contrary_n will_v be_v no_o disorder_n suppose_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n shall_v enjoin_v their_o minister_n to_o preach_v in_o a_o gown_n a_o gown_n be_v a_o decent_a garment_n to_o preach_v in_o yet_o such_o a_o injunction_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o then_o a_o minister_n in_o neglect_v to_o preach_v in_o a_o gown_n shall_v neglect_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o yet_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o for_o if_o he_o preach_v in_o a_o cloak_n he_o preach_v decent_o enough_o and_o that_o be_v all_o which_o the_o apostle_n canon_n reach_v to_o in_o these_o thing_n christ_n never_o provide_v for_o uniformity_n but_o only_o for_o unity_n for_o a_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o point_n and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n whether_o in_o a_o church_n or_o synod_n their_o office_n be_v stewardly_a not_o lordly_a they_o be_v ambassador_n from_o christ_n and_o for_o christ_n of_o a_o steward_n it_o be_v require_v he_o be_v find_v faithful_a 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v dispense_v no_o more_o injunction_n to_o god_n house_n than_o christ_n have_v appoint_v he_o neither_o may_v a_o ambassador_n proceed_v to_o do_v any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n further_o than_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o his_o commission_n from_o his_o prince_n if_o he_o go_v further_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o praevaricator_n not_o a_o ambassador_n but_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o a_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n we_o will_v not_o take_v upon_o we_o hasty_o to_o censure_v the_o many_o notable_a precedent_n of_o ancient_a and_o late_a synod_n who_o have_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o power_n in_o both_o these_o kind_n only_o we_o doubt_v that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o for_o our_o own_o part_n if_o any_o occasion_n of_o use_v this_o power_n shall_v arise_v among_o ourselves_o which_o hitherto_o through_o prevent_v mercy_n it_o have_v not_o we_o in_o a_o synod_n shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o determine_v and_o to_o publish_v and_o declare_v our_o determination_n that_o the_o ordination_n of_o such_o as_o we_o find_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o as_o we_o find_v do_v deserve_v it_o will_v be_v a_o acceptable_a service_n both_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o church_n but_o the_o administration_n of_o both_o these_o act_n we_o shall_v refer_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o several_a church_n whereto_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v be_v call_v and_o whereof_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_a be_v a_o member_n and_o both_o act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o several_a church_n to_o who_o the_o matter_n appertain_v for_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o precedent_n of_o synod_n act._n 15._o we_o find_v the_o false_a teacher_n declare_v to_o be_v disturber_n and_o troubler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o subverter_n of_o their_o soul_n act._n 15.24_o but_o no_o condign_a censure_n dispense_v against_o they_o by_o the_o synod_n a_o evident_a argument_n to_o we_o that_o they_o leave_v the_o censure_n of_o such_o offender_n in_o case_n they_o repent_v not_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o they_o do_v appertain_v and_o for_o synodical_a ordination_n although_o act._n 1._o be_v allege_v where_o mathias_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o act_v then_o in_o a_o synodical_a way_n no_o more_o than_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n do_v when_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n they_o by_o their_o presbyter_n impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o thereby_o separate_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o apostleship_n whereto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v call_v they_o act._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o whence_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o thereupon_o paul_n style_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 1.1_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n not_o in_o a_o synod_n chap._n vii_o touch_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o forementioned_a power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o a_o explanation_n of_o independency_n what_o that_o church_n be_v which_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o whether_o this_o church_n have_v a_o independent_a power_n in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o though_o they_o be_v make_v two_o distinct_a question_n yet_o if_o candide_o interpret_v they_o be_v but_o one_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o accident_n or_o adjunct_n the_o same_o be_v independent_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o derive_v it_o from_o any_o other_o subject_n like_o itself_o as_o if_o fire_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n than_o it_o depend_v upon_o no_o other_o subject_n for_o heat_n now_o in_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o power_n three_o thing_n concur_v 1._o it_o first_o receive_v that_o power_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n and_o that_o reciprocal_o 2._o it_o first_o add_v and_o put_v forth_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n 3._o it_o first_o communicate_v that_o power_n to_o other_o as_o we_o see_v in_o fire_n which_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n it_o first_o receive_v heat_n and_o that_o reciprocal_o all_o fire_n be_v hot_a and_o whatsoever_o be_v hot_a be_v fire_n or_o have_v fire_n in_o it_o again_o fire_n first_o put_v forth_o heat_n itself_o and_o also_o first_o communicate_v heat_n to_o whatsoever_o thing_n else_o be_v hot_a to_o come_v then_o to_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o may_v be_v conceive_v and_o declare_v in_o a_o few_o proposition_n church-power_n be_v either_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a or_o subordinate_a and_o ministerial_a touch_v the_o former_a take_v this_o proposition_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o key_n he_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n he_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v he_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v revel_v 3.7_o the_o government_n be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n isa_n 9.6_o and_o himself_o declare_v the_o same_o to_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o grant_n to_o they_o apostolical_a power_n all_o power_n say_v he_o be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matth._n 28.18_o go_v you_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n hence_o 1._o all_o legislative_a power_n power_n of_o make_v of_o law_n in_o the_o church_n be_v in_o he_o and_o not_o from_o he_o derive_v to_o any_o other_o jam._n 4.12_o isa_n 33.22_o the_o power_n derive_v to_o other_o be_v only_o to_o publish_v and_o execute_v his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o see_v they_o observe_v mat._n 28.20_o his_o law_n be_v perfect_a psal_n 19.9_o and_o do_v make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o and_o need_v no_o addition_n 2._o from_o his_o sovereign_a power_n it_o proceed_v that_o he_o only_o can_v erect_v and_o ordain_v a_o true_a constitution_n of_o a_o church-estate_n hebr._n 3.3_o to_o 6._o he_o build_v his_o own_o house_n and_o set_v the_o pattern_n of_o it_o as_o god_n give_v to_o david_n the_o pattern_n of_o solomon_n temple_n 1_o chron._n 28.19_o none_o have_v power_n to_o erect_v any_o other_o church-frame_n then_o as_o this_o masterbuilder_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o pattern_n thereof_o in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o church_n set_v up_o by_o he_o be_v nationall_n in_o the_o new_a congregationall_a yet_o so_o as_o that_o in_o sundry_a case_n it_o be_v order_v by_o he_o many_o congregation_n or_o their_o messenger_n may_v be_v assemble_v into_o a_o synod_n act._n 15._o 3._o it_o be_v from_o the_o same_o sovereign_a power_n that_o all_o the_o office_n or_o ministery_n in_o the_o church_n be_v ordain_v by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.5_o yea_o and_o all_o the_o member_n be_v set_v in_o the_o body_n by_o he_o together_o with_o all_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o place_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n so_o in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.18_o 4._o from_o this_o sovereign_a power_n in_o like_a sort_n it_o be_v that_o all_o gift_n to_o discharge_v any_o office_n by_o the_o officer_n or_o any_o duty_n by_o the_o member_n be_v from_o he_o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o all_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o be_v in_o he_o for_o that_o end_n col._n 2.3_o and_o v._o 9_o 10._o joh._n 1.16_o
