blameless_o and_o fruitful_o man_n care_v not_o for_o a_o comfortable_a reckon_n as_o yet_o there_o be_v two_o cause_n why_o they_o receive_v no_o good_a 1._o from_o a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o the_o saint_n look_v on_o they_o as_o man_n and_o not_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n their_o person_n prayer_n and_o speech_n and_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n man_n never_o gain_v any_o good_a by_o that_o ordinance_n which_o they_o despise_v if_o all_o be_v scholar_n minister_n or_o saint_n glorify_v they_o can_v then_o esteem_v they_o hence_o eph_n 4._o 16._o edify_v be_v by_o love_n make_v increase_n of_o the_o body_n edify_v itself_o in_o love_n 2._o from_o want_n of_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n and_o sensible_a of_o their_o extreme_a need_n of_o christ_n continual_o in_o all_o mean_n beggar_n will_v pick_v up_o crumb_n and_o watch_v for_o a_o word_n of_o encouragement_n isa._n 11._o 6._o a_o little_a child_n shall_v lead_v the_o wolf_n and_o the_o lion_n that_o be_v when_o the_o lord_n have_v humble_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n oh_o when_o a_o christian_a think_v none_o so_o poor_a and_o shallow_a and_o heartless_a as_o i_o and_o every_o one_o be_v better_a than_o i_o however_o i_o need_v more_o than_o any_o this_o soul_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o suck_v the_o breast_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v fill_v other_o with_o light_n and_o life_n and_o his_o own_o bowel_n to_o do_v such_o a_o one_o good_a whereas_o else_o they_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o they_o find_v no_o good_a convey_v to_o they_o by_o any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o any_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o they_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o ministerial_a power_n commit_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n to_o the_o roll_a officer_n thereof_o i_o say_v by_o the_o church_n for_o all_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v proper_o christ_n yet_o he_o next_o communicate_v it_o ordinary_o to_o his_o church_n or_o multitude_n of_o believer_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o his_o word_n and_o a_o bind_n and_o lose_v as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o by_o this_o church_n this_o power_n have_v be_v by_o christ_n appointment_n and_o still_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o those_o that_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o themselves_o to_o be_v officer_n and_o ruler_n over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o according_a to_o his_o will_n hence_o the_o very_a power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v open_v and_o shut_v give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v also_o give_v to_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o christ_n apostle_n in_o doctrine_n send_v of_o christ_n john_n 20._o 23._o whosoever_n sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n because_o though_o the_o power_n of_o communication_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n hand_n yet_o the_o power_n of_o usual_a administration_n of_o it_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n while_o they_o exercise_v it_o according_a to_o christ_n yet_o by_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o paul_n put_v a_o difference_n between_o this_o extraordinary_a ministry_n as_o apostleship_n and_o ordinary_a gal._n 1._o 1._o a_o apostle_n not_o of_o man_n not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n for_o the_o church_n not_o by_o it_o now_o this_o i_o say_v be_v by_o the_o church_n from_o christ._n hence_o act_v 20._o 28._o the_o holy_a ghost_n haoh_o make_v they_o overseer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o invention_n of_o man_n or_o act_v of_o man_n or_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o of_o christ_n and_o hence_o refuse_v to_o be_v under_o this_o power_n man_n cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n jesus_n for_o though_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n be_v democraticall_a and_o popular_a and_o hence_o no_o public_a administration_n or_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v administrate_v public_o without_o notice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o government_n of_o it_o under_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o monarch_n of_o his_o church_n it_o be_v aristocratical_a and_o by_o some_o chief_a gift_v by_o christ_n choose_v by_o the_o people_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v unable_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v all_o ruler_n themselves_o and_o to_o cast_v