suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n 2._o i_o have_v show_v instance_n before_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a people_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o he_o or_o they_o who_o be_v chief_a therein_o as_o elsewhere_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o whole_a people_n the_o same_o author_n contend_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o elder_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v grant_v unto_o they_o or_o permit_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n for_o a_o season_n and_o not_o make_v use_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o right_n in_o they_o thereunto_o but_o this_o permission_n be_v a_o mere_a imagination_n it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v choose_v their_o own_o elder_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v permit_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v they_o ought_v to_o ordain_v it_o and_o practice_v according_a to_o it_o as_o they_o do_v nor_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a apostolical_a practice_n propose_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o such_o a_o original_a as_o condescension_n and_o permission_n yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o the_o constitution_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o be_v only_o a_o regular_a pursuit_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o call_v of_o bishop_n pastor_n elder_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o these_o key_n be_v original_o and_o proper_o give_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o only_o ministerial_o and_o as_o unto_o exercise_n pastor_n be_v eye_n to_o the_o church_n but_o god_n and_o nature_n design_n in_o the_o first_o place_n sight_n to_o the_o whole_a body_n to_o the_o whole_a person_n thereunto_o it_o be_v grant_v both_o subjective_o and_o final_o but_o actual_o it_o be_v peculiar_o seat_v in_o the_o eye_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o grant_n of_o church-power_n it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n though_o to_o be_v exercise_v only_o by_o its_o elder_n that_o the_o grant_n of_o the_o key_n unto_o peter_n be_v in_o the_o person_n and_o as_o the_o representative_a of_o the_o whole_a confess_v church_n be_v the_o know_a judgement_n of_o austin_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o divine_n that_o follow_v he_o so_o he_o full_o express_v himself_o tractat._v 124._o in_o johan_n peter_n the_o apostle_n bear_v in_o a_o general_a figure_n the_o person_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o unto_o what_o belong_v unto_o himself_o he_o be_v by_o nature_n one_o man_n by_o grace_n one_o christian_n and_o of_o special_a more_o abound_v grace_n one_o and_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o when_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o he_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n he_o signify_v the_o whole_a church_n etc._n etc._n again_o the_o church_n which_o be_v found_v in_o christ_n receive_v from_o he_o in_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v unto_o who_o these_o key_n be_v grant_v they_o according_a to_o their_o distinct_a interest_n in_o that_o grant_n have_v the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o call_v their_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n for_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o trust_n and_o power_n it_o do_v consist_v but_o this_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o as_o there_o be_v in_o a_o church_n already_o constitute_v several_a sort_n of_o person_n as_o some_o be_v elder_n other_o be_v of_o the_o people_n only_o this_o right_n reside_v in_o they_o and_o be_v act_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o respective_a capacity_n as_o limit_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o divine_a institution_n which_o be_v that_o the_o election_n of_o they_o shall_v belong_v unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o authoritative_a designation_n or_o ordination_n unto_o the_o elder_n and_o when_o in_o any_o place_n the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v a_o member_n or_o part_n of_o the_o church_n he_o have_v also_o his_o peculiar_a right_o herein_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v thus_o grant_v original_o and_o fundamental_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v undeniable_o confirm_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o the_o church_n itself_o be_v the_o wife_n the_o spouse_n the_o bride_n the_o queen_n of_o the_o husband_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n jesus_n psal._n 45.10_o john_n 3.29_o revel_v 21.9_o chap._n 22.17_o matth._n 25.1_o 5_o 6._o other_o wife_n christ_n have_v none_o nor_o have_v the_o church_n any_o other_o husband_n now_o to_o who_o shall_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n be_v commit_v but_o unto_o the_o bride_n there_o be_v i_o confess_v another_o who_o claim_v the_o key_n to_o be_v his_o own_o but_o withal_o he_o make_v himself_o the_o head_n and_o husband_n of_o the_o church_n proclaim_v himself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v a_o adulterer_n with_o that_o harlot_n which_o he_o call_v the_o church_n but_o a_o tyrant_n also_o in_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v her_o husband_n he_o will_v not_o trust_v she_o with_o the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v with_o his_o spouse_n and_o whereas_o by_o the_o canon_n law_n every_o bishop_n be_v the_o husband_n or_o spouse_n of_o his_o diocesan_n church_n for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o commit_v a_o open_a rape_n upon_o the_o people_n take_v they_o without_o their_o consent_n at_o least_o be_v not_o choose_v by_o they_o which_o yet_o be_v essential_a unto_o a_o lawful_a marriage_n and_o the_o bride_n of_o christ_n come_v no_o otherwise_o so_o to_o be_v but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a choice_n of_o he_o to_o be_v her_o husband_n for_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v belong_v unto_o it_o as_o she_o 1_o cor._n 3.21.22_o and_o steward_n in_o the_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o if_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3_o if_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o family_n psal._n 68.13_o the_o bride_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o if_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o steward_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o house_n and_o unto_o the_o family_n if_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v make_v a_o grant_n of_o these_o key_n unto_o any_o whereon_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o this_o house_n and_o family_n do_v