and_o unless_o this_o union_n be_v dissolve_v unless_o a_o church_n be_v disunite_v from_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v so_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a however_o it_o may_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o other_o in_o the_o world._n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o union_n there_o proceed_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n a_o bond_n of_o union_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a spirit_n act_v itself_o in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o kingly_a royal_a beautiful_a union_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n bring_v it_o into_o a_o relation_n unto_o himself_o as_o his_o body_n communicate_v of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o it_o govern_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n enable_v it_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n for_o unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hold_v he_o as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o 2._o love_n unto_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o 3._o that_o especial_a holiness_n who_o foundation_n be_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n 4._o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o thing_n be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reality_n and_o power_n of_o they_o be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o be_v its_o external_a form_n 2._o there_o concur_v hereunto_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o i_o mean_v all_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o church_n catholic_n do_v act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o these_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v term_v relatio_fw-la aequiparentiae_fw-la wherein_o neither_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v equal_a it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o unto_o another_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a as_o unto_o what_o concern_v their_o essence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o bond_n hereof_o be_v that_o especial_a love_n which_o christ_n require_v among_o all_o his_o disciple_n act_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o union_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o relation_n unto_o god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o unto_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o holiness_n the_o same_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o church-order_n with_o mutual_a love_n effectual_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n there_o may_v be_v failure_n in_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n among_o they_o about_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o they_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v the_o best_a know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n but_o whilst_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v this_o be_v that_o bless_a oneness_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o so_o earnest_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n one_o among_o themselves_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o horrid_a image_n of_o it_o which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o church_n which_o all_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o bow_v down_o unto_o and_o worship_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n furnance_n of_o any_o other_o union_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v always_o the_o same_o inviolable_a unchangeable_a comprehend_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n not_o confinable_a unto_o any_o state_n or_o party_n not_o interruptible_a by_o any_o external_a form_n nor_o to_o be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o such_o dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n as_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o questionable_a among_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o evangelical_n faith_n holiness_n obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o mutual_a love_n abide_v in_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v profess_v that_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a other_o catholic_n church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o believe_v none_o nor_o any_o that_o need_v other_o thing_n unto_o its_o constitution_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v our_o present_a enquiry_n namely_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v their_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o same_o gospel_n duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o mutual_a act_n towards_o each_o other_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n this_o the_o primitive_a church_n provide_v for_o in_o creed_n and_o symbol_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v know_v but_o as_o never_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o own_v by_o all_o church_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a hence_o we_o have_v as_o many_o arian_n creed_n yet_o extant_a as_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o particular_a ☜_o church_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o profess_a assent_n unto_o all_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v provide_v that_o no_o error_n be_v avow_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o although_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avow_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o yet_o by_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o they_o may_v embrace_v and_o adhere_v unto_o such_o error_n as_o may_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith._n such_o be_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a person_n or_o office_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o may_v also_o add_v that_o of_o their_o own_o unto_o their_o profess_a belief_n as_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o tradition_n as_o equal_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o another_o head_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o another_o sacrifice_n beside_o what_o he_o once_o offer_v for_o all_o and_o the_o like_a but_o where_o any_o be_v preserve_v from_o such_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o communion_n with_o
season_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o full_a a_o indication_n of_o sincerity_n as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n through_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o non_fw-la admission_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v on_o a_o conjunction_n in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o be_v otherwise_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n prejudicial_a unto_o their_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o church_n can_v answer_v the_o refusal_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o such_o person_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v become_v a_o church_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n be_v by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o solemn_a agreement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o such_o church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v so_o to_o be_v continue_v only_o in_o that_o state_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n few_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o be_v require_v to_o enstate_v they_o in_o church_n order_n and_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o first_o erection_n yet_o that_o that_o continuation_n may_v be_v regular_a it_o be_v require_v that_o its_o first_o congregate_a for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n be_v so_o as_o also_o that_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v wherefore_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o first_o gather_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n plant_v or_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o church_n do_v consist_v each_o of_o they_o of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o another_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n and_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o those_o believer_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o other_o become_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o general_a that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o guide_v they_o in_o these_o affair_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o that_o other_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o they_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_v by_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n matth._n 28.20_o this_o can_v original_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v as_o remote_a cause_n or_o prerequisite_a condition_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v such_o be_v baptism_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n convenient_a cohabitation_n resort_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o neither_o any_o of_o these_o distinct_o or_o separately_z nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o such_o church_n state_n ensue_v they_o can_v altogether_o engage_v unto_o those_o duty_n nor_o communicate_v those_o power_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o state._n be_v there_o no_o other_o order_n in_o particular_a church_n no_o other_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o nor_o rule_n over_o they_o no_o other_o duty_n no_o other_o end_v assign_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n of_o cohabitation_n determine_v by_o civil_a authority_n may_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v entrust_v in_o itself_o with_o sundry_a power_n and_o privilege_n depend_v on_o sundry_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o constitute_v new_a relation_n between_o person_n that_o neither_o natural_o nor_o moral_o be_v before_o so_o relate_v as_o marriage_n do_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o it_o require_v new_a mutual_a duty_n and_o give_v new_a mutual_a right_n among_o themselves_o not_o require_v of_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o unto_o their_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o state_n can_v arise_v from_o or_o have_v any_o other_o formal_a cause_n but_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o virtual_a confederation_n of_o those_o concern_v unto_o these_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o foundation_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n unto_o they_o by_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n i_o say_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o their_o formal_a cause_n the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o will_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o society_n in_o all_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o natural_a such_o as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o power_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v predetermine_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n even_o that_o of_o nature_n wherein_o powers_z privilege_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v establish_v as_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n nor_o after_o its_o first_o institution_n can_v any_o one_o be_v incorporate_v into_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o nor_o if_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v can_v there_o be_v any_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n ensue_v be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o 2._o that_o by_o his_o word_n or_o law_n he_o have_v grant_v power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o prescribe_v duty_n unto_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o wherein_z they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n who_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o such_o a_o church_n 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o church_n relation_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o command_n wherefore_o 4._o this_o join_n of_o themselves_o whereon_o depend_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n all_o their_o obligation_n unto_o church_n duty_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o 5._o herein_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o their_o officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 6._o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v express_o to_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o phrase_n every_o where_o signify_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 7._o this_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o express_a engagement_n make_v unto_o he_o of_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n and_o it_o have_v so_o on_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n annex_v unto_o this_o engagement_n on_o our_o part_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 8._o
in_o regular_a act_n and_o duty_n proceed_v from_o this_o love_n and_o require_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o this_o account_n of_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v seem_v strange_a unto_o some_o who_o be_v enamour_v on_o that_o image_n which_o be_v set_v up_o of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n in_o canon_n constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o outward_a order_n in_o various_a subordination_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o make_v any_o due_a representation_n of_o they_o the_o church_n in_o its_o dependence_n on_o christ_n its_o head_n be_v by_o his_o institution_n dispose_v unto_o its_o proper_a order_n for_o its_o own_o edification_n or_o fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a this_o love_n work_v effectual_o in_o every_o office_n officer_n and_o member_n according_a as_o unto_o its_o disposal_n in_o the_o body_n for_o the_o receive_n and_o communicate_v supply_n for_o edification_n give_v the_o whole_a both_o its_o union_n and_o communion_n all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v regulate_v by_o divine_a rule_n and_o prescription_n instead_o hereof_o to_o erect_v a_o machine_n the_o spring_n and_o centre_n of_o who_o motion_n be_v unknown_a any_o other_o i_o mean_v but_o external_a force_n compact_v by_o the_o iron_n joint_n and_o band_n of_o humane_a law_n edify_v itself_o by_o the_o power_n of_o office_n and_o officer_n foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n act_v with_o weapon_n that_o be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o carnal_a and_o mighty_a through_o he_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o cast_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n into_o prison_n as_o unto_o a_o outward_a conformity_n be_v to_o forsake_v the_o scripture_n and_o follow_v our_o own_o imagination_n the_o outward_a act_n of_o communion_n among_o church_n proceed_v from_o this_o love_n and_o the_o obligation_n that_o be_v on_o they_o to_o promote_v their_o mutual_a edification_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n of_o advice_n and_o assistance_n church_n have_v communion_n unto_o their_o mutual_a edification_n by_o advice_n in_o synod_n or_o council_n which_o must_v in_o this_o place_n be_v consider_v synod_n be_v the_o meeting_n of_o divers_a church_n by_o their_o messenger_n or_o delegate_n to_o consult_v and_o determine_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o common_a concernment_n unto_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o communion_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o 1._o the_o necessity_n and_o warranty_n of_o such_o synod_n arise_v 1._o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o society_n which_o have_v the_o same_o original_a the_o same_o rule_n the_o same_o interest_n the_o same_o end_n and_o which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mutual_o concern_v in_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o each_o other_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o power_n and_o conduct_v of_o reason_n to_o advise_v in_o common_a for_o their_o own_o good_a on_o all_o emergency_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o church_n be_v such_o society_n they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o authoritative_a institution_n one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o worship_n the_o same_o end_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v and_o their_o entire_a interest_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o when_o therefore_o any_o thing_n occur_v among_o they_o that_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o can_v be_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o several_o or_o in_o who_o determination_n all_o of_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v not_o to_o make_v use_n herein_o of_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o forsake_v that_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god._n 2._o the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n before_o describe_v in_o one_o head_n by_o one_o spirit_n through_o one_o faith_n and_o worship_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n do_v so_o compact_v they_o into_o one_o body_n mystical_a as_o that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v complete_a absolute_o without_o a_o joint_a act_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n unto_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o occasion_n do_v require_v and_o this_o joint_a act_n with_o other_o in_o any_o church_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o natural_a circumstance_n render_v impossible_a by_o any_o mean_n but_o their_o convention_n in_o synod_n by_o their_o messenger_n and_o delegate_n for_o although_o there_o may_v be_v some_o use_n of_o letter_n missive_n and_o be_v so_o eminent_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o difficult_a case_n as_o the_o first_o instance_n we_o have_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n unto_o that_o of_o rome_n desire_v their_o advice_n about_o the_o compose_n of_o a_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thereunto_o yet_o many_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o among_o they_o which_o can_v be_v reconcile_v or_o determine_v but_o by_o present_a conference_n such_o as_o that_o be_v record_v act._n 15._o no_o church_n therefore_o be_v so_o independent_a as_o that_o it_o can_v always_o and_o in_o all_o case_n observe_v the_o duty_n it_o owe_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n catholic_n by_o all_o those_o power_n which_o it_o be_v able_a to_o act_v in_o itself_o distinct_o without_o conjunction_n with_o other_o and_o the_o church_n that_o confine_v its_o duty_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o its_o own_o assembly_n cut_v itself_o off_o from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v safe_a for_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o church_n wherefore_o 3._o this_o act_n in_o synod_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o in_o a_o express_a command_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o fortify_v with_o apostolical_a example_n for_o have_v erect_v such_o a_o church-state_n and_o dispose_v all_o his_o church_n into_o that_o order_n and_o mutual_a relation_n unto_o one_o another_o as_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v complete_a or_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n without_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n he_o have_v thereby_o ordain_v this_o way_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o synod_n no_o other_o be_v possible_a unto_o that_o end_n and_o hereby_o such_o convention_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o presence_n namely_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o these_o assembly_n be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o his_o own_o constitution_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o his_o church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o his_o name_n and_o so_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n 4._o the_o end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o many_o instance_n this_o can_v be_v attain_v yea_o that_o it_o must_v be_v sinful_o neglect_v unless_o this_o way_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o carry_v of_o it_o on_o be_v attend_v unto_o truth_n peace_n and_o love_n may_v be_v lose_v among_o church_n and_o so_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o they_o be_v dissolve_v unless_o this_o mean_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o reparation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o that_o particular_a church_n which_o extend_v not_o its_o duty_n beyond_o its_o own_o assembly_n and_o member_n be_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n and_o every_o principle_n opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o incline_v any_o church_n to_o confine_v its_o care_n and_o duty_n unto_o its_o own_o edification_n only_o yea_o or_o of_o those_o only_o which_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o some_o peculiar_a practice_n make_v it_o neglective_a of_o all_o due_a mean_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v schismatical_a 5._o there_o be_v direction_n hereunto_o include_v in_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o church-proceeding_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o by_o christ_n himself_o the_o beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o it_o be_v between_o two_o individual_a person_n thence_o be_v it_o carry_v unto_o the_o cognizance_n and_o judgement_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o before_o unconcerned_a from_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v concern_v it_o as_o unto_o its_o own_o communion_n to_o continue_v the_o offender_n in_o it_o or_o reject_v he_o from_o it_o this_o must_v abide_v as_o unto_o outward_a order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n but_o no_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o
to_o be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n before_o he_o can_v challenge_v church_n privilege_n or_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v he_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o many_o profess_v believer_n that_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n without_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o combination_n explicit_a or_o at_o least_o implicit_a whereby_o they_o become_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n charter_n a_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o be_v call_v a_o city_n household_n house_n be_v unite_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o bond_n not_o only_o by_o internal_a bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o external_a the_o bond_n of_o union_n must_v be_v visible_a as_o the_o house_n be_v by_o profession_n this_o be_v a_o society_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n to_o to_o choose_v a_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v hence_o a_o visible_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o separate_a congregation_n separation_n be_v a_o proper_a and_o inseparable_a adjunct_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n membership_n 2_o cor._n vi_o 14_o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yoke_v with_o those_o of_o another_o kind_n the_o plough_v with_o a_o ox_n and_o ass_n together_o be_v forbid_v under_o the_o law_n with_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n visible_a unbeliever_n of_o any_o sort_n or_o kind_n for_o what_o participation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v righteousness_n with_o vnrighteousness_n what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d communion_n or_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n vers._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o harmony_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n man_n of_o corrupt_a life_n and_o conversation_n or_o what_o part_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o believer_n i._n e._n a_o visible_a believer_n with_o a_o vnbeliever_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v render_v infidel_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o our_o translator_n to_o put_v a_o blind_a upon_o this_o place_n as_o to_o its_o true_a intention_n and_o to_o countenance_v parish_n communion_n for_o why_o do_v they_o not_o here_o vers._n 14._o and_o every_o where_o else_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o infidel_n vers._n 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consistency_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n church_n with_o idol_n etc._n etc._n i_o take_v this_o place_n to_o be_v a_o full_a proof_n of_o what_o be_v before_o speak_v that_o a_o gospel_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a profess_v people_n walk_v together_o by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o confederation_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o subjection_n to_o and_o practice_n of_o all_o his_o gospel-precept_n and_o command_n whereby_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o person_n and_o thing_n manifest_o contrary_a or_o disagree_v thereunto_o hence_o as_o its_o separate_a from_o all_o such_o impurity_n that_o be_v without_o so_o christ_n have_v furnish_v it_o with_o sufficient_a power_n and_o mean_n to_o keep_v itself_o pure_a and_o therefore_o have_v provide_v ordinance_n and_o minister_n for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church-edification_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o purity_n be_v also_o maintain_v in_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n purity_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o order_n a_o disorderly_a society_n will_v corrupt_v within_o itself_o for_o by_o disorder_n it_o be_v divide_v by_o division_n the_o joint_n and_o band_n be_v break_v not_o only_o of_o love_n and_o affection_n but_o of_o visible_a conjunction_n so_o that_o root_n of_o bitterness_n and_o sensual_a separation_n arise_v many_o be_v defile_v it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o a_o society_n that_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o gospel-order_n when_o man_n agree_v together_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o a_o false_a rule_n or_o in_o a_o supine_n and_o negligent_a observation_n of_o the_o true_a rule_n there_o may_v be_v a_o common_a connivance_n at_o each_o one_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o list_v but_o this_o be_v not_o order_n but_o disorder_n by_o consent_n beside_o a_o church_n may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n walk_v in_o order_n when_o there_o be_v breach_n and_o division_n some_o do_v agree_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n when_o other_o will_v deviate_v from_o it_o it_o be_v orderly_a to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v those_o that_o walk_v not_o orderly_a though_o such_o just_a undertake_n seem_v sometime_o ground_n of_o disturbance_n and_o cause_n of_o convulsion_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n threaten_v even_o its_o break_n in_o piece_n but_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v do_v to_o preserve_v the_o whole_a the_o word_n translate_v order_n colos._n ij_o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o military_a word_n it_o be_v the_o order_n of_o soldier_n in_o a_o band_n keep_v rank_a and_o file_n where_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o place_n follow_v his_o leader_n observe_v the_o word_n of_o command_n and_o his_o right-hand_n man._n hence_o the_o apostle_n joy_v to_o see_v their_o close_a order_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n their_o firmness_n valour_n and_o resolution_n in_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o order_n in_o so_o do_v not_o only_o in_o watch_v as_o single_a professor_n but_o in_o march_v orderly_o together_o as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o comely_a than_o a_o church_n walk_v in_o order_n when_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o place_n know_v and_o practise_v his_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n each_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n when_o the_o elder_n know_v their_o place_n and_o the_o people_n they_o christ_n have_v be_v more_o faithful_a than_o moses_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o order_n may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v know_v and_o that_o by_o officer_n and_o people_n they_o that_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o rule_n or_o negligent_a in_o attend_v it_o or_o doubtful_a and_o therefore_o always_o contend_v about_o it_o will_v never_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o minister_n to_o study_v order_n well_o and_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v bewail_v that_o so_o few_o divine_n bend_v their_o study_n that_o way_n they_o content_v themselves_o only_o with_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o truth_n that_o concern_v faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o mere_a moral_a part_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o to_o gospel-churche_n or_o institute_v worship_n they_o general_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n let_v it_o alone_o and_o administer_v sacrament_n as_o indefinite_o as_o they_o preach_v care_v not_o to_o stand_v relate_v to_o one_o people_n more_o than_o another_o any_o further_a than_o maintain_v by_o they_o likewise_o many_o good_a people_n be_v as_o great_a stranger_n to_o gospel_n church_n and_o order_n and_o as_o their_o minister_n have_v a_o great_a adversness_n to_o both_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o both_o to_o comply_v with_o rule_n of_o man_n for_o make_v church_n canon_n establish_v by_o humane_a law_n be_v carry_v away_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n by_o corrupt_a erastian_n principle_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v the_o church_n to_o be_v altogether_o guide_v and_o govern_v by_o law_n of_o magistratick_a sanction_n reformation_n from_o the_o gross_a idolatrous_a part_n of_o antichristianism_n be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o heroic_a courage_n and_o resolution_n but_o the_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n of_o protestant_n to_o any_o further_a progress_n almost_o ever_o since_o be_v not_o a_o little_a to_o be_v lament_v many_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n be_v lay_v in_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o be_v not_o rather_o write_v in_o the_o book_n than_o preach_v in_o pulpit_n at_o this_o day_n but_o how_o little_a do_v they_o care_v to_o set_v their_o hand_n to_o building_n the_o house_n sure_o a_o great_a matter_n be_v from_o that_o spiritual_a sloathfulness_n that_o many_o be_v fall_v under_o as_o likewise_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a discouragement_n lay_v before_o they_o by_o the_o adversary_n of_o judah_n when_o they_o find_v the_o child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n be_v about_o to_o build_v a_o gospel_n church_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o long_o have_v this_o great_a work_n cease_v
