commission_n that_o christ_n give_v a_o pastoral_a relation_n or_o presbytership_n which_o be_v include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n and_o exercise_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n such_o presbyter-ship_n john_n and_o peter_n both_o have_v hence_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o successor_n jure_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o be_v relative_a officer_n and_o be_v always_o in_o and_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n we_o know_v of_o no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n that_o any_o pastor_n be_v ordain_v to_o 1._o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n as_o catholic_n visible_a 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o chimaera_n of_o some_o man_n brain_n it_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la for_o if_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v all_o the_o church_n that_o i_o see_v at_o a_o time_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o see_v much_o more_o than_o what_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o church_n actual_o in_o be_v how_o be_v they_o visible_a to_o i_o where_o can_v they_o be_v see_v in_o one_o place_n i_o may_v as_o well_o call_v all_o the_o city_n and_o corporation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n visible_a city_n or_o corporation_n which_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v nonsense_n beside_o if_o all_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v get_v together_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o saint_n militant_a much_o less_o of_o triumphant_a for_o many_o be_v no_o church_n member_n that_o be_v christ_n member_n and_o many_o visible_a member_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o be_v any_o such_o church_n capable_a of_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o other_o organise_v visible_a church_n again_o to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n constitute_v shall_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o officer_n to_o the_o mystical_a church_n christ_n be_v the_o mystical_a head_n and_o pastor_n he_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o hence_o the_o uncalled_a be_v his_o sheep_n as_o john_n 10.16_o but_o to_o all_o visible_a church_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o where_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o please_v we_o to_o take_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o say_v that_o all_o individual_a pastor_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v either_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o as_o much_o pastoral_n power_n and_o charge_n in_o one_o church_n as_o in_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v indefinite_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o all_o pastor_n have_v mutual_a power_n in_o each_o other_o church_n and_o so_o john_n may_v come_v into_o thomas_n his_o church_n and_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n there_o and_o thomas_n into_o john_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o universal_a catholic_n power_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n which_o every_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v be_v apostolic_a or_o last_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o a_o particular_a charge_n where_o he_o please_v with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o if_o he_o have_v a_o office_n whereby_o he_o be_v equal_o and_o indisputable_o relate_v to_o all_o church_n it_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o office_n to_o take_v where_o he_o please_v but_o every_o church-officer_n under_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n must_v be_v such_o whence_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a to_o which_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o visible_a husband_n to_o a_o invisible_a wife_n the_o relate_v and_o correlate_n must_v be_v ejusdem_fw-la naturae_fw-la it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a head_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a nature_n for_o christ_n have_v substitute_v no_o mystical_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o mystical_a and_o external_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o latter_a be_v found_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o it_o as_o take_v its_o true_a spiritual_a original_a from_o it_o derive_v vital_a spirit_n from_o it_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o all_o external_a visible_a assembly_n minister_n ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o call_v in_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o edify_v of_o they_o to_o that_o full_a measure_n of_o stature_n they_o be_v design_v unto_o but_o the_o different_a consideration_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o mystical_a church_n do_v never_o fail_v neither_o be_v diminish_v by_o any_o shock_n of_o temptation_n or_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o visible_a profession_n any_o of_o they_o undergo_v whereas_o visible_a church_n be_v often_o break_v scatter_a yea_o unchurch_v and_o many_o member_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o final_a apostasy_n likewise_o christ_n mystical_a church_n be_v many_o time_n preserve_v in_o that_o state_n only_o or_o most_o when_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o visible_a organise_v church_n according_a to_o institution_n to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o his_o church_n often_o under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n as_o in_o egypt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o manasseh_n and_o other_o wicked_a king_n and_o especial_o in_o babylon_n in_o such_o time_n the_o faithful_a one_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o true_a sacrifice_n the_o teach_a priest_n and_o the_o law._n so_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o draconick_a heathen_a persecution_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o wilderness-state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o false_a worship_n which_o mystical_a state_n be_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n to_o hide_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o from_o the_o dragon_n rage_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n again_o unto_o this_o mystical_a church_n be_v only_o essential_o necessary_a a_o mystical_a union_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n acceptation_n and_o covenant-undertaking_a of_o the_o son_n the_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n work_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n whereby_o as_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a union_n so_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n though_o without_o those_o desirable_a enjoyment_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v providential_o often_o hinder_v from_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o christ_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n which_o he_o sometime_o set_v up_o and_o sometime_o take_v down_o and_o remove_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o see_v best_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world._n but_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n as_o to_o their_o foundadation_n matter_n constitution_n and_o order_n he_o give_v forth_o a_o exact_a pattern_n from_o mount_n zion_n as_o of_o that_o typical_a tabernacle_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o old._n the_o foundation_n part_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o corner_n stone_n eph._n ij_o 20_o matth._n xuj_o 18_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a individual_a person_n that_o make_v a_o organise_v visible_a church_n we_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n not_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o these_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o practise_v holiness_n the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v always_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n saint_n faithful_n believer_n they_o be_v such_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o believer_n so_o as_o such_o but_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n for_o a_o man_n must_v appear_v
in_o regular_a act_n and_o duty_n proceed_v from_o this_o love_n and_o require_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o this_o account_n of_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v seem_v strange_a unto_o some_o who_o be_v enamour_v on_o that_o image_n which_o be_v set_v up_o of_o they_o in_o the_o world_n in_o canon_n constitution_n of_o rite_n and_o outward_a order_n in_o various_a subordination_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o make_v any_o due_a representation_n of_o they_o the_o church_n in_o its_o dependence_n on_o christ_n its_o head_n be_v by_o his_o institution_n dispose_v unto_o its_o proper_a order_n for_o its_o own_o edification_n or_o fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a this_o love_n work_v effectual_o in_o every_o office_n officer_n and_o member_n according_a as_o unto_o its_o disposal_n in_o the_o body_n for_o the_o receive_n and_o communicate_v supply_n for_o edification_n give_v the_o whole_a both_o its_o union_n and_o communion_n all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v regulate_v by_o divine_a rule_n and_o prescription_n instead_o hereof_o to_o erect_v a_o machine_n the_o spring_n and_o centre_n of_o who_o motion_n be_v unknown_a any_o other_o i_o mean_v but_o external_a force_n compact_v by_o the_o iron_n joint_n and_o band_n of_o humane_a law_n edify_v itself_o by_o the_o power_n of_o office_n and_o officer_n foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n act_v with_o weapon_n that_o be_v not_o spiritual_a but_o carnal_a and_o mighty_a through_o he_o who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o cast_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n into_o prison_n as_o unto_o a_o outward_a conformity_n be_v to_o forsake_v the_o scripture_n and_o follow_v our_o own_o imagination_n the_o outward_a act_n of_o communion_n among_o church_n proceed_v from_o this_o love_n and_o the_o obligation_n that_o be_v on_o they_o to_o promote_v their_o mutual_a edification_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o the_o two_o head_n of_o advice_n and_o assistance_n church_n have_v communion_n unto_o their_o mutual_a edification_n by_o advice_n in_o synod_n or_o council_n which_o must_v in_o this_o place_n be_v consider_v synod_n be_v the_o meeting_n of_o divers_a church_n by_o their_o messenger_n or_o delegate_n to_o consult_v and_o determine_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o common_a concernment_n unto_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o communion_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o 1._o the_o necessity_n and_o warranty_n of_o such_o synod_n arise_v 1._o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o society_n which_o have_v the_o same_o original_a the_o same_o rule_n the_o same_o interest_n the_o same_o end_n and_o which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mutual_o concern_v in_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o each_o other_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o power_n and_o conduct_v of_o reason_n to_o advise_v in_o common_a for_o their_o own_o good_a on_o all_o emergency_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o church_n be_v such_o society_n they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o authoritative_a institution_n one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o worship_n the_o same_o end_n as_o we_o have_v declare_v and_o their_o entire_a interest_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o when_o therefore_o any_o thing_n occur_v among_o they_o that_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o can_v be_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o by_o any_o one_o of_o they_o several_o or_o in_o who_o determination_n all_o of_o they_o be_v equal_o concern_v not_o to_o make_v use_n herein_o of_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n be_v to_o forsake_v that_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o god._n 2._o the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n before_o describe_v in_o one_o head_n by_o one_o spirit_n through_o one_o faith_n and_o worship_n unto_o the_o same_o end_n do_v so_o compact_v they_o into_o one_o body_n mystical_a as_o that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v or_o can_v be_v complete_a absolute_o without_o a_o joint_a act_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n unto_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a as_o occasion_n do_v require_v and_o this_o joint_a act_n with_o other_o in_o any_o church_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o but_o by_o common_a advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o natural_a circumstance_n render_v impossible_a by_o any_o mean_n but_o their_o convention_n in_o synod_n by_o their_o messenger_n and_o delegate_n for_o although_o there_o may_v be_v some_o use_n of_o letter_n missive_n and_o be_v so_o eminent_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n to_o ask_v the_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o difficult_a case_n as_o the_o first_o instance_n we_o have_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n unto_o that_o of_o rome_n desire_v their_o advice_n about_o the_o compose_n of_o a_o difference_n among_o they_o and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thereunto_o yet_o many_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o among_o they_o which_o can_v be_v reconcile_v or_o determine_v but_o by_o present_a conference_n such_o as_o that_o be_v record_v act._n 15._o no_o church_n therefore_o be_v so_o independent_a as_o that_o it_o can_v always_o and_o in_o all_o case_n observe_v the_o duty_n it_o owe_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n catholic_n by_o all_o those_o power_n which_o it_o be_v able_a to_o act_v in_o itself_o distinct_o without_o conjunction_n with_o other_o and_o the_o church_n that_o confine_v its_o duty_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o its_o own_o assembly_n cut_v itself_o off_o from_o the_o external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v safe_a for_o any_o man_n to_o commit_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o church_n wherefore_o 3._o this_o act_n in_o synod_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n not_o in_o a_o express_a command_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o fortify_v with_o apostolical_a example_n for_o have_v erect_v such_o a_o church-state_n and_o dispose_v all_o his_o church_n into_o that_o order_n and_o mutual_a relation_n unto_o one_o another_o as_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v complete_a or_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n without_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n he_o have_v thereby_o ordain_v this_o way_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o synod_n no_o other_o be_v possible_a unto_o that_o end_n and_o hereby_o such_o convention_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o presence_n namely_o that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o for_o these_o assembly_n be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o his_o own_o constitution_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o his_o church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o his_o name_n and_o so_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n 4._o the_o end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o many_o instance_n this_o can_v be_v attain_v yea_o that_o it_o must_v be_v sinful_o neglect_v unless_o this_o way_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o carry_v of_o it_o on_o be_v attend_v unto_o truth_n peace_n and_o love_n may_v be_v lose_v among_o church_n and_o so_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o they_o be_v dissolve_v unless_o this_o mean_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o reparation_n be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o that_o particular_a church_n which_o extend_v not_o its_o duty_n beyond_o its_o own_o assembly_n and_o member_n be_v fall_v off_o from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n and_o every_o principle_n opinion_n or_o persuasion_n that_o incline_v any_o church_n to_o confine_v its_o care_n and_o duty_n unto_o its_o own_o edification_n only_o yea_o or_o of_o those_o only_o which_o agree_v with_o it_o in_o some_o peculiar_a practice_n make_v it_o neglective_a of_o all_o due_a mean_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n be_v schismatical_a 5._o there_o be_v direction_n hereunto_o include_v in_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o church-proceeding_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o by_o christ_n himself_o the_o beginning_n and_o rise_v of_o it_o be_v between_o two_o individual_a person_n thence_o be_v it_o carry_v unto_o the_o cognizance_n and_o judgement_n of_o two_o or_o three_o other_o before_o unconcerned_a from_o they_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o determine_v concern_v it_o as_o unto_o its_o own_o communion_n to_o continue_v the_o offender_n in_o it_o or_o reject_v he_o from_o it_o this_o must_v abide_v as_o unto_o outward_a order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n but_o no_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o
