season_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o full_a a_o indication_n of_o sincerity_n as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n through_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o non_fw-la admission_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v on_o a_o conjunction_n in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o be_v otherwise_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n prejudicial_a unto_o their_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o church_n can_v answer_v the_o refusal_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o such_o person_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v become_v a_o church_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n be_v by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o solemn_a agreement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o such_o church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v so_o to_o be_v continue_v only_o in_o that_o state_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n few_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o be_v require_v to_o enstate_v they_o in_o church_n order_n and_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o first_o erection_n yet_o that_o that_o continuation_n may_v be_v regular_a it_o be_v require_v that_o its_o first_o congregate_a for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n be_v so_o as_o also_o that_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v wherefore_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o first_o gather_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n plant_v or_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o church_n do_v consist_v each_o of_o they_o of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o another_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n and_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o those_o believer_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o other_o become_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o general_a that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o guide_v they_o in_o these_o affair_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o that_o other_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o they_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_v by_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n matth._n 28.20_o this_o can_v original_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v as_o remote_a cause_n or_o prerequisite_a condition_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v such_o be_v baptism_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n convenient_a cohabitation_n resort_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o neither_o any_o of_o these_o distinct_o or_o separately_z nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o such_o church_n state_n ensue_v they_o can_v altogether_o engage_v unto_o those_o duty_n nor_o communicate_v those_o power_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o state._n be_v there_o no_o other_o order_n in_o particular_a church_n no_o other_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o nor_o rule_n over_o they_o no_o other_o duty_n no_o other_o end_v assign_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n of_o cohabitation_n determine_v by_o civil_a authority_n may_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v entrust_v in_o itself_o with_o sundry_a power_n and_o privilege_n depend_v on_o sundry_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o constitute_v new_a relation_n between_o person_n that_o neither_o natural_o nor_o moral_o be_v before_o so_o relate_v as_o marriage_n do_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o it_o require_v new_a mutual_a duty_n and_o give_v new_a mutual_a right_n among_o themselves_o not_o require_v of_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o unto_o their_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o state_n can_v arise_v from_o or_o have_v any_o other_o formal_a cause_n but_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o virtual_a confederation_n of_o those_o concern_v unto_o these_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o foundation_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n unto_o they_o by_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n i_o say_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o their_o formal_a cause_n the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o will_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o society_n in_o all_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o natural_a such_o as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o power_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v predetermine_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n even_o that_o of_o nature_n wherein_o powers_z privilege_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v establish_v as_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n nor_o after_o its_o first_o institution_n can_v any_o one_o be_v incorporate_v into_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o nor_o if_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v can_v there_o be_v any_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n ensue_v be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o 2._o that_o by_o his_o word_n or_o law_n he_o have_v grant_v power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o prescribe_v duty_n unto_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o wherein_z they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n who_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o such_o a_o church_n 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o church_n relation_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o command_n wherefore_o 4._o this_o join_n of_o themselves_o whereon_o depend_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n all_o their_o obligation_n unto_o church_n duty_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o 5._o herein_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o their_o officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 6._o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v express_o to_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o phrase_n every_o where_o signify_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 7._o this_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o express_a engagement_n make_v unto_o he_o of_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n and_o it_o have_v so_o on_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n annex_v unto_o this_o engagement_n on_o our_o part_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 8._o
the_o estate_n of_o visible_a regeneration_n do_v depend_v be_v require_v of_o they_o herein_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o lose_v all_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.25_o for_o circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n very_o it_o profit_v if_o a_o man_n stand_v unto_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v tender_v therein_o between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o it_o will_v give_v he_o right_o unto_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n 16._o as_o unto_o the_o real_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o baptism_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state._n 15.8_o 4._o god_n alone_o be_v judge_n concern_v this_o regeneration_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a 2.23_o real_a principle_n and_o state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v depend_v the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church-state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1.16_o 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constitunent_a of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n of_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 18._o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o gospel-constitution_n be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church_n member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v to_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church_n member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 2._o 15._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o highpriest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n
of_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o promote_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o countenance_v they_o which_o they_o do_v effectual_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o its_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v until_o calvin_n set_v up_o his_o discipline_n at_o geneva_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o clamour_n against_o he_o from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o in_o most_o other_o place_n church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o continue_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o in_o many_o place_n as_o bad_a in_o their_o life_n as_o when_o they_o be_v papist_n but_o this_o method_n be_v design_v in_o the_o holy_a wise_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o progressive_a reformation_n as_o it_o have_v make_v a_o gradual_a progress_n into_o its_o decay_n for_o have_v the_o reformer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v themselves_o to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v unmeet_a for_o its_o communion_n or_o to_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v member_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o its_o original_a institution_n it_o will_v through_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o can_v have_v comply_v with_o the_o design_n have_v great_o obstruct_v if_o not_o utter_o defeat_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v that_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o god_n have_v since_o make_v effectual_a in_o these_o nation_n especial_o and_o in_o other_o place_n to_o turn_v multitude_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o himself_o translate_n they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son._n hereby_o way_n be_v make_v for_o a_o necessary_a addition_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n if_o not_o to_o the_o close_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o at_o first_o be_v attain_v unto_o nor_o well_o attempt_v namely_o the_o reduction_n of_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o member_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o primitive_a institution_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v design_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o only_a we_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o constitute_v church_n member_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o less_o than_o what_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o eph._n 2.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 11.1_o 18._o 1_o thess._n 1.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n that_o may_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n answer_v the_o way_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o receive_n of_o they_o be_v because_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 2._o that_o may_v answer_v that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o what_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o reveal_v matth._n 16.16_o and_o not_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o many_o church_n member_n be_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o that_o many_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v among_o they_o that_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n be_v charitative_a proceed_v on_o evidence_n of_o moral_a probability_n not_o determine_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a measure_n of_o light_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o ability_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v all_o who_o circumstance_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o indulgence_n unto_o their_o weakness_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n will_v allow_v we_o any_o further_a latitude_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o our_o present_a enquiry_n yet_o remain_v on_o these_o consideration_n be_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n as_o be_v make_v up_o or_o compose_v of_o member_n visible_o unholy_a or_o such_o as_o comply_v not_o with_o the_o qualification_n that_o be_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n indispensable_o require_v to_o give_v unto_o any_o a_o regular_a entrance_n into_o the_o church_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o such_o church_n will_v reform_v themselves_o by_o any_o act_n duty_n or_o power_n of_o their_o own_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v just_o suppose_v averse_a from_o and_o enemy_n unto_o any_o such_o work._n i_o answer_v therefore_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o communion_n with_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v absolute_o by_o edification_n no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o abide_v in_o or_o confine_v himself_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n any_o long_a than_o it_o be_v for_o his_o edification_n and_o this_o liberty_n be_v allow_v unto_o all_o person_n by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o a_o parish_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o it_o and_o there_o educate_v yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o judge_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o useful_a unto_o his_o edification_n he_o may_v withdraw_v from_o all_o communion_n in_o that_o parish_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o next_o door_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o communion_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o 2._o if_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n abound_v in_o such_o church_n be_v real_o obstructive_a of_o edification_n 3._o if_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o give_v no_o representation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o doctrine_n 4._o if_o such_o church_n do_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o reform_v themselves_o then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o present_a edification_n and_o the_o future_a salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n peaceable_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v in_o such_o other_o where_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n society_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v obtain_v man_n may_v not_o only_o do_v so_o because_o all_o obligation_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n do_v cease_v when_o the_o mean_n be_v not_o suit_v thereunto_o but_o obstructive_a of_o its_o attainment_n but_o also_o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n hereby_o against_o the_o declension_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o dishonour_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v reflect_v on_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a unto_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o loyal_a subject_n unto_o their_o lord_n and_o king._n and_o it_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o evangelical_n church_n but_o that_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v as_o just_a a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o as_o their_o forsake_v the_o same_o rule_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v judge_v that_o sundry_a inconvenience_n will_v ensue_v on_o this_o assertion_n when_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o practice_v according_a unto_o it_o but_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v be_v such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n no_o inconvenience_n can_v ensue_v on_o the_o practice_n direct_v unto_o any_o way_n to_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o mischief_n of_o oblige_a believer_n to_o abide_v always_o in_o such_o society_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o inquire_v into_o that_o relate_v unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o state_n of_o evangelical_n church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o church_n may_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v under_o its_o conduct_n inspection_n and_o rule_n
