be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 9.1_o but_o this_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v here_o put_v in_o the_o neuter_n gender_n not_o in_o the_o masculine_a whosoever_o to_o imply_v both_o thing_n and_o person_n thing_n as_o sin_n person_n as_o those_o that_o commit_v they_o for_o so_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o the_o same_o key_n joh._n 20.21_o he_o explain_v himself_o thus_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o therefore_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v on_o earth_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n now_o this_o bind_n and_o lose_v of_o whatsoever_o sin_n in_o whosever_v commit_v they_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o partly_o in_o his_o outward_a estate_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v in_o other_o term_n either_o in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la or_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la as_o when_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n than_o his_o sin_n be_v retain_v his_o conscience_n be_v bind_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o bind_v under_o some_o church-censure_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o desert_n of_o his_o offence_n and_o if_o his_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o heinous_a himself_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o confess_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v before_o his_o people_n also_o and_o then_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o his_o conscience_n loose_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o have_v open_a and_o free_a entrance_n both_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o the_o five_o point_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v the_o text_n say_v to_o thou_o simon_n peter_n the_o son_n of_o jona_n who_o christ_n bless_v and_o pronounce_v bless_v upon_o his_o holy_a confession_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n promise_v both_o to_o use_v he_o and_o his_o confession_n as_o a_o instrument_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o also_o to_o give_v he_o the_o key_n of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v of_o it_o but_o it_o have_v prove_v abusie_a question_n how_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o receive_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o a_o elder_a for_o a_o elder_a also_o he_o be_v 1_o pet._n 5.1_o or_o as_o a_o believer_n profess_v his_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n now_o because_o we_o be_v as_o well_o studious_a of_o peace_n as_o of_o truth_n we_o will_v not_o lean_v to_o one_o of_o these_o interpretation_n more_o than_o to_o another_o take_v any_o of_o they_o it_o will_v not_o hinder_v our_o purpose_n in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n though_o to_o speak_v ingenuous_o and_o without_o offence_n what_o we_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n will_v be_v most_o full_a if_o all_o the_o several_a consideration_n be_v take_v joint_o together_o take_v peter_n consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o apostle_n but_o a_o elder_a also_o yea_o and_o a_o believer_n too_o profess_v his_o faith_n all_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o for_o there_o be_v a_o different_a power_n give_v to_o all_o these_o to_o a_o apostle_n to_o a_o elder_a to_o a_o believer_n and_o peter_n be_v all_o these_o and_o receive_v all_o the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o to_o all_o of_o these_o together_o for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v peter_n as_o well_o as_o any_o apostle_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la so_o far_o as_o either_o any_o church-officer_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n itself_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o john_n 20.21_o so_o that_o austin_n do_v not_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v peter_n receive_v the_o key_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o we_o from_o this_o place_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o will_v challenge_v no_o further_o power_n either_o to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o to_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v more_o express_o grant_v to_o they_o in_o other_o scripture_n now_o in_o other_o scripture_n it_o appear_v first_o that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o retain_v or_o remit_v of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o to_o peter_n joh._n 20.21.23_o second_o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o elder_n the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o therefore_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o they_o also_o three_o it_o appear_v far_a that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o body_n likewise_o of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o fraternity_n with_o the_o presbytery_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n communicate_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v to_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o offender_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o a_o offender_n say_v he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n that_o be_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o censure_n administer_v by_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o ratifi_v with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o 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 in_o which_o place_n howsoever_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o classical_a and_o congregationall_a divine_n what_o shall_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n tell_v the_o church_n whether_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o