demerit_n as_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n but_o if_o a_o member_n be_v importunate_o desirous_a to_o remove_v whole_o from_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v unto_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n favour_n of_o nothing_o but_o levity_n or_o covetousness_n or_o schism_n or_o the_o like_a according_a to_o their_o covenant_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o brethren_n of_o his_o own_o church_n labour_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sinful_a weakness_n herein_o to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o purpose_n to_o which_o counsel_n god_n usual_o tow_v his_o heart_n to_o stoop_v and_o submit_v but_o if_o after_o all_o their_o dissuasion_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o bent_n of_o his_o spirit_n unremovable_o set_v upon_o removal_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o his_o sin_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o his_o danger_n imminent_a they_o use_v indulgence_n towards_o he_o as_o not_o willing_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o prison_n to_o any_o man_n but_o when_o man_n thus_o depart_v god_n usual_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o bitter_a curse_n either_o take_v away_o their_o life_n from_o they_o or_o blast_v they_o with_o poverty_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o scandal_n where_o they_o come_v or_o in_o entertain_v they_o with_o such_o restless_a agitation_n that_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o repent_v of_o their_o former_a rashness_n and_o many_o time_n to_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v break_v away_o sect_n iii_o our_o three_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o consultation_n whereof_o we_o have_v give_v some_o touch_n before_o as_o 1._o in_o time_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n the_o brethren_n who_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n do_v give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o presence_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o of_o such_o other_o brethren_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v meet_a to_o send_v to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o competent_a gift_n of_o such_o member_n as_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o further_o to_o give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o order_n of_o that_o day_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o 2._o in_o the_o choice_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n one_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o send_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n about_o they_o for_o such_o elder_n and_o brethren_n as_o may_v give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v as_o have_v be_v former_o deliver_v 3._o in_o case_n of_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-censure_n and_o the_o like_a to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o partiality_n or_o prejudice_n the_o church_n be_v sometime_o occasion_v to_o send_v to_o the_o neighbour-churche_n one_o or_o more_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n depend_v among_o they_o who_o give_v advice_n according_a to_o the_o word_n do_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n heal_v jealousy_n and_o compose_v difference_n and_o settle_v peace_n and_o love_n among_o they_o and_o this_o also_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o 4._o in_o doubtful_a case_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n where_o yet_o no_o difference_n have_v rise_v but_o all_o or_o most_o be_v uncertain_a what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o whether_o a_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v by_o right_a of_o his_o grandfather_n covenant_n or_o the_o like_a the_o church_n do_v sometime_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n who_o deliberate_a by_o consider_v and_o argue_v the_o matter_n and_o agree_v upon_o what_o they_o conceive_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n each_o church_n send_v their_o judgement_n and_o their_o reason_n either_o by_o elder_n or_o by_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n that_o send_v to_o they_o sect_n iv_o a_o four_o way_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o congregation_n or_o gather_v together_o many_o church_n or_o the_o messenger_n of_o many_o church_n to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v either_o some_o corrupt_a opinion_n or_o suspicious_a practice_n which_o be_v scatter_v and_o find_v in_o many_o church_n at_o once_o can_v well_o be_v heal_v in_o any_o one_o alone_a in_o which_o case_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n desirous_a to_o maintain_v verity_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n do_v both_o acquaint_v our_o magistrate_n be_v nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o end_n of_o a_o general_a and_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o do_v also_o solicit_v the_o church_n to_o send_v some_o fit_a person_n at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o such_o a_o church_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v most_o seasonable_o hold_v to_o consider_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o agitation_n the_o assembly_n be_v meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o presence_n call_v for_o by_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v be_v propound_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o we_o meet_v or_o by_o some_o other_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v propound_v the_o elder_n do_v declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o point_n in_o order_n one_o after_o another_o together_o with_o their_o reason_n from_o the_o word_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v free_a for_o any_o man_n present_a and_o all_o may_v be_v present_a if_o they_o will_v as_o well_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o after_o leave_v orderly_o crave_v or_o obtain_v to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n without_o offence_n whence_o disputation_n do_v arise_v as_o in_o act._n 15.7_o till_o all_o party_n be_v either_o satisfy_v or_o convince_v and_o so_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v clear_v and_o this_o course_n be_v take_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o all_o the_o point_n remain_v which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o not_o so_o full_o clear_v and_o agree_v upon_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o such_o as_o may_v admit_v further_a discussion_n yea_o and_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n without_o disunion_n of_o affection_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n yet_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n people_n the_o mean_a while_n in_o such_o thing_n each_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o christian_a liberty_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v all_o come_v they_o judge_v and_o mind_n one_o thing_n if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v who_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o love_n hold_v forth_o the_o same_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v in_o time_n reveal_v the_o same_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o agree_v in_o this_o one_o not_o to_o condemn_v nor_o to_o despise_v one_o another_o in_o difference_n of_o weakness_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v rom._n 14.2_o 3_o 4._o sect_n v._o a_o five_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o contribution_n or_o communication_n in_o yield_a supply_n to_o one_o another_o want_n for_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o decay_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v their_o onw_n necessity_n in_o outward_a thing_n among_o themselves_o we_o shall_v take_v it_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o minister_v to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n act._n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.25_o 26._o hitherto_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o all-sufficient_a goodness_n so_o to_o supply_v we_o all_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o we_o have_v have_v scarce_o any_o occasion_n never_o but_o once_o to_o exercise_v our_o mutual_a love_n and_o liberality_n to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v we_o consider_v aforehand_o what_o mutual_a help_n god_n require_v of_o we_o from_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o such_o a_o case_n also_o if_o any_o of_o our_o church_n do_v want_v some_o fit_a member_n to_o employ_v in_o some_o public_a office_n among_o they_o and_o shall_v make_v know_v their_o want_n to_o some_o other_o church_n who_o may_v abound_v in_o such_o blessing_n as_o sometime_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n have_v four_o or_o five_o prophet_n among_o they_o act._n 13.1_o when_o other_o want_v the_o church_n that_o abound_v in_o such_o help_n
