it_o consist_v whole_o of_o they_o for_o they_o undertake_v to_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 9_o &_o 12._o and_o when_o saul_n breathe_v out_o threaten_n against_o the_o saint_n in_o zeal_n of_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o be_v depart_v and_o seduce_v as_o he_o think_v he_o go_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o all_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o elder_n for_o his_o commission_n and_o he_o receive_v authority_n from_o they_o to_o bring_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n unto_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v punish_v act._n 22.15_o and_o that_o estate_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o original_n be_v call_v a_o presbytery_n which_o also_o show_v that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o chief_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n call_v presbyter_n some_o of_o which_o be_v chief_a priest_n the_o other_o pharisee_n and_o some_o subordinate_a presbyter_n be_v join_v with_o they_o to_o make_v up_o that_o assembly_n have_v authority_n to_o judge_v of_o manner_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n however_o upon_o mistake_n they_o punish_v the_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o not_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o reduce_v the_o believe_a jew_n to_o conformity_n to_o the_o old_a administration_n as_o judge_v it_o still_o in_o force_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o moses_n if_o any_o make_v question_n whether_o this_o presbytery_n according_a to_o the_o text_n be_v the_o church_n to_o who_o complaint_n be_v to_o be_v make_v concern_v stubborn_a offender_n i_o answer_v that_o council_n or_o presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o chief_a officer_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o the_o church_n representative_a on_o who_o alone_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v involve_v for_o the_o punish_n of_o sin_n and_o preserve_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o for_o the_o word_n church_n they_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o original_a language_n know_v it_o be_v use_v for_o any_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n call_v together_o whether_o to_o civil_a or_o sacred_a end_n and_o so_o these_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n assemble_v together_o for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o unproper_o call_v a_o church_n and_o for_o the_o latter_a thing_n propound_v before_o namely_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o after_o age_n be_v to_o proceed_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o same_o order_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o do_v that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o a_o presbytery_n seem_v to_o i_o very_o probable_a for_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n thereof_o the_o same_o name_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n saint_n paul_n who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v authority_n to_o trouble_v the_o believe_a jew_n call_v a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n or_o church_n officer_n a_o presbytery_n of_o which_o what_o better_a reason_n may_v be_v conceive_v then_o this_o the_o resemblance_n that_o be_v between_o this_o eldership_n and_o the_o great_a council_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v clear_a the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n ordain_v elder_n and_o authorize_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o ordain_v other_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o be_v as_o much_o ruler_n and_o officer_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o hence_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n ordination_n of_o minister_n be_v derive_v from_o they_o that_o be_v officer_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o in_o a_o most_o immediate_a manner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v constitute_v so_o to_o be_v which_o make_v i_o inclinable_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o still_o that_o be_v ordain_v officer_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v be_v ordain_v by_o such_o a_o presbytery_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o that_o power_n by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o consent_v to_o these_o man_n that_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o common_a member_n of_o a_o particular_a society_n may_v choose_v and_o install_v their_o own_o officer_n now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o for_o that_o pretend_a way_n of_o discipline_n which_o these_o gentleman_n commend_v to_o their_o reader_n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o warrant_n for_o any_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o withdraw_v for_o all_o be_v one_o nor_o for_o the_o people_n to_o rule_v and_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n nor_o for_o impose_v a_o church_n covenant_n explicit_o to_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o this_o and_o such_o like_a term_n must_v not_o be_v admit_v unto_o sacramental_a communion_n nor_o be_v here_o any_o warrant_n for_o sentence_a church_n member_n before_o a_o regular_a trial_n nay_o here_o be_v no_o warrant_n for_o any_o single_a minister_n to_o set_v up_o discipline_n over_o his_o people_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o conjunction_n of_o the_o reverend_a brethren_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o they_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n be_v not_o at_o all_o in_o one_o alone_a but_o rather_o in_o the_o whole_a together_o a_o word_n more_o on_o that_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o so_o in_o they_o to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n very_o say_v our_o saviour_n there_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v reference_n unto_o what_o be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n officer_n and_o our_o saviour_n will_v have_v his_o apostle_n to_o know_v that_o though_o their_o authority_n may_v seem_v to_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v weak_a and_o contemptible_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o great_a bench_n of_o elder_n general_o submit_v unto_o by_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o shall_v have_v as_o great_a authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v as_o the_o other_o nay_o two_o of_o they_o by_o the_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v equivalent_a to_o their_o great_a authority_n and_o we_o know_v it_o come_v so_o to_o pass_v they_o have_v power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o have_v some_o special_a promise_n peculiar_a to_o they_o alone_o as_o well_o as_o gift_n they_o have_v power_n to_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o prayer_n and_o power_n to_o punish_v and_o kill_v the_o body_n of_o man_n for_o sacrilege_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o we_o know_v the_o very_a church_n itself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n now_o what_o be_v this_o to_o these_o minister_n in_o gloucestershire_n dare_v two_o or_o three_o of_o they_o assume_v this_o power_n for_o i_o suppose_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o county_n be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o way_n to_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v suppose_v they_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o church_n build_v upon_o they_o or_o their_o doctrine_n where_o have_v they_o any_o such_o promise_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o err_v and_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v agree_v to_o ask_v shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o the_o father_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o plead_v their_o serious_a and_o solemn_a seek_v of_o god_n and_o commend_v unto_o we_o their_o model_n of_o discipline_n as_o the_o result_n of_o their_o serious_a debate_n and_o return_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o that_o authority_n will_v not_o satisfy_v judicious_a christian_n when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n as_o have_v be_v show_v beside_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o many_o place_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v use_v the_o like_a mean_n in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o people_n yet_o but_o few_o have_v run_v into_o their_o way_n but_o either_o fall_n into_o some_o association_n of_o church_n and_o presbytery_n
