v the_o question_n and_o proof_n and_o try_v whether_o matter_n have_v be_v carry_v according_a to_o rule_n private_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n before_o any_o offence_n be_v present_v to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v secret_a at_o first_o according_a to_o mat._n 18.17_o 3._o by_o direct_v those_o that_o be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n conceive_v against_o they_o how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o according_a to_o rule_v to_o remove_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v meet_v at_o the_o house_n of_o james_n do_v to_o paul_n act._n 21.18_o to_o these_o head_n other_o like_a case_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v who_o shall_v moderate_v debate_n in_o the_o church_n assembly_n and_o order_n speak_v and_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 40._o who_o shall_v hold_v forth_o light_a from_o the_o rule_n to_o guide_v the_o apprehension_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o difficult_a case_n according_a to_o ezek._n 44.23_o 24._o last_o who_o shall_v dismiss_v the_o church_n authoritative_o with_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n numb_a 6_o 23-26_a and_o heb._n 7.7_o and_o who_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o humane_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n if_o deacon_n be_v not_o choose_v and_o ordain_v this_o office-power_n the_o church_n indeed_o have_v not_o formal_o in_o itself_o yet_o it_o have_v it_o virtual_o and_o original_o as_o the_o stock_n of_o a_o tree_n have_v not_o immediate_a power_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n yet_o it_o have_v power_n to_o produce_v branch_n which_o do_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n so_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n though_o it_o have_v not_o immediate_a power_n to_o act_v a_o office_n in_o the_o thing_n proper_a thereunto_o yet_o it_o have_v power_n to_o make_v such_o officer_n as_o may_v perform_v the_o same_o in_o christ_n order_n 5._o why_o this_o power_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o visible_a congregation_n of_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o this_o expression_n serve_v to_o show_v three_o particular_n 1._o that_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o congregational-church_n indefinite_o or_o the_o church_n in_o its_o general_a nature_n as_o it_o exist_v in_o particular_a congregation_n to_o each_o of_o which_o it_o communicate_v its_o whole_a nature_n and_o with_o it_o all_o its_o privilege_n and_o power_n to_o they_o all_o be_v species_n of_o it_o first_o and_o equal_o so_o that_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v all_o church-power_n that_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n as_o complete_o convey_v to_o it_o as_o any_o other_o as_o this_o particular_a man_n john_n or_o peter_n or_o james_n have_v all_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n equal_o communicate_v to_o they_o and_o can_v put_v forth_o the_o operation_n of_o that_o nature_n full_o of_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o 2._o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v act_v in_o admission_n election_n and_o censure_n only_o by_o such_o in_o who_o name_n peter_n make_v this_o confession_n viz._n a_o community_n of_o disciple_n walk_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o consent_n that_o be_v to_o a_o society_n of_o believe_a man_n for_o woman_n though_o believer_n be_v except_v by_o the_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 2_o 12-14_a 2._o profess_v believer_n therefore_o child_n and_o distract_a person_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o this_o power_n be_v unfit_a to_o judge_v 1_o cor._n 5.12_o and_o so_o be_v they_o that_o be_v deaf_a and_o dumb._n 3._o such_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o consent_n therefore_o such_o as_o be_v under_o public_a censure_n for_o scandal_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n be_v disable_v as_o have_v for_o the_o time_n lose_v their_o privilege_n and_o power_n last_o if_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v general_o corrupt_v or_o divide_v among_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v into_o two_o equal_a part_n it_o can_v act_v this_o power_n nor_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n which_o be_v give_v to_o a_o church_n assembly_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o competent_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o mat._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n not_o only_o objective_o for_o their_o good_a but_o subjective_o and_o first_o so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o recipient_a subject_n of_o it_o for_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4.8_o 11._o not_o as_o mere_a adjunct_n be_v give_v to_o a_o subject_n but_o as_o integral_a part_n for_o complete_n the_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o recipient_a subject_n of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o church_n can_v by_o itself_o exercise_v the_o teach_v and_o ruling-elders_a office_n yet_o they_o may_v by_o their_o officer_n as_o the_o body_n though_o it_o can_v see_v by_o itself_o yet_o it_o
church-communion_n by_o believer_n join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o memberlike_a affection_n and_o fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n but_o they_o speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la but_o rather_o intimate_v the_o contrary_n for_o the_o apostle_n by_o compare_v a_o congregational-church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n entire_a in_o all_o its_o member_n show_v that_o as_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v entire_a and_o sound_a have_v complete_a power_n within_o itself_o for_o all_o bodily_a action_n so_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v organise_v and_o govern_v by_o christ_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o joint_n of_o supply_n according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o without_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o supply_v a_o superior_a church-power_n which_o be_v want_v in_o this_o body_n of_o chirist_n a_o congregational-church_n and_o as_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v sound_a and_o of_o a_o good_a constitution_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n in_o itself_o to_o purge_v out_o of_o itself_o malignant_a humour_n so_o such_o a_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o cast_v out_o vicious_a and_o hurtful_a member_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o such_o as_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n neglect_v to_o join_v as_o member_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o reveal_v will_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o but_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o subjection_n thereunto_o be_v no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a but_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v man_n invention_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o it_o may_v establish_v only_o god_n ordinance_n therein_o other_o argue_v thus_o as_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o must_v submit_v to_o combination_n so_o though_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a yet_o not_o so_o when_o it_o be_v among_o other_o church_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v not_o a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o of_o town_n or_o family_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v more_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o great_a ruâ—â—â—_n of_o the_o world_n than_o church_n be_v therefore_o civil_a society_n may_v be_v of_o several_a constitution_n have_v different_a law_n and_o privilege_n and_o admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o against_o moral_a rule_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n man_n may_v not_o alter_v the_o kind_n or_o form_n of_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v but_o must_v preserve_v inviolate_a the_o law_n administration_n privilege_n and_o church-government_n ordain_v by_o he_o without_o addition_n diminution_n or_o alteration_n hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o alienate_v from_o itself_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n any_o right_n power_n or_o privilege_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n 2._o if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o dwell_v among_o nor_o do_v he_o though_o he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n eschol_n and_o mamre_o yet_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o neither_o be_v a_o particular_a organical_a church_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o classical_a combination_n till_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o a_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o 3._o though_o several_a family_n not_o have_v complete_a government_n within_o themselves_o must_v combine_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o not_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o family-government_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n respective_o to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n much_o less_o may_v several_a congregational-churche_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o to_o pastor_n of_o sundry_a church_n combine_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o govern_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a affair_n such_o as_o admission_n of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n but_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o very_o weighty_a and_o formidable_a you_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o sovereign_a remedy_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n against_o the_o many_o disease_n whereunto_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a the_o great_a preservative_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o safety_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n as_o prove_v church-society_n to_o be_v the_o visible_a suburb_n of_o heaven_n yea_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n begin_v on_o earth_n see_v such_o a_o heavenly_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n than_o elijah_n do_v when_o he_o shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o jam._n 5.17_o for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o outward_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n but_o this_o be_v spiritual_a and_o for_o ever_o upon_o impenitent_a person_n it_o be_v great_a than_o earthly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n can_v do_v they_o can_v bind_v a_o malefactor_n hand_n and_o foot_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jailor_n and_o sentence_v he_o to_o banishment_n out_o of_o their_o dominion_n but_o this_o censure_n bind_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n and_o exclude_v obstinate_a impenitent_a sinner_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o when_o this_o censure_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o they_o to_o ratify_v his_o censure_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o bless_v it_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n if_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o liberty_n because_o they_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o church-censure_n they_o show_v their_o extreme_a folly_n therein_o for_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o forlorn_a creature_n exclude_v from_o spiritual_a help_n suitable_a to_o their_o need_n they_o be_v as_o sheep_n who_o no_o man_n take_v up_o or_o care_v for_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n isa_n 3.13_o 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n and_o much_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o they_o improve_v it_o aright_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o be_v purge_v out_o and_o heal_v by_o easy_a mean_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o see_v themselves_o as_o adam_z drive_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o the_o flame_a sword_n of_o a_o cherubin_n or_o as_o cain_n cast_v out_o from_o god_n face_n or_o as_o the_o leper_n shut_v out_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n or_o as_o that_o incestuous_a corinthian_a deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a humble_v and_o effectual_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o hold_v it_o forth_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n if_o it_o work_v not_o this_o effect_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n for_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n when_o it_o be_v not_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n so_o this_o gospel-ordinance_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o shall_v work_v one_o way_n or_o tother_o either_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a or_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v
of_o many_o church_n have_v power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n act._n 15.6_o 2._o to_o argue_v debate_n and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o word_n verse_n 7_o 23_o 3._o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v vers_fw-la 23._o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 24_o 28_o 29._o 4._o such_o determination_n and_o direction_n be_v find_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v be_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o 5._o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a persistance_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n in_o their_o scandalous_a evil_n against_o light_n convict_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n so_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v by_o they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o church-communion_n till_o they_o repent_v and_o reform_v this_o follow_v in_o proportion_n from_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 2.9_o and_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o person_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o such_o offend_a church_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o neither_o do_v that_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15.29_o here_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o join_v with_o my_o brethren_n in_o add_v some_o caution_n touch_v the_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 57_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 57_o either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o throâ—â—â—_n ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o ball._n mr._n shepherd_n &_o mr._n allen_n defense_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n in_o answ_n to_o mr._n ball._n other_o express_v their_o apprehension_n in_o way_n of_o caution_n touch_v this_o matter_n thus_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n or_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulatiuè_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privatiuè_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o as_o these_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o classical_a power_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v tanquam_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la so_o in_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o i_o with_o they_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n due_a moderation_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o exercise_v brotherly_a communion_n in_o testify_v against_o such_o act_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n be_v according_a to_o scripture-light_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o 1._o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o though_o as_o elder_n yet_o not_o as_o apostle_n nor_o as_o infallible_o assist_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a in_o their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o in_o a_o masterly_a way_n impose_v their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n upon_o other_o but_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o receive_v only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o that_o church_n hold_v forth_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a apprehension_n let_v they_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o answer_v convict_o or_o let_v that_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la without_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n 2._o godly_a wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o proceed_n in_o make_v difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v church_n to_o connive_v at_o grosser_n scandal_n nor_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o small_a difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n much_o less_o for_o censure_v and_o hold_v under_o censure_n impenitent_a person_n when_o the_o scandalous_a obstinacy_n of_o delinquent_n be_v res_fw-la propriâ_fw-la to_o that_o church_n though_o some_o other_o church_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o guide_n who_o possible_o may_v side_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o delinquent_n out_o of_o some_o secret_a grutch_v against_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o party_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v lay_v under_o that_o censure_n or_o shall_v now_o be_v release_v from_o it_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v contrary_a to_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n if_o a_o church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a matter_n than_o this_o will_v cause_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n between_o church_n where_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v exercise_v with_o true_a humility_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n see_v the_o moderation_n of_o that_o african_a synod_n whereof_o cyprian_n write_v thus_o to_o stephanus_n caeterum_fw-la scimus_fw-la quosdam_fw-la quod_fw-la semel_fw-la imbiberint_fw-la 1._o cypr._n l._n 2._o ep._n 1._o nolle_fw-la deponere_fw-la nec_fw-la propositum_fw-la suum_fw-la facilè_fw-la mutare_fw-la sed_fw-la salvo_fw-la inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la quaedam_fw-la propria_fw-la quae_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la semel_fw-la sint_fw-la usurpata_fw-la retinere_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o re_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la cviquam_fw-la facimus_fw-la aut_fw-la legem_fw-la damus_fw-la cum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la administratione_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la suae_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la liberum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la praepositus_fw-la rationem_fw-la actus_fw-la svi_fw-la domino_fw-la redditurus_fw-la yet_o these_o proper_a practice_n of_o some_o church_n differ_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n which_o be_v establish_v as_o he_o say_v consensu_fw-la &_o authoritate_fw-la communi_fw-la nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v end_n of_o breach_n among_o church_n unless_o due_a moderation_n in_o such_o case_n
