brethren_n leave_v they_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n they_o begin_v to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o interest_n which_o they_o call_v rule_n or_o canon_n and_o never_o leave_v enlarge_a they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n until_o they_o enstate_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n by_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o whereon_o they_o become_v not_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n in_o office_n unto_o any_o person_n call_v thereunto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v formal_o in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hence_o it_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o such_o officer_n a_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v formal_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o grant_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o delegation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o they_o design_v choose_v set_v apart_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o thereon_o be_v entrust_v with_o office-power_n by_o christ_n himself_o according_a as_o be_v before_o declare_v this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o officer_n namely_o to_o design_n call_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o the_o person_n by_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n unto_o those_o office_n whereunto_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v annex_v church_n power_n and_o authority_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o dispute_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o officer_n they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n needful_a unto_o such_o duty_n who_o be_v immediate_o call_v unto_o they_o hereby_o all_o thing_n become_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v church_n duty_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n wherefore_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v which_o have_v a_o double_a exercise_n first_o in_o the_o call_n or_o choose_v of_o officer_n second_o in_o their_o voluntary_a act_n with_o they_o and_o under_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o rule_n 1._o all_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o office-power_n be_v require_v and_o 2._o every_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n as_o unto_o his_o own_o consent_n or_o dissent_v in_o what_o he_o be_v himself_o concern_v that_o this_o power_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v original_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v reside_v in_o any_o other_o who_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v upon_o any_o occasional_a intermission_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o all_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o need_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v again_o insist_v on_o vi_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v take_v objective_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o state_n and_o the_o law_n of_o its_o rule_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v it_o subjective_o as_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v the_o government_n in_o it_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o rule_v it_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o this_o wisdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.9_o whereby_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v require_v 1._o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o this_o purpose_n ezra_n 7.6_o 7_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2.14_o 15._o 3._o humble_a wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v about_o ezek._n 43.11_o 4._o a_o conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o skill_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v talent_n trade_v with_o due_o will_v increase_v 5._o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n be_v call_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o how_o much_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o church_n government_n yea_o how_o much_o it_o be_v despise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a unto_o all_o it_o be_v skill_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o vexatious_a court_n with_o the_o learning_n subtilty_n and_o art_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a skill_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v no_o way_n meet_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o according_a as_o any_o do_v arrive_v unto_o a_o dexterity_n in_o this_o polity_n they_o be_v esteem_v eminent_o useful_a but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o do_v what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o unto_o political_a end_n we_o inquire_v nor_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n require_v unto_o this_o end_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v of_o it_o more_o despise_v more_o neglect_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o those_o who_o pretence_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o authority_n will_v make_v it_o most_o necessary_a unto_o they_o two_o thing_n follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o wisdom_n intend_v be_v not_o promise_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o before_o lay_v down_o but_o respect_n be_v have_v herein_o only_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n hereon_o depend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o ruler_n for_o wisdom_n for_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o grant_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n wherefore_o those_o who_o on_o every_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o advance_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o disorderly_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o out-cry_n of_o some_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v suppose_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n better_o than_o they_o whereas_o the_o government_n which_o they_o exercise_v belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v easy_o discern_v nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o themselves_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o herein_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o order_v
season_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o full_a a_o indication_n of_o sincerity_n as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n through_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o non_fw-la admission_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v on_o a_o conjunction_n in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o be_v otherwise_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n prejudicial_a unto_o their_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o church_n can_v answer_v the_o refusal_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o such_o person_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v become_v a_o church_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n be_v by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o solemn_a agreement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o such_o church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v so_o to_o be_v continue_v only_o in_o that_o state_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n few_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o be_v require_v to_o enstate_v they_o in_o church_n order_n and_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o first_o erection_n yet_o that_o that_o continuation_n may_v be_v regular_a it_o be_v require_v that_o its_o first_o congregate_a for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n be_v so_o as_o also_o that_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v wherefore_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o first_o gather_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n plant_v or_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o church_n do_v consist_v each_o of_o they_o of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o another_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n and_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o those_o believer_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o other_o become_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o general_a that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o guide_v they_o in_o these_o affair_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o that_o other_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o they_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_v by_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n matth._n 28.20_o this_o can_v original_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v as_o remote_a cause_n or_o prerequisite_a condition_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v such_o be_v baptism_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n convenient_a cohabitation_n resort_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o neither_o any_o of_o these_o distinct_o or_o separately_z nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o such_o church_n state_n ensue_v they_o can_v altogether_o engage_v unto_o those_o duty_n nor_o communicate_v those_o power_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o state._n be_v there_o no_o other_o order_n in_o particular_a church_n no_o other_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o nor_o rule_n over_o they_o no_o other_o duty_n no_o other_o end_v assign_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n of_o cohabitation_n determine_v by_o civil_a authority_n may_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v