its_o external_a manner_n of_o existence_n in_o which_o be_v include_v both_o godly_a and_o reprobate_n ii_o we_o reject_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o in_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o external_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v by_o a_o strict_a examination_n first_o try_v by_o other_o believer_n or_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n holy_a conference_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n and_o have_v manifest_v to_o they_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o have_v afterward_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n public_o profess_v a_o sincere_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v either_o by_o a_o continue_a speech_n or_o by_o question_n and_o answer_n make_v manifest_a by_o evident_a sign_n the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n that_o in_o a_o church_n covenant_n sincere_o faithful_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o both_o can_v and_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o we_o read_v not_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n this_o manner_n of_o admit_v church_n member_n be_v in_o use_n those_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o be_v not_o in_o this_o manner_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o man_n be_v upon_o such_o a_o confession_n join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o whereby_o hypocrite_n and_o person_n not_o convert_v may_v have_v entrance_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n whence_o also_o in_o our_o reform_a church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o member_n of_o church_n be_v admit_v by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n a_o solemn_a protestation_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n a_o testimony_n of_o a_o unblameable_a and_o inoffensive_a life_n as_o also_o ames_n himself_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v due_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o obedience_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 17._o and_o in_o some_o more_o numerous_a church_n in_o the_o netherlands_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o church_n great_a prudence_n in_o admit_v member_n that_o those_o who_o desire_v admission_n into_o church-communion_n before_o their_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v for_o some_o week_n several_a time_n private_o exercise_v and_o instruct_v if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o exercise_v and_o this_o instruction_n be_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o visitation_n of_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o be_v also_o public_o offer_v to_o all_o when_o notice_n be_v give_v of_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o minister_n inquire_v likewise_o of_o the_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v communion_n with_o we_o afterward_o they_o use_v to_o undergo_v a_o examination_n before_o the_o consistory_n in_o their_o consistoriall_a meeting_n or_o before_o the_o delegate_n of_o the_o consistory_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o minister_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o catechism_n and_o last_o of_o all_o have_v be_v thus_o try_v they_o do_v in_o public_a before_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n give_v answer_n to_o these_o general_a position_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o persist_v till_o death_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o as_o become_v this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v those_o who_o desire_v admission_n admit_v to_o our_o church_n communion_n this_o custom_n though_o laudable_a be_v not_o indeed_o contrary_a but_o yet_o be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o all_o our_o church_n which_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o urge_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o great_a ecclesiastical_a prudence_n in_o so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o esteem_v that_o order_n establish_v in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o due_a admit_v of_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n question_n whether_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o a_o public_a and_o express_a agreement_n and_o promise_n associate_v and_o unite_v among_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o fear_n and_o sacred_a worship_n of_o god_n unity_n of_o faith_n brotherly_a love_n mutual_a edification_n and_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o without_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n nor_o true_a church_n member_n answer_n the_o reform_a church_n judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o there_o be_v sacred_a union_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n express_v by_o certain_a external_a act_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o visible_a church_n society_n under_o one_o ministry_n and_o spiritual_a discipline_n but_o this_o union_n they_o affirm_v the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n enter_v into_o among_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o in_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o will_v frequent_v the_o same_o divine_a worship_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o church_n governor_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a and_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o discipline_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o this_o union_n there_o be_v they_o affirm_v a_o kind_n of_o tacit_n and_o virtual_a covenant_n which_o unit_v the_o faithful_a into_o a_o particular_a church_n although_o such_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o they_o in_o express_a term_n be_v not_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o question_n require_v we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o save_a grace_n between_o god_n and_o repent_a sinner_n found_v in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n whereby_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n as_o well_o in_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n as_o out_o of_o it_o by_o which_o covenant_n all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o partaker_n of_o it_o obtain_v right_a to_o all_o those_o save_a benefit_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o tacit_n or_o virtual_a covenant_n between_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o external_a particular_a church_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o mutual_a duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o particular_a church_n communion_n as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o care_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n frequent_v the_o same_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o which_o covenant_n they_o also_o obtain_v to_o themselves_o right_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o we_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o express_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n enter_v into_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n when_o the_o church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n or_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o for_o the_o preserve_n or_o propagate_a or_o restore_v of_o the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o which_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o there_o do_v not_o accrue_v