in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n require_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a be_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o that_o of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god._n for_o as_o on_o their_o unbelief_n thereof_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n do_v depend_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a on_o their_o part_n unto_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n state._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a with_o other_o a_o instruction_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o those_o that_o be_v fundamental_a be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o profession_n we_o inquire_v after_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o what_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o instruct_v those_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n who_o upon_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o keep_n a_o multitude_n in_o the_o state_n of_o catechuman_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o do_v but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o church-communion_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o from_o a_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o real_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o the_o promiscuous_a drive_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ._n this_o knowledge_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o profession_n be_v itself_o to_o be_v profess_v 2._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o profess_a subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 8.5_o this_o in_o general_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a when_o they_o be_v adult_n as_o be_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a consent_n baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o be_v able_a with_o faith_n and_o understanding_n to_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o be_v initiate_v 3._o a_o instruction_n in_o and_o consent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o bear_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n 9.23_o for_o this_o be_v make_v indispensable_o necessary_a by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o man_n have_v not_o be_v more_o and_o better_o instruct_v therein_o 24.14_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v may_v be_v a_o christian_a at_o a_o easy_a rate_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o it_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o that_o reproach_n hatred_n suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n ofttimes_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o its_o professor_n who_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o require_v that_o at_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v aright_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o all_o and_o engage_v cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n be_v continual_o present_v unto_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n their_o willing_a engagement_n to_o undergo_v they_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n some_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o use_n only_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o so_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v continual_o the_o countenance_n and_o favour_n of_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o judge_v well_o for_o they_o with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o who_o outward_a state_n make_v the_o public_a avow_v of_o this_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o may_v add_v it_o as_o my_o own_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o alone_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o countenance_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o any_o church_n by_o the_o public_a magistracy_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o will_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o suffering_n to_o escape_v suffering_n and_o enjoy_v worldly_a advantage_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o bear_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n be_v no_o gospel_n direction_n 4._o conviction_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 5._o unto_o this_o profession_n be_v require_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n 20._o both_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o charity_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n 6._o a_o careful_a abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n giving_z scandal_n or_o offence_n either_o unto_o the_o world_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v 1.10_o that_o this_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n against_o 1._o fear_v 2._o shame_n 3._o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o enemy_n whatever_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exclude_v from_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n state_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o gross_o ignorant_a or_o 2._o persecutor_n or_o reproacher_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o walk_v or_o 3._o idolater_n or_o 4._o man_n scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n through_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n or_o 5._o such_o as_o will_v partake_v of_o gospel-privilege_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o open_o avow_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v peremptory_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o herein_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o exceed_v the_o example_n and_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o that_o arrive_v unto_o it_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o all_o they_o can_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o if_o any_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n their_o diligence_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n their_o severe_a inquiry_n into_o their_o conversation_n their_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o expectation_n for_o their_o trial_n before_o their_o admittance_n be_v remarkable_a and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v that_o their_o promiscuous_a admittance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o church_n membership_n which_o take_v place_n afterward_o ruin_v all_o the_o beauty_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o proper_a subject_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n entitle_v they_o unto_o all_o the_o appellation_n of_o saint_n call_v sanctify_a that_o be_v visible_o and_o by_o profession_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o privilege_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v our_o only_a pattern_n by_o these_o thing_n although_o they_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o not_o be_v real_a live_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v
of_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o promote_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o countenance_v they_o which_o they_o do_v effectual_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o its_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v until_o calvin_n set_v up_o his_o discipline_n at_o geneva_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o clamour_n against_o he_o from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o in_o most_o other_o place_n church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o continue_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o in_o many_o place_n as_o bad_a in_o their_o life_n as_o when_o they_o be_v papist_n but_o this_o method_n be_v design_v in_o the_o holy_a wise_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o progressive_a reformation_n as_o it_o have_v make_v a_o gradual_a progress_n into_o its_o decay_n for_o have_v the_o reformer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v themselves_o to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v unmeet_a for_o its_o communion_n or_o to_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v member_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o its_o original_a institution_n it_o will_v through_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o can_v have_v comply_v with_o the_o design_n have_v great_o obstruct_v if_o not_o utter_o defeat_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v that_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o god_n have_v since_o make_v effectual_a in_o these_o nation_n especial_o and_o in_o other_o place_n to_o turn_v multitude_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o himself_o translate_n they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son._n hereby_o way_n be_v make_v for_o a_o necessary_a addition_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n if_o not_o to_o the_o close_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o at_o first_o be_v attain_v unto_o nor_o well_o attempt_v namely_o the_o reduction_n of_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o member_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o primitive_a institution_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v design_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o only_a we_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o constitute_v church_n member_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o less_o than_o what_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o eph._n 2.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 11.1_o 18._o 1_o thess._n 1.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n that_o may_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n answer_v the_o way_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o receive_n of_o they_o be_v because_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 2._o that_o may_v answer_v that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o what_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o reveal_v matth._n 16.16_o and_o not_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o many_o church_n member_n be_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o that_o many_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v among_o they_o that_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n be_v charitative_a proceed_v on_o evidence_n of_o moral_a probability_n not_o determine_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a measure_n of_o light_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o ability_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v all_o who_o circumstance_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o indulgence_n unto_o their_o weakness_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n will_v allow_v we_o any_o further_a latitude_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o our_o present_a enquiry_n yet_o remain_v on_o these_o consideration_n be_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n as_o be_v make_v up_o or_o compose_v of_o member_n visible_o unholy_a or_o such_o as_o comply_v not_o with_o the_o qualification_n that_o be_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n indispensable_o require_v to_o give_v unto_o any_o a_o regular_a entrance_n into_o the_o church_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o such_o church_n will_v reform_v themselves_o by_o any_o act_n duty_n or_o power_n of_o their_o own_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v just_o suppose_v averse_a from_o and_o enemy_n unto_o any_o such_o work._n i_o answer_v therefore_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o communion_n with_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v absolute_o by_o edification_n no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o abide_v in_o or_o confine_v himself_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n any_o long_a than_o it_o be_v for_o his_o edification_n and_o this_o liberty_n be_v allow_v unto_o all_o person_n by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o a_o parish_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o it_o and_o there_o educate_v yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o judge_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o useful_a unto_o his_o edification_n he_o may_v withdraw_v from_o all_o communion_n in_o that_o parish_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o next_o door_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o communion_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o 2._o if_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n abound_v in_o such_o church_n be_v real_o obstructive_a of_o edification_n 3._o if_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o give_v no_o representation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o doctrine_n 4._o if_o such_o church_n do_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o reform_v themselves_o then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o present_a edification_n and_o the_o future_a salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n peaceable_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v in_o such_o other_o where_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n society_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v obtain_v man_n may_v not_o only_o do_v so_o because_o all_o obligation_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n do_v cease_v when_o the_o mean_n be_v not_o suit_v thereunto_o but_o obstructive_a of_o its_o attainment_n but_o also_o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n hereby_o against_o the_o declension_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o dishonour_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v reflect_v on_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a unto_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o loyal_a subject_n unto_o their_o lord_n and_o king._n and_o it_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o evangelical_n church_n but_o that_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v as_o just_a a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o as_o their_o forsake_v the_o same_o rule_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v judge_v that_o sundry_a inconvenience_n will_v ensue_v on_o this_o assertion_n when_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o practice_v according_a unto_o it_o but_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v be_v such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n no_o inconvenience_n can_v ensue_v on_o the_o practice_n direct_v unto_o any_o way_n to_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o mischief_n of_o oblige_a believer_n to_o abide_v always_o in_o such_o society_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o inquire_v into_o that_o relate_v unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o state_n of_o evangelical_n church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o church_n may_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v under_o its_o conduct_n inspection_n and_o rule_n
for_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v unto_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 1_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o institution_n 2._o that_o upon_o a_o prescription_n of_o duty_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o their_o performance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v especial_a promise_n of_o god_n annex_v thereunto_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o matter_n of_o confederation_n whereof_o mutual_a express_a restipulation_n be_v the_o form_n they_o all_o concur_v herein_o 9_o this_o covenant_n which_o we_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n absolute_o consider_v nor_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o that_o covenant_n prescribe_v in_o it_o but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o as_o faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o like_a be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o nor_o have_v annex_v unto_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n absolute_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o gospel_n duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o do_v belong_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o especial_a promise_n of_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o church_n 10._o whereas_o therefore_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n believer_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v bind_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o that_o state_n whereon_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o presence_n of_o he_o do_v interest_n they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n their_o so_o do_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n include_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n sit_v and_o be_v 11._o beside_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o there_o be_v many_o mutual_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o which_o join_v in_o church_n society_n and_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o submit_v unto_o whereunto_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o must_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n that_o be_v they_o must_v agree_v consent_n and_o engage_v among_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o mutual_a duty_n to_o use_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o those_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n see_v jerem._n 50.4_o 5._o 12._o this_o complete_v the_o confederation_n intend_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o which_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o perform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n state._n 13._o indeed_o herein_o most_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o do_v not_o that_o nor_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o unto_o what_o end_n do_v they_o join_v themselves_o unto_o parochial_a church_n and_o assembly_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o require_v all_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o to_o do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o penalty_n annex_v unto_o its_o neglect_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o may_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o so_o do_v be_v it_o not_o to_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o that_o society_n in_o those_o assembly_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v there_o not_o therein_o virtual_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n among_o they_o unto_o all_o those_o end_n it_o must_v be_v so_o with_o they_o who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n 14._o now_o whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o know_v gospel_n duty_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensable_o oblige_v unto_o the_o more_o express_v our_o engagement_n be_v concern_v they_o the_o more_o do_v we_o glorify_v christ_n in_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o great_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v abide_v on_o our_o conscience_n and_o great_a encouragement_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o mutual_a duty_n as_o also_o the_o more_o evident_a will_v the_o warranty_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o church_n unto_o those_o society_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v virtual_o only_o observe_v especial_o in_o church_n of_o some_o continuance_n wherein_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a consent_n unto_o the_o first_o covenant-constitution_n 15._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v officer_n ruler_n or_o leader_n in_o his_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o look_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o administer_v and_o dispense_v all_o its_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o its_o authority_n the_o consent_n and_o engagement_n insist_v on_o be_v express_o require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o for_o without_o this_o no_o believer_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o relation_n unto_o another_o as_o his_o pastor_n guide_n overseer_n ruler_n unto_o the_o end_v mention_v wherein_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v by_o he_o with_o authority_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n 16._o wherefore_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o obediential_a act_n of_o believer_n in_o such_o number_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o church_n edification_n joint_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n rest_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n thereon_o give_v and_o communicate_v by_o his_o law_n all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o joint_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o state_n with_o a_o especial_a subjection_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n of_o rule_n and_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o state._n 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o which_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o conscientious_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n can_v question_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n or_o no._n and_o whereas_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o any_o church_n state._n 18._o thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n will_v take_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n into_o a_o new_a peculiar_a church_n state_n he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n herein_o as_o he_o prescribe_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o many_o bless_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o power_n and_o privilege_n innumerable_a so_o the_o people_n solemn_o covenant_v and_o engage_v with_o he_o that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o whereby_o they_o coalesce_v into_o that_o church_n state_n which_o abode_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n this_o covenant_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v exod._n 24._o for_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v there_o with_o the_o people_n and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o couénant_n of_o grace_n under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o that_o be_v establish_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o in_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o a_o gospel_n dispensation_n for_o god_n never_o renew_v that_o covenant_n under_o any_o consideration_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a covenant_n which_o god_n then_o make_v with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o make_v it_o with_o their_o father_n deut._n 5.2_o 3._o whereby_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o erect_v into_o a_o church_n state_n wherein_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o enjoin_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v
