6.13_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o rome_n have_v be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n yet_o not_o as_o they_o be_v build_v by_o christ_n or_o plant_v by_o the_o apolste_n but_o their_o degenerate_a posterity_n and_o successor_n who_o be_v not_o build_v on_o this_o rock_n but_o on_o a_o outward_a form_n and_o neglect_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o their_o safety_n the_o apostle_n paul_n forewarn_v the_o roman_n to_o beware_v of_o apostasy_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n rom._n 11.12_o they_o nevertheless_o in_o succeed_a generation_n do_v degenerate_a from_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n but_o as_o when_o god_n take_v his_o visible_a kingdom_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o unbelief_n he_o do_v not_o destroy_v his_o visible_a kingdom_n total_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o mat._n 21.43_o so_o though_o in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n against_o apostate_n he_o may_v destroy_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregational_a church_n yet_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v whole_o against_o the_o church-state_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v preserve_v he_o do_v but_o translate_v the_o candlestick_n not_o break_v it_o all_o to_o piece_n he_o do_v but_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o one_o place_n into_o another_o rev._n 2.5_o and_o still_o preserve_v it_o in_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o 3._o though_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o degree_n prevail_v against_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o prevail_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n they_o have_v prevail_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o 1._o in_o temporal_n to_o impoverish_v they_o heb._n 10.34_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o bondage_n as_o pharaoh_n do_v the_o israelite_n to_o establish_v a_o decree_n for_o their_o destruction_n as_o haman_n do_v against_o the_o jew_n to_o put_v multitude_n of_o they_o to_o death_n as_o the_o ten_o persecute_v emperor_n do_v the_o christian_n and_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o jew_n deal_v with_o christ_n 2._o in_o spiritual_n 1._o to_o scatter_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o upon_o occasion_n of_o stephen_n act._n 8.1_o and_o to_o cause_v the_o woman_n to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n rev._n 12._o 2._o to_o assault_v they_o with_o temptation_n as_o christ_n tell_v peter_n that_o satan_n have_v desire_v to_o winnow_v he_o like_o wheat_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n absolute_o and_o total_o 1._o not_o against_o all_o of_o they_o in_o smyrna_n by_o outward_a calamity_n rev._n 2.10_o nor_o against_o all_o in_o sardis_n by_o temptation_n rev._n 3.4_o 2._o nor_o total_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o unexpected_a help_n for_o the_o woman_n flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n rev._n 12.6_o 14_o 16._o to_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o remain_v on_o earth_n and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o they_o god_n will_v receive_v his_o people_n when_o outward_a subsistence_n fail_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n luke_n 16.9_o and_o when_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v to_o the_o dispersion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n build_v on_o this_o rock_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o to_o their_o destruction_n but_o tend_v to_o the_o multiplication_n and_o enlargement_n of_o particular_a church_n the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v like_o the_o dispersion_n of_o seed_n into_o the_o field_n which_o bring_v forth_o a_o more_o plentiful_a harvest_n so_o their_o dispersion_n prevail_v against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o sundry_a church_n act._n 11.19_o 21._o thus_o the_o lord_n turn_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n against_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o promise_n zach._n 12.3_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o impregnable_a stability_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n build_v upon_o this_o rock_n we_o shall_v now_o prove_v by_o reason_n that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o reas_n 1_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o invisible_a 1_o cor._n 12.27_o and_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o sound_a member_n of_o his_o body_n to_o be_v pluck_v and_o tear_v from_o it_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n he_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n heb._n 3.3_o 4._o and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v it_o when_o the_o ark_n be_v build_v by_o noah_n as_o god_n instrument_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n it_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o deluge_n he_o be_v the_o foundation_n as_o he_o be_v belive_v and_o public_o confess_v whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o church_n against_o a_o house_n so_o build_v the_o wind_n and_o wave_n can_v prevail_v matth._n 7.24_o 25._o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o promise_n give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o for_o protection_n isa_n 4.5_o 6._o where_o be_v prophesi_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o describe_v god_n protection_n over_o they_o by_o a_o twofold_a allusion_n 1._o by_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o fire_n that_o protect_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n from_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n 2._o by_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o holy_a thing_n in_o it_o from_o all_o injury_n of_o weather_n exod._n 26.14_o rev._n 7.16_o and_o his_o power_n be_v engage_v to_o perform_v his_o promise_n joh._n 10.28_o 29._o and_o his_o providence_n will_v order_v all_o issue_n and_o event_n thereunto_o isa_n 54.16_o 17._o mat._n 28.18_o 20._o 2ly_n for_o victory_n rom._n 16.20_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v tread_v satan_n under_o their_o foot_n he_o will_v see_v to_o it_o that_o satan_n shall_v not_o tread_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o title_n give_v to_o particular_a visible_a church_n they_o be_v frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o heaven_n they_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n have_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n by_o a_o oath_n psal_n 89.35_o 36._o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n herein_o he_o call_v the_o sun_n and_o moon_n to_o be_v witness_n vers_fw-la 37._o the_o sun_n may_v be_v cloud_v sometime_o and_o moon_n be_v sometime_o in_o the_o full_a sometime_o in_o the_o wane_n but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n 56._o dr._n whitt_n ad_fw-la rat._n camp_n resp_n p._n 56._o semper_fw-la &_o fuisse_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la &_o futuram_fw-la deinceps_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la dubitamus_fw-la quanquam_fw-la ejus_fw-la aspectum_fw-la aliquando_fw-la illustrem_fw-la ut_fw-la conspici_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la possit_fw-la aliquando_fw-la tantâ_fw-la caligine_fw-la ut_fw-la vix_fw-la agnoscas_fw-la obscuratam_fw-la esse_fw-la fateamur_fw-la and_o it_o belong_v to_o christ_n to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n who_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o than_o to_o bruise_v his_o hâ—el_n gen._n 3.15_o he_o be_v that_o little_a stone_n that_o break_v the_o image_n to_o piece_n which_o represent_v the_o monarchy_n and_o power_n whereby_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n seek_v to_o prevail_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n