be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 9.1_o but_o this_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v here_o put_v in_o the_o neuter_n gender_n not_o in_o the_o masculine_a whosoever_o to_o imply_v both_o thing_n and_o person_n thing_n as_o sin_n person_n as_o those_o that_o commit_v they_o for_o so_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o the_o same_o key_n joh._n 20.21_o he_o explain_v himself_o thus_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o therefore_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v on_o earth_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n now_o this_o bind_n and_o lose_v of_o whatsoever_o sin_n in_o whosever_v commit_v they_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o partly_o in_o his_o outward_a estate_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v in_o other_o term_n either_o in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la or_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la as_o when_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n than_o his_o sin_n be_v retain_v his_o conscience_n be_v bind_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o bind_v under_o some_o church-censure_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o desert_n of_o his_o offence_n and_o if_o his_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o heinous_a himself_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o confess_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v before_o his_o people_n also_o and_o then_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o his_o conscience_n loose_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o have_v open_a and_o free_a entrance_n both_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o the_o five_o point_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v the_o text_n say_v to_o thou_o simon_n peter_n the_o son_n of_o jona_n who_o christ_n bless_v and_o pronounce_v bless_v upon_o his_o holy_a confession_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n promise_v both_o to_o use_v he_o and_o his_o confession_n as_o a_o instrument_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o also_o to_o give_v he_o the_o key_n of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v of_o it_o but_o it_o have_v prove_v abusie_a question_n how_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o receive_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o a_o elder_a for_o a_o elder_a also_o he_o be_v 1_o pet._n 5.1_o or_o as_o a_o believer_n profess_v his_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n now_o because_o we_o be_v as_o well_o studious_a of_o peace_n as_o of_o truth_n we_o will_v not_o lean_v to_o one_o of_o these_o interpretation_n more_o than_o to_o another_o take_v any_o of_o they_o it_o will_v not_o hinder_v our_o purpose_n in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n though_o to_o speak_v ingenuous_o and_o without_o offence_n what_o we_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n will_v be_v most_o full_a if_o all_o the_o several_a consideration_n be_v take_v joint_o together_o take_v peter_n consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o apostle_n but_o a_o elder_a also_o yea_o and_o a_o believer_n too_o profess_v his_o faith_n all_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o for_o there_o be_v a_o different_a power_n give_v to_o all_o these_o to_o a_o apostle_n to_o a_o elder_a to_o a_o believer_n and_o peter_n be_v all_o these_o and_o receive_v all_o the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o to_o all_o of_o these_o together_o for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v peter_n as_o well_o as_o any_o apostle_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la so_o far_o as_o either_o any_o church-officer_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n itself_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o john_n 20.21_o so_o that_o austin_n do_v not_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v peter_n receive_v the_o key_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o we_o from_o this_o place_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o will_v challenge_v no_o further_o power_n either_o to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o to_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v more_o express_o grant_v to_o they_o in_o other_o scripture_n now_o in_o other_o scripture_n it_o appear_v first_o that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o retain_v or_o remit_v of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o to_o peter_n joh._n 20.21.23_o second_o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o elder_n the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o therefore_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o they_o also_o three_o it_o appear_v far_a that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o body_n likewise_o of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o fraternity_n with_o the_o presbytery_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n communicate_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v to_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o offender_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o a_o offender_n say_v he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n that_o be_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o censure_n administer_v by_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o ratifi_v with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o place_n howsoever_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o classical_a and_o congregationall_a divine_n what_o shall_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n tell_v the_o church_n whether_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o congregation_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v agreement_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o that_o no_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o with_o some_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o least_o by_o way_n 1._o of_o consent_n to_o the_o sentence_n 2._o of_o actual_a execution_n of_o it_o by_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o offender_n so_o convict_v and_o censure_v now_o this_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o