man_n have_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o conjunction_n unto_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n his_o just_a rejection_n out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o redelivery_n of_o he_o into_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v here_o intend_a and_o this_o be_v a_o act_n suit_v unto_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v for_o a_o man_n hereby_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n not_o act_v or_o agitate_a by_o the_o devil_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o sedate_n consideration_n of_o his_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o ingenuous_a grace_n leave_v in_o he_o will_v be_v effectual_o operative_a by_o shame_n grief_n and_o fear_n unto_o his_o humiliation_n especial_o understand_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n herein_o be_v only_o his_o repentance_n and_o restauration_n here_o be_v therefore_o in_o his_o instance_n a_o everlasting_a rule_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n of_o the_o like_a case_n require_v a_o ordinary_a power_n for_o relief_n in_o they_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n enjoin_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o necessary_a unto_o its_o glory_n it_o be_v own_o honour_n and_o edification_n to_o reject_v scandalous_a offender_n out_o of_o its_o communion_n be_v evident_o declare_v in_o this_o place_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o discharge_v see_v without_o they_o it_o can_v be_v discharge_v be_v a_o wild_a imagination_n 4._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o with_o such_o other_o particular_a duty_n as_o suppose_v the_o institution_n hereof_o be_v in_o many_o place_n direct_v and_o enjoin_v it_o be_v so_o in_o that_o insist_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o record_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o they_o scandalous_a offender_n and_o that_o to_o the_o end_v they_o may_v preserve_v themselves_o pure_a and_o that_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n vers._n 2_o 4_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o that_o excommunication_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n we_o shall_v consider_v afterward_o 2_o cor._n chap._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o church_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n call_v it_o a_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o he_o by_o they_o vers._n 6._o he_o give_v also_o a_o account_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sentence_n against_o he_o which_o be_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n vers._n 7._o and_o hereon_o give_v direction_n for_o his_o restauration_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n forgive_a he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o man_n may_v fancy_n to_o themselves_o strange_a notion_n of_o excommunication_n with_o reference_n unto_o its_o power_n the_o residence_n of_o that_o power_n its_o effect_n extent_n and_o end_n and_o so_o either_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n erect_v it_o into_o a_o engine_n of_o arbitrary_a domination_n over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o deny_v on_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o force_n in_o his_o church_n but_o we_o can_v be_v teach_v nothing_o more_o plain_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n enjoin_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o woeful_a degeneracy_n in_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n when_o this_o sentence_n be_v so_o administer_v as_o that_o it_o have_v a_o effect_n by_o virtue_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o man_n but_o no_o influence_n on_o their_o conscience_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o its_o appointment_n the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n gal._n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o he_o speak_v of_o those_o false_a teacher_n who_o oppose_v and_o overthrow_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o they_o have_v corrupt_v with_o their_o false_a opinion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_o enjoin_v their_o immediate_a excision_n yet_o he_o declare_v what_o they_o do_v deserve_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o when_o free_v from_o their_o delusion_n vers._n 12._o i_o will_v they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o man_n have_v exercise_v their_o mind_n in_o curious_a conjecture_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o needless_o the_o curiosity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o ancient_n apply_v it_o unto_o a_o forcible_a eunuchism_n be_v extreme_o fond_a no_o other_o excision_n be_v intend_v but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o truth_n neither_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n condemn_v nor_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o exposition_n 2_o thessaly_n 3.7_o the_o apostle_n give_v command_v unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v disorderly_a he_o declare_v immediate_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a disobedience_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o withdraw_a be_v as_o unto_o church-communion_n which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o upon_o some_o act_n of_o the_o church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o right_n of_o it_o for_o if_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n herein_o it_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o vers._n 14._o he_o require_v that_o a_o note_n be_v set_v on_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o sentence_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o before_o the_o duty_n of_o withdraw_a from_o he_o by_o the_o brethren_n be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o see_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tit._n 3.10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o revel_v 2.2_o 14_o 15_o 20_o 21._o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o censure_n judgement_n spiritual_a punishment_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o administration_n he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n with_o its_o preservation_n in_o honour_n purity_n and_o order_n ☞_o there_o have_v be_v many_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o unto_o its_o order_n and_o kind_n some_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n the_o one_o they_o call_v the_o lesser_a and_o the_o other_o the_o great_a some_o three_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o more_o sort_n but_o one_o or_o of_o any_o degree_n therein_o a_o segregation_n from_o all_o participation_n in_o church-order_n worship_n and_o privilege_n be_v the_o only_a excommunication_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o whereas_o a_o offend_a person_n may_v cause_v great_a disorder_n in_o a_o church_n and_o give_v great_a scandal_n unto_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o he_o can_v be_v regular_o cut_v off_o or_o expel_v the_o society_n some_o do_v judge_v that_o there_o shall_v a_o suspension_n of_o he_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o precede_v total_a or_o complete_a excommunication_n in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n and_o it_o ought_v in_o some_o case_n so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o suspension_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o especial_a institution_n but_o only_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n in_o church-rule_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o no_o man_n question_v but_o that_o this_o be_v lawful_a unto_o yea_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o require_v any_o
in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n require_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a be_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o that_o of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god._n for_o as_o on_o their_o unbelief_n thereof_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n do_v depend_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a on_o their_o part_n unto_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n state._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a with_o other_o a_o instruction_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o those_o that_o be_v fundamental_a be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o profession_n we_o inquire_v after_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o what_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o instruct_v those_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n who_o upon_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o keep_n a_o multitude_n in_o the_o state_n of_o catechuman_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o do_v but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o church-communion_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o from_o a_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o real_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o the_o promiscuous_a drive_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ._n this_o knowledge_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o profession_n be_v itself_o to_o be_v profess_v 2._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o profess_a subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 8.5_o this_o in_o general_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a when_o they_o be_v adult_n as_o be_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a consent_n baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o be_v able_a with_o faith_n and_o understanding_n to_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o be_v initiate_v 3._o a_o instruction_n in_o and_o consent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o bear_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n 9.23_o for_o this_o be_v make_v indispensable_o necessary_a by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o man_n have_v not_o be_v more_o and_o better_o instruct_v therein_o 24.14_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v may_v be_v a_o christian_a at_o a_o easy_a rate_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o it_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o that_o reproach_n hatred_n suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n ofttimes_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o its_o professor_n who_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o require_v that_o at_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v aright_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o all_o and_o engage_v cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n be_v continual_o present_v unto_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n their_o willing_a engagement_n to_o undergo_v they_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n some_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o use_n only_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o so_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v continual_o the_o countenance_n and_o favour_n of_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o judge_v well_o for_o they_o with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o who_o outward_a state_n make_v the_o public_a avow_v of_o this_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o may_v add_v it_o as_o my_o own_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o alone_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o countenance_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o any_o church_n by_o the_o public_a magistracy_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o will_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o suffering_n to_o escape_v suffering_n and_o enjoy_v worldly_a advantage_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o bear_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n be_v no_o gospel_n direction_n 4._o conviction_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 5._o unto_o this_o profession_n be_v require_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n 20._o both_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o charity_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n 6._o a_o careful_a abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n giving_z scandal_n or_o offence_n either_o unto_o the_o world_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v 1.10_o that_o this_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n against_o 1._o fear_v 2._o shame_n 3._o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o enemy_n whatever_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exclude_v from_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n state_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o gross_o ignorant_a or_o 2._o persecutor_n or_o reproacher_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o walk_v or_o 3._o idolater_n or_o 4._o man_n scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n through_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n or_o 5._o such_o as_o will_v partake_v of_o gospel-privilege_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o open_o avow_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v peremptory_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o herein_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o exceed_v the_o example_n and_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o that_o arrive_v unto_o it_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o all_o they_o can_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o if_o any_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n their_o diligence_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n their_o severe_a inquiry_n into_o their_o conversation_n their_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o expectation_n for_o their_o trial_n before_o their_o admittance_n be_v remarkable_a and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v that_o their_o promiscuous_a admittance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o church_n membership_n which_o take_v place_n afterward_o ruin_v all_o the_o beauty_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o proper_a subject_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n entitle_v they_o unto_o all_o the_o appellation_n of_o saint_n call_v sanctify_a that_o be_v visible_o and_o by_o profession_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o privilege_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v our_o only_a pattern_n by_o these_o thing_n although_o they_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o not_o be_v real_a live_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v
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
all_o thing_n as_o they_o see_v necessary_a which_o church_n they_o be_v wherefore_o if_o that_o will_v please_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o skill_n for_o the_o management_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n according_a to_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o such_o other_o rule_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a as_o they_o have_v frame_v and_o in_o the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n as_o they_o be_v call_v there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v equal_a unto_o they_o or_o will_v contend_v with_o they_o 2._o it_o hence_o also_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v diligent_o endeavour_v the_o attain_n of_o and_o increase_n in_o this_o wisdom_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o on_o all_o occasion_n that_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rule_n but_o hereunto_o so_o many_o thing_n do_v belong_v as_o can_v in_o this_o place_n be_v meet_o treat_v of_o somewhat_o that_o appertain_v to_o they_o shall_v afterward_o be_v consider_v chap._n iu._n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v essential_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o nature_n and_o be_v or_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o order_n the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o essence_n and_o be_v be_v its_o institution_n matter_n and_o form_n whereof_o we_o have_v treat_v it_o be_v order_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a be_v found_v in_o that_o communication_n of_o power_n unto_o it_o from_o christ_n which_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o organize_a of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o place_n or_o implant_n in_o it_o those_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o act_v and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n therein_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o exertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v the_o officer_n of_o it_o not_o that_o all_o officer_n be_v call_v to_o rule_n but_o that_o none_o be_v call_v to_o rule_v that_o be_v not_o so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o their_o work_n be_v distribute_v into_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n rom._n 12.6.7_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v authority_n to_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o also_o of_o rule_v which_o be_v call_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n corrupt_o and_o some_o have_v only_a power_n for_o rule_n of_o which_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world._n those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v distinguish_v into_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o elder_n themselves_o be_v not_o like_a that_o between_o elder_n and_o deacon_n which_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a kind_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n but_o only_o with_o respect_n unto_o work_n and_o order_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v distinct_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n concern_v who_o there_o have_v be_v mighty_a contention_n in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principle_n we_o have_v hitherto_o proceed_v on_o discharge_v we_o from_o any_o especial_a interest_n or_o concernment_n in_o this_o controversy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a constitution_n none_o in_o be_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o century_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o foundation_n of_o that_o contest_v which_o be_v about_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n in_o the_o same_o person_n over_o many_o church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n indeed_o strife_n about_o power_n superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o among_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n