entrust_v in_o itself_o with_o sundry_a power_n and_o privilege_n depend_v on_o sundry_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o constitute_v new_a relation_n between_o person_n that_o neither_o natural_o nor_o moral_o be_v before_o so_o relate_v as_o marriage_n do_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o it_o require_v new_a mutual_a duty_n and_o give_v new_a mutual_a right_n among_o themselves_o not_o require_v of_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o unto_o their_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o state_n can_v arise_v from_o or_o have_v any_o other_o formal_a cause_n but_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o virtual_a confederation_n of_o those_o concern_v unto_o these_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o foundation_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n unto_o they_o by_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n i_o say_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o their_o formal_a cause_n the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o will_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o society_n in_o all_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o natural_a such_o as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o power_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v predetermine_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n even_o that_o of_o nature_n wherein_o powers_z privilege_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v establish_v as_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n nor_o after_o its_o first_o institution_n can_v any_o one_o be_v incorporate_v into_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o nor_o if_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v can_v there_o be_v any_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n ensue_v be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o 2._o that_o by_o his_o word_n or_o law_n he_o have_v grant_v power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o prescribe_v duty_n unto_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o wherein_z they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n who_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o such_o a_o church_n 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o church_n relation_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o command_n wherefore_o 4._o this_o join_n of_o themselves_o whereon_o depend_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n all_o their_o obligation_n unto_o church_n duty_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o 5._o herein_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o their_o officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 6._o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v express_o to_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o phrase_n every_o where_o signify_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 7._o this_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o express_a engagement_n make_v unto_o he_o of_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n and_o it_o have_v so_o on_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n annex_v unto_o this_o engagement_n on_o our_o part_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 8._o
for_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v unto_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 1_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o institution_n 2._o that_o upon_o a_o prescription_n of_o duty_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o their_o performance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v especial_a promise_n of_o god_n annex_v thereunto_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o matter_n of_o confederation_n whereof_o mutual_a express_a restipulation_n be_v the_o form_n they_o all_o concur_v herein_o 9_o this_o covenant_n which_o we_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n absolute_o consider_v nor_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o that_o covenant_n prescribe_v in_o it_o but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o as_o faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o like_a be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o nor_o have_v annex_v unto_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n absolute_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o gospel_n duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o do_v belong_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o especial_a promise_n of_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o church_n 10._o whereas_o therefore_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n believer_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v bind_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o that_o state_n whereon_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o presence_n of_o he_o do_v interest_n they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n their_o so_o do_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n include_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n sit_v and_o be_v 11._o beside_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o there_o be_v many_o mutual_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o which_o join_v in_o church_n society_n and_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o submit_v unto_o whereunto_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o must_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n that_o be_v they_o must_v agree_v consent_n and_o engage_v among_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o mutual_a duty_n to_o use_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o those_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n see_v jerem._n 50.4_o 5._o 12._o this_o complete_v the_o confederation_n intend_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o which_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o perform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n state._n 13._o indeed_o herein_o most_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o do_v not_o that_o nor_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o unto_o what_o end_n do_v they_o join_v themselves_o unto_o parochial_a church_n and_o assembly_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o require_v all_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o to_o do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o penalty_n annex_v unto_o its_o neglect_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o may_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o so_o do_v be_v it_o not_o to_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o that_o society_n in_o those_o assembly_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v there_o not_o therein_o virtual_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n among_o they_o unto_o all_o those_o end_n it_o must_v be_v so_o with_o they_o who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n 14._o now_o whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o know_v gospel_n duty_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensable_o oblige_v unto_o the_o more_o express_v our_o engagement_n be_v concern_v they_o the_o more_o do_v we_o glorify_v christ_n in_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o great_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v abide_v on_o our_o conscience_n and_o great_a encouragement_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o mutual_a duty_n as_o also_o the_o more_o evident_a will_v the_o warranty_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o church_n unto_o those_o society_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v virtual_o only_o observe_v especial_o in_o church_n of_o some_o continuance_n wherein_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a consent_n unto_o the_o first_o covenant-constitution_n 15._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v officer_n ruler_n or_o leader_n in_o his_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o look_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o administer_v and_o dispense_v all_o its_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o its_o authority_n the_o consent_n and_o engagement_n insist_v on_o be_v express_o require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o for_o without_o this_o no_o believer_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o relation_n unto_o another_o as_o his_o pastor_n guide_n overseer_n ruler_n unto_o the_o end_v mention_v wherein_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v by_o he_o with_o authority_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n 16._o wherefore_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o obediential_a act_n of_o believer_n in_o such_o number_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o church_n edification_n joint_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n rest_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n thereon_o give_v and_o communicate_v by_o his_o law_n all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o joint_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o state_n with_o a_o especial_a subjection_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n of_o rule_n and_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o state._n 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o which_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o conscientious_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n can_v question_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n or_o no._n and_o whereas_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o any_o church_n state._n 18._o thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n