office-power_n but_o all_o power_n which_o serve_v to_o shut_v and_o open_v the_o house_n or_o city_n of_o god_n not_o power_n of_o the_o steward_n only_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o this_o great_a king_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o her_o husband_n be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n even_o to_o heaven_n have_v give_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o family_n and_o reject_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o for_o those_o end_n to_o judge_v also_o because_o such_o act_n require_v judgement_n and_o to_o call_v the_o steward_n to_o his_o place_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o key_n of_o office_n by_o election_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o power_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o she_o yet_o it_o come_v original_o from_o she_o reas_n 2._o because_o christ_n here_o give_v the_o key_n only_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v i._n e._n only_o to_o teacher_n and_o elder_n answ_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n be_v give_v only_o to_o teacher_n &_o elder_n only_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n have_v that_o formal_o yet_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o large_a than_o office-power_n viz._n to_o admit_v reject_v etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v their_o office_n from_o the_o church_n and_o their_o office-power_n by_o the_o church_n original_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n in_o the_o church_n before_o office-power_n which_o do_v communicate_v and_o convey_v office-power_n to_o its_o officer_n 3._o reas_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v act_n of_o the_o office-power_n of_o pastor_n ruler_n feeder_n by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n answ_n bind_v and_o lose_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o in_o this_o text_n comprehend_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o church-power_n and_o these_o act_n be_v not_o only_o by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n for_o then_o the_o ruling-eld_a shall_v have_v no_o key_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v but_o also_o by_o admonition_n excommunication_n admission_n which_o issue_n from_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o common_a to_o the_o people_n with_o they_o 2._o though_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o she_o may_v not_o exercise_v any_o act_n proper_a to_o office-power_n without_o officer_n who_o she_o do_v and_o must_v call_v to_o that_o end_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 4._o reas_n if_o this_o place_n give_v not_o warrant_v and_o authority_n to_o officer_n what_o warrant_v have_v they_o for_o their_o office-power_n answ_n 1._o this_o place_n give_v warrant_n for_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o church_n do_v according_o call_v they_o to_o that_o place_n and_o invest_v they_o with_o office_n with_o voluntary_a profess_a subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n of_o office_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o several_a act_n of_o office-power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o be_v abundant_o warrant_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 5._o reas_n they_o to_o who_o the_o key_n be_v here_o give_v do_v authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o their_o act_n be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v officer_n can_v by_o any_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n answ_n the_o word_n authority_n sometime_o be_v take_v more_o general_o for_o power_n sometime_o more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o rule_v and_o office-power_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o foregive_v judicial_o in_o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o former_a censure_n the_o officer_n forgive_v authoritative_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o interpretation_n 6._o other_o look_v at_o the_o key_n as_o give_v to_o peter_n here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n indefinite_o take_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a definite_a church_n that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v receive_v the_o key_n from_o they_o or_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o that_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o parity_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la therefore_o the_o church_n here_o intend_v must_v be_v take_v general_o and_o indefinite_o as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o or_o the_o general_a church_n as_o exist_v its_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v object_v against_o this_o that_o peter_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a congregation_n when_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a for_o no_o such_o church_n be_v then_o constitute_v no_o more_o be_v there_o a_o presbytery_n then_o constitute_v when_o christ_n direct_v peter_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o after_o proceed_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o mat._n 18._o which_o yet_o they_o hold_v but_o not_o true_o to_o be_v the_o presbytery_n as_o we_o shall_v evince_v hereafter_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o grant_n that_o that_o rule_n serve_v to_o order_v member_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o case_n when_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o force_n in_o this_o text_n also_o some_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n in_o this_o text_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n because_o he_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o his_o speech_n for_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o person_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o he_o say_v not_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o key_n but_o vary_v the_o person_n he_o turn_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n say_v and_o unto_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n here_o be_v no_o change_v of_o person_n nor_o turn_v of_o speech_n in_o christ_n give_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n but_o as_o christ_n begin_v so_o he_o continue_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 17._o christ_n pronounce_v peter_n bless_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 18._o he_o give_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n to_o peter_n confession_n that_o upon_o this_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n and_o establish_v it_o as_o impregnable_a against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o v._o 19_o he_o give_v unto_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o though_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o calling_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o the_o key_n be_v here_o original_o and_o primary_o commit_v to_o the_o 3._o the_o toti_n ecclesiae_fw-la dedit_fw-la christus_fw-la clave_n sed_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la certi_fw-la essent_fw-la qui_fw-la clavibus_fw-la utantur_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honoremque_fw-la dei_fw-la zanc._n in_o praec_fw-la 4._o quaest_n 3._o vid._n park_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 3._o church_n in_o general_n exist_v in_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v produce_v sundry_a writer_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a of_o other_o country_n and_o our_o own_o if_o need_v require_v to_o confirm_v this_o exposition_n yea_o of_o the_o author_n quote_v by_o mr._n p._n not_o a_o few_o consent_n herein_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v cyprian_n and_o augustine_n who_o in_o sundry_a place_n speak_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o these_o two_o i_o the_o rather_o name_n because_o i_o find_v in_o approve_a history_n that_o sundry_a martyr_n be_v confirm_v in_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o testimony_n have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n hieronimus_fw-la savanarola_n a_o godly_a learned_a preacher_n in_o florence_n a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n 565._o illyr_n catal_a test_n verit_fw-la count_v
