profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o give_v no_o apparent_a hope_n of_o repentance_n let_v we_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o some_o the_o most_o approve_a and_o excellent_a expositor_n calvin_n upon_o the_o place_n thus_o this_o confession_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o repentance_n that_o man_n may_v right_o offer_v themselves_o to_o baptism_n the_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v require_v of_o they_o otherwise_o the_o whole_a action_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o idle_a toy_n furthermore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o who_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o be_v person_n come_v to_o year_n who_o we_o know_v be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v promiscuous_o of_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o baptism_n to_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o have_v first_o be_v try_v the_o same_o calvin_n upon_o act_n 19.18_o have_v witness_v of_o those_o there_o speak_v of_o that_o they_o do_v indeed_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o the_o serious_a fear_n of_o god_n who_o do_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n confess_v the_o crime_n of_o their_o former_a life_n lest_o by_o their_o dissemble_n they_o shall_v inward_o nourish_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o add_v concern_v those_o who_o come_v to_o john_n baptism_n that_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o make_v profession_n that_o they_o be_v not_o feign_o enter_v into_o repentance_n beza_n upon_o the_o same_o place_n viz._n matth._n 3.6_o thus_o they_o be_v say_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o all_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o be_v sinner_n and_o seek_v for_o pardon_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o dan._n 9.3_o etc._n etc._n hence_o it_o appear_v say_v he_o that_o john_n admit_v none_o to_o his_o baptism_n but_o such_o as_o give_v testimony_n that_o they_o serious_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n and_o such_o a_o like_a public_a confession_n be_v require_v of_o the_o catechuman_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o exomologesis_fw-la piscator_fw-la in_o his_o observation_n upon_o matth._n 3._o v._n 6_o 8_o 10._o speak_v thus_o baptism_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o of_o year_n till_o he_o have_v first_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o further_a promise_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n all_o these_o do_v john_n require_v say_v he_o of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v clear_a verse_n 6._o for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n act_v 19.4_o where_o he_o say_v john_n baptize_v with_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n say_v to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o john_n himself_o that_o be_v christ_n jesus_n compare_v act_n 8.16_o for_o the_o three_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o verse_n 8.10_o of_o this_o three_o of_o matth_n which_o be_v particular_o declare_v and_o apply_v to_o divers_a kind_n of_o life_n luke_n 3.10_o etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o see_v these_o excellent_a man_n judicious_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o generation_n gather_v no_o such_o shuff_a conclusion_n from_o the_o history_n of_o john_n baptism_n record_v in_o scripture_n as_o many_o of_o we_o be_v wont_a to_o gather_v who_o plead_v the_o number_n record_v by_o john_n as_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o do_v and_o we_o may_v receive_v into_o church_n society_n all_o comer_n for_o further_a discovery_n here_o let_v we_o look_v into_o another_o scripture_n concern_v john_n and_o those_o receive_v by_o he_o together_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o excellent_a and_o true_a heart_a divine_n upon_o the_o place_n the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v matth._n 11.12_o and_o it_o show_v how_o they_o be_v affect_v at_o least_o apparent_o who_o come_v in_o so_o great_a number_n to_o be_v baptize_v of_o john_n compare_v it_o with_o luke_n 16.16_o piscator_fw-la here_o it_o show_v the_o effect_n of_o john_n doctrine_n to_o wit_n that_o many_o embrace_v that_o doctrine_n with_o great_a zeal_n and_o so_o take_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v by_o force_n beza_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n they_o break_v into_o it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a force_n for_o this_o treasure_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n lie_v open_a as_o it_o be_v to_o all_o earnest_o by_o every_o one_o to_o be_v lay_v hold_n upon_o which_o he_o may_v seem_v former_o to_o have_v hide_v as_o it_o be_v unfold_v rom._n 16.25_o 26._o which_o compare_v with_o this_o text_n now_o in_o hand_n we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v both_o how_o entrance_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v offer_v we_o to_o wit_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o how_o offer_v it_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o true_o by_o force_n make_v upon_o ourselves_o for_o believe_v and_o by_o the_o persevere_v heat_n of_o zeal_n take_v it_o by_o force_n beza_n again_o they_o snatch_v it_o to_o themselves_o or_o they_o storm_v it_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o tent_n or_o from_o some_o castle_n which_o be_v storm_v by_o enemy_n break_v into_o it_o so_o that_o fervent_a force_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v signify_v by_o which_o the_o faithful_a be_v transport_v be_v carry_v with_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v unto_o eternal_a life_n cabvin_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o christ_n commend_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v seek_v after_o with_o the_o servant_n desire_n and_o endeavour_v of_o many_o for_o as_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o john_n to_o be_v the_o horald_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n so_o he_o put_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n into_o his_o doctrine_n that_o it_o shall_v pierce_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o shall_v kindle_v that_o their_o heat_n he_o add_v from_o these_o word_n of_o christ_n we_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o manner_n of_o faith_n very_o that_o man_n do_v not_o cold_o and_o overly_o agree_v to_o god_n when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o but_o that_o with_o a_o ardent_a affection_n they_o aspire_v after_o he_o and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o violent_a endeavour_n break_v through_o bucer_n the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n that_o be_v they_o who_o be_v so_o inflame_v with_o desire_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o they_o cast_v life_n and_o all_o thing_n behind_o their_o back_n so_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o citizen_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o he_o refer_v this_o place_n to_o luke_n 7.28_o 29._o &_o add_v this_o people_n and_o these_o publican_n who_o neglect_v all_o thing_n receive_v with_o great_a zeal_n the_o word_n of_o god_n first_o by_o john_n then_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n justify_v god_n that_o be_v as_o well_o by_o free_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o with_o most_o earnest_a nor_o less_o acceptable_a embrace_v of_o offer_a grace_n both_o acknowledge_v and_o proclaim_v god_n just_a and_o the_o justifier_n be_v those_o violent_a one_o which_o make_v force_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o by_o force_n take_v it_o and_o do_v not_o a_o man_n seem_v to_o take_v that_o by_o force_n for_o which_o he_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o life_n by_o these_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o gospel_n befall_v not_o any_o but_o those_o who_o have_v seek_v it_o with_o most_o 〈◊〉_d desire_n and_o even_o love_v to_o hazard_v and_o lose_v all_o thing_n for_o it_o thus_o bucer_n hence_o we_o see_v how_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o these_o worthy_a light_n in_o the_o church_n john_n hearer_n be_v affect_v when_o by_o he_o receive_v 2._o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o receive_v by_o they_o act_n 2.41_o to_o the_o end_n act_v 4.32_o 33_o 34_o 35._o act_n 8.36_o 37._o read_v the_o place_n see_v calvin_n likewise_o upon_o act_n 5.13_o where_o he_o thus_o show_v of_o how_o pure_a a_o constitution_n the_o visible_a church_n than_o be_v have_v observe_v it_o one_o fruit_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o unbeliever_n affright_v with_o so_o remarkable_a a_o judgement_n upon_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n dare_v not_o contemn_v the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n he_o add_v though_o luke_n ascribe_v not_o this_o only_a to_o the_o miracle_n but_o rather_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n together_o which_o may_v make_v for_o the_o increase_a the_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o be_v all_o thing_n order_v as_o that_o a_o certain_a divine_a majesty_n shine_v among_o they_o for_o they_o differ_v no_o otherwise_o from_o other_o than_o angel_n do_v from_o man_n for_o there_o be_v in_o holy_a discipline_n and_o the_o sincere_a observation_n of_o godliness_n a_o secret_a kind_n of_o