congregation_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v agreement_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o that_o no_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o with_o some_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o least_o by_o way_n 1._o of_o consent_n to_o the_o sentence_n 2._o of_o actual_a execution_n of_o it_o by_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o offender_n so_o convict_v and_o censure_v now_o this_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o power_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o censure_n we_o conceive_v be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o peter_n then_o receive_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n than_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o name_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v any_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n or_o church_n or_o if_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o a_o apostle_n only_o yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o as_o he_o there_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o same_o power_n either_o there_o or_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o each_o church_n receive_v if_o not_o there_o yet_o elsewhere_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n each_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n receive_v that_o portion_n also_o of_o church-power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n and_o their_o power_n or_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n thereof_o the_o ordinary_a distribution_n of_o the_o key_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v thus_o deliver_v there_o be_v clavis_fw-la 1._o scientiae_fw-la a_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o clavis_fw-la 2._o potestatis_fw-la key_n of_o power_n and_o the_o key_n of_o power_n be_v 1._o ordinis_fw-la either_o a_o key_n of_o order_n or_o a_o key_n of_o 2._o jurisdictionis_fw-la jurisdiction_n this_o distribution_n though_o it_o go_v for_o current_n both_o among_o
word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n above_o they_o the_o elder_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1._o tim._n 5.17_o 5_o conclus_fw-la when_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o of_o the_o pastor_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n be_v call_v bishop_n for_o order_n sake_n yet_o for_o many_o year_n he_o do_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_o 1_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2_o with_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v note_v out_o of_o eusebius_n ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 6._o ca._n 43._o gr._n ca._n 35._o lat._n cyprian_n epist_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 10._o &_o lib._n 1._o epist_n 3._o casanb_n adversus_fw-la baronium_n exercitat_fw-la 15._o num_fw-la 28._o when_o it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o hiereme_a to_o confirm_v the_o same_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilie_o ecelesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o poor_a evasion_n to_o put_v it_o off_o with_o observe_v that_o he_o say_v communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilie_o not_o authoritate_fw-la for_o 1._o no_o authority_n be_v due_a to_o presbyter_n over_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n no_o more_o then_o to_o the_o pastor_n over_o they_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow-elders_a and_o coequal_a in_o authority_n and_o 2._o when_o hiereme_a say_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n but_o all_o with_o it_o else_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o bishop_n govern_v the_o church_n with_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o wit_n ask_v but_o not_o follow_v and_o that_o will_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o hieronus_fw-la testimony_n to_o say_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o ask_v the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o in_o ask_v their_o counsel_n and_o not_o follow_v it_o the_o bishop_n shall_v order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n against_o their_o counsel_n now_o that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o against_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n be_v flat_a contradictory_n 2._o for_o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v with_o their_o elder_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o own_o body_n it_o be_v take_v from_o their_o indispensable_a and_o independent_a power_n in_o church_n censure_n the_o censure_n that_o be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n now_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n for_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o if_o the_o offender_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v onearth_v 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 against_o this_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n many_o objection_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v but_o none_o that_o will_v hold_v object_n 1._o by_o church_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o extant_a nor_o can_v the_o apostle_n than_o have_v understand_v christ_n if_o he_o have_v so_o mean_v but_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o he_o deliver_v their_o censure_n in_o a_o jewish_a phrase_n to_o account_v a_o man_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n answ_n 1._o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o then_o extant_a yet_o the_o apostle_n know_v as_o well_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o as_o they_o understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o it_o be_v enough_o the_o apostle_n look_v for_o