Selected quad for the lemma: power_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
power_n believer_n church_n key_n 3,113 5 10.5671 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A88943 Church-government and church-covenant discussed, in an answer of the elders of the severall churches in New-England to two and thirty questions, sent over to them by divers ministers in England, to declare their judgments therein. Together with an apologie of the said elders in New-England for church-covenant, sent over in answer to Master Bernard in the yeare 1639. As also in an answer to nine positions about church-government. And now published for the satisfaction of all who desire resolution in those points. Mather, Richard, 1596-1669.; Mather, Richard, 1596-1669. Apologie of the churches in New-England for church-covenant.; Peters, Hugh, 1598-1660.; Davenport, John, 1597-1670. 1643 (1643) Wing M1270; Thomason E106_8; Thomason E106_9; ESTC R18913 104,756 140

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

carry_v matter_n just_o and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n matth._n 16._o 19_o among_o other_o thing_n note_v ministerial_a or_o delegated_a power_n of_o government_n and_o this_o power_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o may_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o to_o who_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n in_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o peter_n alone_o but_o to_o all_o the_o disciple_n also_o for_o to_o they_o all_o the_o question_n be_v propound_v by_o christ_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o ●eter_a answer_v in_o all_o their_o name_n second_o that_o he_o and_o they_o be_v not_o then_o look_v upon_o as_o apostle_n or_o general_a officer_n of_o all_o church_n for_o that_o commission_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v they_o but_o as_o disciple_n and_o believer_n believe_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o confess_v with_o the_o mouth_n jesus_n christ_n the_o rock_n upon_o who_o the_o church_n be_v build_v wherein_o as_o they_o do_v represent_v all_o believer_n so_o in_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n the_o key_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o believer_n that_o shall_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o afterward_o this_o power_n of_o government_n be_v express_o give_v to_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17._o according_a hereunto_o in_o that_o description_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o it_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n rev._n 4._o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v see_v by_o john_n in_o a_o vision_n sit_v on_o throne_n clothe_v with_o white_a raiment_n have_v on_o their_o head_n crown_n of_o gold_n vers_fw-la 14._o now_o throne_n and_o crown_n be_v ensign_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o authority_n and_o govern_v power_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n doctor_n fulke_n have_v this_o say_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o one_o person_n only_o as_o cyprian_n augustine_n chrysostome_n jerome_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n agreeable_o to_o the_o scripture_n do_v confess_v against_o the_o pope_n pardon_n chap._n 3._o p._n 381._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n although_o the_o judgement_n and_o execution_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o exercise_n that_o authority_n as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o who●e_a church_n whereof_o they_o be_v appoint_v governor_n to_o avoid_v confusion_n against_o the_o rhemist_n on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o doctor_n whitaker_n have_v these_o word_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la nos_fw-la dicimus_fw-la petrum_fw-la gessisse_fw-la personam_fw-la omnium_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la quare_fw-la hanc_fw-la promissionem_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n sed_fw-la toti_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la factam_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la clave_n accepisse_fw-la de_fw-fr pontiff_a roman_n q._n 2._o c._n 4._o sect._n 17._o and_o in_o that_o book_n he_o be_v pregnant_a and_o plain_a in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o key_n be_v mean_v all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o these_o key_n be_v give_v in_o peter_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o same_o be_v also_o teach_v by_o master_n parker_n polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 4._o 5_o 6._o where_o he_o prove_v by_o many_o argument_n that_o every_o visible_a church_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o particular_a congregation_n have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o jurisdiction_n commit_v to_o it_o by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o page_n 2_o of_o that_o three_o book_n make_v mention_n of_o four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o word_n of_o the_o key_n and_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16._o 19_o the_o first_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v the_o pope_n only_o to_o be_v mean_v thereby_o as_o peter_n successor_n the_o second_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o diocesan_n bishop_n the_o three_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v those_o word_n as_o mean_v of_o the_o minister_n but_o the_o minister_n alone_o the_o four_o of_o they_o that_o understand_v peter_n to_o represent_v the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n and_o therefore_o that_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o these_o he_o refuse_v the_o three_o first_o as_o unsound_a and_o maintain_v the_o four_o as_o only_o agree_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o master_n baine_n say_v every_o church_n by_o christ_n institution_n have_v power_n of_o government_n diocese_n trial_n quest_n 1._o p._n 8._o and_o he_o tell_v we_o page_n 11._o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n the_o word_n church_n say_v he_o we_o understand_v here_o not_o figurative_o tataken_v metonymical_o for_o the_o place_n syn●cdochecally_o for_o minister_n administer_a ordinance_n but_o proper_o for_o a_o body_n politic_a stand_v of_o people_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o govern_v and_o of_o teacher_n and_o governor_n so_o that_o in_o his_o judgement_n every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v power_n of_o government_n within_o itself_o and_o by_o these_o word_n of_o he_o it_o may_v also_o be_v conclude_v that_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o for_o the_o power_n of_o government_n by_o church_n institution_n be_v in_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o minister_n be_v not_o a_o church_n in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n but_o only_o figurative_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n and_o therefore_o all_o power_n of_o government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o minister_n alone_o but_o a_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v the_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o people_n and_o minister_n but_o of_o this_o more_o may_v be_v say_v in_o the_o next_o question_n four_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o independency_n whereof_o this_o question_n also_o make_v mention_n we_o do_v confess_v the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o independent_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o depend_v on_o christ_n both_o for_o direction_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n joh._n 10._o 27._o act._n 3._o 23._o and_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o discern_v those_o rule_n and_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v discern_v joh._n ●5_n 5._o and_o 16._o 13._o but_o for_o dependency_n upon_o man_n or_o other_o church_n or_o other_o subordination_n unto_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o church_n government_n or_o power_n we_o know_v not_o of_o any_o such_o appoint_a by_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n our_o saviour_n word_n be_v plain_a if_o a_o man_n hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o beto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n and_o his_o promise_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v plain_a also_o that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 18._o 17._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o