be_v either_o congregational_a or_o that_o which_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n consist_v of_o one_o congregation_n such_o we_o read_v of_o act._n 20.7_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o the_o form_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a wherein_o they_o bound_v themselves_o to_o walk_v together_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n covenant_v with_o god_n be_v a_o foundation_n for_o this_o whereas_o that_o covenant_n of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o all_o christian_n do_v make_v when_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o partiâ—…lar_a covenant_n make_v in_o the_o synagogue_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o congregation_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o one_o synagogue_n be_v bind_v one_o to_o another_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o nothing_o else_o can_v bind_v aâ—…e_a people_n one_o to_o another_o but_o a_o ecclesiastical_a covenant_n but_o there_o 〈◊〉_d somewhat_o else_o that_o bind_v a_o free_a people_n in_o the_o same_o town_n to_o mutual_a subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o town_n and_o though_o christian_n be_v a_o free_a people_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n but_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n and_o likewise_o by_o their_o own_o profession_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o bond_n to_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n of_o church_n we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o particular_a covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o precept_n for_o it_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o it_o we_o read_v of_o many_o congregational_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o syllable_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n intimate_v any_o such_o thing_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o it_o the_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v bind_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o worship_n together_o this_o be_v god_n appointment_n that_o his_o people_n that_o live_v together_o shall_v carry_v on_o his_o worship_n together_o the_o christian_n at_o corinth_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o the_o christian_n at_o ephesus_n be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n order_n call_v for_o it_o that_o where_o man_n live_v there_o they_o join_v together_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n if_o a_o christian_a live_v in_o a_o town_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o be_v immediate_o bind_v to_o join_v with_o that_o church_n and_o that_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o he_o to_o govern_v he_o and_o give_v he_o christian_a privilege_n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v need_n of_o humane_a prudence_n in_o determine_v how_o many_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o some_o town_n some_o town_n arise_v to_o be_v numerous_a so_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o several_a society_n and_o some_o be_v so_o small_a and_o lie_v so_o near_o together_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o two_o or_o more_o shall_v make_v one_o church_n in_o such_o case_n god_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n be_v set_v either_o by_o general_n agreement_n or_o by_o order_n from_o authority_n but_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n that_o every_o member_n shall_v covenant_n particular_o with_o the_o church_n grant_v this_o particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o christian_a may_v continue_v a_o considerable_a time_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o live_v where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o seven_o year_n together_o and_o live_v all_o that_o while_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n a_o covenant_n which_o he_o live_v in_o the_o continual_a breach_n of_o make_v a_o member_n at_o corinth_n and_o according_a to_o some_o give_v he_o a_o right_a to_o all_o ordinance_n grant_v this_o particular_a covenant_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v what_o church_n many_o child_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o father_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o one_o church_n the_o mother_n with_o another_o the_o child_n be_v baptise_a in_o a_o three_o and_o life_n in_o a_o four_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o particular_a covenant_n which_o be_v whole_o unscriptural_a be_v the_o â—…on_n that_o many_o among_o we_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o church_n privilege_n do_v belong_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o congregational_a church_n the_o great_a privilege_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n to_o choose_v suitable_a person_n to_o office_n they_o be_v limit_v to_o person_n fit_o qualify_v but_o the_o privilege_n of_o choose_v they_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o synagognes_n of_o the_o yews_n have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n if_o they_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n yet_o out_o of_o the_o levite_n they_o choose_v for_o themselves_o however_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n order_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o deacon_n act._n 6.3,4_o they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o prescribe_v who_o the_o person_n shall_v be_v and_o impose_v deacon_n on_o they_o but_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o the_o people_n nominate_v two_o out_o of_o which_o god_n choose_v one_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n act._n 1.23_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o all_o free_a society_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n such_o country_n as_o be_v conquer_v dont_fw-fr choose_v their_o own_o ruler_n nor_o such_o country_n where_o the_o government_n be_v hereditary_a but_o such_o as_o be_v free_a neither_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conqueroe_n nor_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o covenant_n do_v choose_v their_o own_o officer_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o all_o the_o power_n that_o man_n have_v over_o a_o free_a people_n be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n direct_o or_o indirect_o except_v such_o case_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v to_o â—…oint_v ruler_n or_o some_o who_o shall_v appoint_v ruler_n over_o they_o god_n appoint_v aaron_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n in_o israel_n but_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o officer_n in_o church_n now_o neither_o have_v he_o appoint_v any_o that_o shall_v impose_v officer_n over_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n yea_o where_o a_o church_n have_v teach_v or_o rule_v elder_n or_o both_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o choice_n if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o major_a part_n the_o choice_n be_v vallid_a the_o officer_n ought_v to_o submit_v thereto_o unless_o they_o have_v some_o weighty_a objection_n the_o act_n of_o the_o major_a part_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o community_n that_o which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o community_n must_v not_o be_v wrest_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o the_o officer_n to_o disannul_v their_o act._n and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n so_o in_o case_n of_o need_n they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v those_o that_o shall_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o officer_n for_o a_o time_n the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o sufficient_a power_n in_o order_n to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o god_n work_n therefore_o in_o case_n of_o the_o vacancy_n of_o a_o pastor_n they_o may_v choose_v one_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o for_o a_o time_n in_o case_n they_o have_v no_o elder_n they_o may_v choose_v a_o moderator_n in_o case_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n they_o may_v choose_v one_o to_o do_v the_o deacon_n work_v yea_o in_o case_n there_o be_v need_n they_o may_v choose_v some_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o perform_v some_o act_n of_o government_n upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n it_o may_v also_o