power_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o censure_n we_o conceive_v be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o peter_n then_o receive_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n than_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o name_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v any_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n or_o church_n or_o if_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o a_o apostle_n only_o yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o as_o he_o there_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o same_o power_n either_o there_o or_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o each_o church_n receive_v if_o not_o there_o yet_o elsewhere_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n each_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n receive_v that_o portion_n also_o of_o church-power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n and_o their_o power_n or_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n thereof_o the_o ordinary_a distribution_n of_o the_o key_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v thus_o deliver_v there_o be_v clavis_fw-la 1._o scientiae_fw-la a_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o clavis_fw-la 2._o potestatis_fw-la key_n of_o power_n and_o the_o key_n of_o power_n be_v 1._o ordinis_fw-la either_o a_o key_n of_o order_n or_o a_o key_n of_o 2._o jurisdictionis_fw-la jurisdiction_n this_o distribution_n though_o it_o go_v for_o current_n both_o among_o
word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n above_o they_o the_o elder_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1._o tim._n 5.17_o 5_o conclus_fw-la when_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o of_o the_o pastor_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n be_v call_v bishop_n for_o order_n sake_n yet_o for_o many_o year_n he_o do_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_o 1_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2_o with_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v note_v out_o of_o eusebius_n ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 6._o ca._n 43._o gr._n ca._n 35._o lat._n cyprian_n epist_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 10._o &_o lib._n 1._o epist_n 3._o casanb_n adversus_fw-la baronium_n exercitat_fw-la 15._o num_fw-la 28._o when_o it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o hiereme_a to_o confirm_v the_o same_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilie_o ecelesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o poor_a evasion_n to_o put_v it_o off_o with_o observe_v that_o he_o say_v communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilie_o not_o authoritate_fw-la for_o 1._o no_o authority_n be_v due_a to_o presbyter_n over_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n no_o more_o then_o to_o the_o pastor_n over_o they_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow-elders_a and_o coequal_a in_o authority_n and_o 2._o when_o hiereme_a say_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n but_o all_o with_o it_o else_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o bishop_n govern_v the_o church_n with_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o wit_n ask_v but_o not_o follow_v and_o that_o will_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o hieronus_fw-la testimony_n to_o say_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o ask_v the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o in_o ask_v their_o counsel_n and_o not_o follow_v it_o the_o bishop_n shall_v order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n against_o their_o counsel_n now_o that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o against_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n be_v flat_a contradictory_n 2._o for_o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v with_o their_o elder_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o own_o body_n it_o be_v take_v from_o their_o indispensable_a and_o independent_a power_n in_o church_n censure_n the_o censure_n that_o be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n now_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n for_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o if_o the_o offender_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v onearth_v shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n against_o this_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n many_o objection_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v but_o none_o that_o will_v hold_v object_n 1._o by_o church_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o extant_a nor_o can_v the_o apostle_n than_o have_v understand_v christ_n if_o he_o have_v so_o mean_v but_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o he_o deliver_v their_o censure_n in_o a_o jewish_a phrase_n to_o account_v a_o man_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n answ_n 1._o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o then_o extant_a yet_o the_o apostle_n know_v as_o well_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o as_o they_o understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o it_o be_v enough_o the_o apostle_n look_v for_o a_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v gather_v and_o build_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n and_o be_v build_v shall_v be_v endue_v with_o heavenly_a power_n in_o their_o censure_n which_o they_o more_o full_o understand_v afterward_o when_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o come_v to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n answ_n 2._o the_o allusion_n in_o the_o church-censure_n to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n in_o account_v a_o man_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n do_v not_o argue_v that_o christ_n direct_v his_o disciple_n to_o complain_v of_o scandal_n to_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n but_o only_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o walk_v towards_o obstinate_a offender_n excommunicate_a by_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o wit_n to_o walk_v towards_o they_o as_o the_o jew_n walk_v towards_o heathen_n to_o wit_n deny_v to_o they_o religious_a communion_n and_o as_o towards_o