speak_v of_o may_v be_v ruler_n in_o the_o family_n as_o parent_n be_v ruler_n to_o child_n husband_n to_o wife_n master_n to_o servant_n answ_n the_o church_n and_o family_n be_v two_o distinct_a body_n the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o not_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o family_n as_o such_o nor_o of_o the_o function_n and_o duty_n of_o family-member_n but_o of_o the_o family_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o their_o function_n and_o duty_n one_o towards_o another_o his_o word_n be_v plain_a vers_n 4_o 5._o as_o we_o say_v he_o have_v many_o member_n in_o one_o body_n and_o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o one_o family_n in_o scripture_n phrase_n but_o one_o church_n and_o of_o this_o body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o member_n they_o be_v who_o paul_n direct_v to_o the_o due_a dispense_n of_o their_o several_a function_n and_o gift_n namely_o the_o public_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n teacher_n pastor_n deacon_n and_o elder_n to_o attend_v upon_o their_o proper_a work_n teach_v exhort_v give_v roll_a vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n to_o walk_v in_o such_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o pureness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o modesty_n diligence_n and_o fervency_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o every_o christian_a vers_fw-la 9_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n object_n 2._o but_o paul_n speak_v not_o of_o lay_v elder_n rule_v in_o the_o church_n but_o of_o ruler_n answ_n neither_o do_v we_o acknowledge_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v lay_v elder_n proper_o for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v of_o a_o late_a edition_n than_o apostolic_a time_n the_o roll_a elder_n be_v ordain_v to_o the_o office_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o the_o preach_a elder_n they_o be_v no_o more_o lay_v man_n or_o private_a christian_n than_o the_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n be_v lay_v minister_n and_o though_o the_o pastor_n &_o teacher_n be_v either_o of_o they_o church-ruler_n yet_o the_o ruler_n be_v here_o distinguish_v from_o they_o as_o a_o distinct_a member_n attend_v to_o his_o action_n of_o rule_n as_o his_o proper_a function_n object_n 3._o paul_n speak_v of_o several_a gift_n not_o of_o public_a office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a power_n and_o action_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o alone_o be_v not_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n which_o of_o all_o these_o gift_n in_o those_o time_n be_v not_o common_a as_o well_o to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o to_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o to_o man_n answ_n 1._o paul_n speak_v as_o well_o of_o public_a officer_n as_o of_o particular_a gift_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o three_o reason_n above_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o speak_v of_o particular_a gift_n also_o not_o peculiar_a to_o any_o office_n but_o common_a to_o all_o believer_n from_o verse_n 9_o to_o the_o end_n but_o gift_n be_v not_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v all_o these_o gift_n without_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o then_o all_o the_o member_n have_v the_o same_o power_n to_o do_v all_o of_o they_o the_o same_o action_n which_o the_o apostle_n express_o deni_v vers_fw-la 4._o all_o the_o member_n say_v he_o have_v not_o the_o same_o action_n which_o be_v translate_v office_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o different_a office_n he_o divide_v they_o by_o particle_n of_o partition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o he_o injoyn_v each_o office_n to_o attend_v his_o own_o function_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o private_a member_n and_o of_o the_o gift_n common_a to_o they_o all_o he_o neither_o make_v any_o partition_n of_o they_o into_o several_a sort_n nor_o bind_v they_o to_o attendance_n on_o the_o employment_n or_o exercise_n of_o any_o special_a gift_n as_o he_o do_v the_o former_a but_o that_o as_o every_o truth_n so_o every_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n there_o be_v other_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o bear_v witness_v to_o for_o rule_v elder_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n several_a member_n as_o first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n where_o government_n be_v express_o reckon_v among_o these_o office_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o government_n thereof_o long_o before_o it_o enjoy_v civil_a magistracy_n and_o therefore_o he_o mean_v spiritual_a government_n or_o church_n ruler_n object_n 1._o but_o these_o government_n be_v spiritual_a gift_n not_o spiritual_a office_n or_o administration_n answ_n that_o they_o be_v gift_n we_o willing_o acknowledge_v because_o all_o the_o office_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n whereby_o they_o do_v execute_v those_o office_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n when_o christ_n ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n what_o gift_n some_o to_o be_v apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.8.11_o but_o yet_o government_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n there_o mention_v be_v spiritual_a office_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o context_n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n put_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o spiritual_a 1._o gift_n and_o grace_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o giver_n of_o they_o vers_n 6._o 2._o administration_n or_o minister_n or_o officer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o giver_n and_o institutor_n of_o they_o vers_n 5._o as_o he_o do_v also_o ephes_n 4.8.11_o 3._o operation_n efficacy_n or_o successee_n of_o their_o administration_n make_v the_o father_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o power_n the_o giver_n of_o they_o vers_n 6._o now_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o spiritual_a gift_n be_v give_v vers_fw-la 7._o he_o reckon_v up_o nine_o of_o those_o several_a spiritual_a gift_n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v give_v to_o several_a member_n of_o the_o church_n not_o all_o to_o any_o one_o that_o so_o every_o member_n may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o help_n and_o gift_n one_o of_o another_o and_o thus_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o their_o use_n he_o come_v in_o vers_fw-la 28._o to_o 31._o to_o declare_v the_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a administration_n that_o be_v ministery_n or_o office_n which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n and_o reckon_v up_o eight_o first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n under_o who_o your_o evangelist_n be_v comprehend_v as_o be_v of_o equal_a rank_n with_o they_o three_o teacher_n under_o who_o he_o include_v pastor_n also_o the_o office_n of_o both_o who_o be_v to_o teach_v or_o practice_v in_o the_o church_n after_o that_o miracle_n or_o as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_n be_v power_n to_o wit_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n or_o to_o do_v the_o like_a work_n then_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n opitulation_n that_o be_v deacon_n government_n who_o else_o can_v they_o be_v but_o govern_v elder_n for_o we_o hear_v of_o teach_v elder_n before_o last_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n true_a it_o be_v indeed_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v up_o three_o of_o these_o before_o for_o spiritual_a gift_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vers_fw-la 9_o 10._o miracle_n or_o power_n gift_n of_o heal_a kind_n of_o tongue_n but_o here_o he_o reckon_v they_o not_o as_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n for_o that_o be_v a_o tautology_n and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o discourse_n but_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o several_a function_n or_o office_n wherein_o these_o gift_n be_v exercise_v object_n 2._o but_o if_o these_o government_n be_v officer_n or_o function_n they_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o so_o be_v now_o cease_v as_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o heal_v and_o miracle_n be_v answ_n not_o so_o for_o no_o office_n be_v
bishop_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o good_a old_a bishop_n valerius_n be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o for_o suffer_v augustine_n a_o presbyter_n though_o a_o learned_a presbyter_n to_o preach_v before_o he_o which_o be_v say_v never_o any_o african_a bishop_n have_v allow_v before_o he_o now_o whence_o shall_v such_o a_o offence_n as_o be_v take_v against_o valerius_n arise_v but_o from_o translate_n the_o silence_n of_o rule_v elder_n from_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n unto_o those_o presbyter_n also_o who_o be_v call_v oft_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n free_o and_o diligent_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o but_o when_o through_o corruption_n of_o time_n bishop_n claim_v to_o themselves_o the_o principal_n pastoral_a cure_n of_o soul_n than_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o offensive_a matter_n that_o teach_v elder_n shall_v preach_v before_o they_o as_o before_o it_o be_v unwonted_a for_o rule_v elder_n to_o preach_v before_o the_o teach_v ordinary_o object_n but_o there_o remain_v one_o objection_n or_o two_o which_o some_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n have_v make_v against_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n object_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o office_n of_o ruling_n elder_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o no_o footstep_n leave_v of_o it_o in_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n popery_n itself_o though_o it_o corrupt_v all_o ordinance_n yet_o retain_v some_o footstep_n of_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n though_o much_o pervert_v from_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n at_o all_o of_o those_o rule_v elder_n extant_a in_o any_o church_n but_o those_o of_o genevah_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v their_o pattern_n for_o though_o some_o tell_v we_o of_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o england_n who_o assist_v the_o preacher_n in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o rule_v elder_n for_o these_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v appoint_v not_o for_o assistance_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o churchwarden_n for_o keep_v the_o church_n stock_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o necessary_a repair_v of_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o vestry_n be_v a_o company_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o rich_a parishioner_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v churchwarden_n be_v exercise_v in_o audit_v the_o account_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o admonish_v a_o unruly_a neighbour_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o authority_n as_o ruler_n but_o by_o christian_a discretion_n and_o charity_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rule_v elder_n for_o though_o they_o be_v both_o choose_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o choice_n the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o attend_v to_o nor_o be_v they_o so_o ordain_v either_o with_o the_o like_a holy_a solemnity_n or_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a power_n nor_o allow_v to_o continue_v for_o life_n as_o rule_v elder_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o yet_o such_o as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v see_v in_o they_o some_o footstep_n and_o remnant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v rudera_fw-la of_o that_o holy_a and_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o much_o as_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o chancellor_n commissary_n and_o official_o who_o be_v mere_a lay_v elder_n and_o yet_o administer_v church-government_n not_o in_o one_o church_n only_o but_o in_o many_o score_n of_o church_n what_o other_o thing_n sound_v the_o very_a name_n of_o churchwarden_n guardiani_n ecclesiae_fw-la but_o church-guardian_n or_o church-ruler_n and_o what_o be_v the_o company_n of_o vestryman_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o consistory_n second_o though_o by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o his_o vicar_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o care_n be_v transform_v from_o order_v the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o material_a church_n or_o temple_n yet_o what_o power_n of_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o any_o congregation_n beside_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o churchwarden_n and_o vestery_n man_n do_v assist_v the_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o same_o they_o observe_v all_o scandalous_a disorder_n that_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church-minister_n or_o people_n they_o admonish_v the_o offender_n and_o though_o they_o be_v over-ruler_n to_o present_v all_o disorder_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o which_o of_o right_n they_o shall_v complain_v of_o when_o the_o offender_n be_v incorrigible_a only_o to_o their_o own_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n for_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n to_o return_v such_o offender_n have_v first_o pay_v they_o their_o fee_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o their_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o amendment_n of_o which_o also_o they_o must_v bring_v a_o certificate_n under_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n hand_n yea_o of_o our_o knowledge_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a privilege_a church_n in_o england_n exempt_v from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n where_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o minister_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v transact_v all_o that_o government_n which_o in_o other_o church_n the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n do_v invade_v and_o usurp_v as_o to_o admonish_v offender_n to_o enjoin_v acknowledgement_n of_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o repress_v idleness_n drunkenness_n swear_v sabbath-breaking_a and_o the_o like_a disorder_n with_o better_a success_n than_o other_o town_n can_v do_v who_o have_v the_o help_n of_o major_n and_o justice_n but_o not_o so_o much_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n unto_o their_o minister_n and_o guardian_n or_o ruler_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o appear_v that_o ancient_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o among_o themselves_o before_o one_o church_n begin_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o another_o object_n the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o rule_v elder_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o perilous_a consequence_n to_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o authority_n answ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v clear_o enough_o limit_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o ruling_n elder_n call_v and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o since_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o the_o sword_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o church-governour_n may_v take_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o wit_n civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o usurpation_n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v princely_a lordly_a but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v only_o stewardly_a and_o ministerial_a for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n to_o eliakim_n isa_n 22.22_o and_o he_o be_v over_o the_o house_n ver._n 15._o which_o phrase_n of_o be_v over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v proper_o gen._n 43.19_o steward_z of_o the_o house_n see_v then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritnall_a and_o not_o worldly_a and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o lordly_a but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a evident_a it_o be_v that_o these_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n may_v only_o attend_v to_o work_n of_o spiritual_a and_o ministerial_a rule_n and_o further_o because_o such_o act_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n as_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o call_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o that_o work_n be_v leave_v unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o what_o act_v soever_o of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n over_o and_o above_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n all_o such_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n and_o none_o but_o such_o to_o instance_n then_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n office_n
