ecclesiastical_a polity_n or_o church_n government_n or_o discipline_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o form_n and_o order_n that_o be_v 15_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n both_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o administration_n that_o therein_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v 2_o church-government_n be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a respect_n either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o part_n of_o government_n themselves_o or_o necessary_a circumstance_n thereof_o the_o part_n of_o government_n be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o 〈◊〉_d church_n be_v no_o less_o faithful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n then_o be_v moses_n who_o 40_o from_o the_o lord_n deliver_v a_o form_n and_o pattern_n of_o government_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v now_o 16_o also_o so_o perfect_a as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o doubtless_o â—…o_o the_o well_o order_v of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 3_o the_o part_n of_o church-government_n be_v all_o of_o they_o exact_o describe_v 24._o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v part_n or_o mean_n of_o institute_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o to_o continue_v one_o and_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o apear_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v until_o he_o shall_v deliver_v it_o up_o unto_o god_n even_o the_o father_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n officer_n 33_o church_n or_o any_o state_n in_o the_o world_n to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n therâ—…in_n 4_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n as_o time_n and_o place_n etc._o etc._o belong_v unto_o order_n and_o decency_n be_v not_o so_o leave_v unto_o man_n as_o that_o under_o pretence_n 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o they_o may_v thrust_v their_o own_o invention_n upon_o the_o church_n 2â—…_n be_v circumscribe_v in_o the_o word_n with_o many_o general_n â—…imitations_n where_o they_o be_v determine_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v neither_o worship_n itself_o nor_o circumstance_n separable_a from_o worship_n in_o respect_n of_o 34._o their_o end_n they_o must_v be_v do_v unto_o edification_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o 28._o and_o civil_a and_o church_n custom_n do_v not_o even_o nature_n itself_o teach_v you_o yeâ—…_n they_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n determine_v particular_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v do_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v most_o expedient_a for_o edification_n so_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o error_n of_o man_n concerning_o their_o determination_n the_o determine_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o if_o it_o be_v divine_a chap_n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o general_n and_o in_o special_a of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o those_o that_o 23._o be_v elect_v redeem_v and_o in_o time_n effectual_o call_v from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n unto_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n in_o jesus_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d 2_o this_o church_n be_v either_o triumphant_a or_o militant_a triumphant_a the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o be_v glorify_v in_o heaven_n militant_a the_o â—…3_n number_n of_o they_o who_o be_v conflict_v with_o their_o enemy_n upon_o earth_n 3._o this_o militant_a church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o invisible_a and_o visible_a invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o body_n unto_o the_o head_n be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n â—…2_a of_o god_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o heart_n visible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o their_o person_n and_o in_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n 4_o the_o member_n of_o the_o militant_a visible_a church_n consider_v either_o as_o not_o yet_o in_o church-order_n or_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o 12._o church-order_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n and_o so_o beside_o the_o spiritual_a union_n and_o communion_n common_a to_o all_o beliver_v they_o enjoy_v more_o over_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n ecclesiastical-political_a so_o we_o deny_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n 5_o the_o state_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o militant_a visible_a church_n walk_v in_o order_n be_v either_o before_o the_o law_n oeconomical_a that_o be_v 19_o in_o family_n or_o under_o the_o law_n national_a or_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n only_o congregational_a the_o term_n independent_a we_o approve_v 6._o not_o therefore_o neither_o national_a provincial_a not_o classical_a 26._o 6_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v by_o the_o instâ—…titution_n of_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o the_o militant-visible-church_n consistinâ—…_n of_o a_o company_n oâ—…_n saint_n by_o call_v unâ—…ed_v into_o one_o body_n by_o 〈◊〉_d holy_a covenant_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—…_z mutual_a edification_n one_o of_o another_o in_o the_o fellowship_n oâ—…_n the_o lord_n jesus_n chap_n iii_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o inrâ—…spect_n of_o quality_n and_o quantity_n the_o matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v saint_n by_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 2_o by_o saint_n we_o understand_v 1_o such_o as_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n 2._o of_o religion_n and_o be_v free_a from_o grâ—…s_n and_o open_a scandâ—…ls_n but_o also_o do_v