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
man_n by_o those_o trial_n and_o this_o care_n suit_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n which_o be_v delegate_v and_o steward_o for_o as_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o steward_n bind_v he_o to_o receive_v none_o into_o his_o lord_n family_n but_o according_a to_o his_o lord_n mind_n and_o appointment_n so_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n oblige_v they_o to_o receive_v such_o into_o this_o holy_a fellowship_n as_o they_o may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v the_o lord_n receive_v and_o add_v thereunto_o against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v two_o objection_n be_v make_v object_n 1_o obj._n christ_n receive_v judas_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n into_o fellowship_n of_o the_o twelve_o answ_n 1_o answ_n 1._o not_o into_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o no_o such_o be_v then_o gather_v 2._o christ_n have_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v church_n joh._n 13.18_o object_n 2_o obj._n 2._o christ_n himself_o compare_v visible_a church_n to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v tare_n to_o a_o draw-net_a which_o gather_v good_a and_o bad_a fish_n to_o ten_o virgin_n of_o which_o five_o be_v foolish_a and_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o they_o sundry_a hypocrite_n and_o scandalous_a person_n answ_n answ_n such_o place_n show_v 1._o that_o in_o visible_a church_n sometime_o hypocrite_n be_v mix_v either_o by_o the_o sleepiness_n and_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v â—â—â—vent_v it_o thence_o the_o tare_n or_o by_o the_o wyliness_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o creep_v in_o unaware_o judas_n 4._o as_o the_o bad_a fish_n come_v into_o the_o net_n under_o water_n or_o they_o pretend_v save_v gift_n as_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n so_o false_a brethren_n gal._n 2.4_o 2._o the_o pure_a church_n may_v be_v blemish_v with_o scandal_n till_o they_o can_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o they_o but_o then_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o therefore_o they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o be_v such_o before_o from_o this_o second_o conclusion_n thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v we_o may_v infer_v as_o follow_v consect_n 1_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o more_o be_v require_v as_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o church-member_n as_o visible_a than_o that_o they_o profess_v before_o man_n the_o faith_n crave_v fellowship_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o desire_v the_o visible_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o man_n may_v have_v all_o these_o three_o property_n who_o be_v notorious_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n drunkard_n adulterer_n profane_a swearer_n and_o curser_n in_o a_o word_n such_o as_o be_v describe_v 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4._o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n charge_n be_v from_o such_o turn_n away_o v._o 5._o if_o in_o ordinary_a converse_n the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v not_o exercise_v needless_a familiarity_n with_o such_o much_o less_o may_v they_o receive_v they_o into_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o fraternity_n if_o such_o be_v member_n must_v be_v cast_v out_o certain_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n they_o may_v not_o be_v receive_v in_o while_o they_o continue_v such_o consect_n 2_o if_o christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n than_o it_o be_v the_o bind_a duty_n of_o church_n to_o see_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v according_a to_o rule_v that_o all_o who_o they_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n be_v visible_a believer_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o conclusion_n above_o propound_v explain_v and_o prove_v lest_o otherwise_o they_o build_v without_o a_o foundation_n particular_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o see_v so_o far_o as_o in_o charity_n they_o may_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v beleiver_n in_o christ_n else_o they_o can_v answer_v the_o title_n give_v they_o in_o scripture_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o nor_o the_o praise_n give_v unto_o peter_n so_o confess_v christ_n that_o christ_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n 2._o they_o be_v to_o see_v that_o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o a_o good_a conversation_n phil._n 1.27_o jam._n 3.12_o 13._o for_o they_o that_o profess_v they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a tit._n 1.16_o 3._o and_o in_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n as_o peter_n do_v here_o before_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n only_o because_o the_o church_n can_v see_v the_o heart_n immediate_o as_o christ_n do_v peter_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v to_o man_n must_v hold_v forth_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o calvin_n understand_v those_o word_n sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o calvin_n note_n upon_o it_o be_v this_o 3.15_o this_o ejus_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o vobis_fw-la est_fw-la spei_fw-la spes_fw-la hîc_fw-la per_fw-la synechdochen_n pro_fw-la fide_fw-la capitur_fw-la expendi_fw-la debet_fw-la seduló_n quod_fw-la dicit_fw-la significat_fw-la n._n eam_fw-la demâ—_n confessionâ—_n probari_fw-la deo_fw-la quae_fw-la ex_fw-la cord_n emanat_fw-la quia_fw-la nisi_fw-la intus_fw-la resideat_fw-la fides_fw-la frâ—â—â—â—à _fw-la garâ—â—â—â—â—gua_fw-la ergo_fw-la radices_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la agate_n ut_fw-la deinde_fw-la proferat_fw-la confâ—ssionis_fw-la fructum_fw-la calv._n in_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o hope_v here_o be_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n put_v for_o faith_n what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o weigh_v for_o it_o signify_v that_o god_n approve_v only_o that_o confession_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n because_o unless_o faith_n reside_v within_o the_o tongue_n will_v babble_v in_o vain_a therefore_o faith_n must_v be_v root_v in_o we_o that_o afterward_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o confession_n and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v the_o brethren_n be_v to_o consent_v in_o receive_v they_o and_o herein_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o gentleness_n of_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o break_v a_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v smoke_v flax_n in_o give_v due_a encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n if_o they_o see_v cause_n to_o conceive_v by_o right_o order_v charity_n that_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o they_o but_o if_o they_o see_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o that_o they_o have_v warrant_v to_o suspend_v their_o acceptance_n till_o better_a satisfaction_n be_v give_v from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n in_o act._n 9.26_o however_o the_o officer_n must_v propound_v it_o to_o the_o brethren_n to_o declare_v whether_o they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o they_o do_v consent_n