give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n as_o such_o primo_fw-la &_o per_fw-la se_fw-la than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n for_o a_o quatenus_fw-la adomnia_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la obj._n 4._o but_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a tenant_n in_o many_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mix_v of_o a_o monarchy_n a_o aristocracy_n and_o a_o democracy_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sovereign_a and_o monarchical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o presbytery_n it_o be_v stewardly_a and_o aristocratical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o election_n and_o censure_n it_o be_v democraticall_a which_o argue_v the_o people_n have_v some_o stock_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n authority_n after_o a_o sort_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o people_n as_o 1._o when_o a_o man_n act_v by_o counsel_n according_a to_o his_o own_o discern_v free_o he_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dominus_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la so_o the_o people_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o liberty_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v domini_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la lord_n of_o their_o own_o action_n 2._o the_o people_n by_o their_o act_n of_o liberty_n as_o in_o election_n of_o officer_n and_o concurrency_n in_o censure_n of_o offender_n and_o in_o the_o determination_n and_o promulgation_n of_o synodall_n act_n they_o have_v a_o great_a stroke_n or_o power_n in_o the_o order_n of_o church_n affair_n which_o may_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o potestas_fw-la a_o power_n which_o many_o time_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n but_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n then_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v open_v above_o in_o chap._n 3._o for_o no_o act_n of_o the_o people_n power_n or_o liberty_n do_v proper_o bind_v unless_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n concur_v with_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o like_a removal_n of_o other_o subject_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o derive_v their_o authority_n as_o be_v use_v before_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o brethren_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n the_o elder_n of_o church_n be_v never_o find_v in_o scripture_n to_o derive_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o their_o own_o congregation_n either_o from_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o from_o any_o synod_n of_o church_n all_o particular_a church_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a power_n each_o of_o they_o respective_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n none_o of_o they_o call_v other_o their_o rabbi_n or_o master_n or_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o authority_n over_o they_o but_o all_o of_o they_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o as_o fellow_n brethren_n matth._n 23.8_o 9_o 10._o and_o though_o in_o a_o synod_n they_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o synod_n to_o exercise_v authority_n in_o impose_v burden_n such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v upon_o all_o church_n who_o elder_n be_v present_a with_o they_o act._n 15.28_o for_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n in_o all_o church_n yet_o the_o elder_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o walk_v with_o the_o brethren_n of_o their_o own_o church_n in_o light_n and_o peace_n they_o need_v not_o to_o derive_v from_o the_o synod_n any_o power_n to_o impose_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a burden_n upon_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o power_n and_o charge_n from_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n discern_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v and_o walk_v in_o peace_n with_o their_o elder_n they_o ready_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o overseer_n in_o whatsoever_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v by_o they_o commend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n 3._o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o argument_n 1_o in_o point_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v oven_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o people_n conscience_n when_o both_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n whereto_o he_o be_v call_v have_v put_v forth_o the_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o about_o he_o as_o when_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o office_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a act_n have_v due_a respect_n to_o the_o inward_a ministerial_a gift_n whereunto_o god_n have_v furnish_v he_o he_o may_v then_o look_v at_o himself_o as_o call_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o exercise_v his_o talent_n in_o that_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o send_v of_o god_n to_o they_o what_o defect_n may_v be_v find_v in_o such_o a_o call_n when_o the_o brethren_n exercise_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n their_o lawful_a authority_n in_o his_o ordination_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v to_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o want_v imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n who_o succee_v in_o the_o place_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n leave_v the_o one_o in_o ephesus_n the_o other_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o ans_fw-fr touch_v ordination_n by_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o they_o by_o bishop_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o godly_a learned_a heretofore_o especial_o of_o late_a time_n the_o sum_n come_v to_o these_o conclusion_n 1_o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v not_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n as_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n timothy_n be_v express_o term_v a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o titus_n be_v as_o clear_o decipher_v to_o be_v a_o evangelist_n as_o timothy_n by_o the_o character_n of_o a_o evangelist_n which_o either_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o or_o eusebius_n note_v in_o his_o ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 37._o gr._n cap._n 31._o lat._n not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o certain_a church_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n finish_v their_o work_n in_o plant_v and_o water_v church_n where_o they_o come_v they_o do_v indeed_o ordain_v officer_n where_o they_o want_v and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o several_a church_n yet_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o tim._n 5._o but_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o direction_n in_o the_o epistle_n either_o to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n 2._o conclusion_n those_o bishop_n who_o calling_n or_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o those_o epistle_n to_o be_v continue_v they_o be_v altogether_o synonyma_fw-la with_o presbyter_n tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o to_o 7._o 3._o conclus_fw-la we_o read_v of_o many_o bishop_n to_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 14.23_o and_o chap._n 20.17_o 28._o tit._n 1.5.7_o but_o not_o of_o many_o church_n much_o less_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o large_a diocese_n to_o one_o bishop_n 4._o conclus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o transcendent_a proper_a work_n cut_v out_o or_o reserve_v for_o such_o a_o transcendent_a officer_n as_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o transcendent_a act_n reserve_v to_o he_o by_o the_o advocate_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n now_o both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o rule_n and_o paul_n to_o timothy_n acknowledge_v no_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o labour_n in_o