worship_v the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n propos_fw-fr 4._o we_o conceive_v it_o can_v seem_v unreasonable_a that_o in_o the_o same_o way_n by_o which_o particular_a godly_a person_n do_v enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o those_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appropriate_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o a_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n shall_v enter_v into_o church_n estate_n for_o in_o enter_v of_o they_o into_o church_n estate_n the_o lord_n call_v as_o well_o whole_a company_n as_o particular_a person_n to_o enjoy_v the_o like_a liberty_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o like_a liberty_n require_v preparation_n thereunto_o by_o the_o like_a duty_n in_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n such_o as_o be_v receive_v into_o baptism_n they_o do_v first_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therewith_o of_o their_o repentance_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n also_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o he_o matth._n 3.6_o act._n 19.4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip_n receive_v the_o eunuch_n unto_o baptism_n not_o until_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n acts._n 8.37_o but_o now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o all_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o our_o infancy_n and_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v infant_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o well_o order_v church_n till_o they_o have_v approve_v and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n public_o confirm_v that_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n profess_v and_o promise_v for_o they_o at_o their_o baptism_n it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a that_o such_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a christian_n have_v be_v baptize_v infant_n shall_v now_o make_v the_o like_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n estate_n which_o other_o make_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n before_o baptism_n and_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n be_v wont_v public_o to_o make_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o their_o admittance_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n beside_o when_o upon_o peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o upon_o that_o rock_n or_o foundation_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16.16.18_o do_v he_o not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o every_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v as_o on_o christ_n so_o on_o christ_n in_o this_o way_n to_o wit_n on_o christ_n believe_v on_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o faith_n public_o confess_v before_o god_n and_o man_n propos_fw-fr 5._o to_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o it_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o neighbour_a church_n and_o brethren_n be_v requisite_a to_o cry_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o for_o if_o david_n advertisement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o of_o important_a weight_n except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o psal_n 127.1_o how_o much_o more_o important_a be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o alone_o build_v his_o own_o jerusalem_n psal_n 147.2_o be_v seek_v unto_o with_o unfeigned_a humiliation_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o his_o presence_n with_o his_o people_n and_o acceptance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n paul_n think_v it_o requisite_a to_o communicate_v with_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o his_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o proceed_n partly_o to_o prevent_v suspicion_n of_o dissent_n between_o he_o and_o they_o lest_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a partly_o to_o hold_v forth_o mutual_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o give_v and_o take_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2.2.9_o how_o much_o more_o requisite_a will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o gather_v together_o scatter_v christian_n into_o a_o church_n estate_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n crave_v their_o presence_n and_o counsel_n and_o communion_n in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o see_v christian_n magistrate_n be_v also_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o church_n be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o be_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n isa_n 49.23_o it_o can_v but_o encourage_v they_o to_o take_v the_o more_o special_a notice_n and_o care_n of_o every_o church_n and_o to_o provide_v and_o assign_v convenient_a allotment_n of_o land_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o when_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n they_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n and_o proceed_n of_o such_o as_o gather_v into_o church-fellowship_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o government_n and_o yet_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n nor_o regulate_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v clear_o gather_v and_o right_o order_v though_o they_o want_v opportunity_n or_o omit_v to_o acquaint_v the_o magistrate_n with_o their_o proceed_n especial_o when_o magistrate_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n sect_n ii_o now_o then_o to_o apply_v all_o these_o proposition_n to_o our_o present_a order_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v when_o many_o christian_n be_v come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n they_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o some_o church_n or_o other_o according_a to_o the_o second_o proposition_n profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o come_n to_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o come_v together_o be_v so_o well_o know_v one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v company_n and_o yet_o so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v well_o join_v in_o any_o one_o church_n already_o establish_v without_o too_o much_o impeachment_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o livelihood_n the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o each_o church_n be_v prepossess_v by_o other_o before_o they_o they_o then_o take_v that_o course_n which_o other_o company_n take_v before_o they_o they_o consider_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n estate_n and_o fellowship_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o that_o end_n first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o inquire_v out_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o eminent_a gift_n usual_o such_o as_o have_v be_v preacher_n of_o good_a esteem_n in_o england_n who_o may_v guide_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o so_o great_a a_o action_n and_o if_o god_n see_v good_a may_v afterward_o be_v call_v to_o place_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o then_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n touch_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o this_o work_n they_o often_o meet_v together_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o perform_v some_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o spiritual_a conference_n together_o till_o a_o sufficient_a company_n of_o they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o the_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n of_o one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o one_o another_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o live_v stone_n fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a temple_n which_o be_v his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o first_o proposition_n now_o because_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n our_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v be_v carry_v not_o only_o with_o a_o pious_a desire_n to_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o with_o brotherly_a love_n to_o such_o as_o intend_v so_o good_a a_o work_n those_o christian_n therefore_o that_o desire_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n together_o do_v acquaint_v the_o governor_n and_o some_o of_o the_o near_a magistrate_n and_o those_o church_n which_o be_v next_o adjoin_v to_o they_o with_o their_o intention_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o crave_v the_o presence_n of_o some_o from_o among_o they_o at_o the_o day_n appoint_v some_o few_o week_n after_o to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o prayer_n and_o with_o their_o counsel_n if_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n as_o be_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n less_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n than_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n as_o also_o desire_v to_o approve_v themselves_o and_o their_o course_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v more_o free_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n
