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
brethren_n leave_v they_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n they_o begin_v to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o interest_n which_o they_o call_v rule_n or_o canon_n and_o never_o leave_v enlarge_a they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n until_o they_o enstate_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n by_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o whereon_o they_o become_v not_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n in_o office_n unto_o any_o person_n call_v thereunto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v formal_o in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hence_o it_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o such_o officer_n a_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v formal_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o grant_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o delegation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o they_o design_v choose_v set_v apart_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o thereon_o be_v entrust_v with_o office-power_n by_o christ_n himself_o according_a as_o be_v before_o declare_v this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o officer_n namely_o to_o design_n call_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o the_o person_n by_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n unto_o those_o office_n whereunto_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v annex_v church_n power_n and_o authority_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o dispute_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o officer_n they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n needful_a unto_o such_o duty_n who_o be_v immediate_o call_v unto_o they_o hereby_o all_o thing_n become_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v church_n duty_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n wherefore_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v which_o have_v a_o double_a exercise_n first_o in_o the_o call_n or_o choose_v of_o officer_n second_o in_o their_o voluntary_a act_n with_o they_o and_o under_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o rule_n 1._o all_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o office-power_n be_v require_v and_o 2._o every_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n as_o unto_o his_o own_o consent_n or_o dissent_v in_o what_o he_o be_v himself_o concern_v that_o this_o power_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v original_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v reside_v in_o any_o other_o who_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v upon_o any_o occasional_a intermission_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o all_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o need_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v again_o insist_v on_o vi_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v take_v objective_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o state_n and_o the_o law_n of_o its_o rule_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v it_o subjective_o as_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v the_o government_n in_o it_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o rule_v it_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o this_o wisdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.9_o whereby_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v require_v 1._o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o this_o purpose_n ezra_n 7.6_o 7_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2.14_o 15._o 3._o humble_a wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v about_o ezek._n 43.11_o 4._o a_o conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o skill_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v talent_n trade_v with_o due_o will_v increase_v 5._o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n be_v call_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o how_o much_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o church_n government_n yea_o how_o much_o it_o be_v despise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a unto_o all_o it_o be_v skill_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o vexatious_a court_n with_o the_o learning_n subtilty_n and_o art_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a skill_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v no_o way_n meet_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o according_a as_o any_o do_v arrive_v unto_o a_o dexterity_n in_o this_o polity_n they_o be_v esteem_v eminent_o useful_a but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o do_v what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o unto_o political_a end_n we_o inquire_v nor_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n require_v unto_o this_o end_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v of_o it_o more_o despise_v more_o neglect_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o those_o who_o pretence_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o authority_n will_v make_v it_o most_o necessary_a unto_o they_o two_o thing_n follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o wisdom_n intend_v be_v not_o promise_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o before_o lay_v down_o but_o respect_n be_v have_v herein_o only_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n hereon_o depend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o ruler_n for_o wisdom_n for_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o grant_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n wherefore_o those_o who_o on_o every_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o advance_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o disorderly_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o out-cry_n of_o some_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v suppose_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n better_o than_o they_o whereas_o the_o government_n which_o they_o exercise_v belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v easy_o discern_v nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o themselves_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o herein_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o order_v
unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v elder_n also_o be_v devest_v of_o the_o right_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o other_o not_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v help_v in_o the_o government_n for_o the_o right_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n which_o all_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v the_o right_n be_v still_o in_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consistent_a with_o their_o more_o excellent_a work_n be_v require_v of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n exod._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o moses_n have_v before_o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o addition_n that_o be_v make_v of_o a_o eldership_n for_o his_o assistance_n there_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o right_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o precedent_a power_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n derogate_a nothing_o from_o their_o own_o authority_n nor_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o their_o care_n so_o when_o they_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o take_v care_n of_o supply_n for_o the_o poor_a they_o do_v not_o forgo_v their_o own_o right_n nor_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o their_o other_o work_n will_v permit_v they_o gal._n 2.9_o 10._o and_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n