choose_v its_o own_o servant_n phebe_n be_v call_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 6.2_o so_o be_v widow_n for_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v so_o their_o sexton_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v oversee_v the_o building_n or_o any_o other_o servant_n that_o may_v be_v for_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o church_n this_o church_n privilege_n of_o choose_v officer_n do_v only_o belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n the_o brethren_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v the_o deacon_n act._n 6.3_o and_o woman_n have_v not_o power_n in_o this_o matter_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 2.12_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o subjection_n which_o god_n have_v put_v they_o into_o if_o they_o may_v vote_n they_o may_v over-rule_v the_o man_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n those_o male_n that_o be_v not_o their_o own_o master_n as_o child_n that_o be_v not_o at_o their_o own_o dispose_n and_o servant_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o church_n they_o that_o be_v not_o free_a be_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o this_o liberty_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o officer_n of_o congregational_a church_n and_o their_o power_n the_o officer_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v either_o elder_n or_o deacon_n the_o elder_n be_v either_o teach_v elder_n or_o rule_v elder_n the_o work_n of_o the_o teach_v elder_n lie_v principal_o in_o these_o five_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n both_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o private_o in_o case_n of_o sickness_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o administer_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o together_o with_o the_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n such_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v suitable_o qualify_v but_o not_o in_o office_n may_v upon_o occasion_n discharge_v some_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o those_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o natural_a worship_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o as_o pray_v and_o preach_v but_o such_o ministerial_a act_n as_o do_v depend_v whole_o upon_o institution_n they_o may_v not_o perform_v as_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o dispence_n of_o censure_n and_o a_o authoritative_a blessing_n these_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o institution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v do_v only_o according_a to_o a_o institution_n a_o teach_v elder_a by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v his_o work_n in_o that_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o perform_v act_n of_o office_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o to_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n assemble_v with_o his_o own_o church_n pastoral_a power_n over_o a_o particular_a church_n give_v he_o no_o power_n over_o any_o that_o be_v of_o that_o church_n his_o relation_n to_o they_o give_v he_o no_o power_n over_o any_o other_o but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n stand_v in_o a_o more_o general_a relation_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n some_o that_o be_v not_o pastor_n to_o particular_a congregation_n be_v yet_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pastor_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o may_v do_v act_n of_o office_n to_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o assemble_v with_o 〈◊〉_d own_o and_o towards_o other_o church_n be_v desire_v when_o he_o can_v convenient_o be_v spare_v from_o his_o own_o and_o towards_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n the_o levite_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o any_o particular_a synagogue_n paul_n have_v office_n power_n over_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n act._n 26.17,18_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v barnabas_n to_o antiock_n to_o officiate_v as_o a_o minister_n act._n 11._o and_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o preach_v have_v also_o to_o baptise_v mat._n 28.19,20_o we_o find_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o baptise_v such_o as_o he_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o commit_v that_o work_n to_o some_o other_o inferior_a minister_n that_o be_v in_o company_n with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 1.14_o and_o this_o he_o do_v after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n john_n 4.2_o there_o be_v need_n that_o some_o have_v office-power_n now_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o there_o may_v be_v several_a now_o that_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o as_o well_o as_o cornelius_n the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o jallor_n and_o other_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o service_n the_o teach_v officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o baptise_v and_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v make_v the_o judge_n by_o god_n what_o person_n those_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n either_o of_o the_o brethren_n or_o rule_v elder_n any_o way_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o affair_n or_o limit_v he_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v advise_v with_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o shall_v baptise_v such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o as_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o so_o the_o judge_a concern_v those_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v unto_o as_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o subject_n to_o teach_v upon_o