be_v also_o betrust_v by_o the_o civil_a state_n with_o the_o preservation_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o shall_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o public_a civil_a assembly_n whether_o in_o council_n or_o camp_n they_o may_v there_o provide_v by_o civil_a power_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o country_n ne_fw-la quid_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la respublica_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la if_o king_n saul_n swear_v to_o put_v jonathan_n to_o death_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n may_v by_o strong_a hand_n rescue_v he_o from_o his_o father_n unjust_a and_o illegal_a fury_n 1_o sam._n 14.44_o 45._o but_o if_o saul_n persecute_v david_n though_o as_o unjust_o as_o jonathan_n yet_o if_o the_o prince_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n will_v not_o rescue_v he_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n david_n a_o private_a man_n will_v not_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n so_o much_o as_o to_o touch_v the_o lord_n anoint_a 1_o sam._n 24.4_o to_o 7._o to_o conclude_v this_o corollary_n touch_v the_o subjection_n of_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n this_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n so_o the_o magistrate_n if_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hence_o it_o be_v prophesy_v by_o isaiah_n that_o king_n and_o queen_n who_o be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v bow_v down_o to_o the_o church_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o david_n prophesi_v of_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v by_o call_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o subdue_v the_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n psal_n 149.6_o 7._o so_o to_o bind_v their_o king_n with_o chain_n and_o their_o noble_n with_o fetter_n of_o iron_n to_o execute_v upon_o they_o the_o judgement_n write_v that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n psal_n 149._o v._n 8_o 9_o 3._o a_o three_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v this_o that_o a_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n have_v be_v clear_v above_o in_o the_o open_n the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n be_v unavoidable_o independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o body_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o as_o have_v be_v say_v afore_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o accident_n or_o adjunct_n be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o either_o for_o the_o enjoy_v or_o for_o the_o employ_v the_o have_v or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o 4._o a_o four_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v that_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o any_o offence_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o a_o strong_a party_n in_o it_o be_v not_o independent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n but_o be_v subject_n both_o to_o the_o admonition_n of_o any_o other_o church_n and_o to_o the_o determination_n and_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o direction_n into_o a_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o also_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o if_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la litigans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la that_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n a_o promise_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n unless_o they_o agree_v together_o and_o agree_v in_o his_o name_n than_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o independent_a in_o their_o proceed_n as_o do_v fail_v in_o either_o for_o all_o the_o independency_n that_o can_v be_v claim_v be_v found_v upon_o that_o promise_n what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o on_o that_o promise_n be_v found_v both_o the_o independency_n and_o security_n and_o parity_n also_o of_o all_o church_n but_o if_o that_o promise_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o they_o they_o be_v like_o samson_n when_o his_o hair_n be_v cut_v off_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o fall_v under_o other_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o fall_v soft_a than_o he_o do_v he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o friend_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n recant_v his_o error_n do_v acknowledge_v so_o may_v they_o thus_o be_v i_o wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n zach._n 13.6_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o neighbour-church_n or_o two_o i_o be_v friendly_o smite_v with_o a_o brotherly_a admonition_n which_o like_o a_o precious_a oil_n do_v not_o break_v my_o head_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n i_o be_v friendly_a yea_o brotherly_o censure_v and_o heal_v 5._o a_o five_o and_o last_o corollary_n arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n may_v be_v this_o though_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o whole_a some_o and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n and_o consolation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church_n affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o now_o church-affaire_n of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n we_o account_v to_o be_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n excommunication_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o any_o person_n of_o public_a note_n and_o employment_n the_o translation_n of_o a_o elder_a from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o or_o the_o like_a in_o which_o case_n we_o conceive_v it_o safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o proceed_v with_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n safe_a for_o in_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n as_o in_o civil_a so_o in_o church_n affair_n prov._n 11.14_o and_o though_o this_o or_o that_o church_n may_v be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o they_o will_v be_v joath_v to_o call_v in_o or_o look_v out_o for_o help_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o other_o though_o they_o have_v more_o need_n than_o other_o yea_o and_o the_o best_a church_n may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o help_n as_o other_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n which_o other_o church_n may_v have_v prevent_v have_v they_o discern_v it_o at_o first_o it_o be_v also_o wholesome_a as_o tend_v to_o maintain_v brotherly_a love_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n in_o church_n and_o to_o prevent_v many_o offence_n which_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o transact_v all_o such_o thing_n within_o itself_o without_o consent_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v just_a warrant_n from_o a_o like_a precedent_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o independent_a from_o one_o another_o and_o stand_v in_o as_o little_a need_n of_o one_o another_o help_n as_o church_n do_v one_o of_o
another_o and_o yet_o paul_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o confer_v with_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n lest_o he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n galat._n 2.2_o and_o though_o in_o conference_n the_o chief_a apostle_n add_v nothing_o to_o paul_n ver_fw-la 6._o yet_o when_o they_o perceive_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o uncircumcision_n be_v commit_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o that_o of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n they_o give_v unto_o one_o another_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n ver_fw-la 9_o now_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v by_o just_a proportion_n that_o if_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v each_o of_o they_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o consult_v and_o confer_v together_o about_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o their_o call_n and_o to_o their_o doctrine_n then_o sure_o church_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n though_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o communicate_v their_o course_n and_o proceed_n in_o such_o case_n one_o with_o another_o to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o the_o same_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o do_v mutual_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o ordination_n or_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o much_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v again_o something_o may_v be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o confirmation_n yet_o for_o illustration_n of_o this_o point_n by_o compare_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a platform_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v constitute_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n state_n at_o their_o last_o conversion_n the_o dimension_n of_o this_o church_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 48.30_o be_v according_a to_o junius_n twelve_o furlong_n which_o after_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o be_v double_a to_o the_o common_a be_v about_o three_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n but_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o revel_n 21.16_o be_v say_v to_o be_v twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n now_o how_o can_v these_o two_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n stand_v together_o which_o be_v so_o far_o discrepant_a one_o from_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n twelve_o furlong_n in_o twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n the_o fit_a and_o fair_a reconciliation_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o ezekiel_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o any_o ordinary_a jewish_a church_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o john_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o many_o particular_a jewish_a church_n combine_v together_o in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o thousand_o church_n not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v constitute_v in_o a_o nationall_n and_o diocesan_n frame_n with_o nationall_n officer_n and_o diocesan_n bishop_n or_o the_o like_a but_o that_o sometime_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o will_v be_v gather_v into_o a_o synod_n and_o all_o of_o they_o will_v have_v such_o mutual_a care_n and_o yield_v such_o mutual_a brotherly_a help_n and_o communion_n one_o to_o another_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o body_n if_o any_o man_n say_v theologia_n symbolica_fw-la or_o parabolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la