off_o these_o or_o not_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o these_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o christ._n luke_n 10._o 16._o he_o that_o reject_v you_o reject_v i_o numb_a 16._o 3._o you_o be_v gather_v together_o against_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n account_v himself_o oppose_v and_o resist_v when_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n be_v slight_v and_o their_o government_n despise_v quest._n quest._n what_o be_v this_o power_n answ._n 1._o 1._o negative_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o any_o lordly_a pompous_a power_n to_o bear_v the_o bell_n of_o great_a smoky_a title_n to_o govern_v in_o worldly_a pomp_n or_o by_o worldly_a reward_n and_o civil_a punishment_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o with_o you_o say_v christ_n but_o as_o i_o have_v be_v without_o all_o worldly_a sâate_n so_o must_v you_o be_v one_o to_o another_o and_o hence_o 1_o peter_n 5._o 4._o not_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n christ_n never_o give_v his_o minister_n power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o newgate_n and_o bonner_n coal-house_n if_o they_o will_v not_o subscribe_v or_o to_o confute_v man_n opinion_n with_o their_o own_o law_n and_o bind_v conscience_n with_o chain_n of_o iron_n or_o to_o promote_v his_o servant_n by_o spiritual_a live_n christ_n himself_o refuse_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n in_o civil_a cause_n hence_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n when_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o peter_n be_v christ_n successor_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n peter_n and_o christ_n vicar_n yet_o as_o christ_n be_v on_o earth_n exercise_v no_o civil_a power_n so_o much_o less_o may_v these_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o any_o antichristian_a illimate_v power_n viz._n to_o have_v power_n over_o many_o church_n for_o that_o be_v the_o main_a spiritual_a antichristian_a external_a power_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o for_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o many_o elder_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o church_n act_v 20._o 28._o but_o never_a of_o any_o one_o ordinary_a minister_n or_o officer_n over_o many_o church_n either_o to_o govern_v or_o to_o baptize_v as_o the_o anabaptist_n will_v among_o they_o as_o many_o godly_a plead_v for_o now_o in_o the_o misty_a confusion_n of_o england_n and_o look_v as_o we_o cry_v out_o of_o one_o minister_n nonresident_a that_o shall_v have_v six_o or_o ten_o living_n though_o he_o give_v never_o so_o good_a a_o stipend_n not_o only_o because_o of_o his_o pride_n and_o covetousness_n but_o because_o of_o his_o unconscionablenesse_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o much_o more_o of_o one_o man_n overseer_n over_o many_o congregation_n it_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o at_o least_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o any_o magisterial_a power_n diotrephes-like_a either_o to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v mat._n 23._o 8._o and_o their_o will_n to_o be_v their_o law_n no_o matth._n 28._o 20_o teach_v all_o that_o i_o command_v you_o if_o they_o do_v sin_n their_o person_n be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o manifest_a offence_n and_o scandal_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o under_o it_o and_o be_v sinful_a member_n may_v if_o the_o case_n need_v it_o be_v proceed_v against_o by_o the_o whole_a neither_o have_v they_o any_o power_n to_o act_v any_o public_a ordinance_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o where_o it_o be_v bind_v by_o christ_n to_o judge_v without_o the_o privity_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o elect_v officer_n admit_v member_n cast_v out_o offender_n in_o the_o vestry_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o church_n one_o of_o the_o blain_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o the_o apostle_n with_o their_o extraordinary_a power_n never_o do_v themselves_o much_o leâe_n shall_v these_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o they_o have_v no_o immediate_a power_n of_o rule_n immediate_o give_v by_o christ_n over_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o mediate_v by_o that_o church_n where_o they_o be_v their_o gift_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n but_o their_o actual_a power_n to_o exercise_v it_o over_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n be_v by_o that_o church_n only_o hence_o deacon_n that_o be_v only_o to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o outward_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n act_n 6._o 3_o 4._o they_o be_v ordain_v by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n this_o