church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o place_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o office_n with_o power_n unto_o their_o edification_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n act._n 1.14_o 15._o chap._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o chap._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2._o this_o power_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n whence_o it_o do_v flow_v and_o whereon_o it_o do_v depend_v for_o unto_o this_o apostolical_a office_n and_o power_n there_o be_v require_v 1._o a_o immediate_a personal_a call_n from_o christ_n himself_o 2._o a_o commission_n equal_o extensive_a unto_o all_o nation_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o unto_o all_o church_n equal_o for_o their_o edification_n 3._o a_o authority_n in_o all_o church_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o that_o power_n which_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a constitution_n of_o they_o distribute_v among_o many_o 4._o a_o collation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o of_o infallibility_n in_o teach_v of_o work_a miracle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o the_o like_a whereas_o therefore_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v cease_v and_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o act_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n towards_o any_o this_o office_n and_o power_n do_v absolute_o cease_v for_o any_o to_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v successor_n unto_o these_o apostle_n as_o some_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n and_o impertinency_n have_v do_v be_v to_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o call_v by_o christ_n unto_o their_o office_n that_o they_o have_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o church_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n whereof_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n be_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o certain_o when_o some_o of_o they_o consider_v one_o another_o and_o talk_v of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n it_o be_v but_o aruspex_fw-la aruspicens_fw-la 3._o lest_o of_o all_o in_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v a_o vicar_n or_o rather_o as_o be_v pretend_v a_o successor_n with_o a_o plenitude_n of_o all_o church_n power_n to_o be_v by_o he_o parcel_v out_o unto_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v overthrow_v all_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n introduce_v luciferian_a pride_n and_o antichristian_a tyranny_n in_o their_o room_n and_o whereas_o the_o only_a way_n of_o christ_n act_n his_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v act_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n be_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n unto_o that_o end_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n place_v himself_o in_o his_o stead_n for_o these_o end_n do_v thereby_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v god._n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v among_o all_o sober_a christian_n and_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o contend_v with_o the_o mahometan_n who_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n leave_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v his_o successor_n as_o haly_n succeed_v unto_o mahomet_n 5._o all_o these_o by_o who_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v unto_o its_o edification_n be_v as_o unto_o their_o office_n and_o power_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n set_v or_o place_v in_o it_o not_o as_o lord_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 2.2_o chap._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n the_o enfeoffment_n into_o this_o power_n be_v her_o due_a and_o dowry_n all_o particular_a person_n be_v but_o her_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v steward_n and_o set_v over_o all_o their_o fellow_n servant_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o trust_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v his_o spouse_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o to_o grant_v what_o they_o please_v unto_o she_o 6._o but_o as_o this_o whole_a church_n power_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o christ_n so_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o office-authority_n do_v receive_v that_o authority_n from_o he_o by_o the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o namely_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n through_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o v._o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v in_o general_a concern_v church_n power_n we_o must_v treat_v yet_o particular_o of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o from_o christ_n and_o of_o its_o distribution_n as_o unto_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o every_o individual_a believer_n have_v power_n or_o right_o give_v unto_o he_o upon_o his_o believe_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o hereby_o as_o such_o he_o have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n radical_o and_o original_o unto_o with_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o church_n privilege_n to_o be_v actual_o possess_v and_o use_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o he_o prescribe_v for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n have_v a_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v oblige_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o herein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o right_n unto_o church_n power_n for_o both_o it_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o purchase_a inheritance_n whereunto_o right_o be_v grant_v by_o adoption_n wherefore_o the_o first_o original_a grant_n of_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n be_v make_v unto_o believer_n as_o such_o they_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o limitation_n 1._o that_o as_o such_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o church_n power_n but_o upon_o their_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o duty_n give_v unto_o this_o end_n such_o be_v joint_a confession_n and_o confederation_n 2._o that_o each_o individual_a do_v actual_o participate_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o peculiarly_a respect_n woman_n that_o do_v believe_v 2._o wherever_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o of_o these_o believer_n the_o small_a number_n right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o actual_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n whereunto_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n among_o they_o matth._n 18.19_o 20._o to_o meet_v and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o exhort_v instruct_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o or_o to_o pray_v together_o as_o v_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a right_n or_o power_n require_v thereunto_o this_o be_v grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o least_o number_n of_o consent_v believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o second_o preparation_n unto_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n unto_o the_o former_a faith_n only_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o profession_n with_o mutual_a consent_n unto_o and_o agreement_n in_o the_o evangelical_n duty_n mention_v be_v to_o be_v add_v 3._o where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v increase_v so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a as_o unto_o their_o number_n to_o observe_v and_o perform_v all_o church_n duty_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n prescribe_v for_o their_o performance_n they_o have_v right_o and_o power_n grant_v unto_o they_o to_o make_v a_o joint_a solemn_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n especial_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n matth._n 16.16_o 18._o as_o also_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o a_o holy_a agreement_n or_o confederation_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatever_o that_o he_o have_v command_v hereon_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n in_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o order_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o enstate_v they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o these_o believer_n i_o say_v thus_o congregat_v into_o a_o church_n state_n have_v immediate_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o power_n to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o as_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o by_o his_o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o
brethren_n leave_v they_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n they_o begin_v to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o interest_n which_o they_o call_v rule_n or_o canon_n and_o never_o leave_v enlarge_a they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n until_o they_o enstate_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n by_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o whereon_o they_o become_v not_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n in_o office_n unto_o any_o person_n call_v thereunto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v formal_o in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hence_o it_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o such_o officer_n a_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v formal_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o grant_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o delegation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o they_o design_v choose_v set_v apart_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o thereon_o be_v entrust_v with_o office-power_n by_o christ_n himself_o according_a as_o be_v before_o declare_v this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o officer_n namely_o to_o design_n call_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o the_o person_n by_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n unto_o those_o office_n whereunto_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v annex_v church_n power_n and_o authority_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o dispute_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o officer_n they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n needful_a unto_o such_o duty_n who_o be_v immediate_o call_v unto_o they_o hereby_o all_o thing_n become_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v church_n duty_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n wherefore_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v which_o have_v a_o double_a exercise_n first_o in_o the_o call_n or_o choose_v of_o officer_n second_o in_o their_o voluntary_a act_n with_o they_o and_o under_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o rule_n 1._o all_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o office-power_n be_v require_v and_o 2._o every_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n as_o unto_o his_o own_o consent_n or_o dissent_v in_o what_o he_o be_v himself_o concern_v that_o this_o power_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v original_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v reside_v in_o any_o other_o who_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v upon_o any_o occasional_a intermission_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o all_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o need_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v again_o insist_v on_o vi_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v take_v objective_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o state_n and_o the_o law_n of_o its_o rule_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v it_o subjective_o as_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v the_o government_n in_o it_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o rule_v it_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o this_o wisdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.9_o whereby_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v require_v 1._o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o this_o purpose_n ezra_n 7.6_o 7_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2.14_o 15._o 3._o humble_a wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v about_o ezek._n 43.11_o 4._o a_o conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o skill_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v talent_n trade_v with_o due_o will_v increase_v 5._o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n be_v call_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o how_o much_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o church_n government_n yea_o how_o much_o it_o be_v despise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a unto_o all_o it_o be_v skill_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o vexatious_a court_n with_o the_o learning_n subtilty_n and_o art_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a skill_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v no_o way_n meet_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o according_a as_o any_o do_v arrive_v unto_o a_o dexterity_n in_o this_o polity_n they_o be_v esteem_v eminent_o useful_a but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o do_v what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o unto_o political_a end_n we_o inquire_v nor_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n require_v unto_o this_o end_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v of_o it_o more_o despise_v more_o neglect_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o those_o who_o pretence_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o authority_n will_v make_v it_o most_o necessary_a unto_o they_o two_o thing_n follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o wisdom_n intend_v be_v not_o promise_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o before_o lay_v down_o but_o respect_n be_v have_v herein_o only_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n hereon_o depend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o ruler_n for_o wisdom_n for_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o grant_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n wherefore_o those_o who_o on_o every_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o advance_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o disorderly_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o out-cry_n of_o some_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v suppose_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n better_o than_o they_o whereas_o the_o government_n which_o they_o exercise_v belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v easy_o discern_v nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o themselves_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o herein_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o order_v
authority_n be_v constitute_v in_o the_o church_n only_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o a_o order_n as_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v require_v but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o least_o imparity_n or_o inequality_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o authority_n among_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a so_o be_v the_o evangelist_n so_o be_v elder_n or_o bishop_n and_o so_o be_v deacon_n also_o the_o scripture_n know_v no_o more_o of_o a_o archbishop_n such_o as_o all_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v nor_o a_o archdeacon_n than_o of_o a_o arch-apostle_n or_o of_o a_o arch-evangelist_n or_o a_o arch-prophet_n howbeit_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o their_o assembly_n they_o have_v one_o who_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o describe_v which_o seem_v among_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o peter_n the_o brethren_n also_o of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v so_o multiply_v as_o that_o the_o constant_a meeting_n of_o they_o all_o in_o one_o place_n may_v not_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o their_o edification_n howbeit_o that_o on_o all_o the_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o their_o consent_n be_v necessary_a they_o do_v of_o old_a and_o aught_o still_o to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o advise_v consultation_n and_o consent_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o this_o be_v so_o full_o express_v and_o exemplify_v in_o the_o two_o great_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n act._n 15._o that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v by_o the_o brethren_n or_o church_n at_o antioch_n v_o 1_o 3._o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o brethren_n be_v call_v in_o distinction_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n v_o 4._o so_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n assemble_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o case_n propose_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o brethren_n assemble_v with_o they_o v_o 6_o 12._o neither_o be_v they_o mute_a person_n mere_a auditor_n and_o spectator_n in_o the_o assembly_n but_o they_o concur_v both_o in_o the_o debate_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n insomuch_o as_o they_o be_v express_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o advice_n give_v ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o and_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n return_v unto_o antioch_n the_o multitude_n unto_o who_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v direct_v come_v together_o about_o it_o ver_fw-la 23.30_o unless_o this_o be_v observe_v the_o primitive-church-state_n be_v overthrow_v but_o i_o shall_v return_v from_o this_o digression_n the_o first_o officer_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pastor_n a_o pastor_n be_v the_o elder_a that_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o that_o be_v who_o be_v its_o teacher_n and_o its_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d feed_v take_v the_o oversight_n it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n nor_o work_v to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n nor_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o work_n with_o the_o quality_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n to_o handle_v they_o practical_o and_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o what_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n express_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n do_v indispensable_o require_v be_v more_o exemplify_v in_o practice_n than_o it_o be_v but_o some_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o officer_n and_o his_o office_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v well_o state_v i_o shall_v treat_v concern_v the_o name_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n be_v metaphorical_a it_o be_v a_o denomination_n suit_v unto_o his_o work_n denote_v the_o same_o office_n and_o person_n with_o a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n speak_v of_o absolute_o without_o limitation_n unto_o either_o teach_v or_o rule_v 5.4_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v or_o apply_v unto_o this_o office_n because_o it_o be_v more_o comprehensive_a of_o and_o instructive_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o than_o any_o other_o name_n whatever_o nay_o than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o metaphor_n or_o whence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n and_o whence_o god_n term_v himself_o the_o shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n whence_o the_o sheep_n of_o this_o flock_n be_v commit_v unto_o christ_n whereon_o he_o become_v the_o good_a shepherd_n that_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o shepherd_n what_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o man_n in_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o office_n and_o what_o their_o duty_n thereon_o be_v thing_n well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o hireling_n yea_o wolf_n and_o dumb_a dog_n do_v in_o many_o place_n take_v on_o themselves_o to_o be_v shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n by_o who_o it_o be_v devour_v and_o destroy_v whereas_o therefore_o this_o name_n or_o appellation_n be_v take_v from_o and_o include_v in_o it_o love_v care_n tenderness_n watchfulness_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o go_v before_o preserve_v feed_v defend_v the_o flock_n the_o sheep_n and_o the_o lamb_n the_o strong_a the_o weak_a and_o disease_a with_o accountableness_n as_o servant_n unto_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n it_o be_v general_o disuse_v in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o of_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n guide_n precedent_n elder_n which_o seem_v to_o include_v more_o of_o honour_n and_o authority_n be_v retain_v in_o common_a use_n that_o though_o one_o of_o they_o at_o last_o namely_o that_o of_o bishop_n with_o some_o elate_v composition_n and_o adjunct_n of_o power_n obtain_v the_o pre-eminence_n out_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o these_o composition_n and_o addition_n in_o arch-bishop_n metropolitan_o patriarch_n and_o the_o like_a break_v forth_o the_o cockatrice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o pope_n but_o this_o name_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appropriate_v unto_o the_o principal_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o and_o under_o that_o name_n they_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o old_a jerem._n 3.15_o and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o it_o be_v constant_o require_v of_o they_o act._n 20.29_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v there_o be_v two_o part_n 1._o teach_v or_o instruction_n 2._o rule_n or_o discipline_n unto_o these_o two_o head_n may_v all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o shepherd_n towards_o his_o flock_n be_v reduce_v and_o both_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o term_n of_o feed_v 1_o chron._n 11.2_o chap._n 17.6_o jer._n 23.2_o mic._n 5.4_o chap._n 7.14_o zech._n 11.7_o act._n 20.28_o joh._n 21.14_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o he_o who_o be_v the_o pastor_n be_v the_o bishop_n the_o elder_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n these_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v distinct_a in_o several_a officer_n namely_o of_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n but_o to_o divide_v they_o in_o the_o same_o office_n of_o pastor_n that_o some_o pastor_n shall_v feed_v by_o teach_v only_o but_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o some_o shall_v attend_v in_o exercise_n unto_o rule_n only_o not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o labour_v continual_o in_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v almost_o to_o overthrow_v this_o office_n of_o christ_n designation_n and_o to_o set_v up_o two_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o of_o man_n own_o projection_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n so_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v and_o write_v by_o other_o at_o large_a that_o i_o shall_v only_o insist_v and_o that_o very_o brief_o on_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o of_o the_o most_o important_a consideration_n or_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o other_o as_o 1._o unto_o the_o call_n of_o any_o person_n unto_o this_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v certain_a qualification_n previous_o require_v in_o he_o dispose_v and_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o that_o office._n the_o outward_a call_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v immediate_o but_o therein_o be_v require_v a_o obediential_a act_n of_o he_o also_o who_o be_v call_v neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v regular_a neither_o can_v the_o church_n act_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o order_n nor_o the_o person_n call_v act_n in_o such_o a_o due_a obedience_n unless_o there_o be_v in_o he_o some_o previous_a indication_n
spiritual_a gift_n in_o preach_v with_o a_o refusal_n of_o undertake_v a_o ministerial_a office_n or_o without_o design_n so_o to_o do_v upon_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v be_v approve_v 3._o the_o rule_n propose_v concern_v only_o ordinary_a case_n and_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a case_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o warranty_n in_o themselves_o for_o extraordinary_a act_n and_o duty_n 12._o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o political_a magistrate_n not_o of_o the_o pope_n not_o of_o any_o single_a prelate_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o although_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n yet_o none_o who_o understand_v aught_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o church_n alone_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o put_v forth_o and_o exert_v but_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o election_n 2._o ordination_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v or_o sacred_a separation_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o former_a four_o thing_n must_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o or_o preparatory_a for_o it_o 2._o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3._o it_o be_v necessity_n or_o the_o demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o institution_n 4._o what_o influence_n it_o have_v into_o the_o communication_n of_o pastoral-office-power_n unto_o a_o pastor_n so_o choose_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o meetness_n of_o the_o person_n for_o his_o office_n and_o work_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o can_v never_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v or_o choose_v a_o unmeet_a a_o unqualified_a a_o unprepared_a person_n unto_o this_o office._n no_o pretend_a necessity_n no_o outward_a motive_n can_v enable_v or_o warrant_v it_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v it_o by_o any_o outward_a act_n whatever_o the_o rule_n or_o solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v ministerial_a authority_n unto_o person_n utter_o unqualify_v for_o and_o uncapable_a of_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o debase_v the_o ministry_n and_o almost_o ruine_v the_o church_n itself_o either_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o who_o suppose_v themselves_o entrust_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o ordination_n or_o by_o imposition_n on_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n and_o patron_n of_o live_n as_o they_o be_v call_v with_o the_o state_v regulation_n of_o their_o proceed_n herein_o by_o a_o defective_a law_n whence_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o antecedent_n preparatory_a qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n two_o way_n be_v the_o meetness_n of_o any_o one_o make_v know_v and_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o 1._o by_o a_o evidence_n give_v of_o the_o qualification_n in_o he_o beforementioned_a the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o call_v or_o choose_v any_o one_o to_o office_n who_o be_v not_o know_v unto_o they_o of_o who_o frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o walk_v they_o have_v not_o have_v some_o experience_n not_o a_o novice_n or_o one_o late_o come_v unto_o they_o he_o must_v be_v one_o who_o by_o his_o way_n and_o walk_v have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n even_o among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v know_v unless_o they_o be_v enemy_n or_o scoffer_n and_o one_o that_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n evidence_v his_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a trust_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v negligent_a herein_o or_o if_o at_o all-adventure_n they_o will_v impose_v a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n upon_o he_o without_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o meetness_n upon_o due_a enquiry_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n unto_o he_o and_o provocation_n of_o he_o herein_o principal_o be_v church_n make_v the_o overseer_n of_o their_o own_o purity_n and_o edification_n to_o deny_v they_o a_o ability_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o or_o a_o liberty_n for_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o be_v error_n and_o tyranny_n but_o that_o flock_n which_o christ_n purchase_v and_o purify_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o herd_n of_o brute_n beast_n where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o this_o personal_a knowledge_n for_o want_n of_o opportunity_n it_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a authority_n 2._o by_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o gift_n for_o edification_n these_o be_v those_o spiritual_a endowment_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n grant_v and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v profit_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o and_o we_o must_v at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n what_o gift_n of_o man_n be_v suit_v unto_o their_o own_o edification_n but_o yet_o in_o make_v a_o judgement_n hereof_o one_o directive_n mean_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o church_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v use_v off_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o avoidance_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o that_o communion_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o election_n call_v or_o choice_n of_o a_o person_n know_v try_a and_o judge_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o fraternity_n with_o their_o elder_n if_o they_o have_v any_o for_o a_o pastor_n may_v be_v choose_v unto_o a_o church_n which_o have_v other_o teacher_n elder_n or_o officer_n already_o instate_v in_o it_o in_o this_o case_n their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o choice_n intend_v be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o common_a suffrage_n not_o of_o authority_n or_o office-power_n for_o election_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n but_o of_o liberty_n and_o power_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o fraternity_n be_v equal_a if_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n state_v in_o the_o church_n before_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n on_o the_o first_o ordination_n of_o elder_n among_o they_o this_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o fraternity_n 3._o that_o therefore_o which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o meet_v person_n shall_v be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n or_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v antecedent_o unto_o a_o sacred_a solemn_a separation_n unto_o their_o respective_a office_n for_o 1._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o be_v so_o extraordinary_o and_o immediate_o by_o the_o nomination_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o aaron_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o priesthood_n and_o other_o afterward_o as_o samuel_n to_o be_v prophet_n 2._o by_o a_o law_n of_o carnal_a generation_n so_o all_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o aaron_n succeed_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n without_o any_o other_o call_v 3._o by_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v the_o call_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n deut._n 1.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v to_o yourselves_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v a_o judgement_n on_o their_o qualification_n for_o the_o office_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v man_n know_v unto_o they_o for_o wise_a understanding_n righteous_a walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o look_v out_o and_o then_o to_o present_v they_o unto_o moses_n for_o their_o separation_n unto_o office_n which_o be_v election_n it_o be_v true_a that_o exod._n 13.15_o it_o be_v
