too_o credulous_a of_o his_o insinuation_n see_v the_o other_o evangelist_n ascribe_v it_o to_o they_o also_o but_o the_o same_o pretence_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o follow_v age_n be_v turn_v unto_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o covetousness_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n for_o under_o this_o pretence_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a the_o thief_n who_o have_v get_v the_o bag_n that_o be_v the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o the_o priest_n friar_n and_o monk_n who_o serve_v they_o allow_v man_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o religion_n towards_o christ_n himself_o so_o as_o that_o they_o will_v give_v all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o the_o poor_a not_o that_o they_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o because_o they_o be_v thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n this_o be_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o equal_o make_v use_v of_o in_o other_o thing_n this_o foundation_n of_o their_o office_n be_v far_o raise_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o poor_a many_o of_o they_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o be_v of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o testify_v the_o poor_a be_v evangelize_v matth._n 11.5_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a jam._n 2.5_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o provision_n for_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o this_o way_n become_v the_o original_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a thereby_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o worldly_a design_n or_o advantage_n god_n also_o declare_v therein_o of_o how_o little_a esteem_n with_o he_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o also_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o rich_a in_o their_o supply_n the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v glorify_v god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o will_v wise_o consider_v how_o eminent_a be_v this_o grace_n how_o excellent_a be_v this_o duty_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o poor_a how_o much_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concern_v herein_o for_o whereas_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o ordinary_a work_n to_o be_v perform_v transient_o and_o curious_o scarce_o deserve_v any_o of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o the_o church_n public_a service_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v indeed_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a duty_n of_o christian_a society_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o the_o second_o evangelical_n grace_n namely_o love_n do_v consist_v the_o care_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o poor_a be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n a_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v natural_o incumbent_a on_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o only_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o apostle_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n act._n 6._o the_o whole_a work_n and_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o any_o manner_n whereas_o therefore_o they_o give_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n most_o unto_o those_o part_n of_o their_o work_n which_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a than_o the_o other_o namely_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o this_o other_o part_n of_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a as_o must_v unavoidable_o accompany_v the_o act_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o able_a to_o apply_v itself_o constant_o unto_o thing_n of_o diverse_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v quick_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o be_v express_v their_o resentment_n of_o a_o neglect_n in_o somewhat_o a_o undue_a order_n there_o be_v a_o murmur_a about_o it_o ver._n 1._o the_o apostle_n hereon_o declare_v that_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o constant_o to_o attend_v unto_o afterward_o indeed_o man_n begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n themselves_o but_o it_o be_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o do_v nothing_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n choose_v as_o their_o duty_n the_o work_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v as_o that_o which_o they_o will_v and_o ought_v entire_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o work_n will_v deposit_v the_o care_n of_o other_o thing_n on_o other_o hand_n they_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o successor_n unto_o they_o who_o lie_v aside_o that_o work_n which_o they_o determine_v to_o belong_v unto_o they_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_a yet_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n hereon_o utter_o forgo_v the_o care_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v not_o divest_v themselves_o whole_o of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o provide_v such_o assistance_n in_o the_o work_n as_o that_o for_o the_o future_a it_o may_v require_v no_o more_o of_o their_o time_n or_o pain_n but_o what_o they_o shall_v spare_v from_o their_o principal_a employment_n and_o the_o same_o care_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o their_o principal_a work_n and_o duty_n from_o which_o those_o who_o understand_v it_o aright_o can_v spare_v but_o little_a of_o their_o time_n and_o strength_n hereon_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o who_o infallible_a guidance_n they_o be_v in_o all_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o necessary_a and_o important_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v unto_o themselves_o and_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o the_o disciple_n there_o be_v now_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o will_v have_v they_o provide_v for_o and_o it_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o new_a office_n and_o not_o a_o present_a supply_n in_o a_o work_n of_o business_n which_o they_o design_v for_o the_o limitation_n of_o a_o especial_a ecclesiastical_a work_n with_o the_o designation_n of_o person_n unto_o that_o work_n with_o authority_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o set_v over_o this_o business_n with_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o do_v complete_o constitute_v a_o office_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o require_v thereunto_o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o concur_v and_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n 1._o the_o love_n charity_n bounty_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contribution_n unto_o that_o ministration_n 2._o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o application_n of_o it_o the_o last_o only_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n and_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o be_v both_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o its_o moral_a part_n enforce_v by_o many_o especial_a command_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o nothing_o can_v absolve_v man_n from_o their_o obligation_n thereunto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o excite_v direct_a and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n therein_o incumbent_a on_o they_o nor_o be_v any_o man_n by_o the_o entrust_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o his_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o its_o distribution_n absolve_v thereby_o from_o his_o own_o personal_a discharge_n of_o it_o also_o for_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n require_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o receive_v peculiar_a obligation_n
helpful_a to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o common_a work_n which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o but_o such_o as_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o this_o work_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o power_n that_o be_v exercise_v herein_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o it_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n not_o formal_o to_o reside_v in_o they_o as_o the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o only_a for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v spiritual_o affect_v with_o reference_n unto_o spiritual_a end_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v their_o sin_n remit_v or_o retain_v and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n among_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o what_o they_o do_v 4._o the_o especial_a design_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o holiness_n love_n compassion_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o discipline_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o whilst_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o endeavour_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o office_n to_o set_v forth_o these_o virtue_n of_o christ_n to_o exemplify_v that_o impression_n of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n they_o utter_o deviate_v from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o man_n to_o act_v herein_o in_o a_o way_n of_o domination_n with_o a_o visible_a elation_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n above_o their_o brethren_n with_o anger_n wrath_n and_o passion_n by_o rule_n order_n and_o law_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v and_o what_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o reflect_v the_o high_a dishonour_n imaginable_a upon_o christ_n himself_o he_o who_o come_v into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o king_n in_o westminster_n hall_n when_o fill_v with_o judge_n grave_a learned_a and_o righteous_a most_o ordinary_o be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n moderation_n and_o clemency_n by_o the_o law_n which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o and_o their_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o christian_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v the_o holiness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o representation_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v make_v of_o he_o and_o they_o in_o some_o court_n wherein_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n be_v admistre_v when_o any_o have_v offend_v of_o old_a their_o censure_n by_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o bewail_v of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.24_o and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o sorrow_n pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o in_o that_o censure_n they_o evidence_v the_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n this_o be_v scarce_o answer_v by_o those_o pecuniary_a mulct_n and_o other_o penalty_n which_o with_o indignation_n and_o contempt_n be_v inflict_v on_o such_o as_o be_v make_v offender_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n certain_o those_o who_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n and_o have_v a_o due_a honour_n for_o the_o gospel_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o begin_v to_o think_v meet_a that_o this_o stain_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v wash_v away_o 2_o dly_z the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n all_o his_o law_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v effectual_a can_v oblige_v or_o operate_v upon_o the_o object_n or_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n if_o the_o church_n make_v a_o thousand_o rule_n or_o canon_n or_o law_n for_o government_n neither_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o general_a have_v any_o the_o least_o power_n to_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n or_o compliance_n with_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o virtual_o