we_o confess_v we_o be_v fill_v with_o wonderment_n at_o that_o divine_a hand_n that_o have_v thus_o lead_v the_o judgement_n without_o the_o least_o mutual_a interchange_n or_o intimation_n of_o thought_n or_o notion_n in_o these_o particular_n of_o our_o brethren_n there_o and_o ourselves_o unworthy_a to_o be_v mention_v with_o they_o hear_v only_o we_o crave_v leave_v of_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o those_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o view_n of_o it_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o assent_n not_o to_o all_o expression_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o or_o all_o &_o every_o assertion_n interweave_v in_o it_o yea_o nor_o to_o all_o the_o ground_n or_o allegation_n of_o scripture_n nor_o shall_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n perhaps_o have_v use_v the_o same_o term_n to_o express_v the_o same_o material_n by_o for_o instance_n we_o humble_o conceive_v prophesy_v as_o the_o scripture_n term_n it_o or_o speak_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v sometime_o be_v perform_v by_o brethren_n gift_v though_o not_o in_o office_n as_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o 1_o occasional_o not_o in_o a_o ordinary_a course_n 2._o by_o man_n of_o such_o ability_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n and_o 3._o not_o assume_v this_o of_o themselves_o but_o judge_v such_o by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o power_n and_o so_o allow_v and_o design_v to_o it_o and_o 4._o so_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v subject_v for_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o the_o teach_v elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o caution_v we_o see_v no_o more_o incongruity_n for_o such_o to_o speak_v to_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o congregation_n then_o for_o man_n of_o like_a ability_n to_o speak_v to_o and_o debate_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n which_o this_o reverend_a author_n allow_v and_o here_o with_o we_o be_v practise_v again_o in_o all_o humility_n we_o yet_o see_v not_o that_o assembly_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n act_n 15._o to_o have_v be_v a_o formal_a synod_n of_o messenger_n send_v out_o of_o a_o set_n and_o combine_a association_n from_o neighbour_n church_n but_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o messenger_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n alone_o that_o be_v far_o remote_a each_o from_o other_o and_o elective_o now_o meet_v nor_o be_v we_o for_o the_o present_a convince_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v this_o a_o precedent_n of_o such_o a_o formal_a synod_n do_v act_n therein_o as_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o not_o out_o of_o apostolical_a guidance_n &_o assistance_n but_o we_o rather_o conceive_v if_o we_o will_v simple_o consider_v the_o mutual_a aspect_n which_o these_o two_o church_n and_o their_o elder_n stand_v in_o this_o conjunction_n abstract_v from_o they_o that_o influence_n and_o impression_n which_o that_o superior_a sphere_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v then_o present_a have_v in_o this_o transaction_n this_o to_o have_v be_v a_o consultation_n as_o the_o learned_a author_n do_v also_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o its_o first_o original_n only_o rise_v up_o to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n by_o the_o apostle_n presence_n they_o be_v elder_n of_o all_o the_o church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o reference_n by_o way_n of_o arbitration_n for_o decide_v of_o that_o great_a controversy_n rise_v among_o they_o at_o antioch_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v too_o difficult_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o warrant_n indeed_o for_o all_o such_o way_n of_o communion_n between_o all_o or_o any_o especial_o neighbour_n church_n and_o upon_o like_a occasion_n to_o be_v ordinance_n furnish_v with_o ministerial_a power_n for_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n our_o reason_n for_o this_o we_o be_v now_o many_o way_n bind_v up_o from_o give_v the_o account_n of_o in_o this_o way_n and_o at_o this_o season_n but_o however_o if_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o intend_v as_o the_o learned_a author_n judge_v and_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v act_v therein_o as_o ordinary_a elder_n yet_o the_o line_n of_o that_o proportion_n of_o power_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o that_o pattern_n will_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a power_n etc._n etc._n in_o such_o assembly_n which_o we_o willing_o grant_v and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v with_o what_o a_o wary_a eye_n and_o exact_a aim_n he_o take_v the_o latitude_n and_o elevation_n of_o that_o power_n there_o hold_v forth_o not_o dare_v to_o attribute_v the_o least_o either_o for_o kind_n or_o degree_n than_o what_o that_o example_n warrant_v which_o be_v at_o utmost_a but_o a_o doctrinal_a decernement_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o controversy_n they_o be_v consult_v in_o as_o also_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o those_o that_o have_v teach_v the_o contrary_a as_o belyer_n of_o they_o and_o subverter_n of_o the_o faith_n without_o so_o much_o as_o brandish_v the_o sword_n and_o power_n of_o excommunication_n against_o those_o high_a and_o gross_a delinquent_n or_o other_o that_o shall_v not_o obey_v they_o by_o that_o epistle_n only_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o people_n interest_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n usual_o call_v liberty_n sometime_o power_n &_o the_o elder_n rule_v and_o authority_n which_o make_v that_o first_o distribution_n of_o church_n power_n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o likewise_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o that_o other_o allotment_n of_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a power_n in_o a_o association_n or_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o sever_v from_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o second_o we_o take_v the_o boldness_n to_o cast_v a_o weak_a beam_n of_o our_o dim_a light_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o &_o to_o present_v how_o these_o have_v lie_v state_v in_o