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church_n catholic_n particular_a unite_v 2,960 5 9.8739 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53732 The true nature of a Gospel church and its government ... by the late pious and learned minister of the Gospel, John Owen ... Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1689 (1689) Wing O815; ESTC R13410 211,358 294

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give_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o read_v of_o no_o pastor_n of_o many_o congregation_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o congregation_n to_o which_o officer_n be_v annex_v nor_o of_o any_o representative_a church_n as_o some_o will_v have_v that_o apostolic_a power_n do_v descend_v to_o successor_n we_o utter_o deny_v it_o be_v not_o derivable_a for_o none_o after_o they_o can_v say_v they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o our_o lord_n before_z or_o after_o his_o resurrection_n none_o since_o so_o qualify_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o preach_v and_o work_v miracle_n and_o none_o but_o the_o pope_n challenge_v such_o a_o extensive_a care_n for_o and_o power_n over_o all_o church_n that_o which_o descend_v from_o they_o to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v and_o why_o not_o to_o head_n it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o
commission_n that_o christ_n give_v a_o pastoral_a relation_n or_o presbytership_n which_o be_v include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n and_o exercise_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n such_o presbyter-ship_n john_n and_o peter_n both_o have_v hence_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o successor_n jure_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o be_v relative_a officer_n and_o be_v always_o in_o and_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n we_o know_v of_o no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n that_o any_o pastor_n be_v ordain_v to_o 1._o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n as_o catholic_n visible_a 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o chimaera_n of_o some_o man_n brain_n it_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la for_o if_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v all_o the_o church_n that_o i_o see_v at_o a_o time_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o see_v much_o more_o than_o what_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o church_n actual_o in_o be_v how_o be_v they_o visible_a to_o i_o where_o can_v they_o be_v see_v in_o one_o place_n i_o may_v as_o well_o call_v all_o the_o city_n and_o corporation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n visible_a city_n or_o corporation_n which_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v nonsense_n beside_o if_o all_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v get_v together_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o saint_n militant_a much_o less_o of_o triumphant_a for_o many_o be_v no_o church_n member_n that_o be_v christ_n member_n and_o many_o visible_a member_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o be_v any_o such_o church_n capable_a of_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o other_o organise_v visible_a church_n again_o to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n constitute_v shall_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o officer_n to_o the_o mystical_a church_n christ_n be_v the_o mystical_a head_n and_o pastor_n he_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o hence_o the_o uncalled_a be_v his_o sheep_n as_o john_n 10.16_o but_o to_o all_o visible_a church_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o where_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o please_v we_o to_o take_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o say_v that_o all_o individual_a pastor_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v either_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o as_o much_o pastoral_n power_n and_o charge_n in_o one_o church_n as_o in_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v indefinite_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o all_o pastor_n have_v mutual_a power_n in_o each_o other_o church_n and_o so_o john_n may_v come_v into_o thomas_n his_o church_n and_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n there_o and_o thomas_n into_o john_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o universal_a catholic_n power_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n which_o every_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v be_v apostolic_a or_o last_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o a_o particular_a charge_n where_o he_o please_v with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o if_o he_o have_v a_o office_n whereby_o he_o be_v equal_o and_o indisputable_o relate_v to_o all_o church_n it_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o office_n to_o take_v where_o he_o please_v but_o every_o church-officer_n under_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n must_v be_v such_o whence_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a to_o which_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o visible_a husband_n to_o a_o invisible_a wife_n the_o relate_v and_o correlate_n must_v be_v ejusdem_fw-la naturae_fw-la it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a head_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a nature_n for_o christ_n have_v substitute_v no_o mystical_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o mystical_a and_o external_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o latter_a be_v found_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o it_o as_o take_v its_o true_a spiritual_a original_a from_o it_o derive_v vital_a spirit_n from_o it_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o all_o external_a visible_a assembly_n minister_n ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o call_v in_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o edify_v of_o they_o to_o that_o full_a measure_n of_o stature_n they_o be_v design_v unto_o but_o the_o different_a consideration_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o mystical_a church_n do_v never_o fail_v neither_o be_v diminish_v by_o any_o shock_n of_o temptation_n or_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o visible_a profession_n any_o of_o they_o undergo_v whereas_o visible_a church_n be_v often_o break_v scatter_a yea_o unchurch_v and_o many_o member_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o final_a apostasy_n likewise_o christ_n mystical_a church_n be_v many_o time_n preserve_v in_o that_o state_n only_o or_o most_o when_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o visible_a organise_v church_n according_a to_o institution_n to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o his_o church_n often_o under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n as_o in_o egypt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o manasseh_n and_o other_o wicked_a king_n and_o especial_o in_o babylon_n in_o such_o time_n the_o faithful_a one_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o true_a sacrifice_n the_o teach_a priest_n and_o the_o law._n so_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o draconick_a heathen_a persecution_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o wilderness-state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o false_a worship_n which_o mystical_a state_n be_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n to_o hide_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o from_o the_o dragon_n rage_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n again_o unto_o this_o mystical_a church_n be_v only_o essential_o necessary_a a_o mystical_a union_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n acceptation_n and_o covenant-undertaking_a of_o the_o son_n the_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n work_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n whereby_o as_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a union_n so_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n though_o without_o those_o desirable_a enjoyment_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v providential_o often_o hinder_v from_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o christ_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n which_o he_o sometime_o set_v up_o and_o sometime_o take_v down_o and_o remove_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o see_v best_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world._n but_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n as_o to_o their_o foundadation_n matter_n constitution_n and_o order_n he_o give_v forth_o a_o exact_a pattern_n from_o mount_n zion_n as_o of_o that_o typical_a tabernacle_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o old._n the_o foundation_n part_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o corner_n stone_n eph._n ij_o 20_o matth._n xuj_o 18_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a individual_a person_n that_o make_v a_o organise_v visible_a church_n we_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n not_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o these_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o practise_v holiness_n the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v always_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n saint_n faithful_n believer_n they_o be_v such_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o believer_n so_o as_o such_o but_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n for_o a_o man_n must_v appear_v
in_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n and_o great_a penury_n of_o able_a teacher_n so_o that_o person_n in_o holy_a ministry_n design_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n but_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o pretend_a office._n 2._o where_o any_o such_o be_v admit_v through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n or_o the_o usurpation_n of_o undue_a power_n over_o church_n in_o impose_v minister_n on_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o their_o administration_n until_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o convict_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o on_o evidence_n hereof_o the_o people_n will_v voluntary_o adhere_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o vnchurch_n themselves_o 3._o where_o such_o person_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v place_v as_o pastor_n in_o or_o over_o any_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o the_o removal_n or_o reformation_n it_o be_v lawful_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o as_o wherein_o edification_n be_v better_a provide_v for_o for_o whereas_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a end_n of_o church_n of_o all_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o administration_n it_o be_v the_o high_a folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v or_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n without_o seek_v relief_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n wherein_o that_o end_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v 4._o where_o the_o generality_n of_o church_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n be_v head_v by_o pastor_n defective_a in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o matter_n declare_v there_o all_o public_a church-reformation_n be_v moral_o impossible_a and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n let_v church_n and_o churchman_n say_v what_o they_o please_v some_z few_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v inquire_v into_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o minister_n without_o relation_n unto_o any_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o office-power_n thereby_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o minister_n unto_o or_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o to_o convert_v infidel_n although_o he_o be_v not_o relate_v unto_o any_o particular_a flock_n or_o congregation_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a discuss_v sundry_a thing_n about_o the_o power_n and_o way_n of_o ordination_n which_o influence_n this_o controversy_n but_o only_o speak_v brief_o unto_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n endow_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n unto_o that_o work_n when_o he_o may_v be_v orderly_o call_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god._n for_o 1._o such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o call_n unto_o it_o material_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v warrant_v he_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 14.12_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o important_a work_n by_o prayer_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n and_o useful_a in_o church_n affair_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n act._n 13.12_o 2._o a_o public_a testimony_n unto_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o person_n undertake_v the_o work_n of_o preach_v be_v necessary_a 1._o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o be_v occasion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o 2._o unto_o the_o safety_n of_o they_o among_o who_o he_o may_v exercise_v his_o gift_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o false_a teacher_n or_o seducer_n nor_o will_v the_o primitive_a church_n allow_v nor_o be_v it_o allowable_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o any_o person_n not_o so_o testify_v unto_o not_o so_o send_v and_o warrant_v shall_v undertake_v constant_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o such_o person_n so_o set_v apart_o and_o send_v may_v be_v esteem_v minister_n in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o call_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v instate_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office._n this_o be_v original_o the_o work_n of_o evangelist_n which_o office_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v elsewhere_o the_o work_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n 3._o no_o church_n whatever_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v man_n minister_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n since_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o office_n the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n be_v devolve_v mere_o on_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v leave_v without_o the_o verge_n of_o church-institution_n god_n alone_o can_v send_v and_o warrant_v man_n for_o the_o undertake_n of_o that_o work._n nor_o can_v any_o man_n know_v or_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o call_n unto_o that_o work_n without_o some_o previous_a guidance_n of_o divine_a providence_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o diffuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n among_o who_o or_o near_o