dan._n 2.45_o christ_n church_n be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o nation_n isa_n 56.7_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o change_n of_o jacob_n name_n who_o by_o prayer_n obtain_v victory_n and_o protection_n against_o esau_n gen._n 32.28_o hos_fw-la 12.2_o 3._o so_o shall_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o prayer_n obtain_v deliverance_n from_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o reas_n 4_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o devil_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o instrument_n 1._o they_o be_v curse_v gen._n 12.3_o i_o will_v curse_v they_o that_o curse_v thou_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o their_o interprize_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 2._o they_o be_v conquer_v and_o captivate_v and_o triumph_v over_o by_o christ_n before_o he_o do_v build_v his_o church_n ephes_n 4.8_o 12._o therefore_o shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o nor_o destroy_v it_o be_v build_v 3._o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o christ_n kingdom_n therefore_o shall_v not_o prevail_v ps_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 110.1_o 2._o let_v we_o brief_o note_v some_o corollary_n hence_o then_o in_o vain_a boast_v that_o roman_a
in_o resect_v of_o quicken_a grace_n whence_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o pet._n 2.5_o hence_o they_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o thing_n into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o head_n christ_n and_o be_v edify_a and_o edify_v member_n in_o the_o body_n eph._n 4.15_o 16._o nor_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n only_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o also_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n institute_v by_o he_o which_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o by_o christ_n himself_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n the_o king_n whereof_o be_v christ_n his_o subject_n be_v visible_a believer_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o this_o sovereign_a power_n be_v so_o proper_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o communicable_a to_o any_o creature_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v his_o substitute_n or_o vicar_n herein_o for_o neither_o do_v christ_n or_o his_o church_n need_v such_o a_o vicar_n or_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n alone_o col._n 2.10_o nor_o be_v any_o creature_n capable_a of_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o head_n unto_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o 2._o consect_n then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o earthly_a king_n or_o state_n or_o civil_a court_n to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o to_o invent_v and_o impose_v any_o rite_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n upon_o church_n according_a to_o principle_n of_o state-policy_n or_o humane_a prudence_n though_o moses_n be_v as_o well_o a_o great_a prophet_n as_o a_o great_a prince_n yet_o god_n leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n to_o his_o prudence_n but_o limit_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n exod._n 25.40_o nor_o may_v solomon_n though_o the_o wise_a of_o mere_a man_n act_n by_o his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o build_v the_o temple_n 13._o â—_o chon_n 28.11_o 12_o 13._o but_o he_o be_v guide_v therein_o by_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n which_o david_n give_v he_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o concern_v christian_a church_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n which_o he_o require_v the_o minister_n to_o hold_v forth_o distinct_o in_o every_o point_n of_o it_o to_o his_o people_n according_a to_o that_o prophecy_n in_o ezek._n 43.10_o 11._o that_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o whole_a form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o do_v they_o which_o also_o christ_n express_o require_v in_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o 3._o consect_n then_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v exalt_v christ_n and_o his_o institution_n alone_o in_o their_o whole_a church-order_n and_o in_o all_o their_o admistration_n this_o be_v their_o visible_a receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o col._n 2.5_o 6._o the_o church_n be_v christ_n house_n and_o it_o be_v equal_a according_a to_o natural_a light_n and_o civil_a prudence_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v rule_n in_o his_o own_o house_n esth_n 1.22_o much_o more_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man._n artaxerxes_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n with_o all_o such_o as_o encroach_v upon_o christ_n right_a in_o order_v church_n by_o their_o policy_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o fear_v the_o jealousy_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n if_o man_n shall_v take_v such_o liberty_n to_o themselves_o provide_v against_o it_o by_o a_o strict_a decree_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v command_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v diligent_o do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o why_o shall_v there_o be_v wrath_n against_o the_o realm_n etc._n etc._n esth_n 7.23_o nor_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o christ_n less_o formidable_a to_o we_o or_o his_o jealousy_n less_o incense_v against_o those_o that_o either_o add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o or_o alter_v his_o institution_n now_o than_o in_o time_n past_a but_o rather_o more_o hebr._fw-la 12.25_o to_o the_o end_n so_o much_o shall_v serve_v touch_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o material_a cause_n the_o material_n whereof_o this_o spiritual_a building_n must_v consist_v be_v employ_v when_o christ_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v etc._n etc._n together_o with_o peter_n confession_n in_o ver_fw-la 16._o and_o christ_n approbation_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 17._o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o this_o speech_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o rock_n be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o but_o how_o consider_v not_o simple_o and_o in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n but_o 1._o as_o preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n ephes_n 2.20_o 2._o as_o believe_v on_o with_o a_o faith_n make_v visible_a by_o public_a confession_n according_a to_o rom._n 10.9_o 10._o christ_n believe_v on_o be_v the_o foundation_n or_o rock_n of_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n but_o christ_n believe_v on_o and_o confess_v be_v the_o rock_n whereupon_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v build_v in_o this_o exposition_n sundry_a of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n 21._o writer_n basil_n tract_n de_fw-fr poenit_fw-la gre._n naz._n de_fw-fr comp._n disserendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la theod_n in_o psal_n 47._o ambr._n in_o eph._n 2.20_o aug._n in_o lib._n 1._o retract_v c._n 21._o and_o the_o orthodox_n modern_a general_o consent_n the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n which_o these_o word_n of_o the_o charter_n afford_v we_o concern_v the_o material_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v that_o 2._o conclusion_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o and_o only_o such_o grow_a person_n be_v admit_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n who_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v have_v blessedness_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o be_v such_o as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 1._o that_o christ_n here_o mean_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o