our_o thought_n to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v haply_o prevent_v some_o reader_n mistake_n especial_o about_o the_o former_a for_o the_o first_o we_o conceive_v the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n in_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n thus_o mention_v distinct_o apart_o and_o this_o when_o their_o meeting_n together_o be_v speak_v of_o so_o they_o make_v in_o each_o congregation_n two_o distinct_a interest_n though_o meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n as_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o common-council_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o some_o corporation_n be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o company_n of_o alderman_n so_o as_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o both_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o church_n act_n but_o so_o as_o in_o this_o company_n of_o elder_n this_o power_n be_v proper_o authority_n but_o in_o the_o people_n be_v a_o privilege_n or_o power_n a_o apparent_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o by_o this_o that_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o select_a person_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o a_o office_n and_o betrust_v with_o a_o entire_a interest_n of_o power_n for_o a_o multitude_n to_o which_o that_o multitude_n ought_v by_o a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a as_o to_o a_o ordinance_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o consent_n and_o in_o who_o sentence_n the_o ultimate_a formal_a ministerial_a act_n of_o bind_v or_o lose_v shall_v consist_v this_o power_n must_v needs_o be_v esteem_v and_o a_o knowledge_v in_o these_o few_o to_o have_v the_o proper_a notion_n and_o character_n of_o authority_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o power_n which_o must_v yet_o concur_v with_o they_o that_o be_v in_o a_o whole_a body_n or_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o have_v a_o great_a and_o near_a interest_n and_o concernment_n in_o those_o affair_n over_o which_o these_o few_o be_v set_v as_o ruler_n this_o difference_n of_o power_n do_v easy_o appear_v in_o compare_v the_o several_a interest_n of_o father_n and_o child_n in_o his_o disposement_n of_o she_o in_o marriage_n and_o her_o concurrence_n with_o he_o therein_o although_o we_o intend_v not_o the_o parallel_n between_o the_o thing_n themselves_o a_o virgin_n daughter_n have_v a_o power_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v yea_o and_o a_o power_n ultimate_o to_o dissent_v upon_o a_o unsatisfy_a dislike_n yea_o and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o her_o consent_n that_o make_v the_o marriage_n valid_a but_o yet_o for_o her_o parent_n to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o guide_v she_o in_o her_o choice_n which_o she_o ought_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o a_o power_n which_o must_v also_o concur_v to_o bestow_v she_o or_o the_o marriage_n be_v invalid_a this_o compare_v her_o interest_n wherein_o she_o be_v more_o near_o and_o intimate_o concern_v with_o they_o do_v arise_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o extrinsecall_a authority_n whereas_o that_o power_n be_v in_o
church_n discern_v the_o same_o and_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o but_o condescend_v thereto_o it_o be_v a_o further_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n power_n to_o give_v sentence_n against_o the_o offender_n both_o these_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foretell_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 44.23_o 24._o they_o shall_v teach_v my_o people_n the_o difference_n between_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o discern_v between_o the_o unclean_a and_o the_o clean_a and_o in_o controversy_n they_o shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n and_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n 8._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n with_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n num._n 6.23_o to_o 26._o heb._n 7.7_o 9_o the_o elder_n have_v receive_v power_n to_o charge_v any_o of_o the_o people_n in_o private_a that_o none_o of_o they_o live_v either_o inordinate_o without_o a_o calling_n or_o idle_o in_o their_o call_n or_o scandalous_o in_o any_o sort_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o &_o ver_fw-la 8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o apostle_n command_n argue_v a_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n to_o charge_v these_o duty_n upon_o the_o people_n effectual_o 10._o what_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o a_o synod_n be_v more_o fit_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n 11._o in_o case_n the_o church_n shall_v fall_v away_o to_o blasphemy_n against_o christ_n and_o obstinate_a rejection_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o either_o no_o synod_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o no_o help_n by_o a_o synod_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o withdraw_v or_o separate_z the_o disciple_n from_o they_o and_o to_o carry_v away_o the_o ordinance_n with_o they_o and_o therewithal_o sad_o to_o denounce_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o act._n 19.9_o exod._n 33.7_o mark_n 6.11_o luk._n 10_o 11._o act._n 13.46_o obj._n but_o if_o elder_n have_v all_o this_o power_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o act_n of_o rule_n partly_o over_o the_o private_a member_n partly_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o be_v they_o then_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o answ_n the_o elder_n to_o be_v both_o servant_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n may_v both_o of_o they_o stand_v well_o together_o for_o their_o rule_n be_v not_o lordly_a as_o if_o they_o rule_v of_o themselves_o or_o for_o themselves_o but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o christ_n and_o also_o from_o their_o call_n and_o withal_o rule_v the_o church_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o church_n even_o for_o their_o spiritual_a everlasting_a good_a a_o queen_n may_v call_v her_o servant_n her_o mariner_n to_o pilot_n and_o conduct_v she_o over_o the_o sea_n to_o such_o a_o haven_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v by_o she_o to_o such_o a_o office_n she_o