comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n that_o such_o as_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v hereafter_o bring_v they_o to_o his_o house_n no_o bodily_a infirmity_n as_o that_o of_o the_o eunuch_n nor_o national_a pollution_n as_o that_o of_o some_o stranger_n shall_v hinder_v their_o admittance_n into_o his_o church_n only_o this_o the_o lord_n require_v both_o of_o the_o eunuch_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o of_o the_o stranger_n ver_fw-la 6._o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n before_o that_o they_o do_v also_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n as_o antecedent_n to_o their_o entrance_n into_o church-fellowship_n to_o wit_n take_v hold_v of_o it_o by_o solemn_a profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o it_o and_o of_o their_o subjection_n to_o it_o object_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v ever_o separate_v or_o debar_v such_o from_o church-fellowship_n as_o be_v join_v to_o himself_o by_o faith_n who_o can_v think_v it_o what_o reason_n can_v you_o give_v for_o it_o answ_n the_o text_n be_v plain_a that_o eunuch_n moabite_n and_o ammonite_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o israel_n for_o ever_o without_o exception_n of_o godliness_n or_o ungodliness_n some_o indeed_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o the_o law_n against_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n reach_v to_o the_o woman_n of_o those_o nation_n but_o against_o man_n the_o law_n be_v clear_a but_o if_o the_o law_n have_v exclude_v they_o only_o upon_o point_n of_o their_o own_o ungodliness_n that_o be_v no_o singular_a curse_n to_o they_o no_o nation_n under_o heaven_n can_v expect_v admission_n into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n unless_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n what_o reason_n god_n may_v have_v for_o exclude_v the_o eunuch_n we_o leave_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n but_o yet_o himself_o give_v a_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o against_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n take_v from_o their_o malignant_a enmity_n against_o god_n people_n deut._n 23.4_o 5_o 6._o against_o the_o eunuch_n he_o give_v no_o express_a reason_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v reason_n sufficient_a who_o can_v tell_v whether_o god_n will_v not_o thereby_o type_n out_o the_o debar_v of_o barren_a christian_n from_o church-fellowship_n object_n 3._o the_o word_n separation_n impli_v they_o have_v be_v sometime_o of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v in_o common_a sense_n that_o any_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o that_o society_n of_o which_o they_o never_o be_v answ_n why_o not_o what_o be_v separate_v but_o sever_v may_v not_o england_n be_v sever_v from_o scotland_n by_o the_o river_n of_o tweed_n and_o from_o france_n and_o germany_n and_o holland_n by_o the_o sea_n though_o they_o be_v never_o join_v to_o any_o of_o those_o nation_n do_v not_o god_n make_v the_o star_n to_o separate_v between_o the_o day_n and_o the_o night_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a gen._n 1.14_o and_o yet_o day_n and_o night_n be_v never_o join_v in_o one_o society_n so_o that_o from_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n we_o have_v two_o passage_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o admit_v church-member_n witness_v unto_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o lord_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o the_o lord_n join_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v join_v to_o himself_o to_o love_v he_o and_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n 2._o that_o they_o do_v also_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o his_o church_n before_o he_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n which_o be_v his_o church_n both_o which_o be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o place_n because_o the_o place_n be_v a_o pprophecy_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n will_v do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o wit_n when_o his_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n unto_o all_o nation_n ver_fw-la 9_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n object_n 4._o but_o the_o covenant_n here_o speak_v of_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o church_n covenant_n for_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o lord_n between_o he_o and_o his_o people_n but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o towards_o another_o answ_n this_o objection_n be_v prevent_v before_o in_o the_o first_o point_n for_o when_o the_o lord_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n that_o be_v with_o his_o church_n his_o church_n either_o express_o or_o by_o silent_a consent_n covenant_v with_o he_o and_o also_o one_o with_o another_o to_o yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o he_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o though_o this_o place_n prophesy_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n speak_v express_o of_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n yet_o let_v no_o man_n wonder_v why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a express_a mention_n of_o the_o poeple_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o this_o promise_n come_v to_o be_v accomplish_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n grow_v up_o together_o in_o divine_a institution_n and_o administration_n there_o be_v express_a mention_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n be_v national_a and_o all_o the_o magistrate_n be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o it_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o suspicious_a to_o they_o who_o be_v party_n to_o it_o themselves_o but_o very_o acceptable_a but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o magistrate_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v alien_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n think_v it_o meet_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o covenant_n not_o plain_o but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o parable_n and_o similitude_n as_o know_v the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v breed_v no_o small_a jealousy_n in_o civil_a state_n as_o seem_v most_o dangerous_a to_o civil_a peace_n but_o yet_o in_o apt_a similitude_n they_o so_o describe_v the_o estate_n of_o church_n as_o do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o joint_a covenant_n both_o between_o the_o lord_n and_z they_o i_o with_o another_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n the_o receive_n of_o member_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n for_o 1._o they_o so_o describe_v every_o church_n of_o god_n as_o a_o city_n of_o god_n as_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n be_v style_v rev._n 21.4_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o more_o glorious_a church_n than_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n yet_o it_o partake_v in_o the_o common_a nature_n of_o they_o all_o every_o true_a church_n be_v as_o well_o a_o city_n of_o god_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o hence_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n as_o be_v of_o the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o now_o every_o city_n be_v found_v in_o some_o confederacy_n by_o oath_n or_o such_o like_a bond_n and_o every_o citizen_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o city_n by_o take_v the_o same_o oath_n or_o enter_v into_o the_o same_o bond_n wherein_o the_o whole_a city_n stand_v engage_v which_o hold_v forth_o to_o a_o intelligent_a heart_n that_o if_o every_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v a_o city_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o fellow-citizen_n then_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v plant_v and_o found_v in_o some_o covenant_n or_o confederacy_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v implant_v and_o receive_v into_o the_o same_o body_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o profess_v subjection_n thereunto_o again_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n call_v it_o espouse_v of_o it_o as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o it_o impli_v plain_o that_o he_o draw_v they_o all_o as_o one_o body_n to_o profess_v their_o acceptance_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o husband_n to_o they_o all_o and_o of_o one_o another_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n if_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o his_o conversion_n of_o their_o particular_a soul_n unto_o christ_n he_o will_v not_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o as_o one_o virgin_n but_o so_o many_o soul_n so_o many_o virgin_n but_o now_o speak_v of_o they_o all_o as_o one_o virgin_n it_o plain_o argue_v he_o join_v they_o all_o as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o one_o body_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o christ_n jesus_n for_o there_o be_v no_o
offer_v up_o to_o god_n either_o by_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o the_o word_n read_v and_o expound_v by_o they_o who_o preach_v in_o the_o morning_n if_o there_o be_v time_n and_o preach_v by_o the_o other_o and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n administer_v if_o any_o of_o the_o church_n do_v offer_v their_o child_n thereunto_o the_o deacon_n who_o sit_v in_o a_o seat_n under_o the_o elder_n yet_o in_o sundry_a church_n lift_v up_o high_a than_o the_o other_o pewe_v do_v call_v upon_o the_o people_n that_o as_o god_n have_v prosper_v they_o and_o have_v make_v their_o heart_n willing_a there_o be_v now_o time_n leave_v for_o contribution_n present_o the_o people_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a in_o sundry_a church_n do_v arise_v the_o first_o pew_n first_o the_o next_o next_o and_o so_o the_o rest_n in_o order_n and_o present_a before_o the_o lord_n their_o holy_a offering_n for_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n at_o their_o solemn_a feast_n none_o be_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n empty_a deut._n 16.16_o and_o the_o lord_n day_n be_v only_o unto_o christian_n the_o ordinary_a solemn_a feast_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o christian_n lay_v down_o their_o oblation_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n act_n 4.35_o into_o who_o place_n for_o that_o service_n deacon_n be_v substitute_v act_v 6.3_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n give_v order_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n every_o one_o shall_v lay_v by_o he_o into_o the_o treasury_n as_o the_o word_n signify_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o god_n have_v prospen_v they_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o which_o ordinance_n justin_n martyr_n speak_v of_o in_o his_o time_n that_o the_o able_a sort_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o apology_n and_o cyprian_a rebuke_v a_o wealthy_a rich_a widow_n for_o believe_v she_o can_v celebrate_v the_o lord_n day_n as_o holy_a and_o yet_o neglect_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o lord_n treasury_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n de_fw-fr eleemosynâ_fw-la locuple_n &_o dive_v dominicum_fw-la celebrare_fw-la te_fw-la credis_fw-la quae_fw-la corbonam_fw-la omnino_fw-la non_fw-la respicis_fw-la after_o the_o contribution_n end_v the_o time_n leave_v be_v take_v up_o in_o sundry_a church_n in_o the_o public_a trial_n and_o admission_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v member_n into_o the_o church_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v and_o so_o after_o a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o all_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v that_o day_n and_o a_o blessing_n pronounce_v upon_o the_o people_n the_o assembly_n be_v dismiss_v beside_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n every_o week_n we_o sometime_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n either_o of_o notable_a