19_o 8_o 9_o and_o 20._o 17_o 18._o which_o do_v also_o very_o great_o abound_v in_o multitude_n of_o member_n as_o appear_v act._n 19_o 10_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o 20._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 8._o revel_v 2._o 2_o 3._o and_o yet_o meet_v in_o some_o private_a house_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n act._n 19_o 9_o 10._o and_o 20._o 20._o but_o that_o this_o whole_a multitude_n can_v in_o one_o school_n or_o house_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o to_o we_o that_o they_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o at_o divers_a time_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o divers_a pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v more_o holy_a assembly_n there_o in_o divers_a place_n there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16._o 5._o paul_n when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n have_v holy_a church_n assembly_n in_o his_o own_o house_n act_v 28._o 23_o 30_o 31._o which_o yet_o be_v not_o that_o whole_a collective_o take_v and_o famous_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a roman_n who_o faith_n be_v famous_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1._o 8._o other_o example_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o church_n due_o constitute_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n which_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o place_n for_o exercise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n under_o a_o common_a presbytery_n of_o divers_a pastor_n perform_v holy_a duty_n hence_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n in_o some_o great_a town_n though_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n than_o can_v celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a church_n but_o do_v together_o make_v one_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o common_a presbytery_n and_o government_n of_o divers_a pastor_n ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o only_o parochial_a or_o particular_a but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o nationall_n church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o divers_a parochial_a church_n join_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o by_o a_o mutual_a visible_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n ecclesiastical_a we_o deny_v indeed_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o typical_a nationall_n church_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v wherein_o all_o of_o that_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a typical_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o one_o place_n choose_v by_o god_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o visible_a pastor_n or_o priest_n who_o in_o worship_n and_o sacrifice_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a people_n or_o nation_n for_o this_o vanish_v away_o with_o the_o type_n and_o carnal_a precept_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o reject_v also_o that_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n form_n of_o a_o church_n introduce_v by_o man_n in_o which_o many_o church_n be_v unite_v and_o subject_v to_o a_o cathedral_n church_n and_o depend_v upon_o one_o visible_a pastor_n who_o be_v pastor_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o other_o pastor_n and_o inferior_a particular_a church_n wherein_o the_o inferior_a church_n enjoy_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o derivation_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o cathedral_n church_n or_o that_o nationall_n or_o provincial_n pastor_n and_o bishop_n for_o these_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o antichrist_n which_o bring_v a_o tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o overthrow_v the_o power_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n and_o pastor_n yet_o such_o a_o nationall_n and_o provincial_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v wherein_o many_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o one_o visible_a ministry_n and_o church-government_n join_v into_o one_o collective_a ecclesiastical_a body_n visible_a for_o celebrate_v all_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o visible_a ministerial_a government_n of_o those_o church_n and_o mutual_a ecclesiastical_a followship_n in_o it_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n we_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n by_o these_o argument_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a church_n &_o synagogue_n which_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o church-government_n as_o appear_v act._n 15._o 21._o act._n 13._o 15_o 16._o luk._n 21._o 12._o joh._n 12._o 42._o all_o which_o be_v yet_o conjoin_v into_o one_o national_a visible_a church_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n and_o people_n deut._n 7._o 7._o and_o 32._o 8._o but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o form_n in_o all_o effentialls_n which_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n as_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n for_o substance_n the_o same_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o same_o religion_n the_o same_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a common_a to_o both_o and_o differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a typical_a ceremony_n which_o change_v not_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n hence_o protestant_a writer_n observe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n synagogue_n to_o denote_v a_o christian_a church_n jam._n 2._o 2._o 2_o thes_n 2._o 1_o heb._n 10._o 25._o for_o when_o as_o the_o church_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o essence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o both_o people_n may_v not_o be_v describe_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o name_n say_v tilenus_n in_o his_o thesis_n part_n 2._o disput_fw-la 14._o thes_n 3._o it_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a therefore_o that_o those_o many_o synagogue_n and_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n shall_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n nationall_n hence_o also_o the_o jewish_a church_n bring_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o disperse_v through_o divers_a country_n be_v join_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n government_n and_o ecclesiastciall_a discipline_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1_o 2._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n consist_v of_o many_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o appear_v gal._n 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o unite_v in_o a_o church_n society_n under_o one_o common_a discipline_n and_o government_n hence_o gal._n 5._o 9_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lump_n which_o be_v easy_o corrupt_v by_o a_o little_a leaven_n like_v as_o the_o unite_a and_o compact_a body_n of_o the_o corinthian_a church_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o he_o