may_v by_o the_o eye_n which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o that_o end_n 2._o the_o confirmation_n or_o proof_n that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v double_a 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o by_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o sundry_a text_n 1._o this_o in_o hand_n clear_o confirm_v it_o if_o that_o good_a ancient_a rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n be_v receive_v dictorum_fw-la intelligentia_fw-la ex_fw-la causis_fw-la dictorum_fw-la sumenda_fw-la est_fw-la for_o christ_n question_n to_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o peter_n confession_n here_o be_v only_o concern_v the_o faith_n common_a to_o the_o church_n who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o hereupon_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o disciple_n make_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n 13._o quia_fw-la christus_fw-la petra_n petrus_n populus_fw-la christianus_n august_n in_o matth._n de_fw-fr verbis_fw-la domini_fw-la ser._n 13._o christ_n testify_v his_o approbation_n of_o it_o by_o call_v he_o peter_n not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o office_n as_o of_o his_o faith_n thus_o public_o profess_v whence_o also_o visible_a believer_n be_v call_v lively_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o christ_n add_v to_o this_o praise_n of_o peter_n a_o twofold_a promise_n 1._o of_o edify_v and_o stablish_v the_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n 2._o of_o afford_v it_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o end_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o city_n or_o house_n the_o door_n or_o gate_n whereof_o be_v christ_n the_o key_n be_v all_o institute_v mean_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n into_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n visible_o be_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o subordinate_a power_n whereof_o be_v here_o give_v to_o the_o church_n immediate_o the_o second_o text_n be_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n &_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n for_o what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o elder_n assemble_v together_o and_o act_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n for_o no_o such_o assembly_n be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n much_o less_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o they_o for_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o other_o member_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o though_o when_o they_o keep_v the_o rule_n they_o be_v as_o elder_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o congregational-church_n the_o three_o text_n be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o paul_n exhort_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o exercise_v this_o their_o power_n which_o he_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o whereby_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o incestuous_a person_n v._n 5._o and_o be_v to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n v._n 7._o and_o be_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v within_o v._n 12._o and_o to_o put_v away_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o v._n 13._o and_o this_o paul_n call_v a_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o thus_o he_o establish_v their_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o exhort_v they_o upon_o the_o man_n repentance_n to_o turn_v the_o key_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o loose_v he_o from_o the_o former_a censure_n by_o forgive_a he_o in_o a_o legal_a or_o judicial_a sense_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o and_o that_o this_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v a_o mere_a congregational-church_n it_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v no_o large_a than_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o because_o in_o such_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o power_n 1._o efficient_a the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n who_o delegate_v this_o subordinate_a power_n to_o who_o it_o please_v he_o by_o his_o own_o appointment_n 2._o the_o material_a cause_n visible_a believer_n 3._o the_o formal_a cause_n covenant_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o submit_v mutual_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v reclaim_v if_o they_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n or_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a if_o they_o be_v find_v obstinate_a 2._o because_o there_o be_v no_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n from_o whence_o a_o congregational-church_n may_v derive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n when_o other_o be_v remove_v they_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n therefore_o they_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o they_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o 2._o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o therefore_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o synod_n both_o lesser_a and_o large_a be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v their_o be_v from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o send_v they_o to_o they_o to_o borrow_v any_o church-power_n but_o only_o light_v from_o they_o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o therefore_o they_o derive_v no_o church-power_n from_o they_o again_o when_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v dead_a or_o censure_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o obstinacy_n in_o scandalous_a evil_n the_o church_n still_o retain_v its_o power_n to_o choose_v other_o as_o a_o corporation_n have_v its_o full_a power_n still_o though_o the_o magistrate_n be_v dead_a or_o cast_v out_o the_o same_o hold_v in_o church_n in_o island_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n when_o they_o can_v have_v the_o help_n of_o synod_n thus_o we_o prove_v fire_n to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n because_o if_o it_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o water_n or_o wood_n it_o be_v there_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o fire_n and_o when_o they_o be_v remove_v yet_o still_o it_o remain_v in_o fire_n the_o like_a reason_n hold_v in_o this_o as_o you_o see_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o of_o which_o we_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o of_o the_o key_n 3._o because_o all_o the_o act_n do_v immediate_o by_o the_o church_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o bind_v and_o lose_v flow_v from_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o 1._o their_o admit_v member_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o for_o till_o the_o brethren_n be_v satisfy_v and_o approve_v one_o fitness_n he_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 10.47_o 2._o their_o choose_v officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o violate_v in_o add_v deacon_n act._n 6.3_o 5._o and_o ruling-elders_a to_o the_o church_n act._n 14.23_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v much_o more_o concern_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n this_o power_n cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 4._o the_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la metuens_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maximè_fw-la habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divinâ_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 4._o people_n principal_o to_o accept_v or_o refuse_v minister_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o worthy_a or_o unworthy_a 3._o their_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o depute_v some_o choose_v out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n thereunto_o in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n reside_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n in_o general_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n as_o they_o be_v ruler_n be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o yet_o the_o invest_n of_o this_o or_o that_o elect_a person_n with_o this_o office_n &_o authority_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n by_o application_n of_o it_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a rather_o than_o to_o another_o this_o be_v by_o the_o
of_o power_n under_o christ_n to_o manage_v the_o same_o within_o themselves_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v speak_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o that_o christ_n intend_v to_o establish_v by_o this_o promise_n the_o complete_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o such_o a_o church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o itâ—_n officer_n be_v clear_a from_o matth._n 18.18_o where_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v give_v by_o name_n to_o such_o a_o church_n the_o word_n therefore_o in_o sum_n hold_v forth_o a_o grant_n from_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n of_o a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v thus_o evince_v the_o censure_n that_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v with_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n but_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n the_o proposition_n a_o man_n will_v think_v may_v pass_v without_o opposition_n but_o i_o find_v this_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o obj._n the_o sentence_n of_o a_o inferior_a judge_n or_o court_n proceed_v right_o be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n yet_o we_o may_v appeal_v from_o it_o why_o will_v not_o the_o same_o hold_n in_o church-censure_n also_o answ_n 1._o because_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o civil_a court_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o civil_a but_o a_o spiritual_a bind_n that_o be_v here_o mean_v 2._o because_o there_o be_v not_o par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la between_o they_o the_o reason_n why_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o inferior_a civil_a court_n and_o judge_n be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a court_n in_o be_v to_o which_o the_o appeal_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o there_o prosecute_v and_o thereby_o determine_v as_o the_o inferior_a court_n in_o israel_n stand_v under_o the_o high_a synedrion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o supreme_a court_n ordain_v by_o christ_n over_o particular_a church_n the_o assumption_n that_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v establish_v in_o heaven_n be_v express_o in_o the_o text_n as_o it_o have_v be_v expound_v true_o say_v some_o what_o a_o particular_a church_n bind_v on_o earth_n cleave_v non_fw-la errante_fw-la be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n may_v err_v in_o judgement_n therefore_o appeal_n may_v be_v make_v and_o then_o their_o bind_a power_n be_v go_v answ_n 1._o if_o possibility_n of_o err_v in_o judgement_n be_v a_o warrantable_a ground_n of_o appeal_n from_o particular_a church_n then_o