paul_n manifest_v his_o concernment_n herein_o in_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a in_o all_o church_n 8._o as_o we_o observe_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o rule_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o authoritative_n teach_v and_o rule_v be_v teach_v and_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n and_o this_o office_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v that_o of_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v undeniable_o attest_v act._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o care_n inspection_n oversight_n rule_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o express_o for_o elder_n be_v a_o name_n derive_v from_o the_o jew_n denote_v they_o that_o have_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n ☞_o the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o language_n respect_n age._n elder_n be_v old_a man_n well_o strike_v in_o year_n unto_o who_o respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n command_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v their_o privilege_n by_o levity_n or_o wickedness_n which_o they_o often_o do_v now_o ancient_a man_n be_v original_o judge_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o the_o most_o meet_a for_o rule_n and_o be_v before_o other_o constant_o call_v thereunto_o hence_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v preside_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o in_o any_o kind_n only_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n of_o ruler_n that_o be_v call_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o subordinate_a power_n and_o authority_n only_o those_o who_o be_v in_o supreme_a absolute_a power_n as_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v never_o call_v elder_n but_o elder_n by_o office_n be_v such_o only_a as_o have_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o other_o wherefore_o the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v elder_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o peter_n in_o particular_a 1_o epist._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1.2_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n and_o so_o it_o be_v declare_v ver_n 4._o the_o pope_n will_v now_o scarce_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v esteem_v only_o a_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o the_o turkish_a monarch_n be_v call_v the_o grand_a signior_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n above_o elder_n have_v no_o office_n in_o it_o whatever_o usurpation_n they_o may_v make_v over_o it_o 9_o to_o the_o complete_a constitution_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o organical_a state_n it_o be_v require_v that_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o it_o at_o least_o more_o than_o one_o in_o this_o proposition_n lie_v the_o next_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_o consider_v i_o do_v not_o determine_v what_o their_o number_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o determinable_a as_o unto_o all_o church_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proportion_v unto_o the_o work_n and_o end_v design_v where_o a_o church_n be_v numerous_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o increase_a their_o number_n proportionable_a unto_o their_o work._n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o name_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n under_o cornelius_n where_o the_o church_n be_v small_a the_o number_n of_o elder_n may_v be_v so_o also_o for_o no_o office_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o pomp_n or_o show_n but_o for_o labour_v only_o and_o so_o many_o be_v necessary_a in_o each_o office_n as_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o work_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o church_n be_v it_o small_a or_o great_a be_v not_o complete_a in_o its_o state_n be_v defective_a which_o have_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o who_o have_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o work._n 10._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o be_v absolute_o democratical_a or_o popular_a they_o judge_v that_o all_o church-power_n or_o authority_n be_v seat_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brethren_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o look_v on_o elder_n or_o minister_n only_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o material_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o perform_v and_o final_o for_o their_o edification_n serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n but_o formal_o also_o as_o act_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o mere_a delegation_n and_o not_o any_o of_o their_o own_o receive_v direct_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n hence_o they_o do_v occasional_o appoint_v person_n among_o themselves_o not_o call_v unto_o not_o vest_v with_o any_o office_n to_o administer_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o any_o other_o solemn_a office_n of_o worship_n on_o this_o principle_n and_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n at_o all_o though_o usual_o they_o do_v confer_v this_o office_n on_o some_o with_o solemnity_n but_o as_o among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n for_o rule_n so_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v they_o 11._o some_o place_n the_o government_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o those_o that_o act_n under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o civil_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o elder_n for_o rule_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o allow_v no_o rule_n in_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o assert_v a_o rule_n over_o they_o but_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o own_o ruler_n officer_n guide_n immediate_o preside_v in_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n wherefore_o with_o these_o we_o deal_v not_o in_o this_o discourse_n nor_o have_v any_o apprehension_n that_o the_o power_n of_o present_v man_n for_o any_o pretend_a disorder_n unto_o the_o bishop_n or_o chancellor_n court_n be_v any_o part_n of_o church-power_n or_o rule_n 12._o other_o place_z the_o rule_n of_o particular_a church_n especial_o in_o case_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o a_o association_n conjunction_n or_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o in_o one_o society_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n there_o will_v be_v a_o conjunct_a act_n of_o many_o elder_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v the_o best_a provision_n that_o can_v be_v make_v on_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o present_a parochial_a distribution_n but_o those_o also_o of_o this_o
preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o which_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n towards_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v express_v 1_o cor._n 5.1_o 2_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o sin_n whereof_o the_o person_n charge_v be_v guilty_a with_o the_o ignominy_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o ver._n 1._o 2._o he_o blame_v the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o gild_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o have_v proceed_v to_o his_o removal_n or_o expulsion_n out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v take_v away_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o they_o ver._n 2._o 3._o he_o declare_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o take_v away_o or_o remove_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o actual_o effect_v by_o that_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o he_o ver._n 3._o 4._o he_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o excision_n 1._o the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n institute_v this_o ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n give_v right_o and_o power_n unto_o it_o for_o its_o administration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n 2._o the_o declarative_a cause_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o sentence_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o authoritative_a declaration_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n with_o my_o spirit_n 3._o the_o instrumental_a ministerial_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o church_n do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o ver._n 4._o and_o thereby_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n ver._n 7._o whence_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o that_o be_v all_o those_o who_o on_o his_o repentance_n be_v oblige_v to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n ver._n 7._o 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v the_o deliver_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ver._n 5._o not_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o body_n by_o death_n but_o the_o through_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n whereby_o he_o be_v short_o afterward_o recover_v and_o restore_v into_o his_o former_a condition_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o exemplify_v as_o 1._o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v a_o scandalous_a sin_n unrepented_a of_o 2._o the_o preparation_n for_o its_o execution_n which_o be_v the_o church_n sense_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n with_o humiliation_n for_o it_o 3._o the_o warranty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n wherein_o his_o authority_n be_v engage_v 4._o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 5._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o end_n of_o it_o 1._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n its_o purge_n and_o vindication_n 2._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n excommunicate_v his_o repentance_n reformation_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v usual_o reply_v hereunto_o that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apostolical_a power_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o we_o into_o example_n for_o he_o himself_o both_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o assert_v his_o presence_n in_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o what_o be_v do_v beside_o it_o be_v a_o delivery_n of_o the_o man_n to_o satan_n that_o be_v into_o his_o power_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o cruciate_v by_o he_o to_o be_v terrify_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o punish_v in_o his_o body_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v unto_o death_n such_o be_v the_o delivery_n of_o a_o man_n to_o satan_n by_o the_o apostle_n mention_v here_o and_o 1_o tim._n 1.9_o 20._o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n in_o any_o church_n at_o present_a to_o deliver_v a_o offender_n unto_o satan_n nor_o any_o appear_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o pretence_n wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o church_n at_o present_a i_o answer_v 1._o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o any_o church_n whether_o present_a or_o absent_a by_o their_o own_o authority_n do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o nor_o their_o power_n act_v in_o subordination_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o guidance_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o place_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o exert_n of_o any_o apostolical_a power_n intimate_v the_o church_n itself_o be_v charge_v with_o its_o duty_n and_o direct_v to_o exercise_v its_o authority_n in_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o offender_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o case_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o scandalous_a sin_n unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n give_v offence_n unto_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n confirm_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o by_o express_v divine_a command_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v reject_v from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n until_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n nor_o its_o be_v be_v continue_v as_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n do_v manifest_a 4._o the_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o fact_n and_o right_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n itself_o whence_o it_o be_v afterward_o high_o commend_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o its_o duty_n herein_o 2_o cor._n 2._o in_o brief_a it_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a order_n that_o be_v here_o prescribe_v as_o without_o the_o observance_n whereof_o no_o church_n can_v long_o subsist_v 5._o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n about_o the_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n for_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o hereon_o the_o offender_n be_v deliver_v so_o into_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v cruciate_v agitate_a and_o at_o length_n kill_v as_o some_o imagine_v nor_o can_v any_o instance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n though_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o who_o upon_o their_o rejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v enrage_v unto_o a_o opposition_n against_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o simon_n magus_n marcian_n and_o other_o 2._o yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n include_v in_o their_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n as_o be_v pretend_v for_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o man_n humiliation_n recovery_n and_o salvation_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n and_o this_o effect_n be_v actual_o have_v for_o the_o man_n be_v heal_v and_o restore_v wherefore_o this_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o exciting_a of_o save_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n adapt_v unto_o the_o case_n of_o fall_v by_o scandalous_a sin_n peculiar_o effectual_a above_o any_o other_o gospel_n ordinance_n now_o this_o can_v be_v such_o a_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n as_o that_o pretend_a which_o can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o destruction_n and_o death_n 3._o this_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o cast_n of_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n so_o give_v he_o up_o as_o unto_o his_o outward_a condition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n and_o publican_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n for_o he_o who_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o according_a unto_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o debar_v from_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o visible_o and_o regular_o devest_v of_o all_o present_a right_n to_o they_o and_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o belong_v unto_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n the_o gather_n of_o man_n by_o conversion_n into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o turn_n of_o they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.18_o a_o delivery_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o a_o translation_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n col._n 1.13_o wherefore_o after_o a_o