unto_o who_o their_o habitation_n be_v cast_v and_o they_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o divine_a warranty_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o many_o worthy_a person_n have_v do_v effectual_o in_o new_a england_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a who_o may_v be_v cast_v among_o they_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o according_a unto_o his_o ability_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o ordain_v a_o person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_a antecedent_o unto_o any_o designation_n by_o divine_a providence_n thereunto_o 4._o no_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o or_o complete_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n but_o he_o be_v ordain_v unto_o a_o determinate_a office_n as_o a_o bishop_n a_o elder_a a_o pastor_n but_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v but_o he_o who_o be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o contrary_a practice_n 1._o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v no_o ordinary_a officer_n but_o in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v their_o proper_a charge_n and_o care_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o nor_o be_v there_o mention_n of_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o such_o as_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n where-unto_a they_o do_v relate_v act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o revel_v 2.3_o nor_o be_v any_o such_o practice_n know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o 2._o it_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o all_o such_o ordination_n declare_v null_a so_o as_o not_o to_o communicate_v office-power_n or_o give_v any_o ministerial_a authority_n so_o it_o be_v express_o in_o the_o first_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o the_o council_n decree_v that_o all_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o such_o case_n be_v invalid_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n yea_o so_o exact_a and_o careful_a be_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o if_o any_o one_o for_o any_o just_a cause_n as_o he_o judge_v himself_o do_v leave_v his_o particular_a church_n or_o charge_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o to_o officiate_v occasional_o in_o that_o church_n or_o any_o where_o else_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o eustathius_n a_o bishop_n of_o pamphilia_n the_o good_a man_n find_v the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n very_o troublesome_a by_o reason_n of_o secular_a business_n that_o it_o be_v encumber_v withal_o and_o much_o opposition_n with_o reproach_n that_o befall_v he_o from_o the_o church_n itself_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n lay_v down_o and_o resign_v his_o charge_n the_o church_n choose_v one_o theodorus_n in_o his_o room_n but_o afterward_o he_o desire_v that_o though_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o charge_n he_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n title_n
and_o honour_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o this_o end_n he_o make_v a_o petition_n unto_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n who_o as_o themselves_o express_v it_o in_o mere_a commiseration_n unto_o the_o old_a man_n condescend_v unto_o his_o desire_n as_o unto_o the_o name_n and_o title_n but_o not_o as_o unto_o any_o office-power_n which_o they_o judge_v relate_v absolute_o unto_o a_o particular_a charge_n epist._n can._n ephes._n 1._o ad_fw-la synod_n in_o pamphil._n 3._o such_o ordination_n want_v a_o essential_a constitutive_a cause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o collation_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v therefore_o invalid_a see_v what_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o unto_o that_o purpose_n 4._o a_o bishop_n a_o elder_a a_o pastor_n be_v term_n of_o relation_n to_o make_v any_o one_o so_o without_o relation_n unto_o a_o church_n a_o people_n a_o flock_n be_v to_o make_v he_o a_o father_n who_o have_v no_o child_n or_o a_o husband_n who_o have_v no_o wife_n a_o relate_v without_o a_o correlate_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n 5._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office._n whoever_o be_v due_o call_v set_v apart_z or_o ordain_v unto_o that_o office_n he_o do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o take_v on_o himself_o the_o discharge_v of_o all_o the_o duty_n belong_v thereunto_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o they_o if_o then_o we_o will_v take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o to_o belong_v unto_o this_o office_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o not_o the_o least_o part_n scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o it_o can_v be_v undertake_v and_o discharge_v by_o such_o as_o be_v ordain_v absolute_o without_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n for_o any_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o commit_v a_o office_n unto_o other_o and_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n charge_v they_o with_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o office_n and_o their_o immediate_a attendance_n on_o they_o or_o for_o any_o to_o accept_v of_o a_o office_n and_o office-power_n not_o know_v when_o or_o where_o to_o exert_v the_o power_n or_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v irregular_a in_o particular_a ruling_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n which_o they_o can_v attend_v unto_o who_o have_v none_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o 2._o may_v a_o pastor_n remove_v from_o one_o congregation_n unto_o another_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o ancient_a church_n make_v great_a provision_n against_o for_o when_o some_o church_n be_v increase_v in_o member_n reputation_n privilege_n and_o wealth_n above_o other_o it_o grow_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n for_o the_o bishop_n to_o design_n and_o endeavour_v their_o own_o removal_n from_o a_o less_o unto_o a_o great_a benefice_n this_o be_v so_o severe_o interdict_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o chalcedon_n as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n in_o any_o other_o place_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v original_o ordain_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o do_v so_o remove_v themselves_o decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v home_o again_o and_o there_o abide_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v church-officer_n council_n nicaea_n can._n 15_o 16._o chalced._n can._n 5_o 20._o plurality_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o open_a contend_v for_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n benefice_n and_o dignity_n be_v then_o either_o unknown_a or_o open_o condemn_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o the_o removal_n of_o a_o pastor_n from_o one_o congregation_n unto_o another_o for_o whereas_o the_o end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o general_a where_o in_o any_o especial_a instance_n such_o a_o removal_n be_v useful_a unto_o that_o end_n it_o be_v equal_v it_o shall_v be_v allow_v case_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o person_n place_n time_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n that_o i_o can_v insist_v on_o in_o particular_a but_o that_o such_o removal_n may_v be_v without_o offence_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v make_v 1._o with_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v 2._o with_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o church_n or_o their_o elder_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o communion_n and_o of_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n or_o of_o the_o removal_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o a_o orderly_a manner_n by_o advice_n and_o counsel_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a churth_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n such_o be_v that_o of_o gregory_n naz._n remove_v from_o casima_n to_o constantinople_n though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o have_v no_o good_a success_n 3._o may_v a_o pastor_n voluntary_o or_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n resign_v and_o lay_v down_o his_o office_n and_o remain_v in_o a_o private_a capacity_n this_o also_o be_v judge_v inconvenient_a if_o not_o unlawful_a by_o the_o first_o synod_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o case_n of_o eustathius_n he_o be_v as_o it_o appear_v a_o age_a man_n one_o that_o love_v his_o one_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o who_o can_v not_o well_o bear_v the_o opposition_n and_o reproach_n which_o he_o meet_v withal_o from_o the_o church_n or_o some_o in_o it_o and_o thereon_o solemn_o upon_o his_o own_o judgement_n without_o advice_n lay_v down_o and_o renounce_v his_o office_n in_o the_o church_n who_o thereupon_o choose_v a_o good_a man_n in_o his_o room_n yet_o do_v the_o synod_n condemn_v this_o practice_n and_o that_o not_o without_o weighty_a reason_n whereby_o they_o confirm_v their_o judgement_n but_o yet_o no_o general_a rule_n can_v be_v establish_v in_o this_o case_n nor_o be_v the_o judgement_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n precise_a herein_o clemens_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n express_o advise_v those_o on_o who_o occasion_n there_o be_v disturbance_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o gregory_n nazianzen_n do_v the_o same_o at_o constantinople_n and_o protest_v open_o that_o although_o he_o be_v himself_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o blame_n as_o he_o true_o be_v and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a man_n of_o his_o age_n yet_o he_o will_v depart_v or_o be_v cast_v out_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v peace_n among_o they_o which_o he_o do_v according_o orat._n 52._o &_o vit_fw-mi nazian_n and_o afterward_o a_o synod_n at_o constantinople_n under_o photius_n conclude_v that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a can._n 5._o wherefore_o 1._o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o weakness_n of_o work_n and_o labour_n though_o occasion_v by_o age_n sickness_n or_o bodily_a distemper_n for_o no_o man_n be_v any_o way_n oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a with_o the_o regular_a preservation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o what_o ability_n a_o pastor_n have_v otherwise_o provide_v for_o itself_o in_o what_o be_v want_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a mere_o on_o a_o weariness_n of_o and_o despondency_n under_o opposition_n and_o reproach_n which_o a_o pastor_n be_v call_v and_o oblige_v to_o undergo_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v in_o the_o warfare_n wereto_o he_o be_v call_v these_o two_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o eustathius_n at_o perga_n which_o be_v disallow_v in_o the_o council_n at_o ephesus_n but_o 3._o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o such_o a_o incurable_a decay_n of_o intellectual_a ability_n as_o whereon_o a_o man_n can_v discharge_v no_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o case_n of_o incurable_a division_n in_o the_o church_n constant_o obstruct_v its_o edification_n and_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v whilst_o such_o a_o one_o continue_v in_o his_o office_n though_o he_o be_v no_o way_n the_o cause_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o clemens_n give_v advice_n and_o whereof_o gregory_n give_v a_o example_n in_o his_o own_o practice_n but_o this_o case_n and_o its_o determination_n will_v hold_v only_o where_o the_o division_n be_v incurable_a by_o any_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o if_o those_o who_o cause_n such_o division_n may_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o church_n may_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o or_o if_o there_o be_v division_n in_o fix_a party_n and_o principle_n opinion_n or_o practice_n they_o may_v separate_v into_o distinct_a communion_n in_o
case_n dubious_a and_o disputable_a wherein_o right_o and_o wrong_n be_v not_o easy_o determinable_a unto_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v admit_v when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o testimony_n and_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o two_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o 2._o all_z prejudices_fw-la all_o partiality_n all_o provocation_n all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o this_o administration_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o lord_n wherefore_o 3._o we_o be_v continual_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o tend_v unto_o this_o sentence_n and_o eminent_o in_o the_o sentence_n itself_o to_o charge_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n consider_v his_o love_n grace_n mercy_n and_o patience_n with_o instance_n of_o his_o condescension_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o this_o world._n 4._o there_o be_v also_o require_v of_o we_o herein_o a_o constant_a remembrance_n that_o we_o also_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o liable_a to_o temptation_n which_o may_v restrain_v and_o keep_v in_o awe_n that_o forwardness_n and_o confidence_n which_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o manifest_v in_o such_o case_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n a_o watchful_a eye_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v over_o the_o method_n of_o satan_n who_o by_o all_o mean_n seek_v to_o pervert_v this_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o too_o often_o prevail_v in_o that_o design_n and_o if_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o management_n and_o pursuit_n of_o this_o ordinance_n he_o get_v advantage_n to_o pervert_v it_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o any_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o that_o church_n in_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n therein_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o excommunication_n by_o a_o curse_a noise_n and_o clamour_v with_o bell_n book_n and_o candle_n such_o as_o we_o have_v instance_n of_o in_o some_o papal_a council_n be_v a_o horrible_a anti-christian_n abomination_n so_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o undue_a representation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n for_o person_n open_o guilty_a of_o profaneness_n in_o sin_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o all_o christian_a obedience_n 3._o all_o excommunication_n be_v evangelical_o null_a where_o there_o be_v want_v a_o evangelical_n frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v and_o there_o be_v present_v a_o anti-evangelical_a order_n in_o its_o administration_n 4._o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o after_o all_o the_o contest_v and_o dispute_v about_o this_o excommunication_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o