choose_v its_o own_o servant_n phebe_n be_v call_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 6.2_o so_o be_v widow_n for_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v so_o their_o sexton_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v oversee_v the_o building_n or_o any_o other_o servant_n that_o may_v be_v for_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o church_n this_o church_n privilege_n of_o choose_v officer_n do_v only_o belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n the_o brethren_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v the_o deacon_n act._n 6.3_o and_o woman_n have_v not_o power_n in_o this_o matter_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 2.12_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o subjection_n which_o god_n have_v put_v they_o into_o if_o they_o may_v vote_n they_o may_v over-rule_v the_o man_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n those_o male_n that_o be_v not_o their_o own_o master_n as_o child_n that_o be_v not_o at_o their_o own_o dispose_n and_o servant_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o church_n they_o that_o be_v not_o free_a be_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o this_o liberty_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o officer_n of_o congregational_a church_n and_o their_o power_n the_o officer_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v either_o elder_n or_o deacon_n the_o elder_n be_v either_o teach_v elder_n or_o rule_v elder_n the_o work_n of_o the_o teach_v elder_n lie_v principal_o in_o these_o five_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n both_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o private_o in_o case_n of_o sickness_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o administer_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o together_o with_o the_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n such_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v suitable_o qualify_v but_o not_o in_o office_n may_v upon_o occasion_n discharge_v some_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o those_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o natural_a worship_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o as_o pray_v and_o preach_v but_o such_o ministerial_a act_n as_o do_v depend_v whole_o upon_o institution_n they_o may_v not_o perform_v as_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o dispence_n of_o censure_n and_o a_o authoritative_a blessing_n these_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o institution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v do_v only_o according_a to_o a_o institution_n a_o teach_v elder_a by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v his_o work_n in_o that_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o perform_v act_n of_o office_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o to_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n assemble_v with_o his_o own_o church_n pastoral_a power_n over_o a_o particular_a church_n give_v he_o no_o power_n over_o any_o that_o be_v of_o that_o church_n his_o relation_n to_o they_o give_v he_o no_o power_n over_o any_o other_o but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n stand_v in_o a_o more_o general_a relation_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n some_o that_o be_v not_o pastor_n to_o particular_a congregation_n be_v yet_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pastor_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o may_v do_v act_n of_o office_n to_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o assemble_v with_o 〈◊〉_d own_o and_o towards_o other_o church_n be_v desire_v when_o he_o can_v convenient_o be_v spare_v from_o his_o own_o and_o towards_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n the_o levite_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o any_o particular_a synagogue_n paul_n have_v office_n power_n over_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n act._n 26.17,18_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v barnabas_n to_o antiock_n to_o officiate_v as_o a_o minister_n act._n 11._o and_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o preach_v have_v also_o to_o baptise_v mat._n 28.19,20_o we_o find_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o baptise_v such_o as_o he_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o commit_v that_o work_n to_o some_o other_o inferior_a minister_n that_o be_v in_o company_n with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 1.14_o and_o this_o he_o do_v after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n john_n 4.2_o there_o be_v need_n that_o some_o have_v office-power_n now_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o there_o may_v be_v several_a now_o that_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o as_o well_o as_o cornelius_n the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o jallor_n and_o other_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o service_n the_o teach_v officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o baptise_v and_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v make_v the_o judge_n by_o god_n what_o person_n those_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n either_o of_o the_o brethren_n or_o rule_v elder_n any_o way_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o affair_n or_o limit_v he_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v advise_v with_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o shall_v baptise_v such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o as_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o so_o the_o judge_a concern_v those_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v unto_o as_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o subject_n to_o teach_v upon_o and_o as_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v so_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o join_v with_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n these_o officer_n be_v call_v government_n 1_o cor._n 12._o such_o as_o rule_v rom._n 12._o distinguish_v from_o such_o as_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5._o the_o teach_v elder_n with_o the_o rule_v elder_n make_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v the_o power_n of_o censure_v offender_n in_o the_o church_n and_o absolve_v of_o penitent_n do_v belong_v alone_o to_o these_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v overrule_v by_o the_o brethren_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o rule_v well_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o elder_n therefore_o not_o to_o control_v they_o in_o their_o government_n heb._n 12.17_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o ruler_n and_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act._n 18._o deut._n 21.5_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o they_o matth._n 16.18_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o elder_a and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o personal_a reward_n of_o his_o profession_n obj._n matth._n 18.17_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n this_o imply_v the_o power_n of_o the_o brethren_n answ_n 1._o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o civil_a 2._o it_o be_v not_o harsh_a by_o the_o church_n to_o intend_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n see_v numb_a 24.25_o 3._o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o the_o day_n when_o it_o be_v speak_v and_o there_o be_v now_o no_o church_n in_o be_v but_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o which_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n be_v with_o the_o elder_n obj._n 1_o cor._n 5.1,4_o the_o church_n be_v order_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o his_o punishment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o answ_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v only_o require_v to_o publish_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n from_o paul_n 2._o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n to_o attribute_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ruler_n to_o the_o public_a society_n as_o when_o god_n require_v that_o the_o people_n of_o judah_n do_v act_n of_o public_a justice_n he_o do_v not_o
