21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
of_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o promote_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o countenance_v they_o which_o they_o do_v effectual_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o its_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v until_o calvin_n set_v up_o his_o discipline_n at_o geneva_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o clamour_n against_o he_o from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o in_o most_o other_o place_n church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o continue_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o in_o many_o place_n as_o bad_a in_o their_o life_n as_o when_o they_o be_v papist_n but_o this_o method_n be_v design_v in_o the_o holy_a wise_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o progressive_a reformation_n as_o it_o have_v make_v a_o gradual_a progress_n into_o its_o decay_n for_o have_v the_o reformer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v themselves_o to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v unmeet_a for_o its_o communion_n or_o to_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v member_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o its_o original_a institution_n it_o will_v through_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o can_v have_v comply_v with_o the_o design_n have_v great_o obstruct_v if_o not_o utter_o defeat_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v that_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o god_n have_v since_o make_v effectual_a in_o these_o nation_n especial_o and_o in_o other_o place_n to_o turn_v multitude_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o himself_o translate_n they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son._n hereby_o way_n be_v make_v for_o a_o necessary_a addition_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n if_o not_o to_o the_o close_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o at_o first_o be_v attain_v unto_o nor_o well_o attempt_v namely_o the_o reduction_n of_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o member_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o primitive_a institution_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v design_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o only_a we_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o constitute_v church_n member_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o less_o than_o what_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o eph._n 2.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 11.1_o 18._o 1_o thess._n 1.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n that_o may_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n answer_v the_o way_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o receive_n of_o they_o be_v because_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 2._o that_o may_v answer_v that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o what_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o reveal_v matth._n 16.16_o and_o not_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o many_o church_n member_n be_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o that_o many_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v among_o they_o that_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n be_v charitative_a proceed_v on_o evidence_n of_o moral_a probability_n not_o determine_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a measure_n of_o light_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o ability_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v all_o who_o circumstance_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o indulgence_n unto_o their_o weakness_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n will_v allow_v we_o any_o further_a latitude_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o our_o present_a enquiry_n yet_o remain_v on_o these_o consideration_n be_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n as_o be_v make_v up_o or_o compose_v of_o member_n visible_o unholy_a or_o such_o as_o comply_v not_o with_o the_o qualification_n that_o be_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n indispensable_o require_v to_o give_v unto_o any_o a_o regular_a entrance_n into_o the_o church_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o such_o church_n will_v reform_v themselves_o by_o any_o act_n duty_n or_o power_n of_o their_o own_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v just_o suppose_v averse_a from_o and_o enemy_n unto_o any_o such_o work._n i_o answer_v therefore_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o communion_n with_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v absolute_o by_o edification_n no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o abide_v in_o or_o confine_v himself_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n any_o long_a than_o it_o be_v for_o his_o edification_n and_o this_o liberty_n be_v allow_v unto_o all_o person_n by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o a_o parish_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o it_o and_o there_o educate_v yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o judge_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o useful_a unto_o his_o edification_n he_o may_v withdraw_v from_o all_o communion_n in_o that_o parish_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o next_o door_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o communion_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o 2._o if_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n abound_v in_o such_o church_n be_v real_o obstructive_a of_o edification_n 3._o if_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o give_v no_o representation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o doctrine_n 4._o if_o such_o church_n do_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o reform_v themselves_o then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o present_a edification_n and_o the_o future_a salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n peaceable_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v in_o such_o other_o where_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n society_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v obtain_v man_n may_v not_o only_o do_v so_o because_o all_o obligation_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n do_v cease_v when_o the_o mean_n be_v not_o suit_v thereunto_o but_o obstructive_a of_o its_o attainment_n but_o also_o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n hereby_o against_o the_o declension_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o dishonour_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v reflect_v on_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a unto_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o loyal_a subject_n unto_o their_o lord_n and_o king._n and_o it_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o evangelical_n church_n but_o that_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v as_o just_a a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o as_o their_o forsake_v the_o same_o rule_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v judge_v that_o sundry_a inconvenience_n will_v ensue_v on_o this_o assertion_n when_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o practice_v according_a unto_o it_o but_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v be_v such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n no_o inconvenience_n can_v ensue_v on_o the_o practice_n direct_v unto_o any_o way_n to_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o mischief_n of_o oblige_a believer_n to_o abide_v always_o in_o such_o society_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o inquire_v into_o that_o relate_v unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o state_n of_o evangelical_n church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o church_n may_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v under_o its_o conduct_n inspection_n and_o rule_n