that_o argument_n from_o such_o parable_n and_o mystical_a resemblance_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o valid_a let_v he_o enjoy_v his_o own_o apprehension_n and_o if_o he_o can_v yield_v a_o better_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n let_v he_o wave_v this_o collection_n nevertheless_o if_o there_o be_v no_o argumentative_a power_n in_o parable_n why_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o much_o delight_n in_o that_o kind_n of_o teach_v and_o why_o do_v john_n and_o daniel_n and_o ezekiel_n deliver_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o prophecy_n in_o parable_n if_o we_o must_v take_v they_o for_o riddle_n and_o not_o for_o document_n nor_o argument_n sure_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o argument_n they_o serve_v not_o for_o document_n but_o furthermore_o touch_v this_o great_a work_n of_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o add_v this_o caution_n caution_n a_o caution_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 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 christ_n 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 through_o 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 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 neither_o may_v 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 they_o may_v indeed_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o direct_v in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o they_o but_o not_o take_v they_o away_o though_o themselves_o shall_v be_v willing_a the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v give_v equal_a power_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o eleven_o of_o they_o to_o forbid_v the_o twelve_o to_o do_v any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n without_o their_o intervention_n neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o nine_o who_o be_v of_o inferior_a gift_n to_o commit_v the_o guidance_n and_o command_n of_o all_o their_o apostolic_a administration_n unto_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v all_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o immediate_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o because_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a in_o office_n and_o every_o one_o to_o give_v account_n for_o himself_o unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o like_a case_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o particular_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v moreover_o a_o threefold_a further_a inconvenience_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o attend_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o these_o ordinary_a admninistraon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyter_n common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la 1._o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o way_n of_o discipline_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v by_o this_o mean_v not_o receive_v nor_o enjoin_v nor_o practise_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o but_o by_o their_o deputy_n or_o overseer_n 2._o the_o same_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o synod_n in_o act_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n but_o in_o act_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v hereby_o receive_v and_o enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o and_o by_o they_o only_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o which_o be_v a_o three_o inconvenience_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n only_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyter_n still_o keep_v the_o church_n as_o under_o nonage_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o their_o ripe_a year_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o mother_n to_o bear_v her_o young_a daughter_n in_o her_o arm_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v on_o its_o own_o foot_n while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o infancy_n be_v kind_o and_o comely_a but_o when_o the_o damsel_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n for_o the_o mother_n still_o to_o bear_v she_o in_o her_o arm_n for_o fear_v of_o stumble_v it_o be_v a_o uncecessary_a burden_n to_o the_o mother_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o virgin_n such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o the_o community_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n be_v as_o the_o mother_n each_o particular_a church_n be_v as_o the_o daughter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n while_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o nonage_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a to_o leave_v the_o whole_a guidance_n and_o bear_v thereof_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o tutor_n and_o governor_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o national_a court_n but_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v up_o or_o shall_v be_v grow_v at_o least_o to_o more_o maturity_n it_o be_v meet_v more_o to_o give_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o stand_v alone_o and_o to_o walk_v upon_o she_o own_o leg_n and_o yet_o in_o any_o such_o part_n of_o her_o way_n as_o may_v be_v more_o hard_a to_o hit_v right_a upon_o as_o in_o her_o election_n and_o ordinance_n and_o censure_n of_o eminent_a person_n in_o office_n it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o holy_a and_o faithful_a office_n of_o the_o vigilancy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o church_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o helpful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o all_o time_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n whether_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o peace_n the_o community_n of_o church_n may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v excuse_v from_o reform_v they_o again_o into_o their_o right_a way_n according_a to_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o all_o the_o several_a church_n within_o their_o covenant_n soli_fw-la christo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v license_v and_o enter_v according_a to_o order_n finis_fw-la
the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o power_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god._n by_o that_o learned_a and_o judicious_a divine_a mr._n john_n cotton_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n tend_v to_o reconcile_v some_o present_a difference_n about_o discipline_n gen._n 13.7_o 8._o and_o abraham_n say_v unto_o lot_n let_v there_o be_v no_o strife_n i_o pray_v between_o thou_o and_o i_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n gen._n 45.24_o and_o joseph_n say_v to_o his_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v go_v the_o three_o time_n out_o of_o egypt_n see_v that_o you_o fall_v not_o out_o by_o the_o way_n act_n 7.26_o sir_n you_o be_v brethren_n why_o do_v you_o wrong_v one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n publish_a by_o tho._n goodwin_n philip_z nye_n london_n print_v by_o m._n simmons_n for_o henry_n overton_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n enter_v into_o popes-head_n alley_n out_o of_o lumbardstreet_n 1644._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o great_a commotion_n in_o kingdom_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v raise_v and_o maintain_v for_o and_o about_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o rule_v together_o with_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o either_o and_o the_o like_a have_v fall_v out_o in_o church_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o sharp_a contention_n though_o now_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o war_n be_v change_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o adequate_a and_o complete_a subject_n of_o that_o church-power_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v on_o earth_n how_o bound_v and_o to_o who_o commit_v this_o controversy_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o lot_n of_o these_o present_a time_n and_o now_o that_o most_o party_n that_o can_v pretend_v any_o thing_n towards_o it_o have_v in_o several_a age_n have_v their_o turn_n &_o vicissitude_n of_o so_o long_a a_o pessession_n of_o it_o and_o their_o plea_n for_o their_o several_a pretence_n have_v be_v so_o much_o and_o so_o long_o hear_v it_o may_v well_o be_v hope_v it_o be_v near_o determine_v &_o that_o christ_n will_v short_o settle_v this_o power_n upon_o the_o right_a heir_n to_o who_o he_o primitive_o do_v bequeath_v it_o in_o those_o former_a dark_a time_n this_o golden_a ball_n be_v throw_v up_o by_o the_o clergy_n so_o call_v alone_o to_o run_v for_o among_o themselves_o and_o as_o they_o quiet_o possess_v the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o clergy_n and_o of_o the_o church_n appropriate_v to_o themselves_o so_o answerable_o all_o manner_n of_o interest_n in_o power_n or_o cognisance_n of_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o leave_v &_o quit_v to_o they_o whilst_o the_o people_n that_o then_o know_v not_o the_o law_n have_v give_v up_o their_o soul_n to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v do_v much_o more_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o liberty_n in_o church_n affair_n this_o royal_a donation_n bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o his_o church_n be_v take_v up_o and_z and_o