a_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v gather_v and_o build_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n and_o be_v build_v shall_v be_v endue_v with_o heavenly_a power_n in_o their_o censure_n which_o they_o more_o full_o understand_v afterward_o when_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o come_v to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n answ_n 2._o the_o allusion_n in_o the_o church-censure_n to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n in_o account_v a_o man_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n do_v not_o argue_v that_o christ_n direct_v his_o disciple_n to_o complain_v of_o scandal_n to_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n but_o only_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o walk_v towards_o obstinate_a offender_n excommunicate_a by_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o wit_n to_o walk_v towards_o they_o as_o the_o jew_n walk_v towards_o heathen_n to_o wit_n deny_v to_o they_o religious_a communion_n and_o as_o towards_o publican_n withhold_a from_o they_o familiar_a civil_a communion_n for_o so_o the_o jew_n say_v to_o christ_n disciple_n why_o eat_v your_o master_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n answ_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o christ_n will_v send_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v complaint_n of_o their_o offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o first_o be_v it_o likely_a he_o will_v send_v his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n for_o right_a and_o heal_a unto_o wolf_n and_o tiger_n both_o their_o sanhedrim_n and_o most_o of_o their_o synogogue_n be_v no_o better_o and_o if_o here_o and_o there_o some_o elder_n of_o their_o synagogue_n be_v better_o affect_v yet_o how_o may_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o it_o be_v where_o any_o of_o themselves_o dwell_v and_o if_o that_o may_v appear_v too_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o jew_n already_o agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 9.22_o object_n 2._o against_o the_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o bishop_n or_o his_o commissary_n answ_n 1._o one_o man_n be_v not_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v one_o man_n may_v represent_v a_o church_n the_o reply_n be_v ready_a one_o man_n can_v represent_v the_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n but_o so_o be_v neither_o the_o bishop_n nor_o his_o commissary_n they_o not_o for_o they_o but_o they_o come_v unsent_a for_o like_o water_n into_o a_o ship_n chief_o for_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o though_o some_o of_o christ_n servant_n have_v find_v some_o favour_n from_o some_o few_o of_o bishop_n man_n of_o more_o learning_n and_o ingenuity_n yet_o those_o bishop_n have_v find_v the_o less_o favour_n themselves_o from_o their_o fellow-bishop_n answ_n 2._o the_o bishop_n ordinary_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o congregation_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v and_o what_o be_v his_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n give_v to_o the_o church_n answ_n 3._o the_o new_a testament_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n as_o claim_v honour_n above_o the_o elder_n that_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o object_n 3._o to_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v to_o tell_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o we_o deny_v not_o the_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o not_o to_o they_o as_o the_o church_n but_o as_o the_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n who_o if_o upon_o hear_v the_o cause_n and_o examine_v the_o witness_n they_o find_v it_o ripe_a for_o public_a censure_n they_o be_v then_o to_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o try_v and_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o church_n discern_v full_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n may_v consent_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n against_o it_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o they_o all_o who_o hear_v and_o fear_v will_v learn_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a wickedness_n answ_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v never_o put_v for_o the_o presbytery_n alone_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v express_o for_o the_o fraternity_n alone_o as_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n act._n 15.22_o and_o therefore_o tell_v the_o church_n can_v be_v mean_v tell_v the_o presbytery_n alone_o object_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o congregation_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o
circumstance_n thereof_o yea_o and_o in_o these_o case_n of_o the_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v we_o need_v not_o enlarge_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o although_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v reverence_v as_o more_o wise_a and_o able_a than_o a_o few_o elder_n with_o their_o single_a congregation_n and_o according_o may_v have_v a_o high_a doctrinal_a power_n a_o power_n proper_o and_o peculiar_o suit_v to_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n to_o determine_v and_o direct_v congregation_n in_o their_o way_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o betrust_v they_o with_o that_o power_n he_o have_v do_v the_o congregation_n because_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o the_o people_n and_o so_o one_o tribe_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n be_v want_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v personal_o concur_v not_o by_o delegation_n or_o representation_n alone_o not_o to_o the_o execution_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o legal_a