judgement_n do_v set_v a_o part_n a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n or_o upon_o special_a mercy_n we_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n the_o ground_n whereof_o we_o conceive_v be_v general_o know_v and_o approve_v among_o christian_n moreover_o every_o week_n in_o most_o of_o our_o church_n lecture_n be_v keep_v on_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o week_n day_n so_o that_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n make_v willing_a and_o his_o hand_n do_v not_o detain_v by_o bodily_a infirmity_n or_o other_o necessary_a employment_n if_o they_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o bay_n may_v have_v opportunity_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n almost_o every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o one_o church_n or_o other_o not_o far_o distant_a from_o they_o sect_n iv_o in_o all_o these_o administration_n only_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v clear_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o 1._o why_o in_o our_o public_a prayer_n we_o forbear_v to_o use_v set_v form_n of_o prescript_n liturgy_n 2._o why_o in_o our_o sacrament_n we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n as_o be_v say_v before_o we_o do_v receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n for_o the_o former_a the_o reason_n usual_o give_v may_v suffice_v 1._o from_o the_o pattern_n of_o all_o the_o church_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n never_o give_v leave_v to_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o his_o church_n neither_o do_v any_o of_o they_o take_v leave_v to_o impose_v any_o form_n of_o liturgy_n upon_o any_o church_n and_o yet_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v place_n for_o prescribe_v set_v form_n to_o any_o it_o have_v be_v most_o seasonable_a in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n who_o member_n be_v as_o child_n under_o age_n gal._n 4.2_o 3._o may_v stand_v in_o most_o need_n of_o such_o a_o help_n it_o be_v easy_o acknowledge_v moses_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o blessing_n nunb_n 6.23_o to_o 26._o and_o david_n sundry_a psalm_n of_o praise_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n teach_v his_o disciple_n not_o only_o to_o pray_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o thus_o or_o these_o word_n luk._n 11.2_o but_o neither_o be_v these_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v they_o prescribe_v any_o use_n but_o arbitrary_a and_o occasional_a of_o these_o form_n as_o they_o may_v suit_n our_o occasion_n god_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a messenger_n may_v prescribe_v this_o or_o that_o form_n to_o his_o church_n but_o will_v not_o warrant_v ordinary_a officer_n who_o have_v only_o receive_v a_o common_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o do_v the_o like_a god_n who_o forbid_v his_o people_n to_o make_v to_o themselves_o image_n or_o imagination_n invention_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n have_v not_o restrain_v himself_o to_o set_v up_o what_o image_n or_o form_n himself_o see_v good_a object_n these_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o praise_n though_o as_o they_o be_v part_n of_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v of_o god_n yet_o as_o they_o be_v apply_v without_o special_a commandment_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n or_o form_n of_o a_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n at_o this_o time_n so_o they_o be_v the_o device_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n answ_n they_o be_v not_o apply_v to_o be_v matter_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n without_o commandment_n or_o at_o least_o without_o such_o direction_n as_o amount_v to_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n from_o god_n for_o moses_n express_o say_v on_o this_o wise_a shall_v you_o bless_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o numb_a 6.23_o the_o 102._o psalm_n be_v express_v in_o the_o title_n not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o prayer_n of_o one_o that_o be_v afflict_v but_o of_o any_o in_o like_a estate_n and_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n be_v general_a concern_v all_o the_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n of_o david_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v sing_v they_o with_o holy_a melody_n unto_o the_o lord_n eph._n 5.19_o and_o christ_n word_n luk._n 11.2_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n a_o second_o reason_n why_o we_o forbear_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prescript_n liturgy_n be_v take_v from_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o we_o conceive_v prohibit_v such_o prescript_n liturgy_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n general_o know_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o all_o sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o prohibition_n of_o one_o of_o they_o or_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o some_o or_o other_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o upon_o the_o two_o table_n of_o the_o law_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 22.40_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o sin_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o judicious_a expositor_n of_o they_o but_o open_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o commandment_n by_o synecdoches_n and_o metonymy_n synecdoches_n to_o comprehend_v all_o sin_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n and_o all_o the_o degree_n thereof_o and_o metonymy_n to_o comprehend_v all_o cause_n and_o mean_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o so_o that_o for_o open_v the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v both_o make_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o any_o image_n or_o similitude_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v in_o what_o sense_n or_o respect_n image_n or_o similitude_n be_v forbid_v image_n or_o similitude_n be_v forbid_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n not_o as_o object_n of_o worship_n for_o all_o false_a object_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o
church_n to_o the_o which_o christ_n commit_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v a_o company_n of_o such_o as_o whereof_o peter_n be_v one_o believer_n profess_v that_o faith_n on_o christ_n whereon_o as_o on_o a_o rock_n the_o church_n be_v build_v mat._n 16.18_o 19_o and_o such_o as_o unto_o who_o peter_n or_o any_o brother_n offend_v may_v in_o due_a order_n tell_v the_o offence_n which_o any_o brother_n have_v give_v he_o &_o persist_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n sanctify_v by_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o all_o of_o they_o even_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v meet_v together_o every_o lord_n day_n in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o public_a edification_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o &_o 16.1.2_o which_o frequent_a meeting_n every_o lord_n day_n in_o one_o place_n to_o such_o end_n can_v possible_o be_v compatible_a to_o any_o diocesan_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n assembly_n propos_fw-fr 2._o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n to_o join_v themselves_o if_o god_n give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o such_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o continue_v in_o such_o church-fellowship_n act._n 2.42_o it_o be_v write_v the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o and_o see_v there_o be_v no_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n but_o every_o christian_a stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o for_o his_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o christ_n jesus_n or_o else_o christ_n ordain_v they_o in_o vain_a and_o see_v withal_o christ_n have_v commit_v all_o his_o public_a holy_a ordinance_n to_o his_o church_n it_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o who_o god_n give_v opportunity_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o one_o or_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o he_o may_v not_o deprive_v himself_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n of_o any_o of_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n propos_fw-fr 3._o for_o the_o join_n of_o faithful_a christian_n into_o the_o fellowship_n and_o estate_n of_o a_o church_n we_o find_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o enter_v all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o one_o man_n into_o a_o holy_a covenant_n with_o himself_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n as_o the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o god_n and_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o he_o to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n which_o impli_v their_o submit_v of_o themselves_o to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o his_o fear_n and_o their_o walk_n in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n their_o cleave_v one_o to_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o holy_a watchfulness_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o thus_o the_o lord_n accept_v and_o enter_v abraham_n family_n into_o church_n estate_n by_o receive_v they_o and_o their_o child_n into_o such_o a_o covenant_n with_o himself_o though_o in_o general_a term_n yet_o such_o as_o imply_v the_o substance_n both_o of_o christian_n and_o church_n duty_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o after_o that_o when_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n have_v violate_v this_o covenant_n in_o egypt_n the_o lord_n again_o make_v another_o covenant_n with_o they_o whereby_o he_o take_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o mount_n of_o sinai_n exod._n 19.1.5_o whence_o they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n act._n 7.38_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o covenant_n god_n call_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o people_n as_o his_o own_o spouse_n i_o enter_v say_v he_o speak_v of_o that_o time_n into_o a_o covenant_n with_o thou_o and_o thou_o become_v my_o ezek._n 16.8_o moreover_o the_o next_o generation_n after_o they_o he_o establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o church_n and_o people_n by_o enter_v they_o again_o into_o a_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n deut._n 29.10_o to_o 13._o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o former_a they_o be_v join_v not_o only_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o officer_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o deut._n 12.19_o but_o also_o to_o mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o levit._n 19.17_o deut._n 29.18_o in_o so_o much_o that_o through_o their_o neglect_n thereof_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o achan_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o israel_n josh_n 7.11_o which_o kind_n of_o covenant_v with_o god_n we_o find_v diverse_o translate_v in_o scripture_n and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o godly_a society_n or_o company_n to_o become_v a_o church_n unto_o god_n sometime_o god_n or_o his_o messenger_n in_o his_o stead_n propound_v and_o give_v a_o covenant_n unto_o a_o people_n and_o they_o accept_v it_o though_o not_o in_o express_a word_n yet_o by_o silent_a consent_n gen._n 17.7_o deut._n 29.10_o to_o the_o end_n of_o chap._n 30._o sometime_o the_o people_n declare_v their_o consent_n and_o restipulation_n by_o express_a word_n exod._n 19.8_o deut._n 5.27_o and_o josh_n 24.16_o 17_o 18.21_o 22_o 24_o 25._o sometime_o they_o write_v and_o seal_v neh._n 9.38_o in_o all_o which_o covenant_n sometime_o they_o make_v no_o express_a term_n of_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n but_o only_o in_o general_a term_n submit_v themselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n as_o in_o the_o place_n allege_v sometime_o they_o express_o declare_v their_o steadfast_a cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n also_o and_o