it_o start_v early_o in_o the_o church_n be_v extinguish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o apostle_n 9.10_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o other_o yet_o through_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o avarice_n of_o man_n have_v grow_v to_o be_v the_o stain_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o most_o age_n for_o neither_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n forbid_v such_o ambitious_a designing_n nor_o the_o proposal_n of_o his_o own_o example_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n nor_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n have_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o covet_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o a_o prerogative_n in_o church-power_n over_o other_o for_o though_o this_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n or_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v under_o a_o severe_a interdict_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o when_o man_n like_a achan_n see_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v in_o power_n domination_n and_o wealth_n they_o covet_v they_o and_o take_v they_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n if_o man_n will_v but_o a_o little_a serious_o consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o that_o care_n of_o soul_n even_o of_o all_o they_o over_o who_o they_o pretend_v church-power_n rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v abate_v of_o their_o earnestness_n in_o contend_v for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o cure_n the_o claim_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o rank_n of_o person_n distinct_a from_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v manage_v with_o great_a variety_n it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a in_o order_n above_o they_o or_o only_o as_o unto_o a_o certain_a degree_n among_o they_o of_o the_o same_o order_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v what_o do_v constitute_v that_o pretend_a distinct_a order_n nor_o wherein_o that_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o the_o same_o order_n do_v consist_v nor_o what_o basis_n it_o stand_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o this_o order_n of_o bishop_n have_v any_o church-power_n appropriate_v unto_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v act_v single_o by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o how_o far_o that_o concurrence_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n of_o the_o diocese_n which_o they_o claim_v the_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o as_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v peculiar_o relate_v derive_v either_o from_o divine_a institution_n or_o tradition_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n respect_v both_o or_o either_o of_o they_o or_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o church-order_n or_o edification_n be_v concern_v those_o who_o plead_v for_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n will_v not_o proceed_v any_o far_a but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o superiority_n in_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o order_n or_o degree_n but_o whether_o this_o must_v be_v over_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n only_o or_o in_o many_o distinct_a church_n whether_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o hinder_v they_o utter_o from_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n towards_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o they_o esteem_v their_o flock_n and_o necessitate_v they_o unto_o a_o rule_n by_o unscriptural_a church-officer_n law_n and_o power_n they_o suppose_v do_v not_o belong_v unto_o their_o cause_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o weight_n and_o moment_n of_o it_o do_v lie_v in_o and_o depend_v on_o these_o thing_n innumerable_a other_o uncertainty_n difference_n and_o variance_n there_o be_v about_o this_o singular_a episcopacy_n which_o we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o any_o of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pastoral_n office_n which_o be_v now_o under_o consideration_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v before_o about_o the_o non_fw-fr institution_n of_o any_o church_n beyond_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n i_o shall_v brief_o as_o in_o a_o diversion_n add_v the_o argument_n which_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v every_o way_n the_o same_o person_n in_o the_o same_o office_n have_v the_o same_o function_n without_o distinction_n in_o
spiritual_a gift_n in_o preach_v with_o a_o refusal_n of_o undertake_v a_o ministerial_a office_n or_o without_o design_n so_o to_o do_v upon_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v be_v approve_v 3._o the_o rule_n propose_v concern_v only_o ordinary_a case_n and_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a case_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o warranty_n in_o themselves_o for_o extraordinary_a act_n and_o duty_n 12._o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o political_a magistrate_n not_o of_o the_o pope_n not_o of_o any_o single_a prelate_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o although_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n yet_o none_o who_o understand_v aught_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o church_n alone_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o put_v forth_o and_o exert_v but_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o election_n 2._o ordination_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v or_o sacred_a separation_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o former_a four_o thing_n must_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o or_o preparatory_a for_o it_o 2._o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3._o it_o be_v necessity_n or_o the_o demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o institution_n 4._o what_o influence_n it_o have_v into_o the_o communication_n of_o pastoral-office-power_n unto_o a_o pastor_n so_o choose_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o meetness_n of_o the_o person_n for_o his_o office_n and_o work_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o can_v never_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v or_o choose_v a_o unmeet_a a_o unqualified_a a_o unprepared_a person_n unto_o this_o office._n no_o pretend_a necessity_n no_o outward_a motive_n can_v enable_v or_o warrant_v it_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v it_o by_o any_o outward_a act_n whatever_o the_o rule_n or_o solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v ministerial_a authority_n unto_o person_n utter_o unqualify_v for_o and_o uncapable_a of_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o debase_v the_o ministry_n and_o almost_o ruine_v the_o church_n itself_o either_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o who_o suppose_v themselves_o entrust_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o ordination_n or_o by_o imposition_n on_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n and_o patron_n of_o live_n as_o they_o be_v call_v with_o the_o state_v regulation_n of_o their_o proceed_n herein_o by_o a_o defective_a law_n whence_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o antecedent_n preparatory_a qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n two_o way_n be_v the_o meetness_n of_o any_o one_o make_v know_v and_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o 1._o by_o a_o evidence_n give_v of_o the_o qualification_n in_o he_o beforementioned_a the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o call_v or_o choose_v any_o one_o to_o office_n who_o be_v not_o know_v unto_o they_o of_o who_o frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o walk_v they_o have_v not_o have_v some_o experience_n not_o a_o novice_n or_o one_o late_o come_v unto_o they_o he_o must_v be_v one_o who_o by_o his_o way_n and_o walk_v have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n even_o among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v know_v unless_o they_o be_v enemy_n or_o scoffer_n and_o one_o that_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n evidence_v his_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a trust_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v negligent_a herein_o or_o if_o at_o all-adventure_n they_o will_v impose_v a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n upon_o he_o without_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o meetness_n upon_o due_a enquiry_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n unto_o he_o and_o provocation_n of_o he_o herein_o principal_o be_v church_n make_v the_o overseer_n of_o their_o own_o purity_n and_o edification_n to_o deny_v they_o a_o ability_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o or_o a_o liberty_n for_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o be_v error_n and_o tyranny_n but_o that_o flock_n which_o christ_n purchase_v and_o purify_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o herd_n of_o brute_n beast_n where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o this_o personal_a knowledge_n for_o want_n of_o opportunity_n it_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a authority_n 2._o by_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o gift_n for_o edification_n these_o be_v those_o spiritual_a endowment_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n grant_v and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v profit_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o and_o we_o must_v at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n what_o gift_n of_o man_n be_v suit_v unto_o their_o own_o edification_n but_o yet_o in_o make_v a_o judgement_n hereof_o one_o directive_n mean_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o church_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v use_v off_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o avoidance_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o that_o communion_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o election_n call_v or_o choice_n of_o a_o person_n know_v try_a and_o judge_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o fraternity_n with_o their_o elder_n if_o they_o have_v any_o for_o a_o pastor_n may_v be_v choose_v unto_o a_o church_n which_o have_v other_o teacher_n elder_n or_o officer_n already_o instate_v in_o it_o in_o this_o case_n their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o choice_n intend_v be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o common_a suffrage_n not_o of_o authority_n or_o office-power_n for_o election_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n but_o of_o liberty_n and_o power_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o fraternity_n be_v equal_a if_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n state_v in_o the_o church_n before_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n on_o the_o first_o ordination_n of_o elder_n among_o they_o this_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o fraternity_n 3._o that_o therefore_o which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o meet_v person_n shall_v be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n or_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v antecedent_o unto_o a_o sacred_a solemn_a separation_n unto_o their_o respective_a office_n for_o 1._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o be_v so_o extraordinary_o and_o immediate_o by_o the_o nomination_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o aaron_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o priesthood_n and_o other_o afterward_o as_o samuel_n to_o be_v prophet_n 2._o by_o a_o law_n of_o carnal_a generation_n so_o all_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o aaron_n succeed_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n without_o any_o other_o call_v 3._o by_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v the_o call_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n deut._n 1.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v to_o yourselves_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v a_o judgement_n on_o their_o qualification_n for_o the_o office_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v man_n know_v unto_o they_o for_o wise_a understanding_n righteous_a walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o look_v out_o and_o then_o to_o present_v they_o unto_o moses_n for_o their_o separation_n unto_o office_n which_o be_v election_n it_o be_v true_a that_o exod._n 13.15_o it_o be_v
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
cyprian_n speak_v see_v matth._n 7.17_o joh._n â—5_n 39_o gal._n 11.9_o 1_o thess._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o 2_o joh._n 10.11_o what_o be_v object_v hereunto_o from_o the_o unfitness_n and_o disability_n of_o the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n labour_n with_o a_o threefold_a weakness_n for_o 1._o it_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o command_v they_o the_o observance_n and_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v no_o way_n meet_v for_o 2._o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o that_o degenerate_a state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o member_n as_o to_o light_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fall_v into_o which_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o argument_n in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reform_v 3._o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o supply_n of_o assistance_n provide_v for_o the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o therein_o which_o be_v otherwise_o see_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o such_o election_n be_v make_v and_o those_o of_o other_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n be_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o three_o the_o church_n be_v a_o voluntary_a society_n person_n otherwise_o absolute_o free_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n do_v of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o free_a choice_n coalesce_v into_o it_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o church_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o herein_o neither_o by_o prescription_n nor_o tradition_n nor_o succession_n have_v any_o one_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n than_o another_o but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a it_o be_v gather_v into_o this_o society_n mere_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o collect_v it_o have_v neither_o right_n power_n privilege_n rule_n nor_o bond_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v give_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n moreover_o it_o abide_v and_o continue_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o principle_n as_o whereon_o it_o be_v collect_v namely_o the_o will_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o subject_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a unto_o its_o present_a continuance_n in_o all_o its_o member_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o plantation_n it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o political_a society_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v first_o establish_v by_o force_n or_o consent_n bring_v a_o necessity_n on_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o they_o and_o under_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o rule_n and_o law_n for_o man_n may_v and_o in_o many_o case_n ought_v to_o submit_v unto_o the_o disposal_n of_o temporal_a thing_n in_o a_o way_n it_o may_v be_v not_o convenient_a for_o they_o which_o they_o judge_v not_o well_o off_o and_o which_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o unto_o their_o advantage_n and_o this_o may_v be_v just_a and_o equal_a because_o the_o special_a good_a which_o every_o one_o will_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o absolute_o so_o may_v be_v outbalanced_n by_o a_o general_a good_a nor_o alterable_a but_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o particular_a but_o with_o reference_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o previous_a law_n be_v conclude_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o general_n good_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o of_o they_o none_o therefore_o can_v coalesce_v in_o such_o a_o society_n or_o adhere_v unto_o it_o or_o be_v any_o way_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o consent_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o any_o rule_n authority_n power_n or_o office_n shall_v arise_v or_o be_v erect_v in_o such_o a_o society_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a for_o he_o by_o who_o this_o church-state_n be_v erect_v and_o appoint_v may_v and_o do_v appoint_v in_o it_o and_o over_o it_o extraordinary_a officer_n for_o a_o season_n and_o we_o do_v suppose_v that_o as_o he_o have_v by_o his_o divine_a authority_n institute_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o society_n shall_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v grant_n of_o privilege_n and_o power_n to_o they_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n as_o also_o that_o he_o have_v give_v law_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o observance_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n with_o a_o right_n unto_o their_o exercise_n on_o these_o supposition_n