circumstance_n thereof_o yea_o and_o in_o these_o case_n of_o the_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v we_o need_v not_o enlarge_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o although_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v reverence_v as_o more_o wise_a and_o able_a than_o a_o few_o elder_n with_o their_o single_a congregation_n and_o according_o may_v have_v a_o high_a doctrinal_a power_n a_o power_n proper_o and_o peculiar_o suit_v to_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n to_o determine_v and_o direct_v congregation_n in_o their_o way_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o betrust_v they_o with_o that_o power_n he_o have_v do_v the_o congregation_n because_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o the_o people_n and_o so_o one_o tribe_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n be_v want_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v personal_o concur_v not_o by_o delegation_n or_o representation_n alone_o not_o to_o the_o execution_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o legal_a sentence_n also_o of_o cut_v man_n off_o as_o in_o the_o former_a parallel_n and_o instance_n may_v be_v observe_v yea_o and_o the_o high_a and_o the_o great_a the_o association_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o further_a be_v they_o remove_v from_o the_o people_n and_o although_o you_o may_v have_v thereby_o a_o great_a help_n in_o that_o juridical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n to_o be_v proceed_v by_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o further_a distance_n and_o disenable_v thereby_o from_o that_o precise_a practic_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o person_n transgress_v and_o case_n may_v be_v as_o true_o difficult_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v decide_v from_o obscurity_n and_o want_v of_o light_n into_o the_o circumstantiation_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n in_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o by_o he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o as_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o other_o consideration_n of_o like_a weight_n may_v here_o be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o the_o proof_n which_o we_o do_v not_o here_o intend_v yet_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o particular_a as_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o that_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v by_o withdraw_a communion_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o relation_n that_o by_o christ_n endowment_n all_o church_n stand_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o yea_o and_o wherein_o the_o least_o be_v a_o body_n to_o christ_n do_v stand_v unto_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v too_o much_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n and_o too_o long_o detain_v the_o reader_n from_o the_o fruitful_a and_o pregnant_a labour_n of_o the_o worthy_a author_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n sanctify_v all_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o to_o all_o those_o holy_a end_n and_o through_o his_o grace_n much_o more_o which_o the_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o the_o author_n do_v intend_v tho_o goodwin_n philip_z nye_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v and_o what_o their_o power_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v promise_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o peter_n mat._n 16.19_o to_o thou_o say_v christ_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v allegorical_a be_v therefore_o somewhat_o obscure_a and_o hold_v forth_o honour_n &_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v therefore_o controversall_a 15.1_o prov._n 15.1_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o honour_n nor_o pride_n to_o pursue_v it_o there_o be_v no_o contention_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v amiss_o for_o open_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n somewhat_o to_o open_v the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n whereon_o that_o power_n be_v build_v five_o word_n require_v a_o little_a clear_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o key_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o give_v of_o they_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v 4._o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o these_o act_n to_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v here_o put_v under_o a_o general_a name_n whatsoever_o 5._o who_o be_v the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o this_o power_n or_o to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n etc._n etc._n 1._o for_o the_o first_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v here_o mean_v both_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n for_o christ_n give_v to_o peter_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n convey_v therewith_o not_o only_o this_o power_n to_o bind_v on_o earth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o give_v he_o no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o bind_v in_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o he_o give_v he_o also_o this_o privilege_n that_o what_o he_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 2._o for_o the_o second_o what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o it_o also_o the_o administer_a of_o the_o seal_n and_o censure_n for_o by_o the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o these_o both_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n here_o and_o of_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v open_v or_o shut_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o give_v of_o these_o key_n impli_v that_o christ_n invest_v those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v they_o with_o a_o power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o and_o this_o power_n lie_v partly_o in_o their_o spiritual_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v their_o office_n or_o their_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o concourse_n and_o co-operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n accompany_v the_o right_a dispensation_n of_o these_o key_n that_o be_v of_o these_o ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o will_n moreover_o these_o key_n be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o sceptre_n no_o sword_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o civil_a power_n of_o bodily_a life_n and_o death_n nor_o sceptre_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o sovereign_a or_o legislative_a power_n over_o the_o church_n but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v give_v to_o hilkiah_n isa_n 22.22_o who_o succeed_v shebna_n in_o his_o office_n and_o his_o office_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o house_n v._o 15._o and_o the_o same_o word_n over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v steward_n in_o the_o house_n gen._n 43.19_o 3._o touch_v the_o three_o thing_n what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o material_a key_n for_o their_o act_n be_v open_v and_o shut_v which_o argue_v the_o key_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o material_a key_n but_o metaphorical_a and_o y_z t_z be_v key_n they_o have_v a_o power_n also_o of_o open_v and_o shut_v for_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o these_o key_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o no_o man_n to_o shut_v to_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n to_o open_v rev._n 3.7_o which_o impli_v that_o these_o key_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v as_o that_o they_o do_v thereby_o bind_v and_o loose_v retain_v and_o remit_v in_o open_v they_o lose_v and_o remit_v in_o shut_v they_o bind_v and_o retain_v which_o will_v more_o appear_v in_o open_v the_o four_o point_n 4._o the_o four_o point_n than_o be_v what_o be_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v bind_v and_o loose_v the_o text_n in_o mat._n 16.9_o say_v whatsoever_o which_o reach_v not_o so_o far_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v stretch_v it_o to_o whatsoever_o oath_n or_o covenant_n or_o contract_n or_o counsel_n or_o law_n as_o if_o whatsoever_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n covenant_n of_o lease_n or_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n the_o pope_n ratifi_v or_o dissolve_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v ratify_v or_o dissolve_v in_o heaven_n no_o this_o
be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 9.1_o but_o this_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v here_o put_v in_o the_o neuter_n gender_n not_o in_o the_o masculine_a whosoever_o to_o imply_v both_o thing_n and_o person_n thing_n as_o sin_n person_n as_o those_o that_o commit_v they_o for_o so_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o the_o same_o key_n joh._n 20.21_o he_o explain_v himself_o thus_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o therefore_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v on_o earth_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n now_o this_o bind_n and_o lose_v of_o whatsoever_o sin_n in_o whosever_v commit_v they_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o partly_o in_o his_o outward_a estate_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v in_o other_o term_n either_o in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la or_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la as_o when_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n than_o his_o sin_n be_v retain_v his_o conscience_n be_v bind_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o bind_v under_o some_o church-censure_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o desert_n of_o his_o offence_n and_o if_o his_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o heinous_a himself_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o confess_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v before_o his_o people_n also_o and_o then_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o