must_v not_o rule_v they_o in_o steer_v their_o course_n but_o must_v submit_v herself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v she_o to_o her_o desire_a haven_n so_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o church_n and_o her_o elder_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v to_o synod_n synod_n we_o acknowledge_v be_v right_o order_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o assembly_n we_o find_v three_o just_a cause_n in_o scripture_n 1._o when_o a_o church_n want_v light_n or_o peace_n at_o home_n desire_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o other_o church_n few_o or_o more_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v annoy_v with_o corrupt_a teacher_n who_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o breed_v no_o small_a dissension_n among_o they_o in_o the_o church_n they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o messenger_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o join_v the_o elder_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o doubtless_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n it_o argue_v that_o they_o send_v not_o to_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a and_o authentical_a oracle_n of_o god_n for_o then_o what_o need_v the_o advice_n and_o help_v of_o elder_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o holy_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n who_o may_v not_o only_o relieve_v they_o by_o some_o wise_a counsel_n and_o holy_a order_n but_o also_o set_v a_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n how_o error_n and_o dissension_n in_o church_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o heal_v and_o the_o course_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n take_v for_o clear_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o by_o publish_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n with_o apostolic_a authority_n from_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o by_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o free_a disputation_n act._n 15._o v._n 7._o which_o be_v as_o fit_v a_o course_n for_o imitation_n in_o after_o age_n as_o it_o be_v seasonable_a for_o practice_n then_o 2._o just_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n give_v we_o another_o ground_n for_o the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n or_o of_o their_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n when_o any_o church_n lie_v under_o scandal_n through_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v by_o more_o private_a advertisement_n of_o their_o own_o member_n or_o of_o their_o neighbour_n minister_n or_o brethren_n for_o there_o be_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n as_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o between_o the_o church_n we_o have_v a_o little_a sister_n say_v one_o church_n to_o another_o cant._n 8.8_o therefore_o church_n have_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n among_o themselves_o look_v then_o as_o one_o brother_n be_v offend_v with_o another_o and_o not_o able_a to_o heal_v he_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n private_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o by_o proportion_n if_o one_o church_n see_v matter_n of_o offence_n in_o another_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o heal_v it_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n it_o will_v hehove_v they_o to_o procure_v the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n that_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v orderly_o hear_v and_o judge_v and_o remove_v 3._o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o state_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o country_n may_v be_v corrupt_v and_o beginning_n to_o discern_v their_o corruption_n may_v desire_v the_o concourse_n and_o counsel_n of_o one_o another_o for_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a and_o general_a reformation_n and_o then_o so_o meeting_n and_o confer_v together_o may_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o conclude_v and_o determine_v upon_o a_o course_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a heal_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o frequent_a practice_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o asa_n 2_o cron._n 15.10_o to_o 15._o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o to_o 19_o in_o the_o time_n of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34.29_o to_o 33._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n ezra_n 10.1_o to_o 5._o these_o and_o the_o like_a example_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o israelite_n as_o one_o entire_a national_a church_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o appeal_v from_o every_o synagogue_n and_o court_n in_o israel_n to_o the_o national_a high_a priest_n and_o court_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v all_o of_o they_o subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o precedent_n be_v usual_o wave_v by_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o not_o appliable_a to_o christian_a church_n but_o these_o example_n hold_v forth_o no_o superiority_n in_o one_o church_n or_o court_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o equal_a manner_n give_v advice_n in_o common_a and_o take_v one_o common_a course_n for_o redress_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o such_o example_n be_v fit_a precedent_n for_o church_n of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o assemble_v togegether_o and_o take_v order_n with_o one_o accord_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o all_o now_o a_o synod_n be_v assemble_v three_o question_n arise_v about_o their_o power_n 1._o what_o be_v that_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v 2._o how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n concur_v with_o the_o presbytery_n in_o it_o the_o brotherhood_n with_o the_o eldership_n 3._o whether_o the_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v reach_v to_o the_o enjoin_v of_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o in_o their_o use_n indifferent_a for_o the_o first_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n