and_o material_o they_o contain_v what_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o derive_v force_n from_o thence_o as_o the_o judge_n in_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_n and_o determine_v in_o all_o case_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o do_v not_o their_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reverse_v but_o if_o wilful_o or_o of_o choice_n they_o shall_v introduce_v law_n or_o rule_n not_o legal_o establish_v in_o this_o nation_n judge_v according_a unto_o they_o it_o will_v render_v they_o high_o criminal_a and_o punishable_a it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o it_o be_v by_o his_o law_n alone_o that_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o application_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o they_o unto_o particular_a case_n and_o occasion_n to_o make_v to_o bring_v to_o execute_v any_o other_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o usurp_v on_o his_o kingly_a dominion_n whereunto_o all_o legislative_a power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v appropriate_a nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v require_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n wherein_o for_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o more_o leave_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o application_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o application_n to_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n before_o describe_v be_v requisite_a and_o that_o alone_a where_o there_o be_v other_o law_n rule_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o where_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o law_n civil_a or_o political_a there_o be_v a_o skill_n in_o they_o require_v unto_o that_o administration_n as_o all_o will_v confess_v so_o be_v the_o wisdom_n we_o before_o describe_v and_o that_o alone_a necessary_a unto_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n whereof_o be_v his_o word_n and_o law_n alone_o 3_o dly_z the_o matter_n of_o this_o rule_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a and_o so_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o church-power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v organical_a and_o complete_a in_o its_o officer_n there_o be_v that_o in_o they_o both_o which_o be_v found_v in_o and_o warrant_v from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o equity_n every_o righteous_a voluntary_a society_n coalesce_v therein_o rightful_o upon_o know_a law_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o it_o unto_o certain_a end_n have_v natural_o a_o power_n inherent_a in_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o receive_v into_o its_o incorporation_n such_o as_o be_v meet_a for_o it_o do_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o as_o also_o to_o reject_v or_o withhold_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n this_o power_n be_v inherent_a in_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o officer_n in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mutual_a confederation_n they_o may_v receive_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n those_o that_o be_v meet_v and_o withdraw_v the_o same_o privilege_n from_o those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o in_o
get_v a_o pretence_n of_o its_o power_n administer_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v nor_o of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v be_v any_o way_n concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n or_o any_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ._n from_o a_o observation_n hereof_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v as_o well_o christian_n religion_n from_o such_o a_o scandalous_a abuse_n as_o mankind_n from_o bondage_n to_o such_o a_o monstrous_a fiction_n as_o be_v the_o present_a power_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o some_o have_v fall_v into_o another_o extreme_a deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o excommunication_n appoint_v or_o approve_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o reduce_v religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unto_o its_o primitive_a order_n and_o purity_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v when_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o abuse_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v be_v not_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o reprove_v and_o convince_v that_o abuse_n and_o when_o those_o who_o have_v corrupt_v this_o institution_n find_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n it_o make_v they_o secure_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o abuse_n of_o it_o for_o they_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o justify_v their_o present_a possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n but_o that_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o true_a consideration_n of_o this_o appointment_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o divest_v they_o of_o their_o power_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o discharge_v and_o disprove_v all_o corruption_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la or_o practical_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o sacrament_n public_a worship_n rule_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o original_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n as_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o real_a view_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o proposal_n will_v divest_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o corrupt_v and_o harden_v by_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o erroneous_a conception_n of_o they_o that_o from_o some_o kind_n of_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v prepossess_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o attempt_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o excommunication_n there_o have_v be_v great_a enquiry_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o ordinance_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n for_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o general_a belong_v unto_o a_o church_n as_o such_o every_o church_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o it_o have_v be_v sift_v to_o the_o bran_n already_o and_o intermix_v with_o many_o rabbinical_a conjecture_n and_o mistake_n in_o general_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o doublâ—_n removal_n of_o person_n by_o church-authority_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o one_o for_o a_o season_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o whereof_o i_o have_v give_v instance_n elsewhere_o but_o i_o intend_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o all_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v such_o by_o voluntary_a confederation_n according_a unto_o peculiar_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n unto_o especial_a duty_n and_o end_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o receive_v into_o their_o society_n those_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o meet_a engage_v themselves_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n and_o to_o expel_v they_o out_o of_o it_o who_o wilful_o deviate_v from_o those_o rule_n this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o form_n of_o every_o lawful_a society_n or_o community_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o coalesce_v nor_o subsist_v but_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o so_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n have_v right_o or_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o this_o end_n as_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n hence_o child_n servant_n subject_n have_v no_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o society_n without_o the_o interposition_n of_o and_o obligation_n from_o a_o power_n superior_a unto_o that_o of_o parent_n master_n or_o prince_n namely_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o 2._o that_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n be_v lawful_a good_a and_o useful_a unto_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o confederation_n in_o and_o for_o evil_a which_o be_v a_o combination_n that_o give_v no_o right_a nor_o power_n over_o one_o another_o or_o towards_o other_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o other_o in_o thing_n divine_a or_o humane_a 4._o nor_o oblige_v unto_o the_o omission_n or_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n natural_a moral_a or_o political_n do_v owe_v unto_o other_o nor_o 5._o be_v hurtful_a unto_o themselves_o in_o their_o life_n liberty_n name_n reputation_n usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o unto_o who_o preservation_n they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o 6._o can_v be_v or_o be_v such_o person_n oblige_v to_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o themselves_o in_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o engagement_n of_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o other_o which_o will_v render_v every_o society_n unlawful_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n 7._o lest_o of_o all_o have_v any_o person_n right_o or_o power_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o such_o society_n unto_o thing_n evil_a sinful_a superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o divest_v all_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o fraternity_n that_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o all_o that_o right_n and_o power_n which_o belong_v unto_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v by_o voluntary_a confederation_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o these_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v pretend_v in_o church_n it_o dive_v they_o of_o all_o power_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_n or_o confederation_n whatever_o 2._o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a consent_n vest_v with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n mention_v do_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o any_o right_n privilege_n or_o advantage_n to_o or_o from_o any_o member_n of_o the_o society_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o natural_o or_o political_o but_o their_o power_n be_v confine_v unto_o those_o thing_n alone_o wherein_o man_n may_v be_v benefit_v and_o advantage_v by_o the_o society_n and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o political_a society_n man_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o forego_v many_o particular_a advantage_n which_o without_o they_o they_o may_v make_v unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o can_v forego_v any_o of_o those_o right_n which_o in_o their_o several_a relation_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o give_v power_n over_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n unto_o the_o society_n so_o be_v it_o with_o church_n the_o power_n of_o expulsion_n out_o of_o their_o society_n extend_v only_o unto_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o society_n as_o such_o do_v afford_v and_o communicate_v now_o these_o be_v only_a thing_n spiritual_a if_o church_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o he_o who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world._n the_o power_n then_o that_o be_v in_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v extend_v not_o itself_o unto_o any_o outward_a concernment_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o life_n liberty_n natural_a or_o political_a privilege_n estate_n or_o possession_n unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o man_n hold_v and_o possess_v these_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v