his_o conscience_n loose_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o have_v open_a and_o free_a entrance_n both_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o the_o five_o point_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v the_o text_n say_v to_o thou_o simon_n peter_n the_o son_n of_o jona_n who_o christ_n bless_v and_o pronounce_v bless_v upon_o his_o holy_a confession_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n promise_v both_o to_o use_v he_o and_o his_o confession_n as_o a_o instrument_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o also_o to_o give_v he_o the_o key_n of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v of_o it_o but_o it_o have_v prove_v abusie_a question_n how_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o receive_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o a_o elder_a for_o a_o elder_a also_o he_o be_v 1_o pet._n 5.1_o or_o as_o a_o believer_n profess_v his_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n now_o because_o we_o be_v as_o well_o studious_a of_o peace_n as_o of_o truth_n we_o will_v not_o lean_v to_o one_o of_o these_o interpretation_n more_o than_o to_o another_o take_v any_o of_o they_o it_o will_v not_o hinder_v our_o purpose_n in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n though_o to_o speak_v ingenuous_o and_o without_o offence_n what_o we_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n will_v be_v most_o full_a if_o all_o the_o several_a consideration_n be_v take_v joint_o together_o take_v peter_n consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o apostle_n but_o a_o elder_a also_o yea_o and_o a_o believer_n too_o profess_v his_o faith_n all_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o for_o there_o be_v a_o different_a power_n give_v to_o all_o these_o to_o a_o apostle_n to_o a_o elder_a to_o a_o believer_n and_o peter_n be_v all_o these_o and_o receive_v all_o the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o to_o all_o of_o these_o together_o for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v peter_n as_o well_o as_o any_o apostle_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la so_o far_o as_o either_o any_o church-officer_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n itself_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o john_n 20.21_o so_o that_o austin_n do_v not_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v peter_n receive_v the_o key_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o we_o from_o this_o place_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o will_v challenge_v no_o further_o power_n either_o to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o to_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v more_o express_o grant_v to_o they_o in_o other_o scripture_n now_o in_o other_o scripture_n it_o appear_v first_o that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o retain_v or_o remit_v of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o to_o peter_n joh._n 20.21.23_o second_o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o elder_n the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o therefore_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o they_o also_o three_o it_o appear_v far_a that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o body_n likewise_o of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o fraternity_n with_o the_o presbytery_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n communicate_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v to_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o offender_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o a_o offender_n say_v he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n that_o be_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o censure_n administer_v by_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o ratifi_v with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_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 in_o which_o place_n howsoever_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o classical_a and_o congregationall_a divine_n what_o shall_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n tell_v the_o church_n whether_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o congregation_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v agreement_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o that_o no_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o with_o some_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o least_o by_o way_n 1._o of_o consent_n to_o the_o sentence_n 2._o of_o actual_a execution_n of_o it_o by_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o offender_n so_o convict_v and_o censure_v now_o this_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o power_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o censure_n we_o conceive_v be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o peter_n then_o receive_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n than_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o name_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v any_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n or_o church_n or_o if_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o a_o apostle_n only_o yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o as_o he_o there_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o same_o power_n either_o there_o or_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o each_o church_n receive_v if_o not_o there_o yet_o elsewhere_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n each_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n receive_v that_o portion_n also_o of_o church-power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n and_o their_o power_n or_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n thereof_o the_o ordinary_a distribution_n of_o the_o key_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v thus_o deliver_v there_o be_v clavis_fw-la 1._o scientiae_fw-la a_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o clavis_fw-la 2._o potestatis_fw-la key_n of_o power_n and_o the_o key_n of_o power_n be_v 1._o ordinis_fw-la either_o a_o key_n of_o order_n or_o a_o key_n of_o 2._o jurisdictionis_fw-la jurisdiction_n this_o distribution_n though_o it_o go_v for_o current_n both_o among_o
word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n above_o they_o the_o elder_n say_v he_o that_o rule_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1._o tim._n 5.17_o 5_o conclus_fw-la when_o after_o the_o apostle_n time_n one_o of_o the_o pastor_n by_o way_n of_o eminency_n be_v call_v bishop_n for_o order_n sake_n yet_o for_o many_o year_n he_o do_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_o 1_o with_o consent_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2_o with_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v note_v out_o of_o eusebius_n ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 6._o ca._n 43._o gr._n ca._n 35._o lat._n cyprian_n epist_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 10._o &_o lib._n 1._o epist_n 3._o casanb_n adversus_fw-la baronium_n exercitat_fw-la 15._o num_fw-la 28._o when_o it_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o hiereme_a to_o confirm_v the_o same_o that_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilie_o ecelesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o poor_a evasion_n to_o put_v it_o off_o with_o observe_v that_o he_o say_v communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilie_o not_o authoritate_fw-la for_o 1._o no_o authority_n be_v due_a to_o presbyter_n over_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n no_o more_o then_o to_o the_o pastor_n over_o they_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fellow-elders_a and_o coequal_a in_o authority_n and_o 2._o when_o hiereme_a say_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n but_o all_o with_o it_o else_o it_o may_v be_v say_v the_o bishop_n govern_v the_o church_n with_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n to_o wit_n ask_v but_o not_o follow_v and_o that_o will_v imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o hieronus_fw-la testimony_n to_o say_v the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o bishop_n and_o yet_o not_o without_o ask_v the_o common_a counsel_n of_o the_o presbyter_n for_o in_o ask_v their_o counsel_n and_o not_o follow_v it_o the_o bishop_n shall_v order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n against_o their_o counsel_n now_o that_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n and_o against_o the_o common_a counsel_n of_o presbyter_n be_v flat_a contradictory_n 2._o for_o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v with_o their_o elder_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o own_o body_n it_o be_v take_v from_o their_o indispensable_a and_o independent_a power_n in_o church_n censure_n the_o censure_n that_o be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o nor_o reverse_v by_o any_o power_n on_o earth_n now_o the_o censure_n that_o be_v administer_v by_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n for_o so_o say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o church_n censure_n matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o if_o the_o offender_n refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v onearth_v 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 against_o this_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n many_o objection_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v but_o none_o that_o will_v hold_v object_n 1._o by_o church_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o extant_a nor_o can_v the_o apostle_n than_o have_v understand_v christ_n if_o he_o have_v so_o mean_v but_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o so_o he_o deliver_v their_o censure_n in_o a_o jewish_a phrase_n to_o account_v a_o man_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n answ_n 1._o the_o christian_a church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o then_o extant_a yet_o the_o apostle_n know_v as_o