place_v in_o so_o high_a throne_n of_o bishop_n pope_n general_n council_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o far_o above_o these_o thing_n on_o earth_n the_o people_n but_o thing_n in_o heaven_n also_o we_o mean_v the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o so_o great_a a_o remoteness_n from_o the_o people_n that_o the_o least_o right_a or_o interest_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o towards_o these_o latter_a time_n after_o many_o removall_n of_o it_o down_o again_o and_o this_o as_o the_o issue_n of_o many_o suit_n again_o and_o again_o renew_a and_o remove_v and_o upon_o the_o sentence_n even_o of_o whole_a state_n as_o oft_o reverse_v it_o have_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v bring_v so_o near_o unto_o the_o people_n that_o they_o also_o have_v begin_v to_o plead_v and_o sue_v for_o a_o portion_n and_o legacy_n bequeath_v they_o in_o it_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o know_a time_n find_v that_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n have_v so_o far_o open_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n into_o the_o substantial_o of_o godliness_n and_o that_o through_o the_o instruction_n and_o guidance_n of_o their_o teacher_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o understand_v for_o themselves_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v to_o join_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o do_v therefore_o further_o many_o of_o they_o begin_v more_o then_o to_o suspect_v that_o some_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o power_n shall_v likewise_o appertain_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o those_o who_o first_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n revive_v this_o plea_n of_o the_o people_n right_a to_o err_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a as_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o truth_n when_o it_o first_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n from_o under_o that_o long_a night_n of_o darkness_n which_o antichristianisme_n have_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n to_o have_v a_o long_a shadow_n of_o error_n to_o accompany_v it_o by_o lay_v the_o plea_n &_o claim_n on_o their_o behalf_n unto_o the_o whole_a power_n &_o that_o the_o elder_n set_v over_o they_o do_v but_o exercise_v that_o power_n for_o they_o which_o be_v proper_o they_o &_o which_o christ_n have_v as_o they_o contend_v radical_o and_o original_o estate_v in_o the_o people_n only_o but_o after_o that_o all_o title_n have_v be_v plead_v of_o those_o that_o be_v content_a with_o nothing_o but_o the_o whole_a the_o final_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n may_v possible_o fall_v to_o be_v a_o suitable_a and_o due_a proportion_a distribution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o this_o power_n into_o several_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a to_o neither_o part_n in_o commonwelath_n it_o be_v a_o dispersion_n of_o several_a portion_n of_o power_n and_o right_n into_o several_a hand_n joint_o to_o concur_v and_o agree_v in_o act_n and_o process_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n which_o cause_v that_o healthful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o constitution_n of_o they_o which_o make_v they_o last_v &_o preserve_v their_o peace_n when_o none_o of_o all_o sort_n find_v they_o be_v exclude_v but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o share_n of_o concernment_n so_o that_o a_o fit_a measure_n of_o power_n or_o privilege_n be_v leave_v and_o betrust_v to_o they_o and_o according_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o first_o constitutor_n of_o common_a wealth_n be_v most_o see_v in_o such_o a_o just_a balance_v of_o power_n &_o privilege_n &_o beside_o also_o in_o set_v the_o exact_a limit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v commit_v unto_o each_o yea_o and_o be_v more_o admire_v by_o we_o in_o this_o than_o in_o their_o other_o law_n and_o in_o experience_n a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a definement_n and_o confinement_n of_o all_o such_o parcel_n of_o power_n both_o for_o the_o kind_n and_o extent_n of_o they_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v as_o essential_o necessary_a if_o not_o more_o than_o what_o ever_o other_o statute_n that_o set_v out_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o crime_n or_o penalty_n so_o in_o that_o polity_n or_o government_n by_o which_o christ_n will_v have_v his_o church_n order_v the_o right_a disposal_n of_o the_o power_n therein_o we_o humble_o suppose_v may_v lie_v in_o a_o due_a and_o proportion_a allotment_n and_o dispersion_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n into_o divers_a hand_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a concernment_n and_o interest_n that_o each_o rank_n in_o his_o church_n may_v have_v rather_o than_o in_o a_o entire_a and_o sole_a trust_n commit_v to_o any_o one_o man_n though_o never_o so_o able_a or_o any_o one_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o man_n or_o officer_n although_o diversify_v into_o never_o so_o many_o subordination_n under_o one_o another_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o can_v but_o imagine_v that_o christ_n have_v be_v as_o exact_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o what_o ever_o portion_n of_o power_n he_o have_v impart_v unto_o any_o if_o we_o of_o this_o age_n can_v attain_v right_o to_o discern_v it_o as_o he_o have_v be_v in_o order_v what_o kind_n of_o censure_n and_o for_o what_o sin_n and_o what_o degree_n of_o proceed_n unto_o those_o censure_n which_o we_o find_v he_o have_v be_v punctual_a in_o now_o the_o scope_n which_o this_o grave_n and_o judicious_a author_n in_o this_o his_o treatise_n do_v pursue_v be_v to_o lay_v forth_o the_o just_a line_n and_o terrier_n of_o this_o division_n of_o church-power_n unto_o all_o the_o several_a subject_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n to_o allay_v the_o contention_n now_o on_o foot_n about_o it_o and_o in_o general_a he_o lay_v this_o fundamental_a maxim_n that_o hold_v in_o common_a true_a of_o all_o
elder_n with_o they_o or_o direct_v they_o where_o to_o procure_v such_o to_o come_v unto_o they_o the_o like_a course_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v take_v when_o sundry_a christian_n come_v over_o from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o such_o as_o be_v come_v over_o first_o and_o be_v themselves_o full_a of_o company_n direct_v those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o combination_n of_o themselves_o into_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o plant_v &_o gather_v and_o multiply_v church_n yet_o the_o work_n be_v not_o dead_a but_o the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v leave_v with_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o with_o each_o particular_a church_n for_o her_o part_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o propagate_v and_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n throughout_o all_o generation_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n be_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v make_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o their_o office_n the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7.17_o the_o special_a act_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v many_o the_o first_o and_o principal_n be_v that_o which_o the_o elder_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v chief_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o be_v annex_v thereto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n speak_v rebuke_n and_o exhort_v say_v paul_n to_o titus_n with_o all_o authority_n tit._n 2.15_o and_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v thereto_o be_v plain_a from_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n make_v disciple_n and_o baptize_v they_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v object_v private_a member_n may_v all_o of_o they_o prophesy_v public_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 31._o and_o therefore_o also_o baptize_v and_o so_o this_o act_n of_o authority_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o preach_v elder_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o place_n in_o the_o corinth_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a private_a member_n but_o of_o man_n furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n king_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o coronation_n give_v many_o extraordinary_a large_a gift_n which_o they_o do_v not_o daily_o pour_v out_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o their_o ordinary_a government_n christ_n soon_o after_o his_o ascenfion_n pour_v out_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o in_o time_n succeed_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o of_o many_o other_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v enrich_v with_o all_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o utterance_n i_o cor._n 1.5_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v also_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o put_v upon_o the_o apostle_n a_o necessity_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o frequent_a speak_n with_o tongue_n by_o prefer_v pprophecy_n before_o it_o 1_o cor._n 14.2_o to_o 24._o so_o that_o though_o all_o they_o may_v prophesy_v as_o have_v extraordinary_a gift_n for_o