â—â—â—_z proposition_n concerning_o the_o ministry_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n edinburgh_n print_v by_o evan_n tyler_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n 1647._o act_n approve_v viii_o general_a head_n of_o doctrine_n against_o the_o tenant_n of_o erastianism_n independency_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n assert_v in_o the_o cxi_o proposition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v against_o the_o next_o assembly_n be_v tender_a of_o so_o great_a a_o engagement_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a kirk_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o all_o these_o together_o with_o the_o extirpation_n of_o heresy_n schism_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o consider_v withal_o that_o one_o of_o the_o special_a mean_n which_o it_o become_v we_o in_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o use_v in_o pursuance_n of_o these_o end_n be_v in_o zeal_n for_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n to_o give_v our_o public_a testimony_n against_o the_o dangerous_a tenant_n of_o erastianism_n independency_n and_o which_o be_v false_o call_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n but_o more_o special_a let_n and_o hindrance_n as_o well_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o own_o receive_a doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o uniformity_n in_o england_n and_o ireland_n the_o general_n assembly_n upon_o these_o consideration_n have_v hear_v public_o read_v the_o cxi_o follow_a proposition_n exhibit_v and_o tender_v by_o some_o brethren_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o prepare_v article_n or_o proposition_n for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o particular_n do_v unanimous_o approve_v and_o agree_v unto_o these_o eight_o general_a head_n of_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v and_o assert_v viz._n 1._o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v stand_a ordinance_n institute_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o such_o as_o administer_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n aught_o to_o be_v due_o call_v and_o ordain_v thereunto_o 3._o that_o some_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o be_v inflict_v only_o upon_o such_o as_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o kirk_n other_o censure_n be_v common_a and_o may_v be_v inflict_v both_o on_o minister_n and_o other_o member_n of_o the_o kirk_n 4._o that_o the_o censure_n of_o suspension_n from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n inflict_v because_o of_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o because_o of_o a_o scandalous_a life_n and_o conversation_n as_o likewise_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o kirk_n flagitious_a or_o contumacious_a offender_n both_o the_o one_o censure_n and_o the_o other_o be_v warrantable_a by_o and_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v in_o the_o kirk_n 5._o that_o as_o the_o right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o reform_a kirk_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o true_a and_o certâ—ine_a that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n and_o only_a king_n of_o the_o kirk_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v a_o kirk_n government_n distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a government_n or_o magistracy_n 6._o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v commit_v and_o entrust_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o kirk_n make_v up_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o ruling_n elder_n 7._o that_o the_o lesser_a and_o inferior_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n aught_o to_o be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a unto_o the_o great_a and_o superior_a assembly_n 8._o that_o notwithstanding_o hereof_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o suppress_v by_o corporal_a or_o civil_a punishment_n such_o as_o by_o spread_a error_n or_o heresy_n or_o by_o foment_v schism_n great_o dishonour_n god_n dangerous_o hurt_v religion_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o kirk_n which_o head_n of_o doctrine_n howsoever_o oppose_v by_o the_o author_n and_o fomenter_n of_o the_o foresay_a error_n respective_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v firm_o believe_v own_o maintain_v and_o commend_v unto_o other_o as_o solid_a true_a orthodox_a ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n consonant_a to_o the_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o the_o best_a reform_a kirk_n and_o because_o this_o assembly_n through_o the_o multitude_n of_o other_o necessary_a and_o press_a business_n can_v now_o have_v so_o much_o leisure_n as_o to_o examine_v and_o consider_v particular_o the_o foresay_a cxi_o proposition_n therefore_o a_o more_o particular_a examination_n thereof_o be_v commit_v and_o refer_v to_o the_o theological_a faculty_n in_o the_o four_o university_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o each_o of_o these_o faculty_n concerning_o the_o same_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v report_v to_o the_o next_o general_n assembly_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n these_o proposition_n shall_v be_v print_v both_o that_o copy_n thereof_o may_v be_v send_v to_o presbytery_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v free_a for_o any_o that_o