in_o a_o society_n absolute_o voluntary_a among_o those_o who_o in_o their_o conjunction_n into_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a there_o can_v but_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o actual_a constitution_n of_o rule_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o discharge_v of_o such_o a_o office_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n above_o other_o this_o be_v previous_a unto_o all_o government_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principio_fw-la rerum_fw-la gentium_fw-la nationumque_fw-la imperium_fw-la penes_fw-la reges_fw-la erat_fw-la quos_fw-la ad_fw-la fastigium_fw-la huius_fw-la majestatis_fw-la non_fw-la popularis_fw-la ambitio_fw-la sed_fw-la spectata_fw-la inter_fw-la bonos_fw-es moderatio_fw-la provehebat_fw-la just._n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la tertull._n this_o preparation_n and_o furniture_n of_o some_o person_n with_o ability_n and_o meet_a qualification_n for_o office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v on_o himself_o and_o do_v and_o will_v effect_v it_o in_o all_o generation_n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o office_n nor_o rule_n nor_o order_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o new_a relation_n to_o be_v make_v or_o create_v between_o a_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o between_o they_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o church_n a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n be_v relata_n it_o must_v be_v introduce_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o the_o mutual_a voluntary_a act_n of_o one_o another_o or_o of_o each_o party_n for_o one_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la can_v as_o such_o have_v no_o be_v or_o existence_n without_o the_o other_o now_o this_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o person_n so_o antecedent_o qualify_v for_o office_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o delegation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o any_o other_o superior_a or_o equal_a unto_o they_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o delegation_n nor_o the_o relation_n unto_o christ_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o interposition_n of_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o delegation_n of_o power_n from_o themselves_o in_o other_o man_n which_o will_v make_v they_o their_o minister_n and_o not_o christ_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o voluntary_a society_n this_o therefore_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o free_a choice_n election_n consent_n or_o approbation_n it_o can_v i_o say_v be_v so_o regular_o how_o far_o a_o irregularity_n herein_o may_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v now_o this_o choice_n or_o election_n do_v not_o communicate_v a_o power_n from_o they_o that_o choose_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v as_o though_o ☜_o such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v formal_o inherent_a in_o the_o chooser_n antecedent_n unto_o such_o choice_n for_o this_o will_v make_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n only_o and_o to_o act_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o instrumental_a ministerial_a mean_n to_o enstate_v they_o in_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o such_o officer_n by_o the_o constitution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n who_o minister_n thereon_o they_o
and_o honour_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o this_o end_n he_o make_v a_o petition_n unto_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n who_o as_o themselves_o express_v it_o in_o mere_a commiseration_n unto_o the_o old_a man_n condescend_v unto_o his_o desire_n as_o unto_o the_o name_n and_o title_n but_o not_o as_o unto_o any_o office-power_n which_o they_o judge_v relate_v absolute_o unto_o a_o particular_a charge_n epist._n can._n ephes._n 1._o ad_fw-la synod_n in_o pamphil._n 3._o such_o ordination_n want_v a_o essential_a constitutive_a cause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o collation_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v therefore_o invalid_a see_v what_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o unto_o that_o purpose_n 4._o a_o bishop_n a_o elder_a a_o pastor_n be_v term_n of_o relation_n to_o make_v any_o one_o so_o without_o relation_n unto_o a_o church_n a_o people_n a_o flock_n be_v to_o make_v he_o a_o father_n who_o have_v no_o child_n or_o a_o husband_n who_o have_v no_o wife_n a_o relate_v without_o a_o correlate_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n 5._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office._n whoever_o be_v due_o call_v set_v apart_z or_o ordain_v unto_o that_o office_n he_o do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o take_v on_o himself_o the_o discharge_v of_o all_o the_o duty_n belong_v thereunto_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o they_o if_o then_o we_o will_v take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o to_o belong_v unto_o this_o office_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o not_o the_o least_o part_n scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o it_o can_v be_v undertake_v and_o discharge_v by_o such_o as_o be_v ordain_v absolute_o without_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n for_o any_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o commit_v a_o office_n unto_o other_o and_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n charge_v they_o with_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o office_n and_o their_o immediate_a attendance_n on_o they_o or_o for_o any_o to_o accept_v of_o a_o office_n and_o office-power_n not_o know_v when_o or_o where_o to_o exert_v the_o power_n or_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v irregular_a in_o particular_a ruling_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n which_o they_o can_v attend_v unto_o who_o have_v none_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o 2._o may_v a_o pastor_n remove_v from_o one_o congregation_n unto_o another_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o ancient_a church_n make_v great_a provision_n against_o for_o when_o some_o church_n be_v increase_v in_o member_n reputation_n privilege_n and_o wealth_n above_o other_o it_o grow_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n for_o the_o bishop_n to_o design_n and_o endeavour_v their_o own_o removal_n from_o a_o less_o unto_o a_o great_a benefice_n this_o be_v so_o severe_o interdict_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o chalcedon_n as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n in_o any_o other_o place_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v original_o ordain_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o do_v so_o remove_v themselves_o decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v home_o again_o and_o there_o abide_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v church-officer_n council_n nicaea_n can._n 15_o 16._o chalced._n can._n 5_o 20._o plurality_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o open_a contend_v for_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n benefice_n and_o dignity_n be_v then_o either_o unknown_a or_o open_o condemn_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o the_o removal_n of_o a_o pastor_n from_o one_o congregation_n unto_o another_o for_o whereas_o the_o end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o general_a where_o in_o any_o especial_a instance_n such_o a_o removal_n be_v useful_a unto_o that_o end_n it_o be_v equal_v it_o shall_v be_v allow_v case_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o person_n place_n time_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n that_o i_o can_v insist_v on_o in_o particular_a but_o that_o such_o removal_n may_v be_v without_o offence_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v make_v 1._o with_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v 2._o with_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o church_n or_o their_o elder_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o communion_n and_o of_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n or_o of_o the_o removal_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o a_o orderly_a manner_n by_o advice_n and_o counsel_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a churth_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n such_o be_v that_o of_o gregory_n naz._n remove_v from_o casima_n to_o constantinople_n though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o have_v no_o good_a success_n 3._o may_v a_o pastor_n voluntary_o or_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n resign_v and_o lay_v down_o his_o office_n and_o remain_v in_o a_o private_a capacity_n this_o also_o be_v judge_v inconvenient_a if_o not_o unlawful_a by_o the_o first_o synod_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o case_n of_o eustathius_n he_o be_v as_o it_o appear_v a_o age_a man_n one_o that_o love_v his_o one_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o who_o can_v not_o well_o bear_v the_o opposition_n and_o reproach_n which_o he_o meet_v withal_o from_o the_o church_n or_o some_o in_o it_o and_o thereon_o solemn_o upon_o his_o own_o judgement_n without_o advice_n lay_v down_o and_o renounce_v his_o office_n in_o the_o church_n who_o thereupon_o choose_v a_o good_a man_n in_o his_o room_n yet_o do_v the_o synod_n condemn_v this_o practice_n and_o that_o not_o without_o weighty_a reason_n whereby_o they_o confirm_v their_o judgement_n but_o yet_o no_o general_a rule_n can_v be_v establish_v in_o this_o case_n nor_o be_v the_o judgement_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n precise_a herein_o clemens_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n express_o advise_v those_o on_o who_o occasion_n there_o be_v disturbance_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o gregory_n nazianzen_n do_v the_o same_o at_o constantinople_n and_o protest_v open_o that_o although_o he_o be_v himself_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o blame_n as_o he_o true_o be_v and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a man_n of_o his_o age_n yet_o he_o will_v depart_v or_o be_v cast_v out_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v peace_n among_o they_o which_o he_o do_v according_o orat._n 52._o &_o vit_fw-mi nazian_n and_o afterward_o a_o synod_n at_o constantinople_n under_o photius_n conclude_v that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a can._n 5._o wherefore_o 1._o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o weakness_n of_o work_n and_o labour_n though_o occasion_v by_o age_n sickness_n or_o bodily_a distemper_n for_o no_o man_n be_v any_o way_n oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a with_o the_o regular_a preservation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o what_o ability_n a_o pastor_n have_v otherwise_o provide_v for_o itself_o in_o what_o be_v want_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a mere_o on_o a_o weariness_n of_o and_o despondency_n under_o opposition_n and_o reproach_n which_o a_o pastor_n be_v call_v and_o oblige_v to_o undergo_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v in_o the_o warfare_n wereto_o he_o be_v call_v these_o two_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o eustathius_n at_o perga_n which_o be_v disallow_v in_o the_o council_n at_o ephesus_n but_o 3._o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o such_o a_o incurable_a decay_n of_o intellectual_a ability_n as_o whereon_o a_o man_n can_v discharge_v no_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o case_n of_o incurable_a division_n in_o the_o church_n constant_o obstruct_v its_o edification_n and_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v whilst_o such_o a_o one_o continue_v in_o his_o office_n though_o he_o be_v no_o way_n the_o cause_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o clemens_n give_v advice_n and_o whereof_o gregory_n give_v a_o example_n in_o his_o own_o practice_n but_o this_o case_n and_o its_o determination_n will_v hold_v only_o where_o the_o division_n be_v incurable_a by_o any_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o if_o those_o who_o cause_n such_o division_n may_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o church_n may_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o or_o if_o there_o be_v division_n in_o fix_a party_n and_o principle_n opinion_n or_o practice_n they_o may_v separate_v into_o distinct_a communion_n in_o
such_o case_n this_o remedy_n by_o the_o pastor_n lay_v down_o his_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o otherwise_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o edification_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a where_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o negligent_a in_o its_o duty_n and_o persist_v in_o that_o negligence_n after_o admonition_n in_o provide_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n for_o the_o outward_a necessity_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o his_o family_n but_o this_o case_n can_v be_v determine_v without_o the_o consideration_n of_o many_o particular_a circumstance_n 6._o where_o all_o or_o many_o of_o these_o cause_n concur_v so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n can_v cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o go_v on_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v press_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n through_o the_o church_n noncompliance_n with_o their_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o present_a obstruct_a may_v be_v provide_v for_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n after_o a_o due_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o such_o grievous_a yoke_n lay_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n but_o that_o such_o a_o person_n may_v peaceable_o lay_v down_o his_o office_n in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o either_o abide_v in_o a_o private_a station_n or_o take_v the_o care_n of_o another_o church_n wherein_o he_o may_v discharge_v his_o office_n be_v yet_o of_o ability_n unto_o his_o own_o comfort_n and_o their_o edification_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o work_v of_o those_o call_v teacher_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o antioch_n there_o be_v prophet_n and_o teacher_n act._n 13.1_o and_o their_o work_n be_v both_o describe_v and_o assign_v unto_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o the_o thought_n of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v teacher_n be_v very_o various_a nor_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n easy_a or_o obvious_a as_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o enquiry_n if_o there_o be_v original_o a_o distinct_a office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v lose_v for_o many_o age_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v always_o a_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n of_o it_o retain_v first_o in_o public_a catechist_n and_o then_o in_o doctor_n or_o professor_n of_o theology_n in_o the_o school_n belong_v unto_o any_o church_n but_o this_o as_o unto_o the_o title_n of_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n be_v but_o a_o late_a invention_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o rise_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1135._o lotharius_n the_o emperor_n have_v find_v in_o italy_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o roman_a civil_a law_n and_o be_v great_o take_v with_o it_o he_o ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v public_o teach_v and_o expound_v in_o the_o school_n this_o he_o begin_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o imerius_fw-la his_o chancellor_n at_o bononia_n and_o to_o give_v encouragement_n unto_o this_o employment_n they_o ordain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v the_o public_a professor_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v solemn_o create_v doctor_n of_o who_o bulgarus_fw-la hugolinus_n with_o other_o be_v the_o first_o not_o long_o after_o this_o rite_n of_o create_v doctor_n be_v borrow_v of_o the_o lawyer_n by_o divine_n who_o public_o teach_v divinity_n in_o their_o school_n and_o this_o imitation_n first_o take_v place_n in_o bononia_n paris_n and_o oxford_n but_o this_o name_n be_v since_o grow_v a_o title_n of_o honour_n to_o sundry_a sort_n of_o person_n whether_o unto_o any_o good_a use_n or_o purpose_n or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o be_v in_o use_n and_o not_o worth_a contend_v about_o especial_o if_o as_o unto_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v fair_o reconcileable_a unto_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 23.8_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o have_v in_o the_o church_n teacher_n that_o do_v public_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v far_o more_o ancient_a and_o of_o know_a usage_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n such_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n in_o their_o school_n wherein_o the_o famous_a panlaenus_n origen_n and_o clemens_n be_v teacher_n a_o imitation_n whereof_o be_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o the_o continuation_n of_o such_o a_o peculiar_a work_n and_o employment_n to_o be_v discharge_v in_o manner_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o original_o there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o have_v institute_v sundry_a order_n of_o