5._o from_o this_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o spiritual_a power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o gift_n in_o these_o office_n and_o place_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o they_o be_v from_o he_o mat._n 28.20_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1.29_o 1_o cor._n 15.9_o the_o g_o odd_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n his_o purchase_n of_o his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o his_o deep_a humiliation_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v all_o of_o they_o obtain_v to_o he_o this_o his_o high_a exaltation_n to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o enjoy_v as_o king_n thereof_o this_o sovereign_a power_n col._n 1.19_o col._n 2.2_o 9_o 10._o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.8_o to_o 11._o but_o of_o this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o protestant_n especial_o studious_a of_o reformation_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o ministerial_a power_n we_o give_v these_o follow_a proposition_n i._n propos_fw-fr a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o saint_n profess_v the_o faith_n take_v indefinite_o for_o any_o church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o church-office_n with_o all_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o be_v execute_v among_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o gorinth_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o not_o as_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n unto_o they_o but_o common_a to_o they_o with_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o come_v all_o together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 23._o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o same_o church_n that_o god_n have_v set_v the_o officer_n and_o their_o gift_n and_o all_o variety_n of_o member_n and_o their_o function_n in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.28_o where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o translate_v some_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v set_v all_o but_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n v._n 27._o he_o proceed_v to_o exemplify_v those_o member_n in_o v._o 28._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v which_o member_n apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o the_o relative_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o gender_n with_o the_o antecedent_n before_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o respect_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o person_n intend_v rather_o than_o the_o gender_n of_o their_o name_n and_o to_o render_v the_o relative_n of_o the_o same_o gender_n and_o case_n with_o the_o substantive_n follow_n so_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a observation_n that_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o national_a church_n nor_o of_o any_o national_a officer_n give_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o a_o nationall_n church_n all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o jerusalem_n deut._n 16.16_o and_o he_o appoint_v they_o there_o a_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o certain_a solemn_a sacrifice_n by_o he_o to_o be_v administer_v leu._n 16.1_o to_o 29._o and_o together_o with_o he_o other_o priest_n and_o elder_n and_o judge_n to_o who_o all_o appeal_n shall_v be_v bring_v and_o who_o shall_v judge_v all_o difficult_a and_o transcendent_a case_n deut._n 17.8_o to_o 11._o but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o national_a church_n or_o high_a priest_n or_o court_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o yet_o we_o willing_o grant_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o equal_a power_n may_v in_o some_o case_n appoint_v by_o christ_n meet_v together_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o messenger_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o may_v perform_v sundry_a act_n of_o power_n there_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o the_o officer_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o synod_n yea_o and_o the_o synod_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o power_n they_o put_v forth_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o primary_o give_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o particular_a congregation_n either_o as_o the_o first_o subject_n in_o who_o they_o be_v resident_a or_o as_o the_o first_o object_n about_o who_o they_o be_v conversant_a and_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v gather_v and_o employ_v ii_o propos_fw-fr the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o apostolical_a power_n apostolical_a power_n stand_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o that_o each_o apostle_n have_v in_o he_o all_o ministerial_a power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n may_v exhort_v as_o pastor_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o teach_v as_o teacher_n 1_o tim._n 2.7_o rule_v as_o ruler_n 2_o tim._n 4.1_o receive_v and_o distribute_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deacon_n act._n 4.35_o yea_o any_o one_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v baptise_v yea_o and_o censure_v a_o offender_n too_o as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o he_o for_o we_o read_v that_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o church_n act._n 8.38_o and_o that_o paul_n himself_o excommunicate_v alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o he_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o any_o church_n or_o presbytery_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o where_o he_o can_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n in_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church-power_n he_o willing_o take_v it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o with_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o but_o when_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o ordain_v or_o excommunicate_v be_v absent_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o church_n the_o apostle_n may_v proceed_v to_o put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o church_n act_n without_o they_o the_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o power_n which_o they_o receive_v immediate_o from_o christ_n will_v bear_v they_o out_o in_o it_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n to_o wit_n with_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o sovereign_a power_n so_o send_v i_o you_o with_o like_a amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o ministerial_a power_n joh._n 20.21_o 2._o apostolical_a power_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o one_o their_o line_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n psal_n 19.4_o compare_v with_o rom._n 10._o and_o as_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v in_o all_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.19_o so_o they_o receive_v charge_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n sheep_n and_o lamb_n which_o impli_v all_o act_n of_o pastoral_a government_n over_o all_o the_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n of_o christ_n joh._n 21.15_o 16_o 17._o now_o this_o apostolical_a power_n centre_v all_o church-power_n into_o one_o man_n and_o extend_v itself_o forth_o to_o the_o circumference_n of_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o so_o be_v they_o also_o the_o last_o nevertheless_o that_o ample_a and_o universal_a latitude_n of_o power_n which_o be_v conjoin_v in_o they_o be_v now_o divide_v even_o by_o themselves_o among_o all_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n respective_o the_o officer_n of_o each_o church_n attend_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o neglect_v the_o good_a of_o other_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v mutual_o helpful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n iii_o propos_fw-fr when_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o of_o church-authority_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o
the_o particular_n to_o who_o any_o portion_n of_o power_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v commit_v that_o look_v what_o ever_o power_n or_o right_v any_o of_o the_o possessor_n and_o subject_n thereof_o may_v have_v they_o have_v it_o each_o alike_o immediate_o that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o a_o mediation_n of_o delegation_n or_o dependence_n on_o each_o other_o from_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v each_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o that_o power_n that_o be_v allot_v to_o they_o and_o for_o the_o particular_a subject_n themselves_o he_o follow_v that_o division_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o which_o the_o controversy_n itself_o have_v make_v unto_o his_o hand_n to_o wit_n 1._o what_o power_n each_o single_a congregation_n which_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o charter_n to_o be_v a_o body-politique_a to_o christ_n have_v grant_v to_o it_o to_o exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o 2._o what_o measure_n or_o rather_o kind_a of_o power_n christ_n have_v place_v in_o neighbour-churche_n without_o it_o and_o in_o association_n with_o it_o for_o the_o first_o as_o he_o suppose_v each_o congregation_n such_o as_o to_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o enjoy_v a_o presbytery_n or_o company_n of_o more_o or_o less_o elder_n proper_a unto_o itself_o so_o be_v thus_o presbyterate_v he_o assert_v this_o incorporate_a body_n or_o society_n to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o primary_n subject_a of_o a_o complete_a and_o entire_a power_n within_o itself_o over_o its_o own_o member_n yea_o and_o the_o sole_a native_a subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o high_a censure_n and_o whereas_o this_o corporation_n consist_v both_o of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n for_o as_o for_o woman_n and_o child_n there_o be_v a_o special_a exception_n by_o a_o statute-law_n of_o christ_n against_o their_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o part_n of_o this_o public_a power_n his_o scopeis_fw-la to_o demonstrate_v a_o distinct_a and_o several_a share_n and_o interest_n of_o power_n in_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n vouchsafe_v to_o each_o of_o these_o and_o disperse_v among_o both_o by_o charter_n from_o the_o lord_n as_o in_o some_o of_o our_o town_n corporate_a to_o a_o company_n of_o alderman_n the_o ruler_n and_o a_o common-council_n a_o body_n of_o the_o people_n there_o use_v to_o be_v the_o like_a he_o give_v unto_o the_o elder_n or_o presbytery_n a_o bind_a power_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o they_o and_o unto_o the_o brethren_n distinct_a and_o apart_o a_o interest_n of_o power_n and_o privilege_n to_o concur_v with_o they_o and_o that_o such_o affair_n shall_v not_o be_v