to_o their_o officer_n neh._n 10.28_o 29._o &_o ver_fw-la 35._o to_o the_o end_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n every_o one_o may_v have_v knowledge_n they_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n etc._n etc._n in_o some_o we_o account_v it_o all_o one_o and_o of_o like_a value_n when_o a_o covenant_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v and_o give_v on_o god_n part_n to_o a_o people_n whether_o they_o receive_v it_o by_o silent_a consent_n or_o by_o express_a term_n either_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o by_o writing_n and_o seal_n and_o whether_o their_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n and_o officer_n and_o mutual_a watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o be_v express_o mention_v or_o include_v only_o in_o their_o general_a profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o all_o god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o covenant_n for_o we_o see_v it_o evident_a by_o compare_v the_o former_a scripture_n that_o by_o any_o one_o of_o these_o way_n a_o people_n be_v receive_v and_o establish_v to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o church_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o each_o of_o they_o lie_v hold_v of_o the_o same_o spiritual_a privilege_n and_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o holy_a duty_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o colour_n to_o conceive_v this_o way_n of_o enter_v into_o church_n estate_n by_o covenant_n to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o civil_a relation_n be_v found_v in_o covenant_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o natural_a relation_n between_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o violent_a relation_n between_o conqueror_n and_o captive_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n give_v whereby_o a_o people_n svi_fw-la juris_fw-la free_a from_o natural_a and_o compulsory_a engagement_n can_v be_v unite_v or_o combine_v together_o into_o one_o visible_a body_n to_o stand_v by_o mutual_a relation_n fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n but_o only_o by_o mutual_a covenant_n as_o appear_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n in_o the_o family_n magistrate_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n fellow_n citizen_n in_o the_o same_o city_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o a_o people_n who_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o ministry_n have_v convert_v be_v to_o be_v gather_v by_o they_o into_o a_o church_n estate_n what_o do_v the_o apostle_n else_o but_o combine_v they_o into_o one_o body_n as_o one_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o spouse_n unto_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o and_o how_o can_v that_o not_o universal_a but_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n be_v offer_v up_o in_o one_o body_n not_o as_o many_o spouse_n as_o all_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v by_o their_o conversion_n but_o as_o one_o spouse_n unto-christ_n but_o only_o by_o join_v all_o together_o in_o one_o covenant_n or_o espousage_n to_o
of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o receive_v they_o to_o all_o brotherly_a communion_n in_o the_o lord_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o agree_v with_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n so_o when_o the_o day_n appoint_v for_o the_o church-gathering_a be_v come_v the_o person_n depute_v from_o the_o neighbour_a church_n be_v present_a who_o common_o be_v the_o teach_n and_o rule_v elder_n and_o as_o many_o also_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o partake_v with_o they_o at_o that_o time_n the_o whole_a day_n be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n especial_o the_o former_a part_n of_o it_o in_o seek_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o five_o proposition_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v gather_v select_v some_o chief_a one_o among_o themselves_o to_o be_v their_o mouth_n for_o those_o service_n which_o do_v then_o on_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o they_o appoint_v and_o choose_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o address_v himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o before_o the_o whole_a assembly_n according_a to_o the_o four_o proposition_n this_o do_v with_o the_o silent_a approbation_n of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n he_o propound_v the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n eph._n 2.12_o deny_v also_o any_o sufficiency_n in_o themselves_o to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v transgressor_n from_o their_o youth_n up_o they_o profess_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o saviour_n of_o his_o church_n to_o be_v their_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n withal_o they_o profess_v their_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o cleave_v one_o to_o another_o in_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a subjection_n according_a to_o god_n not_o forsake_v their_o assembly_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v and_o minister_a one_o to_o another_o as_o become_v good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n till_o they_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v thus_o or_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n propound_v the_o covenant_n himself_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o church-estate_n they_o all_o declare_v their_o joint_a consent_n in_o this_o covenant_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o write_v then_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n find_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n accept_v they_o by_o the_o heavenly_a fire_n of_o his_o spirit_n come_v down_o among_o they_o in_o their_o performance_n of_o their_o holy_a duty_n they_o appoint_v some_o from_o among_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v to_o reach_v forth_o unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n testify_v their_o proceed_n to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o brotherly_a fellowship_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o grow_v up_o in_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o one_o with_o another_o and_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o all_o the_o church_n according_a to_o these_o beginning_n and_o so_o prayer_n be_v make_v unto_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_v and_o acceptance_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n as_o also_o for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o themselves_o and_o all_o the_o church_n both_o in_o this_o country_n and_o throughout_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o england_n a_o psalm_n of_o praise_n be_v sing_v quest_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o if_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o infidel_n answ_n 1._o if_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v out_o of_o infidel_n they_o be_v first_o to_o be_v convert_v that_o they_o may_v become_v believer_n and_o so_o fit_a material_n for_o church-fellowship_n before_o any_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v by_o they_o whereas_o these_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v person_n convert_v already_o if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o but_o be_v not_o all_o baptise_a person_n fit_a for_o church-fellowship_n as_o all_o circumcise_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o passeover_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o passeover_n whereto_o all_o jew_n be_v admit_v young_a and_o old_a unless_o defile_v with_o some_o pollution_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereto_o person_n of_o grown_a year_n and_o fit_a to_o examine_v themselves_o be_v invite_v and_o therefore_o neither_o child_n nor_o ignorant_a person_n nor_o profane_a nor_o scandalous_a person_n be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o into_o church-fellowship_n if_o it_o again_o be_v object_v but_o be_v not_o all_o baptise_a person_n church-member_n already_o by_o their_o baptism_n answ_n no._n 1._o papist_n and_o other_o notorious_a heretic_n be_v baptise_a 2._o and_o many_o in_o other_o church_n have_v cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o the_o covenant_n by_o their_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n psal_n 50.16_o 3._o a_o church_n relapse_v with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o they_o can_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n in_o their_o church-fellowship_n be_v bind_v to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a enter_v into_o covenant_n the_o same_o which_o in_o effect_n be_v do_v with_o we_o 4._o though_o godly_a man_n baptise_a member_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n be_v to_o be_v account_v church-member_n as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v their_o habitation_n and_o election_n to_o that_o church_n yet_o several_a baptise_a person_n break_v off_o from_o their_o several_a church_n to_o which_o sometime_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o now_o meet_v accidental_o in_o one_o place_n be_v not_o therefore_o one_o church_n anew_o among_o themselves_o unless_o they_o will_v imagine_v that_o chimaera_n of_o a_o universal_a visible_a church_n chap._n ii_o touch_v church-officer_n with_o their_o election_n and_o ordination_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o gather_v as_o have_v be_v describe_v our_o next_o care_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o all_o those_o officer_n and_o member_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n until_o his_o second_o come_v for_o they_o be_v all_o give_v for_o the_o edify_a and_o perfect_v of_o his_o body_n until_o we_o all_o grow_v unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o the_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o writing_n to_o be_v master-builder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o their_o foundation_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o foundation_n which_o they_o by_o their_o writing_n have_v lay_v eph._n 2.20_o but_o in_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o same_o eminent_a calling_n they_o continue_v not_o whence_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o barnabas_n as_o the_o last_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 4.9_o and_o when_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o be_v plant_v it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v plant_v by_o new_a apostle_n but_o by_o the_o former_a twelve_o apostle_n of_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 21.19_o to_o wit_n by_o they_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n still_o leave_v behind_o they_o in_o their_o writing_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v either_o elder_n who_o the_o apostle_n call_v also_o bishop_n tit._n 1.5.7_o act._n 20.17.28_o or_o deacon_n of_o elder_n he_o make_v two_o sort_n one_o sort_n he_o call_v they_o that_o rule_n the_o other_o they_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n whether_o of_o exhortation_n as_o the_o pastor_n or_o of_o doctrine_n as_o the_o teacher_n 2_o tim._n 5.17_o for_o the_o two_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a preach_a elder_n the_o apostle_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o and_o such_o several_a kind_n of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n by_o the_o one_o in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n by_o the_o other_o in_o a_o word_n of_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n express_o hold_v forth_o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o he_o that_o teach_v say_v he_o let_v he_o wait_v on_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n which_o argue_v a_o difference_n of_o their_o function_n by_o the_o distinction_n of_o their_o proper_a or_o especial_a action_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o