noise_n that_o it_o have_v make_v the_o horrible_a abuse_n that_o it_o have_v be_v put_v unto_o the_o wrest_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o rule_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o it_o with_o the_o needless_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o its_o institution_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o nothing_o belong_v unto_o it_o nothing_o require_v unto_o its_o administration_n wherein_o man_n outward_a interest_n be_v at_o all_o concern_v and_o which_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n in_o any_o church-society_n may_v not_o perform_v and_o discharge_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n it_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o have_v traverse_v these_o thing_n into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o posture_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a unto_o spiritual_a wisdom_n unpracticable_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o ruinous_a unto_o all_o evangelical_n order_n and_o discipline_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n church_n so_o appoint_v and_o establish_v in_o order_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v aught_o to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o or_o with_o each_o other_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o order_n for_o these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o the_o general_a end_n of_o they_o be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n consider_v antecedent_o unto_o their_o institution_n in_o particular_a this_o end_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a or_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o promotion_n hereof_o be_v commit_v joint_o and_o several_o unto_o all_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o with_o respect_n hereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o mutual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v their_o consent_n endeavour_n and_o conjunction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therein_o their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o this_o communion_n be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n equal_o and_o the_o duty_n and_o act_n of_o it_o in_o all_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n between_o they_o or_o subordination_n among_o they_o as_o shall_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o act_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o act_n of_o some_o shall_v be_v act_n of_o authority_n and_o those_o of_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n or_o egubium_n in_o a_o city_n or_o a_o village_n the_o communion_n of_o they_o all_o be_v mutual_a the_o act_n of_o it_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n however_o one_o church_n may_v have_v more_o advantage_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a therein_o than_o another_o and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o advantage_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v effectual_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o disorder_n which_o at_o length_n destroy_v the_o catholic_n church_n with_o all_o church-communion_n whatever_o for_o some_o church_n especial_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v many_o advantage_n in_o gift_n ability_n number_n and_o reputation_n above_o many_o above_o most_o church_n for_o usefulness_n in_o their_o mutual_a communion_n the_o guide_n of_o it_o insensible_o turn_v and_o pervert_v the_o address_n make_v unto_o they_o the_o advises_n and_o assistance_n desire_v of_o they_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n or_o their_o pretence_n of_o such_o address_n and_o desire_n into_o a_o usurpation_n first_o of_o a_o primacy_n of_o honour_n then_o of_o order_n then_o of_o supremacy_n and_o jurisdiction_n unto_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o communion_n and_o at_o length_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o state_v and_o subsist_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o church_n on_o their_o first_o institution_n quick_o find_v themselves_o indigent_a and_o want_v though_o not_o as_o unto_o their_o be_v power_n and_o order_n yet_o as_o unto_o their_o well-being_n with_o their_o preservation_n in_o truth_n and_o order_n upon_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n as_o also_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o usefulness_n and_o serviceableness_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o further_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o care_n hereof_o and_o the_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o defect_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n during_o their_o life_n which_o paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v only_o a_o press_a care_n and_o burden_n unto_o they_o be_v afterward_o contend_v for_o by_o other_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n the_o pretence_n of_o it_o in_o one_o especial_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o curse_a domination_n under_o the_o style_n and_o title_n of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la dei._n but_o if_o a_o thousand_o pretence_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o supply_a church_n defect_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o any_o other_o order_n way_n or_o means_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o equal_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v all_o find_v destitute_a of_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n primitive_a antiquity_n the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o church_n yea_o of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o yet_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o all_o that_o disposal_n of_o church_n into_o several_a story_n of_o subordination_n with_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o which_o now_o prevail_v in_o the_o world._n but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o such_o imagination_n until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o union_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o
edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v wherefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v constitute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o order_n as_o wherein_o none_o of_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o always_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n to_o attain_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o he_o do_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n be_v animate_v by_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v act_n the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a herein_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v lie_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o other_o about_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n though_o not_o of_o gift_n and_o usefulness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o peace_n other_o way_n and_o mean_n have_v be_v find_v out_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n which_o we_o must_v speak_v unto_o immediate_o wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o use_v some_o diligence_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v moreover_o premise_v that_o whereas_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v radical_o and_o essential_o the_o same_o among_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v confine_v and_o limit_v by_o divine_a providence_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o the_o natural_a mean_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n may_v extend_v unto_o that_o be_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v within_o such_o line_n of_o communication_n such_o precinct_n or_o boundary_n of_o place_n and_o country_n as_o may_v not_o render_v the_o mutual_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n insuperable_o difficult_a yet_o be_v not_o the_o world_n itself_o so_o wide_o but_o that_o all_o place_n be_v make_v pervious_a by_o navigation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v be_v visible_o profess_v and_o in_o some_o instance_n practise_v among_o all_o church_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o going-down_a of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v by_o the_o most_o vehement_a pretence_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o as_o those_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherefore_o such_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v after_o as_o from_o which_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o actual_a exercise_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o all_o to_o live_v and_o whereby_o the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v attain_v this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a catholicism_n of_o the_o church_n which_o whoever_o depart_v from_o or_o substitute_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o under_o that_o name_n destroy_v its_o whole_a nature_n and_o disturb_v the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a harmony_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n however_o therefore_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o our_o real_a controversy_n with_o most_o in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o be_v union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n which_o be_v various_o pervert_v by_o many_o and_o separate_v it_o into_o party_n and_o confine_v it_o to_o rule_n measure_n and_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o and_o establishment_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o belong_v neither_o to_o the_o internal_a nor_o external_a form_n of_o that_o catholic_n church_n who_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o believe_v and_o who_o union_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o whoever_o give_v any_o description_n of_o or_o limitation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n beside_o what_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n intend_v do_v utter_o overthrow_v it_o and_o therein_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith._n but_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n can_v be_v due_o apprehend_v unless_o we_o inquire_v and_o determine_v wherein_o their_o union_n do_v consist_v for_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o union_n that_o receive_v both_o its_o nature_n and_o power_n from_o it_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n distinct_a in_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o communion_n that_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o he_o be_v pope_n be_v the_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church_n union_n nor_o be_v there_o allow_v any_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o christ_n or_o among_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o through_o he_o a_o universal_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o church_n union_n among_o they_o and_o if_o any_o one_o soul_n fail_v herein_o if_o as_o unto_o thing_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v repute_v a_o stranger_n and_o for●●●ner_n unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n yea_o they_o affirm_v that_o be_v a_o man_n never_o so_o willing_a for_o and_o desirous_a of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v have_v it_o but_o by_o the_o pope_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n congenial_a and_o suit_v unto_o this_o union_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o exercise_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o various_a contignation_n of_o order_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o one_o story_n of_o church_n interest_n upon_o another_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o idol_n place_v on_o the_o top_n of_o this_o babel_n so_o be_v this_o communion_n carry_v on_o from_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o low_a rubbish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n unto_o diocesan_n of_o they_o to_o metropolitan_n of_o they_o to_o patriarch_n or_o cardinal_n of_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o ascent_n be_v make_v from_o diocesan_n synod_n by_o provincial_n and_o national_a to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ecumenical_a who_o head_n be_v the_o pope_n yet_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v far_o observe_v to_o clear_v this_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n as_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o ascent_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n by_o a_o vital_a act_n of_o communion_n from_o the_o low_a degree_n order_n or_o consociation_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o church-power_n from_o they_o but_o all_o the_o plenitude_n of_o it_o be_v original_o vest_v in_o he_o by_o these_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n he_o communicate_v of_o it_o unto_o all_o church_n as_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conjunction_n and_o communion_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o joint_v in_o this_o order_n so_o compact_v in_o this_o body_n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o personal_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o unto_o his_o whole_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v he_o formal_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v antichrist_n and_o the_o church-state_n arise_v from_o its_o union_n unto_o he_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n subsist_v in_o a_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o power_n receive_v through_o various_a order_n and_o constitution_n from_o he_o to_o be_v anti-christian_n for_o he_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o and_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o church_n state_n thereon_o depend_v this_o we_o have_v describe_v ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o etc._n etc._n as_o also_o col._n 2.19_o where_o there_o be_v a_o rejection_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n take_v from_o its_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n when_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o when_o the_o power_n of_o