5._o from_o this_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o spiritual_a power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o gift_n in_o these_o office_n and_o place_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o they_o be_v from_o he_o mat._n 28.20_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1.29_o 1_o cor._n 15.9_o the_o g_o odd_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n his_o purchase_n of_o his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o his_o deep_a humiliation_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v all_o of_o they_o obtain_v to_o he_o this_o his_o high_a exaltation_n to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o enjoy_v as_o king_n thereof_o this_o sovereign_a power_n col._n 1.19_o col._n 2.2_o 9_o 10._o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.8_o to_o 11._o but_o of_o this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o protestant_n especial_o studious_a of_o reformation_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o ministerial_a power_n we_o give_v these_o follow_a proposition_n i._n propos_fw-fr a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o saint_n profess_v the_o faith_n take_v indefinite_o for_o any_o church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o church-office_n with_o all_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o be_v execute_v among_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o gorinth_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o not_o as_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n unto_o they_o but_o common_a to_o they_o with_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o come_v all_o together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 23._o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o same_o church_n that_o god_n have_v set_v the_o officer_n and_o their_o gift_n and_o all_o variety_n of_o member_n and_o their_o function_n in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.28_o where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o translate_v some_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v set_v all_o but_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n v._n 27._o he_o proceed_v to_o exemplify_v those_o member_n in_o v._o 28._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v which_o member_n apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o the_o relative_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o gender_n with_o the_o antecedent_n before_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o respect_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o person_n intend_v rather_o than_o the_o gender_n of_o their_o name_n and_o to_o render_v the_o relative_n of_o the_o same_o gender_n and_o case_n with_o the_o substantive_n follow_n so_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a observation_n that_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o national_a church_n nor_o of_o any_o national_a officer_n give_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o a_o nationall_n church_n all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o jerusalem_n deut._n 16.16_o and_o he_o appoint_v they_o there_o a_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o certain_a solemn_a sacrifice_n by_o he_o to_o be_v administer_v leu._n 16.1_o to_o 29._o and_o together_o with_o he_o other_o priest_n and_o elder_n and_o judge_n to_o who_o all_o appeal_n shall_v be_v bring_v and_o who_o shall_v judge_v all_o difficult_a and_o transcendent_a case_n deut._n 17.8_o to_o 11._o but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o national_a church_n or_o high_a priest_n or_o court_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o yet_o we_o willing_o grant_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o equal_a power_n may_v in_o some_o case_n appoint_v by_o christ_n meet_v together_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o messenger_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o may_v perform_v sundry_a act_n of_o power_n there_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o the_o officer_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o synod_n yea_o and_o the_o synod_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o power_n they_o put_v forth_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o primary_o give_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o particular_a congregation_n either_o as_o the_o first_o subject_n in_o who_o they_o be_v resident_a or_o as_o the_o first_o object_n about_o who_o they_o be_v conversant_a and_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v gather_v and_o employ_v ii_o propos_fw-fr the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o apostolical_a power_n apostolical_a power_n stand_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o that_o each_o apostle_n have_v in_o he_o all_o ministerial_a power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n may_v exhort_v as_o pastor_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o teach_v as_o teacher_n 1_o tim._n 2.7_o rule_v as_o ruler_n 2_o tim._n 4.1_o receive_v and_o distribute_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deacon_n act._n 4.35_o yea_o any_o one_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v baptise_v yea_o and_o censure_v a_o offender_n too_o as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o he_o for_o we_o read_v that_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o church_n act._n 8.38_o and_o that_o paul_n himself_o excommunicate_v alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o he_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o any_o church_n or_o presbytery_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o where_o he_o can_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n in_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church-power_n he_o willing_o take_v it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o with_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o but_o when_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o ordain_v or_o excommunicate_v be_v absent_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o church_n the_o apostle_n may_v proceed_v to_o put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o church_n act_n without_o they_o the_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o power_n which_o they_o receive_v immediate_o from_o christ_n will_v bear_v they_o out_o in_o it_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n to_o wit_n with_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o