together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n walk_v iâ—…_z blameless_a obedience_n to_o the_o word_n so_o as_o that_o in_o charitable_a discretion_n they_o may_v be_v account_v saint_n by_o call_v though_o perhaps_o some_o or_o more_o of_o they_o be_v unsound_a and_o hypocrite_n inwardlyâ—…_n becâ—…se_n the_o member_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n be_v common_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n and_o sundry_a câ—…ch_fw-mi 21â—…_n es_o have_v be_v reprove_v for_o receive_v and_o suffer_v such_o person_n to_o câ—…ntinu_fw-la in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o as_o have_v be_v offensive_a and_o scandalous_a the_o name_n of_o god_n also_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v blaspheme_v and_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n defile_v and_o profane_v the_o heart_n of_o godly_a griâ—…ved_v and_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o harden_v and_o holpen_v forward_o to_o â—…nation_n the_o example_n of_o such_o do_v endanger_v the_o sanctity_n of_o other_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 2_o the_o child_n of_o such_o who_o be_v also_o holy_a 3_o the_o member_n of_o church_n though_o orderly_o constitute_v may_v in_o time_n degenerate_a and_o grow_v corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a which_o though_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v â—…olerated_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o their_o continuâ—…ce_n â—…erein_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n and_o juâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o immediate_o dâ—…ssolv_v the_o being_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o gâ—…latia_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d yet_o we_o conceive_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v keep_v where_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d real_a agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o a_o company_n of_o faithful_a person_n to_o meet_v constant_o together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n which_o real_a agreement_n and_o consent_n they_o do_v express_v by_o their_o constant_a practice_n in_o come_v together_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o by_o their_o religious_a subjection_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n theâ—…e_n the_o rather_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v how_o 29._o scripture_n covenant_n have_v be_v enter_v into_o not_o only_o express_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o by_o sâ—…crifice_n by_o hand_n write_v and_o seal_n and_o also_o sometime_o by_o silent_a coâ—…sent_n without_o any_o writing_n or_o expression_n of_o word_n at_o all_o 5_o this_o form_n then_o be_v by_o mutual_a covenant_n it_o follow_v it_o be_v not_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n nor_o cohabitation_n nor_o baptism_n 1_o not_o faith_n in_o the_o heart_n because_o that_o be_v invisible_a 2_o not_o a_o bare_a profession_n because_o that_o declare_v they_o no_o more_o to_o be_v member_n of_o one_o church_n then_o of_o another_o 3_o not_o cohabitation_n atheist_n or_o infidel_n may_v dwell_v together_o with_o believer_n 4_o not_o baptism_n because_o it_o presupposs_v a_o church_n estate_n as_o circumcision_n in_o the_o old_a
whereas_o person_n be_v of_o better_a ability_n there_o it_o be_v most_o expedient_a that_o they_o make_v their_o relation_n and_o confession_n personal_o with_o 16_o their_o own_o mouth_n as_o david_n profess_v of_o himself_o 5_o a_o personal_a and_o public_a confession_n and_o declare_v of_o god_n manner_n of_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n be_v both_o lawful_a expedient_a and_o useful_a in_o sundry_a respect_n and_o upon_o sundry_a ground_n those_o three_o thousand_o acts._n 2._o 37._o 41._o before_o they_o be_v admit_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n at_o peter_n sermon_n together_o with_o earnest_a desire_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o sin_n which_o now_o wound_v their_o conscience_n and_o their_o ready_a receive_n of_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o exhortation_n we_o be_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o â—…der_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o thâ—…fore_o 〈◊〉_d we_o must_v be_v able_a and_o ready_a upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o declare_v and_o show_v our_o repentance_n for_o sin_n faith_n unfamed_a and_o effectual_a call_n because_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n i_o have_v not_o hide_v 〈◊〉_d thy_o righteousness_n from_o the_o great_a congregation_n psal_n 40._o 10._o 6_o this_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o it_o must_v be_v make_v by_o such_o at_o their_o admission_n that_o be_v never_o in_o church-society_n before_o so_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o the_o same_o way_n also_o be_v perform_v by_o such_o as_o have_v former_o be_v member_n of_o some_o other_o church_n and_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o now_o join_v themselves_o as_o member_n may_v lawful_o require_v the_o same_o those_o three_o thousand_o acts._n 2._o which_o make_v their_o confession_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o so_o be_v they_o that_o be_v baptise_v by_o john_n church_n may_v err_v in_o their_o admission_n 24_o and_o person_n regular_o admit_v may_v fall_v into_o offence_n otherwise_o if_o church_n may_v obtrude_v their_o member_n or_o if_o church-member_n may_v obtrude_v themselves_o upon_o other_o church_n without_o due_a trial_n the_o matter_n so_o require_v both_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n will_v hereby_o be_v infringe_v in_o that_o they_o may_v not_o examine_v those_o concern_v who_o fitness_n for_o communion_n they_o be_v unsatisfy_v and_o beside_o the_o infringe_n of_o their_o liberty_n the_o church_n themselves_o will_v unavoidable_o be_v