the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n wherein_o these_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n iv._o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n v._o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n vi_o the_o office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n ix_o of_o deacon_n x._o of_o excommunication_n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n the_o publish_v whereof_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o author_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n owen_n d._n d._n license_v june_n 10._o 1688._o london_n print_v for_o william_n martial_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate_n street_n mdclxxxix_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a as_o it_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o or_o describe_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v but_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n as_o catholic_n and_o mystical_a or_o as_o visible_a and_o organise_v in_o particular_a congregation_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_a which_o be_v purchase_v and_o redeem_v by_o his_o blood_n whether_o already_o call_v or_o uncalled_a militant_a or_o triumphant_a and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n that_o god_n give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n unto_o which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o his_o fullness_n and_o by_o union_n with_o he_o christ_n mystical_a ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a word_n most_o full_o express_v the_o catholic_n church_n use_v in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o i_o e._n in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v all_o appear_v one_o day_n gather_v together_o to_o their_o head_n in_o the_o perfection_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem-state_n where_o they_o will_v make_v a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n the_o day_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v pass_v in_o the_o respective_a age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o day_n of_o its_o espousal_n wherein_o the_o bride_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a but_o then_o will_v be_v she_o full_o marry_a state_n unto_o christ_n then_o will_v be_v the_o perfection_n not_o only_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n call_v a_o perfect_a man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o via_n in_o our_o passage_n unto_o this_o country_n a_o city_n with_o a_o more_o durable_a fix_a foundation_n which_o we_o seek_v in_o order_n therefore_o unto_o the_o complete_n this_o great_a and_o mystical_a body_n christ_n have_v his_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o assembly_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o he_o have_v ordain_v ordinance_n and_o appoint_v officer_n for_o the_o glorious_a foremention_v end_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v no_o other_o sort_n of_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n organise_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a institution_n speak_v of_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n where_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o great_a ordinance_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o church_n be_v oeconomick_a when_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o the_o large_a family_n of_o the_o antidiluvian_n and_o postdiluvian_n patriarch_n where_o no_o doubt_n all_o frequent_o assemble_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o then_o offer_v and_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n then_o in_o use_n after_o the_o descent_n of_o a_o numerous_a progeny_n from_o abraham_n loin_n god_n take_v they_o to_o himself_o in_o one_o visible_a body_n a_o national_a but_o congregational_a church_n to_o which_o he_o form_v they_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o although_o all_o abraham_n natural_a posterity_n according_a to_o the_o external_n part_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o be_v take_v into_o visible_a church-fellowship_n so_o that_o it_o become_v a_o national_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o national_a church_n always_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a land_n as_o be_v congregational_a for_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n during_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple-state_n first_o or_o second_o they_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o assemble_v to_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n thrice_o at_o least_o every_o year_n hence_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v still_o call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n they_o be_v to_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n for_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n what_o other_o be_v at_o any_o time_n elsewhere_o call_v high-place_n be_v condemn_v by_o god_n as_o sin._n last_o when_o christ_n have_v divorce_v this_o people_n abolish_v their_o moysaicall_a constitution_n by_o break_v their_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o their_o staff_n of_o bond_n he_o erect_v his_o gospel_n church_n call_v in_o disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n form_v they_o into_o a_o body_n furnish_v they_o with_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n and_o after_o he_o have_v suffer_v rise_v again_o and_o continue_v here_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o time_n he_o frequent_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o will_n ascend_v unto_o his_o father_n send_v his_o spirit_n in_o a_o plentiful_a manner_n at_o pentecost_n whereby_o most_o of_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o necessary_a miraculous_a gift_n to_o the_o promote_a the_o glory_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n hence_o the_o whole_a evangelical_n ministry_n be_v first_o place_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o far_o as_o extraordinary_a or_o such_o a_o part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o church_n of_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o place_v as_o abide_v or_o stand_v officer_n in_o any_o other_o church_n as_o we_o find_v in_o this_o church_n they_o act_v as_o the_o elder_n thereof_o and_o from_o this_o church_n they_o be_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a solemn_o send_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o apostolic_a function_n in_o preach_v heal_v and_o work_v miracle_n gather_v church_n and_o settle_v officer_n in_o they_o even_o so_o as_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n their_o distinguish_a apostolic_a office_n and_o charge_n from_o which_o the_o evangelist_n differ_v but_o little_a be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n not_o to_o sit_v down_o as_o stand_v pastor_n to_o all_o or_o any_o particular_a congregation_n but_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n to_o gather_v to_o direct_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o practice_n of_o their_o doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n wherefore_o this_o apostolic_a care_n commit_v to_o they_o prove_v nothing_o either_o of_o the_o catholic_n authority_n claim_v by_o a_o oecumenick_n pastor_n or_o that_o charge_n of_o many_o congregation_n claim_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n whence_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o all_o church_n officer_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v any_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n be_v give_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o read_v of_o no_o pastor_n of_o many_o congregation_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o congregation_n to_o which_o officer_n be_v annex_v nor_o of_o any_o representative_a church_n as_o some_o will_v have_v that_o apostolic_a power_n do_v descend_v to_o successor_n we_o utter_o deny_v it_o be_v not_o derivable_a for_o none_o after_o they_o can_v say_v they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o our_o lord_n before_z or_o after_o his_o resurrection_n none_o since_o so_o qualify_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o preach_v and_o work_v miracle_n and_o none_o but_o the_o pope_n challenge_v such_o a_o extensive_a care_n for_o and_o power_n over_o all_o church_n that_o which_o descend_v from_o they_o to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v and_o why_o not_o to_o head_n it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o
in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n require_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a be_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o that_o of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god._n for_o as_o on_o their_o unbelief_n thereof_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n do_v depend_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a on_o their_o part_n unto_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n state._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a with_o other_o a_o instruction_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o those_o that_o be_v fundamental_a be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o profession_n we_o inquire_v after_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o what_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o instruct_v those_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n who_o upon_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o keep_n a_o multitude_n in_o the_o state_n of_o catechuman_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o do_v but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o church-communion_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o from_o a_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o real_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o the_o promiscuous_a drive_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ._n this_o knowledge_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o profession_n be_v itself_o to_o be_v profess_v 2._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o profess_a subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 8.5_o this_o in_o general_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a when_o they_o be_v adult_n as_o be_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a consent_n baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o be_v able_a with_o faith_n and_o understanding_n to_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o be_v initiate_v 3._o a_o instruction_n in_o and_o consent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o bear_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n 9.23_o for_o this_o be_v make_v indispensable_o necessary_a by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o man_n have_v not_o be_v more_o and_o better_o instruct_v therein_o 24.14_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v may_v be_v a_o christian_a at_o a_o easy_a rate_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o it_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o that_o reproach_n hatred_n suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n ofttimes_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o its_o professor_n who_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o require_v that_o at_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v aright_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o all_o and_o engage_v cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n be_v continual_o present_v unto_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n their_o willing_a engagement_n to_o undergo_v they_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n some_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o use_n only_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o so_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v continual_o the_o countenance_n and_o favour_n of_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o judge_v well_o for_o they_o with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o who_o outward_a state_n make_v the_o public_a avow_v of_o this_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o may_v add_v it_o as_o my_o own_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o alone_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o countenance_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o any_o church_n by_o the_o public_a magistracy_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o will_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o suffering_n to_o escape_v suffering_n and_o enjoy_v worldly_a advantage_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o bear_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n be_v no_o gospel_n direction_n 4._o conviction_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 5._o unto_o this_o profession_n be_v require_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n 20._o both_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o charity_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n 6._o a_o careful_a abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n giving_z scandal_n or_o offence_n either_o unto_o the_o world_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v 1.10_o that_o this_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n against_o 1._o fear_v 2._o shame_n 3._o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o enemy_n whatever_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exclude_v from_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n state_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o gross_o ignorant_a or_o 2._o persecutor_n or_o reproacher_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o walk_v or_o 3._o idolater_n or_o 4._o man_n scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n through_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n or_o 5._o such_o as_o will_v partake_v of_o gospel-privilege_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o open_o avow_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v peremptory_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o herein_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o exceed_v the_o example_n and_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o that_o arrive_v unto_o it_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o all_o they_o can_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o if_o any_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n their_o diligence_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n their_o severe_a inquiry_n into_o their_o conversation_n their_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o expectation_n for_o their_o trial_n before_o their_o admittance_n be_v remarkable_a and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v that_o their_o promiscuous_a admittance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o church_n membership_n which_o take_v place_n afterward_o ruin_v all_o the_o beauty_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o proper_a subject_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n entitle_v they_o unto_o all_o the_o appellation_n of_o saint_n call_v sanctify_a that_o be_v visible_o and_o by_o profession_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o privilege_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v our_o only_a pattern_n by_o these_o thing_n although_o they_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o not_o be_v real_a live_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v
of_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o promote_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o countenance_v they_o which_o they_o do_v effectual_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o its_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v until_o calvin_n set_v up_o his_o discipline_n at_o geneva_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o clamour_n against_o he_o from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o in_o most_o other_o place_n church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o continue_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o in_o many_o place_n as_o bad_a in_o their_o life_n as_o when_o they_o be_v papist_n but_o this_o method_n be_v design_v in_o the_o holy_a wise_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o progressive_a reformation_n as_o it_o have_v make_v a_o gradual_a progress_n into_o its_o decay_n for_o have_v the_o reformer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v themselves_o to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v unmeet_a for_o its_o communion_n or_o to_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v member_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o its_o original_a institution_n it_o will_v through_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o can_v have_v comply_v with_o the_o design_n have_v great_o obstruct_v if_o not_o utter_o defeat_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v that_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o god_n have_v since_o make_v effectual_a in_o these_o nation_n especial_o and_o in_o other_o place_n to_o turn_v multitude_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o himself_o translate_n they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son._n hereby_o way_n be_v make_v for_o a_o necessary_a addition_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n if_o not_o to_o the_o close_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o at_o first_o be_v attain_v unto_o nor_o well_o attempt_v namely_o the_o reduction_n of_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o member_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o primitive_a institution_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v design_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o only_a we_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o constitute_v church_n member_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o less_o than_o what_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o eph._n 2.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 11.1_o 18._o 1_o thess._n 1.