the_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v to_o such_o a_o tribunal_n and_o judge_n as_o can_v err_v which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o heaven_n 2._o on_o this_o ground_n the_o universal_a church_n represent_v in_o a_o general_a council_n much_o more_o inferior_a synod_n and_o class_n shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v without_o appeal_n for_o a_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o have_v err_v not_o seldom_o but_o often_o not_o in_o small_a matter_n only_o but_o in_o those_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n yea_o they_o may_v be_v as_o much_o incline_v to_o err_v as_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n corrupt_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v more_o eye_n &_o plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la i_o answer_v true_a caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la viz._n if_o they_o be_v equal_o near_o the_o mark_n but_o their_o sight_n be_v hinder_v more_o than_o particular_a church_n be_v in_o their_o proper_a concernment_n as_o they_o be_v further_o from_o the_o mark_n in_o such_o case_n than_o particular_a church_n and_o if_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o full_a power_n of_o excommunication_n because_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n neither_o classical_a national_a not_o ecumenical_a assembly_n have_v any_o such_o power_n for_o they_o may_v err_v be_v corrupt_a be_v partial_a be_v divide_v also_o 3._o christ_n who_o well_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o what_o be_v best_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o particular_a church_n notwithstanding_o their_o possibility_n of_o err_a a_o indispensable_a power_n of_o judgement_n in_o their_o own_o matter_n within_o themselves_o the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o be_v this_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n conclu_n 7._o conclu_n be_v complete_v with_o officer_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n within_o itself_o complete_a subordinate_a church-power_n in_o all_o church-affair_n proper_a to_o itself_o when_o i_o say_v 1._o it_o have_v complete_a or_o sufficient_a church-power_n thereby_o i_o mean_v 1._o that_o it_o need_v not_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n of_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n to_o supply_v unto_o it_o any_o power_n that_o it_o want_v in_o its_o own_o matter_n and_o 2._o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o subjection_n under_o any_o other_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a so_o as_o that_o thereby_o the_o judicial_a act_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v hinder_v or_o make_v void_a in_o a_o word_n potestas_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la in_fw-la re_fw-la propria_fw-la summa_fw-la est_fw-la the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v chief_a in_o thing_n proper_a to_o itself_o 2._o i_o add_v that_o this_o chiefty_a of_o power_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v subordinate_a to_o show_v that_o the_o absolute_a supremacy_n of_o power_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v only_o delegated_a from_o christ_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v complete_v with_o all_o its_o officer_n the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n be_v perfect_o monarchical_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o elder_n act_v their_o authoririty_n or_o office-power_n it_o be_v aristocratical_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o fraternity_n act_v its_o chuch-power_n in_o judgement_n it_o be_v democratical_a and_o in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o member_n both_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n it_o be_v aristocratico-democratical_a above_o which_o christ_n have_v not_o set_v any_o high_a ecclesiastical_a judicatory_a on_o earth_n subject_v particular_a church_n thereunto_o in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la a_o clear_a proof_n of_o such_o power_n as_o that_o which_o have_v be_v describe_v you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n excommunicate_v that_o incestuous_a person_n in_o 1_o cor._n 5_o 15_a say_v not_o as_o some_o do_v that_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a power_n in_o that_o church_n but_o of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o decree_v it_o and_o judge_v he_o before_o and_o commit_v no_o more_o to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o 5.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 5.3_o though_o paul_n as_o a_o apostle_n judge_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v yet_o he_o so_o judge_v only_o dogmatical_o by_o teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n not_o judicial_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n and_o accordingly_z the_o church_n cast_v he_o out_o by_o their_o own_o sufficiency_n of_o church-power_n within_o themselves_o though_o in_o a_o way_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n deliver_v by_o paul_n for_o 1._o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o and_o that_o be_v the_o high_a power_n 2._o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 5._o which_o argue_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o power_n of_o bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o on_o earth_n 3._o when_o god_n bless_v this_o sentence_n by_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o work_v repentance_n in_o he_o paul_n exhort_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6-10_a and_o do_v not_o claim_v the_o power_n over_o they_o of_o a_o superior_a judge_n to_o absolve_v he_o by_o his_o own_o sentence_n without_o they_o nor_o do_v he_o write_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a church_n but_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n both_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o thereby_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n to_o be_v so_o full_o in_o they_o that_o as_o their_o not_o put_v it_o into_o act_n retard_v the_o sentence_n before_o
that_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a for_o their_o eternal_a good_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n when_o the_o sentence_n proceed_v either_o according_a to_o the_o eighteen_o of_o matthew_n upon_o their_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n in_o less_o heinous_a offence_n or_o according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o rev._n 22.15_o upon_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o against_o common_a light_n to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v they_o in_o due_a time_n 1_o pet._n 5.6_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o he_o to_o add_v efficacy_n to_o his_o ordinance_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v due_o and_o true_o humble_v their_o corruption_n powerful_o mortify_v and_o their_o soul_n eternal_o save_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o take_v not_o part_n with_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o ordinance_n but_o take_v part_n with_o the_o ordinance_n against_o your_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o your_o honour_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o exalt_v his_o rule_n and_o let_v other_o learn_v hereby_o to_o fear_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n but_o persist_v obstinate_o in_o sin_n 2._o corollary_n then_o a_o congregational_a church_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n this_o be_v reveal_v to_o john_n as_o that_o frame_n of_o church-government_n which_o shall_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o see_v a_o throne_n set_v in_o heaven_n the_o trinity_n sit_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n between_o it_o and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n who_o sit_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n rev._n 4.1_o 9_o thither_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o ordinance_n by_o a_o offend_a brother_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n or_o by_o any_o member_n that_o find_v himself_o over-rigorous_o dealâ—_n with_o by_o his_o brethren_n in_o these_o step_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o that_o there_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o christ_n if_o the_o church_n want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o consent_n for_o the_o sentence_n they_o be_v to_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o by_o their_o light_n and_o counsel_n but_o still_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o censure_n entire_o in_o the_o church_n where_o christ_n have_v place_v it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o chief_a tribunal_n in_o the_o exerciâ—â—_n of_o church-government_n unto_o which_o appeal_n must_v be_v last_o make_v juridical_o and_o from_o which_o no_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o expect_v 2._o that_o this_o chief_a tribunal_n must_v have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n above_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v judial_o censure_v by_o any_o power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n all_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v the_o chief_a tribunal_n that_o say_v some_o must_v be_v the_o class_n under_o which_o such_o church_n stand_v and_o the_o synod_n under_o which_o the_o class_n be_v subordinate_a and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n may_v be_v remove_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o say_v can_v be_v do_v if_o you_o put_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n for_o what_o if_o a_o elder_a what_o if_o the_o whole_a edership_n yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n offend_v the_o church_n can_v censure_v their_o elder_n for_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o to_o judge_v their_o judge_n nor_o will_v they_o censure_v themselves_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n of_o many_o elder_n may_v and_o will_v reform_v all_o by_o judicial_o censure_v all_o answ_n 1._o this_o argument_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_n or_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o matth._n 18._o be_v â—â—t_n for_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n but_o of_o such_o private_a and_o less_o heinous_a offence_n as_o grow_v public_a and_o notorious_a only_o by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n for_o if_o offence_n be_v public_a and_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_a church_n to_o proceed_v by_o those_o step_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rev._n 22.15_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o make_v the_o people_n ruler_n of_o their_o ruler_n or_o judge_n of_o their_o judge_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n over_o they_o in_o case_n of_o delinquency_n for_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a rule_n or_o authority_n but_o of_o the_o high_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o may_v well_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o their_o privilege_n without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o authority_n of_o elder_n wherein_o as_o officer_n they_o be_v above_o the_o brethren_n whilst_o they_o act_v according_a to_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o become_v delinquent_n then_o as_o member_n they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n must_v submit_v to_o they_o as_o ruler_n while_o they_o right_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n in_o preach_v administer_a the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o censure_n order_v speech_n and_o silence_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o other_o official_a act_n but_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o church_n question_v or_o proceed_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o good_a advice_n of_o neighbour-churche_n and_o elder_n who_o as_o they_o concur_v in_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o their_o ordination_n so_o they_o shall_v concur_v in_o approve_v this_o censure_n as_o just_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n from_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o mayor_n in_o a_o free_a city_n or_o corporation_n be_v in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o his_o office_n above_o the_o court_n none_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o act_n peculiar_a to_o his_o place_n yet_o if_o he_o corrupt_v the_o people_n pervert_v justice_n or_o be_v any_o way_n gross_o and_o scandalous_o delinquent_a the_o court_n can_v censure_v and_o despose_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o any_o member_n to_o preserve_v its_o purity_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n against_o any_o in_o the_o body_n that_o will_v corrupt_v disturb_v or_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o the_o covenant_n bind_v every_o member_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a either_o to_o be_v reform_v or_o remove_v from_o communion_n of_o it_o thereby_o 3._o their_o plaster_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o heal_v the_o sore_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v either_o too_o broad_a when_o offence_n of_o brethren_n may_v be_v heal_v by_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o or_o it_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o 1._o those_o assembly_n be_v too_o seldom_o and_o can_v sit_v together_o long_o enough_o to_o remove_v the_o many_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o frequent_o in_o church_n 2._o non_fw-fr can_v they_o excommunicate_v a_o church_n nor_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o warrant_n from_o christ_n 3._o class_n and_o synod_n and_o general_a council_n may_v be_v under_o just_a offence_n as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o 4._o this_o plaster_n hinder_v the_o heal_n of_o the_o sore_n of_o church_n for_o pronunciatum_fw-la appellatio_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la prima_fw-la sententia_fw-la tantisper_fw-la extinguitur_fw-la donec_fw-la de_fw-la causae_fw-la cognition_n ad_fw-la superiorem_fw-la devolutâ_fw-la fuerit_fw-la pronunciatum_fw-la if_o a_o delinquent_n dislike_a the_o church_n proceed_v appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o national_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n which_o may_v not_o assemble_v in_o a_o age_n while_o the_o appeal_n depend_v he_o shall_v stand_v as_o uncensured_a for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o appeal_n now_o how_o can_v that_o heal_v which_o be_v cross_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a wise_a physician_n he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n but_o he_o who_o appeal_v from_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n therefore_o he_o that_o so_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n which_o this_o tradition_n of_o appeal_n from_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la
of_o many_o church_n have_v power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n act._n 15.6_o 2._o to_o argue_v debate_n and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o word_n verse_n 7_o 23_o 3._o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v vers_fw-la 23._o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 24_o 28_o 29._o 4._o such_o determination_n and_o direction_n be_v find_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v be_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o 5._o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a persistance_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n in_o their_o scandalous_a evil_n against_o light_n convict_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n so_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v by_o they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o church-communion_n till_o they_o repent_v and_o reform_v this_o follow_v in_o proportion_n from_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 2.9_o and_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o person_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o such_o offend_a church_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o neither_o do_v that_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15.29_o here_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o join_v with_o my_o brethren_n in_o add_v some_o caution_n touch_v the_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 57_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 57_o either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o throâ—â—â—_n ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o ball._n mr._n shepherd_n &_o mr._n allen_n defense_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n in_o answ_n to_o mr._n ball._n other_o express_v their_o apprehension_n in_o way_n of_o caution_n touch_v this_o matter_n thus_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n or_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulatiuè_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privatiuè_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o as_o these_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o classical_a power_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v tanquam_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la so_o in_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o i_o with_o they_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n due_a moderation_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o exercise_v brotherly_a communion_n in_o testify_v against_o such_o act_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n be_v according_a to_o scripture-light_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o 1._o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o though_o as_o elder_n yet_o not_o as_o apostle_n nor_o as_o infallible_o assist_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a in_o their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o in_o a_o masterly_a way_n impose_v their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n upon_o other_o but_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o receive_v only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o that_o church_n hold_v forth_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a apprehension_n let_v they_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o answer_v convict_o or_o let_v that_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la without_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n 2._o godly_a wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o proceed_n in_o make_v difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v church_n to_o connive_v at_o grosser_n scandal_n nor_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o small_a difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n much_o less_o for_o censure_v and_o hold_v under_o censure_n impenitent_a person_n when_o the_o scandalous_a obstinacy_n of_o delinquent_n be_v res_fw-la propriâ_fw-la to_o that_o church_n though_o some_o other_o church_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o guide_n who_o possible_o may_v side_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o delinquent_n out_o of_o some_o secret_a grutch_v against_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o party_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v lay_v under_o that_o censure_n or_o