the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o to_o 7._o tit._n 1.6_o to_o 9_o deacon_n according_a to_o act_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 12._o for_o the_o church_n have_v not_o absolute_a power_n to_o choose_v who_o they_o listen_v but_o ministerial_a power_n only_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v choose_v have_v gift_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o if_o the_o church_n can_v find_v out_o none_o such_o in_o their_o own_o body_n they_o send_v to_o any_o other_o church_n for_o fit_a supply_n and_o each_o church_n look_v at_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v mutual_o helpful_a one_o to_o another_o in_o yield_v what_o supply_n they_o may_v without_o too_o much_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o according_a to_o cant._n 8.8_o 9_o such_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o work_n they_o take_v some_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o partly_o by_o consultation_n with_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n continue_v there_o in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o fulfil_v the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n 1_o tim._n 3.22_o for_o every_o man_n of_o good_a gift_n be_v not_o always_o endow_v with_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o every_o good_a heart_n be_v not_o fit_v to_o close_v so_o full_o as_o be_v meet_v with_o every_o good_a people_n every_o key_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o open_v every_o lock_n nor_o every_o good_a man_n gift_n fit_a to_o edify_v every_o people_n but_o when_o upon_o trial_n the_o church_n do_v find_v every_o man_n spirit_n among_o they_o desirous_a of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o man_n and_o his_o gift_n then_o they_o agree_v among_o themselves_o upon_o a_o certain_a day_n wherein_o in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n they_o intend_v to_o elect_a he_o to_o office_n among_o themselves_o of_o this_o they_o give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o near_a adjoin_a church_n who_o and_o when_o and_o to_o what_o office_n they_o intend_v to_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n who_o they_o nominate_v to_o they_o entreat_v their_o presence_n and_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o assistance_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v they_o give_v notice_n also_o thereof_o unto_o the_o governor_n and_o such_o other_o of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v near_o to_o they_o that_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v meeting_n with_o no_o just_a exception_n from_o any_o may_v find_v the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o acceptance_n from_o all_o when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v it_o be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n with_o fast_v pray_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 14.23_o &_o 13.1_o 2_o 3._o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o grave_a brethren_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o inquire_v of_o the_o church_n if_o now_o after_o this_o solemn_a seek_v of_o god_n for_o his_o counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a work_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o purpose_n to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o their_o own_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o rule_v elder_a who_o before_o they_o agree_v upon_o then_o have_v take_v their_o silence_n for_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o purpose_n he_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o only_o the_o messenger_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n present_a but_o of_o all_o that_o stand_v by_o because_o and_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a report_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o 1_o tim._n 3.7_o how_o much_o more_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n he_o demand_v therefore_o of_o the_o church_n first_o and_o then_o of_o the_o rest_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o have_v know_v of_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o man_n present_v before_o they_o either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n which_o may_v give_v they_o just_a cause_n to_o forbear_v his_o election_n if_o all_o keep_v silence_n as_o usual_o they_o do_v for_o if_o any_o have_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o man_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o acquaint_v some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o before_o the_o day_n he_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n again_o now_o see_v all_o be_v clear_a for_o their_o free_a election_n of_o he_o to_o such_o a_o office_n he_o desire_v all_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n to_o declare_v their_o election_n of_o he_o with_o one_o accord_n by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v do_v he_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o the_o party_n choose_v whether_o he_o do_v accept_v of_o that_o call_n which_o the_o church_n have_v give_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o that_o office_n he_o have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o wherein_o he_o have_v chief_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o the_o elder_a do_v then_o admonish_v the_o church_n what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o all_o in_o his_o word_n towards_o he_o who_o they_o have_v thus_o choose_v and_o afterward_o advertise_v he_o what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o in_o that_o place_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o both_o of_o their_o mutual_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o he_o then_o with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o two_o or_o three_o other_o of_o the_o grave_a christian_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o body_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ordain_v he_o unto_o that_o office_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v furnish_v he_o with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n to_o accept_v and_o own_v he_o therein_o to_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o to_o breath_n in_o all_o his_o administration_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o bless_v all_o his_o go_v out_o and_o come_n in_o before_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v his_o speech_n upon_o the_o person_n on_o who_o their_o hand_n be_v impose_v he_o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o presbytery_n express_v their_o ordination_n of_o he_o to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o put_v a_o solemn_a charge_n upon_o he_o to_o look_v well_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n as_o one_o that_o must_v give_v account_n of_o all_o their_o soul_n unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appear_v after_o this_o the_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n present_a observe_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o day_n perform_v by_o the_o officer_n then_o choose_v and_o ordain_v and_o in_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o election_n and_o ordination_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v give_v unto_o he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n testify_v their_o brotherly_a acceptance_n of_o he_o and_o their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o gracious_a gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o and_o do_v exhort_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o after_o public_a praise_n give_v to_o god_n by_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n he_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n with_o a_o blessing_n sect_n v._o for_o our_o call_n of_o deacon_n we_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o ordain_v they_o with_o like_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n because_o we_o do_v not_o read_v the_o apostle_n give_v any_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o first_o deacon_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 6._o but_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v look_v out_o among_o themselves_o man_n fit_o qualify_v for_o that_o call_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n former_o mention_v and_o have_v make_v some_o proof_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o lord_n day_n or_o other_o public_a holy_a meeting_n do_v ordain_v they_o to_o the_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o over_o that_o business_n with_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n sect_n vi_o object_n two_o thing_n be_v here_o demand_v first_o by_o what_o warrant_v the_o people_n choose_v their_o officer_n answ_n from_o the_o precedent_n
a_o precise_a quotient_n a_o number_n of_o hundred_o and_o thousand_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o every_o church_n yet_o such_o a_o number_n be_v limit_v as_o fall_v not_o below_o seven_o nor_o rise_v above_o the_o bulk_n of_o one_o congregation_n and_o such_o a_o congregation_n wherein_o all_o may_v meet_v and_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o all_o may_v partake_v and_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v together_o sect_n ii_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v add_v &_o join_v to_o such_o a_o body_n they_o first_o make_v know_v their_o desire_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o take_v trial_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n &_o of_o their_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o their_o godly_a conversation_n among_o man_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v find_v ignorant_a and_o graceless_a or_o scandalous_a he_o may_v not_o be_v present_o present_v to_o the_o church_n till_o these_o evil_n be_v remove_v the_o stone_n that_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o solomon_n temple_n be_v square_v and_o make_v ready_a before_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o build_n neither_o iron_n nor_o axe_n nor_o any_o iron_n tool_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o house_n while_o it_o be_v a_o building_n 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o wherefore_o so_o if_o not_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o no_o member_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v rough-hewen_a and_o square_v and_o fit_v to_o lie_v close_o and_o level_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o member_n but_o when_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o be_v approve_v of_o the_o elder_n they_o be_v propound_v by_o one_o of_o the_o rule_v elder_n to_o the_o church_n with_o a_o motion_n to_o the_o brethren_n to_o make_v inquiry_n after_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o they_o to_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o no_o exception_n be_v hear_v of_o they_o be_v call_v forth_o before_o the_o church_n after_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v perform_v and_o each_o one_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o penitent_a confession_n he_o declare_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sinful_a estate_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o declare_v not_o only_o his_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o desire_n of_o walk_v therein_o with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o that_o church_n now_o before_o or_o after_o such_o his_o profession_n or_o confession_n those_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v give_v some_o good_a testimony_n if_o need_v be_v of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n either_o according_a to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o according_a to_o the_o credible_a report_n or_o letter_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v concern_v he_o which_o do_v the_o rule_v elder_a or_o one_o of_o the_o preach_a elder_n propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o from_o all_o that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v they_o find_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o he_o if_o so_o it_o be_v clear_v and_o remove_v before_o any_o further_a proceed_n if_o no_o just_a exception_n appear_v the_o rule_v elder_a then_o move_v the_o church_n to_o express_v their_o acceptance_n of_o he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o do_v and_o the_o like_a course_n take_v with_o two_o or_o three_o more_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v the_o elder_a propound_v to_o they_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n what_o promise_v of_o