synagogue_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o pope_n as_o peter_n successor_n and_o of_o the_o indeficiency_n of_o their_o church_n as_o build_v upon_o peter_n when_o as_o neither_o have_v peter_n himself_o any_o such_o privilege_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o story_n in_o this_o 16_o of_o matthew_n evince_v the_o contrary_a v._o 23._o nor_o by_o the_o rock_n whereupon_o christ_n build_v his_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o person_n of_o peter_n or_o peter_n confession_n personal_o as_o it_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o but_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v real_o in_o itself_o and_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o to_o all_o visible_a believer_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o confirm_v 1._o because_o peter_n confession_n must_v have_v relation_n to_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o confess_v but_o peter_n confess_v not_o himself_o but_o christ_n say_v thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n therefore_o his_o confession_n have_v relation_n to_o christ_n not_o to_o himself_o 2._o because_o peter_n confess_v no_o more_o than_o that_o which_o he_o know_v the_o other_o disciple_n believe_v before_o he_o speak_v for_o christ_n question_n be_v general_a what_o say_v you_o peter_n answer_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o apostle_n before_o he_o speak_v believe_v christ_n confess_v and_o not_o peter_n confess_v 3._o because_o this_o rock_n be_v that_o confession_n whereupon_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v true_o believe_v that_o which_o peter_n confess_v viz._n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o confess_v or_o profess_v it_o in_o due_a order_n be_v according_o build_v on_o this_o rock_n though_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o peter_n name_n therefore_o the_o confession_n right_o understand_v have_v relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n 4._o because_o the_o rock_n signify_v that_o which_o be_v immovable_a and_o impregnable_a such_o as_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n but_o peter_n confession_n be_v movable_a and_o shake_v at_o one_o time_n thrice_o deny_v this_o confession_n of_o his_o lord_n therefore_o this_o confession_n which_o christ_n call_v the_o rock_n have_v not_o relation_n to_o peter_n but_o only_o to_o christ_n coral_n 2_o then_o they_o that_o will_v have_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v impregnable_a stable_n and_o firm_a against_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n must_v see_v that_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n and_o not_o upon_o humane_a form_n 1._o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n not_o the_o policy_n or_o custom_n of_o man_n 2._o loc_n 2._o exit_fw-la quo_fw-la patet_fw-la quòd_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la non_fw-la consistit_fw-la in_o hominibus_fw-la ratione_fw-la potestatis_fw-la vel_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la vel_fw-la saecularis_fw-la etc._n etc._n sed_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la personis_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la est_fw-la notitia_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o confessio_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o veritatis_fw-la lyra_n in_o loc_n that_o the_o material_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v be_v such_o as_o believe_v and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n public_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n of_o subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o and_o according_o walk_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n resist_v satan_n in_o all_o his_o temptation_n and_o machination_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v they_o without_o who_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15.5_o and_o that_o they_o improve_v careful_o and_o faithful_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o appointment_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o his_o church_n safe_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v handle_v the_o second_o part._n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o power_n give_v of_o christ_n unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o the_o second_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o the_o charter_n be_v concern_v the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o such_o church_n to_o have_v and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o establishment_n against_o the_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n mat._n 16.19_o and_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 and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n contain_v 1._o a_o grant_n of_o power_n 2._o a_o ratification_n of_o that_o grant_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o distinct_o 1._o to_o christ_n his_o grant_n of_o power_n and_o therein_o 1._o explicate_v the_o term_n by_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v 1_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o by_o the_o key_n of_o it_o 3_o what_o this_o appropriation_n or_o application_n of_o they_o import_v to_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v 1._o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v mean_v both_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n &_o glory_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n be_v also_o mean_v the_o follow_a word_n show_v when_o he_o say_v what_o you_o bound_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n 2._o by_o the_o key_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o power_n and_o be_v put_v by_o a_o metonimy_n for_o the_o subject_a the_o power_n itself_o be_v mean_v church-power_n which_o be_v either_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a in_o christ_n only_o as_o lord_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v in_o rev._n 3.7_o or_o subordinate_a and_o delegate_v such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n steward_n this_o be_v note_v by_o key_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n in_o this_o place_n which_o signify_v all_o power_n delegated_a from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v and_o administer_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o his_o house_n according_a to_o christ_n will_n and_o in_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o he_o to_o that_o end_n for_o all_o power_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n jesus_n betru_v his_o church_n aim_v at_o this_o which_o be_v here_o express_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v 3._o to_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o application_n of_o this_o grant_n be_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v upon_o himself_o believe_v on_o and_o public_o