churcher_n all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o only_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n by_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o put_v into_o a_o holy_a order_n and_o way_n by_o ordain_v they_o officer_n to_o rule_v and_o feed_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o jew_n church_n under_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v a_o receive_n of_o proselyte_n alien_n convert_v and_o they_o become_v jew_n by_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o make_v nation_n and_o city_n and_o country_n proselyte_n and_o they_o become_v christian_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o law_n rule_n and_o way_n for_o all_o that_o wâ—â—e_o embody_a into_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v graâ—â—ing_v into_o 〈…〉_o off_o from_o the_o same_o church_n still_o all_o along_o to_o this_o day_n i_o have_v be_v too_o long_o in_o this_o but_o i_o will_v be_v short_a in_o the_o next_o five_o that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v under_o the_o same_o and_o in_o some_o respect_n great_a privilege_n then_o under_o mâ—ses_n and_o the_o prophet_n this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n if_o we_o conâ—â—der_v thâ—â—_n jesus_n christ_n be_v and_o ever_o be_v the_o mâ—â—â—ting_a â—â—ule_n of_o all_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o be_v in_o possession_n or_o expectation_n of_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o transaction_n with_o the_o father_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o covenant_n blessing_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v found_v and_o thereby_o confirm_v and_o so_o consequent_o to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o his_o faith_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n they_o that_o be_v of_o the_o faith_n be_v bless_v with_o faithful_a abraham_n even_o all_o the_o gentile_n that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o as_o to_o initiate_v they_o into_o that_o church_n of_o which_o abraham_n be_v the_o father_n it_o be_v first_o form_v up_o in_o his_o family_n and_o the_o covenant_n free_o make_v with_o he_o and_o seal_v to_o he_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n i_o say_v all_o that_o be_v of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v bless_v with_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n have_v many_o expression_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n chap._n 1.3_o bless_a be_v god_n who_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n it_o be_v clear_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n while_o they_o be_v in_o their_o state_n of_o paganism_n that_o they_o be_v alien_n from_o the_o common_a wealth_n of_o israel_n stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n without_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o now_o say_v he_o you_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o be_v make_v nigh_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 2.11_o 12_o 13._o but_o now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n you_o be_v of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n child_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o have_v as_o much_o interest_n &_o hope_n of_o good_a from_o god_n through_o christ_n as_o the_o jew_n who_o by_o descent_n be_v the_o natural_a seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v now_o no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreiner_n but_o fellow_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 19_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o be_v christ_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o to_o the_o church_n and_o their_o seed_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o circumcision_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o father_n and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v glorify_v god_n for_o his_o mercy_n rom._n 15.8_o 9_o as_o be_v make_v sharer_n in_o all_o those_o promise_n of_o free_a grace_n make_v to_o the_o father_n and_o their_o natural_a seed_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o the_o apostle_n do_v usual_o apply_v the_o several_a promise_n in_o the_o prophet_n to_o particular_a case_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o time_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n under_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o law_n of_o the_o passeover_n do_v oblige_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n upon_o their_o life_n to_o observe_v it_o in_o the_o season_n our_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o the_o passeover_n be_v to_o they_o for_o the_o substance_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v have_v the_o same_o meaning_n and_o end_n the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o mix_v as_o we_o be_v if_o not_o worse_o in_o respect_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_a and_o so_o as_o uncapable_a to_o make_v a_o spiritual_a use_n thereof_o the_o church_n under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o since_o the_o same_o which_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n only_o reform_v in_o point_n of_o external_a administration_n first_o own_v by_o the_o jew_n unto_o which_o church_n so_o reform_v all_o believe_a gentile_n be_v add_v and_o graff_v into_o it_o as_o the_o stock_n and_o so_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a and_o external_a privilege_n with_o they_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v to_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o salvation_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n and_o from_o these_o premise_n will_v follow_v these_o conclusion_n first_o that_o the_o same_o obligation_n lie_v now_o upon_o all_o christian_n to_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n that_o do_v lie_v upon_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o israel_n to_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o passeover_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o passeover_n may_v teach_v we_o so_o much_o and_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v still_o in_o force_n for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o equity_n and_o reason_n of_o a_o command_n or_o law_n remain_v the_o command_n and_o law_n itself_o remain_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o but_o the_o equity_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o command_n concern_v the_o passeover_n still_o remain_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o passeover_n and_o therefore_o shall_v guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o administration_n thereof_o as_o touch_v the_o subject_n or_o person_n that_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o then_o second_o if_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o that_o church_n respect_v the_o member_n in_o common_a and_o that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a then_o all_o that_o be_v grass_v into_o the_o same_o church_n come_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n give_v to_o the_o same_o church_n and_o respect_v the_o member_n in_o common_a now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o even_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a three_o the_o same_o exception_n that_o which_o all_o as_o he_o have_v state_v the_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v i_o need_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o answ_n because_o i_o have_v already_o be_v somewhat_o large_a upon_o that_o scripture_n