be_v exercise_v that_o love_n among_o church_n may_v be_v maintain_v 3._o unto_o these_o let_v it_o be_v add_v that_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v brotherly_a love_n so_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v show_v to_o any_o one_o church_n and_o before_o other_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o their_o love_n in_o not_o easy_o receive_v suggestion_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o it_o though_o from_o some_o elder_a or_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o another_o church_n who_o may_v possible_o speak_v against_o they_o out_o of_o envy_n or_o ill_a will_n much_o more_o in_o not_o countenance_v a_o censure_v delinquent_n complain_v against_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n by_o who_o he_o be_v censure_v in_o a_o disorderly_a tumultuous_a manner_n as_o desirous_a to_o beget_v reproach_n and_o trouble_v to_o that_o church_n and_o contention_n and_o division_n among_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n 3._o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o ep._n 3._o from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o revenge_n the_o african_a pastor_n be_v careful_a hereof_o as_o cyprian_a note_n cum_fw-la statutum_fw-la sit_fw-la omnibus_fw-la nobis_fw-la &_o aequum_fw-la sit_fw-la pariter_fw-la ac_fw-la justum_fw-la ut_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la causa_fw-la illic_fw-la audiatur_fw-la ubi_fw-la est_fw-la crimen_fw-la admissum_fw-la &_o singulis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la portio_fw-la egregis_fw-la sit_fw-la ascripta_fw-la quam_fw-la regat_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la &_o gubernet_fw-la rationem_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la domino_fw-la rediturus_fw-la oportet_fw-la utique_fw-la eos_fw-la quibus_fw-la praesumus_fw-la non_fw-la circumcurdare_v nec_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la concordiam_fw-la cohaerentem_fw-la suâ_fw-la subdolâ_fw-la &_o fallaci_fw-la temeritate_fw-la collidere_fw-la sed_fw-la agere_fw-la illic_fw-la causam_fw-la svam_fw-la ubi_fw-la &_o accusatores_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o testes_fw-la svi_fw-la criminis_fw-la possint_fw-la last_o if_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o church_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n shall_v determine_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o church_n power_n within_o itself_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o not_o be_v sancit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v right_o order_v according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a spiritual_a remedy_n against_o all_o those_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o think_n can_v be_v redress_v unless_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n be_v establish_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n as_o if_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o two_o faction_n &_o opposition_n within_o itself_o or_o if_o there_o be_v scandalous_a contention_n between_o two_o church_n or_o between_o the_o eldership_n and_o brotherhood_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o scandalous_a delinquency_n i_o say_v these_o and_o the_o like_a inconvenience_n will_v be_v better_o redress_v in_o this_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o classical_a government_n for_o this_o way_n be_v ground_v upon_o divine_a institution_n so_o be_v not_o that_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n follow_v and_o accompany_v his_o own_o institution_n not_o man_n device_n if_o vzzah_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o stay_v the_o ark_n his_o good_a intention_n can_v not_o justify_v his_o action_n but_o his_o not_o act_v according_o to_o god_n order_n be_v his_o death_n the_o prelate_n have_v as_o plausible_a a_o plea_n for_o their_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n and_o take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n viz._n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o conformity_n yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_v unto_o all_o man_n last_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n may_v befall_v classical_a and_o synodal_n assembly_n yea_o and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o what_o remedy_n be_v there_o for_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o this_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n afford_v to_o particular_a church_n corollary_n 4._o then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la aught_o to_o be_v thankful_o receive_v right_o improve_v and_o faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o by_o other_o church_n and_o their_o officer_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v thankful_o receive_v as_o a_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n who_o heart_n be_v engage_v to_o approach_v unto_o he_o jer._n 30.21_o the_o grant_n by_o charter_n of_o entireness_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o unto_o city_n and_o corporation_n have_v ever_o be_v high_o esteem_v as_o a_o act_n of_o special_a grace_n from_o the_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o privilege_n with_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o that_o the_o chief_a captain_n in_o act_n 22.25_o 26_o 28._o purchase_v his_o freedom_n in_o rome_n with_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n this_o grant_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o member_n of_o they_o sundry_a way_n 1._o for_o their_o ease_n in_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v examine_v and_o issue_v at_o home_n without_o chargeable_a tiresome_a journey_n to_o the_o classical_a or_o synodal_n assembly_n to_o have_v their_o matter_n determine_v there_o 2._o for_o encouragement_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o speech_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o answer_v before_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v a_o memberlike_a and_o pastoral_a care_n and_o respect_n of_o he_o whereas_o the_o presence_n of_o sundry_a strange_a face_n of_o person_n of_o superior_a rank_n and_o quality_n will_v not_o a_o little_a daunt_v he_o which_o may_v occasion_v his_o fall_n in_o his_o cause_n 3._o for_o their_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o church_n proceed_v where_o as_o all_o circumstance_n can_v be_v best_o clear_v so_o more_o moderation_n may_v rational_o be_v expect_v from_o their_o own_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o from_o stranger_n comparative_o and_o from_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o censure_n and_o the_o same_o either_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v their_o own_o case_n they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o which_o be_v strong_a inducement_n to_o moderation_n exod._n 23.9_o gal._n 6.1_o than_o from_o a_o judicatory_a of_o constant_a judge_n who_o think_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o danger_n 4._o for_o common_a edification_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v by_o their_o presence_n in_o church-proceeding_n act_n 5.11_o this_o they_o lose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n classical_a assembly_n consist_v only_o of_o elder_n meeting_n and_o act_v apart_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v right_o improve_v which_o be_v then_o do_v when_o church-proceeding_n be_v orderly_o carry_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n both_o by_o the_o eldership_n and_o fraternity_n act_v the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v delegated_a to_o they_o respective_o according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n in_o the_o due_a order_n and_o with_o mutual_a consent_n according_a to_o god_n 3._o it_o must_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n 1._o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whereby_o the_o church_n act_v according_a to_o rule_v be_v make_v under_o christ_n the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o without_z appeal_n to_o other_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n who_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v church-censure_n or_o to_o release_v man_n from_o they_o matth._n 18.18_o object_n what_o if_o the_o brother_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o church_n proceed_v ans_fw-fr the_o elder_n have_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v their_o proceed_n and_o the_o brethren_n either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o major_a part_n by_o far_o judge_a according_o let_v he_o suspect_v his_o own_o apprehension_n fear_v that_o satan_n temptation_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n pride_n and_o self-flattery_n may_v darken_v and_o harden_v he_o prov._n 28.14_o 2._o let_v he_o attend_v serious_o to_o the_o light_n hold_v forth_o from_o scripture_n for_o his_o conviction_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a in_o he_o 3._o let_v he_o thankful_o close_a with_o the_o light_n that_o do_v shine_v unto_o he_o and_o answerable_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o himself_o the_o evil_n which_o that_o light_n reprove_v and_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o compass_n of_o his_o guilt_n seek_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o further_a help_n with_o a_o self-denying_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o rule_n 4._o if_o he_o can_v show_v convict_o to_o the_o church_n some_o error_n in_o the_o elder_n expound_v or_o apply_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n whereupon_o the_o censure_n proceed_v let_v he_o fall_v under_o the_o rule_n or_o look_v at_o it_o as_o his_o great_a sin_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o covenant_n
alexandrum_fw-la omnia_fw-la probate_a quod_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la tenete_fw-la estote_fw-la probati_fw-la nummularij_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la nummus_fw-la adulter_fw-la est_fw-la &_o figuram_fw-la caesaris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la nec_fw-la signatus_fw-la est_fw-la moneta_fw-la publica_fw-la reprobetur_fw-la qui_fw-la autem_fw-la christi_fw-la faciem_fw-la claro_fw-la praefert_fw-la jumine_fw-la in_fw-la cordis_fw-la nostri_fw-la marsupium_fw-la recondatur_fw-la the_o church_n charter_n contain_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o constitution_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2._o the_o privilege_n and_o power_n give_v to_o such_o church_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o examine_v mr._n paget_n argue_v for_o the_o ecclesistical_a juridical_a power_n of_o class_n i_o shall_v positive_o declare_v what_o power_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n after_o i_o have_v describe_v their_o constitution_n according_a to_o christ_n his_o appointment_n in_o every_o of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v in_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o corporation_n or_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o perfect_a city_n be_v because_o i_o find_v that_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n frequent_o to_o express_v this_o matter_n under_o this_o similitude_n 1â—â—â—_n similitude_n ps_n 48_o 1â—_n 2._o &_o 87.3_o isa_n 26.1_o &_o 60.14_o ezek._n 40.2_o &_o 4â—_n 35_o rev._n 3._o â—â—_o &_o â—0_n â—_o 21._o 〈…〉_o 22._o 〈…〉_o luc._n 1â—â—â—_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o venture_v to_o apply_v it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n in_o scripture_n will_v direct_v and_o warrant_v there_o we_o find_v the_o grand_a charter_n itself_o and_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o these_o record_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n the_o father_n command_v we_o to_o hear_v 17.5_o hear_v mat._n 3.17_o &_o 17.5_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o under_o a_o dreadful_a penalty_n etc._n penalty_n act_n 3.22_o 23._o cypr._n ad_fw-la coecil_n lib._n 2._o ep_n 3._o si_fw-mi solus_fw-la christus_fw-la audiendus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la debemus_fw-la attendere_fw-la quid_fw-la aliquis_fw-la ante_fw-la nos_fw-la faciendum_fw-la putaverit_fw-la sed_fw-la quid_fw-la qui_fw-la ante_fw-la omnis_fw-la est_fw-la christus_fw-la prio_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o faciendum_fw-la statuerit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la hominis_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la sequi_fw-la oportet_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la veritatem_fw-la cùm_fw-la per_fw-la isaiam_fw-la prophetam_fw-la deus_fw-la loquatur_fw-la &_o dicat_fw-la etc._n etc._n whence_o cyprian_n do_v well_o infer_v if_o only_a christ_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attend_v what_o any_o before_o we_o thought_n shall_v be_v do_v but_o what_o christ_n who_o be_v before_o all_o have_v do_v and_o appoint_v to_o be_v do_v for_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o custom_n of_o man_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o vain_a they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n the_o charter_n according_a to_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o their_o power_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la be_v to_o be_v state_v we_o find_v in_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o in_o the_o open_n and_o explain_v whereof_o i_o purpose_v with_o christ_n assistance_n to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n one_a handle_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2_o clear_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o word_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o hold_v forth_o a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o its_o cause_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v several_o and_o distinct_o and_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o objection_n as_o occur_v in_o each_o particular_a may_v be_v due_o weigh_v and_o in_o handle_v they_o i_o shall_v observe_v this_o order_n 1._o i_o shall_v propound_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o certain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n 2._o explicate_v and_o confirm_v they_o 3._o deduce_v thence_o such_o consectary_n or_o inference_n as_o free_o flow_v from_o they_o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n be_v note_v in_o this_o clause_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n i_o who_o be_v that_o even_o he_o who_o peter_n have_v confess_v in_o these_o word_n thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v jesus_n our_o mediator_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o for_o though_o he_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n build_v his_o church_n zach._n 4.6_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o building_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 2._o he_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o preter_fw-la or_o present_a tense_n but_o in_o the_o future_a i_o will_v build_v for_o though_o christ_n be_v yesterday_o be_v to_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v in_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new-testament_n which_o shall_v be_v build_v after_o his_o ascension_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n join_v into_o one_o body_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v concl._n 1_o that_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v the_o only_a immediate_a author_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n appear_v by_o his_o give_v to_o it_o the_o key_n which_o we_o shall_v prove_v hereafter_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n 2._o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a immediate_a institutor_n of_o such_o church_n may_v be_v evince_v 1._o general_o from_o heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o particular_o by_o induction_n thus_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o door_n by_o who_o they_o that_o be_v orderly_o admit_v must_v enter_v joh._n 10.9_o 2._o he_o set_v the_o member_n every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o that_o place_n and_o rank_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.18_o and_o gift_v they_o according_o ephes_n 4.7_o 3._o he_o compact_v the_o whole_a body_n ephes_n 4.16_o and_o firm_o knit_v the_o material_n together_o in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 4._o he_o give_v the_o several_a office_n and_o officer_n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.8_o 11._o 5._o he_o appoint_v the_o visible_a seal_n baptism_n col._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 23_o etc._n etc._n 6._o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o 7._o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o church_n admininistration_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o 8._o the_o censure_n have_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n from_o he_o rev._n 3.7_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 9_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v from_o his_o institution_n of_o they_o and_o effectual_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n dispense_n they_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o reas_n thus_o he_o be_v by_o a_o threefold_a right_n 1._o from_o the_o decree_n and_o donation_n of_o the_o father_n psal_n 2.7_o 8._o john_n 3.35_o and_o 5.22_o 23._o 2._o from_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o from_o his_o conquest_n over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o and_o translate_v they_o into_o his_o kingdom_n col._n 1.13_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n have_v right_a to_o institute_v particular_a christian_a church_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o what_o mould_n he_o please_v from_o this_o conclusion_n thus_o prove_v i_o infer_v as_o follow_v 1._o consect_n then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n and_o head_n of_o such_o church_n as_o himself_o have_v institute_v thus_o from_o christ_n building_n his_o house_n follow_v his_o be_v over_o the_o house_n hebrew_n 3.3_o 6._o and_o he_o be_v over_o it_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o it_o act_n 2.36_o and_o as_o the_o only_a political_a head_n of_o it_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o of_o pre-eminence_n as_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o his_o member_n col._n 1.18_o john_n 3.34_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o government_n ephes_n 5.22_o 23_o 24._o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o influence_n joh._n 15.5_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o common_a gift_n whereof_o hypocrite_n partake_v which_o if_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o church_n be_v but_o dead_a member_n who_o as_o dead_a branch_n in_o the_o vine_n god_n will_v take_v away_o and_o cast_v forth_o joh._n 15.2_o 6._o but_o also_o