well_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o church_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o as_o they_o understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o it_o be_v enough_o the_o apostle_n look_v for_o a_o church_n which_o christ_n will_v gather_v and_o build_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o peter_n faith_n and_o be_v build_v shall_v be_v endue_v with_o heavenly_a power_n in_o their_o censure_n which_o they_o more_o full_o understand_v afterward_o when_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o come_v to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n answ_n 2._o the_o allusion_n in_o the_o church-censure_n to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n in_o account_v a_o man_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n do_v not_o argue_v that_o christ_n direct_v his_o disciple_n to_o complain_v of_o scandal_n to_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n but_o only_o direct_v they_o how_o to_o walk_v towards_o obstinate_a offender_n excommunicate_a by_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o wit_n to_o walk_v towards_o they_o as_o the_o jew_n walk_v towards_o heathen_n to_o wit_n deny_v to_o they_o religious_a communion_n and_o as_o towards_o publican_n withhold_a from_o they_o familiar_a civil_a communion_n for_o so_o the_o jew_n say_v to_o christ_n disciple_n why_o eat_v your_o master_n with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n answ_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o christ_n will_v send_v his_o disciple_n to_o make_v complaint_n of_o their_o offence_n to_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n for_o first_o be_v it_o likely_a he_o will_v send_v his_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n for_o right_a and_o heal_a unto_o wolf_n and_o tiger_n both_o their_o sanhedrim_n and_o most_o of_o their_o synogogue_n be_v no_o better_o and_o if_o here_o and_o there_o some_o elder_n of_o their_o synagogue_n be_v better_o affect_v yet_o how_o may_v it_o appear_v that_o so_o it_o be_v where_o any_o of_o themselves_o dwell_v and_o if_o that_o may_v appear_v too_o yet_o have_v not_o the_o jew_n already_o agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n joh._n 9.22_o object_n 2._o against_o the_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n it_o be_v object_v that_o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o bishop_n or_o his_o commissary_n answ_n 1._o one_o man_n be_v not_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v one_o man_n may_v represent_v a_o church_n the_o reply_n be_v ready_a one_o man_n can_v represent_v the_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n but_o so_o be_v neither_o the_o bishop_n nor_o his_o commissary_n they_o not_o for_o they_o but_o they_o come_v unsent_a for_o like_o water_n into_o a_o ship_n chief_o for_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o though_o some_o of_o christ_n servant_n have_v find_v some_o favour_n from_o some_o few_o of_o bishop_n man_n of_o more_o learning_n and_o ingenuity_n yet_o those_o bishop_n have_v find_v the_o less_o favour_n themselves_o from_o their_o fellow-bishop_n answ_n 2._o the_o bishop_n ordinary_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o that_o congregation_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v commit_v and_o what_o be_v his_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n give_v to_o the_o church_n answ_n 3._o the_o new_a testament_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n as_o claim_v honour_n above_o the_o elder_n that_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o object_n 3._o to_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v to_o tell_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o we_o deny_v not_o the_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o not_o to_o they_o as_o the_o church_n but_o as_o the_o guide_v of_o the_o church_n who_o if_o upon_o hear_v the_o cause_n and_o examine_v the_o witness_n they_o find_v it_o ripe_a for_o public_a censure_n they_o be_v then_o to_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o try_v and_o clear_v the_o state_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o church_n that_o so_o the_o church_n discern_v full_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n may_v consent_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n against_o it_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o they_o all_o who_o hear_v and_o fear_v will_v learn_v to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a wickedness_n answ_n 2._o the_o church_n be_v never_o put_v for_o the_o presbytery_n alone_o throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o sometime_o it_o be_v put_v express_o for_o the_o fraternity_n alone_o as_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n act._n 15.22_o and_o therefore_o tell_v the_o church_n can_v be_v mean_v tell_v the_o presbytery_n alone_o object_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o congregation_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o
officer_n in_o the_o due_a censure_n of_o offender_n and_o the_o like_a this_o liberty_n and_o the_o act_n thereof_o be_v often_o exemplify_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n call_v it_o express_o by_o the_o name_n of_o liberty_n brethren_n say_v he_o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o your_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o galath_n 5.13_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o that_o liberty_n mean_v church_n liberty_n or_o power_n in_o order_v church_n affair_n will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consult_v with_o the_o context_n rather_o than_o with_o commenter_n for_o the_o apostle_n have_v spend_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o epistle_n partly_o in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o call_n partly_o in_o disputation_n against_o justification_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o end_n of_o v._o 8._o of_o chap._n 5._o in_o the_o nine_o verse_n he_o descend_v not_o to_o exhort_v unto_o bonos_fw-es more_o be_v in_o general_n as_o usual_o commenter_n take_v it_o but_o to_o instruct_v in_o church_n discipline_n in_o which_o he_o give_v three_o or_o four_o direction_n to_o the_o ten_o v._o of_o chap._n 6._o 1_o touch_v the_o censure_n of_o those_o corrupt_a teacher_n who_o have_v pervert_v and_o trouble_v they_o with_o that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n chap._n 5._o ver_fw-la 9_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n 2._o touch_v the_o gentle_a admonition_n and_o restore_n of_o a_o brother_n fall_v by_o infirmity_n chap._n 6._o ver_fw-la 1._o to_o 5._o 3._o touch_v the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o minister_n ver_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o beneficence_n to_o other_o ver_fw-la 9_o 10._o touch_v the_o first_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o corrupt_a teacher_n 1_o he_o lay_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o that_o which_o himself_o give_v for_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinth_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n vers_fw-la 9_o 2_o he_o presume_v the_o church_n will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o he_o and_o concur_v in_o the_o censure_n of_o he_o that_o trouble_v they_o with_o corrupt_a doctrine_n v._o 10._o from_o fellowship_n with_o which_o corrupt_a doctrine_n he_o clear_v himself_o v._o 11._o 3_o he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v what_o censure_n he_o wish_v may_v be_v dispense_v against_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o corrupt_a teacher_n i_o will_v say_v he_o they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o cut_v off_o to_o wit_n by_o excommunication_n ver_fw-la 12._o now_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v by_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o power_n have_v we_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o the_o apostle_n answer_v they_o have_v a_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o wit_n to_o join_v with_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o cast_v they_o out_o or_o cut_v they_o off_o for_o brethren_n say_v he_o you_o be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v further_o object_v yea_o but_o give_v the_o people_n this_o power_n and_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n either_o to_o cast_v off_o their_o teacher_n or_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o the_o people_n will_v soon_o take_v advantage_n to_o abuse_v this_o liberty_n unto_o much_o carnal_a licentiousness_n the_o apostle_n prevent_v that_o with_o a_o word_n of_o wholesome_a counsel_n brethren_n say_v he_o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o your_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o v._o 13._o and_o thereupon_o seasonable_o pursue_v this_o counsel_n with_o a_o caveat_n to_o beware_v of_o abuse_v this_o liberty_n to_o carnal_a contention_n a_o usual_a disease_n of_o popular_a liberty_n and_o withal_o dehort_v they_o from_o all_o other_o fruit_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n evident_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o key_n of_o power_n or_o liberty_n give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o brethren_n with_o the_o elder_n as_o to_o open_v a_o door_n of_o entrance_n to_o the_o minister_n call_v so_o to_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o entrance_n against_o they_o in_o some_o case_n as_o when_o through_o corrupt_a and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n they_o turn_v from_o shepherd_n to_o become_v ravenous_a wolf_n have_v speak_v then_o of_o that_o first_o key_n of_o order_n namely_o the_o key_n of_o power_n in_o a_o more_o large_a sense_n or_o liberty_n in_o the_o church_n there_o remain_v the_o other_o key_n of_o order_n which_o be_v the_o key_n of_o authority_n or_o of_o rule_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n which_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v a_o moral_a power_n in_o a_o superior_a order_n or_o state_n bind_v or_o release_n a_o inferiors_n in_o point_n of_o subjection_n this_o key_n