give_v command_v to_o the_o galathian_o concern_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o external_a discipline_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o they_o against_o the_o seducer_n &_o false_a teacher_n gal._n 4._o 10._o etc._n etc._n and_o 5._o 9_o 10._o which_o intimate_v a_o unite_a authority_n in_o church_n government_n whereby_o the_o false_a teacher_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n the_o church_n of_o galathia_fw-la therefore_o be_v provincial_n 3._o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n which_o in_o the_o ministerial_a government_n in_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v conjoin_v and_o unite_v into_o one_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o the_o exercise_v visible_a act_n of_o church_n communion_n joint_o among_o themselves_o those_o constitute_v a_o church_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n for_o the_o member_n which_o do_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a manner_n mutual_o exercise_v among_o themselves_o visible_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o do_v together_o joint_o participate_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n they_o make_v one_o visible_a body_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n exercise_n among_o themselves_o such_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n for_o they_o do_v by_o their_o particular_a member_n by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n delegated_a sometime_o hear_v the_o same_o word_n frequent_a the_o same_o divine_a worship_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o do_v ordinary_o avoid_v and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o excommunicate_v person_n exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o mutual_o edify_v one_o another_o
obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o with_o high_a mind_n exalt_v themselves_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a position_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o a_o effect_n intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o that_o never_o any_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n but_o by_o accident_n as_o they_o be_v gift_v christian_n affirm_v that_o ordinary_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o as_o go_v astray_o be_v by_o such_o christian_n endue_v with_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n may_v be_v reconcile_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o bring_v to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o sincere_a conversion_n of_o man_n be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o those_o by_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n they_o be_v convert_v be_v send_v of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o jer._n 23._o 32._o but_o we_o judge_v that_o the_o send_v which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o be_v a_o send_n to_o a_o office_n in_o a_o due_a order_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_o perform_v and_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o confer_v gift_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n or_o prophecy_n but_o in_o confer_v authority_n and_o convey_v ministerial_a authority_n as_o the_o protestant_n prove_v by_o manifest_a argument_n against_o the_o socinian_o and_o although_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o gift_n wherein_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o god_n do_v convert_v some_o from_o their_o sin_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o send_v as_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n authoritative_o because_o they_o want_v the_o authoritative_a mission_n by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whereby_o that_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v confer_v wherein_o man_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 9_o 10._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o hence_o also_o our_o belgic_a reform_a church_n acknowledge_v that_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n by_o minister_n ecclesiastical_o call_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o man_n repentance_n and_o first_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a form_n of_o establish_v pastor_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a netherlands_o question_n 2._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n lawful_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o ordinary_a ministry_n he_o be_v not_o call_v answer_n our_o judgement_n in_o this_o question_n be_v that_o he_o who_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n be_v lawful_o call_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o fasten_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ty_v he_o to_o this_o body_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o gift_n he_o have_v receive_v but_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o special_a office_n which_o he_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o bestow_v and_o apply_v the_o exercise_n and_o work_n of_o his_o office_n for_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o that_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n to_o afford_v succour_n to_o the_o distress_n and_o indigency_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o earth_n yet_o without_o confusion_n and_o in_o due_a order_n and_o there_o lie_v on_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n a_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n appoint_v pastor_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o body_n that_o all_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 24._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v exercise_v the_o ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o in_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o other_o also_o when_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o church_n require_v it_o we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o by_o election_n a_o pastors_n ministry_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o his_o ordinary_a charge_n yet_o by_o ordination_n and_o mission_n whereby_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v commit_v to_o a_o man_n he_o be_v make_v a_o pastor_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o pastoral_n care_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n and_o consequent_o may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o any_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v without_o confusion_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n send_v forth_o pastor_n to_o nation_n and_o people_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v or_o to_o other_o church_n in_o distress_n or_o want_v who_o be_v unsufficient_a for_o the_o call_v of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o work_v their_o own_o edification_n example_n of_o this_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_v 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o this_o send_v forth_o of_o pastor_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n a_o pastor_n therefore_o of_o one_o particular_a church_n may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n 2._o a_o pastor_n as_o a_o pastor_n do_v exercise_v many_o ministerial_a act_n