sentence_n also_o of_o cut_v man_n off_o as_o in_o the_o former_a parallel_n and_o instance_n may_v be_v observe_v yea_o and_o the_o high_a and_o the_o great_a the_o association_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o further_a be_v they_o remove_v from_o the_o people_n and_o although_o you_o may_v have_v thereby_o a_o great_a help_n in_o that_o juridical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n to_o be_v proceed_v by_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o further_a distance_n and_o disenable_v thereby_o from_o that_o precise_a practic_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o person_n transgress_v and_o case_n may_v be_v as_o true_o difficult_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v decide_v from_o obscurity_n and_o want_v of_o light_n into_o the_o circumstantiation_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n in_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o by_o he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o as_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o other_o consideration_n of_o like_a weight_n may_v here_o be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o the_o proof_n which_o we_o do_v not_o here_o intend_v yet_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o particular_a as_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o that_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v by_o withdraw_a communion_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o relation_n that_o by_o christ_n endowment_n all_o church_n stand_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o yea_o and_o wherein_o the_o least_o be_v a_o body_n to_o christ_n do_v stand_v unto_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v too_o much_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n and_o too_o long_o detain_v the_o reader_n from_o the_o fruitful_a and_o pregnant_a labour_n of_o the_o worthy_a author_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n sanctify_v all_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o to_o all_o those_o holy_a end_n and_o through_o his_o grace_n much_o more_o which_o the_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o the_o author_n do_v intend_v tho_o goodwin_n philip_z nye_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v and_o what_o their_o power_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v promise_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o peter_n mat._n 16.19_o to_o thou_o say_v christ_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v allegorical_a be_v therefore_o somewhat_o obscure_a and_o hold_v forth_o honour_n &_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v therefore_o controversall_a 15.1_o prov._n 15.1_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o honour_n nor_o pride_n to_o pursue_v it_o there_o be_v no_o contention_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v amiss_o for_o open_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n somewhat_o to_o open_v the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n whereon_o that_o power_n be_v build_v five_o word_n require_v a_o little_a clear_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o key_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o give_v of_o they_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v 4._o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o these_o act_n to_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v here_o put_v under_o a_o general_a name_n whatsoever_o 5._o who_o be_v the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o this_o power_n or_o to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n etc._n etc._n 1._o for_o the_o first_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v here_o mean_v both_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n for_o christ_n give_v to_o peter_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n convey_v therewith_o not_o only_o this_o power_n to_o bind_v on_o earth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o give_v he_o no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o bind_v in_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o he_o give_v he_o also_o this_o privilege_n that_o what_o he_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 2._o for_o the_o second_o what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o it_o also_o the_o administer_a of_o the_o seal_n and_o censure_n for_o by_o the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o these_o both_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n here_o and_o of_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v open_v or_o shut_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o give_v of_o these_o key_n impli_v that_o christ_n invest_v those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v they_o with_o a_o power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o and_o this_o power_n lie_v partly_o in_o their_o spiritual_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v their_o office_n or_o their_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o concourse_n and_o co-operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n accompany_v the_o right_a dispensation_n of_o these_o key_n that_o be_v of_o these_o ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o will_n moreover_o these_o key_n be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o sceptre_n no_o sword_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o civil_a power_n of_o bodily_a life_n and_o death_n nor_o sceptre_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o sovereign_a or_o legislative_a power_n over_o the_o church_n but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v give_v to_o hilkiah_n isa_n 22.22_o who_o succeed_v shebna_n in_o his_o office_n and_o his_o office_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o