thing_n be_v know_v for_o the_o clear_n up_o of_o this_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a derivative_a power_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n joint_o and_o not_o to_o elder_n only_o which_o may_v be_v miserable_o abuse_v and_o so_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o take_v it_o away_o from_o their_o hand_n till_o they_o know_v better_o how_o to_o use_v it_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v use_v according_a to_o christ_n now_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o which_o be_v christ_n power_n delegated_a to_o it_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o christ_n government_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a the_o bondage_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o christendom_n if_o you_o examine_v the_o church_n be_v continue_v because_o the_o lord_n see_v heart_n unwilling_a to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o will_v continue_v it_o till_o church_n know_v how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o man_n lie_v down_o to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o 1._o they_o have_v a_o power_n give_v they_o from_o christ_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n i._n e._n of_o let_v in_o and_o keep_v out_o any_o according_a to_o christ_n into_o or_o out_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n commit_v to_o the_o church_n the_o chief_a office_n of_o which_o be_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o receive_v in_o and_o keep_v out_o according_a to_o christ_n and_o hence_o the_o three_o thousand_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v guide_n therein_o and_o act_n 9_o 26._o paul_n will_v have_v join_v himself_o but_o they_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o he_o because_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o no_o body_n natural_a or_o politic_a but_o they_o have_v power_n to_o receive_v to_o they_o the_o useful_a &_o keep_v from_o they_o the_o hurtful_a so_o much_o more_o christ_n spiritual_a body_n and_o hence_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v revel_v 2._o 2._o together_o with_o their_o angel_n for_o try_v those_o that_o seem_v good_a and_o be_v not_o now_o it_o be_v true_a this_o power_n may_v be_v miserable_o abuse_v in_o open_v door_n too_o wide_o or_o lock_v they_o up_o too_o long_o or_o too_o fast_o and_o in_o many_o sad_a disorder_n this_o way_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o power_n now_o when_o man_n shall_v refuse_v church-tryall_n and_o so_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o that_o not_o from_o sense_n of_o their_o unfitnesse_n and_o unworthiness_n or_o some_o other_o reason_n which_o be_v in_o the_o fight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a weight_n but_o from_o a_o careless_a contempt_n of_o god_n ordinance_n or_o god_n people_n a_o man_n say_v what_o care_v i_o for_o the_o one_o and_o what_o be_v the_o other_o and_o from_o a_o resolution_n never_o to_o grow_v better_a they_o know_v they_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v accept_v of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v resolve_v they_o will_v grow_v no_o better_o they_o think_v themselves_o as_o good_a as_o they_o and_o from_o a_o secret_a unwillingness_n to_o come_v to_o the_o light_n they_o know_v thing_n be_v amiss_o and_o will_v not_o be_v know_v of_o it_o they_o appear_v better_o than_o they_o be_v and_o hence_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v see_v and_o jodge_v as_o they_o be_v certain_o this_o be_v to_o cast_v christ_n power_n and_o if_o continue_v in_o the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v also_o cast_v off_o act_v 2._o ult_n the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v to_o the_o church_n i_o e._n not_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o visible_a church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v isa._n 60._o 14_o 15._o for_o the_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n that_o will_v not_o serve_v thou_o shall_v perish_v yea_o those_o nation_n shall_v utter_o perish_v lamentable_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o not_o so_o much_o for_o not_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n as_o not_o seek_v of_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o mercy_n that_o they_o may_v be_v first_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o to_o his_o people_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n there_o be_v great_a heap_n of_o people_n among_o the_o church_n here_o that_o do_v stand_v guilty_a of_o this_o the_o