difference_n of_o those_o action_n do_v not_o argue_v a_o diversity_n of_o function_n but_o both_o teach_n and_o exhort_v be_v co-incident_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n as_o be_v several_a action_n of_o several_a gift_n not_o of_o several_a officer_n answ_n the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o text_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o three_o several_a reason_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n reas_n 1._o from_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o do_v not_o distribute_v several_a gift_n only_o but_o several_a person_n to_o who_o those_o several_a gift_n be_v several_o commit_v according_a as_o the_o same_o apostle_n distribute_v the_o same_o divers_a sort_n of_o gift_n to_o the_o same_o divers_a sort_n of_o person_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o wit_n for_o direction_n of_o practice_n whereto_o the_o pastor_n attend_v to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n to_o wit_n for_o direction_n of_o the_o judgement_n whereto_o the_o teacher_n attend_v and_o both_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o distribute_v to_o every_o man_n several_o ver_fw-la 11._o reas_n 2._o though_o office_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o gift_n to_o discharge_v a_o office_n another_o and_o the_o action_n or_o exercise_n of_o every_o several_a gift_n do_v not_o always_o argue_v a_o several_a office_n yet_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o express_v the_o different_a office_n or_o function_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n by_o their_o different_a and_o proper_a act_n for_o here_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o divers_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o divers_a member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n who_o have_v divers_a office_n or_o function_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o perform_v different_a proper_a action_n according_a to_o their_o different_a function_n as_o we_o have_v many_o member_n say_v he_o in_o one_o body_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o and_o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o one_o office_n as_o the_o translator_n turn_v it_o when_o the_o original_a say_v have_v not_o one_o action_n or_o practice_v but_o both_o express_v the_o same_o meaning_n so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o have_v then_o say_v he_o ver_fw-la 6._o different_a gift_n gift_n comprehend_v both_o office_n and_o grace_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n whether_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n and_o look_v then_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v it_o be_v his_o function_n and_o office_n to_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o see_v and_o it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o be_v his_o function_n to_o see_v and_o not_o to_o hear_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o teach_v not_o unto_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o exhortor_fw-la to_o exhort_v he_o be_v to_o attend_v on_o exhortation_n not_o on_o teach_v reas_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o only_o of_o several_a action_n or_o exercise_n of_o several_a gift_n but_o both_o co-incident_a to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n why_o then_o do_v he_o command_v the_o teacher_n to_o wait_v on_o teach_v and_o the_o exhorte_a to_o wait_v on_o exhortation_n for_o he_o that_o perform_v a_o action_n according_a to_o this_o gift_n which_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o his_o office_n but_o common_a to_o he_o with_o man_n of_o other_o office_n be_v never_o command_v nor_o be_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o attend_v or_o wait_v on_o such_o a_o action_n as_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o gift_n of_o love_n or_o mercy_n or_o liberality_n and_o according_a to_o that_o gift_n be_v fit_a to_o perform_v a_o action_n of_o give_v alm_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o command_v to_o attend_v or_o wait_v upon_o almesgiving_n unless_o it_o be_v his_o office_n as_o well_o as_o his_o gift_n object_n attend_v or_o wait_v be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o original_a but_o in_o the_o translation_n only_o answ_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v necessary_o intend_v for_o either_o such_o a_o word_n as_o express_v wait_v or_o at_o least_o the_o verb_n substantive_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d must_v needs_o be_v understand_v which_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o that_o teach_v let_v he_o be_v teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v let_v he_o be_v in_o exhortation_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o let_v he_o attend_v to_o it_o let_v he_o make_v it_o his_o proper_a and_o constant_a work_n so_o a_o like_a example_n in_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o same_o phrase_n and_o which_o be_v fit_o translate_v give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 16._o continue_v or_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o indeed_o experience_n show_v that_o teach_v and_o exhort_v be_v so_o far_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o flow_v from_o such_o different_a gift_n that_o they_o be_v seldom_o find_v at_o least_o in_o any_o eminency_n both_o of_o they_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n and_o therefore_o require_v several_a officer_n for_o the_o dispense_n of_o they_o you_o have_v many_o man_n of_o eminent_a dexterity_n for_o clear_a open_n of_o a_o text_n for_o judicious_a gather_n and_o handle_v sound_a doctrine_n from_o it_o and_o also_o acute_a and_o strong_a for_o conviction_n of_o a_o contrary_a error_n and_o heresy_n who_o yet_o be_v very_o cold_a in_o exhortation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o have_v some_o very_a fervent_a in_o exhortation_n who_o be_v very_o confuse_v and_o general_a and_o common_a in_o teach_v but_o beside_o this_o the_o need_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o both_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o exhort_v call_v for_o several_a officer_n to_o attend_v to_o both_o the_o explication_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n solid_o and_o distinct_o with_o the_o discussion_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v include_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n and_o reproof_n two_o tim._n 3.16_o well_o attend_v too_o will_v take_v up_o the_o whole_a time_n and_o talent_n of_o a_o most_o judicious_a divine_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o reformation_n of_o their_o manner_n both_o in_o their_o private_a carriage_n and_o in_o their_o family_n as_o also_o in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o stir_v up_o of_o man_n thereto_o with_o the_o reproof_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o abuse_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o be_v include_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instruction_n and_o correction_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o these_o well_o attend_v to_o will_v take_v up_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o vigilant_a pastor_n of_o any_o congregation_n all_o which_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v think_v it_o needful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o finish_v our_o church_n as_o we_o bless_v his_o name_n most_o of_o they_o be_v with_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o preach_v elder_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n nevertheless_o he_o that_o be_v gift_v for_o both_o these_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n let_v he_o use_v both_o yet_o attend_v principal_o on_o that_o to_o which_o he_o be_v most_o eminent_o gift_v and_o call_v sect_n ii_o as_o for_o rule_v elder_n the_o same_o text_n of_o scirpture_n rom._n 12.8_o speak_v as_o express_o for_o their_o distinct_a office_n also_o for_o there_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o proper_a work_n as_o the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v the_o pastor_n to_o exhortation_n the_o deacon_n to_o give_v with_o simplicity_n he_o direct_v also_o the_o ruler_n to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n and_o who_o be_v that_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o roll_a elder_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o timothy_n the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o but_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n so_o the_o wisdom_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n have_v find_v out_o many_o invention_n and_o exception_n against_o every_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o this_o ordinance_n object_n 1._o the_o elder_n the_o apostle_n here_o
the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o to_o 7._o tit._n 1.6_o to_o 9_o deacon_n according_a to_o act_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 12._o for_o the_o church_n have_v not_o absolute_a power_n to_o choose_v who_o they_o listen_v but_o ministerial_a power_n only_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v choose_v have_v gift_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o if_o the_o church_n can_v find_v out_o none_o such_o in_o their_o own_o body_n they_o send_v to_o any_o other_o church_n for_o fit_a supply_n and_o each_o church_n look_v at_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v mutual_o helpful_a one_o to_o another_o in_o yield_v what_o supply_n they_o may_v without_o too_o much_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o according_a to_o cant._n 8.8_o 9_o such_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o work_n they_o take_v some_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o partly_o by_o consultation_n with_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n continue_v there_o in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o fulfil_v the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n 1_o tim._n 3.22_o for_o every_o man_n of_o good_a gift_n be_v not_o always_o endow_v with_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o every_o good_a heart_n be_v not_o fit_v to_o close_v so_o full_o as_o be_v meet_v with_o every_o good_a people_n every_o key_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o open_v every_o lock_n nor_o every_o good_a man_n gift_n fit_a to_o edify_v every_o people_n but_o when_o upon_o trial_n the_o church_n do_v find_v every_o man_n spirit_n among_o they_o desirous_a of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o man_n and_o his_o gift_n then_o they_o agree_v among_o themselves_o upon_o a_o certain_a day_n wherein_o in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n they_o intend_v to_o elect_a he_o to_o office_n among_o themselves_o of_o this_o they_o give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o near_a adjoin_a church_n who_o and_o when_o and_o to_o what_o office_n they_o intend_v to_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n who_o they_o nominate_v to_o they_o entreat_v their_o presence_n and_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o assistance_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v they_o give_v notice_n also_o thereof_o unto_o the_o governor_n and_o such_o other_o of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v near_o to_o they_o that_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v meeting_n with_o no_o just_a exception_n from_o any_o may_v find_v the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o acceptance_n from_o all_o when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v it_o be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n with_o fast_v pray_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 14.23_o &_o 13.1_o 2_o 3._o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o grave_a brethren_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o inquire_v of_o the_o church_n if_o now_o after_o this_o solemn_a seek_v of_o god_n for_o his_o counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a work_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o purpose_n to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o their_o own_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o rule_v elder_a who_o before_o they_o agree_v upon_o then_o have_v take_v their_o silence_n for_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o purpose_n he_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o only_o the_o messenger_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n present_a but_o of_o all_o that_o stand_v by_o because_o and_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a report_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o 1_o tim._n 3.7_o how_o much_o more_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n he_o demand_v therefore_o of_o the_o church_n first_o and_o then_o of_o the_o rest_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o have_v know_v of_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o man_n present_v before_o they_o either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n which_o may_v give_v they_o just_a cause_n to_o forbear_v his_o election_n if_o all_o keep_v silence_n as_o usual_o they_o do_v for_o if_o any_o have_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o man_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o acquaint_v some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o before_o the_o day_n he_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n again_o now_o see_v all_o be_v clear_a for_o their_o free_a election_n of_o he_o to_o such_o a_o office_n he_o desire_v all_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n to_o declare_v their_o election_n of_o he_o with_o one_o accord_n by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v do_v he_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o the_o party_n choose_v whether_o he_o do_v accept_v of_o that_o call_n which_o the_o church_n have_v give_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o that_o office_n he_o have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o wherein_o he_o have_v chief_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o the_o elder_a do_v then_o admonish_v the_o church_n what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o all_o in_o his_o word_n towards_o he_o who_o they_o have_v thus_o choose_v and_o afterward_o advertise_v he_o what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o in_o that_o place_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o both_o of_o their_o mutual_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o he_o then_o with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o two_o or_o three_o other_o of_o the_o grave_a christian_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o body_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ordain_v he_o unto_o that_o office_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v furnish_v he_o with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n to_o accept_v and_o own_v he_o therein_o to_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o to_o breath_n in_o all_o his_o administration_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o bless_v all_o his_o go_v out_o and_o come_n in_o before_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v his_o speech_n upon_o the_o person_n on_o who_o their_o hand_n be_v impose_v he_o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o presbytery_n express_v their_o ordination_n of_o he_o to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o put_v a_o solemn_a charge_n upon_o he_o to_o look_v well_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n as_o one_o that_o must_v give_v account_n of_o all_o their_o soul_n unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appear_v after_o this_o the_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n present_a observe_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o day_n perform_v by_o the_o officer_n then_o choose_v and_o ordain_v and_o in_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o election_n and_o ordination_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v give_v unto_o he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n testify_v their_o brotherly_a acceptance_n of_o he_o and_o their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o gracious_a gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o and_o do_v exhort_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o after_o public_a praise_n give_v to_o god_n by_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n he_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n with_o a_o blessing_n sect_n v._o for_o our_o call_n of_o deacon_n we_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o ordain_v they_o with_o like_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n because_o we_o do_v not_o read_v the_o apostle_n give_v any_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o first_o deacon_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 6._o but_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v look_v out_o among_o themselves_o man_n fit_o qualify_v for_o that_o call_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n former_o mention_v and_o have_v make_v some_o proof_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o lord_n day_n or_o other_o public_a holy_a meeting_n do_v ordain_v they_o to_o the_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o over_o that_o business_n with_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n sect_n vi_o object_n two_o thing_n be_v here_o demand_v first_o by_o what_o warrant_v the_o people_n choose_v their_o officer_n answ_n from_o the_o precedent_n