profess_v as_o peter_n do_v before_o he_o and_o his_o fellow-disciple_n in_o christ_n school_n at_o this_o time_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v more_o fit_o give_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n than_o to_o the_o church_n by_o name_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n that_o make_v this_o confession_n but_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stand_n to_o examine_v the_o sundry_a claim_n which_o have_v be_v make_v to_o this_o right_n upon_o several_a pretence_n from_o this_o text._n 1_o some_o look_v at_o peter_n as_o represent_v the_o catholic_n visible-church_n conceive_v that_o a_o general_a council_n which_o they_o say_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n representative_o be_v the_o church_n here_o mean_v to_o which_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o that_o can_v be_v for_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v and_o exercise_v the_o key_n complete_o within_o themselves_o yet_o be_v there_o no_o general_a council_n till_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n which_o be_v three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n 2._o other_o look_v at_o this_o grant_n as_o peculiar_a to_o peter_n consider_v as_o the_o prince_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o his_o successor_n but_o this_o papal_a usurpation_n the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o basil_n strong_o and_o just_o oppose_v show_v that_o the_o key_n which_o be_v here_o give_v to_o peter_n be_v in_o joh._n 20.21_o 22_o 23._o give_v to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o peter_n himself_o be_v enjoin_v in_o mat._n 18._o to_o tell_v the_o church_n 3._o other_o think_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n consider_v not_o representative_o but_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o these_o differ_v among_o themselves_o for_o some_o affirm_v it_o of_o the_o invisible_a other_o of_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n as_o for_o the_o term_n we_o know_v that_o visible_a &_o invisible_a
may_v by_o the_o eye_n which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o that_o end_n 2._o the_o confirmation_n or_o proof_n that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v double_a 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o by_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o sundry_a text_n 1._o this_o in_o hand_n clear_o confirm_v it_o if_o that_o good_a ancient_a rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n be_v receive_v dictorum_fw-la intelligentia_fw-la ex_fw-la causis_fw-la dictorum_fw-la sumenda_fw-la est_fw-la for_o christ_n question_n to_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o peter_n confession_n here_o be_v only_o concern_v the_o faith_n common_a to_o the_o church_n who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o hereupon_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o disciple_n make_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n 13._o quia_fw-la christus_fw-la petra_n petrus_n populus_fw-la christianus_n august_n in_o matth._n de_fw-fr verbis_fw-la domini_fw-la ser._n 13._o christ_n testify_v his_o approbation_n of_o it_o by_o call_v he_o peter_n not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o office_n as_o of_o his_o faith_n thus_o public_o profess_v whence_o also_o visible_a believer_n be_v call_v lively_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o christ_n add_v to_o this_o praise_n of_o peter_n a_o twofold_a promise_n 1._o of_o edify_v and_o stablish_v the_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n 2._o of_o afford_v it_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o end_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o city_n or_o house_n the_o door_n or_o gate_n whereof_o be_v christ_n the_o key_n be_v all_o institute_v mean_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n into_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n visible_o be_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o subordinate_a power_n whereof_o be_v here_o give_v to_o the_o church_n immediate_o the_o second_o text_n be_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n &_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n for_o what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o elder_n assemble_v together_o and_o act_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n for_o no_o such_o assembly_n be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n much_o less_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o they_o for_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o other_o member_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o though_o when_o they_o keep_v the_o rule_n they_o be_v as_o elder_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o congregational-church_n the_o three_o text_n be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o paul_n exhort_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o exercise_v this_o their_o power_n which_o he_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o whereby_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o incestuous_a person_n v._n 5._o and_o be_v to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n v._n 7._o and_o be_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v within_o v._n 12._o and_o to_o put_v away_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o v._n 13._o and_o this_o paul_n call_v a_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o thus_o he_o establish_v their_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o exhort_v they_o upon_o the_o man_n repentance_n to_o turn_v the_o key_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o loose_v he_o from_o the_o former_a censure_n by_o forgive_a he_o in_o a_o legal_a or_o judicial_a sense_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o and_o that_o this_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v a_o mere_a congregational-church_n it_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v no_o large_a than_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o because_o in_o such_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o power_n 1._o efficient_a the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n who_o delegate_v this_o subordinate_a power_n to_o who_o it_o please_v he_o by_o his_o own_o appointment_n 2._o the_o material_a cause_n visible_a believer_n 3._o the_o formal_a cause_n covenant_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o submit_v mutual_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v reclaim_v if_o they_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n or_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a if_o they_o be_v find_v obstinate_a 2._o because_o there_o be_v no_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n from_o whence_o a_o congregational-church_n may_v derive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n