when_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o peter_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o give_v to_o he_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n joh._n 20.23_o they_o thereby_o have_v power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v to_o their_o successor_n the_o elder_n whereby_o they_o be_v call_v to_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v before_o they_o act._n 20.28_o and_o indeed_o by_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o law_n the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n accompany_v the_o same_o they_o bound_v sinner_n under_o the_o curse_n and_o their_o conscience_n under_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o fear_v of_o wrath_n and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o they_o and_o by_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n accompany_v the_o same_o they_o remit_v sin_n and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o believe_a repent_a soul_n from_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o open_a to_o they_o the_o door_n of_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o key_n as_o they_o preach_v with_o all_o authority_n not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o administer_v the_o seal_n thereof_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n by_o virtue_n also_o of_o this_o key_n they_o with_o the_o church_n do_v bind_v a_o obstinate_a offender_n under_o excommunication_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o and_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o upon_o his_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o this_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n and_o so_o of_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o if_o any_o man_n out_o of_o love_n to_o antiquity_n do_v rather_o affect_v to_o keep_v to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o former_a more_o ancient_a distribution_n as_o there_o be_v who_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o change_v antiquos_fw-la terminos_fw-la verborum_fw-la as_o agrorum_fw-la we_o will_v not_o stick_v upon_o the_o word_n right_o explain_v out_o of_o desire_n both_o to_o judge_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o fellow-brethren_n only_o then_o let_v they_o allow_v some_o spiritual_a power_n to_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n though_o not_o church-power_n and_o in_o church_n power_n let_v they_o put_v in_o as_o well_o a_o key_n of_o liberty_n that_o be_v a_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o interest_n as_o a_o key_n of_o authority_n and_o by_o their_o key_n of_o order_n as_o they_o do_v understand_v the_o key_n of_o office_n so_o let_v they_o not_o divide_v from_o it_o the_o key_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o christ_n have_v give_v no_o jurisdiction_n but_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v office_n and_o so_o we_o willing_o consent_v with_o they_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v and_o first_o of_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o order_n as_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v divers_a so_o be_v the_o subject_n to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v divers_a as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n diversity_n of_o function_n belong_v to_o diversity_n of_o member_n 1._o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o key_n of_o faith_n belong_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a whether_o join_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o no._n as_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n man_n of_o grow_v year_n be_v first_o call_v and_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n and_o even_o now_o a_o indian_a or_o pagan_n may_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n till_o he_o have_v first_o receive_v the_o faith_n and_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o some_o before_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o to_o christian_n for_o
judge_v the_o world_n even_o angel_n so_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n the_o 6._o of_o that_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o the_o same_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n he_o intreat_v to_o forgive_v the_o same_o incestuous_a corinthian_a upon_o his_o repentance_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o if_o it_o be_v say_v to_o judge_n be_v a_o act_n of_o rule_n and_o to_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o the_o brethren_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n only_o answ_n all_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_n for_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n by_o way_n of_o privilege_n as_o well_o as_o of_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o sentence_n that_o of_o discretion_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o authority_n belong_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n in_o england_n the_o jury_n by_o their_o verdict_n as_o well_o as_o the_o judge_n by_o his_o sentence_n do_v both_o of_o they_o judge_v the_o same_o malefactor_n yet_o in_o the_o jury_n their_o verdict_n be_v but_o a_o act_n of_o their_o popular_a liberty_n in_o the_o judge_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o judicial_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o these_o two_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a great_a be_v the_o difference_n for_o though_o the_o jury_n have_v give_v up_o their_o judgement_n and_o verdict_n yet_o the_o malefactor_n be_v not_o thereupon_o legal_o condemn_v much_o less_o execute_v but_o upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o like_a sort_n here_o though_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n do_v with_o one_o accord_n give_v up_o their_o vote_n and_o judgement_n for_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o offender_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o thereby_o censure_v till_o upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o presbytery_n if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o yea_o but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v and_o the_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v christ_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n mat._n 18.18_o answ_n the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v say_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o that_o the_o brethren_n consent_n and_o concur_v with_o the_o elder_n both_o before_o the_o censure_n in_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a and_o in_o declare_v their_o discernment_n by_o lift_v up_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o by_o silence_n and_o after_o the_o censure_n in_o reject_v the_o offender_n censure_v from_o their_o wont_a communion_n and_o yet_o their_o discern_a or_o approve_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o censure_n beforehand_o be_v not_o a_o prevent_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o their_o work_n for_o the_o elder_n before_o that_o have_v not_o only_o private_o examine_v the_o offender_n and_o his_o offence_n and_o the_o proof_n thereof_o to_o prepare_v the_o matter_n and_o ripen_v it_o for_o the_o church_n cognizance_n but_o do_v also_o public_o revise_v the_o head_n of_o all_o the_o material_a passage_n thereof_o before_o the_o church_n and_o do_v withal_o declare_v to_o the_o church_n the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o that_o they_o may_v right_o discern_v and_o approve_v what_o censure_n the_o lord_n require_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o such_o a_o case_n so_o that_o the_o people_n discern_v and_o approve_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o censure_n before_o it_o be_v administer_v arise_v from_o the_o elder_n former_a instruction_n and_o direction_n of_o they_o therein_o whereunto_o the_o people_n give_v consent_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n and_o rule_v of_o christ_n hence_o be_v that_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v in_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n when_o your_o obedience_n be_v fulfil_v 2_o cor._n 10.6_o the_o apostle_n revenge_n of_o disobedience_n by_o way_n of_o reproof_n in_o preach_v do_v not_o follow_v the_o people_n obedience_n but_o proceed_v whether_o the_o people_n obey_v it_o or_o no._n it_o be_v therefore_o their_o revenge_n of_o disobedience_n by_o way_n of_o censure_n in_o discipline_n which_o they_o have_v in_o readiness_n when_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o church_n be_v fulfil_v in_o discern_v and_o approve_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o censure_n which_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n have_v declare_v to_o they_o from_o the_o word_n this_o power_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o deal_v in_o this_o sort_n with_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n may_v not_o be_v limit_v only_o to_o a_o private_a brother_n offend_v but_o may_v reach_v also_o to_o a_o offensive_a elder_n for_o as_o have_v be_v touch_v already_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o circumcision_n suppose_v peter_n to_o have_v give_v a_o offence_n in_o eat_v with_o man_n uncircumcised_a they_o open_o expostulate_v with_o he_o about_o his_o offence_n and_o he_o stand_v not_o with_o they_o upon_o term_n of_o his_o apostleship_n much_o less_o of_o his_o eldership_n but_o willing_o submit_v himself_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o all_o act._n 11.2_o to_o 18._o and_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n to_o deal_v with_o archippus_n warn_v he_o to_o see_v to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o ministry_n col._n 4.17_o and_o very_o pregnant_a be_v his_o direction_n to_o the_o galatian_n for_o their_o proceed_n to_o the_o utmost_a with_o their_o corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a false_a teacher_n i_o will_v say_v he_o they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o and_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n of_o their_o liberty_n gal._n 5.12_o 13._o as_o have_v