publican_n withhold_a from_o they_o familiar_a civil_a communion_n for_o so_o the_o jew_n say_v to_o christ_n disciple_n why_o eat_v your_o master_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n answ_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o christ_n will_v send_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v complaint_n of_o their_o offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o first_o be_v it_o likely_a he_o will_v send_v his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n for_o right_a and_o heal_a unto_o wolf_n and_o tiger_n both_o their_o sanhedrim_n and_o most_o of_o their_o synogogue_n be_v no_o better_o and_o if_o here_o and_o there_o some_o elder_n of_o their_o synagogue_n be_v better_o affect_v yet_o how_o may_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o it_o be_v where_o any_o of_o themselves_o dwell_v and_o if_o that_o may_v appear_v too_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o jew_n already_o agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 9.22_o object_n 2._o against_o the_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o bishop_n or_o his_o commissary_n answ_n 1._o one_o man_n be_v not_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v one_o man_n may_v represent_v a_o church_n the_o reply_n be_v ready_a one_o man_n can_v represent_v the_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n but_o so_o be_v neither_o the_o bishop_n nor_o his_o commissary_n they_o not_o for_o they_o but_o they_o come_v unsent_a for_o like_o water_n into_o a_o ship_n chief_o for_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o though_o some_o of_o christ_n servant_n have_v find_v some_o favour_n from_o some_o few_o of_o bishop_n man_n of_o more_o learning_n and_o ingenuity_n yet_o those_o bishop_n have_v find_v the_o less_o favour_n themselves_o from_o their_o fellow-bishop_n answ_n 2._o the_o bishop_n ordinary_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o congregation_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v and_o what_o be_v his_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n give_v to_o the_o church_n answ_n 3._o the_o new_a testament_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n as_o claim_v honour_n above_o the_o elder_n that_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o object_n 3._o to_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v to_o tell_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o we_o deny_v not_o the_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o not_o to_o they_o as_o the_o church_n but_o as_o the_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n who_o if_o upon_o hear_v the_o cause_n and_o examine_v the_o witness_n they_o find_v it_o ripe_a for_o public_a censure_n they_o be_v then_o to_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o try_v and_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o church_n discern_v full_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n may_v consent_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n against_o it_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o they_o all_o who_o hear_v and_o fear_v will_v learn_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a wickedness_n answ_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v never_o put_v for_o the_o presbytery_n alone_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v express_o for_o the_o fraternity_n alone_o as_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n act._n 15.22_o and_o therefore_o tell_v the_o church_n can_v be_v mean_v tell_v the_o presbytery_n alone_o object_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o congregation_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o
the_o church_n sake_n that_o they_o who_o receive_v this_o grace_n of_o faith_n by_o it_o may_v receive_v christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n and_o therewith_o may_v receive_v also_o this_o privilege_n to_o find_v a_o open_a door_n set_v before_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o key_n of_o order_n speak_v as_o we_o do_v of_o church_n order_n as_o paul_n do_v col._n 2.5_o belong_v to_o all_o such_o who_o be_v in_o church_n order_n whether_o elder_n or_o brethren_n for_o though_o elder_n be_v in_o a_o superior_a order_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o office_n yet_o the_o brethren_n over_o who_o the_o elder_n be_v make_v overseer_n and_o ruler_n they_o stand_v also_o in_o a_o order_n even_o in_o orderly_a subjection_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a every_o faithful_a soul_n that_o have_v receive_v a_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v bind_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o neighbour_n soul_n as_o his_o own_o and_o to_o admonish_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n unless_o he_o be_v a_o scorner_n but_o this_o he_o do_v non_fw-la ratione_fw-la ordinis_fw-la sed_fw-la intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la not_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o state_n of_o order_n which_o he_o be_v in_o till_o in_o church_n fellowship_n but_o as_o of_o common_a christian_a love_n and_o charity_n but_o every_o faithful_a christian_a who_o stand_v in_o church_n order_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o well_o respectu_fw-la ordinis_fw-la as_o intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o that_o royal_a law_n not_o only_o of_o love_n but_o of_o church_n order_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o whereby_o if_o his_o brother_n who_o offend_v he_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o his_o conviction_n and_o admonition_n he_o be_v then_o according_a to_o order_n to_o proceed_v further_o take_v one_o or_o two_o with_o he_o and_o if_o the_o offender_n refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o also_o than_o he_o be_v by_o order_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o afterward_o walk_v towards_o he_o as_o god_n shall_v direct_v the_o church_n to_o order_v it_o chap._n four_o of_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o church_n privilege_n power_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v this_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o gal._n 5.13_o in_o the_o place_n quote_v and_o open_v before_o brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v to_o