sovereign_a power_n so_o send_v i_o you_o with_o like_a amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o ministerial_a power_n joh._n 20.21_o 2._o apostolical_a power_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o church_n as_o much_o 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 compare_v with_o rom._n 10._o and_o as_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v in_o all_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.19_o so_o they_o receive_v charge_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n sheep_n and_o lamb_n which_o impli_v all_o act_n of_o pastoral_a government_n over_o all_o the_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n of_o christ_n joh._n 21.15_o 16_o 17._o now_o this_o apostolical_a power_n centre_v all_o church-power_n into_o one_o man_n and_o extend_v itself_o forth_o to_o the_o circumference_n of_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o so_o be_v they_o also_o the_o last_o nevertheless_o that_o ample_a and_o universal_a latitude_n of_o power_n which_o be_v conjoin_v in_o they_o be_v now_o divide_v even_o by_o themselves_o among_o all_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n respective_o the_o officer_n of_o each_o church_n attend_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o neglect_v the_o good_a of_o other_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v mutual_o helpful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n iii_o propos_fw-fr when_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o of_o church-authority_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o
misconstruction_n which_o not_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o worth_a of_o expositor_n have_v make_v difficult_a let_v we_o add_v a_o argument_n or_o two_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n full_o furnish_v with_o officer_n and_o right_o walk_v in_o judgement_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-authority_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o their_o own_o body_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o be_v usual_o and_o just_o take_v from_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.1_o to_o 5._o obj._n 1_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whether_o elder_n or_o brethren_n but_o rather_o a_o act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n publish_v the_o sentence_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o decree_v and_o judge_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o though_o absent_a in_o body_n yet_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o concern_v he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o though_o paul_n as_o a_o chief_a officer_n of_o every_o church_n judge_v beforehand_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a yet_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n but_o a_o judicious_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n 2._o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n in_o censure_v the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v indeed_o a_o act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n divine_a doctrine_n and_o direction_n as_o all_o church-censure_n by_o whosoever_o administer_v aught_o to_o be_v act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o their_o act_n be_v a_o complete_a act_n of_o just_a power_n even_o a_o act_n of_o all_o that_o liberty_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o any_o censure_n for_o first_o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_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 in_o the_o church_n second_o the_o spirit_n of_o paul_n that_o be_v his_o apostolic_a spirit_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o they_o in_o deliver_v and_o publish_v the_o sentence_n which_o argue_v both_o his_o power_n and_o they_o be_v co-incident_a and_o concurrent_a in_o this_o sentence_n three_o the_o holy_a end_n and_o use_v of_o this_o sentence_n argue_v the_o heavenly_a power_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v for_o the_o mortify_n of_o his_o corruption_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n four_o when_o his_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o sentence_n paul_n intreat_v the_o church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o to_o 10._o now_o ejusdem_fw-la potestatis_fw-la est_fw-la ligare_fw-la &_o solvere_fw-la claudere_fw-la &_o aperire_fw-la object_n 2._o all_o this_o argue_v no_o more_o but_o that_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v this_o power_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o offender_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o presbytery_n alone_o have_v put_v forth_o this_o power_n yet_o that_o suffice_v to_o make_v good_a the_o proposition_n that_o every_o church_n furnish_v with_o a_o presbytery_n and_o proceed_v righteous_o and_o peaceable_o they_o have_v within_o themselves_o so_o much_o power_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o their_o own_o body_n answ_n 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o text_n that_o the_o brethren_n concur_v also_o in_o this_o sentence_n and_o that_o with_o some_o act_n of_o power_n to_o wit_n such_o power_n as_o the_o want_n of_o put_v it_o forth_o retard_v the_o sentence_n and_o the_o put_n of_o it_o forth_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o first_o the_o reproof_n for_o not_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n soon_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o presbytery_n they_o be_v all_o blame_v for_o not_o mourn_v for_o not_o put_v he_o away_o for_o be_v puff_v up_o rather_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 2._o the_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o all_o when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o a_o church_n meeting_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o command_v they_o all_o put_v away_o therefore_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wiek_v person_n v._o 13._o 3._o he_o declare_v this_o act_n of_o they_o in_o put_v he_o out_o to_o be_v a_o judicial_a act_n v._o 12._o do_v you_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o as_o concur_v in_o this_o act_n with_o the_o presbytery_n have_v a_o power_n in_o it_o as_o be_v say_v may_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o brethren_n for_o here_o be_v a_o act_n of_o judgement_n