where_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n require_v such_o qualification_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n to_o which_o i_o reserre_v the_o reader_n yet_o because_o these_o man_n have_v something_o which_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o i_o shall_v hint_n a_o little_a at_o something_o of_o they_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o judge_v the_o main_a stress_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o lie_v in_o that_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o there_o need_v be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o corinthian_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o observe_v this_o ordinance_n of_o the_o holy_a supper_n in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n for_o vers_fw-la 2._o he_o commend_v they_o for_o remember_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o he_o deliver_v they_o to_o they_o so_o that_o their_o keep_n and_o observe_v of_o this_o ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v well_o do_v by_o they_o but_o then_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o their_o miscarriage_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o performance_n he_o praise_v they_o not_o but_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o woeful_a abuse_n of_o the_o ordinance_n in_o their_o excess_n disorderly_a and_o unreverent_a behaviour_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o receive_v or_o while_o they_o be_v together_o for_o that_o end_n they_o make_v a_o breach_n upon_o the_o very_a external_o of_o that_o service_n use_v the_o
of_o true_a discipline_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o in_o what_o a_o incapacity_n we_o be_v for_o the_o present_a of_o any_o true_a reformation_n whatever_o some_o pretend_v but_o the_o sixth_o and_o last_o i_o intend_v more_o especial_o to_o clear_v up_o in_o vindication_n of_o mr._n h._n and_o take_v it_o thus_o excommunication_n be_v a_o deliver_v to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o great_a thunderbolt_n &_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o last_o remedy_n to_o reduce_v the_o obstinate_a from_o the_o way_n of_o perish_a calvin_n say_v as_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o church_n so_o satan_n be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o condition_n the_o excommunicate_v be_v sentence_v but_o with_o a_o merciful_a end_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o christian_a obedience_n where_o god_n give_v the_o blessing_n otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o very_a beginning_n of_o hell_n and_o eternal_a wrath_n when_o the_o sentence_n be_v just_a it_o be_v confirm_v in_o heaven_n put_v out_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5.13_o he_o must_v be_v put_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o and_o so_o out_o of_o all_o communion_n the_o same_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v joh._n 9.22_o and_o 12.42_o where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o some_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o confess_v christ_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o they_o have_v a_o greed_n that_o if_o any_o do_v confess_v he_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n so_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n have_v any_o reference_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o doctor_n seem_v to_o hint_n why_o then_o doubtless_o he_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o church_n assembly_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o synagogue_n be_v place_n of_o case_n where_o the_o jew_n public_o assemble_v for_o divine_a worship_n of_o prayer_n read_v preach_v etc._n etc._n act._n 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o so_o that_o i_o say_v if_o paul_n follow_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o mean_v that_o the_o corinthian_n shall_v proceed_v according_a to_o their_o practice_n in_o this_o then_o his_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v put_v out_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o their_o assembly_n for_o communion_n and_o worship_n i_o profess_v i_o can_v but_o wonder_v the_o doctor_n shall_v be_v so_o tart_a with_o mr._n humphrey_n in_o this_o thing_n he_o have_v the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n to_o warrant_v what_o he_o have_v assert_v in_o this_o point_n for_o let_v i_o ask_v the_o reverend_a doctor_n how_o he_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o opinion_n will_v reconcile_v that_o deliver_n to_o satan_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o allow_v their_o presence_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n except_o actual_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n to_o put_v out_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o themselves_o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o allow_v he_o presence_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n except_o the_o supper_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a neither_o do_v that_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o help_n which_o the_o doctor_n so_o often_o urge_v in_o his_o book_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n but_o heathen_n and_o publican_n may_v be_v present_a at_o all_o the_o ordinance_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o and_o therefore_o the_o excommunicate_a may_v because_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n worse_o than_o a_o heathen_a etc._n etc._n for_o to_o this_o i_o have_v many_o word_n to_o say_v which_o i_o think_v will_v answer_v the_o argument_n 1._o it_o will_v appear_v that_o scandalous_a brethren_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o infidel_n if_o any_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o special_o for_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n he_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5.8_o and_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o revolt_a christian_n never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o and_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o name_v among_o the_o gentile_n that_o one_o shall_v have_v his_o father_n wife_n 1_o cor._n 5.1_o and_o when_o scandalous_a brethren_n be_v worse_o than_o heathen_n in_o sin_v under_o such_o mean_n of_o better_a obedience_n that_o heathen_n have_v not_o there_o be_v reason_n they_o shall_v be_v deny_v something_o of_o privilege_n that_o heathen_n may_v have_v 2._o it_o be_v clear_a that_o scandalous_a brethren_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v that_o privilege_n in_o civil_a commerce_n and_o familiarity_n that_o heathen_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v with_o christian_n and_o christian_n with_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.9_o 10_o 11._o 2_o thess_n 3.14_o 1_o cor._n 10.27_o compare_v liberty_n be_v give_v to_o christian_n to_o have_v civil_a and_o friendly_a familiarity_n with_o infidel_n and_o fornicator_n of_o the_o world_n which_o yet_o be_v absolute_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o scandalous_a and_o disorderly_a brethren_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o shame_n and_o if_o scandalous_a brethren_n under_o trial_n or_o actual_a censure_n be_v to_o be_v debar_v of_o some_o privilege_n that_o heathen_n be_v allow_v it_o will_v somewhat_o weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o doctor_n argument_n 3._o the_o apostle_n have_v direct_v and_o express_v commission_n after_o christ_n ascension_n to_o preach_v unto_o the_o heathen_a and_o therefore_o have_v warrant_n to_o admit_v of_o their_o voluntary_a presence_n to_o hear_v in_o any_o place_n where_o opportunity_n may_v give_v the_o advantage_n of_o convert_v they_o but_o yet_o upon_o their_o reject_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v faithful_o tender_v to_o they_o the_o apostle_n may_v shake_v off_o the_o dust_n of_o their_o foot_n against_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o deep_o under_o wrath_n the_o unbelieved_a jew_n be_v within_o the_o commission_n too_o