it_o yet_o the_o like_a liberty_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o they_o that_o want_v the_o like_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n none_o beside_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v ordinary_o prophesy_v either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o synagogue_n unless_o they_o be_v either_o furnish_v with_o extraordinatie_a gift_n of_o pprophecy_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o train_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o calling_n as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n when_o amos_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o bethel_n to_o prophesy_v at_o bethel_n amos_n do_v not_o allege_v nor_o plead_v the_o liberty_n of_o any_o israelite_n to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n but_o allege_v only_o his_o extraordinary_a call_n amos_n 7.14_o 15._o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v man_n set_v apart_o and_o train_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o that_o call_n be_v allow_v the_o like_a liberty_n 1_o sam._n 19.20_o answ_n 2._o but_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o israel_n except_o samuel_n and_o eliah_n by_o special_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n in_o corinth_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o administer_v sacrament_n if_o any_o reply_n that_o if_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n have_v be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gist_n of_o prophefie_n they_o have_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o these_o be_v direct_v to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 14.22_o ans_fw-fr it_o follow_v not_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v to_o examine_v all_o prophecy_n by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v they_o but_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n psal_n 8.20_o yea_o and_o paul_n himself_o refer_v all_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n act._n 26.22_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o examine_v paul_n doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n act._n 17.11_o 12._o 2._o a_o second_o act_n of_o authority_n common_a to_o the_o elder_n be_v they_o have_v power_n as_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n shall_v require_v to_o call_v the_o church_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n together_o for_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6.2_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n stir_v up_o to_o call_v a_o solemn_a assembly_n to_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o sanctify_v a_o fast_a joel_n 1.13_o 14._o 3._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o power_n to_o examine_v if_o apostle_n than_o any_o other_o whether_o officer_n or_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.2_o a_o four_o act_n of_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n who_o the_o people_n have_v choose_v whether_o elder_n or_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o act._n 6.6_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n that_o the_o elder_n open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o send_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n act._n 13.15_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o power_n which_o call_v man_n to_o speak_v to_o put_v man_n to_o silence_v when_o they_o speak_v amiss_o and_o yet_o when_o the_o elder_n themselves_o do_v lie_v under_o offence_n or_o under_o suspicion_n of_o it_o the_o brethren_n have_v liberty_n to_o require_v satisfaction_n in_o a_o modest_a manner_n concern_v any_o public_a breach_n of_o rule_n as_o have_v be_v mention_v above_o out_o of_o act._n 11.2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n 6._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o elder_n to_o prepare_v matter_n beforehand_o which_o be_v to_o be_v transact_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v meet_v at_o the_o house_n of_o james_n give_v direction_n to_o paul_n how_o to_o carry_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v prevent_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v before_o they_o act._n 21.18_o hence_o when_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o brother_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o matth._n 18.17_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v beforehand_o to_o consider_v and_o inquire_v whether_o the_o offence_n be_v real_o give_v or_o no_o whether_o due_o prove_v and_o orderly_o proceed_v in_o by_o the_o brethren_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o not_o due_o satisfy_v by_o the_o offender_n lest_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n be_v open_o cumber_v with_o unnecessary_a and_o tedious_a agitation_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n transact_v before_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v along_o with_o most_o expedition_n and_o best_a edification_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o have_v power_n to_o reject_v causeless_a and_o disorderly_a complaint_n as_o well_o as_o to_o propound_v and_o handle_v just_a complaint_n before_o the_o congregation_n 7._o in_o the_o handle_n of_o a_o offence_n before_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n have_v authority_n both_o jus_fw-la dicere_fw-la and_o sententiam_fw-la serre_fw-la when_o the_o offence_n appear_v true_o scandalous_a the_o elder_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o inform_v the_o church_n what_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o a_o offence_n and_o when_o the_o
and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodall_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n act._n 15.27_o this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v those_o necessary_a thing_n which_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_a power_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n as_o a_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v to_o faith_n a_o obedience_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v gospel_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o minister_n for_o his_o calling_n sake_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v who_o so_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o and_o see_v also_o a_o synod_n sometime_o meet_v to_o convince_v and_o admonish_v a_o offend_a church_n or_o presbytery_n they_o have_v power_n therefore_o if_o they_o can_v heal_v the_o offender_n to_o determine_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o further_o see_v they_o meet_v likewise_o sometime_o for_o general_a reformation_n they_o have_v power_n to_o decree_n and_o publish_v such_o ordinance_n as_o may_v conduce_v according_a to_o god_n unto_o such_o reformation_n example_n whereof_o we_o read_v neh._n 10.32_o to_o 39_o 2_o chron._n 15.12_o 13._o for_o the_o second_o question_n how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n or_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n may_v concur_v with_o the_o elder_n in_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v be_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n as_o 1._o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n modest_o and_o christanly_n among_o the_o elder_n for_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o there_o be_v much_o disputation_n act._n 15.7_o so_o the_o multitude_n have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o disputation_n v._o 12._o for_o after_o peter_n speech_n it_o be_v say_v the_o whole_a multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o silence_n from_o what_o to_o wit_n from_o the_o speech_n last_o in_o hand_n among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v from_o disputation_n 2._o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o approve_v of_o the_o sentence_n of_o james_n and_o determine_v the_o same_o as_o the_o common_a sentence_n of_o they_o all_o 3._o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n and_o in_o writing_n synodall_n letter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o for_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n both_o these_o point_n be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n v._o 22.23_o to_o 29._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v choose_v man_n and_o to_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o see_v the_o whole_a church_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o those_o who_o he_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n v._o 22._o he_o call_v the_o brethren_n v._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n present_a in_o the_o synod_n have_v all_o this_o power_n of_o liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n lay_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 16.4_o that_o paul_n and_o silas_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n for_o to_o keep_v the_o decree_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o preserve_v to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n their_o due_a liberty_n and_o to_o reserve_v to_o the_o elder_n their_o due_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o elder_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v or_o conclude_v any_o act_n that_o shall_v bind_v the_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n which_o before_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o so_o apprehend_v it_o for_o what_o need_v church_n send_v to_o a_o