order_n of_o the_o sacred_a separation_n of_o person_n qualify_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n be_v here_o clear_o represent_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v present_a namely_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n preside_v in_o the_o action_n direct_v of_o it_o and_o confirm_v that_o by_o their_o consent_n with_o they_o 2._o a_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v be_v appoint_v for_o the_o action_n or_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o 3._o when_o they_o be_v so_o choose_v the_o apostle_n present_v solemn_o pray_v whereby_o their_o ordination_n be_v complete_a and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o mention_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o authoritative_a imposition_n of_o hand_n wherein_o this_o ordination_n do_v consist_v do_v say_v there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v they_o feign_v a_o disorder_n in_o they_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o hypothesis_n for_o they_o suppose_v that_o their_o complete_a ordination_n be_v effect_v before_o there_o be_v any_o prayer_n with_o fast_v for_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o their_o judgement_n ordination_n be_v complete_v so_o bellarmine_n a_o lapide_fw-la on_o the_o place_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o but_o first_o to_o pervert_v the_o true_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o then_o to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o that_o wrest_n of_o it_o by_o assign_v a_o disorder_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o whole_a sentence_n and_o that_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o make_v in_o their_o judgement_n a_o false_a representation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v be_v a_o way_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o will_v serve_v any_o turn_n 4._o this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o church_n or_o in_o every_o congregation_n as_o tindal_n render_v the_o word_n namely_o in_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v in_o those_o part_n for_o that_o collection_n and_o constitution_n do_v always_o precede_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o this_o place_n as_o also_o tit._n 1.5_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o truth_n that_o the_o be_v of_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v always_o antecedent_n unto_o their_o be_v and_o call._n but_o because_o it_o be_v some_o man_n interest_n to_o entangle_v thing_n plain_a and_o clear_a enough_o in_o themselves_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n unto_o this_o rendition_n of_o the_o word_n the_o whole_a of_o it_o lie_v against_o the_o signification_n use_n and_o application_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o although_o we_o do_v not_o here_o argue_v mere_o from_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o from_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n make_v in_o the_o context_n yet_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o thing_n sufficient_a for_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o objection_n as_o 1._o the_o native_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o virtue_n of_o its_o composition_n be_v to_o lift_v up_o or_o stretch_v forth_o the_o hand_n or_o a_o hand_n and_o hereunto_o the_o lxx_o have_v respect_n isa._n 58.9_o where_o they_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o put_v forth_o of_o the_o finger_n which_o be_v use_v in_o a_o ill_a sense_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v it_o ever_o use_v in_o any_o other_o signification_n 2._o the_o first_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o in_o thing_n political_a or_o civil_a and_o so_o consequent_o ecclesiastical_a be_v to_o choose_v elect_v design_n or_o create_v any_o person_n a_o officer_n magistrate_n or_o ruler_n by_o suffrage_n or_o common_a consent_n of_o those_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v usual_o do_v with_o make_v bare_a the_o hand_n and_o arm_n with_o lift_v up_o as_o aristophanes_n witness_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v a_o great_a stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n who_o know_v not_o that_o among_o the_o greek_n especial_o the_o athenian_n from_o who_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n be_v borrow_v or_o take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o act_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o common_a suffrage_n to_o decree_n and_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n law_n or_o order_n and_o when_o apply_v unto_o person_n it_o signify_v their_o choice_n and_o designation_n to_o office._n so_o be_v it_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n by_o demosthenes_n orat._n in_o timoch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o people_n confirm_v my_o say_n by_o their_o suffrage_n and_o in_o the_o other_o philip._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o the_o senate_n nor_o the_o people_n choose_v he_o to_o his_o office._n so_o be_v the_o passive_a verb_n use_v to_o be_v create_v by_o suffrage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o act_n of_o choose_v who_o effect_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o determine_a vote_n or_o suffrage_n porrexerunt_fw-la manus_fw-la psephisma_n notum_fw-la est_fw-la sai_z cicero_z speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o division_n in_o choice_n it_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o great_a suffrage_n thucid._n lib._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v produce_v as_o there_o be_v report_n of_o call_v man_n unto_o magistracy_n by_o election_n in_o the_o greek_a historian_n and_o all_o the_o far_a composition_n of_o the_o word_n do_v signify_v to_o choose_v confirm_v or_o to_o abrogate_v by_o common_a suffrage_n 3._o the_o word_n be_v but_o once_o more_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o cor._n 8.19_o where_o it_o plain_o signify_v election_n and_o choice_n of_o a_o person_n to_o a_o employment_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v choose_v of_o the_o church_n to_o travel_v with_o we_o 4._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o after_o this_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v apply_v to_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o not_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v use_v sometime_o for_o the_o obtain_n or_o collation_n of_o authority_n or_o dignity_n or_o magistracy_n any_o manner_n of_o way_n though_o not_o by_o election_n to_o appoint_v to_o create_v but_o this_o be_v by_o a_o abusive_a application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o express_v the_o thing_n itself_o intend_v without_o regard_n unto_o its_o signification_n and_o proper_a use_n why_o such_o a_o use_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o admit_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o in_o all_o other_o place_n on_o such_o occasion_n the_o apostle_n do_v admit_v and_o direct_v the_o church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o their_o choice_n so_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n send_v choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n to_o antioch_n such_o as_o they_o choose_v by_o common_a suffrage_n for_o that_o end_n so_o again_o ver_fw-la 25._o i_o will_v send_v who_o you_o shall_v approve_v 1_o cor._n 16.3_o the_o church_n choose_v they_o the_o apostle_n send_v he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v our_o companion_n 2_o cor._n 8.19_o look_v out_o from_o among_o yourselves_o act._n 6._o if_o on_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a occasion_n the_o apostle_n do_v guide_v and_o direct_v the_o people_n in_o their_o right_n and_o use_v of_o their_o liberty_n as_o unto_o the_o election_n of_o person_n unto_o office_n and_o employment_n when_o the_o church_n themselves_o be_v concern_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o proper_a and_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n denote_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n 5._o that_o which_o alone_o be_v object_v hereunto_o by_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o who_o follow_v he_o and_o borrow_v their_o whole_n in_o this_o case_n from_o he_o namely_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grammatical_o agree_v with_o and_o regulate_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n denote_v their_o act_n and_o not_o any_o act_n of_o the_o people_n be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o 1._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v preside_v in_o the_o whole_a action_n help_v order_v and_o dispose_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v by_o some_o on_o all_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o appoint_v elder_n by_o the_o
be_v these_o gift_n office_n and_o officer_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.12_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n call_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n they_o do_v in_o and_o by_o their_o choice_n of_o they_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n according_a unto_o all_o the_o power_n and_o duty_n wherewith_o they_o be_v by_o he_o entrust_v and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v 3._o it_o be_v require_v that_o person_n so_o choose_v so_o submit_v unto_o be_v so_o solemn_o separate_v dedicate_v unto_o and_o confirm_v in_o their_o office_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o this_o be_v consonant_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o direct_v unto_o a_o solemnity_n in_o the_o susception_n of_o public_a officer_n whence_o proceed_v the_o coronation_n of_o king_n which_o give_v they_o not_o their_o title_n but_o solemn_o proclaim_v it_o which_o on_o many_o account_n be_v unto_o the_o advantage_n of_o government_n so_o it_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n by_o especial_a institution_n but_o hereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v far_o immediate_o this_o order_n of_o call_v man_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n namely_o by_o their_o previous_a qualification_n for_o the_o ministry_n whereby_o a_o general_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v be_v make_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o orderly_a choice_n or_o election_n of_o he_o in_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n itself_o follow_v with_o solemn_a ordination_n or_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o discharge_n of_o it_o by_o prayer_n with_o fast_v all_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v and_o institution_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n and_o privilege_n be_v by_o law-constitution_n annex_v be_v suit_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o gospel_n society_n in_o order_n or_o church_n the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o power_n commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o confirm_v by_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o example_n herein_o we_o rest_v without_o any_o further_a dispute_n or_o limit_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n unto_o any_o one_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o all_o the_o three_o thing_n mention_v be_v essential_a thereunto_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v utter_o neglect_v where_o they_o be_v neither_o formal_o nor_o virtual_o there_o be_v no_o lawful_a regular_a call_n unto_o the_o ministry_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n this_o order_n be_v a_o long_a time_n observe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n inviolate_a and_o the_o footstep_n of_o it_o may_v be_v trace_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n although_o it_o first_o gradual_o decay_v then_o be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v until_o it_o issue_v as_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o a_o pageant_n and_o show_n instead_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o spiritual_a endowment_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o call_v of_o any_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o pedantic_a examination_n of_o the_o bishop_n domestic_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o themselves_o the_o election_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o mock-shew_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n a_o deacon_n call_v out_o that_o if_o any_o have_v objection_n against_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v they_o shall_v come_v forth_o and_o speak_v whereunto_o another_o cry_n out_o of_o a_o corner_n by_o compact_n he_o be_v learned_a and_o worthy_a and_o ordination_n be_v esteem_v to_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n with_o some_o other_o ceremony_n annex_v thereunto_o whereby_o without_o any_o other_o ☞_o consideration_n there_o ensue_v a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o ordainer_n unto_o the_o ordain_v but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o some_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n may_v be_v touch_v on_o in_o our_o passage_n clem._n epist._n ad_fw-la corinth_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o enact_v by_o common_a consent_n which_o make_v it_o somewhat_o strange_a that_o a_o learned_a man_n shall_v think_v that_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o election_n be_v exclude_v in_o this_o very_a place_n by_o clemens_n from_o what_o be_v assign_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o ordination_n ignat_fw-la epist_n ad_fw-la philadelph_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d write_v to_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n tertull_a apol_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la the_o elder_n come_v unto_o their_o honour_n or_o office_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v by_o their_o suffrage_n in_o their_o election_n origen_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o last_o book_n against_o celsus_n discourse_v express_o of_o the_o call_v and_o constitution_n of_o church_n or_o city_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choose_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n which_o they_o do_v rule_n the_o testimony_n give_v by_o cyprian_a in_o sundry_a place_n unto_o this_o right_n of_o the_o people_n especial_o in_o epist._n 68_o unto_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n of_o some_o church_n in_o spain_n be_v so_o know_v so_o frequent_o urge_v and_o except_v against_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n needful_a to_o insist_v again_o upon_o it_o some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v concern_v and_o out_o of_o that_o epistle_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o single_a epistle_n of_o his_o own_o more_o ordinary_a occasion_n but_o a_o determination_n upon_o a_o weighty_a question_n make_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o who_o name_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o cyprian_a it_o be_v write_v and_o send_v unto_o the_o church_n who_o have_v crave_v their_o advice_n 2._o he_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v worthy_a person_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n and_o reject_v those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o also_o industrious_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v their_o right_n by_o divine_a institution_n and_o appointment_n 3._o he_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n if_o they_o neglect_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o right_n and_o power_n in_o reject_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o unworthy_a pastor_n and_o choose_v other_o in_o their_o room_n 4._o he_o affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n but_o of_o those_o in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n some_o passage_n in_o his_o discourse_n wherein_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v assert_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v in_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o epistle_n nec_fw-la sibi_fw-la plebs_fw-la blandiatur_fw-la quasi_fw-la immunis_fw-la esse_fw-la a_o contagio_fw-la delicti_fw-la possit_fw-la cum_fw-la sacerdote_fw-la peccatore_fw-la communicans_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la injustum_fw-la &_o illicitum_fw-la praepositi_fw-la svi_fw-la episcopatum_fw-la consensum_fw-la suum_fw-la commodans_fw-la propter_fw-la quod_fw-la plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la metuens_fw-la a_o peccatore_fw-la praeposito_fw-la separare_fw-la se_fw-la debet_fw-la nec_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la sacrilegi_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la sacrificia_fw-la miscere_fw-la quando_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maxim_n habeat_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divina_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la for_o this_o cause_n the_o people_n obedient_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o fear_v god_n aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a bishop_n nor_o mix_v themselves_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o sacrilegious_a priest._n for_o they_o principal_o have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a priest_n and_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a which_o come_v from_o divine_a authority_n or_o appointment_n as_o he_o prove_v from_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o full_o represent_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o he_o assign_v unto_o the_o people_n a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o separate_n
attendance_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o when_o man_n undertake_v the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o either_o judge_n it_o not_o their_o duty_n to_o preach_v or_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v or_o attempt_v it_o only_o at_o some_o solemn_a season_n or_o attend_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o task_n require_v of_o they_o without_o that_o wisdom_n skill_n diligence_n care_n prudence_n zeal_n and_o compassion_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o the_o glory_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v utter_o destroy_v 2._o the_o second_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o his_o flock_n be_v continual_a fervent_a prayer_n for_o they_o 1.11_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v or_o do_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o he_o ought_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o duty_n of_o his_o pastoral_n office._n from_o hence_o may_v any_o man_n take_v the_o best_a measure_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o his_o flock_n he_o that_o do_v constant_o diligent_o fervent_o pray_v for_o they_o will_v have_v a_o testimony_n in_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o other_o pastoral_n duty_n nor_o can_v he_o voluntary_o omit_v or_o neglect_v any_o of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v negligent_a herein_o be_v their_o pain_n labour_n and_o travel_v in_o other_o duty_n never_o so_o great_a they_o may_v be_v influence_v from_o other_o reason_n and_o so_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n in_o this_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o incumbent_a on_o all_o pastor_n as_o that_o whatever_o be_v do_v without_o it_o be_v of_o no_o esteem_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o jesus_n christ_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v 1._o unto_o the_o success_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o all_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o it_o among_o they_o these_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o improvement_n and_o strengthen_n of_o all_o their_o grace_n the_o direction_n of_o all_o their_o duty_n their_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o the_o entire_a conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n therefore_o and_o not_o to_o follow_v it_o with_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o its_o success_n be_v to_o disbelieve_v its_o use_n neglect_v its_o end_n and_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o random_n 2._o unto_o the_o temptation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v general_o expose_v unto_o these_o great_o vary_v according_a unto_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o temptation_n in_o general_a that_o accompany_v a_o state_n of_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o those_o that_o attend_v a_o time_n of_o trouble_n persecution_n distress_n and_o poverty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o other_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n these_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n ought_v diligent_o to_o consider_v look_v on_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o church_n have_v be_v ruin_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o lose_v for_o ever_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o therefore_o ought_v their_o prayer_n for_o the_o church_n to_o be_v fervent_a 3._o unto_o the_o especial_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o member_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o they_o there_o may_v be_v of_o they_o who_o be_v spiritual_o sick_a and_o disease_a tempt_v afflict_a bemisted_a wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n surprise_v in_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n disconsolate_a and_o trouble_v in_o spirit_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o all_o aught_o to_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v continual_o call_v over_o in_o their_o daily_a pastoral_n supplication_n 4._o unto_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o the_o bless_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v life_n and_o power_n unto_o all_o church_n assembly_n without_o which_o all_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o they_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n now_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o church_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n with_o a_o gracious_a divine_a efficacy_n evidence_v itself_o by_o bless_a operation_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v pastor_n of_o church_n continual_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o they_o will_v do_v so_o who_o understand_v that_o all_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n and_o all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o god_n in_o their_o duty_n do_v depend_v hereon_o 5._o to_o their_o preservation_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o fruitfulness_n with_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o all_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o this_o pastoral_n office_n do_v well_o consider_v and_o understand_v how_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v in_o their_o continual_a fervent_a prayer_n for_o their_o flock_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_o institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n bless_v their_o congregation_n so_o will_v they_o find_v their_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o and_o by_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o more_o and_o more_o fill_v with_o love_n and_o engage_v with_o diligence_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o excite_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o where_o any_o be_v negligent_a herein_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n which_o they_o perform_v towards_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v influence_v with_o false_a consideration_n and_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 3._o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o christ._n for_o unto_o they_o the_o authoritative_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v whereunto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v for_o their_o principal_a end_n be_v the_o peculiar_a confirmation_n and_o application_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o herein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o 1._o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o their_o administration_n unto_o the_o church_n edification_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o frequency_n be_v enjoin_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o their_o administration_n as_o unto_o time_n place_n frequency_n order_n and_o decency_n 2._o to_o keep_v severe_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n the_o gradual_a introduction_n of_o uninstituted_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n into_o the_o church-celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n end_v at_o length_n in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass._n herein_o then_o alone_z and_o not_o in_o bow_v cringe_v and_o vestment_n lie_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o these_o administration_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v compliant_a with_o and_o expressive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n do_v in_o they_o but_o in_o express_a obedience_n unto_o his_o authority_n i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 3._o to_o take_v care_n that_o these_o holy_a thing_n be_v administer_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v meet_v and_o worthy_a according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o who_o impose_v on_o pastor_n the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o these_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n unto_o all_o without_o difference_n do_v deprive_v they_o of_o one_o half_a of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o duty_n but_o here_o it_o be_v inquire_v by_o some_o whether_o in_o case_n a_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n at_o present_a or_o a_o teach_v elder_a with_o pastoral_n power_n whether_o it_o may_v not_o delegate_v and_o appoint_v the_o administration_n of_o these_o especial_a ordinance_n unto_o some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o or_o that_o season_n who_o be_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o they_o which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v examine_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o order_n without_o teach_v officer_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o a_o church_n not_o complete_a in_o order_n can_v be_v complete_a in_o administration_n because_o the_o power_n of_o administration_n depend_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o order_n proportionable_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n