will_v take_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n into_o a_o new_a peculiar_a church_n state_n he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n herein_o as_o he_o prescribe_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o many_o bless_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o power_n and_o privilege_n innumerable_a so_o the_o people_n solemn_o covenant_v and_o engage_v with_o he_o that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o whereby_o they_o coalesce_v into_o that_o church_n state_n which_o abode_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n this_o covenant_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v exod._n 24._o for_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v there_o with_o the_o people_n and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o couénant_n of_o grace_n under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o that_o be_v establish_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o in_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o a_o gospel_n dispensation_n for_o god_n never_o renew_v that_o covenant_n under_o any_o consideration_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a covenant_n which_o god_n then_o make_v with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o make_v it_o with_o their_o father_n deut._n 5.2_o 3._o whereby_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o erect_v into_o a_o church_n state_n wherein_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o enjoin_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v
church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o place_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o office_n with_o power_n unto_o their_o edification_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n act._n 1.14_o 15._o chap._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o chap._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2._o this_o power_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n whence_o it_o do_v flow_v and_o whereon_o it_o do_v depend_v for_o unto_o this_o apostolical_a office_n and_o power_n there_o be_v require_v 1._o a_o immediate_a personal_a call_n from_o christ_n himself_o 2._o a_o commission_n equal_o extensive_a unto_o all_o nation_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o unto_o all_o church_n equal_o for_o their_o edification_n 3._o a_o authority_n in_o all_o church_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o that_o power_n which_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a constitution_n of_o they_o distribute_v among_o many_o 4._o a_o collation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o of_o infallibility_n in_o teach_v of_o work_a miracle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o the_o like_a whereas_o therefore_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v cease_v and_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o act_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n towards_o any_o this_o office_n and_o power_n do_v absolute_o cease_v for_o any_o to_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v successor_n unto_o these_o apostle_n as_o some_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n and_o impertinency_n have_v do_v be_v to_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o call_v by_o christ_n unto_o their_o office_n that_o they_o have_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o church_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n whereof_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n be_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o certain_o when_o some_o of_o they_o consider_v one_o another_o and_o talk_v of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n it_o be_v but_o aruspex_fw-la aruspicens_fw-la 3._o lest_o of_o all_o in_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v a_o vicar_n or_o rather_o as_o be_v pretend_v a_o successor_n with_o a_o plenitude_n of_o all_o church_n power_n to_o be_v by_o he_o parcel_v out_o unto_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v overthrow_v all_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n introduce_v luciferian_a pride_n and_o antichristian_a tyranny_n in_o their_o room_n and_o whereas_o the_o only_a way_n of_o christ_n act_n his_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v act_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n be_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n unto_o that_o end_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n place_v himself_o in_o his_o stead_n for_o these_o end_n do_v thereby_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v god._n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v among_o all_o sober_a christian_n and_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o contend_v with_o the_o mahometan_n who_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n leave_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v his_o successor_n as_o haly_n succeed_v unto_o mahomet_n 5._o all_o these_o by_o who_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v unto_o its_o edification_n be_v as_o unto_o their_o office_n and_o power_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n set_v or_o place_v in_o it_o not_o as_o lord_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 2.2_o chap._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n the_o enfeoffment_n into_o this_o power_n be_v her_o due_a and_o dowry_n all_o particular_a person_n be_v but_o her_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v steward_n and_o set_v over_o all_o their_o fellow_n servant_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o trust_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v his_o spouse_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o to_o grant_v what_o they_o please_v unto_o she_o 6._o but_o as_o this_o whole_a church_n power_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o christ_n so_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o office-authority_n do_v receive_v that_o authority_n from_o he_o by_o the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o namely_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n through_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o v._o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v in_o general_a concern_v church_n power_n we_o must_v treat_v yet_o particular_o of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o from_o christ_n and_o of_o its_o distribution_n as_o unto_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o every_o individual_a believer_n have_v power_n or_o right_o give_v unto_o he_o upon_o his_o believe_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o hereby_o as_o such_o he_o have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n radical_o and_o original_o unto_o with_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o church_n privilege_n to_o be_v actual_o possess_v and_o use_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o he_o prescribe_v for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n have_v a_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v oblige_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o herein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o right_n unto_o church_n power_n for_o both_o it_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o purchase_a inheritance_n whereunto_o right_o be_v grant_v by_o adoption_n wherefore_o the_o first_o original_a grant_n of_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n be_v make_v unto_o believer_n as_o such_o they_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o limitation_n 1._o that_o as_o such_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o church_n power_n but_o upon_o their_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o duty_n give_v unto_o this_o end_n such_o be_v joint_a confession_n and_o confederation_n 2._o that_o each_o individual_a do_v actual_o participate_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o peculiarly_a respect_n woman_n that_o do_v believe_v 2._o wherever_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o of_o these_o believer_n the_o small_a number_n right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o actual_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n whereunto_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n among_o they_o matth._n 18.19_o 20._o to_o meet_v and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o exhort_v instruct_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o or_o to_o pray_v together_o as_o v_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a right_n or_o power_n require_v thereunto_o this_o be_v grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o least_o number_n of_o consent_v believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o second_o preparation_n unto_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n unto_o the_o former_a faith_n only_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o profession_n with_o mutual_a consent_n unto_o and_o agreement_n in_o the_o evangelical_n duty_n mention_v be_v to_o be_v add_v 3._o where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v increase_v so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a as_o unto_o their_o number_n to_o observe_v and_o perform_v all_o church_n duty_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n prescribe_v for_o their_o performance_n they_o have_v right_o and_o power_n grant_v unto_o they_o to_o make_v a_o joint_a solemn_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n especial_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n matth._n 16.16_o 18._o as_o also_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o a_o holy_a agreement_n or_o confederation_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatever_o that_o he_o have_v command_v hereon_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n in_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o order_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o enstate_v they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o these_o believer_n i_o say_v thus_o congregat_v into_o a_o church_n state_n have_v immediate_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o power_n to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o as_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o by_o his_o
