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
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
the_o power_n of_o congregational_a church_n assert_v and_o vindicated_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n of_o mr._n j._n paget_n entitle_v the_o defence_n of_o church-government_n exercise_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n by_o john_n davenport_n b._n of_o d._n and_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n in_o newhaven_n in_o new-england_n isa_n 1.26_o i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o city_n of_o righteousness_n the_o faithful_a city_n london_n print_v for_o rich._n chiswell_n and_o to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n usher_n of_o boston_n in_o new-england_n 1672._o to_o the_o reader_n thou_o disposals_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o travel_n of_o truth_n and_o bring_v forth_o of_o light_n be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o have_v much_o to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o there_o 〈◊〉_d â—t_a be_v a_o great_a and_o overrule_a hand_n â—ted_v and_o that_o very_o conspicuous_o about_o 〈◊〉_d present_a treatise_n the_o reverend_a and_o â—earned_a and_o eminent_o accomplish_a author_n â—â—rst_v finish_v a_o tractate_n with_o this_o title_n and_o 〈◊〉_d his_o subject_n near_o thirty_o year_n ago_o but_o â—od's_n time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v for_o its_o publish_n it_o perish_v therefore_o in_o the_o rude_a wave_n of_o the_o vast_a ocean_n with_o some_o other_o excellent_a manuscript_n and_o precious_a christian_n nevertheless_o some_o seven_o year_n aftâ—â—_n god_n seâ—_n he_o about_o it_o again_o and_o then_o he_o finish_v what_o be_v now_o after_o twenty_o year_n more_o thus_o make_v public_a thus_o come_v this_o short_a anâ—_n nervous_a treatise_n to_o have_v have_v a_o double_a and_o so_o a_o more_o thorough_a digestion_n in_o the_o heart_n oâ—_n so_o judicious_a and_o holy_a a_o servant_n of_o christâ—_n nor_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o ground_n herâ—_n proceed_v on_o such_o as_o our_o author_n sudden_o or_o late_o take_v up_o he_o be_v of_o too_o serious_a 〈◊〉_d weighty_a and_o advise_v a_o spirit_n slight_o to_o take_v up_o or_o sudden_o to_o vent_v any_o singular_a apprehension_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o relate_v though_o i_o can_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n how_o he_o be_v first_o stagger_v in_o his_o conformity_n and_o afterward_o full_o take_v off_o by_o set_a conference_n and_o debate_n with_o himself_o and_o sundry_a other_o minister_n obtain_v with_o mr._n john_n cotton_n then_o drive_v from_o boston_n on_o account_n of_o nonconformity_n nor_o be_o i_o willing_a tâ—_n revive_v the_o memory_n of_o what_o affliction_n 〈◊〉_d author_n afterward_o undergo_v because_o 〈◊〉_d can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v in_o conscience_n in_o thoâ—_n two_o point_n viz._n a_o particular_a church_n be_v subject_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la &_o baptise_v in_o that_o latitude_n which_o be_v then_o practise_v and_o iâ—_n still_o in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o have_v a_o earnest_n call_v and_o with_o which_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o a_o very_a general_n and_o great_a acceptance_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o principle_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o treatise_n cost_v the_o reverend_a author_n not_o only_o many_o suffering_n but_o also_o many_o very_o many_o sad_a search_n and_o much_o read_n and_o study_v on_o set_v purpose_n accompany_v with_o manifold_a prayer_n and_o cry_n to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n for_o light_n therein_o after_o all_o which_o he_o be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o they_o and_o attain_v to_o such_o comfortable_a clearness_n therein_o as_o hore_n he_o up_o with_o much_o inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n under_o all_o his_o affliction_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o persuasion_n in_o these_o point_n and_o so_o persuade_v live_v and_o so_o die_v this_o grave_n and_o serious_a spirit_v man_n the_o reader_n will_v find_v in_o it_o which_o be_v a_o rare_a conjunction_n much_o succinctness_n with_o much_o scripture_n clearness_n light_o contract_v like_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o a_o burning-glass_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o will_v be_v the_o more_o grateful_a too_o if_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v with_o a_o eye_n able_a to_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v that_o think_v and_o as_o they_o conceive_v from_o scripture_n ground_n too_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n receive_v addition_n and_o increase_v daily_a as_o their_o holy_a walk_n and_o faithful_a service_n when_o here_o on_o earth_n do_v after_o they_o be_v go_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n among_o those_o that_o be_v leave_v behind_o they_o if_o so_o they_o that_o ever_o have_v any_o value_n and_o affection_n for_o this_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v yea_o yet_o be_v many_o in_o who_o heart_n a_o precious_a remembrance_n of_o he_o life_n and_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o be_v engage_v to_o read_v and_o improve_v this_o excellent_a work_n of_o he_o for_o their_o instruction_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v for_o several_a month_n since_o send_v over_o from_o new_a england_n with_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v print_v the_o wise_a and_o all-disposing_a providence_n of_o god_n allot_v this_o as_o the_o season_n for_o it_o and_o in_o his_o season_n all_o thing_n have_v a_o peculiar_a beauty_n and_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n be_v more_o general_o prepare_v for_o a_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o light_n hold_v out_o to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v please_v to_o fulfil_v that_o good_a word_n of_o promise_n upon_o all_o his_o faithful_a and_o humble_a people_n ezek._n 43.11_o and_n if_o they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o all_o they_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o thing_n run_v through_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o be_v ligible_a even_o in_o every_o line_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o church_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la their_o own_o proper_a matter_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o