of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n in_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o voice_n of_o people_n go_v as_o far_o as_o any_o humane_a suffrage_n can_v go_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o they_o choose_v two_o and_o present_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o because_o and_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n out_o of_o those_o two_o god_n choose_v one_o act._n 1.15.23.26_o act._n 14.23_o the_o apostle_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o original_a word_n impli_v and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o look_v out_o and_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n act._n 6.3.15_o the_o practice_n of_o succeed_a church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o be_v plain_a from_o cyprian_n word_n lib._n 1._o epist_n 4._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la object_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o demand_v by_o what_o warrant_n do_v a_o particular_a church_n depute_v such_o who_o be_v not_o presbyter_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o presbyter_n be_v it_o not_o more_o regular_a and_o orderly_a to_o repair_v to_o some_o bishop_n to_o receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o he_o or_o as_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n in_o crete_n receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o titus_n who_o be_v leave_v in_o crete_n with_o episcopal_a authority_n for_o that_o very_a end_n tit._n 1.5_o or_o rather_o than_o take_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o lay-man_n as_o they_o be_v call_v why_o do_v not_o the_o church_n rather_o entreat_v the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o presbytery_n by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n ans_fw-fr the_o warrant_n by_o which_o each_o particular_a church_n do_v depute_v some_o of_o their_o own_o body_n though_o not_o presbyter_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o those_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o presbyter_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o receive_v all_o fullness_n of_o power_n from_o the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16.19_o and_o this_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n mat._n 18.18_o whatsoever_o say_v christ_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a ministerial_a power_n of_o the_o key_n sect_n vii_o object_n 1._o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o subject_n and_o receptacle_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o though_o the_o church_n elect_v a_o pastor_n or_o other_o elder_a yet_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v from_o christ_n eph._n 4.8_o and_o so_o be_v his_o authority_n from_o christ_n also_o and_o if_o he_o have_v neither_o his_o office_n nor_o his_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n how_o can_v he_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o though_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o general_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o authority_n from_o he_o also_o yet_o the_o application_n of_o this_o office_n and_o of_o this_o authority_n to_o this_o elect_a person_n be_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v sufficient_a and_o just_a warrant_n as_o to_o elect_v and_o call_v a_o presbyter_n unto_o office_n so_o to_o ordain_v he_o to_o it_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o elect_v a_o king_n have_v power_n also_o to_o depute_v some_o in_o their_o name_n to_o set_v the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n answ_n 2._o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o elder_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n so_o neither_o be_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o bishop_n nor_o from_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o presbytery_n if_o therefore_o that_o be_v a_o just_a impediment_n why_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o lay_v hand_n upon_o their_o elect_a pastor_n or_o elder_n because_o neither_o their_o office_n nor_o their_o authority_n be_v from_o the_o church_n than_o neither_o may_v the_o bishop_n nor_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o the_o classis_fw-la lie_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o because_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o so_o much_o from_o they_o as_o from_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o this_o argument_n may_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v present_a ordain_v officer_n because_o neither_o the_o office_n nor_o the_o authority_n be_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o christ_n only_o neither_o will_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o as_o some_o object_n that_o if_o the_o elder_n receive_v their_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n than_o they_o shall_v execute_v their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n name_n or_o that_o then_o they_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o diligent_a in_o their_o office_n at_o the_o church_n appointment_n or_o that_o then_o the_o church_n have_v a_o lordlike_o power_n over_o they_o or_o that_o then_o the_o elder_n must_v receive_v their_o errand_n from_o the_o church_n as_o a_o ambassador_n do_v from_o he_o from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o commission_n or_o that_o then_o the_o church_n in_o defect_n of_o all_o officer_n may_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o their_o officer_n as_o to_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v follow_v for_o 1._o most_o of_o these_o objection_n do_v strike_v as_o much_o against_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n do_v receive_v the_o application_n of_o their_o office_n and_o of_o their_o power_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o from_o the_o church_n or_o if_o from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o only_a as_o instrument_n unto_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o can_v choose_v or_o ordain_v who_o they_o please_v to_o what_o office_n they_o please_v but_o who_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v to_o their_o hand_n nor_o may_v they_o enlarge_v or_o straiten_v the_o limit_n of_o his_o office_n who_o they_o do_v elect_v or_o ordain_v but_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v prescribe_v nor_o can_v they_o give_v he_o any_o errand_n but_o only_o a_o charge_n to_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o more_o lordly_a power_n over_o he_o than_o he_o over_o they_o but_o both_o ministerial_a as_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n neither_o may_v they_o administer_v sacrament_n in_o defect_n of_o all_o officer_n because_o that_o by_o appointment_n from_o christ_n pertain_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v call_v by_o office_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o as_o for_o mutual_a instruction_n and_o admission_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n open_v of_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o shut_v the_o same_o by_o church-censure_n these_o thing_n they_o may_v do_v if_o need_v be_v without_o officer_n yea_o and_o if_o all_o their_o officer_n be_v find_v culpable_a either_o in_o heretical_a doctrine_n or_o scandalous_a crime_n yet_o the_o church_n have_v lawful_a authority_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o all_o for_o they_o that_o as_o a_o church_n may_v admonish_v archippus_n col._n 4.17_o may_v in_o case_n he_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o their_o admonition_n have_v proceed_v against_o he_o to_o excommunication_n and_o they_o that_o may_v so_o proceed_v against_o one_o of_o their_o officer_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n upon_o like_a ground_n proceed_v against_o they_o all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o church_n do_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o immediate_o from_o christ_n but_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o in_o such_o case_n our_o church_n be_v never_o wont_a to_o proceed_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n as_o know_v that_o in_o such_o weighty_a case_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n and_o as_o the_o church_n do_v not_o choose_v any_o elder_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o but_o with_o the_o like_a grave_n and_o solemn_a assistance_n object_n 2._o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n immediate_o from_o christ_n joh._n 20.23_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n
a_o precise_a quotient_n a_o number_n of_o hundred_o and_o thousand_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o every_o church_n yet_o such_o a_o number_n be_v limit_v as_o fall_v not_o below_o seven_o nor_o rise_v above_o the_o bulk_n of_o one_o congregation_n and_o such_o a_o congregation_n wherein_o all_o may_v meet_v and_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o all_o may_v partake_v and_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v together_o sect_n ii_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v add_v &_o join_v to_o such_o a_o body_n they_o first_o make_v know_v their_o desire_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o take_v trial_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n &_o of_o their_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o their_o godly_a conversation_n among_o man_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v find_v ignorant_a and_o graceless_a or_o scandalous_a he_o may_v not_o be_v present_o present_v to_o the_o church_n till_o these_o evil_n be_v remove_v the_o stone_n that_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o solomon_n temple_n be_v square_v and_o make_v ready_a before_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o build_n neither_o iron_n nor_o axe_n nor_o any_o iron_n tool_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o house_n while_o it_o be_v a_o building_n 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o wherefore_o so_o if_o not_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o no_o member_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v rough-hewen_a and_o square_v and_o fit_v to_o lie_v close_o and_o level_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o member_n but_o when_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o be_v approve_v of_o the_o elder_n they_o be_v propound_v by_o one_o of_o the_o rule_v elder_n to_o the_o church_n with_o a_o motion_n to_o the_o brethren_n to_o make_v inquiry_n after_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o they_o to_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o no_o exception_n be_v hear_v of_o they_o be_v call_v forth_o before_o the_o church_n after_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v perform_v and_o each_o one_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o penitent_a confession_n he_o declare_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sinful_a estate_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o declare_v not_o only_o his_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o desire_n of_o walk_v therein_o with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o that_o church_n now_o before_o or_o after_o such_o his_o profession_n or_o confession_n those_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v give_v some_o good_a testimony_n if_o need_v be_v of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n either_o according_a to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o according_a to_o the_o credible_a report_n or_o letter_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v concern_v he_o which_o do_v the_o rule_v elder_a or_o one_o of_o the_o preach_a elder_n propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o from_o all_o that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v they_o find_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o he_o if_o so_o it_o be_v clear_v and_o remove_v before_o any_o further_a proceed_n if_o no_o just_a exception_n appear_v the_o rule_v elder_a then_o move_v the_o church_n to_o express_v their_o acceptance_n of_o he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o do_v and_o the_o like_a course_n take_v with_o two_o or_o three_o more_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v the_o elder_a propound_v to_o they_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n what_o promise_v of_o grace_n he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o as_o also_o what_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n he_o do_v require_v of_o they_o as_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o their_o only_a priest_n and_o atonement_n their_o only_a prophet_n and_o guide_n their_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o brotherly_a love_n with_o the_o brethren_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n and_o succour_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o new_a receive_v member_n acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n do_v further_a acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o duty_n of_o holy_a watchfulness_n over_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shut_v up_o his_o work_n with_o some_o short_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o thousand_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v we_o all_o faithful_a to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o his_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n sect_n iii_o now_o what_o offence_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o or_o what_o scruple_n may_v arise_v in_o a_o godly_a mind_n against_o these_o thing_n two_o or_o three_o thing_n seem_v herein_o offensive_a but_o be_v not_o first_o that_o we_o require_v gracious_a qualification_n in_o such_o as_o we_o receive_v to_o church-fellowship_n whereas_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v of_o all_o sort_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o to_o be_v a_o garner_n contain_v chaff_n and_o wheat_n as_o a_o field_n wherein_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o second_o that_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n three_o that_o we_o communicate_v too_o much_o power_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o do_v not_o rather_o refer_v all_o power_n in_o this_o case_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o give_v therefore_o some_o account_n of_o these_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v for_o the_o first_o though_o we_o willing_o admit_v all_o comer_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n with_o we_o as_o the_o corinthian_n admit_v infidel_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o yet_o we_o receive_v none_o as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charitable_a christian_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n our_o reason_n be_v first_o from_o the_o near_a relation_n between_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o church_n as_o also_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.22_o to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o to_o be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o as_o dear_a child_n eph._n 4.1_o now_o how_o can_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n except_o the_o member_n in_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v as_o indeed_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n gal._n 1.2_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o external_a profession_n for_o these_o be_v too_o high_a style_n for_o hypocrite_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n second_o we_o read_v act._n 2.47_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o add_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o god_n add_v not_o such_o as_o have_v no_o show_n of_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o they_o to_o any_o spiritual_a discern_v aught_o not_o the_o lord_n steward_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o god_n house_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o as_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n go_v before_o they_o receive_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o refuse_v who_o he_o refuse_v cast_v out_o who_o he_o cast_v out_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n direct_v the_o roman_n to_o receive_v a_o