the_o rule_v elder_n have_v receive_v the_o key_n of_o christ_n house_n as_o his_o steward_n it_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o power_n 1._o to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o christ_n house_n or_o church_n that_o be_v to_o admit_v and_o receive_v all_o member_n and_o officer_n into_o place_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o unworthy_a hence_o minister_n be_v say_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o admit_v into_o office_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o if_o minister_n be_v admit_v through_o their_o hand_n into_o office_n in_o the_o church_n how_o much_o more_o private_a member_n after_o due_a trial_n 2._o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v officer_n and_o other_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o unworthy_a shut_v the_o door_n against_o they_o then_o they_o have_v also_o power_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o fellow_n elder_n as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n such_o as_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a offence_n within_o the_o church_n and_o do_v persist_v therein_o for_o ejusdem_fw-la porestatis_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la the_o same_o key_n that_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n have_v power_n to_o shut_v it_o 3._o as_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o steward_n in_o a_o family_n so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o none_o live_v inordinate_o without_o a_o calling_n or_o idle_o in_o a_o call_n but_o every_o one_o employ_v and_o set_v a_o work_n to_o his_o lord_n advantage_n 2_o thes_n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o 4._o as_o a_o steward_n in_o the_o family_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o member_n in_o the_o family_n to_o hinder_v his_o fellow_n in_o his_o lord_n work_v so_o neither_o aught_o the_o rule_v elder_a to_o suffer_v any_o to_o walk_v scandalous_o in_o the_o congregation_n for_o that_o hinder_v edification_n which_o be_v the_o work_n that_o each_o one_o in_o his_o place_n be_v to_o set_v forward_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church-ruler_n be_v to_o attend_v to_o see_v it_o do_v according_o 5._o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_n office_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o congregation_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v their_o trouble_n by_o keep_v out_o such_o complaint_n and_o other_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a for_o the_o church_n cognizance_n and_o by_o order_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v present_v to_o they_o paul_n consult_v with_o the_o elder_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n before_o he_o present_v himself_o to_o the_o agitation_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 21.18_o to_o 24._o 6._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o teacher_n to_o moderate_v the_o carriage_n of_o all_o matter_n in_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v as_o to_o call_v on_o stranger_n of_o other_o church_n or_o member_n to_o speak_v upon_o occasion_n act._n 13.15_o and_o such_o as_o may_v call_v man_n forth_o to_o speak_v may_v call_v for_o silence_n when_o speech_n be_v unseasonable_a 7._o those_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n who_o paul_n send_v for_o to_o wit_n both_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n act_n 20.17_o those_o he_o command_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 28._o which_o impli_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o rule_v but_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n though_o not_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n which_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n nor_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o teacher_n office_n yet_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o admonition_n for_o the_o apostle_n make_v admonition_n the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o that_o be_v that_o rule_n over_o they_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o rule_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o who_o he_o join_v with_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n in_o both_o place_n and_o indeed_o rule_v without_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v dumb_a thus_o all_o elder_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n though_o it_o be_v not_o they_o alone_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v send_v for_o and_o together_o with_o some_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o to_o help_v forward_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o jam._n 5.14_o 15_o 16._o we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o clear_v the_o several_a sort_n of_o these_o elder_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n because_o we_o find_v satan_n have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o set_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n a_o work_n both_o to_o confound_v the_o several_a function_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o utter_o to_o abandon_v the_o office_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a now_o for_o deacon_n which_o be_v the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a service_n of_o the_o church_n all_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v institute_v express_o in_o the_o scripture_n act_n 6.2_o to_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 13._o and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n though_o not_o without_o sundry_a mixture_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n to_o prosecute_v who_o only_o intend_v to_o declare_v and_o clear_v our_o own_o practice_n and_o proceed_n deacon_n therefore_o we_o reserve_v in_o our_o church_n but_o without_o distinction_n of_o pre-eminence_n of_o some_o of_o they_o above_o other_o much_o less_o over_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n neither_o do_v we_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n think_v themselves_o unmeet_a both_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o serve_v table_n also_o and_o therefore_o the_o work_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o and_o which_o the_o deacon_n be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o take_v up_o be_v the_o serve_v of_o table_n act._n 6.2_o to_o wit_n the_o serve_v of_o all_o those_o table_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n to_o provide_v for_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n table_n the_o table_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o poor_a brethren_n whether_o of_o their_o own_o body_n or_o stranger_n for_o the_o maintain_v whereof_o we_o do_v not_o appoint_v they_o to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o collect_v the_o benevolence_n of_o able_a brethren_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o brethren_n bring_v and_o lay_v down_o at_o their_o foot_n act_n 4.35_o and_o thereby_o make_v distribution_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v of_o the_o church_n require_v so_o the_o deacon_n be_v ordain_v to_o take_v up_o and_o execute_v that_o part_n of_o the_o office_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o they_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o brethren_n every_o lord_n day_n bring_v unto_o they_o and_o lay_v down_o before_o they_o or_o else_o bring_v unto_o they_o on_o the_o week_n day_n and_o distribute_v the_o same_o as_o the_o use_n and_o need_v of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v sect_n iii_o as_o for_o widow_n who_o paul_n speak_v of_o as_o vervant_n to_o the_o church_n 2_o tim._n 5.9_o 10._o we_o look_v at_o they_o as_o fit_a assistant_n to_o the_o deacon_n in_o minister_a to_o the_o sick_a poor_a brethren_n in_o sundry_a needful_a service_n which_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a for_o man_n to_o put_v their_o hand_n unto_o only_o we_o find_v it_o somewhat_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o woman_n of_o so_o great_a a_o age_n as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v to_o wit_n of_o threescore_o year_n and_o withal_o to_o be_v so_o hearty_a and_o healthy_a and_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v fit_a to_o undertake_v such_o a_o service_n sect_n iv_o have_v thus_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o officer_n we_o desire_v to_o supply_v each_o of_o our_o church_n withal_o we_o come_v now_o to_o declare_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v unto_o their_o office_n when_o therefore_o any_o of_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o of_o these_o officer_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n in_o defect_n of_o deacon_n and_o so_o in_o defect_n of_o all_o other_o officer_n they_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o such_o person_n as_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v according_a to_o
the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o to_o 7._o tit._n 1.6_o to_o 9_o deacon_n according_a to_o act_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 12._o for_o the_o church_n have_v not_o absolute_a power_n to_o choose_v who_o they_o listen_v but_o ministerial_a power_n only_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v choose_v have_v gift_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o if_o the_o church_n can_v find_v out_o none_o such_o in_o their_o own_o body_n they_o send_v to_o any_o other_o church_n for_o fit_a supply_n and_o each_o church_n look_v at_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v mutual_o helpful_a one_o to_o another_o in_o yield_v what_o supply_n they_o may_v without_o too_o much_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o according_a to_o cant._n 8.8_o 9_o such_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o work_n they_o take_v some_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o partly_o by_o consultation_n with_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n continue_v there_o in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o fulfil_v the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n 1_o tim._n 3.22_o for_o every_o man_n of_o good_a gift_n be_v not_o always_o endow_v with_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o every_o good_a heart_n be_v not_o fit_v to_o close_v so_o full_o as_o be_v meet_v with_o every_o good_a people_n every_o key_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o open_v every_o lock_n nor_o every_o good_a