office_n be_v vain_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o be_v much_o neglect_v 2._o to_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o attend_v unto_o the_o especial_a case_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o unnecessary_a diversion_n whereas_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o they_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n to_o discountenance_v to_o discourage_v any_o from_o seek_v relief_n in_o perplexity_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o carry_v it_o towards_o they_o with_o a_o seem_a moroseness_n and_o unconcernedness_n be_v to_o turn_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o push_v the_o disease_a and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o express_v the_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o flock_n isa._n 40.11_o yea_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hearken_v after_o they_o who_o may_v be_v so_o exercise_v to_o seek_v they_o out_o to_o give_v they_o their_o counsel_n and_o direction_n on_o all_o occasion_n 3._o to_o bear_v patient_o and_o tender_o with_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n dulness_n slowness_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v satisfaction_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v impertinency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v these_o thing_n will_v abound_v among_o they_o partly_o from_o their_o natural_a infirmity_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o perhaps_o froward_a but_o especial_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o temptation_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o disorder_n and_o disquiet_v their_o mind_n to_o fill_v they_o with_o perplex_a thought_n and_o to_o make_v they_o jealous_a of_o every_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v spiritual_o concern_v and_o if_o much_o patience_n meekness_n and_o condescension_n be_v not_o exercise_v towards_o they_o they_o be_v quick_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a pastoral_n office_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n or_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n nor_o wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v more_o concern_v nor_o more_o eminent_o suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o than_o this_o be_v but_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o duty_n which_o because_o of_o the_o reason_n mention_v must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n patience_n self-denial_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n with_o experience_n with_o wearisome_a diversion_n from_o other_o occasion_n those_o who_o have_v get_v of_o old_a the_o conduct_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o their_o management_n turn_v this_o whole_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n into_o a_o engine_n they_o call_v articular_a confession_n whereby_o they_o wrest_v the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n wealth_n authority_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o worse_a end_n 7._o a_o compassionate_a suffering_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o trouble_n whether_o internal_a or_o external_a belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o render_v they_o more_o like_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o to_o represent_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v their_o principal_a duty_n the_o view_n and_o consideration_n by_o faith_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o compassion_n with_o his_o suffer_a member_n be_v the_o principal_a spring_n of_o consolation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o distress_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o mind_n herein_o ought_v according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o be_v in_o all_o that_o have_v the_o pastoral_n office_n commit_v unto_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o himself_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o 2_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o unless_o this_o compassion_n and_o goodness_n do_v run_v through_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a office_n man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v evangelical_n shepherd_n nor_o the_o sheep_n say_v in_o any_o sense_n to_o be_v their_o own_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o live_v it_o may_v be_v in_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n regardless_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o of_o the_o poor_a of_o it_o or_o relate_v unto_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o office_n nor_o to_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n therein_o 8._o care_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a be_v part_n of_o this_o duty_n common_o know_v though_o common_o neglect_v 9_o the_o principal_a care_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o general_a head_n of_o the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o this_o office_n whereunto_o many_o thing_n in_o particular_a do_v belong_v but_o because_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o distinct_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o it_o 10._o there_o be_v a_o communion_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o profession_n in_o any_o nation_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v the_o principal_a care_n hereof_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o letter_n of_o mutual_a advice_n of_o congratulation_n or_o consolation_n or_o in_o testimony_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o they_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o convening_n in_o synod_n for_o consultation_n of_o their_o joint_a concernment_n which_o thing_n make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o 11._o that_o wherewith_o i_o shall_v close_v these_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o duty_n be_v that_o without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v neither_o be_v useful_a unto_o man_n nor_o be_v accept_v with_o the_o great_a shepherd_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o be_v a_o humble_a holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o do_v profess_v do_v undeniable_o prove_v this_o duty_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o indispensable_a in_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o fill_v up_o a_o volume_n with_o ancient_a example_n unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o first_o writer_n among_o christian_n with_o example_n of_o public_a and_o private_a miscarriage_n herein_o with_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o the_o ruin_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o most_o nation_n where_o it_o have_v be_v profess_v and_o so_o of_o the_o nation_n themselves_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o ambition_n pride_n luxury_n uncleanness_n profaneness_n and_o otherways_o vicious_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v call_v the_o clergy_n and_o in_o daily_a observation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o whatever_o else_o be_v do_v in_o church_n if_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v be_v not_o exemplary_a in_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n religion_n will_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o improve_v among_o the_o people_n if_o person_n light_n or_o profane_a in_o their_o habit_n garb_n and_o converse_v corrupt_v in_o their_o communication_n unsavoury_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o spiritual_a discourse_n if_o such_o as_o be_v covetous_a oppressive_a and_o contentious_a such_o as_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n in_o their_o own_o family_n and_o so_o can_v stir_v up_o other_o unto_o diligence_n therein_o much_o more_o if_o such_o as_o be_v open_o sensual_a vicious_a and_o debauch_a be_v admit_v into_o this_o office_n we_o may_v take_v our_o leave_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n to_o handle_v this_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v necessary_a distinct_o to_o consider_v and_o explain_v all_o the_o qualification_n assign_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o necessary_a unto_o bishop_n and_o elder_n evidence_v as_o previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o orderly_o call_v of_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o tit._n 2.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o which_o be_v a_o work_n not_o consistent_a with_o my_o present_a design_n to_o engage_v in_o these_o be_v
have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a unto_o they_o who_o have_v another_o idea_n of_o church-affair_n and_o rule_n conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o receive_v by_o tradition_n and_o rivet_v by_o interest_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o reap_v the_o advantage_n that_o be_v obtain_v thereby_o can_v see_v any_o necessity_n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o these_o several_a work_n and_o duty_n unto_o several_a officer_n but_o suppose_v all_o may_v be_v do_v well_o enough_o by_o one_o or_o two_o in_o the_o same_o office._n wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o we_o treat_v brief_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n 9_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v usual_o put_v in_o unto_o this_o testimony_n have_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o the_o text_n or_o context_n nor_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o nor_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o contend_v about_o they_o be_v such_o as_o any_o man_n may_v multiply_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o use_v by_o those_o who_o on_o other_o consideration_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a specimen_fw-la of_o they_o some_o say_v it_o be_v gift_n absolute_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o which_o have_v be_v disprove_v from_o the_o text_n and_o context_n before_o some_o say_v that_o rule_n be_v include_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office_n so_o as_o that_o the_o pastor_n only_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o 1._o rule_n be_v not_o his_o principal_a work_n which_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n with_o diligence_n above_o other_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n 2._o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n belong_v also_o to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o office_n appoint_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n act._n 6._o 3._o he_o that_o rule_v be_v in_o this_o place_n express_o distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v some_o say_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o rule_v his_o family_n but_o this_o be_v disprove_v by_o the_o analysis_n of_o the_o chapter_n before_o declare_v and_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o that_o have_v family_n and_o confine_v unto_o their_o family_n be_v ill_o place_v among_o those_o public_a duty_n which_o be_v design_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v object_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o place_v after_o he_o that_o give_v that_o be_v the_o deacon_n i_o say_v then_o it_o can_v be_v the_o pastor_n that_o be_v intend_v if_o we_o may_v prescribe_v method_n of_o express_v himself_o unto_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o use_v his_o liberty_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v himself_o unto_o any_o order_n in_o the_o annumeration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o 10_o 28._o and_o some_o other_o exception_n be_v insist_v on_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o importance_n which_o indeed_o deserve_v not_o our_o consideration_n 10._o there_o be_v the_o same_o evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n argue_v for_o in_o another_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o testimony_n and_o its_o vindication_n in_o particular_a see_v many_o thing_n will_v be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o already_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v brief_o observe_v concern_v it_o that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o annumeration_n of_o officer_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n both_o extraordinary_a for_o that_o season_n and_o ordinary_a for_o continuance_n be_v beyond_o exception_n unto_o they_o be_v add_v the_o present_a exercise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o miracle_n healing_n tongue_n that_o by_o help_n the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v most_o do_v agree_v because_o their_o original_a institution_n be_v as_o helper_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v governor_n or_o ruler_n the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v distinct_a from_o teacher_n such_o have_v god_n place_v in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gift_n not_o office_n be_v intend_v the_o gift_n of_o government_n or_o gift_n for_o government_n if_o so_o than_o these_o gift_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a if_o ordinary_a how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o miracle_n healing_n and_o tongue_n if_o extraordinary_a what_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o government_n be_v then_o give_v distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o instance_n be_v any_o where_o give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n again_o if_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n for_o government_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o those_o give_v unto_o teacher_n and_o unto_o other_o person_n than_o the_o teacher_n then_o be_v there_o a_o distinct_a office_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v all_o we_o plead_v for_o 11._o the_o original_a order_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n have_v all_o church-power_n and_o church-office_n in_o themselves_o with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o they_o everywhere_o on_o all_o occasion_n but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o it_o or_o over_o it_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v not_o ordinary_o exercise_v their_o power_n by_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o own_o person_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o first_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n the_o apostle_n act_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o fraternity_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v from_o act_n the_o first_o and_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n they_o add_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o the_o especial_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o its_o poor_a member_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v no_o more_o personal_o attend_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o without_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o than_o they_o can_v attend_v unto_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a they_o appoint_v elder_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v in_o that_o part_n of_o office-work_a as_o the_o deacon_n do_v in_o the_o other_o these_o elder_n be_v first_o mention_v act._n 11.30_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o those_o which_o be_v well_o know_v and_o have_v now_o be_v of_o some_o time_n in_o the_o church_n afterward_o they_o be_v still_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o act_v 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 21.18_o now_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v teach_v elder_n that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n commit_v to_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o and_o these_o elder_n be_v constant_o distinguish_v from_o they_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v elder_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o they_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v or_o preach_v be_v no_o where_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o which_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o act._n 6.2_o 3._o but_o they_o be_v every_o where_o introduce_v as_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o the_o brethren_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
even_o the_o word_n command_v and_o direction_n of_o christ_n himself_o alone_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o spiritual_a mere_o and_o only_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v a_o instance_n give_v of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n yea_o it_o be_v sufficient_a eternal_o to_o exclude_v any_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o it_o any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n from_o any_o interest_n in_o church-affair_n that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v carnal_a political_n despotical_a of_o external_a operaration_n or_o not_o entire_o spiritual_a 5._o the_o change_n of_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n fall_v out_o and_o be_v introduce_v gradual_o upon_o a_o advantage_n take_v from_o the_o unmeetness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v lead_v under_o this_o spiritual_a rule_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o make_v up_o christian_a church_n be_v become_v ignorant_a and_o carnal_a that_o rule_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o spiritual_a influence_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o retain_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o outward_a obedience_n which_o be_v at_o last_o only_o aim_v at_o there_o be_v therefore_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n judge_v necessary_a to_o retain_v they_o in_o any_o order_n or_o decorum_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n spiritual_a a_o rule_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a will_v be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n unto_o they_o but_o principal_o this_o change_n be_v introduce_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o rule_n itself_o and_o that_o on_o two_o ground_n 1._o their_o unskilfulness_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o spiritual_a rule_n or_o weariness_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o this_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o desert_n it_o with_o that_o perpetual_a labour_n and_o exercise_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v require_v in_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v another_o more_o easy_a and_o more_o suit_v unto_o their_o inclination_n 2._o a_o desire_n of_o the_o secular_a advantage_n of_o profit_n honour_n and_o veneration_n which_o tender_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v the_o original_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n utter_o lose_v and_o a_o worldly_a domination_n introduce_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o the_o brief_a delineation_n give_v of_o it_o before_o with_o what_o shall_v now_o be_v add_v will_v demonstrate_v sufficient_o that_o all_o these_o dispute_n and_o contest_v which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o about_o church-power_n and_o rule_n be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o christian_a religion_n 6._o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o skill_n and_o polity_n that_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o exercise_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o sole_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o what_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o especial_o those_o wherein_n the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n do_v take_v place_n 1._o the_o polity_n of_o church-government_n subjective_o consider_v be_v general_o support_v to_o consist_v 1._o in_o a_o skill_n learning_n or_o understand_v in_o the_o civil_a and_o especial_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o the_o additional_a canon_n accommodate_v that_o law_n unto_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v interpret_v according_a unto_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o it_o 2._o knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o constitution_n power_n jurisdiction_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o law_n court_v which_o be_v in_o their_o original_n grant_v of_o power_n manner_n of_o proceed_v plea_n and_o censure_n mere_o secular_a be_v yet_o call_v ecclesiastical_a or_o spiritual_a 3._o a_o good_a discretion_n to_o understand_v a-right_a the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n with_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o let_v none_o escape_v who_o they_o can_v reach_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o their_o court_n and_o on_o the_o other_o not_o entrench_v so_o far_o on_o the_o civil-power_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o court_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o charge_n or_o trouble_v 4._o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o table_n of_o fee_n that_o they_o may_v neither_o lose_v their_o own_o profit_n nor_o give_v advantage_n unto_o other_o to_o question_v they_o for_o take_v more_o than_o their_o due_n but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v 8._o the_o skill_n then_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n with_o a_o ability_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o in_o all_o requisite_a instance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o its_o member_n through_o a_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o a_o due_a representation_n of_o his_o holiness_n love_n care_n compassion_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o his_o church_n 1._o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o intimation_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o his_o institution_n command_n prohibition_n and_o promise_n a_o understanding_n herein_o with_o wisdom_n from_o that_o understanding_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o skill_n inquire_v after_o how_o this_o wisdom_n be_v bestow_v as_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acquire_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n by_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o study_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v intimate_v before_o and_o shall_v full_o be_v declare_v in_o our_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n all_o decree_n and_o decretal_n canon_n and_o gloss_n come_v proper_o in_o this_o matter_n under_o one_o title_n of_o they_o namely_o extravagant_a the_o utmost_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o skill_n in_o they_o will_v contribute_v nothing_o unto_o this_o wisdom_n neither_o be_v any_o sort_n of_o man_n more_o stranger_n unto_o it_o or_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n who_o be_v eminent_o cunning_a in_o such_o law_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n but_o wisdom_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v of_o use_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o part_n of_o this_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o requisite_a instance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o respective_o this_o wisdom_n be_v not_o notional_a only_o but_o practical_a it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o speculative_a comprehension_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o rule_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o only_o though_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o in_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o whereunto_o diligence_n care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a courage_n be_v require_v some_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v some_o to_o be_v rebuke_v sharp_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a case_n a_o spirit_n of_o government_n act_v itself_o in_o diligence_n boldness_n and_o courage_n be_v necessary_a and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n and_o those_o of_o several_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o any_o one_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o rule_n some_o may_v have_v a_o good_a understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n government_n yet_o through_o a_o natural_a tenderness_n and_o a_o insuperable_a kind_n of_o modesty_n not_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o prompt_a for_o that_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n which_o consist_v in_o reproof_n and_o severity_n of_o censure_n some_o may_v not_o have_v so_o great_a a_o ability_n for_o the_o indagation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n as_o other_o have_v who_o yet_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v discover_v unto_o they_o have_v readiness_n and_o boldness_n in_o christ_n to_o apply_v it_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v all_o elder_n therefore_o in_o their_o variety_n of_o gift_n be_v to_o be_v