all_o natural_a and_o humane_a right_n in_o the_o world._n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n be_v now_o compel_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n and_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_o but_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v divest_v of_o their_o natural_a liberty_n they_o know_v not_o how_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o shall_v be_v teach_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n they_o must_v come_v under_o a_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o society_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o court_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o wise_a man_n in_o church_n as_o now_o there_o be_v think_v to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o among_o other_o also_o christian_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o and_o belong_v unto_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n immediate_o hereon_o all_o the_o right_n liberty_n privilege_n possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o just_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v come_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o especial_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n which_o they_o be_v adjudge_v to_o belong_v unto_o for_o upon_o expulsion_n out_o of_o that_o society_n by_o excommunication_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o it_o have_v frame_v unto_o itself_o all_o their_o right_n and_o title_n and_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v forfeit_v and_o expose_v to_o ruin_n some_o indeed_o do_v earnest_o and_o learned_o contend_v that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v sovereign_a king_n and_o prince_n and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v they_o make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o life_n or_o dignity_n thereby_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o deal_v with_o other_o poor_a man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v excommunicate_v immediate_o he_o lose_v the_o free_a tenure_n of_o his_o life_n liberty_n and_o good_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o land_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o gaol_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n so_o that_o by_o this_o artifice_n all_o man_n hold_v their_o natural_a and_o civil_a right_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n society_n whereto_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v and_o as_o this_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o property_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o value_v so_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o liberty_n but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o employ_v this_o engine_n unto_o great_a man_n and_o man_n in_o power_n who_o may_v yet_o deserve_v excommunication_n as_o well_o as_o some_o of_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a helpless_a and_o friendless_a shall_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o excommunication_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o house_n cast_v into_o prison_n and_o keep_v there_o until_o they_o and_o their_o family_n starve_v and_o perish_v and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o the_o greatness_n authority_n and_o wealth_n of_o many_o who_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n care_v not_o to_o conflict_n withal_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v not_o actual_o bring_v under_o this_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n which_o on_o this_o presumption_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o and_o all_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o all_o society_n apparent_a unto_o all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o namely_o that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n in_o or_o over_o any_o thing_n right_o privilege_n or_o advantage_n but_o what_o man_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o society_n their_o rule_n and_o law_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v not_o the_o life_n the_o liberty_n the_o house_n and_o possession_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n they_o receive_v they_o not_o from_o the_o church_n and_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o think_v that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o take_v they_o away_o yea_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o order_n upon_o the_o good_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o judge_v it_o best_o neither_o to_o exert_v their_o power_n nor_o act_v their_o principle_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o whereas_o they_o esteem_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o belong_v unto_o their_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n excommunicate_v all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o own_o law_n and_o canon_n both_o which_o a_o man_n will_v think_v they_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n unto_o and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o sentence_n send_v out_o the_o capias_fw-la for_o they_o all_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o will_v go_v to_o prison_n or_o no_o and_o then_o in_o what_o a_o fine_a case_n will_v this_o government_n be_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v all_o go_v to_o gaol_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o king_n will_v be_v in_o a_o ill_a state_n to_o defend_v his_o realm_n against_o his_o enemy_n 3._o every_o society_n have_v this_o power_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v incorporate_v in_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o not_o towards_o other_o for_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n or_o who_o shall_v commit_v it_o unto_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o be_v cast_v out_o from_o those_o privilege_n which_o they_o never_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o nor_o a_o right_n unto_o the_o apostle_n rule_n hold_v in_o this_o case_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v without_o who_o be_v not_o right_o incorporate_v into_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v eject_v out_o of_o it_o a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n at_o random_n towards_o all_o that_o those_o who_o exercise_v it_o can_v extend_v force_n unto_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o corporation_n to_o disfranchise_v such_o as_o never_o belong_v unto_o it_o who_o be_v never_o member_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o only_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o the_o expulsion_n of_o any_o person_n out_o of_o such_o a_o society_n be_v a_o wilful_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n who_o observance_n he_o have_v engage_v unto_o upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o it_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v require_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o any_o right_a or_o privilege_n but_o what_o he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o perform_v in_o his_o admittance_n into_o it_o and_o if_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o every_o church-society_n be_v that_o man_n observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v none_o can_v be_v just_o eject_v out_o of_o that_o society_n but_o upon_o a_o wilful_a disobedience_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o ☞_o the_o cast_n of_o man_n out_o of_o church_n communion_n on_o light_n and_o trivial_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o reason_n or_o cause_n whatever_o but_o such_o as_o essential_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereon_o the_o church_n do_v original_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n be_v contrary_a unto_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o thus_o far_o i_o say_v be_v every_o lawful_a confederate_a society_n enable_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o remove_v from_o its_o communion_n and_o from_o a_o participation_n in_o its_o right_n and_o privilege_n any_o of_o its_o number_n who_o will_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o its_o coalescency_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o man_n walk_v together_o in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o institution_n without_o give_v offence_n unto_o one_o another_o or_o those_o that_o be_v without_o by_o any_o sinful_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v abide_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o any_o one_o
season_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o full_a a_o indication_n of_o sincerity_n as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n through_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o non_fw-la admission_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v on_o a_o conjunction_n in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o be_v otherwise_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n prejudicial_a unto_o their_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o church_n can_v answer_v the_o refusal_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o such_o person_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v become_v a_o church_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n be_v by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o solemn_a agreement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o such_o church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v so_o to_o be_v continue_v only_o in_o that_o state_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n few_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o be_v require_v to_o enstate_v they_o in_o church_n order_n and_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o first_o erection_n yet_o that_o that_o continuation_n may_v be_v regular_a it_o be_v require_v that_o its_o first_o congregate_a for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n be_v so_o as_o also_o that_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v wherefore_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o first_o gather_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n plant_v or_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o church_n do_v consist_v each_o of_o they_o of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o another_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n and_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o those_o believer_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o other_o become_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o general_a that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o guide_v they_o in_o these_o affair_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o that_o other_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o they_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_v by_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n matth._n 28.20_o this_o can_v original_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v as_o remote_a cause_n or_o prerequisite_a condition_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v such_o be_v baptism_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n convenient_a cohabitation_n resort_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o neither_o any_o of_o these_o distinct_o or_o separately_z nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o such_o church_n state_n ensue_v they_o can_v altogether_o engage_v unto_o those_o duty_n nor_o communicate_v those_o power_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o state._n be_v there_o no_o other_o order_n in_o particular_a church_n no_o other_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o nor_o rule_n over_o they_o no_o other_o duty_n no_o other_o end_v assign_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n of_o cohabitation_n determine_v by_o civil_a authority_n may_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v entrust_v in_o itself_o with_o sundry_a power_n and_o privilege_n depend_v on_o sundry_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o constitute_v new_a relation_n between_o person_n that_o neither_o natural_o