depend_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o have_v original_o grant_v they_o unto_o his_o holy_a spouse_n to_o dispose_v off_o according_a unto_o her_o judgement_n and_o duty_n or_o unto_o any_o servant_n in_o the_o house_n to_o dispose_v of_o she_o and_o all_o her_o concernment_n at_o their_o pleasure_n 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o consequent_o as_o unto_o all_o other_o act_n thence_o proceed_v be_v express_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o church_n it_o be_v that_o be_v here_o intend_a we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o that_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v and_o what_o be_v the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n herein_o the_o apostle_n declare_v 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o second_o this_o right_o exemplify_v in_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o command_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n with_o respect_n unto_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n of_o all_o sort_n for_o unto_o they_o it_o be_v in_o a_o multitude_n of_o place_n give_v in_o charge_n that_o they_o shall_v discern_v and_o try_v false_a prophet_n fly_v from_o they_o try_v spirit_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v spiritual_a gift_n or_o office_n reject_v they_o who_o preach_v false_a doctrine_n to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v in_o office_n with_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o all_o of_o they_o do_v suppose_v or_o can_v be_v discharge_v without_o a_o right_n in_o they_o to_o choose_v the_o worthy_a and_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a as_o
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
even_o the_o word_n command_v and_o direction_n of_o christ_n himself_o alone_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o spiritual_a mere_o and_o only_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v a_o instance_n give_v of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n yea_o it_o be_v sufficient_a eternal_o to_o exclude_v any_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o it_o any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n from_o any_o interest_n in_o church-affair_n that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v carnal_a political_n despotical_a of_o external_a operaration_n or_o not_o entire_o spiritual_a 5._o the_o change_n of_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n fall_v out_o and_o be_v introduce_v gradual_o upon_o a_o advantage_n take_v from_o the_o unmeetness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v lead_v under_o this_o spiritual_a rule_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o make_v up_o christian_a church_n be_v become_v ignorant_a and_o carnal_a that_o rule_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o spiritual_a influence_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o retain_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o outward_a obedience_n which_o be_v at_o last_o only_o aim_v at_o there_o be_v therefore_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n judge_v necessary_a to_o retain_v they_o in_o any_o order_n or_o decorum_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n spiritual_a a_o rule_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a will_v be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n unto_o they_o but_o principal_o this_o change_n be_v introduce_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o rule_n itself_o and_o that_o on_o two_o ground_n 1._o their_o unskilfulness_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o spiritual_a rule_n or_o weariness_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o this_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o desert_n it_o with_o that_o perpetual_a labour_n and_o exercise_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v require_v in_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v another_o more_o easy_a and_o more_o suit_v unto_o their_o inclination_n 2._o a_o desire_n of_o the_o secular_a advantage_n of_o profit_n honour_n and_o veneration_n which_o tender_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v the_o original_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n utter_o lose_v and_o a_o worldly_a domination_n introduce_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o the_o brief_a delineation_n give_v of_o it_o before_o with_o what_o shall_v now_o be_v add_v will_v demonstrate_v sufficient_o that_o all_o these_o dispute_n and_o contest_v which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o about_o church-power_n and_o rule_n be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o christian_a religion_n 6._o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o skill_n and_o polity_n that_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o exercise_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o sole_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o what_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o especial_o those_o wherein_n the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n do_v take_v place_n 1._o the_o polity_n of_o church-government_n subjective_o consider_v be_v general_o support_v to_o consist_v 1._o in_o a_o skill_n learning_n or_o understand_v in_o the_o civil_a and_o especial_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o the_o additional_a canon_n accommodate_v that_o law_n unto_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v interpret_v according_a unto_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o it_o 2._o knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o constitution_n power_n jurisdiction_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o law_n court_v which_o be_v in_o their_o original_n grant_v of_o power_n manner_n of_o proceed_v plea_n and_o censure_n mere_o secular_a be_v yet_o call_v ecclesiastical_a or_o spiritual_a 3._o a_o good_a discretion_n to_o understand_v a-right_a the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n with_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o let_v none_o escape_v who_o they_o can_v reach_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o their_o court_n and_o on_o the_o other_o not_o entrench_v so_o far_o on_o the_o civil-power_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o court_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o charge_n or_o trouble_v 4._o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o table_n of_o fee_n that_o they_o may_v neither_o lose_v their_o own_o profit_n nor_o give_v advantage_n unto_o other_o to_o question_v they_o for_o take_v more_o than_o their_o due_n but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v 8._o the_o skill_n then_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n with_o a_o ability_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o