lord_n humble_v we_o for_o it_o that_o content_n themselves_o to_o stand_v alien_n from_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o israel_n eph._n 2._o 12._o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n but_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a bondage_n 1._o of_o sin_n and_o satan_n rev._n 22._o 14_o 15._o let_v he_o that_o be_v filthy_a be_v filthy_a still_o nay_o though_o there_o be_v some_o beginning_n yet_o apt_a to_o fall_v back_o because_o not_o plant_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o hence_o col._n 2._o 5._o joy_v and_o behold_v your_o order_n and_o the_o stead_n fastness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o christ_n order_n and_o steadfastness_n be_v join_v together_o 2._o of_o misery_n zach._n 14._o 17._o and_o it_o shall_v be_v that_o whosoever_o will_v not_o come_v up_o of_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_v the_o king_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n even_o upon_o they_o shall_v be_v no_o rain_n 3._o sadness_n hence_o isa._n 56._o 7._o even_o they_o i_o will_v bring_v to_o my_o holy_a mountain_n and_o make_v they_o joyful_a in_o my_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v joyful_a in_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n be_v promise_v to_o such_o as_o join_v themselves_o to_o god_n covenant_n 2._o they_o have_v a_o power_n give_v they_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v by_o admonition_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v receive_v in_o shall_v sin_v against_o their_o communion_n and_o the_o lord_n in_o it_o thereby_o to_o defile_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o to_o provoke_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o same_o and_o this_o be_v mention_v matth._n 18._o and_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 1_o 4._o and_o this_o be_v give_v to_o they_o to_o use_v against_o whatever_o sinner_n or_o offender_n it_o be_v be_v he_o great_a or_o small_a prince_z or_o peer_n if_o he_o be_v a_o brother_n he_o be_v to_o lie_v down_o here_o a_o admonition_n be_v a_o arrest_n and_o message_n from_o god_n from_o christ_n jesus_n the_o king_n of_o king_n eglon_n must_v come_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n when_o this_o be_v bring_v now_o i_o grant_v again_o this_o power_n may_v be_v abuse_v miserable_o as_o to_o admonish_v without_o conviction_n or_o without_o compassion_n and_o love_n but_o in_o heat_n and_o passion_n etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o be_v part_n of_o christ_n bind_v power_n in_o his_o church_n which_o when_o it_o be_v do_v it_o be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n now_o when_o man_n come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_a sin_n for_o that_o the_o lord_n pardon_v but_o be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o reproof_n and_o christ-like_a admonition_n for_o sin_n steep_v it_o may_v be_v in_o many_o tear_n and_o prayer_n before_o they_o come_v and_o sweeten_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o mercy_n and_o terror_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o servant_n this_o bring_v under_o bondage_n it_o be_v not_o sin_n so_o much_o for_o this_o will_v be_v but_o when_o they_o can_v abide_v reproof_n they_o be_v iron_n morsel_n can_v be_v digest_v and_o hence_o sometime_o hide_v it_o and_o twenty_o shift_n and_o half_a as_o many_o lie_v or_o if_o it_o be_v find_v out_o defend_v it_o and_o fall_v a_o fence_n and_o thrust_v and_o try_v it_o out_o to_o the_o last_o or_o extenuate_v it_o twenty_o way_n that_o a_o beam_n be_v a_o more_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o their_o heart_n rise_v and_o swell_v and_o they_o bear_v a_o privy_a grudge_n against_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v their_o enemy_n because_o they_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n when_o they_o shall_v say_v let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o exod._n 2._o 14._o who_o make_v thou_o a_o prince_n and_o judge_n over_o we_o when_o moses_n the_o israelite_n deliverer_n be_v raise_v up_o he_o thereupon_o depart_v and_o they_o lie_v under_o heavy_a bondage_n when_o they_o cast_v off_o his_o reproof_n it_o be_v true_a a_o saint_n may_v not_o for_o a_o time_n submit_v but_o yet_o it_o argue_v a_o height_n of_o spirit_n for_o the_o present_a unfit_a for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v bring_v they_o off_o and_o humble_v they_o for_o their_o pride_n 2_o sam._n 23._o 6._o ãâã_d but_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n shall_v be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o thorn_n ãâ¦ã_z cause_n they_o can_v be_v take_v