prevent_v who_o will_v quick_o in_o appearance_n humble_v themselves_o if_o that_o may_v serve_v the_o turn_n such_o a_o course_n of_o discipline_n will_v in_o stead_n of_o humble_v harden_v like_o the_o papist_n absolution_n upon_o their_o formal_a auricular_a confession_n and_o indulgence_n 2._o for_o he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o desire_v sudden_a receive_n be_v scandalous_a a_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v not_o humble_v which_o if_o he_o be_v he_o himself_o will_v not_o venture_v so_o soon_o upon_o his_o own_o heart_n object_n matth._n 18.21_o 22._o with_o luk._n 17.3_o 4._o answ_n it_o be_v a_o precept_n against_o revenge_n it_o be_v personal_n not_o ecclesiastical_a forgiveness_n here_o command_v forgiveness_n of_o the_o heart_n not_o of_o the_o court_n of_o a_o injury_n against_o i_o not_o of_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o even_o betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n this_o forbid_v not_o but_o a_o man_n may_v prosecute_v the_o law_n against_o the_o trespasser_n in_o diverse_a case_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o heart_n forgive_v he_o and_o pray_v for_o he_o 3._o conclus_fw-la hence_o the_o vanity_n of_o that_o argument_n use_v by_o some_o who_o refuse_v to_o join_v apart_o from_o the_o scandalous_a in_o a_o true_a way_n of_o church-communion_n and_o discipline_n to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a therefore_o the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o defile_v not_o i_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o they_o answ_n thy_o sin_n defile_v thou_o and_o it_o be_v thy_o sin_n to_o keep_v off_o from_o the_o true_a way_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n suppose_v in_o a_o settle_a church_n a_o person_n just_o excommunicate_a thou_o shall_v defile_v thyself_o if_o thou_o shall_v receive_v with_o he_o because_o thou_o violate_v the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o here_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o instruction_n discipline_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o order_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o her_o several_a congregation_n mat_n 18.15_o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 5._o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o rev._n 2.2_o 14_o 20._o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o these_o scripture_n peruse_v show_v we_o both_o that_o there_o be_v a_o discipline_n and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o discipline_n together_o with_o the_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o christian_n in_o their_o place_n for_o endeavour_v it_o i_o shall_v gather_v something_o out_o of_o dr._n ames_n that_o excellent_a divine_a medulla_n l._n 1._o c._n 37._o 1._o holy_a discipline_n be_v the_o personal_a application_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o censure_n either_o for_o prevent_v scandal_n or_o for_o remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v and_o real_o apply_v for_o beget_v and_o increase_v of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v personal_o apply_v by_o seal_n for_o confirm_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v personal_o apply_v by_o censure_n for_o remove_v of_o sin_n which_o fight_v against_o true_a faith_n and_o obedience_n 3._o this_o discipline_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n mat._n 16.19_o and_o mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o be_v therefore_o plain_o of_o divine_a right_n neither_o may_v it_o by_o man_n at_o pleasure_n be_v take_v away_o diminish_v or_o change_v 4._o nay_o he_o sin_v against_o christ_n the_o author_n and_o ordainer_n whosoever_o do_v not_o what_o in_o he_o lie_v to_o settle_v and_o promote_v this_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o person_n about_o who_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a institute_n church_n without_o any_o exception_n matth._n 18.15_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o and_o no_o other_o verse_n 12._o to_o all_o and_o only_o those_o it_o belong_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n a_o institute_n church_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o visible_a believer_n join_v together_o by_o special_a bond_n express_v or_o implicit_a for_o exercise_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n constant_o among_o themselves_o cap._n 32._o 6._o in_o those_o person_n it_o have_v respect_n to_o sin_n and_o scandal_n for_o it_o be_v a_o heal_a medicine_n for_o the_o wound_n and_o disease_n to_o which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v subject_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o 7._o because_o it_o do_v effectual_o urge_v obedience_n to_o christ_n therefore_o not_o without_o singular_a reason_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v visible_o rule_v his_o church_n be_v by_o the_o best_a divine_v place_v in_o this_o discipline_n hence_o likewise_o the_o key_n and_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o key_n of_o discipline_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o this_o key_n bind_v lose_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n have_v upon_o they_o the_o stamp_n of_o christ_n kingly_a authority_n 8._o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o in_o so_o few_o church_n the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n be_v thorough_o settle_v and_o exercise_v because_o very_o many_o of_o those_o who_o will_v seem_v to_o know_v christ_n and_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o do_v yet_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o altogether_o unto_o he_o 9_o and_o as_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n so_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a manner_n of_o promote_a the_o gospel_n appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n itself_o therefore_o they_o do_v neither_o receive_v the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o whole_a gospel_n who_o reject_v discipline_n 10._o but_o because_o every_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o its_o place_n necessary_a and_o that_o part_n especial_o which_o do_v effectual_o repress_v sin_n therefore_o we_o may_v not_o safe_o enough_o rest_n in_o those_o church_n which_o want_v discipline_n except_o that_o public_a want_n be_v make_v up_o by_o private_a care_n and_o mutual_a watch_v 11._o the_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v two_o brotherly_a admonition_n excommunication_n which_o in_o case_n of_o repentance_n approve_v to_o the_o church_n be_v succeed_v by_o absolution_n 12._o brotherly_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o case_n of_o any_o sin_n for_o which_o discipline_n be_v appoint_v as_o a_o medicine_n but_o after_o a_o diverse_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o secret_a and_o open_a sin_n in_o secret_a sin_n those_o three_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v which_o christ_n prescribe_v in_o order_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o but_o in_o public_a sin_n those_o degree_n be_v not_o necessary_a 1_o