corrupt_v and_o 8_o the_o ordinance_n defile_v whilst_o they_o may_v not_o refuse_v but_o must_v receive_v the_o unworthy_a which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o all_o church_n be_v sister_n and_o therefore_o equal_a 7_o the_o like_a trial_n be_v to_o be_v require_v from_o such_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o same_o or_o receive_v their_o membership_n and_o be_v baptise_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o minority_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o their_o parent_n when_o be_v grow_v up_o unto_o year_n of_o discretion_n they_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n unto_o which_o because_o holy_a thing_n must_v not_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o unworthy_a therefore_o it_o 27_o be_v requisite_a that_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o shall_v come_v to_o their_o trial_n and_o examination_n and_o manifest_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n by_o a_o open_a profession_n thereof_o before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o otherwise_o not_o to_o be_v be_v admit_v there_o unto_o yet_o these_o church-member_n that_o be_v so_o bear_v or_o receive_v in_o their_o childhood_n before_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v partake_v of_o fall_n communion_n have_v many_o privilege_n which_o other_o not_o church-member_n haâ—…not_n they_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n have_v the_o seal_n thereof_o upon_o thâ—…_z 〈◊〉_d baptism_n and_o so_o if_o not_o regenerate_v yet_o be_v in_o a_o more_o hopeful_a way_n of_o attain_v regenerate_a grace_n and_o all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n both_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o seal_n they_o be_v also_o under_o câ—…rch-watch_n and_o consequent_o subject_a to_o the_o reprehension_n ad_fw-la nonâ—…tions_n and_o censure_n thereof_o for_o their_o heal_n and_o amendment_n as_o need_n shâ—…ll_v require_v chap_n xiii_o of_o church-member_n their_o removal_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o and_o of_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o dismission_n church-member_n may_v not_o remove_v or_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o one_o from_o another_o as_o they_o please_v nor_o without_o just_a and_o weighty_a 2â—…_n cause_n but_o aught_o to_o live_v and_o dwell_v together_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v command_v not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_n of_o themselves_o together_o such_o departure_n tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n as_o 〈◊〉_d the_o pull_n of_o stone_n and_o peâ—…ces_n of_o timber_n from_o the_o building_n and_o of_o member_n from_o the_o natural_a body_n tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d whole_a 2_o it_o be_v thenrfore_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n in_o such_o time_n and_o place_n when_o counsel_n may_v be_v have_v to_o consult_v with_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v memmber_n about_o their_o removal_n that_o according_o 14_o they_o have_v their_o approbation_n may_v be_v encourage_v or_o otherwise_o desist_v they_o who_o be_v join_v with_o consent_n shall_v not_o depart_v without_o consent_n except_o force_v thereunto_o 3_o if_o a_o member_n departure_n be_v manifest_o unsafe_a and_o sinful_a the_o church_n may_v not_o consent_v thereunto_o for_o in_o so_o do_v they_o shall_v 14._o not_o act_v in_o say_v and_o shall_v partake_v with_o he_o in_o his_o sin_n if_o the_o case_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o person_n not_o to_o be_v persuade_v it_o seem_v best_a to_o leave_v the_o matter_n unto_o god_n and_o not_o forcible_o to_o detayn_v he_o 4_o just_a reason_n for_o a_o member_n removal_n of_o himself_o from_o the_o church_n be_v i_o if_o a_o man_n can_v continue_v without_o partakig_n in_o sin_n two_o in_o case_n â—…1_n of_o personal_a persecution_n so_o paul_n depart_v from_o the_o disciple_n at_o damascus_n also_o in_o case_n of_o general_a persecution_n when_o all_o be_v scatter_v iii_o in_o case_n of_o real_a and_o not_o only_o pretend_v want_v of_o competent_a subsistence_n 10_o a_o door_n be_v open_v for_o better_a supply_n in_o another_o place_n together_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o these_o or_o like_o case_n a_o member_n may_v lawful_o remove_v and_o the_o church_n can_v lawful_o detain_v he_o 5_o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n either_o out_o of_o contempt_n of_o their_o holy_a fellowship_n or_o out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d or_o for_o great_a enlargement_n 1â—…_n with_o just_a grief_n to_o the_o church_n or_o out_o of_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o respect_n of_o some_o unkindness_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 19_o only_o conceiâ—…ed_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolèrate_v and_o hear_a with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o evil_a the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o convince_v 〈◊〉_d though_o perhaps_o himself_o be_v nor_o admonish_v for_o these_o or_o like_o reason_n to_o withdraw_v from_o public_a communion_n in_o word_n or_o seal_n or_o censure_n be_v unlawful_a and_o sinful_a 6_o such_o member_n as_o have_v orderly_o remove_v their_o habitation_n ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o order_n where_o they_o do_v 26_o inhabit_v if_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o they_o can_v neither_o perform_v the_o duty_n nor_o receive_v the_o privilege_n of_o member_n such_o a_o example_n tolerate_v in_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v other_o which_o if_o many_o shall_v follow_v will_v threaten_v the_o dissolution_n and_o confusion_n of_o church_n contrary_a to_o 3â—…_n the_o scripture_n 7_o order_n require_v that_o a_o member_n thus_o remove_v have_v letter_n 27_o testimoniaâ—…_n and_o of_o 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o yet_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v join_v lest_o the_o church_n shâ—…uld_v be_v delude_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v he_o in_o faith_n and_o not_o be_v corrupt_v by_o receive_v deceiver_n and_o false_a brethren_n until_o the_o person_n dismiss_v be_v receive_v into_o another_o church_n he_o cease_v â—…ot_v by_o his_o letter_n of_o dismission_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o church_n can_v make_v a_o member_n no_o member_n but_o by_o excommunication_n 8_o if_o a_o member_n be_v call_v to_o remove_v only_o for_o a_o time_n where_o a_o church_n be_v letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v requisite_a and_o sufficient_a for_o 〈◊〉_d communion_n with_o that_o church_n in_o the_o