sacred_a officer_n borrow_v from_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n which_o have_v no_o resemblance_n unto_o any_o thing_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o sundry_a thing_n abase_v and_o corrupt_v by_o they_o in_o church-officer_n take_v their_o occasional_a rise_n from_o what_o be_v so_o mention_v there_o be_v four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o this_o name_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o some_z say_v that_o no_o office_n at_o all_o be_v denote_v by_o it_o it_o be_v only_o a_o general_a appellation_n of_o those_o that_o teach_v other_o whether_o constant_o or_o occasional_o such_o be_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o speak_v occasional_o and_o in_o their_o turn_n 1_o cor._n 14._o which_o be_v that_o which_o all_o may_v do_v who_o have_v ability_n for_o it_o v_o 5.24_o 25._o 2._o some_z say_v it_o be_v only_o another_o name_n for_o the_o same_o office_n with_o that_o of_o a_o pastor_n and_o so_o not_o to_o denote_v any_o distinct_a office_n of_o which_o mind_n hierom_n seem_v to_o be_v ephes._n 4._o 3._o other_o allow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a office_n whereunto_o some_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v and_o that_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n so_o the_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v or_o instruct_v only_o but_o not_o to_o rule_v nor_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o rule_v elder_a to_o rule_v only_o and_o neither_o to_o preach_v nor_o administer_v sacrament_n which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o order_n both_o useful_a and_o beautiful_a 4._o some_o judge_n that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a office_n but_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o kind_n with_o that_o of_o the_o pastor_n endow_v with_o all_o the_o same_o power_n but_o difference_v from_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o gift_n and_o a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o work_n allot_v unto_o it_o but_o this_o opinion_n have_v this_o seem_a disadvantage_n that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v so_o small_a as_o not_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o distinct_a denomination_n of_o officer_n or_o to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a office._n and_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o distinction_n in_o gift_n will_v seldom_o appear_v as_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v guide_v thereby_o in_o their_o choice_n of_o meet_a person_n unto_o distinct_a office_n but_o scripture-testimony_n and_o rule_n must_v take_v place_n and_o i_o shall_v brief_o examine_v all_o these_o opinion_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o any_o officer_n nor_o be_v a_o teacher_n as_o such_o any_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o general_a name_n for_o any_o that_o teach_v on_o any_o account_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o indeed_o know_v of_o any_o who_o have_v in_o particular_a contend_v for_o this_o opinion_n but_o i_o observe_v that_o very_o many_o expositor_n take_v no_o far_a notice_n of_o they_o but_o as_o such_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o first_o church_n not_o only_o some_o but_o all_o who_o have_v receive_v spiritual_a light_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o hence_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n as_o celsus_n in_o particular_a object_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a that_o they_o suffer_v sutler_n and_o weaver_n and_o cobbler_n to_o teach_v among_o they_o which_o they_o
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
judgement_n who_o have_v most_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o place_n 13._o and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o begin_v to_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o but_o one_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_a in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v its_o rule_n in_o its_o self_n other_o elder_n for_o rule_n be_v unnecessary_a this_o be_v a_o novel_a opinion_n contradictory_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o contrary_n 1._o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v as_o our_o rule_n constant_o express_v and_o declare_v that_o many_o elder_n be_v appoint_v by_o they_o in_o every_o church_n act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o nor_o do_v that_o church_n answer_v the_o original_a pattern_n where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a in_o a_o church_n there_o can_v be_v a_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n as_o there_o can_v be_v a_o senate_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o senator_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 3._o the_o continuation_n of_o every_o church_n in_o its_o original_a state_n and_o constitution_n be_v since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a office_n and_o power_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o hereunto_o the_o call_v and_o ordain_v of_o ordinary_a officer_n pastor_n ruler_n elder_n teacher_n do_v belong_v and_o therein_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v both_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o solemn_a set_n of_o they_o apart_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v concur_v but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o be_v supply_v by_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o be_v whole_o omit_v all_o which_o be_v irregular_a and_o that_o church-order_n be_v defective_a which_o want_v the_o symbol_n of_o authoritative_a ordination_n 4._o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a on_o a_o supposition_n of_o one_o elder_a only_o in_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n from_o be_v prelatical_a or_o popular_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o object_v unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o diocesan_n bishop_n than_o that_o they_o will_v every_o one_o be_v bishop_n in_o their_o own_o parish_n and_o unto_o their_o own_o people_n all_o such_o pretence_n be_v exclude_v on_o our_o principle_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o the_o same_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n in_o association_n but_o practical_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a one_o of_o the_o extreme_n can_v be_v hardly_o avoid_v if_o he_o rule_v by_o himself_o without_o the_o previous_a advice_n in_o some_o case_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subsequent_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v a_o eye_n of_o unwarrantable_a prelacy_n in_o it_o if_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v original_o transact_v dispose_a order_v by_o the_o whole_a society_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_a will_v quick_o be_v insignificant_a and_o he_o will_v be_v little_o more_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n than_o any_o other_o brother_n of_o the_o society_n but_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v prevent_v by_o the_o fix_v of_o many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n which_o may_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o free_a the_o church_n from_o the_o despotical_a rule_n of_o any_o diotrâ—phes_n but_o in_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o in_o any_o church_n unless_o he_o have_v wisdom_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o act_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n but_o confusion_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v require_v that_o in_o every_o church_n consist_v in_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o member_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o elder_n than_o one._n when_o god_n first_o appoint_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o assign_v unto_o every_o ten_o person_n or_o family_n a_o distinct_a ruler_n deut._n 1.15_o for_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o walk_n or_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o rule_n be_v eminent_a as_o unto_o the_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v above_o all_o other_o rule_n of_o moral_a conversation_n whatever_o and_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n great_a accuracy_n and_o circumspection_n require_v in_o their_o walk_n after_o it_o and_o according_a unto_o it_o the_o order_n also_o and_o decency_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o church-assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o exact_a care_n and_o inspection_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o discharge_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n in_o any_o church_n by_o one_o elder_a be_v for_o they_o only_o to_o suppose_v who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o and_o although_o there_o may_v be_v a_o appearance_n for_o a_o season_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o such_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o therein_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v no_o present_a beauty_n nor_o will_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n these_o consideration_n as_o also_o those_o that_o follow_v may_v seem_v jejune_n and_o contemptible_a unto_o such_o as_o have_v another_o frame_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n draw_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o interest_n a_o government_n vest_v in_o some_o few_o person_n with_o title_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o legal_a power_n exercise_v in_o court_n with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o method_n and_o process_n of_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n be_v that_o which_o they_o suppose_v do_v better_a become_v the_o grandeur_n of_o church-ruler_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n than_o these_o creep_v elder_n with_o their_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o our_o present_a enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o in_o and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v neither_o shadow_n nor_o appearance_n of_o any_o of_o these_o practice_n i_o beg_v their_o pardon_n if_o at_o present_a i_o consider_v they_o not_o 10._o we_o shall_v now_o make_v application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o say_v then_o 1._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v 2._o whereas_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n which_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o he_o that_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v a_o full_a employment_n for_o any_o man_n and_o so_o consequent_o his_o principal_n and_o proper_a work_n which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o be_v remiss_a in_o by_o attend_v on_o another_o with_o diligence_n and_o 4._o whereas_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n that_o both_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v constant_o attend_v unto_o 5._o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n distinct_a work_n do_v require_v distinct_a office_n for_o their_o discharge_n all_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v already_o our_o enquiry_n hereon_o be_v whether_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o distinguish_v this_o office_n of_o elder_n into_o those_o two_o sort_n namely_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o teach_v and_o rule_n also_o and_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o which_o we_o affirm_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v be_v general_o know_v and_o plead_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o some_o of_o they_o only_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o conflict_n withal_o but_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n and_o this_o be_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v praesum_fw-la praesidio_fw-la to_o preside_v to_o rule_v president_n
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
talent_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o be_v rich_a and_o some_o be_v poor_a some_o be_v old_a and_o some_o be_v young_a some_o in_o peace_n some_o in_o trouble_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o and_o have_v more_o opportunity_n for_o their_o exercise_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o be_v admonish_v instruct_v and_o exhort_v to_o attend_v unto_o their_o respective_a duty_n not_o only_o public_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o personal_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v according_a to_o the_o observation_n which_o those_o in_o rule_n do_v make_v of_o their_o forwardness_n or_o remissness_n in_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o instance_n man_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o and_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v defective_a herein_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.14_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o 4._o they_o be_v to_o watch_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o church-disorder_n such_o as_o those_o that_o infest_a the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n with_o remissness_n as_o unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o which_o some_o be_v subject_a unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v heb._n 10.25_o on_o the_o constancy_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n the_o very_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v great_o depend_v the_o want_n hereof_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o all_o the_o trouble_n division_n and_o schism_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v invade_v and_o perplex_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o within_o themselves_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o have_v decay_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o order_n insensible_o prevail_v in_o many_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n first_o one_o grow_v remiss_a in_o attend_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o another_o first_o to_o one_o degree_n then_o to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v infect_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n will_v either_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o that_o offend_v or_o it_o will_v warn_v other_o and_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v either_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v heb._n 3_o chap._n 12._o 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o also_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o such_o as_o who_o inward_a or_o outward_a condition_n do_v expose_v they_o unto_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trial_n in_o their_o sickness_n that_o be_v the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o tempt_v in_o any_o kind_n this_o in_o general_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a church-duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o institution_n and_o one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a relief_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v add_v much_o unto_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o order_n and_o be_v a_o abide_n reserve_v with_o relief_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o outward_a condition_n expose_v they_o to_o strait_n and_o sorrow_n in_o such_o a_o season_n i_o add_v hereunto_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o visitation_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v unto_o restraint_n and_o imprisonment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n adherence_n unto_o church-assembly_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o pastoral_n or_o office-duty_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o case_n wherewith_o we_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a nor_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v some_o look_n on_o this_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o their_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n will_v allow_v they_o provide_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o those_o who_o they_o visit_v and_o inoffensive_a unto_o other_o but_o this_o duty_n diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o elder_n represent_v therein_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o prisoner_n be_v a_o great_a spring_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o elder_n may_v the_o church_n be_v acquaint_v what_o yet_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n on_o their_o account_n the_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o be_v most_o eminent_a 6._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o give_v direction_n unto_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o make_n provision_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v principal_o executive_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o inquisition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n with_o the_o warn_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o liberality_n for_o their_o supply_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n 7._o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o through_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o affliction_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v multiply_v among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o relief_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n if_o any_o supply_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o bounty_n of_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deposit_v with_o these_o elder_n and_o dispose_v according_a to_o their_o advice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.30_o 8._o it_o be_v also_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o peculiar_a inspection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o way_n and_o their_o walk_n to_o acquaint_v the_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o present_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o his_o business_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o minister_v unto_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n their_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n and_o apply_v not_o himself_o in_o his_o ministry_n to_o search_v out_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o their_o edification_n he_o fight_v uncertain_o in_o his_o whole_a work_n as_o a_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n but_o whereas_o their_o obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n confine_v they_o much_o unto_o a_o retirement_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n they_o can_v by_o themselves_o obtain_v that_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o whole_a flock_n but_o that_o other_o may_v great_o assist_v therein_o from_o their_o daily_a inspection_n converse_n and_o observation_n 9_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o meet_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o teaching-elders_a about_o such_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o consent_n and_o compliance_n hence_o nothing_o crude_a or_o indigested_a nothing_o unsuit_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v propose_v therein_o so_o to_o give_v occasion_n unto_o contest_v or_o jangle_n dispute_v contrary_a unto_o order_n or_o decency_n but_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n 10._o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o any_o diotrephes_n in_o office_n or_o without_o it_o 11._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n to_o consult_v together_o with_o the_o other_o elder_n concern_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o their_o preservation_n from_o violence_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ._n 12._o whereas_o there_o