man_n gift_n fit_a to_o edify_v every_o people_n but_o when_o upon_o trial_n the_o church_n do_v find_v every_o man_n spirit_n among_o they_o desirous_a of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o man_n and_o his_o gift_n then_o they_o agree_v among_o themselves_o upon_o a_o certain_a day_n wherein_o in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n they_o intend_v to_o elect_a he_o to_o office_n among_o themselves_o of_o this_o they_o give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o near_a adjoin_a church_n who_o and_o when_o and_o to_o what_o office_n they_o intend_v to_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n who_o they_o nominate_v to_o they_o entreat_v their_o presence_n and_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o assistance_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v they_o give_v notice_n also_o thereof_o unto_o the_o governor_n and_o such_o other_o of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v near_o to_o they_o that_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v meeting_n with_o no_o just_a exception_n from_o any_o may_v find_v the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o acceptance_n from_o all_o when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v it_o be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n with_o fast_v pray_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 14.23_o &_o 13.1_o 2_o 3._o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o grave_a brethren_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o inquire_v of_o the_o church_n if_o now_o after_o this_o solemn_a seek_v of_o god_n for_o his_o counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a work_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o purpose_n to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o their_o own_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o rule_v elder_a who_o before_o they_o agree_v upon_o then_o have_v take_v their_o silence_n for_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o purpose_n he_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o only_o the_o messenger_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n present_a but_o of_o all_o that_o stand_v by_o because_o and_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a report_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o 1_o tim._n 3.7_o how_o much_o more_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n he_o demand_v therefore_o of_o the_o church_n first_o and_o then_o of_o the_o rest_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o have_v know_v of_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o man_n present_v before_o they_o either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n which_o may_v give_v they_o just_a cause_n to_o forbear_v his_o election_n if_o all_o keep_v silence_n as_o usual_o they_o do_v for_o if_o any_o have_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o man_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o acquaint_v some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o before_o the_o day_n he_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n again_o now_o see_v all_o be_v clear_a for_o their_o free_a election_n of_o he_o to_o such_o a_o office_n he_o desire_v all_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n to_o declare_v their_o election_n of_o he_o with_o one_o accord_n by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v do_v he_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o the_o party_n choose_v whether_o he_o do_v accept_v of_o that_o call_n which_o the_o church_n have_v give_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o that_o office_n he_o have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o wherein_o he_o have_v chief_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o the_o elder_a do_v then_o admonish_v the_o church_n what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o all_o in_o his_o word_n towards_o he_o who_o they_o have_v thus_o choose_v and_o afterward_o advertise_v he_o what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o in_o that_o place_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o both_o of_o their_o mutual_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o he_o then_o with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o two_o or_o three_o other_o of_o the_o grave_a christian_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o body_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ordain_v he_o unto_o that_o office_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v furnish_v he_o with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n to_o accept_v and_o own_v he_o therein_o to_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o to_o breath_n in_o all_o his_o administration_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o bless_v all_o his_o go_v out_o and_o come_n in_o before_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v his_o speech_n upon_o the_o person_n on_o who_o their_o hand_n be_v impose_v he_o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o presbytery_n express_v their_o ordination_n of_o he_o to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o put_v a_o solemn_a charge_n upon_o he_o to_o look_v well_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n as_o one_o that_o must_v give_v account_n of_o all_o their_o soul_n unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appear_v after_o this_o the_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n present_a observe_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o day_n perform_v by_o the_o officer_n then_o choose_v and_o ordain_v and_o in_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o election_n and_o ordination_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v give_v unto_o he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n testify_v their_o brotherly_a acceptance_n of_o he_o and_o their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o gracious_a gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o and_o do_v exhort_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o after_o public_a praise_n give_v to_o god_n by_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n he_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n with_o a_o blessing_n sect_n v._o for_o our_o call_n of_o deacon_n we_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o ordain_v they_o with_o like_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n because_o we_o do_v not_o read_v the_o apostle_n give_v any_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o first_o deacon_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 6._o but_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v look_v out_o among_o themselves_o man_n fit_o qualify_v for_o that_o call_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n former_o mention_v and_o have_v make_v some_o proof_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o lord_n day_n or_o other_o public_a holy_a meeting_n do_v ordain_v they_o to_o the_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o over_o that_o business_n with_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n sect_n vi_o object_n two_o thing_n be_v here_o demand_v first_o by_o what_o warrant_v the_o people_n choose_v their_o officer_n answ_n from_o the_o precedent_n
a_o precise_a quotient_n a_o number_n of_o hundred_o and_o thousand_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o every_o church_n yet_o such_o a_o number_n be_v limit_v as_o fall_v not_o below_o seven_o nor_o rise_v above_o the_o bulk_n of_o one_o congregation_n and_o such_o a_o congregation_n wherein_o all_o may_v meet_v and_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o all_o may_v partake_v and_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v together_o sect_n ii_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v add_v &_o join_v to_o such_o a_o body_n they_o first_o make_v know_v their_o desire_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o take_v trial_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n &_o of_o their_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o their_o godly_a conversation_n among_o man_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v find_v ignorant_a and_o graceless_a or_o scandalous_a he_o may_v not_o be_v present_o present_v to_o the_o church_n till_o these_o evil_n be_v remove_v the_o stone_n that_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o solomon_n temple_n be_v square_v and_o make_v ready_a before_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o build_n neither_o iron_n nor_o axe_n nor_o any_o iron_n tool_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o house_n while_o it_o be_v a_o building_n 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o wherefore_o so_o if_o not_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o no_o member_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v rough-hewen_a and_o square_v and_o fit_v to_o lie_v close_o and_o level_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o member_n but_o when_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o be_v approve_v of_o the_o elder_n they_o be_v propound_v by_o one_o of_o the_o rule_v elder_n to_o the_o church_n with_o a_o motion_n to_o the_o brethren_n to_o make_v inquiry_n after_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o they_o to_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o no_o exception_n be_v hear_v of_o they_o be_v call_v forth_o before_o the_o church_n after_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v perform_v and_o each_o one_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o