to_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n contradict_v and_o so_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o high_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o itself_o 3._o corollary_n then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la will_v well_o consist_v with_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o both_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n ordinance_n do_v not_o interfere_v as_o the_o communion_n of_o neighbour-family_n do_v not_o cross_v the_o complete_a government_n of_o several_a family_n within_o themselves_o respective_o in_o thing_n proper_o domestical_a and_o as_o communion_n among_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n hinder_v not_o the_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o each_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n within_o itself_o in_o its_o proper_a concernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n therefore_o church-communion_n must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a association_n for_o mutual_a helpfulness_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o not_o in_o way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n whether_o of_o another_o church_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o several_a church_n assemble_v in_o class_n or_o synod_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o former_a way_n be_v exercise_v according_a to_o rule_n in_o sundry_a case_n as_o 1._o in_o mutual_a care_n 2._o in_o recommendation_n of_o member_n 3._o in_o participation_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o 4._o in_o relieve_v and_o succour_v one_o another_o 5._o in_o countenance_v by_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o a_o church_n in_o its_o first_o gather_v and_o unto_o elder_n at_o their_o ordination_n 6._o in_o consult_v one_o with_o another_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o require_v the_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n 16._o see_v these_o particular_n prove_v in_o the_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n published-by_a the_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n anno._n 1649._o the_o eight_o month_n chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v than_o ourselves_o 7._o in_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n all_o these_o and_o if_o withdraw_a fellowship_n upon_o just_a cause_n be_v add_v to_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o apostle_n may_v do_v to_o another_o without_o exercise_v church-government_n over_o they_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n to_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la the_o scripture_n no_o where_o approve_v not_o of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o church_n and_o par_fw-fr in_o parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la nor_o of_o one_o church_n to_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a neighbour-churche_n the_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o pattern_n they_o say_v of_o such_o a_o synod_n let_v we_o see_v how_o their_o classical_a assembly_n answer_v it_o 1._o that_o be_v no_o set_a meeting_n monthly_a or_o quarterly_a but_o mere_o occasional_a act._n 15.1_o 2._o 2._o if_o be_v not_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o assemble_v verse_n 22_o 23._o 3._o it_o be_v but_o a_o meeting_n of_o two_o church_n that_o of_o antioch_n send_v their_o messenger_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n who_o residence_n for_o the_o present_a be_v there_o join_v with_o they_o verse_n 4_o 6._o 4._o that_o assembly_n give_v their_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o antioch_n &_o of_o the_o person_n that_o teach_v it_o as_o troublesome_a and_o subverter_n verse_n 24._o but_o do_v neither_o excommunicate_v they_o nor_o command_v the_o church_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 5._o they_o direct_v and_o charge_v the_o church_n from_o the_o word_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v verse_n 28_o 29._o but_o they_o do_v not_o do_v their_o act_n of_o power_n for_o they_o 6._o nor_o do_v this_o assembly_n exercise_v church-government_n over_o that_o church_n at_o antioch_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n or_o in_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n or_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n or_o in_o excommunicate_v or_o in_o reverse_v or_o nullify_n the_o censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o church_n for_o these_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la to_o every_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o yet_o because_o i_o study_v peace_n and_o consent_n with_o godly_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o truth_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n right_o gather_v and_o order_v have_v so_o much_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o in_o these_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n for_o in_o scripture_n be_v willing_a also_o to_o yield_v further_o if_o it_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o more_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o there_o be_v two_o case_n wherein_o the_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n and_o determination_n of_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n 1._o when_o they_o want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o competent_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o themselves_o approve_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o attainment_n of_o their_o end_n in_o seek_v light_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n agree_v to_o send_v to_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n though_o two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o have_v sufficient_a light_n within_o themselves_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o convict_o from_o scripture_n the_o elder_n and_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o brethren_n by_o far_o consent_v therein_o no_o rule_n require_v or_o allow_v that_o for_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o a_o delinquent_n who_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n or_o of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n who_o side_n with_o he_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o censure_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o proceed_v till_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n have_v be_v consult_v for_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v 1._o it_o will_v disturb_v all_o church-proceeding_n 2._o and_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la it_o must_v issue_v there_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n if_o as_o many_o elder_n in_o that_o assembly_n dissent_n as_o brethren_n do_v before_o in_o the_o church-meeting_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v gain_v thereby_o and_o if_o the_o delinquent_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o issue_n and_o so_o appeal_n may_v be_v draw_v further_o till_o a_o delinquent_n wrest_v himself_o at_o last_o from_o all_o power_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o case_n be_v when_o that_o which_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la in_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o consider_v become_v res_fw-la communis_fw-la in_o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o proceed_v for_o though_o receive_v of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v act_n of_o the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o never_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o establish_v by_o that_o grant_n a_o absolute_a power_n in_o such_o church_n to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o other_o church_n if_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o a_o right_a seed_n shall_v turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n unto_o god_n and_o become_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a or_o scandalous_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n know_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o choose_v such_o into_o office_n and_o refuse_v to_o admit_v into_o fellowship_n or_o office_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o fellowship_n such_o as_o testify_v according_a to_o rule_n against_o these_o evil_n and_o refuse_v to_o consent_v with_o they_o therein_o etc._n etc._n the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n or_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n if_o the_o evil_n spread_v to_o the_o disturb_v corrupt_a or_o scandalize_a
have_v a_o immediate_a right_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n which_o i_o do_v not_o grant_v nor_o believe_v but_o that_o as_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o they_o tanquam_fw-la in_o lumbis_fw-la parentum_fw-la so_o also_o if_o the_o grow_v member_n of_o the_o church_n observe_v vicious_a quality_n and_o practice_n in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o immediate_o in_o those_o step_n of_o proceed_v require_v in_o mat._n 18._o to_o bring_v matter_n to_o the_o church_n but_o they_o deal_v with_o their_o parent_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o educate_v their_o child_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o ephes_n 6.4_o to_o this_o sense_n dr._n ames_n appli_v that_o text_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 13._o ames_n medulla_n theolog_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o art_n 12_o 13._o infant_n tamen_fw-la non_fw-la adeò_fw-la perfecta_fw-la sunt_fw-la membra_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ut_fw-la possint_fw-la actus_fw-la communionis_fw-la exercere_fw-la aut_fw-la admitti_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la ejus_fw-la privilegia_fw-la participanda_fw-la nisi_fw-la priùs_fw-la incrementum_fw-la fidei_fw-la appareat_fw-la ab_fw-la iis_fw-la vero_fw-la quae_fw-la pertinent_a ad_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la et_fw-la ingressum_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la excludendi_fw-la 2._o nor_o may_v their_o child_n be_v baptize_v till_o themselves_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o right_n for_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n for_o not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n do_v become_v non-member_n and_o be_v to_o be_v so_o look_v at_o by_o the_o church_n if_o they_o desert_a church-fellowship_n either_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o place_n as_o esau_n into_o mount_n seir_n or_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n or_o if_o the_o church_n withdraw_v from_o they_o in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o implicitly_a member_n therefore_o their_o child_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o right_a that_o infant_n have_v unto_o baptism_n be_v in_o their_o next_o and_o immediate_a parent_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o do_v so_o limit_v it_o 2._o because_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n take_v off_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o their_o seed_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o posterity_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n 3._o because_o if_o infant_n shall_v have_v this_o right_n in_o their_o grandfather_n where_o shall_v we_o stop_v shall_v it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n as_o some_o misapply_v that_o promise_n in_o exod._n 20.6_o that_o can_v be_v true_a for_o then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_a all_o the_o world_n over_o have_v a_o right_n to_o bapism_n in_o some_o of_o their_o ancestor_n within_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o rom._n 11.17_o coral_n ∣_o lary_n 5_o then_o church-covenant_n be_v no_o formidable_a matter_n but_o desirable_a be_v it_o a_o yoke_n 1._o it_o be_v christ_n yoke_n which_o be_v easy_a mat._n 11.29_o 30._o he_o will_v make_v it_o easy_a depend_v upon_o his_o faithfulness_n as_o surety_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o ability_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o your_o discharge_n of_o your_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n but_o of_o precious_a liberty_n whereby_o you_o have_v right_a in_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o nor_o be_v church-fellowship_n a_o prison_n but_o if_o god_n call_v they_o must_v consent_v to_o your_o remove_n from_o they_o and_o follow_v you_o with_o their_o prayer_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a but_o sweet_a engagement_n of_o all_o upright-hearted_n christian_n to_o please_v christ_n and_o to_o be_v to_o his_o honour_n in_o that_o state_n so_o do_v the_o marriage-covenant_n oblige_v those_o that_o be_v in_o that_o state_n 1_o cor._n 7.34_o &_o 11.7_o from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v for_o the_o like_a care_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o ephes_n 5.24_o 2_o cor._n 8.23_o which_o also_o be_v a_o special_a end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o abraham_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n stand_v bind_v unto_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o 2._o and_o 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o and_o the_o contrary_n discover_v the_o insincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o psal_n 78.37_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o bind_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o church-relation_n mutual_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n and_o quicken_v they_o thereunto_o through_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o to_o 28._o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o some_o who_o do_v approve_v and_o plead_v for_o all_o other_o covenant_n viz._n national_a conjugal_a social_n covenant_n shall_v yet_o dislike_v and_o oppose_v church-covenant_n coral_n ∣_o lary_n 6_o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v see_v when_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v break_v and_o how_o great_a their_o sin_n be_v who_o do_v scandalous_o and_o contumacious_o persist_v therein_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o quantity_n and_o compass_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n which_o christ_n call_v his_o church_n he_o tell_v peter_n that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o upon_o this_o rock_n mat._n 16.18_o i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n where_o the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o first_o person_n and_o in_o the_o future_a tense_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o to_o show_v that_o though_o he_o will_v use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n that_o cause_v the_o work_n to_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o church-work_n be_v carry_v on_o successful_o zech._n 4.6_o 2._o breadstreet_n see_v mr._n bradf_n answ_n to_o the_o arch._n b._n of_o york_n in_o mr._n fox_n his_o act_n &_o mon._n in_o a_o conference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o chichester_n in_o the_o compter_n in_o breadstreet_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n not_o in_o the_o praeter_fw-la or_o present_a for_o though_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v after_o his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n when_o the_o gospel_n shall_v shine_v forth_o so_o clear_o that_o it_o shall_v obscure_v the_o light_n of_o former_a age_n as_o the_o sun_n rise_v in_o its_o strength_n do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n and_o it_o shall_v appear_v 2.11_o tit._n 2.11_o bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v gather_v and_o join_v unto_o christ_n that_o one_o head_n 14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eph._n 1.