house_n v._o 15._o and_o the_o same_o word_n over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v steward_n in_o the_o house_n gen._n 43.19_o 3._o touch_v the_o three_o thing_n what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o material_a key_n for_o their_o act_n be_v open_v and_o shut_v which_o argue_v the_o key_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o material_a key_n but_o metaphorical_a and_o y_z t_z be_v key_n they_o have_v a_o power_n also_o of_o open_v and_o shut_v for_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o these_o key_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o no_o man_n to_o shut_v to_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n to_o open_v rev._n 3.7_o which_o impli_v that_o these_o key_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v as_o that_o they_o do_v thereby_o bind_v and_o loose_v retain_v and_o remit_v in_o open_v they_o lose_v and_o remit_v in_o shut_v they_o bind_v and_o retain_v which_o will_v more_o appear_v in_o open_v the_o four_o point_n 4._o the_o four_o point_n than_o be_v what_o be_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v bind_v and_o loose_v the_o text_n in_o mat._n 16.9_o say_v whatsoever_o which_o reach_v not_o so_o far_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v stretch_v it_o to_o whatsoever_o oath_n or_o covenant_n or_o contract_n or_o counsel_n or_o law_n as_o if_o whatsoever_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n covenant_n of_o lease_n or_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n the_o pope_n ratifi_v or_o dissolve_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v ratify_v or_o dissolve_v in_o heaven_n no_o this_o
contrary_n will_v be_v no_o disorder_n suppose_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n shall_v enjoin_v their_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o a_o gown_n a_o gown_n be_v a_o decent_a garment_n to_o preach_v in_o yet_o such_o a_o injunction_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o then_o a_o minister_n in_o neglect_v to_o preach_v in_o a_o gown_n shall_v neglect_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o yet_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o for_o if_o he_o preach_v in_o a_o cloak_n he_o preach_v decent_o enough_o and_o that_o be_v all_o which_o the_o apostle_n canon_n reach_v to_o in_o these_o thing_n christ_n never_o provide_v for_o uniformity_n but_o only_o for_o unity_n for_o a_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o point_n and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n whether_o in_o a_o church_n or_o synod_n their_o office_n be_v stewardly_a not_o lordly_a they_o be_v ambassador_n from_o christ_n and_o for_o christ_n of_o a_o steward_n it_o be_v require_v he_o be_v find_v faithful_a 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v dispense_v no_o more_o injunction_n to_o god_n house_n than_o christ_n have_v appoint_v he_o neither_o may_v a_o ambassador_n proceed_v to_o do_v any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n further_o than_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o his_o commission_n from_o his_o prince_n if_o he_o go_v further_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o praevaricator_n not_o a_o ambassador_n but_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o a_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o hasty_o to_o censure_v the_o many_o notable_a precedent_n of_o ancient_a and_o late_a synod_n who_o have_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o power_n in_o both_o these_o kind_n only_o we_o doubt_v that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o for_o our_o own_o part_n if_o any_o occasion_n of_o use_v this_o power_n shall_v arise_v among_o ourselves_o which_o hitherto_o through_o prevent_v mercy_n it_o have_v not_o we_o in_o a_o synod_n shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o determine_v and_o to_o publish_v and_o declare_v our_o determination_n that_o the_o ordination_n of_o such_o as_o we_o find_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o as_o we_o find_v do_v deserve_v it_o will_v be_v a_o acceptable_a service_n both_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o church_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o both_o these_o act_n we_o shall_v refer_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o several_a church_n whereto_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v be_v call_v and_o whereof_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_a be_v a_o member_n and_o both_o act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o several_a church_n to_o who_o the_o matter_n appertain_v for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o precedent_n of_o synod_n act._n 15._o we_o find_v the_o false_a teacher_n declare_v to_o be_v disturber_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subverter_n of_o their_o soul_n act._n 15.24_o but_o no_o condign_a censure_n dispense_v against_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n a_o evident_a argument_n to_o we_o that_o they_o leave_v the_o censure_n of_o such_o offender_n in_o case_n they_o repent_v not_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o they_o do_v appertain_v and_o for_o synodical_a ordination_n although_o act._n 1._o be_v allege_v where_o mathias_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o act_v then_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v when_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n they_o by_o their_o presbyter_n impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o thereby_o separate_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostleship_n whereto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v call_v they_o act._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o whence_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o