and_o as_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v so_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o join_v with_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n these_o officer_n be_v call_v government_n 1_o cor._n 12._o such_o as_o rule_v rom._n 12._o distinguish_v from_o such_o as_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5._o the_o teach_v elder_n with_o the_o rule_v elder_n make_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v the_o power_n of_o censure_v offender_n in_o the_o church_n and_o absolve_v of_o penitent_n do_v belong_v alone_o to_o these_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v overrule_v by_o the_o brethren_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o rule_v well_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o elder_n therefore_o not_o to_o control_v they_o in_o their_o government_n heb._n 12.17_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o ruler_n and_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act._n 18._o deut._n 21.5_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o they_o matth._n 16.18_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o elder_a and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o personal_a reward_n of_o his_o profession_n obj._n matth._n 18.17_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n this_o imply_v the_o power_n of_o the_o brethren_n answ_n 1._o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o civil_a 2._o it_o be_v not_o harsh_a by_o the_o church_n to_o intend_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n see_v numb_a 24.25_o 3._o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o the_o day_n when_o it_o be_v speak_v and_o there_o be_v now_o no_o church_n in_o be_v but_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o which_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n be_v with_o the_o elder_n obj._n 1_o cor._n 5.1,4_o the_o church_n be_v order_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o his_o punishment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o answ_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v only_o require_v to_o publish_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n from_o paul_n 2._o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n to_o attribute_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ruler_n to_o the_o public_a society_n as_o when_o god_n require_v that_o the_o people_n of_o judah_n do_v act_n of_o public_a justice_n he_o do_v not_o
constant_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o protestant_a church_n but_o some_o in_o latter_a time_n do_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n that_o there_o be_v national_a church_n do_v appear_v first_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o man_n be_v fit_v for_o society_n and_o the_o great_a end_n why_o he_o be_v so_o be_v that_o in_o society_n he_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o lesser_a society_n ought_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n so_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o promote_a and_o advance_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o that_o be_v one_o people_n shall_v unite_n together_o in_o carry_v on_o god_n worship_n and_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o that_o body_n nature_n teach_v that_o every_o kingdom_n shall_v see_v that_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v attend_v in_o the_o several_a congregation_n therein_o 2_o dly_z from_o god_n appoint_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v one_o church_n act._n 7.38_o and_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o new_a form_n of_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o church_n appoint_v now_o congregational_a church_n be_v no_o new_a kind_n of_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o old_a institution_n for_o euâ—…y_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n they_o have_v ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o government_n in_o they_o they_o be_v call_v church_n by_o christ_n matth._n 18.17_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n institution_n do_v continue_v still_o appear_v partly_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n and_o do_v attend_v jewish_a ordinance_n and_o thâ—…fore_o by_o institution_n christian_a congregation_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o subordinate_a to_o a_o national_a church_n it_o be_v further_a evident_a because_o the_o jewish_a national_a church_n do_v not_o cease_v as_o their_o ceremony_n do_v because_o their_o date_n be_v out_o but_o because_o they_o reject_v christ_n rom._n 11.20_o have_v they_o keep_v god_n covenant_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v a_o national_a church_n to_o this_o day_n 3_o lie_v from_o the_o public_a covenant_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o a_o profess_v people_n god_n make_v a_o public_a covenant_n between_o he_o and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n wherein_o he_o engage_v public_a prosperity_n unto_o they_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o all_o profess_v country_n be_v under_o the_o same_o covenant_n for_o substance_n the_o promise_n and_o so_o the_o threaten_n declare_v be_v of_o force_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v the_o like_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n that_o they_o have_v and_o be_v in_o the_o like_a danger_n in_o case_n of_o â—…sobedience_n god_n deal_v with_o profess_v country_n at_o this_o day_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n those_o promise_n will_v never_o be_v out_o of_o date_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n god_n make_v the_o same_o to_o israel_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o restoration_n this_o abundant_o witness_v that_o every_o christian_a nation_n be_v a_o church_n