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 3.6_o &_o 2.13_o 14_o and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o body_n together_o with_o the_o believe_a jew_n in_o church-communion_n visible_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v break_v down_o and_o because_o all_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v join_v together_o in_o one_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v and_o be_v to_o have_v their_o solemn_a set_a meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n thrice_o a_o year_n or_o once_o in_o a_o age_n the_o lord_n jesus_n institute_v a_o congregational-church_n among_o christian_n and_o invest_v every_o such_o church_n with_o sufficient_a church-power_n within_o itself_o for_o attainment_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o my_o church_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v his_o institution_n 2._o because_o his_o name_n be_v call_v and_o put_v upon_o it_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v not_o moses_n his_o disciple_n but_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o old_a call_v christian_n act._n 11.26_o this_o title_n of_o church_n though_o it_o be_v give_v some_o time_n to_o a_o civil_a assembly_n act._n 19.41_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o christ_n no_o where_o call_v a_o civil_a assembly_n his_o church_n therefore_o it_o must_v signify_v a_o holy_a society_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o scripture_n appli_v this_o title_n sundry_a way_n 1._o to_o godly_a family_n rom._n 16.5_o col._n 4.15_o phil._n 2._o where_o the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o house_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o congregational_a church_n for_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o congregational_a assembly_n to_o salute_v aquila_n and_o priscilla_n and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n their_o house_n it_o seem_v consist_v all_o of_o godly_a person_n in_o paul_n judgement_n else_o he_o will_v have_v
say_v salute_v they_o of_o such_o a_o house_n who_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v a_o exemplary_a family_n and_o a_o seminary_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o power_n as_o this_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n 2._o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n heb_fw-mi 12.23_o but_o that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n on_o earth_n to_o worship_n god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v here_o 3._o most_o common_o it_o signify_v a_o congregational_a church_n or_o a_o holy_a society_n join_v together_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o law_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n and_o so_o sometime_o it_o signify_v a_o definite_a particular_a congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n as_o that_o at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 20._o and_o 14.23_o and_o in_o that_o acceptation_n it_o note_n sometime_o the_o brethren_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o elder_n act._n 15.22_o sometime_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v together_o as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 11.20_o but_o never_o the_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n but_o in_o this_o place_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o particular_a definite_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a christian_a church_n build_v by_o christ_n more_o or_o rather_o than_o other_o it_o remain_v that_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n here_o in_o a_o indefinite_a sense_n and_o so_o the_o word_n church_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o paul_n say_v he_o persecute_v the_o church_n phil._n 3.6_o not_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n only_o or_o damascus_n but_o all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n gal._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n call_v every_o christian_a congregational_a church_n thus_o build_v his_o church_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v this_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v collect_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o quantity_n and_o compass_n congregational_a concl._n 4_o this_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n 1._o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n clear_o show_v that_o they_o so_o understand_v this_o branch_n of_o the_o church-charter_n and_o therefore_o they_o speak_v of_o christian-churche_n as_o several_a and_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.33_o yea_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o country_n as_o galatia_n gal_n 1.2_o judea_n v._o 22._o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8.1_o yea_o in_o corinth_n where_o god_n have_v much_o people_n act._n 18.10_o yet_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o though_o cenchrea_n be_v a_o port_n near_o unto_o corinth_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o church_n distinct_a from_o corinth_n rom._n 16.1_o the_o church_n also_o in_o jerusalem_n though_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v there_o than_o we_o read_v of_o in_o other_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n act._n 2.41_o 44_o 47._o and_o 6.2_o 15._o the_o same_o hold_v concern_v other_o great_a city_n the_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v congregational_a and_o if_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n grow_v too_o great_a for_o one_o congregation_n doubtless_o more_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o case_n &_o if_o several_a part_n of_o the_o church_n meet_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n now_o and_o then_o here_o and_o there_o as_o they_o may_v yet_o they_o continue_v one_o congregation_n have_v the_o same_o officer_n in_o common_a for_o any_o thing_n appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_n now_o let_v we_o see_v why_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v be_v congregational_a reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o end_n of_o church-fellowship_n which_o be_v mutual_a edification_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v institute_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v unto_o edification_n 1._o cor._n 14.26_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v attain_v unless_o they_o so_o meet_v together_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v v._o 13_o hence_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v not_o to_o forsake_v their_o assemble_v together_o heb._n 10.25_o which_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.42_o 44._o therefore_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v feed_v together_o act._n 20.28_o and_o to_o a_o house_n or_o family_n the_o member_n whereof_o enjoy_v the_o same_o family-priviledge_n in_o common_a under_o the_o same_o family-order_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v from_o their_o duty_n to_o take_v up_o offence_n among_o brethren_n which_o can_v be_v end_v private_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o which_o impli_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n must_v consist_v of_o more_o than_o two_o or_o three_o for_o though_o two_o or_o three_o may_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinancy_n withdraw_v from_o a_o convict_a delinquent_n and_o though_o two_o or_o three_o pray_v together_o may_v expect_v the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n as_o v._o 19_o 20._o upon_o their_o admonition_n yet_o two_o or_o three_o can_v issue_v the_o matter_n complete_o in_o way_n of_o church-censure_n but_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a number_n again_o how_o can_v two_o or_o three_o choose_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o officer_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v describe_v by_o four_o live_a creature_n in_o rev._n 4.6_o 7._o viz._n pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_a and_o deacon_n 2._o that_o they_o must_v not_o exceed_v the_o quantity_n and_o compass_n of_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o church_n must_v meet_v ordinary_o together_o with_o their_o officer_n for_o these_o purpose_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v officer_n as_o deacon_n act._n 6.2_o 3_o 5._o elder_n act._n 14.23_o to_o receive_v and_o admit_v member_n act._n 9.26_o for_o prophesy_v 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o seal_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o and_o for_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o and_o to_o release_v from_o censure_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o conâ—â—ctaries_n be_v these_o coral_n 1_o then_o the_o congregational_a frame_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o humane_a invention_n or_o constitution_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o parish_n frame_n as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o join_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n within_o such_o a_o praecinct_n into_o one_o church_n enjoin_v they_o all_o to_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o at_o easter_n be_v mere_o humane_a not_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o golden_a reed_n which_o be_v the_o church-measure_n but_o by_o the_o court-measure_n rev._n 11.1_o 2._o but_o that_o member_n so_o qualify_v as_o christ_n require_v and_o so_o confederate_v shall_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o golden_a reed_n whereby_o the_o city_n and_o gate_n and_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new-jerusalem_n be_v measure_v rev._n 21.15_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o few_o as_o to_o cut_v off_o church-jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o nor_o so_o many_o but_o that_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o of_o their_o fellowship_n within_o themselves_o coral_n 2_o then_o when_o a_o people_n grow_v to_o be_v so_o numerous_a in_o any_o church_n that_o they_o can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o to_o church-end_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v into_o sundry_a congregational_a church_n for_o though_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n because_o they_o may_v stand_v in_o so_o large_a a_o place_n together_o and_o see_v the_o sacrifice_n burn_v yet_o that_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o such_o multitude_n shall_v be_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n where_o more_o communion_n be_v require_v then_o in_o see_v some_o one_o ordinance_n
