church_n be_v eminent_o reform_v now_o although_o the_o outward_a solemnity_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o that_o people_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o a_o sacred_a consent_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o which_o the_o nature_n and_o edification_n of_o a_o church_n do_v require_v it_o belong_v to_o every_o church_n as_o such_o even_a under_o the_o gosple_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o beleiver_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v enter_v into_o this_o state_n the_o formal_a constitute_a cause_n of_o any_o church_n this_o account_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_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 before_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o that_o expression_n among_o these_o command_n one_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o order_n by_o christ_n prescribe_v that_o be_v in_o church_n order_n this_o therefore_o they_o do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n this_o description_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o believer_n of_o macedonia_n be_v bring_v into_o church_n it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consent_v agree_v and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o conversion_n in_o their_o baptism_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o steadfast_a continuance_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o house_n of_o christ_n heb._n 3.6_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n ephe._n 2.21_o 22._o believer_n single_o consider_v be_v stone_n live_v stone_n 1_o peter_z 2.5_o now_o how_o shall_v these_o live_a stone_n come_v to_o be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n can_v it_o be_v by_o occasional_a occurrence_n civil_a cohabitation_n in_o political_a precinct_n usage_n or_o custom_n of_o assemble_v for_o some_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o place_n these_o thing_n will_v never_o frame_v they_o into_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n this_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o bytheir_a own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o disposition_n ephe._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o you_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n chap._n 4.16_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n from_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o believer_n coalition_n into_o a_o church-state_n be_v their_o own_o obedience_n of_o faith_n act_v itself_o in_o a_o joint_a voluntary_a consent_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n whence_o the_o be_v and_o union_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o convenient_a number_n of_o they_o by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n qu._n 21._o see_v the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n or_o spiritual_a incorporation_n of_o person_n under_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n declare_v who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o ruler_n governor_n or_o officer_n therein_o under_o jesus_n christ_n an._n they_o have_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1_o extraordinary_a appoint_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o 2_o ordinary_a to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n qu._n 22._o who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o ruler_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therein_o for_o a_o season_n only_o an._n 1_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o 2_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n endow_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n associate_v with_o they_o and_o employ_v by_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o math._n 10.2_o 3._o act_n 1.26_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 2_o luke_n 10.1_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o titus_n 1.5_o act_n 11.27_o 28._o act_n 21.9_o 10_o 11._o 2._o cor._n 1.1_o explication_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n attend_v with_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n only_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n or_o worldly_a so_o this_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o external_a and_o secular_a but_o spiritual_a neither_o do_v this_o rule_n at_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o mere_o as_o material_o consider_v in_o man_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o call_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o absolute_o as_o it_o be_v formal_o constitute_v a_o church_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n describe_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v require_v that_o it_o be_v organical_o complete_a with_o officer_n or_o ruler_n now_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o the_o person_n whereof_o it_o be_v constitute_v do_v consent_n together_o into_o it_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n which_o they_o design_v without_o this_o no_o society_n of_o any_o kind_n can_v exist_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o man_n coalescencie_n into_o societye_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o a_o consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v be_v show_v second_o that_o there_o be_v rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n in_o order_n to_o their_o pursuit_n of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o such_o rule_n or_o law_n be_v give_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n will_v afterward_o appear_v in_o our_o consideration_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o society_n three_o that_o there_o be_v authority_n institute_v for_o to_o see_v to_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o 1_o that_o some_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n 2_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o be_v rule_v or_o govern_v both_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o find_v in_o this_o church-state_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o ensue_a question_n with_o their_o answer_n and_o explication_n now_o that_o these_o officer_n or_o ruler_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v and_o so_o have_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n appoint_v for_o when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o person_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d extraordinary_o employ_v in_o that_o work_n for_o ordinary_a officer_n antecedent_n unto_o the_o call_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v none_o and_o therefore_o these_o peson_n be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n endow_v with_o all_o that_o power_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o moreover_o with_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_o needful_a unto_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o that_o special_a duty_n and_o work_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v unto_o but_o when_o church_n be_v call_v gather_v erect_v and_o settle_v for_o continuance_n there_o be_v need_n of_o officer_n suit_v to_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o be_v
unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o promise_a presence_n respect_v only_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v on_o this_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o have_v the_o least_o influence_n into_o what_o they_o do_v if_o in_o any_o of_o his_o institution_n they_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v suit_v or_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o ecclesiastical_a society_n government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a they_o say_v be_v they_o suppose_v and_o contend_v that_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v according_o the_o interposition_n of_o his_o authority_n they_o will_v allow_v only_o in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o have_v no_o light_n in_o reason_n or_o nature_n so_o desirous_a be_v some_o to_o have_v as_o little_a to_o do_v with_o christ_n as_o they_o can_v even_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o if_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o particular_a in_o a_o especial_a manner_n for_o especial_a end_n of_o his_o own_o have_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o a_o agreement_n with_o what_o in_o like_a case_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n seem_v to_o direct_v unto_o that_o therefore_o his_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o sole_a immediate_a reason_n of_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v therein_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o ephes._n 4.15_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 2.20_o 21._o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n second_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o suitableness_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o a_o church_n observation_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v also_o appoint_v and_o command_v in_o especial_a by_o jesus_n christ._n three_o that_o be_v so_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o become_v a_o especial_a institution_n of_o he_o and_o as_o such_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v always_o principal_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o command_v by_o he_o without_o which_o consideration_n it_o have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n quest._n 19_o what_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n answ._n a_o society_n of_o person_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o their_o natural_a worldly_a state_n by_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n soyn_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n or_o by_o special_a agreement_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n rome_n 1.5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o heb._n 3_o 1._o james_n 1.18_o rev._n 1.20_o 1_o peter_n 2.5_o ephes._n 2.21.22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o 17_o 18._o explication_n the_o church_n who_o nature_n be_v here_o inquire_v after_o be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o elect_a believer_n of_o all_o age_n and_o season_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o nor_o of_o any_o one_o age_n nor_o the_o universality_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o attend_v unto_o according_a to_o his_o will._n for_o although_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o of_o who_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n see_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o on_o that_o account_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n as_o also_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o moreover_o it_o be_v the_o will_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v together_o in_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v do_v in_o such_o assembly_n for_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o know_v unto_o one_o another_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o so_o whence_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o they_o be_v as_o such_o invisible_z to_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o visible_a only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o can_v mere_o as_o such_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o observation_n be_v their_o profession_n so_o the_o visible_a professor_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o age_n can_v at_o any_o time_n assemble_v together_o which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o the_o celebration_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o require_v in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o particular_a church_n be_v themselves_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o old_a for_o when_o god_n of_o old_a erect_v his_o worship_n and_o enjoin_v the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o it_o he_o also_o appoint_v a_o church_n as_o his_o institution_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n solemn_o take_v into_o a_o church_n relation_n with_o he_o by_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o his_o worship_n exod._n 20.19_o speak_v thou_o with_o we_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v we_o will_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o and_o god_n according_o appoint_v they_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o they_o together_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o place_n exod._n 23.17_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n all_o thy_o male_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n deut._n 16.16_o three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n all_o thy_o male_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v choose_v neither_o will_v god_n allow_v any_o stranger_n any_o one_o not_o of_o the_o church_n so_o institute_v by_o he_o to_o celebrate_v any_o part_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n until_o he_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o that_o church_n as_o a_o member_n thereof_o exod._n 12.47_o 48._o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n shall_v keep_v it_o and_o when_o a_o stranger_n shall_v sojourn_v with_o thou_o and_o will_v keep_v the_o passover_n to_o the_o lord_n let_v all_o his_o male_n be_v circumcise_v and_o then_o let_v he_o come_v near_o and_o keep_v it_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o land_n for_o no_o uncircumcised_a person_n shall_v eat_v thereof_o to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v diffuse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n