that_o such_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n as_o peter_n put_v a_o like_a question_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o go_v with_o he_o from_o joppa_n concern_v the_o baptise_v of_o cornelius_n and_o those_o with_o he_o upon_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v visible_o act._n 10.44_o 45_o 46._o etc._n etc._n consect_n 3_o 3._o cons_n if_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n believe_v on_o and_o public_o confess_v by_o grow_v person_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v build_v then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o ripe_a age_n must_v hold_v forth_o public_o their_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o fellowship_n in_o vote_v and_o in_o election_n and_o censure_n in_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a or_o profess_v a_o false_a faith_n or_o deny_v the_o true_a faith_n or_o contemner_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o do_v not_o according_a to_o this_o clause_n of_o the_o charter_n public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o crave_v church-fellowship_n they_o may_v not_o be_v own_v for_o member_n by_o their_o admission_n unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o other_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n in_o their_o own_o right_n but_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v non-member_n in_o jacob_n posterity_n when_o the_o lord_n bring_v they_o to_o canaan_n that_o stand_a ordinance_n of_o present_v unto_o the_o lord_n before_o the_o priest_n their_o first_o fruit_n every_o year_n with_o such_o a_o solemn_a confession_n make_v by_o all_o grow_a israelite_n as_o be_v appoint_v in_o deut._n 26.2_o to_o 16._o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o church_n and_o time_n in_o performance_n whereof_o they_o avouch_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o commandment_n and_o his_o
judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n etc._n etc._n v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o the_o like_a if_o not_o great_a care_n be_v have_v of_o the_o profession_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o stranger_n the_o child_n of_o such_o proselyte_n as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n isa_n 56.6_o 7._o john_n baptist_n also_o require_v of_o all_o who_o he_o admit_v unto_o his_o baptism_n a_o repenting-confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19.4_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n mat._n 3.9_o answerable_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v of_o all_o grow_v person_n 1._o visible_a repentance_n in_o case_n of_o open_a scandal_n act._n 19.18_o 2._o to_o join_v therewith_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n act._n 2.39_o 3._o a_o profession_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o ancient_a church_n they_o have_v their_o poenitentes_fw-la such_o as_o hold_v forth_o their_o repentance_n public_o and_o their_o catechumeni_fw-la who_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v be_v pagan_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o be_v catechize_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v crave_v baptism_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v fit_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competentes_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n they_o be_v call_v audientes_fw-la or_o auditores_fw-la 17._o auditores_fw-la tertull._n l._n de_fw-la poenit_fw-la c._n 6._o &_o praescr_n advers._fw-la haeret_fw-la c._n 4._o cypr._n l._n 3._o ep_v 17._o 2._o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o do_v nonnihil_fw-la adolescere_fw-la be_v catechize_v and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v believer_n be_v confirm_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church-priviledge_n these_o clemens_n call_v incipientes_fw-la &_o novitio_n and_o so_o do_v other_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wrought_v high_a and_o more_o effectual_o to_o advance_v papal_a usurpation_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o church_n this_o custom_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o popery_n retain_v only_o the_o name_n of_o confirmation_n but_o corrupt_v the_o thing_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o sacrament_n limit_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o diocesan_n praelat_n this_o corrupt_a custom_n be_v continue_v in_o england_n after_o they_o renounce_v the_o pope_n but_o as_o luther_n in_o germany_n seek_v to_o introduce_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o into_o the_o church_n there_o so_o do_v cranmer_n under_o that_o godly_a king_n edward_n the_o 6_o endeavour_v in_o england_n and_o commit_v the_o perusal_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n to_o that_o godly_a learned_a and_o moderate_a theologue_n bucer_n who_o examine_v the_o book_n find_v among_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v 17._o censura_fw-la m._n buceri_fw-la super_fw-la lib._n ordinat_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 17._o must_v say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o answer_v the_o question_n of_o the_o short_a catechism_n bucer_n censure_n upon_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o require_v diligent_a ponderation_n if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v recite_v god_n abhor_v such_o as_o confess_v he_o in_o word_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o be_v catechise_v institute_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v answer_v in_o word_n only_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o lord_n say_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v and_o not_o only_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o require_v such_o worshipper_n as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n unto_o baptism_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v require_v as_o may_v be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o mouth_n or_o get_v only_o by_o humane_a teach_n but_o also_o it_o must_v have_v those_o sign_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n as_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o though_o the_o church_n can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n which_o fruit_n afterward_o he_o declare_v at_o large_a but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o point_n have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n than_o dispute_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o question_n under_o so_o much_o agitation_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o formal_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n or_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o this_o church_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o house_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o material_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o but_o christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o material_a house_n but_o of_o the_o constitute_n of_o that_o holy_a society_n which_o he_o call_v his_o church_n under_o the_o metaphor_n of_o build_v a_o house_n which_o every_o way_n suit_v the_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o a_o material_a house_n suppose_v of_o stone_n be_v build_v by_o orderly_o place_v and_o strong_o cement_n they_o together_o which_o before_o be_v either_o scatter_a