only_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o have_v partly_o evince_v already_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o hereafter_o 2._o that_o person_n mean_v by_o christ_n here_o be_v adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n appear_v by_o his_o question_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v man_n say_v and_o who_o do_v you_o say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o by_o peter_n answer_n as_o for_o infant_n they_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o baptise_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o only_o as_o they_o be_v include_v in_o their_o parent_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrap_v with_o their_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o that_o such_o adulti_fw-la or_o grow_v person_n must_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n so_o christ_n require_v peter_n to_o do_v here_o and_z when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v say_v christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n viz._n in_o after_o time_n for_o no_o particular_a christian_a church_n be_v actual_o constitute_v at_o this_o time_n nor_o till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o act._n 1._o q._n d._n then_o take_v this_o course_n and_o ever_o after_o all_o the_o world_n over_o if_o you_o will_v have_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o i_o to_o be_v my_o build_n 4._o that_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v so_o make_v as_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v it_o to_o have_v blessedness_n annex_v etc._n etc._n for_o see_v it_o please_v christ_n to_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o build_v his_o church_n zach._n 6.15_o ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o he_o be_v content_a that_o they_o improve_v the_o judgement_n which_o they_o have_v christ_n judgement_n concern_v peter_n be_v infallible_a for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n john_n 2.25_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n who_o judge_n by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o therefore_o their_o judgement_n be_v fallible_a and_o have_v be_v deceive_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n concern_v ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o in_o that_o of_o philip_n and_o the_o church_n in_o samaria_n concern_v simon_n magus_n etc._n etc._n their_o duty_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o man_n may_v by_o rule_n with_o due_a moderation_n and_o gentleness_n to_o try_v they_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o fellowship_n whether_o they_o be_v believer_n or_o not_o refuse_v know_v hypocrite_n though_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v close_a hypocrite_n will_v creep_v in_o 5._o that_o all_o they_o who_o hold_v
have_v a_o immediate_a right_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n which_o i_o do_v not_o grant_v nor_o believe_v but_o that_o as_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o they_o tanquam_fw-la in_o lumbis_fw-la parentum_fw-la so_o also_o if_o the_o grow_v member_n of_o the_o church_n observe_v vicious_a quality_n and_o practice_n in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o immediate_o in_o those_o step_n of_o proceed_v require_v in_o mat._n 18._o to_o bring_v matter_n to_o the_o church_n but_o they_o deal_v with_o their_o parent_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o educate_v their_o child_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o ephes_n 6.4_o to_o this_o sense_n dr._n ames_n appli_v that_o text_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 13._o ames_n medulla_n theolog_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o art_n 12_o 13._o infant_n tamen_fw-la non_fw-la adeò_fw-la perfecta_fw-la sunt_fw-la membra_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ut_fw-la possint_fw-la actus_fw-la communionis_fw-la exercere_fw-la aut_fw-la admitti_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la ejus_fw-la privilegia_fw-la participanda_fw-la nisi_fw-la priùs_fw-la incrementum_fw-la fidei_fw-la appareat_fw-la ab_fw-la iis_fw-la vero_fw-la quae_fw-la pertinent_a ad_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la et_fw-la ingressum_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la excludendi_fw-la 2._o nor_o may_v their_o child_n be_v baptize_v till_o themselves_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o right_n for_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n for_o not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n do_v become_v non-member_n and_o be_v to_o be_v so_o look_v at_o by_o the_o church_n if_o they_o desert_a church-fellowship_n either_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o place_n as_o esau_n into_o mount_n seir_n or_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n or_o if_o the_o church_n withdraw_v from_o they_o in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o implicitly_a member_n therefore_o their_o child_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o right_a that_o infant_n have_v unto_o baptism_n be_v in_o their_o next_o and_o immediate_a parent_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o do_v so_o limit_v it_o 2._o because_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n take_v off_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o their_o seed_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o posterity_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n 3._o because_o if_o infant_n shall_v have_v this_o right_n in_o their_o grandfather_n where_o shall_v we_o stop_v shall_v it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n as_o some_o misapply_v that_o promise_n in_o exod._n 20.6_o that_o can_v be_v true_a for_o then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_a all_o the_o world_n over_o have_v a_o right_n to_o bapism_n in_o some_o of_o their_o ancestor_n within_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o rom._n 11.17_o coral_n ∣_o lary_n 5_o then_o church-covenant_n be_v no_o formidable_a matter_n but_o desirable_a be_v it_o a_o yoke_n 1._o it_o be_v christ_n yoke_n which_o be_v easy_a mat._n 11.29_o 30._o he_o will_v make_v it_o easy_a depend_v upon_o his_o faithfulness_n as_o surety_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o ability_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o your_o discharge_n of_o your_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n but_o of_o precious_a liberty_n whereby_o you_o have_v right_a in_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o nor_o be_v church-fellowship_n a_o prison_n but_o if_o god_n call_v they_o must_v consent_v to_o your_o remove_n from_o they_o and_o follow_v you_o with_o their_o prayer_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a but_o sweet_a engagement_n of_o all_o upright-hearted_n christian_n to_o please_v christ_n and_o to_o be_v to_o his_o honour_n in_o that_o state_n so_o do_v the_o marriage-covenant_n oblige_v those_o that_o be_v in_o that_o state_n 1_o cor._n 7.34_o &_o 11.7_o from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v for_o the_o like_a care_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o ephes_n 5.24_o 2_o cor._n 8.23_o which_o also_o be_v a_o special_a end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o abraham_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n stand_v bind_v unto_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o 2._o and_o 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o and_o the_o contrary_n discover_v the_o insincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o psal_n 78.37_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o bind_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o church-relation_n mutual_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n and_o quicken_v they_o thereunto_o through_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o to_o 