but_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o abuse_v the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n that_o preach_v this_o to_o they_o it_o be_v say_v they_o judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n the_o apostle_n forsake_v they_o most_o terrible_a thing_n be_v write_v against_o the_o disobedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a christian_n that_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o excommunicate_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n that_o never_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o know_v and_o do_v what_o christ_n command_v as_o in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n but_o refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v worse_o than_o heathen_n so_o why_o not_o in_o point_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n likewise_o they_o have_v forfeit_v all_o those_o privilege_n of_o word_n prayer_n sacrament_n engage_v all_o powerful_a mean_n of_o their_o reformation_n which_o heathen_n never_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o and_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o christ_n be_v reject_v in_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n appoint_v to_o reclaim_v the_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a in_o the_o church_n before_o this_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v pronounce_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n against_o they_o and_o just_o it_o be_v that_o they_o that_o obstinate_o reject_v all_o shall_v be_v banish_v from_o all_o that_o they_o may_v either_o return_v to_o their_o duty_n by_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v again_o receive_v into_o communion_n or_o else_o add_v to_o obstinacy_n apostasy_n also_o be_v reject_v for_o ever_o that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v not_o evil_a speak_v of_o because_o of_o such_o scandalous_a member_n 4._o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n that_o be_v let_v the_o excommunicate_v be_v as_o odious_a and_o as_o abominable_a to_o thou_o as_o a_o publican_n or_o roman_a officer_n sit_v at_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n or_o as_o a_o heathen_a be_v to_o the_o jew_n during_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o christ_n speak_v when_o the_o uncircumcised_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v forbid_v to_o let_v any_o stranger_n or_o uncircumcised_a in_o the_o flesh_n come_v into_o god_n sanctuary_n or_o partake_v of_o any_o privilege_n of_o worship_n but_o upon_o be_v a_o proselyte_n and_o let_v the_o excommunicate_v be_v as_o such_o a_o one_o and_o then_o what_o have_v the_o doctor_n and_o his_o party_n get_v touch_v the_o
and_o live_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o 3._o that_o the_o scandalous_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o offend_a brethren_n who_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a aught_o by_o private_a admonition_n and_o christian_a counsel_n and_o wise_a and_o seasonable_a reproof_n to_o restore_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n gal._n 6.1_o and_o the_o person_n or_o sin_n of_o any_o member_n not_o to_o be_v nominate_v in_o public_a while_o there_o be_v any_o reasonable_a hope_n in_o charity_n of_o amendment_n by_o the_o private_a mean_n provide_v the_o offence_n be_v not_o already_o public_a and_o infamous_a to_o all_o in_o that_o case_n i_o think_v though_o the_o offender_n be_v penitent_a and_o ashamed_a yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v fear_v and_o the_o congregation_n be_v satisfy_v and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v notwithstanding_o all_o possible_a mean_n use_v by_o the_o church_n for_o their_o reformation_n that_o the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v issue_v out_o against_o any_o member_n the_o apostle_n do_v more_o often_o threaten_v and_o shake_v the_o rod_n then_o make_v use_n of_o it_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a censure_n shall_v be_v carry_v on_o with_o that_o solemnness_n and_o mourning_n over_o the_o offender_n that_o may_v show_v a_o real_a unwillingness_n to_o put_v the_o same_o in_o execution_n if_o any_o other_o mean_n will_v humble_v and_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o obstinate_a transgressor_n and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o church_n a_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o wilful_a disobedience_n yet_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v also_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v cause_n 4._o that_o none_o ought_v to_o usurp_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n or_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o power_n of_o steward_n and_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o christ_n subject_n that_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a warrant_n in_o the_o word_n for_o the_o same_o lest_o they_o be_v judge_v for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o utter_o reject_v as_o impious_a and_o against_o all_o rule_n and_o order_n for_o the_o common_a member_n to_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n either_o of_o doctrine_n sacrament_n or_o discipline_n save_v only_o to_o be_v obedient_a in_o decline_a familiarity_n with_o those_o that_o be_v just_o excommunicate_v and_o all_o communion_n with_o they_o in_o worship_n and_o to_o be_v witness_n to_o attest_v what_o they_o know_v against_o a_o offend_a brother_n when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v the_o fact_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o obstinacy_n i_o profess_v i_o wonder_v that_o any_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v plead_v for_o any_o other_o power_n to_o be_v allow_v to_o any_o of_o the_o common_a member_n i_o can_v see_v how_o this_o shall_v be_v but_o that_o some_o man_n drive_v on_o design_n of_o their_o own_o factious_a frame_n rather_o to_o hinder_v the_o set_n up_o of_o discipline_n than_o any_o way_n to_o advance_v it_o what_o dismal_a division_n separation_n and_o confusion_n what_o prejudices_fw-la heartburning_n and_o bitterness_n do_v such_o practice_n every_o where_o necessary_o occasion_n between_o pastor_n and_o their_o people_n while_o the_o better_a part_n must_v withdraw_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o set_v up_o discipline_n among_o themselves_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o use_v a_o language_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a and_o think_v they_o be_v in_o a_o fine_a posture_n when_o alas_o they_o be_v out_o of_o their_o station_n and_o all_o they_o do_v be_v but_o erect_v way_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n and_o set_v up_o altar_n to_o sin_n some_o of_o jeroboam_n craft_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o worship_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v member_n that_o separate_v from_o the_o body_n be_v not_o like_a to_o live_v long_o what_o strange_a exorbitance_n very_o often_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o uncharitable_a zealous_a way_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v avoid_v if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n reside_v in_o the_o common_a brotherhood_n but_o the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o parochial_a congregation_n may_v choose_v their_o own_o officer_n set_v up_o discipline_n and_o judge_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o reformation_n be_v then_o like_a to_o follow_v may_v easy_o be_v imagine_v doubtless_o all_o church_n member_n as_o such_o stand_v upon_o a_o level_n in_o point_n of_o external_a privilege_n for_o we_o do_v not_o find_v different_a privilege_n of_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n plant_v together_o into_o the_o same_o visible_a body_n by_o baptism_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n woman_n and_o child_n ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o judge_v the_o rest_n nay_o they_o may_v create_v and_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o consequent_o take_v upon_o they_o all_o gospel_n administration_n