church_n and_o be_v therefore_o no_o long_o under_o their_o watch_n or_o care_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o world._n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a with_o they_o who_o own_v no_o act_n of_o office-power_n or_o authority_n in_o excommunication_n but_o esteem_v it_o only_o a_o note_a cessation_n of_o communion_n which_o destroy_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherefore_o 2._o where_o the_o offence_n be_v plain_a open_a scandalous_a persist_v in_o where_o admonition_n be_v despise_v or_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o such_o a_o person_n notwithstanding_o his_o voluntary_a departure_n for_o 1._o no_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o advantage_n unto_o himself_o or_o to_o be_v free_v from_o any_o disadvantage_n censure_n or_o spiritual_a penalty_n by_o his_o own_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v the_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o person_n under_o admonition_n for_o scandalous_a offence_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o church_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o its_o duty_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n as_o also_o from_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n it_o will_v receive_v by_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n mourn_v and_o prayer_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o he_o who_o so_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o 1._o the_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v his_o correction_n not_o his_o destruction_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a unto_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v with_o sharp_a admonition_n and_o prayer_n which_o in_o due_a time_n may_v reach_v the_o most_o profligate_v sinner_n 4._o it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o order_n of_o any_o society_n entrust_v with_o authority_n for_o its_o own_o preservation_n as_o the_o church_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o suffer_v person_n obnoxious_a unto_o censure_n by_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o that_o society_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o respect_n unto_o it_o to_o break_v their_o order_n and_o relation_n without_o animadvert_v thereon_o according_a to_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o expose_v their_o order_n unto_o contempt_n and_o proclaim_v a_o diffidence_n in_o their_o own_o authority_n for_o the_o spiritual_a punishment_n of_o offender_n 5._o one_o end_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o future_a final_a judgement_n of_o christ_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o none_o of_o they_o can_v run_v away_o from_o nor_o escape_v iii_o a_o three_o enquiry_n may_v be_v whether_o in_o case_n of_o any_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o excommunication_n without_o any_o previous_a admonition_n answ._n 1._o person_n may_v be_v false_o accuse_v of_o and_o charge_v with_o great_a sin_n the_o great_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o a_o lesser_a degree_n and_o that_o both_o by_o particular_a testimony_n and_o public_a report_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o which_o daily_a experience_n confirm_v wherefore_o all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n like_o that_o of_o david_n in_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o mephibosheth_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v though_o they_o be_v press_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o notoriety_n of_o the_o sin._n 2._o there_o be_v no_o individual_a actual_a sin_n but_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o great_a aggravation_n or_o alleviation_n from_o its_o circumstance_n these_o the_o church_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o obtain_v a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sin_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o after_o a_o goodly_a sort_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 3._o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o personal_a conference_n with_o the_o offender_n who_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v for_o himself_o this_o conference_n in_o case_n guilt_n be_v discover_v can_v but_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o admonition_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o in_o case_n of_o previous_a solemn_a admonition_n in_o the_o order_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v iu._n four_o whether_o on_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o a_o offence_n or_o scandalous_a sin_n if_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v penitent_a and_o willing_a to_o declare_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n may_v the_o church_n proceed_v unto_o his_o excommunication_n in_o case_n the_o sin_n be_v great_a and_o notorious_a answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o orderly_a progress_n as_o unto_o more_o private_a sin_n a_o compliance_n by_o repentance_n with_o the_o first_o or_o second_o admonition_n do_v put_v a_o stop_n unto_o all_o further_a ecclesiastical_a proceedure_v 2._o but_o whereas_o the_o enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v sin_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o circumstance_n great_a and_o of_o disreputation_n unto_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v if_o repentance_n be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o proportionable_a unto_o the_o offence_n in_o its_o outward_a demonstration_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o judge_v in_o charity_n that_o the_o person_n sin_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v with_o christ_n as_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v undoubted_o the_o church_n can_v proceed_v unto_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o a_o offender_n for_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v public_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n do_v receive_v this_o nothing_o can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v yea_o so_o to_o do_v be_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o against_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n yea_o such_o a_o sentence_n will_v destroy_v itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o declaration_n that_o christ_n do_v disapprove_v they_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v 2._o their_o so_o do_v will_v make_v a_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o for_o whereas_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o evidence_n that_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n that_o repent_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v by_o the_o rejection_n of_o such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n there_o be_v a_o open_a contradiction_n thereunto_o especial_o it_o will_v give_v a_o undue_a sense_n of_o the_o heart_n mind_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n such_o as_o may_v be_v dangerous_a unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v doctrinal_a for_o such_o it_o be_v and_o declarative_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n the_o image_n therefore_o of_o this_o excommunication_n which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o some_o church_n wherein_o the_o sentence_n of_o it_o be_v denounce_v without_o any_o regard_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o his_o acceptance_n or_o disapprobation_n of_o those_o who_o they_o excommunicate_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n 3._o such_o a_o proceedure_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o sentence_n for_o it_o be_v corrective_a and_o instructive_a not_o proper_o punish_v and_o vindictive_a the_o sole_a end_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n whereunto_o it_o have_v its_o efficacy_n from_o divine_a institution_n be_v the_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o be_v attain_v before_o the_o infliction_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v another_o end_n also_o namely_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n and_o reputation_n wherein_o it_o suffer_v by_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o any_o of_o its_o member_n whereunto_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v impure_a by_o they_o who_o christ_n have_v purge_v as_o he_o do_v all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a 2._o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n unto_o any_o church_n to_o have_v sinner_n in_o it_o who_o have_v evidence_v sincere_a repentance_n 3._o