if_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o they_o upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n than_o they_o be_v a_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n than_o they_o be_v one_o body_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o the_o part_n and_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o see_v the_o covenant_n keep_v if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o have_v not_o power_n to_o make_v the_o several_a part_n to_o keep_v covenant_n the_o covenant_n will_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o they_o particular_a society_n may_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v no_o power_n to_o remove_v it_o if_o they_o be_v all_o engage_v in_o one_o individual_a covenant_n the_o country_n have_v power_n to_o regulate_v all_o maleadministration_n that_o any_o of_o the_o part_n be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o be_v in_o one_o individual_a covenant_n they_o be_v as_o one_o body_n expouse_v by_o god_n the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o one_o church_n here_o be_v all_o that_o make_v israel_n to_o be_v a_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o people_n be_v a_o church_n 4_o lie_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o make_v gentile_a nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n god_n do_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o set_v up_o soâ—…_n church_n among_o the_o gentile_n but_o to_o take_v whole_a nation_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o isa_n 24.22_o and_o it_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o christ_n that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o become_v church_n matth._n 21.43_o yea_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o when_o israel_n be_v convert_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n as_o former_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o eâ—…iel_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o obedience_n as_o be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o deutrenomy_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n will_v be_v one_o church_n when_o they_o be_v restore_v than_o it_o will_v be_v so_o with_o every_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o abolish_v 5._o because_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o particular_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n than_o every_o particular_a â—…ngregation_n be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a and_o not_o responsable_a to_o â—…y_v high_a power_n this_o be_v too_o lordly_a a_o principle_n it_o be_v too_o ambitious_a a_o thing_n for_o every_o small_a congregation_n to_o arrogate_v such_o a_o uncontrollable_a power_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o on_o earth_n this_o be_v neither_o a_o probable_a way_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o church_n member_n appeal_v 〈◊〉_d admit_v in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o in_o a_o whâ—…_n country_n person_n may_v be_v find_v that_o may_v rectify_v the_o miscarriaâ—…_n of_o particular_a congregation_n than_o that_o particular_a congregation_n will_v not_o miscarry_v this_o absoluteness_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o dignity_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v not_o enjoy_v this_o be_v not_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o gospel_n church_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o seem_v that_o god_n give_v they_o this_o power_n because_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o government_n can_v not_o then_o be_v practise_v the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o gentile_a nation_n lie_v in_o their_o heathenism_n obj._n 1_o we_o do_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n any_o national_a church_n among_o the_o gentile_n answ_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v not_o that_o national_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n that_o do_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n though_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n gather_v among_o the_o gentile_n yet_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o they_o comparitive_o that_o do_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n the_o bulk_n of_o all_o the_o gentile_a nation_n lay_v in_o their_o heathenism_n during_o all_o that_o time_n that_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o in_o the_o scripture_n obj._n 2._o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n any_o national_a officer_n as_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o israel_n nor_o any_o national_a place_n of_o worship_n as_o jerusalem_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n answ_n 1._o to_o have_v one_o national_a officer_n over_o the_o â—…le_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n israel_n be_v a_o national_a church_n when_o they_o have_v no_o such_o national_a officer_n while_o the_o first_o bear_v do_v exercise_n the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n before_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o levite_n to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o civil_a government_n none_o of_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o republic_n the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n do_v not_o necessitate_v this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o government_n if_o there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o to_o rule_n over_o the_o whole_a