spiritual_a church-power_n to_o which_o they_o be_v by_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n subject_v two_o grand_a and_o pillar-principle_n of_o the_o congregational-way_n both_o of_o they_o abundant_o clear_v from_o mistake_n and_o establish_v upon_o scripture-foundation_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n go_v with_o it_o to_o lead_v the_o reader_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o point_n and_o to_o take_v off_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o of_o our_o ruler_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o book_n may_v fall_v all_o those_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o congregational-way_n which_o it_o may_v have_v be_v unjust_o miss_v represent_v under_o for_o as_o in_o all_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o differ_v not_o from_o the_o establish_a public_a profession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n yea_o be_v much_o more_o tenacious_a thereof_o than_o many_o of_o our_o zealous_a adversary_n so_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v our_o most_o singular_a opinion_n and_o wherein_o we_o differ_v most_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n and_o for_o which_o we_o have_v suffer_v and_o be_v ready_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n still_o to_o suffer_v even_o worse_a matter_n if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o concern_v we_o this_o book_n after_o many_o other_o which_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n may_v render_v it_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o impartial_a and_o understand_a reader_n the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational-way_n be_v not_o in_o truth_n so_o incompatible_a with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o some_o will_v represent_v nor_o such_o as_o may_v render_v they_o suspect_v to_o civil_a power_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o for_o these_o our_o principle_n be_v account_v unworthy_a to_o enjoy_v a_o peaceable_a dwell_n in_o our_o native_a land_n the_o weal_n whereof_o be_v more_o dear_a to_o we_o than_o our_o life_n or_o all_o our_o private_a earthly_a enjoyment_n in_o it_o m._n n._n may_v 28._o 1672._o tertull_n de_fw-fr praescr_n adv_fw-la haeret._n cap._n 21._o constat_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la matricibus_fw-la &_o originalibus_fw-la fidei_fw-la conspiret_fw-la veritati_fw-la deputandam_fw-la id_fw-la sine_fw-la dubio_fw-la tenentem_fw-la quod_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n apostoli_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la christus_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la suscepit_fw-la reliquam_fw-la veró_n omnem_fw-la doctâ—inam_fw-la de_fw-la mendacio_fw-la praejudicandam_fw-la quae_fw-la sapiat_fw-la contra_fw-la veritatem_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la &_o apostolorum_fw-la &_o christi_fw-la &_o dei._n aug._n de_fw-fr venit_fw-la eccl._n cap._n 3._o tom._n 7._o sunt_fw-la certè_fw-la libri_fw-la dominici_n quorum_fw-la authoritati_fw-la utrique_fw-la consentimus_fw-la utrique_fw-la credimus_fw-la utrique_fw-la servimus_fw-la ibi_fw-la quaeramus_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la ibi_fw-la discutiamus_fw-la causam_fw-la nostram_fw-la hieron_n epist_n ad_fw-la minerium_fw-la &_o
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
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
and_o their_o put_n of_o it_o into_o act_n be_v a_o judicial_a act_n in_o they_o all_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o so_o their_o forgive_a he_o will_v be_v a_o legal_a and_o judicial_a acquit_v he_o from_o thaâ—_n sentence_n 2_o cor._n 2._o this_o church_n be_v our_o pattern_n and_o its_o practice_n in_o this_o be_v presidential_a to_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n reas_n 1_o from_o the_o guilt_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o such_o church_n when_o any_o scandal_n give_v by_o their_o member_n remain_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a therefore_o paul_n apply_v this_o reproof_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n brethren_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n for_o their_o slowness_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n christ_n reprove_v the_o angel_n and_o church_n both_o of_o pergamus_n rev._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o of_o thyatira_n ver_fw-la 20._o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o sufficient_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o purge_v out_o such_o leaven_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o tolerate_v the_o same_o and_o why_o be_v not_o other_o church_n or_o the_o class_n blame_v for_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n over_o they_o if_o they_o stand_v under_o any_o such_o and_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o he_o say_v to_o other_o church_n also_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a remissness_n which_o admonition_n all_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v lest_o else_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o severally_z and_o respective_o to_o preserve_v their_o member_n and_o whole_a fellowship_n in_o spiritual_a purity_n and_o safety_n heb._n 12.15_o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o most_o free_a and_o perfect_a city_n which_o thucydides_n say_v have_v three_o privilege_n viz._n to_o use_v 1._o their_o own_o law_n 2._o magistrate_n 3._o judgement_n whence_o he_o call_v every_o such_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o city_n be_v not_o account_v entire_a and_o perfect_a city_n of_o themselves_o but_o less_o worthy_a member_n of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n 7._o grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la bell_n &_o pac_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o p._n 4_o 5_o 7._o under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v the_o summa_fw-la potestas_fw-la of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n be_v that_o cujus_fw-la actus_fw-la alterius_fw-la juri_fw-la non_fw-la subsunt_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la alterius_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la humanae_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la irriti_fw-la possunt_fw-la reddi_fw-la now_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o free_a city_n the_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 48.1_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n