shall_v now_o be_v release_v from_o it_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v contrary_a to_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n if_o a_o church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a matter_n than_o this_o will_v cause_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n between_o church_n where_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v exercise_v with_o true_a humility_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n see_v the_o moderation_n of_o that_o african_a synod_n whereof_o cyprian_n write_v thus_o to_o stephanus_n caeterum_fw-la scimus_fw-la quosdam_fw-la quod_fw-la semel_fw-la imbiberint_fw-la 1._o cypr._n l._n 2._o ep._n 1._o nolle_fw-la deponere_fw-la nec_fw-la propositum_fw-la suum_fw-la facilè_fw-la mutare_fw-la sed_fw-la salvo_fw-la inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la quaedam_fw-la propria_fw-la quae_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la semel_fw-la sint_fw-la usurpata_fw-la retinere_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o re_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la cviquam_fw-la facimus_fw-la aut_fw-la legem_fw-la damus_fw-la cum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la administratione_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la suae_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la liberum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la praepositus_fw-la rationem_fw-la actus_fw-la svi_fw-la domino_fw-la redditurus_fw-la yet_o these_o proper_a practice_n of_o some_o church_n differ_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n which_o be_v establish_v as_o he_o say_v consensu_fw-la &_o authoritate_fw-la communi_fw-la nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v end_n of_o breach_n among_o church_n unless_o due_a moderation_n in_o such_o case_n
be_v exercise_v that_o love_n among_o church_n may_v be_v maintain_v 3._o unto_o these_o let_v it_o be_v add_v that_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v brotherly_a love_n so_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v show_v to_o any_o one_o church_n and_o before_o other_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o their_o love_n in_o not_o easy_o receive_v suggestion_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o it_o though_o from_o some_o elder_a or_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o another_o church_n who_o may_v possible_o speak_v against_o they_o out_o of_o envy_n or_o ill_a will_n much_o more_o in_o not_o countenance_v a_o censure_v delinquent_n complain_v against_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n by_o who_o he_o be_v censure_v in_o a_o disorderly_a tumultuous_a manner_n as_o desirous_a to_o beget_v reproach_n and_o trouble_v to_o that_o church_n and_o contention_n and_o division_n among_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n 3._o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o ep._n 3._o from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o revenge_n the_o african_a pastor_n be_v careful_a hereof_o as_o cyprian_a note_n cum_fw-la statutum_fw-la sit_fw-la omnibus_fw-la nobis_fw-la &_o aequum_fw-la sit_fw-la pariter_fw-la ac_fw-la justum_fw-la ut_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la causa_fw-la illic_fw-la audiatur_fw-la ubi_fw-la est_fw-la crimen_fw-la admissum_fw-la &_o singulis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la portio_fw-la egregis_fw-la sit_fw-la ascripta_fw-la quam_fw-la regat_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la &_o gubernet_fw-la rationem_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la domino_fw-la rediturus_fw-la oportet_fw-la utique_fw-la eos_fw-la quibus_fw-la praesumus_fw-la non_fw-la circumcurdare_v nec_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la concordiam_fw-la cohaerentem_fw-la suâ_fw-la subdolâ_fw-la &_o fallaci_fw-la temeritate_fw-la collidere_fw-la sed_fw-la agere_fw-la illic_fw-la causam_fw-la svam_fw-la ubi_fw-la &_o accusatores_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o testes_fw-la svi_fw-la criminis_fw-la possint_fw-la last_o if_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o church_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n shall_v determine_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o church_n power_n within_o itself_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o not_o be_v sancit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v right_o order_v according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a spiritual_a remedy_n against_o all_o those_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o think_n can_v be_v redress_v unless_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n be_v establish_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n as_o if_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o two_o faction_n &_o opposition_n within_o itself_o or_o if_o there_o be_v scandalous_a contention_n between_o two_o church_n or_o between_o the_o eldership_n and_o brotherhood_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o scandalous_a delinquency_n i_o say_v these_o and_o the_o like_a inconvenience_n will_v be_v better_o redress_v in_o this_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o classical_a government_n for_o this_o way_n be_v ground_v upon_o divine_a institution_n so_o be_v not_o that_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n follow_v and_o accompany_v his_o own_o institution_n not_o man_n device_n if_o vzzah_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o stay_v the_o ark_n his_o good_a intention_n can_v not_o justify_v his_o action_n but_o his_o not_o act_v according_o to_o god_n order_n be_v his_o death_n the_o prelate_n have_v as_o plausible_a a_o plea_n for_o their_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n and_o take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n viz._n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o conformity_n yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_v unto_o all_o man_n last_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n may_v befall_v classical_a and_o synodal_n assembly_n yea_o and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o what_o remedy_n be_v there_o for_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o this_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n afford_v to_o particular_a church_n corollary_n 4._o then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la aught_o to_o be_v thankful_o receive_v right_o improve_v and_o faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o by_o other_o church_n and_o their_o officer_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v thankful_o receive_v as_o a_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n who_o heart_n be_v engage_v to_o approach_v unto_o he_o jer._n 30.21_o the_o grant_n by_o charter_n of_o entireness_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o unto_o city_n and_o corporation_n have_v ever_o be_v high_o esteem_v as_o a_o act_n of_o special_a grace_n from_o the_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o privilege_n with_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o that_o the_o chief_a captain_n in_o act_n 22.25_o 26_o 28._o purchase_v his_o freedom_n in_o rome_n with_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n this_o grant_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o member_n of_o they_o sundry_a way_n 1._o for_o their_o ease_n in_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v examine_v and_o issue_v at_o home_n without_o chargeable_a tiresome_a journey_n to_o the_o classical_a or_o synodal_n assembly_n to_o have_v their_o matter_n determine_v there_o 2._o for_o encouragement_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o speech_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o answer_v before_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v a_o memberlike_a and_o pastoral_a care_n and_o respect_n of_o he_o whereas_o the_o presence_n of_o sundry_a strange_a face_n of_o person_n of_o superior_a rank_n and_o quality_n will_v not_o a_o little_a daunt_v he_o which_o may_v occasion_v his_o fall_n in_o his_o cause_n 3._o for_o their_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o church_n proceed_v where_o as_o all_o circumstance_n can_v be_v best_o clear_v so_o more_o moderation_n may_v rational_o be_v expect_v from_o their_o own_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o from_o stranger_n comparative_o and_o from_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o censure_n and_o the_o same_o either_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v their_o own_o case_n they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o which_o be_v strong_a inducement_n to_o moderation_n exod._n 23.9_o gal._n 6.1_o than_o from_o a_o judicatory_a of_o constant_a judge_n who_o think_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o danger_n 4._o for_o common_a edification_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v by_o their_o presence_n in_o church-proceeding_n act_n 5.11_o this_o they_o lose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n classical_a assembly_n consist_v only_o of_o elder_n meeting_n and_o act_v apart_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v right_o improve_v which_o be_v then_o do_v when_o church-proceeding_n be_v orderly_o carry_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n both_o by_o the_o eldership_n and_o fraternity_n act_v the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v delegated_a to_o they_o respective_o according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n in_o the_o due_a order_n and_o with_o mutual_a consent_n according_a to_o god_n 3._o it_o must_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n 1._o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whereby_o