transact_v but_o with_o the_o joint_a agreement_n of_o both_o though_o out_o of_o a_o different_a right_n so_o that_o as_o a_o church_n of_o brethren_n only_o can_v not_o proceed_v to_o any_o public_a censure_n without_o they_o have_v elder_n over_o they_o so_o nor_o in_o the_o church_n have_v the_o elder_n power_n to_o censure_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o likewise_o so_o as_o each_o alone_a have_v not_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v the_o whole_a of_o either_o though_o together_o they_o have_v power_n over_o any_o particular_a person_n or_o person_n in_o each_o and_o because_o these_o particular_a congregation_n both_o elder_n and_o people_n may_v disagree_v and_o miscarry_v and_o abuse_v this_o power_n commit_v to_o they_o he_o therefore_o second_o assert_v a_o association_n or_o communion_n of_o church_n send_v their_o elder_n and_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n so_o he_o purposely_o choose_v to_o style_v those_o assembly_n of_o elder_n which_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v call_v class_n or_o presbytery_n that_o so_o he_o may_v distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o presbytery_n of_o congregation_n before_o mention_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o christ_n have_v in_o relation_n to_o rectify_v mal-administrations_a and_o heal_a dissension_n in_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o like_a case_n commit_v a_o due_a and_o just_a measure_n of_o power_n suit_v and_o proportion_v to_o those_o end_n and_o furnish_v they_o not_o only_o with_o ability_n to_o give_v counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o further_a upon_o such_o occasion_n with_o a_o ministerial_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o determine_v declare_v and_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o reduce_v such_o congregation_n to_o right_a order_n and_o peace_n only_o in_o his_o bound_a and_o define_v this_o power_n he_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v first_o for_o the_o kind_n and_o quality_n of_o it_o but_o a_o dogmatic_a or_o doctrinal_a power_n though_o stamp_v with_o authority_n ministerial_a as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whether_o in_o judge_v of_o controversy_n of_o faith_n when_o they_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o particular_a congregation_n and_o which_o themselves_o find_v too_o difficult_a for_o they_o or_o in_o decern_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o what_o censure_v they_o do_v deserve_v but_o not_o arm_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v or_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n either_o the_o congregation_n or_o the_o member_n of_o they_o but_o they_o in_o such_o case_n have_v declare_v and_o judge_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o admonish_v the_o peccant_a church_n and_o decern_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v with_o their_o offend_a member_n they_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o formal_a act_n of_o this_o censure_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o can_v only_o execute_v it_o place_v by_o christ_n in_o those_o church_n themselves_o which_o if_o they_o deny_v to_o do_v or_o persist_v in_o their_o miscarriage_n then_o to_o determine_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o also_o for_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n in_o such_o assembly_n and_o association_n of_o church_n he_o limit_n and_o confine_n that_o also_o unto_o case_n and_o with_o caution_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o discourse_n to_o wit_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o entrench_v or_o impair_v the_o privilege_n of_o entire_a jurisdiction_n commit_v unto_o each_o congregation_n as_o a_o liberty_n purchase_v they_o by_o christ_n blood_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v thereof_o until_o they_o abuse_v that_o power_n or_o be_v unable_a to_o manage_v it_o and_o in_o that_o case_n only_o to_o assist_v guide_n and_o direct_v they_o and_o not_o take_v on_o they_o to_o administer_v it_o for_o they_o but_o with_o they_o and_o by_o they_o as_o for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v yet_o neither_o afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a to_o make_v profession_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o high_a wave_n on_o both_o side_n dash_v on_o we_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o brief_a extract_n from_o the_o author_n large_a discourse_n be_v that_o very_a middle-way_n which_o in_o our_o apology_n we_o do_v in_o the_o general_a intimate_a and_o intend_v between_o that_o which_o be_v call_v brownism_n and_o the_o presbyteriall-government_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v whereof_o the_o one_o do_v in_o effect_n put_v the_o chief_a if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n and_o drown_v the_o elder_n vote_n who_o be_v but_o a_o few_o in_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o and_o the_o other_o take_v the_o chief_a and_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o that_o rule_n which_o we_o conceive_v be_v the_o due_a of_o each_o congregation_n the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n into_o this_o jurisdiction_n of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n of_o several_a congregation_n do_v thereby_o in_o like_a manner_n swallow_v up_o not_o only_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o people_n but_o even_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o congregation_n concern_v in_o the_o major_a part_n thereof_o neither_o let_v it_o seem_v arrogance_n in_o we_o but_o a_o testimony_n rather_o to_o the_o truth_n further_o to_o remonstrate_v that_o this_o very_a boundary_a platform_n and_o disposement_n of_o church_n power_n as_o here_o it_o be_v we_o speak_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o set_v out_o and_o state_v as_o also_o that_o the_o tenure_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o all_o these_o subject_n shall_v be_v immediate_a from_o christ_n unto_o they_o all_o be_v now_o new_a unto_o our_o thought_n yea_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o our_o own_o apprehension_n have_v be_v mould_v unto_o long_o since_o and_o this_o many_o of_o our_o friend_n and_o some_o that_o be_v of_o a_o differ_a opinion_n have_v know_v our_o private_a judgement_n long_o as_o likewise_o our_o own_o note_n and_o transcript_n write_v long_o ago_o can_v testify_v beside_o many_o public_a profession_n since_o as_o occasion_n have_v be_v offer_v insomuch_o as_o when_o we_o first_o read_v this_o of_o this_o learned_a author_n know_v what_o have_v be_v the_o more_o general_a current_n both_o of_o the_o practice_n and_o judgement_n of_o our_o brethren_n for_o the_o congregationall_a way_n
elder_n with_o they_o or_o direct_v they_o where_o to_o procure_v such_o to_o come_v unto_o they_o the_o like_a course_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v take_v when_o sundry_a christian_n come_v over_o from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o such_o as_o be_v come_v over_o first_o and_o be_v themselves_o full_a of_o company_n direct_v those_o that_o come_v after_o they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o combination_n of_o themselves_o into_o church_n order_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o plant_v &_o gather_v and_o multiply_v church_n yet_o the_o work_n be_v not_o dead_a but_o the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v leave_v with_o the_o church_n in_o common_a and_o with_o each_o particular_a church_n for_o her_o part_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o propagate_v and_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n throughout_o all_o generation_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n be_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o the_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v make_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o their_o office_n the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7.17_o the_o special_a act_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v many_o the_o first_o and_o principal_n be_v that_o which_o the_o elder_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v chief_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n with_o all_o authority_n and_o that_o which_o be_v annex_v thereto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n speak_v rebuke_n and_o exhort_v say_v paul_n to_o titus_n with_o all_o authority_n tit._n 2.15_o and_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v thereto_o be_v plain_a from_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o go_v say_v christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n make_v disciple_n and_o baptize_v they_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v object_v private_a member_n may_v all_o of_o they_o prophesy_v public_o 1_o cor._n 14_o 31._o and_o therefore_o also_o baptize_v and_o so_o this_o act_n of_o authority_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o preach_v elder_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o place_n in_o the_o corinth_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a private_a member_n but_o of_o man_n furnish_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n king_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o first_o coronation_n give_v many_o extraordinary_a large_a gift_n which_o they_o do_v not_o daily_o pour_v out_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o their_o ordinary_a government_n christ_n soon_o after_o his_o ascenfion_n pour_v out_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o his_o spirit_n then_o in_o time_n succeed_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n as_o of_o many_o other_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n be_v enrich_v with_o all_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o utterance_n i_o cor._n 1.5_o and_o the_o same_o person_n