ver_fw-la 2._o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v sufficient_a and_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o to_o manage_v the_o key_n without_o dependence_n on_o class_n etc._n etc._n in_o its_o own_o concernment_n yet_o herein_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o such_o perfect_a city_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o such_o city_n may_v part_v with_o their_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n dedimus_fw-la liv._o dec._n 1._o l._n 1._o idem_fw-la ibid._n l._n 7._o populum_fw-la campanum_n urbemque_fw-la delubra_fw-la deûm_fw-la divina_fw-la humanaque_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o vestram_fw-la p.c._n ditioâ—em_fw-la dedimus_fw-la as_o be_v overmatch_v by_o a_o potent_a enemy_n in_o this_o case_n the_o collative_n yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o city_n and_o liberty_n to_o tarqvinius_n priscus_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n or_o when_o they_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n by_o a_o enemy_n who_o they_o will_v not_o have_v to_o rule_v over_o they_o and_o can_v defend_v themselves_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o campani_a distress_a by_o the_o samnite_n which_o force_v they_o to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v with_o all_o their_o liberty_n unto_o the_o roman_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v facti_fw-la alienae_n potestatis_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v presuppose_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o thus_o to_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o question_n estne_v populus_fw-la collatinus_n in_fw-la suâ_fw-la potestate_fw-la but_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o alienate_v from_o themselves_o their_o church-liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o they_o gal._n 5.1_o and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v keep_v and_o manage_v the_o same_o luke_n 16.2_o reas_n 3_o from_o the_o concession_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v this_o truth_n calcem_fw-la the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o syn._n p._n 33._o ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la mr._n pag._n acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n shall_v sojourn_v among_o the_o indian_n or_o among_o heretic_n where_o it_o can_v not_o obtain_v fellowship_n with_o other_o church_n out_o of_o itself_o or_o if_o by_o violence_n or_o other_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n any_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o enjoy_v this_o benefit_n of_o combination_n with_o other_o church_n in_o classical_a government_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o want_n this_o church_n shall_v subsist_v still_o and_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n other_o say_v the_o same_o of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o island_n and_o add_v 2_o mr._n herle_n indep_n p._n 2_o that_o in_o such_o case_n a_o single_a congregation_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n mr._n rutterf_n add_v that_o when_o church_n can_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o neighbour_a church_n with_o that_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n as_o their_o occasion_n may_v require_v among_o they_o ordination_n and_o so_o excommunication_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n from_o this_o concession_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o 1._o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n quà _fw-la talis_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_n in_o a_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n within_o itself_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n yea_o that_o the_o church-power_n native_o and_o natural_o lie_v in_o the_o congregation_n for_o such_o case_n be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o first_o synod_n which_o be_v look_v at_o as_o presidential_a to_o all_o synod_n be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o two_o church_n which_o be_v two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a 2._o the_o other_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n have_v no_o right_a to_o take_v away_o this_o power_n from_o it_o for_o none_o may_v put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v join_v as_o well_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o that_o note_a in_o mat._n 19.7_o god_n have_v join_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la to_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o then_o shall_v sunder_v it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n to_o place_v it_o in_o class_n as_o superior_a judicatories_n where_o god_n never_o put_v it_o 3._o if_o the_o first_o church_n in_o a_o continent_n have_v this_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o before_o other_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o other_o church_n there_o long_o after_o shall_v deprive_v they_o of_o it_o by_o set_v up_o a_o classis_fw-la as_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a over_o they_o then_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o a_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o and_o will_v give_v they_o cause_n to_o complain_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n 34._o pow._n of_o class_n &_o syn._n p._n 33._o idem_fw-la p_o 34._o but_o not_o increase_v our_o joy_n but_o they_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v this_o dependency_n and_o union_n with_o other_o church_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o mean_n and_o can_v without_o sin_n neglect_v the_o same_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o but_o a_o matter_n arbitrary_a at_o best_a they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o a_o church_n to_o combine_v unto_o classeâ—_n and_o synod_n for_o their_o spiritual_a government_n if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n as_o to_o join_v a_o man_n self_n as_o a_o member_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o and_o conclude_v all_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o sin_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o walk_v not_o as_o become_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12.5_o 1_o cor._n 12.15_o ephes_n 4.16_o answ_n 1._o the_o proof_n allege_v do_v show_v that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o exercise_v in_o
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
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