synod_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n in_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v aforehand_o how_o far_o they_o will_v go_v it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n shall_v conclude_v in_o a_o synod_n any_o thing_n prejujudiciall_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v just_o expostulate_v with_o they_o at_o their_o return_n and_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o sancit_v but_o if_o the_o elder_n be_v gather_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o word_n or_o christ_n they_o may_v consider_v and_o conclude_v sundry_a point_n expedient_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o church_n which_o the_o church_n be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a of_o before_o as_o for_o the_o three_o question_n whether_o the_o synod_n have_v power_n to_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o use_n indifferent_a we_o shall_v answer_v it_o negative_o and_o our_o reason_n be_v 1._o from_o the_o pattern_n of_o that_o precedent_n of_o synod_n act._n 15.28_o they_o lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n but_o those_o necessary_a thing_n necessary_a though_o not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o for_o present_a use_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o eat_v thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n of_o the_o gentile_a and_o jew_n both_o by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n as_o paul_n expound_v that_o article_n of_o the_o synod_n 1_o cor._n 8.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o chap._n 10.28_o this_o ea_fw-la ing_z with_o offence_n be_v a_o murder_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n soul_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v forbear_v necessitate_n praecepti_fw-la by_o the_o necessity_n of_o god_n commandment_n 2._o a_o second_o reason_n may_v be_v from_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o apostolical_a commission_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o where_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v if_o then_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o a_o large_a commission_n than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n nor_o elder_n nor_o synod_n nor_o church_n can_v challenge_v if_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n speak_v only_o of_o teach_v such_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n answ_n if_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n shall_v hereupon_o usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n thing_n indifferent_a they_o must_v plead_v this_o their_o authority_n from_o some_o other_o commission_n give_v they_o elsewhere_o for_o in_o this_o place_n there_o be_v no_o foot_n step_n for_o any_o such_o power_n that_o much_o urge_v and_o much_o abuse_v place_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o will_v not_o reach_v it_o for_o though_o paul_n require_v in_o that_o place_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n whether_o prayer_n or_o prophesy_v or_o psalm_n or_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v decent_o and_o orderly_o he_o thereby_o forbid_v any_o performance_n thereof_o undecent_o as_o for_o man_n with_o long_a hair_n and_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o open_a assembly_n especial_o to_o pray_v with_o their_o hair_n loose_v about_o they_o and_o though_o he_o forbid_v also_o man_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o at_o once_o which_o to_o do_v be_v not_o order_n but_o confusion_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o himself_o enjoin_v nor_o allow_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o decent_a who_o want_n or_o who_o contrary_a be_v not_o undecent_a nor_o such_o order_n who_o want_n or_o
contrary_n will_v be_v no_o disorder_n suppose_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n shall_v enjoin_v their_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o a_o gown_n a_o gown_n be_v a_o decent_a garment_n to_o preach_v in_o yet_o such_o a_o injunction_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o then_o a_o minister_n in_o neglect_v to_o preach_v in_o a_o gown_n shall_v neglect_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o yet_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o for_o if_o he_o preach_v in_o a_o cloak_n he_o preach_v decent_o enough_o and_o that_o be_v all_o which_o the_o apostle_n canon_n reach_v to_o in_o these_o thing_n christ_n never_o provide_v for_o uniformity_n but_o only_o for_o unity_n for_o a_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o point_n and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n whether_o in_o a_o church_n or_o synod_n their_o office_n be_v stewardly_a not_o lordly_a they_o be_v ambassador_n from_o christ_n and_o for_o christ_n of_o a_o steward_n it_o be_v require_v he_o be_v find_v faithful_a 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v dispense_v no_o more_o injunction_n to_o god_n house_n than_o christ_n have_v appoint_v he_o neither_o may_v a_o ambassador_n proceed_v to_o do_v any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n further_o than_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o his_o commission_n from_o his_o prince_n if_o he_o go_v further_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o praevaricator_n not_o a_o ambassador_n but_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o a_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o hasty_o to_o censure_v the_o many_o notable_a precedent_n of_o ancient_a and_o late_a synod_n who_o have_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o power_n in_o both_o these_o kind_n only_o we_o doubt_v that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o for_o our_o own_o part_n if_o any_o occasion_n of_o use_v this_o power_n shall_v arise_v among_o ourselves_o which_o hitherto_o through_o prevent_v mercy_n it_o have_v not_o we_o in_o a_o synod_n shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o determine_v and_o to_o publish_v and_o declare_v our_o determination_n that_o the_o ordination_n of_o such_o as_o we_o find_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o as_o we_o find_v do_v deserve_v it_o will_v be_v a_o acceptable_a service_n both_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o church_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o both_o these_o act_n we_o shall_v refer_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o several_a church_n whereto_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v be_v call_v and_o whereof_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_a be_v a_o member_n and_o both_o act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o several_a church_n to_o who_o the_o matter_n appertain_v for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o precedent_n of_o synod_n act._n 15._o we_o find_v the_o false_a teacher_n declare_v to_o be_v disturber_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subverter_n of_o their_o soul_n act._n 15.24_o but_o no_o condign_a censure_n dispense_v against_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n a_o evident_a argument_n to_o we_o that_o they_o leave_v the_o censure_n of_o such_o offender_n in_o case_n they_o repent_v not_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o they_o do_v appertain_v and_o for_o synodical_a ordination_n although_o act._n 1._o be_v allege_v where_o mathias_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o act_v then_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v when_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n they_o by_o their_o presbyter_n impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o thereby_o separate_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostleship_n whereto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v call_v they_o act._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o whence_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o thereupon_o paul_n style_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 1.1_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n not_o in_o a_o synod_n chap._n vii_o touch_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o a_o explanation_n of_o independency_n what_o that_o church_n be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o whether_o this_o church_n have_v a_o independent_a power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o though_o they_o be_v make_v two_o distinct_a question_n yet_o if_o candide_o interpret_v they_o be_v but_o one_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o accident_n or_o adjunct_n the_o same_o be_v independent_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o derive_v it_o from_o any_o other_o subject_n like_o itself_o as_o if_o fire_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n than_o it_o depend_v upon_o no_o other_o subject_n for_o heat_n now_o in_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o power_n three_o thing_n concur_v 1._o it_o first_o receive_v that_o power_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n and_o that_o reciprocal_o 2._o it_o first_o add_v and_o put_v forth_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n 3._o it_o first_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o other_o as_o we_o see_v in_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n it_o first_o receive_v heat_n and_o that_o reciprocal_o all_o fire_n be_v hot_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v hot_a be_v fire_n or_o have_v