in_o resect_v of_o quicken_a grace_n whence_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o pet._n 2.5_o hence_o they_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o thing_n into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o head_n christ_n and_o be_v edify_a and_o edify_v member_n in_o the_o body_n eph._n 4.15_o 16._o nor_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n only_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o also_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n institute_v by_o he_o which_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o by_o christ_n himself_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n the_o king_n whereof_o be_v christ_n his_o subject_n be_v visible_a believer_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o this_o sovereign_a power_n be_v so_o proper_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o communicable_a to_o any_o creature_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v his_o substitute_n or_o vicar_n herein_o for_o neither_o do_v christ_n or_o his_o church_n need_v such_o a_o vicar_n or_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n alone_o col._n 2.10_o nor_o be_v any_o creature_n capable_a of_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o head_n unto_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o 2._o consect_n then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o earthly_a king_n or_o state_n or_o civil_a court_n to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o to_o invent_v and_o impose_v any_o rite_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n upon_o church_n according_a to_o principle_n of_o state-policy_n or_o humane_a prudence_n though_o moses_n be_v as_o well_o a_o great_a prophet_n as_o a_o great_a prince_n yet_o god_n leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n to_o his_o prudence_n but_o limit_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n exod._n 25.40_o nor_o may_v solomon_n though_o the_o wise_a of_o mere_a man_n act_n by_o his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o build_v the_o temple_n 13._o â—_o chon_n 28.11_o 12_o 13._o but_o he_o be_v guide_v therein_o by_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n which_o david_n give_v he_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o concern_v christian_a church_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n which_o he_o require_v the_o minister_n to_o hold_v forth_o distinct_o in_o every_o point_n of_o it_o to_o his_o people_n according_a to_o that_o prophecy_n in_o ezek._n 43.10_o 11._o that_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o whole_a form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o do_v they_o which_o also_o christ_n express_o require_v in_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o 3._o consect_n then_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v exalt_v christ_n and_o his_o institution_n alone_o in_o their_o whole_a church-order_n and_o in_o all_o their_o admistration_n this_o be_v their_o visible_a receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o col._n 2.5_o 6._o the_o church_n be_v christ_n house_n and_o it_o be_v equal_a according_a to_o natural_a light_n and_o civil_a prudence_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v rule_n in_o his_o own_o house_n esth_n 1.22_o much_o more_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man._n artaxerxes_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n with_o all_o such_o as_o encroach_v upon_o christ_n right_a in_o order_v church_n by_o their_o policy_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o fear_v the_o jealousy_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n if_o man_n shall_v take_v such_o liberty_n to_o themselves_o provide_v against_o it_o by_o a_o strict_a decree_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v command_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v diligent_o do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o why_o shall_v there_o be_v wrath_n against_o the_o realm_n etc._n etc._n esth_n 7.23_o nor_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o christ_n less_o formidable_a to_o we_o or_o his_o jealousy_n less_o incense_v against_o those_o that_o either_o add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o or_o alter_v his_o institution_n now_o than_o in_o time_n past_a but_o rather_o more_o hebr._fw-la 12.25_o to_o the_o end_n so_o much_o shall_v serve_v touch_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o material_a cause_n the_o material_n whereof_o this_o spiritual_a building_n must_v consist_v be_v employ_v when_o christ_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v etc._n etc._n together_o with_o peter_n confession_n in_o ver_fw-la 16._o and_o christ_n approbation_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 17._o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o this_o speech_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o rock_n be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o but_o how_o consider_v not_o simple_o and_o in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n but_o 1._o as_o preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n ephes_n 2.20_o 2._o as_o believe_v on_o with_o a_o faith_n make_v visible_a by_o public_a confession_n according_a to_o rom._n 10.9_o 10._o christ_n believe_v on_o be_v the_o foundation_n or_o rock_n of_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n but_o christ_n believe_v on_o and_o confess_v be_v the_o rock_n whereupon_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v build_v in_o this_o exposition_n sundry_a of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n 21._o writer_n basil_n tract_n de_fw-fr poenit_fw-la gre._n naz._n de_fw-fr comp._n disserendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la theod_n in_o psal_n 47._o ambr._n in_o eph._n 2.20_o aug._n in_o lib._n 1._o retract_v c._n 21._o and_o the_o orthodox_n modern_a general_o consent_n the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n which_o these_o word_n of_o the_o charter_n afford_v we_o concern_v the_o material_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v that_o 2._o conclusion_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o and_o only_o such_o grow_a person_n be_v admit_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n who_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v have_v blessedness_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o be_v such_o as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 1._o that_o christ_n here_o mean_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o only_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o have_v partly_o evince_v already_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o hereafter_o 2._o that_o person_n mean_v by_o christ_n here_o be_v adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n appear_v by_o his_o question_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v man_n say_v and_o who_o do_v you_o say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o by_o peter_n answer_n as_o for_o infant_n they_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o baptise_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o only_o as_o they_o be_v include_v in_o their_o parent_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrap_v with_o their_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o that_o such_o adulti_fw-la or_o grow_v person_n must_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n so_o christ_n require_v peter_n to_o do_v here_o and_z when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v say_v christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n viz._n in_o after_o time_n for_o no_o particular_a christian_a church_n be_v actual_o constitute_v at_o this_o time_n nor_o till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o act._n 1._o q._n d._n then_o take_v this_o course_n and_o ever_o after_o all_o the_o world_n over_o if_o you_o will_v have_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o i_o to_o be_v my_o build_n 4._o that_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v so_o make_v as_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v it_o to_o have_v blessedness_n annex_v etc._n etc._n for_o see_v it_o please_v christ_n to_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o build_v his_o church_n zach._n 6.15_o ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o he_o be_v content_a that_o they_o improve_v the_o judgement_n which_o they_o have_v christ_n judgement_n concern_v peter_n be_v infallible_a for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n john_n 2.25_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n who_o judge_n by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o therefore_o their_o judgement_n be_v fallible_a and_o have_v be_v deceive_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n concern_v ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o in_o that_o of_o philip_n and_o the_o church_n in_o samaria_n concern_v simon_n magus_n etc._n etc._n their_o duty_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o man_n may_v by_o rule_n with_o due_a moderation_n and_o gentleness_n to_o try_v they_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o fellowship_n whether_o they_o be_v believer_n or_o not_o refuse_v know_v hypocrite_n though_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v close_a hypocrite_n will_v creep_v in_o 5._o that_o all_o they_o who_o hold_v
man_n by_o those_o trial_n and_o this_o care_n suit_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n which_o be_v delegate_v and_o steward_o for_o as_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o steward_n bind_v he_o to_o receive_v none_o into_o his_o lord_n family_n but_o according_a to_o his_o lord_n mind_n and_o appointment_n so_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n oblige_v they_o to_o receive_v such_o into_o this_o holy_a fellowship_n as_o they_o may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v the_o lord_n receive_v and_o add_v thereunto_o against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v two_o objection_n be_v make_v object_n 1_o obj._n christ_n receive_v judas_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n into_o fellowship_n of_o the_o twelve_o answ_n 1_o answ_n 1._o not_o into_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o no_o such_o be_v then_o gather_v 2._o christ_n have_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v church_n joh._n 13.18_o object_n 2_o obj._n 2._o christ_n himself_o compare_v visible_a church_n to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v tare_n to_o a_o draw-net_a which_o gather_v good_a and_o bad_a fish_n to_o ten_o virgin_n of_o which_o five_o be_v foolish_a and_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o they_o sundry_a hypocrite_n and_o scandalous_a person_n answ_n answ_n such_o place_n show_v 1._o that_o in_o visible_a church_n sometime_o hypocrite_n be_v mix_v either_o by_o the_o sleepiness_n and_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v â—â—â—vent_v it_o thence_o the_o tare_n or_o by_o the_o wyliness_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o creep_v in_o unaware_o judas_n 4._o as_o the_o bad_a fish_n come_v into_o the_o net_n under_o water_n or_o they_o pretend_v save_v gift_n as_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n so_o false_a brethren_n gal._n 2.4_o 2._o the_o pure_a church_n may_v be_v blemish_v with_o scandal_n till_o they_o can_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o they_o but_o then_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o therefore_o they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o be_v such_o before_o from_o this_o second_o conclusion_n thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v we_o may_v infer_v as_o follow_v consect_n 1_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o more_o be_v require_v as_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o church-member_n as_o visible_a than_o that_o they_o profess_v before_o man_n the_o faith_n crave_v fellowship_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o desire_v the_o visible_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o man_n may_v have_v all_o these_o three_o property_n who_o be_v notorious_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n drunkard_n adulterer_n profane_a swearer_n and_o curser_n in_o a_o word_n such_o as_o be_v describe_v 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4._o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n charge_n be_v from_o such_o turn_n away_o v._o 5._o if_o in_o ordinary_a converse_n the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v not_o exercise_v needless_a familiarity_n with_o such_o much_o less_o may_v they_o receive_v they_o into_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o fraternity_n if_o such_o be_v member_n must_v be_v cast_v out_o certain_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n they_o may_v not_o be_v receive_v in_o while_o they_o continue_v such_o consect_n 2_o if_o christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n than_o it_o be_v the_o bind_a duty_n of_o church_n to_o see_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v according_a to_o rule_v that_o all_o who_o they_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n be_v visible_a believer_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o conclusion_n above_o propound_v explain_v and_o prove_v lest_o otherwise_o they_o build_v without_o a_o foundation_n particular_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o see_v so_o far_o as_o in_o charity_n they_o may_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v beleiver_n in_o christ_n else_o they_o can_v answer_v the_o title_n give_v they_o in_o scripture_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o nor_o the_o praise_n give_v unto_o peter_n so_o confess_v christ_n that_o christ_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n 2._o they_o be_v to_o see_v that_o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o a_o good_a conversation_n phil._n 1.27_o jam._n 3.12_o 13._o for_o they_o that_o profess_v they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a tit._n 1.16_o 3._o and_o in_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n as_o peter_n do_v here_o before_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n only_o because_o the_o church_n can_v see_v the_o heart_n immediate_o as_o christ_n do_v peter_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v to_o man_n must_v hold_v forth_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o calvin_n understand_v those_o word_n sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o calvin_n note_n upon_o it_o be_v this_o 3.15_o this_o ejus_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o vobis_fw-la est_fw-la spei_fw-la spes_fw-la hîc_fw-la per_fw-la synechdochen_n pro_fw-la fide_fw-la capitur_fw-la expendi_fw-la debet_fw-la seduló_n quod_fw-la dicit_fw-la significat_fw-la n._n eam_fw-la demâ—_n confessionâ—_n probari_fw-la deo_fw-la quae_fw-la ex_fw-la cord_n emanat_fw-la quia_fw-la nisi_fw-la intus_fw-la resideat_fw-la fides_fw-la frâ—â—â—â—à _fw-la garâ—â—â—â—â—gua_fw-la ergo_fw-la radices_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la agate_n ut_fw-la deinde_fw-la proferat_fw-la confâ—ssionis_fw-la fructum_fw-la calv._n in_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o hope_v here_o be_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n