church_n to_o the_o which_o christ_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v a_o company_n of_o such_o as_o whereof_o peter_n be_v one_o believer_n profess_v that_o faith_n on_o christ_n whereon_o as_o on_o a_o rock_n the_o church_n be_v build_v mat._n 16.18_o 19_o and_o such_o as_o unto_o who_o peter_n or_o any_o brother_n offend_v may_v in_o due_a order_n tell_v the_o offence_n which_o any_o brother_n have_v give_v he_o &_o persist_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n sanctify_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v meet_v together_o every_o lord_n day_n in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o &_o 16.1.2_o which_o frequent_a meeting_n every_o lord_n day_n in_o one_o place_n to_o such_o end_n can_v possible_o be_v compatible_a to_o any_o diocesan_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n assembly_n propos_fw-fr 2._o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n to_o join_v themselves_o if_o god_n give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o such_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v in_o such_o church-fellowship_n act._n 2.42_o it_o be_v write_v the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o every_o christian_a stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o his_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o christ_n ordain_v they_o in_o vain_a and_o see_v withal_o christ_n have_v commit_v all_o his_o public_a holy_a ordinance_n to_o his_o church_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o who_o god_n give_v opportunity_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o any_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n propos_fw-fr 3._o for_o the_o join_n of_o faithful_a christian_n into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o estate_n of_o a_o church_n we_o find_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o enter_v all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o one_o man_n into_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o himself_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o impli_v their_o submit_v of_o themselves_o to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o their_o walk_n in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n their_o cleave_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o holy_a watchfulness_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o thus_o the_o lord_n accept_v and_o enter_v abraham_n family_n into_o church_n estate_n by_o receive_v they_o and_o their_o child_n into_o such_o a_o covenant_n with_o himself_o though_o in_o general_a term_n yet_o such_o as_o imply_v the_o substance_n both_o of_o christian_n and_o church_n duty_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o after_o that_o when_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n have_v violate_v this_o covenant_n in_o egypt_n the_o lord_n again_o make_v another_o covenant_n with_o they_o whereby_o he_o take_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o mount_n of_o sinai_n exod._n 19.1.5_o whence_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7.38_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o covenant_n god_n call_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o people_n as_o his_o own_o spouse_n i_o enter_v say_v he_o speak_v of_o that_o time_n into_o a_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o ezek._n 16.8_o moreover_o the_o next_o generation_n after_o they_o he_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n by_o enter_v they_o again_o into_o a_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n deut._n 29.10_o to_o 13._o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o former_a they_o be_v join_v not_o only_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o officer_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o deut._n 12.19_o but_o also_o to_o mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o levit._n 19.17_o deut._n 29.18_o in_o so_o much_o that_o through_o their_o neglect_n thereof_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o israel_n josh_n 7.11_o which_o kind_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n we_o find_v diverse_o translate_v in_o scripture_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o godly_a society_n or_o company_n to_o become_v a_o church_n unto_o god_n sometime_o god_n or_o his_o messenger_n in_o his_o stead_n propound_v and_o give_v a_o covenant_n unto_o a_o people_n and_o they_o accept_v it_o though_o not_o in_o express_a word_n yet_o by_o silent_a consent_n gen._n 17.7_o deut._n 29.10_o to_o the_o end_n of_o chap._n 30._o sometime_o the_o people_n declare_v their_o consent_n and_o restipulation_n by_o express_a word_n exod._n 19.8_o deut._n 5.27_o and_o josh_n 24.16_o 17_o 18.21_o 22_o 24_o 25._o sometime_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v neh._n 9.38_o in_o all_o which_o covenant_n sometime_o they_o make_v no_o express_a term_n of_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n but_o only_o in_o general_a term_n submit_v themselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o place_n allege_v sometime_o they_o express_o declare_v their_o steadfast_a cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n also_o and_o to_o their_o officer_n neh._n 10.28_o 29._o &_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n every_o one_o may_v have_v knowledge_n they_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n etc._n etc._n in_o some_o we_o account_v it_o all_o one_o and_o of_o like_a value_n when_o a_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v and_o give_v on_o god_n part_n to_o a_o people_n whether_o they_o receive_v it_o by_o silent_a consent_n or_o by_o express_a term_n either_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o writing_n and_o seal_n and_o whether_o their_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o officer_n and_o mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o be_v express_o mention_v or_o include_v only_o in_o their_o general_a profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o covenant_n for_o we_o see_v it_o evident_a by_o compare_v the_o former_a scripture_n that_o by_o any_o one_o of_o these_o way_n a_o people_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o each_o of_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o holy_a duty_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o colour_n to_o conceive_v this_o way_n of_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n by_o covenant_n to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o civil_a relation_n be_v found_v in_o covenant_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o natural_a relation_n between_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o violent_a relation_n between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n give_v whereby_o a_o people_n svi_fw-la juris_fw-la free_a from_o natural_a and_o compulsory_a engagement_n can_v be_v unite_v or_o combine_v together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n to_o stand_v by_o mutual_a relation_n fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o only_o by_o mutual_a covenant_n as_o appear_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n in_o the_o family_n magistrate_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n fellow_n citizen_n in_o the_o same_o city_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o a_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o ministry_n have_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v gather_v by_o they_o into_o a_o church_n estate_n what_o do_v the_o apostle_n else_o but_o combine_v they_o into_o one_o body_n as_o one_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o spouse_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o and_o how_o can_v that_o not_o universal_a but_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o one_o body_n not_o as_o many_o spouse_n as_o all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v by_o their_o conversion_n but_o as_o one_o spouse_n unto-christ_n but_o only_o by_o join_v all_o together_o in_o one_o covenant_n or_o espousage_n to_o
worship_v the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n propos_fw-fr 4._o we_o conceive_v it_o can_v seem_v unreasonable_a that_o in_o the_o same_o way_n by_o which_o particular_a godly_a person_n do_v enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o those_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appropriate_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o a_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n shall_v enter_v into_o church_n estate_n for_o in_o enter_v of_o they_o into_o church_n estate_n the_o lord_n call_v as_o well_o whole_a company_n as_o particular_a person_n to_o enjoy_v the_o like_a liberty_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o like_a liberty_n require_v preparation_n thereunto_o by_o the_o like_a duty_n in_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n such_o as_o be_v receive_v into_o baptism_n they_o do_v first_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therewith_o of_o their_o repentance_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n also_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o he_o matth._n 3.6_o act._n 19.4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip_n receive_v the_o eunuch_n unto_o baptism_n not_o until_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n acts._n 8.37_o but_o now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o all_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o our_o infancy_n and_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v infant_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o well_o order_v church_n till_o they_o have_v approve_v and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n public_o confirm_v that_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n profess_v and_o promise_v for_o they_o at_o their_o baptism_n it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a that_o such_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a christian_n have_v be_v baptize_v infant_n shall_v now_o make_v the_o like_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n estate_n which_o other_o make_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n before_o baptism_n and_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n be_v wont_v public_o to_o make_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o their_o admittance_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n beside_o when_o upon_o peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o upon_o that_o rock_n or_o foundation_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16.16.18_o do_v he_o not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o every_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v as_o on_o christ_n so_o on_o christ_n in_o this_o way_n to_o wit_n on_o christ_n believe_v on_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o faith_n public_o confess_v before_o god_n and_o man_n propos_fw-fr 5._o to_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o it_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o neighbour_a church_n and_o brethren_n be_v requisite_a to_o cry_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o for_o if_o david_n advertisement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o of_o important_a weight_n except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o psal_n 127.1_o how_o much_o more_o important_a be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o alone_o build_v his_o own_o jerusalem_n psal_n 147.2_o be_v seek_v unto_o with_o unfeigned_a humiliation_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o his_o presence_n with_o his_o people_n and_o acceptance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n paul_n think_v it_o requisite_a to_o communicate_v with_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o his_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o proceed_n partly_o to_o prevent_v suspicion_n of_o dissent_n between_o he_o and_o they_o lest_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a partly_o to_o hold_v forth_o mutual_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o give_v and_o take_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2.2.9_o how_o much_o more_o requisite_a will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o gather_v together_o scatter_v christian_n into_o a_o church_n estate_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n crave_v their_o presence_n and_o counsel_n and_o communion_n in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o see_v christian_n magistrate_n be_v also_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o church_n be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o be_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n isa_n 49.23_o it_o can_v but_o encourage_v they_o to_o take_v the_o more_o special_a notice_n and_o care_n of_o every_o church_n and_o to_o provide_v and_o assign_v convenient_a allotment_n of_o land_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o when_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n they_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n and_o proceed_n of_o such_o as_o gather_v into_o church-fellowship_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o government_n and_o yet_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n nor_o regulate_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v clear_o gather_v and_o right_o order_v though_o they_o want_v opportunity_n or_o omit_v to_o acquaint_v the_o magistrate_n with_o their_o proceed_n especial_o when_o magistrate_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n sect_n ii_o now_o then_o to_o apply_v all_o these_o proposition_n to_o our_o present_a order_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v when_o many_o christian_n be_v come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n they_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o some_o church_n or_o other_o according_a to_o the_o second_o proposition_n profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o come_n to_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o come_v together_o be_v so_o well_o know_v one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v company_n and_o yet_o so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v well_o join_v in_o any_o one_o church_n already_o establish_v without_o too_o much_o impeachment_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o livelihood_n the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o each_o church_n be_v prepossess_v by_o other_o before_o they_o they_o then_o take_v that_o course_n which_o other_o company_n take_v before_o they_o they_o consider_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n estate_n and_o fellowship_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o that_o end_n first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o inquire_v out_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o eminent_a gift_n usual_o such_o as_o have_v be_v preacher_n of_o good_a esteem_n in_o england_n who_o may_v guide_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o so_o great_a a_o action_n and_o if_o god_n see_v good_a may_v afterward_o be_v call_v to_o place_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o then_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n touch_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o this_o work_n they_o often_o meet_v together_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o perform_v some_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o spiritual_a conference_n together_o till_o a_o sufficient_a company_n of_o they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o the_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n of_o one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o one_o another_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o live_v stone_n fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a temple_n which_o be_v his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o first_o proposition_n now_o because_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n our_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v be_v carry_v not_o only_o with_o a_o pious_a desire_n to_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o with_o brotherly_a love_n to_o such_o as_o intend_v so_o good_a a_o work_n those_o christian_n therefore_o that_o desire_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n together_o do_v acquaint_v the_o governor_n and_o some_o of_o the_o near_a magistrate_n and_o those_o church_n which_o be_v next_o adjoin_v to_o they_o with_o their_o intention_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o crave_v the_o presence_n of_o some_o from_o among_o they_o at_o the_o day_n appoint_v some_o few_o week_n after_o to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o prayer_n and_o with_o their_o counsel_n if_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n as_o be_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n less_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n than_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n as_o also_o desire_v to_o approve_v themselves_o and_o their_o course_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v more_o free_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n