discharge_v of_o this_o office._n many_o have_v be_v the_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n occasion_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o disorderly_a affection_n of_o some_o person_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v the_o truth_n herein_o with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o call_v itself_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a 1._o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o office._n he_o give_v it_o appoint_v it_o erect_v it_o in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o as_o he_o give_v appoint_v ordain_v a_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o apostleship_n so_o he_o ordain_v appoint_a and_o give_v the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastorship_n or_o teach_v they_o have_v both_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o he_o appoint_v this_o office_n for_o continuance_n or_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n ephes._n 4.13_o matth._n 28.19_o and_o therefore_o he_o take_v order_n by_o his_o apostle_n that_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n pastor_n elder_n or_o bishop_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o ordain_v unto_o the_o care_n and_o discharge_v of_o it_o in_o all_o church_n which_o be_v do_v by_o they_o according_o act._n 14.22_o 23._o chap._n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o tit._n 1.5_o wherein_o he_o give_v rule_n unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o prescribe_v they_o their_o duty_n 3._o on_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n act._n 20.28_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n hereon_o a_o double_a necessity_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n do_v depend_v first_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o precept_n or_o command_n of_o it_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o obedience_n which_o it_o owe_v to_o christ_n and_o second_o of_o its_o be_v the_o principal_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o church_n wherefore_o although_o he_o can_v himself_o feed_v his_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o outward_a institute_v mean_n of_o edification_n yet_o where_o this_o office_n fail_v through_o its_o neglect_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o destruction_n that_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o no_o promise_n of_o feed_v or_o edification_n 4._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v command_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o obedience_n unto_o those_o who_o enjoy_v and_o exercise_v this_o office_n among_o they_o now_o all_o these_o command_n be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a nor_o can_v any_o obedience_n be_v yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o observance_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o this_o office._n and_o the_o church_n lose_v as_o much_o in_o grace_n and_o privilege_n as_o it_o lose_v in_o command_n for_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n do_v grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n consist_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 5._o this_o office_n be_v accompany_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o none_o can_v take_v or_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o be_v not_o either_o found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o collate_v by_o divine_a ordination_n be_v usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o take_v either_o sword._n to_o invade_v a_o office_n which_o include_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v to_o disturb_v all_o right_n natural_a divine_a and_o civil_a that_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v include_v in_o this_o office_n be_v evident_a 1._o from_o the_o name_n ascribe_v unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v vest_v as_o pastor_n bishop_n elder_n ruler_n all_o of_o they_o require_v of_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o work_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v feed_v by_o rule_n and_o teach_v 3._o from_o the_o execution_n of_o church-power_n in_o discipline_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v unto_o they_o 4._o from_o the_o command_n give_v for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o which_o respect_n authority_n 5._o from_o their_o appointment_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o exert_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v do_v no_o other_o way_n 6._o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o but_o if_o man_n may_v enter_v upon_o it_o and_o discharge_v it_o without_o any_o such_o call_v that_o rule_n with_o the_o way_n of_o the_o call_v prescribe_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a affront_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n than_o to_o act_v in_o it_o in_o neglect_n of_o or_o opposition_n unto_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o it_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o accountable_a trust_n commit_v unto_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office._n the_o whole_a flock_n the_o ministry_n itself_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o all_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o 2_o tim._n 2.2_o 16_o 23._o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 13.17_o they_o who_o must_v give_v a_o account_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wicked_a or_o foolish_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o trust_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o he_o they_o be_v brand_v as_o profligate_o wicked_a who_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o impudent_a falsification_n and_o what_o shall_v he_o be_v esteem_v who_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o high_a trust_n that_o any_o creature_n be_v capable_a off_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o its_o discharge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n without_o any_o divine_a call_n or_o warranty_n 8._o there_o be_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office_n especial_a promise_n grant_v and_o annex_v of_o present_a assistance_n and_o future_a eternal_a reward_n matth._n 28.19_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o either_o these_o promise_n belong_v unto_o they_o who_o take_v this_o office_n on_o themselves_o without_o any_o call_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o then_o have_v they_o neither_o any_o especial_a assistance_n in_o their_o work_n nor_o can_v expect_v any_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o than_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v the_o benefit_n of_o divine_a promise_n without_o any_o divine_a designation_n 9_o the_o general_a force_n of_o the_o rule_n heb._n 5.4_o include_v a_o prohibition_n of_o undertake_v any_o sacred_a office_n without_o a_o divine_a call_n and_o so_o the_o instance_n of_o such_o prohibition_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o unto_o the_o duty_n annex_v unto_o a_o office_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o vzziah_n invade_v the_o priesthood_n or_o of_o take_v a_o ministerial_a office_n without_o call_n or_o mission_n as_o jerem._n 27.9_o 14_o 15._o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n of_o god_n institution_n may_v be_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n 10._o whoever_o therefore_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o pastoral_a office_n without_o a_o lawful_a outward_a call_n do_v take_v unto_o himself_o power_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o divine_a warranty_n which_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n interest_n himself_n in_o a_o accountable_a trust_n no_o way_n commit_v unto_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o assistance_n in_o or_o reward_n for_o his_o work_n but_o engage_v in_o that_o which_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o church-order_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n itself_o 11._o yet_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v annex_v unto_o this_o assertion_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n as_o 1._o many_o thing_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o other_o not_o call_v to_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o charity_n such_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o exhort_v admonish_a comfort_a instruct_v and_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o 2._o spiritual_a gift_n may_v be_v exercise_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o without_o office-power_n where_o order_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o
suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n 2._o i_o have_v show_v instance_n before_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a people_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o he_o or_o they_o who_o be_v chief_a therein_o as_o elsewhere_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a people_n the_o same_o author_n contend_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o elder_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o or_o permit_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n for_o a_o season_n and_o not_o make_v use_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o right_n in_o they_o thereunto_o but_o this_o permission_n be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v choose_v their_o own_o elder_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v permit_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v they_o ought_v to_o ordain_v it_o and_o practice_v according_a to_o it_o as_o they_o do_v nor_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a apostolical_a practice_n propose_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o such_o a_o original_a as_o condescension_n and_o permission_n yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o be_v only_o a_o regular_a pursuit_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o call_v of_o bishop_n pastor_n elder_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o these_o key_n be_v original_o and_o proper_o give_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o only_o ministerial_o and_o as_o unto_o exercise_n pastor_n be_v eye_n to_o the_o church_n but_o god_n and_o nature_n design_n in_o the_o first_o place_n sight_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o the_o whole_a person_n thereunto_o it_o be_v grant_v both_o subjective_o and_o final_o but_o actual_o it_o be_v peculiar_o seat_v in_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o grant_n of_o church-power_n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o by_o its_o elder_n that_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o key_n unto_o peter_n be_v in_o the_o person_n and_o as_o the_o representative_a of_o the_o whole_a confess_v church_n be_v the_o know_a judgement_n of_o austin_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o divine_n that_o follow_v he_o so_o he_o full_o express_v himself_o tractat._v 124._o in_o johan_n peter_n the_o apostle_n bear_v in_o a_o general_a figure_n the_o person_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o unto_o what_o belong_v unto_o himself_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n one_o man_n by_o grace_n one_o christian_n and_o of_o special_a more_o abound_v grace_n one_o and_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o when_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n he_o signify_v the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n again_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v in_o christ_n receive_v from_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v unto_o who_o these_o key_n be_v grant_v they_o according_a to_o their_o distinct_a interest_n in_o that_o grant_n have_v the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o call_v their_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n for_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o trust_n and_o power_n it_o do_v consist_v but_o this_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o church_n already_o constitute_v several_a sort_n of_o person_n as_o some_o be_v elder_n other_o be_v of_o the_o people_n only_o this_o right_n reside_v in_o they_o and_o be_v act_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a capacity_n as_o limit_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v that_o the_o election_n of_o they_o shall_v belong_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o authoritative_a designation_n or_o ordination_n unto_o the_o elder_n and_o when_o in_o any_o place_n the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v a_o member_n or_o part_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v also_o his_o peculiar_a right_o herein_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v thus_o grant_v original_o and_o fundamental_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v undeniable_o confirm_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o the_o church_n itself_o be_v the_o wife_n the_o spouse_n the_o bride_n the_o queen_n of_o the_o husband_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n jesus_n psal._n 45.10_o john_n 3.29_o revel_v 21.9_o chap._n 22.17_o matth._n 25.1_o 5_o 6._o other_o wife_n christ_n have_v none_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o other_o husband_n now_o to_o who_o shall_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n be_v commit_v but_o unto_o the_o bride_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v another_o who_o claim_v the_o key_n to_o be_v his_o own_o but_o withal_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n proclaim_v himself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o adulterer_n with_o that_o harlot_n which_o he_o call_v the_o church_n but_o a_o tyrant_n also_o in_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v her_o husband_n he_o will_v not_o trust_v she_o with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v with_o his_o spouse_n and_o whereas_o by_o the_o canon_n law_n every_o bishop_n be_v the_o husband_n or_o spouse_n of_o his_o diocesan_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o commit_v a_o open_a rape_n upon_o the_o people_n take_v they_o without_o their_o consent_n at_o least_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v essential_a unto_o a_o lawful_a marriage_n and_o the_o bride_n of_o christ_n come_v no_o otherwise_o so_o to_o be_v but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a choice_n of_o he_o to_o be_v her_o husband_n for_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v belong_v unto_o it_o as_o she_o 1_o cor._n 3.21.22_o and_o steward_n in_o the_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o if_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3_o if_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o family_n psal._n 68.13_o the_o bride_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o if_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o steward_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o house_n and_o unto_o the_o family_n if_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v make_v a_o grant_n of_o these_o key_n unto_o any_o whereon_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o house_n and_o family_n do_v depend_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o have_v original_o grant_v they_o unto_o his_o holy_a spouse_n to_o dispose_v off_o according_a unto_o her_o judgement_n and_o duty_n or_o unto_o any_o servant_n in_o the_o house_n to_o dispose_v of_o she_o and_o all_o her_o concernment_n at_o their_o pleasure_n 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o consequent_o as_o unto_o all_o other_o act_n thence_o proceed_v be_v express_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v the_o church_n but_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 man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o intend_a we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o what_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n herein_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o second_o this_o right_o exemplify_v in_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o command_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n with_o respect_n unto_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o all_o sort_n for_o unto_o they_o it_o be_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n give_v in_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v discern_v and_o try_v false_a prophet_n fly_v from_o they_o try_v spirit_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v spiritual_a gift_n or_o office_n reject_v they_o who_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o office_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o all_o of_o they_o do_v suppose_v or_o can_v be_v discharge_v without_o a_o right_n in_o they_o to_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a as_o
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
these_o act_n of_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a rule_n but_o what_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a there_o be_v in_o what_o it_o do_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o do_v receive_v or_o reject_v but_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o organical_a as_o there_o be_v elder_n or_o ruler_n instate_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n commit_v for_o those_o act_n of_o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v apply_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o dly_z the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o mutual_n intense_a peculiar_a love_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v exercise_v continual_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 2._o personal_a holiness_n in_o gracious_a moral_a obedience_n 3._o vsefulness_n towards_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o all_o man_n absolute_o as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v 4._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v mutual_o unto_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o place_n and_o order_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o possess_v in_o the_o body_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v church-rule_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o ends._n 3_o dly_z hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o outward_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o disposal_n of_o time_n season_n place_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o church-assembly_n the_o regulation_n of_o speech_n and_o action_n the_o appointment_n of_o season_n for_o extraordinary_a duty_n according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n from_o present_a circumstance_n be_v act_n of_o rule_n who_o right_a reside_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o