penitent_a confession_n he_o declare_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sinful_a estate_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o declare_v not_o only_o his_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o desire_n of_o walk_v therein_o with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o that_o church_n now_o before_o or_o after_o such_o his_o profession_n or_o confession_n those_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v give_v some_o good_a testimony_n if_o need_v be_v of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n either_o according_a to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o according_a to_o the_o credible_a report_n or_o letter_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v concern_v he_o which_o do_v the_o rule_v elder_a or_o one_o of_o the_o preach_a elder_n propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o from_o all_o that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v they_o find_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o he_o if_o so_o it_o be_v clear_v and_o remove_v before_o any_o further_a proceed_n if_o no_o just_a exception_n appear_v the_o rule_v elder_a then_o move_v the_o church_n to_o express_v their_o acceptance_n of_o he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o do_v and_o the_o like_a course_n take_v with_o two_o or_o three_o more_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v the_o elder_a propound_v to_o they_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n what_o promise_v of_o grace_n he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o as_o also_o what_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n he_o do_v require_v of_o they_o as_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o their_o only_a priest_n and_o atonement_n their_o only_a prophet_n and_o guide_n their_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o brotherly_a love_n with_o the_o brethren_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n and_o succour_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o new_a receive_v member_n acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n do_v further_a acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o duty_n of_o holy_a watchfulness_n over_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shut_v up_o his_o work_n with_o some_o short_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o thousand_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v we_o all_o faithful_a to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o his_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n sect_n iii_o now_o what_o offence_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o or_o what_o scruple_n may_v arise_v in_o a_o godly_a mind_n against_o these_o thing_n two_o or_o three_o thing_n seem_v herein_o offensive_a but_o be_v not_o first_o that_o we_o require_v gracious_a qualification_n in_o such_o as_o we_o receive_v to_o church-fellowship_n whereas_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v of_o all_o sort_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o to_o be_v a_o garner_n contain_v chaff_n and_o wheat_n as_o a_o field_n wherein_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o second_o that_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n three_o that_o we_o communicate_v too_o much_o power_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o do_v not_o rather_o refer_v all_o power_n in_o this_o case_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o give_v therefore_o some_o account_n of_o these_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v for_o the_o first_o though_o we_o willing_o admit_v all_o comer_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n with_o we_o as_o the_o corinthian_n admit_v infidel_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o yet_o we_o receive_v none_o as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charitable_a christian_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n our_o reason_n be_v first_o from_o the_o near_a relation_n between_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o church_n as_o also_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.22_o to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o to_o be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o as_o dear_a child_n eph._n 4.1_o now_o how_o can_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n except_o the_o member_n in_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v as_o indeed_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n gal._n 1.2_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o external_a profession_n for_o these_o be_v too_o high_a style_n for_o hypocrite_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n second_o we_o read_v act._n 2.47_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o add_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o god_n add_v not_o such_o as_o have_v no_o show_n of_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o they_o to_o any_o spiritual_a discern_v aught_o not_o the_o lord_n steward_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o god_n house_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o as_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n go_v before_o they_o receive_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o refuse_v who_o he_o refuse_v cast_v out_o who_o he_o cast_v out_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n direct_v the_o roman_n to_o receive_v a_o
comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n that_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v hereafter_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o house_n no_o bodily_a infirmity_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n nor_o national_a pollution_n as_o that_o of_o some_o stranger_n shall_v hinder_v their_o admittance_n into_o his_o church_n only_o this_o the_o lord_n require_v both_o of_o the_o eunuch_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o of_o the_o stranger_n ver_fw-la 6._o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o they_o do_v also_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n as_o antecedent_n to_o their_o entrance_n into_o church-fellowship_n to_o wit_n take_v hold_v of_o it_o by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o it_o and_o of_o their_o subjection_n to_o it_o object_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o separate_v or_o debar_v such_o from_o church-fellowship_n as_o be_v join_v to_o himself_o by_o faith_n who_o can_v think_v it_o what_o reason_n can_v you_o give_v for_o it_o answ_n the_o text_n be_v plain_a that_o eunuch_n moabite_n and_o ammonite_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o israel_n for_o ever_o without_o exception_n of_o godliness_n or_o ungodliness_n some_o indeed_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o the_o law_n against_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n reach_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o those_o nation_n but_o against_o man_n the_o law_n be_v clear_a but_o if_o the_o law_n have_v exclude_v they_o only_o upon_o point_n of_o their_o own_o ungodliness_n that_o be_v no_o singular_a curse_n to_o they_o no_o nation_n under_o heaven_n can_v expect_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n unless_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n what_o reason_n god_n may_v have_v for_o exclude_v the_o eunuch_n we_o leave_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n but_o yet_o himself_o give_v a_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o against_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n take_v from_o their_o malignant_a enmity_n against_o god_n people_n deut._n 23.4_o 5_o 6._o against_o the_o eunuch_n he_o give_v no_o express_a reason_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v reason_n sufficient_a who_o can_v tell_v whether_o god_n will_v not_o thereby_o type_n out_o the_o debar_v of_o barren_a christian_n from_o church-fellowship_n object_n 3._o the_o word_n separation_n impli_v they_o have_v be_v sometime_o of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v in_o common_a sense_n that_o any_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o never_o be_v answ_n why_o not_o what_o be_v separate_v but_o sever_v may_v not_o england_n be_v sever_v from_o scotland_n by_o the_o river_n of_o tweed_n and_o from_o france_n and_o germany_n and_o holland_n by_o the_o sea_n though_o they_o be_v never_o join_v to_o any_o of_o those_o nation_n do_v not_o god_n make_v the_o star_n to_o separate_v between_o the_o day_n and_o the_o night_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a gen._n 1.14_o and_o yet_o day_n and_o night_n be_v never_o join_v in_o one_o society_n so_o that_o from_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n we_o have_v two_o passage_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o admit_v church-member_n witness_v unto_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v join_v to_o himself_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v also_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o his_o church_n before_o he_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n which_o be_v his_o church_n both_o which_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o place_n because_o the_o place_n be_v a_o pprophecy_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o wit_n when_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n unto_o all_o nation_n ver_fw-la 9_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n object_n 4._o but_o the_o covenant_n here_o speak_v of_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o