one_o apostle_n have_v over_o another_o yet_o as_o one_o apostle_n may_v admonish_v another_o so_o may_v one_o church_n admonish_v another_o and_o yet_o without_o usurpation_n in_o which_o case_n if_o the_o church_n that_o lie_v under_o offence_n proportion_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o by_o proportion_n do_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o church_n which_o do_v admonish_v she_o the_o church_n be_v to_o acquaint_v other_o neighbor-churche_n with_o that_o offence_n which_o the_o offend_a church_n still_o lie_v under_o together_o with_o their_o neglect_n of_o the_o brotherly_a admonition_n give_v unto_o they_o whereupon_o those_o other_o church_n be_v to_o join_v in_o second_v the_o admonition_n former_o give_v and_o if_o still_o the_o offend_a church_n continue_v in_o obstinacy_n and_o impenitency_n they_o may_v forbear_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o help_n of_o a_o synod_n or_o counsel_n of_o neighbour_n church_n walk_v orderly_o if_o a_o great_a can_v convenient_o be_v have_v for_o their_o conviction_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o synod_n the_o synod_n have_v declare_v they_o to_o be_v obstinate_a particular_a church_n approve_v and_o accept_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o synod_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o sentence_n of_o non-communion_n respective_o concern_v they_o and_o thereupon_o out_o of_o a_o religious_a care_n to_o keep_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a they_o may_v just_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o participation_n with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o from_o such_o other_o act_n of_o holy_a communion_n as_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n do_v otherwise_o allow_v and_o require_v nevertheless_o if_o any_o member_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o lie_v under_o public_a offence_n do_v not_o consent_v to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o church_n but_o do_v in_o due_a sort_n bear_v witnel_n against_o it_o 18.25_o gen._n 18.25_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v receive_v to_o wont_a communion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o equal_a that_o the_o innocent_a shall_v suffer_v with_o the_o offensive_a yea_o furthermore_o if_o such_o innocent_a member_n after_o due_a wait_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o their_o own_o church_n shall_v at_o last_o with_o the_o allowance_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o neighbour_n church_n withdraw_v from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o another_o we_o judge_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o other_o church_n to_o receive_v they_o be_v otherwise_o fit_a as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v orderly_o dismiss_v to_o they_o from_o their_o own_o church_n iv_o a_o four_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o participation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n occasional_o come_v unto_o another_o we_o willing_o admit_v they_o to_o partake_v with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n not_o only_o with_o christ_n nor_o only_o with_o the_o member_n of_o our_o own_o church_n 12.13_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12.13_o but_o also_o with_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o which_o regard_n we_o refuse_v not_o to_o baptize_v their_o child_n present_v to_o we_o if_o either_o their_o own_o minister_n be_v absent_a or_o such_o a_o fruit_n of_o holy_a fellowship_n be_v desire_v with_o we_o in_o like_a case_n such_o church_n as_o be_v furnish_v with_o more_o minister_n than_o one_o do_v willing_o afford_v one_o of_o their_o own_o minister_n to_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o absent_a or_o sick_a minister_n of_o another_o church_n for_o a_o needful_a season_n v._o a_o five_o way_n of_o church-communion_n be_v 16.3_o rom._n 16.3_o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n when_o a_o member_n of_o one_o church_n have_v occasion_n to_o reside_v in_o another_o church_n if_o but_o for_o a_o season_n we_o commend_v he_o to_o their_o watchful_a fellowship_n by_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n but_o if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o settle_v his_o abode_n there_o we_o commit_v he_o according_a to_o his_o desire_n 18.27_o act_n 18.27_o to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o their_o covenant_n by_o letter_n of_o dismission_n vi_o a_o sixth_o way_n of_o church-communion_n be_v in_o case_n of_o need_n to_o minister_v relief_n and_o succour_n one_o unto_o another_o 11.22_o act_n 11.22_o either_o of_o able_a member_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o officer_n 27._o vers_fw-la 29._o rom._n 13.26_o 27._o or_o of_o outward_a support_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o poor_a church_n as_o do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n contribute_v liberal_o to_o the_o poor_a saint_n at_o jerusalem_n 3._o when_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n purpose_v to_o gather_v into_o church-fellowship_n it_o be_v requisite_a for_o their_o safe_a proceed_v &_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n proportion_n gal._n 2.1_o 2._o and_o 9_o by_o proportion_n that_o they_o signify_v their_o intent_n unto_o the_o neighbour_n church_n walk_v according_a unto_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o desire_v their_o presence_n and_o help_v and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n which_o they_o ought_v ready_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o except_v against_o their_o proceed_n 4._o beside_o these_o several_a way_n of_o communion_n there_o be_v also_o a_o way_n of_o propagation_n of_o church_n when_o a_o church_n shall_v grow_v too_o numerous_a it_o be_v a_o way_n 9_o isay_n 40.20_o cant_n 8_o 8_o 9_o &_o fit_a season_n to_o propagate_v one_o church_n out_o of_o another_o by_o send_v forth_o such_o of_o their_o member_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o remove_v and_o to_o procure_v some_o officer_n to_o they_o as_o may_v enter_v with_o they_o into_o church-estate_n a_o among_o themselves_o as_o bee_n when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a issue_n forth_o by_o swarm_n and_o be_v gather_v into_o other_o hive_n so_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v do_v the_o same_o upon_o like_a necessity_n and_o therein_o hold_v forth_o to_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n both_o in_o their_o gather_n into_o a_o church_n and_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n chap._n xvi_o of_o synod_n synod_n orderly_o assemble_v and_o right_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n 15._o act_n 15.2_o to_o 15._o act_v 15._o we_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v yet_o many_o time_n through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o man_n and_o perverseness_n