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n that_o may_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n answer_v the_o way_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o receive_n of_o they_o be_v because_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 2._o that_o may_v answer_v that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o what_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o reveal_v matth._n 16.16_o and_o not_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o many_o church_n member_n be_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o that_o many_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v among_o they_o that_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n be_v charitative_a proceed_v on_o evidence_n of_o moral_a probability_n not_o determine_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a measure_n of_o light_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o ability_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v all_o who_o circumstance_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o indulgence_n unto_o their_o weakness_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n will_v allow_v we_o any_o further_a latitude_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o our_o present_a enquiry_n yet_o remain_v on_o these_o consideration_n be_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n as_o be_v make_v up_o or_o compose_v of_o member_n visible_o unholy_a or_o such_o as_o comply_v not_o with_o the_o qualification_n that_o be_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n indispensable_o require_v to_o give_v unto_o any_o a_o regular_a entrance_n into_o the_o church_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o such_o church_n will_v reform_v themselves_o by_o any_o act_n duty_n or_o power_n of_o their_o own_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v just_o suppose_v averse_a from_o and_o enemy_n unto_o any_o such_o work._n i_o answer_v therefore_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o communion_n with_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v absolute_o by_o edification_n no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o abide_v in_o or_o confine_v himself_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n any_o long_a than_o it_o be_v for_o his_o edification_n and_o this_o liberty_n be_v allow_v unto_o all_o person_n by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o a_o parish_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o it_o and_o there_o educate_v yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o judge_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o useful_a unto_o his_o edification_n he_o may_v withdraw_v from_o all_o communion_n in_o that_o parish_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o next_o door_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o communion_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o 2._o if_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n abound_v in_o such_o church_n be_v real_o obstructive_a of_o edification_n 3._o if_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o give_v no_o representation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o doctrine_n 4._o if_o such_o church_n do_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o reform_v themselves_o then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o present_a edification_n and_o the_o future_a salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n peaceable_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v in_o such_o other_o where_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n society_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v obtain_v man_n may_v not_o only_o do_v so_o because_o all_o obligation_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n do_v cease_v when_o the_o mean_n be_v not_o suit_v thereunto_o but_o obstructive_a of_o its_o attainment_n but_o also_o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n hereby_o against_o the_o declension_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o dishonour_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v reflect_v on_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a unto_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o loyal_a subject_n unto_o their_o lord_n and_o king._n and_o it_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o evangelical_n church_n but_o that_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v as_o just_a a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o as_o their_o forsake_v the_o same_o rule_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v judge_v that_o sundry_a inconvenience_n will_v ensue_v on_o this_o assertion_n when_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o practice_v according_a unto_o it_o but_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v be_v such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n no_o inconvenience_n can_v ensue_v on_o the_o practice_n direct_v unto_o any_o way_n to_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o mischief_n of_o oblige_a believer_n to_o abide_v always_o in_o such_o society_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o inquire_v into_o that_o relate_v unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o state_n of_o evangelical_n church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o church_n may_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v under_o its_o conduct_n inspection_n and_o rule_n
these_o act_n of_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a rule_n but_o what_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a there_o be_v in_o what_o it_o do_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o do_v receive_v or_o reject_v but_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o organical_a as_o there_o be_v elder_n or_o ruler_n instate_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n commit_v for_o those_o act_n of_o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v apply_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o dly_z the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o mutual_n intense_a peculiar_a love_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v exercise_v continual_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 2._o personal_a holiness_n in_o gracious_a moral_a obedience_n 3._o vsefulness_n towards_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o all_o man_n absolute_o as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v 4._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v mutual_o unto_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o place_n and_o order_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o possess_v in_o the_o body_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v church-rule_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o ends._n 3_o dly_z hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o outward_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o disposal_n of_o time_n season_n place_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o church-assembly_n the_o regulation_n of_o speech_n and_o action_n the_o appointment_n of_o season_n for_o extraordinary_a duty_n according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n from_o present_a circumstance_n be_v act_n of_o rule_n who_o right_a reside_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o elder_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v place_v by_o christ_n for_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o pastoral_a office_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o have_v now_o be_v add_v concern_v its_o rule_n in_o general_a i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o ability_n as_o to_o suppose_v himself_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o both_o sort_n in_o the_o least_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v yea_o suppose_v more_o teaching-elders_a in_o every_o church_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o equal_o bind_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o that_o work_n by_o any_o inferior_a duty_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n continual_o it_o will_v appear_v at_o length_n to_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o peculiar_a office_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o rule_n with_o diligence_n and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n ensue_v 1._o they_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o church-power_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v those_o before_o declare_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v join_v and_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o labour_v also_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n compose_v wherein_o reside_v all_o church-authority_n and_o in_o this_o conjunction_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a determine_v all_o act_n of_o rule_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n this_o give_v order_n with_o a_o necessary_a representation_n of_o authority_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o particular_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o the_o rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v with_o a_o due_a care_n that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v due_o observe_v by_o and_o among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v whatever_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_n whatever_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n church-rule_n be_v a_o due_a care_n and_o provision_n that_o the_o institution_n law_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v due_o observe_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereof_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n we_o may_v give_v some_o instance_n as_o 1._o to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o way_n walk_v and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v blameless_a without_o offence_n useful_a exemplary_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n answer_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n which_o in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v thereof_o and_o upon_o the_o observation_n which_o they_o so_o make_v in_o the_o watch_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o instruct_v admonish_v charge_n exhort_v encourage_v comfort_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o with_o courage_n and_o diligence_n 2._o to_o watch_n against_o all_o rise_n or_o appearance_n of_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n on_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a as_o unto_o their_o name_n right_n and_o propriety_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n to_o be_v find_v among_o his_o disciple_n this_o he_o call_v his_o own_o new_a command_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n require_v it_o his_o example_n first_o illustrate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o reveal_v and_o teach_v wherefore_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o this_o law_n of_o love_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o fruit_n with_o the_o prevention_n removal_n or_o condemnation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o consist_v and_o consider_v the_o weakness_n the_o passion_n the_o temptation_n of_o man_n the_o mutual_a provocation_n and_o exasperation_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o even_o among_o the_o best_a the_o influence_n that_o earthly_a occasion_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o frowardness_n sometime_o of_o man_n natural_a temper_n the_o attendance_n unto_o this_o one_o duty_n or_o part_n of_o rule_n require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o be_v mere_o either_o the_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o law_n and_o its_o fruit_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n or_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o decay_n and_o of_o breech_n make_v in_o it_o or_o ignorance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o preservation_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o especial_a office_n be_v not_o require_v hereunto_o 3._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o warn_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o especial_a church-duty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v negligent_a or_o want_v in_o they_o there_o be_v especial_a duty_n require_v respective_o of_o all_o church-member_n according_a unto_o the_o distinct_a
the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o its_o concernment_n be_v principal_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n 1._o to_o acquaint_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o poor_a so_o far_o as_o it_o fall_v under_o their_o inspection_n 2._o to_o seek_v and_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n relate_v unto_o their_o office._n 3_o to_o be_v assist_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n 6._o may_v deacon_n preach_v the_o word_n and_o baptise_v authoritative_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n ans._n 1._o the_o deacon_n who_o office_n be_v institute_v act._n 6._o and_o who_o qualification_n be_v fix_v 1_o tim._n 3._o have_v no_o call_v unto_o or_o ministerial_a power_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o limitation_n of_o their_o office_n work_n and_o power_n be_v so_o express_v as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o debate_n 2._o person_n once_o call_v unto_o this_o office_n may_v of_o old_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n may_v at_o present_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o they_o be_v not_o then_o they_o can_v be_v now_o authorize_v thereunto_o by_o urtue_n of_o this_o office._n 3_o if_o a_o new_a office_n be_v erect_v under_o the_o name_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v to_o assign_v what_o power_n unto_o it_o they_o please_v chap._n x._o of_o excommunication_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o its_o member_n for_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o may_v be_v refer_v unto_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o its_o society_n 2._o the_o rule_n and_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o 3._o the_o exclusion_n out_o of_o its_o society_n of_o such_o as_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n belong_v essential_o and_o inseparable_o unto_o every_o free_a society_n and_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o church-power_n whatever_o the_o second_o of_o these_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o discourse_n concern_v church_n office_n and_o rule_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v full_o declare_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o gospel_n church_n namely_o their_o matter_n and_o form._n the_o three_o must_v be_v now_o speak_v unto_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christian_a religion_n about_o which_o the_o contest_v of_o opinion_n have_v be_v more_o fierce_a than_o this_o of_o excommunication_n most_o of_o they_o proceed_v evident_o from_o false_a presumption_n and_o secular_a interest_n and_o no_o great_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o what_o the_o serpentine_a wit_n of_o man_n engage_v by_o the_o desire_n of_o domination_n and_o wealth_n and_o assist_v by_o opportunity_n may_v attain_v unto_o for_o whereas_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a simple_a and_o more_o expose_v unto_o the_o common_a understanding_n of_o all_o christian_n yea_o of_o all_o mankind_n than_o be_v this_o institution_n of_o christ_n both_o as_o unto_o its_o nature_n form_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n nothing_o more_o wholesome_a nor_o useful_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o give_v the_o least_o disturbance_n or_o prejudice_n to_o civil_a society_n to_o magistrate_n or_o ruler_n unto_o the_o personal_a or_o political_a right_n or_o concernment_n of_o any_o one_o individual_a in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v metamorphose_v into_o a_o hideous_a monster_n a_o engine_n of_o priestly_a domination_n and_o tyranny_n for_o the_o deposition_n or_o assassination_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n the_o waste_v of_o nation_n with_o bloody_a war_n the_o terror_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o life_n with_o all_o their_o earthly_a concern_v unto_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o tyrannical_a empire_n no_o less_o pernicious_a unto_o the_o christian_a world_n than_o those_o of_o the_o saracen_n or_o the_o turk_n he_o be_v a_o stranger_n unto_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n for_o near_a a_o thousand_o year_n who_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v so_o supine_o ignorant_a and_o dote_v or_o so_o infatuate_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a interest_n as_o to_o suppose_v or_o to_o say_v that_o if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n do_v excommunicate_a king_n or_o prince_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o depose_v from_o their_o rule_n and_o in_o some_o case_n kill_v and_o that_o other_o person_n be_v right_o excommunicate_v according_a unto_o certain_a law_n rule_n and_o process_n that_o some_o have_v frame_v aught_o to_o be_v fine_v punish_v imprison_v and_o so_o destroy_v and_o about_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v many_o dispute_n and_o contest_v when_o if_o man_n be_v awake_v out_o of_o their_o lethargy_n they_o will_v be_v laugh_v at_o as_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o contemptible_a mormo_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v no_o laugh_a matter_n at_o present_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o suppose_v then_o ecclesiastical_a excommunication_n as_o i_o at_o present_a suppose_n and_o shall_v immediate_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a concern_v it_o not_o capable_a of_o any_o modest_a contradiction_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a evangelical_n institution_n that_o be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o rule_n of_o common_a equity_n and_o principle_n of_o unseared_a conscience_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n efficacy_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o this_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o administration_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n and_o act_n of_o it_o be_v so_o determine_v describe_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o gross_a error_n or_o mistake_n about_o it_o but_o what_o proceed_v from_o secular_a interest_n pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n or_o other_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o it_o its_o sentence_n power_n and_o efficacy_n be_v mere_o spiritual_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n only_o and_o that_o to_o extend_v it_o direct_o or_o indirect_o immediate_o or_o by_o consequence_n unto_o the_o temporal_a hurt_n evil_a or_o damage_n of_o any_o in_o their_o life_n liberty_n estate_n natural_a or_o legal_a privilege_n be_v opposite_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o whole_a government_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n all_o these_o thing_n wilful_o appear_v in_o the_o account_n which_o we_o shall_v give_v of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a as_o be_v intimate_v that_o nothing_o in_o christian_a practice_n have_v be_v or_o be_v more_o abuse_v corrupt_a or_o pervert_v than_o this_o of_o excommunication_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o it_o to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o and_o over_o all_o christian_n ruler_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o in_o other_o single_a person_n absolute_o over_o less_o or_o great_a distribution_n of_o they_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o by_o citation_n process_n plead_n and_o contention_n in_o wrangle_a law_n court_v according_a unto_o arbitrary_a canon_n and_o constitution_n who_o original_a be_v either_o know_v or_o unknown_a the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o hurt_a damage_n evil_a or_o loss_n of_o man_n in_o their_o temporal_a concern_v be_v utter_o and_o open_o foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o express_o contrary_a unto_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v therein_o it_o will_v require_v a_o whole_a volume_n to_o declare_v the_o horrible_a abuse_n that_o both_o in_o point_n of_o right_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n that_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o this_o divine_a institution_n have_v produce_v but_o to_o make_v a_o declaration_n hereof_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o my_o present_a design_n beside_o it_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v do_v by_o other_o in_o brief_a it_o be_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o mere_a political_a engine_n of_o a_o external_a forcible_a government_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o who_o have_v