tim._n 5.20_o 13._o full_a excommunication_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exercise_v except_o stubbornness_n be_v add_v to_o the_o sin_n matth._n 18.17_o for_o the_o sinner_n due_o admonish_v must_v needs_o either_o appear_v penitent_a or_o stubborn_a the_o penitent_a be_v not_o to_o be_v excommunicate_a therefore_o only_o the_o stubborn_a 14._o when_o the_o matter_n may_v sufferdelay_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o excommunication_n be_v begin_v by_o suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o such_o like_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o less_o excommunication_n 15._o but_o in_o this_o degree_n we_o must_v not_o rest_v but_o repentance_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o in_o this_o space_n to_o be_v urge_v of_o which_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n we_o must_v then_o go_v on_o to_o a_o complete_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o great_a excommunication_n 16._o but_o because_o the_o stubborn_a sinner_n can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o faithful_a except_o the_o faithful_a also_o be_v separate_v from_o he_o and_o this_o make_v for_o the_o wholesome_a shame_n of_o the_o sinner_n 2_o thess_n 3.14_o therefore_o they_o who_o be_v just_o excommunicate_a be_v to_o be_v shun_v by_o all_o communicant_n not_o as_o to_o duty_n simple_o moral_a or_o otherwise_o necessary_a but_o as_o to_o those_o part_n of_o conversation_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o accompany_v approbation_n and_o inward_a familiarity_n 17._o from_o the_o bond_n of_o excommunication_n no_o impenitent_a person_n be_v to_o be_v loose_v neither_o aught_o absolution_n to_o be_v deny_v to_o any_o penitent_a but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a repentance_n for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v i_o repent_v i_o i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o except_o he_o otherwise_o make_v proof_n of_o true_a repentance_n but_o such_o token_n of_o true_a repentance_n ought_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o rest_v in_o they_o otherwise_o hypocrisy_n be_v nourish_v and_o both_o the_o church_n
and_o christ_n himself_o be_v mock_v from_o this_o discourse_n of_o discipline_n beside_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o appear_v 1._o the_o weight_n of_o it_o bind_v to_o wrath_n or_o lose_v from_o it_o retain_v or_o remit_v sin_n open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o penitent_a or_o shut_v it_o against_o the_o impenitent_a cast_v out_o of_o the_o commonion_n of_o the_o faithful_a cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n deliver_v over_o to_o satan_n or_o readmission_n into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a reimplant_n into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n rescue_n from_o their_o subjection_n to_o satan_n and_o so_o as_o all_o this_o do_v here_o upon_o earth_n where_o right_o administer_v be_v confirm_v in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o 1._o stand_v upon_o so_o clear_a a_o precept_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n therefore_o be_v a_o gospel_n ordinance_n unchangeable_a 2._o be_v so_o main_a a_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o mediator_n 3._o from_o the_o end_n of_o it_o for_o reclaim_v and_o gain_v of_o offend_a brethren_n from_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a offence_n for_o purge_v out_o that_o old_a leaven_n which_o may_v infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n for_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o prevent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o may_v just_o fall_v upon_o the_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v suffer_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o notorious_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n chap._n iu._n the_o three_o instruction_n to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n it_o belong_v by_o divine_a right_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o discipline_n we_o need_v not_o prove_v the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o choice_n of_o officer_n be_v the_o people_n right_a make_v not_o a_o little_a for_o the_o due_a settle_v the_o church_n for_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v three_o thing_n 1._o point_v to_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o truth_n 2._o add_v some_o reason_n according_a to_o scripture_n 3._o give_v in_o the_o testimony_n first_o of_o the_o primitive_a then_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n 1._o for_o the_o scripture_n act_n 1.15_o with_o 23._o the_o disciple_n go_v as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o choose_v a_o apostle_n who_o must_v have_v his_o commission_n immediate_o from_o god_n they_o appoint_v two_o and_o give_v forth_o lot_n act_n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o the_o whole_a multitude_n choose_v their_o deacon_n and_o present_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n for_o ordination_n act_v 14.23_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n when_o they_o have_v ordain_v elder_n to_o the_o church_n the_o word_n translate_v ordain_v signify_v solemn_o to_o appoint_v to_o office_n upon_o the_o people_n vote_n or_o choice_n or_o suffrage_n so_o stephen_n in_o his_o treasure_n of_o the_o greek_a tongue_n render_v it_o to_o make_v or_o create_v by_o suffrage_n see_v calvin_n and_o beza_n afterward_o 2._o for_o reason_n 1._o the_o officer_n be_v give_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4_o 11_o 12._o therefore_o she_o may_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o ordinary_a way_n procure_v they_o which_o yet_o in_o many_o case_n she_o can_v do_v if_o she_o have_v not_o right_a to_o choose_v they_o 2._o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22._o therefore_o she_o have_v a_o right_a to_o call_v they_o to_o herself_o if_o she_o depend_v upon_o either_o magistrate_n or_o patron_n or_o any_o other_o for_o a_o right_a to_o call_v her_o officer_n they_o be_v then_o rather_o give_v to_o they_o on_o who_o she_o shall_v so_o depend_v then_o to_o she_o 3._o otherwise_o the_o church_n sc_n the_o company_n of_o beseevers_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o society_n as_o to_o the_o settle_n of_o herself_o in_o her_o best_a state_n no_o people_n without_o ruler_n over_o they_o and_o officer_n for_o their_o good_a but_o may_v settle_v such_o among_o themselves_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o commonwealth_n show_v 4._o in_o this_o choice_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o great_a love_n betwixt_o the_o people_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o so_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o officer_n become_v more_o fruitful_a 5._o the_o faithful_a be_v to_o hear_v the_o true_a teacher_n to_o shun_v the_o false_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n which_o import_v 1._o moral_a ability_n for_o choose_v 2._o a_o right_a of_o choose_v or_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a minister_n add_v to_o these_o christian_a practice_n and_o experience_n what_o faithful_a soul_n make_v any_o scruple_n of_o leave_v a_o faithless_a and_o unedifying_a minister_n at_o home_n to_o go_v abroad_o for_o enjoy_v a_o faithful_a and_o edify_a ministry_n which_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v if_o christian_n have_v not_o a_o right_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n 3._o for_o testimony_n 1._o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n cyprian_n who_o live_v a_o great_a light_n of_o the_o church_n about_o 240_o year_n more_o or_o less_o after_o christ_n be_v plentiful_a herein_o as_o in_o the_o scripture_n testimony_n it_o appear_v so_o in_o those_o time_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n ordination_n of_o officer_n succeed_v their_o election_n hence_o cyprian_n to_o the_o presbyter_n deacon_n and_o all_o the_o people_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n most_o dear_a brethren_n we_o be_v always_o wont_a to_o advise_v with_o you_o and_o to_o weigh_v the_o manner_n and_o merit_n of_o every_o one_o by_o common_a counsel_n epist_n 33._o according_a to_o pamelius_n edition_n at_o the_o beginning_n cyprian_n