of_o time_n necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n therein_o 2._o synod_n be_v spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v therefore_o make_v up_o of_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n the_o next_o efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o under_o christ_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n send_v forth_o their_o elder_n 3_o act_n 15.2_o 3_o &_o other_o messenger_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 6._o verse_n 6._o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o they_o in_o argue_v debate_v and_o determine_v matter_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n 23_o ver_fw-la 7._o to_o 23_o and_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v do_v put_v forth_o the_o proper_a and_o formal_a act_n of_o a_o synod_n 16.4.15_o verse_n 31._o act_n 16.4.15_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o a_o synod_n 3._o magistrate_n have_v power_n to_o call_v a_o synod_n by_o call_v to_o the_o church_n to_o send_v forth_o their_o elder_n and_o other_o messenger_n 11._o 1_o chron._n 29_o 4_o 5._o to_o 11._o to_o counsel_n and_o assist_v they_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o synod_n 15._o act_n 15._o be_v a_o church_n act_n and_o may_v be_v transact_v by_o the_o church_n even_o when_o civil_a magistrate_n may_v be_v enemy_n to_o church_n and_o to_o churchassemblye_n 4._o it_o belong_v unto_o synod_n and_o counsel_n to_o debate_v and_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n 23._o act_n 17.1.2.6.7_o 1_o chron._n 15_o 23._o and_o case_n of_o conscience_n to_o clear_v from_o the_o word_n holy_a direction_n for_o the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n &_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bear_v witness_n against_o misadministration_n and_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n 29_o 2_o chron._n 29.6_o 7_o act_n 15_o 24._o vers_fw-la 28_o 29_o &_o to_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church_n authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n which_o that_o presidentiall_a synod_n do_v forbear_v 5._o the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n so_o far_o as_o consonant_a to_o the_o
of_o that_o covenant_n 9_o 2_o tim_n 4.1.2_o tit._n 1_o 9_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n whereof_o they_o be_v alike_o call_v as_o also_o to_o execute_v the_o censure_n be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o application_n of_o the_o word_n the_o preach_n of_o which_o together_o with_o the_o application_n thereof_o they_o be_v alike_o charge_v withal_o 6._o 23._o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o chap._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o both_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o edify_v of_o his_o body_n which_o saint_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o church_n therefore_o we_o account_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v both_o of_o they_o church-officer_n and_o not_o the_o pastor_n for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o teacher_n only_o for_o the_o school_n though_o this_o we_o glad_o acknowledge_v 15_o 1_o sam._n 10.12_o v_o 19_o 20_o 2_o king_n 23_o verse_n 15_o that_o school_n be_v both_o lawful_a profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o train_n up_o of_o such_o in_o good_a literature_n or_o learning_n as_o may_v afterward_o be_v call_v forth_o unto_o office_n of_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n chap._n vii_o of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o rule_v elder_n office_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n 28._o rom_n 12_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 17._o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 28._o the_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o so_o call_v to_o exclude_v the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n from_o ruling_n because_o rule_v and_o govern_v be_v common_a to_o these_o with_o the_o other_o 17_o heb_fw-mi 13_o 17_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 17_o whereas_o attend_v to_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o the_o former_a 17_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 17_o 2._o the_o rule_v elder_n work_n be_v to_o join_v with_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o those_o act_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n which_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n commit_v to_o they_o of_o which_o sort_n these_o be_v as_o follow_v i._o 6_o 2_o chron._n 23_o 19_o rev_n 21_o 12_o 1_o tim_n 4_o 14_o mat_n 18_o 17_o 2_o cor_n 2_o 7_o 8_o act_n 2_o 6_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o god_n house_n by_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n approve_v by_o the_o church_n by_o ordination_n of_o officer_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n and_o by_o excommunication_n of_o notorious_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n renounce_v by_o the_o church_n and_o by_o restore_v of_o penitent_n forgive_v by_o the_o church_n ii_o to_o call_v the_o church_n together_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n 23_o act_n 21.18_o 22_o 23_o and_o seasonable_o to_o dismiss_v they_o again_o iii_o to_o prepare_v matter_n in_o private_a that_o in_o public_a they_o may_v be_v carry_v a_o end_n with_o less_o trouble_n and_o more_o speedy_a dispatch_n iv_o 12_o act_n 6_o 2_o 3_o c_o 13_o five_o 15_o 2_o cor_n 8_o 10_o heb_fw-mi 13_o 7_o 7_o 2_o thes_n 2_o 10_o 11_o 12_o to_o moderate_v the_o carriage_n of_o all_o matter_n in_o the_o church_n assemble_v as_o to_o propound_v matter_n to_o the_o church_n to_o order_n the_o season_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n and_o to_o pronounce_v sentence_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n v._o to_o be_v guide_n and_o leader_n to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o matter_n whatsoever_o pertain_v to_o church_n administration_n and_o action_n vi_o to_o see_v that_o none_o in_o the_o church_n live_v inordinate_o out_o of_o rank_n and_o place_n without_o a_o calling_n 20_o act_n 20_o 28_o verse_n 32_o 1_o thes_n 5_o 12_o jam_z 5_o 14_o act_n 20_o 20_o or_o idle_o in_o their_o call_n vii_o to_o prevent_v and_o heal_v such_o offence_n in_o life_n or_o in_o doctrine_n as_o may_v corrupt_v the_o church_n viii_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n with_o a_o word_n of_o admonition_n ix_o and_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v for_o to_o visit_v and_o to_o pray_v over_o their_o sick_a brethren_n x._o and_o at_o other_o time_n as_o opportunity_n shall_v serve_v thereunto_o 3._o 9_o act_n 6_o 3_o five_o 6_o phil_n 1_o 1_o 1_o tim_n 3_o 8_o 1_o cor_n 12_o 28_o 1_o tim_n 3_o 8_o 9_o the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v institute_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n sometime_o they_o be_v call_v help_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v