be_v open_v above_o in_o chap._n 2._o but_o whether_o the_o church_n have_v power_n or_o liberty_n for_o proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a censure_n of_o their_o whole_a presbytery_n be_v a_o question_n of_o more_o difficulty_n for_o 1._o it_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v that_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n shall_v be_v proceed_v against_o but_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o strong_a influence_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o of_o the_o brethren_n a_o strong_a party_n of_o the_o brethren_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o side_n with_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o find_v dissension_n and_o opposition_n the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o proceed_v without_o consult_v with_o the_o synod_n as_o when_o there_o arise_v dissension_n in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n and_o side_v or_o as_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o send_v up_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o in_o way_n of_o synod_n determine_v the_o business_n act._n 15.2_o to_o 23._o a_o precedent_n and_o pattern_n of_o due_a church_n proceed_n in_o case_n of_o dissension_n when_o some_o take_v with_o one_o side_n some_o with_o another_o but_o of_o that_o more_o here_o after_o 2._o excommunication_n be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a act_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v perform_v but_o by_o some_o ruler_n now_o where_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v culpable_a there_o be_v no_o ruler_n leave_v in_o that_o church_n to_o censure_v they_o as_o therefore_o the_o presbytery_n can_v excommunicate_v the_o whole_a church_n though_o apostate_n for_o they_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o that_o censure_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o church_n excommunicate_v the_o whole_a presbytery_n because_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o christ_n a_o office_n of_o rule_n without_o their_o officer_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o twentie-foure_a elder_n who_o represent_v the_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n do_v the_o four_o officer_n have_v all_o of_o they_o crown_n upon_o their_o head_n and_o sit_v upon_o throne_n rev._n 4.4_o which_o be_v sign_n of_o regal_a authority_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o crown_n and_o throne_n argue_v they_o to_o be_v king_n no_o more_o than_o their_o white_a raiment_n argue_v they_o to_o be_v priest_n ver_fw-la 4._o but_o neither_o priest_n nor_o king_n by_o office_n but_o by_o liberty_n to_o perform_v like_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o grace_n which_o the_o other_o do_v by_o grace_n and_o office_n as_o priest_n they_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n and_o as_o king_n they_o rule_v their_o lust_n passion_n themselves_o and_o their_o family_n yea_o the_o world_n and_o church_n also_o after_o a_o sort_n the_o world_n by_o improve_n it_o to_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o the_o church_n by_o appoint_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o likewise_o in_o censure_v their_o offender_n not_o only_o by_o their_o officer_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o king_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v but_o also_o by_o their_o own_o royal_a assent_n which_o king_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o do_v but_o only_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o noble_n but_o nevertheless_o though_o the_o church_n want_v authority_n to_o excommunicate_v their_o presbytery_n yet_o they_o want_v not_o liberty_n to_o
we_o confess_v we_o be_v fill_v with_o wonderment_n at_o that_o divine_a hand_n that_o have_v thus_o lead_v the_o judgement_n without_o the_o least_o mutual_a interchange_n or_o intimation_n of_o thought_n or_o notion_n in_o these_o particular_n of_o our_o brethren_n there_o and_o ourselves_o unworthy_a to_o be_v mention_v with_o they_o hear_v only_o we_o crave_v leave_v of_o the_o reverend_a author_n and_o those_o brethren_n that_o have_v the_o view_n of_o it_o to_o declare_v that_o we_o assent_n not_o to_o all_o expression_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o or_o all_o &_o every_o assertion_n interweave_v in_o it_o yea_o nor_o to_o all_o the_o ground_n or_o allegation_n of_o scripture_n nor_o shall_v we_o in_o all_o thing_n perhaps_o have_v use_v the_o same_o term_n to_o express_v the_o same_o material_n by_o for_o instance_n we_o humble_o conceive_v prophesy_v as_o the_o scripture_n term_n it_o or_o speak_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v sometime_o be_v perform_v by_o brethren_n gift_v though_o not_o in_o office_n as_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o 1_o occasional_o not_o in_o a_o ordinary_a course_n 2._o by_o man_n of_o such_o ability_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n and_o 3._o not_o assume_v this_o of_o themselves_o but_o judge_v such_o by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o power_n and_o so_o allow_v and_o design_v to_o it_o and_o 4._o so_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v subject_v for_o the_o judge_n of_o it_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o the_o teach_v elder_n of_o that_o church_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o caution_v we_o see_v no_o more_o incongruity_n for_o such_o to_o speak_v to_o a_o point_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o congregation_n then_o for_o man_n of_o like_a ability_n to_o speak_v to_o and_o debate_n of_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o assembly_n of_o divine_n which_o this_o reverend_a author_n allow_v and_o here_o with_o we_o be_v practise_v again_o in_o all_o humility_n we_o yet_o see_v not_o that_o assembly_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n act_n 15._o to_o have_v be_v a_o formal_a synod_n of_o messenger_n send_v out_o of_o a_o set_n and_o combine_a association_n from_o neighbour_n church_n but_o a_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o messenger_n from_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n alone_o that_o be_v far_o remote_a each_o from_o other_o and_o elective_o now_o meet_v nor_o be_v we_o for_o the_o present_a convince_v that_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n to_o make_v this_o a_o precedent_n of_o such_o a_o formal_a synod_n do_v act_n therein_o as_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o not_o out_o of_o apostolical_a guidance_n &_o assistance_n but_o we_o rather_o conceive_v if_o we_o will_v simple_o consider_v the_o mutual_a aspect_n which_o these_o two_o church_n and_o their_o elder_n stand_v in_o this_o conjunction_n abstract_v from_o they_o that_o influence_n and_o impression_n which_o that_o superior_a sphere_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v then_o present_a have_v in_o this_o transaction_n this_o to_o have_v be_v a_o consultation_n as_o the_o learned_a author_n do_v also_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o its_o first_o original_n only_o rise_v up_o to_o be_v a_o general_n council_n by_o the_o apostle_n presence_n they_o be_v elder_n of_o all_o the_o church_n or_o if_o you_o will_v a_o reference_n by_o way_n of_o arbitration_n for_o decide_v of_o that_o great_a controversy_n rise_v among_o they_o at_o antioch_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v too_o difficult_a for_o themselves_o and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o warrant_n indeed_o for_o all_o such_o way_n of_o communion_n between_o all_o or_o any_o especial_o neighbour_n church_n and_o upon_o like_a occasion_n to_o be_v ordinance_n furnish_v with_o ministerial_a power_n for_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n our_o reason_n for_o this_o we_o be_v now_o many_o way_n bind_v up_o from_o give_v the_o account_n of_o in_o this_o way_n and_o at_o this_o season_n but_o however_o if_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o intend_v as_o the_o learned_a author_n judge_v and_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v act_v therein_o as_o ordinary_a elder_n yet_o the_o line_n of_o that_o proportion_n of_o power_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o that_o pattern_n will_v extend_v no_o further_o than_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a power_n etc._n etc._n in_o such_o assembly_n which_o we_o willing_o grant_v and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v with_o what_o a_o wary_a eye_n and_o exact_a aim_n he_o take_v the_o latitude_n and_o elevation_n of_o that_o power_n there_o hold_v forth_o not_o dare_v to_o attribute_v the_o least_o either_o for_o kind_n or_o degree_n than_o what_o that_o example_n warrant_v which_o be_v at_o utmost_a but_o a_o doctrinal_a decernement_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o controversy_n they_o be_v consult_v in_o as_o also_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o those_o that_o have_v teach_v the_o contrary_a as_o belyer_n of_o they_o and_o subverter_n of_o the_o faith_n without_o so_o much_o as_o brandish_v the_o sword_n and_o power_n of_o excommunication_n against_o those_o high_a and_o gross_a delinquent_n or_o other_o that_o shall_v not_o obey_v they_o by_o that_o epistle_n only_o in_o the_o last_o place_n for_o the_o further_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o people_n interest_n which_o the_o reverend_a author_n usual_o call_v liberty_n sometime_o power_n &_o the_o elder_n rule_v and_o authority_n which_o make_v that_o first_o distribution_n of_o church_n power_n in_o particular_a congregation_n as_o likewise_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o that_o other_o allotment_n of_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a power_n in_o a_o association_n or_o communion_n of_o church_n as_o sever_v from_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o second_o we_o take_v the_o boldness_n to_o cast_v a_o weak_a beam_n of_o our_o dim_a light_n upon_o either_o of_o these_o &_o to_o present_v how_o these_o have_v lie_v state_v in_o our_o thought_n to_o this_o end_n that_o we_o