ascribe_v to_o they_o all_o which_o judgement_n in_o the_o brethren_n he_o esteem_v of_o it_o so_o high_o that_o from_o thence_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o advise_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o refer_v their_o difference_n even_o in_o civil_a matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o brethren_n know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n yea_o the_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 6.1_o 2_o 3._o how_o much_o more_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o law_n and_o that_o before_o infidel_n in_o any_o case_n depend_v between_o brethren_n he_o advise_v they_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v and_o judge_v between_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6.4_o 4._o when_o the_o apostle_n direct_v they_o upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o offender_n to_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2.4_o to_o 10._o he_o speak_v to_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o elder_n to_o forgive_v he_o as_o they_o be_v all_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n offend_v with_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v meet_v they_o shall_v all_o a_o like_o be_v satisfy_v and_o be_v satisfy_v shall_v forgive_v he_o the_o brethren_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o church-consent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n by_o sentence_v his_o absolution_n and_o restitution_n to_o the_o church_n 3._o obj._n but_o be_v not_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v all_o this_o power_n a_o metropolis_n a_o mother_n church_n of_o achaia_n in_o which_o many_o presbytery_n from_o many_o church_n in_o the_o village_n be_v assemble_v to_o administer_v this_o censure_n ans_fw-fr no_o such_o thing_n appear_v from_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n neither_o in_o the_o act_n act._n 18._o nor_o from_o either_o of_o the_o epistle_n 〈…〉_o corinthian_n true_a it_o be_v corinth_n be_v a_o mother-city_n but_o not_o a_o mother-church_n to_o all_o achaia_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o other_o church_n in_o that_o region_n may_v borrow_v much_o light_n from_o their_o gift_n for_o they_o abound_v and_o be_v enrich_v with_o variety_n of_o all_o gift_n 1_o cor._n â—_o 〈◊〉_d but_o yet_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d 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 one_o congregation_n 1_o conrinth_n 14.23_o a_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o proposition_n that_o every_o church_n so_o furnish_v with_o officer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o carry_v on_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n have_v all_o church_n power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o be_v take_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o offence_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o church_n when_o any_o offence_n commit_v by_o their_o member_n lie_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a christ_n have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o suffer_v balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n revel_v 2.14_o 15._o and_o something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v jezabel_n now_o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o either_o of_o they_o sufficient_a power_n to_o purge_v out_o their_o own_o offender_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o toleration_n of_o they_o yea_o why_o be_v not_o the_o neighbour_n church_n blame_v for_o
power_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n the_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n wherein_o church-subjection_n be_v chief_o attend_v be_v of_o four_o sort_n 1._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v civil_a matter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o be_v the_o dispose_n of_o man_n good_n or_o land_n life_n or_o liberty_n tribute_n custom_n worldly_a honour_n and_o inheritance_n in_o these_o the_o church_n submit_v and_o refer_v itself_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n christ_n as_o minister_v of_o the_o circumcision_n refuse_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o divide_n of_o inheritance_n among_o brethren_n as_o impertinent_a to_o his_o call_n luk._n 12.13_o 14._o his_o kingdom_n he_o acknowledge_v be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o himself_o pay_v tribute_n to_o cesar_n matth._n 17.27_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o concern_v civil_a peace_n be_v the_o establishment_n of_o pure_a religion_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o also_o the_o reformation_n of_o all_o corruption_n in_o any_o of_o these_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o good_a king_n of_o judah_n command_v judah_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n of_o strange_a god_n high_a place_n image_n and_o grove_n they_o remove_v and_o be_v commend_v of_o god_n and_o obey_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n in_o so_o do_v 2_o chron._n 14.3_o 4_o 5._o 2_o chron._n 15.8_o to_o 16._o 2_o chron._n 17.6_o to_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 19.3_o 4._o 2_o chron._n 24.4_o 5_o 6._o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2_o chron._n 29.3_o to_o 35._o 2_o chron._n 30.1_o to_o 12._o 2_o chron._n 34.3_o to_o 33._o the_o establishment_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n in_o religion_n do_v much_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n if_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v there_o will_v be_v war_n in_o the_o gate_n judg._n 5.8_o and_o no_o peace_n to_o he_o that_o come_v in_o or_o go_v out_o 2_o chron._n 15.3_o 5_o 6._o but_o where_o religion_n rejoice_v the_o civil_a state_n flourish_v hagg._n 2.15_o to_o 19_o it_o be_v true_a the_o establishment_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n pertain_v also_o to_o the_o church_n and_o synodical_a assembly_n but_o they_o go_v about_o it_o only_o with_o spiritual_a weapon_n ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o church-censure_n upon_o such_o as_o be_v under_o church-power_n but_o magistrate_n address_v themselves_o thereto_o partly_o by_o command_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n thereof_o to_o go_v about_o it_o in_o their_o spiritual_a way_n partly_o also_o by_o civil_a