church_n deliver_v the_o impenitent_a sinner_n unto_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5_o 6._o now_o when_o the_o man_n upon_o the_o church_n censure_n come_v to_o be_v in_o case_n as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n yea_o become_v bind_v in_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o bind_v in_o earth_n and_o also_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n this_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v such_o a_o firm_a ratification_n of_o the_o church_n censure_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o earth_n to_o reverse_v or_o disannul_v the_o same_o and_o so_o take_v away_o that_o kind_n of_o dependency_n and_o subordination_n of_o church_n nos_fw-la plane_n dicimus_fw-la ●cclesias_fw-la initiò_fw-la regi_fw-la solitas_fw-la esse_fw-la à_fw-la suis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la sic_fw-la quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la nullis_fw-la essent_fw-la externis_fw-la aut_fw-la ecclesi●s_fw-la aut_fw-la episcopis_fw-la subditae_fw-la non_fw-la colossensis_fw-la ephaesi●ae_fw-la non_fw-la philippensis_fw-la thessaloniensi_fw-la non_fw-la h●_n romanae_fw-la non_fw-la romanae_fw-la cviquam_fw-la se●_n paris_n omnes_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la juris_fw-la essent_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la svi_fw-la omnes_fw-la juris_fw-la et_fw-la mancipij_fw-la whitak_n de_fw-fr pontif._n roman_n question_v 1_o chapter_n 1._o section_n 3._o that_o be_v in_o sum_n the_o church_n be_v not_o dependent_a and_o subordinate_a to_o other_o but_o all_o of_o they_o absolute_o free_a and_o independent_a we_o affirm_v say_v master_n baine_n that_o all_o church_n be_v singular_a congregation_n equal_a in_o dependent_a each_o of_o other_o in_o regard_n of_o subjection_n diocese_n trial_n q_o 1._o pag._n 13._o the_o twenty_o chapter_n of_o mr._n parker_n his_o three_o book_n of_o eccles_n polity_n have_v this_o title_n de_fw-fr summitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la particularis_fw-la and_o
modest_a offer_n of_o disputation_n lay_v down_o 16._o proposition_n which_o they_o offer_v to_o maintain_v against_o the_o prelate_n give_v this_o for_o the_o four_o of_o they_o viz._n there_o be_v no_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o a_o particular_a ordinary_a congregation_n only_o doubtless_o every_o true_a visible_a church_n have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o exercise_v excommunication_n and_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o mat._n 18._o 17._o now_o dr._n whitaker_n show_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o excommunication_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n qui_fw-la justè_fw-la excommunicantur_fw-la say_v he_o co_fw-la satanae_fw-la traditos_fw-la esse_fw-la concedimu●_n non_fw-la t●men_fw-la posse_fw-la pr●priem_fw-la d●●i_fw-la eject●s_fw-la ex_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la catholica_fw-la quia_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la non_fw-la catholica_fw-la sed_fw-la particularis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la censura_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-fr eccles_n qu._n 1._o c._n 6._o wherefore_o if_o excommunication_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a church_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n second_o as_o all_o visible_a believer_n be_v not_o without_o christ_n but_o in_o christ_n according_a as_o they_o be_v believer_n so_o we_o easy_o grant_v that_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v unbeliever_n pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o also_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o believer_n in_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o such_o join_n they_o become_v also_o to_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a church_n 3._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v be_v clear_a also_o that_o unless_o believer_n be_v member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o who_o inspection_n and_o government_n they_o have_v commend_v themselves_o in_o the_o lord_n they_o also_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o that_o be_v without_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o without_o right_a to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n for_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o to_o dispense_v censure_n and_o church_n privilege_n to_o pagan_n who_o be_v without_o all_o church_n and_o without_o christ_n also_o or_o to_o such_o christian_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o within_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o minister_n thereof_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o though_o those_o without_o of_o who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 5._o be_v pagan_n and_o heathen_n both_o without_o christ_n and_o without_o the_o visible_a church_n also_o yet_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o judgeing_a and_o say_v they_o may_v judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o and_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o he_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o he_o mean_v it_o simple_o of_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o without_o christ_n and_o no_o more_o than_o so_o but_o also_o of_o be_v in_o that_o particular_a congregation_n and_o without_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o also_o within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o those_o that_o be_v within_o their_o particular_a congregation_n they_o they_o may_v judge_v though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o christ_n 4._o and_o that_o church_n privilege_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o but_o only_o to_o such_o as_o withal_o be_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o proposition_n send_v the_o last_o year_n do_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o make_v manifest_a whereto_o we_o do_v refer_v you_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n it_o be_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n that_o the_o church_n be_v 4._o make_v by_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o constitute_v or_o erect_v a_o church_n they_o do_v it_o by_o be_v all_o of_o they_o baptise_a which_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o mr._n smith_n mr._n helwis_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o company_n when_o they_o set_v up_o their_o church_n the_o papist_n also_o do_v imagine_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o their_o fount_n be_v set_v near_o the_o door_n of_o their_o temple_n to_o signify_v man_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n and_o they_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v christen_v or_o make_v christian_n soul_n by_o be_v baptise_a but_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o baptism_n do_v make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o bring_v they_o in_o but_o to_o they_o that_o be_v within_o the_o church_n as_o a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o for_o 1._o this_o be_v one_o point_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n that_o baptism_n and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o commit_v to_o it_o as_o circumcision_n and_o church_n ordinance_n be_v give_v and_o concredit_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n joh._n 7._o 22._o now_o if_o baptism_n in_o its_o first_o be_v and_o institution_n be_v give_v as_o a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n to_o the_o church_n than_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n be_v presuppose_v and_o must_v be_v before_o it_o for_o the_o dones_fw-la or_o person_n to_o who_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v must_v needs_o be_v before_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v give_v to_o they_o 2._o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o baptism_n be_v to_o be_v a_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o circumcision_n also_o be_v rom._n 4._o 11._o now_o a_o seal_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o but_o to_o confirm_v something_o that_o be_v before_o and_o so_o baptism_n be_v not_o that_o which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o the_o covenant_n but_o be_v for_o confirmation_n thereof_o to_o bring_v in_o baptism_n before_o the_o covenant_n and_o before_o the_o church_n with_o who_o god_n make_v the_o