unto_o such_o mistake_n where_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n only_o 2._o in_o or_o together_o with_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o that_o what_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n may_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end._n 3_o it_o must_v be_v follow_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n all_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o humiliation_n repentance_n healing_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n 2_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o lamentation_n or_o mourn_v so_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o mourn_v that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o mourning_n and_o himself_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n from_o this_o adjunct_n his_o bewail_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o that_o have_v sin_v already_o 2_o cor._n 12.2_o compassion_n for_o the_o person_n offend_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n whereinto_o he_o have_v cast_v himself_o the_o excision_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o who_o they_o have_v have_v communion_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o fall_n aught_o to_o ingenerate_v this_o mourn_a or_o lamentation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v for_o any_o church_n to_o proceed_v thereunto_o before_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v 3_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o christ._n for_o we_o herein_o judge_v for_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o who_o dare_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n without_o a_o persuasion_n on_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o there_o be_v a_o representation_n also_o in_o it_o of_o the_o future_a judgement_n when_o christ_n will_v eternal_o cut_v off_o and_o separate_v from_o himself_o all_o hypocrite_n and_o impenitent_a sinner_n this_o be_v well_o express_v by_o tertullian_n ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n name_n &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la ita_fw-la d_o liquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la a_o communicatione_n orationis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la apol._n cap._n 39_o be_v this_o duty_n observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o preservative_n against_o that_o intermixture_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o corrupt_a end_n which_o often_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n last_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n be_v corrective_a not_o vindicative_a for_o heal_v not_o destruction_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o principal_o concern_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o to_o render_v it_o effectual_a be_v plain_o evident_a of_o what_o use_n a_o significant_fw-la and_o capias_fw-la may_v be_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v not_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o do_v fire_n and_o faggot_n do_v so_o prayer_n for_o the_o person_n cut_v off_o admonition_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v compassion_n in_o his_o distress_a estate_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o deplorable_a if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o forbearance_n from_o common_a converse_n with_o readiness_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o contain_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v just_o excommunicate_a what_o far_o belong_v unto_o this_o head_n of_o church-rule_n or_o order_n shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n or_o inquiry_n wherein_o also_o some_o thing_n only_o mention_v already_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n before_o whether_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o by_o who_o it_o be_v desire_v i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n herein_o though_o i_o shall_v alter_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a it_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o i_o now_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n wherefore_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n both_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a interest_n for_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o which_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o exercise_v it_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o null_a there_o be_v therefore_o no_o distinction_n or_o distribution_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o especial_a duty_n 2._o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a society_n for_o its_o especial_a end_n do_v not_o deprive_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a right_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n there_o be_v in_o every_o community_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n a_o natural_a right_n and_o power_n to_o expel_v those_o from_o its_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n new_a as_o unto_o the_o way_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o original_a radical_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o gainer_n by_o that_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v in_o particular_a appoint_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n or_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n commit_v the_o care_n thereof_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o can_v be_v well_o understand_v that_o thereby_o he_o shall_v deprive_v the_o church_n of_o its_o right_n and_o forbid_v they_o their_o duty_n in_o preserve_v their_o society_n entire_a and_o pure_a neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v unto_o any_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o neglect_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v continue_v in_o it_o unto_o its_o sin_n and_o defilement_n the_o church_n itself_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n express_o charge_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n with_o sin_n and_o neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o it_o for_o none_o can_v incur_v a_o gild_n mere_o by_o the_o defect_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n 3._o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v officer_n in_o every_o church_n but_o the_o church_n in_o that_o state_n have_v power_n to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o and_o their_o communion_n a_o obstinate_a offender_n they_o have_v it_o as_o they_o be_v a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n wherein_o this_o come_v short_a of_o authoritative_a excommunication_n will_v immediate_o appear_v 4._o where_o a_o church_n be_v complete_a and_o organise_v with_o its_o state_v ruler_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v yet_o rule_n instruction_n and_o command_n be_v give_v express_o unto_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o act_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o offender_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o yea_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o infliction_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v
the_o whole_a church_n as_o unto_o faith_n in_o general_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n before_o describe_v 2._o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n respect_v the_o church_n itself_o as_o its_o material_a object_n for_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o have_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n confine_v unto_o no_o place_n nor_o party_n of_o man_n no_o empire_n nor_o dominion_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o confinement_n as_o also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v redeem_a call_v sanctify_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o interest_n his_o concernment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v confine_v that_o this_o church_n he_o will_v save_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o opposition_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o after_o death_n will_v raise_v it_o up_o and_o glorify_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o it_o unto_o which_o alone_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v appertain_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o all_o other_o or_o confine_v it_o unto_o a_o party_n unto_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o appropriate_a he_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v a_o comfort_a refresh_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o many_o duty_n in_o they_o continual_o 3._o this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o faith_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o it_o namely_o prayer_n so_o be_v it_o state_v ephes._n 2.18_o for_o through_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v consist_v the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o prayer_n in_o all_o church_n have_v one_o object_n which_o be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n god_n as_o the_o father_n proceed_v in_o all_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o continual_o offer_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n who_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o intercession_n and_o by_o who_o they_o have_v all_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o same_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v all_o a_o bless_a communion_n herein_o continual_o and_o this_o communion_n be_v the_o more_o express_a in_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o be_v for_o all_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n not_o any_o one_o member_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o however_o this_o communion_n be_v invisible_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n yet_o be_v it_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o heaven_n this_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o or_o wrought_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o equal_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o object_n even_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n together_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n give_v unto_o all_o church_n a_o communion_n far_o more_o glorious_a than_o what_o consist_v in_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n of_o man_n devise_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n by_o who_o to_o convey_v or_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n but_o christ_n alone_o the_o only_a highpriest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v renounce_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n herein_o 4._o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o church_n affect_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o unto_z and_o among_o they_o all_o neither_o do_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o administration_n interrupt_v that_o communion_n but_o wherever_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v deny_v or_o their_o nature_n or_o use_n be_v pervert_v or_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v annex_v unto_o their_o administration_n there_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v renounce_v 5._o they_o have_v also_o by_o faith_n communion_n herein_o in_o that_o all_o church_n do_v profess_v a_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v other_z instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v how_o unscriptural_a the_o notion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a communion_n with_o or_o among_o church_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o certain_a power_n order_n and_o rite_n the_o press_v whereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o uniformity_n have_v cast_v all_o thought_n of_o real_a evangelical_n church_n communion_n into_o oblivion_n second_o church_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o end_v declare_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o live_v constant_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o church-duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o continuation_n increase_v and_o edification_n have_v also_o a_o especial_a union_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o mutual_a communion_n thence_o arise_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v love_n not_o the_o common_a regulate_v affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o call_v not_o mere_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n towards_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o blood_n with_o themselves_o but_o a_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o bond_n of_o its_o union_n unto_o its_o self_n whence_o the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n because_o in_o itself_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n and_o motive_n unto_o it_o with_o its_o peculiar_a end_n and_o proper_a exercise_n it_o be_v absolute_o new_a and_o evangelical_n a_o explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v either_o so_o utter_o lose_v or_o have_v such_o vile_a image_n of_o it_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o full_a consideration_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o another_o place_n i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v give_v from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church-union_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o abide_v with_o his_o church_n thereby_o unite_n it_o unto_o himself_o do_v work_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o may_v and_o do_v animate_v they_o unto_o all_o those_o mutual_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n one_o with_o another_o herein_o consist_v the_o union_n of_o every_o church_n in_o itself_o of_o all_o church_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n their_o communion_n consist_v
a_o head_n of_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a influence_n yet_o be_v they_o meet_v member_n of_o that_o body_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v a_o head_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n as_o also_o meet_a to_o be_v esteem_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o none_o be_v exclude_v but_o such_o as_o concern_v who_o rule_n be_v give_v either_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o church_n society_n or_o be_v express_o exclude_v by_o god_n himself_o from_o any_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o covenant_n psal._n 50.16_o 17._o divine_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v dispute_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o hypocrite_n and_o person_n unregenerate_a may_v be_v true_a member_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o by_o who_o it_o be_v deny_v but_o the_o only_a question_n be_v that_o whereas_o undoubted_o profession_n be_v necessary_a unto_o all_o church_n communion_n whether_o if_o man_n do_v profess_v themselves_o hypocrite_n in_o state_n and_o unregenerate_a in_o mind_n that_o profession_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o for_o church_n communion_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a profession_n one_o by_o word_n the_o other_o by_o work_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v tit._n 1.16_o whether_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o as_o interpretative_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o state_n of_o man_n as_o the_o former_a other_o contest_v we_o have_v with_o none_o in_o this_o matter_n belarmine_n de_fw-fr eccles._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 2._o give_v a_o account_n out_o of_o augustine_n and_o that_o true_o from_o brevec_fw-fr collat._n col._n 3._o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o do_v say_v he_o consist_v of_o a_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o internal_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o body_n be_v the_o profession_n of_o they_o with_o the_o sacrament_n all_o true_a believer_n make_v profession_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o the_o church_n some_o as_o believe_v catechuman_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o not_o to_o the_o body_n other_o be_v of_o the_o body_n but_o not_o of_o the_o soul_n namely_o such_o as_o have_v no_o internal_a grace_n or_o true_a faith_n and_o they_o be_v like_o the_o hair_n or_o the_o nail_n or_o evil_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n and_o thereunto_o add_v that_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n comprise_v this_o last_o sort_n only_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v define_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o hair_n nail_n and_o ill_a humour_n and_o let_v other_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o that_o evangelical_n church_n at_o their_o first_o constitution_n be_v make_v up_o and_o do_v consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v and_o no_o other_o nor_o be_v there_o one_o word_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n intimate_v any_o concession_n or_o permission_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v into_o his_o church_n those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v other_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o but_o possession_n which_o be_v malae_fw-la fidei_fw-la ill_o obtain_v and_o ill_o continue_v will_v afford_v they_o no_o real_a advantage_n when_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n shall_v come_v wherefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v come_v unto_o that_o profligate_n sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v visible_o holy._n for_o if_o so_o they_o may_v affirm_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n make_v and_o grant_v to_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o who_o visible_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o be_v so_o at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o open_o and_o visible_o there_o be_v a_o declension_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n and_o a_o sinful_a deviation_n in_o they_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n this_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o member_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o we_o observe_v prefer_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o persecution_n from_o without_o be_v continue_v and_o discipline_n preserve_v within_o i_o have_v in_o part_n declare_v before_o what_o great_a care_n and_o circumspection_n the_o church_n then_o use_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o into_o their_o fellowship_n and_o order_n and_o what_o trial_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v before_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o it_o be_v know_v also_o with_o what_o severe_a discipline_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o faith_n walk_v conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o their_o member_n indeed_o such_o be_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n herein_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n at_o present_a the_o least_o resemblance_n or_o appearance_n of_o what_o be_v their_o state_n and_o manner_n of_o rule_n wherefore_o some_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o ascend_v no_o high_o in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n when_o all_o thing_n begin_v to_o rush_v into_o the_o fatal_a apostasy_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o speak_v a_o little_a far_o unto_o for_o upon_o the_o roman_a emperor_n embrace_v christian_n religion_n