the_o church_n act_v according_a to_o rule_v be_v make_v under_o christ_n the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o without_z appeal_n to_o other_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n who_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v church-censure_n or_o to_o release_v man_n from_o they_o matth._n 18.18_o object_n what_o if_o the_o brother_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o church_n proceed_v ans_fw-fr the_o elder_n have_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v their_o proceed_n and_o the_o brethren_n either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o major_a part_n by_o far_o judge_a according_o let_v he_o suspect_v his_o own_o apprehension_n fear_v that_o satan_n temptation_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n pride_n and_o self-flattery_n may_v darken_v and_o harden_v he_o prov._n 28.14_o 2._o let_v he_o attend_v serious_o to_o the_o light_n hold_v forth_o from_o scripture_n for_o his_o conviction_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a in_o he_o 3._o let_v he_o thankful_o close_a with_o the_o light_n that_o do_v shine_v unto_o he_o and_o answerable_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o himself_o the_o evil_n which_o that_o light_n reprove_v and_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o compass_n of_o his_o guilt_n seek_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o further_a help_n with_o a_o self-denying_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o rule_n 4._o if_o he_o can_v show_v convict_o to_o the_o church_n some_o error_n in_o the_o elder_n expound_v or_o apply_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n whereupon_o the_o censure_n proceed_v let_v he_o fall_v under_o the_o rule_n or_o look_v at_o it_o as_o his_o great_a sin_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o covenant_n
do_v not_o note_v distinct_a species_n or_o kind_n of_o church_n but_o be_v only_o several_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o be_v call_v invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o invisible_a union_n which_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n and_o visible_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v visible_a to_o man_n but_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o sense_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n 1._o not_o as_o invisible_a for_o that_o be_v not_o build_v by_o a_o visible_a profession_n such_o as_o peter_n be_v nor_o be_v the_o ordinance_n dispense_v or_o administer_v visible_o in_o it_o to_z or_o by_o man_n in_o visible_a fellowship_n add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o key_n here_o give_v to_o peter_n can_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n even_o the_o same_o person_n to_o who_o they_o have_v open_v the_o door_n before_o which_o can_v befall_v believer_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n 2._o not_o as_o visible_a for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o visible_a as_o a_o church_n and_o the_o church_n that_o be_v visible_a be_v not_o catholic_n though_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v visible_a in_o its_o singular_a member_n yet_o so_o they_o be_v not_o a_o church_n or_o though_o it_o may_v be_v visible_a in_o particular_a congregation_n 56_o see_v mr._n cott._n defence_n of_o the_o way_n of_o congreg_n church_n par_fw-fr 2._o p._n 56_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v catholic_n or_o though_o all_o of_o they_o if_o they_o can_v meet_v together_o may_v be_v call_v a_o catholic_n church_n or_o general_a assembly_n yet_o so_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n i._n e._n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o such_o assembly_n 15._o see_v mr._n hooker_n '_o â—_o survey_v part_v 1._o ch_z 14_o &_o 15._o if_o possible_a be_v extraordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a assembly_n be_v not_o fit_a judicatory_n to_o hear_v and_o censure_v ordinary_a offence_n or_o to_o administer_v the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church-power_n 2._o if_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n be_v consider_v as_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la which_o be_v such_o a_o whole_a as_o arise_v out_o of_o the_o aggregation_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o army_n be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o the_o several_a regiment_n and_o troop_n or_o a_o kingdom_n of_o all_o the_o city_n and_o county_n within_o it_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n i._n e._n of_o all_o church-power_n for_o 1._o particular_a church_n be_v the_o member_n which_o give_v the_o essential_a cause_n whence_o the_o integrity_n of_o this_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o and_o therefore_o in_o nature_n before_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o its_o effect_n 2._o church-officer_n with_o their_o office_n be_v set_v ordinary_o by_o christ_n institution_n only_o in_o such_o a_o church_n where_o they_o be_v call_v the_o choose_a but_o that_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o for_o that_o choice_n and_o calling_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o relation_n between_o pastor_n and_o people_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o ruler_n and_o of_o the_o rule_v mutual_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o heb._n 13.17_o 3._o if_o a_o catholic_n integral_n church_n arise_v from_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o member_n of_o it_o join_v together_o than_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_a from_o they_o all_o as_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o thing_n distinct_a from_o its_o several_a member_n than_o also_o there_o must_v be_v some_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n and_o act_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o there_o be_v a_o general_n over_o a_o army_n beside_o the_o captain_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o several_a regiment_n and_o a_o supreme_a monarch_n in_o a_o kingdom_n beside_o the_o governor_n in_o the_o several_a corporation_n and_o county_n but_o no_o such_o catholick-church_n distinct_a from_o all_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v show_v nor_o officer_n or_o act_n of_o it_o beside_o those_o which_o be_v exercise_v in_o particular_a church_n 4._o diocesan_a bishop_n look_v at_o these_o word_n as_o give_v the_o key_n to_o they_o as_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n whence_o they_o assume_v the_o power_n of_o ordinathon_n and_o jurisdiction_n as_o belong_v to_o they_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la a_o claim_n which_o king_n james_n whether_o out_o of_o his_o policy_n which_o he_o call_v his_o kingcraft_n or_o out_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o pretend_v in_o his_o time_n nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o warrant_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n as_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o prove_v by_o sundry_a witness_n against_o that_o usurpation_n we_o read_v of_o bishop_n in_o the_o new-testament_n but_o what_o not_o one_o bishop_n over_o many_o church_n but_o many_o bishop_n over_o one_o church_n not_o diocesan_n but_o congregational_a bishop_n phil._n 1.1_o those_o who_o luke_n call_v elder_n in_o act._n 20.17_o paul_n call_v bishop_n in_o v._o 28._o the_o bishop_n which_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v christ_n ordinance_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v congregational_a elder_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 1-8_a tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o all_o the_o teaching-elders_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow-elders_a coequal_a in_o authority_n above_o who_o paul_n acknowledge_v no_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o set_v these_o above_o all_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 3._o euseb_n eccles_n hist_o l._n 6._o c._n 43._o cypr._n ep._n l._n 3._o ep._n 10_o &_o l._n 1._o ep_v 3._o and_o when_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o of_o the_o pastor_n be_v call_v bishop_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n for_o order_n sake_n yet_o for_o many_o year_n he_o do_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_z 1._o with_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2._o with_o consent_n galat._n dr._n cudw_n on_o the_o postscript_n to_o galat._n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n what_o be_v plead_v from_o titus_n his_o ordain_v tit._n 1.5_o help_v not_o their_o cause_n for_o he_o do_v it_o as_o a_o evangelist_n not_o as_o a_o diocesan_n prelate_n and_o the_o office_n of_o evangelist_n together_o with_o the_o apostle_n cease_v the_o postscript_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o of_o that_o to_o titus_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o cretan_n be_v apocryphal_a as_o the_o rest_n be_v and_o the_o first_o consist_v not_o with_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o where_o timothy_n be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o not_o tie_v to_o personal_a residence_n to_o abide_v in_o one_o place_n as_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v but_o the_o evangelist_n be_v to_o go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o set_v thing_n in_o order_n and_o confirm_v the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o titus_n nor_o be_v the_o postscript_n of_o that_o epistle_n of_o more_o credit_n than_o the_o former_a where_o the_o scribe_n say_v it_o be_v write_v from_o nicopolis_n hiperius_fw-la just_o dislike_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o opinion_n in_o