the_o power_n of_o congregational_a church_n assert_v and_o vindicated_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n of_o mr._n j._n paget_n entitle_v the_o defence_n of_o church-government_n exercise_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n by_o john_n davenport_n b._n of_o d._n and_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n in_o newhaven_n in_o new-england_n isa_n 1.26_o i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o city_n of_o righteousness_n the_o faithful_a city_n london_n print_v for_o rich._n chiswell_n and_o to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n usher_n of_o boston_n in_o new-england_n 1672._o to_o the_o reader_n thou_o disposals_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o travel_n of_o truth_n and_o bring_v forth_o of_o light_n be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o have_v much_o to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o there_o 〈◊〉_d â—t_a be_v a_o great_a and_o overrule_a hand_n â—ted_v and_o that_o very_o conspicuous_o about_o 〈◊〉_d present_a treatise_n the_o reverend_a and_o â—earned_a and_o eminent_o accomplish_a author_n â—â—rst_v finish_v a_o tractate_n with_o this_o title_n and_o 〈◊〉_d his_o subject_n near_o thirty_o year_n ago_o but_o â—od's_n time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v for_o its_o publish_n it_o perish_v therefore_o in_o the_o rude_a wave_n of_o the_o vast_a ocean_n with_o some_o other_o excellent_a manuscript_n and_o precious_a christian_n nevertheless_o some_o seven_o year_n aftâ—â—_n god_n seâ—_n he_o about_o it_o again_o and_o then_o he_o finish_v what_o be_v now_o after_o twenty_o year_n more_o thus_o make_v public_a thus_o come_v this_o short_a anâ—_n nervous_a treatise_n to_o have_v have_v a_o double_a and_o so_o a_o more_o thorough_a digestion_n in_o the_o heart_n oâ—_n so_o judicious_a and_o holy_a a_o servant_n of_o christâ—_n nor_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o ground_n herâ—_n proceed_v on_o such_o as_o our_o author_n sudden_o or_o late_o take_v up_o he_o be_v of_o too_o serious_a 〈◊〉_d weighty_a and_o advise_v a_o spirit_n slight_o to_o take_v up_o or_o sudden_o to_o vent_v any_o singular_a apprehension_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o relate_v though_o i_o can_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n how_o he_o be_v first_o stagger_v in_o his_o conformity_n and_o afterward_o full_o take_v off_o by_o set_a conference_n and_o debate_n with_o himself_o and_o sundry_a other_o minister_n obtain_v with_o mr._n john_n cotton_n then_o drive_v from_o boston_n on_o account_n of_o nonconformity_n nor_o be_o i_o willing_a tâ—_n revive_v the_o memory_n of_o what_o affliction_n 〈◊〉_d author_n afterward_o undergo_v because_o 〈◊〉_d can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v in_o conscience_n in_o thoâ—_n two_o point_n viz._n a_o particular_a church_n be_v subject_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la &_o baptise_v in_o that_o latitude_n which_o be_v then_o practise_v and_o iâ—_n still_o in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o have_v a_o earnest_n call_v and_o with_o which_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o a_o very_a general_n and_o great_a acceptance_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o principle_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o treatise_n cost_v the_o reverend_a author_n not_o only_o many_o suffering_n but_o also_o many_o very_o many_o sad_a search_n and_o much_o read_n and_o study_v on_o set_v purpose_n accompany_v with_o manifold_a prayer_n and_o cry_n to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n for_o light_n therein_o after_o all_o which_o he_o be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o they_o and_o attain_v to_o such_o comfortable_a clearness_n therein_o as_o hore_n he_o up_o with_o much_o inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n under_o all_o his_o affliction_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o persuasion_n in_o these_o point_n and_o so_o persuade_v live_v and_o so_o die_v this_o grave_n and_o serious_a spirit_v man_n the_o reader_n will_v find_v in_o it_o which_o be_v a_o rare_a conjunction_n much_o succinctness_n with_o much_o scripture_n clearness_n light_o contract_v like_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o a_o burning-glass_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o will_v be_v the_o more_o grateful_a too_o if_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v with_o a_o eye_n able_a to_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v that_o think_v and_o as_o they_o conceive_v from_o scripture_n ground_n too_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n receive_v addition_n and_o increase_v daily_a as_o their_o holy_a walk_n and_o faithful_a service_n when_o here_o on_o earth_n do_v after_o they_o be_v go_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n among_o those_o that_o be_v leave_v behind_o they_o if_o so_o they_o that_o ever_o have_v any_o value_n and_o affection_n for_o this_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v yea_o yet_o be_v many_o in_o who_o heart_n a_o precious_a remembrance_n of_o he_o life_n and_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o be_v engage_v to_o read_v and_o improve_v this_o excellent_a work_n of_o he_o for_o their_o instruction_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v for_o several_a month_n since_o send_v over_o from_o new_a england_n with_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v print_v the_o wise_a and_o all-disposing_a providence_n of_o god_n allot_v this_o as_o the_o season_n for_o it_o and_o in_o his_o season_n all_o thing_n have_v a_o peculiar_a beauty_n and_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n be_v more_o general_o prepare_v for_o a_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o light_n hold_v out_o to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v please_v to_o fulfil_v that_o good_a word_n of_o promise_n upon_o all_o his_o