in_o all_o requisite_a instance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o its_o member_n through_o a_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o a_o due_a representation_n of_o his_o holiness_n love_n care_n compassion_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o his_o church_n 1._o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o intimation_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o his_o institution_n command_n prohibition_n and_o promise_n a_o understanding_n herein_o with_o wisdom_n from_o that_o understanding_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o skill_n inquire_v after_o how_o this_o wisdom_n be_v bestow_v as_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acquire_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n by_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o study_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v intimate_v before_o and_o shall_v full_o be_v declare_v in_o our_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n all_o decree_n and_o decretal_n canon_n and_o gloss_n come_v proper_o in_o this_o matter_n under_o one_o title_n of_o they_o namely_o extravagant_a the_o utmost_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o skill_n in_o they_o will_v contribute_v nothing_o unto_o this_o wisdom_n neither_o be_v any_o sort_n of_o man_n more_o stranger_n unto_o it_o or_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n who_o be_v eminent_o cunning_a in_o such_o law_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n but_o wisdom_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v of_o use_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o part_n of_o this_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o requisite_a instance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o respective_o this_o wisdom_n be_v not_o notional_a only_o but_o practical_a it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o speculative_a comprehension_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o rule_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o only_o though_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o in_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o whereunto_o diligence_n care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a courage_n be_v require_v some_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v some_o to_o be_v rebuke_v sharp_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a case_n a_o spirit_n of_o government_n act_v itself_o in_o diligence_n boldness_n and_o courage_n be_v necessary_a and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n and_o those_o of_o several_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o any_o one_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o rule_n some_o may_v have_v a_o good_a understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n government_n yet_o through_o a_o natural_a tenderness_n and_o a_o insuperable_a kind_n of_o modesty_n not_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o prompt_a for_o that_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n which_o consist_v in_o reproof_n and_o severity_n of_o censure_n some_o may_v not_o have_v so_o great_a a_o ability_n for_o the_o indagation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n as_o other_o have_v who_o yet_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v discover_v unto_o they_o have_v readiness_n and_o boldness_n in_o christ_n to_o apply_v it_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v all_o elder_n therefore_o in_o their_o variety_n of_o gift_n be_v to_o be_v
for_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v unto_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 1_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o institution_n 2._o that_o upon_o a_o prescription_n of_o duty_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o their_o performance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v especial_a promise_n of_o god_n annex_v thereunto_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o matter_n of_o confederation_n whereof_o mutual_a express_a restipulation_n be_v the_o form_n they_o all_o concur_v herein_o 9_o this_o covenant_n which_o we_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n absolute_o consider_v nor_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o that_o covenant_n prescribe_v in_o it_o but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o as_o faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o like_a be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o nor_o have_v annex_v unto_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n absolute_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o gospel_n duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o do_v belong_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o especial_a promise_n of_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o church_n 10._o whereas_o therefore_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n believer_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v bind_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o that_o state_n whereon_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o presence_n of_o he_o do_v interest_n they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n their_o so_o do_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n include_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n sit_v and_o be_v 11._o beside_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o there_o be_v many_o mutual_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o which_o join_v in_o church_n society_n and_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o submit_v unto_o whereunto_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o must_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n that_o be_v they_o must_v agree_v consent_n and_o engage_v among_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o mutual_a duty_n to_o use_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o those_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n see_v jerem._n 50.4_o 5._o 12._o this_o complete_v the_o confederation_n intend_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o which_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o perform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n state._n 13._o indeed_o herein_o most_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o do_v not_o that_o nor_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o unto_o what_o end_n do_v they_o join_v themselves_o unto_o parochial_a church_n and_o assembly_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o require_v all_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o to_o do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o penalty_n annex_v unto_o its_o