put_v for_o faith_n what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o weigh_v for_o it_o signify_v that_o god_n approve_v only_o that_o confession_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n because_o unless_o faith_n reside_v within_o the_o tongue_n will_v babble_v in_o vain_a therefore_o faith_n must_v be_v root_v in_o we_o that_o afterward_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o confession_n and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v the_o brethren_n be_v to_o consent_v in_o receive_v they_o and_o herein_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o gentleness_n of_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o break_v a_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v smoke_v flax_n in_o give_v due_a encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n if_o they_o see_v cause_n to_o conceive_v by_o right_o order_v charity_n that_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o they_o but_o if_o they_o see_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o that_o they_o have_v warrant_v to_o suspend_v their_o acceptance_n till_o better_a satisfaction_n be_v give_v from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n in_o act._n 9.26_o however_o the_o officer_n must_v propound_v it_o to_o the_o brethren_n to_o declare_v whether_o they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o they_o do_v consent_n that_o such_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n as_o peter_n put_v a_o like_a question_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o go_v with_o he_o from_o joppa_n concern_v the_o baptise_v of_o cornelius_n and_o those_o with_o he_o upon_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v visible_o act._n 10.44_o 45_o 46._o etc._n etc._n consect_n 3_o 3._o cons_n if_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n believe_v on_o and_o public_o confess_v by_o grow_v person_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v build_v then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o ripe_a age_n must_v hold_v forth_o public_o their_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o fellowship_n in_o vote_v and_o in_o election_n and_o censure_n in_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a or_o profess_v a_o false_a faith_n or_o deny_v the_o true_a faith_n or_o contemner_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o do_v not_o according_a to_o this_o clause_n of_o the_o charter_n public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o crave_v church-fellowship_n they_o may_v not_o be_v own_v for_o member_n by_o their_o admission_n unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o other_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n in_o their_o own_o right_n but_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v non-member_n in_o jacob_n posterity_n when_o the_o lord_n bring_v they_o to_o canaan_n that_o stand_a ordinance_n of_o present_v unto_o the_o lord_n before_o the_o priest_n their_o first_o fruit_n every_o year_n with_o such_o a_o solemn_a confession_n make_v by_o all_o grow_a israelite_n as_o be_v appoint_v in_o deut._n 26.2_o to_o 16._o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o church_n and_o time_n in_o performance_n whereof_o they_o avouch_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o commandment_n and_o his_o
judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n etc._n etc._n v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o the_o like_a if_o not_o great_a care_n be_v have_v of_o the_o profession_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o stranger_n the_o child_n of_o such_o proselyte_n as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n isa_n 56.6_o 7._o john_n baptist_n also_o require_v of_o all_o who_o he_o admit_v unto_o his_o baptism_n a_o repenting-confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19.4_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n mat._n 3.9_o answerable_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v of_o all_o grow_v person_n 1._o visible_a repentance_n in_o case_n of_o open_a scandal_n act._n 19.18_o 2._o to_o join_v therewith_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n act._n 2.39_o 3._o a_o profession_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o ancient_a church_n they_o have_v their_o poenitentes_fw-la such_o as_o hold_v forth_o their_o repentance_n public_o and_o their_o catechumeni_fw-la who_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v be_v pagan_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o be_v catechize_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v crave_v baptism_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v fit_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competentes_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n they_o be_v call_v audientes_fw-la or_o auditores_fw-la 17._o auditores_fw-la tertull._n l._n de_fw-la poenit_fw-la c._n 6._o &_o praescr_n advers._fw-la haeret_fw-la c._n 4._o cypr._n l._n 3._o ep_v 17._o 2._o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o do_v nonnihil_fw-la adolescere_fw-la be_v catechize_v and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v believer_n be_v confirm_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church-priviledge_n these_o clemens_n call_v incipientes_fw-la &_o novitio_n and_o so_o do_v other_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wrought_v high_a and_o more_o effectual_o to_o advance_v papal_a usurpation_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o church_n this_o custom_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o popery_n retain_v only_o the_o name_n of_o confirmation_n but_o corrupt_v the_o thing_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o sacrament_n limit_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o diocesan_n praelat_n this_o corrupt_a custom_n be_v continue_v in_o england_n after_o they_o renounce_v the_o pope_n but_o as_o luther_n in_o germany_n seek_v to_o introduce_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o into_o the_o church_n there_o so_o do_v cranmer_n under_o that_o godly_a king_n edward_n the_o 6_o endeavour_v in_o england_n and_o commit_v the_o perusal_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n to_o that_o godly_a learned_a and_o moderate_a theologue_n bucer_n who_o examine_v the_o book_n find_v among_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v 17._o censura_fw-la m._n buceri_fw-la super_fw-la lib._n ordinat_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 17._o must_v say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o answer_v the_o question_n of_o the_o short_a catechism_n bucer_n censure_n upon_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o require_v diligent_a ponderation_n if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v recite_v god_n abhor_v such_o as_o confess_v he_o in_o word_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o be_v catechise_v institute_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v answer_v in_o word_n only_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o lord_n say_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v and_o not_o only_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o require_v such_o worshipper_n as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n unto_o baptism_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v require_v as_o may_v be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o mouth_n or_o get_v only_o by_o humane_a teach_n but_o also_o it_o must_v have_v those_o sign_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n as_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o though_o the_o church_n can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n which_o fruit_n afterward_o he_o declare_v at_o large_a but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o point_n have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n than_o dispute_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o question_n under_o so_o much_o agitation_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o formal_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n or_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o this_o church_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o house_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o material_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o but_o christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o material_a house_n but_o of_o the_o constitute_n of_o that_o holy_a society_n which_o he_o call_v his_o church_n under_o the_o metaphor_n of_o build_v a_o house_n which_o every_o way_n suit_v the_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o a_o material_a house_n suppose_v of_o stone_n be_v build_v by_o orderly_o place_v and_o strong_o cement_n they_o together_o which_o before_o be_v either_o scatter_a stone_n or_o a_o confuse_a and_o loose_a heap_n but_o not_o a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v thus_o frame_v and_o compact_v together_o so_o this_o holy_a society_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o coadunition_n or_o knit_v together_o of_o many_o saint_n into_o one_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o they_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v build_v by_o a_o orderly_a join_n and_o firm_o knit_v the_o part_n together_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o the_o mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o orderly_a and_o firm_o knit_v to_o the_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o the_o same_o hold_v in_o city_n and_o family_n which_o be_v thus_o build_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o same_o matephor_n in_o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o concl._n 3_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n by_o the_o public_a mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o with_o another_o though_o all_o man_n seem_v to_o grant_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o be_v from_o a_o covenant_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o that_o want_v a_o explicit_a covenant_n do_v yet_o plead_v their_o implicit_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o church-state_n yet_o such_o dispute_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o church_n covenant_n that_o i_o be_o compel_v to_o handle_v this_o point_n also_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o clear_v and_o settle_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n show_v 1._o to_o what_o end_n it_o serve_v 2._o what_o it_o import_v 3._o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 4._o draw_v some_o consectary_n from_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o the_o next_o end_n of_o their_o confederate_n be_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o and_o to_o walk_v together_o according_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v sanctify_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 2._o the_o covenant_n itself_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o on_o the_o lord_n part_n it_o impli_v 1._o the_o lord_n give_v they_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o 2._o his_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n according_o isa_n 56.4_o 5_o
6_o 7._o where_o you_o see_v the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v foretold_v as_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o lord_n be_v give_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o house_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n that_o be_v join_v they_o to_o his_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o nation_n v._o 7._o 2._o on_o the_o saint_n part_n their_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o to_o cleave_v firm_o one_o to_o another_o viz._n to_o their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n deut._n 12.19_o neh._n 10.29_o with_o mutual_a watchfulness_n one_o over_o another_o leu._n 19.17_o deut._n 29.18_o with_o heb._n 12.15_o 16._o and_o with_o mutual_a submission_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 9.13_o 3._o such_o covenant_v be_v christ_n ordinance_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v prove_v reas_n 1_o from_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o in_o all_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n for_o in_o the_o essential_a state_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v join_v together_o into_o church-fellowship_n by_o confederation_n psal_n 50.5_o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o those_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n so_o do_v adam_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n unto_o abraham_n and_o so_o do_v the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n at_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o and_o 24.8_o and_o from_o thence_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o which_o moses_n be_v join_v act._n 7.38_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n there_o tell_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o not_o of_o sacrifice_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n v._o 14_o 15_o 16._o in_o abraham_n family_n god_n build_v his_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n without_o sacrifice_n but_o first_o the_o lord_n change_v his_o name_n and_o call_v he_o abraham_n to_o show_v that_o he_o now_o treat_v with_o he_o not_o as_o a_o single_a person_n but_o as_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o as_o a_o multitude_n virtual_o gen._n 17.5_o then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o church-covenant_n he_o give_v he_o circumcision_n for_o the_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o it_o gen._n 17_o 10-15_a thus_o far_o go_v the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n 2._o on_o abraham_n part_n he_o first_o accept_v both_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o with_o faith_n and_o holy_a reverence_n declare_v by_o his_o rejoice_v john_n 8.56_o and_o humble_a prostration_n of_o himself_o before_o the_o lord_n v._o 17._o and_o by_o real_a performance_n of_o it_o after_z both_o in_o his_o own_o person_n be_v circumcise_v when_o he_o be_v ninty_a nine_o year_n old_a v._o 24._o and_o as_o a_o prophet_n and_o ruler_n instruct_v his_o family_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o circumcision_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o accept_v the_o one_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o which_o they_o do_v according_o v._o 23_o 27._o and_o thereby_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n hence_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n become_v the_o lord_n people_n exod._n 3.7_o yea_o his_o first_o bear_v exod._n 4.22_o 23._o and_o have_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o people_n deut._n 7.6_o 7_o 8._o but_o they_o like_o man_n transgress_v and_o break_v the_o covenant_n both_o in_o egpyt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o covenant_n unto_o their_o forefather_n do_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n in_o a_o more_o evangelical_n manner_n in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o their_o little_a one_o and_o the_o stranger_n deut._n 29_o 10-14_a which_o covenant_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o for_o they_o that_o be_v not_o there_o with_o they_o that_o day_n v._o 15._o that_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o unto_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o but_o such_o as_o shall_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n with_o they_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o with_o memberlike_a love_n watchfulness_n and_o submission_n mutual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o achan_n become_v the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n of_o all_o israel_n josh_n 7.11_o 12._o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o apostle_n manner_n of_o plant_v christian_n church_n after_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n their_o custom_n it_o be_v when_o they_o have_v convert_v many_o to_o christ_n to_o join_v they_o together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o covenant_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n object_n against_o this_o assertion_n some_o object_n that_o in_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n at_o samaria_n in_o cornelius_n his_o house_n at_o phillippi_n corinth_n ephesus_n thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n they_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n as_o the_o doctrine_n intend_v only_o that_o they_o believe_v profess_a and_o be_v baptize_v but_o no_o mention_n of_o a_o express_a vocal_a covenant_n answ_n 1_o 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o those_o text_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o 3._o and_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v three_o way_n 1._o from_o their_o be_v baptize_v 2._o from_o the_o phrase_n 3._o from_o the_o similitude_n which_o import_n their_o covenant_v together_o 1._o from_o their_o be_v baptize_v which_o presuppose_v that_o they_o be_v first_o make_v disciple_n because_o their_o commission_n require_v that_o mat._n 28.19_o where_o to_o make_v disciple_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n by_o visible_a bring_v man_n into_o christ_n school_n with_o engagement_n by_o those_o of_o year_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n to_o submit_v unto_o christ_n teach_v and_o government_n therein_o this_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n whence_o the_o member_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v disciple_n in_o act._n 15.10_o so_o then_o they_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2._o from_o the_o phrase_n which_o imply_v covenant_v to_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o the_o first_o be_v use_v in_o act._n 2.41_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v and_o v._o 47._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n add_v and_o chap._n 5.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o more_o add_v the_o word_n import_v such_o a_o add_v as_o do_v visible_o and_o firm_o knit_v they_o together_o insiti_fw-la calvin_n in_o act_n 2.41_o adjuncti_fw-la christi_fw-la discipulis_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o idem_fw-la corpus_fw-la insiti_fw-la calvin_n say_v they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n disciple_n or_o ingraft_v into_o the_o same_o body_n that_o which_o thus_o visible_o ingraft_v they_o be_v not_o god_n work_a faith_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o their_o visible_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v believer_n be_v add_v v._o 14._o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o those_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n in_o act._n 2.41_o therefore_o this_o add_v be_v by_o something_o else_o and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o their_o visible_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o that_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n whereunto_o they_o now_o join_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o their_o former_a state_n in_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o add_v to_o the_o church_n luke_n confirm_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o engagement_n in_o act._n 2.42_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v strong_o and_o constant_o knit_v together_o viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o former_a mutual_a engagement_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n hear_v believe_a profess_v obey_v it_o constant_o and_o in_o fellowship_n i._n e._n