in_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n and_o great_a penury_n of_o able_a teacher_n so_o that_o person_n in_o holy_a ministry_n design_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n but_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o pretend_a office._n 2._o where_o any_o such_o be_v admit_v through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n or_o the_o usurpation_n of_o undue_a power_n over_o church_n in_o impose_v minister_n on_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o their_o administration_n until_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o convict_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o on_o evidence_n hereof_o the_o people_n will_v voluntary_o adhere_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o vnchurch_n themselves_o 3._o where_o such_o person_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v place_v as_o pastor_n in_o or_o over_o any_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o the_o removal_n or_o reformation_n it_o be_v lawful_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o as_o wherein_o edification_n be_v better_a provide_v for_o for_o whereas_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a end_n of_o church_n of_o all_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o administration_n it_o be_v the_o high_a folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v or_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n without_o seek_v relief_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n wherein_o that_o end_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v 4._o where_o the_o generality_n of_o church_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n be_v head_v by_o pastor_n defective_a in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o matter_n declare_v there_o all_o public_a church-reformation_n be_v moral_o impossible_a and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n let_v church_n and_o churchman_n say_v what_o they_o please_v some_z few_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v inquire_v into_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o minister_n without_o relation_n unto_o any_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o office-power_n thereby_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o minister_n unto_o or_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o to_o convert_v infidel_n although_o he_o be_v not_o relate_v unto_o any_o particular_a flock_n or_o congregation_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a discuss_v sundry_a thing_n about_o the_o power_n and_o way_n of_o ordination_n which_o influence_n this_o controversy_n but_o only_o speak_v brief_o unto_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n endow_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n unto_o that_o work_n when_o he_o may_v be_v orderly_o call_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god._n for_o 1._o such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o call_n unto_o it_o material_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v warrant_v he_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 14.12_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o important_a work_n by_o prayer_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n and_o useful_a in_o church_n affair_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n act._n 13.12_o 2._o a_o public_a testimony_n unto_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o person_n undertake_v the_o work_n of_o preach_v be_v necessary_a 1._o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o be_v occasion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o 2._o unto_o the_o safety_n of_o they_o among_o who_o he_o may_v exercise_v his_o gift_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o false_a teacher_n or_o seducer_n nor_o will_v the_o primitive_a church_n allow_v nor_o be_v it_o allowable_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o any_o person_n not_o so_o testify_v unto_o not_o so_o send_v and_o warrant_v shall_v undertake_v constant_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o such_o person_n so_o set_v apart_o and_o send_v may_v be_v esteem_v minister_n in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o call_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v instate_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office._n this_o be_v original_o the_o work_n of_o evangelist_n which_o office_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v elsewhere_o the_o work_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n 3._o no_o church_n whatever_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v man_n minister_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n since_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o office_n the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n be_v devolve_v mere_o on_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v leave_v without_o the_o verge_n of_o church-institution_n god_n alone_o can_v send_v and_o warrant_v man_n for_o the_o undertake_n of_o that_o work._n nor_o can_v any_o man_n know_v or_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o call_n unto_o that_o work_n without_o some_o previous_a guidance_n of_o divine_a providence_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o diffuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n among_o who_o or_o near_o unto_o who_o their_o habitation_n be_v cast_v and_o they_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o divine_a warranty_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o many_o worthy_a person_n have_v do_v effectual_o in_o new_a england_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a who_o may_v be_v cast_v among_o they_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o according_a unto_o his_o ability_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o ordain_v a_o person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_a antecedent_o unto_o any_o designation_n by_o divine_a providence_n thereunto_o 4._o no_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o or_o complete_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n but_o he_o be_v ordain_v unto_o a_o determinate_a office_n as_o a_o bishop_n a_o elder_a a_o pastor_n but_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v but_o he_o who_o be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o contrary_a practice_n 1._o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v no_o ordinary_a officer_n but_o in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v their_o proper_a charge_n and_o care_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o nor_o be_v there_o mention_n of_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o such_o as_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n where-unto_a they_o do_v relate_v act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o revel_v 2.3_o nor_o be_v any_o such_o practice_n know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o 2._o it_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o all_o such_o ordination_n declare_v null_a so_o as_o not_o to_o communicate_v office-power_n or_o give_v any_o ministerial_a authority_n so_o it_o be_v express_o in_o the_o first_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o the_o council_n decree_v that_o all_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o such_o case_n be_v invalid_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n yea_o so_o exact_a and_o careful_a be_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o if_o any_o one_o for_o any_o just_a cause_n as_o he_o judge_v himself_o do_v leave_v his_o particular_a church_n or_o charge_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o to_o officiate_v occasional_o in_o that_o church_n or_o any_o where_o else_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o eustathius_n a_o bishop_n of_o pamphilia_n the_o good_a man_n find_v the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n very_o troublesome_a by_o reason_n of_o secular_a business_n that_o it_o be_v encumber_v withal_o and_o much_o opposition_n with_o reproach_n that_o befall_v he_o from_o the_o church_n itself_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n lay_v down_o and_o resign_v his_o charge_n the_o church_n choose_v one_o theodorus_n in_o his_o room_n but_o afterward_o he_o desire_v that_o though_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o charge_n he_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n title_n
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