a_o platform_n of_o church_n discipline_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n assemble_v in_o the_o synod_n of_o cambridge_n in_o new_a england_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o church_n and_o general_n court_n for_o their_o consideration_n and_o acceptance_n in_o the_o lord_n the_o eight_o month_n anno_fw-la 1649_o psal_n 84_o 1._o how_o amiable_a be_v thy_o tabernacle_n o_o lord_n of_o host_n psal_n 26._o 8._o lord_n i_o have_v love_v the_o habitation_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o the_o place_n where_o thâ—…ne_a honour_n dwell_v psal_n 27._o 4._o one_o thing_n have_v i_o desire_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o will_v i_o seek_v after_o â—…hat_o i_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o inquire_v in_o his_o temple_n print_v by_o s_o g_o at_o cambridge_n in_o new_a england_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o cambridge_n and_o boston_n anno_fw-la dom_fw-la 1649._o the_o preface_n the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o public_a confâ—…ssion_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o churchâ—…_n atâ—…_n a_o 〈◊〉_d â—…d_n 〈◊〉_d bâ—…h_n tenâ—…ing_v to_o puplic_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o faâ—…h_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seâ—…f_o second_o thâ—…_z hold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unâ—…ty_a and_o harmâ—…_n both_o among_o and_o with_o other_o church_n our_o chuâ—…es_n hâ—…e_n as_o â—…y_o the_o grace_n of_o chrâ—…st_n we_o believe_v and_o profess_v the_o samâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—…e_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d â—…f_o â—…he_a gospel_n which_o general_o be_v receive_v in_o â—…ll_o the_o reform_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—…st_fw-la in_fw-la â—…rope_fw-la so_o 〈◊〉_d we_o desire_v not_o to_o vary_v fâ—…om_o the_o â—…octrine_n of_o fâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d â—…eld_n foâ—…_n by_o â—…he_a church_n of_o our_o natâ—…ve_a country_n for_o though_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o can_v breed_v we_o 〈◊〉_d of_o 〈◊〉_d minâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wâ—…e_n for_o to_o hauâ—…_n the_o glorâ—…ous_a faâ—…h_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n wâ—…th_v respect_n of_o person_n yet_o as_o pâ—…ul_n who_o waâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—…rofessed_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justâ—…fication_n by_o faith_n and_o of_o thâ—…_z 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o deâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o know_v his_o godly_a countryman_n do_v who_o be_v â—…wes_n by_o nature_n galaâ—…_n 2._o 15._o act_n 26._o 6_o 7._o so_o we_o who_o be_v by_o nature_n engâ—…sh_a mâ—…n_n dâ—…_n dâ—…sire_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o sâ—…me_n 〈◊〉_d of_o religion_n especial_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whâ—…_n we_o see_v and_o knâ—…w_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o thâ—…_z church_n of_o england_n accorâ—…g_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o more_o we_o 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o we_o do_v and_o have_v cause_n to_o do_v with_o incessant_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d he_o 〈◊〉_d and_o unbrâ—…therly_a and_o unchristian_a contention_n of_o our_o godly_a brethrâ—…n_n and_o countryman_n â—…n_n matter_n of_o church-government_n he_o more_o ernâ—…stly_a doâ—…_n we_o desire_v to_o see_v thâ—…m_o join_v together_o in_o one_o common_a faith_n and_o ourselves_o wâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d for_o thâ—…s_v â—…nd_n hâ—…ng_v peruse_v the_o publâ—…k_a confession_n of_o faith_n agree_v uponly_z the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o dâ—…ines_n at_o 〈◊〉_d and_o findâ—…ng_v the_o sumâ—…_n and_o suâ—…stance_n thereof_o in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n to_o express_v not_o thâ—…_z own_o judgement_n oâ—…ly_o 〈◊〉_d oâ—…rs_v also_o and_o be_v likewise_o call_v upon_o by_o our_o godly_a magâ—…strates_n to_o dâ—…w_v up_o a_o public_a 〈◊〉_d of_o that_o fâ—…ith_n which_o be_v constanâ—…ly_o teach_v and_o generaâ—…y_a 〈◊〉_d among_o we_o we_o think_v good_a to_o pâ—…esent_v â—…nto_o they_o and_o with_o they_o to_o our_o 〈◊〉_d and_o wâ—…h_v they_o to_o all_o the_o churchâ—…s_n of_o christ_n abroad_o our_o profâ—…ssed_a and_o hearty_a 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d to_o thâ—…_z whole_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n fâ—…r_o 〈◊〉_d of_o dâ—…ctrine_n which_o 〈◊〉_d reverend_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hâ—…nourable_a 〈◊〉_d of_o englâ—…_n excepâ—…ing_v only_o some_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o 25_o 30_o and_o 31._o chapter_n of_o their_o confâ—…ssion_n whicâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o conâ—…roversie_n in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whiâ—…_n we_o refâ—…re_v our_o self_n to_o the_o draught_n of_o church-discipline_n in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o here_o