not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n whereof_o he_o be_v fix_v but_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o other_o church_n particular_a provincial_n nationall_n yea_o and_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o by_o baptism_n he_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n universal_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o by_o excommunication_n he_o do_v cast_v member_n out_o not_o of_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o out_o of_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n matth_n 18._o 18_o 19_o by_o his_o pastoral_a office_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o other_o church_n distress_v he_o may_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o by_o virtue_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o gift_n but_o with_o pastoral_n authority_n so_o that_o by_o his_o preach_n he_o do_v bind_v and_o loose_v sinner_n he_o do_v retain_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o as_o a_o ambassador_n send_v from_o god_n do_v beseech_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o divers_a particular_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o also_o in_o the_o pastoral_a action_n and_o administration_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v beyond_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n unite_v into_o a_o sacred_a fellowship_n do_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o admonish_v one_o another_o mutual_o and_o consequent_o do_v maintain_v communion_n in_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v saint_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n ministerial_a act_n therefore_o may_v be_v lawful_o exercise_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o divers_a particular_a church_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n in_o the_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n
and_o synod_n that_o they_o may_v so_o far_o as_o convenient_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o common_a consent_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n especial_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o yet_o how_o much_o great_a and_o further_a space_n and_o remoteness_n of_o distance_n there_o be_v between_o particular_a church_n so_o much_o the_o less_o also_o be_v the_o visible_a communion_n of_o those_o church_n because_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o mutual_a edification_n be_v less_o or_o more_o according_a as_o the_o distinct_a distance_n of_o place_n be_v great_a or_o less_o wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o more_o strict_a visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n then_o between_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o consequent_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v also_o less_o visible_a between_o these_o then_o between_o the_o church_n of_o one_o nation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o government_n and_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o church_n what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o by_o law_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n for_o there_o be_v a_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n belong_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o church_n join_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n which_o to_o particular_a church_n single_o and_o several_o belong_v not_o to_o wit_n a_o power_n of_o make_v canon_n and_o law_n ecclesiastical_a which_o may_v bind_v all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o kingdom_n to_o obey_v they_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o take_v away_o or_o hurt_v the_o power_n or_o liberty_n ecclesiastical_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o serve_v to_o direct_v preserve_v and_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o privative_a but_o cumulative_a and_o grant_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o power_n give_v to_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v more_o efficacious_a orderly_a regular_a able_a and_o apt_a for_o edify_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n immediate_o grant_v from_o god_n not_o derive_v from_o class_n or_o synod_n as_o likewise_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n a_o power_n of_o their_o own_o immediate_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o though_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o original_a or_o the_o rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o synod_n particular_a church_n entire_a in_o themselves_o collateral_a one_o to_o another_o and_o equal_a in_o church_n power_n do_v in_o common_a contribute_v associate_n and_o exercise_v their_o church_n power_n and_o so_o make_v up_o a_o collective_a and_o combine_a body_n of_o a_o synod_n yet_o the_o synodical_a authority_n of_o itself_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o any_o other_o first_o subject_n from_o whence_o it_o shall_v be_v derive_v to_o the_o synod_n then_o to_o the_o synod_n itself_o to_o which_o alone_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n that_o power_n belong_v for_o no_o particular_a church_n single_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v exercise_v a_o synodical_a power_n over_o other_o church_n but_o we_o affirm_v 1._o that_o this_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o government_n and_o discipline_n ecclesiastical_a in_o common_a which_o be_v exercise_v in_o synod_n and_o class_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v 2._o that_o these_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n synodall_n and_o classical_a whereby_o they_o do_v by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n authoritative_o decern_v matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o impose_v those_o decree_n under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o particular_a church_n our_o opinion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o in_o act._n 15._o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n practise_v a_o express_a example_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n about_o a_o question_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o synod_n that_o business_n which_o have_v wrought_v a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 4_o 5_o 23._o be_v by_o the_o deputy_n of_o several_a church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 6_o 23._o act._n 21._o 17_o 18_o 25._o determine_v with_o power_n authoritative_a to_o bind_v particular_a church_n to_o obedience_n ver_fw-la 22_o 28._o chap._n 16._o 4._o &_o 21_o 25._o and_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o hearer_n be_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n condemn_v with_o spiritual_a power_n ver_fw-la 28_o 29._o which_o thing_n be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o 2_o 14_o 20._o and_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v not_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolic_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a authority_n ecclesiastical_a for_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n alone_o extraordinary_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o by_o their_o apostololicall_a but_o by_o their_o ordinary_a pastoral_n authority_n with_o great_a