the_o christian_a church_n matth._n 18.17_o 4._o we_o be_v refer_v in_o some_o case_n to_o those_o institution_n god_n send_v we_o to_o the_o law_n for_o light_n direct_v we_o to_o do_v as_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o about_o woman_n not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o so_o about_o the_o maintenance_n of_o minister_n gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9.13,14_o 3._o new_a testament_n institution_n there_o be_v some_o institution_n appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v few_o principal_o what_o officer_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o first_o day_n sabbath_n 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o temporal_a and_o perpetual_a institution_n some_o institution_n be_v only_o for_o a_o time_n as_o the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o sick_a with_o oil_n jam._n 5.14_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v baptism_n matth._n 20._o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o these_o ordinance_n will_v not_o be_v remove_v as_o jewish_a ceremony_n heb._n 13.28_o 2._o distinguish_v between_o approve_a practice_n and_o institution_n there_o be_v many_o practice_n and_o institution_n there_o be_v many_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o be_v approve_v yet_o not_o bind_v to_o we_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v seven_o deacon_n act_n 6.5_o they_o do_v baptise_v in_o private_a house_n act._n 10.33_o christ_n send_v out_o his_o disciple_n two_o and_o two_o luk._n 10.1_o this_o do_v not_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v institution_n that_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o one_o case_n that_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o another_o one_o or_o two_o example_n show_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o practice_n but_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o bind_a rule_n chap._n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o institute_v church_n explain_v the_o word_n church_n be_v use_v equivocal_o there_o be_v three_o sense_n especial_o wherein_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n first_o it_o be_v take_v for_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_o unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n eph._n 5.27_o that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n second_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v profess_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o they_o that_o be_v visible_a christian_n 1_o cor._n 15.9_o i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o institute_v church_n this_o church_n be_v invest_v by_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n and_o be_v thus_o define_v a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n join_v together_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o constant_a carry_v on_o of_o his_o public_a worship_n a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n a_o single_a person_n be_v not_o a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v a_o collection_n or_o congregative_a body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_n hence_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n and_o other_o câ—…ective_a body_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v saint_n by_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 11.12_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n to_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n psal_n 79.12,11_o psal_n 1._o none_o be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o institute_v church_n but_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n particular_a church_n be_v but_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n therefore_o must_v be_v holy_a therefore_o society_n of_o papist_n be_v abusive_o call_v church_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o for_o the_o public_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o family_n join_v together_o for_o the_o private_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o church_n we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n col._n 4.15_o because_o there_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v attend_v the_o church_n do_v join_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o public_a worship_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o dispense_n of_o censure_n in_o a_o public_a way_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o for_o the_o constant_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n corporate_a which_o may_v continue_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n it_o be_v not_o any_o occasional_a meeting_n together_o that_o give_v be_v to_o a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v a_o stand_a society_n not_o depend_v on_o any_o occasional_a meeting_n therefore_o a_o congregation_n that_o meet_v together_o on_o a_o lecture_n day_n from_o several_a town_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v not_o a_o church_n neither_o have_v any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n yea_o a_o synod_n that_o meet_v now_o and_o then_o occasional_o though_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o representative_a church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v choose_v for_o a_o particular_a occasion_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n christ_n have_v give_v a_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v together_o and_o if_o man_n join_v in_o worship_v with_o a_o church_n irregular_o that_o do_v not_o make_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o one_o town_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n do_v join_v constant_o in_o worship_v with_o another_o church_n that_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n quest_n who_o be_v visible_a saint_n answ_n this_o question_n have_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a debate_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o great_a contention_n in_o the_o church_n we_o may_v not_o count_v those_o only_a to_o be_v saint_n who_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n give_v considerable_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v saint_n we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v not_o countenance_v any_o such_o opinion_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o make_v baptise_a person_n and_o visible_a saint_n to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o person_n must_v be_v visible_a saint_n before_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o some_o that_o be_v baptise_a may_v cease_v to_o be_v visible_a saint_n neither_o be_v they_o