of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o receive_v they_o to_o all_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o the_o lord_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o agree_v with_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n so_o when_o the_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o church-gathering_a be_v come_v the_o person_n depute_v from_o the_o neighbour_a church_n be_v present_a who_o common_o be_v the_o teach_n and_o rule_v elder_n and_o as_o many_o also_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v with_o they_o at_o that_o time_n the_o whole_a day_n be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n especial_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o in_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v gather_v select_v some_o chief_a one_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o mouth_n for_o those_o service_n which_o do_v then_o on_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o they_o appoint_v and_o choose_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o address_v himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o the_o whole_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o four_o proposition_n this_o do_v with_o the_o silent_a approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n he_o propound_v the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n eph._n 2.12_o deny_v also_o any_o sufficiency_n in_o themselves_o to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v transgressor_n from_o their_o youth_n up_o they_o profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v their_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n withal_o they_o profess_v their_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v one_o to_o another_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a subjection_n according_a to_o god_n not_o forsake_v their_o assembly_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v and_o minister_a one_o to_o another_o as_o become_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v thus_o or_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n propound_v the_o covenant_n himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o church-estate_n they_o all_o declare_v their_o joint_a consent_n in_o this_o covenant_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o write_v then_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n find_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n accept_v they_o by_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v down_o among_o they_o in_o their_o performance_n of_o their_o holy_a duty_n they_o appoint_v some_o from_o among_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v to_o reach_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n testify_v their_o proceed_n to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o brotherly_a fellowship_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o in_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o all_o the_o church_n according_a to_o these_o beginning_n and_o so_o prayer_n be_v make_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_v and_o acceptance_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n as_o also_o for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o church_n both_o in_o this_o country_n and_o throughout_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o england_n a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n be_v sing_v quest_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o if_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o infidel_n answ_n 1._o if_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o infidel_n they_o be_v first_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o they_o may_v become_v believer_n and_o so_o fit_a material_n for_o church-fellowship_n before_o any_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v by_o they_o whereas_o these_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v person_n convert_v already_o if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o but_o be_v not_o all_o baptise_a person_n fit_a for_o church-fellowship_n as_o all_o circumcise_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o passeover_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o passeover_n whereto_o all_o jew_n be_v admit_v young_a and_o old_a unless_o defile_v with_o some_o pollution_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereto_o person_n of_o grown_a year_n and_o fit_a to_o examine_v themselves_o be_v invite_v and_o therefore_o neither_o child_n nor_o ignorant_a person_n nor_o profane_a nor_o scandalous_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o into_o church-fellowship_n if_o it_o again_o be_v object_v but_o be_v not_o all_o baptise_a person_n church-member_n already_o by_o their_o baptism_n answ_n no._n 1._o papist_n and_o other_o notorious_a heretic_n be_v baptise_a 2._o and_o many_o in_o other_o church_n have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n psal_n 50.16_o 3._o a_o church_n relapse_v with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o they_o can_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n in_o their_o church-fellowship_n be_v bind_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a enter_v into_o covenant_n the_o same_o which_o in_o effect_n be_v do_v with_o we_o 4._o though_o godly_a man_n baptise_a member_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n be_v to_o be_v account_v church-member_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v their_o habitation_n and_o election_n to_o that_o church_n yet_o several_a baptise_a person_n break_v off_o from_o their_o several_a church_n to_o which_o sometime_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o now_o meet_v accidental_o in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o therefore_o one_o church_n anew_o among_o themselves_o unless_o they_o will_v imagine_v that_o chimaera_n of_o a_o universal_a visible_a church_n chap._n ii_o touch_v church-officer_n with_o their_o election_n and_o ordination_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o gather_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v our_o next_o care_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o all_o those_o officer_n and_o member_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n until_o his_o second_o come_v for_o they_o be_v all_o give_v for_o the_o edify_a and_o perfect_v of_o his_o body_n until_o we_o all_o grow_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o writing_n to_o be_v master-builder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o their_o foundation_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o foundation_n which_o they_o by_o their_o writing_n have_v lay_v eph._n 2.20_o but_o in_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o same_o eminent_a calling_n they_o continue_v not_o whence_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o barnabas_n as_o the_o last_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4.9_o and_o when_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o be_v plant_v it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v plant_v by_o new_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o former_a twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 21.19_o to_o wit_n by_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n still_o leave_v behind_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v either_o elder_n who_o the_o apostle_n call_v also_o bishop_n tit._n 1.5.7_o act._n 20.17.28_o or_o deacon_n of_o elder_n he_o make_v two_o sort_n one_o sort_n he_o call_v they_o that_o rule_n the_o other_o they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n whether_o of_o exhortation_n as_o the_o pastor_n or_o of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o teacher_n 2_o tim._n 5.17_o for_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a preach_a elder_n the_o apostle_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o and_o such_o several_a kind_n of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o one_o in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n by_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n of_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n express_o hold_v forth_o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o he_o that_o teach_v say_v he_o let_v he_o wait_v on_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n which_o argue_v a_o difference_n of_o their_o function_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o proper_a or_o especial_a action_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o
presbytery_n of_o any_o one_o church_n yet_o that_o only_o reach_v to_o make_v their_o counsel_n the_o more_o weighty_a and_o acceptable_a but_o not_o to_o invest_v they_o with_o more_o rule_n or_o more_o authority_n three_o if_o a_o church_n shall_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o another_o church_n for_o ordination_n of_o their_o elder_n they_o may_v as_o well_o repair_v and_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o censure_v of_o their_o offender_n and_o will_v not_o that_o be_v a_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o church-government_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o if_o a_o brother_n see_v his_o brother_n fall_v into_o a_o scandal_n and_o after_o deal_v with_o he_o first_o himself_o alone_a and_o then_o with_o the_o conviction_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n find_v he_o to_o give_v no_o satisfaction_n at_o all_o whither_o shall_v the_o offend_a brother_n repair_v if_o to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o brother_n offend_v be_v a_o member_n that_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o or_o what_o ground_n of_o repair_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n by_o what_o authority_n shall_v they_o proceed_v to_o censure_v the_o offender_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n indeed_o if_o a_o brother_n offend_v shall_v complain_v to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o offend_a brother_n be_v a_o member_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n through_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n or_o other_o remissness_n it_o may_v then_o be_v lawful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o brotherly_a love_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n which_o one_o church_n owe_v and_o bear_v to_o another_o the_o brother_n offend_v and_o not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o proceed_n of_o his_o own_o church_n against_o the_o offence_n may_v then_o repair_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n and_o crave_v their_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v upon_o good_a inquiry_n the_o proceed_n of_o their_o sister-church_n they_o may_v admonish_v the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n touch_v what_o they_o judge_v amiss_o but_o if_o the_o elder_n harken_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o elder_n who_o admonish_v they_o be_v unsatisfied_a may_v acquaint_v their_o own_o church_n with_o the_o offence_n of_o their_o neighbour_n church_n and_o then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n they_o may_v admonish_v they_o thereof_o by_o letter_n and_o messenger_n send_v to_o they_o to_o that_o purpose_n if_o yet_o the_o church_n admonish_v harken_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o church_n offend_v may_n and_o aught_o to_o acquaint_v their_o neighbour_n church_n therewithal_o who_o may_v join_v with_o they_o either_o in_o convince_a the_o offend_a church_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o prevail_v with_o they_o unto_o reformation_n or_o else_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o obstinacy_n they_o may_v from_o thenceforth_o withdraw_v all_o continuance_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o transgression_n which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o church_n may_v go_v in_o a_o churchway_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n of_o a_o neighbour-church_n in_o any_o offence_n and_o so_o far_o they_o may_v go_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o rule_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o look_v what_o rule_n a_o brother_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o seek_v to_o heal_v the_o offence_n of_o a_o brother_n the_o same_o rule_n may_v and_o aught_o a_o sister-church_n to_o attend_v unto_o in_o seek_v to_o heal_v a_o offend_a sister-church_n and_o look_v as_o paul_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o equal_a power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o peter_z reprove_v peter_n open_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v gal._n 2.11_o so_o one_o church_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o equal_a power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o another_o may_v reprove_v another_o church_n open_o when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o look_v by_o what_o power_n they_o may_v reprove_v they_o by_o the_o same_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o they_o harken_v not_o to_o their_o reproof_n according_a to_o god_n but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o brother_n offend_v to_o complain_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o another_o church_n till_o he_o see_v no_o hope_n of_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n by_o his_o own_o church_n at_o home_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n to_o the_o church_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o such_o officer_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v look_v as_o in_o the_o first_o primitive_a church_n the_o lord_n add_v to_o they_o daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 2.47_o so_o do_v we_o admit_v and_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o he_o send_v and_o add_v to_o we_o the_o first_o and_o low_a number_n of_o a_o church_n to_o which_o the_o other_o member_n be_v add_v be_v not_o express_o limit_v in_o the_o word_n only_o it_o be_v not_o so_o low_a as_o some_o have_v conceive_v to_o consist_v only_o of_o two_o or_o three_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n mat._n 18.20_o where_o a_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n be_v make_v to_o two_o or_o three_o to_o conceive_v it_o make_v to_o the_o low_a number_n of_o a_o church-body_n for_o those_o two_o or_o three_o be_v not_o consider_v there_o as_o a_o church-body_n but_o as_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o witness_n to_o join_v with_o a_o brother_n offend_v in_o convince_a and_o admonish_v the_o brother_n that_o give_v the_o offence_n against_o who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o they_o they_o be_v then_o further_o to_o proceed_v and_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o a_o small_a company_n agree_v in_o a_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n either_o to_o heal_v a_o offend_a brother_n by_o their_o own_o admonition_n or_o to_o witness_v against_o he_o before_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o special_a promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o duty_n lest_o they_o may_v think_v such_o a_o labour_n of_o love_n undertake_v in_o vain_a but_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o see_v these_o two_o or_o three_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o person_n and_o the_o cause_n to_o a_o great_a body_n than_o themselves_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o domestical_a church_n in_o adam_n and_o eve_n at_o the_o beginning_n yet_o such_o a_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o a_o great_a number_n the_o very_a officer_n of_o a_o church_n complete_o furnish_v be_v no_o less_o than_o four_o a_o pastor_n a_o teacher_n a_o elder_a a_o deacon_n and_o therefore_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n have_v need_v to_o be_v of_o a_o great_a number_n than_o so_o and_o though_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n may_v consist_v without_o the_o integrity_n of_o all_o his_o member_n as_o a_o lame_a man_n that_o want_v some_o of_o his_o member_n may_v have_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o under_o seven_o a_o church_n can_v hardly_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o member_n as_o do_v perform_v any_o part_n of_o a_o church-body_n to_o such_o a_o body_n how_o many_o member_n may_v be_v add_v be_v not_o limit_v express_o in_o the_o word_n only_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o all_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n that_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v for_o as_o have_v be_v note_v above_o the_o apostle_n so_o describe_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o meeting_n in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o but_o if_o all_o can_v hear_v all_o can_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o when_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o shall_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o 1_o cor._n 11.33_o which_o argue_v the_o church_n endue_v with_o only_a ordinary_a officer_n shall_v consist_v of_o no_o great_a number_n than_o that_o all_o may_v partake_v together_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o one_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o such_o parish_n as_o consist_v of_o 15000._o though_o they_o be_v all_o fit_a material_n for_o church-fellowship_n yet_o aught_o to_o be_v divide_v into_o many_o church_n as_o too_o large_a for_o one_o when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a bee_n swarm_v into_o a_o new_a hive_n so_o shall_v such_o excessive_a number_n of_o christian_n issue_n forth_o into_o more_o church_n whence_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o error_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o limitation_n or_o distinction_n of_o parish_n mean_v of_o church_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la for_o though_o