grace_n he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o as_o also_o what_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n he_o do_v require_v of_o they_o as_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o their_o only_a priest_n and_o atonement_n their_o only_a prophet_n and_o guide_n their_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o brotherly_a love_n with_o the_o brethren_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n and_o succour_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o new_a receive_v member_n acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n do_v further_a acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o duty_n of_o holy_a watchfulness_n over_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shut_v up_o his_o work_n with_o some_o short_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o thousand_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v we_o all_o faithful_a to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o his_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n sect_n iii_o now_o what_o offence_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o or_o what_o scruple_n may_v arise_v in_o a_o godly_a mind_n against_o these_o thing_n two_o or_o three_o thing_n seem_v herein_o offensive_a but_o be_v not_o first_o that_o we_o require_v gracious_a qualification_n in_o such_o as_o we_o receive_v to_o church-fellowship_n whereas_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v of_o all_o sort_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o to_o be_v a_o garner_n contain_v chaff_n and_o wheat_n as_o a_o field_n wherein_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o second_o that_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n three_o that_o we_o communicate_v too_o much_o power_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o do_v not_o rather_o refer_v all_o power_n in_o this_o case_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o give_v therefore_o some_o account_n of_o these_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v for_o the_o first_o though_o we_o willing_o admit_v all_o comer_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n with_o we_o as_o the_o corinthian_n admit_v infidel_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o yet_o we_o receive_v none_o as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charitable_a christian_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n our_o reason_n be_v first_o from_o the_o near_a relation_n between_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o church_n as_o also_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.22_o to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o to_o be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o as_o dear_a child_n eph._n 4.1_o now_o how_o can_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n except_o the_o member_n in_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v as_o indeed_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n gal._n 1.2_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o external_a profession_n for_o these_o be_v too_o high_a style_n for_o hypocrite_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n second_o we_o read_v act._n 2.47_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o add_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o god_n add_v not_o such_o as_o have_v no_o show_n of_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o they_o to_o any_o spiritual_a discern_v aught_o not_o the_o lord_n steward_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o god_n house_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o as_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n go_v before_o they_o receive_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o refuse_v who_o he_o refuse_v cast_v out_o who_o he_o cast_v out_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n direct_v the_o roman_n to_o receive_v a_o
who_o only_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v grant_v object_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_v among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n may_v come_v and_o keep_v the_o passeover_n among_o they_o but_o we_o here_o withhold_v the_o lord_n supper_n from_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v answ_n our_o answer_n be_v they_o that_o be_v circumcise_v among_o the_o israelite_n may_v right_o keep_v the_o passeover_n among_o they_o because_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o israel_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o one_o synagogue_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v minister_n in_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n in_o proportion_n whereunto_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n require_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o impediment_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o unfitnesse_n to_o examine_v themselves_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n requisite_a to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o passeover_n but_o now_o because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o another_o constitution_n none_o of_o they_o national_a as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v but_o all_o of_o they_o congregationall_a baptism_n in_o one_o church_n do_v not_o give_v a_o man_n right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o unless_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o all_o as_o in_o israel_n they_o be_v or_o unless_o that_o one_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o do_v recommend_v their_o right_n and_o power_n to_o another_o 3._o a_o three_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n which_o we_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o partake_v together_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n so_o we_o deal_v with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o so_o we_o deal_v with_o the_o member_n of_o neighbour_n church_n in_o this_o country_n none_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o while_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o public_a scandal_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n direction_n that_o if_o a_o man_n bring_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o his_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o he_o he_o shall_v there_o leave_v his_o gift_n and_o go_v first_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v his_o gift_n mat._n 5.23_o 24._o if_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o a_o man_n own_o private_a direction_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o rule_n also_o for_o a_o whole_a church_n to_o direct_v a_o offend_a brother_n to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o case_n of_o a_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v therefore_o direct_v both_o the_o brethren_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o of_o any_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n that_o if_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o shall_v first_o remove_v such_o public_a offence_n as_o either_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v lie_n under_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o ☜_o ☜_o that_o according_a to_o the_o figure_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o passeover_n no_o leaven_n must_v be_v find_v among_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n together_o now_o though_o we_o rather_o choose_v to_o cover_v in_o silence_n and_o to_o mourn_v in_o secret_a for_o any_o corruption_n find_v in_o other_o church_n especial_o in_o these_o so_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o they_o and_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o our_o own_o due_a proceed_n here_o constrain_v we_o to_o confess_v sundry_a public_a offence_n under_o which_o our_o english_a parish_n church_n lie_v and_o wherein_o our_o self_n also_o be_v defile_v while_o we_o live_v in_o they_o and_o our_o countryman_n be_v defile_v that_o come_v over_o to_o we_o from_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o come_v over_o not_o as_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o they_o leave_v that_o relation_n where_o they_o leave_v their_o habitation_n but_o of_o a_o nationall_n church_n whereof_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o no_o pattern_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o national_a church_n nor_o any_o national_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o some_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n upon_o some_o covenant_n or_o stipulation_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o of_o some_o in_o their_o stead_n who_o they_o call_v godfather_n which_o also_o be_v without_o warrant_n yet_o general_o they_o have_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o any_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n or_o repentance_n or_o promise_v of_o performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n make_v for_o they_o which_o be_v a_o offence_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o own_o church_n express_v in_o the_o rubric_n before_o the_o common_a catechism_n but_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v none_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o such_o as_o profess_v their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o in_o their_o parish_n communion_n which_o not_o communion_n of_o spirit_n but_o co-habitation_n beget_v they_o partake_v with_o all_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n not_o exclude_v drunkard_n whoremonger_n profane_a swearer_n covetous_a worldling_n atheist_n papist_n and_o the_o like_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o not_o a_o little_a leaven_n but_o a_o great_a mass_n of_o leaven_n have_v deep_o leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o have_v worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n both_o in_o prescript_n form_n of_o liturgy_n and_o litany_n and_o in_o such_o ceremony_n as_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v public_o enjoin_v as_o neither_o dark_a nor_o dull_a but_o apt_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o dull_a mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n by_o some_o notable_a and_o special_a signification_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o have_v yield_v voluntary_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o appoint_v in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v approve_v the_o same_o whether_o by_o subscription_n or_o by_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n or_o by_o conformity_n to_o their_o usurpation_n and_o injunction_n these_o or_o such_o like_a public_a offence_n as_o we_o have_v bewail_v in_o ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o they_o so_o we_o have_v think_v it_o needful_a that_o our_o brethren_n also_o who_o come_v over_o to_o we_o shall_v profess_v their_o repentance_n of_o the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o a_o positive_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o contrary_a sincere_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n with_o we_o sect_n vi_o if_o these_o ground_n may_v suffice_v to_o justify_v our_o non-admittance_n of_o all_o the_o countryman_n promiscuous_o that_o come_v over_o to_o we_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o further_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o also_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o may_v suffice_v to_o justify_v our_o non-admittance_n of_o their_o infant_n unto_o baptism_n infant_n can_v claim_v right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o right_n of_o one_o of_o their_o parent_n or_o both_o where_o neither_o of_o the_o parent_n can_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o their_o infant_n can_v claim_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o they_o can_v claim_v right_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o have_v not_o lawful_a liberty_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o parent_n or_o to_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o either_o for_o our_o want_n of_o due_a power_n over_o they_o or_o through_o their_o want_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o