whereby_o not_o only_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v secure_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v countenance_v encourage_v honour_v and_o reward_v the_o rule_n care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n relinquish_v and_o forsake_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o think_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o its_o number_n find_v both_o their_o own_o power_n veneration_n and_o revenue_n increase_v thereby_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o province_n upon_o a_o bare_a outward_a profession_n be_v admit_v into_o church_n and_o then_o begin_v the_o outward_a court_n that_o be_v all_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o outward_a worship_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trample_v on_o by_o the_o gentile_n not_o keep_v any_o more_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o scripture_n rule_n which_o thenceforth_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v therein_o for_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o mean_n of_o introduce_v all_o that_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n order_n and_o rule_n which_o ensue_v and_o end_v in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n for_o whatever_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n especial_o these_o that_o consist_v in_o practice_n be_v accommodate_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o they_o be_v as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o superstitious_a rite_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o their_o worship_n as_o not_o understand_v the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a such_o as_o no_o interest_n in_o church_n order_n can_v be_v commit_v unto_o see_v they_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o bear_v any_o share_n in_o it_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n over_o they_o with_o grandeur_n and_o power_n like_v unto_o that_o among_o the_o gentile_n wherefore_o the_o accommodation_n of_o all_o church_n concern_v unto_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o corrupt_a member_n as_o church_n be_v fill_v with_o and_o at_o length_n make_v up_o of_o prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o order_n and_o beauty_n but_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n very_o little_a regard_n be_v have_v thereunto_o those_o great_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o be_v call_v unto_o that_o work_n do_v set_v themselves_o principal_o yea_o sole_o for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o the_o false_a doctrine_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o judge_v that_o if_o they_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o people_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n will_v be_v retrive_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o primitive_a holiness_n be_v again_o reduce_v among_o they_o for_o they_o think_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o people_n with_o darkness_n and_o corrupt_v their_o conversation_n nor_o do_v they_o absolute_o judge_v amiss_o therein_o for_o although_o they_o be_v themselves_o at_o first_o introduce_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n
such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o full_a communion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o those_o who_o be_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n no_o doubt_v the_o church_n in_o its_o officer_n may_v and_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_a when_o it_o be_v neglect_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n as_o such_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o family_n which_o without_o a_o inspection_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n they_o can_v do_v 2._o household_n be_v constant_o reckon_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n luk._n 19.9_o act._n 16.15_o rom._n 16.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 2_o tim._n 4.19_o 3._o child_n to_o belong_v unto_o and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n not_o only_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o give_v they_o right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n covenant_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a until_o they_o voluntary_o relinquish_v their_o claim_n unto_o they_o 4._o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n give_v they_o thereby_o a_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n put_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v meet_a member_n of_o it_o by_o a_o due_a watch_n over_o they_o and_o instruction_n of_o they_o 5._o though_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o privilege_n be_v continue_v and_o preserve_v as_o of_o old_a by_o carnal_a generation_n yet_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o gracious_a education_n in_o such_o family_n and_o of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o depend_v on_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n out_o of_o the_o family_n already_o incorporate_v in_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o mamaluke_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n unto_o natural_a successor_n but_o it_o be_v continual_o make_v up_o of_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n incorporate_v into_o it_o nor_o like_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a common-weal_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n only_o be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o one_o age_n alone_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n consist_v 1._o in_o prayer_n for_o they_o 2._o catechetical_a instruction_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o their_o capacity_n 3._o advice_n to_o their_o parent_n concern_v they_o 4._o visit_v of_o they_o in_o the_o family_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 5._o encouragement_n of_o they_o or_o admonition_n according_a as_o there_o be_v occasion_n 6._o direction_n for_o a_o due_a preparation_n unto_o the_o join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o full_a communion_n 7._o exclusion_n of_o they_o from_o a_o claim_n unto_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o especial_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o render_v themselves_o visible_o unmeet_a for_o they_o and_o unworthy_a of_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n bring_v unconceivable_a prejudice_n unto_o church_n and_o if_o continue_v in_o will_v prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v propagate_v and_o continue_v at_o the_o easy_a rate_n of_o a_o constant_a supply_n by_o the_o carnal_a baptize_v posterity_n of_o those_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n just_o or_o unjust_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o meet_a supply_n of_o member_n by_o all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n who_o administration_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o and_o beside_o one_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o family_n once_o gracious_o take_v thereinto_o the_o neglect_n therefore_o herein_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o it_o do_v arise_v 1._o from_o a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o most_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o paucity_n of_o officer_n in_o most_o church_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v who_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 3._o the_o want_n of_o a_o teacher_n or_o catechist_n in_o every_o church_n who_o shall_v attend_v only_o unto_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n 4._o want_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o parent_n and_o master_n 1._o in_o not_o value_v aright_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n under_o the_o inspection_n care_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o not_o instil_v into_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o with_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o not_o bring_v they_o due_o unto_o the_o church_n assembly_n 4._o in_o not_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o unto_o a_o actual_a entrance_n into_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o not_o advise_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o 6._o especial_o by_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o that_o loose_a and_o careless_a kind_n of_o education_n in_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n which_o general_o prevail_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o on_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n drop_v off_o here_o and_o there_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o relation_n thereunto_o without_o the_o least_o respect_n unto_o they_o or_o enquiry_n after_o they_o church_n be_v supply_v by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o convert_v in_o they_o where_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o the_o kind_n and_o number_n of_o their_o officer_n sufficient_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o where_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v dedicate_v unto_o god_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a capacity_n of_o those_o whereof_o they_o do_v consist_v where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o its_o own_o successive_a continuation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o family_n take_v thereinto_o where_o parent_n esteem_v themselves_o accountable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o child_n thereunto_o there_o be_v provision_n for_o church_n order_n usefulness_n and_o beauty_n beyond_o what_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v observe_v 2._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n may_v be_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n the_o church_n be_v exceed_o careful_a not_o to_o admit_v into_o their_o society_n such_o as_o by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v unto_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o persecute_v adversary_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o care_n they_o can_v seldom_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o when_o persecution_n grow_v severe_a some_o or_o other_o will_v fall_v from_o they_o either_o out_o of_o fear_n with_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n or_o by_o a_o discovery_n of_o their_o latent_fw-la hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o their_o great_a trial_n and_o distress_n however_o they_o be_v not_o so_o scrupulous_a herein_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o exclude_v such_o as_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o sincerity_n but_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n commit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v on_o such_o occasion_n wherefore_o 2._o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n there_o or_o in_o any_o place_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a under_o first_o the_o pagan_a and_o afterward_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v into_o its_o care_n and_o communion_n all_o such_o as_o 1._o flee_v from_o idol_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n against_o they_o with_o suffer_v 2._o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o person_n and_o office_n be_v 3._o free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o 4._o be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o
of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n design_v the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v by_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v he_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o work._n for_o ordinary_a vocation_n be_v not_o a_o collation_n of_o gracious_a spiritual_a ability_n suit_v and_o make_v man_n meet_v for_o the_o pastoral_n office_n but_o it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o right_n and_o power_n for_o the_o regular_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o gift_n and_o ability_n receive_v antecedent_o unto_o that_o call_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o office_n itself_o do_v consist_v and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o these_o qualification_n and_o endowment_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v they_o in_o their_o great_a example_n and_o pattern_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o good_a shepherd_n who_o the_o sheep_n be_v the_o shepherd_z and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n do_v design_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n to_o give_v a_o type_n and_o example_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o same_o office_n under_o he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o conformity_n unto_o he_o herein_o no_o man_n can_v assure_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v lawful_o call_v unto_o this_o office._n the_o qualification_n of_o christ_n unto_o and_o the_o gracious_a quality_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o four_o head_n 1._o that_o furniture_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o he_o in_o a_o unmeasurable_a fullness_n whereby_o he_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office._n this_o be_v express_v with_o respect_n unto_o his_o undertake_n of_o it_o isa._n 11.2_o 3._o chap._n 61.1_o 2_o 3._o luk._n 4.14_o herein_o be_v he_o anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n heb._n 1.9_o but_o this_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o a_o certain_a measure_n require_v in_o all_o who_o be_v call_v or_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n ephes._n 4.1_o that_o there_o be_v spiritual_a power_n gift_n and_o ability_n require_v unto_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n i_o have_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o another_o treatise_n as_o also_o what_o they_o be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o spiritual_a ability_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n as_o in_o prayer_n preach_v and_o the_o like_a no_o outward_a call_n or_o order_n can_v constitute_v any_o man_n a_o evangelical_n pastor_n as_o unto_o particular_a person_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v as_o unto_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o the_o office_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o deficiency_n in_o spiritual_a gift_n unless_o it_o be_v gross_a and_o such_o as_o render_v they_o utter_o useless_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o only_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n and_o manner_n be_v call_v or_o set_v apart_o unto_o this_o office_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o some_o indication_n of_o god_n designation_n of_o he_o thereunto_o by_o his_o furniture_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n understanding_n and_o utterance_n for_o prayer_n and_o preach_v with_o other_o ministerial_a duty_n in_o some_o competent_a measure_n 2._o compassion_n and_o love_n to_o the_o flock_n be_v glorious_o eminent_a in_o this_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n after_o other_o evidence_n hereof_o he_o give_v they_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o they_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n he_o insist_o upon_o himself_o joh._n 10._o and_o herein_o also_o his_o example_n ought_v to_o lie_v continual_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office._n their_o entrance_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o animate_v with_o love_n unto_o their_o flock_n wolf_n or_o hireling_n or_o thief_n they_o may_v be_v but_o shepherd_n they_o be_v not_o neither_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n more_o lose_v or_o deface_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o by_o any_o mean_n than_o by_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v among_o the_o most_o of_o a_o inconformity_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o love_n unto_o the_o flock_n alas_o it_o be_v scarce_o once_o think_v of_o among_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o in_o various_a degree_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o pastoral_n office_n where_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o what_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o any_o kind_n it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o instead_o of_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o life_n for_o they_o do_v not_o by_o innumerable_a way_n destroy_v their_o soul_n 3._o there_o be_v and_o be_v in_o this_o great_a shepherd_n a_o continual_a watchfulness_n over_o the_o whole_a flock_n to_o keep_v it_o to_o preserve_v it_o to_o feed_v to_o lead_v and_o cherish_v it_o to_o purify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o until_o it_o be_v present_v unspotted_a unto_o god._n he_o do_v never_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n he_o water_v his_o vineyard_n every_o moment_n keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n that_o none_o may_v hurt_v it_o lose_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o see_v is._n 40.11_o i_o speak_v not_o distinct_o of_o previous_a qualification_n unto_o a_o outward_a call_v only_o but_o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o those_o quality_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office._n and_o herein_o also_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v our_o example_n and_o hereunto_o do_v belong_v 1_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o flock_n 2._o diligence_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n with_o wisdom_n as_o unto_o time_n season_n the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o general_n their_o light_a knowledge_n way_n walk_v ignorance_n temptation_n trial_n defection_n weakness_n of_o all_o sort_n growth_n and_o decay_n etc._n etc._n 3._o personal_a admonition_n exhortation_n consolation_n instruction_n as_o their_o particular_a case_n do_v require_v 4._o all_o with_o a_o design_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o present_v they_o without_o blame_n before_o christ_n jesus_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o these_o and_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n present_v themselves_o with_o some_o earnestness_n unto_o my_o mind_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a discharge_n myself_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o hope_v a_o more_o convenient_a place_n and_o season_n to_o give_v they_o a_o large_a treat_v and_o somewhat_o yet_o far_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 4._o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o whole_a ministry_n and_o in_o all_o the_o end_n of_o it_o have_v its_o continual_a residence_n in_o the_o holy_a soul_n of_o the_o great_a shepherd_n hence_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o expression_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v inexpressible_a the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o this_o also_o must_v accompany_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n or_o it_o will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o a_o dead_a faithless_a fruitless_a ministry_n 5._o as_o he_o be_v absolute_o in_o himself_o holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a separate_a from_o sinner_n so_o a_o conformity_n unto_o he_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n above_o other_o be_v require_v in_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office._n again_o none_o can_v or_o may_v take_v this_o office_n upon_o he_o or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v peculiarly_a its_o own_o with_o authority_n but_o he_o who_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o continuation_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o power_n of_o the_o regular_a administration_n of_o all_o sacred_a ordinance_n yea_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a depend_v on_o this_o assertion_n some_o deny_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o it_o as_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n some_o judge_n that_o person_n neither_o call_v nor_o set_v apart_o unto_o this_o office_n may_v discharge_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o some_o that_o a_o temporary_a delegation_n of_o power_n unto_o any_o by_o the_o church_n be_v all_o the_o warranty_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o undertake_n and_o
suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n 2._o i_o have_v show_v instance_n before_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a people_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o he_o or_o they_o who_o be_v chief_a therein_o as_o elsewhere_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a people_n the_o same_o author_n contend_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o elder_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o or_o permit_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n for_o a_o season_n and_o not_o make_v use_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o right_n in_o they_o thereunto_o but_o this_o permission_n be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v choose_v their_o own_o elder_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v permit_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v they_o ought_v to_o ordain_v it_o and_o practice_v according_a to_o it_o as_o they_o do_v nor_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a apostolical_a practice_n propose_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o such_o a_o original_a as_o condescension_n and_o permission_n yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o be_v only_o a_o regular_a pursuit_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o call_v of_o bishop_n pastor_n elder_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o these_o key_n be_v original_o and_o proper_o give_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o only_o ministerial_o and_o as_o unto_o exercise_n pastor_n be_v eye_n to_o the_o church_n but_o god_n and_o nature_n design_n in_o the_o first_o place_n sight_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o the_o whole_a person_n thereunto_o it_o be_v grant_v both_o subjective_o and_o final_o but_o actual_o it_o be_v peculiar_o seat_v in_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o grant_n of_o church-power_n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o by_o its_o elder_n that_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o key_n unto_o peter_n be_v in_o the_o person_n and_o as_o the_o representative_a of_o the_o whole_a confess_v church_n be_v the_o know_a judgement_n of_o austin_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o divine_n that_o follow_v he_o so_o he_o full_o express_v himself_o tractat._v 124._o in_o johan_n peter_n the_o apostle_n bear_v in_o a_o general_a figure_n the_o person_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o unto_o what_o belong_v unto_o himself_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n one_o man_n by_o grace_n one_o christian_n and_o of_o special_a more_o abound_v grace_n one_o and_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o when_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n he_o signify_v the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n again_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v in_o christ_n receive_v from_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v unto_o who_o these_o key_n be_v grant_v they_o according_a to_o their_o distinct_a interest_n in_o that_o grant_n have_v the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o call_v their_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n for_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o trust_n and_o power_n it_o do_v consist_v but_o this_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o church_n already_o constitute_v several_a sort_n of_o person_n as_o some_o be_v elder_n other_o be_v of_o the_o people_n only_o this_o right_n reside_v in_o they_o and_o be_v act_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a capacity_n as_o limit_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v that_o the_o election_n of_o they_o shall_v belong_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o authoritative_a designation_n or_o ordination_n unto_o the_o elder_n and_o when_o in_o any_o place_n the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v a_o member_n or_o part_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v also_o his_o peculiar_a right_o herein_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v thus_o grant_v original_o and_o fundamental_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v undeniable_o confirm_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o the_o church_n itself_o be_v the_o wife_n the_o spouse_n the_o bride_n the_o queen_n of_o the_o husband_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n jesus_n psal._n 45.10_o john_n 3.29_o revel_v 21.9_o chap._n 22.17_o matth._n 25.1_o 5_o 6._o other_o wife_n christ_n have_v none_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o other_o husband_n now_o to_o who_o shall_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n be_v commit_v but_o unto_o the_o bride_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v another_o who_o claim_v the_o key_n to_o be_v his_o own_o but_o withal_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n proclaim_v himself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o adulterer_n with_o that_o harlot_n which_o he_o call_v the_o church_n but_o a_o tyrant_n also_o in_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v her_o husband_n he_o will_v not_o trust_v she_o with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v with_o his_o spouse_n and_o whereas_o by_o the_o canon_n law_n every_o bishop_n be_v the_o husband_n or_o spouse_n of_o his_o diocesan_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o commit_v a_o open_a rape_n upon_o the_o people_n take_v they_o without_o their_o consent_n at_o least_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v essential_a unto_o a_o lawful_a marriage_n and_o the_o bride_n of_o christ_n come_v no_o otherwise_o so_o to_o be_v but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a choice_n of_o he_o to_o be_v her_o husband_n for_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v belong_v unto_o it_o as_o she_o 1_o cor._n 3.21.22_o and_o steward_n in_o the_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o if_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3_o if_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o family_n psal._n 68.13_o the_o bride_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o if_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o steward_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o house_n and_o unto_o the_o family_n if_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v make_v a_o grant_n of_o these_o key_n unto_o any_o whereon_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o house_n and_o family_n do_v depend_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o have_v original_o grant_v they_o unto_o his_o holy_a spouse_n to_o dispose_v off_o according_a unto_o her_o judgement_n and_o duty_n or_o unto_o any_o servant_n in_o the_o house_n to_o dispose_v of_o she_o and_o all_o her_o concernment_n at_o their_o pleasure_n 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o consequent_o as_o unto_o all_o other_o act_n thence_o proceed_v be_v express_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o intend_a we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o what_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n herein_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o second_o this_o right_o exemplify_v in_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o command_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n with_o respect_n unto_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o all_o sort_n for_o unto_o they_o it_o be_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n give_v in_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v discern_v and_o try_v false_a prophet_n fly_v from_o they_o try_v spirit_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v spiritual_a gift_n or_o office_n reject_v they_o who_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o office_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o all_o of_o they_o do_v suppose_v or_o can_v be_v discharge_v without_o a_o right_n in_o they_o to_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a as_o
office_n be_v vain_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o be_v much_o neglect_v 2._o to_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o attend_v unto_o the_o especial_a case_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o unnecessary_a diversion_n whereas_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o they_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n to_o discountenance_v to_o discourage_v any_o from_o seek_v relief_n in_o perplexity_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o carry_v it_o towards_o they_o with_o a_o seem_a moroseness_n and_o unconcernedness_n be_v to_o turn_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o push_v the_o disease_a and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o express_v the_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o flock_n isa._n 40.11_o yea_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hearken_v after_o they_o who_o may_v be_v so_o exercise_v to_o seek_v they_o out_o to_o give_v they_o their_o counsel_n and_o direction_n on_o all_o occasion_n 3._o to_o bear_v patient_o and_o tender_o with_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n dulness_n slowness_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v satisfaction_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v impertinency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v these_o thing_n will_v abound_v among_o they_o partly_o from_o their_o natural_a infirmity_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o perhaps_o froward_a but_o especial_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o temptation_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o disorder_n and_o disquiet_v their_o mind_n to_o fill_v they_o with_o perplex_a thought_n and_o to_o make_v they_o jealous_a of_o every_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v spiritual_o concern_v and_o if_o much_o patience_n meekness_n and_o condescension_n be_v not_o exercise_v towards_o they_o they_o be_v quick_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a pastoral_n office_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n or_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n nor_o wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v more_o concern_v nor_o more_o eminent_o suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o than_o this_o be_v but_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o duty_n which_o because_o of_o the_o reason_n mention_v must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n patience_n self-denial_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n with_o experience_n with_o wearisome_a diversion_n from_o other_o occasion_n those_o who_o have_v get_v of_o old_a the_o conduct_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o their_o management_n turn_v this_o whole_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n into_o a_o engine_n they_o call_v articular_a confession_n whereby_o they_o wrest_v the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n wealth_n authority_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o worse_a end_n 7._o a_o compassionate_a suffering_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o trouble_n whether_o internal_a or_o external_a belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o render_v they_o more_o like_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o to_o represent_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v their_o principal_a duty_n the_o view_n and_o consideration_n by_o faith_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o compassion_n with_o his_o suffer_a member_n be_v the_o principal_a spring_n of_o consolation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o distress_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o mind_n herein_o ought_v according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o be_v in_o all_o that_o have_v the_o pastoral_n office_n commit_v unto_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o himself_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o 2_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o unless_o this_o compassion_n and_o goodness_n do_v run_v through_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a office_n man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v evangelical_n shepherd_n nor_o the_o sheep_n say_v in_o any_o sense_n to_o be_v their_o own_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o live_v it_o may_v be_v in_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n regardless_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o of_o the_o poor_a of_o it_o or_o relate_v unto_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o office_n nor_o to_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n therein_o 8._o care_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a be_v part_n of_o this_o duty_n common_o know_v though_o common_o neglect_v 9_o the_o principal_a care_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o general_a head_n of_o the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o this_o office_n whereunto_o many_o thing_n in_o particular_a do_v belong_v but_o because_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o distinct_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o it_o 10._o there_o be_v a_o communion_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o profession_n in_o any_o nation_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v the_o principal_a care_n hereof_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o letter_n of_o mutual_a advice_n of_o congratulation_n or_o consolation_n or_o in_o testimony_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o they_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o convening_n in_o synod_n for_o consultation_n of_o their_o joint_a concernment_n which_o thing_n make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o 11._o that_o wherewith_o i_o shall_v close_v these_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o duty_n be_v that_o without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v neither_o be_v useful_a unto_o man_n nor_o be_v accept_v with_o the_o great_a shepherd_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o be_v a_o humble_a holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o do_v profess_v do_v undeniable_o prove_v this_o duty_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o indispensable_a in_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o fill_v up_o a_o volume_n with_o ancient_a example_n unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o first_o writer_n among_o christian_n with_o example_n of_o public_a and_o private_a miscarriage_n herein_o with_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o the_o ruin_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o most_o nation_n where_o it_o have_v be_v profess_v and_o so_o of_o the_o nation_n themselves_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o ambition_n pride_n luxury_n uncleanness_n profaneness_n and_o otherways_o vicious_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v call_v the_o clergy_n and_o in_o daily_a observation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o whatever_o else_o be_v do_v in_o church_n if_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v be_v not_o exemplary_a in_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n religion_n will_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o improve_v among_o the_o people_n if_o person_n light_n or_o profane_a in_o their_o habit_n garb_n and_o converse_v corrupt_v in_o their_o communication_n unsavoury_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o spiritual_a discourse_n if_o such_o as_o be_v covetous_a oppressive_a and_o contentious_a such_o as_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n in_o their_o own_o family_n and_o so_o can_v stir_v up_o other_o unto_o diligence_n therein_o much_o more_o if_o such_o as_o be_v open_o sensual_a vicious_a and_o debauch_a be_v admit_v into_o this_o office_n we_o may_v take_v our_o leave_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n to_o handle_v this_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v necessary_a distinct_o to_o consider_v and_o explain_v all_o the_o qualification_n assign_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o necessary_a unto_o bishop_n and_o elder_n evidence_v as_o previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o orderly_o call_v of_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o tit._n 2.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o which_o be_v a_o work_n not_o consistent_a with_o my_o present_a design_n to_o engage_v in_o these_o be_v