helpful_a to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o common_a work_n which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o but_o such_o as_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o this_o work_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o power_n that_o be_v exercise_v herein_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o it_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n not_o formal_o to_o reside_v in_o they_o as_o the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o only_a for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v spiritual_o affect_v with_o reference_n unto_o spiritual_a end_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v their_o sin_n remit_v or_o retain_v and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n among_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o what_o they_o do_v 4._o the_o especial_a design_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o holiness_n love_n compassion_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o discipline_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o whilst_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o endeavour_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o office_n to_o set_v forth_o these_o virtue_n of_o christ_n to_o exemplify_v that_o impression_n of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n they_o utter_o deviate_v from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o man_n to_o act_v herein_o in_o a_o way_n of_o domination_n with_o a_o visible_a elation_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n above_o their_o brethren_n with_o anger_n wrath_n and_o passion_n by_o rule_n order_n and_o law_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v and_o what_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o reflect_v the_o high_a dishonour_n imaginable_a upon_o christ_n himself_o he_o who_o come_v into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o king_n in_o westminster_n hall_n when_o fill_v with_o judge_n grave_a learned_a and_o righteous_a most_o ordinary_o be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n moderation_n and_o clemency_n by_o the_o law_n which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o and_o their_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o christian_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v the_o holiness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o representation_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v make_v of_o he_o and_o they_o in_o some_o court_n wherein_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n be_v admistre_v when_o any_o have_v offend_v of_o old_a their_o censure_n by_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o bewail_v of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.24_o and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o sorrow_n pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o in_o that_o censure_n they_o evidence_v the_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n this_o be_v scarce_o answer_v by_o those_o pecuniary_a mulct_n and_o other_o penalty_n which_o with_o indignation_n and_o contempt_n be_v inflict_v on_o such_o as_o be_v make_v offender_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n certain_o those_o who_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n and_o have_v a_o due_a honour_n for_o the_o gospel_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o begin_v to_o think_v meet_a that_o this_o stain_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v wash_v away_o 2_o dly_z the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n all_o his_o law_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v effectual_a can_v oblige_v or_o operate_v upon_o the_o object_n or_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n if_o the_o church_n make_v a_o thousand_o rule_n or_o canon_n or_o law_n for_o government_n neither_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o general_a have_v any_o the_o least_o power_n to_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n or_o compliance_n with_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o virtual_o and_o material_o they_o contain_v what_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o derive_v force_n from_o thence_o as_o the_o judge_n in_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_n and_o determine_v in_o all_o case_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o do_v not_o their_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reverse_v but_o if_o wilful_o or_o of_o choice_n they_o shall_v introduce_v law_n or_o rule_n not_o legal_o establish_v in_o this_o nation_n judge_v according_a unto_o they_o it_o will_v render_v they_o high_o criminal_a and_o punishable_a it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o it_o be_v by_o his_o law_n alone_o that_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o application_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o they_o unto_o particular_a case_n and_o occasion_n to_o make_v to_o bring_v to_o execute_v any_o other_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o usurp_v on_o his_o kingly_a dominion_n whereunto_o all_o legislative_a power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v appropriate_a nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v require_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n wherein_o for_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o more_o leave_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o application_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o application_n to_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n before_o describe_v be_v requisite_a and_o that_o alone_a where_o there_o be_v other_o law_n rule_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o where_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o law_n civil_a or_o political_a there_o be_v a_o skill_n in_o they_o require_v unto_o that_o administration_n as_o all_o will_v confess_v so_o be_v the_o wisdom_n we_o before_o describe_v and_o that_o alone_a necessary_a unto_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n whereof_o be_v his_o word_n and_o law_n alone_o 3_o dly_z the_o matter_n of_o this_o rule_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a and_o so_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o church-power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v organical_a and_o complete_a in_o its_o officer_n there_o be_v that_o in_o they_o both_o which_o be_v found_v in_o and_o warrant_v from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o equity_n every_o righteous_a voluntary_a society_n coalesce_v therein_o rightful_o upon_o know_a law_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o it_o unto_o certain_a end_n have_v natural_o a_o power_n inherent_a in_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o receive_v into_o its_o incorporation_n such_o as_o be_v meet_a for_o it_o do_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o as_o also_o to_o reject_v or_o withhold_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n this_o power_n be_v inherent_a in_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o officer_n in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mutual_a confederation_n they_o may_v receive_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n those_o that_o be_v meet_v and_o withdraw_v the_o same_o privilege_n from_o those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o in_o
these_o act_n of_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a rule_n but_o what_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a there_o be_v in_o what_o it_o do_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o do_v receive_v or_o reject_v but_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o organical_a as_o there_o be_v elder_n or_o ruler_n instate_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n commit_v for_o those_o act_n of_o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v apply_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o dly_z the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o mutual_n intense_a peculiar_a love_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v exercise_v continual_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 2._o personal_a holiness_n in_o gracious_a moral_a obedience_n 3._o vsefulness_n towards_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o all_o man_n absolute_o as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v 4._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v mutual_o unto_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o place_n and_o order_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o possess_v in_o the_o body_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v church-rule_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o ends._n 3_o dly_z hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o outward_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o disposal_n of_o time_n season_n place_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o church-assembly_n the_o regulation_n of_o speech_n and_o action_n the_o appointment_n of_o season_n for_o extraordinary_a duty_n according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n from_o present_a circumstance_n be_v act_n of_o rule_n who_o right_a reside_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o elder_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v place_v by_o christ_n for_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o pastoral_a office_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o have_v now_o be_v add_v concern_v its_o rule_n in_o general_a i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o ability_n as_o to_o suppose_v himself_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o both_o sort_n in_o the_o least_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v yea_o suppose_v more_o teaching-elders_a in_o every_o church_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o equal_o bind_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o that_o work_n by_o any_o inferior_a duty_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n continual_o it_o will_v appear_v at_o length_n to_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o peculiar_a office_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o rule_n with_o diligence_n and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n ensue_v 1._o they_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o church-power_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v those_o before_o declare_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v join_v and_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o labour_v also_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n compose_v wherein_o reside_v all_o church-authority_n and_o in_o this_o conjunction_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a determine_v all_o act_n of_o rule_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n this_o give_v order_n with_o a_o necessary_a representation_n of_o authority_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o particular_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o the_o rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v with_o a_o due_a care_n that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v due_o observe_v by_o and_o among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v whatever_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_n whatever_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n church-rule_n be_v a_o due_a care_n and_o provision_n that_o the_o institution_n law_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v due_o observe_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereof_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n we_o may_v give_v some_o instance_n as_o 1._o to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o way_n walk_v and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v blameless_a without_o offence_n useful_a exemplary_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n answer_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n which_o in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v thereof_o and_o upon_o the_o observation_n which_o they_o so_o make_v in_o the_o watch_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o instruct_v admonish_v charge_n exhort_v encourage_v comfort_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o with_o courage_n and_o diligence_n 2._o to_o watch_n against_o all_o rise_n or_o appearance_n of_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n on_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a as_o unto_o their_o name_n right_n and_o propriety_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n to_o be_v find_v among_o his_o disciple_n this_o he_o call_v his_o own_o new_a command_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n require_v it_o his_o example_n first_o illustrate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o reveal_v and_o teach_v wherefore_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o this_o law_n of_o love_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o fruit_n with_o the_o prevention_n removal_n or_o condemnation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o consist_v and_o consider_v the_o weakness_n the_o passion_n the_o temptation_n of_o man_n the_o mutual_a provocation_n and_o exasperation_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o even_o among_o the_o best_a the_o influence_n that_o earthly_a occasion_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o frowardness_n sometime_o of_o man_n natural_a temper_n the_o attendance_n unto_o this_o one_o duty_n or_o part_n of_o rule_n require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o be_v mere_o either_o the_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o law_n and_o its_o fruit_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n or_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o decay_n and_o of_o breech_n make_v in_o it_o or_o ignorance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o preservation_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o especial_a office_n be_v not_o require_v hereunto_o 3._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o warn_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o especial_a church-duty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v negligent_a or_o want_v in_o they_o there_o be_v especial_a duty_n require_v respective_o of_o all_o church-member_n according_a unto_o the_o distinct_a
talent_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o be_v rich_a and_o some_o be_v poor_a some_o be_v old_a and_o some_o be_v young_a some_o in_o peace_n some_o in_o trouble_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o and_o have_v more_o opportunity_n for_o their_o exercise_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o be_v admonish_v instruct_v and_o exhort_v to_o attend_v unto_o their_o respective_a duty_n not_o only_o public_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o personal_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v according_a to_o the_o observation_n which_o those_o in_o rule_n do_v make_v of_o their_o forwardness_n or_o remissness_n in_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o instance_n man_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o and_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v defective_a herein_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.14_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o 4._o they_o be_v to_o watch_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o church-disorder_n such_o as_o those_o that_o infest_a the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n with_o remissness_n as_o unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o which_o some_o be_v subject_a unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v heb._n 10.25_o on_o the_o constancy_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n the_o very_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v great_o depend_v the_o want_n hereof_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o all_o the_o trouble_n division_n and_o schism_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v invade_v and_o perplex_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o within_o themselves_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o have_v decay_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o order_n insensible_o prevail_v in_o many_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n first_o one_o grow_v remiss_a in_o attend_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o another_o first_o to_o one_o degree_n then_o to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v infect_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n will_v either_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o that_o offend_v or_o it_o will_v warn_v other_o and_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v either_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v heb._n 3_o chap._n 12._o 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o also_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o such_o as_o who_o inward_a or_o outward_a condition_n do_v expose_v they_o unto_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trial_n in_o their_o sickness_n that_o be_v the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o tempt_v in_o any_o kind_n this_o in_o general_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a church-duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o institution_n and_o one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a relief_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v add_v much_o unto_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o order_n and_o be_v a_o abide_n reserve_v with_o relief_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o outward_a condition_n expose_v they_o to_o strait_n and_o sorrow_n in_o such_o a_o season_n i_o add_v hereunto_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o visitation_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v unto_o restraint_n and_o imprisonment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n adherence_n unto_o church-assembly_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o pastoral_n or_o office-duty_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o case_n wherewith_o we_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a nor_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v some_o look_n on_o this_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o their_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n will_v allow_v they_o provide_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o those_o who_o they_o visit_v and_o inoffensive_a unto_o other_o but_o this_o duty_n diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o elder_n represent_v therein_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o prisoner_n be_v a_o great_a spring_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o elder_n may_v the_o church_n be_v acquaint_v what_o yet_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n on_o their_o account_n the_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o be_v most_o eminent_a 6._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o give_v direction_n unto_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o make_n provision_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v principal_o executive_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o inquisition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n with_o the_o warn_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o liberality_n for_o their_o supply_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n 7._o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o through_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o affliction_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v multiply_v among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o relief_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n if_o any_o supply_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o bounty_n of_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deposit_v with_o these_o elder_n and_o dispose_v according_a to_o their_o advice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.30_o 8._o it_o be_v also_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o peculiar_a inspection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o way_n and_o their_o walk_n to_o acquaint_v the_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o present_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o his_o business_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o minister_v unto_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n their_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n and_o apply_v not_o himself_o in_o his_o ministry_n to_o search_v out_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o their_o edification_n he_o fight_v uncertain_o in_o his_o whole_a work_n as_o a_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n but_o whereas_o their_o obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n confine_v they_o much_o unto_o a_o retirement_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n they_o can_v by_o themselves_o obtain_v that_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o whole_a flock_n but_o that_o other_o may_v great_o assist_v therein_o from_o their_o daily_a inspection_n converse_n and_o observation_n 9_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o meet_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o teaching-elders_a about_o such_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o consent_n and_o compliance_n hence_o nothing_o crude_a or_o indigested_a nothing_o unsuit_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v propose_v therein_o so_o to_o give_v occasion_n unto_o contest_v or_o jangle_n dispute_v contrary_a unto_o order_n or_o decency_n but_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n 10._o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o any_o diotrephes_n in_o office_n or_o without_o it_o 11._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n to_o consult_v together_o with_o the_o other_o elder_n concern_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o their_o preservation_n from_o violence_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ._n 12._o whereas_o there_o
man_n have_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o conjunction_n unto_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n his_o just_a rejection_n out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o redelivery_n of_o he_o into_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v here_o intend_a and_o this_o be_v a_o act_n suit_v unto_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v for_o a_o man_n hereby_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n not_o act_v or_o agitate_a by_o the_o devil_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o sedate_n consideration_n of_o his_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o ingenuous_a grace_n leave_v in_o he_o will_v be_v effectual_o operative_a by_o shame_n grief_n and_o fear_n unto_o his_o humiliation_n especial_o understand_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n herein_o be_v only_o his_o repentance_n and_o restauration_n here_o be_v therefore_o in_o his_o instance_n a_o everlasting_a rule_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n of_o the_o like_a case_n require_v a_o ordinary_a power_n for_o relief_n in_o they_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n enjoin_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o necessary_a unto_o its_o glory_n it_o be_v own_o honour_n and_o edification_n to_o reject_v scandalous_a offender_n out_o of_o its_o communion_n be_v evident_o declare_v in_o this_o place_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o discharge_v see_v without_o they_o it_o can_v be_v discharge_v be_v a_o wild_a imagination_n 4._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o with_o such_o other_o particular_a duty_n as_o suppose_v the_o institution_n hereof_o be_v in_o many_o place_n direct_v and_o enjoin_v it_o be_v so_o in_o that_o insist_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o record_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o they_o scandalous_a offender_n and_o that_o to_o the_o end_v they_o may_v preserve_v themselves_o pure_a and_o that_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n vers._n 2_o 4_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o that_o excommunication_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n we_o shall_v consider_v afterward_o 2_o cor._n chap._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o church_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n call_v it_o a_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o he_o by_o they_o vers._n 6._o he_o give_v also_o a_o account_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sentence_n against_o he_o which_o be_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n vers._n 7._o and_o hereon_o give_v direction_n for_o his_o restauration_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n forgive_a he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o man_n may_v fancy_n to_o themselves_o strange_a notion_n of_o excommunication_n with_o reference_n unto_o its_o power_n the_o residence_n of_o that_o power_n its_o effect_n extent_n and_o end_n and_o so_o either_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n erect_v it_o into_o a_o engine_n of_o arbitrary_a domination_n over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o deny_v on_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o force_n in_o his_o church_n but_o we_o can_v be_v teach_v nothing_o more_o plain_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n enjoin_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o woeful_a degeneracy_n in_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n when_o this_o sentence_n be_v so_o administer_v as_o that_o it_o have_v a_o effect_n by_o virtue_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o man_n but_o no_o influence_n on_o their_o conscience_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o its_o appointment_n the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n gal._n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o he_o speak_v of_o those_o false_a teacher_n who_o oppose_v and_o overthrow_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o they_o have_v corrupt_v with_o their_o false_a opinion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_o enjoin_v their_o immediate_a excision_n yet_o he_o declare_v what_o they_o do_v deserve_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o when_o free_v from_o their_o delusion_n vers._n 12._o i_o will_v they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o man_n have_v exercise_v their_o mind_n in_o curious_a conjecture_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o needless_o the_o curiosity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o ancient_n apply_v it_o unto_o a_o forcible_a eunuchism_n be_v extreme_o fond_a no_o other_o excision_n be_v intend_v but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o truth_n neither_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n condemn_v nor_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o exposition_n 2_o thessaly_n 3.7_o the_o apostle_n give_v command_v unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v disorderly_a he_o declare_v immediate_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a disobedience_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o withdraw_a be_v as_o unto_o church-communion_n which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o upon_o some_o act_n of_o the_o church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o right_n of_o it_o for_o if_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n herein_o it_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o vers._n 14._o he_o require_v that_o a_o note_n be_v set_v on_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o sentence_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o before_o the_o duty_n of_o withdraw_a from_o he_o by_o the_o brethren_n be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o see_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tit._n 3.10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o revel_v 2.2_o 14_o 15_o 20_o 21._o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o censure_n judgement_n spiritual_a punishment_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o administration_n he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n with_o its_o preservation_n in_o honour_n purity_n and_o order_n ☞_o there_o have_v be_v many_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o unto_o its_o order_n and_o kind_n some_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n the_o one_o they_o call_v the_o lesser_a and_o the_o other_o the_o great_a some_o three_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o more_o sort_n but_o one_o or_o of_o any_o degree_n therein_o a_o segregation_n from_o all_o participation_n in_o church-order_n worship_n and_o privilege_n be_v the_o only_a excommunication_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o whereas_o a_o offend_a person_n may_v cause_v great_a disorder_n in_o a_o church_n and_o give_v great_a scandal_n unto_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o he_o can_v be_v regular_o cut_v off_o or_o expel_v the_o society_n some_o do_v judge_v that_o there_o shall_v a_o suspension_n of_o he_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o precede_v total_a or_o complete_a excommunication_n in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n and_o it_o ought_v in_o some_o case_n so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o suspension_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o especial_a institution_n but_o only_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n in_o church-rule_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o no_o man_n question_v but_o that_o this_o be_v lawful_a unto_o yea_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o require_v any_o