may_v haply_o prevent_v some_o reader_n mistake_n especial_o about_o the_o former_a for_o the_o first_o we_o conceive_v the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n in_o each_o congregation_n as_o they_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n thus_o mention_v distinct_o apart_o and_o this_o when_o their_o meeting_n together_o be_v speak_v of_o so_o they_o make_v in_o each_o congregation_n two_o distinct_a interest_n though_o meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n as_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o common-council_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o some_o corporation_n be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o company_n of_o alderman_n so_o as_o without_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o both_o nothing_o be_v esteem_v as_o a_o church_n act_n but_o so_o as_o in_o this_o company_n of_o elder_n this_o power_n be_v proper_o authority_n but_o in_o the_o people_n be_v a_o privilege_n or_o power_n a_o apparent_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o by_o this_o that_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o select_a person_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o a_o office_n and_o betrust_v with_o a_o entire_a interest_n of_o power_n for_o a_o multitude_n to_o which_o that_o multitude_n ought_v by_o a_o command_n from_o christ_n to_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a as_o to_o a_o ordinance_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o consent_n and_o in_o who_o sentence_n the_o ultimate_a formal_a ministerial_a act_n of_o bind_v or_o lose_v shall_v consist_v this_o power_n must_v needs_o be_v esteem_v and_o a_o knowledge_v in_o these_o few_o to_o have_v the_o proper_a notion_n and_o character_n of_o authority_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o power_n which_o must_v yet_o concur_v with_o they_o that_o be_v in_o a_o whole_a body_n or_o multitude_n of_o man_n who_o have_v a_o great_a and_o near_a interest_n and_o concernment_n in_o those_o affair_n over_o which_o these_o few_o be_v set_v as_o ruler_n this_o difference_n of_o power_n do_v easy_o appear_v in_o compare_v the_o several_a interest_n of_o father_n and_o child_n in_o his_o disposement_n of_o she_o in_o marriage_n and_o her_o concurrence_n with_o he_o therein_o although_o we_o intend_v not_o the_o parallel_n between_o the_o thing_n themselves_o a_o virgin_n daughter_n have_v a_o power_n true_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v yea_o and_o a_o power_n ultimate_o to_o dissent_v upon_o a_o unsatisfy_a dislike_n yea_o and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o her_o consent_n that_o make_v the_o marriage_n valid_a but_o yet_o for_o her_o parent_n to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o guide_v she_o in_o her_o choice_n which_o she_o ought_v in_o duty_n to_o obey_v and_o a_o power_n which_o must_v also_o concur_v to_o bestow_v she_o or_o the_o marriage_n be_v invalid_a this_o compare_v her_o interest_n wherein_o she_o be_v more_o near_o and_o intimate_o concern_v with_o they_o do_v arise_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o extrinsecall_a authority_n whereas_o that_o power_n be_v in_o
she_o be_v but_o simple_o the_o power_n of_o she_o own_o act_n in_o which_o her_o own_o concernment_n which_o do_v interest_n her_o free_a by_o a_o intrinsical_v right_a the_o like_a difference_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o have_v see_v a_o government_n temper_v of_o a_o aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n in_o which_o suppose_v the_o people_n have_v a_o share_n and_o their_o actual_a consent_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o law_n and_o sentence_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o a_o few_o noble_n that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o who_o concernment_n be_v less_o general_a in_o who_o the_o formal_a sanction_n of_o all_o shall_v lie_v in_o these_o it_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o multitude_n but_o power_n and_o interest_n and_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o presbytry_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o else_o as_o we_o have_v long_o since_o be_v resolve_v all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n about_o their_o rule_n and_o of_o the_o people_n obedience_n to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o metaphor_n and_o to_o hold_v no_o porportion_n with_o any_o substantial_a reality_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o in_o this_o distribution_n of_o power_n christ_n have_v have_v a_o suitable_a and_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o church_n as_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o have_v qualify_v and_o dignify_v it_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n but_o it_o be_v comparative_o come_v forth_o of_o its_o nonage_n &_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o ripe_a age_n both_o as_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o difference_n from_o the_o old_a run_v in_o the_o prophet_n &_o as_o paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n express_v it_o they_o be_v therefore_o more_o general_o able_a if_o visible_a saint_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o church_n under_o the_o n._n testanent_a to_o join_v with_o their_o guide_n &_o leader_n in_o judge_v &_o discern_v what_o concern_v their_o own_o &_o their_o brethren_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v not_o now_o lodge_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o all_o church_n matter_n sole_o &_o entire_o in_o the_o church_n tutor_n &_o governor_n as_o of_o old_a when_o it_o be_v under_o age_n he_o do_v but_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o weakness_n &_o unskilfulnes_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o in_o comparison_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ascend_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o on_o purpose_n for_o their_o guidance_n &_o the_o government_n of_o they_o he_o have_v therefore_o place_v a_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o those_o officer_n over_o they_o not_o direct_v only_o but_o bind_v so_o as_o not_o only_o nothing_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o church_n government_n shall_v be_v do_v without_o they_o but_o not_o esteem_v valid_o do_v unless_o do_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o due_a and_o golden_a balance_a and_o poise_v of_o power_n and_o interest_n authority_n and_o privilege_n in_o elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n this_o government_n may_v neither_o degenerate_a into_o lordlynesse_n and_o oppression_n in_o ruler_n over_o the_o flock_n as_o not_o have_v all_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n alone_o nor_o yet_o into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o flock_n among_o themselves_o &_o so_o as_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v transact_v to_o common_a edification_n &_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o second_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o paradox_n that_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a authority_n shall_v be_v find_v sever_v from_o that_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o second_v it_o if_o not_o obey_v every_o minister_n and_o pastor_n have_v in_o himself_o alone_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v his_o charge_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o to_o instruct_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o authority_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o those_o under_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o vi_o materiae_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o command_n in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o he_o shall_v speak_v with_o no_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o man_n yea_o a_o child_n who_o speak_v a_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o word_n shall_v lead_v we_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v but_o further_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o ministerial_a authority_n which_o christ_n have_v endow_v he_o withal_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o by_o they_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o his_o over_o they_o and_o towards_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o alone_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n in_o he_o to_o enforce_v his_o doctrine_n if_o any_o do_v gainsay_v it_o neither_o therefore_o be_v this_o authority_n as_o in_o he_o consider_v to_o be_v judge_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o draw_v man_n to_o obedience_n neither_o let_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o power_n of_o this_o censure_n of_o cut_v man_n off_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n in_o which_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o indeed_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o &_o other_o of_o excommunication_n lie_v shall_v be_v inseparable_o link_v by_o christ_n unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o proper_a native_a privilege_n hereof_o so_o as_o that_o no_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o elder_n just_o presume_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a &_o judicious_a shall_v assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o or_o sever_v the_o formal_a power_n thereof_o from_o the_o particular_a congregation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o christ_n institution_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n something_o analogous_a thereunto_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o illustorate_v if_o not_o to_o justify_v this_o dispersion_n of_o interest_n and_o so_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o there_o may_v be_v find_v even_o of_o this_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o sentence_n to_o death_n of_o any_o subject_n in_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a civil_a punishment_n so_o of_o all_o other_o the_o near_a and_o exact_a parallel_n to_o this_o