neglect_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o may_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o so_o do_v be_v it_o not_o to_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o that_o society_n in_o those_o assembly_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v there_o not_o therein_o virtual_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n among_o they_o unto_o all_o those_o end_n it_o must_v be_v so_o with_o they_o who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n 14._o now_o whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o know_v gospel_n duty_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensable_o oblige_v unto_o the_o more_o express_v our_o engagement_n be_v concern_v they_o the_o more_o do_v we_o glorify_v christ_n in_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o great_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v abide_v on_o our_o conscience_n and_o great_a encouragement_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o mutual_a duty_n as_o also_o the_o more_o evident_a will_v the_o warranty_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o church_n unto_o those_o society_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v virtual_o only_o observe_v especial_o in_o church_n of_o some_o continuance_n wherein_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a consent_n unto_o the_o first_o covenant-constitution_n 15._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v officer_n ruler_n or_o leader_n in_o his_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o look_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o administer_v and_o dispense_v all_o its_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o its_o authority_n the_o consent_n and_o engagement_n insist_v on_o be_v express_o require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o for_o without_o this_o no_o believer_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o relation_n unto_o another_o as_o his_o pastor_n guide_n overseer_n ruler_n unto_o the_o end_v mention_v wherein_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v by_o he_o with_o authority_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n 16._o wherefore_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o obediential_a act_n of_o believer_n in_o such_o number_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o church_n edification_n joint_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n rest_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n thereon_o give_v and_o communicate_v by_o his_o law_n all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o joint_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o state_n with_o a_o especial_a subjection_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n of_o rule_n and_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o state._n 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o which_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o conscientious_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n can_v question_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n or_o no._n and_o whereas_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o any_o church_n state._n 18._o thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n will_v take_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n into_o a_o new_a peculiar_a church_n state_n he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n herein_o as_o he_o prescribe_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o many_o bless_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o power_n and_o privilege_n innumerable_a so_o the_o people_n solemn_o covenant_v and_o engage_v with_o he_o that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o whereby_o they_o coalesce_v into_o that_o church_n state_n which_o abode_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n this_o covenant_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v exod._n 24._o for_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v there_o with_o the_o people_n and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o couénant_n of_o grace_n under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o that_o be_v establish_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o in_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o a_o gospel_n dispensation_n for_o god_n never_o renew_v that_o covenant_n under_o any_o consideration_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a covenant_n which_o god_n then_o make_v with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o make_v it_o with_o their_o father_n deut._n 5.2_o 3._o whereby_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o erect_v into_o a_o church_n state_n wherein_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o enjoin_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n yea_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n witness_v that_o continue_v in_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n if_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o be_v animadvert_v on_o be_v dubious_a or_o disputable_a whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o especial_o such_o a_o sin_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v or_o from_o other_o circumstance_n so_o as_o that_o the_o guilty_a person_n be_v not_o self-condemned_n nor_o be_v other_o full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o mind_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o excommunication_n in_o such_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v to_o be_v apply_v towards_o any_o sin_n but_o such_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o will_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v make_v difficult_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n unfit_a for_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o will_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o prostitute_v unto_o litigious_a brawl_n quarrel_n and_o difference_n wherein_o interest_n and_o partiality_n may_v take_v place_n which_o be_v to_o profane_v this_o divine_a institution_n but_o confine_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o persist_v in_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a from_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n proceed_v that_o horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o excommunication_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o which_o for_o sundry_a age_n prevail_v in_o the_o world._n for_o as_o it_o be_v most_o apply_v unto_o thing_n holy_a just_a and_o good_a or_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o gospel_n duty_n as_o man_n owe_v to_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o irregularity_n that_o be_v make_v such_o mere_o by_o the_o arbitrary_a constitution_n and_o law_n of_o man_n and_o that_o in_o