covenant_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o church_n afterward_o be_v to_o make_v baptism_n a_o seal_n unto_o a_o blank_a or_o to_o a_o falsehood_n when_o the_o jesuit_n of_o rheims_n have_v say_v that_o christ_n send_v 12_o apostle_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o move_v they_o to_o penance_n and_o so_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n and_o that_o paul_n be_v send_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o move_v they_o also_o to_o faith_n and_o penance_n and_o by_o baptism_n to_o make_v they_o of_o his_o church_n this_o say_n of_o make_v man_n of_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n though_o utter_v by_o they_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o way_n and_o not_o be_v the_o chief_a scope_n of_o their_o discourse_n yet_o seem_v to_o mr._n cartwright_n so_o erroneous_a and_o unsound_a that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v it_o pass_v without_o bear_v special_a witness_n against_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o he_o have_v these_o word_n and_o in_o another_o character_n for_o more_o conspicuousnesse_n viz._n that_o baptism_n make_v not_o man_n of_o the_o church_n but_o seal_v their_o incorporation_n into_o it_o have_v be_v declare_v afore_o argument_n of_o act_n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o catechism_n which_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v pen_v by_o our_o reverend_a brother_n mr._n ball_n or_o mr._n nicholas_n now_o with_o god_n give_v this_o for_o the_o definition_n of_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o christ_n communion_n with_o he_o and_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n do_v in_o the_o exposition_n plain_o declare_v that_o when_o they_o call_v baptism_n a_o sacrament_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o signify_v and_o seal_v that_o they_o be_v member_n afore_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n say_v they_o pag_n 144._o gal._n 3._o 7._o or_o child_n of_o christian_a parent_n be_v within_o the_o covenant_n be_v christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 7._o 14._o rom._n 11._o 16._o
of_o church_n government_n be_v not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o but_o some_o power_n be_v in_o the_o people_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o count_v it_o no_o sacrilege_n for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n though_o not_o in_o office_n to_o handle_v those_o key_n mat._n 16._o but_o rather_o a_o frivolous_a thing_n to_o think_v otherwise_o quasi_fw-la absque_fw-la sacrilegio_fw-la say_v he_o tractare_fw-la clave_n priva●i_fw-la nequeant_fw-la qui_fw-la e●●s_fw-la privatim_fw-la tractare_fw-la jubeatur_fw-la quoties_fw-la fratres_fw-la suos_fw-la admonere_fw-la consolari_fw-la et_fw-la aedificare_fw-la imò_fw-la ve●ò_fw-la est_fw-la &_o publica_fw-la clavium_fw-la tractatio_fw-la quam_fw-la plebs_fw-la christiana_n in_fw-la unum_fw-la coacta_fw-la sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la sacrilegio_fw-la ministrat_n 1_o cor._n 5._o polit._n eccles_n l._n 3._o c._n 2._o p._n 8._o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o a_o singular_a conceit_n of_o he_o or_o we_o but_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o many_o worthy_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n who_o do_v with_o great_a consent_n hold_v the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o be_v of_o a_o mix_a form_n compound_v of_o all_o three_o estate_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v therein_o si_fw-mi velimus_fw-la christum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la respicere_fw-la fuit_fw-la semper_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la regimen_fw-la monarchicum_fw-la si_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la presbyter●s_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o doctrina_fw-la et_fw-la disciplina_fw-la svas_fw-la part_n agebant_fw-la aristocraticum_fw-la si_fw-la totum_fw-la corpus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la quatenus_fw-la in_o electione_n episcoporum_fw-la et_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la suffragia_fw-la ferebat_fw-la it_o a_o tamen_fw-la ut_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d semper_fw-la à_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la servaretur_fw-la democraticum_fw-la sic_fw-la partim_fw-la aristocritum_fw-la partim_fw-la democraticum_fw-la partim_fw-la etiam_fw-la monarchicum_fw-la est_fw-la semper_fw-la que_fw-la fuit_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la regimen_fw-la whita_n de_fw-fr pontiff_a rom._n qu._n 1._o c._n 1._o sect_n 2._o the_o church_n say_v mr._n cartwright_n be_v govern_v with_o that_o kind_n of_o government_n which_o the_o philosopher_n that_o write_v of_o the_o best_a commonwealth_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o best_a for_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n it_o be_v a_o monarchy_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o pastor_n that_o govern_v in_o common_a and_o with_o like_a authority_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v a_o aristocraty_n or_o rule_v of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o in_o respect_n that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o seclude_v but_o have_v their_o interest_n in_o church_n matter_n it_o be_v a_o democraty_n or_o popular_a state_n 1_o reply_v p._n 51._o and_o when_o dr._n whitegift_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o admonition_n will_v infer_v this_o consequence_n viz._n that_o then_o the_o more_o that_o rule_v the_o better_a estate_n it_o shall_v be_v and_o so_o the_o popular_a state_n shall_v be_v the_o best_a in_o answer_n hereunto_o he_o say_v i_o have_v speak_v of_o this_o before_o where_o i_o declare_v that_o the_o mix_a estate_n be_v best_a both_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o of_o this_o our_o realm_n pag._n 181._o 182._o and_o again_o whereas_o mr._n dr._n say_v that_o excommunication_n and_o consequent_o absolution_n or_o restore_n to_o the_o church_n again_o pertain_v only_o to_o the_o minister_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o show_v that_o the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o have_v interest_n in_o the_o excommunication_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o absolution_n or_o restore_n unto_o the_o church_n again_o p._n 183._o and_o again_o it_o be_v certain_a saint_n paul_n do_v both_o understand_v and_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n viz._n that_o rule_n mat._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n but_o he_o communicate_v this_o power_n of_o excommunication_n with_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o the_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v by_o many_o and_o not_o by_o one_o and_o by_o the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n alone_o for_o he_o bid_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n twice_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n once_o by_o a_o metaphor_n another_o time_n in_o plain_a word_n that_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o in_o the_o 2d._o epistle_n understand_v of_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o man_n he_o intreat_v they_o that_o they_o will_v receive_v he_o again_o and_o therefore_o consider_v that_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o excommunication_n do_v pertain_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o excommunication_n do_v in_o like_a manner_n appertainunto_o it_o p._n 184._o and_o again_o that_o the_o ancient_n have_v the_o order_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o people_n consent_n be_v require_v &_o that_o the_o minister_n do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o of_o their_o own_o authority_n to_o excommunicate_v etc._n etc._n it_o may_v appear_v almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o cyprian_n epistle_n in_o augustine_n time_n it_o appear_v also_o that_o that_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v p._n 187._o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v mr._n fenner_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a presbytery_n and_o of_o the_o business_n which_o the_o presbytery_n be_v to_o deal_v in_o which_o he_o distinguish_v into_o judiciarie_n as_o decide_v of_o doubt_n and_o dispence_v of_o censure_n and_o extrajudiciary_n as_o election_n ordination_n etc._n etc._n have_v these_o word_n atque_fw-la haec_fw-la sunt_fw-la negotia_fw-la quae_fw-la praestari_fw-la