and_o unless_o this_o union_n be_v dissolve_v unless_o a_o church_n be_v disunite_v from_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v so_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a however_o it_o may_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o other_o in_o the_o world._n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o union_n there_o proceed_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n a_o bond_n of_o union_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a spirit_n act_v itself_o in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o kingly_a royal_a beautiful_a union_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n bring_v it_o into_o a_o relation_n unto_o himself_o as_o his_o body_n communicate_v of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o it_o govern_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n enable_v it_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n for_o unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hold_v he_o as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o 2._o love_n unto_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o 3._o that_o especial_a holiness_n who_o foundation_n be_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n 4._o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o thing_n be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reality_n and_o power_n of_o they_o be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o be_v its_o external_a form_n 2._o there_o concur_v hereunto_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o i_o mean_v all_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o church_n catholic_n do_v act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o these_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v term_v relatio_fw-la aequiparentiae_fw-la wherein_o neither_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v equal_a it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o unto_o another_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a as_o unto_o what_o concern_v their_o essence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o bond_n hereof_o be_v that_o especial_a love_n which_o christ_n require_v among_o all_o his_o disciple_n act_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o union_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o relation_n unto_o god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o unto_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o holiness_n the_o same_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o church-order_n with_o mutual_a love_n effectual_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n there_o may_v be_v failure_n in_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n among_o they_o about_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o they_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v the_o best_a know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n but_o whilst_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v this_o be_v that_o bless_a oneness_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o so_o earnest_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n one_o among_o themselves_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o horrid_a image_n of_o it_o which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o church_n which_o all_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o bow_v down_o unto_o and_o worship_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n furnance_n of_o any_o other_o union_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v always_o the_o same_o inviolable_a unchangeable_a comprehend_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n not_o confinable_a unto_o any_o state_n or_o party_n not_o interruptible_a by_o any_o external_a form_n nor_o to_o be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o such_o dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n as_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o questionable_a among_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o evangelical_n faith_n holiness_n obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o mutual_a love_n abide_v in_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v profess_v that_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a other_o catholic_n church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o believe_v none_o nor_o any_o that_o need_v other_o thing_n unto_o its_o constitution_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v our_o present_a enquiry_n namely_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v their_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o same_o gospel_n duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o mutual_a act_n towards_o each_o other_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n this_o the_o primitive_a church_n provide_v for_o in_o creed_n and_o symbol_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v know_v but_o as_o never_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o own_v by_o all_o church_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a hence_o we_o have_v as_o many_o arian_n creed_n yet_o extant_a as_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o particular_a ☜_o church_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o profess_a assent_n unto_o all_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v provide_v that_o no_o error_n be_v avow_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o although_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avow_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o yet_o by_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o they_o may_v embrace_v and_o adhere_v unto_o such_o error_n as_o may_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith._n such_o be_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a person_n or_o office_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o may_v also_o add_v that_o of_o their_o own_o unto_o their_o profess_a belief_n as_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o tradition_n as_o equal_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o another_o head_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o another_o sacrifice_n beside_o what_o he_o once_o offer_v for_o all_o and_o the_o like_a but_o where_o any_o be_v preserve_v from_o such_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o communion_n with_o
in_o regular_a act_n and_o duty_n proceed_v from_o this_o love_n and_o require_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o this_o account_n of_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v seem_v strange_a unto_o some_o who_o be_v enamour_v on_o that_o image_n which_o be_v set_v up_o of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n in_o canon_n constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o outward_a order_n in_o various_a subordination_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o make_v any_o due_a representation_n of_o they_o the_o church_n in_o its_o dependence_n on_o christ_n its_o head_n be_v by_o his_o institution_n dispose_v unto_o its_o proper_a order_n for_o its_o own_o edification_n or_o fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a this_o love_n work_v effectual_o in_o every_o office_n officer_n and_o member_n according_a as_o unto_o its_o disposal_n in_o the_o body_n for_o the_o receive_n and_o communicate_v supply_n for_o edification_n give_v the_o whole_a both_o its_o union_n and_o communion_n all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v regulate_v by_o divine_a rule_n and_o prescription_n instead_o hereof_o to_o erect_v a_o machine_n the_o spring_n and_o centre_n of_o who_o motion_n be_v unknown_a any_o other_o i_o mean_v but_o external_a force_n compact_v by_o the_o iron_n joint_n and_o band_n of_o humane_a law_n edify_v itself_o by_o the_o power_n of_o office_n and_o officer_n foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n act_v with_o weapon_n that_o be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o carnal_a and_o mighty_a through_o he_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o cast_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n into_o prison_n as_o unto_o a_o outward_a conformity_n be_v to_o forsake_v the_o scripture_n and_o follow_v our_o own_o imagination_n the_o outward_a act_n of_o communion_n among_o church_n proceed_v from_o this_o love_n and_o the_o obligation_n that_o be_v on_o they_o to_o promote_v their_o mutual_a edification_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n of_o advice_n and_o assistance_n church_n have_v communion_n unto_o their_o mutual_a edification_n by_o advice_n in_o synod_n or_o council_n which_o must_v in_o this_o place_n be_v consider_v synod_n be_v the_o meeting_n of_o divers_a church_n by_o their_o messenger_n or_o delegate_n to_o consult_v and_o determine_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o common_a concernment_n unto_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o communion_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o 1._o the_o necessity_n and_o warranty_n of_o such_o synod_n arise_v 1._o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o society_n which_o have_v the_o same_o original_a the_o same_o rule_n the_o same_o interest_n the_o same_o end_n and_o which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mutual_o concern_v in_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o each_o other_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o power_n and_o conduct_v of_o reason_n to_o advise_v in_o common_a for_o their_o own_o good_a on_o all_o emergency_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o church_n be_v such_o society_n they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o authoritative_a institution_n one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o worship_n the_o same_o end_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v and_o their_o entire_a interest_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o when_o therefore_o any_o thing_n occur_v among_o they_o that_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o can_v be_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o several_o or_o in_o who_o determination_n all_o of_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v not_o to_o make_v use_n herein_o of_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o forsake_v that_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god._n 2._o the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n before_o describe_v in_o one_o head_n by_o one_o spirit_n through_o one_o faith_n and_o worship_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n do_v so_o compact_v they_o into_o one_o body_n mystical_a as_o that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v complete_a absolute_o without_o a_o joint_a act_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n unto_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o occasion_n do_v require_v and_o this_o joint_a act_n with_o other_o in_o any_o church_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o natural_a circumstance_n render_v impossible_a by_o any_o mean_n but_o their_o convention_n in_o synod_n by_o their_o messenger_n and_o delegate_n for_o although_o there_o may_v be_v some_o use_n of_o letter_n missive_n and_o be_v so_o eminent_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o difficult_a case_n as_o the_o first_o instance_n we_o have_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n unto_o that_o of_o rome_n desire_v their_o advice_n about_o the_o compose_n of_o a_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thereunto_o yet_o many_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o among_o they_o which_o can_v be_v reconcile_v or_o determine_v but_o by_o present_a conference_n such_o as_o that_o be_v record_v act._n 15._o no_o church_n therefore_o be_v so_o independent_a as_o that_o it_o can_v always_o and_o in_o all_o case_n observe_v the_o duty_n it_o owe_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n catholic_n by_o all_o those_o power_n which_o it_o be_v able_a to_o act_v in_o itself_o distinct_o without_o conjunction_n with_o other_o and_o the_o church_n that_o confine_v its_o duty_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o its_o own_o assembly_n cut_v itself_o off_o from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v safe_a for_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o church_n wherefore_o 3._o this_o act_n in_o synod_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o in_o a_o express_a command_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o fortify_v with_o apostolical_a example_n for_o have_v erect_v such_o a_o church-state_n and_o dispose_v all_o his_o church_n into_o that_o order_n and_o mutual_a relation_n unto_o one_o another_o as_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v complete_a or_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n without_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n he_o have_v thereby_o ordain_v this_o way_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o synod_n no_o other_o be_v possible_a unto_o that_o end_n and_o hereby_o such_o convention_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o presence_n namely_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o these_o assembly_n be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o his_o own_o constitution_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o his_o church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o his_o name_n and_o so_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n 4._o the_o end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o many_o instance_n this_o can_v be_v attain_v yea_o that_o it_o must_v be_v sinful_o neglect_v unless_o this_o way_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o carry_v of_o it_o on_o be_v attend_v unto_o truth_n peace_n and_o love_n may_v be_v lose_v among_o church_n and_o so_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o they_o be_v dissolve_v unless_o this_o mean_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o reparation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o that_o particular_a church_n which_o extend_v not_o its_o duty_n beyond_o its_o own_o assembly_n and_o member_n be_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n and_o every_o principle_n opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o incline_v any_o church_n to_o confine_v its_o care_n and_o duty_n unto_o its_o own_o edification_n only_o yea_o or_o of_o those_o only_o which_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o some_o peculiar_a practice_n make_v it_o neglective_a of_o all_o due_a mean_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v schismatical_a 5._o there_o be_v direction_n hereunto_o include_v in_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o church-proceeding_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o by_o christ_n himself_o the_o beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o it_o be_v between_o two_o individual_a person_n thence_o be_v it_o carry_v unto_o the_o cognizance_n and_o judgement_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o before_o unconcerned_a from_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v concern_v it_o as_o unto_o its_o own_o communion_n to_o continue_v the_o offender_n in_o it_o or_o reject_v he_o from_o it_o this_o must_v abide_v as_o unto_o outward_a order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n but_o no_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o