for_o if_o the_o key_n reside_v in_o they_o original_o so_o that_o they_o may_v make_v minister_n etc._n etc._n then_o they_o themselves_o be_v much_o more_o such_o and_o may_v do_v the_o work_v they_o be_v to_o do_v the_o effect_n can_v be_v great_a than_o the_o cause_n but_o they_o will_v say_v object_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n reside_v not_o in_o all_o but_o in_o worthy_a and_o complete_a church-member_n or_o believer_n that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n etc._n etc._n i_o know_v no_o such_o distinction_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v a_o holy_a nation_n a_o kingdom_n of_o priest_n a_o peculiar_a and_o royal_a people_n in_o general_a without_o distinction_n of_o worthy_a and_o unworthy_a complete_a and_o incomplete_a and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n peter_n use_v the_o same_o word_n and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o scatter_a stranger_n embrace_v christianity_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o and_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n give_v equal_a title_n to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v and_o to_o all_o in_o every_o place_n that_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 1.1_o 2_o 3._o if_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o such_o distinction_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o find_v any_o such_o use_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n why_o shall_v any_o plead_v for_o it_o in_o our_o congregation_n but_o that_o they_o will_v see_v more_o than_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v before_o they_o but_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o twelve_o as_o believer_n object_n and_o that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o as_o such_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a kind_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n solut._n that_o the_o twelve_o be_v impower_v with_o the_o key_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n and_o that_o they_o be_v believer_n when_o they_o receive_v that_o power_n be_v as_o certain_a but_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v the_o key_n to_o they_o as_o such_o be_v deny_v and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v they_o be_v give_v to_o they_o as_o man_n for_o they_o be_v man_n when_o they_o receive_v they_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o disciple_n and_o believer_n beside_o the_o twelve_o yet_o of_o his_o mere_a good_a pleasure_n he_o give_v the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o twelve_o only_a not_o to_o the_o rest_n that_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o they_o he_o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n apostles_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n not_o all_o and_o we_o know_v the_o twelve_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n receive_v preach_v and_o baptize_v and_o order_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n during_o their_o age_n they_o plant_v several_a church_n and_o ordain_v they_o elder_n and_o deacon_n they_o be_v the_o instrument_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o almost_o all_o place_n doubtless_o after_o jesus_n christ_n have_v receive_v all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o put_v the_o twelve_o only_o in_o commission_n to_o build_v his_o church_n and_o they_o ordain_v elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o give_v order_n to_o some_o other_o as_o timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o ordain_v and_o direct_v they_o also_o to_o commit_v the_o same_o power_n to_o able_a and_o sit_v man_n in_o after_o age_n to_o teach_v other_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o angel_n of_o every_o church_n be_v write_v unto_o and_o blame_v or_o commend_v according_a as_o they_o demean_v themselves_o in_o their_o place_n in_o oppose_a error_n or_o cleave_v to_o the_o truth_n but_o we_o never_o find_v that_o the_o common_a brotherhood_n or_o membership_n be_v impower_v with_o the_o key_n either_o by_o
christ_n or_o by_o his_o apostle_n or_o any_o that_o drive_v authority_n immediate_o from_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v it_o not_o at_o all_o and_o to_o intrude_v themselves_o and_o assume_v unto_o themselves_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o high_a nature_n be_v a_o most_o insolent_a boldness_n and_o they_o may_v fear_v to_o perish_v in_o the_o gainsay_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o company_n 5._o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o true_a discipline_n practise_v in_o our_o church_n without_o the_o special_a assistance_n countenance_n and_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v in_o england_n for_o almost_o all_o of_o all_o sort_n be_v either_o careless_a or_o impatient_a or_o erroneous_a and_o not_o willing_a to_o come_v under_o discipline_n and_o although_o these_o gentleman_n say_v it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n and_o why_o do_v we_o not_o set_v upon_o it_o beginning_n with_o the_o minor_a part_n yet_o this_o be_v very_o ill_a nay_o absurd_o advise_v for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o i_o believe_v i_o shall_v never_o see_v true_a discipline_n exercise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n until_o the_o lord_n so_o move_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o ruler_n as_o to_o make_v they_o instrumental_a to_o put_v the_o church_n into_o that_o capacity_n which_o ordinary_o can_v be_v without_o a_o national_a assembly_n of_o learned_a grave_a moderate_a and_o godly_a divine_n choose_v if_o possible_a by_o the_o whole_a and_o carry_v on_o without_o tumult_n and_o that_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n if_o not_o already_o do_v may_v be_v so_o clear_o draw_v up_o in_o respect_n of_o fundamental_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n according_a to_o evident_a rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o may_v be_v establish_v to_o be_v the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o all_o whatsoever_o shall_v with_o peaceable_a spirit_n submit_v unto_o and_o also_o that_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n in_o a_o national_a church_n may_v be_v more_o clear_o determine_v and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n better_o state_v and_o bound_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v grow_v up_o together_o at_o least_o in_o all_o the_o external_o of_o christian_a obedience_n otherwise_o how_o shall_v discipline_n be_v practise_v if_o carnal_a and_o loose_a christian_n shall_v be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v come_v under_o it_o or_o no_o now_o i_o say_v while_o they_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o profess_v his_o name_n in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n why_o shall_v they_o not_o submit_v to_o all_o his_o law_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n appoint_v of_o that_o bless_a end_n and_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o do_v warrant_v the_o restrain_v offender_n from_o evil_a and_o the_o force_n of_o they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o reference_n to_o some_o of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n do_v warrant_v the_o do_v of_o the_o like_a in_o reference_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o royal_a law_n what_o be_v more_o suitable_a then_o that_o they_o that_o reign_n and_o rule_v only_o by_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v put_v forth_o their_o power_n and_o improve_v all_o their_o interest_n for_o the_o advance_n of_o christ_n sceptre_n over_o all_o i_o confess_v these_o gentleman_n have_v some_o unhappy_a expression_n question_v our_o church_n member_n because_o as_o they_o say_v the_o main_a instrument_n of_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o england_n be_v such_o as_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o a_o civil_a power_n when_o the_o outward_a call_n ought_v to_o be_v by_o the_o word_n only_o which_o the_o most_o of_o our_o