nor_o moral_o be_v before_o so_o relate_v as_o marriage_n do_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o it_o require_v new_a mutual_a duty_n and_o give_v new_a mutual_a right_n among_o themselves_o not_o require_v of_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o unto_o their_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o state_n can_v arise_v from_o or_o have_v any_o other_o formal_a cause_n but_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o virtual_a confederation_n of_o those_o concern_v unto_o these_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o foundation_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n unto_o they_o by_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n i_o say_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o their_o formal_a cause_n the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o will_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o society_n in_o all_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o natural_a such_o as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o power_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v predetermine_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n even_o that_o of_o nature_n wherein_o powers_z privilege_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v establish_v as_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n nor_o after_o its_o first_o institution_n can_v any_o one_o be_v incorporate_v into_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o nor_o if_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v can_v there_o be_v any_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n ensue_v be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o 2._o that_o by_o his_o word_n or_o law_n he_o have_v grant_v power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o prescribe_v duty_n unto_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o wherein_z they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n who_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o such_o a_o church_n 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o church_n relation_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o command_n wherefore_o 4._o this_o join_n of_o themselves_o whereon_o depend_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n all_o their_o obligation_n unto_o church_n duty_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o 5._o herein_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o their_o officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 6._o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v express_o to_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o phrase_n every_o where_o signify_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 7._o this_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o express_a engagement_n make_v unto_o he_o of_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n and_o it_o have_v so_o on_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n annex_v unto_o this_o engagement_n on_o our_o part_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 8._o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o
discharge_v of_o this_o office._n many_o have_v be_v the_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n occasion_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o disorderly_a affection_n of_o some_o person_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v the_o truth_n herein_o with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o call_v itself_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a 1._o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o office._n he_o give_v it_o appoint_v it_o erect_v it_o in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o as_o he_o give_v appoint_v ordain_v a_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o apostleship_n so_o he_o ordain_v appoint_a and_o give_v the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastorship_n or_o teach_v they_o have_v both_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o he_o appoint_v this_o office_n for_o continuance_n or_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n ephes._n 4.13_o matth._n 28.19_o and_o therefore_o he_o take_v order_n by_o his_o apostle_n that_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n pastor_n elder_n or_o bishop_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o ordain_v unto_o the_o care_n and_o discharge_v of_o it_o in_o all_o church_n which_o be_v do_v by_o they_o according_o act._n 14.22_o 23._o chap._n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o tit._n 1.5_o wherein_o he_o give_v rule_n unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o prescribe_v they_o their_o duty_n 3._o on_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n act._n 20.28_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n hereon_o a_o double_a necessity_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n do_v depend_v first_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o precept_n or_o command_n of_o it_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o obedience_n which_o it_o owe_v to_o christ_n and_o second_o of_o its_o be_v the_o principal_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o church_n wherefore_o although_o he_o can_v himself_o feed_v his_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o outward_a institute_v mean_n of_o edification_n yet_o where_o this_o office_n fail_v through_o its_o neglect_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o destruction_n that_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o no_o promise_n of_o feed_v or_o edification_n 4._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v command_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o obedience_n unto_o those_o who_o enjoy_v and_o exercise_v this_o office_n among_o they_o now_o all_o these_o command_n be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a nor_o can_v any_o obedience_n be_v yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o observance_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o this_o office._n and_o the_o church_n lose_v as_o much_o in_o grace_n and_o privilege_n as_o it_o lose_v in_o command_n for_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n do_v grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n consist_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 5._o this_o office_n be_v accompany_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o none_o can_v take_v or_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o be_v not_o either_o found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o collate_v by_o divine_a ordination_n be_v usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o take_v either_o sword._n to_o invade_v a_o office_n which_o include_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v to_o disturb_v all_o right_n natural_a divine_a and_o civil_a that_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v include_v in_o this_o office_n be_v evident_a 1._o from_o the_o name_n ascribe_v unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v vest_v as_o pastor_n bishop_n elder_n ruler_n all_o of_o they_o require_v of_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o work_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v feed_v by_o rule_n and_o teach_v 3._o from_o the_o execution_n of_o church-power_n in_o discipline_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v unto_o they_o 4._o from_o the_o command_n give_v for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o which_o respect_n authority_n 5._o from_o their_o appointment_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o exert_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v do_v no_o other_o way_n 6._o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o but_o if_o man_n may_v enter_v upon_o it_o and_o discharge_v it_o without_o any_o such_o call_v that_o rule_n with_o the_o way_n of_o the_o call_v prescribe_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a affront_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n than_o to_o act_v in_o it_o in_o neglect_n of_o or_o opposition_n unto_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o it_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o accountable_a trust_n commit_v unto_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office._n the_o whole_a flock_n the_o ministry_n itself_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o all_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o 2_o tim._n 2.2_o 16_o 23._o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 13.17_o they_o who_o must_v give_v a_o account_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wicked_a or_o foolish_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o trust_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o he_o they_o be_v brand_v as_o profligate_o wicked_a who_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o impudent_a falsification_n and_o what_o shall_v he_o be_v esteem_v who_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o high_a trust_n that_o any_o creature_n be_v capable_a off_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o its_o discharge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n without_o any_o divine_a call_n or_o warranty_n 8._o there_o be_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office_n especial_a promise_n grant_v and_o annex_v of_o present_a assistance_n and_o future_a eternal_a reward_n matth._n 28.19_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o either_o these_o promise_n belong_v unto_o they_o who_o take_v this_o office_n on_o themselves_o without_o any_o call_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o then_o have_v they_o neither_o any_o especial_a assistance_n in_o their_o work_n nor_o can_v expect_v any_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o than_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v the_o benefit_n of_o divine_a promise_n without_o any_o divine_a designation_n 9_o the_o general_a force_n of_o the_o rule_n heb._n 5.4_o include_v a_o prohibition_n of_o undertake_v any_o sacred_a office_n without_o a_o divine_a call_n and_o so_o the_o instance_n of_o such_o prohibition_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o unto_o the_o duty_n annex_v unto_o a_o office_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o vzziah_n invade_v the_o priesthood_n or_o of_o take_v a_o ministerial_a office_n without_o call_n or_o mission_n as_o jerem._n 27.9_o 14_o 15._o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n of_o god_n institution_n may_v be_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n 10._o whoever_o therefore_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o pastoral_a office_n without_o a_o lawful_a outward_a call_n do_v take_v unto_o himself_o power_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o divine_a warranty_n which_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n interest_n himself_n in_o a_o accountable_a trust_n no_o way_n commit_v unto_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o assistance_n in_o or_o reward_n for_o his_o work_n but_o engage_v in_o that_o which_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o church-order_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n itself_o 11._o yet_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v annex_v unto_o this_o assertion_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n as_o 1._o many_o thing_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o other_o not_o call_v to_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o charity_n such_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o exhort_v admonish_a comfort_a instruct_v and_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o 2._o spiritual_a gift_n may_v be_v exercise_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o without_o office-power_n where_o order_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o