their_o judgement_n absolute_o in_o any_o case_n and_o in_o many_o their_o determination_n may_v be_v so_o doubtful_a as_o not_o to_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o be_v censure_v but_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o only_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n also_o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o judge_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n therein_o if_o he_o do_v desire_v it_o and_o this_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o such_o synod_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o describe_v 6._o synod_n be_v consecrate_a unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o guidance_n of_o the_o first_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v give_v by_o they_o under_o the_o infallible_a conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 15._o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v far_o unto_o immediate_o have_v see_v the_o original_a of_o church_n synod_n or_o their_o formal_a cause_n we_o consider_v also_o their_o material_a cause_n or_o the_o subject_a matter_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o or_o determine_v in_o they_o and_o this_o in_o general_n be_v every_o thing_n wherein_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o when_o any_o thing_n fall_v out_o among_o they_o which_o otherwise_o will_v disturb_v that_o communion_n and_o hereof_o some_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o church_n have_v mutual_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith._n if_o any_o doubt_n or_o difference_n do_v arise_v about_o it_o any_o opinion_n be_v advance_v contrary_a unto_o it_o either_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n which_o they_o can_v determine_v among_o themselves_o or_o among_o sundry_a church_n the_o last_o outward_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o and_o of_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o error_n and_o opinion_n contrary_a unto_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n be_v by_o these_o synod_n or_o council_n the_o care_n hereof_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o first_o place_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o be_v at_o large_a before_o declare_v but_o in_o case_n through_o the_o subtlety_n prevalency_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o by_o who_o damnable_a doctrine_n be_v broach_v the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v not_o able_a to_o rebuke_v and_o suppress_v they_o nor_o to_o maintain_v its_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o by_o suffer_v such_o thing_n in_o one_o church_n other_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v infect_v or_o defile_v this_o be_v the_o last_o external_a refuge_n that_o be_v leave_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o same_o faith._n we_o have_v multiply_v example_n hereof_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o these_o synod_n into_o superstition_n and_o domination_n such_o be_v eminent_o that_o gather_v at_o antioch_n for_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o heresy_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n wherein_o every_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o itself_o and_o among_o its_o own_o member_n there_o be_v schism_n division_n strife_n and_o contention_n in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o apostolical_a plant_n and_o water_v so_o there_o be_v at_o antioch_n and_o afterward_o at_o corinth_n as_o also_o of_o some_o of_o the_o church_n in_o galatia_n the_o duty_n of_o remedy_v and_o heal_v these_o division_n and_o difference_n from_o what_o cause_n soever_o they_o arise_v be_v first_o incumbent_n on_o each_o particular_a member_n in_o every_o such_o church_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v give_v in_o charge_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o do_v perform_v their_o duty_n in_o love_n a_o end_n will_v be_v put_v unto_o all_o strife_n in_o case_n of_o failure_n therein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v charge_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n authority_n and_o wisdom_n to_o rebuke_v and_o compose_v such_o difference_n but_o in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o other_o church_n walk_v in_o actual_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n wherein_o the_o difference_n be_v arisen_a and_o thereon_o concern_v in_o their_o prosperity_n and_o edification_n by_o their_o messenger_n and_o delegate_n be_v the_o last_o outward_a mean_n for_o its_o composure_n 3._o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o male_a administration_n of_o discipline_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v be_v injure_v as_o suppose_v they_o be_v undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o some_o diotrephes_n or_o that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n make_v a_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n give_v they_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n the_o person_n injure_v have_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o edification_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church-administrations_a that_o the_o proceed_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v renew_v by_o a_o synod_n and_o a_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o case_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v leave_v without_o relief_n which_o be_v undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o diotrephes_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n hereof_o but_o only_o by_o synod_n but_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o 4._o the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n with_o respect_n unto_o worship_n as_o also_o of_o manner_n and_o conversation_n if_o it_o be_v report_v or_o know_v by_o credible_a testimony_n that_o any_o church_n have_v admit_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n any_o thing_n superstitious_a or_o vain_a or_o if_o the_o member_n of_o it_o walk_v like_o those_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3.18_o 19_o unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n itself_o not_o endeavour_v its_o own_o reformation_n and_o repentance_n other_o church_n walk_v in_o communion_n therewith_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o more_o private_a way_n for_o its_o reduction_n as_o opportunity_n and_o duty_n may_v suggest_v unto_o their_o elder_n aught_o to_o assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n either_o as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o far_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o it_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o its_o evil_a way_n the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o gospel_n worship_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n in_o its_o power_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o apostasy_n of_o they_o all_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o negligence_n instead_o of_o be_v helpful_a one_o to_o another_o for_o their_o mutual_a recovery_n and_o the_o revival_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v they_o gradual_o infect_v one_o another_o according_a as_o they_o fall_v into_o their_o decay_n and_o countenance_v one_o another_o by_o their_o example_n unto_o a_o continuance_n in_o such_o disorder_n the_o image_n which_o in_o late_a age_n be_v set_v up_o hereof_o in_o diocesan_n and_o metropolitical_a visitation_n and_o those_o of_o lesser_a district_n under_o officer_n of_o anti-christian_n name_n have_v be_v useful_a rather_o unto_o destruction_n than_o edification_n but_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o most_o thing_n concern_v church-order_n worship_n and_o discipline_n the_o power_n and_o spirituality_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v lose_v a_o machine_n have_v be_v frame_v to_o make_v a_o appearance_n and_o representation_n of_o they_o to_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o inquire_v after_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o experience_n of_o their_o efficacy_n consider_v what_o we_o have_v learn_v in_o these_o late_a age_n by_o woeful_a experience_n of_o what_o have_v fall_v out_o former_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o their_o degeneracy_n from_o gospel_n worship_n and_o holiness_n with_o the_o abound_v of_o temptation_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o the_o spiritual_a decay_n that_o all_o church_n be_v prone_a unto_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o if_o those_o church_n which_o do_v walk_v in_o express_a
arrive_v unto_o those_o which_o they_o call_v general_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o senate_n they_o be_v but_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v they_o by_o any_o divine_a institution_n apostolical_a example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a product_n of_o secular_a interest_n work_v itself_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n since_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n nation_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o distinct_a civil_a government_n of_o their_o own_o who_o sovereignty_n be_v in_o themselves_o by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n and_o counsel_n thereon_o emergent_a unto_o each_o of_o these_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n accommodate_v as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o the_o like_a who_o original_a and_o be_v depend_v on_o the_o first_o event_n of_o war_n in_o that_o dissolution_n unto_o these_o new_a church-state_n who_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o absolute_o by_o those_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o they_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v think_v meet_v that_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n shall_v be_v accommodate_v but_o in_o what_o way_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o agreement_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o consider_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o which_o be_v know_v unto_o this_o nation_n on_o a_o dear_a account_n yet_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v eminent_o useful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o all_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a government_n shall_v hold_v constant_a actual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o abridgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o their_o right_n which_o they_o hold_v by_o divine_a institution_n if_o through_o more_o constant_a lesser_a synod_n for_o advice_n there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o their_o mutual_a concern_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v great_a until_o if_o occasion_n require_v and_o it_o be_v expedient_a there_o be_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o they_o all_o to_o advise_v about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v grant_v only_o with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o free_a election_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o all_o these_o synod_n 2._o that_o they_o assume_v no_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n or_o person_n in_o thing_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a 3._o that_o none_o be_v immediate_o concern_v in_o this_o proper_a synodal_n power_n or_o authority_n which_o what_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v inquire_v who_o be_v not_o present_a in_o they_o by_o their_o own_o delegate_n for_o that_o kind_n of_o synod_n which_o some_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o convention_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o sundry_a parochial_a church_n distinguish_v for_o presential_a communion_n ordinary_o in_o some_o act_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o office-power_n it_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o into_o one_o who_o original_a distinction_n be_v only_o in_o the_o civil_a limit_n of_o their_o cohabitation_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o place_n unto_o edification_n 4._o the_o person_n of_o who_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v to_o consist_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o mere_a humane_a prudential_a constitution_n that_o have_v long_a obtain_v in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o those_o shall_v be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o and_o whereas_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o ☞_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o synod_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o until_o after_o the_o distinction_n be_v make_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o both_o sort_n of_o they_o but_o afterward_o those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v bishop_n enclose_v this_o right_n unto_o themselves_o on_o what_o ground_n god_n know_v there_o be_v no_o one_o tittle_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_v therein_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v affirm_v that_o no_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n mere_o have_v right_o to_o be_v member_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n as_o such_o neither_o be_v there_o either_o example_n or_o reason_n to_o give_v colour_n unto_o any_o such_o pretence_n farther_o be_v no_o office-power_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o such_o synod_n as_o such_o neither_o conjunct_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o nor_o single_o by_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n bishop_n pastor_n elder_n may_v be_v present_a in_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v present_a in_o they_o be_v meet_a for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o to_o be_v but_o mere_o as_o such_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o care_n oversight_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o flock_n among_o they_o distinct_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n but_o as_o unto_o their_o conjunction_n in_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o peculiar_a right_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n if_o it_o be_v so_o without_o respect_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o call_v they_o or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v they_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o for_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o office_n belong_v equal_o unto_o all_o and_o if_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n only_o as_o for_o instance_n bishop_n or_o unto_o all_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o for_o instance_n presbyter_n also_o if_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n than_o every_o presbyter_n as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n have_v right_o and_o power_n to_o be_v present_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n for_o although_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o office_n be_v not_o equal_a unto_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o also_o that_o this_o right_n do_v equal_o belong_v unto_o his_o office._n if_o the_o former_a be_v avow_v namely_o that_o this_o right_n belong_v unto_o bishop_n only_o such_o as_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n as_o such_o then_o 1._o i_o desire_v that_o any_o tolerable_a proof_n of_o the_o confinement_n of_o this_o right_n unto_o such_o a_o office_n be_v produce_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n which_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v never_o see_v 2._o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o false_a presumption_n hereof_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o introduce_v tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o liberty_n concern_v the_o composition_n that_o be_v make_v herein_o that_o some_o shall_v convene_v in_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o other_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o delegation_n from_o some_o of_o their_o own_o order_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a political_a constitution_n which_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v unto_o it_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n example_n or_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o society_n in_o union_n or_o communion_n that_o will_v lead_v we_o any_o far_a than_o this_o that_o such_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v choose_v and_o delegated_a by_o those_o church_n respective_o who_o do_v act_n and_o exert_v their_o communion_n in_o such_o assembly_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o example_n of_o they_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o advise_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o which_o consultation_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n also_o be_v present_a and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n it_o be_v on_o other_o account_n that_o they_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o history_n