faithful_a and_o humble_a people_n ezek._n 43.11_o and_n if_o they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o all_o they_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o thing_n run_v through_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o be_v ligible_a even_o in_o every_o line_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o church_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la their_o own_o proper_a matter_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o spiritual_a church-power_n to_o which_o they_o be_v by_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n subject_v two_o grand_a and_o pillar-principle_n of_o the_o congregational-way_n both_o of_o they_o abundant_o clear_v from_o mistake_n and_o establish_v upon_o scripture-foundation_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n go_v with_o it_o to_o lead_v the_o reader_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o point_n and_o to_o take_v off_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o of_o our_o ruler_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o book_n may_v fall_v all_o those_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o congregational-way_n which_o it_o may_v have_v be_v unjust_o miss_v represent_v under_o for_o as_o in_o all_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o differ_v not_o from_o the_o establish_a public_a profession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n yea_o be_v much_o more_o tenacious_a thereof_o than_o many_o of_o our_o zealous_a adversary_n so_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v our_o most_o singular_a opinion_n and_o wherein_o we_o differ_v most_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n and_o for_o which_o we_o have_v suffer_v and_o be_v ready_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n still_o to_o suffer_v even_o worse_a matter_n if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o concern_v we_o this_o book_n after_o many_o other_o which_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n may_v render_v it_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o impartial_a and_o understand_a reader_n the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational-way_n be_v not_o in_o truth_n so_o incompatible_a with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o some_o will_v represent_v nor_o such_o as_o may_v render_v they_o suspect_v to_o civil_a power_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o for_o these_o our_o principle_n be_v account_v unworthy_a to_o enjoy_v a_o peaceable_a dwell_n in_o our_o native_a land_n the_o weal_n whereof_o be_v more_o dear_a to_o we_o than_o our_o life_n or_o all_o our_o private_a earthly_a enjoyment_n in_o it_o m._n n._n may_v 28._o 1672._o tertull_n de_fw-fr praescr_n adv_fw-la haeret._n cap._n 21._o constat_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la matricibus_fw-la &_o originalibus_fw-la fidei_fw-la conspiret_fw-la veritati_fw-la deputandam_fw-la id_fw-la sine_fw-la dubio_fw-la tenentem_fw-la quod_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n apostoli_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la christus_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la suscepit_fw-la reliquam_fw-la veró_n omnem_fw-la doctâ—inam_fw-la de_fw-la mendacio_fw-la praejudicandam_fw-la quae_fw-la sapiat_fw-la contra_fw-la veritatem_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la &_o apostolorum_fw-la &_o christi_fw-la &_o dei._n aug._n de_fw-fr venit_fw-la eccl._n cap._n 3._o tom._n 7._o sunt_fw-la certè_fw-la libri_fw-la dominici_n quorum_fw-la authoritati_fw-la utrique_fw-la consentimus_fw-la utrique_fw-la credimus_fw-la utrique_fw-la servimus_fw-la ibi_fw-la quaeramus_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la ibi_fw-la discutiamus_fw-la causam_fw-la nostram_fw-la hieron_n epist_n ad_fw-la minerium_fw-la &_o
forth_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o be_v receive_v though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v former_o scandalous_a yet_o now_o hold_v forth_o repentance_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v 1_o cor._n 6.11_o and_o though_o some_o be_v at_o present_a weak_a in_o faith_n yet_o if_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v they_o the_o church_n must_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 3._o for_o christ_n approve_v this_o confession_n of_o peter_n though_o he_o be_v at_o present_a but_o weak_a in_o faith_n as_o the_o follow_a story_n in_o this_o chapter_n v._o 22_o 23._o clear_o show_v 6._o that_o none_o but_o such_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n for_o this_o chapter_n limit_n the_o church_n to_o accept_v only_o such_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n i_o e._n christ_n believe_v on_o and_o public_o confess_v a_o mere_a verbal_a confession_n be_v not_o that_o rock_n for_o the_o devil_n make_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o build_v on_o he_o luke_n 4.34_o but_o this_o confession_n of_o peter_n be_v such_o as_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o christ_n threefold_a elegy_n or_o praise_v of_o it_o 1._o from_o its_o effect_n bless_a be_v thou_o &c_n &c_n as_o joh._n 17.3_o 2._o from_o the_o procreant_a cause_n of_o it_o not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o my_o father_n have_v reveal_v it_o as_o mat._n 11.25_o 26._o 3._o from_o the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o peter_n before_o promise_v john_n 1.42_o and_o now_o confirm_v to_o he_o signify_v a_o stone_n whereby_o christ_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v his_o faith_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thereby_o a_o live_a stone_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v a_o principal_a place_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n in_o which_o sense_n peter_n appli_v a_o like_a title_n to_o other_o believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o who_o yet_o be_v inferior_a in_o degree_n to_o himself_o but_o