church_n the_o church_n may_v by_o communion_n of_o church_n upon_o orderly_a recommendation_n receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n unto_o fellowship_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o seal_n be_v and_o the_o officer_n may_v administer_v they_o to_o such_o be_v accept_v by_o the_o body_n for_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o so_o much_o from_o the_o rule_n rom._n 16.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o but_o not_o to_o act_v in_o judgement_n for_o the_o church_n have_v this_o privilege_n proper_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o and_o to_o judge_v only_o those_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o whereas_o i_o allege_v this_o text_n against_o mr._n paget_n to_o prove_v that_o church-ordinance_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n mr._n rutterf_n meet_v with_o that_o expression_n say_v mr._n d._n will_v have_v pastor_n so_o far_o stranger_n to_o all_o congregation_n save_v their_o own_o that_o he_o say_v other_o church_n be_v without_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o allege_v for_o this_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o paul_n mean_v not_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o congregation_n but_o he_o mean_v infidel_n and_o heathen_a as_o in_o other_o scripture_n for_o paul_n judge_v and_o excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n have_v mr._n rutt_n be_v please_v to_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o my_o own_o defence_n of_o that_o passage_n 313._o in_o my_o apolog_n reply_v pag._n 312_o 313._o print_v sundry_a year_n before_o he_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n in_o these_o dispute_v about_o church_n affair_n he_o may_v have_v find_v that_o write_v by_o i_o touch_v the_o sense_n and_o my_o application_n of_o that_o text_n which_o may_v have_v prevent_v his_o exagitate_v that_o matter_n nor_o do_v he_o with_o any_o congruity_n argue_v from_o paul_n excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o he_o say_v be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o prove_v that_o pastor_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o judge_v judicial_o or_o excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o other_o congregation_n for_o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n a_o extraordinary_a officer_n have_v a_o illimited_a commission_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o delegated_a power_n both_o in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o administer_v church-ordinance_n without_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v and_o to_o execute_v all_o office_n in_o any_o church_n where_o officer_n be_v want_v but_o pastor_n be_v ordinary_a officer_n have_v a_o limit_a commission_n to_o do_v only_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o those_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o therefore_o though_o paul_n may_v excommunicate_v one_o that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n yet_o the_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n may_v not_o yet_o paul_n can_v not_o excommunicate_v one_o that_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o without_o as_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a be_v for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n do_v so_o appropriate_a church-judgment_n to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o that_o he_o exempt_v from_o it_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n all_o that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o congregation_n though_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o be_v without_o some_o be_v total_o without_o all_o church-communion_n as_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a other_o though_o in_o church-communion_n elsewhere_o yet_o not_o in_o communion_n of_o membership_n of_o that_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o put_v away_o from_o they_o not_o one_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n mr._n rutt_n say_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n though_o member_n of_o some_o other_o church_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n can_v not_o excommunicate_v they_o yet_o paul_n may_v and_o do_v by_o his_o apostolical_a power_n thus_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n some_o be_v without_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n to_o conclude_v one_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n two_o way_n 1._o simple_o and_o absolute_o so_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a that_o be_v of_o no_o church_n 2._o comparative_o so_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n compare_v with_o those_o that_o be_v of_o this_o body_n 4._o corollary_n then_o church_n gather_v and_o officer_n ordain_v in_o these_o day_n without_o apostle_n be_v true_a church_n and_o true_a church-officer_n according_a to_o christ_n and_o church_n thus_o organise_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v true_a and_o entire_a church_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n as_o well_o as_o those_o primitive_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o put_v into_o this_o charter_n whereof_o we_o speak_v as_o a_o conditional_a clause_n which_o may_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v if_o christ_n have_v intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o necessary_a he_o do_v not_o say_v upon_o this_o rock_n my_o apostle_n shall_v build_v my_o church_n and_o to_o my_o church_n build_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n viz._n by_o such_o instrument_n as_o christ_n will_v raise_v and_o use_v and_o bless_v in_o that_o work_n in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o this_o church_n thus_o build_v he_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n object_n but_o christ_n give_v the_o commission_n of_o gather_v church_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.8_o 11_o 12._o answ_n those_o and_o the_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n do_v indeed_o show_v that_o god_n use_v apostle_n principal_o in_o this_o work_n but_o not_o only_o for_o as_o to_o teach_v and_o baptise_v be_v common_a to_o other_o teaching-officer_n as_o well_o as_o apostle_n so_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n by_o make_v man_n disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v do_v by_o other_o beside_o apostle_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n act._n 11.20_o 21._o the_o disperse_a disciple_n plant_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o member_n whereof_o be_v first_o call_v christian_n a_o church_n who_o plant_v barnabas_n approve_v ver_fw-la 23._o 2._o they_o show_v that_o god_n will_v use_v apostle_n herein_o for_o a_o time_n but_o not_o always_o which_o i_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o proper_a work_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o first_o model_n and_o pattern_n of_o plant_v and_o gather_v church_n which_o ordinary_a instrumentts_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 10._o and_o in_o that_o sense_n their_o work_n continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o their_o manner_n of_o work_v viz._n from_o a_o immediate_a call_n inspiration_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n proper_a to_o apostle_n in_o make_v those_o pattern_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o end_v with_o their_o office_n in_o the_o first_o age_n since_o when_o there_o never_o have_v be_v apostle_n in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o mathias_n succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n by_o god_n election_n act._n 1.26_o yet_o after_o james_n be_v behead_v no_o apostle_n be_v choose_v to_o succeed_v he_o though_o the_o apostle_n live_v long_o after_o 2._o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o live_v long_a of_o the_o apostle_n describe_v by_o revelation_n from_o christ_n all_o the_o officer_n that_o shall_v be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n in_o christian_a church_n after_o that_o age_n under_o four_o sort_n of_o live_a creature_n which_o note_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n after_o that_o age_n viz._n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n revel_v 4.1_o 6_o 7._o verse_n 19_o and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n hold_v forth_o the_o ratification_n of_o christ_n grant_n of_o the_o key_n unto_o a_o congregational-church_n with_o the_o chiefty_a
that_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a for_o their_o eternal_a good_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n when_o the_o sentence_n proceed_v either_o according_a to_o the_o eighteen_o of_o matthew_n upon_o their_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n in_o less_o heinous_a offence_n or_o according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o rev._n 22.15_o upon_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o against_o common_a light_n to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v they_o in_o due_a time_n 1_o pet._n 5.6_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o he_o to_o add_v efficacy_n to_o his_o ordinance_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v due_o and_o true_o humble_v their_o corruption_n powerful_o mortify_v and_o their_o soul_n eternal_o save_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o take_v not_o part_n with_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o ordinance_n but_o take_v part_n with_o the_o ordinance_n against_o your_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o your_o honour_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o exalt_v his_o rule_n and_o let_v other_o learn_v hereby_o to_o fear_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n but_o persist_v obstinate_o in_o sin_n 2._o corollary_n then_o a_o congregational_a church_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n this_o be_v reveal_v to_o john_n as_o that_o frame_n of_o church-government_n which_o shall_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o see_v a_o throne_n set_v in_o heaven_n the_o trinity_n sit_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n between_o it_o and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n who_o sit_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n rev._n 4.1_o 9_o thither_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o ordinance_n by_o a_o offend_a brother_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n or_o by_o any_o member_n that_o find_v himself_o over-rigorous_o dealâ—_n with_o by_o his_o brethren_n in_o these_o step_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o that_o there_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o christ_n if_o the_o church_n want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o consent_n for_o the_o sentence_n they_o be_v to_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o by_o their_o light_n and_o counsel_n but_o still_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o censure_n entire_o in_o the_o church_n where_o christ_n have_v place_v it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o chief_a tribunal_n in_o the_o exerciâ—â—_n of_o church-government_n unto_o which_o appeal_n must_v be_v last_o make_v juridical_o and_o from_o which_o no_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o expect_v 2._o that_o this_o chief_a tribunal_n must_v have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n above_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v judial_o censure_v by_o any_o power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n all_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v the_o chief_a tribunal_n that_o say_v some_o must_v be_v the_o class_n under_o which_o such_o church_n stand_v and_o the_o synod_n under_o which_o the_o class_n be_v subordinate_a and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n may_v be_v remove_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o say_v can_v be_v do_v if_o you_o put_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n for_o what_o if_o a_o elder_a what_o if_o the_o whole_a edership_n yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n offend_v the_o church_n can_v censure_v their_o elder_n for_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o to_o judge_v their_o judge_n nor_o will_v they_o censure_v themselves_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n of_o many_o elder_n may_v and_o will_v reform_v all_o by_o judicial_o censure_v all_o answ_n 1._o this_o argument_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_n or_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o matth._n 18._o be_v â—â—t_n for_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n but_o of_o such_o private_a and_o less_o heinous_a offence_n as_o grow_v public_a and_o notorious_a only_o by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n for_o if_o offence_n be_v public_a and_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_a church_n to_o proceed_v by_o those_o step_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rev._n 22.15_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o make_v the_o people_n ruler_n of_o their_o ruler_n or_o judge_n of_o their_o judge_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n over_o they_o in_o case_n of_o delinquency_n for_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a rule_n or_o authority_n but_o of_o the_o high_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o may_v well_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o their_o privilege_n without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o authority_n of_o elder_n wherein_o as_o officer_n they_o be_v above_o the_o brethren_n whilst_o they_o act_v according_a to_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o become_v delinquent_n then_o as_o member_n they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n must_v submit_v to_o they_o as_o ruler_n while_o they_o right_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n in_o preach_v administer_a the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o censure_n order_v speech_n and_o silence_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o other_o official_a act_n but_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o church_n question_v or_o proceed_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o good_a advice_n of_o neighbour-churche_n and_o elder_n who_o as_o they_o concur_v in_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o their_o ordination_n so_o they_o shall_v concur_v in_o approve_v this_o censure_n as_o just_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n from_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o mayor_n in_o a_o free_a city_n or_o corporation_n be_v in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o his_o office_n above_o the_o court_n none_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o act_n peculiar_a to_o his_o place_n yet_o if_o he_o corrupt_v the_o people_n pervert_v justice_n or_o be_v any_o way_n gross_o and_o scandalous_o delinquent_a the_o court_n can_v censure_v and_o despose_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o any_o member_n to_o preserve_v its_o purity_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n against_o any_o in_o the_o body_n that_o will_v corrupt_v disturb_v or_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o the_o covenant_n bind_v every_o member_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a either_o to_o be_v reform_v or_o remove_v from_o communion_n of_o it_o thereby_o 3._o their_o plaster_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o heal_v the_o sore_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v either_o too_o broad_a when_o offence_n of_o brethren_n may_v be_v heal_v by_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o or_o it_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o 1._o those_o assembly_n be_v too_o seldom_o and_o can_v sit_v together_o long_o enough_o to_o remove_v the_o many_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o frequent_o in_o church_n 2._o non_fw-fr can_v they_o excommunicate_v a_o church_n nor_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o warrant_n from_o christ_n 3._o class_n and_o synod_n and_o general_a council_n may_v be_v under_o just_a offence_n as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o 4._o this_o plaster_n hinder_v the_o heal_n of_o the_o sore_n of_o church_n for_o pronunciatum_fw-la appellatio_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la prima_fw-la sententia_fw-la tantisper_fw-la extinguitur_fw-la donec_fw-la de_fw-la causae_fw-la cognition_n ad_fw-la superiorem_fw-la devolutâ_fw-la fuerit_fw-la pronunciatum_fw-la if_o a_o delinquent_n dislike_a the_o church_n proceed_v appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o national_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n which_o may_v not_o assemble_v in_o a_o age_n while_o the_o appeal_n depend_v he_o shall_v stand_v as_o uncensured_a for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o appeal_n now_o how_o can_v that_o heal_v which_o be_v cross_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a wise_a physician_n he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n but_o he_o who_o appeal_v from_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n therefore_o he_o that_o so_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n which_o this_o tradition_n of_o appeal_n from_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la