to_o be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n before_o he_o can_v challenge_v church_n privilege_n or_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v he_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o many_o profess_v believer_n that_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n without_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o combination_n explicit_a or_o at_o least_o implicit_a whereby_o they_o become_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n charter_n a_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o be_v call_v a_o city_n household_n house_n be_v unite_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o bond_n not_o only_o by_o internal_a bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o external_a the_o bond_n of_o union_n must_v be_v visible_a as_o the_o house_n be_v by_o profession_n this_o be_v a_o society_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n to_o to_o choose_v a_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v hence_o a_o visible_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o separate_a congregation_n separation_n be_v a_o proper_a and_o inseparable_a adjunct_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n membership_n 2_o cor._n vi_o 14_o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yoke_v with_o those_o of_o another_o kind_n the_o plough_v with_o a_o ox_n and_o ass_n together_o be_v forbid_v under_o the_o law_n with_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n visible_a unbeliever_n of_o any_o sort_n or_o kind_n for_o what_o participation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v righteousness_n with_o vnrighteousness_n what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d communion_n or_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n vers._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o harmony_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n man_n of_o corrupt_a life_n and_o conversation_n or_o what_o part_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o believer_n i._n e._n a_o visible_a believer_n with_o a_o vnbeliever_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v render_v infidel_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o our_o translator_n to_o put_v a_o blind_a upon_o this_o place_n as_o to_o its_o true_a intention_n and_o to_o countenance_v parish_n communion_n for_o why_o do_v they_o not_o here_o vers._n 14._o and_o every_o where_o else_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o infidel_n vers._n 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consistency_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n church_n with_o idol_n etc._n etc._n i_o take_v this_o place_n to_o be_v a_o full_a proof_n of_o what_o be_v before_o speak_v that_o a_o gospel_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a profess_v people_n walk_v together_o by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o confederation_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o subjection_n to_o and_o practice_n of_o all_o his_o gospel-precept_n and_o command_n whereby_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o person_n and_o thing_n manifest_o contrary_a or_o disagree_v thereunto_o hence_o as_o its_o separate_a from_o all_o such_o impurity_n that_o be_v without_o so_o christ_n have_v furnish_v it_o with_o sufficient_a power_n and_o mean_n to_o keep_v itself_o pure_a and_o therefore_o have_v provide_v ordinance_n and_o minister_n for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church-edification_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o purity_n be_v also_o maintain_v in_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n purity_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o order_n a_o disorderly_a society_n will_v corrupt_v within_o itself_o for_o by_o disorder_n it_o be_v divide_v by_o division_n the_o joint_n and_o band_n be_v break_v not_o only_o of_o love_n and_o affection_n but_o of_o visible_a conjunction_n so_o that_o root_n of_o bitterness_n and_o sensual_a separation_n arise_v many_o be_v defile_v it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o a_o society_n that_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o gospel-order_n when_o man_n agree_v together_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o a_o false_a rule_n or_o in_o a_o supine_n and_o negligent_a observation_n of_o the_o true_a rule_n there_o may_v be_v a_o common_a connivance_n at_o each_o one_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o list_v but_o this_o be_v not_o order_n but_o disorder_n by_o consent_n beside_o a_o church_n may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n walk_v in_o order_n when_o there_o be_v breach_n and_o division_n some_o do_v agree_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n when_o other_o will_v deviate_v from_o it_o it_o be_v orderly_a to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v those_o that_o walk_v not_o orderly_a though_o such_o just_a undertake_n seem_v sometime_o ground_n of_o disturbance_n and_o cause_n of_o convulsion_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n threaten_v even_o its_o break_n in_o piece_n but_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v do_v to_o preserve_v the_o whole_a the_o word_n translate_v order_n colos._n ij_o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o military_a word_n it_o be_v the_o order_n of_o soldier_n in_o a_o band_n keep_v rank_a and_o file_n where_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o place_n follow_v his_o leader_n observe_v the_o word_n of_o command_n and_o his_o right-hand_n man._n hence_o the_o apostle_n joy_v to_o see_v their_o close_a order_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n their_o firmness_n valour_n and_o resolution_n in_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o order_n in_o so_o do_v not_o only_o in_o watch_v as_o single_a professor_n but_o in_o march_v orderly_o together_o as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o comely_a than_o a_o church_n walk_v in_o order_n when_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o place_n know_v and_o practise_v his_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n each_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n when_o the_o elder_n know_v their_o place_n and_o the_o people_n they_o christ_n have_v be_v more_o faithful_a than_o moses_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o order_n may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v know_v and_o that_o by_o officer_n and_o people_n they_o that_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o rule_n or_o negligent_a in_o attend_v it_o or_o doubtful_a and_o therefore_o always_o contend_v about_o it_o will_v never_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o minister_n to_o study_v order_n well_o and_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v bewail_v that_o so_o few_o divine_n bend_v their_o study_n that_o way_n they_o content_v themselves_o only_o with_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o truth_n that_o concern_v faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o mere_a moral_a part_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o to_o gospel-churche_n or_o institute_v worship_n they_o general_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n let_v it_o alone_o and_o administer_v sacrament_n as_o indefinite_o as_o they_o preach_v care_v not_o to_o stand_v relate_v to_o one_o people_n more_o than_o another_o any_o further_a than_o maintain_v by_o they_o likewise_o many_o good_a people_n be_v as_o great_a stranger_n to_o gospel_n church_n and_o order_n and_o as_o their_o minister_n have_v a_o great_a adversness_n to_o both_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o both_o to_o comply_v with_o rule_n of_o man_n for_o make_v church_n canon_n establish_v by_o humane_a law_n be_v carry_v away_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n by_o corrupt_a erastian_n principle_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v the_o church_n to_o be_v altogether_o guide_v and_o govern_v by_o law_n of_o magistratick_a sanction_n reformation_n from_o the_o gross_a idolatrous_a part_n of_o antichristianism_n be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o heroic_a courage_n and_o resolution_n but_o the_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n of_o protestant_n to_o any_o further_a progress_n almost_o ever_o since_o be_v not_o a_o little_a to_o be_v lament_v many_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n be_v lay_v in_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o be_v not_o rather_o write_v in_o the_o book_n than_o preach_v in_o pulpit_n at_o this_o day_n but_o how_o little_a do_v they_o care_v to_o set_v their_o hand_n to_o building_n the_o house_n sure_o a_o great_a matter_n be_v from_o that_o spiritual_a sloathfulness_n that_o many_o be_v fall_v under_o as_o likewise_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a discouragement_n lay_v before_o they_o by_o the_o adversary_n of_o judah_n when_o they_o find_v the_o child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n be_v about_o to_o build_v a_o gospel_n church_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o long_o have_v this_o great_a work_n cease_v
the_o estate_n of_o visible_a regeneration_n do_v depend_v be_v require_v of_o they_o herein_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o lose_v all_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.25_o for_o circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n very_o it_o profit_v if_o a_o man_n stand_v unto_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v tender_v therein_o between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o it_o will_v give_v he_o right_o unto_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n 16._o as_o unto_o the_o real_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o baptism_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state._n 15.8_o 4._o god_n alone_o be_v judge_n concern_v this_o regeneration_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a 2.23_o real_a principle_n and_o state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v depend_v the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church-state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1.16_o 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constitunent_a of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n of_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 18._o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o gospel-constitution_n be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church_n member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v to_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church_n member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 2._o 15._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o highpriest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n
such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o full_a communion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o those_o who_o be_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n no_o doubt_v the_o church_n in_o its_o officer_n may_v and_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_a when_o it_o be_v neglect_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n as_o such_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o family_n which_o without_o a_o inspection_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n they_o can_v do_v 2._o household_n be_v constant_o reckon_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n luk._n 19.9_o act._n 16.15_o rom._n 16.