stone_n or_o a_o confuse_a and_o loose_a heap_n but_o not_o a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v thus_o frame_v and_o compact_v together_o so_o this_o holy_a society_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o coadunition_n or_o knit_v together_o of_o many_o saint_n into_o one_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o they_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v build_v by_o a_o orderly_a join_n and_o firm_o knit_v the_o part_n together_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o the_o mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o orderly_a and_o firm_o knit_v to_o the_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o the_o same_o hold_v in_o city_n and_o family_n which_o be_v thus_o build_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o same_o matephor_n in_o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o concl._n 3_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n by_o the_o public_a mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o with_o another_o though_o all_o man_n seem_v to_o grant_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o be_v from_o a_o covenant_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o that_o want_v a_o explicit_a covenant_n do_v yet_o plead_v their_o implicit_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o church-state_n yet_o such_o dispute_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o church_n covenant_n that_o i_o be_o compel_v to_o handle_v this_o point_n also_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o clear_v and_o settle_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n show_v 1._o to_o what_o end_n it_o serve_v 2._o what_o it_o import_v 3._o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 4._o draw_v some_o consectary_n from_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o the_o next_o end_n of_o their_o confederate_n be_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o and_o to_o walk_v together_o according_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v sanctify_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 2._o the_o covenant_n itself_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o on_o the_o lord_n part_n it_o impli_v 1._o the_o lord_n give_v they_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o 2._o his_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n according_o isa_n 56.4_o 5_o
have_v a_o immediate_a right_n in_o all_o church-priviledge_n which_o i_o do_v not_o grant_v nor_o believe_v but_o that_o as_o the_o church_n look_v upon_o they_o tanquam_fw-la in_o lumbis_fw-la parentum_fw-la so_o also_o if_o the_o grow_v member_n of_o the_o church_n observe_v vicious_a quality_n and_o practice_n in_o they_o they_o do_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o immediate_o in_o those_o step_n of_o proceed_v require_v in_o mat._n 18._o to_o bring_v matter_n to_o the_o church_n but_o they_o deal_v with_o their_o parent_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o educate_v their_o child_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o ephes_n 6.4_o to_o this_o sense_n dr._n ames_n appli_v that_o text_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 13._o ames_n medulla_n theolog_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o art_n 12_o 13._o infant_n tamen_fw-la non_fw-la adeò_fw-la perfecta_fw-la sunt_fw-la membra_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la ut_fw-la possint_fw-la actus_fw-la communionis_fw-la exercere_fw-la aut_fw-la admitti_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la ejus_fw-la privilegia_fw-la participanda_fw-la nisi_fw-la priùs_fw-la incrementum_fw-la fidei_fw-la appareat_fw-la ab_fw-la iis_fw-la vero_fw-la quae_fw-la pertinent_a ad_fw-la initium_fw-la fidei_fw-la et_fw-la ingressum_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la excludendi_fw-la 2._o nor_o may_v their_o child_n be_v baptize_v till_o themselves_o have_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o right_n for_o the_o child_n of_o church-member_n when_o they_o come_v to_o age_n for_o not_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n do_v become_v non-member_n and_o be_v to_o be_v so_o look_v at_o by_o the_o church_n if_o they_o desert_a church-fellowship_n either_o depart_v from_o they_o in_o place_n as_o esau_n into_o mount_n seir_n or_o withdraw_v from_o their_o communion_n or_o if_o the_o church_n withdraw_v from_o they_o in_o such_o case_n they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o implicitly_a member_n therefore_o their_o child_n may_v not_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o right_a that_o infant_n have_v unto_o baptism_n be_v in_o their_o next_o and_o immediate_a parent_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o do_v so_o limit_v it_o 2._o because_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o next_o parent_n take_v off_o the_o federal_a holiness_n of_o their_o seed_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o posterity_n of_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n 3._o because_o if_o infant_n shall_v have_v this_o right_n in_o their_o grandfather_n where_o shall_v we_o stop_v shall_v it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n as_o some_o misapply_v that_o promise_n in_o exod._n 20.6_o that_o can_v be_v true_a for_o then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o turk_n and_o heathen_a all_o the_o world_n over_o have_v a_o right_n to_o bapism_n in_o some_o of_o their_o ancestor_n within_o that_o time_n contrary_a to_o rom._n 11.17_o coral_n ∣_o lary_n 5_o then_o church-covenant_n be_v no_o formidable_a matter_n but_o desirable_a be_v it_o a_o yoke_n 1._o it_o be_v christ_n yoke_n which_o be_v easy_a mat._n 11.29_o 30._o he_o will_v make_v it_o easy_a depend_v upon_o his_o faithfulness_n as_o surety_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o ability_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o your_o discharge_n of_o your_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o yoke_n of_o bondage_n but_o of_o precious_a liberty_n whereby_o you_o have_v right_a in_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o nor_o be_v church-fellowship_n a_o prison_n but_o if_o god_n call_v they_o must_v consent_v to_o your_o remove_n from_o they_o and_o follow_v you_o with_o their_o prayer_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o strong_a but_o sweet_a engagement_n of_o all_o upright-hearted_n christian_n to_o please_v christ_n and_o to_o be_v to_o his_o honour_n in_o that_o state_n so_o do_v the_o marriage-covenant_n oblige_v those_o that_o be_v in_o that_o state_n 1_o cor._n 7.34_o &_o 11.7_o from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v for_o the_o like_a care_n in_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o ephes_n 5.24_o 2_o cor._n 8.23_o which_o also_o be_v a_o special_a end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o abraham_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n stand_v bind_v unto_o god_n gen._n 17.1_o 2._o and_o 2_o chron._n 34.31_o 32._o and_o the_o contrary_n discover_v the_o insincerity_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o other_o psal_n 78.37_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o bind_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o church-relation_n mutual_o both_o officer_n and_o people_n and_o quicken_v they_o thereunto_o through_o the_o influence_n and_o assistance_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o