debent_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la per_fw-la omnes_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la summa_fw-la ecclesiastica_fw-la potestas_fw-la presbyterio_fw-la demandata_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la tamen_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o his_o quae_fw-la maximi_fw-la sunt_fw-la momenti_fw-la et_fw-la ad_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la totius_fw-la bonum_fw-la velruinam_fw-la maxim_n spectant_fw-la post_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d svam_fw-la de_fw-fr his_o capio_fw-la consilia_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la denunciantur_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la quid_fw-la habeant_fw-la quod_fw-la consulant_fw-la vel_fw-la objiciant_fw-la in_o ●●edium_fw-la proferant_fw-la postea_fw-la autem_fw-la auditis_fw-la et_fw-la assentien_n ibus_fw-la nisi_fw-la ad_fw-la majorem_fw-la senatum_fw-la negotium_fw-la deferri_fw-la fuerit_fw-la necesse_fw-la ad_fw-la turbas_fw-la vita●das_fw-la sive_fw-la componendas_fw-la quod_fw-la tum_fw-la cum_fw-la major_n pars_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la dissentit_fw-la faciendum_fw-la est_fw-la decervenda_fw-la et_fw-la pro_fw-la decretis_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la pro●onenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la and_o then_o he_o declare_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o those_o matter_n maxim_n momenti_fw-la viz._n excommunication_n absolution_n election_n and_o deposing_n of_o minister_n and_o such_o like_a sacrae_fw-la the._n lib._n 7._o c_o 7._o wherein_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o in_o thing_n of_o great_a moment_n as_o censure_n and_o election_n the_o people_n if_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o counsel_n or_o object_n have_v liberty_n to_o bring_v it_o in_o and_o afterward_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v when_o they_o have_v be_v hear_v speak_v and_o have_v give_v their_o consent_n for_o which_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o people_n he_o bring_v these_o scripture_n 2_o chro._n 30._o 23._o act_n 1._o 15._o 23._o 26._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o &_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 6._o 7._o zanchius_n speak_v of_o that_o question_n per_fw-la quos_fw-la exerceri_fw-la debet_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la answer_v thus_o nempe_fw-la per_fw-la ecclesia●_n seu_fw-la per_fw-la ministros_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la nomine_fw-la eoque_fw-la et_fw-la cum_fw-la consensu_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la promissio_fw-la illa_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la ligaveritis_fw-la ad_fw-la totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la est_fw-la facta_fw-la ergo_fw-la etc._n etc._n praeterea_fw-la apostolus_fw-la hoc_fw-la expressius_fw-la declaravit_fw-la 1_o cor._n 5._o congregatis_fw-la vobis_fw-la etc._n etc._n alloquebatur_fw-la autem_fw-la totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la patres_fw-la idem_fw-la docent_fw-la cyprianus_n ad_fw-la cornelium_n rom._n episcopum_fw-la seribit_fw-la se_fw-la multum_fw-la laborasse_fw-la apud_fw-la plebem_fw-la ut_fw-la par_fw-fr daretur_fw-la lapsis_fw-la p●enitentibus_fw-la si_fw-la ergo_fw-la non_fw-la erat_fw-la unius_fw-la episcopi_fw-la cum_fw-la svo_fw-la presbyterio_n solvere_fw-la quempiam_fw-la sed_fw-la requirebatur_fw-la plebis_fw-la eoque_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consensus_fw-la ergo_fw-la neque_fw-la ligari_fw-la quispiam_fw-la poterat_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la excommunicari_fw-la sine_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consensu_fw-la augustinus_n etiam_fw-la contra_fw-la donatistas_n ait_fw-la supersedendum_fw-la esse_fw-la excommunicatione_n quando_fw-la tota_fw-la plebs_fw-la laborant_fw-la eodem_fw-la merbo_fw-la quid_fw-la ita_fw-la causam_fw-la adfert_fw-la quia_fw-la inquit_fw-la non_fw-la assentientur_fw-la excommunicationi_fw-la etc._n etc._n satis_fw-la aperte_fw-la docet_fw-la tunc_fw-la temporis_fw-la non_fw-la solitum_fw-la fuisse_fw-la excommunicationem_fw-la ferri_fw-la in_o quempiam_fw-la sine_fw-la totius_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la consensu_fw-la et_fw-la ratio_fw-la est_fw-la in_o promptu_fw-la quae_fw-la enim_fw-la adomnes_n pertinent_a eum_fw-la consensu_fw-la omnium_fw-la fieri_fw-la debent_fw-la ergo_fw-la sine_fw-la totius_fw-la
when_o themselves_o be_v alient_n and_o stranger_n cyrus_n darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n give_v great_a countenance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o build_v the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v offer_v sacrifice_n of_o sweet_a savour_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o his_o son_n ezra_n 6._o 8_o 9_o 10._o i●_n which_o case_n good_a ezra_n bless_v the_o lord_n that_o have_v put_v such_o a_o thing_n into_o the_o king_n heart_n to_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n ezra_n 7._o 27._o and_o therefore_o king_n and_o all_o in_o authority_n shall_v be_v pray_v for_o that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o godly_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1_o 2._o nevertheless_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ordain_v and_o command_v of_o god_n the_o observe_v of_o they_o in_o a_o peaceable_a way_n yield_v out_o reverence_n to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o authority_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o this_o observe_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v unlawful_a for_o lack_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practise_n of_o the_o apostle_n act._n 4._o 19_o &_o 5._o 29._o and_o the_o approve_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o their_o time_n if_o they_o have_v neglect_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o namely_o church_n ordinance_n till_o they_o have_v have_v the_o commandment_n of_o magistrate_n therein_o such_o neglect_n will_v have_v be_v their_o grievous_a sin_n and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v have_v live_v and_o die_v without_o they_o the_o magistrate_n at_o that_o time_n be_v all_o either_o heathen_n or_o jew_n yet_o enemy_n and_o if_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n be_v lawful_a and_o needful_a and_o profitable_a when_o magistrate_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v not_o so_o when_o magistrate_n do_v profess_v the_o gospel_n we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o christian_n may_v sometime_o be_v loser_n by_o have_v christian_a magistrate_n and_o in_o worse_a condition_n then_o if_o they_o have_v none_o but_o profess_a enemy_n beside_o this_o if_o superior_n shall_v neglect_v to_o provide_v bodily_a sustenance_n for_o they_o that_o be_v under_o their_o charge_n we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n conscience_n will_v be_v so_o scrupulous_a but_o he_o will_v think_v it_o lawful_a b●y_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o provide_v for_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n rather_o than_o to_o sit_v still_a and_o say_v if_o i_o perish_v for_o hunger_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n over_o i_o and_o they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o neither_o can_v we_o tell_v how_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o christian_a can_v excuse_v himself_o if_o he_o think_v no●_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o soul_n as_o food_n be_v necessary_a for_o his_o temporal_a life_n or_o do_v not_o willing_o in_o this_o spiritual_a hunger_n break_v through_o stone_n wall_n as_o the_o proverb_n i●_n and_o run_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n to_o seek_v god_n in_o his_o own_o way_n rather_o than_o to_o perish_v without_o spiritual_a food_n because_o other_o provide_v not_o for_o he_o and_o this_o be_v our_o answer_n to_o this_o eleven_o quere_z concern_v your_o stand_n in_o the_o parish_n assembly_n which_o answer_v of_o we_o and_o the_o exhortation_n therein_o as_o we_o pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n to_o make_v effectual_a by_o his_o blessing_n for_o those_o good_a end_n which_o we_o intend_v therein_o so_o we_o can_v in_o the_o same_o but_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o way_n in_o time_n past_a as_o see_v not_o a_o little_a cause_n to_o judge_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v