fire_n in_o it_o again_o fire_n first_o put_v forth_o heat_n itself_o and_o also_o first_o communicate_v heat_n to_o whatsoever_o thing_n else_o be_v hot_a to_o come_v then_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o declare_v in_o a_o few_o proposition_n church-power_n be_v either_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a or_o subordinate_a and_o ministerial_a touch_v the_o former_a take_v this_o proposition_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o key_n he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v revel_v 3.7_o the_o government_n be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n isa_n 9.6_o and_o himself_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o grant_n to_o they_o apostolical_a power_n all_o power_n say_v he_o be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o go_v you_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n hence_o 1._o all_o legislative_a power_n power_n of_o make_v of_o law_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o he_o and_o not_o from_o he_o derive_v to_o any_o other_o jam._n 4.12_o isa_n 33.22_o the_o power_n derive_v to_o other_o be_v only_o to_o publish_v and_o execute_v his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o see_v they_o observe_v mat._n 28.20_o his_o law_n be_v perfect_a psal_n 19.9_o and_o do_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o and_o need_v no_o addition_n 2._o from_o his_o sovereign_a power_n it_o proceed_v that_o he_o only_o can_v erect_v and_o ordain_v a_o true_a constitution_n of_o a_o church-estate_n hebr._n 3.3_o to_o 6._o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o set_v the_o pattern_n of_o it_o as_o god_n give_v to_o david_n the_o pattern_n of_o solomon_n temple_n 1_o chron._n 28.19_o none_o have_v power_n to_o erect_v any_o other_o church-frame_n then_o as_o this_o masterbuilder_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o pattern_n thereof_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o church_n set_v up_o by_o he_o be_v nationall_n in_o the_o new_a congregationall_a yet_o so_o as_o that_o in_o sundry_a case_n it_o be_v order_v by_o he_o many_o congregation_n or_o their_o messenger_n may_v be_v assemble_v into_o a_o synod_n act._n 15._o 3._o it_o be_v from_o the_o same_o sovereign_a power_n that_o all_o the_o office_n or_o ministery_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ordain_v by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.5_o yea_o and_o all_o the_o member_n be_v set_v in_o the_o body_n by_o he_o together_o with_o all_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o place_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.18_o 4._o from_o this_o sovereign_a power_n in_o like_a sort_n it_o be_v that_o all_o gift_n to_o discharge_v any_o office_n by_o the_o officer_n or_o any_o duty_n by_o the_o member_n be_v from_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o all_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o be_v in_o he_o for_o that_o end_n col._n 2.3_o and_o v._o 9_o 10._o joh._n 1.16_o
5._o from_o this_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o spiritual_a power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o gift_n in_o these_o office_n and_o place_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o they_o be_v from_o he_o mat._n 28.20_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1.29_o 1_o cor._n 15.9_o the_o g_o odd_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n his_o purchase_n of_o his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o his_o deep_a humiliation_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v all_o of_o they_o obtain_v to_o he_o this_o his_o high_a exaltation_n to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o enjoy_v as_o king_n thereof_o this_o sovereign_a power_n col._n 1.19_o col._n 2.2_o 9_o 10._o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.8_o to_o 11._o but_o of_o this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o protestant_n especial_o studious_a of_o reformation_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o ministerial_a power_n we_o give_v these_o follow_a proposition_n i._n propos_fw-fr a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o saint_n profess_v the_o faith_n take_v indefinite_o for_o any_o church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o church-office_n with_o all_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o be_v execute_v among_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o gorinth_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o not_o as_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n unto_o they_o but_o common_a to_o they_o with_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o come_v all_o together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 23._o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o same_o church_n that_o god_n have_v set_v the_o officer_n and_o their_o gift_n and_o all_o variety_n of_o member_n and_o their_o function_n in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.28_o where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o translate_v some_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v set_v all_o but_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n v._n 27._o he_o proceed_v to_o exemplify_v those_o member_n in_o v._o 28._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v which_o member_n apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o the_o relative_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o gender_n with_o the_o antecedent_n before_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o respect_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o person_n intend_v rather_o than_o the_o gender_n of_o their_o name_n and_o to_o render_v the_o relative_n of_o the_o same_o gender_n and_o case_n with_o the_o substantive_n follow_n so_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a observation_n that_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o national_a church_n nor_o of_o any_o national_a officer_n give_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o a_o nationall_n church_n all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o jerusalem_n deut._n 16.16_o and_o he_o appoint_v they_o there_o a_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o certain_a solemn_a sacrifice_n by_o he_o to_o be_v administer_v leu._n 16.1_o to_o 29._o and_o together_o with_o he_o other_o priest_n and_o elder_n and_o judge_n to_o who_o all_o appeal_n shall_v be_v bring_v and_o who_o shall_v judge_v all_o difficult_a and_o transcendent_a case_n deut._n 17.8_o to_o 11._o but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o national_a church_n or_o high_a priest_n or_o court_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o yet_o we_o willing_o grant_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o equal_a power_n may_v in_o some_o case_n appoint_v by_o christ_n meet_v together_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o messenger_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o may_v perform_v sundry_a act_n of_o power_n there_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o the_o officer_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o synod_n yea_o and_o the_o synod_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o power_n they_o put_v forth_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o primary_o give_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o particular_a congregation_n either_o as_o the_o first_o subject_n in_o who_o they_o be_v resident_a or_o as_o the_o first_o object_n about_o who_o they_o be_v conversant_a and_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v gather_v and_o employ_v ii_o propos_fw-fr the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o apostolical_a power_n apostolical_a power_n stand_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o that_o each_o apostle_n have_v in_o he_o all_o ministerial_a power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n may_v exhort_v as_o pastor_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o teach_v as_o teacher_n 1_o tim._n 2.7_o rule_v as_o ruler_n 2_o tim._n 4.1_o receive_v and_o distribute_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deacon_n act._n 4.35_o yea_o any_o one_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v baptise_v yea_o and_o censure_v a_o offender_n too_o as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o he_o for_o we_o read_v that_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o church_n act._n 8.38_o and_o that_o paul_n himself_o excommunicate_v alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o he_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o any_o church_n or_o presbytery_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o where_o he_o can_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n in_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church-power_n he_o willing_o take_v it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o with_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o but_o when_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o ordain_v or_o excommunicate_v be_v absent_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o church_n the_o apostle_n may_v proceed_v to_o put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o church_n act_n without_o they_o the_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o power_n which_o they_o receive_v immediate_o from_o christ_n will_v bear_v they_o out_o in_o it_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n