in_o church_n communion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v combine_v and_o compact_v before_o have_v solemn_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n expound_v it_o in_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 2._o luke_n confirm_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o as_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o act._n 5.13_o yet_o they_o do_v magnify_v they_o i._n e._n they_o approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o way_n and_o confess_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o add_v they_o so_o to_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n be_v add_v viz._n by_o public_a voluntary_a engagement_n with_o the_o church_n mutual_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n luke_n confirm_v by_o use_v another_o word_n synonomous_a with_o this_o which_o more_o plain_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v glue_v which_o word_n though_o it_o sometime_o signify_v join_v in_o a_o more_o common_a and_o lax_n sense_n yet_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n therefore_o according_a to_o tertullian_n rule_n deligendus_n est_fw-la sensus_fw-la è_fw-la materiâ_fw-la dicti_fw-la and_o then_o we_o know_v that_o all_o join_n unto_o a_o corporation_n must_v be_v do_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n and_o voluntary_a service_n to_o both_o which_o relation_n the_o same_o verb_n be_v apply_v to_o marriage_n in_o mat._n 19.5_o to_o voluntary_a service_n in_o luk._n 15.15_o both_o which_o be_v by_o voluntary_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a knit_n glue_v whereby_o person_n be_v join_v together_o in_o all_o such_o voluntary_a relation_n so_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o explication_n of_o the_o phrase_n 3._o the_o three_o proof_n be_v from_o the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o express_v their_o covenant_v together_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n to_o the_o body-natural_a to_o a_o body-corporate_a to_o a_o wife_n 1._o to_o a_o house_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o every_o member_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o whether_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o house_n in_o a_o architectonical_a sense_n the_o material_n must_v be_v cement_v together_o now_o in_o the_o church_n that_o cement_n be_v the_o covenant_n or_o in_o a_o oeconomical_a sense_n the_o member_n that_o be_v voluntary_o add_v as_o voluntary_a servant_n to_o the_o family_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n by_o covenant_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n eph._n 2.21_o 2._o to_o the_o natural-body_n in_o man_n the_o head_n of_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v beleiver_n the_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o essential_o when_o they_o be_v harmonical_o join_v and_o strong_o compact_v together_o by_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o fall_v as_o it_o be_v into_o joint_n as_o the_o thigh_n fall_v into_o the_o knee_n and_o the_o shoulder_n into_o the_o shoulderblade_n by_o shoot_v itself_o into_o the_o hollow_a of_o it_o and_o be_v firm_o knit_v to_o it_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 3._o to_o a_o body-corporate_a hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a city_n rev._n 11.2_o and_o church-member_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n ephes_n 2.19_o that_o whereby_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o be_v the_o covenant_n for_o as_o all_o citizen_n be_v admit_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la and_o become_v free_a denizen_n by_o voluntary_a enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o political-body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 4._o to_o a_o wife_n whether_o espouse_v or_o marry_v all_o espousal_n and_o marriage_n be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a mutual_a covenant_n prov._n 2.17_o mal._n 2.14_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n isa_n 62.5_o hence_o paul_n style_v the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n a_o virgin_n espouse_v 2_o cor._n 11.2_o to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n be_v join_v as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o virgin-church_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o phrase_n and_o similitude_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v strong_o confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n in_o one_o body_n among_o themselves_o several_o and_o respective_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n if_o any_o demand_n why_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o express_o mention_v the_o word_n covenant_n two_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o that_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a see_v it_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n that_o duty_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a and_o common_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o have_v be_v large_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o brief_o and_o implicit_o point_v at_o in_o the_o new_a as_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o sanctify_v it_o so_o this_o of_o the_o church-covenant_n yet_o concern_v all_o these_o sufficient_a light_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o manifest_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n then_o live_v under_o heathen_a prince_n and_o ruler_n enemy_n to_o christ_n unto_o who_o jealousy_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v render_v they_o obnoxious_a and_o may_v seem_v dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a peace_n therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n choose_v rather_o to_o forbear_v mention_v the_o name_n yet_o establish_v the_o thing_n under_o such_o similitude_n and_o parable_n as_o may_v hide_v it_o from_o other_o and_o yet_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o saint_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o voluntary_a relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o their_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o all_o which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o 1._o their_o relation_n be_v voluntary_a and_o all_o voluntary_a relation_n be_v by_o covenant_n as_o between_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n between_o master_n and_o voluntary_a servant_n so_o between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o both_o party_n before_o be_v free_a the_o one_o to_o offer_v himself_o into_o fellowship_n or_o not_o the_o other_o to_o admit_v he_o or_o not_o if_o such_o join_v together_o it_o be_v by_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o must_v be_v by_o mutual_a engagement_n hence_o arise_v their_o special_a and_o particular_a relation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o among_o themselves_o mutual_o as_o a_o body_n distinct_a from_o other_o church_n 2._o their_o interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o power_n one_o over_o another_o mutual_o arise_v from_o their_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n no_o church_n can_v judge_v any_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o inhabitant_n expect_v memberlike_a watchfulness_n and_o helpfulness_n from_o the_o church_n unless_o upon_o his_o offering_n himself_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n they_o receive_v he_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o 3._o their_o constant_a fellowship_n in_o church-priviledge_n arise_v from_o this_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n for_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v unto_o they_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o body_n admit_v they_o thereunto_o without_o their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n for_o till_o then_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v object_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o need_n of_o church-covenant_n see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n conveigh_v to_o beleiver_n all_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n answ_n 1_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o believer_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o internal_a viz._n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n
have_v a_o immediate_a right_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n which_o i_o do_v not_o grant_v nor_o believe_v but_o that_o as_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o they_o tanquam_fw-la in_o lumbis_fw-la parentum_fw-la so_o also_o if_o the_o grow_v member_n of_o the_o church_n observe_v vicious_a quality_n and_o practice_n in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o immediate_o in_o those_o step_n of_o proceed_v require_v in_o mat._n 18._o to_o bring_v matter_n to_o the_o church_n but_o they_o deal_v with_o their_o parent_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o educate_v their_o child_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o ephes_n 6.4_o to_o this_o sense_n dr._n ames_n appli_v that_o text_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 13._o ames_n medulla_n theolog_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o art_n 12_o 13._o infant_n tamen_fw-la non_fw-la adeò_fw-la perfecta_fw-la sunt_fw-la membra_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ut_fw-la possint_fw-la actus_fw-la communionis_fw-la exercere_fw-la aut_fw-la admitti_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la ejus_fw-la privilegia_fw-la participanda_fw-la nisi_fw-la priùs_fw-la incrementum_fw-la fidei_fw-la appareat_fw-la ab_fw-la iis_fw-la vero_fw-la quae_fw-la pertinent_a ad_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la et_fw-la ingressum_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la excludendi_fw-la 2._o nor_o may_v their_o child_n be_v baptize_v till_o themselves_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o right_n for_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n for_o not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n do_v become_v non-member_n and_o be_v to_o be_v so_o look_v at_o by_o the_o church_n if_o they_o desert_a church-fellowship_n either_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o place_n as_o esau_n into_o mount_n seir_n or_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n or_o if_o the_o church_n withdraw_v from_o they_o in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o implicitly_a member_n therefore_o their_o child_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o right_a that_o infant_n have_v unto_o baptism_n be_v in_o their_o next_o and_o immediate_a parent_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o do_v so_o limit_v it_o 2._o because_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n take_v off_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o their_o seed_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o posterity_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n 3._o because_o if_o infant_n shall_v have_v this_o right_n in_o their_o grandfather_n where_o shall_v we_o stop_v shall_v it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n as_o some_o misapply_v that_o promise_n in_o exod._n 20.6_o that_o can_v be_v true_a for_o then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_a all_o the_o world_n over_o have_v a_o right_n to_o bapism_n in_o some_o of_o their_o ancestor_n within_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o rom._n 11.17_o coral_n ∣_o lary_n 5_o then_o church-covenant_n be_v no_o formidable_a matter_n but_o desirable_a be_v it_o a_o yoke_n 1._o it_o be_v christ_n yoke_n which_o be_v easy_a mat._n 11.29_o 30._o he_o will_v make_v it_o easy_a depend_v upon_o his_o faithfulness_n as_o surety_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o ability_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o your_o discharge_n of_o your_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n but_o of_o precious_a liberty_n whereby_o you_o have_v right_a in_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o nor_o be_v church-fellowship_n a_o prison_n but_o if_o god_n call_v they_o must_v consent_v to_o your_o remove_n from_o they_o and_o follow_v you_o with_o their_o prayer_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a but_o sweet_a engagement_n of_o all_o upright-hearted_n christian_n to_o please_v christ_n and_o to_o be_v to_o his_o honour_n in_o that_o state_n so_o do_v the_o marriage-covenant_n oblige_v those_o that_o be_v in_o that_o state_n 1_o cor._n 7.34_o &_o 11.7_o from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v for_o the_o like_a care_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o ephes_n 5.24_o 2_o cor._n 8.23_o which_o also_o be_v a_o special_a end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o abraham_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n stand_v bind_v unto_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o 2._o and_o 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o and_o the_o contrary_n discover_v the_o insincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o psal_n 78.37_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o bind_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o church-relation_n mutual_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n and_o quicken_v they_o thereunto_o through_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o to_o 28._o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o some_o who_o do_v approve_v and_o plead_v for_o all_o other_o covenant_n viz._n national_a conjugal_a social_n covenant_n shall_v yet_o dislike_v and_o oppose_v church-covenant_n coral_n ∣_o lary_n 6_o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v see_v when_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v break_v and_o how_o great_a their_o sin_n be_v who_o do_v scandalous_o and_o contumacious_o persist_v therein_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o quantity_n and_o compass_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n which_o christ_n call_v his_o church_n he_o tell_v peter_n that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o upon_o this_o rock_n mat._n 16.18_o i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n where_o the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o first_o person_n and_o in_o the_o future_a tense_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o to_o show_v that_o though_o he_o will_v use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n that_o cause_v the_o work_n to_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o church-work_n be_v carry_v on_o successful_o zech._n 4.6_o 2._o breadstreet_n see_v mr._n bradf_n answ_n to_o the_o arch._n b._n of_o york_n in_o mr._n fox_n his_o act_n &_o mon._n in_o a_o conference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o chichester_n in_o the_o compter_n in_o breadstreet_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n not_o in_o the_o praeter_fw-la or_o present_a for_o though_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v after_o his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n when_o the_o gospel_n shall_v shine_v forth_o so_o clear_o that_o it_o shall_v obscure_v the_o light_n of_o former_a age_n as_o the_o sun_n rise_v in_o its_o strength_n do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n and_o it_o shall_v appear_v 2.11_o tit._n 2.11_o bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v gather_v and_o join_v unto_o christ_n that_o one_o head_n 14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eph._n 1.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 3.6_o &_o 2.13_o 14_o and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o body_n together_o with_o the_o believe_a jew_n in_o church-communion_n visible_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v break_v down_o and_o because_o all_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v join_v together_o in_o one_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v and_o be_v to_o have_v their_o solemn_a set_a meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n thrice_o a_o year_n or_o once_o in_o a_o age_n the_o lord_n jesus_n institute_v a_o congregational-church_n among_o christian_n and_o invest_v every_o such_o church_n with_o sufficient_a church-power_n within_o itself_o for_o attainment_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o my_o church_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v his_o institution_n 2._o because_o his_o name_n be_v call_v and_o put_v upon_o it_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v not_o moses_n his_o disciple_n but_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o old_a call_v christian_n act._n 11.26_o this_o title_n of_o church_n though_o it_o be_v give_v some_o time_n to_o a_o civil_a assembly_n act._n 19.41_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o christ_n no_o where_o call_v a_o civil_a assembly_n his_o church_n therefore_o it_o must_v signify_v a_o holy_a society_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o scripture_n appli_v this_o title_n sundry_a way_n 1._o to_o godly_a family_n rom._n 16.5_o col._n 4.15_o phil._n 2._o where_o the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o house_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o congregational_a church_n for_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o congregational_a assembly_n to_o salute_v aquila_n and_o priscilla_n and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n their_o house_n it_o seem_v consist_v all_o of_o godly_a person_n in_o paul_n judgement_n else_o he_o will_v have_v