discussion_n and_o disputation_n and_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolical_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a power_n 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n mat._n 18._o 17_o 18._o where_o he_o do_v institute_v such_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n as_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n make_v provision_n and_o prepare_v efficacious_a remedy_n against_o all_o scandal_n and_o offence_n if_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v give_v scandal_n to_o one_o another_o he_o bid_v that_o it_o be_v show_v to_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n representative_a which_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v condemn_v and_o punish_v and_o remove_v from_o ecclesiastical_a and_o brotherly_a communion_n the_o person_n offend_v and_o therefore_o do_v likewise_o command_v that_o if_o particular_a church_n give_v offence_n to_o one_o another_o it_o shall_v be_v carry_v to_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n which_o may_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n condemn_v punish_v and_o put_v from_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n the_o particular_a church_n offend_v for_o where_o the_o law_n make_v no_o distinction_n or_o restriction_n there_o must_v not_o we_o distinguish_v or_o restrain_v and_o certain_o the_o remedy_n institute_v in_o this_o place_n be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o remove_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n all_o scandal_n not_o only_o cause_v by_o particular_a member_n but_o also_o by_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n which_o may_v by_o authoritative_a ecclesiastical_a power_n judge_n of_o the_o scandal_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v from_o this_o institution_n for_o judge_v the_o scandal_n of_o particular_a member_n for_o since_o that_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o province_n nation_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o which_o communion_n be_v not_o only_o fraternal_a but_o ecclesiastical_a whereby_o church_n as_o church_n or_o body_n ecclesiastical_a be_v join_v and_o unite_v in_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o see_v that_o in_o this_o holy_a communion_n scandal_n be_v commit_v which_o be_v unbeseeming_a those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v forth_o from_o that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n therefore_o both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o divine_a law_n here_o institute_v by_o christ_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a senate_n furnish_v with_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o may_v remove_v those_o scandal_n hence_o parker_n himself_o de_fw-la politia_fw-la ecclesiast_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o ground_v the_o authority_n of_o synod_n on_o this_o place_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disput_fw-la 49._o thes_n 10._o discourse_n thus_o the_o institution_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o so_o also_o of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o of_o humane_a but_o of_o divine_a right_n be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n tell_v the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o you_o bound_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n where_o
christ_n be_v not_o require_v of_o all_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v gift_v as_o that_o there_o lie_v on_o they_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n of_o soul_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n heb._n 13._o 17._o that_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o read_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 15_o 16._o that_o they_o may_v not_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 2_o tim._n 2_o 4._o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o ambassador_n they_o entreat_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o that_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n their_o portion_n of_o food_n in_o due_a season_n matth._n 24._o 46._o that_o they_o be_v authoritative_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n joh._n 20._o 21._o now_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o enjoin_v on_o all_o christian_n who_o have_v 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in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o vent_v doubtful_a expression_n in_o public_a but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n manifest_v it_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v aught_o deficient_a in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o with_o a_o peaceable_a brotherly_a mind_n and_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o truth_n may_v be_v search_v out_o and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o persuade_v most_o dear_a brethren_n with_o a_o mind_n studious_a of_o your_o affair_n most_o desirous_a of_o peace_n well-affected_a to_o you_o solicitous_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n will_v by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n inlighten_v your_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o
ecclesiastical_o and_o when_o one_o of_o they_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n other_o endeavour_v by_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n to_o reduce_v it_o into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a admonition_n they_o judge_v they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o heathen_n and_o publican_n avoid_v and_o exclude_v they_o from_o their_o holy_a communion_n since_o then_o the_o church_n of_o one_o people_n or_o nation_n perform_v among_o themselves_o these_o specifical_a exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o union_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o coalition_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n nationall_n hence_o also_o our_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o in_o their_o synodall_n canon_n have_v ordain_v not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n consistoriall_a presbyterial_a and_o classical_a but_o have_v also_o often_o decree_v that_o synod_n provincial_n and_o nationall_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judge_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o synod_n at_o emda_n anno_fw-la 1571._o art_n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 16_o 17._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 20_o 21._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 26_o 27._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 25_o 26._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 29_o 30._o where_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v four_o sort_n of_o church_n assembly_n hold_v to_o wit_n consistory_n class_n synod_n provincial_n and_o nationall_n wherein_o nothing_o but_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n may_v be_v handle_v and_o that_o in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a manner_n iii_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n a_o universal_a external_a church_n disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o in_o a_o visible_a polity_n make_v one_o ecclesiastical_a organical_a body_n