for_o our_o sinful_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o england_n ●o_z observe_z and_o walk_v according_a to_o those_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n which_o now_o upon_o occasion_n give_v by_o this_o qu._n we_o do_v commend_v to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o christian_n the_o lord_n in_o mercy_n pardon_v our_o offence_n and_o direct_v yourselves_o and_o his_o servant_n in_o ●ur_n dear_a native_a country_n both_o in_o remain_v and_o remove_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v please_v in_o his_o sight_n whereas_o this_o qu._n in_o the_o first_o clause_n and_o last_o but_o one_o compare_v 12._o together_o speak_v of_o believer_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n we_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o those_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n can_v be_v out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salva●on_n but_o possible_o may_v yea_o most_o undoubted_o shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 3._o 16._o and_o 5._o 24._o the_o contrary_a whereof_o be_v to_o overthrow_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o the_o papist_n and_o arminian_n to_o establish_v fall_v from_o grace_n 2._o for_o that_o say_n extra_n ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la salus_fw-la we_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o visible_a church_n which_o in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o only_o be_v take_v for_o the_o church_n invisible_a or_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o elect_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o not_o yet_o bear_v joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o 17._o 20._o out_o of_o which_o elect_a company_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o elect_a neither_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n joh_n 3._o 3._o but_o as_o for_o the_o visible_a we_o believe_v the_o old_a say_n be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o wolf_n within_o and_o many_o sheep_n without_o joh._n 10._o 16._o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v universal_o true_a that_o out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o christ_n sheep_n shall_v be_v save_v joh._n 10._o 28._o of_o who_o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o not_o join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n if_o the_o thief_n that_o repent_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o gentile_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o be_v then_o he_o be_v uncircumcised_a and_o then_o it_o will_v trouble_v a_o man_n to_o tell_v of_o what_o visible_a church_n he_o be_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o be_v save_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o job_n and_o of_o his_o friend_n of_o who_o salvation_n we_o make_v no_o question_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a question_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o any_o visible_a church_n or_o no_o inasmuch_o as_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o those_o time_n seem_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o house_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n of_o which_o line_n &_o race_n it_o can_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o these_o man_n do_v come_v nor_o that_o they_o join_v themselves_o in_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o that_o church_n the_o centurion_n mat._n 8._o 10._o and_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n mat._n 15._o be_v both_o of_o they_o believer_n and_o save_v and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n in_o those_o time_n man_n of_o year_n ought_v to_o be_v believer_n and_o so_o in_o the_o state_n of_o salvation_n afore_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o that_o church_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v a_o believer_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o church_n m●y_a di●_n and_o depart_v this_o life_n afore_o he_o can_v be_v join_v as_o that_o good_a emperor_n valenti●ian_n 2._o die_v before_o he_o can_v be_v baptize●_n and_o for_o yourselves_o if_o you_o shall_v think_v that_o baptism_n make_v man_n member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o be_v intimate_v in_o your_o four_o question_n you_o may_v not_o then_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v be_v salvation_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n without_o baptism_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v far_o from_o you_o to_o imagine_v 3._o we_o do_v hold_v that_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o as_o a_o believer_n do_v not_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o so_o oft_o and_o so_o long_o he_o be_v without_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n 1_o cor._n 5._o for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n be_v a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o he_o write_v to_o and_o of_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n which_o church_n be_v a_o
particular_a congregation_n 1_o cor._n 5_o 4_o &_o 14._o 23._o &_o 11._o 17._o 20._o and_o have_v power_n of_o judgeing_a her_o own_o member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n have_v yet_o have_v no_o power_n of_o judgeing_a any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a congregation_n as_o all_o they_o they_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o christ_n or_o no._n mr._n b●i●●_n as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v very_o large_a and_o clear_a in_o prove_v this_o position_n that_o the_o church_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v only_o such_o as_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n ordinary_o and_o answer_v many_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a di●ces_n trial_n q._n 1._o 4._o for_o the_o question_n itself_o we_o hold_v that_o every_o believer_n if_o possible_o he_o can_v be_v always_o bind_v to_o join_v himself_o as_o a_o member_n to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o because_o else_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n as_o this_o question_n suggest_v but_o upon_o other_o ground_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n cant._n 1._o 8._o math._n 6._o 10._o 33._o 2._o because_o willing_o not_o to_o do_v this_o be_v a_o secret_a disparagement_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o have_v ordain_v churches_n with_o give_v power_n and_o privilegde_n thereunto_o mat._n 18._o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o and_o promise_n of_o his_o gration_n presence_n to_o be_v with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o mat._n 18._o 20._o rev._n 2._o 1._o exod._n 20._o 24._o now_o to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o these_o if_o believer_n shall_v live_v and_o no●_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n these_o privilege_n and_o promise_n will_v in_o such_o case_n be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n offer_v therein_o unthankful_o neglect_v three_o voluntary_o abstain_v from_o join_v to_o the_o church_n be_v note_v and_o condemn_v as_o a_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 25._o and_o a_o sign_n of_o fearful_a unbeliever_n act._n 5._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v unto_o they_o four_o good_a man_n in_o scripture_n have_v be_v forward_o in_o practice_v this_o way_n isaiah_n 2._o 2_o 3._o zach._n 8._o 23._o act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o and_o 9_o 26._o and_o have_v mourn_v with_o much_o bitterness_n when_o they_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o liberty_n so_o to_o do_v isaiah_n 56._o 3._o and_o ps_n 42._o and_o 63._o and_o 84._o five_o this_o join_n be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o order_n and_o orderly_o walk_v which_o be_v require_v of_o believer_n col._n 2._o 5._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 40._o six_o if_o believer_n do_v neglect_v this_o join_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o wrong_n to_o themselves_o but_o also_o a_o great_a unkindness_n to_o god_n for_o if_o one_o believer_n may_v do_v this_o why_o not_o another_o and_o if_z two_o why_o not_o three_o four_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o all_o believer_n shall_v do_v thus_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o visible_a church_n upon_o earth_n unless_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o assembly_n to_o be_v of_o unbeliever_n church_n