to_o 28._o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o some_o who_o do_v approve_v and_o plead_v for_o all_o other_o covenant_n viz._n national_a conjugal_a social_n covenant_n shall_v yet_o dislike_v and_o oppose_v church-covenant_n coral_n ∣_o lary_n 6_o from_o the_o premise_n we_o may_v see_v when_o the_o church-covenant_n be_v break_v and_o how_o great_a their_o sin_n be_v who_o do_v scandalous_o and_o contumacious_o persist_v therein_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o quantity_n and_o compass_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n which_o christ_n call_v his_o church_n he_o tell_v peter_n that_o he_o will_v build_v it_o upon_o this_o rock_n mat._n 16.18_o i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n where_o the_o verb_n be_v in_o the_o first_o person_n and_o in_o the_o future_a tense_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o to_o show_v that_o though_o he_o will_v use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o work_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n that_o cause_v the_o work_n to_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 3.9_o it_o be_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o church-work_n be_v carry_v on_o successful_o zech._n 4.6_o 2._o breadstreet_n see_v mr._n bradf_n answ_n to_o the_o arch._n b._n of_o york_n in_o mr._n fox_n his_o act_n &_o mon._n in_o a_o conference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o bishop_n of_o chichester_n in_o the_o compter_n in_o breadstreet_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o future_a tense_n not_o in_o the_o praeter_fw-la or_o present_a for_o though_o christ_n be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o builder_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v constitute_v after_o his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n when_o the_o gospel_n shall_v shine_v forth_o so_o clear_o that_o it_o shall_v obscure_v the_o light_n of_o former_a age_n as_o the_o sun_n rise_v in_o its_o strength_n do_v the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n and_o it_o shall_v appear_v 2.11_o tit._n 2.11_o bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n even_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v gather_v and_o join_v unto_o christ_n that_o one_o head_n 14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eph._n 1.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ephes_n 3.6_o &_o 2.13_o 14_o and_o become_v member_n of_o his_o body_n together_o with_o the_o believe_a jew_n in_o church-communion_n visible_o the_o partition_n wall_n be_v break_v down_o and_o because_o all_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v join_v together_o in_o one_o visible_a church_n as_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v and_o be_v to_o have_v their_o solemn_a set_a meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n thrice_o a_o year_n or_o once_o in_o a_o age_n the_o lord_n jesus_n institute_v a_o congregational-church_n among_o christian_n and_o invest_v every_o such_o church_n with_o sufficient_a church-power_n within_o itself_o for_o attainment_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n this_o be_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v and_o appropriate_v it_o to_o himself_o my_o church_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v his_o institution_n 2._o because_o his_o name_n be_v call_v and_o put_v upon_o it_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v not_o moses_n his_o disciple_n but_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v of_o old_a call_v christian_n act._n 11.26_o this_o title_n of_o church_n though_o it_o be_v give_v some_o time_n to_o a_o civil_a assembly_n act._n 19.41_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o christ_n no_o where_o call_v a_o civil_a assembly_n his_o church_n therefore_o it_o must_v signify_v a_o holy_a society_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n the_o scripture_n appli_v this_o title_n sundry_a way_n 1._o to_o godly_a family_n rom._n 16.5_o col._n 4.15_o phil._n 2._o where_o the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o house_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o congregational_a church_n for_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o congregational_a assembly_n to_o salute_v aquila_n and_o priscilla_n and_o the_o church_n in_o their_o house_n their_o house_n it_o seem_v consist_v all_o of_o godly_a person_n in_o paul_n judgement_n else_o he_o will_v have_v
papam_fw-la p._n 565._o be_v there_o burn_v for_o deny_v the_o primacy_n of_o the_o pope_n teach_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v ecclesiae_fw-la toti_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o the_o communion_n shall_v be_v administer_v sub_fw-la utrâque_fw-la specie_fw-la and_o against_o humane_a tradition_n and_o the_o pope_n indulgency_n and_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o the_o cardinal_n and_o priest_n and_o for_o preach_v free_a justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n this_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 1499._o in_o our_o own_o land_n john_n lambert_n in_o the_o year_n 8_o fox_n martyrol_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o hen._n 8_o 1538_o be_v burn_v to_o death_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o himself_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o he_o with_o all_o his_o noble_n and_o bishop_n by_o the_o wicked_a counsel_n of_o stephen_n gardiner_n upon_o 45_o article_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o 43_o article_n whether_o he_o believe_v the_o pope_n be_v christ_n vicar_n and_o have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v he_o deny_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v christ_n vicar_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o cyprian_a ibid._n idem_fw-la ibid._n de_fw-fr simplicitate_fw-la clericorum_fw-la and_o aug._n de_fw-fr ago_o christiano_n also_o sir_n john_n borthwick_n a_o scottish_a knight_n in_o the_o year_n 1540_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o arch_a bishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n than_o cardinal_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o pope_n legate_n with_o sundry_a popish_a bishop_n upon_o ten_o article_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o first_o touch_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n ground_v upon_o mat._n 16._o to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n which_o he_o from_o that_o place_n confute_v affirm_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n which_o name_n be_v give_v he_o upon_o his_o confession_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o confirm_v his_o assertion_n out_o of_o cyprian_a and_o augustine_n so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o singular_a exposition_n of_o these_o word_n or_o practice_n take_v up_o by_o some_o few_o of_o late_a not_o new_a for_o cyprian_n write_v about_o the_o year_n 250_o after_o christ_n and_o augustine_n about_o the_o year_n 410_o the_o last_o of_o they_o about_o 1200_o year_n since_o and_o the_o first_o above_o 1400_o year_n past_a i_o shall_v add_v hereunto_o that_o before_o cyprian_a tertullian_n about_o the_o year_n 200_o show_v we_o that_o church-censure_n be_v then_o perform_v by_o one_o particular_a church_n within_o it_o self_n and_o not_o in_o any_o combination_n of_o church_n tertull._n apolog._n cap._n 39_o nor_o singular_a