that_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v also_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o put_v upon_o the_o apostle_n a_o necessity_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o their_o frequent_a speak_n with_o tongue_n by_o prefer_v pprophecy_n before_o it_o 1_o cor._n 14.2_o to_o 24._o so_o that_o though_o all_o they_o may_v prophesy_v as_o have_v extraordinary_a gift_n for_o it_o yet_o the_o like_a liberty_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o they_o that_o want_v the_o like_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n none_o beside_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v ordinary_o prophesy_v either_o in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o synagogue_n unless_o they_o be_v either_o furnish_v with_o extraordinatie_a gift_n of_o pprophecy_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o train_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o calling_n as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n when_o amos_n be_v forbid_v by_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o bethel_n to_o prophesy_v at_o bethel_n amos_n do_v not_o allege_v nor_o plead_v the_o liberty_n of_o any_o israelite_n to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o holy_a assembly_n but_o allege_v only_o his_o extraordinary_a call_n amos_n 7.14_o 15._o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v man_n set_v apart_o and_o train_v up_o to_o prepare_v for_o that_o call_n be_v allow_v the_o like_a liberty_n 1_o sam._n 19.20_o answ_n 2._o but_o neither_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n nor_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o israel_n except_o samuel_n and_o eliah_n by_o special_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n in_o corinth_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o administer_v sacrament_n if_o any_o reply_n that_o if_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n have_v be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gist_n of_o prophefie_n they_o have_v not_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o these_o be_v direct_v to_o be_v 1_o cor._n 14.22_o ans_fw-fr it_o follow_v not_o for_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v to_o examine_v all_o prophecy_n by_o the_o law_n and_o testimony_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v they_o but_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n psal_n 8.20_o yea_o and_o paul_n himself_o refer_v all_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n act._n 26.22_o and_o the_o berean_o be_v commend_v for_o examine_v paul_n doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n act._n 17.11_o 12._o 2._o a_o second_o act_n of_o authority_n common_a to_o the_o elder_n be_v they_o have_v power_n as_o any_o weighty_a occasion_n shall_v require_v to_o call_v the_o church_n together_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n together_o for_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6.2_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n stir_v up_o to_o call_v a_o solemn_a assembly_n to_o gather_v the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o sanctify_v a_o fast_a joel_n 1.13_o 14._o 3._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o power_n to_o examine_v if_o apostle_n than_o any_o other_o whether_o officer_n or_o member_n before_o they_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n rev._n 2.2_o a_o four_o act_n of_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n who_o the_o people_n have_v choose_v whether_o elder_n or_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o act._n 6.6_o 5._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n that_o the_o elder_n open_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n in_o the_o assembly_n they_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n who_o send_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n in_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n act._n 13.15_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o power_n which_o call_v man_n to_o speak_v to_o put_v man_n to_o silence_v when_o they_o speak_v amiss_o and_o yet_o when_o the_o elder_n themselves_o do_v lie_v under_o offence_n or_o under_o suspicion_n of_o it_o the_o brethren_n have_v liberty_n to_o require_v satisfaction_n in_o a_o modest_a manner_n concern_v any_o public_a breach_n of_o rule_n as_o have_v be_v mention_v above_o out_o of_o act._n 11.2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n 6._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o elder_n to_o prepare_v matter_n beforehand_o which_o be_v to_o be_v transact_v by_o themselves_o or_o other_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n be_v meet_v at_o the_o house_n of_o james_n give_v direction_n to_o paul_n how_o to_o carry_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v prevent_v the_o offence_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v before_o they_o act._n 21.18_o hence_o when_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o brother_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o matth._n 18.17_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v beforehand_o to_o consider_v and_o inquire_v whether_o the_o offence_n be_v real_o give_v or_o no_o whether_o due_o prove_v and_o orderly_o proceed_v in_o by_o the_o brethren_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o not_o due_o satisfy_v by_o the_o offender_n lest_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n be_v open_o cumber_v with_o unnecessary_a and_o tedious_a agitation_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n transact_v before_o the_o church_n be_v carry_v along_o with_o most_o expedition_n and_o best_a edification_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o have_v power_n to_o reject_v causeless_a and_o disorderly_a complaint_n as_o well_o as_o to_o propound_v and_o handle_v just_a complaint_n before_o the_o congregation_n 7._o in_o the_o handle_n of_o a_o offence_n before_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n have_v authority_n both_o jus_fw-la dicere_fw-la and_o sententiam_fw-la serre_fw-la when_o the_o offence_n appear_v true_o scandalous_a the_o elder_n have_v power_n from_o god_n to_o inform_v the_o church_n what_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n be_v for_o the_o censure_n of_o such_o a_o offence_n and_o when_o the_o
church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n of_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o branch_n 1._o that_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n 2._o that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-authority_n 3._o that_o both_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v in_o their_o own_o body_n now_o that_o the_o key_n of_o church-priviledge_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o key_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v declare_v above_o in_o chapt._n 3_o but_o that_o these_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o these_o key_n and_o first_o the_o church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o liberty_n may_v appear_v thus_o from_o the_o removal_n of_o any_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n or_o liberty_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v derive_v it_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o church-liberty_n than_o they_o derive_v it_o either_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n or_o from_o other_o church_n but_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o their_o own_o elder_n for_o they_o have_v power_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v this_o liberty_n before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o derive_v it_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a liberty_n and_o power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o we_o read_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v subject_a to_o that_o of_o ephesus_n nor_o that_o of_o ephesus_n to_o corinth_n no_o nor_o that_o of_o cenchrea_fw-mi to_o corinth_n though_o it_o be_v a_o church_n situate_a in_o their_o vicinity_n nor_o do_v they_o derive_v their_o liberty_n from_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n for_o we_o find_v no_o foot-step_n in_o the_o pattern_n of_o synod_n act._n 15._o that_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n borrow_v any_o of_o their_o liberty_n from_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o borrow_v indeed_o light_a from_o they_o and_o decree_n tend_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o upon_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o truth_n act_n 16.4_o 5._o and_o also_o in_o consolation_n and_o peace_n act._n 15.31_o 32._o but_o they_o do_v not_o borrow_v from_o they_o any_o church-liberty_n at_o all_o 2._o now_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n or_o congregation_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 1._o from_o the_o charge_n of_o rule_n over_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o immediate_o from_o christ_n for_o though_o the_o elder_n be_v choose_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n yet_o the_o office_n itself_o be_v ordain_v immediate_o by_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n annex_v to_o the_o office_n be_v limit_v by_o christ_n only_o if_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v elect_v a_o presbytery_n to_o be_v call_v by_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n this_o will_v not_o excuse_v the_o presbyter_n in_o their_o neglect_n of_o rule_n either_o before_o the_o lord_n or_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o thus_o run_v the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n 2._o the_o same_o appear_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o rule_n require_v especial_o in_o a_o elder_a without_o which_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o election_n to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 4_o 5._o he_o must_v be_v one_o that_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n