perform_v coral_n 3_o then_o it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o a_o duty_n for_o every_o christian_a to_o endeavour_v to_o join_v himself_o in_o membership_n with_o a_o congregational_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n whosoever_o have_v opportunity_n and_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v they_o great_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n in_o not_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o also_o against_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v annex_v unto_o his_o institution_n exod._n 20.24_o mat._n 28.20_o and_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o that_o neglect_n they_o can_v hardly_o be_v account_v believer_n true_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o profession_n of_o religion_n soever_o they_o make_v otherwise_o mat._n 6.33_o and_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o posterity_n also_o to_o who_o god_n promise_v mercy_n upon_o their_o parent_n worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o institution_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v good_a to_o the_o posterity_n of_o such_o it_o be_v mere_o from_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n but_o not_o from_o their_o parent_n covenant_n ezek._n 16.61_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o church_n impregnable_a stability_n to_o the_o church_n build_v by_o christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o give_v this_o great_a privilege_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o scripture_n signify_v not_o hell_n but_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o grave_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v enemy_n vanquish_v by_o christ_n for_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 15.26_o 55._o and_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n rev._n 20.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o gate_n of_o death_n in_o job_n 38.17_o psal_n 107.18_o and_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_a isa_n 38.10_o i_o e._n the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a which_o seize_v on_o they_o as_o a_o sergeant_n psal_n 116.3_o the_o sum_n be_v let_v the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o low_a that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a as_o those_o two_o witness_n rev._n 11.8_o 9_o and_o bury_v as_o christ_n natural_a body_n be_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o neither_o death_n nor_o the_o grave_n shall_v prevail_v agaist_fw-mi it_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n only_o to_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a but_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o satan_n plot_n and_o assault_n against_o the_o church_n against_o which_o if_o christ_n do_v not_o help_v they_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n will_v prevail_v against_o they_o to_o their_o eternal_a destruction_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o text_n by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o machination_n of_o satan_n and_o temptation_n whatsoever_o whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o draw_v those_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o the_o prevail_a of_o they_o signify_v their_o effectual_a work_n unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o end_n the_o sum_n be_v a_o promise_n that_o the_o devil_n with_o all_o his_o policy_n and_o power_n shall_v neither_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o cause_v the_o church_n thus_o build_v to_o apostatise_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n whatsoever_o socinian_n or_o arminian_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v thus_o be_v evince_v 1._o because_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v the_o disable_n of_o what_o ever_o oppose_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n or_o its_o constant_a adhere_n to_o christ_n from_o prevail_v to_o those_o end_n but_o so_o do_v satan_n temptation_n therefore_o they_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o because_o whatsoever_o go_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n or_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o thence_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o phrase_n but_o the_o temptation_n and_o machination_n of_o satan_n by_o himself_o and_o his_o instrument_n heretic_n and_o tyrant_n go_v forth_o thence_o therefore_o they_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o phrase_n 3._o because_o peter_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n describe_v unbeliever_n the_o adversary_n of_o this_o building_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o 8._o 4._o because_o the_o proportion_n which_o christ_n imply_v in_o these_o word_n require_v that_o they_o be_v so_o understand_v the_o proportion_n be_v between_o two_o city_n that_o of_o heaven_n which_o have_v its_o gate_n and_o key_n in_o v._o 19_o and_o the_o other_o of_o hell_n which_o have_v its_o gate_n whence_o it_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o that_o but_o shall_v not_o prevail_v see_v therefore_o city_n be_v oppose_v to_o city_n and_o gate_n to_o gate_n and_o one_o viz._n the_o church_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o state_n of_o present_a build_n it_o be_v most_o suitable_a that_o the_o other_o be_v also_o look_v at_o as_o it_o oppose_v that_o in_o the_o present_a whilst_o it_o be_v militant_a upon_o earth_n but_o from_o hence_o that_o christ_n promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n thus_o build_v some_o infer_v that_o christ_n mean_v only_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n for_o that_o only_a say_v they_o be_v bulilt_v on_o this_o rock_n and_o only_o that_o shall_v not_o fail_v answ_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n be_v build_v upon_o christ_n by_o effectual_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o that_o shall_v not_o fail_v for_o that_o be_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o fist-born_a which_o be_v enroll_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o and_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o those_o that_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o these_o only_o be_v build_v on_o this_o rock_n the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v as_o that_o at_o corinth_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n or_o rocky-foundation_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o be_v so_o build_v be_v under_o the_o special_a protection_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o respect_n whereof_o the_o lord_n promise_v any_o such_o church_n as_o well_o among_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o jew_n whosoever_o shall_v gather_v himself_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v isa_n 54.15_o and_o all_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v make_v against_o thou_o shall_v not_o prosper_v vers_fw-la 17._o and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o peter_n make_v visible_o and_o public_o whereupon_o not_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n but_o visible_a particular_a church_n be_v build_v therefore_o these_o only_o be_v mean_v here_o concl._n 5_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o himself_o upon_o this_o rock_n in_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o safety_n be_v impregnable_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o indefinite_o take_v for_o a_o particular_a congregational-church_n institute_v by_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a conclusion_n not_o for_o this_o or_o that_o definite_o therefore_o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o greek-churche_n those_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o asia_n and_o against_o rome_n who_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o against_o sundry_a other_o particular_a church_n answ_n i_o answer_v 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n yet_o not_o against_o a_o particular_a church_n indefinite_o consider_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o against_o the_o church_n in_o general_a exist_v in_o its_o particular_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o visible_a church_n do_v not_o fail_v for_o 1._o christ_n ever_o have_v and_o will_v have_v some_o or_o other_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n wherein_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v preserve_v as_o the_o genus_fw-la be_v in_o its_o species_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a as_o when_o the_o lord_n preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n mankind_n be_v preserve_v in_o they_o though_o multitude_n of_o man_n be_v destroy_v in_o the_o deluge_n 2._o christ_n will_v show_v that_o he_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o church_n wherein_o be_v some_o true_a believer_n mix_v with_o many_o hypocrite_n and_o other_o society_n therefore_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v total_o destroy_v as_o he_o do_v his_o open_a enemy_n hos_fw-la 11.8_o 9_o isa_n 1.8_o 9_o &_o
synagogue_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o pope_n as_o peter_n successor_n and_o of_o the_o indeficiency_n of_o their_o church_n as_o build_v upon_o peter_n when_o as_o neither_o have_v peter_n himself_o any_o such_o privilege_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o story_n in_o this_o 16_o of_o matthew_n evince_v the_o contrary_a v._o 23._o nor_o by_o the_o rock_n whereupon_o christ_n build_v his_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o person_n of_o peter_n or_o peter_n confession_n personal_o as_o it_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o but_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v real_o in_o itself_o and_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o to_o all_o visible_a believer_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o confirm_v 1._o because_o peter_n confession_n must_v have_v relation_n to_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o confess_v but_o peter_n confess_v not_o himself_o but_o christ_n say_v thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n therefore_o his_o confession_n have_v relation_n to_o christ_n not_o to_o himself_o 2._o because_o peter_n confess_v no_o more_o than_o that_o which_o he_o know_v the_o other_o disciple_n believe_v before_o he_o speak_v for_o christ_n question_n be_v general_a what_o say_v you_o peter_n answer_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o apostle_n before_o he_o speak_v believe_v christ_n confess_v and_o not_o peter_n confess_v 3._o because_o this_o rock_n be_v that_o confession_n whereupon_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v true_o believe_v that_o which_o peter_n confess_v viz._n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o confess_v or_o profess_v it_o in_o due_a order_n be_v according_o build_v on_o this_o rock_n though_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o peter_n name_n therefore_o the_o confession_n right_o understand_v have_v relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n 4._o because_o the_o rock_n signify_v that_o which_o be_v immovable_a and_o impregnable_a such_o as_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n but_o peter_n confession_n be_v movable_a and_o shake_v at_o one_o time_n thrice_o deny_v this_o confession_n of_o his_o lord_n therefore_o this_o confession_n which_o christ_n call_v the_o rock_n have_v not_o relation_n to_o peter_n but_o only_o to_o christ_n coral_n 2_o then_o they_o that_o will_v have_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v impregnable_a stable_n and_o firm_a against_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n must_v see_v that_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n and_o not_o upon_o humane_a form_n 1._o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n not_o the_o policy_n or_o custom_n of_o man_n 2._o loc_n 2._o exit_fw-la quo_fw-la patet_fw-la quòd_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la non_fw-la consistit_fw-la in_o hominibus_fw-la ratione_fw-la potestatis_fw-la vel_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la vel_fw-la saecularis_fw-la etc._n etc._n sed_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la personis_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la est_fw-la notitia_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o confessio_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o veritatis_fw-la lyra_n in_o loc_n that_o the_o material_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v be_v such_o as_o believe_v and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n public_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n of_o subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o and_o according_o walk_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n resist_v satan_n in_o all_o his_o temptation_n and_o machination_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v they_o without_o who_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15.5_o and_o that_o they_o improve_v careful_o and_o faithful_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o appointment_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o his_o church_n safe_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v handle_v the_o second_o part._n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o power_n give_v of_o christ_n unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o the_o second_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o the_o charter_n be_v concern_v the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o such_o church_n to_o have_v and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o establishment_n against_o the_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n mat._n 16.19_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n contain_v 1._o a_o grant_n of_o power_n 2._o a_o ratification_n of_o that_o grant_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o distinct_o 1._o to_o christ_n his_o grant_n of_o power_n and_o therein_o 1._o explicate_v the_o term_n by_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v 1_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o by_o the_o key_n of_o it_o 3_o what_o this_o appropriation_n or_o application_n of_o they_o import_v to_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v 1._o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v mean_v both_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n &_o glory_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n be_v also_o mean_v the_o follow_a word_n show_v when_o he_o say_v what_o you_o bound_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n 2._o by_o the_o key_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o power_n and_o be_v put_v by_o a_o metonimy_n for_o the_o subject_a the_o power_n itself_o be_v mean_v church-power_n which_o be_v either_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a in_o christ_n only_o as_o lord_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v in_o rev._n 3.7_o or_o subordinate_a and_o delegate_v such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n steward_n this_o be_v note_v by_o key_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n in_o this_o place_n which_o signify_v all_o power_n delegated_a from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v and_o administer_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o his_o house_n according_a to_o christ_n will_n and_o in_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o he_o to_o that_o end_n for_o all_o power_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n jesus_n betru_v his_o church_n aim_v at_o this_o which_o be_v here_o express_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v 3._o to_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o application_n of_o this_o grant_n be_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v upon_o himself_o believe_v on_o and_o public_o profess_v as_o peter_n do_v before_o he_o and_o his_o fellow-disciple_n in_o christ_n school_n at_o this_o time_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v more_o fit_o give_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n than_o to_o the_o church_n by_o name_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n that_o make_v this_o confession_n but_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stand_n to_o examine_v the_o sundry_a claim_n which_o have_v be_v make_v to_o this_o right_n upon_o several_a pretence_n from_o this_o text._n 1_o some_o look_v at_o peter_n as_o represent_v the_o catholic_n visible-church_n conceive_v that_o a_o general_a council_n which_o they_o say_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n representative_o be_v the_o church_n here_o mean_v to_o which_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o that_o can_v be_v for_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v and_o exercise_v the_o key_n complete_o within_o themselves_o yet_o be_v there_o no_o general_a council_n till_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n which_o be_v three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n 2._o other_o look_v at_o this_o grant_n as_o peculiar_a to_o peter_n consider_v as_o the_o prince_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o his_o successor_n but_o this_o papal_a usurpation_n the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o basil_n strong_o and_o just_o oppose_v show_v that_o the_o key_n which_o be_v here_o give_v to_o peter_n be_v in_o joh._n 20.21_o 22_o 23._o give_v to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o peter_n himself_o be_v enjoin_v in_o mat._n 18._o to_o tell_v the_o church_n 3._o other_o think_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n consider_v not_o representative_o but_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o these_o differ_v among_o themselves_o for_o some_o affirm_v it_o of_o the_o invisible_a other_o of_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n as_o for_o the_o term_n we_o know_v that_o visible_a &_o invisible_a