qualify_v grave_a not_o double_o tongue_v not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n not_o give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n they_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v and_o then_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v find_v blameless_a the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o church_n gift_n give_v to_o the_o church_n 2_o act_n 4_o 35_o chap._n 6_o 2_o 3_o chap_n 6_o 2_o and_o to_o keep_v the_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n 8_o rom_n 12_o 8_o and_o therewith_o to_o serve_v the_o table_n which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o as_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o table_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v in_o necessity_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v in_o simplicity_n 4._o 17_o 1_o cor._n 7_o 17_o the_o office_n therefore_o be_v limit_v unto_o the_o care_n of_o the_o temporal_a good_a thing_n of_o the_o church_n it_o extend_v not_o unto_o the_o attendance_n upon_o and_o administration_n of_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n thereof_o as_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n or_o the_o like_a 5._o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n 3_o 1_o cor_n 16_o 1_o 2_o 3_o commend_v the_o lord_n day_n as_o a_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o 20.28_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o eph._n â—_o 8_o 11._o act_n 20.28_o the_o institute_v of_o all_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o such_o officer_n as_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v be_v altogether_o unlawful_a either_o to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o church_n or_o to_o be_v retain_v therein_o and_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o humane_a creature_n mere_a invention_n and_o appointment_n of_o man_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o house_n the_o king_n of_o his_o church_n whether_o pope_n patriarch_n cardinal_n arch-bishop_n lord-bishop_n arch-deacon_n official_o commissary_n 15.13_o mat._n 15.13_o and_o the_o like_a these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o hierarchy_n and_o retinue_n not_o be_v plant_n of_o the_o lord_n plant_v shall_v all_o be_v certain_o root_v out_o and_o cast_v forth_o 7._o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v ancient_a widow_n where_o they_o may_v be_v have_v to_o minister_v in_o the_o church_n 10_o 2_o tim._n 5.9_o 10_o in_o give_v attendance_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o to_o give_v succour_n unto_o they_o and_o other_o in_o the_o like_a necessity_n chap._n viii_o of_o the_o election_n of_o church-officer_n no_o man_n may_v take_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o church-officer_n unto_o himself_o 5.4_o heb._n 5.4_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n 2._o call_v unto_o office_n be_v either_o immediate_a by_o christ_n himself_o such_o be_v the_o call_n of_o the_o apostle_n 3_o galat._n 1_o 1_o act_n 14.23_o chap_n 6_o 3_o and_o prophet_n this_o manner_n of_o call_v end_v with_o they_o as_o have_v be_v say_v or_o mediate_v by_o the_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v meet_v that_o before_o any_o be_v ordain_v or_o choose_v officer_n they_o shall_v first_o be_v try_v and_o prove_v 3_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o chap_n 7_o 10_o act_n 16_o 2_o chap._n 6_o 3_o because_o hand_n be_v not_o sudden_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o any_o and_o both_o elder_n and_o deacon_n must_v be_v of_o honest_a and_o good_a report_n 4._o the_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v be_v those_o gift_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v in_o man_n that_o be_v to_o be_v elect_v into_o such_o place_n viz_o that_o elder_n must_v be_v blameless_a sober_a apt_a to_o teach_v and_o endue_v with_o such_o other_o qualification_n as_o be_v lay_v down_o 1_o tim._n 3._o and_o 2._o tit._n 1.6_o to_o 9_o deacon_n to_o be_v fit_v as_o be_v direct_v a_v 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 11._o 5._o 5._o act_n 14_o 23_o c._n 1_o 23._o c._n 6_o 3_o 4_o 5._o officer_n be_v to_o be_v call_v by_o such_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v to_o minister_v of_o such_o moment_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o this_o power_n that_o the_o church_n exercise_v it_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o apostle_n 6._o 5.13_o gal._n 5.13_o a_o church_n be_v free_a can_v become_v subject_a to_o any_o but_o by_o a_o free_a
election_n yet_o when_o such_o a_o people_n do_v choose_v any_o to_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 13.17_o heb._n 13.17_o then_o do_v they_o become_v subject_a and_o most_o willing_o submit_v to_o their_o ministry_n in_o the_o lord_n who_o they_o have_v so_o choose_v 7._o 17_o rom._n 16_o 17_o and_o if_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n and_o minister_n then_o in_o case_n of_o manifest_a unworthiness_n and_o delinquency_n they_o have_v power_n also_o to_o depose_v they_o for_o to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o choose_v and_o refuse_v to_o constitute_v in_o office_n and_o remove_v from_o office_n be_v act_n belong_v unto_o the_o same_o power_n 8._o 9_o cant._n 8.8_o 9_o we_o judge_v it_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o well-being_n and_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o where_o it_o may_v convenient_o be_v do_v neighbor-churche_n be_v advise_v withal_o and_o their_o help_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o church-officer_n in_o order_n to_o their_o choice_n 9_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o church-officer_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o such_o or_o diocesan-bishop_n or_o patron_n for_o of_o these_o or_o any_o such_o like_a the_o scripture_n be_v whole_o silent_a as_o have_v any_o power_n therein_o chap._n ix_o of_o ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n church-officer_n be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n 5.22_o acts._n 13_o 32._o cap._n 14.23_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o but_o also_o to_o be_v ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n with_o which_o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n fast_v also_o be_v to_o be_v join_v 2._o 13.2.3_o num._n 8.10_o act_n 6.5_o 6_o cap._n 13.2.3_o this_o ordination_n we_o account_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o solemn_a put_n of_o a_o man_n into_o his_o place_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o have_v right_o before_o by_o election_n be_v like_o the_o installing_n of_o a_o magistrate_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n ordination_n therefore_o be_v not_o to_o go_v before_o but_o to_o follow_v election_n 14.23_o act_n 6.5_o 6._o cap._n 14.23_o the_o essence_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o outward_a call_n