only_o visible_a saint_n that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n join_v with_o a_o holy_a conversation_n some_o man_n may_v behave_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o deserve_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o yet_o be_v visible_a saint_n visible_a saintship_n and_o real_a saintship_n may_v consist_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o iniquity_n in_o the_o conversation_n for_o a_o time_n visible_a saint_n be_v such_o as_o make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n together_o with_o those_o that_o do_v descend_v from_o they_o till_o reject_v of_o god_n 1._o such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v visible_a saint_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n do_v real_o accept_v of_o such_o not_o wait_v to_o see_v what_o their_o conversation_n will_v be_v act._n 16,14,15_o so_o do_v john_n luk._n 7.29,30_o such_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v without_o delay_n 2._o their_o infant_n seed_n be_v likewise_o visible_a saint_n god_n give_v that_o testimony_n for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o such_o also_o as_o descend_v from_o they_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n until_o they_o be_v reject_v by_o god_n be_v visible_a saint_n for_o they_o that_o be_v visible_a saint_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o till_o god_n have_v cast_v they_o off_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n if_o they_o shall_v carry_v it_o wicked_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o heresy_n yet_o they_o be_v visible_a saint_n till_o god_n have_v reject_v they_o and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n may_v show_v his_o rejection_n of_o they_o one_o be_v when_o they_o do_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o heathen_a or_o antichristian_a society_n the_o other_o be_v when_o the_o people_n that_o they_o belong_v unto_o and_o they_o with_o they_o be_v unchurch_v by_o god_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n as_o a_o civil_a society_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o town_n or_o more_o town_n so_o a_o institute_v church_n
intend_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v intrude_v into_o that_o work_n but_o that_o the_o ruler_n do_v it_o 3._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v by_o many_o it_o may_v be_v read_v before_o many_o deacon_n be_v choose_v at_o first_o to_o have_v a_o oversight_n of_o the_o poor_a act._n 6._o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o plain_o declare_v to_o be_v their_o work_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v intimate_v rom._n 12.8_o that_o it_o be_v their_o work_n to_o show_v mercy_n and_o to_o give_v it_o be_v general_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n about_o the_o minister_n due_n and_o about_o the_o provision_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o phrase_n act._n 6.2_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o church_n officer_n to_o do_v all_o that_o work_n which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o see_v do_v some_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o servant_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o church_n officer_n there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v ordain_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o those_o that_o have_v a_o regular_a call_n to_o those_o office_n ordination_n be_v the_o admission_n of_o person_n into_o their_o office_n or_o the_o consummation_n of_o their_o call_n needful_a to_o the_o regular_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n it_o include_v in_o it_o first_o a_o solemn_a implore_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o their_o office_n two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a unto_o a_o call_n one_o be_v the_o approbation_n or_o invitation_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v entrust_v with_o that_o care_n the_o other_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o person_n invite_v the_o former_a may_v be_v a_o call_n to_o the_o latter_a and_o bind_v the_o person_n to_o accept_v but_o there_o must_v be_v both_o before_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o enter_v immediate_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n before_o he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o a_o officer_n the_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o congregation_n the_o invitation_n of_o that_o church_n be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o further_a approbation_n act._n 6.7_o god_n have_v appoint_v all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o choice_n of_o a_o church_n be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o further_a approbation_n unto_o the_o call_n of_o elder_n as_o when_o luther_n and_o other_o break_v off_o from_o popery_n yet_o elder_n have_v not_o only_a power_n over_o their_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o over_o other_o and_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o national_a and_o provincial_a church_n the_o care_n of_o particular_a congregation_n it_o be_v requisite_a when_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o approbation_n of_o man_n choose_v to_o be_v elder_n by_o some_o depute_a by_o the_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n furthermore_o some_o person_n be_v to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o office_n of_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v no_o call_n to_o any_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v need_n that_o they_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o some_o depute_a by_o the_o church_n in_o that_o country_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o act_n of_o ordination_n aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o ordination_n viz._n the_o signify_v approbation_n and_o the_o obtain_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o sometime_o we_o find_v that_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v ordain_v a_o person_n to_o extraordinary_a office_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o sometime_o we_o find_v that_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v ordain_v ordinary_a officer_n act._n 14.23_o and_o there_o be_v command_v give_v to_o extraordinary_a officer_n to_o ordain_v ordinary_a 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tit._n 5._o sometime_o we_o find_v that_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o ordinary_a have_v join_v in_o the_o ordain_v of_o extraordinary_a act._n 13.1,5_o sometime_o we_o find_v that_o ordinary_a officer_n have_v ordain_v a_o extraordinary_a officer_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o in_o a_o provincial_a church_n that_o be_v in_o order_n minister_n ought_v to_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o elder_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o public_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n in_o such_o country_n where_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o order_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v ordain_v by_o some_o suitable_a person_n depute_v by_o the_o neighbour_a elder_n but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n minister_n may_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n to_o that_o service_n the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o elder_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o or_o by_o the_o brethren_n in_o case_n there_o be_v none_o a_o minister_n remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v be_v ordain_v a_o second_o time_n as_o paul_n be_v and_o probable_o timothy_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n in_o some_o place_n to_o give_v to_o church_n at_o their_o constitution_n and_o