demerit_n as_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n but_o if_o a_o member_n be_v importunate_o desirous_a to_o remove_v whole_o from_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v unto_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n favour_n of_o nothing_o but_o levity_n or_o covetousness_n or_o schism_n or_o the_o like_a according_a to_o their_o covenant_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o brethren_n of_o his_o own_o church_n labour_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sinful_a weakness_n herein_o to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o purpose_n to_o which_o counsel_n god_n usual_o tow_v his_o heart_n to_o stoop_v and_o submit_v but_o if_o after_o all_o their_o dissuasion_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o bent_n of_o his_o spirit_n unremovable_o set_v upon_o removal_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o his_o sin_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o his_o danger_n imminent_a they_o use_v indulgence_n towards_o he_o as_o not_o willing_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o prison_n to_o any_o man_n but_o when_o man_n thus_o depart_v god_n usual_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o bitter_a curse_n either_o take_v away_o their_o life_n from_o they_o or_o blast_v they_o with_o poverty_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o scandal_n where_o they_o come_v or_o in_o entertain_v they_o with_o such_o restless_a agitation_n that_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o repent_v of_o their_o former_a rashness_n and_o many_o time_n to_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v break_v away_o sect_n iii_o our_o three_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o consultation_n whereof_o we_o have_v give_v some_o touch_n before_o as_o 1._o in_o time_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n the_o brethren_n who_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n do_v give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o presence_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o of_o such_o other_o brethren_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v meet_a to_o send_v to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o competent_a gift_n of_o such_o member_n as_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o further_o to_o give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o order_n of_o that_o day_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o 2._o in_o the_o choice_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n one_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o send_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n about_o they_o for_o such_o elder_n and_o brethren_n as_o may_v give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v as_o have_v be_v former_o deliver_v 3._o in_o case_n of_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-censure_n and_o the_o like_a to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o partiality_n or_o prejudice_n the_o church_n be_v sometime_o occasion_v to_o send_v to_o the_o neighbour-churche_n one_o or_o more_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n depend_v among_o they_o who_o give_v advice_n according_a to_o the_o word_n do_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n heal_v jealousy_n and_o compose_v difference_n and_o settle_v peace_n and_o love_n among_o they_o and_o this_o also_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o 4._o in_o doubtful_a case_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n where_o yet_o no_o difference_n have_v rise_v but_o all_o or_o most_o be_v uncertain_a what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o whether_o a_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v by_o right_a of_o his_o grandfather_n covenant_n or_o the_o like_a the_o church_n do_v sometime_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n who_o deliberate_a by_o consider_v and_o argue_v the_o matter_n and_o agree_v upon_o what_o they_o conceive_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n each_o church_n send_v their_o judgement_n and_o their_o reason_n either_o by_o elder_n or_o by_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n that_o send_v to_o they_o sect_n iv_o a_o four_o way_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o congregation_n or_o gather_v together_o many_o church_n or_o the_o messenger_n of_o many_o church_n to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v either_o some_o corrupt_a opinion_n or_o suspicious_a practice_n which_o be_v scatter_v and_o find_v in_o many_o church_n at_o once_o can_v well_o be_v heal_v in_o any_o one_o alone_a in_o which_o case_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n desirous_a to_o maintain_v verity_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n do_v both_o acquaint_v our_o magistrate_n be_v nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o end_n of_o a_o general_a and_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o do_v also_o solicit_v the_o church_n to_o send_v some_o fit_a person_n at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o such_o a_o church_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v most_o seasonable_o hold_v to_o consider_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o agitation_n the_o assembly_n be_v meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o presence_n call_v for_o by_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v be_v propound_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o we_o meet_v or_o by_o some_o other_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v propound_v the_o elder_n do_v declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o point_n in_o order_n one_o after_o another_o together_o with_o their_o reason_n from_o the_o word_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v free_a for_o any_o man_n present_a and_o all_o may_v be_v present_a if_o they_o will_v as_o well_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o after_o leave_v orderly_o crave_v or_o obtain_v to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n without_o offence_n whence_o disputation_n do_v arise_v as_o in_o act._n 15.7_o till_o all_o party_n be_v either_o satisfy_v or_o convince_v and_o so_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v clear_v and_o this_o course_n be_v take_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o all_o the_o point_n remain_v which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o not_o so_o full_o clear_v and_o agree_v upon_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o such_o as_o may_v admit_v further_a discussion_n yea_o and_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n without_o disunion_n of_o affection_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n yet_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n people_n the_o mean_a while_n in_o such_o thing_n each_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o christian_a liberty_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v all_o come_v they_o judge_v and_o mind_n one_o thing_n if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v who_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o love_n hold_v forth_o the_o same_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v in_o time_n reveal_v the_o same_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o agree_v in_o this_o one_o not_o to_o condemn_v nor_o to_o despise_v one_o another_o in_o difference_n of_o weakness_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v rom._n 14.2_o 3_o 4._o sect_n v._o a_o five_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o contribution_n or_o communication_n in_o yield_a supply_n to_o one_o another_o want_n for_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o decay_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v their_o onw_n necessity_n in_o outward_a thing_n among_o themselves_o we_o shall_v take_v it_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o minister_v to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n act._n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.25_o 26._o hitherto_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o all-sufficient_a goodness_n so_o to_o supply_v we_o all_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o we_o have_v have_v scarce_o any_o occasion_n never_o but_o once_o to_o exercise_v our_o mutual_a love_n and_o liberality_n to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v we_o consider_v aforehand_o what_o mutual_a help_n god_n require_v of_o we_o from_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o such_o a_o case_n also_o if_o any_o of_o our_o church_n do_v want_v some_o fit_a member_n to_o employ_v in_o some_o public_a office_n among_o they_o and_o shall_v make_v know_v their_o want_n to_o some_o other_o church_n who_o may_v abound_v in_o such_o blessing_n as_o sometime_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n have_v four_o or_o five_o prophet_n among_o they_o act._n 13.1_o when_o other_o want_v the_o church_n that_o abound_v in_o such_o help_n
church_n to_o the_o which_o christ_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v a_o company_n of_o such_o as_o whereof_o peter_n be_v one_o believer_n profess_v that_o faith_n on_o christ_n whereon_o as_o on_o a_o rock_n the_o church_n be_v build_v mat._n 16.18_o 19_o and_o such_o as_o unto_o who_o peter_n or_o any_o brother_n offend_v may_v in_o due_a order_n tell_v the_o offence_n which_o any_o brother_n have_v give_v he_o &_o persist_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n sanctify_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v meet_v together_o every_o lord_n day_n in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o &_o 16.1.2_o which_o frequent_a meeting_n every_o lord_n day_n in_o one_o place_n to_o such_o end_n can_v possible_o be_v compatible_a to_o any_o diocesan_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n assembly_n propos_fw-fr 2._o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n to_o join_v themselves_o if_o god_n give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o such_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v in_o such_o church-fellowship_n act._n 2.42_o it_o be_v write_v the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o every_o christian_a stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o his_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o christ_n ordain_v they_o in_o vain_a and_o see_v withal_o christ_n have_v commit_v all_o his_o public_a holy_a ordinance_n to_o his_o church_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o who_o god_n give_v opportunity_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o any_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n propos_fw-fr 3._o for_o the_o join_n of_o faithful_a christian_n into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o estate_n of_o a_o church_n we_o find_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o enter_v all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o one_o man_n into_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o himself_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o impli_v their_o submit_v of_o themselves_o to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o their_o walk_n in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n their_o cleave_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o holy_a watchfulness_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o thus_o the_o lord_n accept_v and_o enter_v abraham_n family_n into_o church_n estate_n by_o receive_v they_o and_o their_o child_n into_o such_o a_o covenant_n with_o himself_o though_o in_o general_a term_n yet_o such_o as_o imply_v the_o substance_n both_o of_o christian_n and_o church_n duty_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o after_o that_o when_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n have_v violate_v this_o covenant_n in_o egypt_n the_o lord_n again_o make_v another_o covenant_n with_o they_o whereby_o he_o take_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o mount_n of_o sinai_n exod._n 19.1.5_o whence_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7.38_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o covenant_n god_n call_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o people_n as_o his_o own_o spouse_n i_o enter_v say_v he_o speak_v of_o that_o time_n into_o a_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o ezek._n 16.8_o moreover_o the_o next_o generation_n after_o they_o he_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n by_o enter_v they_o again_o into_o a_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n deut._n 29.10_o to_o 13._o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o former_a they_o be_v join_v not_o only_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o officer_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o deut._n 12.19_o but_o also_o to_o mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o levit._n 19.17_o deut._n 29.18_o in_o so_o much_o that_o through_o their_o neglect_n thereof_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o israel_n josh_n 7.11_o which_o