case_n frivolous_a trifle_a and_o of_o no_o importance_n it_o be_v find_v necessary_a to_o be_v manage_v in_o and_o by_o such_o court_n such_o process_n such_o form_n of_o law_n such_o plead_n and_o intricacy_n of_o craft_n such_o a_o burden_n of_o cost_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o bewail_v or_o deride_v 2._o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o sin_n unto_o the_o particular_a offender_n be_v confess_v or_o not_o deny_v or_o clear_o prove_v how_o far_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v and_o what_o ground_n of_o procedure_v there_o may_v be_v in_o report_n or_o fame_n concur_v with_o lead_v circumstance_n we_o shall_v inquire_v afterward_o and_o although_o in_o such_o case_n of_o public_a fame_n a_o good_a testimony_n from_o those_o of_o credit_n and_o repute_v in_o the_o church_n give_v unto_o the_o suppose_a guilty_a person_n be_v of_o use_n and_o sufficient_a in_o some_o case_n single_o to_o oppose_v unto_o public_a report_n yet_o to_o require_v a_o man_n to_o purge_v himself_o by_o other_o from_o any_o feign_a scandalous_a imputation_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a tyranny_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o the_o previous_a process_n in_o and_o by_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n and_o that_o repeat_v with_o patient_a wait_v for_o the_o success_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v due_o premise_v whether_o this_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o ordinary_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o to_o leave_v he_o without_o either_o provocation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o excuse_v in_o himself_o so_o suit_v to_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o sinner_n so_o requisite_a unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o their_o proceedure_n as_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o will_v probable_o render_v the_o sentence_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a a_o cry_v out_o i_o admonish_v a_o first_o a_o second_o a_o three_o time_n and_o so_o to_o excommunication_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a observation_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v censure_v as_o unto_o his_o profession_n of_o repentance_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o obstinacy_n on_o the_o other_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o love_n and_o compassion_n there_o be_v few_o who_o be_v so_o profligate_o wicked_a but_o that_o when_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v be_v evident_o such_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o when_o it_o be_v just_o prove_v against_o they_o they_o will_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n whether_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o in_o most_o case_n it_o be_v to_o suspend_v the_o present_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n or_o quite_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o upon_o consideration_n of_o present_a circumstance_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o own_o edification_n only_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v continual_o observe_v that_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o haste_n or_o undue_a precipitation_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v in_o all_o these_o case_n as_o the_o bane_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n again_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o hereunto_o be_v require_v 1._o prayer_n without_o which_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o administration_n of_o any_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o prayer_n be_v a_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n hereof_o in_o any_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v other_o be_v a_o open_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o their_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o without_o any_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n without_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n thereby_o engage_v his_o presence_n and_o authority_n in_o what_o they_o do_v be_v that_o principal_o which_o have_v set_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mankind_n at_o liberty_n from_o any_o concernment_n in_o this_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o whence_o those_o that_o administer_v it_o expect_v no_o other_o success_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o can_v give_v it_o by_o outward_a force_n and_o where_o this_o fail_v excommunication_n be_v quick_o lay_v aside_o as_o it_o be_v when_o the_o pope_n threaten_v the_o canton_n of_o the_o swisser_n that_o if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o some_o of_o his_o imposition_n he_o will_v excommunicate_v they_o whereon_o they_o send_v he_o word_n they_o will_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o end_v the_o matter_n wherefore_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v direct_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o ask_v assistance_n by_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o this_o sentence_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o call_v on_o his_o name_n in_o brief_a without_o prayer_n neither_o be_v the_o ordinance_n itself_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o meet_a to_o administer_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n either_o own_v or_o engage_v nor_o divine_a assistance_n attain_v neither_o be_v what_o be_v do_v any_o more_o excommunication_n than_o any_o rash_a curse_n be_v so_o that_o many_o proceed_v inordinate_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o men._n and_o the_o prayer_n require_v herein_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o mistake_n when_o man_n act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o engage_v his_o authority_n in_o what_o he_o will_v not_o own_o and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v liable_a