office-power_n but_o all_o power_n which_o serve_v to_o shut_v and_o open_v the_o house_n or_o city_n of_o god_n not_o power_n of_o the_o steward_n only_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o this_o great_a king_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o her_o husband_n be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n even_o to_o heaven_n have_v give_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o family_n and_o reject_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o for_o those_o end_n to_o judge_v also_o because_o such_o act_n require_v judgement_n and_o to_o call_v the_o steward_n to_o his_o place_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o key_n of_o office_n by_o election_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o power_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o she_o yet_o it_o come_v original_o from_o she_o reas_n 2._o because_o christ_n here_o give_v the_o key_n only_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v i._n e._n only_o to_o teacher_n and_o elder_n answ_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n be_v give_v only_o to_o teacher_n &_o elder_n only_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n have_v that_o formal_o yet_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o large_a than_o office-power_n viz._n to_o admit_v reject_v etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v their_o office_n from_o the_o church_n and_o their_o office-power_n by_o the_o church_n original_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n in_o the_o church_n before_o office-power_n which_o do_v communicate_v and_o convey_v office-power_n to_o its_o officer_n 3._o reas_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v act_n of_o the_o office-power_n of_o pastor_n ruler_n feeder_n by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n answ_n bind_v and_o lose_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o in_o this_o text_n comprehend_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o church-power_n and_o these_o act_n be_v not_o only_o by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n for_o then_o the_o ruling-eld_a shall_v have_v no_o key_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v but_o also_o by_o admonition_n excommunication_n admission_n which_o issue_n from_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o common_a to_o the_o people_n with_o they_o 2._o though_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o she_o may_v not_o exercise_v any_o act_n proper_a to_o office-power_n without_o officer_n who_o she_o do_v and_o must_v call_v to_o that_o end_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 4._o reas_n if_o this_o place_n give_v not_o warrant_v and_o authority_n to_o officer_n what_o warrant_v have_v they_o for_o their_o office-power_n answ_n 1._o this_o place_n give_v warrant_n for_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o church_n do_v according_o call_v they_o to_o that_o place_n and_o invest_v they_o with_o office_n with_o voluntary_a profess_a subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n of_o office_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o several_a act_n of_o office-power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o be_v abundant_o warrant_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 5._o reas_n they_o to_o who_o the_o key_n be_v here_o give_v do_v authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o their_o act_n be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v officer_n can_v by_o any_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n answ_n the_o word_n authority_n sometime_o be_v take_v more_o general_o for_o power_n sometime_o more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o rule_v and_o office-power_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o foregive_v judicial_o in_o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o former_a censure_n the_o officer_n forgive_v authoritative_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o interpretation_n 6._o other_o look_v at_o the_o key_n as_o give_v to_o peter_n here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n indefinite_o take_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a definite_a church_n that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v receive_v the_o key_n from_o they_o or_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o that_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o parity_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la therefore_o the_o church_n here_o intend_v must_v be_v take_v general_o and_o indefinite_o as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o or_o the_o general_a church_n as_o exist_v its_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v object_v against_o this_o that_o peter_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a congregation_n when_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a for_o no_o such_o church_n be_v then_o constitute_v no_o more_o be_v there_o a_o presbytery_n then_o constitute_v when_o christ_n direct_v peter_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o after_o proceed_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o mat._n 18._o which_o yet_o they_o hold_v but_o not_o true_o to_o be_v the_o presbytery_n as_o we_o shall_v evince_v hereafter_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o grant_n that_o that_o rule_n serve_v to_o order_v member_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o case_n when_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o force_n in_o this_o text_n also_o some_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n in_o this_o text_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n because_o he_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o his_o speech_n for_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o person_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o he_o say_v not_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o key_n but_o vary_v the_o person_n he_o turn_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n say_v and_o unto_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n here_o be_v no_o change_v of_o person_n nor_o turn_v of_o speech_n in_o christ_n give_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n but_o as_o christ_n begin_v so_o he_o continue_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 17._o christ_n pronounce_v peter_n bless_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 18._o he_o give_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n to_o peter_n confession_n that_o upon_o this_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n and_o establish_v it_o as_o impregnable_a against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o v._o 19_o he_o give_v unto_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o though_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o calling_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o the_o key_n be_v here_o original_o and_o primary_o commit_v to_o the_o 3._o the_o toti_n ecclesiae_fw-la dedit_fw-la christus_fw-la clave_n sed_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la certi_fw-la essent_fw-la qui_fw-la clavibus_fw-la utantur_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honoremque_fw-la dei_fw-la zanc._n in_o praec_fw-la 4._o quaest_n 3._o vid._n park_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 3._o church_n in_o general_n exist_v in_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v produce_v sundry_a writer_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a of_o other_o country_n and_o our_o own_o if_o need_v require_v to_o confirm_v this_o exposition_n yea_o of_o the_o author_n quote_v by_o mr._n p._n not_o a_o few_o consent_n herein_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v cyprian_n and_o augustine_n who_o in_o sundry_a place_n speak_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o these_o two_o i_o the_o rather_o name_n because_o i_o find_v in_o approve_a history_n that_o sundry_a martyr_n be_v confirm_v in_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o testimony_n have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n hieronimus_fw-la savanarola_n a_o godly_a learned_a preacher_n in_o florence_n a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n 565._o illyr_n catal_a test_n verit_fw-la count_v
papam_fw-la p._n 565._o be_v there_o burn_v for_o deny_v the_o primacy_n of_o the_o pope_n teach_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v ecclesiae_fw-la toti_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o the_o communion_n shall_v be_v administer_v sub_fw-la utrâque_fw-la specie_fw-la and_o against_o humane_a tradition_n and_o the_o pope_n indulgency_n and_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o the_o cardinal_n and_o priest_n and_o for_o preach_v free_a justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n this_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 1499._o in_o our_o own_o land_n john_n lambert_n in_o the_o year_n 8_o fox_n martyrol_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o hen._n 8_o 1538_o be_v burn_v to_o death_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o himself_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o he_o with_o all_o his_o noble_n and_o bishop_n by_o the_o wicked_a counsel_n of_o stephen_n gardiner_n upon_o 45_o article_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o 43_o article_n whether_o he_o believe_v the_o pope_n be_v christ_n vicar_n and_o have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v he_o deny_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v christ_n vicar_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o cyprian_a ibid._n idem_fw-la ibid._n de_fw-fr simplicitate_fw-la clericorum_fw-la and_o aug._n de_fw-fr ago_o christiano_n also_o sir_n john_n borthwick_n a_o scottish_a knight_n in_o the_o year_n 1540_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o arch_a bishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n than_o cardinal_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o pope_n legate_n with_o sundry_a popish_a bishop_n upon_o ten_o article_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o first_o touch_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n ground_v upon_o mat._n 16._o to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n which_o he_o from_o that_o place_n confute_v affirm_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n which_o name_n be_v give_v he_o upon_o his_o confession_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o confirm_v his_o assertion_n out_o of_o cyprian_a and_o augustine_n so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o singular_a exposition_n of_o these_o word_n or_o practice_n take_v up_o by_o some_o few_o of_o late_a not_o new_a for_o cyprian_n write_v about_o the_o year_n 250_o after_o christ_n and_o augustine_n about_o the_o year_n 410_o the_o last_o of_o they_o about_o 1200_o year_n since_o and_o the_o first_o above_o 1400_o year_n past_a i_o shall_v add_v hereunto_o that_o before_o cyprian_a tertullian_n about_o the_o year_n 200_o show_v we_o that_o church-censure_n be_v then_o perform_v by_o one_o particular_a church_n within_o it_o self_n and_o not_o in_o any_o combination_n of_o church_n tertull._n apolog._n cap._n 39_o nor_o singular_a for_o sundry_a sort_n of_o writer_n in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n have_v consent_v therein_o i_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o question_n about_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o apprehension_n between_o some_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n whether_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n under_o several_a consideration_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o as_o a_o elder_a and_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n all_o be_v take_v joint_o together_o or_o to_o a_o single_a society_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n under_o some_o special_a relation_n which_o share_n alike_o in_o the_o equality_n of_o this_o power_n promise_v unto_o they_o for_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o agree_v 1._o that_o the_o key_n be_v promise_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o congregational-church_n 2._o that_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n can_v be_v give_v to_o one_o single_a society_n formal_o in_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o because_o it_o require_v several_a sort_n of_o subject_n formal_o different_a viz._n some_o rule_v some_o rule_v some_o teach_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o till_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v organise_v and_o complete_v with_o all_o its_o officer_n it_o can_v complete_o exercise_v the_o key_n commit_v to_o it_o 4._o that_o nevertheless_o before_o it_o be_v complete_v it_o have_v power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o they_o either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o whereby_o all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v or_o administrable_a among_o they_o i_o shall_v issue_v this_o point_n into_o one_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n concl._n 6._o concl._n the_o subordinate_a ordinary_a power_n of_o act_v church-affair_n in_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o a_o visible_a congregation_n of_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v note_v something_n 1._o for_o explication_n 2._o confirmation_n of_o it_o 3._o draw_v some_o consectary_n 1._o for_o explication_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v five_o particular_n 1._o what_o i_o mean_v by_o subordinate_a power_n subordinate_a power_n be_v that_o which_o whole_o depend_v on_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o only_a monarch_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o his_o reveal_v will_n must_v be_v attend_v in_o all_o church-administations_a as_o the_o only_a rule_n from_o which_o they_o may_v not_o swerve_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o any_o humane_a policy_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o by_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v any_o thing_n therefrom_o to_o this_o christ_n limit_v his_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o according_o paul_n strict_o charge_v timothy_n and_o in_o he_o all_o the_o church_n and_o church-officer_n to_o keep_v this_o commandment_n without_o spot_n unrebukable_a until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o 14_o 15._o they_o must_v assume_v to_o themselves_o only_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v allot_v they_o and_o not_o exercise_v it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v allow_v they_o 2._o why_o i_o add_v ordinary_a to_o subordinate_a it_o be_v add_v to_o difference_n that_o power_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n for_o continual_a use_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n both_o apostolical-power_n and_o church-power_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v immediate_o from_o christ_n for_o as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n joh._n 20.23_o so_o he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n both_o here_o in_o peter_n and_o in_o mat._n 18.18_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n receive_v its_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o both_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o power_n before_o visible_a christian-churche_n be_v constitute_v so_o such_o church_n have_v and_o hold_v their_o power_n when_o apostle_n cease_v to_o be_v on_o earth_n but_o herein_o these_o two_o power_n differ_v 1._o that_o apostolical_a power_n be_v centre_v in_o one_o single_a person_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o circumference_n of_o all_o church_n each_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n he_o can_v administer_v seal_n and_o censure_n as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o be_v present_a in_o any_o church_n that_o want_v officer_n a_o apostle_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v every_o office_n for_o the_o church_n and_o this_o their_o power_n extend_v itself_o as_o much_o to_o all_o church_n as_o to_o any_o one_o their_o line_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n psal_n 19.4_o with_o rom._n 10.18_o mat._n 28.19_o for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n the_o mediator_n with_o fullness_n of_o soveragin_n power_n so_o christ_n send_v his_o apostle_n with_o fullness_n of_o ministerial_a power_n joh._n 20.21_o but_o church-power_n be_v not_o in_o one_o man_n but_o in_o a_o society_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v various_o by_o several_a person_n in_o that_o society_n according_a to_o variety_n of_o calling_n be_v all_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o hence_o 2._o that_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o to_o last_v but_o for_o a_o time_n but_o this_o be_v ordinary_a and_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n rev._n 4.1_o 3._o what_o the_o church-affair_n be_v and_o what_o the_o act_v they_o import_v the_o church-affair_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n call_v here_o the_o