for_o sundry_a sort_n of_o writer_n in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n have_v consent_v therein_o i_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o question_n about_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o apprehension_n between_o some_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n whether_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n under_o several_a consideration_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o as_o a_o elder_a and_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n all_o be_v take_v joint_o together_o or_o to_o a_o single_a society_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n under_o some_o special_a relation_n which_o share_n alike_o in_o the_o equality_n of_o this_o power_n promise_v unto_o they_o for_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o agree_v 1._o that_o the_o key_n be_v promise_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o congregational-church_n 2._o that_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n can_v be_v give_v to_o one_o single_a society_n formal_o in_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o because_o it_o require_v several_a sort_n of_o subject_n formal_o different_a viz._n some_o rule_v some_o rule_v some_o teach_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o till_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v organise_v and_o complete_v with_o all_o its_o officer_n it_o can_v complete_o exercise_v the_o key_n commit_v to_o it_o 4._o that_o nevertheless_o before_o it_o be_v complete_v it_o have_v power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o they_o either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o whereby_o all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v or_o administrable_a among_o they_o i_o shall_v issue_v this_o point_n into_o one_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n concl._n 6._o concl._n the_o subordinate_a ordinary_a power_n of_o act_v church-affair_n in_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o a_o visible_a congregation_n of_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v note_v something_n 1._o for_o explication_n 2._o confirmation_n of_o it_o 3._o draw_v some_o consectary_n 1._o for_o explication_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v five_o particular_n 1._o what_o i_o mean_v by_o subordinate_a power_n subordinate_a power_n be_v that_o which_o whole_o depend_v on_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o only_a monarch_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o his_o reveal_v will_n must_v be_v attend_v in_o all_o church-administations_a as_o the_o only_a rule_n from_o which_o they_o may_v not_o swerve_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o any_o humane_a policy_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o by_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v any_o thing_n therefrom_o to_o this_o christ_n limit_v his_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o according_o paul_n strict_o charge_v timothy_n and_o in_o he_o all_o the_o church_n and_o church-officer_n to_o keep_v this_o commandment_n without_o spot_n unrebukable_a until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o 14_o 15._o they_o must_v assume_v to_o themselves_o only_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v allot_v they_o and_o not_o exercise_v it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v allow_v they_o 2._o why_o i_o add_v ordinary_a to_o subordinate_a it_o be_v add_v to_o difference_n that_o power_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n for_o continual_a use_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n both_o apostolical-power_n and_o church-power_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v immediate_o from_o christ_n for_o as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n joh._n 20.23_o so_o he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n both_o here_o in_o peter_n and_o in_o mat._n 18.18_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n receive_v its_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o both_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o power_n before_o visible_a christian-churche_n be_v constitute_v so_o such_o church_n have_v and_o hold_v their_o power_n when_o apostle_n cease_v to_o be_v on_o earth_n but_o herein_o these_o two_o power_n differ_v 1._o that_o apostolical_a power_n be_v centre_v in_o one_o single_a person_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o circumference_n of_o all_o church_n each_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n he_o can_v administer_v seal_n and_o censure_n as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o be_v present_a in_o any_o church_n that_o want_v officer_n a_o apostle_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v every_o office_n for_o the_o church_n and_o this_o their_o power_n extend_v itself_o as_o much_o to_o all_o church_n as_o to_o any_o one_o their_o line_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n psal_n 19.4_o with_o rom._n 10.18_o mat._n 28.19_o for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n the_o mediator_n with_o fullness_n of_o soveragin_n power_n so_o christ_n send_v his_o apostle_n with_o fullness_n of_o ministerial_a power_n joh._n 20.21_o but_o church-power_n be_v not_o in_o one_o man_n but_o in_o a_o society_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v various_o by_o several_a person_n in_o that_o society_n according_a to_o variety_n of_o calling_n be_v all_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o hence_o 2._o that_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o to_o last_v but_o for_o a_o time_n but_o this_o be_v ordinary_a and_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n rev._n 4.1_o 3._o what_o the_o church-affair_n be_v and_o what_o the_o act_v they_o import_v the_o church-affair_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n call_v here_o the_o
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
of_o power_n under_o christ_n to_o manage_v the_o same_o within_o themselves_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n intend_v to_o establish_v by_o this_o promise_n the_o complete_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o such_o a_o church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o itâ—_n officer_n be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 18.18_o where_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v give_v by_o name_n to_o such_o a_o church_n the_o word_n therefore_o in_o sum_n hold_v forth_o a_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n of_o a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v thus_o evince_v the_o censure_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v with_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n the_o proposition_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v pass_v without_o opposition_n but_o i_o find_v this_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o obj._n the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n or_o court_n proceed_v right_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v appeal_v from_o it_o why_o will_v not_o the_o same_o hold_n in_o church-censure_n also_o answ_n 1._o because_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o civil_a court_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o spiritual_a bind_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v 2._o