also_o give_v he_o this_o prerogative_n and_o honour_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n act._n 2._o and_o the_o gentile_n act._n 15.7_o the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o two_o argument_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o the_o name_n whereby_o he_o call_v this_o holy_a society_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n i._n e._n a_o company_n call_v out_o whence_o see_v joh._n 15.19_o to_o what_o see_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o how_o not_o only_o by_o active_a vocation_n by_o man_n ministry_n exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v so_o sundry_a be_v call_v who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o wrought_v upon_o to_o answer_v that_o call_n but_o put_v it_o off_o as_o they_o who_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o great_a supper_n luk._n 14.18_o with_o excuse_n such_o be_v call_v but_o no_o church_n therefore_o more_o be_v require_v to_o qualify_v for_o membership_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n viz._n passive_a vocation_n whereby_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o answer_v god_n call_v by_o submission_n thereunto_o at_o least_o in_o outward_a profession_n though_o some_o do_v it_o but_o feined_o ps_n 18.44_o saint_n by_o internal_a and_o invisible_a call_n be_v such_o as_o answer_v god_n call_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o saint_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a call_n be_v subdue_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o word_n in_o visible_a profession_n thus_o all_o that_o be_v call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n have_v so_o much_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o that_o they_o all_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n and_o labour_v in_o it_o though_o not_o with_o like_a sincerity_n mat._n 20._o according_a to_o this_o clause_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v for_o the_o material_n of_o they_o else_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v give_v both_o the_o 1.2_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o eph._n 1.2_o member_n and_o 3.15_o and_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o &_o 6.16_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o church_n such_o high_a title_n as_o they_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o by_o these_o title_n describe_v the_o invisible_a church_n only_o but_o visible_a church_n for_o to_o such_o paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v apply_v in_o other_o text_n manifest_o to_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v these_o title_n describe_v particular_a church_n only_o according_a to_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o member_n but_o such_o they_o do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_n charity_n conceive_v all_o their_o member_n to_o be_v as_o paul_n tell_v the_o philippian_n phil._n 1.6_o 7._o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o membership_n with_o they_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o conclusion_n note_v by_o we_o reas_n 2_o from_o christ_n appropriate_v such_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o himself_o own_v it_o for_o his_o my_o church_n q._n d._n i_o own_o any_o church_n thus_o build_v by_o myself_o to_o be_v my_o church_n according_a to_o that_o in_o act._n 2.47_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 the_o lord_n add_v they_o how_o not_o only_o by_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n and_o so_o add_v they_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o also_o by_o his_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n before_o they_o and_o by_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d brethren_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o visible_a â—munion_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n as_o appear_v v._o 41_o 42._o thus_o he_o add_v they_o daily_o to_o the_o church_n which_o clear_v it_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o therefore_o presidential_a to_o the_o church_n in_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n they_o who_o be_v thus_o add_v be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v they_o be_v such_o either_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v fallible_a the_o church_n look_v at_o they_o according_a to_o their_o fruit_n viz._n their_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o christian_a conversation_n observe_v so_o much_o in_o both_o that_o they_o see_v reason_n in_o charity_n guide_v by_o rule_n to_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n such_o be_v the_o three_o thousand_o speak_v of_o in_o v._o 41._o as_o appear_v by_o their_o affectionate_a and_o submissive_a inquire_v of_o the_o apostle_n who_o they_o mock_v before_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n v._o 37._o and_o afterward_o by_o their_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n both_o of_o promise_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n with_o faith_n and_o of_o precept_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o froward_a generation_n with_o obedience_n true_a it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o one_o day_n make_v so_o large_a account_n of_o god_n work_n upon_o they_o as_o be_v common_o hold_v forth_o in_o our_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o effect_v too_o large_a narration_n but_o wish_v such_o passage_n as_o be_v superfluous_a leave_v out_o and_o at_o that_o time_n less_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v express_v than_o necessity_n call_v for_o among_o we_o ordinary_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o more_o quick_a spiritual_a discern_a than_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o church_n have_v and_o concern_v the_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o offering_n themselves_o to_o church-fellowship_n