28._o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o some_o who_o do_v approve_v and_o plead_v for_o all_o other_o covenant_n viz._n national_a conjugal_a social_n covenant_n shall_v yet_o dislike_v and_o oppose_v church-covenant_n coral_n ∣_o lary_n 6_o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v see_v when_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v break_v and_o how_o great_a their_o sin_n be_v who_o do_v scandalous_o and_o contumacious_o persist_v therein_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o quantity_n and_o compass_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n which_o christ_n call_v his_o church_n he_o tell_v peter_n that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o upon_o this_o rock_n mat._n 16.18_o i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n where_o the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o first_o person_n and_o in_o the_o future_a tense_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o to_o show_v that_o though_o he_o will_v use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n that_o cause_v the_o work_n to_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o church-work_n be_v carry_v on_o successful_o zech._n 4.6_o 2._o breadstreet_n see_v mr._n bradf_n answ_n to_o the_o arch._n b._n of_o york_n in_o mr._n fox_n his_o act_n &_o mon._n in_o a_o conference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o chichester_n in_o the_o compter_n in_o breadstreet_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n not_o in_o the_o praeter_fw-la or_o present_a for_o though_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v after_o his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n when_o the_o gospel_n shall_v shine_v forth_o so_o clear_o that_o it_o shall_v obscure_v the_o light_n of_o former_a age_n as_o the_o sun_n rise_v in_o its_o strength_n do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n and_o it_o shall_v appear_v 2.11_o tit._n 2.11_o bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v gather_v and_o join_v unto_o christ_n that_o one_o head_n 14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eph._n 1.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 3.6_o &_o 2.13_o 14_o and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o body_n together_o with_o the_o believe_a jew_n in_o church-communion_n visible_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v break_v down_o and_o because_o all_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v join_v together_o in_o one_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v and_o be_v to_o have_v their_o solemn_a set_a meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n thrice_o a_o year_n or_o once_o in_o a_o age_n the_o lord_n jesus_n institute_v a_o congregational-church_n among_o christian_n and_o invest_v every_o such_o church_n with_o sufficient_a church-power_n within_o itself_o for_o attainment_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o my_o church_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v his_o institution_n 2._o because_o his_o name_n be_v call_v and_o put_v upon_o it_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v not_o moses_n his_o disciple_n but_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o old_a call_v christian_n act._n 11.26_o this_o title_n of_o church_n though_o it_o be_v give_v some_o time_n to_o a_o civil_a assembly_n act._n 19.41_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o christ_n no_o where_o call_v a_o civil_a assembly_n his_o church_n therefore_o it_o must_v signify_v a_o holy_a society_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o scripture_n appli_v this_o title_n sundry_a way_n 1._o to_o godly_a family_n rom._n 16.5_o col._n 4.15_o phil._n 2._o where_o the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o house_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o congregational_a church_n for_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o congregational_a assembly_n to_o salute_v aquila_n and_o priscilla_n and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n their_o house_n it_o seem_v consist_v all_o of_o godly_a person_n in_o paul_n judgement_n else_o he_o will_v have_v
alexandrum_fw-la omnia_fw-la probate_a quod_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la tenete_fw-la estote_fw-la probati_fw-la nummularij_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la nummus_fw-la adulter_fw-la est_fw-la &_o figuram_fw-la caesaris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la nec_fw-la signatus_fw-la est_fw-la moneta_fw-la publica_fw-la reprobetur_fw-la qui_fw-la autem_fw-la christi_fw-la faciem_fw-la claro_fw-la praefert_fw-la jumine_fw-la in_fw-la cordis_fw-la nostri_fw-la marsupium_fw-la recondatur_fw-la the_o church_n charter_n contain_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o constitution_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2._o the_o privilege_n and_o power_n give_v to_o such_o church_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o examine_v mr._n paget_n argue_v for_o the_o ecclesistical_a juridical_a power_n of_o class_n i_o shall_v positive_o declare_v what_o power_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n after_o i_o have_v describe_v their_o constitution_n according_a to_o christ_n his_o appointment_n in_o every_o of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v in_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o corporation_n or_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o perfect_a city_n be_v because_o i_o find_v that_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n frequent_o to_o express_v this_o matter_n under_o this_o similitude_n 1â—â—â—_n similitude_n ps_n 48_o 1â—_n 2._o &_o 87.3_o isa_n 26.1_o &_o 60.14_o ezek._n 40.2_o &_o 4â—_n 35_o rev._n 3._o â—â—_o &_o â—0_n â—_o 21._o 〈…〉_o 22._o 〈…〉_o luc._n 1â—â—â—_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o venture_v to_o apply_v it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n in_o scripture_n will_v direct_v and_o warrant_v there_o we_o find_v the_o grand_a charter_n itself_o and_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o these_o record_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n the_o father_n command_v we_o to_o hear_v 17.5_o hear_v mat._n 3.17_o &_o 17.5_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o under_o a_o dreadful_a penalty_n etc._n penalty_n act_n 3.22_o 23._o cypr._n ad_fw-la coecil_n lib._n 2._o ep_n 3._o si_fw-mi solus_fw-la christus_fw-la audiendus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la debemus_fw-la attendere_fw-la quid_fw-la aliquis_fw-la ante_fw-la nos_fw-la faciendum_fw-la putaverit_fw-la sed_fw-la quid_fw-la qui_fw-la ante_fw-la omnis_fw-la est_fw-la christus_fw-la prio_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o faciendum_fw-la statuerit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la hominis_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la sequi_fw-la oportet_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la veritatem_fw-la cùm_fw-la per_fw-la isaiam_fw-la prophetam_fw-la deus_fw-la loquatur_fw-la &_o dicat_fw-la etc._n etc._n whence_o cyprian_n do_v well_o infer_v if_o only_a christ_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attend_v what_o any_o before_o we_o thought_n shall_v be_v do_v but_o what_o christ_n who_o be_v before_o all_o have_v do_v and_o appoint_v to_o be_v do_v for_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o custom_n of_o man_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o vain_a they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n the_o charter_n according_a to_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o their_o power_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la be_v to_o be_v state_v we_o find_v in_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o in_o the_o open_n and_o explain_v whereof_o i_o purpose_v with_o christ_n assistance_n