of_o a_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o his_o ordination_n but_o in_o his_o voluntary_a and_o free_a election_n by_o the_o church_n and_o in_o his_o accept_n of_o that_o election_n whereupon_o be_v found_v the_o relation_n between_o pastor_n and_o flock_n between_o such_o a_o minister_n and_o such_o a_o people_n ordination_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o officer_n nor_o give_v he_o the_o essential_o of_o his_o office_n the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n without_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o man_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v officer_n before_o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act_n 13.3_o the_o posterity_n of_o levi_n be_v priest_n and_o levit_n before_o hand_n be_v lay_v on_o they_o by_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n 3._o 22._o 1_o tim_n 4_o 14_o act_n 13_o 3_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 22._o in_o such_o church_n where_o there_o be_v elder_n imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o elder_n 4._o in_o such_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n orderly_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o 10_o numb_a 8_o 10_o for_o if_o the_o people_n may_v elect_v officer_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o office_n consist_v they_o may_v much_o more_o occasion_n and_o need_v so_o require_v impose_v hand_n in_o ordination_n which_o be_v the_o less_o and_o but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o other_o 5._o nevertheless_o in_o such_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n so_o desire_v we_o see_v not_o why_o imposition_n of_o hand_n may_v not_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n ordinary_a officer_n lay_v hand_n upon_o the_o officer_n of_o many_o church_n the_o presbytery_n at_o ephesus_n lay_v hand_n upon_o timothy_n a_o evangelist_n 3_o 1_o tim_n 4_o 14_o act_n 13_o 3_o the_o presbytery_n at_o antioch_n lay_v hand_n upon_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n 6._o 18_o 1_o pet_n 5_o 2_o act_n 20_o 18_o church_n officer_n be_v officer_n to_o one_o church_n even_o that_o particular_a over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n insomuch_o as_o elder_n be_v command_v to_o feed_v not_o all_o flock_n but_o that_o flock_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o trust_n and_o depend_v upon_o they_o nor_o can_v constant_a residence_n at_o one_o congregation_n be_v necessary_a for_o a_o minister_n no_o nor_o yet_o lawful_a if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o minister_n to_o one_o congregation_n only_o 28_o act_n 20_o 28_o but_o to_o the_o church_n universal_a because_o he_o may_v not_o attend_v one_o part_n only_o of_o the_o church_n whereto_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n but_o he_o be_v call_v to_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o flock_n 7._o he_o that_o be_v clear_o loose_v from_o his_o office-relation_n unto_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n can_v be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o officer_n nor_o perform_v any_o act_n of_o office_n in_o any_o other_o church_n unless_o he_o be_v again_o orderly_o call_v unto_o office_n which_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v we_o know_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v but_o imposition_n of_o hand_n also_o in_o his_o ordination_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o he_o again_o for_o so_o paul_n the_o apostle_n receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n twice_o at_o least_o from_o ananias_n acts._n 9.17_o and_o acts._n 13.3_o chap._n x._o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o presbytery_n supreme_a and_o lordly_a power_n over_o all_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n 18_o psal_n 2_o 6_o eph_n 1_o 21_o 22_o isay_n 9_o 6_o mat_n 28_o 18_o do_v only_o belong_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v king_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o head_n thereof_o he_o have_v the_o government_n upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o have_v all_o power_n give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 2._o a_o company_n of_o profess_a believer_n ecclesiastical_o confederate_a as_o they_o be_v a_o church_n before_o they_o have_v officer_n &_o without_o they_o 5_o act_n 1_o 23_o c_o 14_o 23_o c_o 6_o 3_o 4_o mat_n 18_o 17_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 4_o 5_o so_o even_o in_o that_o estate_n subordinate_a church-power_n under_o christ_n deligate_v to_o they_o by_o he_o do_v belong_v to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v before_o express_v c._n 5._o s._n 2._o and_o as_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o body_n and_o so_o unto_o a_o church_n body_n to_o be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a power_n for_o its_o own_o preservation_n and_o subsistence_n 3._o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mix_a government_n and_o so_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v long_o before_o the_o term_n of_o independency_n be_v hear_v of_o in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n 12_o rev_n 3_o 7_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 12_o &_o the_o sovereign_a power_n reside_v in_o he_o and_o exercise_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o monarchy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o body_n or_o brotherhood_n of_o the_o church_n 17_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 17_o and_o power_n from_o christ_n grant_v unto_o they_o it_o resemble_v a_o democracy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o power_n comit_v to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o aristocracy_n 4._o the_o sovereign_a power_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o christ_n be_v exercise_v i._o 71_o gal_n 1_o 4_o rev_n 5_o 8_o 9_o mat_n 28_o 20._o eph_n 4_o 8_o 11_o jam_z 4_o 12_o isai_n 33_o 22_o 1_o tim_n â—_o 15_o 2_o cor_fw-la 10_o 4_o 5._o isai_n 32_o 2_o luke_n 1_o 71_o in_o call_v the_o church_n out_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o holy_a fellowship_n with_o himself_o ii_o in_o institute_v the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o appoint_v his_o minister_n and_o officer_n for_o the_o dispense_n of_o they_o iii_o in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o order_n of_o all_o our_o way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o house_n iv_o in_o give_v power_n and_o life_n to_o all_o his_o institution_n and_o to_o his_o people_n by_o they_o v._o in_o protect_v and_o deliver_v his_o church_n against_o &_o from_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o peace_n 5._o the_o power_n grant_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o brotherhood_n be_v a_o prerogative_n or_o privilege_n which_o the_o church_n do_v exercise_v i._o in_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n whether_o elder_n or_o deacon_n ii_o in_o admission_n of_o their_o own_o member_n 26_o act_n 6_o 3_o 5_o c_o 14_o 23_o c_o 9_o 26_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n they_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o remove_v any_o