please_v to_o peruse_v they_o and_o to_o make_v know_v or_o send_v their_o judgement_n concerning_o the_o same_o to_o the_o say_v next_o assembly_n a._o ker._n cxi_o proposition_n concerning_o the_o ministry_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v invisible_o teach_v and_o govern_v his_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o in_o gather_v preserve_a instruct_v build_v and_o save_v thereof_o he_o use_v minister_n as_o his_o instrument_n and_o have_v appoint_v a_o order_n of_o some_o to_o teach_v and_o other_o to_o learn_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o some_o shall_v be_v the_o flock_n and_o other_o the_o pastor_n 2._o for_o beside_o these_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n extraordinary_o send_v and_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n whereby_o they_o may_v confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o appoint_v also_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o execute_n of_o the_o ministry_n even_o until_o his_o come_n again_o unto_o judgement_n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13._o wherefore_o also_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n people_n or_o will_v be_v account_v christian_n aught_o to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n lawful_o though_o mediate_o call_v as_o the_o steward_n and_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n himself_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o man_n how_o fit_a soever_o and_o how_o much_o soever_o enrich_v or_o beautify_v with_o excellent_a gift_n to_o undertake_v the_o administration_n either_o of_o the_o word_n or_o sacrament_n by_o the_o will_n of_o private_a person_n or_o other_o who_o have_v not_o power_n and_o right_a to_o call_v much_o less_o be_v it_o lawful_a by_o their_o own_o judgement_n or_o arbitrâ—ment_n to_o assume_v and_o arrogate_v the_o same_o to_o themselves_o but_o before_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o undergo_v that_o sacred_a ministry_n in_o church_n constitute_v a_o special_a call_v yea_o beside_o a_o lawful_a election_n which_o alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a a_o mission_n or_o send_v or_o as_o common_o it_o be_v term_v ordination_n be_v necessary_o require_v and_o that_o both_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o confusion_n and_o to_o bar_v out_o or_o shut_v the_o door_n so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v upon_o impostor_n as_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o divine_a institution_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n rom._n 10._o 15._o heb._n 5._o 4._o tit._n 1._o 5._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 14._o 4._o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o no_o other_o person_n than_o minister_n and_o steward_n prefer_v and_o place_v by_o christ_n and_o after_o no_o other_o manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o law_n make_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o power_n on_o earth_n which_o may_v challenge_v to_o itself_o authority_n or_o dominion_n over_o the_o church_n but_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o will_v have_v the_o thing_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v administer_v not_o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n
the_o age_n follow_v will_v peradventure_o yield_v more_o tractable_a spirit_n more_o mild_a heart_n than_o our_o time_n have_v see_v also_o lavater_n agree_v in_o this_o homil._n 52._o on_o nehem._n because_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v abuse_v excommunication_n for_o the_o establish_n of_o their_o own_o tyranny_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o almost_o no_o just_a discipline_n can_v be_v any_o more_o settle_v in_o the_o church_n but_o unless_o the_o wicked_a be_v restrain_v all_o thing_n must_v of_o necessity_n run_v into_o the_o worst_a condition_n see_v beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o fabritius_n upon_o psal._n 149_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o of_o spiritual_a correction_n which_o he_o ground_v upon_o that_o text_n compare_v with_o matthew_n 16._o 19_o and_o 18._o 18._o john_n 20._o 23._o 108._o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v doubt_v or_o call_v in_o question_n but_o beside_o these_o other_o learned_a and_o godly_a divine_n of_o those_o church_n be_v and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n herein_o with_o those_o now_o cite_v and_o indeed_o the_o very_a confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o helvetia_n chap._n 18._o may_v be_v a_o evidence_n hereof_o but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o just_a discipline_n among_o minister_n for_o the_o doctrine_n and_o life_n of_o minister_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v inquire_v of_o in_o synod_n those_o that_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v rebuke_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o to_o be_v bring_v again_o into_o the_o way_n if_o they_o be_v curable_a or_o to_o be_v depose_v and_o like_o wolf_n drive_v away_o from_o the_o flock_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o they_o be_v incurable_a that_o this_o manner_n of_o synodical_a censure_n namely_o of_o depose_v minister_n from_o their_o office_n for_o some_o great_a scandal_n be_v use_v in_o the_o republic_n of_o zurich_n lavater_n be_v witness_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o zurich_n