common_a people_n never_o have_v they_o say_v answ_n 1._o i_o wish_v our_o governor_n have_v that_o holy_a and_o ground_a zeal_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o what_o be_v amiss_o now_o in_o the_o church_n that_o our_o first_o reformer_n express_v in_o point_n of_o reformation_n in_o their_o generation_n 2._o we_o must_v distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a state_n of_o church_n membership_n or_o the_o way_n of_o bring_v people_n to_o be_v church_n member_n 1._o alien_n of_o year_n be_v to_o be_v disciple_v and_o call_v by_o the_o word_n before_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n first_o plant_v of_o church_n but_o 2._o the_o seed_n of_o person_n so_o call_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n member_n bear_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v baptize_v and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n be_v as_o much_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o all_o holy_a observance_n as_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_v so_o that_o church_n membership_n be_v and_o may_v be_v plead_v from_o birth_n privilege_n gal._n 2.15_o we_o who_o be_v jew_n by_o nature_n etc._n etc._n 3._o our_o first_o reformer_n do_v not_o force_v heathen_n to_o receive_v and_o profess_v the_o protestant_a religion_n but_o reduce_v baptize_v err_v christian_n unto_o that_o obedience_n and_o reformation_n which_o their_o baptism_n and_o profession_n do_v oblige_v and_o engage_v they_o unto_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o godly_a king_n and_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n in_o case_n of_o defection_n and_o irregularity_n i_o may_v produce_v divers_a instance_n of_o this_o holy_a and_o religious_a care_n and_o zeal_n in_o reform_v but_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n can_v remember_v the_o history_n of_o they_o and_o orthodox_n divine_v do_v general_o hold_v that_o the_o baptism_n of_o a_o papist_n be_v valid_a and_z need_v not_o be_v repeat_v and_o it_o need_v not_o be_v doubt_v but_o upon_o that_o ground_n the_o king_n of_o spain_n or_o the_o french_a king_n if_o the_o lord_n shall_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n thorough_o convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o truth_n may_v reduce_v their_o subject_n if_o they_o be_v able_a to_o that_o conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o their_o baptism_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o rome_n itself_o upon_o such_o a_o reformation_n may_v become_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n without_o any_o repeat_n either_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o minister_n or_o their_o baptism_n be_v all_o that_o superfluity_n of_o naughtiness_n from_o time_n to_o time_n contract_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n purge_v out_o and_o all_o administration_n make_v conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n we_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o to_o object_v against_o they_o but_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o they_o say_v that_o we_o heretofore_o be_v a_o member_n of_o rome_n &_o receive_v all_o sacred_a ordinance_n from_o they_o have_v now_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n and_o abomination_n which_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o christ_n be_v pollute_v with_o and_o reform_v they_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n what_o can_v be_v object_v against_o we_o though_o we_o be_v put_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o civil_a power_n 4._o if_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o success_n be_v of_o any_o force_n in_o any_o case_n sure_o in_o supernatural_a and_o spiritual_a event_n above_o any_o other_o and_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v without_o innumerable_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o in_o our_o nation_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n upon_o the_o use_n of_o those_o holy_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o our_o first_o reformer_n with_o zeal_n care_n and_o power_n bring_v our_o father_n under_o bless_v be_v god_n for_o this_o unspeakable_a gift_n this_o for_o the_o five_o thing_n propose_v concern_v discipline_n 6._o the_o six_o and_o last_o be_v this_o that_o holy_a discipline_n be_v so_o to_o be_v order_v that_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o may_v be_v best_a further_v and_o preserve_v and_o the_o object_n of_o church_n censure_n may_v be_v heal_v rather_o than_o hurt_v by_o they_o sometime_o the_o church_n must_v rebuke_v some_o that_o the_o rest_n may_v fear_v and_o sentence_v some_o few_o most_o notorious_a offender_n when_o many_o deserve_v the_o same_o punishment_n rather_o than_o endanger_v the_o peace_n union_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n punish_v and_o chastise_v what_o they_o can_v with_o the_o health_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o with_o patience_n bear_v and_o forbear_v when_o the_o remedy_n be_v like_a to_o prove_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n lawful_a thing_n be_v not_o always_o expedient_a nor_o consist_v with_o charity_n it_o be_v a_o good_a say_n of_o cyprian_a mention_v by_o calvin_n let_v the_o church_n merciful_o correct_v what_o they_o
can_v and_o what_o they_o can_v let_v they_o patient_o suffer_v and_o with_o love_n groan_n and_o lament_v it_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o bring_v in_o the_o advice_n of_o augustine_n touch_v the_o abound_v of_o drunkenness_n in_o africa_n this_o and_o the_o like_a evil_n according_a to_o his_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v take_v away_o not_o rough_o nor_o after_o a_o imperious_a manner_n but_o more_o by_o teach_v then_o command_v more_o by_o admonish_v then_o by_o threaten_v and_o that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o sinner_n severity_n must_v be_v exercise_v on_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o few_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o conclude_v thus_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o to_o cast_v out_o the_o wicked_a be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v neglect_v when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o peril_n of_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 12._o sect._n 11.13_o and_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o where_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o apostle_n exercise_v of_o discipline_n it_o be_v only_o upon_o particular_a person_n and_o not_o upon_o a_o multitude_n when_o he_o find_v many_o guilty_a of_o evil_a practice_n he_o reprove_v admonish_v and_o threaten_v to_o come_v with_o the_o rod_n 2_o cor._n 12.20_o &_o 13.21_o 1_o cor._n 4.21_o and_o true_o as_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n now_o stand_v i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n to_o get_v into_o possession_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o discipline_n and_o to_o make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o edification_n may_v be_v promote_v and_o not_o prejudice_v by_o it_o for_o either_o the_o suppose_a unregenerate_a in_o the_o church_n shall_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v cast_v off_o and_o separate_v from_o as_o in_o the_o independent_a way_n and_o some_o other_o or_o else_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v be_v judge_v schismatical_a for_o cause_v division_n and_o separation_n in_o the_o church_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o our_o condition_n be_v the_o more_o sad_a in_o that_o discipline_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o church_n can_v so_o hardly_o be_v attain_v among_o we_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o my_o judgement_n and_o apprehension_n in_o this_o point_n now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n because_o these_o gentleman_n have_v commend_v a_o way_n of_o discipline_n to_o the_o godly_a i_o shall_v crave_v leave_v a_o little_a to_o examine_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o godly_a man_n