visible_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o such_o visible_a confession_n of_o christ_n be_v with_o manifest_a hazard_n to_o their_o life_n give_v good_a ground_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o conceive_v charitable_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o these_o place_n and_o time_n where_o church-fellowship_n be_v a_o honour_n and_o draw_v after_o it_o sundry_a outward_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v as_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n concern_v their_o good_a conversation_n so_o by_o their_o hold_v forth_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n both_o quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la creditur_fw-la of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o how_o it_o work_v in_o they_o as_o mr._n rogers_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o faith_n say_v it_o may_v be_v know_v of_o
6_o 7._o where_o you_o see_v the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v foretold_v as_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o lord_n be_v give_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o house_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n that_o be_v join_v they_o to_o his_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o nation_n v._o 7._o 2._o on_o the_o saint_n part_n their_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o to_o cleave_v firm_o one_o to_o another_o viz._n to_o their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n deut._n 12.19_o neh._n 10.29_o with_o mutual_a watchfulness_n one_o over_o another_o leu._n 19.17_o deut._n 29.18_o with_o heb._n 12.15_o 16._o and_o with_o mutual_a submission_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 9.13_o 3._o such_o covenant_v be_v christ_n ordinance_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v prove_v reas_n 1_o from_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o in_o all_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n for_o in_o the_o essential_a state_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v join_v together_o into_o church-fellowship_n by_o confederation_n psal_n 50.5_o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o those_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n so_o do_v adam_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n unto_o abraham_n and_o so_o do_v the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n at_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o and_o 24.8_o and_o from_o thence_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o which_o moses_n be_v join_v act._n 7.38_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n there_o tell_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o not_o of_o sacrifice_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n v._o 14_o 15_o 16._o in_o abraham_n family_n god_n build_v his_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n without_o sacrifice_n but_o first_o the_o lord_n change_v his_o name_n and_o call_v he_o abraham_n to_o show_v that_o he_o now_o treat_v with_o he_o not_o as_o a_o single_a person_n but_o as_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o as_o a_o multitude_n virtual_o gen._n 17.5_o then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o church-covenant_n he_o give_v he_o circumcision_n for_o the_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o it_o gen._n 17_o 10-15_a thus_o far_o go_v the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n 2._o on_o abraham_n part_n he_o first_o accept_v both_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o with_o faith_n and_o holy_a reverence_n declare_v by_o his_o rejoice_v john_n 8.56_o and_o humble_a prostration_n of_o himself_o before_o the_o lord_n v._o 17._o and_o by_o real_a performance_n of_o it_o after_z both_o in_o his_o own_o person_n be_v circumcise_v when_o he_o be_v ninty_a nine_o year_n old_a v._o 24._o and_o as_o a_o prophet_n and_o ruler_n instruct_v his_o family_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o circumcision_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o accept_v the_o one_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o which_o they_o do_v according_o v._o 23_o 27._o and_o thereby_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n hence_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n become_v the_o lord_n people_n exod._n 3.7_o yea_o his_o first_o bear_v exod._n 4.22_o 23._o and_o have_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o people_n deut._n 7.6_o 7_o 8._o but_o they_o like_o man_n transgress_v and_o break_v the_o covenant_n both_o in_o egpyt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o covenant_n unto_o their_o forefather_n do_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n in_o a_o more_o evangelical_n manner_n in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o their_o little_a one_o and_o the_o stranger_n deut._n 29_o 10-14_a which_o covenant_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o for_o they_o that_o be_v not_o there_o with_o they_o that_o day_n v._o 15._o that_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o unto_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o but_o such_o as_o shall_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n with_o they_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o with_o memberlike_a love_n watchfulness_n and_o submission_n mutual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o achan_n become_v the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n of_o all_o israel_n josh_n 7.11_o 12._o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o apostle_n manner_n of_o plant_v christian_n church_n after_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n their_o custom_n it_o be_v when_o they_o have_v convert_v many_o to_o christ_n to_o join_v they_o together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o covenant_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n object_n against_o this_o assertion_n some_o object_n that_o