ascribe_v unto_o they_o ver._n 5._o all_o these_o thing_n do_v suppose_v a_o right_n and_o duty_n thereon_o to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o excommunication_n to_o reside_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n wherefore_o 5._o there_o be_v some_o act_n belong_v hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n itself_o and_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a such_o be_v the_o previous_a cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o any_o neglect_n about_o it_o preparatory_a duty_n unto_o its_o execution_n in_o prayer_n mourn_v and_o admonition_n which_o be_v express_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o testification_n of_o their_o consent_n unto_o it_o by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n without_o these_o thing_n excommunication_n be_v but_o a_o name_n with_o a_o noise_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o hence_o arise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n that_o be_v consequential_a unto_o his_o exclusion_n from_o among_o they_o such_o be_v pray_v for_o he_o as_o one_o note_v by_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n in_o his_o exclusion_n and_o such_o as_o without_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o 7._o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n unto_o the_o formal_a compleatness_n of_o this_o sentence_n a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o office-power_n be_v require_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n only_o 2._o the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o comprise_v authority_n to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v entrust_v with_o they_o only_o 8._o wherefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a right_n interest_n and_o duty_n particular_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n act_n in_o it_o as_o officer_n with_o authority_n the_o brethren_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v no_o way_n exclude_v from_o their_o power_n consent_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o those_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o where_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o whole_a duty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n render_v ineffectual_a i._o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o excommunication_n just_o deserve_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n of_o trouble_n or_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v unto_o the_o church_n therein_o it_o be_v usual_o grant_v that_o so_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v which_o seem_v in_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o austin_n the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n intend_v be_v threefold_a 1._o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o from_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 3._o from_o the_o church_n 1._o trouble_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o it_o over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n not_o grant_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n those_o that_o execute_v it_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o penalty_n ordain_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v be_v great_a and_o of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o receive_v a_o provocation_n hereby_o they_o may_v occasion_v or_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o 3._o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v divide_v on_o these_o consideration_n so_o as_o that_o last_a difference_n may_v be_v occasion_v among_o they_o which_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o sentence_n may_v prevent_v for_o answer_n hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v as_o 1._o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n of_o any_o thing_n sinful_a or_o moral_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n its_o officer_n or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n by_o refuse_v to_o omit_v the_o pronounce_v of_o this_o sentence_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o trouble_v mention_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o a_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 2._o we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o as_o that_o no_o rational_a indifferent_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherever_o excommunication_n be_v administer_v 2._o that_o sufficient_a time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o for_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o afterward_o have_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o person_n after_o admonition_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n do_v real_o suffer_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o tolerate_v such_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v on_o these_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o countenance_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n or_o to_o acquit_v the_o church_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o first_o presence_n of_o danger_n be_v vain_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o touch_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n and_o conservation_n of_o humane_a law_n it_o reach_v not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o life_n or_o liberty_n nor_o their_o estate_n or_o the_o least_o secular_a privilege_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o do_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o power_n or_o censure_n of_o other_o nor_o prejudge_v they_o as_o unto_o office_n or_o advantage_n of_o life_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n herein_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o parent_n disenherit_v a_o rebellious_a child_n 2._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o persecution_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o person_n provoke_v i_o say_v 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v provoke_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n to_o testify_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v a_o case_n of_o confession_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o deter_v by_o this_o consideration_n from_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o seduce_a jew_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n with_o other_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o reprove_v his_o church_n according_a as_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o duty_n or_o neglective_a of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n thereon_o revel_v 2.3_o and_o 4._o he_o will_v take_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o as_o shall_v turn_v all_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o unto_o their_o advantage_n 3._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v but_o that_o if_o rule_v order_n love_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o prevent_v such_o difference_n there_o be_v no_o way_n appoint_v of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abundant_o they_o must_v bear_v their_o own_o blame_n who_o occasion_n such_o difference_n ii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o if_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o be_v under_o admonition_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n shall_v voluntary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o and_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o excommunication_n answ._n 1._o some_z say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o