but_o that_o this_o power_n shall_v reside_v either_o sole_o or_o principal_o in_o one_o man_n do_v not_o follow_v at_o all_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o supreme_a officer_n to_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o occasion_n the_o church_n may_v be_v govern_v withoâ—…_n any_o such_o 2._o to_o have_v one_o national_a place_n of_o worship_n be_v but_o â—…cidental_a to_o a_o national_a church_n israel_n be_v a_o national_a church_n in_o egypt_n yet_o have_v no_o national_a place_n of_o worship_n all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n beside_o that_o which_o be_v tipical_a may_v be_v attend_v in_o their_o synagogue_n the_o not_o have_v a_o national_a place_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o natiâ—…_n authority_n there_o may_v be_v a_o national_a government_n as_o well_o wiâ—…_n as_o with_o a_o national_a place_n of_o worship_n this_o national_a church_n be_v to_o be_v divide_v into_o provincial_a and_o those_o again_o subdivide_v into_o classical_a the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o to_o make_v such_o division_n of_o great_a political_a body_n that_o government_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o manage_v natural_a prudence_n teach_v man_n in_o the_o civil_a state_n to_o make_v such_o subordination_n of_o court_n of_o justice_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n this_o be_v according_a to_o the_o counsel_n which_o be_v give_v to_o moses_n by_o his_o father_n in_o â—aw_v and_o approve_v by_o god_n exod._n 18._o by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o part_n the_o great_a part_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o lesser_a part_n for_o a_o great_a part_n be_v a_o whole_a respect_v the_o lesser_a part_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divide_v a_o county_n be_v a_o part_n with_o respect_n to_o a_o province_n but_o a_o whole_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a congregation_n therein_o and_o according_o may_n exercise_n government_n over_o they_o yet_o with_o subordination_n to_o that_o authority_n that_o be_v over_o the_o whole_a a_o gradation_n both_o in_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a law_n of_o nature_n obj._n if_o we_o grant_v a_o national_a church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v as_o well_o grant_v a_o ecumenical_a church_n those_o that_o plead_v for_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o synod_n refer_v thing_n at_o last_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o ecumenical_a synod_n answ_n 〈◊〉_d be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o institute_v ecumenical_a church_n there_o be_v a_o â—…lick_a church_n but_o that_o note_n all_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n but_o there_o be_v no_o institute_v ecumenical_a church_n for_o the_o several_a christian_a nation_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n they_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o same_o special_a covenant_n but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o individual_a covenant_n so_o it_o be_v here_o one_o nation_n may_v keep_v covenant_n while_o other_o nation_n brack_n covenant_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o institution_n for_o ecumenical_a synod_n if_o they_o can_v convene_v they_o have_v no_o authority_n their_o consultation_n may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o other_o but_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n a_o national_a synod_n be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n upon_o earth_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o government_n of_o national_a churches_n such_o protestant_n as_o have_v acknowledge_v national_a church_n have_v be_v divide_v about_o the_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v practise_v among_o they_o some_o of_o they_o be_v for_o a_o mix_a government_n partly_o by_o arch-bishop_n and_o bishop_n and_o partly_o by_o synod_n so_o the_o church_n of_o england_n some_o have_v govern_v by_o a_o synod_n alone_o so_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o this_o government_n seem_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n synod_n have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o church_n but_o upon_o differ_v ground_n some_o have_v found_v they_o upon_o that_o rule_n of_o prudence_n prov._n 24.66_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n but_o if_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o this_o they_o have_v no_o other_o work_n but_o to_o counsel_n and_o advise_v and_o they_o can_v have_v no_o authority_n all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v depend_v upon_o a_o institution_n their_o authority_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o god_n some_o do_v find_v it_o upon_o that_o example_n act._n 15._o but_o this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o synod_n this_o be_v not_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o many_o church_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n together_o with_o the_o brethren_n yet_o no_o doubt_n but_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v part_n of_o that_o assembly_n have_v the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n but_o the_o foundation_n of_o synod_n be_v partly_o that_o public_a covenant_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n partly_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o partly_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o this_o public_a covenant_n show_v that_o the_o whole_a must_v rule_v the_o part_n the_o rule_n and_o government_n do_v fundamental_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v itself_o thus_o it_o be_v original_o with_o all_o nation_n as_o to_o their_o civil_a government_n so_o also_o as_o to_o ecclesiastical_a and_o therefore_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o government_n must_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o some_o that_o do_v legal_o represent_v the_o whole_a if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o some_o that_o represent_v the_o whole_a than_o the_o whole_a do_v not_o govern_v the_o ruler_n must_v be_v the_o