because_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o the_o reason_n why_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o inferior_a civil_a court_n and_o judge_n be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o there_o prosecute_v and_o thereby_o determine_v as_o the_o inferior_a court_n in_o israel_n stand_v under_o the_o high_a synedrion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o supreme_a court_n ordain_v by_o christ_n over_o particular_a church_n the_o assumption_n that_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n be_v express_o in_o the_o text_n as_o it_o have_v be_v expound_v true_o say_v some_o what_o a_o particular_a church_n bind_v on_o earth_n cleave_v non_fw-la errante_fw-la be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o judgement_n therefore_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v and_o then_o their_o bind_a power_n be_v go_v answ_n 1._o if_o possibility_n of_o err_v in_o judgement_n be_v a_o warrantable_a ground_n of_o appeal_n from_o particular_a church_n then_o the_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v to_o such_o a_o tribunal_n and_o judge_n as_o can_v err_v which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o heaven_n 2._o on_o this_o ground_n the_o universal_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o general_a council_n much_o more_o inferior_a synod_n and_o class_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v without_o appeal_n for_o a_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v not_o seldom_o but_o often_o not_o in_o small_a matter_n only_o but_o in_o those_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n yea_o they_o may_v be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o err_v as_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n corrupt_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v more_o eye_n &_o plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la i_o answer_v true_a caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la viz._n if_o they_o be_v equal_o near_o the_o mark_n but_o their_o sight_n be_v hinder_v more_o than_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o their_o proper_a concernment_n as_o they_o be_v further_o from_o the_o mark_n in_o such_o case_n than_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o full_a power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o classical_a national_a not_o ecumenical_a assembly_n have_v any_o such_o power_n for_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v also_o 3._o christ_n who_o well_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o what_o be_v best_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o particular_a church_n notwithstanding_o their_o possibility_n of_o err_a a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o judgement_n in_o their_o own_o matter_n within_o themselves_o the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n conclu_n 7._o conclu_n be_v complete_v with_o officer_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n within_o itself_o complete_a subordinate_a church-power_n in_o all_o church-affair_n proper_a to_o itself_o when_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o have_v complete_a or_o sufficient_a church-power_n thereby_o i_o mean_v 1._o that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n to_o supply_v unto_o it_o any_o power_n that_o it_o want_v in_o its_o own_o matter_n and_o 2._o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o subjection_n under_o any_o other_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a so_o as_o that_o thereby_o the_o judicial_a act_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v hinder_v or_o make_v void_a in_o a_o word_n potestas_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la in_fw-la re_fw-la propria_fw-la summa_fw-la est_fw-la the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v chief_a in_o thing_n proper_a to_o itself_o 2._o i_o add_v that_o this_o chiefty_a of_o power_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v subordinate_a to_o show_v that_o the_o absolute_a supremacy_n of_o power_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v only_o delegated_a from_o christ_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o its_o officer_n the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v perfect_o monarchical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o elder_n act_v their_o authoririty_n or_o office-power_n it_o be_v aristocratical_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fraternity_n act_v its_o chuch-power_n in_o judgement_n it_o be_v democratical_a and_o in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o member_n both_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n it_o be_v aristocratico-democratical_a above_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o set_v any_o high_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a on_o earth_n subject_v particular_a church_n thereunto_o in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la a_o clear_a proof_n of_o such_o power_n as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v describe_v you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5_o 15_a say_v not_o as_o some_o do_v that_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a power_n in_o that_o church_n but_o of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o decree_v it_o and_o judge_v he_o before_o and_o commit_v no_o more_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o 5.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 5.3_o though_o paul_n as_o a_o apostle_n judge_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v yet_o he_o so_o judge_v only_o dogmatical_o by_o teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n not_o judicial_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o accordingly_z the_o church_n cast_v he_o out_o by_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n of_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o though_o in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n deliver_v by_o paul_n for_o 1._o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o and_o that_o be_v the_o high_a power_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 5._o which_o argue_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o power_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o on_o earth_n 3._o when_o god_n bless_v this_o sentence_n by_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o work_v repentance_n in_o he_o paul_n exhort_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6-10_a and_o do_v not_o claim_v the_o power_n over_o they_o of_o a_o superior_a judge_n to_o absolve_v he_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n without_o they_o nor_o do_v he_o write_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a church_n but_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n both_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o thereby_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n to_o be_v so_o full_o in_o they_o that_o as_o their_o not_o put_v it_o into_o act_n retard_v the_o sentence_n before_o