take_v up_o the_o function_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o as_o over_o troublesome_a and_o incompatible_a to_o their_o ministerial_a employment_n now_o that_o which_o they_o lay_v down_o be_v the_o serve_v of_o table_n and_o distribute_v to_o every_o brother_n according_a to_o his_o need_n act_v 6.2_o with_o 4.35_o if_o then_o their_o own_o need_n require_v they_o may_v with_o the_o church_n allowance_n take_v themselves_o of_o that_o supply_n which_o they_o dispose_v to_o other_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o office_n there_o be_v little_a cause_n they_o shall_v expect_v maintenance_n from_o the_o church_n charge_n for_o their_o office_n take_v they_o very_o little_o off_o from_o attendance_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o own_o family_n see_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n they_o spend_v no_o time_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o to_o collect_v money_n but_o only_o receive_v what_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o as_o a_o oblation_n to_o the_o lord_n lay_v down_o before_o they_o every_o lord_n day_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n or_o else_o what_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o their_o own_o house_n according_a to_o the_o bill_n they_o put_v in_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o look_v what_o time_n they_o may_v spend_v in_o keep_v a_o just_a account_n of_o what_o they_o lie_v out_o or_o in_o visit_v any_o sick_a or_o poor_a brethren_n their_o time_n and_o labour_n spend_v herein_o be_v sufficient_o recompense_v by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n stock_n or_o treasury_n lie_v in_o their_o hand_n second_o beside_o this_o text_n call_v for_o maintenance_n to_o those_o elder_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o office_n of_o rule_v well_o but_o neither_o be_v deacon_n style_v elder_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n neither_o be_v their_o office_n a_o place_n of_o rule_n but_o of_o service_n to_o table_n so_o that_o this_o text_n will_v by_o no_o force_n be_v rack_v to_o bear_v this_o interpretation_n 2._o another_o interpretation_n be_v fetch_v from_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a force_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v more_o than_o simple_o to_o labour_v even_o to_o weary_v a_o man_n self_n with_o labour_n so_o that_o this_o sense_n they_o make_v of_o the_o apostle_n word_n the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n that_o discharge_v their_o place_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n chief_o they_o which_o weary_a themselves_o with_o labour_n and_o care_n to_o teach_v and_o admonish_v answ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o apostle_n language_n do_v not_o note_v out_o any_o intention_n or_o labour_n in_o some_o above_o other_o but_o simple_o such_o pain_n in_o a_o place_n somewhat_o parallel_v to_o this_o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o where_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o thessalonian_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o minister_n and_o ruler_n with_o singular_a love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n he_o call_v all_o their_o minister_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o make_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o common_a work_n and_o labour_n of_o they_o all_o not_o any_o intensive_a or_o eminent_a labour_n of_o some_o above_o other_o and_o in_o rom._n 16.12_o when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o some_o godly_a woman_n that_o either_o take_v pain_n about_o he_o or_o about_o other_o spiritual_a work_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o intensive_a or_o eminent_a pain_n and_o labour_n he_o add_v another_o word_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o may_v express_v so_o much_o but_o if_o he_o speak_v simple_o and_o positive_o of_o labour_n hense_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d alone_o salute_v say_v he_o v._o 12._o tryphena_n and_o tryphosa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v translate_v simple_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o lord_n but_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o other_o that_o take_v more_o painful_a labour_n salute_v mary_n vers_fw-la 6._o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o bestow_v much_o labour_n upon_o we_o and_o ver_fw-la 12._o salute_v the_o belove_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v translate_v who_o labour_v much_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o in_o this_o text_n in_o timothy_n if_o we_o strain_v not_o paul_n word_n beyond_o his_o wont_a meaning_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d than_o such_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n &_o doctrine_n and_o then_o he_o distinguish_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o from_o the_o elder_n that_o labour_v in_o word_n &_o doctrine_n simple_o by_o their_o different_a act_n about_o different_a object_n some_o elder_n be_v conversant_a about_o the_o well_o rule_v of_o the_o life_n &_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n other_o be_v conversant_a in_o labour_n about_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 3._o a_o three_o interpretation_n be_v give_v of_o these_o word_n that_o by_o elder_n rule_v well_o shall_v be_v mean_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n such_o as_o be_v resident_a and_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n affix_v to_o the_o place_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o travel_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o visit_v and_o to_o confirm_v the_o church_n to_o confirm_v this_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n 1_o cor._n 15.10_o be_v quote_v where_o paul_n say_v of_o himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o if_o he_o have_v mean_v of_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n it_o may_v have_v seem_v arrogancy_n in_o he_o to_o prefer_v himself_o before_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o work_n and_o it_o will_v have_v impute_v some_o aspersion_n of_o negligence_n to_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o his_o labour_n and_o travel_v through_o many_o country_n and_o nation_n for_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n so_o he_o may_v speak_v true_o and_o sober_o that_o he_o have_v labour_v more_o abundant_o then_o they_o all_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n mary_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o labour_n of_o tryphena_n tryphosa_n &_o persis_n be_v allege_v out_o of_o rom._n 16.6.12_o as_o if_o the_o first_o have_v travel_v much_o for_o paul_n and_o all_o of_o they_o have_v labour_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o way_n of_o travel_n far_o and_o near_o by_o private_a persuasion_n to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n answ_n this_o interpretation_n be_v indeed_o travel_v for_o and_o far_o fetch_v but_o such_o be_v our_o nature_n willing_a enough_o to_o travel_v far_o and_o wide_a to_o avoid_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o unwelcome_a truth_n how_o much_o near_o at_o hand_n and_o fit_a be_v it_o to_o fetch_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n from_o himself_o and_o to_o take_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o word_n here_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o use_v of_o the_o same_o word_n in_o a_o like_a place_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o where_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o traveller_n abroad_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d labourer_n among_o you_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n resident_a with_o they_o and_o labourer_n among_o they_o paul_n labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v impertinent_o allege_v to_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v express_o of_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v arrogancy_n in_o paul_n to_o have_v speak_v of_o his_o own_o great_a labour_n then_o of_o his_o fellow-apostle_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o respect_n to_o his_o travel_n for_o his_o ministry_n be_v accompany_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o great_a affliction_n and_o wrastling_n both_o within_o and_o without_o whether_o he_o stay_v in_o any_o place_n or_o travel_v abroad_o and_o he_o may_v well_o think_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o as_o indeed_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n and_o gratitude_n require_v it_o of_o he_o to_o take_v the_o more_o pain_n for_o christ_n in_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n after_o his_o conversion_n who_o have_v labour_v more_o busy_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n against_o christ_n and_o against_o the_o gospel_n before_o his_o conversion_n nor_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o usual_a word_n in_o that_o language_n to_o express_v travel_v to_o be_v more_o than_o any_o other_o labour_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o labour_n of_o mary_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o travel_n up_o and_o down_o with_o paul_n but_o rather_o in_o some_o diligent_a hospitality_n and_o service_n unto_o he_o but_o whether_o in_o travel_n or_o in_o her_o house_n be_v not_o at_o all_o express_v in_o the_o word_n sure_o it_o be_v paul_n deni_v the_o take_n of_o a_o sister_n or_o
weak_a believer_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v he_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3._o three_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n and_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o be_v the_o rock_n on_o which_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v for_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n whereunto_o he_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o now_o if_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n than_o we_o shall_v build_v a_o church_n without_o a_o foundation_n if_o we_o receive_v such_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o do_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o either_o through_o ignorance_n make_v no_o profession_n at_o all_o or_o such_o a_o verbal_a profession_n as_o savour_v not_o of_o any_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o father_n by_o his_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n expostulate_v with_o such_o a_o guest_n as_o come_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n even_o unto_o his_o table_n not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n mat._n 22.12_o and_o do_v not_o expostulation_n intimate_v a_o taxation_n also_o of_o they_o by_o who_o connivance_n he_o come_v in_o where_o he_o say_v how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n impute_v it_o to_o the_o sleepiness_n that_o be_v to_o the_o remissness_n and_o negligence_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o tare_n be_v sow_v in_o his_o field_n among_o the_o wheat_n mat._n 13.25.38.39_o four_o such_o as_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o join_v with_o and_o command_v to_o turn_v from_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o five_o can_v any_o man_n judge_v such_o person_n fit_a material_n for_o the_o constitute_n and_o edify_v of_o a_o church_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n as_o all_o hypocrite_n will_v at_o length_n they_o procure_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n rev._n 2.4_o we_o pass_v by_o the_o type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o without_o their_o due_a weight_n it_o be_v touch_v above_o that_o rough_a stone_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n till_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o prepare_v before_o 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o solomon_n be_v here_o and_o a_o great_a temple_n then_o that_o of_o solomon_n the_o attendance_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o porter_n suffer_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v unclean_a in_o any_o thing_n 2_o chro._n 23.19_o do_v it_o not_o evident_o type_n forth_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o