to_o one_o another_o set-forme_n of_o prayer_n why_o not_o set-forme_n of_o homily_n and_o then_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o successor_n need_v to_o have_v leave_v off_o their_o employment_n in_o minister_a to_o table_n to_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act_n 6.4_o for_o both_o be_v prepare_v to_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o prescription_n of_o other_o whence_o also_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o minister_n shall_v little_o need_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n to_o that_o end_n but_o may_v edify_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o yea_o minister_n though_o destitute_a of_o ministerial_a gift_n may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o public_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o man_n gift_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o so_o indeed_o a_o prescript_n liturgy_n be_v proper_o a_o maintenance_n to_o all_o idol_n dumb_a minister_n and_o in_o this_o forbearance_n of_o prescript_n prayer_n as_o we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n so_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o pattern_n in_o this_o case_n of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o second_o apology_n for_o christian_n a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n send_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n without_o mention_v any_o prescript_n form_n according_a to_o his_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n leave_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o and_o tertullian_n about_o 203._o year_n after_o christ_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o christian_n say_v they_o pray_v sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la pectore_fw-la without_o a_o prompter_n because_o they_o pray_v from_o their_o heart_n tertull._n apolog._n 30._o that_o be_v as_o zeph._n on_o the_o place_n expound_v it_o they_o pray_v not_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o wit_n in_o any_o form_n of_o word_n prescribe_v by_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o in_o those_o bloody_a time_n of_o persecution_n the_o church_n have_v any_o set-forme_n of_o liturgy_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v enjoin_v a_o form_n of_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o their_o emperor_n it_o have_v be_v a_o unskilful_a and_o sinful_a neglect_n both_o in_o justin_n and_o tertullian_n to_o omit_v such_o public_a evidence_n of_o their_o profess_a loyalty_n and_o devotion_n to_o the_o state_n sect_n v._o object_n the_o second_o thing_n in_o our_o administration_n of_o public_a ordinance_n whereof_o many_o require_v account_n of_o we_o be_v why_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n as_o we_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n answ_n let_v it_o first_o be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o then_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n we_o do_v it_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n unless_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v or_o at_o least_o unless_o those_o church_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o their_o desire_n that_o their_o member_n come_v occasional_o among_o we_o may_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o our_o own_o by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o either_o the_o person_n themselves_o or_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v lie_v under_o any_o offence_n before_o the_o church_n now_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o thus_o walk_v be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o power_n requisite_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n to_o administer_v a_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v dispense_v to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o a_o act_n of_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o by_o they_o to_o be_v dispense_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n they_o then_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o they_o we_o may_v not_o dispense_v a_o act_n of_o power_n but_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n we_o have_v no_o ministerial_a power_n over_o they_o and_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o other_o church_n not_o of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o further_o than_o they_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o from_o their_o own_o church_n either_o by_o letter_n or_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o country_n who_o we_o do_v admit_v to_o communion_n with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o now_o for_o our_o brethren_n who_o come_v out_o of_o england_n many_o of_o they_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o those_o who_o be_v well_o know_v and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o well_o approve_v yet_o they_o bring_v no_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n to_o we_o from_o those_o church_n who_o have_v interest_n in_o they_o and_o power_n over_o they_o and_o beside_o we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o any_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n when_o once_o they_o remove_v their_o dwell_n out_o of_o that_o parish_n they_o be_v account_v as_o no_o long_a member_n of_o that_o church_n so_o that_o they_o come_v over_o to_o we_o as_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n at_o all_o either_o in_o old_a england_n or_o in_o new_a and_o so_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o no_o church_n either_o there_o or_o here_o how_o then_o can_v we_o dispense_v a_o act_n of_o power_n to_o they_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o either_o commend_v to_o we_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v will_v it_o be_v think_v reasonable_a in_o case_n that_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n come_v over_o to_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o drunkenness_n or_o whoredom_n or_o other_o scandalous_a crime_n if_o the_o church_n where_o he_o sojourn_v among_o shall_v proceed_v to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o a_o act_n coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la may_v he_o not_o demand_v just_o by_o what_o authority_n we_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o enter_v into_o our_o communion_n this_o may_v therefore_o yield_v we_o a_o just_a defence_n they_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v in_o any_o case_n by_o excommunication_n to_o they_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o dispense_v the_o communion_n but_o so_o it_o be_v we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v any_o of_o our_o congregation_n though_o never_o so_o scandalous_a by_o excommunicate_v unless_o they_o first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o our_o fellowship_n therefore_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n till_o then_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o our_o communion_n 2._o a_o second_o ground_n of_o their_o practice_n we_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o though_o they_o be_v seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o yet_o not_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v confederate_a and_o join_v together_o in_o some_o particular_a visible_a church_n none_o may_v ordinary_o dispense_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n nor_o may_v he_o dispense_v it_o to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n none_o be_v partaker_n either_o of_o the_o passeover_n or_o of_o circumcision_n unless_o they_o be_v either_o israelite_n bear_v or_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n job_n and_o his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n with_o they_o though_o all_o of_o they_o righteous_a by_o faith_n and_o all_o of_o the_o stock_n and_o kindred_n of_o abraham_n yet_o we_o read_v of_o none_o of_o they_o to_o be_v circumcise_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a they_o be_v for_o have_v they_o be_v circumcise_a they_o will_v not_o have_v keep_v so_o deep_a silence_n of_o it_o throughout_o all_o their_o conference_n with_o job_n as_o they_o do_v especial_o have_v so_o often_o occasion_n to_o urge_v the_o pollution_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o birth_n whereof_o circumcision_n have_v be_v a_o most_o pertinent_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o same_o and_o wherefore_o be_v they_o not_o all_o circumcise_a be_v all_o of_o they_o righteous_a by_o faith_n but_o only_o because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o
who_o only_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v grant_v object_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_v among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n may_v come_v and_o keep_v the_o passeover_n among_o they_o but_o we_o here_o withhold_v the_o lord_n supper_n from_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v answ_n our_o answer_n be_v they_o that_o be_v circumcise_v among_o the_o israelite_n may_v right_o keep_v the_o passeover_n among_o they_o because_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o israel_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o one_o synagogue_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v minister_n in_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n in_o proportion_n whereunto_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n require_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o impediment_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o unfitnesse_n to_o examine_v themselves_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n requisite_a to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o passeover_n but_o now_o because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o another_o constitution_n none_o of_o they_o national_a as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v but_o all_o of_o they_o congregationall_a baptism_n in_o one_o church_n do_v not_o give_v a_o man_n right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o unless_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o all_o as_o in_o israel_n they_o be_v or_o unless_o that_o one_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o do_v recommend_v their_o right_n and_o power_n to_o another_o 3._o a_o three_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n which_o we_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o partake_v together_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n so_o we_o deal_v with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o so_o we_o deal_v with_o the_o member_n of_o neighbour_n church_n in_o this_o country_n none_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o while_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o public_a scandal_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n direction_n that_o if_o a_o man_n bring_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o his_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o he_o he_o shall_v there_o leave_v his_o gift_n and_o go_v first_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v his_o gift_n mat._n 5.23_o 24._o if_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o a_o man_n own_o private_a direction_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o rule_n also_o for_o a_o whole_a church_n to_o direct_v a_o offend_a brother_n to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o case_n of_o a_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v therefore_o direct_v both_o the_o brethren_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o of_o any_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n that_o if_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o shall_v first_o remove_v such_o public_a offence_n as_o either_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v lie_n under_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o ☜_o ☜_o that_o according_a to_o the_o figure_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o passeover_n no_o leaven_n must_v be_v find_v among_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n together_o now_o though_o we_o rather_o choose_v to_o cover_v in_o silence_n and_o to_o mourn_v in_o secret_a for_o any_o corruption_n find_v in_o other_o church_n especial_o in_o these_o so_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o they_o and_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o our_o own_o due_a proceed_n here_o constrain_v we_o to_o confess_v sundry_a public_a offence_n under_o which_o our_o english_a parish_n church_n lie_v and_o wherein_o our_o self_n also_o be_v defile_v while_o we_o live_v in_o they_o and_o our_o countryman_n be_v defile_v that_o come_v over_o to_o we_o from_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o come_v over_o not_o as_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o they_o leave_v that_o relation_n where_o they_o leave_v their_o habitation_n but_o of_o a_o nationall_n church_n whereof_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o no_o pattern_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o national_a church_n nor_o any_o national_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o some_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n upon_o some_o covenant_n or_o stipulation_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o of_o some_o in_o their_o stead_n who_o they_o call_v godfather_n which_o also_o be_v without_o warrant_n yet_o general_o they_o have_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o any_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n or_o repentance_n or_o promise_v of_o performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n make_v for_o they_o which_o be_v a_o offence_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o own_o church_n express_v in_o the_o rubric_n before_o the_o common_a catechism_n but_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v none_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o such_o as_o profess_v their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o in_o their_o parish_n communion_n which_o not_o communion_n of_o spirit_n but_o co-habitation_n beget_v they_o partake_v with_o all_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n not_o exclude_v drunkard_n whoremonger_n profane_a swearer_n covetous_a worldling_n atheist_n papist_n and_o the_o like_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o not_o a_o little_a leaven_n but_o a_o great_a mass_n of_o leaven_n have_v deep_o leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o have_v worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n both_o in_o prescript_n form_n of_o liturgy_n and_o litany_n and_o in_o such_o ceremony_n as_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v public_o enjoin_v as_o neither_o dark_a nor_o dull_a but_o apt_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o dull_a mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n by_o some_o notable_a and_o special_a signification_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o have_v yield_v voluntary_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o appoint_v in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v approve_v the_o same_o whether_o by_o subscription_n or_o by_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n or_o by_o conformity_n to_o their_o usurpation_n and_o injunction_n these_o or_o such_o like_a public_a offence_n as_o we_o have_v bewail_v in_o ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o they_o so_o we_o have_v think_v it_o needful_a that_o our_o brethren_n also_o who_o come_v over_o to_o we_o shall_v profess_v their_o repentance_n of_o the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o a_o positive_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o contrary_a sincere_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n with_o we_o sect_n vi_o if_o these_o ground_n may_v suffice_v to_o justify_v our_o non-admittance_n of_o all_o the_o countryman_n promiscuous_o that_o come_v over_o to_o we_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o further_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o also_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o may_v suffice_v to_o justify_v our_o non-admittance_n of_o their_o infant_n unto_o baptism_n infant_n can_v claim_v right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o right_n of_o one_o of_o their_o parent_n or_o both_o where_o neither_o of_o the_o parent_n can_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o their_o infant_n can_v claim_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o they_o can_v claim_v right_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o have_v not_o lawful_a liberty_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o parent_n or_o to_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o either_o for_o our_o want_n of_o due_a power_n over_o they_o or_o through_o their_o want_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o