cyprian_n speak_v see_v matth._n 7.17_o joh._n â—5_n 39_o gal._n 11.9_o 1_o thess._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o 2_o joh._n 10.11_o what_o be_v object_v hereunto_o from_o the_o unfitness_n and_o disability_n of_o the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n labour_n with_o a_o threefold_a weakness_n for_o 1._o it_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o command_v they_o the_o observance_n and_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v no_o way_n meet_v for_o 2._o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o that_o degenerate_a state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o member_n as_o to_o light_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fall_v into_o which_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o argument_n in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reform_v 3._o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o supply_n of_o assistance_n provide_v for_o the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o therein_o which_o be_v otherwise_o see_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o such_o election_n be_v make_v and_o those_o of_o other_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n be_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o three_o the_o church_n be_v a_o voluntary_a society_n person_n otherwise_o absolute_o free_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n do_v of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o free_a choice_n coalesce_v into_o it_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o church_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o herein_o neither_o by_o prescription_n nor_o tradition_n nor_o succession_n have_v any_o one_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n than_o another_o but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a it_o be_v gather_v into_o this_o society_n mere_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o collect_v it_o have_v neither_o right_n power_n privilege_n rule_n nor_o bond_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v give_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n moreover_o it_o abide_v and_o continue_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o principle_n as_o whereon_o it_o be_v collect_v namely_o the_o will_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o subject_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a unto_o its_o present_a continuance_n in_o all_o its_o member_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o plantation_n it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o political_a society_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v first_o establish_v by_o force_n or_o consent_n bring_v a_o necessity_n on_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o they_o and_o under_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o rule_n and_o law_n for_o man_n may_v and_o in_o many_o case_n ought_v to_o submit_v unto_o the_o disposal_n of_o temporal_a thing_n in_o a_o way_n it_o may_v be_v not_o convenient_a for_o they_o which_o they_o judge_v not_o well_o off_o and_o which_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o unto_o their_o advantage_n and_o this_o may_v be_v just_a and_o equal_a because_o the_o special_a good_a which_o every_o one_o will_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o absolute_o so_o may_v be_v outbalanced_n by_o a_o general_a good_a nor_o alterable_a but_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o particular_a but_o with_o reference_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o previous_a law_n be_v conclude_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o general_n good_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o of_o they_o none_o therefore_o can_v coalesce_v in_o such_o a_o society_n or_o adhere_v unto_o it_o or_o be_v any_o way_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o consent_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o any_o rule_n authority_n power_n or_o office_n shall_v arise_v or_o be_v erect_v in_o such_o a_o society_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a for_o he_o by_o who_o this_o church-state_n be_v erect_v and_o appoint_v may_v and_o do_v appoint_v in_o it_o and_o over_o it_o extraordinary_a officer_n for_o a_o season_n and_o we_o do_v suppose_v that_o as_o he_o have_v by_o his_o divine_a authority_n institute_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o society_n shall_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v grant_n of_o privilege_n and_o power_n to_o they_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n as_o also_o that_o he_o have_v give_v law_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o observance_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n with_o a_o right_n unto_o their_o exercise_n on_o these_o supposition_n in_o a_o society_n absolute_o voluntary_a among_o those_o who_o in_o their_o conjunction_n into_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a there_o can_v but_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o actual_a constitution_n of_o rule_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o discharge_v of_o such_o a_o office_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n above_o other_o this_o be_v previous_a unto_o all_o government_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principio_fw-la rerum_fw-la gentium_fw-la nationumque_fw-la imperium_fw-la penes_fw-la reges_fw-la erat_fw-la quos_fw-la ad_fw-la fastigium_fw-la huius_fw-la majestatis_fw-la non_fw-la popularis_fw-la ambitio_fw-la sed_fw-la spectata_fw-la inter_fw-la bonos_fw-es moderatio_fw-la provehebat_fw-la just._n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la tertull._n this_o preparation_n and_o furniture_n of_o some_o person_n with_o ability_n and_o meet_a qualification_n for_o office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v on_o himself_o and_o do_v and_o will_v effect_v it_o in_o all_o generation_n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o office_n nor_o rule_n nor_o order_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o new_a relation_n to_o be_v make_v or_o create_v between_o a_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o between_o they_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o church_n a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n be_v relata_n it_o must_v be_v introduce_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o the_o mutual_a voluntary_a act_n of_o one_o another_o or_o of_o each_o party_n for_o one_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la can_v as_o such_o have_v no_o be_v or_o existence_n without_o the_o other_o now_o this_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o person_n so_o antecedent_o qualify_v for_o office_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o delegation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o any_o other_o superior_a or_o equal_a unto_o they_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o delegation_n nor_o the_o relation_n unto_o christ_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o interposition_n of_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o delegation_n of_o power_n from_o themselves_o in_o other_o man_n which_o will_v make_v they_o their_o minister_n and_o not_o christ_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o voluntary_a society_n this_o therefore_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o free_a choice_n election_n consent_n or_o approbation_n it_o can_v i_o say_v be_v so_o regular_o how_o far_o a_o irregularity_n herein_o may_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v now_o this_o choice_n or_o election_n do_v not_o communicate_v a_o power_n from_o they_o that_o choose_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v as_o though_o ☜_o such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v formal_o inherent_a in_o the_o chooser_n antecedent_n unto_o such_o choice_n for_o this_o will_v make_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n only_o and_o to_o act_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o instrumental_a ministerial_a mean_n to_o enstate_v they_o in_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o such_o officer_n by_o the_o constitution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n who_o minister_n thereon_o they_o
right_n unto_o its_o exercise_n it_o be_v require_v moreover_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o his_o office_n in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o peculiar_a prayer_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o any_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o notion_n that_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o these_o thing_n nor_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o sort_n they_o have_v be_v among_o many_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o there_o have_v be_v less_o regard_n unto_o the_o other_o duty_n namely_o that_o these_o prayer_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o fast_v but_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n act._n 14.23_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o work_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v so_o ordain_v it_o do_v belong_v unto_o extraordinary_a officer_n whilst_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o cessation_n of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v devolve_v on_o the_o ordinary_a state_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o officer_n before_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v only_o ordain_v and_o in_o case_n there_o be_v none_o the_o assistance_n of_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v desire_v unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authoritative_a influence_n of_o this_o ordination_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n whilst_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o to_o belong_v essential_o unto_o the_o call_v unto_o office._n for_o when_o sundry_a duty_n as_o these_o of_o election_n and_o ordination_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o without_o the_o other_o have_v any_o at_o all_o hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o a_o external_n adjunct_n imposition_n of_o hand_n significant_a of_o the_o person_n so_o call_v to_o office_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o although_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_o prove_v that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v design_v unto_o continuance_n after_o a_o cessation_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o outward_a mean_n in_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o do_v free_o grant_v it_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v that_o there_o be_v no_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v the_o sole_a authoritative_a conveyance_n of_o a_o successive_a flux_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o this_o may_v at_o present_a suffice_v as_o unto_o the_o call_v of_o meet_a person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o consequent_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n follow_v be_v essential_o necessary_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o that_o authority_n and_o right_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o his_o house_n that_o may_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o one_o thereby_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o charter_n grant_v by_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v that_o antecedent_o unto_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o a_o person_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n he_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o with_o grace_n and_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n whereunto_o he_o be_v to_o be_v call_v this_o divine_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v rest_v on_o the_o kingly_a office_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n where_o this_o be_v whole_o want_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n under_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a order_n or_o act_n to_o communicate_v pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o