or_o else_o how_o shall_v he_o order_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o like_a gift_n of_o rule_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o admission_n of_o a_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o elder_a if_o a_o private_a brother_n be_v not_o so_o well_o able_a through_o weakness_n in_o prudence_n or_o courage_n to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n it_o will_v not_o just_o debar_v he_o from_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n but_o the_o like_a defect_n will_v just_o debar_v a_o man_n from_o election_n to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a neither_o have_v god_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n ordinary_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o therefore_o neither_o have_v he_o give_v they_o the_o first_o receipt_n of_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n to_o who_o he_o have_v not_o give_v the_o gift_n to_o employ_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v how_o can_v the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n invest_v a_o elder_a with_o rule_n over_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o themselves_o to_o communicate_v to_o he_o ans_fw-fr they_o invest_v he_o with_o rule_n partly_o by_o choose_v he_o to_o the_o office_n which_o god_n have_v invest_v with_o rule_n partly_o by_o profess_v their_o own_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o relative_n do_v necessary_o infer_v and_o prefer_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n over_o they_o for_o in_o yield_a subjection_n they_o either_o set_v up_o or_o acknowledge_v authority_n in_o he_o to_o who_o they_o yield_v subjection_n ob._n 2._o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o ought_v not_o the_o wife_n to_o rule_v the_o servant_n and_o steward_n in_o the_o house_n rather_o than_o they_o she_o be_v it_o not_o meet_v that_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n shall_v hang_v at_o her_o girdle_n rather_o than_o at_o they_o answ_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o queen_n princess_n lady_n of_o great_a honour_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v to_o christ_n psal_n 45.9_o and_o country_n huswife_n poor_a man_n wife_n queen_n and_o great_a person_n have_v several_a office_n and_o officer_n for_o every_o business_n and_o service_n about_o the_o house_n as_o chamberlain_n steward_n treasurer_n comptroller_n usher_n bailiff_n groom_n and_o porter_n who_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o their_o lord_n house_n in_o their_o hand_n there_o be_v not_o a_o key_n leave_v in_o the_o queen_n hand_n of_o any_o office_n but_o only_o of_o power_n and_o liberty_n to_o call_v for_o what_o she_o want_v according_a to_o the_o king_n royal_a allowance_n which_o if_o she_o exceed_v the_o officer_n have_v power_n to_o restrain_v she_o by_o order_n from_o the_o king_n but_o country_n huswife_n and_o poor_a man_n wife_n who_o husband_n have_v no_o officer_n bailiff_n or_o steward_n to_o oversee_v and_o order_v their_o estate_n they_o may_v carry_v the_o key_n of_o any_o office_n at_o their_o own_o girdle_n which_o the_o husband_n keep_v not_o in_o his_o own_o hand_n not_o because_o poor_a huswife_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o the_o house_n then_o queen_n but_o because_o of_o their_o poverty_n and_o mean_a estate_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o be_v in_o stead_n of_o many_o servant_n to_o their_o husband_n obj._n 3_o the_o whole_a body_n natural_a be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o any_o member_n in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o faculty_n of_o sight_n be_v first_o in_o the_o body_n before_o in_o the_o eye_n answ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n in_o all_o respect_n alike_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n there_o be_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o each_o part_n actual_o inexistent_a though_o not_o exert_v or_o put_v forth_o themselves_o till_o each_o member_n be_v articulate_v and_o form_v but_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n it_o be_v not_o so_o all_o the_o several_a function_n of_o church_n power_n be_v not_o actual_o inexistent_a in_o the_o body_n of_o brethren_n unless_o some_o of_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n which_o often_o they_o have_v not_o have_v neither_o presbyter_n nor_o man_n fit_a to_o be_v presbyter_n now_o if_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v
give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n as_o such_o primo_fw-la &_o per_fw-la se_fw-la than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n for_o a_o quatenus_fw-la adomnia_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la obj._n 4._o but_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a tenant_n in_o many_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mix_v of_o a_o monarchy_n a_o aristocracy_n and_o a_o democracy_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sovereign_a and_o monarchical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o presbytery_n it_o be_v stewardly_a and_o aristocratical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o election_n and_o censure_n it_o be_v democraticall_a which_o argue_v the_o people_n have_v some_o stock_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n authority_n after_o a_o sort_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o people_n as_o 1._o when_o a_o man_n act_v by_o counsel_n according_a to_o his_o own_o discern_v free_o he_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dominus_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la so_o the_o people_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o liberty_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v domini_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la lord_n of_o their_o own_o action_n 2._o the_o people_n by_o their_o act_n of_o liberty_n as_o in_o election_n of_o officer_n and_o concurrency_n in_o censure_n of_o offender_n and_o in_o the_o determination_n and_o promulgation_n of_o synodall_n act_n they_o have_v a_o great_a stroke_n or_o power_n in_o the_o order_n of_o church_n affair_n which_o may_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o potestas_fw-la a_o power_n which_o many_o time_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n but_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n then_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v open_v above_o in_o chap._n 3._o for_o no_o act_n of_o the_o people_n power_n or_o liberty_n do_v proper_o bind_v unless_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n concur_v with_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o like_a removal_n of_o other_o subject_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o derive_v their_o authority_n as_o be_v use_v before_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o brethren_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n the_o elder_n of_o church_n be_v never_o find_v in_o scripture_n to_o derive_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o their_o own_o congregation_n either_o from_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o from_o any_o synod_n of_o church_n all_o particular_a church_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a power_n each_o of_o they_o respective_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n none_o of_o they_o call_v other_o their_o rabbi_n or_o master_n or_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o authority_n over_o they_o but_o all_o of_o they_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o as_o fellow_n brethren_n matth._n 23.8_o 9_o 10._o and_o though_o in_o a_o synod_n they_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o synod_n to_o exercise_v authority_n in_o impose_v burden_n such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v upon_o all_o church_n who_o elder_n be_v present_a with_o they_o act._n 15.28_o for_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n in_o all_o church_n yet_o the_o elder_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o walk_v with_o the_o brethren_n of_o their_o own_o church_n in_o light_n and_o peace_n they_o need_v not_o to_o derive_v from_o the_o synod_n any_o power_n to_o impose_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a burden_n upon_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o power_n and_o charge_n from_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n discern_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v and_o walk_v in_o peace_n with_o their_o elder_n they_o ready_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o overseer_n in_o whatsoever_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v by_o they_o commend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n 3._o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o argument_n 1_o in_o point_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v oven_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o people_n conscience_n when_o both_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n whereto_o he_o be_v call_v have_v put_v forth_o the_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o about_o he_o as_o when_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o office_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a act_n have_v due_a respect_n to_o the_o inward_a ministerial_a gift_n whereunto_o god_n have_v furnish_v he_o he_o may_v then_o look_v at_o himself_o as_o call_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o exercise_v his_o talent_n in_o that_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o send_v of_o god_n to_o they_o what_o defect_n may_v be_v find_v in_o such_o a_o call_n when_o the_o brethren_n exercise_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n their_o lawful_a authority_n in_o his_o ordination_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v to_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o want_v imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n