and_o then_o if_o god_n mercy_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n may_v fetch_v in_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n the_o same_o promise_n may_v fetch_v in_o all_o turk_n and_o infidel_n at_o this_o day_n we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o improve_v the_o large_a extension_n of_o god_n mercy_n so_o far_o as_o to_o give_v a_o thousand_o generation_n right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n thereunto_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o take_v to_o be_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o rich_a mercy_n may_v and_o do_v extend_v thought_n of_o redeem_v and_o convert_v grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o thousand_o generation_n but_o he_o never_o allow_v his_o church_n any_o warrant_n to_o receive_v into_o their_o covenant_n and_o communion_n the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n who_o live_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o much_o less_o a_o thousand_o generation_n nay_o rather_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o child_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o next_o immediate_a parent_n or_o of_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o wit_n such_o faith_n as_o denominate_v they_o christian-beleever_n in_o opposition_n to_o pagan_a infidel_n and_o that_o holiness_n of_o the_o child_n to_o such_o parent_n be_v call_v federall_n which_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o object_n last_o it_o be_v object_v that_o child_n bear_v in_o fornication_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n and_o why_o not_o then_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a parent_n the_o wickedness_n of_o parent_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v the_o child_n in_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o their_o salvation_n answ_n the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o parent_n do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o election_n or_o redemption_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o child_n jephta_n a_o bastard_n be_v yet_o reckon_v up_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o believer_n heb._n 11.32_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o bastard_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o ten_o generation_n deut._n 23.2_o and_o that_o can_v not_o but_o prejudice_v all_o the_o base-born_a child_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o though_o god_n show_v great_a grace_n to_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o great_a grace_n can_v by_o proportion_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v expect_v for_o they_o from_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o parent_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o unto_o baptism_n either_o when_o their_o parent_n repent_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o better_a profession_n of_o better_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n it_o be_v general_o know_v that_o our_o best_a divine_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o baptism_n of_o bastard_n sine_fw-la sponsoribus_fw-la but_o whether_o they_o consider_v sponsores_fw-la as_o witness_n as_o some_o do_v who_o fetch_v allowance_n of_o witness_n from_o isa_n 8.2_o 3_o 4._o or_o whether_o they_o consider_v they_o as_o surety_n the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v no_o warrant_n for_o either_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n give_v no_o foothold_a for_o witness_n in_o baptism_n the_o prophet_n call_v not_o vriah_n for_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n but_o of_o the_o conception_n of_o a_o man-child_n yet_o unbegotten_a and_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o such_o event_n as_o be_v to_o fall_v out_o during_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o child_n nor_o be_v it_o meet_v the_o prophet_n shall_v honour_v so_o wicked_a a_o timeserver_n as_o vriah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n though_o the_o more_o profane_a and_o idolatrous_a he_o be_v the_o more_o fit_a and_o faithful_a a_o witness_n of_o a_o miraculous_a prediction_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o incredulous_a king_n and_o people_n and_o as_o for_o surety_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o intayled_a to_o surety_n to_o such_o as_o for_o who_o they_o undertake_v but_o to_o faithful_a parent_n pertain_v to_o the_o family_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o their_o seed_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o large_a promise_n to_o abraham_n stretch_v the_o covenant_n to_o his_o seed_n not_o only_o to_o the_o child_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o to_o his_o proselyte_n servant_n but_o also_o to_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o buy_v with_o money_n gen._n 17.12_o 13._o which_o happy_o may_v grant_v so_o much_o liberty_n to_o a_o christian_a sponsor_n that_o if_o a_o stranger_n or_o wicked_a man_n shall_v give_v he_o his_o child_n from_o his_o infancy_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o his_o own_o it_o may_v be_v baptize_v as_o his_o own_o but_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o liberty_n in_o this_o case_n and_o very_o doubtful_a it_o be_v whether_o the_o promise_n pertain_v only_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n either_o stranger_n or_o bear_v in_o the_o house_n but_o we_o know_v not_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o to_o allow_v a_o faithful_a man_n liberty_n to_o entitle_v another_o man_n child_n to_o baptism_n only_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o promise_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o education_n unless_o the_o child_n be_v either_o bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o resign_v to_o he_o to_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o his_o own_o chap._n v._o touch_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n sect_n i._o we_o proceed_v not_o to_o censure_n but_o in_o case_n of_o know_a offence_n and_o such_o offence_n as_o can_v be_v heal_v without_o censure_n two_o sort_n of_o offence_n there_o be_v some_o private_a between_o brother_n and_o brother_n some_o public_a and_o notorious_a be_v know_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o many_o and_o of_o they_o some_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o heinous_a some_o less_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v private_a between_o brother_n and_o brother_n the_o brother_n offend_v be_v to_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o that_o be_v first_o to_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v convince_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o admonish_v he_o of_o it_o private_o so_o that_o the_o plaster_n may_v be_v no_o broad_a than_o the_o sore_a private_a admonition_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o a_o private_a fault_n and_o express_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o the_o brother_n who_o in_o so_o do_v both_o heal_v and_o cover_v the_o offence_n at_o once_o if_o the_o offender_n take_v the_o admonition_n in_o good_a part_n as_o take_v part_n with_o the_o admonition_n against_o his_o own_o sin_n the_o brother_n have_v win_v and_o gain_v he_o both_o to_o god_n and_o himself_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n to_o himself_o by_o this_o experiment_n of_o his_o brotherly_a love_n but_o if_o the_o offender_n hear_v not_o his_o brother_n but_o take_v part_n with_o his_o sin_n against_o the_o admonition_n he_o than_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o he_o such_o as_o in_o wisdom_n he_o think_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o prevail_v with_o he_o that_o so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o his_o word_n of_o admonition_n may_v be_v establish_v or_o if_o the_o offender_n hear_v they_o not_o his_o word_n of_o accusation_n to_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o they_o come_v to_o the_o offender_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o they_o understand_v be_v commit_v by_o he_o they_o first_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o in_o this_o duty_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n mat._n 18.19_o 20._o where_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v be_v present_a with_o any_o two_o or_o three_o that_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n to_o ask_v of_o he_o for_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o chief_o upon_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o brother_n offend_v lay_v open_a the_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o declare_v how_o ill_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o love_n be_v accept_v before_o and_o desire_v their_o help_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o offender_n if_o they_o can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o offence_n and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o offender_n be_v heal_v thanks_o be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o
as_o cyprian_n say_v lib._n 1._o ep._n 4._o maximè_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la then_o as_o he_o say_v there_o also_o potestatem_fw-la etiam_fw-la babet_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la &_o abdicandi_fw-la on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o elder_n have_v rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o do_v express_v it_o in_o sundry_a act_n of_o authority_n as_o 1._o in_o call_v the_o church_n together_o upon_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n act_v 6.2_o 2._o in_o open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o assembly_n act_v 13.15_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o the_o elder_n themselves_o lie_v under_o offence_n or_o suspicion_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v begin_v with_o they_o act_v 11.2_o yet_o with_o due_a reverence_n observe_v as_o to_o their_o year_n so_o to_o their_o place_n 1_o tim._n 5.1_o 3._o in_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v to_o charge_v command_n to_o reprove_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n 1_o tim._n 5.7_o &_o 6.17_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o tit._n 2.15_o 4._o in_o dispense_n all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o though_o they_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o dispense_n a_o censure_n yet_o they_o set_v it_o on_o with_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o it_o be_v no_o small_a power_n they_o put_v forth_o in_o direct_v the_o church_n what_o censure_n be_v due_a according_a to_o the_o word_n as_o in_o our_o native_a country_n though_o the_o judge_n dispense_v no_o sentence_n but_o according_a to_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o jury_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v great_a both_o in_o direct_v the_o jury_n to_o give_v in_o their_o verdict_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o in_o pronounce_v sentence_n with_o power_n and_o terror_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o their_o verdict_n the_o like_a do_v the_o elder_n in_o dispense_n church-censure_n 5._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n and_o that_o with_o a_o blessing_n numb_a 6.23_o to_o 26._o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o superiority_n heb._n 7.7_o 6._o in_o case_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o other_o notorious_a scandal_n commit_v by_o they_o and_o their_o obstinacy_n therein_o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o upon_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o israelite_n moses_n take_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pitch_v it_o without_o the_o camp_n exod._n 33.7_o and_o paul_n with_o barnabas_n reject_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o blaspemy_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n act._n 13.45_o 46._o chapter_n vi._n sect_n i._o we_o come_v now_o to_o that_o last_o part_n of_o our_o order_n which_o stand_v in_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n among_o ourselves_o though_o one_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n either_o of_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o another_o for_o we_o know_v of_o none_o such_o give_v we_o by_o christ_n yet_o we_o maintain_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v also_o help_v forward_o our_o mutual_a communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v account_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n thereof_o seven_o way_n there_o be_v wherein_o we_o exercise_v holy_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o which_o for_o distinction_n and_o memory_n sake_n we_o may_v sum_n up_o in_o so_o many_o short_a name_n first_o by_o way_n of_o participation_n second_o of_o recommendation_n three_o of_o consultation_n fourthly_a of_o congregation_n five_o of_o contribution_n sixthly_a of_o admonition_n seventh_o of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n 1._o for_o participation_n we_o have_v occasional_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o church_n that_o when_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n be_v occasion_v to_o rest_n with_o we_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o the_o supper_n come_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o neither_o the_o person_n themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n they_o come_v from_o lie_v under_o any_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v admit_v they_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o for_o we_o look_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o only_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o also_o of_o our_o communion_n with_o his_o member_n and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n but_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n sect_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n we_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o in_o this_o wise_a when_o any_o of_o our_o member_n by_o occasion_n of_o business_n be_v call_v to_o reside_v and_o continue_v for_o any_o time_n in_o another_o town_n we_o give_v he_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n giving_z testimony_n of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o brother_n approve_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o become_v saint_n unto_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o he_o in_o brotherly_a love_n to_o his_o build_n up_o in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o pattern_n whereof_o we_o take_v from_o paul_n recommendation_n of_o phebe_n a_o deaconesse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rom._n 16.1_o 2._o of_o which_o letter_n he_o make_v mention_n also_o to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o not_o as_o needful_a for_o himself_o but_o for_o other_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o but_o if_o a_o brother_n have_v necessary_a occasion_n to_o remove_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n for_o all_o together_o unto_o another_o church_n and_o there_o to_o take_v up_o his_o settle_a habitation_n for_o the_o necessary_a employment_n of_o his_o call_n or_o for_o other_o just_a end_n he_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o his_o intimate_a friend_n and_o brethren_n and_o it_o may_v be_v if_o conveniency_n permit_v the_o whole_a church_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n which_o if_o they_o do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o weighty_a they_o then_o write_v more_o ample_a letter_n of_o recommendation_n unto_o that_o church_n in_o his_o behalf_n wherein_o they_o do_v recommend_v he_o whole_o to_o their_o charge_n now_o not_o as_o one_o of_o themselves_o but_o as_o one_o of_o they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v resign_v he_o and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n belove_v in_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o those_o christian_a liberty_n and_o holy_a duty_n wherein_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o member_n unto_o all_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o letter_n because_o they_o do_v so_o full_o recommend_v a_o brother_n unto_o another_o church_n be_v to_o dismiss_v he_o from_o his_o own_o we_o therefore_o for_o distinction_n sake_n call_v they_o letter_n of_o dismission_n which_o indeed_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o but_o that_o the_o former_a recommend_v he_o to_o another_o church_n for_o a_o time_n these_o for_o ever_o the_o brother_n thus_o dismiss_v to_o another_o church_n bring_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o elder_a of_o that_o church_n who_o read_v they_o before_o the_o church_n demand_v the_o church_n consent_n for_o his_o acceptance_n if_o he_o be_v well_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o they_o express_v their_o consent_n either_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n but_o if_o the_o man_n be_v whole_o unknown_a and_o doubt_v of_o by_o they_o though_o they_o reserve_v due_a honour_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o send_v they_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o church_n may_v err_v sometime_o as_o well_o in_o judgement_n of_o person_n as_o of_o doctrine_n hanc_fw-la veniam_fw-la perimusque_fw-la damusque_fw-la vicissim_fw-la we_o take_v liberty_n to_o take_v some_o trial_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o gift_n and_o then_o either_o upon_o his_o just_a approbation_n of_o he_o we_o receive_v he_o or_o if_o we_o see_v just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n in_o he_o we_o return_v he_o with_o the_o cause_n back_o again_o to_o his_o own_o church_n who_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o her_o own_o fellowship_n and_o take_v care_n for_o his_o heal_n for_o we_o look_v at_o our_o church-covenant_n as_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n jer._n 50.51_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o may_v be_v translate_v or_o resign_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o as_o god_n hand_n shall_v direct_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o violate_v by_o we_o but_o only_o by_o the_o member_n cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o such_o