elder_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v place_v by_o christ_n for_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o pastoral_a office_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o have_v now_o be_v add_v concern_v its_o rule_n in_o general_a i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o ability_n as_o to_o suppose_v himself_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o both_o sort_n in_o the_o least_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v yea_o suppose_v more_o teaching-elders_a in_o every_o church_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o equal_o bind_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o that_o work_n by_o any_o inferior_a duty_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n continual_o it_o will_v appear_v at_o length_n to_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o peculiar_a office_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o rule_n with_o diligence_n and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n ensue_v 1._o they_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o church-power_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v those_o before_o declare_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v join_v and_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o labour_v also_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n compose_v wherein_o reside_v all_o church-authority_n and_o in_o this_o conjunction_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a determine_v all_o act_n of_o rule_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n this_o give_v order_n with_o a_o necessary_a representation_n of_o authority_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o particular_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o the_o rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v with_o a_o due_a care_n that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v due_o observe_v by_o and_o among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v whatever_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_n whatever_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n church-rule_n be_v a_o due_a care_n and_o provision_n that_o the_o institution_n law_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v due_o observe_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereof_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n we_o may_v give_v some_o instance_n as_o 1._o to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o way_n walk_v and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v blameless_a without_o offence_n useful_a exemplary_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n answer_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n which_o in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v thereof_o and_o upon_o the_o observation_n which_o they_o so_o make_v in_o the_o watch_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o instruct_v admonish_v charge_n exhort_v encourage_v comfort_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o with_o courage_n and_o diligence_n 2._o to_o watch_n against_o all_o rise_n or_o appearance_n of_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n on_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a as_o unto_o their_o name_n right_n and_o propriety_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n to_o be_v find_v among_o his_o disciple_n this_o he_o call_v his_o own_o new_a command_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n require_v it_o his_o example_n first_o illustrate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o reveal_v and_o teach_v wherefore_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o this_o law_n of_o love_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o fruit_n with_o the_o prevention_n removal_n or_o condemnation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o consist_v and_o consider_v the_o weakness_n the_o passion_n the_o temptation_n of_o man_n the_o mutual_a provocation_n and_o exasperation_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o even_o among_o the_o best_a the_o influence_n that_o earthly_a occasion_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o frowardness_n sometime_o of_o man_n natural_a temper_n the_o attendance_n unto_o this_o one_o duty_n or_o part_n of_o rule_n require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o be_v mere_o either_o the_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o law_n and_o its_o fruit_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n or_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o decay_n and_o of_o breech_n make_v in_o it_o or_o ignorance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o preservation_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o especial_a office_n be_v not_o require_v hereunto_o 3._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o warn_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o especial_a church-duty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v negligent_a or_o want_v in_o they_o there_o be_v especial_a duty_n require_v respective_o of_o all_o church-member_n according_a unto_o the_o distinct_a
shall_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o transgress_v in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o society_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o entire_a nor_o the_o next_o immediate_a ground_n reason_n or_o warranty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a excommunication_n for_o this_o natural_a equity_n will_v not_o extend_v itself_o unto_o case_n that_o be_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n thereon_o reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o excommunication_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o no_o man_n have_v right_o or_o power_n either_o to_o enter_v into_o themselves_o or_o to_o exclude_v other_o from_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n no_o warranty_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o voluntary_a confederation_n can_v enable_v any_o to_o constitute_v a_o church-society_n unless_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n express_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o his_o church_n be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n which_o none_o can_v constitute_v or_o build_v but_o himself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n into_o and_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n do_v arise_v from_o his_o grant_n and_o institution_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o this_o society_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o 2._o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o person_n whatever_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o authority_n itself_o however_o ministerial_o exercise_v by_o other_o be_v his_o alone_a and_o he_o exert_v it_o not_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n so_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n direct_v that_o excommunication_n be_v exert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v in_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 3._o the_o privilege_n from_o which_o man_n be_v exclude_v by_o excommunication_n be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n unto_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o mere_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o man_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o without_o a_o warranty_n from_o he_o by_o his_o institution_n expel_v other_o from_o the_o privilege_n which_o be_v mere_o of_o his_o grant_n and_o donation_n he_o alone_o therefore_o have_v give_v and_o grant_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o of_o exclude_v any_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o grant_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a power_n of_o excommunication_n inquire_v after_o 4._o there_o be_v such_o a_o efficacy_n assign_v unto_o excommunication_n in_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o retain_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o destruction_n or_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o heal_n and_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n as_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n can_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o mutual_a consent_n man_n may_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n of_o communion_n agree_v upon_o among_o they_o but_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o other_o with_o any_o of_o these_o effect_n 5._o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o express_a ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v full_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o authority_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o power_n express_v therein_o be_v not_o mere_o doctrinal_a and_o declarative_a as_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o consequent_a whereof_o upon_o the_o faith_n or_o unbelief_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o remit_v or_o retain_v of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o it_o be_v disciplinary_a also_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o house_n who_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o steward_n of_o it_o and_o see_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v his_o church_n holy_a vnblamable_a and_o without_o offence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v make_v a_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o whereas_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v constitute_v be_v liable_a and_o subject_a unto_o sin_n scandalous_a and_o offensive_a reflect_v dishonour_n on_o himself_o and_o the_o church_n in_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_v