suffer_v none_o unclean_a unclean_a in_o estate_n or_o course_n of_o life_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n well_o then_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n it_o can_v be_v think_v a_o unseasonable_a curiosity_n but_o rather_o hold_v a_o due_a and_o faithful_a watchfulness_n in_o the_o officer_n and_o body_n of_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v a_o due_a trial_n of_o man_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n as_o john_n baptist_n do_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o philip_n do_v act._n 8.37_o before_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o excessive_a austerity_n in_o john_n but_o a_o holy_a faithfulness_n and_o godly_a zeal_n not_o only_o to_o repulse_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n mat._n 3.7_o but_o the_o profane_a people_n also_o from_o his_o baptism_n luk._n 3.7_o as_o those_o who_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o therefore_o themselves_o be_v not_o meet_v for_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n luk._n 2.3_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o trial_n we_o do_v not_o exact_v eminent_a measure_n either_o of_o knowledge_n or_o holiness_n but_o do_v willing_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n such_o in_o who_o spirit_n we_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o christ_n in_o their_o sensible_a feel_n of_o a_o lose_a estate_n ☞_o ☞_o for_o we_o have_v rather_o 99_o hypocrite_n shall_v perish_v through_o presumption_n than_o one_o humble_a soul_n belong_v to_o christ_n shall_v sink_v under_o discouragement_n or_o despair_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v in_o it_o good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o tare_n for_o tare_n as_o hierome_n say_v be_v like_a to_o wheat_n sect_n iv_o come_v we_o now_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o second_o point_n why_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n 1._o meet_v it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v receive_v as_o one_o body_n unto_o christ_n by_o profess_v their_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o in_o the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o five_o part_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o fellowship_n by_o profession_n of_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n eadem_fw-la estratio_fw-la partium_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o the_o part_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o common_a nature_n of_o both_o and_o as_o all_o relative_n do_v they_o mutual_o argue_v one_o another_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o godly_a stranger_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n by_o faith_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o love_v his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n they_o add_v this_o duty_n over_o and_o above_o the_o former_a they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o sure_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o for_o their_o personal_a salvation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o when_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 3._o but_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o subjection_n to_o it_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o he_o cause_v to_o pass_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20.37_o object_n it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v proselyte_n who_o in_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v therein_o also_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n impli_v join_v to_o the_o church_n jer._n 50.5_o zech._n 2.11_o ans_fw-fr 1._o they_o that_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o text_n of_o jeremy_n and_o zachary_n do_v indeed_o in_o so_o do_v join_v in_o a_o church-body_n also_o for_o they_o who_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o multitude_n concur_v and_o consent_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n to_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o become_v his_o people_n but_o here_o in_o isaiah_n the_o eunuch_n and_o stranger_n be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o ready_a to_o complain_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o have_v utter_o separate_v they_o from_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 3._o as_o indeed_o he_o have_v by_o express_a law_n separate_v they_o that_o be_v prohibit_v they_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o deut._n 23.1_o 2_o 3._o against_o which_o law_n the_o lord_n comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o their_o eunuchicall_a estate_n nor_o the_o alienation_n or_o strangernesse_n of_o any_o nation_n shall_v be_v a_o impediment_n unto_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o lord_n house_n which_o be_v the_o church_n the_o join_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n as_o proselyte_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o disjoyn_v and_o separate_n from_o the_o lord_n people_n but_o the_o lord_n
espousal_n without_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o espousage_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o their_o covenant_n 3._o the_o mutual_a relation_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n in_o the_o church_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o member_n to_o member_n and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o do_v all_o of_o they_o necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a confederacy_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v partake_v herein_o must_v partake_v in_o their_o confederacy_n suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n as_o every_o year_n some_o or_o other_o do_v there_o be_v not_o any_o minister_n of_o any_o of_o our_o church_n can_v usurp_v pastoral_a authority_n over_o he_o unless_o that_o christian_a call_v he_o thereunto_o or_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o his_o ministration_n according_a to_o god_n nor_o can_v such_o a_o man_n expect_v any_o minister_n watchfulness_n over_o he_o as_o his_o minister_n unless_o the_o minister_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o accept_v such_o a_o charge_n and_o profess_v so_o much_o no_o church_n in_o the_o country_n nor_o all_o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o censure_v any_o stranger_n though_o a_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o nor_o can_v he_o challenge_v such_o watchfulness_n from_o they_o unless_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o just_a call_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o his_o blood_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n and_o for_o all_o his_o child_n give_v they_o all_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o their_o own_o fellow-member_n unto_o who_o to_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o infant_n who_o make_v choice_n in_o their_o parent_n but_o of_o such_o who_o know_v their_o liberty_n and_o be_v call_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o till_o than_o that_o a_o man_n tender_a and_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o it_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o receive_v he_o for_o the_o church_n receive_v a_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 14.1_o impli_v and_o presuppose_v his_o offering_n and_o give_v up_o of_o himself_o unto_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o he_o impli_v and_o hold_v forth_o no_o less_o than_o their_o profess_a acceptance_n of_o he_o unto_o all_o those_o holy_a liberty_n with_o they_o and_o performance_n of_o all_o such_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o he_o which_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o let_v man_n call_v this_o expression_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o call_v church-covenant_n sect_n v._o let_v we_o proceed_v then_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o three_o point_n why_o we_o communicate_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o propound_v receive_v of_o member_n unto_o their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o like_a power_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a member_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n then_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la aperire_fw-la &_o claudere_fw-la instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v to_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o who_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o do_v not_o at_o first_o receive_v he_o because_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n until_o barnabas_n by_o his_o testimony_n of_o he_o have_v remove_v their_o scruple_n which_o argue_v the_o private_a brethren_n in_o a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o public_a officer_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o church_n power_n in_o elect_v and_o call_v minister_n to_o office_n it_o have_v be_v show_v above_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v and_o call_v their_o own_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o speech_n of_o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o epist_n 41._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la dignos_fw-la eligendi_fw-la velindignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la and_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a how_o much_o more_o of_o receive_v worthy_a christian_n and_o refuse_v of_o unworthy_a yea_o in_o the_o epistle_n go_v before_o he_o speak_v express_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v some_o who_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o they_o which_o argue_v evident_o their_o power_n in_o receive_v member_n chap._n iu._n concern_v our_o order_n and_o form_n in_o administration_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o able_a help_n officer_n and_o brethren_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o public_a ordinance_n in_o public_a assembly_n especial_o on_o every_o lord_n day_n wherein_o our_o principal_a care_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o administer_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o and_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o all_o those_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v we_o light_n in_o their_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o dress_n or_o paint_v of_o humane_a invention_n for_o as_o the_o first_o commandment_n require_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o his_o own_o only_a true_a worship_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n without_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o isa_n 29.13_o deut._n 12.32_o so_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o observe_v much_o less_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o church_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o any_o institution_n of_o their_o own_o whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o government_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n our_o reason_n hereof_o one_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o be_v take_v from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v as_o large_a as_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o church-governors_n and_o yet_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o mat._n 28.20_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o he_o have_v command_v they_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n then_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15.29_o necessary_a they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n other_o for_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o thing_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v offensive_a the_o prohibition_n of_o they_o cease_v to_o bind_v object_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v the_o apostle_n commission_n reach_v only_o to_o matter_n of_o substance_n not_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o necessity_n not_o indifferency_n we_o answer_v let_v they_o show_v we_o another_o commission_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o put_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n of_o form_n and_o of_o indifferency_n and_o we_o shall_v submit_v but_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o commission_n give_v to_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o much_o urge_a place_n 1_o