church_n covenant_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o lord_n between_o he_o and_o his_o people_n but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o towards_o another_o answ_n this_o objection_n be_v prevent_v before_o in_o the_o first_o point_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n that_o be_v with_o his_o church_n his_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o silent_a consent_n covenant_v with_o he_o and_o also_o one_o with_o another_o to_o yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o though_o this_o place_n prophesy_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v express_o of_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o let_v no_o man_n wonder_v why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a express_a mention_n of_o the_o poeple_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o this_o promise_n come_v to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n grow_v up_o together_o in_o divine_a institution_n and_o administration_n there_o be_v express_a mention_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n be_v national_a and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o suspicious_a to_o they_o who_o be_v party_n to_o it_o themselves_o but_o very_o acceptable_a but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o magistrate_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v alien_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n think_v it_o meet_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o covenant_n not_o plain_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o parable_n and_o similitude_n as_o know_v the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v breed_v no_o small_a jealousy_n in_o civil_a state_n as_o seem_v most_o dangerous_a to_o civil_a peace_n but_o yet_o in_o apt_a similitude_n they_o so_o describe_v the_o estate_n of_o church_n as_o do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o joint_a covenant_n both_o between_o the_o lord_n and_z they_o i_o with_o another_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n the_o receive_n of_o member_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n for_o 1._o they_o so_o describe_v every_o church_n of_o god_n as_o a_o city_n of_o god_n as_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n be_v style_v rev._n 21.4_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o more_o glorious_a church_n than_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n yet_o it_o partake_v in_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o they_o all_o every_o true_a church_n be_v as_o well_o a_o city_n of_o god_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o hence_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v of_o the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o now_o every_o city_n be_v found_v in_o some_o confederacy_n by_o oath_n or_o such_o like_a bond_n and_o every_o citizen_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o city_n by_o take_v the_o same_o oath_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o bond_n wherein_o the_o whole_a city_n stand_v engage_v which_o hold_v forth_o to_o a_o intelligent_a heart_n that_o if_o every_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o city_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o fellow-citizen_n then_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v plant_v and_o found_v in_o some_o covenant_n or_o confederacy_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v implant_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o body_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o profess_v subjection_n thereunto_o again_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n call_v it_o espouse_v of_o it_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o it_o impli_v plain_o that_o he_o draw_v they_o all_o as_o one_o body_n to_o profess_v their_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o all_o and_o of_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n if_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o his_o conversion_n of_o their_o particular_a soul_n unto_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o as_o one_o virgin_n but_o so_o many_o soul_n so_o many_o virgin_n but_o now_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o one_o virgin_n it_o plain_o argue_v he_o join_v they_o all_o as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o one_o body_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o christ_n jesus_n for_o there_o be_v no_o
espousal_n without_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o espousage_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o their_o covenant_n 3._o the_o mutual_a relation_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n in_o the_o church_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o member_n to_o member_n and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o do_v all_o of_o they_o necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a confederacy_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v partake_v herein_o must_v partake_v in_o their_o confederacy_n suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n as_o every_o year_n some_o or_o other_o do_v there_o be_v not_o any_o minister_n of_o any_o of_o our_o church_n can_v usurp_v pastoral_a authority_n over_o he_o unless_o that_o christian_a call_v he_o thereunto_o or_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o his_o ministration_n according_a to_o god_n nor_o can_v such_o a_o man_n expect_v any_o minister_n watchfulness_n over_o he_o as_o his_o minister_n unless_o the_o minister_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o accept_v such_o a_o charge_n and_o profess_v so_o much_o no_o church_n in_o the_o country_n nor_o all_o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o censure_v any_o stranger_n though_o a_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o nor_o can_v he_o challenge_v such_o watchfulness_n from_o they_o unless_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o just_a call_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o his_o blood_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n and_o for_o all_o his_o child_n give_v they_o all_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o their_o own_o fellow-member_n unto_o who_o to_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o infant_n who_o make_v choice_n in_o their_o parent_n but_o of_o such_o who_o know_v their_o liberty_n and_o be_v call_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o till_o than_o that_o a_o man_n tender_a and_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o it_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o receive_v he_o for_o the_o church_n receive_v a_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 14.1_o impli_v and_o presuppose_v his_o offering_n and_o give_v up_o of_o himself_o unto_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o he_o impli_v and_o hold_v forth_o no_o less_o than_o their_o profess_a acceptance_n of_o he_o unto_o all_o those_o holy_a liberty_n with_o they_o and_o performance_n of_o all_o such_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o he_o which_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o let_v man_n call_v this_o expression_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o call_v church-covenant_n sect_n v._o let_v we_o proceed_v then_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o three_o point_n why_o we_o communicate_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o propound_v receive_v of_o member_n unto_o their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o like_a power_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a member_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n then_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la aperire_fw-la &_o claudere_fw-la instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v to_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o who_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o do_v not_o at_o first_o receive_v he_o because_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n until_o barnabas_n by_o his_o testimony_n of_o he_o have_v remove_v their_o scruple_n which_o argue_v the_o private_a brethren_n in_o a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o public_a officer_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o church_n power_n in_o elect_v and_o call_v minister_n to_o office_n it_o have_v be_v show_v above_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v and_o call_v their_o own_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o speech_n of_o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o epist_n 41._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la dignos_fw-la eligendi_fw-la velindignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la and_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a how_o much_o more_o of_o receive_v worthy_a christian_n and_o refuse_v of_o unworthy_a yea_o in_o the_o epistle_n go_v before_o he_o speak_v express_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v some_o who_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o they_o which_o argue_v evident_o their_o power_n in_o receive_v member_n chap._n iu._n concern_v our_o order_n and_o form_n in_o administration_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o able_a help_n officer_n and_o brethren_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o public_a ordinance_n in_o public_a assembly_n especial_o on_o every_o lord_n day_n wherein_o our_o principal_a care_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o