liberty_n and_o indeed_o as_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o commonwealth_n the_o right_a and_o due_a establishment_n and_o balance_v of_o the_o liberty_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n may_v be_v call_v a_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o it_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o church_n estate_n the_o right_a and_o due_a settle_v and_o order_v of_o the_o holy_a power_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o gospel_n allow_v no_o church_n authority_n or_o rule_v proper_o so_o call_v to_o the_o brethren_n but_o reserve_v that_o whole_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o yet_o prevent_v the_o tyranny_n and_o oligarchy_n and_o exorbitancy_n of_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o large_a and_o firm_a establishment_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o arise_v to_o a_o power_n in_o they_o bucers_n axiom_n be_v here_o notable_a potestaspenes_n omnem_fw-la ecclesiame_v authoritas_fw-la ministerii_fw-la penes_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la &_o episcopos_fw-la in_o mat._n 16.19_o where_o potestas_fw-la or_o power_n be_v contradistinguish_v from_o authoritas_fw-la authority_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o liberty_n or_o privilege_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o brethren_n or_o of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a 1._o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n have_v the_o power_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n in_o to_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n the_o people_n go_v as_o far_o as_o humane_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n can_v go_v out_o of_o 120._o person_n v._n 15._o they_o choose_v out_o and_o present_v two_o out_o of_o which_o two_o because_o a_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v design_v immediate_o by_o god_n god_n by_o lot_n choose_v one_o and_o yet_o this_o one_o so_o choose_v of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d communibus_fw-la omnium_fw-la fuffragiis_fw-la inter_fw-la duodecim_fw-la apostolos_fw-la allectus_fw-la est_fw-la v._o 26._o be_v count_v among_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o they_o all_o and_o this_o place_n cyprian_n press_v among_o other_o to_o confirm_v the_o power_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v or_o refuse_v their_o minister_n plebs_fw-la christiana_n say_v he_o vel_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la ve_z indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la epistol_n 4._o lib._n 1._o the_o like_a or_o great_a liberty_n be_v general_o approve_v by_o the_o best_a of_o our_o divine_n studious_a of_o reformation_n from_o act._n 14.23_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n choose_v by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n the_o same_o power_n be_v clear_o express_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6.3.5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o choose_v the_o deacon_n but_o call_v the_o multitude_n together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o seven_o man_n among_o you_o who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n or_o a_o liberty_n the_o church_n have_v receive_v to_o send_v forth_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o elder_n as_o the_o public_a service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v thus_o epaphroditus_n be_v a_o messenger_n or_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n unto_o paul_n phil._n 2.25_o 3._o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n and_o liberty_n of_o propound_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o their_o communion_n or_o unto_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o hence_o saul_n when_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o at_o first_o admit_v thereto_o upon_o a_o exception_n take_v against_o he_o by_o the_o disciple_n till_o that_o exception_n be_v remove_v act._n 9.26_o 27._o and_o peter_n do_v not_o admit_v the_o family_n of_o cornelius_n to_o baptism_n till_o he_o have_v inquire_v of_o the_o brethren_n if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o it_o act._n 10.47_o 4._o as_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o privilege_n to_o expostulate_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o case_n of_o private_a scandal_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n mat._n 18.15_o 16._o so_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o brethren_n have_v power_n and_o privilege_n to_o join_v with_o the_o elder_n in_o inquire_v hear_v judge_v of_o public_a scandal_n so_o as_o to_o bind_v notorious_a offender_n and_o impenitent_n under_o censure_n and_o to_o forgive_v the_o repentant_a for_o when_o christ_n command_v a_o brother_n in_o case_n that_o offence_n can_v be_v heal_v private_o then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n mat._n 18.17_o it_o necessary_o impli_v that_o the_o church_n must_v hear_v he_o and_o inquire_v into_o the_o offence_n complain_v of_o and_o judge_v of_o the_o offence_n as_o they_o find_v it_o upon_o inquiry_n when_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n expostulate_v with_o peter_n about_o his_o communion_n with_o cornelius_n and_o his_o uncircumcised_a family_n peter_n do_v not_o reject_v they_o and_o their_o complaint_n against_o he_o as_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o just_a power_n and_o privilege_n but_o ready_o address_v himself_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o all_o act._n 1_o 1_o 2_o to_o 18._o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o their_o elder_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o with_o his_o power_n do_v deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n to_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o paul_n reprove_v they_o all_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n that_o they_o have_v no_o soon_o put_v he_o away_o from_o among_o they_o v._o 2._o and_o express_o he_o allow_v to_o they_o all_o power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o v._o 22._o yea_o and_o from_o thence_o argue_v in_o all_o the_o saint_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o ability_n to_o judge_v between_o brethren_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v from_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n
withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o so_o paul_n instruct_v and_o beseech_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n foresee_v will_v most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o counsel_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n i_o beseech_v you_o say_v he_o mark_v such_o as_o cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n you_o have_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d withdraw_v from_o they_o so_o then_o by_o the_o agitation_n of_o this_o objection_n there_o appear_v two_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n more_o to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a one_o be_v this_o which_o be_v the_o five_o liberty_n in_o member_n the_o church_n have_v liberty_n in_o case_n of_o dissension_n among_o themselves_o to_o resort_v to_o a_o synod_n act._n 15.1_o 2._o where_o also_o it_o appear_v the_o brethren_n enjoy_v this_o liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v ver_fw-la 7.12_o to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o definitive_a sentence_n and_o in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o same_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o the_o sixth_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o they_o want_v authority_n to_o excommunicate_v for_o as_o they_o set_v up_o the_o presbytery_n by_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o they_o avoid_v they_o by_o profess_a withdraw_v their_o subjection_n from_o they_o according_a to_o god_n a_o seven_o and_o last_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v liberty_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n communion_n we_o say_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a liberty_n that_o no_o particular_a church_n stand_v in_o subjection_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n no_o not_o to_o a_o cathedral_n church_n but_o that_o all_o the_o church_n enjoy_v mutual_a brotherly_a communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o communion_n be_v mutual_o exercise_v among_o they_o seven_o way_n which_o for_o brevity_n and_o memory_n sake_n we_o sum_n up_o in_o seven_o word_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o participation_n 2._o of_o recommendation_n 3._o of_o consultation_n 4._o of_o congregation_n into_o a_o synod_n 5._o of_o contribution_n 6._o of_o admonition_n 7._o of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o participation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n occasional_o come_v to_o another_o church_n where_o the_o lord_n supper_n come_v to_o be_v administer_v be_v willing_o admit_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o case_n that_o neither_o themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v lie_n under_o any_o public_a offence_n for_o we_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n not_o only_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o with_o his_o member_n in_o our_o own_o church_n but_o also_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n 2._o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n letter_n be_v send_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o recommend_v to_o their_o watchfulness_n and_o communion_n any_o of_o their_o member_n who_o by_o occasion_n of_o business_n be_v for_o a_o time_n to_o reside_v among_o they_o as_o paul_n send_v letter_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o phoebe_n a_o deaconesse_n of_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 16.1_o 2._o and_o of_o these_o kind_n of_o letter_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o coriuth_v also_o though_o not_o as_o needful_a to_o himself_o who_o be_v well_o know_v to_o they_o yet_o for_o other_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o but_o if_o a_o member_n of_o one_o church_n have_v just_a occasion_n to_o remove_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n to_o take_v up_o his_o settle_a habitation_n in_o another_o church_n than_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o church_n in_o his_o behalf_n do_v recommend_v he_o to_o their_o perpetual_a watchfulness_n and_o communion_n and_o if_o the_o other_o church_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o refuse_v he_o they_o of_o his_o own_o church_n do_v by_o those_o letter_n whole_o dismiss_v he_o from_o themselves_o whereupon_o the_o letter_n for_o distinction_n sake_n be_v call_v letter_n of_o dismission_n which_o indeed_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o durance_n of_o the_o recommendation_n the_o one_o recommend_v he_o for_o a_o time_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o 3._o by_o way_n of_o consultation_n one_o church_n have_v liberty_n of_o communicate_v with_o another_o to_o require_v their_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n touch_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v then_o themselves_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o their_o messenger_n consult_v with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n act._n 15.3_o although_o the_o consultation_n bring_v forth_o a_o further_a effect_n of_o communion_n with_o church_n to_o wit_n their_o congregation_n into_o a_o synod_n which_o be_v the_o four_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n all_o of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o like_a liberty_n of_o send_v their_o messenger_n to_o debate_n and_o determine_v in_o a_o synod_n such_o matter_n as_o do_v concern_v they_o all_o as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v messenger_n to_o jerusalem_n for_o resolution_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o doubt_n that_o trouble_v they_o the_o like_a liberty_n by_o proportion_n may_v any_o other_o church_n have_v take_v yea_o many_o church_n together_o yea_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o case_n that_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o what_o authority_n these_o synod_n have_v receive_v and_o may_v put_v forth_o will_v come_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o sequel_n a_o five_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v the_o liberty_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v mutual_a supply_n and_o succour_v one_o from_o