be_v exercise_v that_o love_n among_o church_n may_v be_v maintain_v 3._o unto_o these_o let_v it_o be_v add_v that_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v brotherly_a love_n so_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v show_v to_o any_o one_o church_n and_o before_o other_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o their_o love_n in_o not_o easy_o receive_v suggestion_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o it_o though_o from_o some_o elder_a or_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o another_o church_n who_o may_v possible_o speak_v against_o they_o out_o of_o envy_n or_o ill_a will_n much_o more_o in_o not_o countenance_v a_o censure_v delinquent_n complain_v against_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n by_o who_o he_o be_v censure_v in_o a_o disorderly_a tumultuous_a manner_n as_o desirous_a to_o beget_v reproach_n and_o trouble_v to_o that_o church_n and_o contention_n and_o division_n among_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n 3._o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o ep._n 3._o from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o revenge_n the_o african_a pastor_n be_v careful_a hereof_o as_o cyprian_a note_n cum_fw-la statutum_fw-la sit_fw-la omnibus_fw-la nobis_fw-la &_o aequum_fw-la sit_fw-la pariter_fw-la ac_fw-la justum_fw-la ut_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la causa_fw-la illic_fw-la audiatur_fw-la ubi_fw-la est_fw-la crimen_fw-la admissum_fw-la &_o singulis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la portio_fw-la egregis_fw-la sit_fw-la ascripta_fw-la quam_fw-la regat_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la &_o gubernet_fw-la rationem_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la domino_fw-la rediturus_fw-la oportet_fw-la utique_fw-la eos_fw-la quibus_fw-la praesumus_fw-la non_fw-la circumcurdare_v nec_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la concordiam_fw-la cohaerentem_fw-la suâ_fw-la subdolâ_fw-la &_o fallaci_fw-la temeritate_fw-la collidere_fw-la sed_fw-la agere_fw-la illic_fw-la causam_fw-la svam_fw-la ubi_fw-la &_o accusatores_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o testes_fw-la svi_fw-la criminis_fw-la possint_fw-la last_o if_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o church_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n shall_v determine_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o church_n power_n within_o itself_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o not_o be_v sancit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v right_o order_v according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a spiritual_a remedy_n against_o all_o those_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o think_n can_v be_v redress_v unless_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n be_v establish_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n as_o if_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o two_o faction_n &_o opposition_n within_o itself_o or_o if_o there_o be_v scandalous_a contention_n between_o two_o church_n or_o between_o the_o eldership_n and_o brotherhood_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o scandalous_a delinquency_n i_o say_v these_o and_o the_o like_a inconvenience_n will_v be_v better_o redress_v in_o this_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o classical_a government_n for_o this_o way_n be_v ground_v upon_o divine_a institution_n so_o be_v not_o that_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n follow_v and_o accompany_v his_o own_o institution_n not_o man_n device_n if_o vzzah_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o stay_v the_o ark_n his_o good_a intention_n can_v not_o justify_v his_o action_n but_o his_o not_o act_v according_o to_o god_n order_n be_v his_o death_n the_o prelate_n have_v as_o plausible_a a_o plea_n for_o their_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n and_o take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n viz._n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o conformity_n yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_v unto_o all_o man_n last_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n may_v befall_v classical_a and_o synodal_n assembly_n yea_o and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o what_o remedy_n be_v there_o for_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o this_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n afford_v to_o particular_a church_n corollary_n 4._o then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la aught_o to_o be_v thankful_o receive_v right_o improve_v and_o faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o by_o other_o church_n and_o their_o officer_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v thankful_o receive_v as_o a_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n who_o heart_n be_v engage_v to_o approach_v unto_o he_o jer._n 30.21_o the_o grant_n by_o charter_n of_o entireness_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o unto_o city_n and_o corporation_n have_v ever_o be_v high_o esteem_v as_o a_o act_n of_o special_a grace_n from_o the_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o privilege_n with_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o that_o the_o chief_a captain_n in_o act_n 22.25_o 26_o 28._o purchase_v his_o freedom_n in_o rome_n with_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n this_o grant_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o member_n of_o they_o sundry_a way_n 1._o for_o their_o ease_n in_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v examine_v and_o issue_v at_o home_n without_o chargeable_a tiresome_a journey_n to_o the_o classical_a or_o synodal_n assembly_n to_o have_v their_o matter_n determine_v there_o 2._o for_o encouragement_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o speech_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o answer_v before_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v a_o memberlike_a and_o pastoral_a care_n and_o respect_n of_o he_o whereas_o the_o presence_n of_o sundry_a strange_a face_n of_o person_n of_o superior_a rank_n and_o quality_n will_v not_o a_o little_a daunt_v he_o which_o may_v occasion_v his_o fall_n in_o his_o cause_n 3._o for_o their_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o church_n proceed_v where_o as_o all_o circumstance_n can_v be_v best_o clear_v so_o more_o moderation_n may_v rational_o be_v expect_v from_o their_o own_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o from_o stranger_n comparative_o and_o from_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o censure_n and_o the_o same_o either_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v their_o own_o case_n they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o which_o be_v strong_a inducement_n to_o moderation_n exod._n 23.9_o gal._n 6.1_o than_o from_o a_o judicatory_a of_o constant_a judge_n who_o think_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o danger_n 4._o for_o common_a edification_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v by_o their_o presence_n in_o church-proceeding_n act_n 5.11_o this_o they_o lose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n classical_a assembly_n consist_v only_o of_o elder_n meeting_n and_o act_v apart_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v right_o improve_v which_o be_v then_o do_v when_o church-proceeding_n be_v orderly_o carry_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n both_o by_o the_o eldership_n and_o fraternity_n act_v the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v delegated_a to_o they_o respective_o according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n in_o the_o due_a order_n and_o with_o mutual_a consent_n according_a to_o god_n 3._o it_o must_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n 1._o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whereby_o the_o church_n act_v according_a to_o rule_v be_v make_v under_o christ_n the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o without_z appeal_n to_o other_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n who_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v church-censure_n or_o to_o release_v man_n from_o they_o matth._n 18.18_o object_n what_o if_o the_o brother_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o church_n proceed_v ans_fw-fr the_o elder_n have_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v their_o proceed_n and_o the_o brethren_n either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o major_a part_n by_o far_o judge_a according_o let_v he_o suspect_v his_o own_o apprehension_n fear_v that_o satan_n temptation_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n pride_n and_o self-flattery_n may_v darken_v and_o harden_v he_o prov._n 28.14_o 2._o let_v he_o attend_v serious_o to_o the_o light_n hold_v forth_o from_o scripture_n for_o his_o conviction_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a in_o he_o 3._o let_v he_o thankful_o close_a with_o the_o light_n that_o do_v shine_v unto_o he_o and_o answerable_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o himself_o the_o evil_n which_o that_o light_n reprove_v and_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o compass_n of_o his_o guilt_n seek_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o further_a help_n with_o a_o self-denying_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o rule_n 4._o if_o he_o can_v show_v convict_o to_o the_o church_n some_o error_n in_o the_o elder_n expound_v or_o apply_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n whereupon_o the_o censure_n proceed_v let_v he_o fall_v under_o the_o rule_n or_o look_v at_o it_o as_o his_o great_a sin_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o covenant_n
in_o church_n communion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v combine_v and_o compact_v before_o have_v solemn_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n expound_v it_o in_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 2._o luke_n confirm_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o as_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o act._n 5.13_o yet_o they_o do_v magnify_v they_o i._n e._n they_o approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o way_n and_o confess_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o add_v they_o so_o to_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n be_v add_v viz._n by_o public_a voluntary_a engagement_n with_o the_o church_n mutual_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n luke_n confirm_v by_o use_v another_o word_n synonomous_a with_o this_o which_o more_o plain_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v glue_v which_o word_n though_o it_o sometime_o signify_v join_v in_o a_o more_o common_a and_o lax_n sense_n yet_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n therefore_o according_a to_o tertullian_n rule_n deligendus_n est_fw-la sensus_fw-la è_fw-la materiâ_fw-la dicti_fw-la and_o then_o we_o know_v that_o all_o join_n unto_o a_o corporation_n must_v be_v do_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n and_o voluntary_a service_n to_o both_o which_o relation_n the_o same_o verb_n be_v apply_v to_o marriage_n in_o mat._n 19.5_o to_o voluntary_a service_n in_o luk._n 15.15_o both_o which_o be_v by_o voluntary_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a knit_n glue_v whereby_o person_n be_v join_v together_o in_o all_o such_o voluntary_a relation_n so_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o explication_n of_o the_o phrase_n 3._o the_o three_o proof_n be_v from_o the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o express_v their_o covenant_v together_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n to_o the_o body-natural_a to_o a_o body-corporate_a to_o a_o wife_n 1._o to_o a_o house_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o every_o member_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o whether_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o house_n in_o a_o architectonical_a sense_n the_o material_n must_v be_v cement_v together_o now_o in_o the_o church_n that_o cement_n be_v the_o covenant_n or_o in_o a_o oeconomical_a sense_n the_o member_n that_o be_v voluntary_o add_v as_o voluntary_a servant_n to_o the_o family_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n by_o covenant_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n