punishment_n upon_o the_o wilful_a opposer_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o same_o as_o jehosaphat_n send_v priest_n and_o levite_n and_o they_o accompanied_z and_o countenance_v with_o prince_n and_o noble_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n 2_o chron._n 17.7_o 8_o 9_o so_o josiah_n put_v to_o death_n the_o idolatrous_a priest_n of_o the_o high_a place_n 2_o king_n 22.20_o nor_o be_v that_o a_o peculiar_a duty_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n but_o attend_v to_o also_o by_o heathen_a prince_n and_o that_o to_o prevent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o the_o realm_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n ezra_n 7.23_o yea_o and_o of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o in_o some_o case_n capital_a punishment_n shall_v proceed_v against_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o by_o the_o procurement_n of_o their_o near_a kindred_n zach._n 13.3_o and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v describe_v revel_v 16.4_o to_o 7._o where_o the_o river_n and_o fountain_n of_o water_n that_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o jesuite_n that_o convey_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n throughout_o the_o country_n be_v turn_v to_o blood_n that_o be_v have_v blood_n give_v they_o to_o drink_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n nevertheless_o though_o we_o willing_o acknowledge_v a_o power_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o establish_v and_o reform_v religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o we_o judge_v it_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o compel_v all_o man_n to_o come_v and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v of_o god_n for_o such_o fellowship_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o reformation_n but_o a_o deformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o against_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v god_n will_v in_o the_o sequel_n when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o disposition_n or_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o three_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o public_a spiritual_a administration_n which_o may_v advance_v and_o help_v forward_o the_o public_a good_a of_o civil_a state_n according_a to_o god_n in_o time_n of_o war_n or_o pestilence_n or_o any_o public_a calamity_n or_o danger_n lie_v upon_o a_o commonwealth_n the_o magistrate_n may_v lawful_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a as_o jehosaphat_n do_v 2_o chron._n 20.3_o and_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o neglect_v such_o a_o administration_n upon_o such_o a_o just_a occasion_n neither_o do_v it_o impeach_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v a_o fast_a when_o themselves_o see_v god_n call_v they_o to_o public_a humiliation_n for_o as_o jehosaphat_n call_v a_o fast_a so_o the_o prophet_n joel_n stir_v up_o the_o priest_n to_o call_v a_o fast_a in_o time_n of_o a_o famine_n threaten_v the_o want_n of_o holy_a sacrifice_n joel_n 1.13_o 14._o it_o may_v fall_v out_o also_o that_o in_o undertake_v a_o war_n or_o in_o make_v a_o league_n with_o a_o foreign_a state_n there_o may_v arise_v such_o case_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v require_v the_o consultation_n of_o a_o synod_n in_o which_o case_n or_o the_o like_a if_o the_o magistrate_n call_v for_o a_o synod_n the_o church_n be_v to_o yield_v he_o ready_a subjection_n herein_o in_o the_o lord_n jehosaphat_n though_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o place_n when_o he_o be_v in_o samaria_n visit_v a_o idolatrous_a king_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o out_o of_o his_o way_n when_o in_o case_n of_o undertake_v the_o war_n against_o syria_n he_o call_v for_o counsel_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o priest_n and_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 22.5_o 6_o 7._o 4._o a_o four_o sort_n of_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v in_o patient_a suffer_v their_o unjust_a persecution_n without_o hostile_a or_o rebellious_a resistance_n for_o though_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o advance_v the_o civil_a peace_n but_o overthrow_v it_o yet_o for_o the_o church_n to_o take_v up_o the_o sword_n in_o her_o own_o defence_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o church_n peace_n but_o a_o disturbance_n of_o it_o rather_o in_o this_o case_n when_o peter_n draw_v his_o sword_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n against_o a_o attachment_n serve_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n our_o saviour_n bid_v he_o put_v up_o his_o sword_n into_o his_o sheath_n again_o for_o say_v he_o all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n mat._n 27.50_o 51_o 52._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o peter_n either_o as_o a_o private_a disciple_n or_o a_o church-officer_n to_o who_o though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v not_o commit_v and_o for_o such_o to_o take_v up_o the_o sword_n though_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n and_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o of_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o the_o sword_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o administer_v but_o not_o of_o the_o sword_n wherein_o nevertheless_o we_o speak_v of_o church_n and_o synod_n as_o such_o that_o be_v as_o church-member_n or_o church-assembly_n act_v in_o a_o church-way_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n receive_v from_o christ_n but_o if_o some_o of_o the_o same_o person_n