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v such_o prophecy_n as_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o give_v the_o proportion_n of_o faith._n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o any_o or_o both_o of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n but_o it_o belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o as_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o here_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o the_o gift_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o general_n refer_v unto_o all_o they_o who_o be_v intend_v now_o these_o be_v either_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o hence_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v that_o be_v all_o we_o that_o be_v concern_v herein_o this_o can_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n nor_o can_v any_o distinction_n be_v make_v of_o who_o do_v receive_v they_o and_o who_o do_v not_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o office._n and_o therefore_o 3._o in_o the_o distribution_n which_o ensue_v of_o prophecy_n into_o exhort_v and_o teach_v and_o of_o ministry_n into_o show_v mercy_n rule_n and_o give_v have_v state_v these_o gift_n in_o general_n in_o the_o officer_n in_o general_a make_v distinct_a application_n of_o they_o unto_o distinct_a officer_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o rule_v 6._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o office_n be_v intend_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v so_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o place_n for_o 1._o the_o distributive_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o indicative_a article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prefix_v unto_o each_o office_n in_o particular_a do_v show_v they_o distinct_a so_o far_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o as_o by_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o nature_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n so_o by_o the_o article_n prefix_v to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o exercise_n they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o subject_n 2._o the_o operation_n work_n and_o effect_n ascribe_v unto_o these_o gift_n require_v distinct_a office_n and_o function_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o if_o the_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o all_o promiscuous_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o here_o be_v a_o accurate_a order_n in_o all_o church_n administration_n represent_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v far_a evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v intend_v 1._o from_o the_o comparison_n make_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n ver_fw-la 4._o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n the_o eye_n have_v one_o the_o ear_n have_v another_o 2._o each_o of_o the_o duty_n mention_v and_o give_v in_o charge_n be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o distinct_a officer_n as_o be_v declare_v act._n 6._o 7._o in_o particular_a he_o that_o rule_v be_v a_o distinct_a officer_n a_o officer_n because_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n and_o he_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o but_o say_v some_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v who_o he_o will_v that_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n the_o teach_v elder_a but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a 1._o he_o that_o say_v he_o that_o exhort_v and_o then_o add_v he_o that_o rule_v have_v distinguish_v before_o between_o prophecy_n whereunto_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v and_o ministry_n whereof_o rule_n be_v a_o part_n and_o prefix_v the_o prepositive_a indicative_a article_n to_o each_o of_o they_o do_v as_o plain_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n 2._o rule_n be_v the_o principal_a work_n of_o he_o that_o rule_v for_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o diligence_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o rule_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o what_o be_v principal_o require_v in_o other_o administration_n but_o rule_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a work_n of_o the_o pastor_n require_v constant_a and_o continual_a attendance_n for_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ordinary_o sufficient_a for_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o diligence_n and_o ability_n 8._o we_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o context_n the_o beautiful_a order_n of_o thing_n in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o edification_n derive_v from_o distinct_a differ_v spiritual_a gift_n exercise_v in_o and_o by_o distinct_a officer_n unto_o their_o peculiar_a end_n the_o distinction_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o gift_n their_o use_n and_o end_n be_v provide_v for_o in_o distinct_a subject_n the_o mind_n of_o no_o one_o man_n at_o least_o ordinary_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o those_o differ_a gift_n in_o any_o eminent_a degree_n the_o person_n of_o no_o man_n be_v sufficient_a meet_v or_o able_a to_o exercise_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o office_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o thereunto_o and_o those_o that_o rule_n to_o attend_v thereto_o with_o diligence_n so_o many_o distinct_a work_n duty_n and_o operation_n with_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o their_o discharge_n be_v inconsistent_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a all_o thing_n be_v here_o distribute_v into_o their_o proper_a order_n and_o tendency_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o distinct_a gift_n require_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unto_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distribute_v unto_o peculiar_a officer_n unto_o who_o a_o especial_a work_n be_v assign_v to_o be_v discharge_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gift_n receive_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n no_o man_n alive_a be_v able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o these_o distribution_n under_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n find_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o assignation_n of_o distinct_a duty_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o be_v superfluous_a redundant_fw-la or_o not_o direct_o necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n how_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o what_o care_n diligence_n circumspection_n prayer_n and_o wisdom_n suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o object_n of_o they_o can_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v all_o of_o they_o belong_v unto_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n or_o be_v discharge_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n let_v man_n advance_v any_o other_o church_n order_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o here_o declare_v so_o suit_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n operation_n and_o duty_n of_o diverse_a nature_n be_v distribute_v and_o assign_v to_o such_o distinct_a gift_n act_v in_o distinct_a office_n as_o render_v those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v meet_a and_o able_a for_o they_o so_o correspondent_a to_o all_o institution_n rule_n and_o example_n of_o church-order_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o suit_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o nothing_o which_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v omit_v nor_o any_o thing_n add_v above_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o shall_v be_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o this_o context_n of_o the_o apostle_n arise_v mere_o from_o the_o prejudicate_v apprehension_n that_o man_n have_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o rule_n for_o if_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v national_a or_o diocesan_n if_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v by_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n from_o a_o authority_n exert_v itself_o in_o court_n ecclesiastical_a legal_a or_o illegal_a the_o order_n of_o thing_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v no_o way_n belong_v nor_o can_v be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v a_o full_a description_n and_o account_n in_o these_o word_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o they_o
helpful_a to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o common_a work_n which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o but_o such_o as_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o this_o work_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o power_n that_o be_v exercise_v herein_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o it_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n not_o formal_o to_o reside_v in_o they_o as_o the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o only_a for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v spiritual_o affect_v with_o reference_n unto_o spiritual_a end_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v their_o sin_n remit_v or_o retain_v and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n among_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o what_o they_o do_v 4._o the_o especial_a design_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o holiness_n love_n compassion_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o discipline_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o whilst_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o endeavour_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o office_n to_o set_v forth_o these_o virtue_n of_o christ_n to_o exemplify_v that_o impression_n of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n they_o utter_o deviate_v from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o man_n to_o act_v herein_o in_o a_o way_n of_o domination_n with_o a_o visible_a elation_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n above_o their_o brethren_n with_o anger_n wrath_n and_o passion_n by_o rule_n order_n and_o law_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v and_o what_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o reflect_v the_o high_a dishonour_n imaginable_a upon_o christ_n himself_o he_o who_o come_v into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o king_n in_o westminster_n hall_n when_o fill_v with_o judge_n grave_a learned_a and_o righteous_a most_o ordinary_o be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n moderation_n and_o clemency_n by_o the_o law_n which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o and_o their_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o christian_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v the_o holiness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o representation_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v make_v of_o he_o and_o they_o in_o some_o court_n wherein_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n be_v admistre_v when_o any_o have_v offend_v of_o old_a their_o censure_n by_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o bewail_v of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.24_o and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o sorrow_n pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o in_o that_o censure_n they_o evidence_v the_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n this_o be_v scarce_o answer_v by_o those_o pecuniary_a mulct_n and_o other_o penalty_n which_o with_o indignation_n and_o contempt_n be_v inflict_v on_o such_o as_o be_v make_v offender_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n certain_o those_o who_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n and_o have_v a_o due_a honour_n for_o the_o gospel_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o begin_v to_o think_v meet_a that_o this_o stain_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v wash_v away_o 2_o dly_z the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n all_o his_o law_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v effectual_a can_v oblige_v or_o operate_v upon_o the_o object_n or_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n if_o the_o church_n make_v a_o thousand_o rule_n or_o canon_n or_o law_n for_o government_n neither_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o general_a have_v any_o the_o least_o power_n to_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n or_o compliance_n with_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o virtual_o and_o material_o they_o contain_v what_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o derive_v force_n from_o thence_o as_o the_o judge_n in_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_n and_o determine_v in_o all_o case_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o do_v not_o their_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reverse_v but_o if_o wilful_o or_o of_o choice_n they_o shall_v introduce_v law_n or_o rule_n not_o legal_o establish_v in_o this_o nation_n judge_v according_a unto_o they_o it_o will_v render_v they_o high_o criminal_a and_o punishable_a it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o it_o be_v by_o his_o law_n alone_o that_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o application_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o they_o unto_o particular_a case_n and_o occasion_n to_o make_v to_o bring_v to_o execute_v any_o other_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o usurp_v on_o his_o kingly_a dominion_n whereunto_o all_o legislative_a power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v appropriate_a nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v require_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n wherein_o for_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o more_o leave_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o application_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o application_n to_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n before_o describe_v be_v requisite_a and_o that_o alone_a where_o there_o be_v other_o law_n rule_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o where_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o law_n civil_a or_o political_a there_o be_v a_o skill_n in_o they_o require_v unto_o that_o administration_n as_o all_o will_v confess_v so_o be_v the_o wisdom_n we_o before_o describe_v and_o that_o alone_a necessary_a unto_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n whereof_o be_v his_o word_n and_o law_n alone_o 3_o dly_z the_o matter_n of_o this_o rule_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a and_o so_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o church-power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v organical_a and_o complete_a in_o its_o officer_n there_o be_v that_o in_o they_o both_o which_o be_v found_v in_o and_o warrant_v from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o equity_n every_o righteous_a voluntary_a society_n coalesce_v therein_o rightful_o upon_o know_a law_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o it_o unto_o certain_a end_n have_v natural_o a_o power_n inherent_a in_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o receive_v into_o its_o incorporation_n such_o as_o be_v meet_a for_o it_o do_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o as_o also_o to_o reject_v or_o withhold_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n this_o power_n be_v inherent_a in_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o officer_n in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mutual_a confederation_n they_o may_v receive_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n those_o that_o be_v meet_v and_o withdraw_v the_o same_o privilege_n from_o those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o in_o
edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v wherefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v constitute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o order_n as_o wherein_o none_o of_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o always_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n to_o attain_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o he_o do_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n be_v animate_v by_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v act_n the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a herein_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v lie_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o other_o about_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n though_o not_o of_o gift_n and_o usefulness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o peace_n other_o way_n and_o mean_n have_v be_v find_v out_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n which_o we_o must_v speak_v unto_o immediate_o wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o use_v some_o diligence_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v moreover_o premise_v that_o whereas_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v radical_o and_o essential_o the_o same_o among_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v confine_v and_o limit_v by_o divine_a providence_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o the_o natural_a mean_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n may_v extend_v unto_o that_o be_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v within_o such_o line_n of_o communication_n such_o precinct_n or_o boundary_n of_o place_n and_o country_n as_o may_v not_o render_v the_o mutual_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n insuperable_o difficult_a yet_o be_v not_o the_o world_n itself_o so_o wide_o but_o that_o all_o place_n be_v make_v pervious_a by_o navigation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v be_v visible_o profess_v and_o in_o some_o instance_n practise_v among_o all_o church_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o going-down_a of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v by_o the_o most_o vehement_a pretence_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o as_o those_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherefore_o such_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v after_o as_o from_o which_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o actual_a exercise_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o all_o to_o live_v and_o whereby_o the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v attain_v this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a catholicism_n of_o the_o church_n which_o whoever_o depart_v from_o or_o substitute_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o under_o that_o name_n destroy_v its_o whole_a nature_n and_o disturb_v the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a harmony_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n however_o therefore_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o our_o real_a controversy_n with_o most_o in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o be_v union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n which_o be_v various_o pervert_v by_o many_o and_o separate_v it_o into_o party_n and_o confine_v it_o to_o rule_n measure_n and_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o and_o establishment_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o belong_v neither_o to_o the_o internal_a nor_o external_a form_n of_o that_o catholic_n church_n who_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o believe_v and_o who_o union_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o whoever_o give_v any_o description_n of_o or_o limitation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n beside_o what_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n intend_v do_v utter_o overthrow_v it_o and_o therein_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith._n but_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n can_v be_v due_o apprehend_v unless_o we_o