unto_o other_o that_o design_n will_v not_o have_v be_v accomplish_v have_v he_o not_o give_v this_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o itself_o all_o that_o do_v by_o their_o sin_n so_o give_v offence_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o the_o glory_n honour_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o length_n utter_o lose_v 2._o it_o have_v a_o direct_a institution_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n etc._n etc._n tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_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 man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n after_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a contest_v that_o have_v be_v about_o this_o place_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o such_o as_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la about_o such_o church_n and_o such_o excommunication_n as_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o by_o trespass_n in_o this_o place_n sin_z against_o god_n give_v scandal_n or_o offence_n be_v intend_v have_v be_v prove_v before_o as_o also_o that_o by_o a_o church_n a_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n be_v intend_v this_o church_n have_v the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o its_o member_n commit_v unto_o it_o when_o bring_v before_o it_o in_o the_o due_a order_n describe_v hereon_o it_o make_v a_o determination_n design_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o recovery_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o his_o sin_n by_o his_o hear_n of_o its_o counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n it_o be_v to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o communion_n leave_v he_o in_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n so_o be_v he_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n bind_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o his_o sin_n unless_o he_o do_v repent_v the_o rejection_n of_o a_o offend_a brother_n out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n leave_v he_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a declare_v he_o liable_a unto_o the_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n without_o repentance_n be_v the_o excommunication_n we_o plead_v for_o and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o with_o its_o exercise_n be_v plain_o here_o grant_v by_o christ_n and_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n 3._o according_a unto_o this_o institution_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o we_o have_v several_a instance_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n the_o magician_n a_o baptize_v professor_n by_o peter_n who_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v neither_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o wickedness_n act._n 8.13_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o single_a act_n of_o one_o apostle_n and_o so_o may_v be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a i_o shall_v omit_v it_o however_o that_o fact_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_o declarative_a of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o like_a case_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v it_o can_v be_v
church_n and_o be_v therefore_o no_o long_o under_o their_o watch_n or_o care_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o world._n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a with_o they_o who_o own_v no_o act_n of_o office-power_n or_o authority_n in_o excommunication_n but_o esteem_v it_o only_o a_o note_a cessation_n of_o communion_n which_o destroy_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherefore_o 2._o where_o the_o offence_n be_v plain_a open_a scandalous_a persist_v in_o where_o admonition_n be_v despise_v or_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o such_o a_o person_n notwithstanding_o his_o voluntary_a departure_n for_o 1._o no_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o advantage_n unto_o himself_o or_o to_o be_v free_v from_o any_o disadvantage_n censure_n or_o spiritual_a penalty_n by_o his_o own_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v the_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o person_n under_o admonition_n for_o scandalous_a offence_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o church_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o its_o duty_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n as_o also_o from_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n it_o will_v receive_v by_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n mourn_v and_o prayer_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o he_o who_o so_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o 1._o the_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v his_o correction_n not_o his_o destruction_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a unto_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v with_o sharp_a admonition_n and_o prayer_n which_o in_o due_a time_n may_v reach_v the_o most_o profligate_v sinner_n 4._o it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o order_n of_o any_o society_n entrust_v with_o authority_n for_o its_o own_o preservation_n as_o the_o church_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o suffer_v person_n obnoxious_a unto_o censure_n by_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o that_o society_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o respect_n unto_o it_o to_o break_v their_o order_n and_o relation_n without_o animadvert_v thereon_o according_a to_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o expose_v their_o order_n unto_o contempt_n and_o proclaim_v a_o diffidence_n in_o their_o own_o authority_n for_o the_o spiritual_a punishment_n of_o offender_n 5._o one_o end_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o future_a final_a judgement_n of_o christ_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o none_o of_o they_o can_v run_v away_o from_o nor_o escape_v iii_o a_o three_o enquiry_n may_v be_v whether_o in_o case_n of_o any_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o excommunication_n without_o any_o previous_a admonition_n answ._n 1._o person_n may_v be_v false_o accuse_v of_o and_o charge_v with_o great_a sin_n the_o great_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o a_o lesser_a degree_n and_o that_o both_o by_o particular_a testimony_n and_o public_a report_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o which_o daily_a experience_n confirm_v wherefore_o all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n like_o that_o of_o david_n in_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o mephibosheth_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v though_o they_o be_v press_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o notoriety_n of_o the_o sin._n 2._o there_o be_v no_o individual_a actual_a sin_n but_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o great_a aggravation_n or_o alleviation_n from_o its_o circumstance_n these_o the_o church_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o obtain_v a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sin_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o after_o a_o goodly_a sort_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 3._o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o personal_a conference_n with_o the_o offender_n who_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v for_o himself_o this_o conference_n in_o case_n guilt_n be_v discover_v can_v but_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o admonition_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o in_o case_n of_o previous_a solemn_a admonition_n in_o the_o order_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v iu._n four_o whether_o on_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o a_o offence_n or_o scandalous_a sin_n if_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v penitent_a and_o willing_a to_o declare_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n may_v the_o church_n proceed_v unto_o his_o excommunication_n in_o case_n the_o sin_n be_v great_a and_o notorious_a answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o orderly_a progress_n as_o unto_o more_o private_a sin_n a_o compliance_n by_o repentance_n with_o the_o first_o or_o second_o admonition_n do_v put_v a_o stop_n unto_o all_o further_a ecclesiastical_a proceedure_v 2._o but_o whereas_o the_o enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v sin_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o circumstance_n great_a and_o of_o disreputation_n unto_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v if_o repentance_n be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o proportionable_a unto_o the_o offence_n in_o its_o outward_a demonstration_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o judge_v in_o charity_n that_o the_o person_n sin_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v with_o christ_n as_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v undoubted_o the_o church_n can_v proceed_v unto_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o a_o offender_n for_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v public_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n do_v receive_v this_o nothing_o can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v yea_o so_o to_o do_v be_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o against_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n yea_o such_o a_o sentence_n will_v destroy_v itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o declaration_n that_o christ_n do_v disapprove_v they_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v 2._o their_o so_o do_v will_v