that_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a for_o their_o eternal_a good_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n when_o the_o sentence_n proceed_v either_o according_a to_o the_o eighteen_o of_o matthew_n upon_o their_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n in_o less_o heinous_a offence_n or_o according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o rev._n 22.15_o upon_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o against_o common_a light_n to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v they_o in_o due_a time_n 1_o pet._n 5.6_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o he_o to_o add_v efficacy_n to_o his_o ordinance_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v due_o and_o true_o humble_v their_o corruption_n powerful_o mortify_v and_o their_o soul_n eternal_o save_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o take_v not_o part_n with_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o ordinance_n but_o take_v part_n with_o the_o ordinance_n against_o your_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o your_o honour_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o exalt_v his_o rule_n and_o let_v other_o learn_v hereby_o to_o fear_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n but_o persist_v obstinate_o in_o sin_n 2._o corollary_n then_o a_o congregational_a church_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n this_o be_v reveal_v to_o john_n as_o that_o frame_n of_o church-government_n which_o shall_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o see_v a_o throne_n set_v in_o heaven_n the_o trinity_n sit_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n between_o it_o and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n who_o sit_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n rev._n 4.1_o 9_o thither_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o ordinance_n by_o a_o offend_a brother_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n or_o by_o any_o member_n that_o find_v himself_o over-rigorous_o dealâ—_n with_o by_o his_o brethren_n in_o these_o step_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o that_o there_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o christ_n if_o the_o church_n want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o consent_n for_o the_o sentence_n they_o be_v to_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o by_o their_o light_n and_o counsel_n but_o still_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o censure_n entire_o in_o the_o church_n where_o christ_n have_v place_v it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o chief_a tribunal_n in_o the_o exerciâ—â—_n of_o church-government_n unto_o which_o appeal_n must_v be_v last_o make_v juridical_o and_o from_o which_o no_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o expect_v 2._o that_o this_o chief_a tribunal_n must_v have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n above_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v judial_o censure_v by_o any_o power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n all_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v the_o chief_a tribunal_n that_o say_v some_o must_v be_v the_o class_n under_o which_o such_o church_n stand_v and_o the_o synod_n under_o which_o the_o class_n be_v subordinate_a and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n may_v be_v remove_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o say_v can_v be_v do_v if_o you_o put_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n for_o what_o if_o a_o elder_a what_o if_o the_o whole_a edership_n yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n offend_v the_o church_n can_v censure_v their_o elder_n for_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o to_o judge_v their_o judge_n nor_o will_v they_o censure_v themselves_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n of_o many_o elder_n may_v and_o will_v reform_v all_o by_o judicial_o censure_v all_o answ_n 1._o this_o argument_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_n or_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o matth._n 18._o be_v â—â—t_n for_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n but_o of_o such_o private_a and_o less_o heinous_a offence_n as_o grow_v public_a and_o notorious_a only_o by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n for_o if_o offence_n be_v public_a and_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_a church_n to_o proceed_v by_o those_o step_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rev._n 22.15_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o make_v the_o people_n ruler_n of_o their_o ruler_n or_o judge_n of_o their_o judge_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n over_o they_o in_o case_n of_o delinquency_n for_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a rule_n or_o authority_n but_o of_o the_o high_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o may_v well_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o their_o privilege_n without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o authority_n of_o elder_n wherein_o as_o officer_n they_o be_v above_o the_o brethren_n whilst_o they_o act_v according_a to_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o become_v delinquent_n then_o as_o member_n they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n must_v submit_v to_o they_o as_o ruler_n while_o they_o right_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n in_o preach_v administer_a the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o censure_n order_v speech_n and_o silence_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o other_o official_a act_n but_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o church_n question_v or_o proceed_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o good_a advice_n of_o neighbour-churche_n and_o elder_n who_o as_o they_o concur_v in_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o their_o ordination_n so_o they_o shall_v concur_v in_o approve_v this_o censure_n as_o just_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n from_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o mayor_n in_o a_o free_a city_n or_o corporation_n be_v in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o his_o office_n above_o the_o court_n none_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o act_n peculiar_a to_o his_o place_n yet_o if_o he_o corrupt_v the_o people_n pervert_v justice_n or_o be_v any_o way_n gross_o and_o scandalous_o delinquent_a the_o court_n can_v censure_v and_o despose_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o any_o member_n to_o preserve_v its_o purity_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n against_o any_o in_o the_o body_n that_o will_v corrupt_v disturb_v or_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o the_o covenant_n bind_v every_o member_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a either_o to_o be_v reform_v or_o remove_v from_o communion_n of_o it_o thereby_o 3._o their_o plaster_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o heal_v the_o sore_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v either_o too_o broad_a when_o offence_n of_o brethren_n may_v be_v heal_v by_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o or_o it_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o 1._o those_o assembly_n be_v too_o seldom_o and_o can_v sit_v together_o long_o enough_o to_o remove_v the_o many_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o frequent_o in_o church_n 2._o non_fw-fr can_v they_o excommunicate_v a_o church_n nor_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o warrant_n from_o christ_n 3._o class_n and_o synod_n and_o general_a council_n may_v be_v under_o just_a offence_n