chap._n 23._o sure_o they_o can_v not_o be_v of_o that_o mind_n that_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o delinquent_n minister_n only_o and_o not_o also_o upon_o other_o rot_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 109._o yea_o the_o helvetian_a confession_n in_o the_o place_n now_o cite_v do_v so_o tax_v the_o inordinate_a zeal_n of_o the_o donatist_n and_o anabaptist_n which_o be_v so_o bend_v upon_o the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o tare_n out_o of_o the_o lord_n field_n that_o they_o take_v not_o heed_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o pluck_v up_o the_o wheat_n that_o withal_o it_o do_v not_o obscure_o commend_v the_o ecclesiastical_a forensical_a discipline_n as_o distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o see_v say_v they_o it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n a_o discipline_n and_o among_o the_o ancient_n in_o time_n past_a excommunication_n have_v be_v usual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a court_n have_v be_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n among_o who_o this_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v by_o prudent_a and_o godly_a man_n it_o belong_v also_o to_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o time_n the_o public_a estate_n and_o necessity_n to_o moderate_v this_o discipline_n where_o this_o rule_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v hold_v that_o all_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v to_o edification_n decent_o honest_o without_o tyranny_n and_o sedition_n the_o apostle_n also_o witness_v 2_o cor._n 13._o that_o to_o himself_o be_v give_v of_o god_n a_o power_n unto_o edification_n and_o not_o unto_o destruction_n 110._o and_o now_o what_o rest_v but_o that_o god_n be_v entreat_v with_o continual_a and_o ardent_a prayer_n both_o that_o he_o will_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o magistrate_n zeal_n and_o care_n to_o cherish_v defend_v and_o guard_v the_o ecclesiastic_a discipline_n together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o to_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o the_o importunate_a suit_n of_o whatsoever_o clawback_n which_o will_v stir_v they_o up_o against_o the_o church_n and_o that_o also_o all_o governor_n and_o ruler_n of_o church_n be_v everywhere_o furnish_v and_o help_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n may_v diligent_o and_o faithful_o execute_v this_o part_n also_o of_o their_o function_n as_o it_o become_v the_o trusty_a servant_n of_o christ_n which_o study_v to_o please_v their_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n more_o than_o man_n 111._o final_o all_o those_o who_o be_v more_o averse_a from_o ecclesiastic_a discipline_n or_o ill_o affect_v against_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v and_o entreat_v through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o entangle_v and_o enveagle_v with_o carnal_a prejudice_n to_o give_v place_n in_o this_o thing_n to_o human_a affection_n and_o to_o measure_n by_o their_o own_o corrupt_a reason_n spiritual_a discipline_n but_o that_o they_o do_v serious_o think_v with_o themselves_o and_o consider_v in_o their_o mind_n how_o much_o better_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v as_o with_o a_o bridle_n tame_v and_o that_o the_o repentance_n amendment_n and_o gain_v of_o vicious_a man_n unto_o salvation_n may_v be_v seek_v than_o that_o sinner_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o disposition_n and_o be_v permit_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o lust_n without_o controllment_n and_o by_o their_o evil_a example_n to_o draw_v other_o headlong_o into_o ruin_n with_o themselves_o and_o see_v either_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n must_v take_v no_o rust_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o christian_n will_v certain_o contract_v much_o rust_n what_o be_v here_o to_o be_v choose_v and_o what_o be_v to_o be_v shun_v let_v the_o wise_a and_o godly_a who_o alone_o take_v to_o heart_n the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n judge_n finis_fw-la
gregor._n the_o great_a epist_n lib._n 2._o chap._n 65._o and_o 66._o walafridus_fw-la strabo_n of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n chap._n 17._o 13._o that_o first_o and_o lesser_a censure_n by_o christ_n ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v inflict_v on_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v baptism_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v find_v unfit_a and_o unworthy_a to_o communicate_v in_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o church_n whether_o for_o their_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o divine_a thing_n the_o law_n namely_o and_o gospel_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o scandal_n either_o of_o false_a doctrine_n or_o wicked_a life_n for_o these_o cause_n therefore_o or_o for_o some_o one_o of_o they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n a_o lawful_a judicial_a trial_n go_v before_o according_a to_o the_o interdiction_n of_o christ_n forbid_v that_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a be_v give_v to_o dog_n or_o pearl_n be_v cast_v before_o swine_n matth._n 7._o 6._o and_o this_o censure_n of_o suspension_n be_v to_o continue_v till_o the_o offender_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n 14._o for_o the_o assert_v and_o defend_v of_o this_o