say_v oh_o brethren_n let_v the_o saint_n let_v it_o be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o people_n of_o god_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o you_o do_v before_o you_o come_v to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o receive_v a_o sacrament_n or_o to_o any_o christian_a communion_n or_o other_o ordinance_n of_o god_n before_o thou_o do_v come_v endeavour_v it_o at_o least_o to_o bring_v thy_o soul_n to_o a_o god_n to_o christ_n above_o all_o ordinance_n and_o break_v through_o the_o difficulty_n heart_n be_v dead_a and_o mind_n be_v blind_a and_o god_n be_v go_v but_o yet_o break_v through_o difficulty_n and_o wrestle_v with_o the_o lord_n in_o prayer_n and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o great_a reason_n why_o we_o enjoy_v not_o that_o mighty_a presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o ordinance_n it_o be_v this_o man_n come_v to_o ordinance_n and_o will_v enjoy_v ordinance_n but_o they_o never_o break_v through_o difficulty_n to_o come_v to_o a_o god_n when_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o ordinance_n only_o &_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o have_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n true_o this_o will_v do_v you_o no_o good_a in_o the_o world_n the_o 5_o degree_n of_o cast_v off_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n many_o time_n when_o the_o soul_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n the_o lord_n come_v to_o it_o now_o than_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o christ_n be_v cast_v off_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v unwilling_a or_o careless_a to_o receive_v the_o stroke_n of_o the_o eternal_a power_n of_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n into_o his_o heart_n but_o content_n himself_o with_o some_o beginning_n some_o sip_v and_o taste_v and_o do_v not_o lie_v under_o the_o stroke_n of_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ._n look_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o company_n of_o subject_n they_o be_v in_o some_o great_a town_n that_o stand_v it_o out_o against_o a_o prince_n if_o the_o prince_n send_v to_o they_o and_o they_o parley_v with_o he_o and_o they_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o gift_n and_o glad_a of_o his_o parley_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v the_o prince_n with_o all_o his_o power_n to_o come_v into_o the_o town_n if_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o do_v that_o and_o be_v loath_a to_o join_v side_n against_o the_o other_o party_n they_o cast_v he_o off_o from_o be_v king_n so_o it_o be_v here_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o ordinance_n the_o lord_n he_o parley_n with_o they_o the_o lord_n he_o send_v promise_n and_o they_o be_v marvellous_a precious_a thing_n and_o they_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n do_v send_v and_o it_o be_v sweet_a to_o they_o but_o now_o because_o they_o have_v lust_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o lord_n say_v make_v war_n against_o thy_o lust_n and_o open_v the_o gate_n that_o i_o may_v come_v in_o if_o so_o be_v a_o man_n now_o out_o of_o secret_a love_n to_o his_o sin_n he_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n he_o care_v not_o for_o that_o he_o use_v not_o all_o mean_n that_o he_o may_v find_v that_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v now_o cast_v off_o and_o i_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o such_o a_o people_n and_o capernaum_n they_o do_v enjoy_v the_o gospel_n of_o god_n but_o now_o to_o entertain_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o spiritual_a power_n this_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o come_v to_o therefore_o say_v the_o lord_n wâ_n to_o thou_o capernaum_n the_o mighty_a work_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o heart_n this_o they_o never_o care_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 5._o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n they_o be_v mighty_a through_o god_n as_o poor_a thing_n as_o you_o think_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v they_o be_v mighty_a through_o the_o lord_n when_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v this_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n true_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v cast_v off_o john_n 6._o 49._o your_o father_n eat_v manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v outward_a manna_n but_o he_o that_o eat_v i_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o in_o one_o word_n thus_o this_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n never_o get_v good_a by_o any_o ordinance_n nor_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v never_o attain_v