to_o the_o people_n to_o avoid_v the_o faction_n of_o felicissimus_n and_o five_o presbyter_n side_v with_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o epist_n 40._o they_o mindful_a of_o their_o conspiracy_n against_o my_o episcopacy_n episcopacy_n distinct_a from_o presbytery_n have_v then_o place_n in_o the_o church_n though_o of_o a_o far_o pure_a stamp_n than_o our_o prelacy_n nay_o against_o your_o suffrage_n or_o election_n by_o vote_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n renew_v their_o old_a opposition_n etc._n etc._n he_o justify_v his_o own_o stand_n by_o the_o people_n choice_n of_o he_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n upon_o the_o occasion_n he_o speak_v epist_n 55._o cyprian_n to_o antonianus_n a_o brother_n about_o cornelius_n choose_v bishop_n of_o rome_n by_o the_o people_n and_o the_o ministry_n and_o novatian_n seek_v to_o make_v himself_o bishop_n cornelius_n be_v thus_o justify_v that_o he_o be_v make_v bishop_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o ministry_n by_o the_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n then_o present_a etc._n etc._n here_o be_v the_o minister_n testimony_n but_o the_o choice_n the_o people_n epist_n 52._o the_o same_o cornelius_n he_o justify_v against_o novatian_n and_o that_o with_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o a_o council_n assemble_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o people_n epist_n 67._o cyprian_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o spain_n cyprian_n with_o his_o fellow-bishop_n assemble_v praise_v the_o ministry_n and_o people_n of_o spain_n that_o they_o have_v by_o lawful_a election_n place_v sabinus_n and_o felix_n in_o stead_n of_o basilides_n and_o martial_n lapse_v bishop_n we_o have_v here_o most_o pregnant_a testimony_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o people_n right_a in_o choose_v they_o when_o they_o have_v meet_v together_o read_v letter_n out_o of_o spain_n desire_v their_o advice_n where_o in_o answer_n cyprian_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n first_o urge_v of_o how_o great_a 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n or_o bishop_n be_v holy_a he_o thus_o speak_v further_o wherefore_o it_o behoove_v that_o with_o full_a diligence_n and_o sincere_a trial_n they_o be_v choose_v to_o the_o ministry_n who_o be_v such_o as_o god_n may_v hear_v their_o prayer_n neither_o let_v the_o people_n flatter_v themselves_o as_o though_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n communicate_v with_o a_o sinful_a minister_n or_o bishop_n and_o afford_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o unjust_a and_o unlawful_a episcopacy_n or_o ministry_n of_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o a_o little_a after_o therefore_o the_o people_n obey_v the_o lord_n commandment_n and_o fear_v god_n aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o sinful_a church_n ruler_n neither_o mix_v themselves_o at_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o sacrilegious_a priest_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o have_v the_o great_a power_n either_o of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a priest_n that_o be_v the_o language_n of_o those_o time_n for_o bishop_n
those_o that_o be_v present_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o be_v this_o to_o be_v require_v who_o be_v make_v fit_a for_o those_o ministery_n by_o god_n but_o likewise_o that_o they_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v receive_v and_o account_v such_o by_o the_o church_n their_o trial_n be_v so_o to_o be_v order_v and_o carry_v through_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v and_o thorough_o behold_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o which_o any_o one_o be_v to_o serve_v who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o they_o as_o give_v and_o send_v of_o the_o lord_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v refuse_v by_o they_o as_o not_o give_v and_o send_v by_o the_o lord_n unto_o they_o and_o then_o he_o bring_v in_o that_o of_o cyprian_a former_o mention_v epist_n 68_o let_v these_o suffice_v for_o instance_n object_n but_o the_o people_n be_v ignorant_a irreligious_a and_o many_o way_n unfit_a answ_n 1._o for_o their_o ability_n in_o learning_n for_o their_o judgement_n in_o the_o high_a and_o mysterious_a most_o point_n and_o the_o like_a who_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v by_o learned_a minister_n where_o it_o may_v be_v to_o be_v try_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o great_a use_n of_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o able_a and_o approve_a minister_n for_o order_v the_o proceed_n in_o the_o choice_n that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o due_a care_n and_o peaceablenesse_n 3._o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v ignorant_a irreligious_a etc._n etc._n they_o that_o be_v so_o be_v no_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o be_v own_v as_o former_o this_o have_v be_v prove_v 〈◊〉_d this_o very_a right_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n add_v a_o further_a proof_n because_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o choose_v their_o officer_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v such_o a_o people_n and_o in_o all_o these_o testimony_n we_o find_v they_o suppose_v of_o another_o stamp_n 4._o suppose_v that_o assistance_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v as_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v enlighten_v with_o his_o truth_n a_o company_n of_o people_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o rome_n may_v not_o they_o by_o divine_a charter_n settle_v among_o themselves_o a_o ministry_n in_o other_o case_n when_o the_o help_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v have_v the_o reason_n former_o give_v especial_o the_o first_o second_o three_o and_o five_o will_v conclude_v the_o people_n right_a without_o they_o otherwise_o this_o will_v further_o ensue_v after_o a_o general_a apostasy_n as_o that_o of_o the_o papacy_n though_o god_n shall_v enlighten_v never_o so_o many_o people_n except_o withal_o he_o shall_v enlighten_v some_o of_o their_o priest_n there_o must_v be_v a_o impossibility_n of_o church-reformation_n 5._o though_o such_o a_o concurrence_n of_o minister_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v for_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o respect_v above_o name_v yet_o may_v they_o not_o divest_v she_o of_o this_o native_a right_n to_o put_v upon_o she_o any_o but_o who_o she_o shall_v choose_v and_o approve_v it_o be_v true_a to_o a_o wicked_a people_n no_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n a_o minister_n may_v be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n though_o they_o hate_v he_o so_o far_o from_o choose_v he_o but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o preacher_n to_o a_o people_n another_o to_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o rule_v elder_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n only_o the_o saint_n visible_a combine_v be_v capable_a of_o pastoral_n and_o disciplinary_a interest_n quest_n how_o be_v this_o right_n of_o the_o people_n preserve_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o choose_n in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la when_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v carry_v against_o a_o whole_a congregation_n by_o officer_n of_o other_o congregation_n never_o choose_v by_o they_o how_o be_v it_o not_o fair_o preserve_v in_o the_o way_n of_o primitive_a episcopacy_n all_o the_o people_n choose_v the_o bishop_n and_o all_o the_o minister_n cyprian_n epist_n 68_o supr_fw-la so_o clemens_n for_o the_o minister_n supr_fw-la chap._n v._o the_o four_o instruction_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n not_o to_o the_o officer_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o officer_n and_o the_o brotherhood_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o twofold_a power_n of_o order_n office_n the_o power_n of_o order_n arise_v from_o church-fellowship_n and_o belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n so_o join_v together_o the_o power_n of_o office_n arise_v from_o commission_n for_o rule_n and_o belong_v to_o