from_o their_o fellowship_n again_o hence_o in_o case_n of_o offence_n any_o one_o brother_n have_v power_n to_o convince_v &_o admonish_v a_o offend_a brother_n 17_o mat_n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o and_o in_o case_n of_o not_o hear_v he_o to_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o to_o set_v on_o the_o admonition_n and_o in_o case_n of_o not_o hear_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o tell_v the_o church_n 8_o it_o be_v 3_o 10_o col_n 4_o 17_o mat_n 18_o 17_o 2_o cor_fw-la 2_o 7_o 8_o and_o as_o his_o offence_n may_v require_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v power_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o public_a censure_n of_o he_o whether_o by_o admonition_n or_o excommunication_n &_o upon_o his_o repentance_n to_o restore_v he_o again_o unto_o his_o fromer_fw-ge communion_n 6._o in_o case_n a_o elder_a offend_v incorrigible_o the_o matter_n so_o require_v as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o call_v he_o to_o office_n 17._o col_fw-fr 4_o 17_o rom_n 16_o 17._o so_o they_o have_v power_n according_a to_o order_n the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n where_o it_o may_v be_v have_v direct_v thereto_o to_o remove_v he_o from_o his_o office_n &_o be_v now_o but_o a_o member_n in_o case_n he_o add_v contumacy_n to_o his_o sin_n the_o church_n that_o have_v power_n to_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o fellowship_n 18.17_o mat._n 18.17_o have_v also_o the_o same_o power_n to_o cast_v he_o out_o that_o they_o have_v concern_v any_o other_o member_n 7._o 12_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o thes_n 5_o 12_o church-government_n or_o rule_n be_v place_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v ruler_n while_o they_o rule_v with_o god_n yet_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n 17_o rom_n 12.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 28_o 29._o heb._n 13.7_o 17_o according_a as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n frequent_o yea_o always_o where_o it_o mention_v church-rule_n and_o curch-government_n ascribe_v it_o to_o elder_n whereas_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o people_n be_v express_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o obey_v their_o elder_n and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o a_o organic_n or_o complete_a church_n be_v a_o body_n politic_a consist_v of_o some_o that_o be_v governor_n and_o some_o that_o be_v govern_v in_o the_o lord_n 8._o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 15_o act_n 20_o 28_o chap_n 6_o 2_o num_fw-la 16_o 12_o ezek._n 46_o 10_o act_n 13_o 15_o and_o according_o to_o call_v the_o church_n together_o upon_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n when_o the_o member_n so_o call_v without_o just_a cause_n may_v not_o refuse_v to_o come_v nor_o when_o they_o be_v come_v depart_v before_o they_o be_v dismiss_v 4_o hosea_n 4_o 4_o nor_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n before_o they_o have_v leave_v from_o the_o elder_n nor_o continue_v so_o do_v when_o they_o require_v silence_n nor_o may_v they_o oppose_v nor_o contradict_v the_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n without_o sufficient_a and_o weighty_a cause_n because_o such_o practice_n be_v manifest_o contrary_a unto_o order_n and_o government_n and_o in-lets_a of_o disturbance_n and_o tend_v to_o confusion_n 9_o 5_o rev._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 19_o act_n 21_o 18_o 22_o 23_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o it_o belong_v also_o unto_o the_o elder_n to_o examine_v any_o officer_n or_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o accusation_n bring_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o church_n hear_v in_o handle_v of_o offence_n and_o other_o matter_n before_o the_o church_n they_o have_v power_n to_o declare_v and_o pubilsh_fw-mi the_o counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o same_o 26_o num._n 6.23_o to_o 26_o and_o to_o pronounce_v sentence_n with_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n last_o they_o have_v power_n when_o they_o dismiss_v the_o people_n to_o bless_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 10_o this_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o elder_n do_v not_o any_o wise_a prejudice_n the_o power_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o brotherhood_n as_o neither_o the_o power_n of_o privilege_n in_o the_o brethren_n do_v prejudice_v the_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o elder_n 7_o act_n 14.15_o v._o 23._o c_o 6.2_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o but_o they_o may_v sweet_o agree_v together_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n furnish_v with_o the_o great_a church-power_n who_o take_v in_o the_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n in_o church-administrations_a also_o that_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n 2.9_o and_o chap._n 10.6_o do_v declare_v that_o what_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v and_o do_v in_o these_o matter_n 17_o heb_fw-mi 13_o 17_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o of_o their_o ordinary_a elder_n 11._o from_o the_o premise_n namely_o that_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o government_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elder_n power_n of_o privilege_n remain_v with_o the_o brotherhood_n as_o power_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o censure_n and_o power_n of_o liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o liberty_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o organic_n church_n and_o right_a administration_n all_o church_n act_n proceed_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o mix_a administration_n so_o as_o no_o church_n act_n can_v be_v consummate_v or_o perfect_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o church-officer_n the_o apostle_n conclude_v 18_o 1_o cor_n 9_o 9_o five_o 15_o mat_n 9_o 38_o c_o 10_o 1â—_n 1_o tim_n 5_o 18_o that_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a maintenance_n be_v due_a unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o equity_n thereof_o as_o also_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a reason_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o call_v elder_n laborer_n and_o workman_n but_o also_o speak_v of_o they_o do_v say_v 6_o galat_n 6_o 6_o that_o the_o laborer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o hire_n 18_o 1_o cor_n 9_o 9_o verse_n 14_o 1_o tim_n 5_o 18_o and_o require_v that_o he_o which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n shall_v communicate_v to_o he_o