in_o spirituall_n of_o cut_v a_o soul_n off_o and_o deliver_v it_o to_o satan_n yet_o the_o power_n of_o this_o high_a judgement_n be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o lawyer_n only_o no_o not_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n themselves_o man_n select_v for_o wisdom_n faithfulness_n and_o gravity_n who_o yet_o be_v by_o office_n design_v to_o have_v a_o inerest_n herein_o but_o when_o they_o upon_o any_o special_a cause_n of_o difficulty_n for_o council_n and_o direction_n in_o such_o judgement_n do_v all_o meet_v as_o sometime_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o pronounce_v this_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o any_o man_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o jury_n of_o his_o peer_n which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o rank_n and_o in_o corporation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o place_n and_o with_o a_o jury_n of_o these_o man_n of_o themselves_o not_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n two_o judge_n yea_o one_o with_o other_o justice_n on_o the_o bench_n have_v power_n to_o adjudge_v and_o pronounce_v that_o which_o all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o lawyer_n in_o this_o kingdom_n together_o have_v not_o without_o a_o jury_n and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n use_v to_o admire_v the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n herein_o &_o do_v esteem_v this_o privilege_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o this_o particular_a peculiar_a to_o our_o nation_n as_o one_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o law_n and_o do_v make_v beast_n of_o it_o as_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o security_n to_o each_o person_n life_n as_o we_o think_v no_o nation_n about_o we_o can_v show_v the_o like_a and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o constitution_n but_o this_o which_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o insist_v on_o the_o dispersion_n of_o power_n into_o several_a hand_n which_o in_o capital_a matter_n every_o man_n trial_n shall_v run_v through_o whereof_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o tie_n of_o like_a common_a interest_n to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o faithfulness_n as_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o direct_v therein_o and_o beside_o that_o interest_n that_o be_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n fraternity_n yea_o or_o neighbourhood_n or_o like_o wise_a that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o common_a case_n of_o man_n alike_o subject_v to_o a_o authority_n set_v over_o they_o to_o sentence_v they_o there_o be_v also_o the_o special_a advantage_n of_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o the_o heinous_a
and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodall_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n act._n 15.27_o this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v those_o necessary_a thing_n which_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_a power_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n as_o a_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v to_o faith_n a_o obedience_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v gospel_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o minister_n for_o his_o calling_n sake_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v who_o so_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o and_o see_v also_o a_o synod_n sometime_o meet_v to_o convince_v and_o admonish_v a_o offend_a church_n or_o presbytery_n they_o have_v power_n therefore_o if_o they_o can_v heal_v the_o offender_n to_o determine_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o further_o see_v they_o meet_v likewise_o sometime_o for_o general_a reformation_n they_o have_v power_n to_o decree_n and_o publish_v such_o ordinance_n as_o may_v conduce_v according_a to_o god_n unto_o such_o reformation_n example_n whereof_o we_o read_v neh._n 10.32_o to_o 39_o 2_o chron._n 15.12_o 13._o for_o the_o second_o question_n how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n or_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n may_v concur_v with_o the_o elder_n in_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v be_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n as_o 1._o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n modest_o and_o christanly_n among_o the_o elder_n for_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o there_o be_v much_o disputation_n act._n 15.7_o so_o the_o multitude_n have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o disputation_n v._o 12._o for_o after_o peter_n speech_n it_o be_v say_v the_o whole_a multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o silence_n from_o what_o to_o wit_n from_o the_o speech_n last_o in_o hand_n among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v from_o disputation_n 2._o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o approve_v of_o the_o sentence_n of_o james_n and_o determine_v the_o same_o as_o the_o common_a sentence_n of_o they_o all_o 3._o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n and_o in_o writing_n synodall_n letter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o for_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n both_o these_o point_n be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n v._o 22.23_o to_o 29._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v choose_v man_n and_o to_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o see_v the_o whole_a church_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o those_o who_o he_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n v._o 22._o he_o call_v the_o brethren_n v._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n present_a in_o the_o synod_n have_v all_o this_o power_n of_o liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n lay_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 16.4_o that_o paul_n and_o silas_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n for_o to_o keep_v the_o decree_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o preserve_v to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n their_o due_a liberty_n and_o to_o reserve_v to_o the_o elder_n their_o due_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o elder_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v or_o conclude_v any_o act_n that_o shall_v bind_v the_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n which_o before_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o so_o apprehend_v it_o for_o what_o need_v church_n send_v to_o a_o synod_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n in_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v aforehand_o how_o far_o they_o will_v go_v it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n shall_v conclude_v in_o a_o synod_n any_o thing_n prejujudiciall_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v just_o expostulate_v with_o they_o at_o their_o return_n and_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o sancit_v but_o if_o the_o elder_n be_v gather_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o word_n or_o christ_n they_o may_v consider_v and_o conclude_v sundry_a point_n expedient_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o church_n which_o the_o church_n be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a of_o before_o as_o for_o the_o three_o question_n whether_o the_o synod_n have_v power_n to_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o use_n indifferent_a we_o shall_v answer_v it_o negative_o and_o our_o reason_n be_v 1._o from_o the_o pattern_n of_o that_o precedent_n of_o synod_n act._n 15.28_o they_o lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n but_o those_o necessary_a thing_n necessary_a though_o not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o for_o present_a use_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o eat_v thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n of_o the_o gentile_a and_o jew_n both_o by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n as_o paul_n expound_v that_o article_n of_o the_o synod_n 1_o cor._n 8.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o chap._n 10.28_o this_o ea_fw-la ing_z with_o offence_n be_v a_o murder_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n soul_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v forbear_v necessitate_n praecepti_fw-la by_o the_o necessity_n of_o god_n commandment_n 2._o a_o second_o reason_n may_v be_v from_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o apostolical_a commission_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o where_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v if_o then_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o a_o large_a commission_n than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n nor_o elder_n nor_o synod_n nor_o church_n can_v challenge_v if_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n speak_v only_o of_o teach_v such_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n answ_n if_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n shall_v hereupon_o usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n thing_n indifferent_a they_o must_v plead_v this_o their_o authority_n from_o some_o other_o commission_n give_v they_o elsewhere_o for_o in_o this_o place_n there_o be_v no_o foot_n step_n for_o any_o such_o power_n that_o much_o urge_v and_o much_o abuse_v place_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o will_v not_o reach_v it_o for_o though_o paul_n require_v in_o that_o place_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n whether_o prayer_n or_o prophesy_v or_o psalm_n or_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v decent_o and_o orderly_o he_o thereby_o forbid_v any_o performance_n thereof_o undecent_o as_o for_o man_n with_o long_a hair_n and_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o open_a assembly_n especial_o to_o pray_v with_o their_o hair_n loose_v about_o they_o and_o though_o he_o forbid_v also_o man_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o at_o once_o which_o to_o do_v be_v not_o order_n but_o confusion_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o himself_o enjoin_v nor_o allow_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o decent_a who_o want_n or_o who_o contrary_a be_v not_o undecent_a nor_o such_o order_n who_o want_n or_o