when_o other_o be_v remove_v they_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n therefore_o they_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o they_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o 2._o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o therefore_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o synod_n both_o lesser_a and_o large_a be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v their_o be_v from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o send_v they_o to_o they_o to_o borrow_v any_o church-power_n but_o only_o light_v from_o they_o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o therefore_o they_o derive_v no_o church-power_n from_o they_o again_o when_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v dead_a or_o censure_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o obstinacy_n in_o scandalous_a evil_n the_o church_n still_o retain_v its_o power_n to_o choose_v other_o as_o a_o corporation_n have_v its_o full_a power_n still_o though_o the_o magistrate_n be_v dead_a or_o cast_v out_o the_o same_o hold_v in_o church_n in_o island_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n when_o they_o can_v have_v the_o help_n of_o synod_n thus_o we_o prove_v fire_n to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n because_o if_o it_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o water_n or_o wood_n it_o be_v there_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o fire_n and_o when_o they_o be_v remove_v yet_o still_o it_o remain_v in_o fire_n the_o like_a reason_n hold_v in_o this_o as_o you_o see_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o of_o which_o we_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o of_o the_o key_n 3._o because_o all_o the_o act_n do_v immediate_o by_o the_o church_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o bind_v and_o lose_v flow_v from_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o 1._o their_o admit_v member_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o for_o till_o the_o brethren_n be_v satisfy_v and_o approve_v one_o fitness_n he_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 10.47_o 2._o their_o choose_v officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o violate_v in_o add_v deacon_n act._n 6.3_o 5._o and_o ruling-elders_a to_o the_o church_n act._n 14.23_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v much_o more_o concern_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n this_o power_n cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 4._o the_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la metuens_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maximè_fw-la habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divinâ_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 4._o people_n principal_o to_o accept_v or_o refuse_v minister_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o worthy_a or_o unworthy_a 3._o their_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o depute_v some_o choose_v out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n thereunto_o in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n reside_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n in_o general_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n as_o they_o be_v ruler_n be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o yet_o the_o invest_n of_o this_o or_o that_o elect_a person_n with_o this_o office_n &_o authority_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n by_o application_n of_o it_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a rather_o than_o to_o another_o this_o be_v by_o the_o
church-communion_n by_o believer_n join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o memberlike_a affection_n and_o fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n but_o they_o speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la but_o rather_o intimate_v the_o contrary_n for_o the_o apostle_n by_o compare_v a_o congregational-church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n entire_a in_o all_o its_o member_n show_v that_o as_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v entire_a and_o sound_a have_v complete_a power_n within_o itself_o for_o all_o bodily_a action_n so_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v organise_v and_o govern_v by_o christ_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o joint_n of_o supply_n according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o without_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o supply_v a_o superior_a church-power_n which_o be_v want_v in_o this_o body_n of_o chirist_n a_o congregational-church_n and_o as_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v sound_a and_o of_o a_o good_a constitution_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n in_o itself_o to_o purge_v out_o of_o itself_o malignant_a humour_n so_o such_o a_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o cast_v out_o vicious_a and_o hurtful_a member_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o such_o as_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n neglect_v to_o join_v as_o member_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o reveal_v will_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o but_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o subjection_n thereunto_o be_v no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a but_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v man_n invention_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o it_o may_v establish_v only_o god_n ordinance_n therein_o other_o argue_v thus_o as_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o must_v submit_v to_o combination_n so_o though_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a yet_o not_o so_o when_o it_o be_v among_o other_o church_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v not_o a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o of_o town_n or_o family_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v more_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o great_a ruâ—â—â—_n of_o the_o world_n than_o church_n be_v therefore_o civil_a society_n may_v be_v of_o several_a constitution_n have_v different_a law_n and_o privilege_n and_o admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o against_o moral_a rule_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n man_n may_v not_o alter_v the_o kind_n or_o form_n of_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v but_o must_v preserve_v inviolate_a the_o law_n administration_n privilege_n and_o church-government_n ordain_v by_o he_o without_o addition_n diminution_n or_o alteration_n hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o alienate_v from_o itself_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n any_o right_n power_n or_o privilege_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n 2._o