in_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o mention_n it_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o forbid_v the_o muzle_v of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn._n 2._o the_o scripture_n allege_v require_v this_o maintenance_n as_o a_o bind_a duty_n and_o due_a debt_n and_o not_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o alm_n and_o free_a gift_n therefore_o people_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o and_o when_o they_o please_v in_o this_o matter_n no_o more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o command_v duty_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o aught_o of_o duty_n 11_o rom_n 15_o 20_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 11_o to_o minister_v of_o their_o carnal_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o labour_n among_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v any_o other_o workman_n their_o wage_n or_o to_o discharge_v and_o satisfy_v their_o other_o debt_n or_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o observe_v any_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o the_o apostle_n gal._n 6.6_o enjoin_v that_o he_o which_o be_v teach_v 6_o galat_n 6_o 6_o communicate_v to_o he_o that_o teach_v in_o all_o good_a thing_n do_v not_o leave_v it_o arbitrary_a what_o or_o how_o much_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v or_o in_o what_o proportion_n but_o even_o the_o late_a 16.2_o 1_o cor._n 16.2_o as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v prescribe_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n 4._o not_o only_o member_n of_o church_n but_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n 6._o galat._n 6_o 6._o be_v to_o contribute_v unto_o he_o that_o teach_v in_o all_o good_a thing_n in_o case_n that_o congregation_n be_v defective_a in_o their_o contribution_n the_o deacon_n be_v to_o call_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n 4._o act_n 6.3_o 4._o if_o their_o call_n suffice_v not_o the_o church_n by_o her_o power_n be_v to_o require_v it_o of_o their_o member_n and_o where_o church-power_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n do_v not_o or_o can_v attain_v the_o end_n 13.11_o neh._n 13.11_o the_o magistrate_n be_v to_o see_v the_o ministry_n due_o provide_v for_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o commend_a example_n of_o nehemiah_n the_o magistrate_n be_v nurse_v father_n 49.23_o
the_o ground_n of_o offence_n 4._o it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o all_o the_o best_a hearer_n of_o the_o best_a minister_n no_o nor_o the_o most_o of_o they_o will_v depart_v from_o they_o upon_o point_n of_o church-government_n those_o who_o have_v find_v the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n breathe_v in_o their_o minister_n either_o to_o their_o conversion_n or_o edification_n will_v be_v slow_a to_o change_v such_o a_o ministry_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n for_o the_o liberty_n of_o church-order_n upon_o which_o ground_n and_o sundry_a other_o such_o like_a there_o be_v doubtless_o sundry_a godly_a and_o judicious_a hearer_n in_o many_o parish_n in_o england_n that_o do_v and_o will_v prefer_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o minister_n though_o in_o a_o presbyterial_a way_n above_o the_o congregational_a confoederation_n 5._o but_o if_o all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o best_a hearer_n of_o the_o best_a minister_n of_o parish_n shall_v depart_v from_o they_o as_o prefer_v in_o their_o judgement_n the_o congregational_a way_n yet_o in_o case_n the_o congregational_a way_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o christ_n it_o will_v never_o grieve_v the_o holy_a heart_n of_o godly_a minister_n that_o their_o hearer_n shall_v follow_v after_o christ_n yea_o many_o of_o themselves_o upon_o due_a deliberation_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o it_o never_o grieve_v nor_o trouble_v john_n baptist_n that_o his_o best_a disciple_n depart_v from_o he_o to_o follow_v after_o christ_n john_n 3_o but_o in_o case_n the_o congregational_a way_n shall_v prove_v to_o be_v not_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o take_v it_o but_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n then_o doubtless_o the_o presbyterial_a form_n if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n will_v swallow_v up_o the_o other_o as_o moses_n rod_n devour_v the_o rod_n of_o the_o egyptian_n nor_o will_v this_o put_v a_o necessity_n upon_o both_o the_o opposite_a party_n to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o to_o seek_v to_o supplant_v one_o another_o but_o only_o it_o will_v call_v upon_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o seek_v and_o to_o follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n to_o attend_v in_o faithfulness_n each_o unto_o his_o own_o flock_n and_o to_o administer_v to_o they_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o their_o portion_n of_o food_n in_o due_a season_n and_o as_o for_o other_o quiet_o to_o sorbear_v they_o &_o yet_o to_o instruct_v they_o with_o meekness_n that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v leave_v it_o to_o christ_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o reveal_v his_o own_o truth_n in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o mean_v while_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n philippian_n chap._n 3._o verse_n 15_o and_o 16._o ephesian_n 4.3_o to_o the_o second_o exception_n that_o we_o take_v no_o course_n for_o the_o gain_n and_o heal_v and_o call_v in_o of_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a and_o scandalous_a person_n who_o we_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o our_o church_n and_o so_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o remedy_n of_o church-discipline_n we_o conceive_v the_o receive_n of_o they_o into_o our_o church_n will_v rather_o loose_v and_o corrupt_v our_o church_n than_o gain_n and_o heal_v they_o a_o little_a leaven_n lay_v in_o a_o lump_n of_o dough_n will_v soon_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n than_o the_o whole_a lump_n will_v sweeten_v it_o we_o therefore_o find_v it_o safe_o to_o square_v rough_a and_o unhewen_v stone_n before_o they_o be_v lay_v into_o the_o building_n rather_o than_o to_o hammer_v and_o hew_v they_o when_o they_o lie_v uneven_o in_o the_o build_n and_o according_o two_o mean_n we_o use_v to_o gain_v and_o call_v in_o such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a 1._o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v invite_v by_o counsel_n and_o require_v by_o wholesome_a law_n to_o attend_v and_o the_o word_n it_o be_v which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o the_o call_n and_o win_v of_o soul_n 2._o private_a conference_n and_o conviction_n by_o the_o elder_n and_o other_o able_a brethren_n of_o the_o church_n who_o they_o do_v the_o more_o respective_o hearken_v unto_o when_o they_o see_v no_o hope_n of_o enjoy_v