that_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 3.13_o do_v purchase_n or_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o step_n a_o degree_n a_o seat_n a_o little_a exalt_v and_o metaphorical_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o denote_v dignity_n and_o authority_n this_o good_a degree_n which_o deacon_n may_v obtain_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o the_o office_n of_o presbytery_n this_o they_o shall_v be_v promote_v unto_o in_o the_o church_n from_o deacon_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v presbyter_n i_o can_v comply_v with_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o 1._o the_o office_n of_o presbytery_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a work_n no_o where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a degree_n 2._o the_o difference_n between_o a_o deacon_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o order_n a_o deacon_n make_v a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o advance_v unto_o a_o further_a degree_n in_o his_o own_o order_n but_o leave_v it_o for_o another_o 3._o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v not_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o office_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o a_o hindrance_n of_o it_o for_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o provide_v and_o disposal_n of_o earthly_a thing_n in_o a_o serve_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o private_a of_o the_o poor_a but_o preparation_n for_o the_o ministry_n consist_v in_o a_o man_n giving_z himself_o unto_o study_n prayer_n and_o meditation_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v my_o conjecture_n on_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v respect_n unto_o church-order_n with_o decency_n therein_o in_o both_o these_o expression_n shall_v purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o seat_n raise_v in_o a_o assembly_n to_o hear_v or_o speak_v so_o say_v the_o schol._n on_o sophoc_n oed._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n or_o church_n meet_v be_v divide_v round_o about_o with_o seat_n in_o degree_n some_o above_o other_o where_o all_o that_o meet_v might_n without_o trouble_n hear_v he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n as_o they_o sit_v and_o countenance_n be_v give_v hereunto_o by_o what_o be_v observe_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o sit_v in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n so_o ambrose_n traditio_fw-la est_fw-la synagogae_fw-la ut_fw-la sedentes_fw-la disputarent_fw-la siniores_fw-la dignitate_fw-la in_o cathedris_fw-la subsequentes_fw-la in_o subselliis_fw-la novissimi_fw-la in_o pavimento_fw-la it_o be_v the_o tradition_n or_o order_n of_o the_o synogogue_n that_o the_o elder_n in_o dignity_n or_o office_n shall_v discourse_v sit_v in_o chair_n the_o next_o order_n on_o form_n or_o bench_n and_o the_o last_o on_o the_o floor_n so_o speak_v philo_n before_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o we_o meet_v in_o sacred_a place_n place_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o young_a sort_n according_a to_o their_o quality_n sit_v in_o order_n under_o the_o elder_n and_o this_o james_n the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o in_o the_o primitive_a assembly_n of_o the_o christian_a jew_n for_o reprove_v their_o partiality_n in_o accept_v of_o man_n person_n prefer_v the_o rich_a immoderate_o before_o the_o poor_a he_o instance_v in_o their_o dispose_n of_o they_o unto_o seat_n in_o their_o assembly_n they_o say_v unto_o the_o rich_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sit_v thou_o here_o in_o a_o good_a place_n that_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o best_a degree_n and_o to_o the_o poor_a stand_v thou_o there_o on_o the_o floor_n or_o sit_v at_o my_o footstool_n without_o respect_n unto_o those_o other_o qualification_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v wherefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o church-assembly_n and_o the_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o intend_v may_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o a_o place_n of_o some_o eminency_n in_o the_o church-assembly_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o such_o deacon_n where_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n they_o may_v assist_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n if_o any_o shall_v rather_o think_v that_o both_o of_o the_o expression_n do_v signify_v a_o increase_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a consequence_n of_o man_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o many_o deacon_n of_o old_a be_v eminent_a unto_o martyrdom_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v against_o it_o 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v qualification_n express_o require_v in_o the_o wife_n of_o deacon_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a not_o slanderer_n sober_a faithful_a in_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 3.12_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v before_o their_o call_n to_o office_n suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v fall_v from_o the_o faith_n as_o become_a papist_n socinian_o or_o quaker_n whether_o their_o husband_n may_v be_v continue_v in_o their_o office_n ans._n 1._o he_o who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n faithful_o discharge_v his_o office_n may_v be_v continue_v therein_o yea_o though_o his_o wife_n shall_v be_v actual_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o church_n every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n he_o reject_v we_o not_o for_o what_o we_o can_v remedy_v the_o sin_v person_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o judgement_n 2._o such_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o a_o husband_n that_o as_o little_a offence_n as_o possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n by_o his_o wife_n when_o she_o lose_v the_o qualification_n of_o not_o be_v a_o slanderer_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o such_o apostate_n 3._o may_v a_o deacon_n be_v dismiss_v from_o his_o office_n whole_o after_o he_o have_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n ans._n 1._o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o office_n be_v only_o the_o convenience_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o accommodation_n the_o continuation_n of_o man_n in_o this_o office_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o church_n at_o any_o time_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n they_o may_v upon_o his_o desire_n discharge_v he_o of_o his_o office._n 2._o thing_n may_v so_o fall_v out_o with_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n with_o respect_n unto_o either_o their_o person_n in_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o infirmity_n or_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a any_o long_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n in_o which_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v release_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o work_n and_o duty_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o limit_a season_n suppose_v for_o a_o year_n only_o wherefore_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o a_o man_n on_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v dismiss_v at_o any_o time_n from_o his_o office_n though_o he_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o unto_o it_o 4._o a_o deacon_n by_o unfaithfulness_n and_o other_o offence_n may_v forfeit_v his_o office_n and_o be_v just_o exclude_v from_o it_o lose_v all_o his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o on_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v dismiss_v whole_o from_o it_o 5._o for_o any_o one_o to_o desert_n his_o office_n ☜_o through_o forwardness_n covetousness_n sloth_n or_o negligence_n be_v a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o 6._o he_o who_o desire_v a_o dismission_n from_o his_o office_n aught_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o hold_v may_v be_v due_o supply_v and_o love_v continue_v between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n 4._o how_o many_o deacon_n may_v there_o be_v in_o one_o congregation_n ans._n as_o many_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o they_o may_v be_v at_o all_o time_n increase_v as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o many_o as_o that_o none_o of_o the_o poor_a be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n nor_o the_o work_n be_v make_v burdensome_a unto_o themselves_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o deacon_n towards_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n whereas_o the_o care_n of_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
judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n yea_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n witness_v that_o continue_v in_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n if_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o be_v animadvert_v on_o be_v dubious_a or_o disputable_a whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o especial_o such_o a_o sin_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v or_o from_o other_o circumstance_n so_o as_o that_o the_o guilty_a person_n be_v not_o self-condemned_n nor_o be_v other_o full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o mind_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o excommunication_n in_o such_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v to_o be_v apply_v towards_o any_o sin_n but_o such_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o will_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v make_v difficult_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n unfit_a for_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o will_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o prostitute_v unto_o litigious_a brawl_n quarrel_n and_o difference_n wherein_o interest_n and_o partiality_n may_v take_v place_n which_o be_v to_o profane_v this_o divine_a institution_n but_o confine_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o persist_v in_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a from_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n proceed_v that_o horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o excommunication_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o which_o for_o sundry_a age_n prevail_v in_o the_o world._n for_o as_o it_o be_v most_o apply_v unto_o thing_n holy_a just_a and_o good_a or_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o gospel_n duty_n as_o man_n owe_v to_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o irregularity_n that_o be_v make_v such_o mere_o by_o the_o arbitrary_a constitution_n and_o law_n of_o man_n and_o that_o in_o case_n frivolous_a trifle_a and_o of_o no_o importance_n it_o be_v find_v necessary_a to_o be_v manage_v in_o and_o by_o such_o court_n such_o process_n such_o form_n of_o law_n such_o plead_n and_o intricacy_n of_o craft_n such_o a_o burden_n of_o cost_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o bewail_v or_o deride_v 2._o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o sin_n unto_o the_o particular_a offender_n be_v confess_v or_o not_o deny_v or_o clear_o prove_v how_o far_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v and_o what_o ground_n of_o procedure_v there_o may_v be_v in_o report_n or_o fame_n concur_v with_o lead_v circumstance_n we_o shall_v inquire_v afterward_o and_o although_o in_o such_o case_n of_o public_a fame_n a_o good_a testimony_n from_o those_o of_o credit_n and_o repute_v in_o the_o church_n give_v unto_o the_o suppose_a guilty_a person_n be_v of_o use_n and_o sufficient_a in_o some_o case_n single_o to_o oppose_v unto_o public_a report_n yet_o to_o require_v a_o man_n to_o purge_v himself_o by_o other_o from_o any_o feign_a scandalous_a imputation_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a tyranny_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o the_o previous_a process_n in_o and_o by_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n and_o that_o repeat_v with_o patient_a wait_v for_o the_o success_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v due_o premise_v whether_o this_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o ordinary_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o to_o leave_v he_o without_o either_o provocation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o excuse_v in_o himself_o so_o suit_v to_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o sinner_n so_o requisite_a unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o their_o proceedure_n as_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o will_v probable_o render_v the_o sentence_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a a_o cry_v out_o i_o admonish_v a_o first_o a_o second_o a_o three_o time_n and_o so_o to_o excommunication_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a observation_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v censure_v as_o unto_o his_o profession_n of_o repentance_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o obstinacy_n on_o the_o other_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o love_n and_o compassion_n there_o be_v few_o who_o be_v so_o profligate_o wicked_a but_o that_o when_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v be_v evident_o such_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o when_o it_o be_v just_o prove_v against_o they_o they_o will_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n whether_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o in_o most_o case_n it_o be_v to_o suspend_v the_o present_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n or_o quite_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o upon_o consideration_n of_o present_a circumstance_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o own_o edification_n only_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v continual_o observe_v that_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o haste_n or_o undue_a precipitation_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v in_o all_o these_o case_n as_o the_o bane_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n again_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o hereunto_o be_v require_v 1._o prayer_n without_o which_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o administration_n of_o any_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o prayer_n be_v a_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n hereof_o in_o any_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v other_o be_v a_o open_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o their_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o without_o any_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n without_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n thereby_o engage_v his_o presence_n and_o authority_n in_o what_o they_o do_v be_v that_o principal_o which_o have_v set_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mankind_n at_o liberty_n from_o any_o concernment_n in_o this_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o whence_o those_o that_o administer_v it_o expect_v no_o other_o success_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o can_v give_v it_o by_o outward_a force_n and_o where_o this_o fail_v excommunication_n be_v quick_o lay_v aside_o as_o it_o be_v when_o the_o pope_n threaten_v the_o canton_n of_o the_o swisser_n that_o if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o some_o of_o his_o imposition_n he_o will_v excommunicate_v they_o whereon_o they_o send_v he_o word_n they_o will_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o end_v the_o matter_n wherefore_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v direct_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o ask_v assistance_n by_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o this_o sentence_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o call_v on_o his_o name_n in_o brief_a without_o prayer_n neither_o be_v the_o ordinance_n itself_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o meet_a to_o administer_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n either_o own_v or_o engage_v nor_o divine_a assistance_n attain_v neither_o be_v what_o be_v do_v any_o more_o excommunication_n than_o any_o rash_a curse_n be_v so_o that_o many_o proceed_v inordinate_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o men._n and_o the_o prayer_n require_v herein_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o mistake_n when_o man_n act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o engage_v his_o authority_n in_o what_o he_o will_v not_o own_o and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v liable_a