to_o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o that_o be_v any_o more_o than_o a_o civil_a act_n if_o it_o be_v a_o institution_n we_o be_v to_o seek_v whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o all_o those_o person_n that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o and_o when_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o worship_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v in_o congregational_a church_n the_o end_n of_o this_o constitution_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n herein_o they_o differ_v from_o civil_a society_n that_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o management_n of_o civil_a affair_n the_o first_o part_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v prayer_n prayer_n which_o include_v in_o it_o beside_o petition_n confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n psal_n 107.32_o psal_n 149.1_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o church_n act._n 1.14_o act._n 4.24_o act._n 6.4_o these_o public_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v ordinary_o perform_v by_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o vacancy_n it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o rule_v elder_n or_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n but_o ordinary_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n act._n 6.4_o these_o public_a prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o read_n of_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o minister_n there_o may_v be_v some_o exempt_a case_n wherein_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n which_o they_o have_v learned_a out_o of_o a_o book_n but_o the_o impose_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n on_o man_n be_v a_o addition_n to_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o ordinary_a practise_v of_o it_o be_v of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n it_o quench_v and_o stifle_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n indulge_v man_n in_o idleness_n and_o be_v very_o unprofitable_a to_o other_o the_o second_o part_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n be_v sing_v of_o psalm_n this_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n not_o belong_v peculiarly_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o christ_n with_o his_o disciple_n do_v practice_v it_o so_o afterward_o paul_n and_o silas_n act._n 16._o and_o we_o have_v positive_a command_n for_o it_o eph._n 5.16_o col._n 3.16_o jam._n 5.13_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o god_n give_v to_o all_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n sometime_o for_o one_o man_n to_o sing_v a_o psalm_n and_o the_o congregation_n to_o say_v amen_o 1_o cor._n 14.15,16_o but_o now_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o join_v together_o in_o sing_v of_o psalm_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v and_o as_o moses_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v exod._n 15.1_o as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v the_o psalm_n of_o david_n so_o though_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o sing_v psalm_n of_o a_o private_a composure_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o sing_v the_o psalm_n of_o david_n and_o other_o scripture_n psalm_n the_o apostle_n when_o he_o direct_v we_o to_o sing_v psalm_n hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n eph._n col._n 3._o have_v a_o manifest_a respect_n to_o the_o division_n of_o david_n psalm_n
as_o no_o man_n may_v neglect_v prayer_n or_o hear_v the_o word_n because_o he_o can_v do_v it_o in_o faith_n so_o he_o may_v not_o neglect_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o lord_n supper_n be_v institute_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n it_o be_v not_o appoint_v for_o the_o convert_v of_o man_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o only_o such_o as_o be_v convert_v may_v partake_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o saint_n but_o a_o mean_n also_o to_o work_v save_v regeneration_n there_o be_v many_o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v matth._n 25.1,2_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o ten_o virgin_n five_o of_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o five_o foolish_a and_o it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o immediate_a end_n respect_v these_o but_o their_o conversion_n the_o end_n of_o all_o ordinance_n be_v salvation_n and_o therefore_o to_o these_o man_n it_o must_v be_v regeneration_n for_o without_o it_o they_o can_v be_v save_v this_o ordinance_n have_v a_o proper_a tendency_n to_o draw_v sinner_n to_o christ_n in_o this_o ordinance_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a invitation_n to_o sinner_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n for_o pardon_n here_o be_v a_o affect_a representation_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n suffering_n here_o be_v a_o seal_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v all_o which_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o draw_v sinner_n to_o christ_n if_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v only_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o saint_n than_o they_o who_o be_v not_o saint_n do_v profane_a the_o ordinance_n when_o they_o do_v partake_v and_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o partake_v and_o then_o they_o that_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v saint_n do_v know_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o partake_v and_o so_o far_o as_o any_o man_n have_v scruple_n about_o his_o saintship_n he_o must_v proportionable_o have_v scruple_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o participation_n and_o so_o sacrament_n day_n which_o shall_v be_v day_n of_o comfort_n will_v become_v day_n of_o torment_n all_o other_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v for_o regeneration_n prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n baptism_n so_o likewise_o the_o censure_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o be_v to_o further_a man_n regeneration_n in_o case_n they_o be_v not_o convert_v already_o and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o the_o lord_n supper_n alone_o shall_v not_o be_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n whereas_o it_o have_v a_o proper_a tendency_n thereunto_o and_o many_o that_o come_v to_o that_o ordinance_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o it_o as_o those_o that_o partake_v of_o other_o ordinance_n a_o six_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n be_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n these_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o use_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o do_v evident_o appear_v both_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o likewise_o from_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o jew_n do_v make_v use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n john_n 4.34,35_o john_n 3.22_o and_o 12.42_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o censure_n be_v according_a to_o divine_a institution_n from_o matth._n 16.17,18_o christ_n do_v not_o here_o make_v a_o new_a institution_n for_o the_o gospel_n church_n for_o that_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o in_o be_v but_o he_o urge_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o old_a institution_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v where_o we_o find_v any_o such_o institution_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o answer_v in_o that_o expression_n which_o we_o often_o find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o israel_n gen._n 17.14_o exod._n 12.14_o when_o one_o brother_n be_v require_v to_o reprove_v another_o and_o in_o case_n of_o incorrigibleness_n