and_o then_o if_o god_n mercy_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n may_v fetch_v in_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n the_o same_o promise_n may_v fetch_v in_o all_o turk_n and_o infidel_n at_o this_o day_n we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o improve_v the_o large_a extension_n of_o god_n mercy_n so_o far_o as_o to_o give_v a_o thousand_o generation_n right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n thereunto_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o take_v to_o be_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o rich_a mercy_n may_v and_o do_v extend_v thought_n of_o redeem_v and_o convert_v grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o thousand_o generation_n but_o he_o never_o allow_v his_o church_n any_o warrant_n to_o receive_v into_o their_o covenant_n and_o communion_n the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n who_o live_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o much_o less_o a_o thousand_o generation_n nay_o rather_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o child_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o next_o immediate_a parent_n or_o of_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o wit_n such_o faith_n as_o denominate_v they_o christian-beleever_n in_o opposition_n to_o pagan_a infidel_n and_o that_o holiness_n of_o the_o child_n to_o such_o parent_n be_v call_v federall_n which_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o object_n last_o it_o be_v object_v that_o child_n bear_v in_o fornication_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n and_o why_o not_o then_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a parent_n the_o wickedness_n of_o parent_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v the_o child_n in_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o their_o salvation_n answ_n the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o parent_n do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o election_n or_o redemption_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o child_n jephta_n a_o bastard_n be_v yet_o reckon_v up_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o believer_n heb._n 11.32_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o bastard_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o ten_o generation_n deut._n 23.2_o and_o that_o can_v not_o but_o prejudice_v all_o the_o base-born_a child_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o though_o god_n show_v great_a grace_n to_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o great_a grace_n can_v by_o proportion_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v expect_v for_o they_o from_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o parent_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o unto_o baptism_n either_o when_o their_o parent_n repent_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o better_a profession_n of_o better_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n it_o be_v general_o know_v that_o our_o best_a divine_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o baptism_n of_o bastard_n sine_fw-la sponsoribus_fw-la but_o whether_o they_o consider_v sponsores_fw-la as_o witness_n as_o some_o do_v who_o fetch_v allowance_n of_o witness_n from_o isa_n 8.2_o 3_o 4._o or_o whether_o they_o consider_v they_o as_o surety_n the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v no_o warrant_n for_o either_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n give_v no_o foothold_a for_o witness_n in_o baptism_n the_o prophet_n call_v not_o vriah_n for_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n but_o of_o the_o conception_n of_o a_o man-child_n yet_o unbegotten_a and_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o such_o event_n as_o be_v to_o fall_v out_o during_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o child_n nor_o be_v it_o meet_v the_o prophet_n shall_v honour_v so_o wicked_a a_o timeserver_n as_o vriah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n though_o the_o more_o profane_a and_o idolatrous_a he_o be_v the_o more_o fit_a and_o faithful_a a_o witness_n of_o a_o miraculous_a prediction_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o incredulous_a king_n and_o people_n and_o as_o for_o surety_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o intayled_a to_o surety_n to_o such_o as_o for_o who_o they_o undertake_v but_o to_o faithful_a parent_n pertain_v to_o the_o family_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o their_o seed_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o large_a promise_n to_o abraham_n stretch_v the_o covenant_n to_o his_o seed_n not_o only_o to_o the_o child_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o to_o his_o proselyte_n servant_n but_o also_o to_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o buy_v with_o money_n gen._n 17.12_o 13._o which_o happy_o may_v grant_v so_o much_o liberty_n to_o a_o christian_a sponsor_n that_o if_o a_o stranger_n or_o wicked_a man_n shall_v give_v he_o his_o child_n from_o his_o infancy_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o his_o own_o it_o may_v be_v baptize_v as_o his_o own_o but_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o liberty_n in_o this_o case_n and_o very_o doubtful_a it_o be_v whether_o the_o promise_n pertain_v only_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n either_o stranger_n or_o bear_v in_o the_o house_n but_o we_o know_v not_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o to_o allow_v a_o faithful_a man_n liberty_n to_o entitle_v another_o man_n child_n to_o baptism_n only_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o promise_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o education_n unless_o the_o child_n be_v either_o bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o resign_v to_o he_o to_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o his_o own_o chap._n v._o touch_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n sect_n i._o we_o proceed_v not_o to_o censure_n but_o in_o case_n of_o know_a offence_n and_o such_o offence_n as_o can_v be_v heal_v without_o censure_n two_o sort_n of_o offence_n there_o be_v some_o private_a between_o brother_n and_o brother_n some_o public_a and_o notorious_a be_v know_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o many_o and_o of_o they_o some_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o heinous_a some_o less_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v private_a between_o brother_n and_o brother_n the_o brother_n offend_v be_v to_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o that_o be_v first_o to_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v convince_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o admonish_v he_o of_o it_o private_o so_o that_o the_o plaster_n may_v be_v no_o broad_a than_o the_o sore_a private_a admonition_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o a_o private_a fault_n and_o express_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o the_o brother_n who_o in_o so_o do_v both_o heal_v and_o cover_v the_o offence_n at_o once_o if_o the_o offender_n take_v the_o admonition_n in_o good_a part_n as_o take_v part_n with_o the_o admonition_n against_o his_o own_o sin_n the_o brother_n have_v win_v and_o gain_v he_o both_o to_o god_n and_o himself_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n to_o himself_o by_o this_o experiment_n of_o his_o brotherly_a love_n but_o if_o the_o offender_n hear_v not_o his_o brother_n but_o take_v part_n with_o his_o sin_n against_o the_o admonition_n he_o than_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o he_o such_o as_o in_o wisdom_n he_o think_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o prevail_v with_o he_o that_o so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o his_o word_n of_o admonition_n may_v be_v establish_v or_o if_o the_o offender_n hear_v they_o not_o his_o word_n of_o accusation_n to_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o they_o come_v to_o the_o offender_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o they_o understand_v be_v commit_v by_o he_o they_o first_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o in_o this_o duty_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n mat._n 18.19_o 20._o where_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v be_v present_a with_o any_o two_o or_o three_o that_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n to_o ask_v of_o he_o for_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o chief_o upon_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o brother_n offend_v lay_v open_a the_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o declare_v how_o ill_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o love_n be_v accept_v before_o and_o desire_v their_o help_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o offender_n if_o they_o can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o offence_n and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o offender_n be_v heal_v thanks_o be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o
mutual_a love_n renew_v and_o increase_v among_o themselves_o but_o if_o the_o offender_n deny_v the_o fact_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o prove_v it_o but_o the_o brother_n that_o bring_v they_o they_o can_v proceed_v no_o far_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o against_o one_o will_v not_o stand_v in_o judgement_n deut._n 19.15_o if_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o fact_n but_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o but_o stand_v stiff_o to_o justify_v it_o than_o the_o brother_n first_o offend_v tell_v the_o church_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n in_o god_n way_n he_o tell_v the_o elder_n who_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o church_n that_o by_o they_o it_o may_v be_v present_v before_o the_o church_n and_o the_o cause_n hear_v and_o examine_v and_o judge_v by_o they_o then_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n either_o by_o himself_o or_o call_v forth_o the_o brother_n offend_v declare_v the_o offence_n give_v to_o he_o by_o such_o a_o brother_n and_o what_o course_n he_o take_v with_o he_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n to_o heal_v his_o brother_n first_o by_o private_a admonition_n but_o so_o he_o prevail_v not_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n then_o how_o he_o take_v a_o brother_n or_o two_o more_o to_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o work_n but_o neither_o so_o can_v he_o or_o they_o prevail_v with_o he_o which_o they_o be_v present_a do_v open_o testify_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n and_o so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o the_o word_n of_o his_o accusation_n be_v establish_v before_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v thus_o inform_v of_o the_o estate_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o offence_n the_o elder_n do_v labour_n in_o public_a with_o the_o offender_n to_o convince_v he_o both_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n under_o it_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o faithfulness_n and_o love_n of_o his_o brethren_n in_o seek_v to_o heal_v his_o spirit_n in_o private_a it_o be_v free_a also_o for_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n leave_n and_o liberty_n be_v first_o desire_v and_o obtain_v of_o the_o elder_n to_o help_v forward_o the_o conviction_n by_o any_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o zeal_n which_o god_n shall_v put_v into_o their_o mouth_n wherein_o if_o the_o conviction_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v prevail_v to_o any_o kindly_a humiliation_n of_o the_o offender_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n