demerit_n as_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n but_o if_o a_o member_n be_v importunate_o desirous_a to_o remove_v whole_o from_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v unto_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n favour_n of_o nothing_o but_o levity_n or_o covetousness_n or_o schism_n or_o the_o like_a according_a to_o their_o covenant_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o brethren_n of_o his_o own_o church_n labour_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sinful_a weakness_n herein_o to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o purpose_n to_o which_o counsel_n god_n usual_o tow_v his_o heart_n to_o stoop_v and_o submit_v but_o if_o after_o all_o their_o dissuasion_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o bent_n of_o his_o spirit_n unremovable_o set_v upon_o removal_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o his_o sin_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o his_o danger_n imminent_a they_o use_v indulgence_n towards_o he_o as_o not_o willing_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o prison_n to_o any_o man_n but_o when_o man_n thus_o depart_v god_n usual_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o bitter_a curse_n either_o take_v away_o their_o life_n from_o they_o or_o blast_v they_o with_o poverty_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o scandal_n where_o they_o come_v or_o in_o entertain_v they_o with_o such_o restless_a agitation_n that_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o repent_v of_o their_o former_a rashness_n and_o many_o time_n to_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v break_v away_o sect_n iii_o our_o three_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o consultation_n whereof_o we_o have_v give_v some_o touch_n before_o as_o 1._o in_o time_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n the_o brethren_n who_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n do_v give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o presence_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o of_o such_o other_o brethren_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v meet_a to_o send_v to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o competent_a gift_n of_o such_o member_n as_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o further_o to_o give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o order_n of_o that_o day_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o 2._o in_o the_o choice_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n one_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o send_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n about_o they_o for_o such_o elder_n and_o brethren_n as_o may_v give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v as_o have_v be_v former_o deliver_v 3._o in_o case_n of_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-censure_n and_o the_o like_a to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o partiality_n or_o prejudice_n the_o church_n be_v sometime_o occasion_v to_o send_v to_o the_o neighbour-churche_n one_o or_o more_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n depend_v among_o they_o who_o give_v advice_n according_a to_o the_o word_n do_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n heal_v jealousy_n and_o compose_v difference_n and_o settle_v peace_n and_o love_n among_o they_o and_o this_o also_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o 4._o in_o doubtful_a case_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n where_o yet_o no_o difference_n have_v rise_v but_o all_o or_o most_o be_v uncertain_a what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o whether_o a_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v by_o right_a of_o his_o grandfather_n covenant_n or_o the_o like_a the_o church_n do_v sometime_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n who_o deliberate_a by_o consider_v and_o argue_v the_o matter_n and_o agree_v upon_o what_o they_o conceive_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n each_o church_n send_v their_o judgement_n and_o their_o reason_n either_o by_o elder_n or_o by_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n that_o send_v to_o they_o sect_n iv_o a_o four_o way_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o congregation_n or_o gather_v together_o many_o church_n or_o the_o messenger_n of_o many_o church_n to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v either_o some_o corrupt_a opinion_n or_o suspicious_a practice_n which_o be_v scatter_v and_o find_v in_o many_o church_n at_o once_o can_v well_o be_v heal_v in_o any_o one_o alone_a in_o which_o case_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n desirous_a to_o maintain_v verity_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n do_v both_o acquaint_v our_o magistrate_n be_v nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o end_n of_o a_o general_a and_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o do_v also_o solicit_v the_o church_n to_o send_v some_o fit_a person_n at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o such_o a_o church_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v most_o seasonable_o hold_v to_o consider_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o agitation_n the_o assembly_n be_v meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o presence_n call_v for_o by_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v be_v propound_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o we_o meet_v or_o by_o some_o other_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v propound_v the_o elder_n do_v declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o point_n in_o order_n one_o after_o another_o together_o with_o their_o reason_n from_o the_o word_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v free_a for_o any_o man_n present_a and_o all_o may_v be_v present_a if_o they_o will_v as_o well_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o after_o leave_v orderly_o crave_v or_o obtain_v to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n without_o offence_n whence_o disputation_n do_v arise_v as_o in_o act._n 15.7_o till_o all_o party_n be_v either_o satisfy_v or_o convince_v and_o so_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v clear_v and_o this_o course_n be_v take_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o all_o the_o point_n remain_v which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o not_o so_o full_o clear_v and_o agree_v upon_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o such_o as_o may_v admit_v further_a discussion_n yea_o and_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n without_o disunion_n of_o affection_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n yet_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n people_n the_o mean_a while_n in_o such_o thing_n each_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o christian_a liberty_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v all_o come_v they_o judge_v and_o mind_n one_o thing_n if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v who_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o love_n hold_v forth_o the_o same_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v in_o time_n reveal_v the_o same_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o agree_v in_o this_o one_o not_o to_o condemn_v nor_o to_o despise_v one_o another_o in_o difference_n of_o weakness_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v rom._n 14.2_o 3_o 4._o sect_n v._o a_o five_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o contribution_n or_o communication_n in_o yield_a supply_n to_o one_o another_o want_n for_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o decay_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v their_o onw_n necessity_n in_o outward_a thing_n among_o themselves_o we_o shall_v take_v it_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o minister_v to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n act._n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.25_o 26._o hitherto_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o all-sufficient_a goodness_n so_o to_o supply_v we_o all_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o we_o have_v have_v scarce_o any_o occasion_n never_o but_o once_o to_o exercise_v our_o mutual_a love_n and_o liberality_n to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v we_o consider_v aforehand_o what_o mutual_a help_n god_n require_v of_o we_o from_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o such_o a_o case_n also_o if_o any_o of_o our_o church_n do_v want_v some_o fit_a member_n to_o employ_v in_o some_o public_a office_n among_o they_o and_o shall_v make_v know_v their_o want_n to_o some_o other_o church_n who_o may_v abound_v in_o such_o blessing_n as_o sometime_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n have_v four_o or_o five_o prophet_n among_o they_o act._n 13.1_o when_o other_o want_v the_o church_n that_o abound_v in_o such_o help_n
be_v ready_a to_o send_v and_o commend_v such_o of_o their_o member_n as_o their selve_o may_v spare_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n but_o not_o call_v to_o office_n among_o themselves_o to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o brethren_n sect_n vi_o a_o six_o way_n of_o communion_n among_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o admonition_n as_o it_o one_o church_n shall_v be_v credible_o give_v to_o understand_v of_o some_o scandal_n arise_v in_o another_o church_n whether_o by_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n and_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n the_o report_n be_v find_v true_a the_o church_n hear_v thereof_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n or_o both_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o such_o offence_n be_v find_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o take_v a_o speedy_a and_o diligent_a course_n for_o the_o redress_n thereof_o but_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v remiss_a therein_o or_o be_v faulty_a themselves_o they_o then_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n thereof_o to_o call_v upon_o their_o officer_n as_o paul_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o coloss_n to_o call_v upon_o archippus_n to_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n col._n 4.17_o if_o the_o church_n hear_v they_o the_o scandal_n be_v remove_v if_o it_o hear_v they_o not_o the_o church_n offend_v herewith_o take_v in_o the_o help_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n more_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o exhortation_n or_o admonition_n it_o still_o the_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n lie_v persi_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o brethren_n either_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o congregation_n of_o many_o or_o all_o the_o church_n together_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v or_o else_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o weighty_a and_o of_o ill_a though_o not_o general_a consequence_n the_o church_n offend_v with_o they_o will_v as_o just_o they_o may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o forbear_v all_o such_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o which_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o walk_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o we_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v put_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o this_o duty_n towards_o any_o of_o our_o church_n the_o lord_n hitherto_o so_o far_o prevent_v with_o his_o grace_n that_o no_o church_n have_v stand_v out_o so_o long_o in_o maintain_v any_o offence_n find_v among_o they_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o which_o god_n forbid_v we_o look_v at_o it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v faithful_a one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o like_a sort_n as_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n be_v call_v to_o be_v faithful_a one_o towards_o another_o do_v not_o church_n enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o well_o as_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n take_v care_n not_o only_o for_o her_o own_o member_n but_o for_o her_o little_a sister_n which_o have_v no_o breast_n cant._n 8.8_o and_o will_v she_o have_v take_v no_o care_n of_o have_v her_o breast_n heal_v if_o her_o breast_n have_v be_v distemper_v and_o give_v corrupt_a milk_n the_o apostle_n have_v a_o public_a care_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o be_v the_o public_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_v dead_a with_o they_o aught_o not_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v a_o care_n and_o watchful_a eye_n over_o the_o public_a good_a of_o one_o another_o though_o not_o virtute_fw-la officii_fw-la yet_o intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la sect_n vii_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o way_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n though_o this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a eminency_n of_o the_o apostolic_a calling_n for_o they_o in_o their_o lifetime_n to_o travel_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o beget_v disciple_n to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-estate_n and_o so_o to_o plant_v church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o prosecute_v and_o carry_v along_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n throughout_o all_o generation_n and_o in_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v immediate_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o that_o fullness_n of_o measure_n which_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n do_v require_v if_o then_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o process_n of_o time_n to_o be_v so_o far_o multiply_v as_o that_o like_a bee_n when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a they_o be_v necessary_o occasion_v to_o swarm_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o case_n when_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n can_v reach_v to_o all_o in_o such_o or_o in_o the_o like_a case_n the_o church_n surcharge_v with_o multitude_n may_v send_v forth_o sundry_a of_o their_o member_n fit_a for_o the_o purpose_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o church-estate_n among_o themselves_o or_o if_o a_o number_n of_o godly_a christian_n shall_v come_v over_o into_o a_o country_n where_o they_o find_v the_o church_n so_o full_a that_o they_o can_v with_o conveniency_n join_v with_o they_o the_o church_n may_v comfortable_o encourage_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n among_o themselves_o they_o may_v also_o commend_v both_o unto_o the_o one_o company_n and_o unto_o the_o other_o such_o able_a gift_a man_n who_o they_o may_v fit_o choose_v to_o be_v minister_n and_o officer_n to_o they_o and_o both_o then_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o beginning_n as_o also_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v church-officer_n among_o themselves_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o presence_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v requisite_a for_o the_o propagation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o have_v we_o give_v unto_o all_o our_o holy_a brethren_n throughout_o the_o church_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o just_a and_o true_a account_n of_o all_o our_o proceed_n in_o church-affaire_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o way_n and_o order_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o rule_n in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o go_v astray_o it_o be_v our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n unto_o all_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v erranti_fw-la comiter_fw-la monstrare_fw-la viam_fw-la but_o if_o the_o way_n we_o walk_v in_o be_v find_v upon_o serious_a and_o mature_a consideration_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v let_v all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n be_v entreat_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o people_n but_o rather_o seek_v how_o to_o address_v themselves_o and_o to_o call_v on_o other_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o straight_a step_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o grace_n till_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o glory_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n sect_n i._o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prescribe_v unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n man_n of_o their_o church_n and_o eminent_a light_n in_o the_o world_n what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o pursue_v and_o perfect_v the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o england_n nay_o we_o know_v our_o own_o tenuity_n the_o store_n of_o business_n enough_o which_o we_o have_v to_o attend_v unto_o near_a home_n nevertheless_o as_o we_o can_v cease_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o seek_v their_o good_a as_o our_o own_o so_o we_o can_v but_o rejoice_v with_o they_o to_o behold_v that_o open_a door_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o and_o with_o that_o all_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o far_o enlarge_v towards_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o wave_n as_o we_o hear_v his_o hand_n be_v enlarge_v towards_o they_o only_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o