unto_o such_o mistake_n where_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n only_o 2._o in_o or_o together_o with_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o that_o what_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n may_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end._n 3_o it_o must_v be_v follow_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n all_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o humiliation_n repentance_n healing_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n 2_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o lamentation_n or_o mourn_v so_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o mourn_v that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o mourning_n and_o himself_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n from_o this_o adjunct_n his_o bewail_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o that_o have_v sin_v already_o 2_o cor._n 12.2_o compassion_n for_o the_o person_n offend_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n whereinto_o he_o have_v cast_v himself_o the_o excision_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o who_o they_o have_v have_v communion_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o fall_n aught_o to_o ingenerate_v this_o mourn_a or_o lamentation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v for_o any_o church_n to_o proceed_v thereunto_o before_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v 3_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o christ._n for_o we_o herein_o judge_v for_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o who_o dare_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n without_o a_o persuasion_n on_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o there_o be_v a_o representation_n also_o in_o it_o of_o the_o future_a judgement_n when_o christ_n will_v eternal_o cut_v off_o and_o separate_v from_o himself_o all_o hypocrite_n and_o impenitent_a sinner_n this_o be_v well_o express_v by_o tertullian_n ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n name_n &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la ita_fw-la d_o liquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la a_o communicatione_n orationis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la apol._n cap._n 39_o be_v this_o duty_n observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o preservative_n against_o that_o intermixture_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o corrupt_a end_n which_o often_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n last_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n be_v corrective_a not_o vindicative_a for_o heal_v not_o destruction_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o principal_o concern_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o to_o render_v it_o effectual_a be_v plain_o evident_a of_o what_o use_n a_o significant_fw-la and_o capias_fw-la may_v be_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v not_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o do_v fire_n and_o faggot_n do_v so_o prayer_n for_o the_o person_n cut_v off_o admonition_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v compassion_n in_o his_o distress_a estate_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o deplorable_a if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o forbearance_n from_o common_a converse_n with_o readiness_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o contain_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v just_o excommunicate_a what_o far_o belong_v unto_o this_o head_n of_o church-rule_n or_o order_n shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n or_o inquiry_n wherein_o also_o some_o thing_n only_o mention_v already_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n before_o whether_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o by_o who_o it_o be_v desire_v i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n herein_o though_o i_o shall_v alter_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a it_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o i_o now_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n wherefore_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n both_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a interest_n for_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o which_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o exercise_v it_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o null_a there_o be_v therefore_o no_o distinction_n or_o distribution_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o especial_a duty_n 2._o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a society_n for_o its_o especial_a end_n do_v not_o deprive_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a right_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n there_o be_v in_o every_o community_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n a_o natural_a right_n and_o power_n to_o expel_v those_o from_o its_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n new_a as_o unto_o the_o way_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o original_a radical_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o gainer_n by_o that_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v in_o particular_a appoint_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n or_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n commit_v the_o care_n thereof_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o can_v be_v well_o understand_v that_o thereby_o he_o shall_v deprive_v the_o church_n of_o its_o right_n and_o forbid_v they_o their_o duty_n in_o preserve_v their_o society_n entire_a and_o pure_a neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v unto_o any_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o neglect_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v continue_v in_o it_o unto_o its_o sin_n and_o defilement_n the_o church_n itself_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n express_o charge_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n with_o sin_n and_o neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o it_o for_o none_o can_v incur_v a_o gild_n mere_o by_o the_o defect_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n 3._o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v officer_n in_o every_o church_n but_o the_o church_n in_o that_o state_n have_v power_n to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o and_o their_o communion_n a_o obstinate_a offender_n they_o have_v it_o as_o they_o be_v a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n wherein_o this_o come_v short_a of_o authoritative_a excommunication_n will_v immediate_o appear_v 4._o where_o a_o church_n be_v complete_a and_o organise_v with_o its_o state_v ruler_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v yet_o rule_n instruction_n and_o command_n be_v give_v express_o unto_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o act_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o offender_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o yea_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o infliction_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v
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
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
communion_n will_v frequent_o meet_v in_o synod_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o they_o all_o and_o to_o give_v advice_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o what_o be_v amiss_o the_o due_a preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o worship_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o power_n demonstration_n and_o fruit_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n 2._o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o synod_n among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o general_a end_n of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o church_n catholic_n and_o that_o 1._o to_o prevent_v division_n from_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o the_o first_o christian_a synod_n be_v a_o assembly_n of_o the_o two_o first_o church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o delegate_n the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v at_o antioch_n to_o prevent_v division_n and_o to_o preserve_v communion_n between_o they_o be_v the_o first_o synod_n celebrate_v act._n 15._o 2._o to_o avoid_v or_o cure_v offence_n against_o mutual_a love_n among_o they_o 3._o to_o advance_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o joint_a confession_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o faith._n 4._o to_o give_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n against_o pernicious_a heresy_n or_o error_n whereby_o the_o faith_n of_o any_o be_v overthrow_v or_o in_o danger_n so_o to_o be_v 5._o to_o relieve_v such_o by_o advice_n as_o may_v be_v by_o any_o diotrephes_n undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o have_v be_v use_v may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o volume_n write_v concern_v they_o and_o the_o numberless_a law_n enact_v in_o they_o whereof_o very_o little_o belong_v unto_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o real_a communion_n of_o church_n 3._o the_o measure_n or_o extent_n of_o they_o arise_v from_o concernment_n and_o convenience_n all_o unprejudiced_a person_n do_v now_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o pretence_n of_o ecumenical_a council_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o earth_n or_o all_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v represent_v and_o so_o oblige_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o determination_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v in_o particular_a how_o every_o one_o of_o they_o which_o have_v in_o vulgar_a esteem_n obtain_v that_o title_n be_v open_o remote_a from_o so_o be_v such_o council_n never_o be_v and_o as_o it_o be_v improbable_a never_o will_v nor_o can_v be_v nor_o be_v any_o way_n needful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n their_o due_a measure_n and_o bound_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v give_v they_o by_o concernment_n and_o convenience_n wherein_o respect_n also_o may_v be_v have_v unto_o the_o ability_n of_o some_o church_n to_o promote_v edification_n above_o other_o such_o church_n as_o be_v in_o the_o same_o instance_n concern_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o before_o declare_v and_o may_v be_v helpful_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v be_v to_o convene_v in_o such_o synod_n and_o this_o concernment_n may_v be_v either_o from_o some_o of_o those_o cause_n in_o themselves_o or_o from_o that_o duty_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o other_o church_n which_o be_v immediate_o concern_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o assistance_n give_v by_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o that_o case_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n with_o this_o interest_n or_o concernment_n there_o must_v be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o natural_a moral_a and_o political_a convenience_n some_o church_n be_v plant_v at_o such_o distance_n from_o other_o that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v ever_o meet_v together_o to_o advise_v by_o their_o messenger_n and_o some_o at_o such_o as_o that_o they_o can_v assemble_v but_o with_o such_o difficulty_n and_o hazard_n as_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o and_o whereas_o they_o be_v place_v under_o different_a civil_a government_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o engage_v in_o mutual_a enmity_n and_o always_o jealous_a of_o the_o act_n of_o their_o own_o subject_n in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o that_o be_v not_o so_o they_o can_v so_o convene_v and_o preserve_v the_o outward_a peace_n of_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o large_a of_o the_o council_n of_o old_a that_o be_v call_v ecumenical_a never_o pretend_v far_a than_o the_o single_a roman_a empire_n when_o there_o be_v innumerable_a church_n plant_v under_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o other_o sovereign_n wherefore_o in_o the_o assemble_v of_o church_n in_o synod_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o the_o convenience_n of_o their_o meeting_n that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a without_o trouble_n or_o danger_n and_o this_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o they_o will_v determine_v what_o church_n which_o or_o how_o many_o may_v be_v necessary_a on_o such_o occasion_n to_o constitute_v a_o synod_n and_o it_o be_v useful_a hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n which_o be_v plant_v within_o such_o a_o circumference_n as_o give_v facility_n or_o convenience_n for_o such_o convention_n shall_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n be_v in_o express_a readiness_n to_o convene_v on_o all_o occasion_n of_o common_a concernment_n again_o in_o the_o assistance_n which_o in_o the_o way_n of_o advice_n and_o counsel_n any_o one_o church_n may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o from_o other_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o their_o desire_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o be_v repute_v and_o know_v to_o have_v the_o best_a ability_n to_o give_v advice_n in_o the_o case_n on_o which_o account_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n address_v themselves_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v far_o distant_a from_o they_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o spiritual_a prudence_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n which_o although_o some_o will_v deny_v as_o the_o privilege_n of_o even_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o application_n of_o general_a scripture_n rule_v unto_o practice_n because_o we_o require_v divine_a institution_n unto_o all_o part_n of_o religious_a worship_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o decline_v from_o use_v the_o best_a we_o have_v in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n rather_o than_o comply_v with_o any_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o his_o institution_n it_o be_v the_o roman_a empire_n under_o one_o monarch_n in_o its_o civil_a distribution_n for_o rule_n and_o government_n which_o give_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o occasion_n unto_o a_o pretend_a visible_o rule_v catholic_n church_n under_o one_o spiritual_a monarch_n distribute_v into_o those_o that_o be_v patriarchal_a diocesan_n metropolitical_n and_o other_o of_o inferior_a kind_n for_o retain_v the_o people_n in_o their_o civil_a distribution_n whereinto_o they_o be_v cast_v according_a to_o the_o polity_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o empire_n there_o be_v ecclesiastical_a officer_n assign_v unto_o each_o distribution_n answerable_a unto_o the_o civil_a officer_n which_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o empire_n so_o in_o answer_n unto_o deputy_n exarch_n praefect_n governor_n of_o province_n and_o city_n there_o be_v find_v out_o and_o erect_v patriarch_n metropolitan_o diocesan_n in_o various_a allotment_n of_o territory_n and_o power_n require_v unto_o their_o complete_a state_n one_o visible_a monarchical_a head_n as_o the_o empire_n have_v which_o be_v the_o pope_n and_o whereas_o the_o emperor_n have_v not_o only_o a_o civil_a rule_n and_o power_n but_o a_o military_a also_o exercise_v under_o they_o by_o legate_n general_n tribunes_z centurion_n and_o the_o like_a so_o there_o be_v raise_v a_o ecclesiastical_a militia_n in_o various_a order_n of_o monk_n friar_n and_o votary_n of_o all_o sort_n who_o under_o their_o immediate_a general_n and_o praefect_n do_v depend_v absolute_o on_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o new_a ecclesiastical_a monarch_n so_o be_v the_o visible_a profess_v church_n mould_v and_o fashion_v into_o a_o image_n of_o the_o old_a roman_a pagan_a empire_n as_o it_o be_v foretell_v it_o shall_v be_v revel_v 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o although_o this_o image_n be_v first_o frame_v in_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o for_o a_o resemblance_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o substitute_v itself_o entire_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o empire_n take_v all_o its_o power_n unto_o itself_o and_o do_v all_o its_o work_n from_o this_o distribution_n of_o various_a sort_n of_o new-framed_a church_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n arise_v a_o constitution_n of_o synod_n or_o council_n in_o subordination_n one_o unto_o another_o until_o by_o sundry_a degree_n of_o ascent_n they_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