under_o which_o be_v contain_v all_o particular_a classical_a provincial_n and_o nationall_n church_n as_o part_n of_o that_o whole_a this_o assertion_n we_o thus_o prove_v from_o scripture_n 1._o from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n where_o by_o the_o word_n church_n be_v signify_v that_o one_o body_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o member_n speak_v of_o ver_fw-la 12._o wherein_o be_v not_o describe_v the_o invisible_a and_o mystical_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a and_o external_a as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o visible_a sacrament_n or_o sign_n of_o baptism_n ver_fw-la 13._o which_o consist_v of_o various_a and_o heterogeneous_a external_a member_n and_o organ_n ver_fw-la 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o to_o which_o be_v give_v from_o god_n those_o various_a and_o external_a administration_n for_o edification_n speak_v of_o ver_fw-la 28._o which_o be_v subject_a to_o schism_n and_o separation_n ver_fw-la 25._o nor_o be_v it_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v there_o describe_v but_o the_o universal_a and_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o all_o as_o well_o jew_n as_o gentile_n be_v join_v into_o one_o body_n ver_fw-la 13._o which_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o one_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 13._o to_o which_o be_v give_v from_o god_n apostles_n prophet_n teacher_n pastor_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 28._o which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a but_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n visible_a there_o be_v therefore_o here_o describe_v a_o universal_a church_n 2._o there_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n some_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n ecclesiastical_a between_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n a_o universal_a body_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v between_o they_o a_o internal_a fellowship_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o mutual_a duty_n of_o christianity_n eph._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o which_o require_v also_o a_o external_a ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v and_o edify_v of_o all_o and_o bind_v we_o to_o offer_v prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o behalf_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o reduce_v church_n go_v astray_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o fellowship_n which_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n hold_v among_o themselves_o the_o same_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n ought_v the_o provincial_n and_o nationall_n church_n to_o hold_v among_o themselves_o for_o the_o mutual_a edification_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n all_o nationall_n church_n do_v make_v up_o one_o universal_a ecclesiastical_a body_n 3._o so_o also_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n ecclesiastical_a meeting_n hold_v which_o represent_v the_o church_n catholic_a and_o universal_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n wherein_o business_n be_v transact_v which_o concern_v the_o universal_a catholic_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o act._n 1._o where_o a_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n be_v hold_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n or_o church-government_n ver_fw-la 15_o 16_o 26._o and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o there_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a the_o apostle_n send_v into_o the_o whole_a world_n matth._n 28._o 19_o with_o the_o brethren_n out_o of_o galilee_n and_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o they_o transact_v a_o business_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n universal_a to_o wit_n the_o election_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o they_o who_o transact_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n government_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a aught_o to_o represent_v the_o church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all._n 15._o 22._o that_o meeting_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n be_v call_v a_o church_n who_o by_o a_o ordinary_a power_n prescribe_v ecclesiastical_a decree_n and_o canon_n to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o impose_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o provincial_n or_o nationall_n much_o less_o parochial_a church_n may_v lawful_o do_v but_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o reform_a divine_n also_o acknowledge_v a_o catholic_a visible_a church_n see_v among_o other_o walaeus_n in_o his_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la militante_fw-la pag._n 458._o of_o his_o work_n in_o folio_n where_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a after_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o he_o affirm_v that_o this_o church_n visible_a be_v consider_v two_o way_n either_o universal_o for_o the_o church_n which_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v also_o catholic_a or_o for_o a_o particular_a company_n confine_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n see_v also_o the_o position_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disp_n 40._o thes_n 27._o where_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v by_o some_o consounded_a with_o a_o church_n particular_a and_o the_o invisible_a with_o the_o universal_a but_o we_o say_v they_o save_v always_o better_a judgement_n think_v these_o member_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v confound_v and_o thes_n 33._o thus_o they_o say_v this_o church_n visible_a be_v consider_v two_o way_n either_o as_o a_o certain_a company_n of_o one_o particular_a village_n town_n or_o province_n those_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v knit_v together_o not_o only_o in_o a_o community_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n but_o also_o in_o the_o form_n of_o external_a government_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n or_o as_o a_o certain_a company_n occumenicall_a and_o universal_a disperse_v in_o divers_a place_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n though_o in_o the_o very_a external_a form_n of_o government_n and_o circumstantial_a rite_n they_o do_v often_o much_o differ_v among_o themselves_o yet_o agree_v in_o the_o essential_a community_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n whence_o also_o that_o be_v frequent_a in_o cyprian_a the_o bishopric_n be_v one_o whereof_o each_o several_o hold_v a_o part_n four_o we_o affirm_v that_o a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n for_o transact_a church_n affair_n be_v a_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o ministerial_a or_o a_o govern_n and_o representative_a church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o therefore_o call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n church_n we_o confess_v that_o such_o a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o church_n representative_a proper_o so_o call_v as_o if_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o delegate_n of_o the_o believer_n who_o in_o their_o name_n and_o their_o stead_n govern_v the_o