full_a of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v do_v when_o only_a deacon_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o who_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n the_o same_o be_v mention_v again_o act_v 14.23_o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o election_n and_o suffrage_n for_o the_o word_n there_o use_v will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sense_n however_o it_o be_v ambiguous_o express_v in_o our_o translation_n neither_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o use_n of_o that_o word_n apply_v unto_o the_o communication_n of_o any_o office_n or_o power_n to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o it_o denote_v any_o other_o action_n but_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o this_o it_o do_v constant_o in_o all_o writer_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o long_a time_n preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o ancient_n do_v abundant_o testify_v yea_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v utter_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o those_o church_n which_o yet_o reject_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o abide_v therein_o for_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o person_n become_v a_o church_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n christ_n make_v his_o subject_n willing_a not_o slave_n his_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o he_o will_v have_v they_o every_o way_n free_a in_o their_o obedience_n a_o church-state_n be_v a_o estate_n of_o absolute_a liberty_n under_o christ_n not_o for_o man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v but_o for_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n free_o without_o compulsion_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o this_o liberty_n than_o to_o have_v their_o guide_n ruler_n and_o overseer_n impose_v on_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n beside_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o discharge_v its_o duty_n towards_o christ_n in_o every_o institution_n of_o he_o which_o herein_o they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v not_o their_o free_a consent_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o be_v consider_v as_o mute_a person_n or_o brute_n creature_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o unto_o they_o for_o as_o all_o other_o imaginable_a way_n may_v fail_v and_o have_v do_v so_o where_o they_o have_v be_v trust_v unto_o so_o they_o be_v irrational_a and_o unscriptural_a as_o to_o their_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o delegation_n of_o any_o power_n whatever_o five_o unto_o this_o election_n succeed_v the_o solemn_a set_n apart_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o this_o work_n and_o ministry_n by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n before_o constitute_v in_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o person_n be_v so_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o qu._n 26._o may_v a_o person_n be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o may_v he_o hold_v the_o relation_n and_o exercise_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n answ._n neither_o of_o these_o have_v either_o warrant_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o of_o they_o consistent_a with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o the_o latter_a with_o the_o duty_n thereof_o nor_o either_o of_o they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n act_v 14.23_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o act_n 20.28_o explication_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o question_n and_o answer_n to_o be_v speak_v unto_o several_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o person_n to_o be_v call_v or_o employ_v in_o any_o church_n in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v or_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v or_o unto_o the_o rule_n or_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o like_a manner_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o a_o exemption_n of_o other_o duty_n from_o his_o charge_n or_o care_n if_o this_o be_v do_v by_o consent_n and_o agreement_n for_o any_o time_n or_o season_n it_o be_v unwarrantable_a and_o disorderly_a what_o may_v be_v do_v occasional_o upon_o a_o emergency_n or_o in_o case_n of_o weakness_n or_o disability_n befalling_a any_o elder_a as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o for_o first_o if_o the_o person_n so_o call_v or_o employ_v have_v receive_v gift_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o consent_n or_o agreement_n see_v they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trade_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o this_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v such_o gift_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o and_o pursue_v second_o if_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o gift_n as_o complete_o to_o enable_v he_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o unto_o that_o work_n wherein_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o go_v before_o they_o in_o qualify_a he_o for_o it_o yea_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v most_o irregular_a for_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enlarge_v or_o straighten_v the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n thereof_o neither_o can_v or_o ought_v any_o person_n that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o gift_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o a_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n nor_o to_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v their_o whole_a authority_n and_o to_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n so_o that_o arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v irregular_a and_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n into_o church_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o person_n to_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o his_o undertake_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o they_o as_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n and_o this_o also_o be_v irregular_a and_o unwarrantable_a now_o a_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o two_o way_n first_o formal_o and_o direct_o by_o all_o equal_a formal_a interest_n in_o they_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_v equal_o and_o alike_o of_o they_o be_v call_v alike_o to_o they_o and_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o relation_n 2_o virtual_o when_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n he_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o ministerial_a act_n in_o or_o towards_o another_o the_o first_o way_n be_v unlawful_a and_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n for_o as_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n respective_o that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o act_v 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o their_o office_n