the_o offender_n be_v gain_v the_o sin_n be_v subdue_v other_o discourage_v from_o the_o like_a offence_n and_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o offender_n stand_v out_o in_o defence_n of_o his_o sin_n as_o well_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o he_o do_v before_o against_o the_o brethren_n who_o deal_v with_o he_o in_o private_a the_o church_n than_o enter_v into_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n whether_o it_o be_v gross_a and_o heinous_a such_o as_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n like_o those_o cast_v out_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v such_o as_o through_o some_o mist_n of_o ignorance_n or_o strength_n of_o present_a passion_n he_o do_v not_o clear_o discern_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o former_a sort_n they_o proceed_v then_o to_o excommunication_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n whereof_o more_o hereafter_o as_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o contumacy_n to_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o late_a sort_n the_o church_n proceed_v not_o forthwith_o to_o excommunication_n of_o the_o offender_n but_o after_o once_o or_o twice_o admonition_n for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v with_o the_o offender_n as_o with_o a_o heretic_n who_o may_v err_v at_o first_o and_o stand_v in_o his_o error_n for_o want_v of_o clear_a light_n and_o be_v therefore_o once_o and_o again_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 3.10_o to_o be_v admonish_v before_o he_o be_v reject_v when_o therefore_o a_o admonition_n be_v judge_v seasonable_a one_o of_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v recollect_v the_o offence_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n of_o weight_n which_o have_v be_v public_o or_o private_o use_v to_o convince_v the_o offender_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o discover_v to_o he_o also_o that_o invalidity_n and_o shallowness_n of_o all_o his_o answer_n and_o evasion_n and_o thereupon_o do_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n admonish_v and_o charge_v he_o to_o see_v the_o danger_n of_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o distemper_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o maintain_v of_o it_o that_o so_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o may_v be_v recover_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o tempter_n whilst_o the_o brother_n be_v thus_o cast_v and_o lie_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o admonition_n he_o stand_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o a_o convince_a public_a offender_n and_o therefore_o till_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o penitent_a and_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o they_o he_o do_v abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o will_v not_o have_v a_o offender_n present_v himself_o nor_o his_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n while_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o his_o brother_n lie_v upon_o he_o mat._n 5.23_o 24._o or_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o law_n do_v forbear_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a bread_n while_o they_o lie_v in_o uncleanness_n leu._n 22.3_o 4._o or_o as_o one_o who_o lie_v in_o his_o uncleanness_n do_v rather_o pollute_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o then_o receive_v any_o holiness_n from_o it_o hag._n 2.12_o 13._o the_o offender_n then_o by_o this_o public_a admonition_n be_v debar_v of_o his_o wont_a fellowship_n in_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o withal_o be_v solicit_v and_o urge_v by_o his_o brethren_n and_o friend_n to_o consider_v his_o great_a distemper_n of_o spirit_n in_o stand_v out_o so_o long_o in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a if_o hereupon_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n he_o come_v to_o himself_o and_o see_v his_o sin_n and_o desire_v to_o reconcile_v himself_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o brother_n he_o then_o acquaint_v one_o of_o the_o elder_n with_o his_o desire_n be_v call_v forth_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n to_o make_v public_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o to_o judge_v himself_o for_o it_o wherein_o if_o the_o lord_n help_v he_o to_o hold_v forth_o a_o ingenuous_a and_o humble_a loathe_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o himself_o for_o it_o they_o bless_v god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o his_o ordinance_n and_o ready_o receive_v he_o into_o wont_a favour_n and_o brotherly_a fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o god_n house_n but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o spirit_n of_o the_o brother_n grow_v more_o &_o more_o harden_v in_o his_o sin_n and_o stand_v out_o against_o all_o mean_n public_a and_o private_a of_o his_o reformation_n the_o church_n have_v wait_v a_o convenient_a time_n and_o yet_o find_v their_o brother_n wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o as_o be_v common_o see_v in_o such_o case_n wherein_o man_n be_v not_o humble_v under_o such_o mean_n then_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18.17_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n propound_v the_o case_n first_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o they_o give_v their_o consent_n as_o before_o for_o his_o admission_n so_o now_o for_o his_o expulsion_n he_o set_v his_o sin_n in_o order_n again_o before_o he_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n of_o it_o especial_o how_o he_o have_v take_v in_o vain_a and_o make_v unprofitable_a all_o other_o mean_n for_o his_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o now_o in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o pronounce_v he_o unto_o satan_n as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o all_o this_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n matth._n 18.17_o 2_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o sect_n ii_o and_o thus_o the_o church_n proceed_v in_o case_n the_o offence_n be_v private_a at_o first_o and_z and_o less_o scandalous_a but_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v be_v public_a and_o heinous_a and_o gross_o scandalous_a such_o as_o be_v condemn_v even_o among_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o those_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o fornication_n adultery_n incest_n
as_o cyprian_n say_v lib._n 1._o ep._n 4._o maximè_fw-la potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la then_o as_o he_o say_v there_o also_o potestatem_fw-la etiam_fw-la babet_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la &_o abdicandi_fw-la on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o elder_n have_v rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o do_v express_v it_o in_o sundry_a act_n of_o authority_n as_o 1._o in_o call_v the_o church_n together_o upon_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n act_v 6.2_o 2._o in_o open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n to_o any_o of_o the_o assembly_n act_v 13.15_o unless_o it_o be_v where_o the_o elder_n themselves_o lie_v under_o offence_n or_o suspicion_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o offend_a party_n may_v begin_v with_o they_o act_v 11.2_o yet_o with_o due_a reverence_n observe_v as_o to_o their_o year_n so_o to_o their_o place_n 1_o tim._n 5.1_o 3._o in_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v to_o charge_v command_n to_o reprove_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n 1_o tim._n 5.7_o &_o 6.17_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o tit._n 2.15_o 4._o in_o dispense_n all_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o cause_n for_o though_o they_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o dispense_n a_o censure_n yet_o they_o set_v it_o on_o with_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yea_o it_o be_v no_o small_a power_n they_o put_v forth_o in_o direct_v the_o church_n what_o censure_n be_v due_a according_a to_o the_o word_n as_o in_o our_o native_a country_n though_o the_o judge_n dispense_v no_o sentence_n but_o according_a to_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o jury_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v great_a both_o in_o direct_v the_o jury_n to_o give_v in_o their_o verdict_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o in_o pronounce_v sentence_n with_o power_n and_o terror_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o their_o verdict_n the_o like_a do_v the_o elder_n in_o dispense_n church-censure_n 5._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n and_o that_o with_o a_o blessing_n numb_a 6.23_o to_o 26._o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o superiority_n heb._n 7.7_o 6._o in_o case_n of_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o other_o notorious_a scandal_n commit_v by_o they_o and_o their_o obstinacy_n therein_o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o it_o as_o upon_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o israelite_n moses_n take_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o pitch_v it_o without_o the_o camp_n exod._n 33.7_o and_o paul_n with_o barnabas_n reject_v the_o jew_n for_o their_o blaspemy_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o gentile_n act._n 13.45_o 46._o chapter_n vi._n sect_n i._o we_o come_v now_o to_o that_o last_o part_n of_o our_o order_n which_o stand_v in_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n among_o ourselves_o though_o one_o church_n claim_v no_o power_n either_o of_o ordination_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o another_o for_o we_o know_v of_o none_o such_o give_v we_o by_o christ_n yet_o we_o maintain_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o so_o far_o as_o we_o may_v also_o help_v forward_o our_o mutual_a communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v account_v a_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n thereof_o seven_o way_n there_o be_v wherein_o we_o exercise_v holy_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o which_o for_o distinction_n and_o memory_n sake_n we_o may_v sum_n up_o in_o so_o many_o short_a name_n first_o by_o way_n of_o participation_n second_o of_o recommendation_n three_o of_o consultation_n fourthly_a of_o congregation_n five_o of_o contribution_n sixthly_a of_o admonition_n seventh_o of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n 1._o for_o participation_n we_o have_v occasional_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o it_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o church_n that_o when_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n be_v occasion_v to_o rest_n with_o we_o on_o the_o lord_n day_n when_o the_o supper_n come_v to_o be_v administer_v and_o neither_o the_o person_n themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n they_o come_v from_o lie_v under_o any_o public_a offence_n we_o do_v admit_v they_o to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o we_o for_o we_o look_v at_o the_o lord_n supper_n not_o only_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o also_o of_o our_o communion_n with_o his_o member_n and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n but_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n sect_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n we_o communicate_v one_o with_o another_o in_o this_o wise_a when_o any_o of_o our_o member_n by_o occasion_n of_o business_n be_v call_v to_o reside_v and_o continue_v for_o any_o time_n in_o another_o town_n we_o give_v he_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n giving_z testimony_n of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o brother_n approve_v and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o become_v saint_n unto_o holy_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o to_o watch_v over_o he_o in_o brotherly_a love_n to_o his_o build_n up_o in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o pattern_n whereof_o we_o take_v from_o paul_n