such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o full_a communion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o those_o who_o be_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n no_o doubt_v the_o church_n in_o its_o officer_n may_v and_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_a when_o it_o be_v neglect_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n as_o such_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o family_n which_o without_o a_o inspection_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n they_o can_v do_v 2._o household_n be_v constant_o reckon_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n luk._n 19.9_o act._n 16.15_o rom._n 16.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 2_o tim._n 4.19_o 3._o child_n to_o belong_v unto_o and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n not_o only_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o give_v they_o right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n covenant_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a until_o they_o voluntary_o relinquish_v their_o claim_n unto_o they_o 4._o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n give_v they_o thereby_o a_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n put_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v meet_a member_n of_o it_o by_o a_o due_a watch_n over_o they_o and_o instruction_n of_o they_o 5._o though_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o privilege_n be_v continue_v and_o preserve_v as_o of_o old_a by_o carnal_a generation_n yet_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o gracious_a education_n in_o such_o family_n and_o of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o depend_v on_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n out_o of_o the_o family_n already_o incorporate_v in_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o mamaluke_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n unto_o natural_a successor_n but_o it_o be_v continual_o make_v up_o of_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n incorporate_v into_o it_o nor_o like_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a common-weal_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n only_o be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o one_o age_n alone_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n consist_v 1._o in_o prayer_n for_o they_o 2._o catechetical_a instruction_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o their_o capacity_n 3._o advice_n to_o their_o parent_n concern_v they_o 4._o visit_v of_o they_o in_o the_o family_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 5._o encouragement_n of_o they_o or_o admonition_n according_a as_o there_o be_v occasion_n 6._o direction_n for_o a_o due_a preparation_n unto_o the_o join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o full_a communion_n 7._o exclusion_n of_o they_o from_o a_o claim_n unto_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o especial_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o render_v themselves_o visible_o unmeet_a for_o they_o and_o unworthy_a of_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n bring_v unconceivable_a prejudice_n unto_o church_n and_o if_o continue_v in_o will_v prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v propagate_v and_o continue_v at_o the_o easy_a rate_n of_o a_o constant_a supply_n by_o the_o carnal_a baptize_v posterity_n of_o those_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n just_o or_o unjust_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o meet_a supply_n of_o member_n by_o all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n who_o administration_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o and_o beside_o one_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o family_n once_o gracious_o take_v thereinto_o the_o neglect_n therefore_o herein_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o it_o do_v arise_v 1._o from_o a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o most_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o paucity_n of_o officer_n in_o most_o church_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v who_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 3._o the_o want_n of_o a_o teacher_n or_o catechist_n in_o every_o church_n who_o shall_v attend_v only_o unto_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n 4._o want_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o parent_n and_o master_n 1._o in_o not_o value_v aright_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n under_o the_o inspection_n care_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o not_o instil_v into_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o with_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o not_o bring_v they_o due_o unto_o the_o church_n assembly_n 4._o in_o not_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o unto_o a_o actual_a entrance_n into_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o not_o advise_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o 6._o especial_o by_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o that_o loose_a and_o careless_a kind_n of_o education_n in_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n which_o general_o prevail_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o on_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n drop_v off_o here_o and_o there_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o relation_n thereunto_o without_o the_o least_o respect_n unto_o they_o or_o enquiry_n after_o they_o church_n be_v supply_v by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o convert_v in_o they_o where_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o the_o kind_n and_o number_n of_o their_o officer_n sufficient_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o where_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v dedicate_v unto_o god_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a capacity_n of_o those_o whereof_o they_o do_v consist_v where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o its_o own_o successive_a continuation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o family_n take_v thereinto_o where_o parent_n esteem_v themselves_o accountable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o child_n thereunto_o there_o be_v provision_n for_o church_n order_n usefulness_n and_o beauty_n beyond_o what_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v observe_v 2._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n may_v be_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n the_o church_n be_v exceed_o careful_a not_o to_o admit_v into_o their_o society_n such_o as_o by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v unto_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o persecute_v adversary_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o care_n they_o can_v seldom_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o when_o persecution_n grow_v severe_a some_o or_o other_o will_v fall_v from_o they_o either_o out_o of_o fear_n with_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n or_o by_o a_o discovery_n of_o their_o latent_fw-la hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o their_o great_a trial_n and_o distress_n however_o they_o be_v not_o so_o scrupulous_a herein_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o exclude_v such_o as_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o sincerity_n but_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n commit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v on_o such_o occasion_n wherefore_o 2._o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n there_o or_o in_o any_o place_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a under_o first_o the_o pagan_a and_o afterward_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v into_o its_o care_n and_o communion_n all_o such_o as_o 1._o flee_v from_o idol_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n against_o they_o with_o suffer_v 2._o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o person_n and_o office_n be_v 3._o free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o 4._o be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o
their_o judgement_n absolute_o in_o any_o case_n and_o in_o many_o their_o determination_n may_v be_v so_o doubtful_a as_o not_o to_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o be_v censure_v but_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o only_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n also_o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o judge_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n therein_o if_o he_o do_v desire_v it_o and_o this_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o such_o synod_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o describe_v 6._o synod_n be_v consecrate_a unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o guidance_n of_o the_o first_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v give_v by_o they_o under_o the_o infallible_a conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 15._o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v far_o unto_o immediate_o have_v see_v the_o original_a of_o church_n synod_n or_o their_o formal_a cause_n we_o consider_v also_o their_o material_a cause_n or_o the_o subject_a matter_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o or_o determine_v in_o they_o and_o this_o in_o general_n be_v every_o thing_n wherein_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o when_o any_o thing_n fall_v out_o among_o they_o which_o otherwise_o will_v disturb_v that_o communion_n and_o hereof_o some_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o church_n have_v mutual_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith._n if_o any_o doubt_n or_o difference_n do_v arise_v about_o it_o any_o opinion_n be_v advance_v contrary_a unto_o it_o either_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n which_o they_o can_v determine_v among_o themselves_o or_o among_o sundry_a church_n the_o last_o outward_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o and_o of_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o error_n and_o opinion_n contrary_a unto_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n be_v by_o these_o synod_n or_o council_n the_o care_n hereof_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o first_o place_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o be_v at_o large_a before_o declare_v but_o in_o case_n through_o the_o subtlety_n prevalency_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o by_o who_o damnable_a doctrine_n be_v broach_v the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v not_o able_a to_o rebuke_v and_o suppress_v they_o nor_o to_o maintain_v its_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o by_o suffer_v such_o thing_n in_o one_o church_n other_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v infect_v or_o defile_v this_o be_v the_o last_o external_a refuge_n that_o be_v leave_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o same_o faith._n we_o have_v multiply_v example_n hereof_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o these_o synod_n into_o superstition_n and_o domination_n such_o be_v eminent_o that_o gather_v at_o antioch_n for_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o heresy_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n wherein_o every_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o itself_o and_o among_o its_o own_o member_n there_o be_v schism_n division_n strife_n and_o contention_n in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o apostolical_a plant_n and_o water_v so_o there_o be_v at_o antioch_n and_o afterward_o at_o corinth_n as_o also_o of_o some_o of_o the_o church_n in_o galatia_n the_o duty_n of_o remedy_v and_o heal_v these_o division_n and_o difference_n from_o what_o cause_n soever_o they_o arise_v be_v first_o incumbent_n on_o each_o particular_a member_n in_o every_o such_o church_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v give_v in_o charge_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o do_v perform_v their_o duty_n in_o love_n a_o end_n will_v be_v put_v unto_o all_o strife_n in_o case_n of_o failure_n therein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v charge_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n authority_n and_o wisdom_n to_o rebuke_v and_o compose_v such_o difference_n but_o in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o other_o church_n walk_v in_o actual_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n wherein_o the_o difference_n be_v arisen_a and_o thereon_o concern_v in_o their_o prosperity_n and_o edification_n by_o their_o messenger_n and_o delegate_n be_v the_o last_o outward_a mean_n for_o its_o composure_n 3._o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o male_a administration_n of_o discipline_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v be_v injure_v as_o suppose_v they_o be_v undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o some_o diotrephes_n or_o that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n make_v a_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n give_v they_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n the_o person_n injure_v have_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o edification_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church-administrations_a that_o the_o proceed_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v renew_v by_o a_o synod_n and_o a_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o case_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v leave_v without_o relief_n which_o be_v undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o diotrephes_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n hereof_o but_o only_o by_o synod_n but_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o 4._o the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n with_o respect_n unto_o worship_n as_o also_o of_o manner_n and_o conversation_n if_o it_o be_v report_v or_o know_v by_o credible_a testimony_n that_o any_o church_n have_v admit_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n any_o thing_n superstitious_a or_o vain_a or_o if_o the_o member_n of_o it_o walk_v like_o those_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3.18_o 19_o unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n itself_o not_o endeavour_v its_o own_o reformation_n and_o repentance_n other_o church_n walk_v in_o communion_n therewith_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o more_o private_a way_n for_o its_o reduction_n as_o opportunity_n and_o duty_n may_v suggest_v unto_o their_o elder_n aught_o to_o assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n either_o as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o far_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o it_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o its_o evil_a way_n the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o gospel_n worship_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n in_o its_o power_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o apostasy_n of_o they_o all_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o negligence_n instead_o of_o be_v helpful_a one_o to_o another_o for_o their_o mutual_a recovery_n and_o the_o revival_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v they_o gradual_o infect_v one_o another_o according_a as_o they_o fall_v into_o their_o decay_n and_o countenance_v one_o another_o by_o their_o example_n unto_o a_o continuance_n in_o such_o disorder_n the_o image_n which_o in_o late_a age_n be_v set_v up_o hereof_o in_o diocesan_n and_o metropolitical_a visitation_n and_o those_o of_o lesser_a district_n under_o officer_n of_o anti-christian_n name_n have_v be_v useful_a rather_o unto_o destruction_n than_o edification_n but_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o most_o thing_n concern_v church-order_n worship_n and_o discipline_n the_o power_n and_o spirituality_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v lose_v a_o machine_n have_v be_v frame_v to_o make_v a_o appearance_n and_o representation_n of_o they_o to_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o inquire_v after_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o experience_n of_o their_o efficacy_n consider_v what_o we_o have_v learn_v in_o these_o late_a age_n by_o woeful_a experience_n of_o what_o have_v fall_v out_o former_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o their_o degeneracy_n from_o gospel_n worship_n and_o holiness_n with_o the_o abound_v of_o temptation_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o the_o spiritual_a decay_n that_o all_o church_n be_v prone_a unto_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o if_o those_o church_n which_o do_v walk_v in_o express_a