administer_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o and_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o all_o those_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v we_o light_n in_o their_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o dress_n or_o paint_v of_o humane_a invention_n for_o as_o the_o first_o commandment_n require_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o his_o own_o only_a true_a worship_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n without_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o isa_n 29.13_o deut._n 12.32_o so_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o observe_v much_o less_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o church_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o any_o institution_n of_o their_o own_o whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o government_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n our_o reason_n hereof_o one_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o be_v take_v from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v as_o large_a as_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o church-governors_n and_o yet_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o mat._n 28.20_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o he_o have_v command_v they_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n then_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15.29_o necessary_a they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n other_o for_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o thing_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v offensive_a the_o prohibition_n of_o they_o cease_v to_o bind_v object_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v the_o apostle_n commission_n reach_v only_o to_o matter_n of_o substance_n not_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o necessity_n not_o indifferency_n we_o answer_v let_v they_o show_v we_o another_o commission_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o put_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n of_o form_n and_o of_o indifferency_n and_o we_o shall_v submit_v but_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o commission_n give_v to_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o much_o urge_a place_n 1_o
who_o only_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v grant_v object_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o all_o that_o be_v circumcise_v among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n may_v come_v and_o keep_v the_o passeover_n among_o they_o but_o we_o here_o withhold_v the_o lord_n supper_n from_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v answ_n our_o answer_n be_v they_o that_o be_v circumcise_v among_o the_o israelite_n may_v right_o keep_v the_o passeover_n among_o they_o because_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o israel_n make_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o any_o one_o synagogue_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v minister_n in_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n in_o proportion_n whereunto_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n require_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o same_o particular_a church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o impediment_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o unfitnesse_n to_o examine_v themselves_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n requisite_a to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o passeover_n but_o now_o because_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o another_o constitution_n none_o of_o they_o national_a as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v but_o all_o of_o they_o congregationall_a baptism_n in_o one_o church_n do_v not_o give_v a_o man_n right_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o unless_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v the_o officer_n of_o all_o as_o in_o israel_n they_o be_v or_o unless_o that_o one_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o do_v recommend_v their_o right_n and_o power_n to_o another_o 3._o a_o three_o ground_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o this_o point_n be_v take_v from_o the_o case_n of_o public_a offence_n which_o we_o conceive_v aught_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o partake_v together_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n so_o we_o deal_v with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o so_o we_o deal_v with_o the_o member_n of_o neighbour_n church_n in_o this_o country_n none_o of_o they_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o while_o they_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o public_a scandal_n before_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v our_o saviour_n direction_n that_o if_o a_o man_n bring_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o his_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o he_o he_o shall_v there_o leave_v his_o gift_n and_o go_v first_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v his_o gift_n mat._n 5.23_o 24._o if_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n for_o a_o man_n own_o private_a direction_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n it_o will_v be_v a_o rule_n also_o for_o a_o whole_a church_n to_o direct_v a_o offend_a brother_n to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o case_n of_o a_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v therefore_o direct_v both_o the_o brethren_n of_o our_o own_o church_n and_o of_o any_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n that_o if_o they_o present_v themselves_o to_o communion_n with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n they_o shall_v first_o remove_v such_o public_a offence_n as_o either_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v lie_n under_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o ☜_o ☜_o that_o according_a to_o the_o figure_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o passeover_n no_o leaven_n must_v be_v find_v among_o we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n together_o now_o though_o we_o rather_o choose_v to_o cover_v in_o silence_n and_o to_o mourn_v in_o secret_a for_o any_o corruption_n find_v in_o other_o church_n especial_o in_o these_o so_o dear_a and_o near_o unto_o we_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v yet_o in_o this_o case_n faithfulness_n to_o god_n and_o they_o and_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o our_o own_o due_a proceed_n here_o constrain_v we_o to_o confess_v sundry_a public_a offence_n under_o which_o our_o english_a parish_n church_n lie_v and_o wherein_o our_o self_n also_o be_v defile_v while_o we_o live_v in_o they_o and_o our_o countryman_n be_v defile_v that_o come_v over_o to_o we_o from_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o come_v over_o not_o as_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o they_o leave_v that_o relation_n where_o they_o leave_v their_o habitation_n but_o of_o a_o nationall_n church_n whereof_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o no_o pattern_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o in_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v no_o national_a church_n nor_o any_o national_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o though_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o some_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n upon_o some_o covenant_n or_o stipulation_n of_o their_o parent_n or_o of_o some_o in_o their_o stead_n who_o they_o call_v godfather_n which_o also_o be_v without_o warrant_n yet_o general_o they_o have_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o any_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n or_o repentance_n or_o promise_v of_o performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n make_v for_o they_o which_o be_v a_o offence_n not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o own_o church_n express_v in_o the_o rubric_n before_o the_o common_a catechism_n but_o also_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o receive_v none_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o such_o as_o profess_v their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o in_o their_o parish_n communion_n which_o not_o communion_n of_o spirit_n but_o co-habitation_n beget_v they_o partake_v with_o all_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n not_o exclude_v drunkard_n whoremonger_n profane_a swearer_n covetous_a worldling_n atheist_n papist_n and_o the_o like_a whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o not_o a_o little_a leaven_n but_o a_o great_a mass_n of_o leaven_n have_v deep_o leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o have_v worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n both_o in_o prescript_n form_n of_o liturgy_n and_o litany_n and_o in_o such_o ceremony_n as_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v of_o god_n yet_o be_v public_o enjoin_v as_o neither_o dark_a nor_o dull_a but_o apt_a to_o stir_v up_o the_o dull_a mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o duty_n to_o god_n by_o some_o notable_a and_o special_a signification_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v edify_v 5._o it_o be_v a_o public_a offence_n that_o they_o have_v yield_v voluntary_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o such_o a_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o appoint_v in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v approve_v the_o same_o whether_o by_o subscription_n