church_n fellowship_n or_o participation_n in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o themselves_o or_o their_o child_n till_o they_o approve_v their_o judgement_n to_o be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n and_o their_o life_n subdue_v to_o some_o hope_n of_o a_o godly_a conversation_n what_o can_v classical_a discipline_n or_o excommunication_n itself_o do_o more_o in_o this_o case_n the_o 3._o exception_n wrap_v up_o in_o it_o a_o threefold_a domestical_a inconvenience_n and_o each_o of_o they_o meet_v to_o be_v eschew_v 1._o disunion_n in_o family_n between_o each_o relation_n 2._o disappointment_n of_o edification_n for_o want_v of_o opportunity_n in_o the_o governor_n of_o family_n to_o take_v account_n of_o thing_n hear_v by_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n 3._o disbursment_n of_o chargeable_a maintenance_n to_o the_o several_a church_n whereto_o the_o several_a person_n of_o their_o family_n be_v join_v all_o which_o inconvenience_n either_o do_v not_o fall_v out_o in_o congregational_a church_n or_o be_v easy_o redress_v for_o none_o be_v so_o orderly_o admit_v into_o congregational_a church_n but_o such_o as_o be_v well_o approve_v by_o good_a testimony_n to_o be_v due_o observant_a of_o family_n relation_n or_o if_o any_o otherwise_o dispose_v shall_v creep_v in_o they_o be_v either_o orderly_o heal_v or_o due_o remove_v in_o a_o way_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v they_o admit_v unless_o they_o can_v give_v some_o good_a account_n of_o their_o profit_v by_o ordinance_n before_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o much_o more_o to_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n godly_a tutor_n in_o the_o university_n can_v take_v a_o account_n of_o their_o pupil_n and_o godly_a householder_n in_o the_o city_n can_v take_v account_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n how_o they_o profit_n by_o the_o word_n they_o have_v hear_v in_o several_a church_n and_o that_o to_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o whole_a family_n by_o the_o variety_n of_o such_o administration_n bee_n may_v bring_v the_o more_o honey_n and_o wax_v into_o the_o hive_n when_o they_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o one_o garden_n of_o flower_n but_o may_v fly_v abroad_o to_o many_o nor_o be_v any_o charge_n expect_v from_o wife_n child_n or_o servant_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o congregational_a church_n further_o than_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o personal_a estate_n or_o earning_n which_o may_v enable_v they_o to_o contribute_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v and_o not_o of_o such_o as_o they_o have_v not_o god_n accept_v not_o robbery_n for_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o though_o a_o godly_a housholder_n may_v just_o take_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o contribute_v to_o any_o such_o church_n whereto_o his_o wife_n or_o child_n or_o servant_n do_v stand_v in_o relation_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o aggravate_v the_o burden_n of_o his_o charge_n no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o be_v receive_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n whereto_o himself_o be_v relate_v but_o why_o do_v we_o stand_v thus_o long_o to_o plead_v exemption_n from_o exception_n the_o lord_n help_v all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n whether_o presbyterial_a or_o congregational_a to_o judge_n and_o shame_n ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n for_o all_o our_o former_a compliance_n to_o great_a enormity_n in_o church-government_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o congregational_a or_o presbyterial_a way_n and_o then_o sure_o either_o the_o lord_n will_v clear_v up_o his_o own_o will_n to_o we_o and_o so_o frame_v and_o subdue_v we_o all_o to_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o will_n ezek._n 43.10.11_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v learn_v to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n it_o will_v then_o doubtless_o be_v far_o from_o we_o so_o to_o attest_v the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o detest_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o seamless_a coat_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o crucify_v the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n so_o to_o divide_v ourselves_o about_o church-communion_n as_o through_o breach_n to_o open_v a_o wide_a gap_n for_o a_o deluge_n of_o antichristian_a and_o profane_a malignity_n to_o swallow_v up_o both_o church_n and_o civil_a state_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v more_o be_v difference_n about_o church-order_n become_v the_o inlet_n of_o all_o the_o disorder_n in_o the_o kingdom_n have_v the_o lord_n indeed_o leave_v we_o to_o such_o hardness_n of_o heart_n that_o church-government_n shall_v become_v a_o snare_n to_o zion_n as_o sometime_o moses_n be_v to_o egypt_n exod._n 10.7_o that_o we_o can_v leave_v contest_v and_o
5._o the_o state_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o militant_a visible_a church_n walk_v in_o order_n 19_o gen_n 18_o 19_o be_v either_o before_o the_o law_n oeconomical_a that_o be_v in_o family_n 6_o exod_n 19_o 6_o or_o under_o the_o law_n national_a or_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n 23_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 23_o only_o congregational_a the_o term_n independent_a we_o approve_v not_o therefore_o neither_o national_a provincial_a nor_o classical_a 26_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 36_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 27_o exod_n 19_o 56_o deut_n 29_o &_o 9_o to_o 15_o act_n 2_o 42_o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 26_o 6._o a_o congregational-church_n be_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n a_o part_n of_o the_o militant-visible-church_n consist_v of_o a_o company_n of_o saint_n by_o calling_n unite_v into_o one_o body_n by_o a_o holy_a covenaut_fw-fr for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mutual_a edification_n one_o of_o another_o in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o quality_n and_o quantity_n 1_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2_o ephes_n 1_o 1_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v saint_n by_o call_v 2._o by_o saint_n we_o understand_v 2_o heb_fw-mi 6_o 1_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 5_o rom_n 15_o 14_o psal_n 50_o 16_o 17._o act_n 8_o 37_o mat_n 3_o 6_o rom_n 6_o 17_o 1_o cor_fw-la 1_o 2_o phil_n 1.1_o col_n 1_o 2_o 1._o such_o as_o have_v not_o only_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v free_a from_o gross_a and_o open_a scandal_n but_o also_o do_v together_o with_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n walk_v in_o blameless_a obedience_n to_o the_o word_n so_o as_o that_o in_o charitable_a discretion_n they_o may_v be_v account_v