officer_n set_v over_o the_o brethren_n the_o power_n of_o order_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o brotherhood_n while_o yet_o without_o officer_n and_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o officer_n former_o speak_v to_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o brotherhood_n together_o with_o the_o officer_n and_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n in_o it_o in_o or_o bind_v by_o excommunication_n for_o which_o admonition_n make_v way_n withdraw_v partly_o make_v way_n for_o it_o partly_o follow_v upon_o it_o bind_v by_o admonition_n withdraw_v excommunication_n loose_v or_o absolution_n the_o power_n of_o order_n be_v here_o take_v in_o a_o sense_n very_o different_a from_o that_o school_n use_n where_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o jurisdiction_n or_o rather_o against_o it_o admonition_n in_o case_n a_o brother_n sin_n scandalous_o withdraw_v in_o case_n he_o hear_v not_o the_o admonition_n excommunication_n in_o case_n of_o stubborn_a persist_v in_o his_o sin_n against_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n excommunication_n express_v by_o judge_v 1_o cor._n 5._o put_v away_o 1_o cor._n 5._o take_v away_o 1_o cor._n 5._o purge_v out_o 1_o cor._n 5._o deliver_v to_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o state_v among_o the_o heathen_a matth._n 18.17_o loose_v or_o absolution_n in_o the_o church_n forgive_a upon_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o comfort_v upon_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o confirm_v her_o love_n upon_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n be_v one_o of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o key_n be_v twofold_a of_o doctrine_n discipline_n luk._n 11.52_o and_o here_o the_o open_n and_o shut_v of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o same_o with_o bind_v and_o lose_v former_o matth._n 16.19_o with_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n thus_o brief_o declare_v we_o now_o come_v to_o confirm_v the_o instruction_n that_o not_o to_o the_o officer_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v the_o brotherhood_n with_o the_o officer_n 1._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n matth._n 18.17_o but_o the_o church_n never_o signify_v the_o officer_n alone_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n frequent_o the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n together_o as_o in_o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n etc._n etc._n sometime_o the_o people_n distinct_a from_o their_o officer_n when_o they_o be_v possess_v of_o officer_n act_n 15.4_o the_o church_n there_o distinct_a from_o the_o officer_n whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n and_o this_o church_n the_o brethren_n v._o 22_o 23._o so_o rev._n 1.20_o the_o star_n be_v the_o minister_n and_o the_o candlestick_n be_v the_o church_n before_o they_o be_v possess_v of_o officer_n act_n 14.23_o there_o be_v the_o church_n as_o the_o candlestick_n before_o the_o candle_n be_v put_v into_o it_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o in_o matth._n 18.17_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o officer_n alone_o in_o stead_n of_o prove_v he_o beg_v the_o question_n 2._o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n for_o bind_v 1_o cor._n 5._o loose_v 2_o cor._n 2._o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o brotherhood_n together_o with_o the_o officer_n first_o for_o bind_v 1_o cor._n 5._o he_o write_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n 1._o to_o the_o same_o here_o to_o who_o he_o inscribe_v the_o epistle_n but_o he_o inscribe_v it_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o corinth_n with_o all_o in_o every_o place_n as_o comprehend_v in_o his_o salutation_n and_o concern_v in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o epistle_n though_o particular_o send_v to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 2._o the_o same_o who_o be_v puff_v up_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v mourn_v v._o 2._o be_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n paul_n spirit_n join_v with_o they_o though_o he_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n v._o 4._o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n v._o 5.3_o the_o same_o who_o glory_v be_v rebuke_v the_o whole_a lump_n leaven_v v._o 6._o be_v to_o purge_v out_o that_o leaven_n v._o 7._o whence_o the_o apostle_n digress_v from_o public_a leaven_n the_o
out_o themselves_o accord_n to_o your_o divine_a suffrage_n conspirator_n and_o wicked_a man_n shall_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n drive_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o church_n he_o here_o call_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n divine_a not_o because_o infallible_a but_o because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o vote_n again_o they_o alone_o bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o conspiracy_n who_o former_o according_a to_o your_o suffrage_n now_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v deserve_v to_o undergo_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o conspiracy_n and_o perverseness_n to_o the_o same_o people_n about_o the_o business_n of_o the_o lapse_v in_o general_a for_o receive_v or_o still_o refuse_v they_o cyprian_n declare_v his_o hope_n short_o to_o be_v restore_v together_o with_o his_o fellow_n minister_n who_o be_v present_a say_v he_o according_a to_o your_o judgement_n either_o way_n arbitrium_fw-la likewise_o and_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o we_o all_o we_o may_v order_v and_o exact_o handle_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v as_o once_o it_o seem_v good_a epist_n 40._o a_o further_a testimony_n we_o have_v former_o set_v down_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o nine_o argument_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n show_v at_o once_o how_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n be_v qualify_v and_o what_o power_n they_o have_v for_o keep_v out_o the_o unworthy_a epist_n 55._o more_o testimony_n of_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o same_o father_n but_o these_o shall_v suffice_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v here_o to_o observe_v how_o he_o ascribe_v to_o the_o people_n in_o point_n of_o censure_n as_o their_o right_n counsel_n consent_n vote_n or_o suffrage_n judgement_n either_o way_n or_o arbitrium_fw-la nor_o how_o general_a his_o testimony_n be_v as_o including_z the_o rest_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o ministry_n of_o rome_n likewise_o give_v the_o like_a testimony_n we_o come_v now_o to_o some_o few_o testimony_n out_o of_o some_o of_o the_o choice_a divine_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n calvin_n let_v we_o observe_v that_o this_o temper_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v in_o excommunication_n that_o this_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v by_o the_o common_a council_n of_o the_o elder_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v the_o remedy_n whereby_o tyranny_n be_v prevent_v in_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o that_o be_v the_o warrantable_a proceed_n in_o excommunication_n which_o paul_n show_v if_o not_o only_o the_o elder_n do_v it_o apart_o but_o with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n in_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n do_v not_o rule_v the_o action_n but_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o keeper_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v by_o a_o few_o at_o their_o pleasure_n institut_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 12._o sect_n 7._o bucer_n this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v in_o the_o elder_n and_o bishop_n as_o of_o old_a at_o rome_n the_o power_n be_v in_o the_o people_n the_o authority_n in_o the_o senate_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o the_o same_o author_n expound_v matth._n 18.15_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o offend_a brother_n hear_v not_o the_o second_o admonition_n let_v his_o stubbornness_n be_v declare_v to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o three_o time_n admonish_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o