any_o person_n whatever_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o exploration_n or_o trial_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o ability_n as_o unto_o their_o accommodation_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o although_o the_o right_a of_o judge_v herein_o belong_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o who_o else_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o they_o or_o be_v entrust_v so_o to_o do_v yet_o be_v it_o their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n to_o desire_v the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o other_o church_n three_o the_o first_o act_n of_o power_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o election_n of_o a_o person_n qualify_v and_o try_v unto_o his_o office_n which_o we_o have_v now_o vindicate_v four_o there_o be_v require_v hereunto_o the_o solemn_a ordination_n inauguration_n dedication_n or_o set_v apart_o of_o the_o person_n so_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n this_o be_v that_o order_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o direct_v unto_o and_o although_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o unavoidable_a hindrance_n do_v disannul_v the_o call_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o all_o due_o attend_v unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n infringe_v wherefore_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o authority_n for_o office_n and_o of_o office_n itself_o sole_o by_o a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o ordainer_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o pretend_a successor_n in_o all_o age_n under_o all_o the_o innumerable_a miscarriage_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a and_o have_v actual_o fall_v into_o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o the_o consent_n or_o call_v of_o the_o church_n by_o rule_n law_n and_o order_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n as_o shall_v be_v manifest_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a chap._n v._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n we_o have_v declare_v the_o way_n whereby_o pastor_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o instate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o shall_v ensue_v be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office._n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o large_a discourse_n both_o among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o late_a i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o touch_v on_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o most_o necessary_a consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o diligent_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n jer._n 3.15_o this_o be_v by_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o no_o otherwise_o this_o feed_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o or_o can_v or_o will_v not_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v no_o pastor_n whatever_o outward_a call_n or_o work_v he_o may_v have_v in_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v joh._n 21.15_o 16._o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o encumbrance_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act._n 6._o their_o work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o thereby_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v every_o where_o give_v they_o
unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v elder_n also_o be_v devest_v of_o the_o right_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o other_o not_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v help_v in_o the_o government_n for_o the_o right_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n which_o all_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v the_o right_n be_v still_o in_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consistent_a with_o their_o more_o excellent_a work_n be_v require_v of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n exod._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o moses_n have_v before_o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o addition_n that_o be_v make_v of_o a_o eldership_n for_o his_o assistance_n there_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o right_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o precedent_a power_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n derogate_a nothing_o from_o their_o own_o authority_n nor_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o their_o care_n so_o when_o they_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o take_v care_n of_o supply_n for_o the_o poor_a they_o do_v not_o forgo_v their_o own_o right_n nor_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o their_o other_o work_n will_v permit_v they_o gal._n 2.9_o 10._o and_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n paul_n manifest_v his_o concernment_n herein_o in_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a in_o all_o church_n 8._o as_o we_o observe_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o rule_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o authoritative_n teach_v and_o rule_v be_v teach_v and_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n and_o this_o office_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v that_o of_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v undeniable_o attest_v act._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o care_n inspection_n oversight_n rule_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o express_o for_o elder_n be_v a_o name_n derive_v from_o the_o jew_n denote_v they_o that_o have_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n ☞_o the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o language_n respect_n age._n elder_n be_v old_a man_n well_o strike_v in_o year_n unto_o who_o respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n command_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v their_o privilege_n by_o levity_n or_o wickedness_n which_o they_o often_o do_v now_o ancient_a man_n be_v original_o judge_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o the_o most_o meet_a for_o rule_n and_o be_v before_o other_o constant_o call_v thereunto_o hence_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v preside_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o in_o any_o kind_n only_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n of_o ruler_n that_o be_v call_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o subordinate_a power_n and_o authority_n only_o those_o who_o be_v in_o supreme_a absolute_a power_n as_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v never_o call_v elder_n but_o elder_n by_o office_n be_v such_o only_a as_o have_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o other_o wherefore_o the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v elder_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o peter_n in_o particular_a 1_o epist._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1.2_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n and_o so_o it_o be_v declare_v ver_n 4._o the_o pope_n will_v now_o scarce_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v esteem_v only_o a_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o the_o turkish_a monarch_n be_v call_v the_o grand_a signior_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n above_o elder_n have_v no_o office_n in_o it_o whatever_o usurpation_n they_o may_v make_v over_o it_o 9_o to_o the_o complete_a constitution_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o organical_a state_n it_o be_v require_v that_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o it_o at_o least_o more_o than_o one_o in_o this_o proposition_n lie_v the_o next_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_o consider_v i_o do_v not_o determine_v what_o their_o number_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o determinable_a as_o unto_o all_o church_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proportion_v unto_o the_o work_n and_o end_v design_v where_o a_o church_n be_v numerous_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o increase_a their_o number_n proportionable_a unto_o their_o work._n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o name_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n under_o cornelius_n where_o the_o church_n be_v small_a the_o number_n of_o elder_n may_v be_v so_o also_o for_o no_o office_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o pomp_n or_o show_n but_o for_o labour_v only_o and_o so_o many_o be_v necessary_a in_o each_o office_n as_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o work_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o church_n be_v it_o small_a or_o great_a be_v not_o complete_a in_o its_o state_n be_v defective_a which_o have_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o who_o have_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o work._n 10._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o be_v absolute_o democratical_a or_o popular_a they_o judge_v that_o all_o church-power_n or_o authority_n be_v seat_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brethren_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o look_v on_o elder_n or_o minister_n only_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o material_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o perform_v and_o final_o for_o their_o edification_n serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n but_o formal_o also_o as_o act_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o mere_a delegation_n and_o not_o any_o of_o their_o own_o receive_v direct_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n hence_o they_o do_v occasional_o appoint_v person_n among_o themselves_o not_o call_v unto_o not_o vest_v with_o any_o office_n to_o administer_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o any_o other_o solemn_a office_n of_o worship_n on_o this_o principle_n and_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n at_o all_o though_o usual_o they_o do_v confer_v this_o office_n on_o some_o with_o solemnity_n but_o as_o among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n for_o rule_n so_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v they_o 11._o some_o place_n the_o government_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o those_o that_o act_n under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o civil_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o elder_n for_o rule_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o allow_v no_o rule_n in_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o assert_v a_o rule_n over_o they_o but_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o own_o ruler_n officer_n guide_n immediate_o preside_v in_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n wherefore_o with_o these_o we_o deal_v not_o in_o this_o discourse_n nor_o have_v any_o apprehension_n that_o the_o power_n of_o present_v man_n for_o any_o pretend_a disorder_n unto_o the_o bishop_n or_o chancellor_n court_n be_v any_o part_n of_o church-power_n or_o rule_n 12._o other_o place_z the_o rule_n of_o particular_a church_n especial_o in_o case_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o a_o association_n conjunction_n or_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o in_o one_o society_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n there_o will_v be_v a_o conjunct_a act_n of_o many_o elder_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v the_o best_a provision_n that_o can_v be_v make_v on_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o present_a parochial_a distribution_n but_o those_o also_o of_o this_o
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