kind_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n we_o find_v diverse_o translate_v in_o scripture_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o godly_a society_n or_o company_n to_o become_v a_o church_n unto_o god_n sometime_o god_n or_o his_o messenger_n in_o his_o stead_n propound_v and_o give_v a_o covenant_n unto_o a_o people_n and_o they_o accept_v it_o though_o not_o in_o express_a word_n yet_o by_o silent_a consent_n gen._n 17.7_o deut._n 29.10_o to_o the_o end_n of_o chap._n 30._o sometime_o the_o people_n declare_v their_o consent_n and_o restipulation_n by_o express_a word_n exod._n 19.8_o deut._n 5.27_o and_o josh_n 24.16_o 17_o 18.21_o 22_o 24_o 25._o sometime_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v neh._n 9.38_o in_o all_o which_o covenant_n sometime_o they_o make_v no_o express_a term_n of_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n but_o only_o in_o general_a term_n submit_v themselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o place_n allege_v sometime_o they_o express_o declare_v their_o steadfast_a cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n also_o and_o to_o their_o officer_n neh._n 10.28_o 29._o &_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n every_o one_o may_v have_v knowledge_n they_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n etc._n etc._n in_o some_o we_o account_v it_o all_o one_o and_o of_o like_a value_n when_o a_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v and_o give_v on_o god_n part_n to_o a_o people_n whether_o they_o receive_v it_o by_o silent_a consent_n or_o by_o express_a term_n either_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o writing_n and_o seal_n and_o whether_o their_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o officer_n and_o mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o be_v express_o mention_v or_o include_v only_o in_o their_o general_a profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o covenant_n for_o we_o see_v it_o evident_a by_o compare_v the_o former_a scripture_n that_o by_o any_o one_o of_o these_o way_n a_o people_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o each_o of_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o holy_a duty_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o colour_n to_o conceive_v this_o way_n of_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n by_o covenant_n to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o civil_a relation_n be_v found_v in_o covenant_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o natural_a relation_n between_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o violent_a relation_n between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n give_v whereby_o a_o people_n svi_fw-la juris_fw-la free_a from_o natural_a and_o compulsory_a engagement_n can_v be_v unite_v or_o combine_v together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n to_o stand_v by_o mutual_a relation_n fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o only_o by_o mutual_a covenant_n as_o appear_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n in_o the_o family_n magistrate_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n fellow_n citizen_n in_o the_o same_o city_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o a_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o ministry_n have_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v gather_v by_o they_o into_o a_o church_n estate_n what_o do_v the_o apostle_n else_o but_o combine_v they_o into_o one_o body_n as_o one_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o spouse_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o and_o how_o can_v that_o not_o universal_a but_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o one_o body_n not_o as_o many_o spouse_n as_o all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v by_o their_o conversion_n but_o as_o one_o spouse_n unto-christ_n but_o only_o by_o join_v all_o together_o in_o one_o covenant_n or_o espousage_n to_o
worship_v the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n propos_fw-fr 4._o we_o conceive_v it_o can_v seem_v unreasonable_a that_o in_o the_o same_o way_n by_o which_o particular_a godly_a person_n do_v enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o those_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appropriate_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o a_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n shall_v enter_v into_o church_n estate_n for_o in_o enter_v of_o they_o into_o church_n estate_n the_o lord_n call_v as_o well_o whole_a company_n as_o particular_a person_n to_o enjoy_v the_o like_a liberty_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o like_a liberty_n require_v preparation_n thereunto_o by_o the_o like_a duty_n in_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n such_o as_o be_v receive_v into_o baptism_n they_o do_v first_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therewith_o of_o their_o repentance_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n also_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o he_o matth._n 3.6_o act._n 19.4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip_n receive_v the_o eunuch_n unto_o baptism_n not_o until_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n acts._n 8.37_o but_o now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o all_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o our_o infancy_n and_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v infant_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o well_o order_v church_n till_o they_o have_v approve_v and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n public_o confirm_v that_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n profess_v and_o promise_v for_o they_o at_o their_o baptism_n it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a that_o such_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a christian_n have_v be_v baptize_v infant_n shall_v now_o make_v the_o like_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n estate_n which_o other_o make_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n before_o baptism_n and_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n be_v wont_v public_o to_o make_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o their_o admittance_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n beside_o when_o upon_o peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o upon_o that_o rock_n or_o foundation_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16.16.18_o do_v he_o not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o every_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v as_o on_o christ_n so_o on_o christ_n in_o this_o way_n to_o wit_n on_o christ_n believe_v on_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o faith_n public_o confess_v before_o god_n and_o man_n propos_fw-fr 5._o to_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o it_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o neighbour_a church_n and_o brethren_n be_v requisite_a to_o cry_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o for_o if_o david_n advertisement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o of_o important_a weight_n except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o psal_n 127.1_o how_o much_o more_o important_a be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o alone_o build_v his_o own_o jerusalem_n psal_n 147.2_o be_v seek_v unto_o with_o unfeigned_a humiliation_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o his_o presence_n with_o his_o people_n and_o acceptance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n paul_n think_v it_o requisite_a to_o communicate_v with_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o his_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o proceed_n partly_o to_o prevent_v suspicion_n of_o dissent_n between_o he_o and_o they_o lest_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a partly_o to_o hold_v forth_o mutual_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o give_v and_o take_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2.2.9_o how_o much_o more_o requisite_a will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o gather_v together_o scatter_v christian_n into_o a_o church_n estate_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n crave_v their_o presence_n and_o counsel_n and_o communion_n in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o see_v christian_n magistrate_n be_v also_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o church_n be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o be_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n isa_n 49.23_o it_o can_v but_o encourage_v they_o to_o take_v the_o more_o special_a notice_n and_o care_n of_o every_o church_n and_o to_o provide_v and_o assign_v convenient_a allotment_n of_o land_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o when_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n they_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n and_o proceed_n of_o such_o as_o gather_v into_o church-fellowship_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o government_n and_o yet_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n nor_o regulate_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v clear_o gather_v and_o right_o order_v though_o they_o want_v opportunity_n or_o omit_v to_o acquaint_v the_o magistrate_n with_o their_o proceed_n especial_o when_o magistrate_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n sect_n ii_o now_o then_o to_o apply_v all_o these_o proposition_n to_o our_o present_a order_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v when_o many_o christian_n be_v come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n they_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o some_o church_n or_o other_o according_a to_o the_o second_o proposition_n profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o come_n to_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o come_v together_o be_v so_o well_o know_v one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v company_n and_o yet_o so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v well_o join_v in_o any_o one_o church_n already_o establish_v without_o too_o much_o impeachment_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o livelihood_n the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o each_o church_n be_v prepossess_v by_o other_o before_o they_o they_o then_o take_v that_o course_n which_o other_o company_n take_v before_o they_o they_o consider_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n estate_n and_o fellowship_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o that_o end_n first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o inquire_v out_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o eminent_a gift_n usual_o such_o as_o have_v be_v preacher_n of_o good_a esteem_n in_o england_n who_o may_v guide_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o so_o great_a a_o action_n and_o if_o god_n see_v good_a may_v afterward_o be_v call_v to_o place_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o then_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n touch_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o this_o work_n they_o often_o meet_v together_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o perform_v some_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o spiritual_a conference_n together_o till_o a_o sufficient_a company_n of_o they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o the_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n of_o one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o one_o another_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o live_v stone_n fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a temple_n which_o be_v his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o first_o proposition_n now_o because_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n our_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v be_v carry_v not_o only_o with_o a_o pious_a desire_n to_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o with_o brotherly_a love_n to_o such_o as_o intend_v so_o good_a a_o work_n those_o christian_n therefore_o that_o desire_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n together_o do_v acquaint_v the_o governor_n and_o some_o of_o the_o near_a magistrate_n and_o those_o church_n which_o be_v next_o adjoin_v to_o they_o with_o their_o intention_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o crave_v the_o presence_n of_o some_o from_o among_o they_o at_o the_o day_n appoint_v some_o few_o week_n after_o to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o prayer_n and_o with_o their_o counsel_n if_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n as_o be_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n less_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n than_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n as_o also_o desire_v to_o approve_v themselves_o and_o their_o course_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v more_o free_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n