suspension_n there_o be_v no_o small_a accession_n of_o strength_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n and_o end_n thereof_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v as_o well_o to_o the_o ungodly_a and_o impenitent_a that_o they_o may_v be_v convene_v as_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o repent_v that_o they_o may_v be_v confirm_v but_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v by_o god_n institute_v not_o for_o begin_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n but_o for_o nourish_v and_o increase_a grace_n and_o therefore_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o by_o his_o life_n testify_v that_o he_o be_v impenitent_a and_o not_o as_o yet_o convert_v 15._o indeed_o if_o the_o lord_n have_v institute_v this_o sacrament_n that_o not_o only_o it_o shall_v nourish_v and_o cherish_v faith_n and_o seal_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o shall_v begin_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o sinner_n and_o give_v regeneration_n itself_o as_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o very_o even_o the_o most_o wicked_a most_o unclean_a and_o most_o unworthy_a be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v otherwise_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o sacrament_n which_o shall_v be_v abundant_o manifest_a by_o the_o glean_n of_o these_o follow_a testimony_n 16._o the_o scottish_a confession_n art_n 23._o but_o we_o confess_v that_o the_o lord_n supper_n belong_v only_o to_o those_o of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n who_o can_v try_v and_o examine_v themselves_o as_o well_o in_o faith_n as_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n whoso_o abide_v without_o faith_n and_o in_o variance_n with_o their_o brethren_n do_v at_o that_o holy_a table_n eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o pastor_n in_o our_o church_n do_v enter_v on_o a_o public_a and_o particular_a examination_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n conversation_n and_o life_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o belgic_a confession_n art_n 35._o we_o believe_v also_o and_o confess_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o his_o supper_n that_o in_o it_o he_o may_v nourish_v and_o uphold_v they_o who_o he_o have_v already_o regenerate_v 17._o the_o saxon_a confession_n art_n 15._o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o lord_n will_v that_o every_o receiver_n be_v particular_o confirm_v by_o this_o testimony_n so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v certify_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v appertain_v to_o himself_o see_v the_o preach_v be_v common_a and_o by_o this_o testimony_n by_o this_o receive_n he_o show_v that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o his_o member_n and_o wash_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o by_o and_o by_o thus_o therefore_o we_o instruct_v the_o church_n that_o at_o behoove_v they_o that_o come_v to_o the_o supper_n to_o bring_v with_o they_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n and_o faith_n be_v now_o kindle_v in_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o seek_v here_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o faith_n the_o very_a same_o thing_n be_v set_v down_o and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a same_o word_n in_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o pole-land_n in_o the_o sendomiâ—ian_a synod_n anno_fw-la 1570._o art_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 18._o the_o bohemian_a confession_n art_n 11._o next_o our_o divine_n teach_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o themselves_o or_o as_o some_o say_v ex_fw-la opere_fw-la operato_fw-la do_v not_o confer_v grace_n to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o first_o endue_v with_o good_a motion_n and_o inwasd_o quicken_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n neither_o do_v they_o bestow_v justify_v faith_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n obsequious_a trust_v and_o obedient_a to_o god_n for_o faith_n must_v go_v before_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o of_o ripe_a year_n which_o quicken_v a_o man_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o put_v good_a motion_n into_o the_o heart_n and_o after_o but_o if_o any_o come_v unworthy_o to_o the_o sacrament_n he_o be_v not_o make_v by_o they_o worthy_a or_o clean_o but_o do_v only_o bring_v great_a sin_n and_o damnation_n on_o himself_o 19_o see_v then_o in_o the_o holy_a supper_n that_o be_v in_o the_o receive_v the_o sacramental_a element_n which_o be_v here_o distinguish_v from_o the_o prayer_n and_o exhortation_n accompany_v that_o action_n the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o first_o receive_v but_o for_o they_o be_v receive_v be_v thanks_o give_v neither_o by_o partake_v thereof_o do_v god_n bestow_v the_o very_a spiritual_a life_n but_o do_v preserve_v cherish_v and_o perfect_v that_o life_n and_o see_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v account_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o letter_n patent_n but_o sacrament_n like_o seal_n as_o right_o the_o helvetian_a confession_n say_v chap._n 19_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o those_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o by_o their_o fruit_n and_o manner_n do_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v ungodly_a