his_o end_n in_o any_o ordinance_n till_o there_o be_v a_o everlasting_a power_n and_o life_n of_o christ_n jesus_n communicate_v by_o the_o ordinance_n ult_n there_o say_v he_o god_n command_v his_o blessing_n life_n for_o evermore_o mercy_n for_o ever_o comfort_v and_o light_n for_o ever_o teach_v and_o humble_v for_o ever_o continue_v and_o a_o man_n will_v never_o think_v he_o do_v receive_v any_o good_a till_o he_o do_v it_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v heal_v of_o his_o blindness_n and_o be_v blind_a present_o again_o what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a so_o if_o a_o man_n have_v some_o flash_n of_o light_n in_o the_o ordinance_n bless_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o the_o lord_n quicken_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o walk_v with_o the_o lord_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o it_o ay_o but_o when_o the_o heart_n now_o shall_v lose_v that_o life_n and_o strength_n which_o it_o have_v not_o but_o that_o a_o christian_n do_v lose_v to_o his_o feel_n but_o it_o will_v return_v again_o when_o he_o be_v a_o hear_n some_o affection_n but_o he_o go_v away_o dead_a as_o he_o come_v no_o but_o when_o the_o lord_n come_v by_o his_o everlasting_a power_n and_o mercy_n and_o life_n in_o any_o ordinance_n now_o christ_n come_v in_o his_o power_n and_o now_o you_o receive_v the_o king_n in_o his_o power_n and_o christ_n attain_v his_o end_n in_o the_o ordinance_n this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o will_v say_v i_o do_v beseech_v you_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n oh_o seek_v for_o this_o bless_a life_n everlasting_a life_n lord_n everlasting_a power_n lord_n beg_v for_o that_o and_o seek_v for_o that_o and_o pray_v for_o that_o and_o weep_v for_o that_o do_v not_o content_v thyself_o with_o sipping_n and_o tasting_n look_v for_o everlasting_a life_n and_o power_n to_o come_v with_o the_o ordinance_n though_o mean_n be_v weak_a in_o themselves_o do_v not_o therefore_o vilify_v they_o look_v upon_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n what_o a_o poor_a thing_n be_v that_o to_o heal_v the_o people_n that_o be_v sting_v yet_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n do_v put_v virtue_n into_o it_o so_o do_v thou_o attend_v on_o the_o ordinance_n and_o never_o be_v content_a till_o thou_o do_v find_v the_o lord_n and_o feel_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v as_o some_o have_v say_v though_o i_o feel_v not_o the_o lord_n now_o as_o i_o have_v do_v yet_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v for_o ever_o bless_v the_o lord_n never_o be_v content_a till_o you_o find_v the_o lord_n bring_v your_o heart_n to_o this_o pass_n and_o then_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v come_v though_o you_o find_v not_o the_o same_o power_n at_o all_o time_n yet_o if_o you_o find_v that_o power_n which_o do_v inure_v your_o heart_n for_o ever_o to_o bless_v the_o lord_n here_o be_v everlasting_a power_n jesus_n be_v now_o come_v to_o thy_o soul_n ay_o but_o when_o you_o content_v yourselves_o with_o some_o moving_n and_o beginning_n and_o sin_n and_o satan_n as_o strong_a again_o as_o ever_o and_o you_o find_v not_o your_o sin_n waste_v and_o consume_v in_o truth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v cast_v off_o and_o you_o have_v not_o the_o end_n for_o which_o you_o come_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o then_o you_o be_v bless_v for_o ever_o when_o you_o find_v this_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o derivative_a power_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o church_n joint_o consider_v together_o mat._n 18._o 17._o go_v and_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v the_o high_a tribunal_n christ_n have_v on_o earth_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o saint_n it_o be_v christ_n high_a court_n of_o parliament_n beyond_o which_o there_o be_v no_o appeal_n to_o any_o high_a power_n than_o the_o church_n and_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o fair_a interpretation_n for_o the_o case_n may_v be_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o officer_n and_o be_v he_o the_o church_n as_o also_o that_o he_o may_v sin_v and_o not_o hear_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o must_v they_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o at_o least_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o sin_n they_o power_n of_o key_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n quia_fw-la fidelis_fw-la and_o the_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v to_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o christ_n name_n mat._n 18._o but_o these_o