thereupon_o paul_n style_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 1.1_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n not_o in_o a_o synod_n chap._n vii_o touch_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o a_o explanation_n of_o independency_n what_o that_o church_n be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o whether_o this_o church_n have_v a_o independent_a power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o though_o they_o be_v make_v two_o distinct_a question_n yet_o if_o candide_o interpret_v they_o be_v but_o one_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o accident_n or_o adjunct_n the_o same_o be_v independent_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o derive_v it_o from_o any_o other_o subject_n like_o itself_o as_o if_o fire_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n than_o it_o depend_v upon_o no_o other_o subject_n for_o heat_n now_o in_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o power_n three_o thing_n concur_v 1._o it_o first_o receive_v that_o power_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n and_o that_o reciprocal_o 2._o it_o first_o add_v and_o put_v forth_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n 3._o it_o first_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o other_o as_o we_o see_v in_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n it_o first_o receive_v heat_n and_o that_o reciprocal_o all_o fire_n be_v hot_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v hot_a be_v fire_n or_o have_v fire_n in_o it_o again_o fire_n first_o put_v forth_o heat_n itself_o and_o also_o first_o communicate_v heat_n to_o whatsoever_o thing_n else_o be_v hot_a to_o come_v then_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o declare_v in_o a_o few_o proposition_n church-power_n be_v either_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a or_o subordinate_a and_o ministerial_a touch_v the_o former_a take_v this_o proposition_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o key_n he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v revel_v 3.7_o the_o government_n be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n isa_n 9.6_o and_o himself_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o grant_n to_o they_o apostolical_a power_n all_o power_n say_v he_o be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o go_v you_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n hence_o 1._o all_o legislative_a power_n power_n of_o make_v of_o law_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o he_o and_o not_o from_o he_o derive_v to_o any_o other_o jam._n 4.12_o isa_n 33.22_o the_o power_n derive_v to_o other_o be_v only_o to_o publish_v and_o execute_v his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o see_v they_o observe_v mat._n 28.20_o his_o law_n be_v perfect_a psal_n 19.9_o and_o do_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o and_o need_v no_o addition_n 2._o from_o his_o sovereign_a power_n it_o proceed_v that_o he_o only_o can_v erect_v and_o ordain_v a_o true_a constitution_n of_o a_o church-estate_n hebr._n 3.3_o to_o 6._o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o set_v the_o pattern_n of_o it_o as_o god_n give_v to_o david_n the_o pattern_n of_o solomon_n temple_n 1_o chron._n 28.19_o none_o have_v power_n to_o erect_v any_o other_o church-frame_n then_o as_o this_o masterbuilder_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o pattern_n thereof_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o church_n set_v up_o by_o he_o be_v nationall_n in_o the_o new_a congregationall_a yet_o so_o as_o that_o in_o sundry_a case_n it_o be_v order_v by_o he_o many_o congregation_n or_o their_o messenger_n may_v be_v assemble_v into_o a_o synod_n act._n 15._o 3._o it_o be_v from_o the_o same_o sovereign_a power_n that_o all_o the_o office_n or_o ministery_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ordain_v by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.5_o yea_o and_o all_o the_o member_n be_v set_v in_o the_o body_n by_o he_o together_o with_o all_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o place_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.18_o 4._o from_o this_o sovereign_a power_n in_o like_a sort_n it_o be_v that_o all_o gift_n to_o discharge_v any_o office_n by_o the_o officer_n or_o any_o duty_n by_o the_o member_n be_v from_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o all_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o be_v in_o he_o for_o that_o end_n col._n 2.3_o and_o v._o 9_o 10._o joh._n 1.16_o
be_v also_o betrust_v by_o the_o civil_a state_n with_o the_o preservation_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o shall_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o public_a civil_a assembly_n whether_o in_o council_n or_o camp_n they_o may_v there_o provide_v by_o civil_a power_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o country_n ne_fw-la quid_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la respublica_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la if_o king_n saul_n swear_v to_o put_v jonathan_n to_o death_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n may_v by_o strong_a hand_n rescue_v he_o from_o his_o father_n unjust_a and_o illegal_a fury_n 1_o sam._n 14.44_o 45._o but_o if_o saul_n persecute_v david_n though_o as_o unjust_o as_o jonathan_n yet_o if_o the_o prince_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n will_v not_o rescue_v he_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n david_n a_o private_a man_n will_v not_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n so_o much_o as_o to_o touch_v the_o lord_n anoint_a 1_o sam._n 24.4_o to_o 7._o to_o conclude_v this_o corollary_n touch_v the_o subjection_n of_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n this_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n