who_o succee_v in_o the_o place_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n leave_v the_o one_o in_o ephesus_n the_o other_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o ans_fw-fr touch_v ordination_n by_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o they_o by_o bishop_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o godly_a learned_a heretofore_o especial_o of_o late_a time_n the_o sum_n come_v to_o these_o conclusion_n 1_o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v not_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n as_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n timothy_n be_v express_o term_v a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o titus_n be_v as_o clear_o decipher_v to_o be_v a_o evangelist_n as_o timothy_n by_o the_o character_n of_o a_o evangelist_n which_o either_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o or_o eusebius_n note_v in_o his_o ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 37._o gr._n cap._n 31._o lat._n not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o certain_a church_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n finish_v their_o work_n in_o plant_v and_o water_v church_n where_o they_o come_v they_o do_v indeed_o ordain_v officer_n where_o they_o want_v and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o several_a church_n yet_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o tim._n 5._o but_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o direction_n in_o the_o epistle_n either_o to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n 2._o conclusion_n those_o bishop_n who_o calling_n or_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o those_o epistle_n to_o be_v continue_v they_o be_v altogether_o synonyma_fw-la with_o presbyter_n tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o to_o 7._o 3._o conclus_fw-la we_o read_v of_o many_o bishop_n to_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 14.23_o and_o chap._n 20.17_o 28._o tit._n 1.5.7_o but_o not_o of_o many_o church_n much_o less_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o large_a diocese_n to_o one_o bishop_n 4._o conclus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o transcendent_a proper_a work_n cut_v out_o or_o reserve_v for_o such_o a_o transcendent_a officer_n as_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o transcendent_a act_n reserve_v to_o he_o by_o the_o advocate_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n now_o both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o rule_n and_o paul_n to_o timothy_n acknowledge_v no_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o labour_n in_o
the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o power_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god._n by_o that_o learned_a and_o judicious_a divine_a mr._n john_n cotton_n teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o boston_n in_o new-england_n tend_v to_o reconcile_v some_o present_a difference_n about_o discipline_n gen._n 13.7_o 8._o and_o abraham_n say_v unto_o lot_n let_v there_o be_v no_o strife_n i_o pray_v between_o thou_o and_o i_o for_o we_o be_v brethren_n gen._n 45.24_o and_o joseph_n say_v to_o his_o brethren_n when_o they_o be_v go_v the_o three_o time_n out_o of_o egypt_n see_v that_o you_o fall_v not_o out_o by_o the_o way_n act_n 7.26_o sir_n you_o be_v brethren_n why_o do_v you_o wrong_v one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n publish_a by_o tho._n goodwin_n philip_z nye_n london_n print_v by_o m._n simmons_n for_o henry_n overton_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n enter_v into_o popes-head_n alley_n out_o of_o lumbardstreet_n 1644._o to_o the_o reader_n the_o great_a commotion_n in_o kingdom_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v raise_v and_o maintain_v for_o and_o about_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o rule_v together_o with_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o either_o and_o the_o like_a have_v fall_v out_o in_o church_n and_o be_v continue_v to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o sharp_a contention_n though_o now_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o war_n be_v change_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o adequate_a and_o complete_a subject_n of_o that_o church-power_n which_o christ_n have_v leave_v on_o earth_n how_o bound_v and_o to_o who_o commit_v this_o controversy_n be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n the_o lot_n of_o these_o present_a time_n and_o now_o that_o most_o party_n that_o can_v pretend_v any_o thing_n towards_o it_o have_v in_o several_a age_n have_v their_o turn_n &_o vicissitude_n of_o so_o long_a a_o pessession_n of_o it_o and_o their_o plea_n for_o their_o several_a pretence_n have_v be_v so_o much_o and_o so_o long_o hear_v it_o may_v well_o be_v hope_v it_o be_v near_o determine_v &_o that_o christ_n will_v short_o settle_v this_o power_n upon_o the_o right_a heir_n to_o who_o he_o primitive_o do_v bequeath_v it_o in_o those_o former_a dark_a time_n this_o golden_a ball_n be_v throw_v up_o by_o the_o clergy_n so_o call_v alone_o to_o run_v for_o among_o themselves_o and_o as_o they_o quiet_o possess_v the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o clergy_n and_o of_o the_o church_n appropriate_v to_o themselves_o so_o answerable_o all_o manner_n of_o interest_n in_o power_n or_o cognisance_n of_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o leave_v &_o quit_v to_o they_o whilst_o the_o people_n that_o then_o know_v not_o the_o law_n have_v give_v up_o their_o soul_n to_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v do_v much_o more_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o liberty_n in_o church_n affair_n this_o royal_a donation_n bestow_v by_o christ_n upon_o his_o church_n be_v take_v up_o and_z and_o place_v in_o so_o high_a throne_n of_o bishop_n pope_n general_n council_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o far_o above_o these_o thing_n on_o earth_n the_o people_n but_o thing_n in_o heaven_n also_o we_o mean_v the_o angel_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o in_o so_o great_a a_o remoteness_n from_o the_o people_n that_o the_o least_o right_a or_o interest_n therein_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o towards_o these_o latter_a time_n after_o many_o removall_n of_o it_o down_o again_o and_o this_o as_o the_o issue_n of_o many_o suit_n again_o and_o again_o renew_a and_o remove_v and_o upon_o the_o sentence_n even_o of_o whole_a state_n as_o oft_o reverse_v it_o have_v now_o in_o these_o our_o day_n be_v bring_v so_o near_o unto_o the_o people_n that_o they_o also_o have_v begin_v to_o plead_v and_o sue_v for_o a_o portion_n and_o legacy_n bequeath_v they_o in_o it_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o know_a time_n find_v that_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n have_v so_o far_o open_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n into_o the_o substantial_o of_o godliness_n and_o that_o through_o the_o instruction_n and_o guidance_n of_o their_o teacher_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o understand_v for_o themselves_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v to_o join_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o do_v therefore_o further_o many_o of_o they_o begin_v more_o then_o to_o suspect_v that_o some_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o power_n shall_v likewise_o appertain_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o those_o who_o first_o in_o these_o latter_a time_n revive_v this_o plea_n of_o the_o people_n right_a to_o err_v on_o the_o other_o extreme_a as_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o truth_n when_o it_o first_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n from_o under_o that_o long_a night_n of_o darkness_n which_o antichristianisme_n have_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n to_o have_v a_o long_a shadow_n of_o error_n to_o accompany_v it_o by_o lay_v the_o plea_n &_o claim_n on_o their_o behalf_n unto_o the_o whole_a power_n &_o that_o the_o elder_n set_v over_o they_o do_v but_o exercise_v that_o power_n for_o they_o which_o be_v proper_o they_o &_o which_o christ_n have_v as_o they_o contend_v radical_o and_o original_o estate_v in_o the_o people_n only_o but_o after_o that_o all_o title_n have_v be_v plead_v of_o those_o that_o be_v content_a with_o nothing_o but_o the_o whole_a the_o final_a judgement_n and_o sentence_n may_v possible_o fall_v to_o be_v a_o suitable_a and_o due_a proportion_a distribution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o this_o power_n into_o several_a interest_n and_o the_o whole_a to_o neither_o part_n in_o commonwelath_n it_o be_v a_o dispersion_n of_o several_a portion_n of_o power_n and_o right_n into_o several_a hand_n joint_o to_o concur_v and_o agree_v in_o act_n and_o process_n of_o weight_n and_o moment_n which_o cause_v that_o healthful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o constitution_n of_o they_o which_o make_v they_o last_v &_o preserve_v their_o peace_n when_o none_o of_o all_o sort_n find_v they_o be_v exclude_v but_o as_o they_o have_v a_o share_n of_o concernment_n so_o that_o a_o fit_a measure_n of_o power_n or_o privilege_n be_v leave_v and_o betrust_v to_o they_o and_o according_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o first_o constitutor_n of_o common_a wealth_n be_v most_o see_v in_o such_o a_o just_a balance_v of_o power_n &_o privilege_n &_o beside_o also_o in_o set_v the_o exact_a limit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v commit_v unto_o each_o yea_o and_o be_v more_o admire_v by_o we_o in_o this_o than_o in_o their_o other_o law_n and_o in_o experience_n a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a definement_n and_o confinement_n of_o all_o such_o parcel_n of_o power_n both_o for_o the_o kind_n and_o extent_n of_o they_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v as_o essential_o necessary_a if_o not_o more_o