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
ascribe_v unto_o they_o ver._n 5._o all_o these_o thing_n do_v suppose_v a_o right_n and_o duty_n thereon_o to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o excommunication_n to_o reside_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n wherefore_o 5._o there_o be_v some_o act_n belong_v hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n itself_o and_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a such_o be_v the_o previous_a cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o any_o neglect_n about_o it_o preparatory_a duty_n unto_o its_o execution_n in_o prayer_n mourn_v and_o admonition_n which_o be_v express_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o testification_n of_o their_o consent_n unto_o it_o by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n without_o these_o thing_n excommunication_n be_v but_o a_o name_n with_o a_o noise_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o hence_o arise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n that_o be_v consequential_a unto_o his_o exclusion_n from_o among_o they_o such_o be_v pray_v for_o he_o as_o one_o note_v by_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n in_o his_o exclusion_n and_o such_o as_o without_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o 7._o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n unto_o the_o formal_a compleatness_n of_o this_o sentence_n a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o office-power_n be_v require_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n only_o 2._o the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o comprise_v authority_n to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v entrust_v with_o they_o only_o 8._o wherefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a right_n interest_n and_o duty_n particular_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n act_n in_o it_o as_o officer_n with_o authority_n the_o brethren_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v no_o way_n exclude_v from_o their_o power_n consent_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o those_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o where_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o whole_a duty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n render_v ineffectual_a i._o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o excommunication_n just_o deserve_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n of_o trouble_n or_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v unto_o the_o church_n therein_o it_o be_v usual_o grant_v that_o so_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v which_o seem_v in_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o austin_n the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n intend_v be_v threefold_a 1._o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o from_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 3._o from_o the_o church_n 1._o trouble_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o it_o over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n not_o grant_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n those_o that_o execute_v it_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o penalty_n ordain_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v be_v great_a and_o of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o receive_v a_o provocation_n hereby_o they_o may_v occasion_v or_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o 3._o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v divide_v on_o these_o consideration_n so_o as_o that_o last_a difference_n may_v be_v occasion_v among_o they_o which_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o sentence_n may_v prevent_v for_o answer_n hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v as_o 1._o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n of_o any_o thing_n sinful_a or_o moral_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n its_o officer_n or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n by_o refuse_v to_o omit_v the_o pronounce_v of_o this_o sentence_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o trouble_v mention_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o a_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 2._o we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o as_o that_o no_o rational_a indifferent_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherever_o excommunication_n be_v administer_v 2._o that_o sufficient_a time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o for_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o afterward_o have_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o person_n after_o admonition_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n do_v real_o suffer_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o tolerate_v such_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v on_o these_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o countenance_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n or_o to_o acquit_v the_o church_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o first_o presence_n of_o danger_n be_v vain_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o touch_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n and_o conservation_n of_o humane_a law_n it_o reach_v not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o life_n or_o liberty_n nor_o their_o estate_n or_o the_o least_o secular_a privilege_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o do_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o power_n or_o censure_n of_o other_o nor_o prejudge_v they_o as_o unto_o office_n or_o advantage_n of_o life_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n herein_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o parent_n disenherit_v a_o rebellious_a child_n 2._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o persecution_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o person_n provoke_v i_o say_v 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v provoke_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n to_o testify_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v a_o case_n of_o confession_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o deter_v by_o this_o consideration_n from_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o seduce_a jew_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n with_o other_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o reprove_v his_o church_n according_a as_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o duty_n or_o neglective_a of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n thereon_o revel_v 2.3_o and_o 4._o he_o will_v take_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o as_o shall_v turn_v all_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o unto_o their_o advantage_n 3._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v but_o that_o if_o rule_v order_n love_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o prevent_v such_o difference_n there_o be_v no_o way_n appoint_v of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abundant_o they_o must_v bear_v their_o own_o blame_n who_o occasion_n such_o difference_n ii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o