unto_o such_o mistake_n where_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n only_o 2._o in_o or_o together_o with_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o that_o what_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n may_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end._n 3_o it_o must_v be_v follow_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n all_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o humiliation_n repentance_n healing_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n 2_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o lamentation_n or_o mourn_v so_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o mourn_v that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o mourning_n and_o himself_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n from_o this_o adjunct_n his_o bewail_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o that_o have_v sin_v already_o 2_o cor._n 12.2_o compassion_n for_o the_o person_n offend_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n whereinto_o he_o have_v cast_v himself_o the_o excision_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o who_o they_o have_v have_v communion_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o fall_n aught_o to_o ingenerate_v this_o mourn_a or_o lamentation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v for_o any_o church_n to_o proceed_v thereunto_o before_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v 3_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o christ._n for_o we_o herein_o judge_v for_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o who_o dare_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n without_o a_o persuasion_n on_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o there_o be_v a_o representation_n also_o in_o it_o of_o the_o future_a judgement_n when_o christ_n will_v eternal_o cut_v off_o and_o separate_v from_o himself_o all_o hypocrite_n and_o impenitent_a sinner_n this_o be_v well_o express_v by_o tertullian_n ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n name_n &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la ita_fw-la d_o liquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la a_o communicatione_n orationis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la apol._n cap._n 39_o be_v this_o duty_n observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o preservative_n against_o that_o intermixture_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o corrupt_a end_n which_o often_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n last_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n be_v corrective_a not_o vindicative_a for_o heal_v not_o destruction_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o principal_o concern_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o to_o render_v it_o effectual_a be_v plain_o evident_a of_o what_o use_n a_o significant_fw-la and_o capias_fw-la may_v be_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v not_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o do_v fire_n and_o faggot_n do_v so_o prayer_n for_o the_o person_n cut_v off_o admonition_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v compassion_n in_o his_o distress_a estate_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o deplorable_a if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o forbearance_n from_o common_a converse_n with_o readiness_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o contain_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v just_o excommunicate_a what_o far_o belong_v unto_o this_o head_n of_o church-rule_n or_o order_n shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n or_o inquiry_n wherein_o also_o some_o thing_n only_o mention_v already_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n before_o whether_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o by_o who_o it_o be_v desire_v i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n herein_o though_o i_o shall_v alter_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a it_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o i_o now_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n wherefore_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n both_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a interest_n for_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o which_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o exercise_v it_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o null_a there_o be_v therefore_o no_o distinction_n or_o distribution_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o especial_a duty_n 2._o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a society_n for_o its_o especial_a end_n do_v not_o deprive_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a right_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n there_o be_v in_o every_o community_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n a_o natural_a right_n and_o power_n to_o expel_v those_o from_o its_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n new_a as_o unto_o the_o way_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o original_a radical_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o gainer_n by_o that_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v in_o particular_a appoint_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n or_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n commit_v the_o care_n thereof_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o can_v be_v well_o understand_v that_o thereby_o he_o shall_v deprive_v the_o church_n of_o its_o right_n and_o forbid_v they_o their_o duty_n in_o preserve_v their_o society_n entire_a and_o pure_a neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v unto_o any_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o neglect_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v continue_v in_o it_o unto_o its_o sin_n and_o defilement_n the_o church_n itself_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n express_o charge_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n with_o sin_n and_o neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o it_o for_o none_o can_v incur_v a_o gild_n mere_o by_o the_o defect_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n 3._o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v officer_n in_o every_o church_n but_o the_o church_n in_o that_o state_n have_v power_n to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o and_o their_o communion_n a_o obstinate_a offender_n they_o have_v it_o as_o they_o be_v a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n wherein_o this_o come_v short_a of_o authoritative_a excommunication_n will_v immediate_o appear_v 4._o where_o a_o church_n be_v complete_a and_o organise_v with_o its_o state_v ruler_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v yet_o rule_n instruction_n and_o command_n be_v give_v express_o unto_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o act_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o offender_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o yea_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o infliction_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v
ascribe_v unto_o they_o ver._n 5._o all_o these_o thing_n do_v suppose_v a_o right_n and_o duty_n thereon_o to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o excommunication_n to_o reside_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n wherefore_o 5._o there_o be_v some_o act_n belong_v hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n itself_o and_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a such_o be_v the_o previous_a cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o any_o neglect_n about_o it_o preparatory_a duty_n unto_o its_o execution_n in_o prayer_n mourn_v and_o admonition_n which_o be_v express_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o testification_n of_o their_o consent_n unto_o it_o by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n without_o these_o thing_n excommunication_n be_v but_o a_o name_n with_o a_o noise_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o hence_o arise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n that_o be_v consequential_a unto_o his_o exclusion_n from_o among_o they_o such_o be_v pray_v for_o he_o as_o one_o note_v by_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n in_o his_o exclusion_n and_o such_o as_o without_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o 7._o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n unto_o the_o formal_a compleatness_n of_o this_o sentence_n a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o office-power_n be_v require_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n only_o 2._o the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o comprise_v authority_n to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v entrust_v with_o they_o only_o 8._o wherefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a right_n interest_n and_o duty_n particular_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n act_n in_o it_o as_o officer_n with_o authority_n the_o brethren_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v no_o way_n exclude_v from_o their_o power_n consent_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o those_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o where_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o whole_a duty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n render_v ineffectual_a i._o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o excommunication_n just_o deserve_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n of_o trouble_n or_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v unto_o the_o church_n therein_o it_o be_v usual_o grant_v that_o so_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v which_o seem_v in_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o austin_n the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n intend_v be_v threefold_a 1._o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o from_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 3._o from_o the_o church_n 1._o trouble_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o it_o over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n not_o grant_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n those_o that_o execute_v it_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o penalty_n ordain_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v be_v great_a and_o of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o receive_v a_o provocation_n hereby_o they_o may_v occasion_v or_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o 3._o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v divide_v on_o these_o consideration_n so_o as_o that_o last_a difference_n may_v be_v occasion_v among_o they_o which_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o sentence_n may_v prevent_v for_o answer_n hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v as_o 1._o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n of_o any_o thing_n sinful_a or_o moral_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n its_o officer_n or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n by_o refuse_v to_o omit_v the_o pronounce_v of_o this_o sentence_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o trouble_v mention_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o a_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 2._o we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o as_o that_o no_o rational_a indifferent_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherever_o excommunication_n be_v administer_v 2._o that_o sufficient_a time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o for_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o afterward_o have_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o person_n after_o admonition_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n do_v real_o suffer_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o tolerate_v such_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v on_o these_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o countenance_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n or_o to_o acquit_v the_o church_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o first_o presence_n of_o danger_n be_v vain_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o touch_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n and_o conservation_n of_o humane_a law_n it_o reach_v not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o life_n or_o liberty_n nor_o their_o estate_n or_o the_o least_o secular_a privilege_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o do_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o power_n or_o censure_n of_o other_o nor_o prejudge_v they_o as_o unto_o office_n or_o advantage_n of_o life_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n herein_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o parent_n disenherit_v a_o rebellious_a child_n 2._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o persecution_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o person_n provoke_v i_o say_v 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v provoke_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n to_o testify_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v a_o case_n of_o confession_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o deter_v by_o this_o consideration_n from_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o seduce_a jew_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n with_o other_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o reprove_v his_o church_n according_a as_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o duty_n or_o neglective_a of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n thereon_o revel_v 2.3_o and_o 4._o he_o will_v take_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o as_o shall_v turn_v all_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o unto_o their_o advantage_n 3._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v but_o that_o if_o rule_v order_n love_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o prevent_v such_o difference_n there_o be_v no_o way_n appoint_v of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abundant_o they_o must_v bear_v their_o own_o blame_n who_o occasion_n such_o difference_n ii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o if_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o be_v under_o admonition_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n shall_v voluntary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o and_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o excommunication_n answ._n 1._o some_z say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o
church_n and_o be_v therefore_o no_o long_o under_o their_o watch_n or_o care_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o world._n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a with_o they_o who_o own_v no_o act_n of_o office-power_n or_o authority_n in_o excommunication_n but_o esteem_v it_o only_o a_o note_a cessation_n of_o communion_n which_o destroy_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherefore_o 2._o where_o the_o offence_n be_v plain_a open_a scandalous_a persist_v in_o where_o admonition_n be_v despise_v or_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o such_o a_o person_n notwithstanding_o his_o voluntary_a departure_n for_o 1._o no_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o advantage_n unto_o himself_o or_o to_o be_v free_v from_o any_o disadvantage_n censure_n or_o spiritual_a penalty_n by_o his_o own_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v the_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o person_n under_o admonition_n for_o scandalous_a offence_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o church_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o its_o duty_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n as_o also_o from_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n it_o will_v receive_v by_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n mourn_v and_o prayer_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o he_o who_o so_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o 1._o the_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v his_o correction_n not_o his_o destruction_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a unto_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v with_o sharp_a admonition_n and_o prayer_n which_o in_o due_a time_n may_v reach_v the_o most_o profligate_v sinner_n 4._o it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o order_n of_o any_o society_n entrust_v with_o authority_n for_o its_o own_o preservation_n as_o the_o church_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o suffer_v person_n obnoxious_a unto_o censure_n by_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o that_o society_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o respect_n unto_o it_o to_o break_v their_o order_n and_o relation_n without_o animadvert_v thereon_o according_a to_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o expose_v their_o order_n unto_o contempt_n and_o proclaim_v a_o diffidence_n in_o their_o own_o authority_n for_o the_o spiritual_a punishment_n of_o offender_n 5._o one_o end_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o future_a final_a judgement_n of_o christ_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o none_o of_o they_o can_v run_v away_o from_o nor_o escape_v iii_o a_o three_o enquiry_n may_v be_v whether_o in_o case_n of_o any_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o excommunication_n without_o any_o previous_a admonition_n answ._n 1._o person_n may_v be_v false_o accuse_v of_o and_o charge_v with_o great_a sin_n the_o great_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o a_o lesser_a degree_n and_o that_o both_o by_o particular_a testimony_n and_o public_a report_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o which_o daily_a experience_n confirm_v wherefore_o all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n like_o that_o of_o david_n in_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o mephibosheth_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v though_o they_o be_v press_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o notoriety_n of_o the_o sin._n 2._o there_o be_v no_o individual_a actual_a sin_n but_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o great_a aggravation_n or_o alleviation_n from_o its_o circumstance_n these_o the_o church_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o obtain_v a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sin_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o after_o a_o goodly_a sort_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 3._o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o personal_a conference_n with_o the_o offender_n who_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v for_o himself_o this_o conference_n in_o case_n guilt_n be_v discover_v can_v but_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o admonition_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o in_o case_n of_o previous_a solemn_a admonition_n in_o the_o order_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v iu._n four_o whether_o on_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o a_o offence_n or_o scandalous_a sin_n if_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v penitent_a and_o willing_a to_o declare_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n may_v the_o church_n proceed_v unto_o his_o excommunication_n in_o case_n the_o sin_n be_v great_a and_o notorious_a answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o orderly_a progress_n as_o unto_o more_o private_a sin_n a_o compliance_n by_o repentance_n with_o the_o first_o or_o second_o admonition_n do_v put_v a_o stop_n unto_o all_o further_a ecclesiastical_a proceedure_v 2._o but_o whereas_o the_o enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v sin_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o circumstance_n great_a and_o of_o disreputation_n unto_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v if_o repentance_n be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o proportionable_a unto_o the_o offence_n in_o its_o outward_a demonstration_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o judge_v in_o charity_n that_o the_o person_n sin_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v with_o christ_n as_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v undoubted_o the_o church_n can_v proceed_v unto_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o a_o offender_n for_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v public_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n do_v receive_v this_o nothing_o can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v yea_o so_o to_o do_v be_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o against_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n yea_o such_o a_o sentence_n will_v destroy_v itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o declaration_n that_o christ_n do_v disapprove_v they_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v 2._o their_o so_o do_v will_v make_v a_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o for_o whereas_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o evidence_n that_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n that_o repent_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v by_o the_o rejection_n of_o such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n there_o be_v a_o open_a contradiction_n thereunto_o especial_o it_o will_v give_v a_o undue_a sense_n of_o the_o heart_n mind_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n such_o as_o may_v be_v dangerous_a unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v doctrinal_a for_o such_o it_o be_v and_o declarative_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n the_o image_n therefore_o of_o this_o excommunication_n which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o some_o church_n wherein_o the_o sentence_n of_o it_o be_v denounce_v without_o any_o regard_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o his_o acceptance_n or_o disapprobation_n of_o those_o who_o they_o excommunicate_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n 3._o such_o a_o proceedure_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o sentence_n for_o it_o be_v corrective_a and_o instructive_a not_o proper_o punish_v and_o vindictive_a the_o sole_a end_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n whereunto_o it_o have_v its_o efficacy_n from_o divine_a institution_n be_v the_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o be_v attain_v before_o the_o infliction_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v another_o end_n also_o namely_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n and_o reputation_n wherein_o it_o suffer_v by_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o any_o of_o its_o member_n whereunto_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v impure_a by_o they_o who_o christ_n have_v purge_v as_o he_o do_v all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a 2._o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n unto_o any_o church_n to_o have_v sinner_n in_o it_o who_o have_v evidence_v sincere_a repentance_n 3._o
the_o present_a offence_n and_o scandal_n may_v be_v provide_v against_o by_o a_o act_n of_o rectoral_a prudence_n in_o cause_v the_o offend_a person_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o a_o season_n v._o it_o be_v inquire_v five_o whether_o such_o as_o voluntary_o causeless_o and_o disorderly_o do_v leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n though_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a immorality_n maâ—_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v answ._n 1._o where_o person_n be_v esteem_v member_n of_o church_n by_o external_a cause_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o by_o parochial_a cohabitation_n they_o may_v remove_v from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o by_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o habitation_n according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n for_o such_o cohabitation_n be_v the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o any_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o church_n in_o particular_a upon_o the_o cease_n of_o that_o cause_n the_o relation_n cease_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n 2._o where_o person_n be_v member_n of_o church_n by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o express_v personal_a consent_n causeless_a departure_n from_o they_o be_v a_o evil_a liable_a unto_o many_o aggrevation_n 3._o but_o whereas_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v edification_n there_o may_v be_v many_o just_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o a_o person_n may_v remove_v himself_o from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o one_o church_n unto_o that_o of_o another_o and_o of_o these_o reason_n he_o himself_o be_v judge_v on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o deny_v unto_o any_o such_o person_n their_o liberty_n desire_v peaceable_o and_o according_a unto_o order_n 4._o it_o be_v declare_v before_o that_o where_o any_o person_n guilty_a of_o and_o under_o admonition_n for_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n their_o so_o do_v be_v no_o impediment_n unto_o a_o far_o procedure_v against_o they_o 5._o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o we_o church_n or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o far_o differ_v in_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o that_o they_o have_v not_o entire_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o if_o a_o man_n leave_v a_o church_n of_o one_o sort_n to_o join_v with_o one_o of_o another_o as_o suppose_v he_o leave_v a_o select_a congregation_n to_o join_v in_o a_o parochial_a church_n constant_o and_o total_o he_o may_v be_v just_o excommunicate_v for_o so_o do_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o do_v belong_v answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o if_o any_o man_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o a_o select_a congregation_n those_o who_o have_v power_n over_o those_o parish_n will_v make_v no_o question_n whether_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v he_o or_o no_o in_o their_o way_n but_o 2._o suppose_v person_n so_o depart_v from_o particular_a congregation_n 1._o to_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n 2._o that_o they_o depart_v quiet_o without_o attempt_v disorder_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o they_o do_v actual_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o church_n who_o constitution_n principles_n and_o worship_n they_o do_v approve_v whereby_o their_o visible_a profession_n be_v preserve_v the_o church_n may_v not_o just_o proceed_v unto_o their_o excommunication_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o declare_v that_o such_o person_n have_v on_o their_o own_o accord_n forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o under_o its_o watch_n or_o care_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n further_o oblige_v towards_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o christian_a duty_n in_o general_n 6._o as_o for_o those_o who_o departure_n be_v as_o voluntary_a and_o causeless_o so_o accompany_v with_o other_o evil_n such_o as_o be_v revile_n reproach_n and_o false_a accusation_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o obstinate_a offender_n vi_o the_o six_o enquiry_n be_v what_o time_n be_v to_o be_v give_v after_o solemn_a admonition_n before_o actual_a excommunication_n answ._n 1._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o to_o run_v over_o the_o word_n i_o admonish_v you_o a_o first_o second_o and_o third_z time_n so_o immediate_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v that_o wherein_o man_n be_v great_o to_o be_v pity_v for_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o take_v on_o themselves_o to_o act_n order_n and_o dispose_v of_o that_o we_o ascribe_v it_o not_o unto_o worse_a and_o more_o evil_a cause_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v a_o considerable_a season_n or_o space_n of_o time_n between_o solemn_a admonition_n and_o excommunication_n for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o former_a be_v the_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n nor_o do_v its_o efficacy_n thereunto_o depend_v on_o or_o consist_v in_o the_o actual_a give_v of_o it_o but_o as_o other_o moral_a cause_n which_o may_v work_v gradual_o upon_o occasional_a advantage_n want_v of_o light_n some_o present_a exasperation_n and_o temptation_n may_v seem_v to_o frustrate_v a_o present_a admonition_n when_o they_o do_v but_o suspend_v its_o present_a efficacy_n which_o it_o may_v afterward_o obtain_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o church_n admonition_n that_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abide_v in_o prayer_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o the_o case_n may_v possible_o require_v some_o long_a time_n to_o be_v spend_v 4._o no_o present_a appearance_n of_o obstinacy_n or_o impenitence_n under_o admonition_n which_o be_v usual_o plead_v shall_v cause_v a_o immediate_a proceedure_n unto_o excommunication_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o distinct_a institution_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o wherein_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o proper_a season_n for_o its_o use_n and_o efficacy_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o represent_v the_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o love_n which_o hope_v all_o thing_n bear_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n 4._o all_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n by_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o so_o as_o to_o defer_v the_o ultimate_a sentence_n nulla_fw-la unquam_fw-la de_fw-la morte_fw-la hominis_fw-la cunctatio_fw-la long_fw-mi est_fw-la 5._o if_o new_a sin_n be_v add_v of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o other_o kind_n unto_o former_a scandal_n whilst_o person_n be_v under_o admonition_n it_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o proceedure_n vii_o it_o may_v be_v far_o inquire_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o false_a opinion_n about_o they_o answ._n 1._o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o positive_o state_v rev._n 2.2_o 6_o 15_o 16_o 20._o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o tit._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o other_o place_n that_o it_o need_v no_o far_a determination_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o error_n intend_v be_v about_o or_o against_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o that_o hold_v they_o can_v hold_v the_o head_n but_o real_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n no_o pretend_a usefulness_n of_o such_o person_n no_o peaceableness_n as_o unto_o outward_a deportment_n which_o man_n guilty_a of_o such_o abomination_n will_v frequent_o cover_v themselves_o withal_o can_v countenance_v the_o church_n in_o forbear_v after_o due_a admonition_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n that_o be_v from_o it_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o from_o a_o gangrene_n in_o any_o member_n unto_o the_o body_n the_o indignation_n of_o christ_n express_v against_o such_o pernicious_a doctrine_n the_o opposition_n of_o they_o to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n which_o in_o most_o of_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o render_v a_o church_n altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o omit_v their_o duty_n herein_o 3._o false_a opinion_n in_o lesser_a thing_n when_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o christian_a practice_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n and_o sundry_a rule_n be_v give_v unto_o this_o end_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o howbeit_o in_o that_o low_a ebb_n of_o grace_n love_n and_o prudence_n which_o we_o