of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o receive_v they_o to_o all_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o the_o lord_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o agree_v with_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n so_o when_o the_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o church-gathering_a be_v come_v the_o person_n depute_v from_o the_o neighbour_a church_n be_v present_a who_o common_o be_v the_o teach_n and_o rule_v elder_n and_o as_o many_o also_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v with_o they_o at_o that_o time_n the_o whole_a day_n be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n especial_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o in_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v gather_v select_v some_o chief_a one_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o mouth_n for_o those_o service_n which_o do_v then_o on_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o they_o appoint_v and_o choose_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o address_v himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o the_o whole_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o four_o proposition_n this_o do_v with_o the_o silent_a approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n he_o propound_v the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n eph._n 2.12_o deny_v also_o any_o sufficiency_n in_o themselves_o to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v transgressor_n from_o their_o youth_n up_o they_o profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v their_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n withal_o they_o profess_v their_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v one_o to_o another_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a subjection_n according_a to_o god_n not_o forsake_v their_o assembly_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v and_o minister_a one_o to_o another_o as_o become_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v thus_o or_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n propound_v the_o covenant_n himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o church-estate_n they_o all_o declare_v their_o joint_a consent_n in_o this_o covenant_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o write_v then_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n find_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n accept_v they_o by_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v down_o among_o they_o in_o their_o performance_n of_o their_o holy_a duty_n they_o appoint_v some_o from_o among_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v to_o reach_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n testify_v their_o proceed_n to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o brotherly_a fellowship_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o in_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o all_o the_o church_n according_a to_o these_o beginning_n and_o so_o prayer_n be_v make_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_v and_o acceptance_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n as_o also_o for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o church_n both_o in_o this_o country_n and_o throughout_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o england_n a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n be_v sing_v quest_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o if_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o infidel_n answ_n 1._o if_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o infidel_n they_o be_v first_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o they_o may_v become_v believer_n and_o so_o fit_a material_n for_o church-fellowship_n before_o any_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v by_o they_o whereas_o these_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v person_n convert_v already_o if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o but_o be_v not_o all_o baptise_a person_n fit_a for_o church-fellowship_n as_o all_o circumcise_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o passeover_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o passeover_n whereto_o all_o jew_n be_v admit_v young_a and_o old_a unless_o defile_v with_o some_o pollution_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereto_o person_n of_o grown_a year_n and_o fit_a to_o examine_v themselves_o be_v invite_v and_o therefore_o neither_o child_n nor_o ignorant_a person_n nor_o profane_a nor_o scandalous_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o into_o church-fellowship_n if_o it_o again_o be_v object_v but_o be_v not_o all_o baptise_a person_n church-member_n already_o by_o their_o baptism_n answ_n no._n 1._o papist_n and_o other_o notorious_a heretic_n be_v baptise_a 2._o and_o many_o in_o other_o church_n have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n psal_n 50.16_o 3._o a_o church_n relapse_v with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o they_o can_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n in_o their_o church-fellowship_n be_v bind_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a enter_v into_o covenant_n the_o same_o which_o in_o effect_n be_v do_v with_o we_o 4._o though_o godly_a man_n baptise_a member_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n be_v to_o be_v account_v church-member_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v their_o habitation_n and_o election_n to_o that_o church_n yet_o several_a baptise_a person_n break_v off_o from_o their_o several_a church_n to_o which_o sometime_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o now_o meet_v accidental_o in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o therefore_o one_o church_n anew_o among_o themselves_o unless_o they_o will_v imagine_v that_o chimaera_n of_o a_o universal_a visible_a church_n chap._n ii_o touch_v church-officer_n with_o their_o election_n and_o ordination_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o gather_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v our_o next_o care_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o all_o those_o officer_n and_o member_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n until_o his_o second_o come_v for_o they_o be_v all_o give_v for_o the_o edify_a and_o perfect_v of_o his_o body_n until_o we_o all_o grow_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o writing_n to_o be_v master-builder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o their_o foundation_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o foundation_n which_o they_o by_o their_o writing_n have_v lay_v eph._n 2.20_o but_o in_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o same_o eminent_a calling_n they_o continue_v not_o whence_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o barnabas_n as_o the_o last_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4.9_o and_o when_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o be_v plant_v it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v plant_v by_o new_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o former_a twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 21.19_o to_o wit_n by_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n still_o leave_v behind_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v either_o elder_n who_o the_o apostle_n call_v also_o bishop_n tit._n 1.5.7_o act._n 20.17.28_o or_o deacon_n of_o elder_n he_o make_v two_o sort_n one_o sort_n he_o call_v they_o that_o rule_n the_o other_o they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n whether_o of_o exhortation_n as_o the_o pastor_n or_o of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o teacher_n 2_o tim._n 5.17_o for_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a preach_a elder_n the_o apostle_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o and_o such_o several_a kind_n of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o one_o in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n by_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n of_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n express_o hold_v forth_o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o he_o that_o teach_v say_v he_o let_v he_o wait_v on_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n which_o argue_v a_o difference_n of_o their_o function_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o proper_a or_o especial_a action_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o
difference_n of_o those_o action_n do_v not_o argue_v a_o diversity_n of_o function_n but_o both_o teach_n and_o exhort_v be_v co-incident_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n as_o be_v several_a action_n of_o several_a gift_n not_o of_o several_a officer_n answ_n the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o text_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o three_o several_a reason_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n reas_n 1._o from_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o do_v not_o distribute_v several_a gift_n only_o but_o several_a person_n to_o who_o those_o several_a gift_n be_v several_o commit_v according_a as_o the_o same_o apostle_n distribute_v the_o same_o divers_a sort_n of_o gift_n to_o the_o same_o divers_a sort_n of_o person_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o wit_n for_o direction_n of_o practice_n whereto_o the_o pastor_n attend_v to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n to_o wit_n for_o direction_n of_o the_o judgement_n whereto_o the_o teacher_n attend_v and_o both_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o distribute_v to_o every_o man_n several_o ver_fw-la 11._o reas_n 2._o though_o office_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o gift_n to_o discharge_v a_o office_n another_o and_o the_o action_n or_o exercise_n of_o every_o several_a gift_n do_v not_o always_o argue_v a_o several_a office_n yet_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o express_v the_o different_a office_n or_o function_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n by_o their_o different_a and_o proper_a act_n for_o here_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o divers_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o divers_a member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n who_o have_v divers_a office_n or_o function_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o perform_v different_a proper_a action_n according_a to_o their_o different_a function_n as_o we_o have_v many_o member_n say_v he_o in_o one_o body_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o and_o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o one_o office_n as_o the_o translator_n turn_v it_o when_o the_o original_a say_v have_v not_o one_o action_n or_o practice_v but_o both_o express_v the_o same_o meaning_n so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o have_v then_o say_v he_o ver_fw-la 6._o different_a gift_n gift_n comprehend_v both_o office_n and_o grace_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n whether_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n and_o look_v then_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v it_o be_v his_o function_n and_o office_n to_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o see_v and_o it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o be_v his_o function_n to_o see_v and_o not_o to_o hear_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o teach_v not_o unto_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o exhortor_fw-la to_o exhort_v he_o be_v to_o attend_v on_o exhortation_n not_o on_o teach_v reas_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o only_o of_o several_a action_n or_o exercise_n of_o several_a gift_n but_o both_o co-incident_a to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n why_o then_o do_v he_o command_v the_o teacher_n to_o wait_v on_o teach_v and_o the_o exhorte_a to_o wait_v on_o exhortation_n for_o he_o that_o perform_v a_o action_n according_a to_o this_o gift_n which_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o his_o office_n but_o common_a to_o he_o with_o