than_o what_o ever_o other_o statute_n that_o set_v out_o the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o crime_n or_o penalty_n so_o in_o that_o polity_n or_o government_n by_o which_o christ_n will_v have_v his_o church_n order_v the_o right_a disposal_n of_o the_o power_n therein_o we_o humble_o suppose_v may_v lie_v in_o a_o due_a and_o proportion_a allotment_n and_o dispersion_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o degree_n into_o divers_a hand_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a concernment_n and_o interest_n that_o each_o rank_n in_o his_o church_n may_v have_v rather_o than_o in_o a_o entire_a and_o sole_a trust_n commit_v to_o any_o one_o man_n though_o never_o so_o able_a or_o any_o one_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o man_n or_o officer_n although_o diversify_v into_o never_o so_o many_o subordination_n under_o one_o another_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o can_v but_o imagine_v that_o christ_n have_v be_v as_o exact_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o true_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o what_o ever_o portion_n of_o power_n he_o have_v impart_v unto_o any_o if_o we_o of_o this_o age_n can_v attain_v right_o to_o discern_v it_o as_o he_o have_v be_v in_o order_v what_o kind_n of_o censure_n and_o for_o what_o sin_n and_o what_o degree_n of_o proceed_n unto_o those_o censure_n which_o we_o find_v he_o have_v be_v punctual_a in_o now_o the_o scope_n which_o this_o grave_n and_o judicious_a author_n in_o this_o his_o treatise_n do_v pursue_v be_v to_o lay_v forth_o the_o just_a line_n and_o terrier_n of_o this_o division_n of_o church-power_n unto_o all_o the_o several_a subject_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n to_o allay_v the_o contention_n now_o on_o foot_n about_o it_o and_o in_o general_a he_o lay_v this_o fundamental_a maxim_n that_o hold_v in_o common_a true_a of_o all_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 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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
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
protestant_n and_o papist_n yet_o we_o crave_v leave_v to_o express_v what_o in_o it_o do_v not_o full_o satisfy_v we_o four_o thing_n in_o it_o seem_v defective_a to_o we_o 1._o that_o any_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v leave_v without_o power_n for_o here_o in_o this_o distribution_n the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v contradistinguish_v from_o a_o key_n of_o power_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o real_a defect_n in_o omit_v a_o integrall_a part_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v that_o key_n of_o power_n or_o liberty_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n itself_o but_o no_o marvel_n though_o the_o popish_a clergy_n omit_v it_o who_o have_v oppress_v all_o church-libertie_n and_o protestant_n church_n have_v recover_v the_o liberty_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o sacrament_n have_v be_v well_o satisfy_v therewith_o so_o as_o some_o of_o they_o have_v look_v no_o far_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o discern_v their_o defect_n of_o church-power_n or_o liberty_n due_a unto_o they_o in_o point_n of_o discipline_n and_o other_o find_v themselves_o wrong_v in_o withhold_v a_o key_n or_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o have_v wrest_v to_o themselves_o a_o undue_a power_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n 3._o there_o be_v another_o defect_n in_o the_o distribution_n in_o divide_v the_o key_n of_o order_n from_o the_o key_n of_o jurisdiction_n of_o purpose_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o power_n of_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la who_o though_o they_o want_v the_o key_n of_o order_n have_v never_o enter_v into_o holy_a order_n as_o they_o be_v call_v or_o at_o most_o into_o the_o order_n of_o deacon_n only_o whereof_o our_o lord_n speak_v nothing_o touch_v jurisdiction_n yet_o they_o have_v be_v invest_v with_o jurisdiction_n yea_o and_o more_o than_o ministerial_a authority_n even_o above_o those_o elder_n who_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n by_o this_o sacrilegious_a breach_n of_o order_n which_o have_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o file_n and_o rank_n in_o a_o army_n satan_n have_v rout_v and_o ruin_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o 4._o a_o four_o defect_n but_o yet_o the_o least_o which_o we_o observe_v in_o this_o distribution_n be_v that_o order_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o for_o though_o we_o be_v far_o from_o allow_v that_o sacrilegious_a usurpation_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n which_o we_o hear_v of_o to_o our_o grief_n to_o be_v practise_v in_o some_o place_n that_o private_a christian_n ordinary_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n public_o and_o to_o minister_v sacrament_n yet_o we_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o office_n and_o order_n office_n we_o look_v at_o as_o peculiar_a to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o some_o peculiar_a function_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v either_o elder_n or_o deacon_n but_o order_n speak_v of_o church-order_n proper_o take_v be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o officer_n or_o private_a brethren_n there_o be_v a_o order_n as_o well_o in_o they_o that_o be_v subject_a as_o in_o they_o that_o rule_n there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o maid_n in_o athenaeus_n be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o well_o as_o her_o mistress_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o make_v office_n and_o order_n aequipollent_a we_o will_v not_o contend_v about_o word_n so_o there_o be_v no_o erroneous_a apprehension_n wrap_v into_o the_o matter_n to_o come_v therefore_o to_o such_o a_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n as_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o scripture_n phrase_n for_o it_o become_v true_a israelite_n rather_o to_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o canaan_n than_o the_o language_n of_o ashdod_n when_o paul_n behold_v and_o rejoice_v to_o behold_v how_o the_o church_n of_o colosse_n have_v receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o he_o sum_v up_o all_o their_o church_n estate_n to_o wit_n their_o beauty_n and_o power_n in_o these_o two_o faith_n and_o order_n col._n 2.5_o 6._o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o key_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o key_n of_o order_n the_o key_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n luke_n 11.52_o and_o which_o he_o complain_v the_o lawyer_n have_v take_v away_o now_o that_o key_n of_o knowledge_n christ_n speak_v of_o be_v such_o that_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v take_v away_o they_o that_o have_v it_o have_v power_n by_o it_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n themselves_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o open_v the_o door_n to_o other_o to_o enter_v also_o now_o such_o a_o knowledge_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n be_v only_a faith_n which_o be_v often_o therefore_o call_v knowledge_n as_o isa_n 53.11_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v my_o righteous_a servant_n justify_v many_o that_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o joh._n 17.3_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n to_o know_v thou_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v on_o thou_o this_o key_n therefore_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n save_v knowledge_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o key_n of_o faith_n be_v common_a to_o all_o believer_n a_o faithful_a soul_n know_v the_o scripture_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o receive_v christ_n and_o enter_v through_o he_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o here_o he_o enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n through_o faith_n 4.3_o faith_n heb._n 4.3_o and_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o enter_v also_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n as_o he_o believe_v to_o justification_n so_o he_o make_v confession_n to_o salvation_n which_o be_v perfect_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n rom._n 10.10_o the_o key_n of_o order_n be_v the_o power_n whereby_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n walk_v orderly_o himself_o according_a to_o his_o place_n in_o the_o church_n and_o help_v his_o brethren_n to_o walk_v orderly_o also_o it_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n call_v upon_o paul_n so_o to_o carry_v himself_o before_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o temple_n that_o he_o may_v make_v it_o appear_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o walk_v orderly_o act._n 21.18.24_o orderly_o to_o wit_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n with_o who_o he_o then_o converse_v and_o it_o be_v the_o commandment_n which_o paul_n give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o thessalonica_n and_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a 2_o thes_n 3.6_o this_o their_o withdraw_a from_o he_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a be_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o key_n of_o order_n and_o it_o be_v a_o like_a exercise_n of_o the_o same_o key_n of_o order_n when_o he_o require_v the_o brethren_n to_o warn_v the_o unruly_a which_o be_v in_o the_o original_a the_o same_o word_n to_o admonish_v the_o disorderly_a 1_o thes_n 5.14_o and_o this_o key_n of_o order_n to_o wit_n order_n understand_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o elder_n or_o brethren_n furthermore_o of_o order_n there_o be_v two_o key_n a_o key_n of_o power_n or_o interest_n and_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n or_o rule_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v term_v in_o the_o scripture_n liberty_n so_o distinguish_v it_o from_o that_o part_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o that_o spiritual_a liberty_n whether_o of_o impunity_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v set_v free_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n from_o satan_n hell_n bondage_n of_o sin_n curse_v of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o service_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n nor_o of_o immunity_n whereby_o we_o have_v power_n to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o prayer_n and_z as_o heir_n of_o glory_n to_o look_v for_o our_o inheritance_n in_o light_n but_o of_o that_o external_a liberty_n or_o interest_n which_o christ_n also_o have_v purchase_v for_o his_o people_n as_o liberty_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o call_v well_o gift_v man_n to_o office_n in_o that_o his_o church_n liberty_n to_o partake_v in_o sacrament_n or_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o churchs_n liberty_n and_o interest_n to_o join_v with_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