to_o complain_v to_o the_o church_n that_o command_n do_v not_o only_o bind_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o congregation_n but_o also_o the_o brethren_n of_o any_o other_o congregation_n for_o there_o lie_v the_o same_o bond_n upon_o we_o according_a to_o opportunity_n not_o to_o suffer_v sin_n in_o other_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o congregation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o particular_a institution_n who_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o judgement_n to_o determine_v whether_o a_o person_n be_v to_o be_v censure_v or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o rule_n and_o where_o god_n appoint_v ruler_n in_o his_o church_n he_o appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v judge_v these_o matter_n therefore_o when_o christ_n appoint_v a_o pastor_n to_o be_v a_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n he_o express_v it_o by_o have_v power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16.19_o a_o person_n that_o be_v under_o church_n censure_n be_v not_o thereby_o cut_v off_o from_o his_o membership_n he_o stand_v in_o a_o brotherly_a relation_n to_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o thess_n 3.15_o lie_v under_o offence_n and_o under_o censure_n for_o his_o offence_n do_v not_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o visible_a saintship_n therefore_o his_o child_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a such_o offence_n as_o be_v of_o a_o more_o heinous_a nature_n do_v call_v for_o church_n censure_v provide_v there_o be_v a_o suitable_a spirit_n of_o repentance_n if_o the_o end_n of_o censure_n be_v obtain_v there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o they_o person_n under_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v debar_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o also_o to_o be_v exclue_v from_o the_o familiar_a society_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n where_o there_o be_v no_o special_a bond_n we_o be_v not_o to_o have_v that_o society_n with_o they_o that_o we_o may_v have_v with_o heathen_n 1_o cor._n 5.9,12_o to_o this_o act_n of_o worship_n appertain_v absolution_n when_o the_o person_n that_o have_v offend_v do_v manifest_v a_o spirit_n of_o repentance_n whether_o he_o have_v be_v censure_v or_o not_o he_o be_v to_o be_v acquit_v the_o seven_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o congregation_n there_o be_v a_o blessing_n of_o man_n by_o way_n of_o supplication_n that_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o any_o person_n and_o there_o be_v a_o blessing_n by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n this_o be_v pronounce_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n this_o be_v either_o extraordinary_a by_o way_n of_o prediction_n so_o the_o patriarch_n do_v bless_v their_o child_n and_o other_o endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n do_v bless_v the_o people_n as_o moses_n or_o else_o ordinary_a pronounce_v in_o god_n name_n by_o ordinary_a minister_n this_o may_v either_o be_v pronounce_v by_o way_n of_o assertion_n as_o when_o the_o minister_n do_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o do_v it_o or_o in_o way_n of_o supplication_n as_o when_o he_o say_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o you_o yet_o this_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prayer_n viz._n a_o declaration_n in_o god_n name_n what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v according_a to_o god_n covenant_n deut._n 20.34_o god_n appoint_v the_o priest_n of_o old_a to_o bless_v the_o people_n numb_a 6.23_o and_o this_o work_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o common_a work_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o levite_n who_o be_v teacher_n in_o israel_n deut._n 10.8_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o new_a institution_n in_o the_o gospel_n impowr_v minister_n to_o bless_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o proper_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o minister_n christ_n by_o appoint_v minister_n have_v appoint_v man_n to_o bless_v the_o people_n yet_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v institute_v matth._n 10.12,13_o deut._n 21.5_o such_o man_n as_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o not_o separate_v to_o that_o work_n by_o ordination_n have_v no_o power_n to_o bless_v the_o congregation_n because_o this_o depend_v mere_o upon_o institution_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o according_a to_o institution_n minister_n be_v appoint_v to_o bless_v authoritative_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n it_o be_v utter_o improper_a for_o they_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n include_v themselves_o numb_a 6.24_o it_o be_v also_o improper_a for_o they_o to_o bless_v the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o world_n chap._n viii_o of_o church_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n a_o church_n consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n be_v a_o society_n of_o divers_a congregational_a church_n join_v together_o according_a to_o god_n appointment_n for_o the_o
constant_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o protestant_a church_n but_o some_o in_o latter_a time_n do_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n that_o there_o be_v national_a church_n do_v appear_v first_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o man_n be_v fit_v for_o society_n and_o the_o great_a end_n why_o he_o be_v so_o be_v that_o in_o society_n he_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o lesser_a society_n ought_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n so_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o promote_a and_o advance_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o that_o be_v one_o people_n shall_v unite_n together_o in_o carry_v on_o god_n worship_n and_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o that_o body_n nature_n teach_v that_o every_o kingdom_n shall_v see_v that_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v attend_v in_o the_o several_a congregation_n therein_o 2_o dly_z from_o god_n appoint_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v one_o church_n act._n 7.38_o and_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o new_a form_n of_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o church_n appoint_v now_o congregational_a church_n be_v no_o new_a kind_n of_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o old_a institution_n for_o euâ—…y_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n they_o have_v ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o government_n in_o they_o they_o be_v call_v church_n by_o christ_n matth._n 18.17_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n institution_n do_v continue_v still_o appear_v partly_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n and_o do_v attend_v jewish_a ordinance_n and_o thâ—…fore_o by_o institution_n christian_a congregation_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o subordinate_a to_o a_o national_a church_n it_o be_v further_a evident_a because_o the_o jewish_a national_a church_n do_v not_o cease_v as_o their_o ceremony_n do_v because_o their_o date_n be_v out_o but_o because_o they_o reject_v christ_n rom._n 11.20_o have_v they_o keep_v god_n covenant_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v a_o national_a church_n to_o this_o day_n 3_o lie_v from_o the_o public_a covenant_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o a_o profess_v people_n god_n make_v a_o public_a covenant_n between_o he_o and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n wherein_o he_o engage_v public_a prosperity_n unto_o they_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o all_o