the_o scribe_n which_o he_o say_v be_v from_o tit._n 3.12_o because_o paul_n bid_v titus_n come_v to_o he_o to_o nicopolis_n for_o he_o determine_v to_o winter_n there_o whereas_o if_o he_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n he_o will_v have_v say_v i_o purpose_v to_o winter_n here_o not_o there_o as_o beza_n note_v 5._o other_o conclude_v from_o this_o text_n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n i_o e._n the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o church-officer_n only_o especial_o to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o that_o such_o only_a or_o principal_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o grant_n they_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o five_o reason_n especial_o we_o will_v examine_v they_o several_o and_o brief_o 1._o reas_n because_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o steward_n by_o office_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o isa_n 22.12_o answ_n 1._o the_o three_o former_a text_n speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n office_n and_o in_o they_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n not_o of_o ruling-elders_a but_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o ruling-elders_a to_o have_v a_o key_n of_o office_n also_o the_o last_o text_n prove_v only_o that_o the_o key_n sometime_o signify_v office-power_n give_v to_o a_o steward_n which_o none_o deny_v but_o this_o touch_v not_o this_o text_n mat._n 16._o which_o mean_v not_o only_a
church_n 2._o ubi_fw-la est_fw-la vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ibi_fw-la esse_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o eligendi_fw-la et_fw-la ordiâ—ndi_fw-la ministros_fw-la melanct._n de_fw-fr potest_fw-la episcop_n arg._n 2._o 4._o their_o expostulate_v with_o any_o member_n in_o case_n of_o suppose_a offence_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whereunto_o peter_n submit_v though_o a_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 11.2_o 3_o 4._o 5._o their_o public_a admonish_a offender_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whether_o they_o be_v offend_v brethren_n or_o offend_a officer_n mat._n 18.18_o col._n 4.17_o let_v he_o hear_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n say_v to_o archippus_n fulfil_v etc._n etc._n 6._o their_o excommunicate_v obstinate_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n whether_o a_o brother_n mat._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o or_o a_o officer_n gal._n 5.12_o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o church_n 7._o their_o receive_n again_o or_o release_n from_o censure_n those_o that_o have_v be_v under_o censure_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o â—ower_n this_o also_o cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o the_o vix_fw-la plebi_fw-la persuadeo_fw-la imò_fw-la extorqueo_fw-la ut_fw-la tale_n patiantur_fw-la admitti_fw-la et_fw-la justior_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la fraternitatis_fw-la dolour_n exeo_fw-la quod_fw-la unus_fw-la atque_fw-la alius_fw-la obnitente_fw-la plebe_fw-la &_o contradicente_fw-la meâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la facilitate_v suscepti_fw-la priores_fw-la extiterunt_fw-la quà m_fw-la priùs_fw-la fuerant_fw-la nec_fw-la fidem_fw-la poenitentiae_fw-la seruare_fw-la potuerunt_fw-la quia_fw-la nec_fw-la cum_fw-la verâ_fw-la poenitentiâ_fw-la venerant_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 3._o people_n or_o fraternity_n who_o though_o they_o glad_o receive_v such_o as_o return_v with_o repentance_n yet_o he_o can_v hardly_o persuade_v they_o yea_o extort_v it_o from_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o in_o who_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n appear_v and_o he_o justify_v they_o herein_o blame_v himself_o for_o too_o much_o facility_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o church_n be_v before_o its_o officer_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n essential_o and_o have_v all_o church-power_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n and_o when_o the_o officer_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o death_n or_o censure_n for_o 1._o as_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n who_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o man_n agree_v to_o he_o though_o he_o want_v some_o bodily_a member_n so_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o socâ—â—_n of_o visible_a believer_n confederate_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o mutual_a submission_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n agree_v to_o it_o though_o it_o want_v officer_n 2._o such_o a_o church_n can_v call_v their_o officer_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o officer_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v before_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o its_o effect_n a_o corporation_n have_v its_o be_v and_o power_n of_o a_o corporation_n within_o itself_o before_o it_o have_v magistrate_n because_o it_o can_v choose_v magistrate_n and_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o put_v out_o can_v put_v other_o into_o their_o stead_n and_o place_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n 2._o corollary_n then_o though_o the_o church_n have_v its_o essential_a be_v and_o power_n without_o officer_n yet_o it_o be_v defective_a two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o member_n it_o have_v not_o its_o complete_a integrity_n of_o member_n without_o they_o bartimeus_n be_v a_o true_a man_n without_o his_o eye_n but_o not_o perfect_a with_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o part_n and_o member_n so_o be_v the_o church_n defective_a and_o maim_v without_o officer_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v defective_a in_o its_o member_n so_o also_o in_o its_o operation_n if_o it_o want_v officer_n for_o some_o ordinance_n can_v be_v at_o all_o administer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o the_o outward_a seal_n or_o sacrament_n which_o be_v annex_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v by_o he_o limit_v unto_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n by_o office_n mat._n 28.19_o and_o some_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o in_o order_v speech_n in_o public_a in_o church-debate_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o like_a can_v be_v do_v without_o ruling-elders_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o official_a watch_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v private_a disorder_n in_o conversation_n among_o the_o member_n 3._o some_o can_v be_v so_o do_v by_o other_o as_o by_z officer_n 1._o not_o with_o that_o attendance_n to_o they_o as_o the_o need_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v he_o that_o have_v a_o office_n be_v bind_v to_o wait_v on_o it_o rom._n 12.7_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o continual_o act._n 6.4_o to_o be_v in_o it_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v free_v by_o the_o church_n from_o other_o distract_n care_v which_o will_v disable_v he_o to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o 2._o not_o with_o authority_n which_o belong_v to_o rule_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o authority_n heb._n 13.17_o so_o in_o other_o act_n which_o be_v proper_o official_a and_o authoritative_a hence_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o officer_n and_o private_a member_n in_o their_o seveâ—â—â—_n manner_n of_o act_v in_o thing_n common_a to_o both_o a_o church_n want_v officer_n may_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o admission_n of_o such_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o membership_n with_o the_o church_n in_o who_o fitness_n thereunto_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v and_o in_o ordain_v officer_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o gather_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o fraternity_n and_o in_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o censure_n but_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v only_o at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n pro_fw-la hâc_fw-la vel_fw-la illâ_fw-la vice_fw-la the_o same_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o teach_v and_o ruling-elders_a in_o another_o manner_n viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n without_o particular_a leave_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o officer_n to_o attend_v unto_o their_o work_n not_o only_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o receive_v into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o the_o church_n approve_v but_o also_o to_o try_v the_o fitness_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o fellowship_n before_o they_o propound_v they_o to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o hold_v in_o officer_n to_o be_v call_v and_o when_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o and_o agree_v to_o ordain_v they_o the_o eldership_n impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o theâ—â—_n office_n when_o offence_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o step_n as_o the_o elder_n do_v propound_v the_o case_n so_o it_o must_v first_o be_v notify_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v try_v whether_o the_o rule_n have_v be_v attend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a step_n and_o that_o they_o may_v clear_v all_o difficulty_n and_o then_o propound_v the_o case_n when_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o public_a cognizance_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o be_v so_o if_o they_o neglect_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n or_o assume_v any_o undue_a power_n to_o themselves_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v may_v complain_v to_o the_o church_n and_o as_o need_n may_v require_v they_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o judge_v and_o in_o the_o close_a to_o propound_v the_o sentence_n wherein_o the_o church_n consent_v and_o they_o concur_v with_o they_o authoritative_o 3._o corollary_n then_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o church-power_n and_o of_o ordinary_a office-power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n and_o officer_n respective_o within_o that_o body_n or_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a memberly_n or_o official_a relation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n can_v act_v in_o admit_v the_o member_n choose_v the_o officer_n nor_o censure_a offender_n of_o another_o church_n nor_o may_v the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n administer_v the_o seal_n or_o ordain_v officer_n or_o perform_v other_o proper_a act_n of_o official_a authority_n out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n in_o another_o