eph._n 2.21_o 2._o to_o the_o natural-body_n in_o man_n the_o head_n of_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v beleiver_n the_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o essential_o when_o they_o be_v harmonical_o join_v and_o strong_o compact_v together_o by_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o fall_v as_o it_o be_v into_o joint_n as_o the_o thigh_n fall_v into_o the_o knee_n and_o the_o shoulder_n into_o the_o shoulderblade_n by_o shoot_v itself_o into_o the_o hollow_a of_o it_o and_o be_v firm_o knit_v to_o it_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 3._o to_o a_o body-corporate_a hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a city_n rev._n 11.2_o and_o church-member_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n ephes_n 2.19_o that_o whereby_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o be_v the_o covenant_n for_o as_o all_o citizen_n be_v admit_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la and_o become_v free_a denizen_n by_o voluntary_a enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o political-body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 4._o to_o a_o wife_n whether_o espouse_v or_o marry_v all_o espousal_n and_o marriage_n be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a mutual_a covenant_n prov._n 2.17_o mal._n 2.14_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n isa_n 62.5_o hence_o paul_n style_v the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n a_o virgin_n espouse_v 2_o cor._n 11.2_o to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n be_v join_v as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o virgin-church_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o phrase_n and_o similitude_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v strong_o confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n in_o one_o body_n among_o themselves_o several_o and_o respective_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n if_o any_o demand_n why_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o express_o mention_v the_o word_n covenant_n two_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o that_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a see_v it_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n that_o duty_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a and_o common_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o have_v be_v large_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o brief_o and_o implicit_o point_v at_o in_o the_o new_a as_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o sanctify_v it_o so_o this_o of_o the_o church-covenant_n yet_o concern_v all_o these_o sufficient_a light_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o manifest_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n then_o live_v under_o heathen_a prince_n and_o ruler_n enemy_n to_o christ_n unto_o who_o jealousy_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v render_v they_o obnoxious_a and_o may_v seem_v dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a peace_n therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n choose_v rather_o to_o forbear_v mention_v the_o name_n yet_o establish_v the_o thing_n under_o such_o similitude_n and_o parable_n as_o may_v hide_v it_o from_o other_o and_o yet_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o saint_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o voluntary_a relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o their_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o all_o which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o 1._o their_o relation_n be_v voluntary_a and_o all_o voluntary_a relation_n be_v by_o covenant_n as_o between_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n between_o master_n and_o voluntary_a servant_n so_o between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o both_o party_n before_o be_v free_a the_o one_o to_o offer_v himself_o into_o fellowship_n or_o not_o the_o other_o to_o admit_v he_o or_o not_o if_o such_o join_v together_o it_o be_v by_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o must_v be_v by_o mutual_a engagement_n hence_o arise_v their_o special_a and_o particular_a relation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o among_o themselves_o mutual_o as_o a_o body_n distinct_a from_o other_o church_n 2._o their_o interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o power_n one_o over_o another_o mutual_o arise_v from_o their_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n no_o church_n can_v judge_v any_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o inhabitant_n expect_v memberlike_a watchfulness_n and_o helpfulness_n from_o the_o church_n unless_o upon_o his_o offering_n himself_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n they_o receive_v he_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o 3._o their_o constant_a fellowship_n in_o church-priviledge_n arise_v from_o this_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n for_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v unto_o they_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o body_n admit_v they_o thereunto_o without_o their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n for_o till_o then_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v object_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o need_n of_o church-covenant_n see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n conveigh_v to_o beleiver_n all_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n answ_n 1_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o believer_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o internal_a viz._n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n
church_n 2._o ubi_fw-la est_fw-la vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ibi_fw-la esse_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o eligendi_fw-la et_fw-la ordiâ—ndi_fw-la ministros_fw-la melanct._n de_fw-fr potest_fw-la episcop_n arg._n 2._o 4._o their_o expostulate_v with_o any_o member_n in_o case_n of_o suppose_a offence_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whereunto_o peter_n submit_v though_o a_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 11.2_o 3_o 4._o 5._o their_o public_a admonish_a offender_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whether_o they_o be_v offend_v brethren_n or_o offend_a officer_n mat._n 18.18_o col._n 4.17_o let_v he_o hear_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n say_v to_o archippus_n fulfil_v etc._n etc._n 6._o their_o excommunicate_v obstinate_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n whether_o a_o brother_n mat._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o or_o a_o officer_n gal._n 5.12_o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o church_n 7._o their_o receive_n again_o or_o release_n from_o censure_n those_o that_o have_v be_v under_o censure_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o â—ower_n this_o also_o cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o the_o vix_fw-la plebi_fw-la persuadeo_fw-la imò_fw-la extorqueo_fw-la ut_fw-la tale_n patiantur_fw-la admitti_fw-la et_fw-la justior_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la fraternitatis_fw-la dolour_n exeo_fw-la quod_fw-la unus_fw-la atque_fw-la alius_fw-la obnitente_fw-la plebe_fw-la &_o contradicente_fw-la meâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la facilitate_v suscepti_fw-la priores_fw-la extiterunt_fw-la quà m_fw-la priùs_fw-la fuerant_fw-la nec_fw-la fidem_fw-la poenitentiae_fw-la seruare_fw-la potuerunt_fw-la quia_fw-la nec_fw-la cum_fw-la verâ_fw-la poenitentiâ_fw-la venerant_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 3._o people_n or_o fraternity_n who_o though_o they_o glad_o receive_v such_o as_o return_v with_o repentance_n yet_o he_o can_v hardly_o persuade_v they_o yea_o extort_v it_o from_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o in_o who_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n appear_v and_o he_o justify_v they_o herein_o blame_v himself_o for_o too_o much_o facility_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o church_n be_v before_o its_o officer_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n essential_o and_o have_v all_o church-power_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n and_o when_o the_o officer_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o death_n or_o censure_n for_o 1._o as_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n who_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o man_n agree_v to_o he_o though_o he_o want_v some_o bodily_a member_n so_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o socâ—â—_n of_o visible_a believer_n confederate_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o mutual_a submission_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n agree_v to_o it_o though_o it_o want_v officer_n 2._o such_o a_o church_n can_v call_v their_o officer_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o officer_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v before_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o its_o effect_n a_o corporation_n have_v its_o be_v and_o power_n of_o a_o corporation_n within_o itself_o before_o it_o have_v magistrate_n because_o it_o can_v choose_v magistrate_n and_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o put_v out_o can_v put_v other_o into_o their_o stead_n and_o place_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n 2._o corollary_n then_o though_o the_o church_n have_v its_o essential_a be_v and_o power_n without_o officer_n yet_o it_o be_v defective_a two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o member_n it_o have_v not_o its_o complete_a integrity_n of_o member_n without_o they_o bartimeus_n be_v a_o true_a man_n without_o his_o eye_n but_o not_o perfect_a with_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o part_n and_o member_n so_o be_v the_o church_n defective_a and_o maim_v without_o officer_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v defective_a in_o its_o member_n so_o also_o in_o its_o operation_n if_o it_o want_v officer_n for_o some_o ordinance_n can_v be_v at_o all_o administer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o the_o outward_a seal_n or_o sacrament_n which_o be_v annex_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v by_o he_o limit_v unto_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n by_o office_n mat._n 28.19_o and_o some_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o in_o order_v speech_n in_o public_a in_o church-debate_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o like_a can_v be_v do_v without_o ruling-elders_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o official_a watch_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v private_a disorder_n in_o conversation_n among_o the_o member_n 3._o some_o can_v be_v so_o do_v by_o other_o as_o by_z officer_n 1._o not_o with_o that_o attendance_n to_o they_o as_o the_o need_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v he_o that_o have_v a_o office_n be_v bind_v to_o wait_v on_o it_o rom._n 12.7_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o continual_o act._n 6.4_o to_o be_v in_o it_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v free_v by_o the_o church_n from_o other_o distract_n care_v which_o will_v disable_v he_o to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o 2._o not_o with_o authority_n which_o belong_v to_o rule_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o authority_n heb._n 13.17_o so_o in_o other_o act_n which_o be_v proper_o official_a and_o authoritative_a hence_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o officer_n and_o private_a member_n in_o their_o seveâ—â—â—_n manner_n of_o act_v in_o thing_n common_a to_o both_o a_o church_n want_v officer_n may_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o admission_n of_o such_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o membership_n with_o the_o church_n in_o who_o fitness_n thereunto_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v and_o in_o ordain_v officer_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o gather_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o fraternity_n and_o in_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o censure_n but_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v only_o at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n pro_fw-la hâc_fw-la vel_fw-la illâ_fw-la vice_fw-la the_o same_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o teach_v and_o ruling-elders_a in_o another_o manner_n viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n without_o particular_a leave_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o officer_n to_o attend_v unto_o their_o work_n not_o only_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o receive_v into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o the_o church_n approve_v but_o also_o to_o try_v the_o fitness_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o fellowship_n before_o they_o propound_v they_o to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o hold_v in_o officer_n to_o be_v call_v and_o when_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o and_o agree_v to_o ordain_v they_o the_o eldership_n impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o theâ—â—_n office_n when_o offence_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o step_n as_o the_o elder_n do_v propound_v the_o case_n so_o it_o must_v first_o be_v notify_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v try_v whether_o the_o rule_n have_v be_v attend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a step_n and_o that_o they_o may_v clear_v all_o difficulty_n and_o then_o propound_v the_o case_n when_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o public_a cognizance_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o be_v so_o if_o they_o neglect_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n or_o assume_v any_o undue_a power_n to_o themselves_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v may_v complain_v to_o the_o church_n and_o as_o need_n may_v require_v they_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o judge_v and_o in_o the_o close_a to_o propound_v the_o sentence_n wherein_o the_o church_n consent_v and_o they_o concur_v with_o they_o authoritative_o 3._o corollary_n then_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o church-power_n and_o of_o ordinary_a office-power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n and_o officer_n respective_o within_o that_o body_n or_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a memberly_n or_o official_a relation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n can_v act_v in_o admit_v the_o member_n choose_v the_o officer_n nor_o censure_a offender_n of_o another_o church_n nor_o may_v the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n administer_v the_o seal_n or_o ordain_v officer_n or_o perform_v other_o proper_a act_n of_o official_a authority_n out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n in_o another_o