to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n one_a handle_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2_o clear_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o word_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o hold_v forth_o a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o its_o cause_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v several_o and_o distinct_o and_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o objection_n as_o occur_v in_o each_o particular_a may_v be_v due_o weigh_v and_o in_o handle_v they_o i_o shall_v observe_v this_o order_n 1._o i_o shall_v propound_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o certain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n 2._o explicate_v and_o confirm_v they_o 3._o deduce_v thence_o such_o consectary_n or_o inference_n as_o free_o flow_v from_o they_o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n be_v note_v in_o this_o clause_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n i_o who_o be_v that_o even_o he_o who_o peter_n have_v confess_v in_o these_o word_n thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v jesus_n our_o mediator_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o for_o though_o he_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n build_v his_o church_n zach._n 4.6_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o building_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 2._o he_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o preter_fw-la or_o present_a tense_n but_o in_o the_o future_a i_o will_v build_v for_o though_o christ_n be_v yesterday_o be_v to_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v in_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new-testament_n which_o shall_v be_v build_v after_o his_o ascension_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n join_v into_o one_o body_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v concl._n 1_o that_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v the_o only_a immediate_a author_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n appear_v by_o his_o give_v to_o it_o the_o key_n which_o we_o shall_v prove_v hereafter_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n 2._o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a immediate_a institutor_n of_o such_o church_n may_v be_v evince_v 1._o general_o from_o heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o particular_o by_o induction_n thus_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o door_n by_o who_o they_o that_o be_v orderly_o admit_v must_v enter_v joh._n 10.9_o 2._o he_o set_v the_o member_n every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o that_o place_n and_o rank_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.18_o and_o gift_v they_o according_o ephes_n 4.7_o 3._o he_o compact_v the_o whole_a body_n ephes_n 4.16_o and_o firm_o knit_v the_o material_n together_o in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 4._o he_o give_v the_o several_a office_n and_o officer_n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.8_o 11._o 5._o he_o appoint_v the_o visible_a seal_n baptism_n col._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 23_o etc._n etc._n 6._o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o 7._o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o church_n admininistration_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o 8._o the_o censure_n have_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n from_o he_o rev._n 3.7_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 9_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v from_o his_o institution_n of_o they_o and_o effectual_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n dispense_n they_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o reas_n thus_o he_o be_v by_o a_o threefold_a right_n 1._o from_o the_o decree_n and_o donation_n of_o the_o father_n psal_n 2.7_o 8._o john_n 3.35_o and_o 5.22_o 23._o 2._o from_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o from_o his_o conquest_n over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o and_o translate_v they_o into_o his_o kingdom_n col._n 1.13_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n have_v right_a to_o institute_v particular_a christian_a church_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o what_o mould_n he_o please_v from_o this_o conclusion_n thus_o prove_v i_o infer_v as_o follow_v 1._o consect_n then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n and_o head_n of_o such_o church_n as_o himself_o have_v institute_v thus_o from_o christ_n building_n his_o house_n follow_v his_o be_v over_o the_o house_n hebrew_n 3.3_o 6._o and_o he_o be_v over_o it_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o it_o act_n 2.36_o and_o as_o the_o only_a political_a head_n of_o it_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o of_o pre-eminence_n as_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o his_o member_n col._n 1.18_o john_n 3.34_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o government_n ephes_n 5.22_o 23_o 24._o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o influence_n joh._n 15.5_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o common_a gift_n whereof_o hypocrite_n partake_v which_o if_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o church_n be_v but_o dead_a member_n who_o as_o dead_a branch_n in_o the_o vine_n god_n will_v take_v away_o and_o cast_v forth_o joh._n 15.2_o 6._o but_o also_o
in_o church_n communion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v combine_v and_o compact_v before_o have_v solemn_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n expound_v it_o in_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 2._o luke_n confirm_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o as_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o act._n 5.13_o yet_o they_o do_v magnify_v they_o i._n e._n they_o approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o way_n and_o confess_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o add_v they_o so_o to_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n be_v add_v viz._n by_o public_a voluntary_a engagement_n with_o the_o church_n mutual_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n luke_n confirm_v by_o use_v another_o word_n synonomous_a with_o this_o which_o more_o plain_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v glue_v which_o word_n though_o it_o sometime_o signify_v join_v in_o a_o more_o common_a and_o lax_n sense_n yet_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n therefore_o according_a to_o tertullian_n rule_n deligendus_n est_fw-la sensus_fw-la è_fw-la materiâ_fw-la dicti_fw-la and_o then_o we_o know_v that_o all_o join_n unto_o a_o corporation_n must_v be_v do_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n and_o voluntary_a service_n to_o both_o which_o relation_n the_o same_o verb_n be_v apply_v to_o marriage_n in_o mat._n 19.5_o to_o voluntary_a service_n in_o luk._n 15.15_o both_o which_o be_v by_o voluntary_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a knit_n glue_v whereby_o person_n be_v join_v together_o in_o all_o such_o voluntary_a relation_n so_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o explication_n of_o the_o phrase_n 3._o the_o three_o proof_n be_v from_o the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o express_v their_o covenant_v together_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n to_o the_o body-natural_a to_o a_o body-corporate_a to_o a_o wife_n 1._o to_o a_o house_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o every_o member_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o whether_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o house_n in_o a_o architectonical_a sense_n the_o material_n must_v be_v cement_v together_o now_o in_o the_o church_n that_o cement_n be_v the_o covenant_n or_o in_o a_o oeconomical_a sense_n