to_o wit_n with_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o sovereign_a power_n so_o send_v i_o you_o with_o like_a amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o ministerial_a power_n joh._n 20.21_o 2._o apostolical_a power_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o one_o their_o line_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n psal_n 19.4_o compare_v with_o rom._n 10._o and_o as_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v in_o all_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.19_o so_o they_o receive_v charge_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n sheep_n and_o lamb_n which_o impli_v all_o act_n of_o pastoral_a government_n over_o all_o the_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n of_o christ_n joh._n 21.15_o 16_o 17._o now_o this_o apostolical_a power_n centre_v all_o church-power_n into_o one_o man_n and_o extend_v itself_o forth_o to_o the_o circumference_n of_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o so_o be_v they_o also_o the_o last_o nevertheless_o that_o ample_a and_o universal_a latitude_n of_o power_n which_o be_v conjoin_v in_o they_o be_v now_o divide_v even_o by_o themselves_o among_o all_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n respective_o the_o officer_n of_o each_o church_n attend_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o neglect_v the_o good_a of_o other_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v mutual_o helpful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n iii_o propos_fw-fr when_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o of_o church-authority_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o
church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n of_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o branch_n 1._o that_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n 2._o that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-authority_n 3._o that_o both_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o own_o body_n now_o that_o the_o key_n of_o church-priviledge_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o key_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v declare_v above_o in_o chapt._n 3_o but_o that_o these_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n and_o first_o the_o church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o liberty_n may_v appear_v thus_o from_o the_o removal_n of_o any_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n or_o liberty_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v derive_v it_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o church-liberty_n than_o they_o derive_v it_o either_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n or_o from_o other_o church_n but_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n for_o they_o have_v power_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v this_o liberty_n before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o derive_v it_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a liberty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o we_o read_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o of_o ephesus_n nor_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o corinth_n no_o nor_o that_o of_o cenchrea_fw-mi to_o corinth_n though_o it_o be_v a_o church_n situate_a in_o their_o vicinity_n nor_o do_v they_o derive_v their_o liberty_n from_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n for_o we_o find_v no_o foot-step_n in_o the_o pattern_n of_o synod_n act._n 15._o that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n borrow_v any_o of_o their_o liberty_n from_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o borrow_v indeed_o light_a from_o they_o and_o decree_n tend_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o upon_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o truth_n act_n 16.4_o 5._o and_o also_o in_o consolation_n and_o peace_n act._n 15.31_o 32._o but_o they_o do_v not_o borrow_v from_o they_o any_o church-liberty_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 1._o from_o the_o charge_n of_o rule_n over_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o immediate_o from_o christ_n for_o though_o the_o elder_n be_v choose_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n yet_o the_o office_n itself_o be_v ordain_v immediate_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n annex_v to_o the_o office_n be_v limit_v by_o christ_n only_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v elect_v a_o presbytery_n to_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n this_o will_v not_o excuse_v the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o neglect_n of_o rule_n either_o before_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o thus_o run_v the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n 2._o the_o same_o appear_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o rule_n require_v especial_o in_o a_o elder_a without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o election_n to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 4_o 5._o he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n or_o else_o how_o shall_v he_o order_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o like_a gift_n of_o rule_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o elder_a if_o a_o private_a brother_n be_v not_o so_o well_o able_a through_o weakness_n in_o prudence_n or_o courage_n to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n it_o will_v not_o just_o debar_v he_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n but_o the_o like_a defect_n will_v just_o debar_v a_o man_n from_o election_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a neither_o have_v god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n ordinary_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o neither_o have_v he_o give_v they_o the_o first_o receipt_n of_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o gift_n to_o employ_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v how_o can_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n invest_v a_o elder_a with_o rule_n over_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o themselves_o to_o communicate_v to_o he_o ans_fw-fr they_o invest_v he_o with_o rule_n partly_o by_o choose_v he_o to_o the_o office_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v with_o rule_n partly_o by_o profess_v their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o relative_n do_v necessary_o infer_v and_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n over_o they_o for_o in_o yield_a subjection_n they_o either_o set_v up_o or_o acknowledge_v authority_n in_o he_o to_o who_o they_o yield_v subjection_n ob._n 2._o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o ought_v not_o the_o wife_n to_o rule_v the_o servant_n and_o steward_n in_o the_o house_n rather_o than_o they_o she_o be_v it_o not_o meet_v that_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n shall_v hang_v at_o her_o girdle_n rather_o than_o at_o they_o answ_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o queen_n princess_n lady_n of_o great_a honour_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o christ_n psal_n 45.9_o and_o country_n huswife_n poor_a man_n wife_n queen_n and_o great_a person_n have_v several_a office_n and_o officer_n for_o every_o business_n and_o service_n about_o the_o house_n as_o chamberlain_n steward_n treasurer_n comptroller_n usher_n bailiff_n groom_n and_o porter_n who_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o lord_n house_n in_o their_o hand_n there_o be_v not_o a_o key_n leave_v in_o the_o queen_n hand_n of_o any_o office_n but_o only_o of_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o call_v for_o what_o she_o want_v according_a to_o the_o king_n royal_a allowance_n which_o if_o she_o exceed_v the_o officer_n have_v power_n to_o restrain_v she_o by_o order_n from_o the_o king_n but_o country_n huswife_n and_o poor_a man_n wife_n who_o husband_n have_v no_o officer_n bailiff_n or_o steward_n to_o oversee_v and_o order_v their_o estate_n they_o may_v carry_v the_o key_n of_o any_o office_n at_o their_o own_o girdle_n which_o the_o husband_n keep_v not_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o because_o poor_a huswife_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o the_o house_n then_o queen_n but_o because_o of_o their_o poverty_n and_o mean_a estate_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o many_o servant_n to_o their_o husband_n obj._n 3_o the_o whole_a body_n natural_a be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o any_o member_n in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o faculty_n of_o sight_n be_v first_o in_o the_o body_n before_o in_o the_o eye_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n alike_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n there_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o each_o part_n actual_o inexistent_a though_o not_o exert_v or_o put_v forth_o themselves_o till_o each_o member_n be_v articulate_v and_o form_v but_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o the_o several_a function_n of_o church_n power_n be_v not_o actual_o inexistent_a in_o the_o body_n of_o brethren_n unless_o some_o of_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n which_o often_o they_o have_v not_o have_v neither_o presbyter_n nor_o man_n fit_a to_o be_v presbyter_n now_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v