declare_v may_v appear_v by_o the_o unanimous_a voâ—…e_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o our_o church_n assemble_v at_o cambridg_n the_o last_o of_o the_o six_o month_n 1648_o woâ—…ch_v joint_o pass_v in_o these_o word_n this_o synod_n have_v peruse_v and_o consider_v with_o much_o gladness_n of_o heart_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n publish_v â—…f_o late_o by_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n in_o england_n do_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v very_o holy_a orthodox_a and_o judicious_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v therefore_o free_o and_o full_o consent_v thereunto_o for_o the_o substance_n thereof_o only_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v respect_n to_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n we_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n agree_v upon_o by_o this_o present_a assenâ—…ly_a and_o do_v therefore_o think_v it_o meet_v that_o this_o confession_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v commend_v to_o the_o churce_n of_o christ_n among_o we_o and_o to_o the_o honour_a court_n as_o worthy_a of_o their_o due_a consideration_n and_o acceptance_n howbeâ—…_n we_o may_v not_o conceal_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o vocation_n express_v in_o chap_n 10._o s_o 1._o and_o summary_o repeat_v chap_n 13._o and_o 1._o pass_v not_o without_o some_o debate_n yet_o consider_v that_o the_o term_n of_o vocation_n and_o other_o by_o which_o it_o be_v describe_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o large_a or_o more_o strict_a sense_n and_o use_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o bind_v apprehension_n precise_o in_o poâ—…t_n of_o order_n or_o method_n there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a condescendency_n thereunto_o now_o by_o this_o our_o profess_a consent_n and_o free_a concurrence_n with_o they_o in_o all_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o religion_n we_o hope_v it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o we_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n with_o they_o so_o we_o be_v professor_n of_o the_o same_o common_a faith_n and_o fellow_n heir_n of_o the_o same_o common_a salvation_n yea_o moreover_o as_o this_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o they_o will_v exempt_v we_o even_o in_o their_o judgement_n from_o suspicion_n of_o heresy_n so_o we_o trust_v it_o may_v exempt_v we_o in_o the_o like_a sort_n from_o suspicion_n of_o schism_n that_o though_o we_o be_v force_v to_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o church-discipline_n yet_o our_o dissent_n be_v not_o take_v up_o out_o of_o arrogancy_n of_o spirit_n in_o ourselves_o who_o they_o see_v willing_o condescend_v to_o learn_v of_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o carry_v with_o uncharitable_a censoriousness_n towards_o they_o both_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o essential_a character_n of_o schism_n but_o in_o meekness_n of_o wâ—…sdom_n as_o we_o walk_v along_o wâ—…th_v they_o and_o follow_v they_o as_o they_o follow_v christ_n so_o where_o we_o 〈◊〉_d a_o â—…fferent_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o fail_v out_o in_o some_o few_o point_n 〈◊〉_d church-order_n we_o still_o reserve_v due_a reverence_n to_o they_o who_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v thâ—…ough_o chrâ—…st_v the_o glorious_a lâ—…ghts_n of_o both_o nation_n and_o only_o crave_v leave_v as_o in_o spirit_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v the_o lamb_n wâ—…thersoever_o he_o go_v and_o after_o the_o apostle_n example_n as_o we_o beleâ—…ve_v so_o we_o speak_v and_o if_o the_o example_n of_o such_o poor_a outcast_n as_o ourselves_o may_v prevail_v if_o not_o with_o all_o for_o that_o be_v too_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o hope_v foâ—…_n yet_o with_o some_o or_o other_o of_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v come_v to_o â—…ind_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o such_o as_o dissent_v from_o they_o we_o hope_v in_o christ_n it_o will_v not_o only_o moderate_v the_o harsh_a judge_v and_o condemn_v of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o difference_n of_o judgement_n as_o may_v be_v find_v in_o 〈◊〉_d châ—…ysest_a saâ—…nts_n but_o also_o preven_a â—…y_o the_o mercy_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o peril_n of_o the_o distraction_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d both_o kâ—…ngdoms_n otherwise_o if_o brethren_n shall_v go_v on_o to_o bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o the_o apoâ—…_n feareâ—…_n as_o we_o alsâ—…_n â—…th_v sâ—…dness_n of_o 〈◊〉_d aâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d will_v tend_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o and_o 〈◊〉_d whâ—…ch_n tâ—…e_v loâ—…d_v prevent_v we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o beside_o these_o 〈◊〉_d of_o heresy_n and_o schisâ—…_n other_o exception_n also_o be_v takâ—…n_n at_o our_o wâ—…y_n of_o church_n governâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d as_o we_o conceâ—…_n uâ—…_n