case_n there_o be_v not_o the_o success_n aim_v at_o obtain_v in_o these_o several_a degree_n of_o private_a admonition_n it_o be_v then_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v report_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v public_o admonish_v thereby_o and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n wherein_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o person_n who_o have_v endeavour_v in_o vain_a to_o reclaim_v their_o offend_a brother_n by_o private_a admonition_n be_v to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o case_n and_o crime_n as_o also_o what_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o rule_v for_o the_o rectify_v of_o it_o who_o upon_o that_o information_n be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n as_o to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o proceed_n do_v belong_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o second_o the_o report_n make_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v 1._o of_o the_o crime_n guilt_n or_o offence_n 2._o of_o the_o testimony_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o of_o the_o mean_n use_v to_o bring_v the_o offender_n to_o acknowledgement_n and_o repentance_n 4._o of_o his_o deportment_n under_o the_o private_a previous_a admonition_n either_o as_o to_o his_o reject_v of_o they_o or_o as_o to_o any_o satisfaction_n tender_v all_o in_o order_n love_n meekness_n and_o tenderness_n three_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o offender_n hear_v upon_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o offence_n and_o former_a proceed_n the_o whole_a church_n or_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v with_o the_o elder_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n with_o the_o condition_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o offender_n with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n set_v they_o a_o example_n of_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o sinner_n and_o which_o be_v require_v in_o they_o as_o his_o disciple_n gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 2.8_o four_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o offender_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o persist_v in_o than_o five_o the_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v public_o admonish_v by_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o thes._n 5.14_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o and_o this_o admonition_n consist_v of_o five_o part_n 1._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o crime_n or_o offence_n as_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o from_o the_o rule_n or_o rule_n transgress_v against_o 3._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n 4._o a_o rebuke_n of_o the_o offender_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n answer_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o offence_n 5._o a_o exhortation_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o acknowledgement_n eleven_o in_o case_n the_o offender_n despise_v this_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o come_v not_o upon_o it_o unto_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o society_n thereof_o or_o be_v excommunicate_v wherein_o consist_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o offender_n and_o herein_o may_v be_v consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n and_o so_o principal_o belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o therein_o exert_v the_o power_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n matth._n 16.19_o john_n 20.23_o matth._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o titus_n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o and_o both_o these_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n second_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o cut_n off_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o consequent_o from_o that_o of_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o earth_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o whereby_o he_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 5_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o titus_n 3.10_o gal._n 5.12_o three_o the_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o the_o gain_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v by_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o offence_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 13.10_o 2._o the_o warning_n of_o other_o not_o to_o do_v so_o presumptuous_o 3._o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o order_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o 7._o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ._n four_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n on_o which_o the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o sentence_n against_o any_o offend_a person_n now_o these_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v proceed_v upon_o in_o his_o final_a judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o church_n judge_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v to_o exclude_v none_o from_o its_o communion_n but_o those_o who_o they_o find_v by_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o himself_o exclude_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o so_o that_o which_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o and_o their_o sentence_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v as_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o will_v pronounce_v at_o the_o last_o day_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o it_o be_v also_o make_v know_v that_o this_o sentence_n of_o they_o be_v not_o final_a or_o decretory_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevention_n of_o that_o which_o will_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o evil_n be_v repent_v of_o now_o although_o the_o particular_a evil_n sin_n or_o offence_n that_o may_v render_v a_o person_n obnoxious_a unto_o this_o censure_n and_o sentence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v enumerate_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n which_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o action_n yet_o they_o may_v in_o general_n be_v refer_v unto_o these_o head_n first_o moral_a evil_n contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_v command_n or_o prohibition_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n direct_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o evil_a report_n in_o the_o world_n among_o man_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o the_o sentence_n whereof_o we_o speak_v without_o previous_a admonition_n in_o case_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v notorious_a public_o and_o unquestionable_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o no_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impeach_v by_o particular_a instance_n lie_v against_o their_o proceedure_n 1_o cor._n 5.3_o 4._o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o second_o offence_n against_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o church_n if_o pertinacious_o persist_v in_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o three_o false_a doctrine_n against_o the_o fundamental_o in_o faith_n or_o worship_n especial_o if_o maintain_v with_o contention_n to_o the_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 5.12_o titus_n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o revel_v 2.14_o 15._o four_o blasphemy_n or_o evil_a speak_v of_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n especial_o if_o join_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o hinder_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o persecution_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o five_o desertion_n or_o total_a causeless_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o be_v self-condemned_n have_v break_v and_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n that_o they_o make_v at_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n heb._n 10.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o six_o the_o time_n or_o season_n of_o the_o put_v forth_o