profess_v country_n be_v under_o the_o same_o covenant_n for_o substance_n the_o promise_n and_o so_o the_o threaten_n declare_v be_v of_o force_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v the_o like_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n that_o they_o have_v and_o be_v in_o the_o like_a danger_n in_o case_n of_o â—…sobedience_n god_n deal_v with_o profess_v country_n at_o this_o day_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n those_o promise_n will_v never_o be_v out_o of_o date_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n god_n make_v the_o same_o to_o israel_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o restoration_n this_o abundant_o witness_v that_o every_o christian_a nation_n be_v a_o church_n if_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o they_o upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n than_o they_o be_v a_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n than_o they_o be_v one_o body_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o the_o part_n and_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o see_v the_o covenant_n keep_v if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o have_v not_o power_n to_o make_v the_o several_a part_n to_o keep_v covenant_n the_o covenant_n will_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o they_o particular_a society_n may_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v no_o power_n to_o remove_v it_o if_o they_o be_v all_o engage_v in_o one_o individual_a covenant_n the_o country_n have_v power_n to_o regulate_v all_o maleadministration_n that_o any_o of_o the_o part_n be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o be_v in_o one_o individual_a covenant_n they_o be_v as_o one_o body_n expouse_v by_o god_n the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o one_o church_n here_o be_v all_o that_o make_v israel_n to_o be_v a_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o people_n be_v a_o church_n 4_o lie_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o make_v gentile_a nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n god_n do_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o set_v up_o soâ—…_n church_n among_o the_o gentile_n but_o to_o take_v whole_a nation_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o isa_n 24.22_o and_o it_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o christ_n that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o become_v church_n matth._n 21.43_o yea_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o when_o israel_n be_v convert_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n as_o former_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o eâ—…iel_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o obedience_n as_o be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o deutrenomy_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n will_v be_v one_o church_n when_o they_o be_v restore_v than_o it_o will_v be_v so_o with_o every_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o abolish_v 5._o because_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o particular_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n than_o every_o particular_a â—…ngregation_n be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a and_o not_o responsable_a to_o â—…y_v high_a power_n this_o be_v too_o lordly_a a_o principle_n it_o be_v too_o ambitious_a a_o thing_n for_o every_o small_a congregation_n to_o arrogate_v such_o a_o uncontrollable_a power_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o on_o earth_n this_o be_v neither_o a_o probable_a way_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o church_n member_n appeal_v 〈◊〉_d admit_v in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o in_o a_o whâ—…_n country_n person_n may_v be_v find_v that_o may_v rectify_v the_o miscarriaâ—…_n of_o particular_a congregation_n than_o that_o particular_a congregation_n will_v not_o miscarry_v this_o absoluteness_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o dignity_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v not_o enjoy_v this_o be_v not_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o gospel_n church_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o seem_v that_o god_n give_v they_o this_o power_n because_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o government_n can_v not_o then_o be_v practise_v the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o gentile_a nation_n lie_v in_o their_o heathenism_n obj._n 1_o we_o do_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n any_o national_a church_n among_o the_o gentile_n answ_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v not_o that_o national_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n that_o do_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n though_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n gather_v among_o the_o gentile_n yet_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o they_o comparitive_o that_o do_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n the_o bulk_n of_o all_o the_o gentile_a nation_n lay_v in_o their_o heathenism_n during_o all_o that_o time_n that_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o in_o the_o scripture_n obj._n 2._o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n any_o national_a officer_n as_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o israel_n nor_o any_o national_a place_n of_o worship_n as_o jerusalem_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n answ_n 1._o to_o have_v one_o national_a officer_n over_o the_o â—…le_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n israel_n be_v a_o national_a church_n when_o they_o have_v no_o such_o national_a officer_n while_o the_o first_o bear_v do_v exercise_n the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n before_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o levite_n to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o civil_a government_n none_o of_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o republic_n the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n do_v not_o necessitate_v this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o government_n if_o there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o to_o rule_n over_o the_o whole_a
but_o likewise_o that_o this_o way_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o christian_a nation_n see_v no_o other_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o their_o government_n many_o of_o the_o appointment_n that_o god_n make_v for_o the_o jewish_a church_n do_v continue_v in_o force_n still_o and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n no_o other_o provision_n be_v make_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o our_o assembly_n must_v have_v any_o stand_a precedent_n as_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n have_v their_o high_a priest_n who_o be_v their_o precedent_n and_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o same_o number_n that_o they_o be_v circumstance_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o a_o variation_n in_o such_o case_n 3._o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n shall_v govern_v the_o church_n show_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n these_o be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.17_o there_o be_v no_o other_o appoint_v to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o church_n since_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o national_a church_n must_v be_v in_o their_o hand_n none_o but_o they_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o public_a government_n there_o be_v no_o warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o intrust_v the_o government_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o other_o and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a