in_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n at_o samaria_n in_o cornelius_n his_o house_n at_o phillippi_n corinth_n ephesus_n thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n they_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n as_o the_o doctrine_n intend_v only_o that_o they_o believe_v profess_a and_o be_v baptize_v but_o no_o mention_n of_o a_o express_a vocal_a covenant_n answ_n 1_o 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o those_o text_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o 3._o and_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v three_o way_n 1._o from_o their_o be_v baptize_v 2._o from_o the_o phrase_n 3._o from_o the_o similitude_n which_o import_n their_o covenant_v together_o 1._o from_o their_o be_v baptize_v which_o presuppose_v that_o they_o be_v first_o make_v disciple_n because_o their_o commission_n require_v that_o mat._n 28.19_o where_o to_o make_v disciple_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n by_o visible_a bring_v man_n into_o christ_n school_n with_o engagement_n by_o those_o of_o year_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n to_o submit_v unto_o christ_n teach_v and_o government_n therein_o this_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n whence_o the_o member_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v disciple_n in_o act._n 15.10_o so_o then_o they_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2._o from_o the_o phrase_n which_o imply_v covenant_v to_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o the_o first_o be_v use_v in_o act._n 2.41_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v and_o v._o 47._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n add_v and_o chap._n 5.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o more_o add_v the_o word_n import_v such_o a_o add_v as_o do_v visible_o and_o firm_o knit_v they_o together_o insiti_fw-la calvin_n in_o act_n 2.41_o adjuncti_fw-la christi_fw-la discipulis_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o idem_fw-la corpus_fw-la insiti_fw-la calvin_n say_v they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n disciple_n or_o ingraft_v into_o the_o same_o body_n that_o which_o thus_o visible_o ingraft_v they_o be_v not_o god_n work_a faith_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o their_o visible_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v believer_n be_v add_v v._o 14._o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o those_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n in_o act._n 2.41_o therefore_o this_o add_v be_v by_o something_o else_o and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o their_o visible_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o that_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n whereunto_o they_o now_o join_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o their_o former_a state_n in_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o add_v to_o the_o church_n luke_n confirm_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o engagement_n in_o act._n 2.42_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v strong_o and_o constant_o knit_v together_o viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o former_a mutual_a engagement_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n hear_v believe_a profess_v obey_v it_o constant_o and_o in_o fellowship_n i._n e._n
office-power_n but_o all_o power_n which_o serve_v to_o shut_v and_o open_v the_o house_n or_o city_n of_o god_n not_o power_n of_o the_o steward_n only_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o this_o great_a king_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o her_o husband_n be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n even_o to_o heaven_n have_v give_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o family_n and_o reject_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o for_o those_o end_n to_o judge_v also_o because_o such_o act_n require_v judgement_n and_o to_o call_v the_o steward_n to_o his_o place_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o key_n of_o office_n by_o election_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o power_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o she_o yet_o it_o come_v original_o from_o she_o reas_n 2._o because_o christ_n here_o give_v the_o key_n only_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v i._n e._n only_o to_o teacher_n and_o elder_n answ_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n be_v give_v only_o to_o teacher_n &_o elder_n only_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n have_v that_o formal_o yet_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o large_a than_o office-power_n viz._n to_o admit_v reject_v etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v their_o office_n from_o the_o church_n and_o their_o office-power_n by_o the_o church_n original_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n in_o the_o church_n before_o office-power_n which_o do_v communicate_v and_o convey_v office-power_n to_o its_o officer_n 3._o reas_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v act_n of_o the_o office-power_n of_o pastor_n ruler_n feeder_n by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n answ_n bind_v and_o lose_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o in_o this_o text_n comprehend_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o church-power_n and_o these_o act_n be_v not_o only_o by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n for_o then_o the_o ruling-eld_a shall_v have_v no_o key_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v but_o also_o by_o admonition_n excommunication_n admission_n which_o issue_n from_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o common_a to_o the_o people_n with_o they_o 2._o though_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o she_o may_v not_o exercise_v any_o act_n proper_a to_o office-power_n without_o officer_n who_o she_o do_v and_o must_v call_v to_o