those_o among_o who_o he_o be_v or_o whereof_o he_o be_v a_o part_n and_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n be_v admonish_v by_o she_o let_v he_o be_v account_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n again_o of_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v that_o be_v of_o shut_v out_o or_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n whether_o at_o the_o beginning_n or_o after_o wickedness_n commit_v i_o have_v speak_v before_o mat._n 16._o but_o here_o it_o be_v clear_o set_v forth_o that_o this_o power_n that_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o those_o who_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o word_n for_o such_o only_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v trust_v upon_o christ_n and_o grow_v together_o many_o member_n into_o one_o body_n etc._n etc._n then_o interpret_n the_o 19_o v._o when_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v together_o to_o ask_v any_o thing_n etc._n etc._n he_o thus_o speak_v of_o private_a admonition_n and_o absolution_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o brethren_n the_o lord_n speak_v here_o especial_o of_o pray_v for_o pardon_n on_o their_o behalf_n who_o have_v offend_v hence_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o fruit_n of_o private_a admonition_n and_o absolution_n for_o if_o two_o shall_v agree_v together_o to_o beg_v the_o pardon_n of_o a_o sin_n that_o sin_n must_v be_v know_v to_o they_o both_o and_o acknowledge_v as_o a_o sin_n here_o therefore_o the_o private_a admonition_n or_o confession_n of_o that_o sin_n must_v have_v have_v place_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o true_a prayer_n shut_v out_o doubt_v of_o obtain_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o a_o brother_n may_v confirm_v a_o brother_n that_o pardon_n be_v grant_v and_o by_o apply_v it_o to_o he_o may_v render_v he_o secure_v in_o the_o lord_n hence_o the_o brethren_n in_o private_a according_a to_o christ_n institution_n exercise_n in_o part_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o thence_o their_o right_n of_o public_a exercise_n of_o they_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n will_v evident_o follow_v as_o he_o there_o speak_v it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_v this_o promise_n concern_v a_o few_o that_o he_o may_v teach_v how_o he_o approve_v and_o embrace_v we_o agree_v and_o consent_v together_o in_o himself_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o small_a a_o number_n but_o we_o shall_v please_v he_o more_o if_o many_o among_o ourselves_o shall_v agree_v together_o in_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v thing_n innumerable_a in_o his_o name_n the_o same_o author_n the_o apostle_n blame_v the_o corinthian_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v not_o appoint_v mourning_n that_o be_v fast_v and_o public_a deprecation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o this_o wickedness_n and_o that_o she_o have_v not_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n out_o of_o her_o communion_n he_o do_v no_o loss_n solemn_o exhort_v the_o corinthian_n that_o after_o his_o repentance_n they_o will_v receive_v he_o into_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n lib._n de_fw-fr regno_fw-la christi_fw-la c._n 9_o p._n 43._o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o the_o same_o grave_a author_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n up_o and_o down_o in_o his_o work_n i_o shall_v add_v only_o one_o short_a testimony_n more_o out_o of_o peter_n martyr_n we_o conclude_v say_v he_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o congregation_n no_o man_n can_v be_v excommunicate_v loc_fw-la come_v de_fw-fr excommunicate_a send_v 9_o this_o right_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v take_v from_o she_o send_v 10._o we_o shall_v forbear_v further_a quotation_n it_o be_v general_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o reformer_n as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o such_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o write_n chap._n vi_o this_o chapter_n shall_v be_v take_v up_o with_o certain_a conclusion_n depend_v upon_o the_o former_a about_o discipline_n 1._o as_o the_o prelate_n strip_v both_o the_o people_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n violate_v the_o gospe-order_n in_o two_o main_a degree_n we_o may_v add_v a_o three_o in_o that_o they_o take_v it_o into_o their_o own_o hand_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o so_o they_o that_o will_v have_v the_o presbyterian_a government_n so_o exercise_v as_o all_o power_n shall_v be_v confine_v to_o the_o elder_n exclude_v the_o people_n violate_v the_o gospell-order_n in_o one_o main_a degree_n at_o the_o least_o 2._o forasmuch_o as_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n of_o church-order_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n both_o private_o and_o public_o hence_o we_o may_v now_o clear_o see_v of_o what_o necessity_n it_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o visible_a saint_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o explication_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n former_o lay_v down_o many_o there_o be_v who_o lose_v this_o peg_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o people_n power_n for_o discipline_n they_o then_o loose_v another_o concern_v their_o qualification_n for_o the_o due_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thence_o a_o three_o their_o right_n of_o
the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o men_n or_o the_o visible_a church_n reform_v a_o discourse_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n tend_v to_o reformation_n by_o richard_n resbury_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o oundle_n in_o northamptonshire_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1649._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n reader_n there_o be_v many_o interest_n in_o this_o active_a age_n contend_v for_o the_o sovereign_a interest_n the_o king_n prerogative_n the_o state_n interest_n the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n the_o popular_a interest_n the_o subject_n liberty_n there_o be_v one_o above_o all_o these_o to_o be_v heed_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n as_o more_o excellent_a those_o civil_a this_o spiritual_a those_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n as_o man_n in_o their_o several_a station_n this_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o saint_n those_o make_n for_o a_o political_a this_o for_o a_o spiritual_a those_o for_o a_o momentany_a this_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n this_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v head_n of_o his_o church_n aswell_o according_a to_o her_o visible_a and_o ministerial_a as_o her_o invisible_a and_o save_a state_n and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o it_o be_v who_o appoint_v her_o officer_n administration_n law_n privilege_n liberty_n in_o the_o grand_a charter_n of_o his_o word_n none_o of_o which_o may_v the_o high_a upon_o earth_n without_o crimen_fw-la laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la attempt_n against_o the_o crown_n of_o christ_n to_o violate_v neither_o be_v this_o only_a excellent_a above_o the_o rest_n but_o most_o advantageous_a to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o piety_n but_o the_o true_a policy_n of_o king_n parliament_n and_o people_n to_o give_v due_a heed_n to_o the_o settle_n of_o this_o which_o settle_v true_o settle_v all_o they_o sure_o and_o beautiful_o be_v wise_a now_o therefore_o o_o you_o king_n be_v instruct_v you_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n kiss_v the_o son_n nay_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o its_o claim_n shall_v renew_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o make_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n it_o have_v be_v my_o endeavour_n in_o the_o integrity_n of_o my_o heart_n so_o far_o as_o i_o have_v obtain_v mercy_n to_o discern_v that_o deceitful_a piece_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a state_n and_o order_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o i_o may_v to_o bring_v something_o if_o but_o