order_n and_o government_n and_o inlet_n of_o disturbance_n and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n 9_o it_o belong_v also_o unto_o the_o elder_n to_o examine_v any_o officer_n or_o 5_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o accusation_n bring_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o church_n hear_v in_o handle_v of_o offence_n and_o other_o matter_n before_o the_o church_n they_o have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o publish_v the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o 26._o god_n touch_v the_o same_o and_o to_o pronounce_v sentence_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n last_o they_o have_v power_n when_o they_o dismiss_v the_o people_n to_o bless_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 10_o this_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o elder_n do_v not_o any_o wise_a prejudice_n the_o power_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o brotherhood_n as_o neither_o the_o power_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o brethren_n do_v prejudice_v the_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o elder_n but_o they_o may_v sweet_o agree_v together_o 7_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n furnish_v with_o the_o great_a church-power_n who_o take_v in_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o church-administration_n also_o that_o scripture_n 2_o cor_n 2._o 9_o and_o chap_n 10_o 6._o do_v declare_v that_o what_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v and_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n but_o also_o of_o their_o ordinary_a elder_n 11_o from_o the_o premise_n namely_o that_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o government_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elder_n power_n of_o privilege_n remain_v with_o the_o brotherhood_n as_o power_n of_o judgement_n in_o master_n of_o censure_n and_o power_n of_o liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o liberty_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o organic_n church_n and_o right_a administration_n all_o church_n act_n proceed_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o mix_a administration_n so_o as_o no_o church_n act_n can_v be_v consummate_v or_o perfect_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o chap_n xi_o of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o church_n officer_n the_o apostle_n conclude_v that_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a maintenance_n be_v due_a unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 18_o and_o nation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o equity_n thereof_o as_o also_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o call_v elder_n labourer_n and_o workman_n but_o also_o speak_v oâ—…_n they_o do_v say_v 6._o that_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o hire_n and_o require_v that_o he_o which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n shall_v communicate_v to_o he_o in_o all_o good_a thing_n 18_o and_o mention_v it_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o forbid_v the_o muzlâ—…ng_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n 2_o the_o scripture_n allege_v require_v this_o maintenance_n as_o a_o bind_a duty_n and_o duâ—…â—…eci_fw-la and_o not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o alm_n and_o free_a gift_n therefore_o people_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o and_o when_o they_o plea_n in_o this_o matter_n no_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o command_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o ought_v of_o duty_n to_o minister_v of_o their_o caâ—…ail_a â—…ngs_n to_o they_o that_o labour_n among_o they_o 11._o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v any_o other_o work_n man_n their_o wage_n or_o to_o discharge_v and_o satisfy_v their_o other_o debt_n or_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n 3_o the_o apostle_n gal_n 6_o 6._o enjoin_v that_o he_o which_o be_v teach_v 〈◊〉_d communicate_v to_o he_o that_o teach_v â—…ad_o good_a thing_n do_v not_o leave_v it_o arbitrary_a what_o or_o how_o much_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v or_o in_o what_o propâ—…on_n but_o even_o the_o late_a as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n 2_o 4_o not_o only_o member_n of_o church_n but_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o in_o the_o word_n be_v to_o contribute_v unto_o he_o that_o teach_v in_o all_o good_a 6_o thing_n in_o case_n that_o congregation_n be_v defective_a in_o their_o contribution_n the_o deacon_n be_v to_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n if_o their_o call_n 4_o suffice_v not_o the_o church_n by_o her_o power_n be_v to_o require_v it_o of_o their_o member_n and_o where_o church-power_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n do_v not_o or_o can_v attain_v the_o end_n the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v ministry_n be_v due_o provide_v for_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o commend_a example_n of_o nehemiah_n 1â—…_n the_o magistrate_n be_v nurse_a father_n and_o nurse_a mother_n and_o stand_v charge_v with_o the_o custody_n of_o both_o table_n because_o it_o be_v better_a to_o prevent_v 23_o a_o scandal_n that_o it_o may_v not_o come_v and_o easy_a also_o then_o to_o remove_v it_o when_o it_o be_v give_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o rule_n that_o by_o the_o church_n care_n 〈◊〉_d each_o man_n shall_v know_v his_o proportion_n according_a to_o rule_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v before_o he_o do_v it_o that_o so_o his_o judgement_n and_o heart_n may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o what_o he_o do_v and_o just_a offence_n prevent_v in_o what_o be_v do_v chap_n xii_o of_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o earth_n do_v not_o by_o god_n 12_o appointment_n stand_v so_o wide_o open_a that_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n good_a or_o bad_a may_v free_o enter_v therein_o at_o their_o pleasure_n but_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v thereto_o as_o member_n ought_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v first_o whether_o they_o be_v fit_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o church-society_n or_o not_o the_o eunuch_n of_o aethiopia_n before_o his_o admission_n be_v examine_v by_o 37_o philip_n whether_o he_o do_v believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n the_o 2_o auge_v of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v for_o try_v such_o as_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o there_o be_v like_o reason_n for_o try_v 