foras_fw-la stone_n in_o the_o mountain_n be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o they_o be_v join_v together_o though_o they_o be_v dig_v up_o out_o of_o the_o quarry_n and_o square_v &_o hew_v and_o hereby_o be_v make_v fit_a to_o be_v join_v together_o and_o so_o to_o become_v a_o house_n so_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o church_n till_o they_o be_v join_v in_o holy_a covenant_n in_o some_o congregation_n though_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o faith_n in_o their_o soul_n have_v make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n or_o as_o the_o humane_a soul_n and_o body_n be_v not_o a_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v unite_v so_o christian_n or_o believer_n be_v not_o a_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a union_n into_o some_o particular_a congregation_n mr._n perkins_n have_v say_v that_o forth_o of_o the_o militant_a church_n there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o salvation_n no_o preach_n of_o god_n word_n no_o invocation_n of_o god_n name_n no_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o no_o salvation_n conclude_v with_o these_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n every_o man_n must_v be_v admonish_v evermore_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o sound_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n expos_n of_o creed_n in_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n and_o doctor_n ames_n give_v 6._o reason_n why_o every_o christian_a shall_v join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n or_o other_o case_n cons●_n l._n 4._o c._n 24._o q._n 1._o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v these_o word_n illi_fw-la igitur_fw-la qui_fw-la occasion●●_n habent_fw-la adjungendi_fw-la seize_v ecclesiae_fw-la &_o ●am_fw-la negligunt_fw-la gravissimè_fw-la peccant_a non_fw-la tantum_fw-la in_o deum_fw-la ratione_fw-la institutionis_fw-la sed_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o svas_fw-la proprias_fw-la animas_fw-la ratione_fw-la benedictionis_fw-la adjunctae_fw-la etsi_fw-la obstinatè_fw-la persistant_n in_fw-la ipsa_fw-la incu●ia_fw-la quicquid_fw-la alius_fw-la profitentur_fw-la vix_fw-la possunt_fw-la haberi_fw-la pro_fw-la fidelibus_fw-la regnum_fw-la dei_fw-la verè_fw-la quaerentibus_fw-la medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 32._o sect._n 28._o first_o whereas_o this_o 13_o question_n speak_v of_o private_a 13._o and_o illiterate_a person_n into_o a_o church_n body_n combine_v we_o look_v at_o this_o as_o a_o incongruous_a expression_n if_o not_o a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o company_n so_o combine_v as_o to_o make_v a_o church_n be_v not_o fit_o call_v private_a though_o they_o be_v illiterate_a in_o respect_n of_o humane_a learning_n in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o church_n or_o a_o church-body_n especial_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o peace_n and_o liberty_n be_v a_o public_a congregation_n and_o society_n and_o the_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o election_n and_o depose_n of_o minister_n whereof_o the_o question_n make_v mention_v be_v not_o private_a act_n but_o public_a or_o people-like_a neither_o be_v literate_a or_o learned_a man_n therefore_o public_a because_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o humane_a learning_n unless_o withal_o they_o be_v call_v to_o public_a office_n or_o employment_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o therefore_o if_o illiterate_a be_v a_o exegesis_n of_o private_a we_o conceive_v that_o exegesis_n be_v not_o good_a second_o whereas_o this_o question_n ask_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o such_o a_o company_n shall_v themselves_o ordinary_o examine_v elect_v ordain_v and_o depose_v their_o own_o minister_n if_o ordinary_o be_v as_o much_o as_o frequent_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n first_o that_o if_o one_o church_n do_v frequent_o come_v to_o such_o action_n that_o be_v to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o the_o same_o man_n this_o be_v not_o without_o suspicion_n of_o much_o levity_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o people_n or_o unfaithfulnesse_n or_o unworthy_a walk_n in_o the_o minister_n or_o both_o and_o therefore_o ordinary_o that_o be_v frequent_a take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o again_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v avoid_v second_o when_o such_o thing_n do_v often_o and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o such_o a_o people_n to_o have_v so_o many_o change_n in_o their_o minister_n as_o be_v that_o of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v three_o shepherd_n have_v i_o cut_v off_o in_o one_o month_n zach._n 11._o 8._o that_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o oft_o as_o sheep_n have_v no_o shepherd_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o land_n many_o be_v the_o prince_n thereof_o pro._n 28._o 2._o so_o in_o like_a sort_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o a_o church_n many_o be_v the_o minister_n thereof_o we_o mean_v when_o they_o have_v many_o minister_n by_o the_o come_n in_o and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o same_o man_n or_o the_o remove_n of_o some_o and_o the_o take_n in_o of_o other_o in_o their_o room_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n when_o a_o church_n be_v furnish_v with_o variety_n of_o minister_n at_o the_o same_o time_n act_v 13._o 1._o &_o 21._o 18._o phil._n 1._o 1._o three_o yet_o this_o word_n ordinary_o do_v seem_v to_o imply_v that_o in_o your_o judgement_n sometime_o this_o may_v be_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a to_o be_v do_v now_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o upon_o the_o same_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o other_o time_n if_o there_o be_v just_a occasion_n three_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n of_o which_o this_o question_n make_v mention_v if_o this_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o counsel_n or_o advice_n we_o know_v nothing_o unlawful_a or_o
mention_v that_o only_o he_o that_o do_v those_o may_v perform_v this_o other_o also_o as_o some_o other_o think_v but_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o it_o but_o the_o execution_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o confirmation_n of_o election_n it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n that_o yet_o have_v no_o officer_n even_o as_o election_n may_v upon_o which_o it_o do_v depend_v 5._o last_o let_v these_o say_n of_o some_o protestant_a writer_n of_o singular_a note_n either_o for_o holiness_n or_o learning_n or_o both_o be_v well_o consider_v of_o master_n perkins_n say_v succession_n of_o doctrine_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v remember_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n that_o be_v of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v tie_v by_o god_n and_o annex_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o doctrine_n if_o in_o turkey_n or_o america_n or_o elsewhere_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n of_o private_a person_n they_o need_v not_o send_v into_o europe_n for_o consecrate_a minister_n but_o they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n from_o within_o themselves_o because_o where_o god_n give_v the_o word_n he_o give_v the_o power_n also_o upon_o gal._n 1._o 11._o doctor_n willet_n say_v whereas_o bellarmine_n object_v that_o as_o in_o the_o old_a law_n the_o priesthood_n go_v by_o carnal_a generation_n and_o lineal_a descent_n from_o aaron_n so_o in_o the_o new_a it_o must_v be_v derive_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v show_v no_o lineal_a descent_n from_o aaron_n neither_o have_v their_o ordination_n from_o his_o successor_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o little_a after_o this_o we_o say_v further_o that_o both_o before_o christ_n there_o be_v true_a pastor_n and_o prophet_n which_o be_v not_o ordain_v by_o the_o priest_n of_o aaron_n and_o since_o christ_n that_o receive_v not_o their_o ordination_n successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n first_o in_o the_o old_a law_n when_o the_o ordinary_a priesthood_n be_v corrupt_v god_n raise_v up_o prophet_n from_o other_o tribe_n that_o receive_v not_o from_o the_o priest_n their_o ordination_n and_o allowance_n such_o a_o one_o be_v amos_n who_o be_v among_o herdsman_n and_o be_v make_v a_o prophet_n as_o he_o be_v gather_v