man_n of_o other_o office_n be_v never_o command_v nor_o be_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o attend_v or_o wait_v on_o such_o a_o action_n as_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o gift_n of_o love_n or_o mercy_n or_o liberality_n and_o according_a to_o that_o gift_n be_v fit_a to_o perform_v a_o action_n of_o give_v alm_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o command_v to_o attend_v or_o wait_v upon_o almesgiving_n unless_o it_o be_v his_o office_n as_o well_o as_o his_o gift_n object_n attend_v or_o wait_v be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o original_a but_o in_o the_o translation_n only_o answ_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v necessary_o intend_v for_o either_o such_o a_o word_n as_o express_v wait_v or_o at_o least_o the_o verb_n substantive_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d must_v needs_o be_v understand_v which_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o that_o teach_v let_v he_o be_v teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v let_v he_o be_v in_o exhortation_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o let_v he_o attend_v to_o it_o let_v he_o make_v it_o his_o proper_a and_o constant_a work_n so_o a_o like_a example_n in_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o same_o phrase_n and_o which_o be_v fit_o translate_v give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 16._o continue_v or_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o indeed_o experience_n show_v that_o teach_v and_o exhort_v be_v so_o far_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o flow_v from_o such_o different_a gift_n that_o they_o be_v seldom_o find_v at_o least_o in_o any_o eminency_n both_o of_o they_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n and_o therefore_o require_v several_a officer_n for_o the_o dispense_n of_o they_o you_o have_v many_o man_n of_o eminent_a dexterity_n for_o clear_a open_n of_o a_o text_n for_o judicious_a gather_n and_o handle_v sound_a doctrine_n from_o it_o and_o also_o acute_a and_o strong_a for_o conviction_n of_o a_o contrary_a error_n and_o heresy_n who_o yet_o be_v very_o cold_a in_o exhortation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o have_v some_o very_a fervent_a in_o exhortation_n who_o be_v very_o confuse_v and_o general_a and_o common_a in_o teach_v but_o beside_o this_o the_o need_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o both_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o exhort_v call_v for_o several_a officer_n to_o attend_v to_o both_o the_o explication_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n solid_o and_o distinct_o with_o the_o discussion_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v include_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n and_o reproof_n two_o tim._n 3.16_o well_o attend_v too_o will_v take_v up_o the_o whole_a time_n and_o talent_n of_o a_o most_o judicious_a divine_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o reformation_n of_o their_o manner_n both_o in_o their_o private_a carriage_n and_o in_o their_o family_n as_o also_o in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o stir_v up_o of_o man_n thereto_o with_o the_o reproof_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o abuse_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o be_v include_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instruction_n and_o correction_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o these_o well_o attend_v to_o will_v take_v up_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o vigilant_a pastor_n of_o any_o congregation_n all_o which_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v think_v it_o needful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o finish_v our_o church_n as_o we_o bless_v his_o name_n most_o of_o they_o be_v with_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o preach_v elder_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n nevertheless_o he_o that_o be_v gift_v for_o both_o these_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n let_v he_o use_v both_o yet_o attend_v principal_o on_o that_o to_o which_o he_o be_v most_o eminent_o gift_v and_o call_v sect_n ii_o as_o for_o rule_v elder_n the_o same_o text_n of_o scirpture_n rom._n 12.8_o speak_v as_o express_o for_o their_o distinct_a office_n also_o for_o there_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o proper_a work_n as_o the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v the_o pastor_n to_o exhortation_n the_o deacon_n to_o give_v with_o simplicity_n he_o direct_v also_o the_o ruler_n to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n and_o who_o be_v that_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o roll_a elder_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o timothy_n the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o but_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n so_o the_o wisdom_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n have_v find_v out_o many_o invention_n and_o exception_n against_o every_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o this_o ordinance_n object_n 1._o the_o elder_n the_o apostle_n here_o
weak_a believer_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v he_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3._o three_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n and_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o be_v the_o rock_n on_o which_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v for_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n whereunto_o he_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o now_o if_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n than_o we_o shall_v build_v a_o church_n without_o a_o foundation_n if_o we_o receive_v such_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o do_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o either_o through_o ignorance_n make_v no_o profession_n at_o all_o or_o such_o a_o verbal_a profession_n as_o savour_v not_o of_o any_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o father_n by_o his_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n expostulate_v with_o such_o a_o guest_n as_o come_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n even_o unto_o his_o table_n not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n mat._n 22.12_o and_o do_v not_o expostulation_n intimate_v a_o taxation_n also_o of_o they_o by_o who_o connivance_n he_o come_v in_o where_o he_o say_v how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n impute_v it_o to_o the_o sleepiness_n that_o be_v to_o the_o remissness_n and_o negligence_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o tare_n be_v sow_v in_o his_o field_n among_o the_o wheat_n mat._n 13.25.38.39_o four_o such_o as_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o join_v with_o and_o command_v to_o turn_v from_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o five_o can_v any_o man_n judge_v such_o person_n fit_a material_n for_o the_o constitute_n and_o edify_v of_o a_o church_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n as_o all_o hypocrite_n will_v at_o length_n they_o procure_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n rev._n 2.4_o we_o pass_v by_o the_o type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o without_o their_o due_a weight_n it_o be_v touch_v above_o that_o rough_a stone_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n till_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o prepare_v before_o 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o solomon_n be_v here_o and_o a_o great_a temple_n then_o that_o of_o solomon_n the_o attendance_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o porter_n suffer_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v unclean_a in_o any_o thing_n 2_o chro._n 23.19_o do_v it_o not_o evident_o type_n forth_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o suffer_v none_o unclean_a unclean_a in_o estate_n or_o course_n of_o life_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n well_o then_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n it_o can_v be_v think_v a_o unseasonable_a curiosity_n but_o rather_o hold_v a_o due_a and_o faithful_a watchfulness_n in_o the_o officer_n and_o body_n of_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v a_o due_a trial_n of_o man_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n as_o john_n baptist_n do_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o philip_n do_v act._n 8.37_o before_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o excessive_a austerity_n in_o john_n but_o a_o holy_a faithfulness_n and_o godly_a zeal_n not_o only_o to_o repulse_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n mat._n 3.7_o but_o the_o profane_a people_n also_o from_o his_o baptism_n luk._n 3.7_o as_o those_o who_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o therefore_o themselves_o be_v not_o meet_v for_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n luk._n 2.3_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o trial_n we_o do_v not_o exact_v eminent_a measure_n either_o of_o knowledge_n or_o holiness_n but_o do_v willing_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n such_o in_o who_o spirit_n we_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o christ_n in_o their_o sensible_a feel_n of_o a_o lose_a estate_n ☞_o ☞_o for_o we_o have_v rather_o 99_o hypocrite_n shall_v perish_v through_o presumption_n than_o one_o humble_a soul_n belong_v to_o christ_n shall_v sink_v under_o discouragement_n or_o despair_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v in_o it_o good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o tare_n for_o tare_n as_o hierome_n say_v be_v like_a to_o wheat_n sect_n iv_o come_v we_o now_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o second_o point_n why_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n 1._o meet_v it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v receive_v as_o one_o body_n unto_o christ_n by_o profess_v their_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o in_o the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o five_o part_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o fellowship_n by_o profession_n of_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n eadem_fw-la estratio_fw-la partium_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o the_o part_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o common_a nature_n of_o both_o and_o as_o all_o relative_n do_v they_o mutual_o argue_v one_o another_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o godly_a stranger_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n by_o faith_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o love_v his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n they_o add_v this_o duty_n over_o and_o above_o the_o former_a they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o sure_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o for_o their_o personal_a salvation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o when_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 3._o but_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o subjection_n to_o it_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o he_o cause_v to_o pass_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20.37_o object_n it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v proselyte_n who_o in_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v therein_o also_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n impli_v join_v to_o the_o church_n jer._n 50.5_o zech._n 2.11_o ans_fw-fr 1._o they_o that_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o text_n of_o jeremy_n and_o zachary_n do_v indeed_o in_o so_o do_v join_v in_o a_o church-body_n also_o for_o they_o who_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o multitude_n concur_v and_o consent_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n to_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o become_v his_o people_n but_o here_o in_o isaiah_n the_o eunuch_n and_o stranger_n be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o ready_a to_o complain_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o have_v utter_o separate_v they_o from_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 3._o as_o indeed_o he_o have_v by_o express_a law_n separate_v they_o that_o be_v prohibit_v they_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o deut._n 23.1_o 2_o 3._o against_o which_o law_n the_o lord_n comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o their_o eunuchicall_a estate_n nor_o the_o alienation_n or_o strangernesse_n of_o any_o nation_n shall_v be_v a_o impediment_n unto_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o lord_n house_n which_o be_v the_o church_n the_o join_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n as_o proselyte_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o disjoyn_v and_o separate_n from_o the_o lord_n people_n but_o the_o lord_n