of_o power_n under_o christ_n to_o manage_v the_o same_o within_o themselves_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n intend_v to_o establish_v by_o this_o promise_n the_o complete_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o such_o a_o church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o itâ—_n officer_n be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 18.18_o where_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v give_v by_o name_n to_o such_o a_o church_n the_o word_n therefore_o in_o sum_n hold_v forth_o a_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n of_o a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v thus_o evince_v the_o censure_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v with_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n the_o proposition_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v pass_v without_o opposition_n but_o i_o find_v this_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o obj._n the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n or_o court_n proceed_v right_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v appeal_v from_o it_o why_o will_v not_o the_o same_o hold_n in_o church-censure_n also_o answ_n 1._o because_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o civil_a court_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o spiritual_a bind_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v 2._o because_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o the_o reason_n why_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o inferior_a civil_a court_n and_o judge_n be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o there_o prosecute_v and_o thereby_o determine_v as_o the_o inferior_a court_n in_o israel_n stand_v under_o the_o high_a synedrion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o supreme_a court_n ordain_v by_o christ_n over_o particular_a church_n the_o assumption_n that_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n be_v express_o in_o the_o text_n as_o it_o have_v be_v expound_v true_o say_v some_o what_o a_o particular_a church_n bind_v on_o earth_n cleave_v non_fw-la errante_fw-la be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o judgement_n therefore_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v and_o then_o their_o bind_a power_n be_v go_v answ_n 1._o if_o possibility_n of_o err_v in_o judgement_n be_v a_o warrantable_a ground_n of_o appeal_n from_o particular_a church_n then_o the_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v to_o such_o a_o tribunal_n and_o judge_n as_o can_v err_v which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o heaven_n 2._o on_o this_o ground_n the_o universal_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o general_a council_n much_o more_o inferior_a synod_n and_o class_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v without_o appeal_n for_o a_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v not_o seldom_o but_o often_o not_o in_o small_a matter_n only_o but_o in_o those_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n yea_o they_o may_v be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o err_v as_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n corrupt_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v more_o eye_n &_o plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la i_o answer_v true_a caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la viz._n if_o they_o be_v equal_o near_o the_o mark_n but_o their_o sight_n be_v hinder_v more_o than_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o their_o proper_a concernment_n as_o they_o be_v further_o from_o the_o mark_n in_o such_o case_n than_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o full_a power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o classical_a national_a not_o ecumenical_a assembly_n have_v any_o such_o power_n for_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v also_o 3._o christ_n who_o well_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o what_o be_v best_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o particular_a church_n notwithstanding_o their_o possibility_n of_o err_a a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o judgement_n in_o their_o own_o matter_n within_o themselves_o the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n conclu_n 7._o conclu_n be_v complete_v with_o officer_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n within_o itself_o complete_a subordinate_a church-power_n in_o all_o church-affair_n proper_a to_o itself_o when_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o have_v complete_a or_o sufficient_a church-power_n thereby_o i_o mean_v 1._o that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n to_o supply_v unto_o it_o any_o power_n that_o it_o want_v in_o its_o own_o matter_n and_o 2._o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o subjection_n under_o any_o other_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a so_o as_o that_o thereby_o the_o judicial_a act_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v hinder_v or_o make_v void_a in_o a_o word_n potestas_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la in_fw-la re_fw-la propria_fw-la summa_fw-la est_fw-la the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v chief_a in_o thing_n proper_a to_o itself_o 2._o i_o add_v that_o this_o chiefty_a of_o power_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v subordinate_a to_o show_v that_o the_o absolute_a supremacy_n of_o power_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v only_o delegated_a from_o christ_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o its_o officer_n the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v perfect_o monarchical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o elder_n act_v their_o authoririty_n or_o office-power_n it_o be_v aristocratical_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fraternity_n act_v its_o chuch-power_n in_o judgement_n it_o be_v democratical_a and_o in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o member_n both_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n it_o be_v aristocratico-democratical_a above_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o set_v any_o high_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a on_o earth_n subject_v particular_a church_n thereunto_o in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la a_o clear_a proof_n of_o such_o power_n as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v describe_v you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5_o 15_a say_v not_o as_o some_o do_v that_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a power_n in_o that_o church_n but_o of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o decree_v it_o and_o judge_v he_o before_o and_o commit_v no_o more_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o 5.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 5.3_o though_o paul_n as_o a_o apostle_n judge_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v yet_o he_o so_o judge_v only_o dogmatical_o by_o teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n not_o judicial_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o accordingly_z the_o church_n cast_v he_o out_o by_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n of_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o though_o in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n deliver_v by_o paul_n for_o 1._o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o and_o that_o be_v the_o high_a power_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 5._o which_o argue_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o power_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o on_o earth_n 3._o when_o god_n bless_v this_o sentence_n by_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o work_v repentance_n in_o he_o paul_n exhort_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6-10_a and_o do_v not_o claim_v the_o power_n over_o they_o of_o a_o superior_a judge_n to_o absolve_v he_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n without_o they_o nor_o do_v he_o write_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a church_n but_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n both_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o thereby_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n to_o be_v so_o full_o in_o they_o that_o as_o their_o not_o put_v it_o into_o act_n retard_v the_o sentence_n before_o
church-communion_n by_o believer_n join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o memberlike_a affection_n and_o fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n but_o they_o speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la but_o rather_o intimate_v the_o contrary_n for_o the_o apostle_n by_o compare_v a_o congregational-church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n entire_a in_o all_o its_o member_n show_v that_o as_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v entire_a and_o sound_a have_v complete_a power_n within_o itself_o for_o all_o bodily_a action_n so_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v organise_v and_o govern_v by_o christ_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o joint_n of_o supply_n according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o without_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o supply_v a_o superior_a church-power_n which_o be_v want_v in_o this_o body_n of_o chirist_n a_o congregational-church_n and_o as_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v sound_a and_o of_o a_o good_a constitution_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n in_o itself_o to_o purge_v out_o of_o itself_o malignant_a humour_n so_o such_o a_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o cast_v out_o vicious_a and_o hurtful_a member_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o such_o as_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n neglect_v to_o join_v as_o member_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o reveal_v will_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o but_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o subjection_n thereunto_o be_v no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a but_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v man_n invention_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o it_o may_v establish_v only_o god_n ordinance_n therein_o other_o argue_v thus_o as_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o must_v submit_v to_o combination_n so_o though_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a yet_o not_o so_o when_o it_o be_v among_o other_o church_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v not_o a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o of_o town_n or_o family_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v more_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o great_a ruâ—â—â—_n of_o the_o world_n than_o church_n be_v therefore_o civil_a society_n may_v be_v of_o several_a constitution_n have_v different_a law_n and_o privilege_n and_o admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o against_o moral_a rule_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n man_n may_v not_o alter_v the_o kind_n or_o form_n of_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v but_o must_v preserve_v inviolate_a the_o law_n administration_n privilege_n and_o church-government_n ordain_v by_o he_o without_o addition_n diminution_n or_o alteration_n hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o alienate_v from_o itself_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n any_o right_n power_n or_o privilege_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n 2._o if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o dwell_v among_o nor_o do_v he_o though_o he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n eschol_n and_o mamre_o yet_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o neither_o be_v a_o particular_a organical_a church_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o classical_a combination_n till_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o a_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o 3._o though_o several_a family_n not_o have_v complete_a government_n within_o themselves_o must_v combine_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o not_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o family-government_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n respective_o to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n much_o less_o may_v several_a congregational-churche_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o to_o pastor_n of_o sundry_a church_n combine_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o govern_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a affair_n such_o as_o admission_n of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n but_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o very_o weighty_a and_o formidable_a you_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o sovereign_a