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 2_o tim._n 4.19_o 3._o child_n to_o belong_v unto_o and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n not_o only_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o give_v they_o right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n covenant_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a until_o they_o voluntary_o relinquish_v their_o claim_n unto_o they_o 4._o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n give_v they_o thereby_o a_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n put_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v meet_a member_n of_o it_o by_o a_o due_a watch_n over_o they_o and_o instruction_n of_o they_o 5._o though_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o privilege_n be_v continue_v and_o preserve_v as_o of_o old_a by_o carnal_a generation_n yet_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o gracious_a education_n in_o such_o family_n and_o of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o depend_v on_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n out_o of_o the_o family_n already_o incorporate_v in_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o mamaluke_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n unto_o natural_a successor_n but_o it_o be_v continual_o make_v up_o of_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n incorporate_v into_o it_o nor_o like_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a common-weal_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n only_o be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o one_o age_n alone_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n consist_v 1._o in_o prayer_n for_o they_o 2._o catechetical_a instruction_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o their_o capacity_n 3._o advice_n to_o their_o parent_n concern_v they_o 4._o visit_v of_o they_o in_o the_o family_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 5._o encouragement_n of_o they_o or_o admonition_n according_a as_o there_o be_v occasion_n 6._o direction_n for_o a_o due_a preparation_n unto_o the_o join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o full_a communion_n 7._o exclusion_n of_o they_o from_o a_o claim_n unto_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o especial_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o render_v themselves_o visible_o unmeet_a for_o they_o and_o unworthy_a of_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n bring_v unconceivable_a prejudice_n unto_o church_n and_o if_o continue_v in_o will_v prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v propagate_v and_o continue_v at_o the_o easy_a rate_n of_o a_o constant_a supply_n by_o the_o carnal_a baptize_v posterity_n of_o those_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n just_o or_o unjust_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o meet_a supply_n of_o member_n by_o all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n who_o administration_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o and_o beside_o one_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o family_n once_o gracious_o take_v thereinto_o the_o neglect_n therefore_o herein_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o it_o do_v arise_v 1._o from_o a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o most_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o paucity_n of_o officer_n in_o most_o church_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v who_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 3._o the_o want_n of_o a_o teacher_n or_o catechist_n in_o every_o church_n who_o shall_v attend_v only_o unto_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n 4._o want_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o parent_n and_o master_n 1._o in_o not_o value_v aright_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n under_o the_o inspection_n care_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o not_o instil_v into_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o with_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o not_o bring_v they_o due_o unto_o the_o church_n assembly_n 4._o in_o not_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o unto_o a_o actual_a entrance_n into_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o not_o advise_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o 6._o especial_o by_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o that_o loose_a and_o careless_a kind_n of_o education_n in_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n which_o general_o prevail_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o on_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n drop_v off_o here_o and_o there_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o relation_n thereunto_o without_o the_o least_o respect_n unto_o they_o or_o enquiry_n after_o they_o church_n be_v supply_v by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o convert_v in_o they_o where_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o the_o kind_n and_o number_n of_o their_o officer_n sufficient_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o where_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v dedicate_v unto_o god_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a capacity_n of_o those_o whereof_o they_o do_v consist_v where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o its_o own_o successive_a continuation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o family_n take_v thereinto_o where_o parent_n esteem_v themselves_o accountable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o child_n thereunto_o there_o be_v provision_n for_o church_n order_n usefulness_n and_o beauty_n beyond_o what_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v observe_v 2._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n may_v be_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n the_o church_n be_v exceed_o careful_a not_o to_o admit_v into_o their_o society_n such_o as_o by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v unto_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o persecute_v adversary_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o care_n they_o can_v seldom_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o when_o persecution_n grow_v severe_a some_o or_o other_o will_v fall_v from_o they_o either_o out_o of_o fear_n with_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n or_o by_o a_o discovery_n of_o their_o latent_fw-la hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o their_o great_a trial_n and_o distress_n however_o they_o be_v not_o so_o scrupulous_a herein_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o exclude_v such_o as_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o sincerity_n but_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n commit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v on_o such_o occasion_n wherefore_o 2._o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n there_o or_o in_o any_o place_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a under_o first_o the_o pagan_a and_o afterward_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v into_o its_o care_n and_o communion_n all_o such_o as_o 1._o flee_v from_o idol_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n against_o they_o with_o suffer_v 2._o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o person_n and_o office_n be_v 3._o free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o 4._o be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o
of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v so_o learned_a and_o comprehend_v unless_o we_o look_v on_o truth_n as_o a_o pearl_n as_o that_o which_o be_v value_v at_o any_o rate_n buy_v with_o any_o price_n as_o that_o which_o be_v better_o than_o all_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v its_o preservation_n with_o that_o diligence_n which_o be_v require_v some_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o truth_n at_o a_o easy_a rate_n or_o to_o grow_v indifferent_a about_o it_o whereof_o we_o have_v multitude_n of_o example_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v instance_n of_o sundry_a important_a evangelical_n truth_n which_o our_o forefather_n in_o the_o faith_n contend_v for_o with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o seal_v with_o their_o blood_n which_o be_v now_o utter_o disregard_v and_o oppose_v by_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o profession_n if_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o a_o taste_n of_o its_o goodness_n the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o 3._o a_o conscientious_a care_n and_o fear_n of_o give_v countenance_n or_o encouragement_n unto_o novel_a opinion_n especial_o such_o as_o oppose_v any_o truth_n of_o who_o power_n and_o efficacy_n experience_n have_v be_v have_v among_o they_o that_o believe_v vain_a curiosity_n boldness_n in_o conjecture_n and_o readiness_n to_o vent_v their_o own_o conceit_n have_v cause_v no_o small_a trouble_n and_o damage_n unto_o the_o church_n 4._o learn_v and_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o discern_v and_o disprove_v the_o opposition_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o thereby_o to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o convince_v gainsayers_a 5._o the_o solid_a confirmation_n of_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whereunto_o all_o other_o be_v resolve_v in_o their_o teach_v and_o ministry_n man_n may_v and_o do_v ofttimes_o prejudice_v yea_o betray_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o plea_n for_o it_o 6._o a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o their_o own_o flock_n against_o the_o craft_n of_o seducer_n from_o without_o or_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o any_o bitter_a root_n of_o error_n among_o themselves_o 7._o a_o concurrent_a assistance_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o other_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o all_o profess_v whereof_o we_o must_v treat_v afterward_o more_o at_o large_a it_o be_v evident_a what_o learning_n labour_n study_v pain_n ability_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n be_v ordinary_o require_v unto_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o where_o man_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o be_v defective_a in_o these_o it_o become_v they_o to_o walk_v and_o act_n both_o circumspect_o and_o humble_o frequent_o desire_v and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o god_n have_v entrust_v with_o more_o talent_n and_o great_a ability_n 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o office_n diligent_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n unto_o god._n the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o conversion_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o its_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o yea_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o preservation_n of_o church_n be_v the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v convert_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n to_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n to_o diffuse_v the_o light_n and_o savour_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o call_v of_o the_o elect_n or_o gather_v all_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n into_o his_o fold_n be_v thing_n that_o god_n design_n by_o his_o church_n in_o this_o world._n now_o the_o principal_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o this_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a man_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o their_o occasional_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n who_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o office_n for_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v administer_v and_o it_o have_v be_v effectual_a unto_o that_o end_n even_o in_o the_o necessary_a occasional_a teach_n of_o woman_n but_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n by_o they_o who_o be_v not_o state_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o phil._n 1.14_o 15_o 18._o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o but_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o first_o object_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o world_n or_o the_o man_n of_o it_o for_o their_o conversion_n and_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o that_o work_n be_v commit_v by_o christ._n the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v this_o order_n in_o it_o first_o they_o be_v to_o make_v disciple_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o conversion_n and_o this_o be_v their_o principal_a work_n as_o paul_n testify_v 1_o cor._n 1.17_o and_o herein_o be_v they_o glorious_o instrumental_a in_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o work_n be_v to_o teach_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v or_o make_v disciple_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v command_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o gather_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o church_n under_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o their_o own_o and_o although_o the_o work_n of_o these_o ordinary_a officer_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o yet_o the_o method_n of_o it_o be_v change_v in_o they_o for_o their_o first_o ordinary_a work_n be_v to_o conduct_v and_o teach_v all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n appoint_v by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o preach_v unto_o and_o watch_v over_o their_o particular_a flock_n unto_o who_o they_o do_v relate_v but_o they_o be_v not_o hereby_o discharge_v from_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o work_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n they_o be_v not_o indeed_o bind_v unto_o the_o method_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n yea_o they_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n ordinary_o exclude_v from_o it_o after_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o leave_v that_o church_n and_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o preach_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o stranger_n it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v ordinary_o so_o for_o many_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o call_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n but_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n there_o be_v many_o occasion_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n as_o 1._o when_o any_o that_o be_v unconvert_v do_v come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v there_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n whereof_o we_o have_v experience_n every_o day_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n preach_v unto_o one_o congregation_n shall_v preach_v to_o some_o of_o they_o namely_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o relate_v as_o a_o minister_n with_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o to_o other_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v distinguish_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o colour_n of_o rule_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o though_o pastor_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o whole_a office_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o whereof_o many_o can_v have_v the_o church_n only_o for_o their_o object_n be_v minister_n in_o office_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o so_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v they_o minister_n of_o christ_n also_o and_o by_o he_o it_o be_v and_o not_o by_o the_o church_n that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v so_o commit_v