if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o dwell_v among_o nor_o do_v he_o though_o he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n eschol_n and_o mamre_o yet_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o neither_o be_v a_o particular_a organical_a church_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o classical_a combination_n till_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o a_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o 3._o though_o several_a family_n not_o have_v complete_a government_n within_o themselves_o must_v combine_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o not_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o family-government_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n respective_o to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n much_o less_o may_v several_a congregational-churche_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o to_o pastor_n of_o sundry_a church_n combine_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o govern_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a affair_n such_o as_o admission_n of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n but_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o very_o weighty_a and_o formidable_a you_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o sovereign_a remedy_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n against_o the_o many_o disease_n whereunto_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a the_o great_a preservative_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o safety_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n as_o prove_v church-society_n to_o be_v the_o visible_a suburb_n of_o heaven_n yea_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n begin_v on_o earth_n see_v such_o a_o heavenly_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n than_o elijah_n do_v when_o he_o shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o jam._n 5.17_o for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o outward_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n but_o this_o be_v spiritual_a and_o for_o ever_o upon_o impenitent_a person_n it_o be_v great_a than_o earthly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n can_v do_v they_o can_v bind_v a_o malefactor_n hand_n and_o foot_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jailor_n and_o sentence_v he_o to_o banishment_n out_o of_o their_o dominion_n but_o this_o censure_n bind_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n and_o exclude_v obstinate_a impenitent_a sinner_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o when_o this_o censure_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o they_o to_o ratify_v his_o censure_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o bless_v it_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n if_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o liberty_n because_o they_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o church-censure_n they_o show_v their_o extreme_a folly_n therein_o for_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o forlorn_a creature_n exclude_v from_o spiritual_a help_n suitable_a to_o their_o need_n they_o be_v as_o sheep_n who_o no_o man_n take_v up_o or_o care_v for_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n isa_n 3.13_o 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n and_o much_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o they_o improve_v it_o aright_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o be_v purge_v out_o and_o heal_v by_o easy_a mean_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o see_v themselves_o as_o adam_z drive_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o the_o flame_a sword_n of_o a_o cherubin_n or_o as_o cain_n cast_v out_o from_o god_n face_n or_o as_o the_o leper_n shut_v out_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n or_o as_o that_o incestuous_a corinthian_a deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a humble_v and_o effectual_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o hold_v it_o forth_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n if_o it_o work_v not_o this_o effect_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n for_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n when_o it_o be_v not_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n so_o this_o gospel-ordinance_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o shall_v work_v one_o way_n or_o tother_o either_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a or_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v
6.13_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o rome_n have_v be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n yet_o not_o as_o they_o be_v build_v by_o christ_n or_o plant_v by_o the_o apolste_n but_o their_o degenerate_a posterity_n and_o successor_n who_o be_v not_o build_v on_o this_o rock_n but_o on_o a_o outward_a form_n and_o neglect_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o their_o safety_n the_o apostle_n paul_n forewarn_v the_o roman_n to_o beware_v of_o apostasy_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n rom._n 11.12_o they_o nevertheless_o in_o succeed_a generation_n do_v degenerate_a from_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n but_o as_o when_o god_n take_v his_o visible_a kingdom_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o unbelief_n he_o do_v not_o destroy_v his_o visible_a kingdom_n total_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o mat._n 21.43_o so_o though_o in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n against_o apostate_n he_o may_v destroy_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregational_a church_n yet_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v whole_o against_o the_o church-state_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v preserve_v he_o do_v but_o translate_v the_o candlestick_n not_o break_v it_o all_o to_o piece_n he_o do_v but_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o one_o place_n into_o another_o rev._n 2.5_o and_o still_o preserve_v it_o in_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o 3._o though_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o degree_n prevail_v against_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o prevail_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n they_o have_v prevail_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o 1._o in_o temporal_n to_o impoverish_v they_o heb._n 10.34_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o bondage_n as_o pharaoh_n do_v the_o israelite_n to_o establish_v a_o decree_n for_o their_o destruction_n as_o haman_n do_v against_o the_o jew_n to_o put_v multitude_n of_o they_o to_o death_n as_o the_o ten_o persecute_v emperor_n do_v the_o christian_n and_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o jew_n deal_v with_o christ_n 2._o in_o spiritual_n 