remedy_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n against_o the_o many_o disease_n whereunto_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a the_o great_a preservative_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o safety_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n as_o prove_v church-society_n to_o be_v the_o visible_a suburb_n of_o heaven_n yea_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n begin_v on_o earth_n see_v such_o a_o heavenly_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n than_o elijah_n do_v when_o he_o shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o jam._n 5.17_o for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o outward_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n but_o this_o be_v spiritual_a and_o for_o ever_o upon_o impenitent_a person_n it_o be_v great_a than_o earthly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n can_v do_v they_o can_v bind_v a_o malefactor_n hand_n and_o foot_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jailor_n and_o sentence_v he_o to_o banishment_n out_o of_o their_o dominion_n but_o this_o censure_n bind_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n and_o exclude_v obstinate_a impenitent_a sinner_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o when_o this_o censure_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o they_o to_o ratify_v his_o censure_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o bless_v it_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n if_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o liberty_n because_o they_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o church-censure_n they_o show_v their_o extreme_a folly_n therein_o for_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o forlorn_a creature_n exclude_v from_o spiritual_a help_n suitable_a to_o their_o need_n they_o be_v as_o sheep_n who_o no_o man_n take_v up_o or_o care_v for_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n isa_n 3.13_o 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n and_o much_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o they_o improve_v it_o aright_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o be_v purge_v out_o and_o heal_v by_o easy_a mean_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o see_v themselves_o as_o adam_z drive_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o the_o flame_a sword_n of_o a_o cherubin_n or_o as_o cain_n cast_v out_o from_o god_n face_n or_o as_o the_o leper_n shut_v out_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n or_o as_o that_o incestuous_a corinthian_a deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a humble_v and_o effectual_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o hold_v it_o forth_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n if_o it_o work_v not_o this_o effect_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n for_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n when_o it_o be_v not_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n so_o this_o gospel-ordinance_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o shall_v work_v one_o way_n or_o tother_o either_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a or_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v
of_o many_o church_n have_v power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n act._n 15.6_o 2._o to_o argue_v debate_n and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o word_n verse_n 7_o 23_o 3._o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v vers_fw-la 23._o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 24_o 28_o 29._o 4._o such_o determination_n and_o direction_n be_v find_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v be_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o 5._o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a persistance_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n in_o their_o scandalous_a evil_n against_o light_n convict_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n so_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v by_o they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o church-communion_n till_o they_o repent_v and_o reform_v this_o follow_v in_o proportion_n from_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 2.9_o and_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o person_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o such_o offend_a church_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o neither_o do_v that_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15.29_o here_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o join_v with_o my_o brethren_n in_o add_v some_o caution_n touch_v the_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 57_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 57_o either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o throâ—â—â—_n ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o ball._n mr._n shepherd_n &_o mr._n allen_n defense_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n in_o answ_n to_o mr._n ball._n other_o express_v their_o apprehension_n in_o way_n of_o caution_n touch_v this_o matter_n thus_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n or_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulatiuè_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privatiuè_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o as_o these_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o classical_a power_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v tanquam_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la so_o in_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o i_o with_o they_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n due_a moderation_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o exercise_v brotherly_a communion_n in_o testify_v against_o such_o act_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n be_v according_a to_o scripture-light_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o 1._o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o though_o as_o elder_n yet_o not_o as_o apostle_n nor_o as_o infallible_o assist_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a in_o their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o in_o a_o masterly_a way_n impose_v their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n upon_o other_o but_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o receive_v only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o that_o church_n hold_v forth_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a apprehension_n let_v they_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o answer_v convict_o or_o let_v that_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la without_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n 2._o godly_a wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o proceed_n in_o make_v difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v church_n to_o connive_v at_o grosser_n scandal_n nor_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o small_a difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n much_o less_o for_o censure_v and_o hold_v under_o censure_n impenitent_a person_n when_o the_o scandalous_a obstinacy_n of_o delinquent_n be_v res_fw-la propriâ_fw-la to_o that_o church_n though_o some_o other_o church_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o guide_n who_o possible_o may_v side_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o delinquent_n out_o of_o some_o secret_a grutch_v against_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o party_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v lay_v under_o that_o censure_n or_o shall_v now_o be_v release_v from_o it_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v contrary_a to_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n if_o a_o church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a matter_n than_o this_o will_v cause_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n between_o church_n where_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v exercise_v with_o true_a humility_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n see_v the_o moderation_n of_o that_o african_a synod_n whereof_o cyprian_n write_v thus_o to_o stephanus_n caeterum_fw-la scimus_fw-la quosdam_fw-la quod_fw-la semel_fw-la imbiberint_fw-la 1._o cypr._n l._n 2._o ep._n 1._o nolle_fw-la deponere_fw-la nec_fw-la propositum_fw-la suum_fw-la facilè_fw-la mutare_fw-la sed_fw-la salvo_fw-la inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la quaedam_fw-la propria_fw-la quae_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la semel_fw-la sint_fw-la usurpata_fw-la retinere_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o re_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la cviquam_fw-la facimus_fw-la aut_fw-la legem_fw-la damus_fw-la cum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la administratione_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la suae_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la liberum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la praepositus_fw-la rationem_fw-la actus_fw-la svi_fw-la domino_fw-la redditurus_fw-la yet_o these_o proper_a practice_n of_o some_o church_n differ_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n which_o be_v establish_v as_o he_o say_v consensu_fw-la &_o authoritate_fw-la communi_fw-la nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v end_n of_o breach_n among_o church_n unless_o due_a moderation_n in_o such_o case_n
perform_v coral_n 3_o then_o it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o a_o duty_n for_o every_o christian_a to_o endeavour_v to_o join_v himself_o in_o membership_n with_o a_o congregational_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n whosoever_o have_v opportunity_n and_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v they_o great_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n in_o not_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o also_o against_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v annex_v unto_o his_o institution_n exod._n 20.24_o mat._n 28.20_o and_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o that_o neglect_n they_o can_v hardly_o be_v account_v believer_n true_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o profession_n of_o religion_n soever_o they_o make_v otherwise_o mat._n 6.33_o and_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o posterity_n also_o to_o who_o god_n promise_v mercy_n upon_o their_o parent_n worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o institution_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v good_a to_o the_o posterity_n of_o such_o it_o be_v mere_o from_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n but_o not_o from_o their_o parent_n covenant_n ezek._n 16.61_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o church_n impregnable_a stability_n to_o the_o church_n build_v by_o christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o give_v this_o great_a privilege_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o scripture_n signify_v not_o hell_n but_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o grave_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v enemy_n vanquish_v by_o christ_n for_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 15.26_o 55._o and_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n rev._n 20.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o gate_n of_o death_n in_o job_n 38.17_o psal_n 107.18_o and_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_a isa_n 38.10_o i_o e._n the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a which_o seize_v on_o they_o as_o a_o sergeant_n psal_n 116.3_o the_o sum_n be_v let_v the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o low_a that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a as_o those_o two_o witness_n rev._n 11.8_o 9_o and_o bury_v as_o christ_n natural_a body_n be_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o neither_o death_n nor_o the_o grave_n shall_v prevail_v agaist_fw-mi it_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n only_o to_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a but_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o satan_n plot_n and_o assault_n against_o the_o church_n against_o which_o if_o christ_n do_v not_o help_v they_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n will_v prevail_v against_o they_o to_o their_o eternal_a destruction_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o text_n by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o machination_n of_o satan_n and_o temptation_n whatsoever_o whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o draw_v those_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o the_o prevail_a of_o they_o signify_v their_o effectual_a work_n unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o end_n the_o sum_n be_v a_o promise_n that_o the_o devil_n with_o all_o his_o policy_n and_o power_n shall_v neither_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o cause_v the_o church_n thus_o build_v to_o apostatise_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n whatsoever_o socinian_n or_o arminian_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v thus_o be_v evince_v 1._o because_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v the_o disable_n of_o what_o ever_o oppose_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n or_o its_o constant_a adhere_n to_o christ_n from_o prevail_v to_o those_o end_n but_o so_o do_v satan_n temptation_n therefore_o they_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o because_o whatsoever_o go_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n or_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o thence_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o phrase_n but_o the_o temptation_n and_o machination_n of_o satan_n by_o himself_o and_o his_o instrument_n heretic_n and_o tyrant_n go_v forth_o thence_o therefore_o they_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o phrase_n 3._o because_o peter_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n