may_v be_v and_o ofttimes_o be_v but_o one_o teaching-eld_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n it_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o these_o elder_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o its_o assembly_n to_o prevent_v irregularity_n in_o any_o person_n or_o party_n among_o they_o to_o go_v before_o to_o direct_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o the_o call_n and_o choice_n of_o some_o other_o meet_a person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o decease_a or_o remove_v these_o few_o instance_n have_v i_o give_v of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_v elder_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o deserve_v a_o great_a enlargement_n in_o their_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n than_o i_o can_v here_o afford_v unto_o they_o and_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n but_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v be_v sufficient_a unto_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o all_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o do_v undoubted_o and_o unquestionable_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v liable_a unto_o any_o just_a exception_n from_o they_o by_o who_o all_o church_n order_n be_v not_o despise_v wherefore_o where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v defective_a as_o unto_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o where_o this_o defect_n be_v great_a in_o many_o of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o beauty_n no_o glory_n no_o order_n in_o any_o church_n but_o only_o a_o outward_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v belong_v unto_o the_o duty_n of_o these_o elder_n there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n nor_o confirmation_n but_o that_o they_o all_o undoubted_o and_o unquestionable_o belong_v unto_o that_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o which_o the_o scripture_n testify_v unto_o both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a for_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o vain_a apprehension_n to_o suppose_v that_o one_o or_o two_o teach_v officer_n in_o a_o church_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o out_o of_o season_n that_o be_v at_o all_o time_n on_o all_o opportunity_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a by_o word_n and_o write_v plead_v for_o the_o truth_n to_o assist_v and_o guide_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n with_o sundry_a other_o duty_n in_o part_n speak_v to_o before_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o attend_v with_o diligence_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o do_v evident_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o church_n at_o this_o day_n do_v live_v on_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o pastor_n which_o they_o great_o value_v and_o be_v very_o little_a sensible_a of_o the_o wisdom_n goodness_n love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o edification_n and_o the_o supply_n which_o many_o have_v make_v hitherto_o herein_o by_o person_n either_o unacquainted_a with_o their_o duty_n or_o insensible_a of_o their_o own_o authority_n or_o cold_a if_o not_o negligent_a in_o their_o work_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v lose_v in_o most_o church_n and_o it_o be_v both_o vain_o and_o presumptuous_o plead_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o order_n that_o some_o church_n do_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o be_v edify_v without_o it_o supply_v some_o defect_n by_o the_o prudent_a aid_n of_o some_o member_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o preference_n of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o best_a a_o unwillingness_n to_o make_v a_o venture_n on_o the_o warranty_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o fear_v of_o some_o disadvantage_n that_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o 3._o whereas_o sundry_a of_o the_o duty_n beforementioned_a be_v as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a station_n without_o any_o especial_a obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o they_o with_o diligence_n to_o look_v after_o they_o or_o power_n to_o exercise_n any_o authority_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o to_o leave_v they_o from_o under_o the_o office-care_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o let_v in_o confusson_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o gradual_o to_o remove_v the_o whole_a advantage_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o church_n already_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o purity_n nor_o the_o order_n nor_o the_o beauty_n or_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o they_o can_v be_v long_o preserve_v without_o a_o multiplication_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o respective_a member_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o guidance_n and_o for_o want_v hereof_o have_v church_n of_o old_a and_o of_o late_a either_o degenerate_v into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n their_o self_n rule_n be_v manage_v with_o vain_a dispute_n and_o jangle_n unto_o their_o division_n and_o ruin_n or_o else_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o domination_n of_o some_o prelatical_a teacher_n to_o rule_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n which_o prove_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o they_o will_v and_o must_v do_v so_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o order_n for_o the_o future_a chap._n ix_o of_o deacon_n the_o original_a institution_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o that_o we_o need_v not_o much_o insist_v upon_o they_o nor_o shall_v i_o treat_v of_o the_o name_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o any_o kind_n of_o ministry_n civil_a or_o sacred_a but_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o that_o especial_a work_n for_o which_o this_o office_n be_v ordain_v the_o remote_a foundation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n the_o poor_a you_o have_v always_o with_o you_o joh._n 12.8_o he_o do_v not_o only_o foretell_v that_o such_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o recommend_v the_o care_n of_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n 15.11_o for_o the_o poor_a shall_v never_o cease_v out_o of_o the_o land_n therefore_o i_o command_v thou_o say_v thou_o shall_v open_v thy_o hand_n wide_a unto_o thy_o brother_n to_o thy_o poor_a and_o to_o thy_o needy_a this_o legal_a institution_n found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n transferr_v and_o translate_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n church_n among_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o same_o instant_a hypocrisy_n and_o avarice_n begin_v to_o attempt_v their_o advantage_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o afterward_o effect_v unto_o their_o safety_n for_o on_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o judas_n immediate_o condemn_v a_o eminent_a duty_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o contain_v a_o cost_n in_o it_o which_o may_v have_v be_v better_o lay_v out_o in_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a the_o ointment_n pour_v on_o our_o saviour_n he_o think_v may_v have_v be_v sell_v for_o three_o hundred_o penny_n it_o may_v be_v about_o forty_o or_o fifty_o pound_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a but_o this_o he_o say_v not_o that_o he_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n out_o of_o which_o he_o can_v have_v make_v a_o good_a prey_n unto_o himself_o joh._n 12.6_o and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o although_o judas_n malicious_o begin_v this_o murmur_a yet_o at_o last_o some_o of_o the_o other_o disciple_n be_v
the_o present_a offence_n and_o scandal_n may_v be_v provide_v against_o by_o a_o act_n of_o rectoral_a prudence_n in_o cause_v the_o offend_a person_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o a_o season_n v._o it_o be_v inquire_v five_o whether_o such_o as_o voluntary_o causeless_o and_o disorderly_o do_v leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n though_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a immorality_n maâ—_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v answ._n 1._o where_o person_n be_v esteem_v member_n of_o church_n by_o external_a cause_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o by_o parochial_a cohabitation_n they_o may_v remove_v from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o by_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o habitation_n according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n for_o such_o cohabitation_n be_v the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o any_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o church_n in_o particular_a upon_o the_o cease_n of_o that_o cause_n the_o relation_n cease_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n 2._o where_o person_n be_v member_n of_o church_n by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o express_v personal_a consent_n causeless_a departure_n from_o they_o be_v a_o evil_a liable_a unto_o many_o aggrevation_n 3._o but_o whereas_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v edification_n there_o may_v be_v many_o just_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o a_o person_n may_v remove_v himself_o from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o one_o church_n unto_o that_o of_o another_o and_o of_o these_o reason_n he_o himself_o be_v judge_v on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o deny_v unto_o any_o such_o person_n their_o liberty_n desire_v peaceable_o and_o according_a unto_o order_n 4._o it_o be_v declare_v before_o that_o where_o any_o person_n guilty_a of_o and_o under_o admonition_n for_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n their_o so_o do_v be_v no_o impediment_n unto_o a_o far_o procedure_v against_o they_o 5._o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o we_o church_n or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o far_o differ_v in_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o that_o they_o have_v not_o entire_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o if_o a_o man_n leave_v a_o church_n of_o one_o sort_n to_o join_v with_o one_o of_o another_o as_o suppose_v he_o leave_v a_o select_a congregation_n to_o join_v in_o a_o parochial_a church_n constant_o and_o total_o he_o may_v be_v just_o excommunicate_v for_o so_o do_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o do_v belong_v answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o if_o any_o man_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o a_o select_a congregation_n those_o who_o have_v power_n over_o those_o parish_n will_v make_v no_o question_n whether_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v he_o or_o no_o in_o their_o way_n but_o 2._o suppose_v person_n so_o depart_v from_o particular_a congregation_n 1._o to_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n 2._o that_o they_o depart_v quiet_o without_o attempt_v disorder_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o they_o do_v actual_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o church_n who_o constitution_n principles_n and_o worship_n they_o do_v approve_v whereby_o their_o visible_a profession_n be_v preserve_v the_o church_n may_v not_o just_o proceed_v unto_o their_o excommunication_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o declare_v that_o such_o person_n have_v on_o their_o own_o accord_n forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o under_o its_o watch_n or_o care_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n further_o oblige_v towards_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o christian_a duty_n in_o general_n 6._o as_o for_o those_o who_o departure_n be_v as_o voluntary_a and_o causeless_o so_o accompany_v with_o other_o evil_n such_o as_o be_v revile_n reproach_n and_o false_a accusation_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o obstinate_a offender_n vi_o the_o six_o enquiry_n be_v what_o time_n be_v to_o be_v give_v after_o solemn_a admonition_n before_o actual_a excommunication_n answ._n 