representation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o synod_n they_o be_v either_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o several_a church_n if_o the_o country_n be_v not_o too_o numerous_a or_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o elder_n if_o the_o country_n be_v large_a and_o numerous_a and_o these_o be_v a_o legal_a representation_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v choose_v to_o thâ—…_n office_n to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o several_a church_n and_o in_o case_n there_o be_v need_n they_o have_v power_n to_o select_v out_o of_o themselves_o such_o a_o company_n as_o may_v convenient_o meet_v with_o who_o their_o power_n shall_v be_v entrust_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v that_o the_o government_n must_v be_v commit_v to_o such_o a_o number_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v uncapable_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o number_n to_o assemble_v and_o discourse_v together_o for_o otherwise_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o be_v a_o thing_n practicable_a thus_o it_o be_v not_o with_o bishop_n they_o do_v not_o legal_o represent_v the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o person_n elect_v by_o the_o church_n to_o act_n in_o their_o behalf_n but_o be_v put_v into_o their_o office_n by_o civil_a authority_n and_o how_o can_v they_o represent_v the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o desire_v any_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n and_o second_o their_o office_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o how_o can_v they_o who_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a appointment_n legal_o represent_v the_o church_n those_o who_o office_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v legal_o represent_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o counsel_n of_o seventy_o two_o person_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v both_o a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o a_o civil_a sanedrim_n this_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o christ_n time_n they_o have_v a_o council_n that_o do_v consist_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o priest_n act._n 14.6_o and_o 22.30_o and_o that_o god_n appoint_v the_o priest_n and_o other_o judge_n to_o join_v together_o in_o hear_v of_o controversy_n deut._n 19.17_o so_o also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n appoint_v by_o jehoshaphat_n to_o hear_v ecclesiastical_a cause_n 2_o chron._n 19.8_o and_o that_o the_o high_a priest_n be_v over_o they_o in_o those_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n v._o 11._o by_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o principal_a man_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n jesus_n do_v approve_v of_o their_o form_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o his_o time_n matth._n 23.2,3_o by_o priest_n scribes_z pharisees_n by_o this_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a that_o the_o government_n of_o a_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n by_o a_o assembly_n of_o its_o principal_a elder_n be_v a_o proper_a suitable_a and_o hopeful_a way_n
be_v either_o congregational_a or_o that_o which_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n consist_v of_o one_o congregation_n such_o we_o read_v of_o act._n 20.7_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o the_o form_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a wherein_o they_o bound_v themselves_o to_o walk_v together_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n covenant_v with_o god_n be_v a_o foundation_n for_o this_o whereas_o that_o covenant_n of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o all_o christian_n do_v make_v when_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o partiâ—…lar_a covenant_n make_v in_o the_o synagogue_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o congregation_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o one_o synagogue_n be_v bind_v one_o to_o another_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o nothing_o else_o can_v bind_v aâ—…e_a people_n one_o to_o another_o but_o a_o ecclesiastical_a covenant_n but_o there_o 〈◊〉_d somewhat_o else_o that_o bind_v a_o free_a people_n in_o the_o same_o town_n to_o mutual_a subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o town_n and_o though_o christian_n be_v a_o free_a people_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n but_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n and_o likewise_o by_o their_o own_o profession_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o bond_n to_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n of_o church_n we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o particular_a covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o precept_n for_o it_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o it_o we_o read_v of_o many_o congregational_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o syllable_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n intimate_v any_o such_o thing_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o it_o the_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v bind_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o worship_n together_o this_o be_v god_n appointment_n that_o his_o people_n that_o live_v together_o shall_v carry_v on_o his_o worship_n together_o the_o christian_n at_o corinth_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o the_o christian_n at_o ephesus_n be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n order_n call_v for_o it_o that_o where_o man_n live_v there_o they_o join_v together_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n if_o a_o christian_a live_v in_o a_o town_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o be_v