wild_a blackberry_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o corrupt_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o lord_n have_v raise_v up_o faithful_a minister_n to_o his_o church_n that_o can_v show_v no_o succession_n from_o the_o degenerate_a clergy_n and_o a_o little_a after_o if_o paul_n be_v make_v a_o apostle_n without_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o lawful_a apostle_n much_o more_o may_v the_o lord_n raise_v up_o new_a pastor_n to_o his_o church_n without_o ordination_n from_o the_o usurper_n of_o the_o apostle_n synop_n papism_n contr_n 2._o q._n 3._o of_o succession_n error_n 20._o p._n 81._o mor●●y_o his_o word_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n viz_o although_o some_o of_o our_o man_n in_o such_o a_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o our_o time_n without_o wait_v for_o call_v or_o allowance_n of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o title_n of_o pastor_n oppress_v the_o lord_n flock_v do_v at_o first_o preach_v without_o this_o formal_a call_n and_o afterward_o be_v choose_v and_o call_v to_o the_o holy_a ministey_n by_o the_o church_n which_o they_o have_v teach_v yet_o this_o aught_o to_o seem_v no_o more_o strange_a then_o if_o in_o a_o free_a commonwealth_n the_o people_n without_o wait_v either_o for_o the_o consent_n or_o for_o the_o voice_n of_o those_o that_o tyrannize_v over_o they_o shall_v according_a to_o the_o law_n make_v choice_n of_o good_a and_o wise_a magistrate_n such_o happy_o as_o god_n will_v serve_v his_o turn_n of_o for_o their_o deliverance_n and_o for_o the_o public_a restitution_n and_o hereof_o we_o have_v example_n first_o in_o the_o act_n where_o we_o read_v that_o philip_n who_o be_v but_o a_o deacon_n preach_v in_o samaria_n without_o the_o call_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o without_o their_o privity_n who_o for_o all_o that_o give_v their_o allowance_n to_o his_o work_n in_o frumentius_n carry_v upon_o another_o occasion_n into_o the_o indies_n a_o mere_a layman_n who_o yet_o there_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o a_o good_a while_n after_o be_v there_o make_v bishop_n in_o those_o of_o who_o origen_n speak_v that_o shall_v come_v by_o chance_n into_o a_o city_n where_o never_o any_o christian_a be_v bear_v shall_v there_o begin_v to_o teach_v and_o labour_n to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o the_o faith_n who_o the_o people_n shall_v afterward_o make_v their_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n and_o beside_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v not_o one_o place_n that_o bind_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o a_o certain_a succession_n but_o contrariwise_o the_o scripture_n show_v that_o god_n will_v send_v two_o special_a witness_n to_o prophesy_v against_o antichrist_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n 11._o p._n 371._o doctor_n whitaker_n answer_v bellarmine_n that_o will_v prove_v protestant_n to_o have_v no_o church_n because_o their_o minister_n have_v no_o ordination_n by_o bishop_n sai_z that_o as_o sometime_o bishop_n be_v choose_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o people_n so_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o ordination_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v sometime_o by_o the_o clergy_n and_o sometime_o by_o the_o people_n and_o then_o add_v quod_fw-la si_fw-la vocationem_fw-la corum_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la legitimam_fw-la fuisse_fw-la concedat_fw-la bellarminus_n de_fw-fr ordinatione_fw-la minus_fw-la laboramus_fw-la qui_fw-la enim_fw-la habent_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la vocandi_fw-la iidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la ordinandi_fw-la habent_fw-la si_fw-la legitima_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la non_fw-la possit_fw-la impetrari_fw-la nam_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la sequitur_fw-la vocationem_fw-la qui_fw-la voco_fw-la i●_n quasi_fw-la in_o svi_fw-la muneris_fw-la possessionem_fw-la mittitur_fw-la de_fw-la eccles_n q._n 5._o cap._n 6_o p._n 510._o final_o doctor_n ames_n do_v also_o witness_v the_o same_o in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n for_o a_o taste_n take_v these_o few_o say_n of_o his_o in_o this_o case_n viz._n ad_fw-la totam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la semper_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ordinatio_fw-la quoad_fw-la jus_o vim_o virtutem_fw-la illam_fw-la quam_fw-la habet_fw-la in_o ministro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la constituendo_fw-la sicut_fw-la celebratio_fw-la matrimonii_fw-la vim_o aut_fw-la virtutem_fw-la omnem_fw-la acceptam_fw-la refert_fw-la legitimo_fw-la consensui_fw-la conjugum_fw-la ecclesie_n statu_fw-la ministerio_fw-la &_o ordine_fw-la deficiente_fw-la collapso_fw-la vel_fw-la corrupto_fw-la à_fw-la plebe_fw-la etiam_fw-la actus_fw-la iste_fw-la ordinationis_fw-la quatenus_fw-la necessarius_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la ministri_fw-la constitutionem_fw-la in_o tali_fw-la casu_fw-la potest_fw-la legitimè_fw-la exerceri_fw-la bellarm_n enervat_fw-la lib._n 3._o de_fw-la clericis_fw-la cap._n 2_o de_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la and_o again_o a_o little_a after_o episcopos_fw-la veros_fw-la à_fw-la veris_fw-la episcopis_fw-la ordinariè_fw-la dicimus_fw-la ordinand●s_fw-la esse_fw-la sed_fw-la nomine_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la cui_fw-la ordinantur_fw-la and_o again_o a_o little_a after_o potestas_fw-la ordinandi_fw-la est_fw-la aliqu●_n modo_fw-la originaliter_fw-la in_o tota_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sicut_fw-la potestas_fw-la videndi_fw-la originaliter_fw-la est_fw-la in_o toto_fw-la animali_fw-la quamvis_fw-la formaliter_fw-la &_o subjectiuè_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o oculo_fw-la tantùm_fw-la tum_fw-la etiam_fw-la ordinationis_fw-la exercitium_fw-la pendet_fw-la à_fw-la tota_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sicut_fw-la actus_fw-la videndi_fw-la hoc_fw-la vel_fw-la illud_fw-la determinatè_fw-la pendet_fw-la non_fw-la ab_fw-la oculo_fw-la sed_fw-la à_fw-la toto_fw-la and_o again_o quamvis_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la benè_fw-la constituta_fw-la non_fw-la debeat_fw-la aliis_fw-la quam_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la ordinandi_fw-la manus_fw-la mandari_fw-la in_fw-la defectu_fw-la tamen_fw-la idoneorum_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la potest_fw-la non_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la mandari_fw-la and_o yet_o again_o in_o the_o next_o place_n si_fw-la concedatur_fw-la hoc_fw-la quòd_fw-la ex_fw-la ordine_fw-la nemo_fw-la possit_fw-la esse_fw-la legitimus_fw-la pastor_n nisi_fw-la sit_fw-la à_fw-la legitimo_fw-la pastore_n &_o episcopo_fw-la ordinatus_fw-la in_o ordinis_fw-la tamen_fw-la defectu_fw-la cum_fw-la jam_fw-la primò_fw-la instaurari_fw-la debet_fw-la ordo_fw-la non_fw-la potest●tam_fw-la accuratè_fw-la observari_fw-la atque_fw-la adeo_fw-la extraordinarium_fw-la aliquid_fw-la tum_fw-la potest_fw-la intervenire_fw-la sine_fw-la ullo_fw-la vitio_fw-la these_o word_n you_o see_v be_v punctual_a and_o plain_a that_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v minister_n be_v original_o in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o though_o when_o a_o church_n have_v presbyter_n the_o act_n of_o ordain_v be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o presbyter_n yet_o in_o defect_n of_o such_o it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o that_o be_v no_o presbyter_n lawful_o and_o without_o fault_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o church_n that_o be_v in_o their_o beginning_n and_o may_v