the_o member_n that_o be_v voluntary_o add_v as_o voluntary_a servant_n to_o the_o family_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n by_o covenant_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n eph._n 2.21_o 2._o to_o the_o natural-body_n in_o man_n the_o head_n of_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v beleiver_n the_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o essential_o when_o they_o be_v harmonical_o join_v and_o strong_o compact_v together_o by_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o fall_v as_o it_o be_v into_o joint_n as_o the_o thigh_n fall_v into_o the_o knee_n and_o the_o shoulder_n into_o the_o shoulderblade_n by_o shoot_v itself_o into_o the_o hollow_a of_o it_o and_o be_v firm_o knit_v to_o it_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 3._o to_o a_o body-corporate_a hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a city_n rev._n 11.2_o and_o church-member_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n ephes_n 2.19_o that_o whereby_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o be_v the_o covenant_n for_o as_o all_o citizen_n be_v admit_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la and_o become_v free_a denizen_n by_o voluntary_a enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o political-body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 4._o to_o a_o wife_n whether_o espouse_v or_o marry_v all_o espousal_n and_o marriage_n be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a mutual_a covenant_n prov._n 2.17_o mal._n 2.14_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n isa_n 62.5_o hence_o paul_n style_v the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n a_o virgin_n espouse_v 2_o cor._n 11.2_o to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n be_v join_v as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o virgin-church_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o phrase_n and_o similitude_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v strong_o confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n in_o one_o body_n among_o themselves_o several_o and_o respective_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n if_o any_o demand_n why_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o express_o mention_v the_o word_n covenant_n two_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o that_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a see_v it_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n that_o duty_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a and_o common_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o have_v be_v large_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o brief_o and_o implicit_o point_v at_o in_o the_o new_a as_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o sanctify_v it_o so_o this_o of_o the_o church-covenant_n yet_o concern_v all_o these_o sufficient_a light_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o manifest_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n then_o live_v under_o heathen_a prince_n and_o ruler_n enemy_n to_o christ_n unto_o who_o jealousy_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v render_v they_o obnoxious_a and_o may_v seem_v dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a peace_n therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n choose_v rather_o to_o forbear_v mention_v the_o name_n yet_o establish_v the_o thing_n under_o such_o similitude_n and_o parable_n as_o may_v hide_v it_o from_o other_o and_o yet_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o saint_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o voluntary_a relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o their_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o all_o which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o 1._o their_o relation_n be_v voluntary_a and_o all_o voluntary_a relation_n be_v by_o covenant_n as_o between_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n between_o master_n and_o voluntary_a servant_n so_o between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o both_o party_n before_o be_v free_a the_o one_o to_o offer_v himself_o into_o fellowship_n or_o not_o the_o other_o to_o admit_v he_o or_o not_o if_o such_o join_v together_o it_o be_v by_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o must_v be_v by_o mutual_a engagement_n hence_o arise_v their_o special_a and_o particular_a relation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o among_o themselves_o mutual_o as_o a_o body_n distinct_a from_o other_o church_n 2._o their_o interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o power_n one_o over_o another_o mutual_o arise_v from_o their_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n no_o church_n can_v judge_v any_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o inhabitant_n expect_v memberlike_a watchfulness_n and_o helpfulness_n from_o the_o church_n unless_o upon_o his_o offering_n himself_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n they_o receive_v he_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o 3._o their_o constant_a fellowship_n in_o church-priviledge_n arise_v from_o this_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n for_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v unto_o they_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o body_n admit_v they_o thereunto_o without_o their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n for_o till_o then_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v object_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o need_n of_o church-covenant_n see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n conveigh_v to_o beleiver_n all_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n answ_n 1_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o believer_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o internal_a viz._n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n
key_n in_o a_o large-sense_n the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o censure_n these_o the_o church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o act_v by_o open_v and_o shut_v 1._o they_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n subordinate_o when_o they_o admit_v only_o such_o and_o all_o such_o to_o fellowship_n who_o christ_n receive_v rom._n 14.1_o 3._o 2._o the_o door_n of_o office_n in_o the_o church_n they_o do_v open_a in_o the_o church_n subordinate_o when_o they_o elect_v and_o ordain_v such_o unto_o office_n as_o christ_n have_v prepare_v and_o call_v thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 1-14_a and_o then_o only_o to_o such_o office_n as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v only_o four_o rev._n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o for_o widow_n be_v include_v in_o deacon_n these_o be_v reduce_v to_o two_o general_a head_n in_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o so_o be_v their_o function_n in_o rom._n 12.6_o 7._o and_o yield_v unto_o they_o all_o and_o only_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v annex_v to_o their_o office_n and_o particular_o unto_o teach_v and_o rule_v officer_n that_o subjection_n and_o honour_n which_o the_o word_n call_v for_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o 3._o they_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bind_v man_n from_o church_n ordinance_n and_o privilege_n 1._o by_o not_o admit_v those_o to_o church-fellowship_n against_o who_o they_o have_v just_a exception_n act._n 9.26_o 2._o by_o judge_v and_o censure_v scandlaous_a member_n whether_o brethren_n or_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n rule_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o and_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3._o by_o hold_v they_o under_o censure_n without_o release_n till_o their_o repentance_n be_v to_o satisfaction_n according_a to_o christ_n