or_o impenitent_a and_o stranger_n or_o alien_n from_o all_o communion_n with_o christ_n nor_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o grace_n seal_v to_o any_o other_o then_o to_o those_o to_o who_o these_o promise_n do_v belong_v for_o otherwise_o the_o seal_n annex_v shall_v contradict_v and_o gainsay_v the_o letter_n patent_n and_o by_o the_o visible_a word_n those_o shall_v be_v loose_v and_o remit_v which_o by_o the_o audible_a word_n be_v bind_v and_o condemn_v but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o absurdity_n as_o that_o if_o any_o will_v yet_o he_o can_v smooth_v or_o heal_v it_o with_o any_o plaster_n 20._o but_o as_o know_v impious_a and_o unregenerate_a person_n have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o holy_a table_n so_o also_o ungodly_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o grievous_a scandal_n be_v just_o for_o a_o time_n deprive_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a or_o allowable_a that_o the_o comfort_n and_o promise_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o repent_v shall_v be_v seal_v unto_o know_a unclean_a person_n and_o those_o who_o walk_v inordinate_o whether_o such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o regenerate_v or_o such_o as_o be_v regenerate_v but_o fall_v and_o not_o yet_o restore_v or_o rise_v from_o their_o fall_n the_o same_o discipline_n plain_o be_v shadow_v forth_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o none_o of_o god_n people_n during_o their_o legal_a pollution_n be_v permit_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o to_o have_v access_n to_o the_o solemn_a sacrifice_n and_o society_n of_o the_o church_n and_o much_o more_o be_v wicked_a and_o notorious_a offender_n debar_v from_o the_o temple_n ever_o until_o by_o a_o offering_n for_o sin_n together_o with_o a_o solemn_a confession_n thereof_o be_v cleanse_v they_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n num._n 5._o 6_o 7_o 8._o lev._n 5._o to_o the_o 7._o vers._n lev._n 6._o to_o vers._n 8._o 21._o yea_o that_o those_o who_o be_v pollute_v with_o sin_n and_o crime_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o unclean_a in_o the_o law_n maimonides_n in_o more_o nevochim_n part._n 3._o chap._n 47._o prove_v out_o of_o lev._n 20._o 3._o lev._n 18._o 24._o num._n 35._o 33_o 34._o therefore_o see_v the_o shed_n of_o man_n blood_n be_v right_o esteem_v the_o great_a pollution_n of_o all_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o society_n of_o the_o leprous_a be_v shun_v by_o the_o clean_a so_o the_o company_n of_o murderer_n by_o good_a man_n be_v
confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v show_v token_n of_o repentance_n matth._n 18._o 16_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 13._o which_o place_n be_v also_o allege_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o bohemia_n art_n 8._o to_o prove_v that_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o impenitent_a and_o stubborn_a who_o wickedness_n be_v know_v be_v command_v of_o the_o lord_n but_o if_o stubborn_a heretic_n or_o unclean_a person_n be_v not_o remove_v or_o east_n out_o from_o the_o church_n therein_o do_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n sin_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a rev._n 2._o 14_o 20._o 30._o but_o that_o all_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n may_v be_v either_o prevent_v and_o avoid_v or_o take_v away_o or_o lest_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n either_o by_o the_o ignorance_n or_o unskilfulness_n of_o some_o minister_n here_o and_o there_o or_o also_o by_o too_o much_o heat_n and_o fervour_n of_o mind_n shall_v run_v out_o beyond_o measure_n or_o bound_n or_o contrariwise_o be_v shut_v up_o within_o straight_a limit_n than_o be_v fit_v shall_v be_v make_v unprofitable_a feeble_a or_o of_o none_o effect_n christ_n the_o most_o wise_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n have_v foresee_v and_o make_v provision_n to_o prevent_v all_o such_o evil_n which_o he_o do_v foresee_v be_v to_o arise_v and_o have_v prepare_v and_o prescribe_v for_o they_o intrinsical_a and_o ecclesiastical_a remedy_n and_o those_o also_o in_o their_o kind_n if_o lawful_o and_o right_o apply_v both_o sufficient_a and_o effectual_a some_o whereof_o he_o have_v most_o express_o propound_v in_o his_o word_n and_o some_o he_o have_v leave_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o thence_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n 31._o therefore_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v calvis_fw-la errans_fw-la or_o a_o wrong_a key_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o particular_a church_n to_o err_v or_o sin_v licentious_o and_o lest_o any_o man_n cause_n be_v overthrow_v and_o perish_v who_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v perhaps_o the_o same_o man_n both_o his_o adversary_n and_o his_o judge_n also_o that_o common_a business_n which_o do_v belong_v to_o many_o church_n together_o with_o the_o more_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a controversy_n the_o decide_v whereof_o in_o the_o consistory_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o safe_a to_o be_v adventure_v upon_o may_v be_v handle_v and_o determine_v by_o a_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbytery_n final_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o particular_a church_n may_v impart_v help_n mutual_o one_o to_o another_o against_o