be_v apostolical_a power_n and_o a_o intrusion_n and_o cut_v asunder_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n of_o master_n ball_n his_o book_n of_o power_n for_o presbytery_n etc._n etc._n 2._o what_o be_v their_o power_n affirmative_o answ._n 1._o they_o have_v a_o power_n give_v they_o of_o rule_v and_o govern_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o people_n hence_o they_o be_v call_v ruler_n and_o such_o as_o rule_v and_o be_v over_o god_n church_n hence_o they_o have_v strict_a charge_n and_o command_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v it_o hence_o paul_n at_o ephesus_n when_o he_o be_v with_o they_o three_o year_n yet_o have_v ruler_n there_o and_o vers_n 28._o feed_v god_n stock_n buy_v by_o blood_n over_o which_o not_o man_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n christ_n church_n be_v like_o sheep_n apt_a to_o stray_v and_o perish_v unless_o these_o watch_n against_o wolf_n and_o these_o the_o apostle_n at_o his_o last_o part_v leave_v hence_o also_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n heb._n 13._o hence_o thâse_a cast_v off_o the_o lord_n government_n over_o they_o who_o will_v have_v no_o ruler_n or_o governor_n in_o church_n who_o shall_v either_o speak_v it_o or_o think_v it_o but_o leave_v all_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o liberty_n to_o teach_v baptize_v to_o order_v thing_n in_o church_n and_o so_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o be_v not_o only_o single_a member_n or_o officer_n but_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o elder_a and_o all_o this_o generation_n of_o man_n son_n of_o korah_n be_v rise_v up_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n especial_o among_o anaâaptists_n familist_n and_o rigid_a separatist_n and_o who_o be_v privy_o creep_v into_o new-england_n church_n who_o condemnation_n sleep_v not_o satan_n carry_v they_o to_o extreme_n and_o pride_n lift_v they_o up_o above_o themselves_o above_o man_n above_z officer_n above_o ordinance_n and_o above_o god_n that_o look_n as_o commonwealth_n be_v under_o great_a bondage_n where_o there_o be_v a_o anarchy_n where_o every_o one_o must_v be_v a_o slave_n because_o every_o one_o must_v be_v a_o master_n so_o in_o the_o church_n no_o great_a bondage_n can_v come_v than_o this_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o confusion_n and_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n which_o through_o mercy_n his_o people_n here_o enjoy_v 2._o this_o power_n be_v more_o than_o any_o one_o private_a member_n have_v in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o a_o officer_n it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o simple_a ridiculous_a thing_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v election_n ordination_n many_o prayer_n much_o trial_n of_o man_n for_o to_o rule_v and_o guide_v and_o govern_v separation_n from_o the_o rest_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o have_v any_o more_o power_n than_o one_o private_a member_n hence_o the_o apostle_n say_v submit_v to_o they_o that_o be_v over_o you_o 1_o thessalonian_n 5._o 12._o and_o hebrew_n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o ââat_o guide_v you_o or_o rule_v over_o you_o hence_o those_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v governor_n in_o the_o church_n for_o name_n sake_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o more_o power_n than_o a_o private_a brother_n they_o do_v but_o allow_v the_o name_n but_o deny_v the_o thing_n hence_o say_v they_o they_o be_v to_o watch_v so_o be_v private_a member_n they_o be_v to_o admonish_v so_o be_v every_o private_a member_n they_o be_v to_o rule_v the_o word_n signify_v to_o guide_v and_o go_v before_o another_o answ._n 1._o 1._o the_o word_n to_o rule_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 12._o be_v the_o same_o word_n with_o 1._o tim._n 3._o 4_o 5._o he_o that_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n which_o be_v a_o little_a more_o than_o they_o that_o be_v beside_o he_o in_o the_o family_n though_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o paternal_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o that_o of_o private_a member_n and_o that_o heb._n 13._o 17._o be_v a_o word_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o in_o matth._n 2._o 6._o governor_n particular_o speak_v of_o christ_n government_n to_o feed_v otherwise_o than_o private_a member_n answ._n 2._o 2._o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v to_o watch_v and_o admonish_v in_o way_n of_o christian_a duty_n but_o other_o in_o way_n of_o christ_n authority_n as_o be_v his_o ambassador_n and_o send_v of_o he_o as_o in_o a_o family_n one_o servant_n shall_v watch_v over_o another_o but_o the_o chief_a