warrant_n for_o they_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o government_n of_o the_o national_a church_n and_o this_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n if_o there_o be_v a_o public_a covenant_n every_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o to_o see_v the_o covenant_n keep_v and_o their_o ruler_n with_o who_o their_o power_n be_v entrust_v be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o join_v with_o other_o to_o see_v their_o covenant_n keep_v so_o that_o their_o act_n in_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o new_a office_n a_o minister_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ministerial_a function_n have_v power_n in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o to_o govern_v the_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n obj._n if_o minister_n have_v a_o bond_n upon_o they_o to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n than_o they_o seem_v in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v that_o service_n which_o if_o all_o shall_v do_v in_o national_a synod_n the_o synod_n will_v be_v so_o large_a a_o body_n that_o they_o can_v not_o discourse_n together_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o intolerable_a prejudice_n to_o their_o congregation_n be_v much_o deprive_v of_o their_o labour_n answ_n the_o power_n of_o entrust_v delegate_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o society_n and_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a institution_n in_o this_o case_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a affair_n do_v require_v that_o government_n be_v entrust_v with_o such_o a_o number_n that_o it_o may_v be_v manage_v to_o advantage_n to_o the_o public_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o hazard_n of_o be_v involve_v in_o guilt_n by_o such_o a_o method_n a_o select_a number_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o holy_a of_o the_o elder_n be_v as_o likely_a to_o govern_v the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o nation_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n the_o power_n of_o synod_n do_v consist_v principal_o in_o these_o thing_n 1._o they_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n they_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a unto_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o sandedrim_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o will_n of_o god_n matth._n 23.2,3_o that_o be_v the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o levite_n deut._n 33.10_o that_o assembly_n mention_v act._n 15._o meet_v together_o to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o be_v very_o meet_v that_o synod_n do_v publish_v confession_n of_o faith_n not_o only_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o other_o christian_a kingdom_n of_o their_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n but_o especial_o to_o be_v a_o light_n unto_o the_o church_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n this_o have_v general_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o shall_v particular_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o bear_v their_o testimony_n against_o those_o error_n that_o be_v spring_a up_o act._n 15.24_o it_o be_v meet_v also_o in_o case_n of_o corruption_n in_o manner_n that_o they_o do_v declare_v what_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v and_o vindicate_v the_o rule_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v root_v out_o such_o licentious_a principle_n as_o be_v prevail_v among_o the_o people_n and_o advise_v they_o to_o repent_v of_o such_o degeneracy_n as_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_v the_o rule_n hold_v forth_o by_o a_o synod_n because_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o infallible_a and_o therefore_o no_o rule_n or_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v take_v up_o on_o trust_n from_o they_o man_n do_v owe_v that_o respect_n to_o a_o synod_n as_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n solemn_o to_o weigh_v the_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o thereby_o but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v they_o by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v practice_v against_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n because_o a_o synod_n have_v otherwise_o determine_v he_o great_o sin_n rom._n 14.23_o the_o synod_n may_v direct_v he_o in_o a_o wrong_a way_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v forbid_v deut._n 13.3_o 2._o they_o be_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n or_o to_o take_v they_o off_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n must_v have_v power_n of_o judgement_n that_o so_o there_o may_v no_o public_a guilt_n lie_v upon_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o judgement_n particular_a person_n may_v be_v oppress_v by_o the_o rigour_n of_o presbytery_n and_o many_o irregularity_n commit_v by_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o country_n do_v become_v guilty_a and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a way_n to_o deliver_v the_o land_n from_o guilt_n synod_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v to_o excommunicate_v and_o deliver_v from_o those_o censure_n and_o every_o man_n must_v stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o national_a synod_n deut._n 17.12_o they_o be_v to_o judge_n in_o case_n of_o complaint_n when_o any_o person_n judge_n himself_o wrong_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o complain_v to_o a_o synod_n they_o be_v to_o hear_v the_o case_n and_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o not_o to_o advise_v the_o church_n either_o to_o confim_v the_o sentence_n or_o to_o take_v it_o off_o but_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n they_o be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o sentence_n and_o restore_v the_o man_n unto_o his_o privilege_n they_o be_v to_o judge_v in_o case_n of_o other_o complaint_n if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o complaint_n against_o another_o and_o can_v obtain_v a_o hear_n in_o the_o church_n that_o he_o belong_v unto_o or_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v complain_v of_o for_o any_o maladministration_n or_o if_o a_o church_n with_o the_o elder_n be_v complain_v of_o for_o heresy_n or_o other_o scandalous_a corruption_n the_o synod_n be_v to_o hear_v and_o judge_v the_o case_n and_o they_o may_v not_o only_o censure_v particular_a person_n but_o whole_a church_n also_o in_o case_n of_o need_n 3._o synod_n have_v power_n to_o oversee_v the_o call_n of_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o appoint_v those_o who_o shall_v examine_v they_o if_o the_o synod_n have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n though_o they_o shall_v not_o abridge_v congregation_n of_o their_o liberty_n yet_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o church_n act_n regular_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v set_v in_o the_o ministry_n but_o such_o as_o be_v due_o qualify_v therefore_o it_o belong_v they_o to_o appoint_v meet_a person_n to_o examine_v such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o testify_v their_o approbation_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n tit._n 1.5_o the_o appoint_v of_o ceremony_n of_o worship_n be_v proper_o the_o work_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o make_n of_o order_n concern_v the_o external_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v proper_o the_o work_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n but_o the_o appointment_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v oversee_v the_o call_n of_o person_n to_o the_o ministry_n do_v proper_o belong_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n finis_fw-la