2â—…_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v believer_n the_o officer_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o make_v try_v all_o of_o the_o fitness_n 19_o of_o such_o who_o enter_v twelve_o angel_n be_v set_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o tem_n ple_z lest_o such_o as_o be_v ceremonial_o unclean_a shall_v enter_v thereinto_o 37_o 2_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o church_n member_n be_v repentance_n from_o sin_n and_o say_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n whereof_o man_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v at_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n and_o which_o then_o they_o must_v profess_v and_o hold_v forth_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o may_v satisfy_v rational_a charity_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v there_o indeed_o john_n baptist_n admit_v man_n to_o baptism_n confess_v 6._o and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o of_o other_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o come_v and_o 5._o confess_v and_o show_v their_o deed_n 3_o the_o weak_a measure_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v accept_v in_o tâ—…ose_n that_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n because_o weak_a christian_n if_o sincere_a have_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o faith_n repentance_n and_o holiness_n which_o 2_o be_v require_v in_o church_n member_n and_o such_o have_v most_o need_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o their_o confirmation_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n the_o lord_n jesus_n 20._o will_v not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n 15._o but_o gather_v the_o tender_a lamb_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o gentle_o in_o his_o bosom_n such_o charity_n and_o tenderness_n be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o weak_a christian_n if_o sincere_a may_v not_o be_v exclude_v nor_o discourage_v severity_n of_o examination_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v 4_o in_o case_n any_o through_o excessive_a fear_n or_o other_o infirmity_n be_v unable_a to_o make_v their_o personal_a relation_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n in_o public_a it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o elder_n have_v receive_v private_a satisfaction_n make_v relation_n thereof_o in_o public_a before_o the_o church_n they_o testify_v their_o assent_n thereunto_o this_o be_v the_o way_n that_o tend_v most_o to_o edification_n but_o
to_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n both_o in_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n and_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n chap_n xvi_o of_o synod_n synod_n orderly_o assemble_v and_o right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n acts._n 15._o we_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o 1â—…_n christ_n and_o though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v yet_o many_o time_n through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o perverseness_n of_o time_n necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n therein_o 2_o synod_n be_v spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v therefore_o make_v up_o of_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n the_o next_o efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o under_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n send_v forth_o their_o elder_n other_o messenger_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o they_o in_o argue_v 3_o debate_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o 6._o word_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v 23_o do_v put_v forth_o the_o proper_a and_o formal_a act_n of_o a_o synod_n to_o the_o conviction_n 15_o of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o synod_n 3_o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n by_o call_v to_o the_o church_n to_o send_v fâ—…rth_o their_o elder_n and_o other_o messenger_n to_o counsel_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o matter_n of_o relâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d â—…t_o yeâ—…t_v the_o constitute_n of_o a_o 11._o synod_n be_v a_o church_n act_n and_o may_v be_v tâ—…d_v by_o the_o church_n even_o when_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v be_v enemy_n to_o church_n and_o to_o churchassemblye_n 15._o 4_o it_o belâ—…ngeth_v unto_o synod_n and_o counselâ—…_n to_o debate_v and_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o caâ—…_n of_o consâ—…_n to_o clear_v from_o the_o 1â—…_n word_n holy_a direction_n for_o the_o â—…ly_a worshâ—…p_n of_o god_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bear_v witâ—…_n against_o â—…al_a administration_n and_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o to_o 29_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n which_o that_o presidential_a synod_n do_v forbear_v 5_o the_o synodâ—…_n direction_n and_o determination_n so_o far_o as_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n not_o only_o for_o their_o agreement_n therewith_o which_o be_v the_o â—…ncipall_a ground_n thereof_o and_o without_o which_o they_o bind_v not_o at_o all_o â—…t_o also_o secondâ—…ly_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v as_o be_v a_o ordinance_n 15._o of_o god_n appoint_v thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n 6_o bâ—…_n be_v dâ—…ficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o many_o church_n to_o câ—…_n altogether_o in_o one_o place_n â—…n_n all_o theirâ—…â—…rs_n universal_o therefore_o they_o may_v assemble_v by_o their_o delegate_n oâ—…_n messenger_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n go_v not_o all_o to_o jerusalem_n but_o some_o select_a man_n for_o that_o purpose_n 1â—…_n because_o none_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o fit_a to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o