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
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
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
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 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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 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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
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 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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
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
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
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_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
and_o their_o put_n of_o it_o into_o act_n be_v a_o judicial_a act_n in_o they_o all_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o so_o their_o forgive_a he_o will_v be_v a_o legal_a and_o judicial_a acquit_v he_o from_o thaâ—_n sentence_n 2_o cor._n 2._o this_o church_n be_v our_o pattern_n and_o its_o practice_n in_o this_o be_v presidential_a to_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n reas_n 1_o from_o the_o guilt_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o such_o church_n when_o any_o scandal_n give_v by_o their_o member_n remain_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a therefore_o paul_n apply_v this_o reproof_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n brethren_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n for_o their_o slowness_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n christ_n reprove_v the_o angel_n and_o church_n both_o of_o pergamus_n rev._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o of_o thyatira_n ver_fw-la 20._o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o sufficient_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o purge_v out_o such_o leaven_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o tolerate_v the_o same_o and_o why_o be_v not_o other_o church_n or_o the_o class_n blame_v for_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n over_o they_o if_o they_o stand_v under_o any_o such_o and_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o he_o say_v to_o other_o church_n also_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a remissness_n which_o admonition_n all_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v lest_o else_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o severally_z and_o respective_o to_o preserve_v their_o member_n and_o whole_a fellowship_n in_o spiritual_a purity_n and_o safety_n heb._n 12.15_o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o most_o free_a and_o perfect_a city_n which_o thucydides_n say_v have_v three_o privilege_n viz._n to_o use_v 1._o their_o own_o law_n 2._o magistrate_n 3._o judgement_n whence_o he_o call_v every_o such_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o city_n be_v not_o account_v entire_a and_o perfect_a city_n of_o themselves_o but_o less_o worthy_a member_n of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n 7._o grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la bell_n &_o pac_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o p._n 4_o 5_o 7._o under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v the_o summa_fw-la potestas_fw-la of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n be_v that_o cujus_fw-la actus_fw-la alterius_fw-la juri_fw-la non_fw-la subsunt_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la alterius_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la humanae_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la irriti_fw-la possunt_fw-la reddi_fw-la now_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o free_a city_n the_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 48.1_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n ver_fw-la 2._o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v sufficient_a and_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o to_o manage_v the_o key_n without_o dependence_n on_o class_n etc._n etc._n in_o its_o own_o concernment_n yet_o herein_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o such_o perfect_a city_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o such_o city_n may_v part_v with_o their_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n dedimus_fw-la liv._o dec._n 1._o l._n 1._o idem_fw-la ibid._n l._n 7._o populum_fw-la campanum_n urbemque_fw-la delubra_fw-la deûm_fw-la divina_fw-la humanaque_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o vestram_fw-la p.c._n ditioâ—em_fw-la dedimus_fw-la as_o be_v overmatch_v by_o a_o potent_a enemy_n in_o this_o case_n the_o collative_n yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o city_n and_o liberty_n to_o tarqvinius_n priscus_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n or_o when_o they_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n by_o a_o enemy_n who_o they_o will_v not_o have_v to_o rule_v over_o they_o and_o can_v defend_v themselves_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o campani_a distress_a by_o the_o samnite_n which_o force_v they_o to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v with_o all_o their_o liberty_n unto_o the_o roman_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v facti_fw-la alienae_n potestatis_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v presuppose_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o thus_o to_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o question_n estne_v populus_fw-la collatinus_n in_fw-la suâ_fw-la potestate_fw-la but_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o alienate_v from_o themselves_o their_o church-liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o they_o gal._n 5.1_o and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v keep_v and_o manage_v the_o same_o luke_n 16.2_o reas_n 3_o from_o the_o concession_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v this_o truth_n calcem_fw-la the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o syn._n p._n 33._o ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la mr._n pag._n acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n shall_v sojourn_v among_o the_o indian_n or_o among_o heretic_n where_o it_o can_v not_o obtain_v fellowship_n with_o other_o church_n out_o of_o itself_o or_o if_o by_o violence_n or_o other_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n any_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o enjoy_v this_o benefit_n of_o combination_n with_o other_o church_n in_o classical_a government_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o want_n this_o church_n shall_v subsist_v still_o and_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n other_o say_v the_o same_o of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o island_n and_o add_v 2_o mr._n herle_n indep_n p._n 2_o that_o in_o such_o case_n a_o single_a congregation_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n mr._n rutterf_n add_v that_o when_o church_n can_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o neighbour_a church_n with_o that_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n as_o their_o occasion_n may_v require_v among_o they_o ordination_n and_o so_o excommunication_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n from_o this_o concession_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o 1._o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n quà _fw-la talis_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_n in_o a_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n within_o itself_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n yea_o that_o the_o church-power_n native_o and_o natural_o lie_v in_o the_o congregation_n for_o such_o case_n be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o first_o synod_n which_o be_v look_v at_o as_o presidential_a to_o all_o synod_n be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o two_o church_n which_o be_v two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a 2._o the_o other_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n have_v no_o right_a to_o take_v away_o this_o power_n from_o it_o for_o none_o may_v put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v join_v as_o well_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o that_o note_a in_o mat._n 19.7_o god_n have_v join_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la to_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o then_o shall_v sunder_v it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n to_o place_v it_o in_o class_n as_o superior_a judicatories_n where_o god_n never_o put_v it_o 3._o if_o the_o first_o church_n in_o a_o continent_n have_v this_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o before_o other_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o other_o church_n there_o long_o after_o shall_v deprive_v they_o of_o it_o by_o set_v up_o a_o classis_fw-la as_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a over_o they_o then_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o a_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o and_o will_v give_v they_o cause_n to_o complain_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n 34._o pow._n of_o class_n &_o syn._n p._n 33._o idem_fw-la p_o 34._o but_o not_o increase_v our_o joy_n but_o they_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v this_o dependency_n and_o union_n with_o other_o church_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o mean_n and_o can_v without_o sin_n neglect_v the_o same_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o but_o a_o matter_n arbitrary_a at_o best_a they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o a_o church_n to_o combine_v unto_o classeâ—_n and_o synod_n for_o their_o spiritual_a government_n if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n as_o to_o join_v a_o man_n self_n as_o a_o member_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o and_o conclude_v all_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o sin_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o walk_v not_o as_o become_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12.5_o 1_o cor._n 12.15_o ephes_n 4.16_o answ_n 1._o the_o proof_n allege_v do_v show_v that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o exercise_v in_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
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
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