that_o end_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 4._o reas_n if_o this_o place_n give_v not_o warrant_v and_o authority_n to_o officer_n what_o warrant_v have_v they_o for_o their_o office-power_n answ_n 1._o this_o place_n give_v warrant_n for_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o church_n do_v according_o call_v they_o to_o that_o place_n and_o invest_v they_o with_o office_n with_o voluntary_a profess_a subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n of_o office_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o several_a act_n of_o office-power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o be_v abundant_o warrant_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 5._o reas_n they_o to_o who_o the_o key_n be_v here_o give_v do_v authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o their_o act_n be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v officer_n can_v by_o any_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n answ_n the_o word_n authority_n sometime_o be_v take_v more_o general_o for_o power_n sometime_o more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o rule_v and_o office-power_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o foregive_v judicial_o in_o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o former_a censure_n the_o officer_n forgive_v authoritative_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o interpretation_n 6._o other_o look_v at_o the_o key_n as_o give_v to_o peter_n here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n indefinite_o take_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a definite_a church_n that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v receive_v the_o key_n from_o they_o or_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o that_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o parity_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la therefore_o the_o church_n here_o intend_v must_v be_v take_v general_o and_o indefinite_o as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o or_o the_o general_a church_n as_o exist_v its_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v object_v against_o this_o that_o peter_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a congregation_n when_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a for_o no_o such_o church_n be_v then_o constitute_v no_o more_o be_v there_o a_o presbytery_n then_o constitute_v when_o christ_n direct_v peter_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o after_o proceed_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o mat._n 18._o which_o yet_o they_o hold_v but_o not_o true_o to_o be_v the_o presbytery_n as_o we_o shall_v evince_v hereafter_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o grant_n that_o that_o rule_n serve_v to_o order_v member_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o case_n when_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o force_n in_o this_o text_n also_o some_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n in_o this_o text_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n because_o he_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o his_o speech_n for_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o person_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o he_o say_v not_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o key_n but_o vary_v the_o person_n he_o turn_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n say_v and_o unto_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n here_o be_v no_o change_v of_o person_n nor_o turn_v of_o speech_n in_o christ_n give_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n but_o as_o christ_n begin_v so_o he_o continue_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 17._o christ_n pronounce_v peter_n bless_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 18._o he_o give_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n to_o peter_n confession_n that_o upon_o this_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n and_o establish_v it_o as_o impregnable_a against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o v._o 19_o he_o give_v unto_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o though_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o calling_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o the_o key_n be_v here_o original_o and_o primary_o commit_v to_o the_o 3._o the_o toti_n ecclesiae_fw-la dedit_fw-la christus_fw-la clave_n sed_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la certi_fw-la essent_fw-la qui_fw-la clavibus_fw-la utantur_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honoremque_fw-la dei_fw-la zanc._n in_o praec_fw-la 4._o quaest_n 3._o vid._n park_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 3._o church_n in_o general_n exist_v in_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v produce_v sundry_a writer_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a of_o other_o country_n and_o our_o own_o if_o need_v require_v to_o confirm_v this_o exposition_n yea_o of_o the_o author_n quote_v by_o mr._n p._n not_o a_o few_o consent_n herein_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v cyprian_n and_o augustine_n who_o in_o sundry_a place_n speak_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o these_o two_o i_o the_o rather_o name_n because_o i_o find_v in_o approve_a history_n that_o sundry_a martyr_n be_v confirm_v in_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o testimony_n have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n hieronimus_fw-la savanarola_n a_o godly_a learned_a preacher_n in_o florence_n a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n 565._o illyr_n catal_a test_n verit_fw-la count_v
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 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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 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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