the_o cunning_a and_o subtle_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o may_v join_v their_o strength_n together_o such_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o holy_a combination_n and_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v as_o a_o camp_n of_o a_o army_n well_o order_v lest_o while_o every_o one_o strive_v single_o all_o of_o they_o be_v subdue_v and_o overcome_v or_o lest_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o scarcity_n of_o prudent_a and_o godly_a counsellor_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o who_o be_v safety_n the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n be_v undo_v for_o all_o those_o consideration_n particular_a church_n must_v be_v subordinate_a to_o classical_a presbytery_n and_o synod_n 32._o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o particular_a church_n or_o as_o common_o they_o be_v call_v parochial_a either_o to_o decline_v the_o authority_n of_o class_n or_o synod_n where_o they_o be_v lawful_o settle_v or_o may_v be_v have_v much_o less_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o authority_n if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v it_o or_o to_o refuse_v such_o lawful_a ordinance_n or_o decree_n of_o the_o class_n or_o synod_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v with_o authority_n impose_v upon_o they_o act_n 15._o 2_o 6_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 28_o 29._o act_n 16._o 4._o 33._o although_o synod_n assemble_v more_o seldom_o class_n and_o consistory_n of_o particular_a church_n more_o frequent_o yet_o that_o synod_n both_o provincial_n and_o national_a assemble_v at_o set_n and_o ordinary_a time_n as_o well_o as_o class_n and_o parochial_a consistory_n be_v very_o expedient_a and_o for_o the_o due_a preservation_n of_o church_n policy_n and_o discipline_n necessary_a sometime_o indeed_o it_o be_v expedient_a they_o be_v assemble_v occasional_o that_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v the_o more_o speedy_o provide_v for_o namely_o when_o such_o a_o business_n happen_v which_o without_o great_a danger_n can_v be_v put_v off_o till_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o the_o synod_n 34._o but_o that_o beside_o occasional_a synod_n ordinary_a synod_n be_v keep_v at_o set_a time_n be_v most_o profitable_a not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v discuss_v and_o determine_v the_o more_o difficult_a ecclesiastical_a cause_n come_v before_o they_o whether_o by_o the_o appeal_n of_o some_o person_n aggrieve_v or_o by_o the_o hesitation_n or_o doubt_v of_o inferior_a assembly_n for_o such_o business_n very_o often_o fall_v out_o but_o also_o that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o have_v the_o care_n be_v more_o certain_o and_o frequent_o search_v and_o know_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n want_v or_o amiss_o in_o their_o doctrine_n discipline_n or_o manner_n or_o any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o punishment_n the_o slothful_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v make_v to_o shake_v off_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n and_o slothfulness_n and_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o attend_v and_o fulfil_v more_o diligent_o their_o call_n and_o not_o suffer_v any_o long_a to_o sleep_v and_o snort_v in_o their_o office_n the_o straggler_n and_o wanderer_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o way_n the_o untoward_a and_o stiffnecked_a which_o scarce_o or_o very_o hardly_o suffer_v the_o yoke_n of_o discipline_n as_o also_o unquiet_a person_n which_o devise_v new_a and_o hurtful_a thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o order_n final_o whatsoever_o do_v hinder_v the_o more_o quick_a and_o efficacious_a course_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v discover_v and_o remove_v 35._o it_o be_v too_o too_o manifest_a alas_o for_o it_o that_o there_o be_v which_o with_o unwearyed_a diligence_n do_v most_o careful_o labour_v that_o they_o may_v oppress_v the_o liberty_n and_o right_n of_o synod_n and_o may_v take_v away_o from_o they_o all_o liberty_n of_o consult_v of_o thing_n and_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a at_o least_o of_o determine_v thereof_o for_o they_o well_o know_v how_o much_o the_o union_n and_o harmony_n of_o church_n may_v make_v against_o their_o design_n but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o it_o concern_v the_o orthodox_a church_n to_o know_v defend_v and_o preserve_v this_o excellent_a liberty_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o divine_a right_n and_o so_o to_o use_v it_o that_o imminent_a danger_n approach_v evil_n urge_v grievance_n scandal_n grow_v up_o schism_n rise_v heresy_n creep_v in_o error_n spread_v and_o strife_n wax_v hot_a may_v be_v correct_v and_o take_v away_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o edification_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 36._o beside_o provincial_n and_o national_a synod_n a_o ecumenical_a so_o call_v from_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o be_v from_o the_o habitable_a world_n or_o more_o true_o a_o general_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o universal_a synod_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v free_a and_o right_o constitute_v and_o no_o other_o commissioner_n but_o orthodox_a church_n be_v admit_v for_o what_o communion_n be_v there_o of_o light_n with_o darkness_n