inquire_v and_o determine_v wherein_o their_o union_n do_v consist_v for_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o union_n that_o receive_v both_o its_o nature_n and_o power_n from_o it_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n distinct_a in_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o communion_n that_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o he_o be_v pope_n be_v the_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church_n union_n nor_o be_v there_o allow_v any_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o christ_n or_o among_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o through_o he_o a_o universal_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o church_n union_n among_o they_o and_o if_o any_o one_o soul_n fail_v herein_o if_o as_o unto_o thing_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v repute_v a_o stranger_n and_o forâ—â—â—ner_n unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n yea_o they_o affirm_v that_o be_v a_o man_n never_o so_o willing_a for_o and_o desirous_a of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v have_v it_o but_o by_o the_o pope_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n congenial_a and_o suit_v unto_o this_o union_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o exercise_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o various_a contignation_n of_o order_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o one_o story_n of_o church_n interest_n upon_o another_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o idol_n place_v on_o the_o top_n of_o this_o babel_n so_o be_v this_o communion_n carry_v on_o from_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o low_a rubbish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n unto_o diocesan_n of_o they_o to_o metropolitan_n of_o they_o to_o patriarch_n or_o cardinal_n of_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o ascent_n be_v make_v from_o diocesan_n synod_n by_o provincial_n and_o national_a to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ecumenical_a who_o head_n be_v the_o pope_n yet_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v far_o observe_v to_o clear_v this_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n as_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o ascent_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n by_o a_o vital_a act_n of_o communion_n from_o the_o low_a degree_n order_n or_o consociation_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o church-power_n from_o they_o but_o all_o the_o plenitude_n of_o it_o be_v original_o vest_v in_o he_o by_o these_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n he_o communicate_v of_o it_o unto_o all_o church_n as_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conjunction_n and_o communion_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o joint_v in_o this_o order_n so_o compact_v in_o this_o body_n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o personal_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o unto_o his_o whole_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v he_o formal_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v antichrist_n and_o the_o church-state_n arise_v from_o its_o union_n unto_o he_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n subsist_v in_o a_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o power_n receive_v through_o various_a order_n and_o constitution_n from_o he_o to_o be_v anti-christian_n for_o he_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o and_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o church_n state_n thereon_o depend_v this_o we_o have_v describe_v ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o etc._n etc._n as_o also_o col._n 2.19_o where_o there_o be_v a_o rejection_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n take_v from_o its_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n when_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o when_o the_o power_n of_o
the_o strong_a delusion_n that_o begin_v to_o abate_v shall_v expire_v they_o will_v easy_o see_v the_o direct_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o these_o two_o head_n and_o two_o church_n namely_o christ_n and_o the_o pope_n the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o all_o the_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o countenance_v this_o anti-christianism_a as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a head_n one_o of_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n which_o christ_n be_v and_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o the_o other_o of_o rule_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o pope_n be_v but_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a supreme_a and_o remote_a or_o immediate_a and_o subordinate_a the_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o pope_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o far_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o invisible_a which_o be_v christ_n the_o other_o visible_a which_o be_v the_o pope_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o gross_a and_o horrible_a figment_n of_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n foreign_a to_o antiquity_n whereof_o never_o one_o word_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o church_n for_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n deform_v the_o beautiful_a spouse_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o monster_n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o pope_n be_v only_o the_o immediate_a visible_a subordinate_a head_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o church_n which_o be_v what_o they_o plead_v for_o then_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n be_v his_o body_n that_o it_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n that_o it_o be_v compact_v together_o by_o the_o officer_n and_o order_n that_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o receive_v all_o their_o influence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n from_o he_o which_o though_o he_o communicate_v not_o by_o a_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o by_o officer_n office_n order_n and_o law_n so_o give_v union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o every_o joint_n and_o part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n under_o he_o for_o its_o union_n communion_n and_o edification_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o anti-christ_n and_o the_o anti-christian_n church-state_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n ready_a to_o maintain_v let_v any_o man_n take_v a_o due_a prospect_n of_o this_o head_n and_o this_o body_n as_o relate_v and_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o own_o rule_n constitution_n and_o law_n act_v in_o worldly_a pomp_n splendour_n and_o power_n with_o horrid_a bloody_a cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o open_a view_n of_o all_o the_o scriptural_a lineament_n of_o the_o apostate_n anti-christian_n state_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v again_o this_o assign_v of_o the_o original_n of_o all_o church_n order_n union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n invest_v he_o therewith_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v he_o thereby_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n thereon_o his_o body_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v its_o head_n so_o as_o that_o from_o he_o all_o power_n of_o order_n and_o for_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n shall_v be_v derive_v return_v all_o in_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o do_v set_v up_o a_o visible_a conspicuous_a anti-christian_n church_n state_n in_o opposition_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o deal_v not_o at_o present_a there_o be_v a_o pretence_n unto_o a_o â—nion_n of_o church_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o papal_a headship_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o the_o canonical_a subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o metropolitan_o which_o though_o the_o facto_fw-la it_o be_v at_o present_a terminate_v and_o state_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o de_fw-fr jure_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v extend_v unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n according_a unto_o this_o principle_n the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o that_o order_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v distribute_v into_o deanery_n archdeaconries_a exempt_a peculiar_o under_o official_o diocese_n province_n under_o metropolitan_o and_o so_o by_o or_o without_o patriarch_n to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n of_o the_o papacy_n issue_v in_o a_o general-council_n as_o i_o suppose_v but_o 1._o to_o confine_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hereunto_o be_v at_o present_a absolute_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o communion_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o be_v by_o a_o coalescency_n extend_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v provincial_a or_o national_a have_v both_o political_o and_o ecclesiastical_o such_o bound_n fix_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o can_v pass_v to_o carry_v on_o communion_n unto_o and_o with_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n by_o any_o act_n and_o duty_n belong_v unto_o their_o order_n and_o hereby_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o do_v always_o equal_o exist_v and_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v always_o equal_o in_o exercise_n and_o can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o do_v so_o exist_v and_o be_v so_o exercise_v wherever_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o order_n 2._o we_o inquire_v at_o present_a after_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v particular_a church_n communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o this_o order_n do_v not_o but_o absolute_o overthrow_v it_o leave_v nothing_o unto_o they_o but_o subjection_n to_o officer_n set_v over_o they_o who_o be_v not_o of_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o appointment_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n 3._o this_o order_n itself_o the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o pretend_a union_n have_v no_o divine_a institution_n especial_o as_o to_o its_o extent_n unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o actual_a exercise_n no_o man_n can_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o original_a or_o centre_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v and_o wherein_o it_o rest_v have_v remove_v these_o pretence_n out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v wherein_o the_o union_n and_o consequent_o the_o communion_n of_o â—ll_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o the_o due_a observation_n whereof_o all_o that_o church-order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o do_v accept_v be_v preserve_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a union_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o that_o which_o give_v form_n life_n and_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v particular_a and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n or_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n one_o regeneration_n one_o baptism_n one_o bread_n and_o wine_n unite_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love._n this_o description_n with_o what_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o and_o explanatory_n of_o it_o be_v all_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitute_a form_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o what_o church_n soever_o fail_v in_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o this_o description_n or_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o have_v either_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n concur_v unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n of_o church_n 1._o their_o union_n or_o relation_n unto_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o original_a and_o spring_n of_o this_o union_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v unite_v unto_o he_o as_o its_o head_n beside_o which_o with_o or_o under_o which_o it_o have_v none_o this_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n as_o its_o head_n the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o union_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o col._n 2.19_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v hereby_o it_o be_v also_o in_o god_n the_o father_n 2_o thes._n 1.1_o or_o have_v god_n as_o its_o father_n
and_o unless_o this_o union_n be_v dissolve_v unless_o a_o church_n be_v disunite_v from_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v so_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a however_o it_o may_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o other_o in_o the_o world._n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o union_n there_o proceed_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n a_o bond_n of_o union_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a spirit_n act_v itself_o in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o kingly_a royal_a beautiful_a union_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n bring_v it_o into_o a_o relation_n unto_o himself_o as_o his_o body_n communicate_v of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o it_o govern_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n enable_v it_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n for_o unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hold_v he_o as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o 2._o love_n unto_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o 3._o that_o especial_a holiness_n who_o foundation_n be_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n 4._o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o thing_n be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reality_n and_o power_n of_o they_o be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o be_v its_o external_a form_n 2._o there_o concur_v hereunto_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o i_o mean_v all_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o church_n catholic_n do_v act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o these_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v term_v relatio_fw-la aequiparentiae_fw-la wherein_o neither_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v equal_a it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o unto_o another_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a as_o unto_o what_o concern_v their_o essence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o bond_n hereof_o be_v that_o especial_a love_n which_o christ_n require_v among_o all_o his_o disciple_n act_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o union_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o relation_n unto_o god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o unto_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o holiness_n the_o same_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o church-order_n with_o mutual_a love_n effectual_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n there_o may_v be_v failure_n in_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n among_o they_o about_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o they_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v the_o best_a know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n but_o whilst_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v this_o be_v that_o bless_a oneness_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o so_o earnest_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n one_o among_o themselves_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o horrid_a image_n of_o it_o which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o church_n which_o all_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o bow_v down_o unto_o and_o worship_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n furnance_n of_o any_o other_o union_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v always_o the_o same_o inviolable_a unchangeable_a comprehend_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n not_o confinable_a unto_o any_o state_n or_o party_n not_o interruptible_a by_o any_o external_a form_n nor_o to_o be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o such_o dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n as_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o questionable_a among_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o evangelical_n faith_n holiness_n obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o mutual_a love_n abide_v in_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v profess_v that_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a other_o catholic_n church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o believe_v none_o nor_o any_o that_o need_v other_o thing_n unto_o its_o constitution_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v our_o present_a enquiry_n namely_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v their_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o same_o gospel_n duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o mutual_a act_n towards_o each_o other_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n this_o the_o primitive_a church_n provide_v for_o in_o creed_n and_o symbol_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v know_v but_o as_o never_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o own_v by_o all_o church_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a hence_o we_o have_v as_o many_o arian_n creed_n yet_o extant_a as_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o particular_a ☜_o church_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o profess_a assent_n unto_o all_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v provide_v that_o no_o error_n be_v avow_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o although_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avow_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o yet_o by_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o they_o may_v embrace_v and_o adhere_v unto_o such_o error_n as_o may_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith._n such_o be_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a person_n or_o office_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o may_v also_o add_v that_o of_o their_o own_o unto_o their_o profess_a belief_n as_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o tradition_n as_o equal_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o another_o head_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o another_o sacrifice_n beside_o what_o he_o once_o offer_v for_o all_o and_o the_o like_a but_o where_o any_o be_v preserve_v from_o such_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o communion_n with_o