be_v also_o betrust_v by_o the_o civil_a state_n with_o the_o preservation_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o shall_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o public_a civil_a assembly_n whether_o in_o council_n or_o camp_n they_o may_v there_o provide_v by_o civil_a power_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o country_n ne_fw-la quid_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la respublica_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la if_o king_n saul_n swear_v to_o put_v jonathan_n to_o death_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n may_v by_o strong_a hand_n rescue_v he_o from_o his_o father_n unjust_a and_o illegal_a fury_n 1_o sam._n 14.44_o 45._o but_o if_o saul_n persecute_v david_n though_o as_o unjust_o as_o jonathan_n yet_o if_o the_o prince_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n will_v not_o rescue_v he_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n david_n a_o private_a man_n will_v not_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n so_o much_o as_o to_o touch_v the_o lord_n anoint_a 1_o sam._n 24.4_o to_o 7._o to_o conclude_v this_o corollary_n touch_v the_o subjection_n of_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n this_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n so_o the_o magistrate_n if_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hence_o it_o be_v prophesy_v by_o isaiah_n that_o king_n and_o queen_n who_o be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v bow_v down_o to_o the_o church_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o david_n prophesi_v of_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v by_o call_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o subdue_v the_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n psal_n 149.6_o 7._o so_o to_o bind_v their_o king_n with_o chain_n and_o their_o noble_n with_o fetter_n of_o iron_n to_o execute_v upon_o they_o the_o judgement_n write_v that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n psal_n 149._o v._n 8_o 9_o 3._o a_o three_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v this_o that_o a_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n have_v be_v clear_v above_o in_o the_o open_n the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n be_v unavoidable_o independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o body_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o as_o have_v be_v say_v afore_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o accident_n or_o adjunct_n be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o either_o for_o the_o enjoy_v or_o for_o the_o employ_v the_o have_v or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o 4._o a_o four_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v that_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o any_o offence_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o a_o strong_a party_n in_o it_o be_v not_o independent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n but_o be_v subject_n both_o to_o the_o admonition_n of_o any_o other_o church_n and_o to_o the_o determination_n and_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o direction_n into_o a_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o also_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o if_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la litigans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la that_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n a_o promise_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n unless_o they_o agree_v together_o and_o agree_v in_o his_o name_n than_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o independent_a in_o their_o proceed_n as_o do_v fail_v in_o either_o for_o all_o the_o independency_n that_o can_v be_v claim_v be_v found_v upon_o that_o promise_n what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o on_o that_o promise_n be_v found_v both_o the_o independency_n and_o security_n and_o parity_n also_o of_o all_o church_n but_o if_o that_o promise_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o they_o they_o be_v like_o samson_n when_o his_o hair_n be_v cut_v off_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o fall_v under_o other_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o fall_v soft_a than_o he_o do_v he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o friend_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n recant_v his_o error_n do_v acknowledge_v so_o may_v they_o thus_o be_v i_o wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n zach._n 13.6_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o neighbour-church_n or_o two_o i_o be_v friendly_o smite_v with_o a_o brotherly_a admonition_n which_o like_o a_o precious_a oil_n do_v not_o break_v my_o head_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n i_o be_v friendly_a yea_o brotherly_o censure_v and_o heal_v 5._o a_o five_o and_o last_o corollary_n arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n may_v be_v this_o though_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o whole_a some_o and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n and_o consolation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church_n affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o now_o church-affaire_n of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n we_o account_v to_o be_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n excommunication_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o any_o person_n of_o public_a note_n and_o employment_n the_o translation_n of_o a_o elder_a from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o or_o the_o like_a in_o which_o case_n we_o conceive_v it_o safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o proceed_v with_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n safe_a for_o in_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n as_o in_o civil_a so_o in_o church_n affair_n prov._n 11.14_o and_o though_o this_o or_o that_o church_n may_v be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o they_o will_v be_v joath_v to_o call_v in_o or_o look_v out_o for_o help_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o other_o though_o they_o have_v more_o need_n than_o other_o yea_o and_o the_o best_a church_n may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o help_n as_o other_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n which_o other_o church_n may_v have_v prevent_v have_v they_o discern_v it_o at_o first_o it_o be_v also_o wholesome_a as_o tend_v to_o maintain_v brotherly_a love_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n in_o church_n and_o to_o prevent_v many_o offence_n which_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o transact_v all_o such_o thing_n within_o itself_o without_o consent_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v just_a warrant_n from_o a_o like_a precedent_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o independent_a from_o one_o another_o and_o stand_v in_o as_o little_a need_n of_o one_o another_o help_n as_o church_n do_v one_o of_o