as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o 4._o this_o plaster_n hinder_v the_o heal_n of_o the_o sore_n of_o church_n for_o pronunciatum_fw-la appellatio_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la prima_fw-la sententia_fw-la tantisper_fw-la extinguitur_fw-la donec_fw-la de_fw-la causae_fw-la cognition_n ad_fw-la superiorem_fw-la devolutâ_fw-la fuerit_fw-la pronunciatum_fw-la if_o a_o delinquent_n dislike_a the_o church_n proceed_v appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o national_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n which_o may_v not_o assemble_v in_o a_o age_n while_o the_o appeal_n depend_v he_o shall_v stand_v as_o uncensured_a for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o appeal_n now_o how_o can_v that_o heal_v which_o be_v cross_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a wise_a physician_n he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n but_o he_o who_o appeal_v from_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n therefore_o he_o that_o so_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n which_o this_o tradition_n of_o appeal_n from_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la
of_o many_o church_n have_v power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n act._n 15.6_o 2._o to_o argue_v debate_n and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o word_n verse_n 7_o 23_o 3._o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v vers_fw-la 23._o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 24_o 28_o 29._o 4._o such_o determination_n and_o direction_n be_v find_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v be_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o 5._o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a persistance_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n in_o their_o scandalous_a evil_n against_o light_n convict_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n so_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v by_o they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o church-communion_n till_o they_o repent_v and_o reform_v this_o follow_v in_o proportion_n from_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 2.9_o and_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o person_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o such_o offend_a church_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o neither_o do_v that_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15.29_o here_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o join_v with_o my_o brethren_n in_o add_v some_o caution_n touch_v the_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 57_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 57_o either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o throâ—â—â—_n ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o ball._n mr._n shepherd_n &_o mr._n allen_n defense_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n in_o answ_n to_o mr._n ball._n other_o express_v their_o apprehension_n in_o way_n of_o caution_n touch_v this_o matter_n thus_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n or_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulatiuè_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privatiuè_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o as_o these_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o classical_a power_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v tanquam_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la so_o in_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o i_o with_o they_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n due_a moderation_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o exercise_v brotherly_a communion_n in_o testify_v against_o such_o act_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n be_v according_a to_o scripture-light_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o 1._o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o though_o as_o elder_n yet_o not_o as_o apostle_n nor_o as_o infallible_o assist_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a in_o their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o in_o a_o masterly_a way_n impose_v their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n upon_o other_o but_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o receive_v only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o that_o church_n hold_v forth_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a apprehension_n let_v they_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o answer_v convict_o or_o let_v that_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la without_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n 2._o godly_a wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o proceed_n in_o make_v difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v church_n to_o connive_v at_o grosser_n scandal_n nor_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o small_a difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n much_o less_o for_o censure_v and_o hold_v under_o censure_n impenitent_a person_n when_o the_o scandalous_a obstinacy_n of_o delinquent_n be_v res_fw-la propriâ_fw-la to_o that_o church_n though_o some_o other_o church_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o guide_n who_o possible_o may_v side_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o delinquent_n out_o of_o some_o secret_a grutch_v against_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o party_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v lay_v under_o that_o censure_n or_o shall_v now_o be_v release_v from_o it_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v contrary_a to_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n if_o a_o church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a matter_n than_o this_o will_v cause_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n between_o church_n where_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v exercise_v with_o true_a humility_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n see_v the_o moderation_n of_o that_o african_a synod_n whereof_o cyprian_n write_v thus_o to_o stephanus_n caeterum_fw-la scimus_fw-la quosdam_fw-la quod_fw-la semel_fw-la imbiberint_fw-la 1._o cypr._n l._n 2._o ep._n 1._o nolle_fw-la deponere_fw-la nec_fw-la propositum_fw-la suum_fw-la facilè_fw-la mutare_fw-la sed_fw-la salvo_fw-la inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la quaedam_fw-la propria_fw-la quae_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la semel_fw-la sint_fw-la usurpata_fw-la retinere_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o re_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la cviquam_fw-la facimus_fw-la aut_fw-la legem_fw-la damus_fw-la cum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la administratione_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la suae_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la liberum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la praepositus_fw-la rationem_fw-la actus_fw-la svi_fw-la domino_fw-la redditurus_fw-la yet_o these_o proper_a practice_n of_o some_o church_n differ_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n which_o be_v establish_v as_o he_o say_v consensu_fw-la &_o authoritate_fw-la communi_fw-la nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v end_n of_o breach_n among_o church_n unless_o due_a moderation_n in_o such_o case_n