describe_v unbeliever_n the_o adversary_n of_o this_o building_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o 8._o 4._o because_o the_o proportion_n which_o christ_n imply_v in_o these_o word_n require_v that_o they_o be_v so_o understand_v the_o proportion_n be_v between_o two_o city_n that_o of_o heaven_n which_o have_v its_o gate_n and_o key_n in_o v._o 19_o and_o the_o other_o of_o hell_n which_o have_v its_o gate_n whence_o it_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o that_o but_o shall_v not_o prevail_v see_v therefore_o city_n be_v oppose_v to_o city_n and_o gate_n to_o gate_n and_o one_o viz._n the_o church_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o state_n of_o present_a build_n it_o be_v most_o suitable_a that_o the_o other_o be_v also_o look_v at_o as_o it_o oppose_v that_o in_o the_o present_a whilst_o it_o be_v militant_a upon_o earth_n but_o from_o hence_o that_o christ_n promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n thus_o build_v some_o infer_v that_o christ_n mean_v only_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n for_o that_o only_a say_v they_o be_v bulilt_v on_o this_o rock_n and_o only_o that_o shall_v not_o fail_v answ_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n be_v build_v upon_o christ_n by_o effectual_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o that_o shall_v not_o fail_v for_o that_o be_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o fist-born_a which_o be_v enroll_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o and_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o those_o that_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o these_o only_o be_v build_v on_o this_o rock_n the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v as_o that_o at_o corinth_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n or_o rocky-foundation_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o be_v so_o build_v be_v under_o the_o special_a protection_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o respect_n whereof_o the_o lord_n promise_v any_o such_o church_n as_o well_o among_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o jew_n whosoever_o shall_v gather_v himself_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v isa_n 54.15_o and_o all_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v make_v against_o thou_o shall_v not_o prosper_v vers_fw-la 17._o and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o peter_n make_v visible_o and_o public_o whereupon_o not_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n but_o visible_a particular_a church_n be_v build_v therefore_o these_o only_o be_v mean_v here_o concl._n 5_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o himself_o upon_o this_o rock_n in_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o safety_n be_v impregnable_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o indefinite_o take_v for_o a_o particular_a congregational-church_n institute_v by_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a conclusion_n not_o for_o this_o or_o that_o definite_o therefore_o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o greek-churche_n those_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o asia_n and_o against_o rome_n who_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o against_o sundry_a other_o particular_a church_n answ_n i_o answer_v 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n yet_o not_o against_o a_o particular_a church_n indefinite_o consider_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o against_o the_o church_n in_o general_a exist_v in_o its_o particular_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o visible_a church_n do_v not_o fail_v for_o 1._o christ_n ever_o have_v and_o will_v have_v some_o or_o other_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n wherein_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v preserve_v as_o the_o genus_fw-la be_v in_o its_o species_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a as_o when_o the_o lord_n preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n mankind_n be_v preserve_v in_o they_o though_o multitude_n of_o man_n be_v destroy_v in_o the_o deluge_n 2._o christ_n will_v show_v that_o he_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o church_n wherein_o be_v some_o true_a believer_n mix_v with_o many_o hypocrite_n and_o other_o society_n therefore_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v total_o destroy_v as_o he_o do_v his_o open_a enemy_n hos_fw-la 11.8_o 9_o isa_n 1.8_o 9_o &_o
and_o their_o put_n of_o it_o into_o act_n be_v a_o judicial_a act_n in_o they_o all_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o so_o their_o forgive_a he_o will_v be_v a_o legal_a and_o judicial_a acquit_v he_o from_o thaâ—_n sentence_n 2_o cor._n 2._o this_o church_n be_v our_o pattern_n and_o its_o practice_n in_o this_o be_v presidential_a to_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n reas_n 1_o from_o the_o guilt_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o such_o church_n when_o any_o scandal_n give_v by_o their_o member_n remain_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a therefore_o paul_n apply_v this_o reproof_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n brethren_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n for_o their_o slowness_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n christ_n reprove_v the_o angel_n and_o church_n both_o of_o pergamus_n rev._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o of_o thyatira_n ver_fw-la 20._o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o sufficient_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o purge_v out_o such_o leaven_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o tolerate_v the_o same_o and_o why_o be_v not_o other_o church_n or_o the_o class_n blame_v for_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n over_o they_o if_o they_o stand_v under_o any_o such_o and_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o he_o say_v to_o other_o church_n also_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a remissness_n which_o admonition_n all_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v lest_o else_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o severally_z and_o respective_o to_o preserve_v their_o member_n and_o whole_a fellowship_n in_o spiritual_a purity_n and_o safety_n heb._n 12.15_o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o most_o free_a and_o perfect_a city_n which_o thucydides_n say_v have_v three_o privilege_n viz._n to_o use_v 1._o their_o own_o law_n 2._o magistrate_n 3._o judgement_n whence_o he_o call_v every_o such_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o city_n be_v not_o account_v entire_a and_o perfect_a city_n of_o themselves_o but_o less_o worthy_a member_n of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n 7._o grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la bell_n &_o pac_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o p._n 4_o 5_o 7._o under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v the_o summa_fw-la potestas_fw-la of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n be_v that_o cujus_fw-la actus_fw-la alterius_fw-la juri_fw-la non_fw-la subsunt_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la alterius_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la humanae_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la irriti_fw-la possunt_fw-la reddi_fw-la now_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o free_a city_n the_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 48.1_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n ver_fw-la 2._o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v sufficient_a and_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o to_o manage_v the_o key_n without_o dependence_n on_o class_n etc._n etc._n in_o its_o own_o concernment_n yet_o herein_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o such_o perfect_a city_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o such_o city_n may_v part_v with_o their_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n dedimus_fw-la liv._o dec._n 1._o l._n 1._o idem_fw-la ibid._n l._n 7._o populum_fw-la campanum_n urbemque_fw-la delubra_fw-la deûm_fw-la divina_fw-la humanaque_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o vestram_fw-la p.c._n ditioâ—em_fw-la dedimus_fw-la as_o be_v overmatch_v by_o a_o potent_a enemy_n in_o this_o case_n the_o collative_n yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o city_n and_o liberty_n to_o tarqvinius_n priscus_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n or_o when_o they_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n by_o a_o enemy_n who_o they_o will_v not_o have_v to_o rule_v over_o they_o and_o can_v defend_v themselves_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o campani_a distress_a by_o the_o samnite_n which_o force_v they_o to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v with_o all_o their_o liberty_n unto_o the_o roman_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v facti_fw-la alienae_n potestatis_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v presuppose_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o thus_o to_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o question_n estne_v populus_fw-la collatinus_n in_fw-la suâ_fw-la potestate_fw-la but_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o alienate_v from_o themselves_o their_o church-liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o they_o gal._n 5.1_o and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v keep_v and_o manage_v the_o same_o luke_n 16.2_o reas_n 3_o from_o the_o concession_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v this_o truth_n calcem_fw-la the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o syn._n p._n 33._o ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la mr._n pag._n acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n shall_v sojourn_v among_o the_o indian_n or_o among_o heretic_n where_o it_o can_v not_o obtain_v fellowship_n with_o other_o church_n out_o of_o itself_o or_o if_o by_o violence_n or_o other_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n any_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o enjoy_v this_o benefit_n of_o combination_n with_o other_o church_n in_o classical_a government_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o want_n this_o church_n shall_v subsist_v still_o and_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n other_o say_v the_o same_o of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o island_n and_o add_v 2_o mr._n herle_n indep_n p._n 2_o that_o in_o such_o case_n a_o single_a congregation_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n mr._n rutterf_n add_v that_o when_o church_n can_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o neighbour_a church_n with_o that_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n as_o their_o occasion_n may_v require_v among_o they_o ordination_n and_o so_o excommunication_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n from_o this_o concession_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o 1._o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n quà _fw-la talis_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_n in_o a_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n within_o itself_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n yea_o that_o the_o church-power_n native_o and_o natural_o lie_v in_o the_o congregation_n for_o such_o case_n be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o first_o synod_n which_o be_v look_v at_o as_o presidential_a to_o all_o synod_n be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o two_o church_n which_o be_v two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a 2._o the_o other_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n have_v no_o right_a to_o take_v away_o this_o power_n from_o it_o for_o none_o may_v put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v join_v as_o well_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o that_o note_a in_o mat._n 19.7_o god_n have_v join_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la to_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o then_o shall_v sunder_v it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n to_o place_v it_o in_o class_n as_o superior_a judicatories_n where_o god_n never_o put_v it_o 3._o if_o the_o first_o church_n in_o a_o continent_n have_v this_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o before_o other_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o other_o church_n there_o long_o after_o shall_v deprive_v they_o of_o it_o by_o set_v up_o a_o classis_fw-la as_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a over_o they_o then_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o a_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o and_o will_v give_v they_o cause_n to_o complain_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n 34._o pow._n of_o class_n &_o syn._n p._n 33._o idem_fw-la p_o 34._o but_o not_o increase_v our_o joy_n but_o they_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v this_o dependency_n and_o union_n with_o other_o church_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o mean_n and_o can_v without_o sin_n neglect_v the_o same_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o but_o a_o matter_n arbitrary_a at_o best_a they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o a_o church_n to_o combine_v unto_o classeâ—_n and_o synod_n for_o their_o spiritual_a government_n if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n as_o to_o join_v a_o man_n self_n as_o a_o member_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o and_o conclude_v all_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o sin_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o walk_v not_o as_o become_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12.5_o 1_o cor._n 12.15_o ephes_n 4.16_o answ_n 1._o the_o proof_n allege_v do_v show_v that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o exercise_v in_o