rule_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o 4._o what_o the_o order_n be_v wherein_o christ_n will_v have_v these_o church-affair_n to_o be_v act_v the_o order_n be_v this_o first_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o one_o another_o and_o their_o fitness_n for_o church-fellowship_n and_o thereupon_o confederate_v together_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o mutual_a watchfulness_n and_o submission_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n become_v a_o congregational-church_n they_o have_v now_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n 2._o be_v such_o they_o must_v look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o for_o such_o officer_n as_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n these_o they_o must_v choose_v and_o ordain_v profess_v their_o voluntary_a submission_n to_o their_o office-rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o lord_n till_o this_o be_v do_v they_o can_v complete_o act_v all_o church-affair_n in_o due_a order_n till_o they_o have_v teaching-elders_a though_o there_o be_v gifted-brethren_n among_o they_o that_o may_v prophesy_v 1_o cor._n 14._o yet_o they_o have_v none_o to_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act._n 6.4_o such_o attendance_n be_v proper_a to_o officer_n rom._n 12.7_o nor_o 3._o to_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o authority_n as_o a_o officer_n must_v tit._n 2.15_o nor_o 4._o to_o administer_v the_o seal_n which_o christ_n have_v annex_v to_o the_o official_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o without_o ruling-elders_a who_o shall_v call_v the_o church_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v on_o special_a weighty_a occasion_n act._n 6.2_o who_o shall_v prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o church_n 1._o by_o examine_v officer_n or_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.2_o 2._o by_o state_v and_o clear_v the_o question_n and_o proof_n and_o try_v whether_o matter_n have_v be_v carry_v according_a to_o rule_n private_o in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n before_o any_o offence_n be_v present_v to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v secret_a at_o first_o according_a to_o mat._n 18.17_o 3._o by_o direct_v those_o that_o be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n conceive_v against_o they_o how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o according_a to_o rule_v to_o remove_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v meet_v at_o the_o house_n of_o james_n do_v to_o paul_n act._n 21.18_o to_o these_o head_n other_o like_a case_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v who_o shall_v moderate_v debate_n in_o the_o church_n assembly_n and_o order_n speak_v and_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o 40._o who_o shall_v hold_v forth_o light_a from_o the_o rule_n to_o guide_v the_o apprehension_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o difficult_a case_n according_a to_o ezek._n 44.23_o 24._o last_o who_o shall_v dismiss_v the_o church_n authoritative_o with_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n numb_a 6_o 23-26_a and_o heb._n 7.7_o and_o who_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o humane_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n if_o deacon_n be_v not_o choose_v and_o ordain_v this_o office-power_n the_o church_n indeed_o have_v not_o formal_o in_o itself_o yet_o it_o have_v it_o virtual_o and_o original_o as_o the_o stock_n of_o a_o tree_n have_v not_o immediate_a power_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n yet_o it_o have_v power_n to_o produce_v branch_n which_o do_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n so_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n though_o it_o have_v not_o immediate_a power_n to_o act_v a_o office_n in_o the_o thing_n proper_a thereunto_o yet_o it_o have_v power_n to_o make_v such_o officer_n as_o may_v perform_v the_o same_o in_o christ_n order_n 5._o why_o this_o power_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o visible_a congregation_n of_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o this_o expression_n serve_v to_o show_v three_o particular_n 1._o that_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o congregational-church_n indefinite_o or_o the_o church_n in_o its_o general_a nature_n as_o it_o exist_v in_o particular_a congregation_n to_o each_o of_o which_o it_o communicate_v its_o whole_a nature_n and_o with_o it_o all_o its_o privilege_n and_o power_n to_o they_o all_o be_v species_n of_o it_o first_o and_o equal_o so_o that_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v all_o church-power_n that_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n as_o complete_o convey_v to_o it_o as_o any_o other_o as_o this_o particular_a man_n john_n or_o peter_n or_o james_n have_v all_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n equal_o communicate_v to_o they_o and_o can_v put_v forth_o the_o operation_n of_o that_o nature_n full_o of_o themselves_o and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o 2._o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v act_v in_o admission_n election_n and_o censure_n only_o by_o such_o in_o who_o name_n peter_n make_v this_o confession_n viz._n a_o community_n of_o disciple_n walk_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o consent_n that_o be_v to_o a_o society_n of_o believe_a man_n for_o woman_n though_o believer_n be_v except_v by_o the_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 2_o 12-14_a 2._o profess_v believer_n therefore_o child_n and_o distract_a person_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o this_o power_n be_v unfit_a to_o judge_v 1_o cor._n 5.12_o and_o so_o be_v they_o that_o be_v deaf_a and_o dumb._n 3._o such_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n with_o consent_n therefore_o such_o as_o be_v under_o public_a censure_n for_o scandal_n in_o life_n or_o doctrine_n be_v disable_v as_o have_v for_o the_o time_n lose_v their_o privilege_n and_o power_n last_o if_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v general_o corrupt_v or_o divide_v among_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v into_o two_o equal_a part_n it_o can_v act_v this_o power_n nor_o claim_v a_o interest_n in_o this_o promise_n which_o be_v give_v to_o a_o church_n assembly_n in_o christ_n name_n with_o competent_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o mat._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o that_o this_o power_n be_v give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n not_o only_o objective_o for_o their_o good_a but_o subjective_o and_o first_o so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o recipient_a subject_n of_o it_o for_o officer_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4.8_o 11._o not_o as_o mere_a adjunct_n be_v give_v to_o a_o subject_n but_o as_o integral_a part_n for_o complete_n the_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o give_v to_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o recipient_a subject_n of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o church_n can_v by_o itself_o exercise_v the_o teach_v and_o ruling-elders_a office_n yet_o they_o may_v by_o their_o officer_n as_o the_o body_n though_o it_o can_v see_v by_o itself_o yet_o it_o