another_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n communicate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n their_o spiritual_a treasure_n of_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n minister_v back_o again_o to_o they_o liberal_a oblation_n of_o outward_a beneficence_n rom._n 15.26_o 27._o act._n 11.29_o 30._o when_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n abound_v with_o more_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a gift_a man_n then_o the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o fast_v and_o pray_v as_o for_o other_o end_n so_o for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n open_v they_o a_o door_n for_o the_o succour_n of_o many_o country_n about_o they_o by_o the_o send_n forth_o of_o some_o of_o they_o act._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o a_o six_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o mutual_a admonition_n when_o a_o public_a offence_n be_v find_v among_o any_o of_o they_o for_o as_o paul_n have_v liberty_n to_o admonish_v peter_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o antioch_n when_o he_o see_v he_o walk_v not_o with_o a_o right_a foot_n and_o yet_o paul_n have_v no_o authority_n over_o peter_n but_o only_o both_o of_o they_o have_v equal_a mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o gal._n 2.11_o to_o 14._o so_o by_o the_o same_o proportion_n one_o church_n have_v liberty_n to_o admonish_v another_o though_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n see_v one_o church_n have_v as_o much_o interest_n in_o another_o as_o one_o apostle_n in_o another_o and_o if_o by_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n one_o brother_n have_v liberty_n to_o admonish_v his_o brother_n in_o the_o same_o church_n mat._n 18.15_o 16._o then_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a watchfulness_n one_o church_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v another_o in_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o they_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n take_v care_n not_o only_o for_o her_o own_o member_n but_o for_o her_o little_a sister_n which_o she_o think_v have_v no_o breast_n yea_o and_o consult_v with_o other_o church_n what_o to_o do_v for_o she_o cant._n 8.8_o and_o will_v she_o not_o then_o have_v take_v like_o care_n in_o case_n their_o little_a sister_n have_v breast_n her_o breast_n have_v be_v distemper_v and_o give_v corrupt_a matter_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n a_o seven_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v be_v by_o way_n of_o propagation_n and_o multiplication_n of_o church_n as_o when_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v grow_v so_o full_a of_o member_n as_o all_o of_o they_o can_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n then_o as_o a_o hive_n full_a of_o bee_n swarm_v forth_o so_o be_v the_o church_n occasion_v to_o send_v forth_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o her_o member_n fit_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n and_o to_o carry_v along_o churchwork_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o that_o end_n they_o either_o send_v forth_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o their_o
church_n discern_v the_o same_o and_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o but_o condescend_v thereto_o it_o be_v a_o further_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n power_n to_o give_v sentence_n against_o the_o offender_n both_o these_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foretell_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 44.23_o 24._o they_o shall_v teach_v my_o people_n the_o difference_n between_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o discern_v between_o the_o unclean_a and_o the_o clean_a and_o in_o controversy_n they_o shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n and_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n 8._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n with_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n num._n 6.23_o to_o 26._o heb._n 7.7_o 9_o the_o elder_n have_v receive_v power_n to_o charge_v any_o of_o the_o people_n in_o private_a that_o none_o of_o they_o live_v either_o inordinate_o without_o a_o calling_n or_o idle_o in_o their_o call_n or_o scandalous_o in_o any_o sort_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o &_o ver_fw-la 8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o apostle_n command_n argue_v a_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n to_o charge_v these_o duty_n upon_o the_o people_n effectual_o 10._o what_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o a_o synod_n be_v more_o fit_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n 11._o in_o case_n the_o church_n shall_v fall_v away_o to_o blasphemy_n against_o christ_n and_o obstinate_a rejection_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o either_o no_o synod_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o no_o help_n by_o a_o synod_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o withdraw_v or_o separate_z the_o disciple_n from_o they_o and_o to_o carry_v away_o the_o ordinance_n with_o they_o and_o therewithal_o sad_o to_o denounce_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o act._n 19.9_o exod._n 33.7_o mark_n 6.11_o luk._n 10_o 11._o act._n 13.46_o obj._n but_o if_o elder_n have_v all_o this_o power_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o act_n of_o rule_n partly_o over_o the_o private_a member_n partly_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o be_v they_o then_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o answ_n the_o elder_n to_o be_v both_o servant_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n may_v both_o of_o they_o stand_v well_o together_o for_o their_o rule_n be_v not_o lordly_a as_o if_o they_o rule_v of_o themselves_o or_o for_o themselves_o but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o christ_n and_o also_o from_o their_o call_n and_o withal_o rule_v the_o church_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o church_n even_o for_o their_o spiritual_a everlasting_a good_a a_o queen_n may_v call_v her_o servant_n her_o mariner_n to_o pilot_n and_o conduct_v she_o over_o the_o sea_n to_o such_o a_o haven_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v by_o