espousal_n without_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o espousage_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o their_o covenant_n 3._o the_o mutual_a relation_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n in_o the_o church_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o member_n to_o member_n and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o do_v all_o of_o they_o necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a confederacy_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v partake_v herein_o must_v partake_v in_o their_o confederacy_n suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n as_o every_o year_n some_o or_o other_o do_v there_o be_v not_o any_o minister_n of_o any_o of_o our_o church_n can_v usurp_v pastoral_a authority_n over_o he_o unless_o that_o christian_a call_v he_o thereunto_o or_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o his_o ministration_n according_a to_o god_n nor_o can_v such_o a_o man_n expect_v any_o minister_n watchfulness_n over_o he_o as_o his_o minister_n unless_o the_o minister_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o accept_v such_o a_o charge_n and_o profess_v so_o much_o no_o church_n in_o the_o country_n nor_o all_o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o censure_v any_o stranger_n though_o a_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o nor_o can_v he_o challenge_v such_o watchfulness_n from_o they_o unless_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o just_a call_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o his_o blood_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n and_o for_o all_o his_o child_n give_v they_o all_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o their_o own_o fellow-member_n unto_o who_o to_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o infant_n who_o make_v choice_n in_o their_o parent_n but_o of_o such_o who_o know_v their_o liberty_n and_o be_v call_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o till_o than_o that_o a_o man_n tender_a and_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o it_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o receive_v he_o for_o the_o church_n receive_v a_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 14.1_o impli_v and_o presuppose_v his_o offering_n and_o give_v up_o of_o himself_o unto_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o he_o impli_v and_o hold_v forth_o no_o less_o than_o their_o profess_a acceptance_n of_o he_o unto_o all_o those_o holy_a liberty_n with_o they_o and_o performance_n of_o all_o such_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o he_o which_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o let_v man_n call_v this_o expression_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o call_v church-covenant_n sect_n v._o let_v we_o proceed_v then_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o three_o point_n why_o we_o communicate_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o propound_v receive_v of_o member_n unto_o their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o like_a power_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a member_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n then_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la aperire_fw-la &_o claudere_fw-la instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v to_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o who_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o do_v not_o at_o first_o receive_v he_o because_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n until_o barnabas_n by_o his_o testimony_n of_o he_o have_v remove_v their_o scruple_n which_o argue_v the_o private_a brethren_n in_o a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o public_a officer_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o church_n power_n in_o elect_v and_o call_v minister_n to_o office_n it_o have_v be_v show_v above_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v and_o call_v their_o own_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o speech_n of_o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o epist_n 41._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la dignos_fw-la eligendi_fw-la velindignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la and_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a how_o much_o more_o of_o receive_v worthy_a christian_n and_o refuse_v of_o unworthy_a yea_o in_o the_o epistle_n go_v before_o he_o speak_v express_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v some_o who_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o they_o which_o argue_v evident_o their_o power_n in_o receive_v member_n chap._n iu._n concern_v our_o order_n and_o form_n in_o administration_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o able_a help_n officer_n and_o brethren_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o public_a ordinance_n in_o public_a assembly_n especial_o on_o every_o lord_n day_n wherein_o our_o principal_a care_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o administer_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o and_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o all_o those_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v we_o light_n in_o their_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o dress_n or_o paint_v of_o humane_a invention_n for_o as_o the_o first_o commandment_n require_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o his_o own_o only_a true_a worship_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n without_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o isa_n 29.13_o deut._n 12.32_o so_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o observe_v much_o less_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o church_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o any_o institution_n of_o their_o own_o whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o government_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n our_o reason_n hereof_o one_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o be_v take_v from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v as_o large_a as_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o church-governors_n and_o yet_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o mat._n 28.20_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o he_o have_v command_v they_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n then_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15.29_o necessary_a they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n other_o for_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o thing_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v offensive_a the_o prohibition_n of_o they_o cease_v to_o bind_v object_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v the_o apostle_n commission_n reach_v only_o to_o matter_n of_o substance_n not_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o necessity_n not_o indifferency_n we_o answer_v let_v they_o show_v we_o another_o commission_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o put_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n of_o form_n and_o of_o indifferency_n and_o we_o shall_v submit_v but_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o commission_n give_v to_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o much_o urge_a place_n 1_o
cor._n 14.40_o do_v not_o authorise_v the_o church_n nor_o any_o church-governors_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o shall_v account_v decent_a and_o orderly_a but_o only_o provide_v that_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n whether_o prayer_n or_o prophesy_v or_o sing_v of_o psalm_n or_o tongue_n or_o interpretation_n be_v all_o of_o they_o do_v decent_o without_o uncomelinesse_n and_o orderly_o without_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o place_n reach_v no_o further_o appear_v evident_o from_o hence_o that_o if_o this_o place_n shall_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o unto_o church-governors_n authority_n to_o prescribe_v and_o command_v decent_a and_o orderly_a thing_n at_o their_o own_o discretion_n a_o man_n can_v not_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o shall_v also_o transgress_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a for_o suppose_v the_o church_n or_o church-governors_n shall_v make_v a_o order_n that_o minister_n shall_v always_o preach_v in_o a_o gown_n the_o thing_n be_v decent_a enough_o but_o nevertheless_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v preach_v in_o a_o cloak_n he_o shall_v transgress_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o that_o preach_v in_o a_o cloak_n preach_v decent_o also_o which_o plain_o argue_v that_o such_o a_o commandment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n sect_n ii_o first_o then_o when_o we_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n direction_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o we_o make_v prayer_n and_o intercession_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o all_o man_n not_o in_o any_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n or_o study_a liturgy_n but_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o prayer_n who_o teach_v all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n what_o and_o how_o to_o pray_v rom._n 8.26_o 27._o help_v our_o infirmity_n we_o have_v respect_n therein_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o people_n the_o estate_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o hand_n after_o prayer_n either_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n read_v a_o chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n and_o expound_v it_o give_v the_o sense_n to_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o understand_v the_o read_n according_a to_o neh._n 8.8_o and_o in_o sundry_a church_n the_o other_o whether_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n who_o expound_v not_o he_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o afternoon_n the_o other_o who_o preach_v in_o the_o morning_n do_v usual_o if_o there_o be_v time_n read_v and_o preach_v and_o he_o that_o expound_v in_o the_o morning_n preach_v after_o he_o before_o sermon_n and_o many_o time_n after_o we_o sing_v a_o psalm_n and_o because_o the_o former_a translation_n of_o the_o psalm_n do_v in_o many_o thing_n vary_v from_o the_o original_n and_o many_o time_n paraphrase_v rather_o than_o translate_v beside_o divers_a other_o defect_n which_o we_o cover_v in_o silence_n we_o have_v endeavour_v a_o new_a translation_n of_o the_o psalm_n into_o english_a metre_n as_o near_o the_o original_a as_o we_o can_v express_v it_o in_o our_o english_a tongue_n so_o far_o as_o for_o the_o present_a the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v to_o help_v we_o and_o those_o psalm_n we_o sing_v both_o in_o our_o public_a church_n and_o in_o private_a the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o wit_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v administer_v either_o by_o the_o pastor_n or_o by_o the_o teacher_n and_o though_o with_o some_o godly_a learned_a divine_n it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o teacher_n may_v dispense_v the_o seal_n yet_o the_o question_n do_v rather_o concern_v schoole-doctor_n than_o the_o teacher_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o we_o who_o have_v only_o the_o teacher_n of_o particular_a church_n do_v believe_v that_o they_o to_o who_o the_o preach_n or_o dispense_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o be_v commit_v also_o the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o to_o the_o teacher_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o pastor_n be_v commit_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o be_v commit_v the_o dispense_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n both_o the_o sacrament_n we_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o first_o institution_n baptism_n to_o disciple_n and_o who_o be_v include_v in_o they_o their_o seed_n the_o lord_n supper_n to_o such_o as_o neither_o want_n knowledge_n nor_o grace_n to_o examine_v and_o judge_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o lie_v under_o any_o offence_n public_o know_v do_v first_o remove_v the_o offence_n before_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n