a_o little_a goat_n hair_n towards_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o sanctuary_n one_o thing_n i_o have_v labour_v i_o hope_v not_o unuseful_a to_o bring_v down_o the_o enquiry_n particular_o to_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o nation_n that_o we_o may_v distinct_o consider_v what_o after_o so_o many_o engagement_n to_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o great_a work_n for_o we_o by_o our_o solemn_a covenant_n with_o he_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o practice_v no_o more_o only_o i_o have_v if_o thou_o be_v faithful_a thy_o prayer_n if_o ingenuous_a thy_o indulgence_n where_o thou_o shall_v find_v slip_n thou_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n ric._n resbury_n the_o head_n of_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n be_v these_o eight_o proposition_n or_o instruction_n follow_v i._o the_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v visible_a saint_n only_o ii_o discipline_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o order_v the_o visible_a church_n in_o her_o several_a congregation_n iii_o to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o church_n it_o belong_v by_o divine_a right_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n iv_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o discipline_n not_o to_o the_o officer_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v to_o the_o officer_n with_o the_o brotherhood_n v._o there_o be_v a_o church-power_n formal_o distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a vi_o that_o bishop_n in_o office_n above_o presbyter_n be_v no_o church_n officer_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v plead_v by_o jerome_n from_o scripture_n and_o the_o high_a gospel-antiquity_n vii_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n furnish_v with_o officer_n it_o belong_v to_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o discipline_n within_o itself_o viii_o to_o a_o congregation_n of_o visible_a saint_n not_o yet_o possess_v of_o officer_n it_o belong_v to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o they_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o men._n or_o the_o visible_a church_n reform_v chap._n i._n the_o first_o instruction_n the_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v visible_a saint_n only_o by_o visible_a saint_n we_o understand_v with_o bucer_n those_o in_o who_o conversation_n the_o necessary_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n appear_v for_o clear_v this_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o person_n can_v be_v certain_o conclude_v from_o such_o a_o conversation_n as_o we_o here_o require_v because_o the_o heart_n within_o may_v not_o be_v answerable_a therefore_o a_o hypocrite_n not_o discern_v may_v be_v the_o true_a matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o but_o our_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o conversation_n must_v be_v such_o as_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v answerable_a it_o be_v certain_a the_o person_n be_v regenerate_v to_o clear_v this_o further_a by_o instance_n not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v common_o grant_v scandalous_a be_v here_o shut_v out_o in_o who_o conversation_n as_o sin_n reign_v so_o in_o their_o heart_n for_o aught_o that_o may_v appear_v at_o the_o least_o but_o such_o also_o as_o we_o common_o call_v mere_o civil_a honest_a man_n because_o though_o their_o heart_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o conversation_n yer_z be_v they_o stranger_n to_o regeneration_n the_o proposition_n thus_o clear_v we_o come_v to_o argument_n to_o confirm_v it_o 1._o to_o be_v visible_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v visible_o abraham_n seed_n to_o be_v visible_o abraham_n seed_n be_v to_o be_v visible_o of_o his_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v visible_o christ_n gal._n 3.29_o abraham_n flesh_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o visible_a bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o to_o the_o proselyte_n and_o to_o the_o gentile_a church_n not_o his_o flesh_n but_o his_o faith_n 2._o to_o be_v visible_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v such_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v indeed_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o visible_o believer_n and_o holy_a the_o people_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o a_o justify_v a_o sanctify_a people_n a_o people_n adopt_v a_o people_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n a_o people_n of_o new_a obedience_n a_o spiritual_a people_n etc._n etc._n 3._o to_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v visible_o his_o temple_n visible_o a_o habitation_n for_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n ephes_n 2.21_o 22._o but_o such_o be_v only_o they_o who_o be_v visible_o regenerate_v the_o temple_n be_v build_v of_o old_a of_o polish_a stone_n and_o costly_a timber_n it_o receive_v only_o the_o clean_a the_o visible_a church_n now_o be_v his_o visible_a temple_n make_v up_o of_o lively_a stone_n into_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o to_o abide_v apart_o from_o the_o unclean_a that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n may_v fill_v this_o temple_n of_o he_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o 17._o 4._o from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v that_o god_n may_v have_v a_o holy_a people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n perform_v in_o several_a congregation_n all_o solemn_a worship_n to_o he_o glorify_v his_o name_n by_o the_o light_n of_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v visible_o regenerate_v be_v in_o any_o measure_n fit_v for_o these_o end_n wicked_a man_n quite_o contrary_o affect_v therefore_o as_o he_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v own_v for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v no_o way_n fit_v for_o the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o be_v manifest_o contrary_a thereto_o so_o neither_o be_v they_o to_o be_v own_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v qualify_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o from_o scripture-patterne_n who_o be_v they_o that_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o baptist_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n such_o as_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o word_n preach_v to_o a_o holy_a profession_n forsake_v false_a religion_n confess_v their_o sin_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n desire_v to_o be_v solemn_o receive_v and_o that_o when_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n expose_v to_o great_a temptation_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o for_o the_o baptist_n mat._n 3.6_o it_o be_v a_o mean_a conceit_n at_o the_o best_a to_o think_v such_o a_o confession_n than_o serve_v the_o turn_n as_o be_v palpable_o a_o
magistrate_n take_v order_n for_o it_o or_o not_o whether_o he_o allow_v it_o or_o oppose_v it_o we_o shall_v here_o premise_v two_o conclusion_n to_o prevent_v mistake_n 1._o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o to_o allow_v any_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n in_o his_o dominion_n which_o either_o be_v or_o by_o he_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o displease_v to_o god_n 2._o in_o case_n the_o church_n proceed_v according_a to_o scripture-rule_a and_o be_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n oppose_v or_o persecute_v she_o must_v not_o defend_v herself_o by_o arm_n but_o suffer_v in_o a_o way_n of_o well-doing_n this_o premise_a now_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o consectary_n 1._o the_o church_n as_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n a_o great_a gospell-ordinance_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o consist_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o mediator_n kingdom_n as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o second_o instruction_n former_o and_o this_o power_n intrinsical_o in_o she_o independent_o upon_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v she_o as_o she_o will_v be_v find_v faithful_a in_o that_o great_a trust_n commit_v to_o she_o to_o exercise_v