the_o whole_a church_n as_o unto_o faith_n in_o general_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n before_o describe_v 2._o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n respect_v the_o church_n itself_o as_o its_o material_a object_n for_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o have_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n confine_v unto_o no_o place_n nor_o party_n of_o man_n no_o empire_n nor_o dominion_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o confinement_n as_o also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v redeem_a call_v sanctify_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o interest_n his_o concernment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v confine_v that_o this_o church_n he_o will_v save_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o opposition_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o after_o death_n will_v raise_v it_o up_o and_o glorify_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o it_o unto_o which_o alone_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v appertain_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o all_o other_o or_o confine_v it_o unto_o a_o party_n unto_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o appropriate_a he_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v a_o comfort_a refresh_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o many_o duty_n in_o they_o continual_o 3._o this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o faith_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o it_o namely_o prayer_n so_o be_v it_o state_v ephes._n 2.18_o for_o through_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v consist_v the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o prayer_n in_o all_o church_n have_v one_o object_n which_o be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n god_n as_o the_o father_n proceed_v in_o all_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o continual_o offer_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n who_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o intercession_n and_o by_o who_o they_o have_v all_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o same_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v all_o a_o bless_a communion_n herein_o continual_o and_o this_o communion_n be_v the_o more_o express_a in_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o be_v for_o all_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n not_o any_o one_o member_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o however_o this_o communion_n be_v invisible_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n yet_o be_v it_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o heaven_n this_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o or_o wrought_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o equal_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o object_n even_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n together_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n give_v unto_o all_o church_n a_o communion_n far_o more_o glorious_a than_o what_o consist_v in_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n of_o man_n devise_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n by_o who_o to_o convey_v or_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n but_o christ_n alone_o the_o only_a highpriest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v renounce_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n herein_o 4._o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o church_n affect_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o unto_z and_o among_o they_o all_o neither_o do_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o administration_n interrupt_v that_o communion_n but_o wherever_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v deny_v or_o their_o nature_n or_o use_n be_v pervert_v or_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v annex_v unto_o their_o administration_n there_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v renounce_v 5._o they_o have_v also_o by_o faith_n communion_n herein_o in_o that_o all_o church_n do_v profess_v a_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v other_z instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v how_o unscriptural_a the_o notion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a communion_n with_o or_o among_o church_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o certain_a power_n order_n and_o rite_n the_o press_v whereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o uniformity_n have_v cast_v all_o thought_n of_o real_a evangelical_n church_n communion_n into_o oblivion_n second_o church_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o end_v declare_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o live_v constant_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o church-duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o continuation_n increase_v and_o edification_n have_v also_o a_o especial_a union_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o mutual_a communion_n thence_o arise_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v love_n not_o the_o common_a regulate_v affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o call_v not_o mere_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n towards_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o blood_n with_o themselves_o but_o a_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o bond_n of_o its_o union_n unto_o its_o self_n whence_o the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n because_o in_o itself_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n and_o motive_n unto_o it_o with_o its_o peculiar_a end_n and_o proper_a exercise_n it_o be_v absolute_o new_a and_o evangelical_n a_o explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v either_o so_o utter_o lose_v or_o have_v such_o vile_a image_n of_o it_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o full_a consideration_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o another_o place_n i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v give_v from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church-union_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o abide_v with_o his_o church_n thereby_o unite_n it_o unto_o himself_o do_v work_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o may_v and_o do_v animate_v they_o unto_o all_o those_o mutual_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n one_o with_o another_o herein_o consist_v the_o union_n of_o every_o church_n in_o itself_o of_o all_o church_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n their_o communion_n consist_v
communion_n will_v frequent_o meet_v in_o synod_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o they_o all_o and_o to_o give_v advice_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o what_o be_v amiss_o the_o due_a preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o worship_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o power_n demonstration_n and_o fruit_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n 2._o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o synod_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o general_a end_n of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o church_n catholic_n and_o that_o 1._o to_o prevent_v division_n from_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o the_o first_o christian_a synod_n be_v a_o assembly_n of_o the_o two_o first_o church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o delegate_n the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v at_o antioch_n to_o prevent_v division_n and_o to_o preserve_v communion_n between_o they_o be_v the_o first_o synod_n celebrate_v act._n 15._o 2._o to_o avoid_v or_o cure_v offence_n against_o mutual_a love_n among_o they_o 3._o to_o advance_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o joint_a confession_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o faith._n 4._o to_o give_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n against_o pernicious_a heresy_n or_o error_n whereby_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o be_v overthrow_v or_o in_o danger_n so_o to_o be_v 5._o to_o relieve_v such_o by_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v by_o any_o diotrephes_n undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v use_v may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o volume_n write_v concern_v they_o and_o the_o numberless_a law_n enact_v in_o they_o whereof_o very_o little_o belong_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o real_a communion_n of_o church_n 3._o the_o measure_n or_o extent_n of_o they_o arise_v from_o concernment_n and_o convenience_n all_o unprejudiced_a person_n do_v now_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o pretence_n of_o ecumenical_a council_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o all_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v represent_v and_o so_o oblige_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o determination_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v in_o particular_a how_o every_o one_o of_o they_o which_o have_v in_o vulgar_a esteem_n obtain_v that_o title_n be_v open_o remote_a from_o so_o be_v such_o council_n never_o be_v and_o as_o it_o be_v improbable_a never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v nor_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n their_o due_a measure_n and_o bound_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v give_v they_o by_o concernment_n and_o convenience_n wherein_o respect_n also_o may_v be_v have_v unto_o the_o ability_n of_o some_o church_n to_o promote_v edification_n above_o other_o such_o church_n as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o instance_n concern_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o before_o declare_v and_o may_v be_v helpful_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v be_v to_o convene_v in_o such_o synod_n and_o this_o concernment_n may_v be_v either_o from_o some_o of_o those_o cause_n in_o themselves_o or_o from_o that_o duty_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o other_o church_n which_o be_v immediate_o concern_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o assistance_n give_v by_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o that_o case_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n with_o this_o interest_n or_o concernment_n there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o natural_a moral_a and_o political_a convenience_n some_o church_n be_v plant_v at_o such_o distance_n from_o other_o that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v ever_o meet_v together_o to_o advise_v by_o their_o messenger_n and_o some_o at_o such_o as_o that_o they_o can_v assemble_v but_o with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o hazard_n as_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v place_v under_o different_a civil_a government_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o engage_v in_o mutual_a enmity_n and_o always_o jealous_a of_o the_o act_n of_o their_o own_o subject_n in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o that_o be_v not_o so_o they_o can_v so_o convene_v and_o preserve_v the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o large_a of_o the_o council_n of_o old_a that_o be_v call_v ecumenical_a never_o pretend_v far_a than_o the_o single_a roman_a empire_n when_o there_o be_v innumerable_a church_n plant_v under_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o other_o sovereign_n wherefore_o in_o the_o assemble_v of_o church_n in_o synod_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o convenience_n of_o their_o meeting_n that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a without_o trouble_n or_o danger_n and_o this_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o they_o will_v determine_v what_o church_n which_o or_o how_o many_o may_v be_v necessary_a on_o such_o occasion_n to_o constitute_v a_o synod_n and_o it_o be_v useful_a hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v within_o such_o a_o circumference_n as_o give_v facility_n or_o convenience_n for_o such_o convention_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n be_v in_o express_a readiness_n to_o convene_v on_o all_o occasion_n of_o common_a concernment_n again_o in_o the_o assistance_n which_o in_o the_o way_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n any_o one_o church_n may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o from_o other_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o their_o desire_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o be_v repute_v and_o know_v to_o have_v the_o best_a ability_n to_o give_v advice_n in_o the_o case_n on_o which_o account_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n address_v themselves_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v far_o distant_a from_o they_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o spiritual_a prudence_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n which_o although_o some_o will_v deny_v as_o the_o privilege_n of_o even_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o application_n of_o general_a scripture_n rule_v unto_o practice_n because_o we_o require_v divine_a institution_n unto_o all_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v from_o use_v the_o best_a we_o have_v in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n rather_o than_o comply_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o his_o institution_n it_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n under_o one_o monarch_n in_o its_o civil_a distribution_n for_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o give_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o occasion_n unto_o a_o pretend_a visible_o rule_v catholic_n church_n under_o one_o spiritual_a monarch_n distribute_v into_o those_o that_o be_v patriarchal_a diocesan_n metropolitical_n and_o other_o of_o inferior_a kind_n for_o retain_v the_o people_n in_o their_o civil_a distribution_n whereinto_o they_o be_v cast_v according_a to_o the_o polity_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o empire_n there_o be_v ecclesiastical_a officer_n assign_v unto_o each_o distribution_n answerable_a unto_o the_o civil_a officer_n which_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o empire_n so_o in_o answer_n unto_o deputy_n exarch_n praefect_n governor_n of_o province_n and_o city_n there_o be_v find_v out_o and_o erect_v patriarch_n metropolitan_o diocesan_n in_o various_a allotment_n of_o territory_n and_o power_n require_v unto_o their_o complete_a state_n one_o visible_a monarchical_a head_n as_o the_o empire_n have_v which_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o whereas_o the_o emperor_n have_v not_o only_o a_o civil_a rule_n and_o power_n but_o a_o military_a also_o exercise_v under_o they_o by_o legate_n general_n tribunes_z centurion_n and_o the_o like_a so_o there_o be_v raise_v a_o ecclesiastical_a militia_n in_o various_a order_n of_o monk_n friar_n and_o votary_n of_o all_o sort_n who_o under_o their_o immediate_a general_n and_o praefect_n do_v depend_v absolute_o on_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o new_a ecclesiastical_a monarch_n so_o be_v the_o visible_a profess_v church_n mould_v and_o fashion_v into_o a_o image_n of_o the_o old_a roman_a pagan_a empire_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v it_o shall_v be_v revel_v 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o although_o this_o image_n be_v first_o frame_v in_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o for_o a_o resemblance_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o substitute_v itself_o entire_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o empire_n take_v all_o its_o power_n unto_o itself_o and_o do_v all_o its_o work_n from_o this_o distribution_n of_o various_a sort_n of_o new-framed_a church_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n arise_v a_o constitution_n of_o synod_n or_o council_n in_o subordination_n one_o unto_o another_o until_o by_o sundry_a degree_n of_o ascent_n they_o