church_n the_o church_n may_v by_o communion_n of_o church_n upon_o orderly_a recommendation_n receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n unto_o fellowship_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o seal_n be_v and_o the_o officer_n may_v administer_v they_o to_o such_o be_v accept_v by_o the_o body_n for_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o so_o much_o from_o the_o rule_n rom._n 16.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o but_o not_o to_o act_v in_o judgement_n for_o the_o church_n have_v this_o privilege_n proper_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o and_o to_o judge_v only_o those_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o whereas_o i_o allege_v this_o text_n against_o mr._n paget_n to_o prove_v that_o church-ordinance_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n mr._n rutterf_n meet_v with_o that_o expression_n say_v mr._n d._n will_v have_v pastor_n so_o far_o stranger_n to_o all_o congregation_n save_v their_o own_o that_o he_o say_v other_o church_n be_v without_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o allege_v for_o this_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o paul_n mean_v not_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o congregation_n but_o he_o mean_v infidel_n and_o heathen_a as_o in_o other_o scripture_n for_o paul_n judge_v and_o excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n have_v mr._n rutt_n be_v please_v to_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o my_o own_o defence_n of_o that_o passage_n 313._o in_o my_o apolog_n reply_v pag._n 312_o 313._o print_v sundry_a year_n before_o he_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n in_o these_o dispute_v about_o church_n affair_n he_o may_v have_v find_v that_o write_v by_o i_o touch_v the_o sense_n and_o my_o application_n of_o that_o text_n which_o may_v have_v prevent_v his_o exagitate_v that_o matter_n nor_o do_v he_o with_o any_o congruity_n argue_v from_o paul_n excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o he_o say_v be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o prove_v that_o pastor_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o judge_v judicial_o or_o excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o other_o congregation_n for_o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n a_o extraordinary_a officer_n have_v a_o illimited_a commission_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o delegated_a power_n both_o in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o administer_v church-ordinance_n without_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v and_o to_o execute_v all_o office_n in_o any_o church_n where_o officer_n be_v want_v but_o pastor_n be_v ordinary_a officer_n have_v a_o limit_a commission_n to_o do_v only_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o those_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o therefore_o though_o paul_n may_v excommunicate_v one_o that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n yet_o the_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n may_v not_o yet_o paul_n can_v not_o excommunicate_v one_o that_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o without_o as_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a be_v for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n do_v so_o appropriate_a church-judgment_n to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o that_o he_o exempt_v from_o it_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n all_o that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o congregation_n though_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o be_v without_o some_o be_v total_o without_o all_o church-communion_n as_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a other_o though_o in_o church-communion_n elsewhere_o yet_o not_o in_o communion_n of_o membership_n of_o that_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o put_v away_o from_o they_o not_o one_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n mr._n rutt_n say_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n though_o member_n of_o some_o other_o church_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n can_v not_o excommunicate_v they_o yet_o paul_n may_v and_o do_v by_o his_o apostolical_a power_n thus_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n some_o be_v without_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n to_o conclude_v one_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n two_o way_n 1._o simple_o and_o absolute_o so_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a that_o be_v of_o no_o church_n 2._o comparative_o so_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n compare_v with_o those_o that_o be_v of_o this_o body_n 4._o corollary_n then_o church_n gather_v and_o officer_n ordain_v in_o these_o day_n without_o apostle_n be_v true_a church_n and_o true_a church-officer_n according_a to_o christ_n and_o church_n thus_o organise_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v true_a and_o entire_a church_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n as_o well_o as_o those_o primitive_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o put_v into_o this_o charter_n whereof_o we_o speak_v as_o a_o conditional_a clause_n which_o may_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v if_o christ_n have_v intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o necessary_a he_o do_v not_o say_v upon_o this_o rock_n my_o apostle_n shall_v build_v my_o church_n and_o to_o my_o church_n build_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n viz._n by_o such_o instrument_n as_o christ_n will_v raise_v and_o use_v and_o bless_v in_o that_o work_n in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o this_o church_n thus_o build_v he_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n object_n but_o christ_n give_v the_o commission_n of_o gather_v church_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.8_o 11_o 12._o answ_n those_o and_o the_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n do_v indeed_o show_v that_o god_n use_v apostle_n principal_o in_o this_o work_n but_o not_o only_o for_o as_o to_o teach_v and_o baptise_v be_v common_a to_o other_o teaching-officer_n as_o well_o as_o apostle_n so_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n by_o make_v man_n disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v do_v by_o other_o beside_o apostle_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n act._n 11.20_o 21._o the_o disperse_a disciple_n plant_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o member_n whereof_o be_v first_o call_v christian_n a_o church_n who_o plant_v barnabas_n approve_v ver_fw-la 23._o 2._o they_o show_v that_o god_n will_v use_v apostle_n herein_o for_o a_o time_n but_o not_o always_o which_o i_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o proper_a work_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o first_o model_n and_o pattern_n of_o plant_v and_o gather_v church_n which_o ordinary_a instrumentts_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 10._o and_o in_o that_o sense_n their_o work_n continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o their_o manner_n of_o work_v viz._n from_o a_o immediate_a call_n inspiration_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n proper_a to_o apostle_n in_o make_v those_o pattern_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o end_v with_o their_o office_n in_o the_o first_o age_n since_o when_o there_o never_o have_v be_v apostle_n in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o mathias_n succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n by_o god_n election_n act._n 1.26_o yet_o after_o james_n be_v behead_v no_o apostle_n be_v choose_v to_o succeed_v he_o though_o the_o apostle_n live_v long_o after_o 2._o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o live_v long_a of_o the_o apostle_n describe_v by_o revelation_n from_o christ_n all_o the_o officer_n that_o shall_v be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n in_o christian_a church_n after_o that_o age_n under_o four_o sort_n of_o live_a creature_n which_o note_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n after_o that_o age_n viz._n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n revel_v 4.1_o 6_o 7._o verse_n 19_o and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n hold_v forth_o the_o ratification_n of_o christ_n grant_n of_o the_o key_n unto_o a_o congregational-church_n with_o the_o chiefty_a
which_o bind_v he_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o find_v that_o through_o sinful_a prejudice_n he_o can_v receive_v the_o light_n hold_v forth_o when_o he_o have_v no_o objection_n of_o weight_n against_o it_o 2._o other_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o preserve_v the_o entireness_n of_o power_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la inviolate_a the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o righteousness_n bind_v every_o man_n hereunto_o one_o corporation_n must_v uphold_v the_o just_a right_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o another_o if_o a_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n ox_n or_o sheep_n go_v astray_o he_o must_v in_o any_o case_n bring_v they_o again_o unto_o his_o brother_n deut._n 22.1_o much_o more_o if_o he_o see_v a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n go_v astray_o by_o sinful_a prejudice_n against_o the_o church_n he_o must_v in_o any_o case_n convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o angel_n return_v hagar_n to_o sarah_n her_o mistress_n gen._n 16.8_o 9_o for_o this_o purpose_n 1._o they_o must_v not_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_n much_o less_o against_o the_o church_n and_o eldership_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o therefore_o much_o less_o from_o a_o delinquent_n under_o public_a censure_n and_o that_o in_o his_o one_o cause_n 2._o if_o more_o join_v with_o he_o attest_v what_o he_o say_v they_o must_v see_v 1_o whether_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faction_n side_v with_o a_o censure_v delinquent_n against_o the_o church_n or_o no._n if_o yea_o they_o must_v testify_v against_o their_o way_n as_o contrary_a to_o rule_v and_o avoid_v they_o as_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 16.17_o if_o not_o they_o must_v inquire_v 1_o whether_o they_o have_v plead_v with_o the_o church_n itself_o hos_fw-la 2.2_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o become_v such_o as_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zach._n 8.21_o before_o they_o become_v accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n unto_o other_o 2_o whether_o they_o proceed_v peaceable_o or_o tumultuous_o and_o tumultuos_o they_o do_v act_n if_o they_o seek_v nor_o light_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n first_o at_o home_n but_o refuse_v help_v that_o way_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v trouble_n and_o disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n by_o spread_v their_o complaint_n abroad_o and_o those_o not_o to_o some_o one_o church_n without_o who_o help_n the_o question_n can_v be_v end_v as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o eight_o or_o nine_o church_n some_o near_a some_o far_o distant_a from_o the_o church_n some_o 40_o 50_o 100_o 150_o mile_n off_o and_o that_o without_o give_v notice_n of_o their_o purpose_n to_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n if_o so_o they_o may_v clear_o see_v a_o evil_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o business_n with_o which_o other_o shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 3_o whether_o they_o do_v positive_o justify_v the_o delinquent_n in_o that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v censure_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n or_o only_o declare_v their_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o delinquent_n in_o some_o respect_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a concern_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o censure_n if_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o thus_o speak_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n 4_o whether_o they_o come_v only_o in_o a_o backbiting_a way_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n public_o before_o the_o church_n which_o they_o accuse_v private_o if_o not_o they_o must_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_v against_o common_a equity_n act._n 25.16_o 5_o what_o the_o end_n be_v which_o they_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o in_o take_v this_o course_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o light_v only_a or_o for_o the_o nullify_n of_o the_o censure_n by_o the_o power_n of_o other_o if_o the_o former_a they_o can_v safe_o conclude_v any_o thing_n alterâ_fw-la parte_fw-la inauditâ_fw-la remember_v what_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 18.17_o if_o the_o latter_a they_o must_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n but_o all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o inform_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n whether_o their_o report_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o to_o give_v such_o advice_n from_o scripture_n as_o the_o case_n require_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n exhort_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a space_n to_o attend_v the_o rule_n in_o memberlike_a submission_n to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o church_n according_a to_o god_n quest_n but_o suppose_v that_o the_o party_n censure_v think_v he_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v wrong_v be_v there_o no_o course_n to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o free_n of_o he_o from_o a_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a in_o his_o apprehension_n answ_n if_o he_o have_v hold_v forth_o convince_a light_n as_o he_o conceive_v to_o the_o church_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v wrong_v and_o have_v wait_v patient_o for_o redress_n but_o can_v find_v none_o and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o join_v with_o some_o other_o church_n he_o may_v remove_v his_o dwell_n if_o no_o other_o church_n be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n or_o without_o that_o if_o there_o be_v and_o he_o may_v offer_v himself_o to_o their_o fellowship_n make_v know_v to_o they_o his_o case_n if_o in_o other_o respect_n they_o approve_v he_o as_o one_o who_o fellowship_n with_o they_o will_v be_v helpful_a or_o comfortable_a to_o they_o they_o will_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whence_o he_o come_v with_o his_o desire_n and_o crave_v their_o advice_n which_o will_v draw_v from_o that_o church_n a_o full_a narrative_n of_o his_o case_n upon_o examination_n whereof_o these_o who_o desire_v his_o fellowship_n will_v labour_v with_o he_o to_o further_a his_o repentance_n and_o his_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o offend_a church_n according_a to_o rule_n which_o be_v do_v the_o church_n that_o be_v offend_v will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o forgive_v he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o recommend_v he_o to_o that_o fellowship_n where_o he_o desire_v to_o settle_v but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o the_o church_n that_o have_v thus_o far_o labour_v in_o the_o business_n will_v acquaint_v other_o neighbour-churche_n with_o the_o matter_n and_o crave_v their_o advice_n who_o find_v either_o that_o the_o church_n do_v err_v in_o judgement_n or_o that_o the_o delinquent_n have_v satisfy_v the_o rule_n of_o repentance_n will_v signify_v their_o apprehension_n to_o both_o the_o church_n and_o according_o the_o party_n be_v either_o release_v by_o the_o one_o or_o receive_v by_o the_o other_o each_o of_o they_o preserve_v its_o church-power_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la according_a to_o their_o light_n maintain_v still_o church-communion_n notwithstanding_o their_o different_a apprehension_n touch_v this_o matter_n 2._o if_o the_o case_n be_v reducible_a to_o what_o be_v note_v in_o the_o three_o corollary_n there_o you_o may_v find_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n prescribe_v according_a to_o congregational_a principle_n without_o his_o remove_n 3._o in_o some_o case_n a_o mischief_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o inconvenience_n as_o lawyer_n speak_v better_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n want_v a_o remedy_n for_o a_o case_n that_o may_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o man_n life_n than_o to_o be_v under_o the_o continual_a dropping_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o in_o all_o case_n 4._o we_o have_v former_o prove_v that_o classical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v helpful_a to_o church_n that_o it_o frustrate_v christ_n grant_n of_o power_n to_o particular_a church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la finis_fw-la