it_o to_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n not_o yet_o furnishedwith_o officer_n in_o any_o congregation_n it_o belong_v to_o choose_v and_o settle_v officer_n take_v in_o what_o due_a help_n of_o the_o neighbour_n minister_n &_o congreg_n ation_n may_v be_v have_v to_o the_o church_n ministerial_a in_o her_o congregation_n furnish_v with_o officer_n it_o belong_v to_o exercise_v discipline_n as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o right_n that_o believer_n have_v to_o join_v together_o in_o congregation_n for_o duty_n of_o solemn_a worship_n the_o same_o right_n have_v they_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o discipline_n the_o same_o right_n that_o they_o have_v to_o choose_v elder_n for_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o same_o have_v they_o for_o choose_v elder_n that_o shall_v rule_v they_o the_o same_o commission_n that_o enjoin_v the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o preach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n enjoin_v they_o likewise_o to_o dispense_v discipline_n but_o according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o the_o church_n when_o in_o her_o pure_a state_n for_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n dare_v no_o more_o neglect_n that_o ordinance_n of_o discipline_n than_o any_o other_o gospel-ordinance_n though_o cruel_o persecute_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n here_o that_o conclusion_n be_v of_o use_n the_o relation_n and_o authority_n of_o magistracy_n be_v one_o etc._n etc._n 3._o if_o that_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o the_o sacrament_n must_v because_o partake_v in_o they_o be_v act_n of_o high_a church-fellowship_n and_o the_o lord_n allow_v not_o under_o severe_a penalty_n upon_o the_o whole_a congregation_n the_o retain_v of_o scandalous_a sinner_n in_o church-fellowship_n who_o yet_o can_v be_v cast_v out_o but_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 4._o the_o civil_a magistrate_n must_v not_o be_v allow_v power_n to_o abridge_v christ_n of_o the_o complete_a administration_n of_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n but_o if_o the_o church_n so_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n as_o without_o his_o allowance_n she_o have_v no_o right_a thereto_o then_o be_v this_o power_n allow_v the_o magistrate_n 5._o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v a_o power_n cumulative_a for_o the_o church_n good_a therefore_o he_o be_v promise_v she_o as_o a_o blessing_n king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n not_o privative_a of_o her_o good_a then_o shall_v he_o be_v no_o blessing_n to_o she_o but_o if_o in_o his_o power_n it_o be_v to_o deprive_v she_o of_o the_o power_n of_o discipline_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o he_o have_v a_o power_n privative_a of_o her_o great_a good_a her_o purity_n that_o which_o all_o the_o peace_n she_o can_v have_v by_o his_o mean_n can_v never_o recompense_v nay_o this_o must_v needs_o deprive_v she_o of_o her_o peace_n too_o as_o make_v way_n for_o all_o wickedness_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o overgrow_v she_o and_o so_o expose_v she_o to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o another_o scruple_n stick_v with_o some_o and_o that_o be_v episcopacy_n they_o who_o account_v that_o government_n to_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n know_v not_o how_o to_o endeavour_v reformation_n any_o other_o way_n to_o remove_v this_o 1._o suppose_v such_o a_o episcopacy_n as_o we_o find_v to_o have_v have_v place_n in_o the_o church_n about_o two_o hundred_o year_n suppose_v soon_o after_o christ_n to_o be_v according_a to_o scripture_n 1._o yet_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o prelacy_n make_v up_o of_o civil_a lawyer_n and_o their_o retinue_n downward_o have_v no_o countenance_n therefrom_o but_o must_v own_o the_o papacy_n as_o the_o root_n whence_o it_o spring_v 2._o their_o administration_n be_v intolerable_o wicked_a 1._o high_o sacrilegious_a take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n both_o of_o minister_n and_o christian_n that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o and_o command_v they_o to_o use_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n 2._o notorious_o profane_a beside_o their_o whole_a course_n abet_v profaneness_n and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a every_o where_n a_o memorable_a monument_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o book_n of_o liberty_n of_o their_o procure_n and_o enjoin_v for_o the_o most_o abominable_a and_o ridiculous_a not_o without_o palpable_a strain_n of_o paganism_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n another_o the_o many_o most_o scandalous_a and_o vile_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o they_o ordain_v minister_n and_o high_o prefer_v 3._o gross_o superstitious_a witness_v the_o ceremony_n new_a and_o old_a so_o zealous_o by_o they_o contend_v for_o as_o if_o all_o religion_n have_v be_v in_o that_o will-worship_n 4._o plain_o idolatrous_a memorable_a here_o their_o altar-worship_n 5._o egregious_o persecute_v the_o voice_n of_o blood_n speak_v here_o aloud_o from_o gaole_n from_o pillory_n even_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o sincere_a and_o godly_a party_n general_o up_o and_o down_o this_o kingdom_n minister_n and_o christian_n continual_o under_o the_o lash_n of_o these_o taskmaster_n memorable_a here_o the_o many_o precious_a servant_n of_o god_n now_o in_o new_a england_n force_v by_o their_o tyranny_n into_o those_o remote_a wilderness_n 6._o open_o rebellious_a shake_v with_o both_o hand_n all_o true_a foundation_n of_o civil_a government_n under_o pretence_n of_o prerogative_n lawless_a one_o endeavour_v the_o same_o boundless_a tyranny_n in_o the_o state_n civil_a that_o they_o themselves_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n memorable_a here_o that_o proclamation_n of_o their_o procure_n and_o enjoin_v so_o high_o abet_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o rebellion_n set_v forth_o against_o the_o scot_n raise_v up_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o heaven_n to_o stand_v for_o the_o right_n of_o civil_a government_n as_o become_v true_a patriot_n and_o free_a subject_n 3._o suitable_a to_o their_o frame_n and_o administration_n be_v their_o admission_n so_o far_o from_o come_v in_o at_o the_o true_a door_n by_o christ_n appoint_v for_o entrance_n into_o church_n office_n and_o according_o by_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n make_v use_v of_o to_o wit_n the_o people_n election_n that_o they_o scorn_v to_o own_o this_o door_n but_o other_o back-door_n do_v they_o not_o so_o much_o come_v in_o as_o break_v in_o at_o stiff_o avouch_v this_o disorder_n of_o they_o 4_o it_o be_v the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o separate_v from_o sinful_a church-ruler_n as_o former_o we_o have_v see_v both_o from_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n how_o great_a a_o necessity_n be_v there_o then_o of_o separate_n from_o this_o whole_a tribe_n who_o foundation_n frame_n administration_n be_v so_o apocryphal_a and_o anti-christian_n suppose_v then_o episcopacy_n distinct_a from_o presbytery_n to_o be_v according_a to_o rule_v yet_o be_v our_o prelacy_n so_o little_a of_o kindred_n to_o the_o ancient_a episcopacy_n and_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n as_o either_o it_o must_v not_o stand_v or_o the_o church_n must_v not_o stand_v that_o we_o may_v then_o come_v to_o that_o we_o must_v first_o leave_v this_o 2._o come_v to_o it_o in_o the_o true_a way_n which_o be_v the_o free_a choice_n of_o the_o people_n and_o minister_n that_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o people_n fit_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n must_v first_o be_v form_v into_o congregation_n as_o for_o that_o which_o will_v here_o further_o be_v require_v upon_o this_o supposition_n imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o bishop_n in_o this_o case_n of_o so_o great_a apostasy_n as_o have_v prevail_v the_o necessity_n will_v sufficient_o plead_v excuse_n as_o suppose_v a_o people_n call_v out_o of_o babylon_n if_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o popish_a bishop_n may_v be_v