saint_n by_o calling_n though_o perhaps_o some_o or_o more_o of_o they_o be_v unsound_a and_o hypocrite_n inward_o because_o the_o member_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n be_v common_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o christ_n 21._o eph_n 1.1_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5.2.13_o rev_n 21_o 15_o &_o 20._o ezek_n 44_o 7_o &_o 9_o &_o chap_n 23_o 36_o 39_o num_fw-la 29_o &_o 20_o hag_n 2_o 13_o 14_o 1_o cor_fw-la 11.27_o 29_o psal_n 37_o 21_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 6_o 1_o cor_fw-la 7_o &_o 14_o jer_n 2_o 21_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 12_o jer_n 1.4_o gal_n 5_o 4_o 2_o cor_fw-la 12_o 21_o rev_n 2.14_o 15_o &_o 21_o 21._o and_o sundry_a church_n have_v be_v reprove_v for_o receive_v and_o suffer_v such_o person_n to_o continue_v in_o fellowship_n among_o they_o as_o have_v be_v offensive_a and_o scandalous_a the_o name_n of_o god_n also_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v blaspheme_v and_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n defile_v and_o profane_v the_o heart_n of_o godly_a grieve_v and_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o harden_v &_o holpen_v forward_o to_o damnation_n the_o example_n of_o such_o do_v endanger_v the_o sanctity_n of_o other_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n 2._o the_o child_n of_o such_o who_o be_v also_o holy_a 3._o the_o member_n of_o church_n though_o orderly_o constitute_v may_v in_o time_n degenerate_a and_o grow_v corrupt_a and_o scandalous_a which_o though_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n yet_o their_o continuance_n therein_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o discipline_n and_o just_a censure_n do_v not_o immediate_o dissolve_v the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o corinth_n pergamus_n and_o thyatira_n 4._o 21._o 1_o cor_fw-la 14_o 21._o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o quantity_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o great_a number_n than_o may_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o convenient_o in_o one_o place_n 17_o mat_n 18_o 17_o nor_o ordinary_o few_o then_o may_v convenient_o carry_v on_o church-work_n hence_o when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o saint_n combine_v into_o a_o church-estate_n 7_o rom_n 16_o 1_o 1_o thes_n 1_o 1_o rev_n 2_o 8_o c_o 3_o 7_o in_o a_o town_n or_o city_n where_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n it_o usual_o call_v those_o saint_n the_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n philadelphia_n and_o the_o like_a but_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o saint_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o province_n wherein_o there_o be_v sundry_a congregation_n 14_o 1_o cor_fw-la 16_o 1_o 19_o gal_n 1_o 2_o 2_o cor_fw-la 8_o 1_o 1_o thes_n 2_o 14_o it_o frequent_o and_o usual_o call_v they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n as_o the_o churches_n of_o asia_n galatia_n maccdonia_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o what_o be_v write_v of_o sundry_a of_o those_o church_n in_o particular_a how_o they_o be_v assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o place_n 1_o act_n 2_o 46_o c_o 5_o 12_o c_o 6_o 2_o act_v 14_o 27_o s_z 15_o 38_o 1_o cor_fw-la 5_o 4_o c_o 14_o 23_o rom_n 16_o 1_o as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n and_o cenchrea_n though_o it_o be_v more_o near_o to_o corinth_n it_o be_v the_o port_n thereof_o and_o answerable_a to_o a_o village_n yet_o be_v a_o distinct_a congregation_n from_o corinth_n it_o have_v a_o church_n of_o its_o own_o as_o well_o as_o corinth_n have_v 5._o nor_o can_v it_o with_o reason_n be_v think_v but_o that_o every_o church_n appoint_v and_o ordain_v by_o christ_n have_v a_o ministry_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o same_o and_o yet_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o ordinary_a officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o any_o other_o then_o congregational_a church_n 28_o act_n 20_o 28_o elder_n be_v appoint_v to_o feed_v not_o all_o flock_n but_o that_o particular_a flock_n of_o god_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n and_o that_o flock_v they_o must_v attend_v even_o the_o whole_a flock_n and_o one_o congregation_n be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o ordinary_a elder_n can_v attend_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o great_a church_n than_o a_o congregation_n which_o may_v rodinary_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o from_o of_o a_o visible_a church_n and_o of_o church_n covenant_n saint_n by_o call_v 15_o 1_o cor_fw-la 12_o 27_o 1_o tim_n 3_o 15_o must_v have_v a_o visible-political-union_n among_o themselves_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o those_o similitude_n hold_v forth_o which_o the_o scripture_n make_v use_v of_o to_o show_v the_o nature_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o a_o body_n a_o building_n or_o house_n hands_z eye_n foot_n and_o other_o member_n must_v be_v unite_v or_o else_o remain_v separate_a be_v not_o a_o body_n stone_n timber_n though_o square_v hew_a and_o polished_a be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o they_o be_v compact_v and_o unite_v so_o saint_n or_o believer_n in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n be_v not_o a_o church_n unless_o orderly_o knit_v together_o 2._o particular_a church_n can_v be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o but_o by_o their_o form_n ephesus_z be_v not_o smyrna_n 1_o revel_v 1_o and_o pergamus_n thyatira_n but_o each_o one_o a_o distinct_a society_n of_o itself_o have_v officer_n of_o their_o own_o which_o have_v not_o the_o charge_n of_o other_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o praise_v corruption_n of_o their_o own_o for_o which_o other_o be_v not_o blame_v 3._o this_o form_n be_v the_o visible_a covenant_n agreement_n 11_o exod_n 19_o 5_o verse_n 8_o deut_n 29_o 12_o 13_o zach._n 11_o 14_o c_o 9_o 11_o or_o consent_v whereby_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o observe_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o in_o the_o same_o society_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o church-covenant_n for_o we_o see_v not_o otherwise_o how_o member_n can_v have_v church-power_n one_o over_o another_o mutual_o the_o compare_v of_o each_o particular_a church_n unto_o a_o city_n 2_o ephes_n 2_o 19_o 2_o cor_fw-la 12_o 2_o and_o unto_o a_o spouse_n seem_v to_o conclude_v not_o only_o a_o form_n but_o that_o that_o form_n be_v by_o way_n of_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n 19_o gen_n 17_o 7_o deut_n 29_o 12_o 13_o ephes_n 2_o 12_o 19_o as_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o people_n unot_v god_n so_o be_v it_o that_o which_o now_o make_v the_o several_a societye_n of_o gentil-believer_n to_o be_v church_n in_o these_o day_n 4._o this_o voluntary_a agreement_n