arrive_v unto_o those_o which_o they_o call_v general_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o senate_n they_o be_v but_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v they_o by_o any_o divine_a institution_n apostolical_a example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a product_n of_o secular_a interest_n work_v itself_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n since_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n nation_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o distinct_a civil_a government_n of_o their_o own_o who_o sovereignty_n be_v in_o themselves_o by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n and_o counsel_n thereon_o emergent_a unto_o each_o of_o these_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n accommodate_v as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o the_o like_a who_o original_a and_o be_v depend_v on_o the_o first_o event_n of_o war_n in_o that_o dissolution_n unto_o these_o new_a church-state_n who_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o absolute_o by_o those_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o they_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v think_v meet_v that_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n shall_v be_v accommodate_v but_o in_o what_o way_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o agreement_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o consider_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o which_o be_v know_v unto_o this_o nation_n on_o a_o dear_a account_n yet_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v eminent_o useful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o all_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a government_n shall_v hold_v constant_a actual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o abridgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o their_o right_n which_o they_o hold_v by_o divine_a institution_n if_o through_o more_o constant_a lesser_a synod_n for_o advice_n there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o their_o mutual_a concern_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v great_a until_o if_o occasion_n require_v and_o it_o be_v expedient_a there_o be_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o they_o all_o to_o advise_v about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v grant_v only_o with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o free_a election_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o all_o these_o synod_n 2._o that_o they_o assume_v no_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n or_o person_n in_o thing_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a 3._o that_o none_o be_v immediate_o concern_v in_o this_o proper_a synodal_n power_n or_o authority_n which_o what_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v inquire_v who_o be_v not_o present_a in_o they_o by_o their_o own_o delegate_n for_o that_o kind_n of_o synod_n which_o some_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o convention_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o sundry_a parochial_a church_n distinguish_v for_o presential_a communion_n ordinary_o in_o some_o act_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o office-power_n it_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o into_o one_o who_o original_a distinction_n be_v only_o in_o the_o civil_a limit_n of_o their_o cohabitation_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o place_n unto_o edification_n 4._o the_o person_n of_o who_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v to_o consist_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o mere_a humane_a prudential_a constitution_n that_o have_v long_a obtain_v in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o those_o shall_v be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o and_o whereas_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o ☞_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o synod_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o until_o after_o the_o distinction_n be_v make_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o both_o sort_n of_o they_o but_o afterward_o those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v bishop_n enclose_v this_o right_n unto_o themselves_o on_o what_o ground_n god_n know_v there_o be_v no_o one_o tittle_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_v therein_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v affirm_v that_o no_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n mere_o have_v right_o to_o be_v member_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n as_o such_o neither_o be_v there_o either_o example_n or_o reason_n to_o give_v colour_n unto_o any_o such_o pretence_n farther_o be_v no_o office-power_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o such_o synod_n as_o such_o neither_o conjunct_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o nor_o single_o by_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n bishop_n pastor_n elder_n may_v be_v present_a in_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v present_a in_o they_o be_v meet_a for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o to_o be_v but_o mere_o as_o such_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o care_n oversight_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o flock_n among_o they_o distinct_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n but_o as_o unto_o their_o conjunction_n in_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o peculiar_a right_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n if_o it_o be_v so_o without_o respect_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o call_v they_o or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v they_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o for_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o office_n belong_v equal_o unto_o all_o and_o if_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n only_o as_o for_o instance_n bishop_n or_o unto_o all_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o for_o instance_n presbyter_n also_o if_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n than_o every_o presbyter_n as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n have_v right_o and_o power_n to_o be_v present_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n for_o although_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o office_n be_v not_o equal_a unto_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o also_o that_o this_o right_n do_v equal_o belong_v unto_o his_o office._n if_o the_o former_a be_v avow_v namely_o that_o this_o right_n belong_v unto_o bishop_n only_o such_o as_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n as_o such_o then_o 1._o i_o desire_v that_o any_o tolerable_a proof_n of_o the_o confinement_n of_o this_o right_n unto_o such_o a_o office_n be_v produce_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n which_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v never_o see_v 2._o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o false_a presumption_n hereof_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o introduce_v tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o liberty_n concern_v the_o composition_n that_o be_v make_v herein_o that_o some_o shall_v convene_v in_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o other_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o delegation_n from_o some_o of_o their_o own_o order_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a political_a constitution_n which_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v unto_o it_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n example_n or_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o society_n in_o union_n or_o communion_n that_o will_v lead_v we_o any_o far_a than_o this_o that_o such_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v choose_v and_o delegated_a by_o those_o church_n respective_o who_o do_v act_n and_o exert_v their_o communion_n in_o such_o assembly_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o example_n of_o they_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o advise_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o which_o consultation_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n also_o be_v present_a and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n it_o be_v on_o other_o account_n that_o they_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o history_n