if_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o be_v under_o admonition_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n shall_v voluntary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o and_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o excommunication_n answ._n 1._o some_z say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o voluntary_a convention_n of_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o some_o other_o of_o neighbour_a church_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n or_o heresy_n among_o they_o in_o and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o call_v together_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith._n in_o after_o age_n those_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o italy_n germany_n france_n and_o england_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n advise_v about_o thing_n civil_a and_o political_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o religious_a especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o mutual_a contest_v between_o pope_n and_o prince_n in_o they_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v lose_v and_o bury_v and_o all_o religion_n almost_o destroy_v thus_o this_o laudable_a practice_n of_o church_n act_v their_o mutual_a communion_n by_o meeting_n in_o synod_n or_o assembly_n by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n to_o advise_v about_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a concernment_n and_o joint_a edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o countenance_v by_o primitive_a apostolical_a example_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o design_v interest_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o all_o church-power_n in_o such_o synod_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n give_v unto_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o instance_n innumerable_a and_o whereas_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v fill_v so_o many_o volume_n with_o their_o act_n and_o do_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o pope_n will_v place_v all_o religion_n in_o they_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n so_o bellarmine_n affirm_v pighius_fw-la to_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr coelest_n hierarch_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 1._o but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o de_fw-fr council_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o superstructure_n pretend_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o of_o these_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o principal_n for_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o public_a edification_n incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n they_o be_v presume_v just_o to_o know_v best_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o to_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n under_o consideration_n and_o they_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v than_o any_o private_a brethren_n can_v do_v and_o so_o receive_v that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o also_o they_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o report_v and_o recommend_v the_o synodal_n determination_n unto_o their_o church_n and_o a_o contrary_a practice_n will_v quick_o introduce_v confusion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o alone_o shall_v be_v so_o send_v or_o delegated_a by_o the_o church_n but_o many_o have_v other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v so_o until_o prelatical_a usurpation_n overturn_v their_o liberty_n so_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v from_o antioch_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o be_v impudent_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a concur_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n there_o make_v 5._o that_o which_o be_v term_v the_o call_n of_o these_o synod_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n for_o the_o end_n before_o declare_v i_o no_o way_n deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v convene_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n with_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v meet_a within_o his_o own_o territory_n yea_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o convention_n meet_v man_n out_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o other_o by_o their_o consent_n to_o advise_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v he_o advice_n about_o such_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o regulate_v himself_o according_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v with_o good_a success_n and_o may_v be_v with_o bad_a also_o and_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o church_n have_v power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o convene_v themselves_o in_o synod_n to_o exercise_v any_o exterior_a jurisdiction_n that_o shall_v affect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v allow_v but_o whereas_o the_o synod_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o any_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v outward_o concern_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n but_o only_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o their_o call_n beyond_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o external_a peace_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o when_o they_o can_v obtain_v they_o must_v deport_v themselves_o as_o in_o case_n of_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o synod_n in_o what_o measure_n extent_n and_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o although_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v concern_v their_o original_a nature_n cause_n use_v and_o end_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a power_n ascribe_v unto_o synod_n the_o first_o be_v declarative_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v constitutive_a appoint_v and_o ordain_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o observe_v by_o and_o upon_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o three_o executive_a in_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n towards_o person_n and_o church_n the_o person_n who_o the_o authority_n plead_v may_v affect_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v their_o proper_a representative_n present_v in_o such_o synod_n who_o be_v direct_o concern_v in_o its_o conciliary_a determination_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o such_o representative_n in_o they_o who_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v but_o in_o the_o doctrine_n material_o consider_v declare_v in_o they_o wherefore_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o church_n receive_v comply_v with_o or_o obey_v the_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n must_v be_v either_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n give_v unto_o those_o determination_n by_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o affect_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o first_o way_n wherein_o the_o assent_n and_o obedience_n of_o church_n be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v thereof_o not_o only_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v own_v but_o there_o be_v a_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o if_o due_o seek_v and_o regard_v whence_o great_a respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o decree_n respect_v either_o 1._o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n declare_v and_o be_v recommendatory_a of_o they_o on_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o person_n to_o censure_n excommunicate_a or_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o just_a power_n of_o synod_n may_v be_v positive_o and_o negative_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n