another_o and_o yet_o paul_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o confer_v with_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n lest_o he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n galat._n 2.2_o and_o though_o in_o conference_n the_o chief_a apostle_n add_v nothing_o to_o paul_n ver_fw-la 6._o yet_o when_o they_o perceive_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o uncircumcision_n be_v commit_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o that_o of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n they_o give_v unto_o one_o another_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n ver_fw-la 9_o now_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v by_o just_a proportion_n that_o if_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v each_o of_o they_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o consult_v and_o confer_v together_o about_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o their_o call_n and_o to_o their_o doctrine_n then_o sure_o church_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n though_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o communicate_v their_o course_n and_o proceed_n in_o such_o case_n one_o with_o another_o to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o the_o same_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o do_v mutual_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o ordination_n or_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o much_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v again_o something_o may_v be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o confirmation_n yet_o for_o illustration_n of_o this_o point_n by_o compare_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a platform_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v constitute_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n state_n at_o their_o last_o conversion_n the_o dimension_n of_o this_o church_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 48.30_o be_v according_a to_o junius_n twelve_o furlong_n which_o after_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o be_v double_a to_o the_o common_a be_v about_o three_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n but_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o revel_n 21.16_o be_v say_v to_o be_v twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n now_o how_o can_v these_o two_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n stand_v together_o which_o be_v so_o far_o discrepant_a one_o from_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n twelve_o furlong_n in_o twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n the_o fit_a and_o fair_a reconciliation_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o ezekiel_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o any_o ordinary_a jewish_a church_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o john_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o many_o particular_a jewish_a church_n combine_v together_o in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o thousand_o church_n not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v constitute_v in_o a_o nationall_n and_o diocesan_n frame_n with_o nationall_n officer_n and_o diocesan_n bishop_n or_o the_o like_a but_o that_o sometime_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o will_v be_v gather_v into_o a_o synod_n and_o all_o of_o they_o will_v have_v such_o mutual_a care_n and_o yield_v such_o mutual_a brotherly_a help_n and_o communion_n one_o to_o another_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o body_n if_o any_o man_n say_v theologia_n symbolica_fw-la or_o parabolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la that_o argument_n from_o such_o parable_n and_o mystical_a resemblance_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o valid_a let_v he_o enjoy_v his_o own_o apprehension_n and_o if_o he_o can_v yield_v a_o better_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n let_v he_o wave_v this_o collection_n nevertheless_o if_o there_o be_v no_o argumentative_a power_n in_o parable_n why_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o much_o delight_n in_o that_o kind_n of_o teach_v and_o why_o do_v john_n and_o daniel_n and_o ezekiel_n deliver_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o prophecy_n in_o parable_n if_o we_o must_v take_v they_o for_o riddle_n and_o not_o for_o document_n nor_o argument_n sure_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o argument_n they_o serve_v not_o for_o document_n but_o furthermore_o touch_v this_o great_a work_n of_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o add_v this_o caution_n caution_n a_o caution_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o christ_n church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o through_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o neither_o may_v the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o they_o may_v indeed_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o direct_v in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o they_o but_o not_o take_v they_o away_o though_o themselves_o shall_v be_v willing_a the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v give_v equal_a power_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o eleven_o of_o they_o to_o forbid_v the_o twelve_o to_o do_v any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n without_o their_o intervention_n neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o nine_o who_o be_v of_o inferior_a gift_n to_o commit_v the_o guidance_n and_o command_n of_o all_o their_o apostolic_a administration_n unto_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v all_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o immediate_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o because_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a in_o office_n and_o every_o one_o to_o give_v account_n for_o himself_o unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o like_a case_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o particular_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v moreover_o a_o threefold_a further_a inconvenience_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o attend_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o these_o ordinary_a admninistraon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyter_n common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la 1._o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o way_n of_o discipline_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v by_o this_o mean_v not_o receive_v nor_o enjoin_v nor_o practise_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o but_o by_o their_o deputy_n or_o overseer_n 2._o the_o same_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o synod_n in_o act_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n but_o in_o act_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v hereby_o receive_v and_o enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o and_o by_o they_o only_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o which_o be_v a_o three_o inconvenience_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n only_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyter_n still_o keep_v the_o church_n as_o under_o nonage_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o their_o ripe_a year_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o mother_n to_o bear_v her_o young_a daughter_n in_o her_o arm_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v on_o its_o own_o foot_n while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o infancy_n be_v kind_o and_o comely_a but_o when_o the_o damsel_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n for_o the_o mother_n still_o to_o bear_v she_o in_o her_o arm_n for_o fear_v of_o stumble_v it_o be_v a_o uncecessary_a burden_n to_o the_o mother_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o virgin_n such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o the_o community_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n be_v as_o the_o mother_n each_o particular_a church_n be_v as_o the_o daughter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n while_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o nonage_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a to_o leave_v the_o whole_a guidance_n and_o bear_v thereof_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o tutor_n and_o governor_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o national_a court_n but_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v up_o or_o shall_v be_v grow_v at_o least_o to_o more_o maturity_n it_o be_v meet_v more_o to_o give_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o stand_v alone_o and_o to_o walk_v upon_o she_o own_o leg_n and_o yet_o in_o any_o such_o part_n of_o her_o way_n as_o may_v be_v more_o hard_a to_o hit_v right_a upon_o as_o in_o her_o election_n and_o ordinance_n and_o censure_n of_o eminent_a person_n in_o office_n it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o holy_a and_o faithful_a office_n of_o the_o vigilancy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o church_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o helpful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o all_o time_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n whether_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o peace_n the_o community_n of_o church_n may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v excuse_v from_o reform_v they_o again_o into_o their_o right_a way_n according_a to_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o all_o the_o several_a church_n within_o their_o covenant_n soli_fw-la christo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v license_v and_o enter_v according_a to_o order_n finis_fw-la