according_a to_o mat._n 5.23_o 24._o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n if_o any_o be_v present_a who_o bring_v letter_n testimonial_a with_o they_o to_o our_o church_n we_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o and_o their_o child_n also_o if_o occasional_o in_o their_o travel_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o upon_o like_a recommendation_n we_o admit_v to_o baptism_n the_o prayer_n we_o use_v at_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v not_o any_o set_a form_n prescribe_v to_o we_o but_o conceive_v by_o the_o minister_n according_a to_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n ceremony_n we_o use_v none_o but_o be_v careful_a to_o administer_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o primitive_a institution_n the_o father_n present_v his_o own_o child_n to_o baptism_n as_o be_v baptize_v by_o the_o right_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o not_o of_o the_o covenant_n unto_o godfather_n &_o godmother_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o godson_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o use_n of_o they_o but_o omit_v they_o in_o baptism_n as_o the_o apostle_n cast_v out_o love-feast_n from_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v both_o of_o they_o alike_o superaddition_n to_o the_o lord_n institution_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24._o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o administer_v for_o the_o time_n once_o a_o month_n at_o least_o and_o for_o the_o gesture_n to_o the_o people_n sit_v according_a as_o christ_n administer_v it_o to_o his_o disciple_n sit_v mat._n 26.20.26_o who_o also_o make_v a_o symbolical_a use_n of_o it_o to_o teach_v the_o church_n their_o majoritie_n over_o their_o minister_n in_o some_o case_n and_o their_o judicial_a authority_n as_o co-sessors_a with_o he_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n luk._n 22.27_o to_o 30._o which_o make_v we_o look_v at_o kneel_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o only_o as_o a_o adoration_n devise_v by_o man_n but_o also_o as_o a_o violation_n by_o man_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n diminish_v part_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n hold_v forth_o in_o it_o in_o time_n of_o solemnisation_n of_o the_o supper_n the_o minister_n have_v take_v bless_a and_o break_v the_o bread_n and_o command_v all_o the_o people_n to_o take_v and_o eat_v it_o as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n break_v for_o they_o he_o take_v it_o himself_o and_o give_v it_o to_o all_o that_o sit_v at_o table_n with_o he_o and_o from_o the_o table_n it_o be_v reach_v by_o the_o deacon_n to_o the_o people_n sit_v in_o the_o next_o seat_n about_o they_o the_o minister_n sit_v in_o his_o place_n at_o the_o table_n after_o they_o have_v all_o partake_v in_o the_o bread_n he_o take_v the_o cup_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o give_v thanks_o a_o new_a bless_v it_o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o evangelist_n who_o describe_v the_o institution_n mat._n 26.27_o mark_n 14.23_o luk._n 22.17_o all_o of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o set_v forth_o the_o element_n not_o bless_v together_o but_o either_o of_o they_o apart_o the_o bread_n first_o by_o itself_o and_o afterward_o the_o wine_n by_o itself_o for_o what_o reason_n the_o lord_n himself_o best_o know_v and_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o a_o receive_v solemn_a blessing_n express_o perform_v by_o himself_o do_v apparent_o call_v upon_o the_o whole_a assembly_n to_o look_v again_o for_o a_o supernatural_a and_o special_a blessing_n in_o the_o same_o element_n also_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o former_a for_o which_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v again_o seek_v to_o do_v it_o for_o we_o after_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o supper_n a_o psalm_n of_o thanksgiving_n be_v sing_v according_a to_o mat._n 26.30_o and_o the_o church_n dismiss_v with_o a_o blessing_n sect_n iii_o in_o the_o afternoon_n after_o public_a prayer_n
be_v ready_a to_o send_v and_o commend_v such_o of_o their_o member_n as_o their selve_o may_v spare_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n but_o not_o call_v to_o office_n among_o themselves_o to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o brethren_n sect_n vi_o a_o six_o way_n of_o communion_n among_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o admonition_n as_o it_o one_o church_n shall_v be_v credible_o give_v to_o understand_v of_o some_o scandal_n arise_v in_o another_o church_n whether_o by_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n and_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n the_o report_n be_v find_v true_a the_o church_n hear_v thereof_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n or_o both_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o such_o offence_n be_v find_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o take_v a_o speedy_a and_o diligent_a course_n for_o the_o redress_n thereof_o but_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v remiss_a therein_o or_o be_v faulty_a themselves_o they_o then_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n thereof_o to_o call_v upon_o their_o officer_n as_o paul_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o coloss_n to_o call_v upon_o archippus_n to_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n col._n 4.17_o if_o the_o church_n hear_v they_o the_o scandal_n be_v remove_v if_o it_o hear_v they_o not_o the_o church_n offend_v herewith_o take_v in_o the_o help_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n more_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o exhortation_n or_o admonition_n it_o still_o the_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n lie_v persi_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o brethren_n either_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o congregation_n of_o many_o or_o all_o the_o church_n together_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v or_o else_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o weighty_a and_o of_o ill_a though_o not_o general_a consequence_n the_o church_n offend_v with_o they_o will_v as_o just_o they_o may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o forbear_v all_o such_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o which_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o walk_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o we_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v put_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o this_o duty_n towards_o any_o of_o our_o church_n the_o lord_n hitherto_o so_o far_o prevent_v with_o his_o grace_n that_o no_o church_n have_v stand_v out_o so_o long_o in_o maintain_v any_o offence_n find_v among_o they_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o which_o god_n forbid_v we_o look_v at_o it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v faithful_a one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o like_a sort_n as_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n be_v call_v to_o be_v faithful_a one_o towards_o another_o do_v not_o church_n enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o well_o as_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n take_v care_n not_o only_o for_o her_o own_o member_n but_o for_o her_o little_a sister_n which_o have_v no_o breast_n cant._n 8.8_o and_o will_v she_o have_v take_v no_o care_n of_o have_v her_o breast_n heal_v if_o her_o breast_n have_v be_v distemper_v and_o give_v corrupt_a milk_n the_o apostle_n have_v a_o public_a care_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o be_v the_o public_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_v dead_a with_o they_o aught_o not_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v a_o care_n and_o watchful_a eye_n over_o the_o public_a good_a of_o one_o another_o though_o not_o virtute_fw-la officii_fw-la yet_o intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la sect_n vii_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o way_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n though_o this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a eminency_n of_o the_o apostolic_a calling_n for_o they_o in_o their_o lifetime_n to_o travel_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o beget_v disciple_n to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-estate_n and_o so_o to_o plant_v church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o prosecute_v and_o carry_v along_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n throughout_o all_o generation_n and_o in_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v immediate_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o that_o fullness_n of_o measure_n which_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n do_v require_v if_o then_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o process_n of_o time_n to_o be_v so_o far_o multiply_v as_o that_o like_a bee_n when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a they_o be_v necessary_o occasion_v to_o swarm_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o case_n when_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n can_v reach_v to_o all_o in_o such_o or_o in_o the_o like_a case_n the_o church_n surcharge_v with_o multitude_n may_v send_v forth_o sundry_a of_o their_o member_n fit_a for_o the_o purpose_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o church-estate_n among_o themselves_o or_o if_o a_o number_n of_o godly_a christian_n shall_v come_v over_o into_o a_o country_n where_o they_o find_v the_o church_n so_o full_a that_o they_o can_v with_o conveniency_n join_v with_o they_o the_o church_n may_v comfortable_o encourage_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n among_o themselves_o they_o may_v also_o commend_v both_o unto_o the_o one_o company_n and_o unto_o the_o other_o such_o able_a gift_a man_n who_o they_o may_v fit_o choose_v to_o be_v minister_n and_o officer_n to_o they_o and_o both_o then_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o beginning_n as_o also_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v church-officer_n among_o themselves_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o presence_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v requisite_a for_o the_o propagation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o have_v we_o give_v unto_o all_o our_o holy_a brethren_n throughout_o the_o church_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o just_a and_o true_a account_n of_o all_o our_o proceed_n in_o church-affaire_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o way_n and_o order_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o rule_n in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o go_v astray_o it_o be_v our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n unto_o all_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v erranti_fw-la comiter_fw-la monstrare_fw-la viam_fw-la but_o if_o the_o way_n we_o walk_v in_o be_v find_v upon_o serious_a and_o mature_a consideration_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v let_v all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n be_v entreat_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o people_n but_o rather_o seek_v how_o to_o address_v themselves_o and_o to_o call_v on_o other_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o straight_a step_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o grace_n till_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o glory_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n sect_n i._o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prescribe_v unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n man_n of_o their_o church_n and_o eminent_a light_n in_o the_o world_n what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o pursue_v and_o perfect_v the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o england_n nay_o we_o know_v our_o own_o tenuity_n the_o store_n of_o business_n enough_o which_o we_o have_v to_o attend_v unto_o near_a home_n nevertheless_o as_o we_o can_v cease_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o seek_v their_o good_a as_o our_o own_o so_o we_o can_v but_o rejoice_v with_o they_o to_o behold_v that_o open_a door_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o and_o with_o that_o all_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o far_o enlarge_v towards_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o wave_n as_o we_o hear_v his_o hand_n be_v enlarge_v towards_o they_o only_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o