1._o to_o scatter_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o upon_o occasion_n of_o stephen_n act._n 8.1_o and_o to_o cause_v the_o woman_n to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n rev._n 12._o 2._o to_o assault_v they_o with_o temptation_n as_o christ_n tell_v peter_n that_o satan_n have_v desire_v to_o winnow_v he_o like_o wheat_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n absolute_o and_o total_o 1._o not_o against_o all_o of_o they_o in_o smyrna_n by_o outward_a calamity_n rev._n 2.10_o nor_o against_o all_o in_o sardis_n by_o temptation_n rev._n 3.4_o 2._o nor_o total_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o unexpected_a help_n for_o the_o woman_n flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n rev._n 12.6_o 14_o 16._o to_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o remain_v on_o earth_n and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o they_o god_n will_v receive_v his_o people_n when_o outward_a subsistence_n fail_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n luke_n 16.9_o and_o when_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v to_o the_o dispersion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n build_v on_o this_o rock_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o to_o their_o destruction_n but_o tend_v to_o the_o multiplication_n and_o enlargement_n of_o particular_a church_n the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v like_o the_o dispersion_n of_o seed_n into_o the_o field_n which_o bring_v forth_o a_o more_o plentiful_a harvest_n so_o their_o dispersion_n prevail_v against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o sundry_a church_n act._n 11.19_o 21._o thus_o the_o lord_n turn_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n against_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o promise_n zach._n 12.3_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o impregnable_a stability_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n build_v upon_o this_o rock_n we_o shall_v now_o prove_v by_o reason_n that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o reas_n 1_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o invisible_a 1_o cor._n 12.27_o and_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o sound_a member_n of_o his_o body_n to_o be_v pluck_v and_o tear_v from_o it_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n he_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n heb._n 3.3_o 4._o and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v it_o when_o the_o ark_n be_v build_v by_o noah_n as_o god_n instrument_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n it_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o deluge_n he_o be_v the_o foundation_n as_o he_o be_v belive_v and_o public_o confess_v whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o church_n against_o a_o house_n so_o build_v the_o wind_n and_o wave_n can_v prevail_v matth._n 7.24_o 25._o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o promise_n give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o for_o protection_n isa_n 4.5_o 6._o where_o be_v prophesi_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o describe_v god_n protection_n over_o they_o by_o a_o twofold_a allusion_n 1._o by_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o fire_n that_o protect_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n from_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n 2._o by_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o holy_a thing_n in_o it_o from_o all_o injury_n of_o weather_n exod._n 26.14_o rev._n 7.16_o and_o his_o power_n be_v engage_v to_o perform_v his_o promise_n joh._n 10.28_o 29._o and_o his_o providence_n will_v order_v all_o issue_n and_o event_n thereunto_o isa_n 54.16_o 17._o mat._n 28.18_o 20._o 2ly_n for_o victory_n rom._n 16.20_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v tread_v satan_n under_o their_o foot_n he_o will_v see_v to_o it_o that_o satan_n shall_v not_o tread_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o title_n give_v to_o particular_a visible_a church_n they_o be_v frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o heaven_n they_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n have_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n by_o a_o oath_n psal_n 89.35_o 36._o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n herein_o he_o call_v the_o sun_n and_o moon_n to_o be_v witness_n vers_fw-la 37._o the_o sun_n may_v be_v cloud_v sometime_o and_o moon_n be_v sometime_o in_o the_o full_a sometime_o in_o the_o wane_n but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n 56._o dr._n whitt_n ad_fw-la rat._n camp_n resp_n p._n 56._o semper_fw-la &_o fuisse_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la &_o futuram_fw-la deinceps_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la dubitamus_fw-la quanquam_fw-la ejus_fw-la aspectum_fw-la aliquando_fw-la illustrem_fw-la ut_fw-la conspici_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la possit_fw-la aliquando_fw-la tantâ_fw-la caligine_fw-la ut_fw-la vix_fw-la agnoscas_fw-la obscuratam_fw-la esse_fw-la fateamur_fw-la and_o it_o belong_v to_o christ_n to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n who_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o than_o to_o bruise_v his_o hâ—el_n gen._n 3.15_o he_o be_v that_o little_a stone_n that_o break_v the_o image_n to_o piece_n which_o represent_v the_o monarchy_n and_o power_n whereby_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n seek_v to_o prevail_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n dan._n 2.45_o christ_n church_n be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o nation_n isa_n 56.7_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o change_n of_o jacob_n name_n who_o by_o prayer_n obtain_v victory_n and_o protection_n against_o esau_n gen._n 32.28_o hos_fw-la 12.2_o 3._o so_o shall_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o prayer_n obtain_v deliverance_n from_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o reas_n 4_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o devil_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o instrument_n 1._o they_o be_v curse_v gen._n 12.3_o i_o will_v curse_v they_o that_o curse_v thou_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o their_o interprize_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 2._o they_o be_v conquer_v and_o captivate_v and_o triumph_v over_o by_o christ_n before_o he_o do_v build_v his_o church_n ephes_n 4.8_o 12._o therefore_o shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o nor_o destroy_v it_o be_v build_v 3._o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o christ_n kingdom_n therefore_o shall_v not_o prevail_v ps_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 110.1_o 2._o let_v we_o brief_o note_v some_o corollary_n hence_o then_o in_o vain_a boast_v that_o roman_a