steward_n he_o be_v to_o do_v it_o with_o authority_n in_o the_o absence_n of_o his_o lord_n and_o hence_o do_v it_o with_o more_o majesty_n and_o power_n and_o it_o take_v or_o shall_v take_v deep_a impression_n so_o it_o be_v in_o elder_n of_o a_o church_n hence_o also_o when_o man_n shall_v cry_v for_o liberty_n to_o speak_v a_o elder_a forbid_v it_o what_o may_v not_o the_o church_n have_v liberty_n true_a but_o you_o be_v not_o a_o church_n a_o elder_n reprove_v and_o they_o will_v reprove_v again_o what_o shall_v not_o the_o church_n have_v liberty_n a_o elder_n give_v reason_n strong_a and_o unanswerable_a for_o some_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v a_o young_a fellow_n shall_v step_v up_o and_o say_v without_o ground_n or_o show_v of_o it_o that_o be_v your_o light_n and_o i_o be_v otherwise_o what_o may_v not_o the_o church_n have_v liberty_n yes_o but_o you_o be_v not_o the_o church_n this_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o have_v be_v a_o root_n of_o great_a scandal_n that_o ever_o god_n way_n have_v if_o elder_n sin_v open_o it_o be_v another_o case_n and_o somewhat_o also_o be_v there_o to_o be_v do_v submit_v yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o much_o more_o to_o a_o elder_a etc._n etc._n 3._o in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n according_a to_o christ_n they_o be_v over_o the_o whole_a church_n their_o person_n indeed_o ase_a under_o they_o in_o case_n they_o sin_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v to_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o to_o the_o whole_a but_o to_o the_o last_o member_n of_o the_o church_n suppose_v the_o sin_n be_v not_o only_o suspect_v or_o report_v or_o apprehend_v by_o one_o but_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n at_o least_o as_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 19_o but_o while_o they_o execute_v it_o according_a to_o christ_n they_o be_v therein_o above_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v subject_a therein_o and_o not_o to_o be_v subject_n be_v to_o refuse_v to_o be_v under_o christ_n government_n hence_o heb._n 13._o obey_v they_o that_o rule_v you_o he_o speak_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o evil_a but_o in_o good_a thing_n according_a to_o god_n and_o yet_o in_o evil_a thing_n look_v on_o they_o as_o those_o over_o they_o exempli_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la a_o minister_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n let_v he_o preach_v christ_n eternal_a truth_n deliver_v it_o and_o prove_v it_o what_o ever_o humane_a weakness_n there_o be_v in_o he_o what_o ever_o darkness_n there_o be_v in_o other_o yet_o he_o be_v therein_o above_o church_n king_n or_o angel_n and_o they_o shall_v answer_v it_o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o do_v not_o submit_v in_o regard_n of_o my_o person_n say_v luther_n i_o will_v fall_v down_o before_o any_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o administer_v i_o look_v on_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o nit_v nay_o dust_n etc._n etc._n ad_fw-la regem_fw-la angl._n so_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v out_o member_n they_o have_v try_v and_o prove_v such_o a_o one_o if_o they_o sin_v as_o they_o may_v then_o give_v they_o reason_n but_o if_o not_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v and_o that_o not_o as_o unto_o other_o christian_n but_o as_o unto_o a_o ordinance_n stamp_v with_o a_o authority_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o in_o âeed_o they_o be_v not_o to_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n without_o the_o presence_n consent_n and_o judiciary_n power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n may_v not_o submit_v to_o what_o elder_n propose_v to_o be_v christ_n mind_n but_o then_o they_o cast_v âff_v the_o lord_n power_n which_o they_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o another_o day_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o they_o be_v call_v governor_n now_o as_o a_o ruler_n of_o a_o ship_n be_v to_o order_v it_o though_o a_o king_n be_v in_o it_o over_o he_o in_o that_o respect_n and_o the_o king_n be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o he_o while_o he_o guide_v it_o right_n but_o if_o not_o the_o king_n have_v power_n over_o he_o to_o command_v other_o to_o take_v the_o place_n or_o cast_v he_o over_o board_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v but_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n because_o they_o be_v by_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n and_o to_o help_v the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o and_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o if_o they_o