may_v safe_o receive_v and_o use_v as_o the_o discipline_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o not_o rather_o reject_v it_o as_o have_v nothing_o of_o christ_n in_o the_o rise_n and_o root_n of_o it_o according_a to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v very_o brief_o because_o i_o have_v say_v so_o much_o to_o the_o point_n already_o 1._o it_o be_v well_o they_o acknowledge_v our_o parochial_a congregation_n to_o be_v true_a church_n though_o it_o be_v but_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o be_v such_o they_o come_v under_o the_o same_o law_n and_o privilege_n external_o which_o belong_v to_o true_a church_n in_o the_o strict_a sense_n that_o be_v unless_o they_o can_v find_v a_o different_a rule_n in_o scripture_n for_o true_a church_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o purity_n which_o i_o believe_v they_o can_v because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o laodicea_n and_o philadelphia_n as_o they_o be_v both_o true_a church_n so_o they_o be_v both_o under_o the_o same_o rule_n etc._n etc._n 2._o they_o confess_v that_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o excommunicate_v and_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v be_v to_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o this_o mr._n h._n and_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v agree_v pag._n 27._o provide_v say_v they_o that_o mr._n h._n mean_v such_o as_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o church_n for_o his_o meaning_n they_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o church_n member_n shall_v be_v censure_v without_o regular_a trial_n and_o that_o by_o a_o church_n that_o be_v in_o a_o fit_a capacity_n to_o hear_v and_o judge_n and_o sentence_n according_a to_o divine_a rule_n but_o how_o will_v these_o gentleman_n prove_v that_o the_o great_a part_n in_o a_o parish_n be_v such_o as_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o never_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n whether_o their_o sinfulness_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n for_o which_o excommunication_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v inflict_v it_o be_v obstinacy_n and_o wilful_a persist_v in_o gross_a sin_n after_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n that_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o excommunication_n and_o how_o can_v they_o know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o a_o parish_n do_v so_o sin_n when_o they_o never_o admonish_v they_o either_o private_o or_o public_o sure_o there_o must_v be_v a_o clear_a conviction_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o all_o fair_a and_o amicable_a christian_a mean_n use_v to_o reclaim_v they_o before_o they_o can_v judge_v any_o in_o their_o parish_n excommunicable_a be_v they_o in_o a_o capacity_n thus_o authoritative_o to_o deal_v with_o they_o which_o i_o think_v they_o be_v not_o 3._o but_o they_o say_v this_o be_v a_o most_o general_o receive_v truth_n that_o every_o particular_a congregation_n have_v power_n in_o itself_o to_o reform_v itself_o according_a to_o what_o shall_v be_v practicable_a to_o they_o pag._n 158._o to_o which_o i_o shall_v oppose_v their_o own_o word_n pag._n 7.10_o where_o first_o they_o say_v that_o the_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a must_v be_v withdraw_v from_o because_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o can_v be_v regular_o cast_v out_o by_o discipline_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o way_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v right_o excommunicate_v for_o that_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v well_o suppose_v of_o most_o of_o the_o mix_v parochial_a congregation_n in_o england_n and_o will_v not_o excommunicate_v nor_o be_v fit_a to_o do_v so_o nor_o to_o choose_v officer_n to_o do_v it_o pag._n 9_o 10._o now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o strange_a thing_n they_o condemn_v mr._n humphrey_n for_o not_o set_v up_o discipline_n in_o his_o church_n and_o strong_o assert_v that_o every_o congregation_n have_v power_n to_o reform_v itself_o and_o yet_o they_o say_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a can_v be_v regular_o cast_v out_o by_o discipline_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o way_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v right_o excommunicate_v reader_n can_v thou_o desire_v a_o better_a justification_n of_o mr._n humfreys_n present_a practice_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sacrament_n than_o these_o man_n own_o word_n if_o he_o can_v reform_v in_o a_o right_a way_n must_v he_o and_o other_o undergo_v reproach_n because_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v discipline_n in_o a_o wrong_a way_n as_o these_o gentleman_n do_v there_o be_v many_o sober_a and_o godly_a minister_n that_o judge_v it_o better_o not_o to_o pretend_v to_o discipline_n at_o all_o then_o to_o take_v up_o that_o way_n to_o which_o some_o give_v the_o name_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a discipline_n if_o we_o can_v exercise_v it_o aright_o why_o shall_v any_o be_v censure_v for_o not_o exercise_v it_o wrong_v to_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v the_o apostle_n judge_v damnable_a so_o rare_o it_o be_v that_o good_a end_n and_o evil_a mean_n stand_v together_o but_o they_o say_v object_n if_o they_o can_v regular_o excommunicate_v the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a that_o be_v excommunicable_a than_o the_o minister_n and_o those_o that_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o come_v up_o to_o a_o more_o close_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o gospel_n must_v withdraw_v from_o the_o corrupt_a majority_n and_o wait_v for_o their_o come_n in_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o minor_a part_n and_o for_o this_o they_o commend_v to_o we_o mat._n 18._o 1._o answ_n it_o be_v very_o harsh_a to_o say_v that_o the_o ignorant_a in_o the_o church_n be_v for_o that_o excommunicable_a they_o may_v express_v their_o desire_n to_o learn_v and_o use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v to_o that_o end_n and_o so_o not_o be_v excommunicable_a nor_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o and_o for_o the_o scandalous_a they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v as_o be_v hint_v before_o and_o then_o excommunicate_v if_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n else_o they_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o a_o special_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n intend_v as_o the_o last_o remedy_n to_o convert_v the_o obstinate_a sinner_n from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o as_o
it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n as_o these_o gentleman_n do_v confess_v the_o magistrate_n may_v constrain_v all_o in_o the_o church_n to_o come_v under_o it_o and_o submit_v to_o it_o they_o say_v jesus_n christ_n shall_v rule_v by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o not_o by_o the_o magistrate_n compel_v edict_n and_o yet_o they_o say_v that_o in_o bring_v all_o to_o convert_v ordinance_n they_o humble_o conceive_v the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n pag._n 176._o and_o then_o will_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o as_o discipline_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n for_o the_o bring_n of_o all_o under_o it_o yea_o doubtless_o and_o to_o assist_v the_o church_n in_o the_o settle_n exercise_n and_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o to_o withdraw_v without_o a_o judicial_a proceed_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v attain_v the_o true_a end_n but_o do_v harden_v and_o prejudice_v sinner_n a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o so_o make_v they_o worse_o in_o stead_n of_o make_v they_o better_o the_o end_n of_o withdraw_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o person_n withdraw_v from_o to_o shame_n and_o repentance_n and_o be_v this_o a_o likely_a way_n to_o attain_v that_o end_n for_o a_o minister_n and_o some_o