so_o the_o magistrate_n if_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hence_o it_o be_v prophesy_v by_o isaiah_n that_o king_n and_o queen_n who_o be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v bow_v down_o to_o the_o church_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o david_n prophesi_v of_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v by_o call_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o subdue_v the_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n psal_n 149.6_o 7._o so_o to_o bind_v their_o king_n with_o chain_n and_o their_o noble_n with_o fetter_n of_o iron_n to_o execute_v upon_o they_o the_o judgement_n write_v that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n psal_n 149._o v._n 8_o 9_o 3._o a_o three_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v this_o that_o a_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n have_v be_v clear_v above_o in_o the_o open_n the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n be_v unavoidable_o independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o body_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o as_o have_v be_v say_v afore_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o accident_n or_o adjunct_n be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o either_o for_o the_o enjoy_v or_o for_o the_o employ_v the_o have_v or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o 4._o a_o four_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v that_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o any_o offence_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o a_o strong_a party_n in_o it_o be_v not_o independent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n but_o be_v subject_n both_o to_o the_o admonition_n of_o any_o other_o church_n and_o to_o the_o determination_n and_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o direction_n into_o a_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o also_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o if_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la litigans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la that_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n a_o promise_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n unless_o they_o agree_v together_o and_o agree_v in_o his_o name_n than_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o independent_a in_o their_o proceed_n as_o do_v fail_v in_o either_o for_o all_o the_o independency_n that_o can_v be_v claim_v be_v found_v upon_o that_o promise_n what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o on_o that_o promise_n be_v found_v both_o the_o independency_n and_o security_n and_o parity_n also_o of_o all_o church_n but_o if_o that_o promise_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o they_o they_o be_v like_o samson_n when_o his_o hair_n be_v cut_v off_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o fall_v under_o other_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o fall_v soft_a than_o he_o do_v he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o friend_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n recant_v his_o error_n do_v acknowledge_v so_o may_v they_o thus_o be_v i_o wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n zach._n 13.6_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o neighbour-church_n or_o two_o i_o be_v friendly_o smite_v with_o a_o brotherly_a admonition_n which_o like_o a_o precious_a oil_n do_v not_o break_v my_o head_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n i_o be_v friendly_a yea_o brotherly_o censure_v and_o heal_v 5._o a_o five_o and_o last_o corollary_n arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n may_v be_v this_o though_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o whole_a some_o and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n and_o consolation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church_n affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o now_o church-affaire_n of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n we_o account_v to_o be_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n excommunication_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o any_o person_n of_o public_a note_n and_o employment_n the_o translation_n of_o a_o elder_a from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o or_o the_o like_a in_o which_o case_n we_o conceive_v it_o safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o proceed_v with_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n safe_a for_o in_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n as_o in_o civil_a so_o in_o church_n affair_n prov._n 11.14_o and_o though_o this_o or_o that_o church_n may_v be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o they_o will_v be_v joath_v to_o call_v in_o or_o look_v out_o for_o help_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o other_o though_o they_o have_v more_o need_n than_o other_o yea_o and_o the_o best_a church_n may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o help_n as_o other_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n which_o other_o church_n may_v have_v prevent_v have_v they_o discern_v it_o at_o first_o it_o be_v also_o wholesome_a as_o tend_v to_o maintain_v brotherly_a love_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n in_o church_n and_o to_o prevent_v many_o offence_n which_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o transact_v all_o such_o thing_n within_o itself_o without_o consent_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v just_a warrant_n from_o a_o like_a precedent_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o independent_a from_o one_o another_o and_o stand_v in_o as_o little_a need_n of_o one_o another_o help_n as_o church_n do_v one_o of_o