of_o righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n or_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n such_o a_o synod_n be_v of_o special_a utility_n peradventure_o also_o such_o a_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o for_o defend_v the_o orthodox_a faith_n both_o against_o popery_n and_o other_o heresy_n as_o also_o for_o propagate_a it_o to_o those_o who_o be_v without_o especial_o the_o jew_n a_o more_o straight_o and_o more_o firm_a consociation_n may_v be_v enter_v into_o for_o the_o unanimity_n of_o all_o the_o church_n as_o in_o evil_a it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n most_o hurtful_a so_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n in_o good_a it_o be_v most_o pleasant_a most_o profitable_a and_o most_o effectual_a 37._o unto_o the_o universal_a synod_n also_o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v to_o be_v refer_v the_o judgement_n of_o controversy_n not_o of_o all_o but_o of_o those_o which_o be_v controversiae_fw-la juris_fw-la controversy_n of_o right_a neither_o yet_o of_o all_o those_o but_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o weighty_a controversy_n of_o the_o orthodox_a faith_n or_o of_o the_o most_o hard_a and_o unusual_a case_n of_o conscience_n of_o the_o controversy_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v another_o and_o different_a consideration_n to_o be_v
have_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o plaintiff_n person_n accuse_v and_o witness_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o most_o remote_a church_n to_o the_o general_a or_o universal_a council_n the_o visible_a communion_n itself_o of_o all_o the_o church_n on_o which_o the_o universal_a counsel_n be_v build_v and_o whereupon_o as_o on_o a_o foundation_n it_o lean_v be_v not_o so_o much_o of_o company_n fellowship_n or_o conversation_n as_o of_o religion_n and_o doctrine_n all_o true_a church_n of_o the_o world_n do_v indeed_o profess_v the_o same_o true_a religion_n and_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v beside_o this_o a_o certain_a commixture_n and_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n as_o to_o a_o more_o near_a fellowship_n and_o some_o acquaintance_n converse_v and_o company_v together_o which_o can_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o church_n throughout_o the_o habitable_a world_n 38._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n as_o in_o doctrinal_a controversy_n which_o be_v handle_v by_o theologue_n and_o casuist_n and_o in_o those_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o common_a state_n of_o the_o orthodox_a church_n the_o national_a synod_n be_v subo_fw-la dinate_a and_o subject_v to_o the_o universal_a lawful_o constitute_v synod_n and_o from_o the_o national_a to_o the_o ecumenical_a synod_n when_o there_o be_v a_o just_a and_o weighty_a cause_n a_o appeal_n be_v open_a so_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o the_o appeal_n of_o they_o who_o complain_v of_o injury_n do_v to_o they_o through_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o this_o or_o that_o church_n shall_v go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o national_a synod_n but_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v rest_v and_o acquiesce_v within_o those_o bound_n and_o border_n and_o that_o the_o ultimate_a judgement_n of_o such_o matter_n be_v in_o the_o national_a synod_n unless_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o knot_n be_v just_o think_v worthy_a of_o a_o great_a decider_n in_o which_o case_n the_o controversy_n which_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o universal_a synod_n be_v rather_o of_o a_o abstract_n general_a theological_a proposition_n then_o of_o the_o particular_a or_o individual_a case_n 39_o furthermore_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ecclesiastic_a power_n in_o consistory_n class_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o at_o all_o tend_v to_o weaken_v in_o any_o wise_a hurt_n or_o minish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n much_o less_o to_o take_v it_o away_o or_o destroy_v it_o yea_o rather_o by_o it_o a_o most_o profitable_a help_n come_v to_o the_o magistrate_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o religion_n man_n conscience_n be_v more_o straight_o tie_v unto_o he_o there_o have_v be_v indeed_o fantastical_a man_n who_o under_o pretence_n and_o cloak_n of_o christian_a liberty_n will_v abolish_v and_o cast_v out_o law_n and_o judgement_n order_n also_o degree_n and_o honour_n out_o of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o have_v be_v bold_a to_o reckon_v the_o function_n of_o the_o magistrate_n arm_v with_o the_o sword_n among_o evil_a thing_n and_o unlawful_a but_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v renounce_v and_o detest_v those_o dream_n and_o do_v most_o harmonious_o and_o most-willing_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v god_n will_v that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o law_n and_o policy_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o have_v deliver_v to_o he_o the_o sword_n to_o the_o protection_n and_o praise_n of_o good_a man_n but_o for_o punishment_n and_o revenge_n on_o the_o evil_a that_o by_o this_o bridle_n man_n vice_n and_o fault_n may_v be_v restrain_v whether_o commit_v against_o the_o first_o or_o against_o the_o second_o table_n 40._o the_o reform_a church_n believe_v also_o and_o open_o