advise_v of_o way_n for_o the_o good_a thereof_o then_o elder_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o messenger_n for_o such_o assembly_n they_o have_v special_a respect_n unto_o such_o yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n but_o certain_a other_o also_o be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n 23._o from_o antioch_n act_n 15._o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o other_o brethren_n also_o do_v assemble_v and_o meet_v about_o the_o matter_n therefore_o synod_n be_v to_o consist_v both_o of_o elder_n and_o other_o church-member_n endue_v with_o gift_n and_o send_v by_o the_o church_n not_o exclude_v the_o presence_n of_o any_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n chap_n xvii_o of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n power_n in_o matter_n eâ—…câ—…esâ—…l_o it_o be_v lawful_a profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o christian_n to_o gather_v themselves_o into_o church_n estate_n and_o therein_o to_o exercise_v all_o the_o ordâ—…_n of_o chrâ—…st_n according_a unto_o the_o word_n although_o the_o consent_n of_o 3_o magistrate_n can_v not_o be_v have_v thereunto_o because_o the_o apostle_n and_o christâ—…ans_n in_o their_o time_n do_v frequent_o thus_o practise_v when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v all_o of_o they_o jewish_a or_o pagan_a and_o most_o persecute_v enemy_n will_v give_v no_o countenance_n or_o consent_n to_o such_o matter_n 2_o church-government_n stand_v in_o no_o opposition_n to_o civil_a goveâ—…ment_n of_o common-welth_n nor_o any_o intrench_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o 〈◊〉_d civil_a magistrate_n in_o their_o jurisdiction_n nor_o any_o whit_n weaken_v their_o 8._o handâ—…_n in_o govern_v but_o rather_o strengthen_v they_o and_o farther_v the_o people_n in_o yield_v more_o hearty_a and_o conscâ—…onable_a obedience_n untâ—…_n theâ—…_n whatsoever_o some_o ill_a affect_a person_n to_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n have_v suggest_v to_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n can_v not_o rise_v and_o stand_v without_o the_o fall_n and_o weaken_v of_o their_o government_n which_o be_v alâ—…o_o of_o christ_n whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v most_o true_a that_o they_o may_v both_o stand_v together_o and_o flourish_v the_o one_o be_v helpful_a unto_o the_o 23._o other_o in_o their_o distinct_a and_o dâ—…_n administration_n 3_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n be_v not_o for_o the_o restraâ—…ing_n of_o church_n or_o any_o other_o good_a work_n but_o for_o help_v in_o and_o further_a thereof_o and_o therefore_o the_o consent_n and_o countenance_n of_o magistrate_n 2._o when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v not_o to_o be_v â—…ghted_v or_o light_o esteem_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v part_n of_o that_o honâ—…ur_n due_a to_o christian_a magistrate_n to_o desire_v and_o crave_v their_o consent_n and_o approbation_n therein_o which_o be_v obtain_v the_o church_n may_v then_o proceed_v in_o their_o way_n with_o much_o more_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n 4_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o magistrate_n to_o compel_v their_o sâ—…bjects_n to_o become_v church-member_n and_o to_o partake_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o the_o priest_n be_v reprove_v that_o bring_v â—…worthy_a one_o into_o the_o â—…tuarie_n 9_o then_o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o the_o priest_n so_o it_o be_v as_o unlawful_a to_o be_v do_v by_o civil_a magistrate_n those_o who_o the_o church_n be_v to_o cast_v out_o 11_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o magistrate_n ought_v not_o thrust_v into_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o hold_v they_o therein_o 5_o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o church-officer_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n sâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d it_o â—…wfull_a for_o the_o magistrate_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o work_n pâ—…per_n to_o câ—…ch_v officer_n the_o act_n of_o moâ—…_n and_o dauâ—…d_n 26._o who_o be_v not_o only_o pâ—…_n but_o pâ—…_n be_v exâ—…_n therefore_o not_o â—…ble_a agâ—…â—…n_n 〈◊〉_d the_o lâ—…d_a witâ—…_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 17._o uzzâ—…h_a wâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d to_o offer_n 〈◊〉_d 6_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o maâ—…_n to_o take_v â—…e_n of_o matter_n of_o relâ—…gion_n and_o to_o â—…nprove_v his_o â—…l_a authoâ—…ty_n for_o the_o obleâ—…ing_n of_o the_o duty_n command_v in_o the_o first_o be_v well_o as_o for_o observe_v of_o the_o duty_n 2._o command_v in_o the_o second_o table_n they_o be_v call_v god_n the_o end_n of_o the_o magistrateâ—…_n office_n be_v not_o only_o the_o qâ—…_n and_o pâ—…ble_a lâ—…fe_n of_o the_o subjâ—…t_n in_o 〈◊〉_d of_o rigâ—…_n and_o hoâ—…ty_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n 1â—…_n of_o â—…ss_n yea_o of_o all_o 〈◊〉_d mâ—…_n jâ—…_n dâ—…_n sâ—…_n asa_n jehoshaphat_n hezekiah_n josiah_n be_v much_o commend_v by_o the_o 2â—…_n holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o put_v forth_o their_o authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n on_o the_o contrary_a such_o king_n as_o have_v be_v fail_v this_o way_n be_v frequent_o tax_v and_o reprove_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o only_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n but_o also_o job_n neheâ—…h_o the_o king_n of_o ninâ—…veh_n darius_n artaxerxes_n nebucadâ—…ezar_n who_o none_o look_v at_o as_o type_n of_o christ_n thouh_o be_v it_o so_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o just_a objection_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n for_o exercise_v their_o authority_n this_o way_n 7_o the_o object_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n