1._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o to_o run_v over_o the_o word_n i_o admonish_v you_o a_o first_o second_o and_o third_z time_n so_o immediate_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v that_o wherein_o man_n be_v great_o to_o be_v pity_v for_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o take_v on_o themselves_o to_o act_n order_n and_o dispose_v of_o that_o we_o ascribe_v it_o not_o unto_o worse_a and_o more_o evil_a cause_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v a_o considerable_a season_n or_o space_n of_o time_n between_o solemn_a admonition_n and_o excommunication_n for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o former_a be_v the_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n nor_o do_v its_o efficacy_n thereunto_o depend_v on_o or_o consist_v in_o the_o actual_a give_v of_o it_o but_o as_o other_o moral_a cause_n which_o may_v work_v gradual_o upon_o occasional_a advantage_n want_v of_o light_n some_o present_a exasperation_n and_o temptation_n may_v seem_v to_o frustrate_v a_o present_a admonition_n when_o they_o do_v but_o suspend_v its_o present_a efficacy_n which_o it_o may_v afterward_o obtain_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o church_n admonition_n that_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abide_v in_o prayer_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o the_o case_n may_v possible_o require_v some_o long_a time_n to_o be_v spend_v 4._o no_o present_a appearance_n of_o obstinacy_n or_o impenitence_n under_o admonition_n which_o be_v usual_o plead_v shall_v cause_v a_o immediate_a proceedure_n unto_o excommunication_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o distinct_a institution_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o wherein_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o proper_a season_n for_o its_o use_n and_o efficacy_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o represent_v the_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o love_n which_o hope_v all_o thing_n bear_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n 4._o all_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n by_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o so_o as_o to_o defer_v the_o ultimate_a sentence_n nulla_fw-la unquam_fw-la de_fw-la morte_fw-la hominis_fw-la cunctatio_fw-la long_fw-mi est_fw-la 5._o if_o new_a sin_n be_v add_v of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o other_o kind_n unto_o former_a scandal_n whilst_o person_n be_v under_o admonition_n it_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o proceedure_n vii_o it_o may_v be_v far_o inquire_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o false_a opinion_n about_o they_o answ._n 1._o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o positive_o state_v rev._n 2.2_o 6_o 15_o 16_o 20._o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o tit._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o other_o place_n that_o it_o need_v no_o far_a determination_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o error_n intend_v be_v about_o or_o against_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o that_o hold_v they_o can_v hold_v the_o head_n but_o real_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n no_o pretend_a usefulness_n of_o such_o person_n no_o peaceableness_n as_o unto_o outward_a deportment_n which_o man_n guilty_a of_o such_o abomination_n will_v frequent_o cover_v themselves_o withal_o can_v countenance_v the_o church_n in_o forbear_v after_o due_a admonition_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n that_o be_v from_o it_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o from_o a_o gangrene_n in_o any_o member_n unto_o the_o body_n the_o indignation_n of_o christ_n express_v against_o such_o pernicious_a doctrine_n the_o opposition_n of_o they_o to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n which_o in_o most_o of_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o render_v a_o church_n altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o omit_v their_o duty_n herein_o 3._o false_a opinion_n in_o lesser_a thing_n when_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o christian_a practice_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n and_o sundry_a rule_n be_v give_v unto_o this_o end_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o howbeit_o in_o that_o low_a ebb_n of_o grace_n love_n and_o prudence_n which_o we_o
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o voluntary_a convention_n of_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o some_o other_o of_o neighbour_a church_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n or_o heresy_n among_o they_o in_o and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o call_v together_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith._n in_o after_o age_n those_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o italy_n germany_n france_n and_o england_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n advise_v about_o thing_n civil_a and_o political_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o religious_a especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o mutual_a contest_v between_o pope_n and_o prince_n in_o they_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v lose_v and_o bury_v and_o all_o religion_n almost_o destroy_v thus_o this_o laudable_a practice_n of_o church_n act_v their_o mutual_a communion_n by_o meeting_n in_o synod_n or_o assembly_n by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n to_o advise_v about_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a concernment_n and_o joint_a edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o countenance_v by_o primitive_a apostolical_a example_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o design_v interest_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o all_o church-power_n in_o such_o synod_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n give_v unto_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o instance_n innumerable_a and_o whereas_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v fill_v so_o many_o volume_n with_o their_o act_n and_o do_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o pope_n will_v place_v all_o religion_n in_o they_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n so_o bellarmine_n affirm_v pighius_fw-la to_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr coelest_n hierarch_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 1._o but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o de_fw-fr council_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o superstructure_n pretend_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o of_o these_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o principal_n for_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o public_a edification_n incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n they_o be_v presume_v just_o to_o know_v best_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o to_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n under_o consideration_n and_o they_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v than_o any_o private_a brethren_n can_v do_v and_o so_o receive_v that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o also_o they_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o report_v and_o recommend_v the_o synodal_n determination_n unto_o their_o church_n and_o a_o contrary_a practice_n will_v quick_o introduce_v confusion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o alone_o shall_v be_v so_o send_v or_o delegated_a by_o the_o church_n but_o many_o have_v other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v so_o until_o prelatical_a usurpation_n overturn_v their_o liberty_n so_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v from_o antioch_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o be_v impudent_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a concur_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n there_o make_v 5._o that_o which_o be_v term_v the_o call_n of_o these_o synod_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n for_o the_o end_n before_o declare_v i_o no_o way_n deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v convene_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n with_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v meet_a within_o his_o own_o territory_n yea_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o convention_n meet_v man_n out_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o other_o by_o their_o consent_n to_o advise_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v he_o advice_n about_o such_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o regulate_v himself_o according_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v with_o good_a success_n and_o may_v be_v with_o bad_a also_o and_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o church_n have_v power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o convene_v themselves_o in_o synod_n to_o exercise_v any_o exterior_a jurisdiction_n that_o shall_v affect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v allow_v but_o whereas_o the_o synod_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o any_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v outward_o concern_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n but_o only_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o their_o call_n beyond_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o external_a peace_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o when_o they_o can_v obtain_v they_o must_v deport_v themselves_o as_o in_o case_n of_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o synod_n in_o what_o measure_n extent_n and_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o although_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v concern_v their_o original_a nature_n cause_n use_v and_o end_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a power_n ascribe_v unto_o synod_n the_o first_o be_v declarative_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v constitutive_a appoint_v and_o ordain_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o observe_v by_o and_o upon_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o three_o executive_a in_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n towards_o person_n and_o church_n the_o person_n who_o the_o authority_n plead_v may_v affect_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v their_o proper_a representative_n present_v in_o such_o synod_n who_o be_v direct_o concern_v in_o its_o conciliary_a determination_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o such_o representative_n in_o they_o who_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v but_o in_o the_o doctrine_n material_o consider_v declare_v in_o they_o wherefore_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o church_n receive_v comply_v with_o or_o obey_v the_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n must_v be_v either_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n give_v unto_o those_o determination_n by_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o affect_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o first_o way_n wherein_o the_o assent_n and_o obedience_n of_o church_n be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v thereof_o not_o only_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v own_v but_o there_o be_v a_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o if_o due_o seek_v and_o regard_v whence_o great_a respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o decree_n respect_v either_o 1._o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n declare_v and_o be_v recommendatory_a of_o they_o on_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o person_n to_o censure_n excommunicate_a or_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o just_a power_n of_o synod_n may_v be_v positive_o and_o negative_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n