she_o to_o such_o a_o office_n she_o must_v not_o rule_v they_o in_o steer_v their_o course_n but_o must_v submit_v herself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v she_o to_o her_o desire_a haven_n so_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o church_n and_o her_o elder_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v to_o synod_n synod_n we_o acknowledge_v be_v right_o order_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o assembly_n we_o find_v three_o just_a cause_n in_o scripture_n 1._o when_o a_o church_n want_v light_n or_o peace_n at_o home_n desire_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o other_o church_n few_o or_o more_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v annoy_v with_o corrupt_a teacher_n who_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o breed_v no_o small_a dissension_n among_o they_o in_o the_o church_n they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o messenger_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o join_v the_o elder_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o doubtless_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n it_o argue_v that_o they_o send_v not_o to_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a and_o authentical_a oracle_n of_o god_n for_o then_o what_o need_v the_o advice_n and_o help_v of_o elder_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o holy_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n who_o may_v not_o only_o relieve_v they_o by_o some_o wise_a counsel_n and_o holy_a order_n but_o also_o set_v a_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n how_o error_n and_o dissension_n in_o church_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o heal_v and_o the_o course_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n take_v for_o clear_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o by_o publish_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n with_o apostolic_a authority_n from_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o by_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o free_a disputation_n act._n 15._o v._n 7._o which_o be_v as_o fit_v a_o course_n for_o imitation_n in_o after_o age_n as_o it_o be_v seasonable_a for_o practice_n then_o 2._o just_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n give_v we_o another_o ground_n for_o the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n or_o of_o their_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n when_o any_o church_n lie_v under_o scandal_n through_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v by_o more_o private_a advertisement_n of_o their_o own_o member_n or_o of_o their_o neighbour_n minister_n or_o brethren_n for_o there_o be_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n as_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o between_o the_o church_n we_o have_v a_o little_a sister_n say_v one_o church_n to_o another_o cant._n 8.8_o therefore_o church_n have_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n among_o themselves_o look_v then_o as_o one_o brother_n be_v offend_v with_o another_o and_o not_o able_a to_o heal_v he_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n private_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o by_o proportion_n if_o one_o church_n see_v matter_n of_o offence_n in_o another_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o heal_v it_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n it_o will_v hehove_v they_o to_o procure_v the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n that_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v orderly_o hear_v and_o judge_v and_o remove_v 3._o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o state_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o country_n may_v be_v corrupt_v and_o beginning_n to_o discern_v their_o corruption_n may_v desire_v the_o concourse_n and_o counsel_n of_o one_o another_o for_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a and_o general_a reformation_n and_o then_o so_o meeting_n and_o confer_v together_o may_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o conclude_v and_o determine_v upon_o a_o course_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a heal_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o frequent_a practice_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o asa_n 2_o cron._n 15.10_o to_o 15._o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o to_o 19_o in_o the_o time_n of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34.29_o to_o 33._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n ezra_n 10.1_o to_o 5._o these_o and_o the_o like_a example_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o israelite_n as_o one_o entire_a national_a church_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o appeal_v from_o every_o synagogue_n and_o court_n in_o israel_n to_o the_o national_a high_a priest_n and_o court_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v all_o of_o they_o subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o precedent_n be_v usual_o wave_v by_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o not_o appliable_a to_o christian_a church_n but_o these_o example_n hold_v forth_o no_o superiority_n in_o one_o church_n or_o court_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o equal_a manner_n give_v advice_n in_o common_a and_o take_v one_o common_a course_n for_o redress_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o such_o example_n be_v fit_a precedent_n for_o church_n of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o assemble_v togegether_o and_o take_v order_n with_o one_o accord_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o all_o now_o a_o synod_n be_v assemble_v three_o question_n arise_v about_o their_o power_n 1._o what_o be_v that_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v 2._o how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n concur_v with_o the_o presbytery_n in_o it_o the_o brotherhood_n with_o the_o eldership_n 3._o whether_o the_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v reach_v to_o the_o enjoin_v of_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o in_o their_o use_n indifferent_a for_o the_o first_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n
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