be_v come_v unto_o it_o be_v best_o for_o edification_n that_o all_o person_n peaceable_o dispose_v themselves_o into_o those_o society_n with_o who_o they_o most_o agree_v in_o principle_n and_o opinion_n especial_o such_o as_o relate_v or_o lead_v unto_o practice_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o worship_n but_o 4._o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o opinion_n if_o man_n will_v as_o be_v usual_a wrangle_v and_o contend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o hinder_v it_o in_o any_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o will_v neither_o peaceable_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o peaceable_o depart_v from_o it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o with_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o whether_o person_n excommunicate_v out_o of_o any_o church_n may_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o that_o church_n answ._n 1._o they_o may_v be_v so_o as_o also_o to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o duty_n of_o moral_a worship_n for_o so_o many_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o 24._o 2._o when_o person_n be_v under_o this_o sentence_n the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o expect_v of_o their_o recovery_n and_o return_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o prohibit_v they_o any_o mean_v thereof_o such_o as_o be_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n ix_o how_o far_o extend_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n towards_o person_n reject_v of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v as_o that_o also_o note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a 2_o thess._n 3.14_o 1._o to_o eat_v comprise_v all_o ordinary_a converse_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n give_v we_o our_o daily_a bread._n 2._o to_o note_v be_v either_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n set_v the_o mark_n of_o its_o censure_n and_o disapprobation_n on_o he_o or_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o as_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o not_o keep_v company_n with_o he_o wherefore_o 2._o herein_o all_o ordinary_a converse_n of_o choice_n not_o make_v necessary_a by_o previous_a occasion_n be_v forbid_v the_o rule_n i_o say_v forbid_v 1._o all_o ordinary_a converse_n of_o choice_n not_o that_o which_o be_v occasional_a 2._o converse_v about_o earthly_a secular_a thing_n not_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a for_o such_o a_o one_o may_v and_o aught_o still_o to_o be_v admonish_v whilst_o he_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o admonition_n 3._o it_o be_v such_o converse_n as_o be_v not_o make_v previous_o necessary_a by_o man_n mutual_a engagement_n in_o trade_n and_o the_o like_a for_o that_o be_v found_v on_o such_o rule_n of_o right_n and_o equity_n with_o such_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o truth_n as_o excommunication_n can_v dissolve_v 3._o no_o suspension_n of_o duty_n antecedent_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a relation_n be_v allow_v or_o countenance_v by_o this_o rule_n such_o be_v those_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n magistrate_n and_o subject_n master_n and_o servant_n neighbour_n relation_n in_o propinquity_n of_o blood._n no_o duty_n arise_v from_o or_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o relation_n be_v release_v or_o the_o obligation_n unto_o they_o weaken_v by_o excommunication_n husband_n may_v not_o hereon_o forsake_v their_o wife_n if_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v nor_o wife_n their_o husband_n magistrate_n may_v not_o withdraw_v their_o protection_n from_o any_o of_o their_o subject_n because_o they_o be_v excommunicate_a much_o less_o may_v subject_n withhold_v their_o obedience_n on_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o excommunication_n of_o their_o magistrate_n as_o such_o and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o all_o other_o natural_a or_o moral_a relation_n 4._o the_o end_n of_o this_o prohibition_n be_v 1._o to_o testify_v our_o condemnation_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o disapprobation_n of_o the_o person_n guilty_a of_o it_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v 2._o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o participation_n in_o his_o sin._n 3_o to_o make_v he_o ashamed_a of_o himself_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o utter_o profligate_v and_o give_v up_o unto_o total_a apostasy_n it_o may_v occasion_v in_o he_o thought_n of_o return_v x._o how_o ought_v person_n excommunicate_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o repentance_n answ._n 1._o as_o unto_o the_o internal_a manner_n with_o all_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n with_o 1._o meekness_n to_o take_v from_o they_o all_o discouragement_n and_o disconsolation_n gal._n 6.1_o 2._o with_o compassion_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o relief_n and_o consolation_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 3._o with_o love_n in_o all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o vers._n 8._o 4._o with_o joy_n to_o represent_v the_o heart_n of_o christ_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n 2._o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o the_o restauration_n of_o such_o a_o person_n consist_v in_o 1._o his_o testification_n of_o his_o repentance_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o express_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o his_o reception_n 3._o his_o renew_a engagement_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o he_o be_v reinstated_n or_o joint_v again_o in_o the_o body_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a place_n in_o all_o which_o the_o elder_n by_o their_o authority_n be_v to_o go_v before_o the_o church_n all_o sort_n of_o person_n do_v now_o condemn_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o novatian_o in_o refuse_v the_o readmission_n of_o lapse_v sinner_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o repentance_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o evil_n observe_v among_o some_o lead_v that_o way_n or_o unto_o what_o be_v worse_o and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o after_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o prayer_n admonition_n exhortation_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n but_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o have_v quit_v themselves_o of_o their_o society_n it_o be_v better_a never_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o than_o so_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o they_o when_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o a_o offender_n he_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o xi_o our_o last_o enquiry_n shall_v be_v whether_o excommunication_n may_v be_v regular_a and_o valid_a where_o the_o matter_n of_o right_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a as_o many_o such_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o occasion_n of_o life_n and_o mutual_a converse_n or_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o due_o prove_v by_o positive_a witness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o be_v deny_v on_o the_o other_o answ._n 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o excommunication_n next_o and_o under_o its_o divine_a institution_n lie_v in_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v if_o these_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n as_o in_o dubious_a case_n they_o may_v not_o be_v the_o sentence_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o efficacy_n 2._o a_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n about_o it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v such_o a_o dubious_a case_n as_o be_v exempt_v from_o this_o censure_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v here_o to_o take_v place_n but_o what_o be_v reprovable_a by_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v god._n 3._o if_o the_o case_n be_v about_o such_o a_o right_n or_o wrong_n in_o pretend_a fraud_n overreach_a or_o the_o like_a as_o be_v determinable_a by_o civil-law_n the_o church_n be_v no_o judge_n in_o such_o case_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o arbitration_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 4._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o in_o point_n fundamental_a so_o as_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n do_v carry_v it_o peaceable_o and_o orderly_o there_o can_v be_v no_o proceedure_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o if_o man_n will_v do_v at_o on_o their_o own_o opinion_n wrangle_v contend_a and_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o there_o be_v other_o rule_v give_v in_o that_o case_n 5._o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o state_v by_o witness_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o concurrent_a testimony_n one_o witness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v see_v deut._n 19.15_o numb_a 35.30_o matth._n 18.16_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o ensue_a rule_n or_o direction_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n 1._o no_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v in_o
the_o strong_a delusion_n that_o begin_v to_o abate_v shall_v expire_v they_o will_v easy_o see_v the_o direct_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o these_o two_o head_n and_o two_o church_n namely_o christ_n and_o the_o pope_n the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o all_o the_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o countenance_v this_o anti-christianism_a as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a head_n one_o of_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n which_o christ_n be_v and_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o the_o other_o of_o rule_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o pope_n be_v but_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a supreme_a and_o remote_a or_o immediate_a and_o subordinate_a the_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o pope_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o far_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o invisible_a which_o be_v christ_n the_o other_o visible_a which_o be_v the_o pope_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o gross_a and_o horrible_a figment_n of_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n foreign_a to_o antiquity_n whereof_o never_o one_o word_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o church_n for_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n deform_v the_o beautiful_a spouse_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o monster_n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o pope_n be_v only_o the_o immediate_a visible_a subordinate_a head_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o church_n which_o be_v what_o they_o plead_v for_o then_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n be_v his_o body_n that_o it_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n that_o it_o be_v compact_v together_o by_o the_o officer_n and_o order_n that_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o receive_v all_o their_o influence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n from_o he_o which_o though_o he_o communicate_v not_o by_o a_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o by_o officer_n office_n order_n and_o law_n so_o give_v union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o every_o joint_n and_o part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n under_o he_o for_o its_o union_n communion_n and_o edification_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o anti-christ_n and_o the_o anti-christian_n church-state_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n ready_a to_o maintain_v let_v any_o man_n take_v a_o due_a prospect_n of_o this_o head_n and_o this_o body_n as_o relate_v and_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o own_o rule_n constitution_n and_o law_n act_v in_o worldly_a pomp_n splendour_n and_o power_n with_o horrid_a bloody_a cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o open_a view_n of_o all_o the_o scriptural_a lineament_n of_o the_o apostate_n anti-christian_n state_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v again_o this_o assign_v of_o the_o original_n of_o all_o church_n order_n union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n invest_v he_o therewith_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v he_o thereby_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n thereon_o his_o body_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v its_o head_n so_o as_o that_o from_o he_o all_o power_n of_o order_n and_o for_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n shall_v be_v derive_v return_v all_o in_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o do_v set_v up_o a_o visible_a conspicuous_a anti-christian_n church_n state_n in_o opposition_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o deal_v not_o at_o present_a there_o be_v a_o pretence_n unto_o a_o â—nion_n of_o church_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o papal_a headship_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o the_o canonical_a subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o metropolitan_o which_o though_o the_o facto_fw-la it_o be_v at_o present_a terminate_v and_o state_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o de_fw-fr jure_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v extend_v unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n according_a unto_o this_o principle_n the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o that_o order_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v distribute_v into_o deanery_n archdeaconries_a exempt_a peculiar_o under_o official_o diocese_n province_n under_o metropolitan_o and_o so_o by_o or_o without_o patriarch_n to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n of_o the_o papacy_n issue_v in_o a_o general-council_n as_o i_o suppose_v but_o 1._o to_o confine_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hereunto_o be_v at_o present_a absolute_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o communion_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o be_v by_o a_o coalescency_n extend_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v provincial_a or_o national_a have_v both_o political_o and_o ecclesiastical_o such_o bound_n fix_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o can_v pass_v to_o carry_v on_o communion_n unto_o and_o with_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n by_o any_o act_n and_o duty_n belong_v unto_o their_o order_n and_o hereby_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o do_v always_o equal_o exist_v and_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v always_o equal_o in_o exercise_n and_o can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o do_v so_o exist_v and_o be_v so_o exercise_v wherever_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o order_n 2._o we_o inquire_v at_o present_a after_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v particular_a church_n communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o this_o order_n do_v not_o but_o absolute_o overthrow_v it_o leave_v nothing_o unto_o they_o but_o subjection_n to_o officer_n set_v over_o they_o who_o be_v not_o of_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o appointment_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n 3._o this_o order_n itself_o the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o pretend_a union_n have_v no_o divine_a institution_n especial_o as_o to_o its_o extent_n unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o actual_a exercise_n no_o man_n can_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o original_a or_o centre_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v and_o wherein_o it_o rest_v have_v remove_v these_o pretence_n out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v wherein_o the_o union_n and_o consequent_o the_o communion_n of_o â—ll_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o the_o due_a observation_n whereof_o all_o that_o church-order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o do_v accept_v be_v preserve_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a union_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o that_o which_o give_v form_n life_n and_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v particular_a and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n or_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n one_o regeneration_n one_o baptism_n one_o bread_n and_o wine_n unite_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love._n this_o description_n with_o what_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o and_o explanatory_n of_o it_o be_v all_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitute_a form_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o what_o church_n soever_o fail_v in_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o this_o description_n or_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o have_v either_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n concur_v unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n of_o church_n 1._o their_o union_n or_o relation_n unto_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o original_a and_o spring_n of_o this_o union_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v unite_v unto_o he_o as_o its_o head_n beside_o which_o with_o or_o under_o which_o it_o have_v none_o this_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n as_o its_o head_n the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o union_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o col._n 2.19_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v hereby_o it_o be_v also_o in_o god_n the_o father_n 2_o thes._n 1.1_o or_o have_v god_n as_o its_o father_n
the_o whole_a church_n as_o unto_o faith_n in_o general_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n before_o describe_v 2._o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n respect_v the_o church_n itself_o as_o its_o material_a object_n for_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o have_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n confine_v unto_o no_o place_n nor_o party_n of_o man_n no_o empire_n nor_o dominion_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o confinement_n as_o also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v redeem_a call_v sanctify_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o interest_n his_o concernment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v confine_v that_o this_o church_n he_o will_v save_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o opposition_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o after_o death_n will_v raise_v it_o up_o and_o glorify_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o it_o unto_o which_o alone_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v appertain_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o all_o other_o or_o confine_v it_o unto_o a_o party_n unto_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o appropriate_a he_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v a_o comfort_a refresh_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o many_o duty_n in_o they_o continual_o 3._o this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o faith_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o it_o namely_o prayer_n so_o be_v it_o state_v ephes._n 2.18_o for_o through_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v consist_v the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o prayer_n in_o all_o church_n have_v one_o object_n which_o be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n god_n as_o the_o father_n proceed_v in_o all_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o continual_o offer_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n who_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o intercession_n and_o by_o who_o they_o have_v all_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o same_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v all_o a_o bless_a communion_n herein_o continual_o and_o this_o communion_n be_v the_o more_o express_a in_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o be_v for_o all_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n not_o any_o one_o member_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o however_o this_o communion_n be_v invisible_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n yet_o be_v it_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o heaven_n this_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o or_o wrought_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o equal_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o object_n even_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n together_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n give_v unto_o all_o church_n a_o communion_n far_o more_o glorious_a than_o what_o consist_v in_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n of_o man_n devise_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n by_o who_o to_o convey_v or_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n but_o christ_n alone_o the_o only_a highpriest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v renounce_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n herein_o 4._o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o church_n affect_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o unto_z and_o among_o they_o all_o neither_o do_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o administration_n interrupt_v that_o communion_n but_o wherever_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v deny_v or_o their_o nature_n or_o use_n be_v pervert_v or_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v annex_v unto_o their_o administration_n there_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v renounce_v 5._o they_o have_v also_o by_o faith_n communion_n herein_o in_o that_o all_o church_n do_v profess_v a_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v other_z instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v how_o unscriptural_a the_o notion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a communion_n with_o or_o among_o church_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o certain_a power_n order_n and_o rite_n the_o press_v whereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o uniformity_n have_v cast_v all_o thought_n of_o real_a evangelical_n church_n communion_n into_o oblivion_n second_o church_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o end_v declare_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o live_v constant_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o church-duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o continuation_n increase_v and_o edification_n have_v also_o a_o especial_a union_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o mutual_a communion_n thence_o arise_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v love_n not_o the_o common_a regulate_v affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o call_v not_o mere_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n towards_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o blood_n with_o themselves_o but_o a_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o bond_n of_o its_o union_n unto_o its_o self_n whence_o the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n because_o in_o itself_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n and_o motive_n unto_o it_o with_o its_o peculiar_a end_n and_o proper_a exercise_n it_o be_v absolute_o new_a and_o evangelical_n a_o explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v either_o so_o utter_o lose_v or_o have_v such_o vile_a image_n of_o it_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o full_a consideration_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o another_o place_n i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v give_v from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church-union_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o abide_v with_o his_o church_n thereby_o unite_n it_o unto_o himself_o do_v work_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o may_v and_o do_v animate_v they_o unto_o all_o those_o mutual_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n one_o with_o another_o herein_o consist_v the_o union_n of_o every_o church_n in_o itself_o of_o all_o church_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n their_o communion_n consist_v