to_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n contradict_v and_o so_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o high_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o itself_o 3._o corollary_n then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la will_v well_o consist_v with_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o both_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n ordinance_n do_v not_o interfere_v as_o the_o communion_n of_o neighbour-family_n do_v not_o cross_v the_o complete_a government_n of_o several_a family_n within_o themselves_o respective_o in_o thing_n proper_o domestical_a and_o as_o communion_n among_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n hinder_v not_o the_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o each_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n within_o itself_o in_o its_o proper_a concernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n therefore_o church-communion_n must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a association_n for_o mutual_a helpfulness_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o not_o in_o way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n whether_o of_o another_o church_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o several_a church_n assemble_v in_o class_n or_o synod_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o former_a way_n be_v exercise_v according_a to_o rule_n in_o sundry_a case_n as_o 1._o in_o mutual_a care_n 2._o in_o recommendation_n of_o member_n 3._o in_o participation_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o 4._o in_o relieve_v and_o succour_v one_o another_o 5._o in_o countenance_v by_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o a_o church_n in_o its_o first_o gather_v and_o unto_o elder_n at_o their_o ordination_n 6._o in_o consult_v one_o with_o another_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o require_v the_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n 16._o see_v these_o particular_n prove_v in_o the_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n published-by_a the_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n anno._n 1649._o the_o eight_o month_n chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v than_o ourselves_o 7._o in_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n all_o these_o and_o if_o withdraw_a fellowship_n upon_o just_a cause_n be_v add_v to_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o apostle_n may_v do_v to_o another_o without_o exercise_v church-government_n over_o they_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n to_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la the_o scripture_n no_o where_o approve_v not_o of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o church_n and_o par_fw-fr in_o parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la nor_o of_o one_o church_n to_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a neighbour-churche_n the_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o pattern_n they_o say_v of_o such_o a_o synod_n let_v we_o see_v how_o their_o classical_a assembly_n answer_v it_o 1._o that_o be_v no_o set_a meeting_n monthly_a or_o quarterly_a but_o mere_o occasional_a act._n 15.1_o 2._o 2._o if_o be_v not_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o assemble_v verse_n 22_o 23._o 3._o it_o be_v but_o a_o meeting_n of_o two_o church_n that_o of_o antioch_n send_v their_o messenger_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n who_o residence_n for_o the_o present_a be_v there_o join_v with_o they_o verse_n 4_o 6._o 4._o that_o assembly_n give_v their_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o antioch_n &_o of_o the_o person_n that_o teach_v it_o as_o troublesome_a and_o subverter_n verse_n 24._o but_o do_v neither_o excommunicate_v they_o nor_o command_v the_o church_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 5._o they_o direct_v and_o charge_v the_o church_n from_o the_o word_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v verse_n 28_o 29._o but_o they_o do_v not_o do_v their_o act_n of_o power_n for_o they_o 6._o nor_o do_v this_o assembly_n exercise_v church-government_n over_o that_o church_n at_o antioch_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n or_o in_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n or_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n or_o in_o excommunicate_v or_o in_o reverse_v or_o nullify_n the_o censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o church_n for_o these_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la to_o every_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o yet_o because_o i_o study_v peace_n and_o consent_n with_o godly_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o truth_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n right_o gather_v and_o order_v have_v so_o much_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o in_o these_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n for_o in_o scripture_n be_v willing_a also_o to_o yield_v further_o if_o it_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o more_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o there_o be_v two_o case_n wherein_o the_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n and_o determination_n of_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n 1._o when_o they_o want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o competent_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o themselves_o approve_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o attainment_n of_o their_o end_n in_o seek_v light_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n agree_v to_o send_v to_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n though_o two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o have_v sufficient_a light_n within_o themselves_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o convict_o from_o scripture_n the_o elder_n and_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o brethren_n by_o far_o consent_v therein_o no_o rule_n require_v or_o allow_v that_o for_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o a_o delinquent_n who_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n or_o of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n who_o side_n with_o he_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o censure_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o proceed_v till_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n have_v be_v consult_v for_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v 1._o it_o will_v disturb_v all_o church-proceeding_n 2._o and_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la it_o must_v issue_v there_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n if_o as_o many_o elder_n in_o that_o assembly_n dissent_n as_o brethren_n do_v before_o in_o the_o church-meeting_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v gain_v thereby_o and_o if_o the_o delinquent_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o issue_n and_o so_o appeal_n may_v be_v draw_v further_o till_o a_o delinquent_n wrest_v himself_o at_o last_o from_o all_o power_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o case_n be_v when_o that_o which_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la in_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o consider_v become_v res_fw-la communis_fw-la in_o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o proceed_v for_o though_o receive_v of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v act_n of_o the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o never_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o establish_v by_o that_o grant_n a_o absolute_a power_n in_o such_o church_n to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o other_o church_n if_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o a_o right_a seed_n shall_v turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n unto_o god_n and_o become_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a or_o scandalous_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n know_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o choose_v such_o into_o office_n and_o refuse_v to_o admit_v into_o fellowship_n or_o office_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o fellowship_n such_o as_o testify_v according_a to_o rule_n against_o these_o evil_n and_o refuse_v to_o consent_v with_o they_o therein_o etc._n etc._n the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n or_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n if_o the_o evil_n spread_v to_o the_o disturb_v corrupt_a or_o scandalize_a