ten_o or_o twenty_o of_o his_o people_n to_o withdraw_v from_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o as_o in_o some_o place_n will_v be_v the_o case_n they_o all_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n do_v these_o man_n think_v the_o apostle_n mean_v such_o a_o withdraw_a to_o bring_v sinner_n in_o the_o church_n to_o shame_n the_o rule_n be_v in_o reference_n to_o a_o disorderly_a brother_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o shame_n but_o in_o our_o time_n apply_v to_o hundred_o at_o once_o by_o the_o minor_a part_n in_o a_o church_n and_o that_o very_o unfit_o too_o there_o be_v many_o in_o some_o such_o place_n that_o as_o true_o fear_v god_n and_o live_v in_o christian_a obedience_n beyond_o some_o of_o they_o that_o withdraw_v from_o they_o who_o yet_o have_v rather_o be_v reckon_v among_o sinner_n then_o to_o join_v with_o they_o that_o by_o schism_n break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o grant_v that_o many_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v excommunicable_a do_v that_o warrant_n a_o separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v it_o regular_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o that_o those_o that_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o separate_v do_v never_o deal_v with_o their_o offend_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o they_o lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o amend_v they_o if_o we_o shall_v deal_v thus_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n there_o will_v be_v but_o a_o sad_a account_n give_v of_o many_o subject_n therein_o if_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v such_o be_v felon_n and_o hangable_a by_o the_o law_n and_o thereupon_o never_o bring_v they_o to_o trial_n but_o knock_v they_o on_o the_o head_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o how_o long_o think_v you_o will_v this_o commonwealth_n stand_v be_v such_o a_o confusion_n and_o barbarism_n tolerate_v suppose_v these_o gentleman_n in_o glocestershire_n be_v run_v into_o a_o dangerous_a way_n of_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n through_o error_n and_o mistake_n will_v they_o be_v content_a without_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n use_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n or_o warning_n and_o admonish_v they_o to_o retract_v to_o be_v forthwith_o sentence_v by_o a_o bench_n of_o elder_n as_o schismatical_a person_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n suspend_v from_o their_o ministry_n i_o think_v they_o will_v not_o and_o yet_o by_o what_o they_o appear_v by_o their_o book_n to_o be_v i_o think_v they_o be_v scarce_o qualify_v as_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v that_o undertake_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n flock_n and_o my_o prayer_n be_v that_o their_o uncharitable_a practice_n may_v not_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o destroy_v many_o weak_a brethren_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v as_o for_o mat._n 18._o it_o come_v now_o to_o be_v examine_v that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o it_o be_v appliable_a to_o these_o new_a find_v model_n of_o discipline_n hint_v at_o by_o these_o man_n in_o the_o preamble_n of_o their_o book_n and_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o certain_a that_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o these_o two_o thing_n in_o general_n first_o that_o the_o mean_a person_n come_v to_o christ_n and_o profess_v faith_n in_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v second_o that_o not_o to_o deal_v with_o offend_a brethren_n in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n by_o he_o there_o prescribe_v be_v to_o despise_v they_o and_o then_o for_o the_o way_n prescribe_v by_o our_o saviour_n it_o ought_v to_o begin_v with_o private_a admonition_n in_o case_n of_o a_o brother_n offend_v and_o if_o that_o prevail_v for_o his_o amendment_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v to_o public_a shame_n but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o work_v upon_o he_o then_o upon_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o fact_n he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v complain_v of_o to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n may_v convent_n he_o before_o they_o admonish_v to_o confess_v and_o reform_v his_o sin_n but_o if_o out_o of_o obstinacy_n he_o stubborn_o refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n after_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n then_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o not_o otherwise_o now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o to_o favour_n or_o warrant_v these_o gentleman_n practice_n do_v they_o proceed_v after_o this_o manner_n with_o every_o offend_a brother_n in_o their_o several_a parish_n before_o they_o deny_v they_o christian_a communion_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o not_o why_o will_v they_o urge_v a_o rule_n from_o jesus_n christ_n to_o other_o which_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o practice_v will_v they_o have_v other_o do_v that_o themselves_o neither_o will_n nor_o can_v do_v as_o themselves_o confess_v where_o the_o great_a part_n be_v corrupt_a and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o most_o parish_n in_o england_n how_o shall_v we_o take_v up_o a_o establishment_n of_o discipline_n from_o this_o place_n why_o they_o tell_v we_o by_o withdraw_v from_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n but_o than_o it_o will_v be_v demand_v whether_o this_o scripture_n do_v warrant_v any_o such_o practice_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v it_o do_v not_o thus_o you_o may_v see_v how_o suitable_a these_o new_a model_n be_v to_o those_o scripture_n allege_v by_o themselves_o for_o proof_n thereof_o but_o to_o proceed_v a_o little_a further_o concern_v this_o scripture_n mat._n 18._o the_o great_a difficulty_n as_o i_o conceive_v lie_v in_o the_o word_n church_n when_o our_o saviour_n bid_v tell_v the_o church_n i_o shall_v give_v my_o thought_n concern_v that_o also_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n to_o consider_v 1._o i_o conceive_v our_o saviour_n rule_n here_o give_v in_o this_o case_n respect_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o after_o time_n and_o be_v practicable_a in_o that_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n church_n 2._o according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o order_n his_o disciple_n and_o their_o follower_n shall_v act_v in_o after_o age_n as_o vers_n 18._o do_v plain_o show_v concern_v the_o former_a of_o these_o as_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n respect_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v practicable_a in_o that_o church_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o complaint_n be_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n consist_v of_o ruler_n and_o rule_v assemble_v together_o in_o holy_a worship_n or_o to_o the_o ruler_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o assemble_v in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n for_o the_o hear_n of_o complaint_n and_o try_v of_o offender_n and_o punish_v evil_a manner_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o to_o one_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o church_n here_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n because_o the_o common_a people_n among_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v any_o such_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n as_o to_o judge_v of_o manner_n and_o censure_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o have_v a_o council_n of_o elder_n call_v the_o sanhedrin_n mat._n 5.22_o that_o judge_v of_o manner_n and_o punish_v such_o as_o revile_v their_o brother_n intimate_v in_o these_o word_n he_o that_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n racha_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o council_n or_o sanhedrin_n the_o pharisee_n and_o chief_a priest_n be_v chief_a in_o that_o council_n or_o