immediate_o bind_v to_o join_v with_o that_o church_n and_o that_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o he_o to_o govern_v he_o and_o give_v he_o christian_a privilege_n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v need_n of_o humane_a prudence_n in_o determine_v how_o many_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o some_o town_n some_o town_n arise_v to_o be_v numerous_a so_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o several_a society_n and_o some_o be_v so_o small_a and_o lie_v so_o near_o together_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o two_o or_o more_o shall_v make_v one_o church_n in_o such_o case_n god_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n be_v set_v either_o by_o general_n agreement_n or_o by_o order_n from_o authority_n but_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n that_o every_o member_n shall_v covenant_n particular_o with_o the_o church_n grant_v this_o particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o christian_a may_v continue_v a_o considerable_a time_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o live_v where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o seven_o year_n together_o and_o live_v all_o that_o while_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n a_o covenant_n which_o he_o live_v in_o the_o continual_a breach_n of_o make_v a_o member_n at_o corinth_n and_o according_a to_o some_o give_v he_o a_o right_a to_o all_o ordinance_n grant_v this_o particular_a covenant_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v what_o church_n many_o child_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o father_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o one_o church_n the_o mother_n with_o another_o the_o child_n be_v baptise_a in_o a_o three_o and_o life_n in_o a_o four_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o particular_a covenant_n which_o be_v whole_o unscriptural_a be_v the_o â—…on_n that_o many_o among_o we_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o church_n privilege_n do_v belong_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o congregational_a church_n the_o great_a privilege_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n to_o choose_v suitable_a person_n to_o office_n they_o be_v limit_v to_o person_n fit_o qualify_v but_o the_o privilege_n of_o choose_v they_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o synagognes_n of_o the_o yews_n have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n if_o they_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n yet_o out_o of_o the_o levite_n they_o choose_v for_o themselves_o however_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n order_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o deacon_n act._n 6.3,4_o they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o prescribe_v who_o the_o person_n shall_v be_v and_o impose_v deacon_n on_o they_o but_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o the_o people_n nominate_v two_o out_o of_o which_o god_n choose_v one_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n act._n 1.23_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o all_o free_a society_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n such_o country_n as_o be_v conquer_v dont_fw-fr choose_v their_o own_o ruler_n nor_o such_o country_n where_o the_o government_n be_v hereditary_a but_o such_o as_o be_v free_a neither_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conqueroe_n nor_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o covenant_n do_v choose_v their_o own_o officer_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o all_o the_o power_n that_o man_n have_v over_o a_o free_a people_n be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n direct_o or_o indirect_o except_v such_o case_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v to_o â—…oint_v ruler_n or_o some_o who_o shall_v appoint_v ruler_n over_o they_o god_n appoint_v aaron_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n in_o israel_n but_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o officer_n in_o church_n now_o neither_o have_v he_o appoint_v any_o that_o shall_v impose_v officer_n over_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n yea_o where_o a_o church_n have_v teach_v or_o rule_v elder_n or_o both_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o choice_n if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o major_a part_n the_o choice_n be_v vallid_a the_o officer_n ought_v to_o submit_v thereto_o unless_o they_o have_v some_o weighty_a objection_n the_o act_n of_o the_o major_a part_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o community_n that_o which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o community_n must_v not_o be_v wrest_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o the_o officer_n to_o disannul_v their_o act._n and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n so_o in_o case_n of_o need_n they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v those_o that_o shall_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o officer_n for_o a_o time_n the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o sufficient_a power_n in_o order_n to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o god_n work_n therefore_o in_o case_n of_o the_o vacancy_n of_o a_o pastor_n they_o may_v choose_v one_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o for_o a_o time_n in_o case_n they_o have_v no_o elder_n they_o may_v choose_v a_o moderator_n in_o case_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n they_o may_v choose_v one_o to_o do_v the_o deacon_n work_v yea_o in_o case_n there_o be_v need_n they_o may_v choose_v some_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o perform_v some_o act_n of_o government_n upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n it_o may_v also_o