of_o power_n under_o christ_n to_o manage_v the_o same_o within_o themselves_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n intend_v to_o establish_v by_o this_o promise_n the_o complete_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o such_o a_o church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o itâ—_n officer_n be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 18.18_o where_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v give_v by_o name_n to_o such_o a_o church_n the_o word_n therefore_o in_o sum_n hold_v forth_o a_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n of_o a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v thus_o evince_v the_o censure_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v with_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n the_o proposition_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v pass_v without_o opposition_n but_o i_o find_v this_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o obj._n the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n or_o court_n proceed_v right_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v appeal_v from_o it_o why_o will_v not_o the_o same_o hold_n in_o church-censure_n also_o answ_n 1._o because_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o civil_a court_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o spiritual_a bind_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v 2._o because_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o the_o reason_n why_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o inferior_a civil_a court_n and_o judge_n be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o there_o prosecute_v and_o thereby_o determine_v as_o the_o inferior_a court_n in_o israel_n stand_v under_o the_o high_a synedrion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o supreme_a court_n ordain_v by_o christ_n over_o particular_a church_n the_o assumption_n that_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n be_v express_o in_o the_o text_n as_o it_o have_v be_v expound_v true_o say_v some_o what_o a_o particular_a church_n bind_v on_o earth_n cleave_v non_fw-la errante_fw-la be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o judgement_n therefore_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v and_o then_o their_o bind_a power_n be_v go_v answ_n 1._o if_o possibility_n of_o err_v in_o judgement_n be_v a_o warrantable_a ground_n of_o appeal_n from_o particular_a church_n then_o the_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v to_o such_o a_o tribunal_n and_o judge_n as_o can_v err_v which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o heaven_n 2._o on_o this_o ground_n the_o universal_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o general_a council_n much_o more_o inferior_a synod_n and_o class_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v without_o appeal_n for_o a_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v not_o seldom_o but_o often_o not_o in_o small_a matter_n only_o but_o in_o those_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n yea_o they_o may_v be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o err_v as_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n corrupt_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v more_o eye_n &_o plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la i_o answer_v true_a caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la viz._n if_o they_o be_v equal_o near_o the_o mark_n but_o their_o sight_n be_v hinder_v more_o than_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o their_o proper_a concernment_n as_o they_o be_v further_o from_o the_o mark_n in_o such_o case_n than_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o full_a power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o classical_a national_a not_o ecumenical_a assembly_n have_v any_o such_o power_n for_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v also_o 3._o christ_n who_o well_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o what_o be_v best_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o particular_a church_n notwithstanding_o their_o possibility_n of_o err_a a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o judgement_n in_o their_o own_o matter_n within_o themselves_o the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n conclu_n 7._o conclu_n be_v complete_v with_o officer_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n within_o itself_o complete_a subordinate_a church-power_n in_o all_o church-affair_n proper_a to_o itself_o when_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o have_v complete_a or_o sufficient_a church-power_n thereby_o i_o mean_v 1._o that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n to_o supply_v unto_o it_o any_o power_n that_o it_o want_v in_o its_o own_o matter_n and_o 2._o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o subjection_n under_o any_o other_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a so_o as_o that_o thereby_o the_o judicial_a act_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v hinder_v or_o make_v void_a in_o a_o word_n potestas_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la in_fw-la re_fw-la propria_fw-la summa_fw-la est_fw-la the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v chief_a in_o thing_n proper_a to_o itself_o 2._o i_o add_v that_o this_o chiefty_a of_o power_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v subordinate_a to_o show_v that_o the_o absolute_a supremacy_n of_o power_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v only_o delegated_a from_o christ_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o its_o officer_n the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v perfect_o monarchical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o elder_n act_v their_o authoririty_n or_o office-power_n it_o be_v aristocratical_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fraternity_n act_v its_o chuch-power_n in_o judgement_n it_o be_v democratical_a and_o in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o member_n both_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n it_o be_v aristocratico-democratical_a above_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o set_v any_o high_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a on_o earth_n subject_v particular_a church_n thereunto_o in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la a_o clear_a proof_n of_o such_o power_n as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v describe_v you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5_o 15_a say_v not_o as_o some_o do_v that_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a power_n in_o that_o church_n but_o of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o decree_v it_o and_o judge_v he_o before_o and_o commit_v no_o more_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o 5.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 5.3_o though_o paul_n as_o a_o apostle_n judge_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v yet_o he_o so_o judge_v only_o dogmatical_o by_o teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n not_o judicial_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o accordingly_z the_o church_n cast_v he_o out_o by_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n of_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o though_o in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n deliver_v by_o paul_n for_o 1._o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o and_o that_o be_v the_o high_a power_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 5._o which_o argue_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o power_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o on_o earth_n 3._o when_o god_n bless_v this_o sentence_n by_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o work_v repentance_n in_o he_o paul_n exhort_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6-10_a and_o do_v not_o claim_v the_o power_n over_o they_o of_o a_o superior_a judge_n to_o absolve_v he_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n without_o they_o nor_o do_v he_o write_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a church_n but_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n both_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o thereby_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n to_o be_v so_o full_o in_o they_o that_o as_o their_o not_o put_v it_o into_o act_n retard_v the_o sentence_n before_o