confess_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o emperor_n over_o their_o empire_n of_o king_n over_o their_o kingdom_n of_o prince_n and_o duke_n over_o their_o dominion_n and_o of_o other_o magistrate_n or_o state_n over_o their_o commonwealth_n and_o city_n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n himself_o appoint_v as_o well_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o to_o the_o singular_a profit_n of_o mankind_n and_o withal_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n himself_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n we_o must_v not_o only_o suffer_v and_o be_v content_a that_o those_o do_v rule_v which_o be_v set_v over_o their_o own_o territory_n whether_o by_o hereditary_a or_o by_o elective_a right_n but_o also_o to_o love_v they_o fear_v they_o and_o with_o all_o reverence_n and_o honour_n embrace_v they_o as_o the_o ambassador_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o good_a god_n be_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o prefer_v for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o subject_n to_o pour_v out_o prayer_n for_o they_o to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o they_o and_o in_o all_o business_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n which_o be_v not_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o obey_v their_o law_n and_o edict_n 41._o the_o orthodox_a church_n believe_v also_o and_o do_v willing_o acknowledge_v that_o every_o lawful_a magistrate_n be_v by_o god_n himself_o constitute_v the_o keeper_n and_o defender_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n may_v and_o ought_v first_o and_o chief_o to_o take_v care_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o according_a to_o his_o place_n or_o in_o his_o manner_n and_o way_n to_o preserve_v religion_n when_o pure_a and_o to_o restore_v it_o when_o decay_v and_o corrupt_v and_o also_o to_o provide_v a_o learned_a and_o godly_a ministry_n school_n also_o and_o synod_n as_o likewise_o to_o restrain_v and_o punish_v as_o well_o atheist_n blasphemer_n heretic_n and_o schismatic_n as_o the_o violater_n of_o justice_n and_o civil_a peace_n 42._o wherefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o sectary_n of_o this_o age_n be_v altogether_o to_o be_v disallow_v who_o though_o otherwise_o insinuate_v themselves_o crafty_o into_o the_o magistrate_n favour_n do_v deny_v unto_o he_o the_o authority_n and_o right_n of_o restrain_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o do_v hold_v and_o maintain_v that_o such_o person_n how_o much_o soever_o hurtful_a and_o pernicious_a enemy_n to_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o magistrate_n if_o so_o be_v he_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o no_o way_n violate_v the_o law_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o in_o no_o wise_a disturb_v the_o civil_a peace_n 43._o yet_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ought_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v confound_v or_o mix_v together_o both_o power_n be_v indeed_o from_o god_n and_o ordain_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o both_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o word_n and_o both_o be_v comprehend_v under_o that_o precept_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n so_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o obey_v both_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o both_o power_n their_o proper_a dignity_n and_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v in_o force_n to_o both_o also_o be_v some_o way_n entrust_v the_o keep_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n also_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o do_v exercise_v some_o jurisdiction_n and_o give_v sentence_n of_o judgement_n in_o a_o external_a court_n or_o judicatory_n but_o these_o and_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a sort_n in_o which_o they_o agree_v notwithstanding_o yet_o by_o marvellous_a vast_a difference_n be_v they_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o the_o right_n of_o both_o remain_v distinct_a and_o that_o eight_o manner_n of_o way_n which_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v amiss_o here_o to_o add_v that_o unto_o each_o of_o these_o administration_n its_o own_o set_a bound_n may_v be_v the_o better_o maintain_v 44._o first_o of_o all_o therefore_o they_o be_v difference_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o very_a foundation_n and_o the_o institution_n for_o the_o political_a or_o civil_a power_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n itself_o and_o for_o that_o cause_n it_o be_v common_a to_o infidel_n with_o christian_n the_o power_n ecclesiastical_a depend_v immediate_o upon_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n alone_o that_o beer_n long_v to_o the_o universal_a dominion_n of_o god_n the_o creator_n oveall_a nation_n but_o this_o unto_o the_o special_a and_o economical_a king_n doom_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n which_o he_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n alone_o and_o which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n 45._o the_o second_o difference_n in_o the_o object_n or_o matter_n about_o which_o the_o power_n politic_a or_o civil_a be_v occupy_v about_o the_o outward_a man_n and_o civil_a or_o earthly_a thing_n about_o war_n peace_n conservation_n of_o justice_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n