make_v a_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o for_o whereas_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o evidence_n that_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n that_o repent_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v by_o the_o rejection_n of_o such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n there_o be_v a_o open_a contradiction_n thereunto_o especial_o it_o will_v give_v a_o undue_a sense_n of_o the_o heart_n mind_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n such_o as_o may_v be_v dangerous_a unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v doctrinal_a for_o such_o it_o be_v and_o declarative_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n the_o image_n therefore_o of_o this_o excommunication_n which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o some_o church_n wherein_o the_o sentence_n of_o it_o be_v denounce_v without_o any_o regard_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o his_o acceptance_n or_o disapprobation_n of_o those_o who_o they_o excommunicate_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n 3._o such_o a_o proceedure_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o sentence_n for_o it_o be_v corrective_a and_o instructive_a not_o proper_o punish_v and_o vindictive_a the_o sole_a end_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n whereunto_o it_o have_v its_o efficacy_n from_o divine_a institution_n be_v the_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o be_v attain_v before_o the_o infliction_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v another_o end_n also_o namely_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n and_o reputation_n wherein_o it_o suffer_v by_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o any_o of_o its_o member_n whereunto_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v impure_a by_o they_o who_o christ_n have_v purge_v as_o he_o do_v all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a 2._o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n unto_o any_o church_n to_o have_v sinner_n in_o it_o who_o have_v evidence_v sincere_a repentance_n 3._o
ascribe_v unto_o they_o ver._n 5._o all_o these_o thing_n do_v suppose_v a_o right_n and_o duty_n thereon_o to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o excommunication_n to_o reside_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n wherefore_o 5._o there_o be_v some_o act_n belong_v hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n itself_o and_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a such_o be_v the_o previous_a cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o any_o neglect_n about_o it_o preparatory_a duty_n unto_o its_o execution_n in_o prayer_n mourn_v and_o admonition_n which_o be_v express_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o testification_n of_o their_o consent_n unto_o it_o by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n without_o these_o thing_n excommunication_n be_v but_o a_o name_n with_o a_o noise_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o hence_o arise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n that_o be_v consequential_a unto_o his_o exclusion_n from_o among_o they_o such_o be_v pray_v for_o he_o as_o one_o note_v by_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n in_o his_o exclusion_n and_o such_o as_o without_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o 7._o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n unto_o the_o formal_a compleatness_n of_o this_o sentence_n a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o office-power_n be_v require_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n only_o 2._o the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o comprise_v authority_n to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v entrust_v with_o they_o only_o 8._o wherefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a right_n interest_n and_o duty_n particular_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n act_n in_o it_o as_o officer_n with_o authority_n the_o brethren_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v no_o way_n exclude_v from_o their_o power_n consent_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o those_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o where_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o whole_a duty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n render_v ineffectual_a i._o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o excommunication_n just_o deserve_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n of_o trouble_n or_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v unto_o the_o church_n therein_o it_o be_v usual_o grant_v that_o so_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v which_o seem_v in_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o austin_n the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n intend_v be_v threefold_a 1._o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o from_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 3._o from_o the_o church_n 1._o trouble_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o it_o over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n not_o grant_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n those_o that_o execute_v it_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o penalty_n ordain_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v be_v great_a and_o of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o receive_v a_o provocation_n hereby_o they_o may_v occasion_v or_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o 3._o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v divide_v on_o these_o consideration_n so_o as_o that_o last_a difference_n may_v be_v occasion_v among_o they_o which_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o sentence_n may_v prevent_v for_o answer_n hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v as_o 1._o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n of_o any_o thing_n sinful_a or_o moral_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n its_o officer_n or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n by_o refuse_v to_o omit_v the_o pronounce_v of_o this_o sentence_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o trouble_v mention_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o a_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 2._o we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o as_o that_o no_o rational_a indifferent_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherever_o excommunication_n be_v administer_v 2._o that_o sufficient_a time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o for_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o afterward_o have_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o person_n after_o admonition_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n do_v real_o suffer_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o tolerate_v such_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v on_o these_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o countenance_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n or_o to_o acquit_v the_o church_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o first_o presence_n of_o danger_n be_v vain_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o touch_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n and_o conservation_n of_o humane_a law_n it_o reach_v not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o life_n or_o liberty_n nor_o their_o estate_n or_o the_o least_o secular_a privilege_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o do_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o power_n or_o censure_n of_o other_o nor_o prejudge_v they_o as_o unto_o office_n or_o advantage_n of_o life_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n herein_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o parent_n disenherit_v a_o rebellious_a child_n 2._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o persecution_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o person_n provoke_v i_o say_v 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v provoke_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n to_o testify_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v a_o case_n of_o confession_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o deter_v by_o this_o consideration_n from_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o seduce_a jew_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n with_o other_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o reprove_v his_o church_n according_a as_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o duty_n or_o neglective_a of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n thereon_o revel_v 2.3_o and_o 4._o he_o will_v take_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o as_o shall_v turn_v all_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o unto_o their_o advantage_n 3._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v but_o that_o if_o rule_v order_n love_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o prevent_v such_o difference_n there_o be_v no_o way_n appoint_v of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abundant_o they_o must_v bear_v their_o own_o blame_n who_o occasion_n such_o difference_n ii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o if_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o be_v under_o admonition_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n shall_v voluntary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o and_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o excommunication_n answ._n 1._o some_z say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o