or_o by_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n or_o by_o conformity_n to_o their_o usurpation_n and_o injunction_n these_o or_o such_o like_a public_a offence_n as_o we_o have_v bewail_v in_o ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o fellowship_n with_o they_o so_o we_o have_v think_v it_o needful_a that_o our_o brethren_n also_o who_o come_v over_o to_o we_o shall_v profess_v their_o repentance_n of_o the_o same_o at_o least_o in_o a_o positive_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o contrary_a sincere_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v to_o communion_n with_o we_o sect_n vi_o if_o these_o ground_n may_v suffice_v to_o justify_v our_o non-admittance_n of_o all_o the_o countryman_n promiscuous_o that_o come_v over_o to_o we_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o further_a satisfaction_n the_o same_o also_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o may_v suffice_v to_o justify_v our_o non-admittance_n of_o their_o infant_n unto_o baptism_n infant_n can_v claim_v right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o right_n of_o one_o of_o their_o parent_n or_o both_o where_o neither_o of_o the_o parent_n can_v claim_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o their_o infant_n can_v claim_v right_o to_o baptism_n and_o they_o can_v claim_v right_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o we_o have_v not_o lawful_a liberty_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o the_o parent_n or_o to_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o either_o for_o our_o want_n of_o due_a power_n over_o they_o or_o through_o their_o want_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o seal_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o
weak_a believer_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v he_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3._o three_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n and_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o be_v the_o rock_n on_o which_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v for_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n whereunto_o he_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o now_o if_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n than_o we_o shall_v build_v a_o church_n without_o a_o foundation_n if_o we_o receive_v such_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o do_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o either_o through_o ignorance_n make_v no_o profession_n at_o all_o or_o such_o a_o verbal_a profession_n as_o savour_v not_o of_o any_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o father_n by_o his_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n expostulate_v with_o such_o a_o guest_n as_o come_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n even_o unto_o his_o table_n not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n mat._n 22.12_o and_o do_v not_o expostulation_n intimate_v a_o taxation_n also_o of_o they_o by_o who_o connivance_n he_o come_v in_o where_o he_o say_v how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n impute_v it_o to_o the_o sleepiness_n that_o be_v to_o the_o remissness_n and_o negligence_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o tare_n be_v sow_v in_o his_o field_n among_o the_o wheat_n mat._n 13.25.38.39_o four_o such_o as_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o join_v with_o and_o command_v to_o turn_v from_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o five_o can_v any_o man_n judge_v such_o person_n fit_a material_n for_o the_o constitute_n and_o edify_v of_o a_o church_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n as_o all_o hypocrite_n will_v at_o length_n they_o procure_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n rev._n 2.4_o we_o pass_v by_o the_o type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o without_o their_o due_a weight_n it_o be_v touch_v above_o that_o rough_a stone_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n till_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o prepare_v before_o 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o solomon_n be_v here_o and_o a_o great_a temple_n then_o that_o of_o solomon_n the_o attendance_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o porter_n suffer_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v unclean_a in_o any_o thing_n 2_o chro._n 23.19_o do_v it_o not_o evident_o type_n forth_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o suffer_v none_o unclean_a unclean_a in_o estate_n or_o course_n of_o life_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n well_o then_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n it_o can_v be_v think_v a_o unseasonable_a curiosity_n but_o rather_o hold_v a_o due_a and_o faithful_a watchfulness_n in_o the_o officer_n and_o body_n of_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v a_o due_a trial_n of_o man_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n as_o john_n baptist_n do_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o philip_n do_v act._n 8.37_o before_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o excessive_a austerity_n in_o john_n but_o a_o holy_a faithfulness_n and_o godly_a zeal_n not_o only_o to_o repulse_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n mat._n 3.7_o but_o the_o profane_a people_n also_o from_o his_o baptism_n luk._n 3.7_o as_o those_o who_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o therefore_o themselves_o be_v not_o meet_v for_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n luk._n 2.3_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o trial_n we_o do_v not_o exact_v eminent_a measure_n either_o of_o knowledge_n or_o holiness_n but_o do_v willing_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n such_o in_o who_o spirit_n we_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o christ_n in_o their_o sensible_a feel_n of_o a_o lose_a estate_n ☞_o ☞_o for_o we_o have_v rather_o 99_o hypocrite_n shall_v perish_v through_o presumption_n than_o one_o humble_a soul_n belong_v to_o christ_n shall_v sink_v under_o discouragement_n or_o despair_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v in_o it_o good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o tare_n for_o tare_n as_o hierome_n say_v be_v like_a to_o wheat_n sect_n iv_o come_v we_o now_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o second_o point_n why_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n 1._o meet_v it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v receive_v as_o one_o body_n unto_o christ_n by_o profess_v their_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o in_o the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o five_o part_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o fellowship_n by_o profession_n of_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n eadem_fw-la estratio_fw-la partium_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o the_o part_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o common_a nature_n of_o both_o and_o as_o all_o relative_n do_v they_o mutual_o argue_v one_o another_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o godly_a stranger_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n by_o faith_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o love_v his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n they_o add_v this_o duty_n over_o and_o above_o the_o former_a they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o sure_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o for_o their_o personal_a salvation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o when_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 3._o but_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o subjection_n to_o it_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o he_o cause_v to_o pass_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20.37_o object_n it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v proselyte_n who_o in_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v therein_o also_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n impli_v join_v to_o the_o church_n jer._n 50.5_o zech._n 2.11_o ans_fw-fr 1._o they_o that_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o text_n of_o jeremy_n and_o zachary_n do_v indeed_o in_o so_o do_v join_v in_o a_o church-body_n also_o for_o they_o who_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o multitude_n concur_v and_o consent_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n to_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o become_v his_o people_n but_o here_o in_o isaiah_n the_o eunuch_n and_o stranger_n be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o ready_a to_o complain_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o have_v utter_o separate_v they_o from_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 3._o as_o indeed_o he_o have_v by_o express_a law_n separate_v they_o that_o be_v prohibit_v they_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o deut._n 23.1_o 2_o 3._o against_o which_o law_n the_o lord_n comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o their_o eunuchicall_a estate_n nor_o the_o alienation_n or_o strangernesse_n of_o any_o nation_n shall_v be_v a_o impediment_n unto_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o lord_n house_n which_o be_v the_o church_n the_o join_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n as_o proselyte_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o disjoyn_v and_o separate_n from_o the_o lord_n people_n but_o the_o lord_n