inconvenient_a in_o such_o assistance_n because_o church_n be_v as_o sister_n one_o to_o another_o cant._n 8._o 8._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o practice_n in_o ordination_n of_o minister_n as_o also_o in_o removal_n of_o they_o to_o have_v such_o assistance_n but_o for_o authority_n and_o power_n we_o know_v none_o that_o minister_n have_v proper_o so_o call_v in_o any_o congregation_n or_o church_n save_o that_o one_o over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n and_o therefore_o we_o think_v it_o not_o lawful_a nor_o convenient_a when_o a_o church_n be_v to_o ordain_v officer_n to_o call_v in_o such_o assistance_n viz._n by_o way_n of_o authority_n or_o power_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n four_o we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a and_o convenient_a that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o ever_o their_o humane_a learning_n be_v whether_o much_o or_o less_o shall_v elect_v and_o choose_v their_o minister_n god_n do_v not_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v give_v this_o power_n of_o call_v their_o own_o minister_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v many_o learned_a man_n in_o they_o and_o deny_v it_o unto_o other_o but_o give_v it_o indifferent_o to_o every_o church_n as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o to_o one_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o another_o if_o we_o think_v you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o power_n of_o call_v minister_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n we_o may_v here_o allege_v many_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a judgement_n of_o the_o eminent_a light_n of_o this_o age_n and_o the_o former_a who_o have_v be_v studious_a of_o reformation_n we_o must_v hope_v till_o we_o hear_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o yourselves_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o this_o point_n as_o for_o we_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v allege_v by_o 1_o calvin_n 2_o zanchius_n 3_o mr_n cartwright_n 4_o dr_n aim_n and_o 5_o other_o do_v satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o particular_a 1_o institut_n 4._o 3._o 14._o 15._o 2_o de_n redemp_n in_o 4._o praecep_n p._n 1015._o 1016._o etc._n etc._n who_o allege_v bucer_n and_o musculus_fw-la 3_o 1._o reply_v p._n 44._o etc._n etc._n 4_o medul_a theol._n l._n 1._o c._n 21._o sect._n 30_o &_o case_z consc_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 25._o q._n 5._o 5_o demonist_n of_o disc_n c._n 4._o five_o as_o for_o that_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o word_n illiterate_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a or_o convenient_a for_o a_o body_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v illiterate_a or_o want_v man_n of_o humane_a learning_n among_o they_o we_o further_o answer_v thereto_o first_o that_o among_o we_o when_o a_o company_n be_v to_o be_v combine_v into_o a_o church-body_n as_o you_o speak_v there_o be_v usual_o one_o or_o other_o among_o they_o who_o do_v not_o want_v all_o humane_a learning_n but_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o university_n and_o usual_o have_v be_v minister_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n in_o our_o native_a country_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o godly_a there_o and_o be_v here_o by_o the_o company_n that_o do_v so_o combine_v intend_v to_o be_v choose_v afterward_o for_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n and_o according_o after_o the_o church_n be_v gather_v be_v in_o due_a time_n elect_v and_o ordain_v into_o their_o place_n second_o but_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v none_o such_o among_o they_o at_o their_o first_o combine_v and_o unite_n we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o can_v hinder_v they_o of_o liberty_n to_o choose_v minister_n to_o themselves_o afterward_o when_o god_n shall_v send_v any_o to_o they_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o work_n because_o this_o be_v a_o liberty_n that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o by_o his_o precious_a blood_n and_o they_o that_o be_v fit_a matter_n to_o be_v combine_v into_o a_o church-body_n be_v not_o so_o illiterate_a but_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o the_o fundamental_a point_n thereof_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o have_v learned_a christ_n the_o need_n they_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v he_o the_o worth_n that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o the_o happiness_n lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o be_v reproach_v as_o illiterate_a or_o unworthy_a to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n nay_o they_o have_v the_o best_a learning_n without_o which_o all_o other_o learning_n be_v but_o madness_n and_o folly_n and_o science_n false_o so_o call_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o and_o indeed_o of_o none_o account_v with_o god_n nor_o available_a for_o direction_n and_o guidance_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v this_o election_n of_o minister_n nor_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o 20._o &_o 2._o 14_o job_n 32._o 8._o 9_o though_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v very_o useful_a therewith_o three_o you_o know_v and_o we_o doubt_v not_o do_v abhor_v as_o much_o as_o we_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o man_n that_o be_v proud_a of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o vilify_v believer_n in_o christ_n for_o want_v thereof_o say_v do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o of_o the_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o but_o this_o people_n which_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v john_n 7._o 47._o 48._o 49._o first_o a_o company_n of_o forty_o person_n or_o twenty_o or_o less_o be_v 14._o not_o such_o a_o small_a company_n but_o they_o may_v be_v a_o church_n proper_o and_o true_o so_o call_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o against_o they_o but_o this_o that_o such_o a_o number_n may_v seem_v not_o sufficient_a we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o god_n do_v any_o where_o say_v they_o must_v be_v above_o forty_o or_o else_o they_o can_v be_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v just_o say_v it_o nay_o rather_o that_o speech_n of_o christ_n of_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n matth._n 18._o 20._o do_v plain_o imply_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o who_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o offendor_n may_v appeal_v unto_o and_o in_o so_o do_v tell_v the_o church_n such_o a_o small_a number_n may_v be_v a_o church_n and_o may_v have_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o presence_n to_o be_v among_o they_o beside_o the_o time_n have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o adam_n and_o noah_n when_o there_o be_v not_o forty_o person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o adam_n family_n in_o his_o time_n and_o noah●_n in_o his_o be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n be_v the_o first_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v that_o twenty_o or_o forty_o be_v such_o a_o small_a company_n that_o they_o can_v be_v a_o church_n second_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o government_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o ability_n and_o right_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o former_a in_o as_o much_o as_o some_o case_n be_v more_o difficult_a than_o other_o and_o some_o church_n of_o less_o spiritual_a ability_n than_o other_o and_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v assistance_n and_o direction_n at_o some_o time_n so_o much_o as_o at_o other_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o church_n shall_v seek_v for_o light_n and_o counsel_n and_o advice_n from_o other_o church_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v send_v unto_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o a_o question_n which_o can_v not_o be_v determine_v among_o themselves_o act._n 15._o 2._o but_o this_o be_v not_o because_o they_o have_v no_o right_n but_o when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a three_o as_o for_o right_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v long_o endeavour_v to_o have_v end_v that_o matter_n among_o themselves_o before_o they_o determine_v to_o send_v to_o jerusalem_n vers_fw-la 2._o which_o show_v that_o they_o have_v power_n or_o right_a to_o have_v transact_v that_o business_n among_o themselves_o if_o ability_n have_v serve_v or_o otherwise_o that_o endeavour_n have_v be_v sinful_a as_o be_v a_o presume_v to_o do_v that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v no_o right_n we_o conceive_v then_o that_o every_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v though_o they_o be_v not_o above_o forty_o or_o twenty_o person_n or_o ten_o or_o the_o least_o number_n that_o you_o mention_v have_v right_a and_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o transact_v all_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a business_n among_o themselves_o if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v able_a and_o