recommendation_n of_o phebe_n a_o deaconesse_n of_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rom._n 16.1_o 2._o of_o which_o letter_n he_o make_v mention_n also_o to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n though_o not_o as_o needful_a for_o himself_o but_o for_o other_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o but_o if_o a_o brother_n have_v necessary_a occasion_n to_o remove_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n for_o all_o together_o unto_o another_o church_n and_o there_o to_o take_v up_o his_o settle_a habitation_n for_o the_o necessary_a employment_n of_o his_o call_n or_o for_o other_o just_a end_n he_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o some_o of_o his_o intimate_a friend_n and_o brethren_n and_o it_o may_v be_v if_o conveniency_n permit_v the_o whole_a church_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n which_o if_o they_o do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o weighty_a they_o then_o write_v more_o ample_a letter_n of_o recommendation_n unto_o that_o church_n in_o his_o behalf_n wherein_o they_o do_v recommend_v he_o whole_o to_o their_o charge_n now_o not_o as_o one_o of_o themselves_o but_o as_o one_o of_o they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v resign_v he_o and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n belove_v in_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o those_o christian_a liberty_n and_o holy_a duty_n wherein_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o communicate_v with_o their_o own_o member_n unto_o all_o spiritual_a growth_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o letter_n because_o they_o do_v so_o full_o recommend_v a_o brother_n unto_o another_o church_n be_v to_o dismiss_v he_o from_o his_o own_o we_o therefore_o for_o distinction_n sake_n call_v they_o letter_n of_o dismission_n which_o indeed_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o but_o that_o the_o former_a recommend_v he_o to_o another_o church_n for_o a_o time_n these_o for_o ever_o the_o brother_n thus_o dismiss_v to_o another_o church_n bring_v his_o letter_n to_o the_o elder_a of_o that_o church_n who_o read_v they_o before_o the_o church_n demand_v the_o church_n consent_n for_o his_o acceptance_n if_o he_o be_v well_o know_v and_o approve_v of_o they_o they_o express_v their_o consent_n either_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n but_o if_o the_o man_n be_v whole_o unknown_a and_o doubt_v of_o by_o they_o though_o they_o reserve_v due_a honour_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o send_v they_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o church_n may_v err_v sometime_o as_o well_o in_o judgement_n of_o person_n as_o of_o doctrine_n hanc_fw-la veniam_fw-la perimusque_fw-la damusque_fw-la vicissim_fw-la we_o take_v liberty_n to_o take_v some_o trial_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o gift_n and_o then_o either_o upon_o his_o just_a approbation_n of_o he_o we_o receive_v he_o or_o if_o we_o see_v just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n in_o he_o we_o return_v he_o with_o the_o cause_n back_o again_o to_o his_o own_o church_n who_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o her_o own_o fellowship_n and_o take_v care_n for_o his_o heal_n for_o we_o look_v at_o our_o church-covenant_n as_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n jer._n 50.51_o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o may_v be_v translate_v or_o resign_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o as_o god_n hand_n shall_v direct_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o violate_v by_o we_o but_o only_o by_o the_o member_n cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n by_o such_o
spirit_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o with_o they_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o prosper_v his_o work_n among_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reduce_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o pattern_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o primitive_a simplicity_n describe_v above_o four_o thing_n we_o observe_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n which_o make_v way_n for_o reformation_n among_o they_o first_o the_o efficient_a instrument_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n which_o be_v either_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n whether_o philip_n or_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n or_o simon_n zelotes_n as_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n may_v read_v in_o mr._n fox_n book_n of_o act_n and_o monument_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o next_o after_o the_o story_n of_o the_o ten_o primitive_a persecution_n out_o of_o gildas_n tertullian_n origen_n beda_n nicephorus_n which_o be_v so_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v right_o gather_v and_o plant_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o since_o have_v spring_v from_o popish_a apostasy_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o from_o want_n of_o through_o and_o perfect_a purge_v out_o of_o that_o leaven_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n so_o that_o all_o the_o work_n now_o be_v not_o to_o make_v they_o church_n which_o be_v none_o before_o but_o to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n second_o the_o public_a service-booke_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o godly_a discipline_n that_o notorious_a sinner_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o both_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o other_o admonish_v by_o their_o example_n may_v be_v the_o more_o afraid_a to_o offend_v which_o godly_a discipline_n be_v a_o thing_n say_v the_o book_n much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v restore_v again_o see_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n it_o be_v therefore_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a and_o swerve_v from_o the_o primitive_a godly_a discipline_n three_o in_o the_o public_a rubric_n before_o the_o catechism_n it_o be_v order_v that_o when_o child_n come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v learn_v what_o other_o promise_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n they_o shall_v then_o themselves_o with_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n open_o before_o the_o church_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o also_o promise_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o will_v evermore_o endeavour_v themselves_o faithful_o to_o observe_v and_o keep_v such_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o confession_n they_o have_v assent_v to_o which_o course_n the_o book_n in_o a_o few_o word_n after_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o time_n past_a that_o child_n come_v to_o perfect_a age_n have_v be_v instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o direction_n if_o it_o be_v as_o due_o observe_v as_o it_o be_v express_o order_v do_v plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o to_o be_v confirm_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o unfit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v express_o confess_v their_o faith_n open_o before_o the_o church_n and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v serious_o do_v and_o not_o perfunctory_o be_v somewhat_o of_o like_a nature_n with_o our_o receive_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o join_v they_o by_o covenant_n four_o in_o the_o exhortation_n before_o the_o communion_n the_o minister_n be_v direct_v to_o denounce_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o god_n a_o hinderer_n or_o slanderer_n of_o his_o word_n a_o adulterer_n or_o be_v in_o malice_n or_o envy_v or_o in_o any_o other_o grievous_a crime_n they_o shall_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o come_v to_o that_o holy_a table_n lest_o after_o the_o take_n of_o that_o sacrament_n the_o devil_n enter_v into_o they_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o judas_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o argue_v they_o will_v allow_v no_o scandalous_a person_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o these_o thing_n presuppose_v real_o perform_v and_o serious_o attend_v to_o may_v open_v a_o door_n to_o sundry_a passage_n of_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a reformation_n sect_n ii_o tender_v certain_a proposition_n tend_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n propos_fw-fr 1._o where_o godly_a minister_n be_v already_o plant_v in_o any_o congregation_n let_v they_o with_o due_a encouragement_n from_o the_o state_n call_v the_o people_n to_o solemn_a humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o own_o sin_n &_o those_o of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v imitate_v so_o do_v ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n with_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n nehem._n 9.2.2_o 3_o 4._o &_o ezra_n 10.1_o 2.9_o 10._o for_o though_o the_o parliament_n &_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v protest_v and_o covenant_v reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v yet_o they_o have_v cause_n also_o to_o be_v humble_v and_o that_o thorough_o for_o the_o time_n past_a 2._o let_v such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o of_o approve_a conversation_n take_v up_o that_o course_n which_o the_o service-book_n as_o have_v be_v say_v give_v a_o hint_n of_o renew_v their_o covenant_n former_o make_v in_o baptism_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o promise_a reformation_n of_o life_n not_o only_o in_o their_o private_a conversation_n but_o also_o in_o their_o public_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n 3._o let_v no_o minister_n that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n better_a than_o his_o own_o belly_n stand_v upon_o his_o advocation_n from_o his_o patron_n but_o rather_o expect_v his_o vocation_n from_o his_o people_n 4._o for_o this_o end_n let_v every_o patron_n restore_v his_o jus_o patronatus_fw-la to_o the_o church_n or_o if_o it_o seem_v too_o hard_a a_o thing_n for_o they_o to_o part_v so_o free_o with_o their_o freehold_n though_o they_o ought_v free_o to_o give_v unto_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v free_o from_o he_o the_o parliament_n may_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a part_n of_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o benefice_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o annex_v it_o to_o their_o own_o private_a inheritance_n reserve_v so_o much_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o a_o sufficient_a maintenance_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o though_o thing_n dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n can_v be_v alienate_v or_o divert_v to_o private_a use_n without_o sacrilege_n yet_o that_o hold_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n accept_v as_o sacred_a to_o himself_o but_o god_n no_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n or_o allowance_n of_o land_n dedicate_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o for_o the_o church_n service_n they_o may_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o their_o consent_n as_o sometime_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n give_v away_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o captivity_n 2_o king_n 18.15_o 16._o 5._o the_o people_n have_v call_v or_o choose_v their_o minister_n one_o or_o more_o unto_o office_n in_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n let_v they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n depute_v some_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o with_o prayer_n over_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n set_v he_o apart_o to_o that_o office_n the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v say_v to_o anoint_v zadok_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o high_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o solomon_n to_o be_v king_n 1_o chron._n 29.22_o which_o be_v a_o sacred_a right_n as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o