the_o church_n sake_n that_o they_o who_o receive_v this_o grace_n of_o faith_n by_o it_o may_v receive_v christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n and_o therewith_o may_v receive_v also_o this_o privilege_n to_o find_v a_o open_a door_n set_v before_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o key_n of_o order_n speak_v as_o we_o do_v of_o church_n order_n as_o paul_n do_v col._n 2.5_o belong_v to_o all_o such_o who_o be_v in_o church_n order_n whether_o elder_n or_o brethren_n for_o though_o elder_n be_v in_o a_o superior_a order_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o office_n yet_o the_o brethren_n over_o who_o the_o elder_n be_v make_v overseer_n and_o ruler_n they_o stand_v also_o in_o a_o order_n even_o in_o orderly_a subjection_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a every_o faithful_a soul_n that_o have_v receive_v a_o key_n of_o knowledge_n be_v bind_v to_o watch_v over_o his_o neighbour_n soul_n as_o his_o own_o and_o to_o admonish_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n unless_o he_o be_v a_o scorner_n but_o this_o he_o do_v non_fw-la ratione_fw-la ordinis_fw-la sed_fw-la intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la not_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o state_n of_o order_n which_o he_o be_v in_o till_o in_o church_n fellowship_n but_o as_o of_o common_a christian_a love_n and_o charity_n but_o every_o faithful_a christian_a who_o stand_v in_o church_n order_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v the_o same_o as_o well_o respectu_fw-la ordinis_fw-la as_o intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o that_o royal_a law_n not_o only_o of_o love_n but_o of_o church_n order_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o whereby_o if_o his_o brother_n who_o offend_v he_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o his_o conviction_n and_o admonition_n he_o be_v then_o according_a to_o order_n to_o proceed_v further_o take_v one_o or_o two_o with_o he_o and_o if_o the_o offender_n refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o also_o than_o he_o be_v by_o order_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o afterward_o walk_v towards_o he_o as_o god_n shall_v direct_v the_o church_n to_o order_v it_o chap._n four_o of_o the_o subject_n to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o church_n privilege_n power_n or_o liberty_n be_v give_v this_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n for_o so_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o gal._n 5.13_o in_o the_o place_n quote_v and_o open_v before_o brethren_n you_o have_v be_v call_v to_o liberty_n and_o indeed_o as_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o commonwealth_n the_o right_a and_o due_a establishment_n and_o balance_v of_o the_o liberty_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v in_o a_o true_a sense_n may_v be_v call_v a_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o it_o be_v the_o safety_n of_o church_n estate_n the_o right_a and_o due_a settle_v and_o order_v of_o the_o holy_a power_n of_o the_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n the_o gospel_n allow_v no_o church_n authority_n or_o rule_v proper_o so_o call_v to_o the_o brethren_n but_o reserve_v that_o whole_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o yet_o prevent_v the_o tyranny_n and_o oligarchy_n and_o exorbitancy_n of_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o large_a and_o firm_a establishment_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o brethren_n which_o arise_v to_o a_o power_n in_o they_o bucers_n axiom_n be_v here_o notable_a potestaspenes_n omnem_fw-la ecclesiame_v authoritas_fw-la ministerii_fw-la penes_fw-la presbyteros_fw-la &_o episcopos_fw-la in_o mat._n 16.19_o where_o potestas_fw-la or_o power_n be_v contradistinguish_v from_o authoritas_fw-la authority_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o liberty_n or_o privilege_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o brethren_n or_o of_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a 1._o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n have_v the_o power_n privilege_n and_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n in_o to_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n the_o people_n go_v as_o far_o as_o humane_a vote_n and_o suffrage_n can_v go_v out_o of_o 120._o person_n v._n 15._o they_o choose_v out_o and_o present_v two_o out_o of_o which_o two_o because_o a_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v design_v immediate_o by_o god_n god_n by_o lot_n choose_v one_o and_o yet_o this_o one_o so_o choose_v of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d communibus_fw-la omnium_fw-la fuffragiis_fw-la inter_fw-la duodecim_fw-la apostolos_fw-la allectus_fw-la est_fw-la v._o 26._o be_v count_v among_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o they_o all_o and_o this_o place_n cyprian_n press_v among_o other_o to_o confirm_v the_o power_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v or_o refuse_v their_o minister_n plebs_fw-la christiana_n say_v he_o vel_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la ve_z indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la epistol_n 4._o lib._n 1._o the_o like_a or_o great_a liberty_n be_v general_o approve_v by_o the_o best_a of_o our_o divine_n studious_a of_o reformation_n from_o act._n 14.23_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n choose_v by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n the_o same_o power_n be_v clear_o express_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6.3.5_o 6._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o choose_v the_o deacon_n but_o call_v the_o multitude_n together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o seven_o man_n among_o you_o who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n or_o a_o liberty_n the_o church_n have_v receive_v to_o send_v forth_o one_o or_o more_o of_o their_o elder_n as_o the_o public_a service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o church_n may_v require_v thus_o epaphroditus_n be_v a_o messenger_n or_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n unto_o paul_n phil._n 2.25_o 3._o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v power_n and_o liberty_n of_o propound_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o their_o communion_n or_o unto_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o hence_o saul_n when_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o at_o first_o admit_v thereto_o upon_o a_o exception_n take_v against_o he_o by_o the_o disciple_n till_o that_o exception_n be_v remove_v act._n 9.26_o 27._o and_o peter_n do_v not_o admit_v the_o family_n of_o cornelius_n to_o baptism_n till_o he_o have_v inquire_v of_o the_o brethren_n if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v any_o exception_n against_o it_o act._n 10.47_o 4._o as_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o privilege_n to_o expostulate_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o case_n of_o private_a scandal_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n mat._n 18.15_o 16._o so_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o brethren_n have_v power_n and_o privilege_n to_o join_v with_o the_o elder_n in_o inquire_v hear_v judge_v of_o public_a scandal_n so_o as_o to_o bind_v notorious_a offender_n and_o impenitent_n under_o censure_n and_o to_o forgive_v the_o repentant_a for_o when_o christ_n command_v a_o brother_n in_o case_n that_o offence_n can_v be_v heal_v private_o then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n mat._n 18.17_o it_o necessary_o impli_v that_o the_o church_n must_v hear_v he_o and_o inquire_v into_o the_o offence_n complain_v of_o and_o judge_v of_o the_o offence_n as_o they_o find_v it_o upon_o inquiry_n when_o the_o brethren_n that_o be_v of_o the_o circumcision_n expostulate_v with_o peter_n about_o his_o communion_n with_o cornelius_n and_o his_o uncircumcised_a family_n peter_n do_v not_o reject_v they_o and_o their_o complaint_n against_o he_o as_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o just_a power_n and_o privilege_n but_o ready_o address_v himself_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o all_o act._n 1_o 1_o 2_o to_o 18._o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o their_o elder_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o with_o his_o power_n do_v deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n to_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o and_o paul_n reprove_v they_o all_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o elder_n that_o they_o have_v no_o soon_o put_v he_o away_o from_o among_o they_o v._o 2._o and_o express_o he_o allow_v to_o they_o all_o power_n to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o v._o 22._o yea_o and_o from_o thence_o argue_v in_o all_o the_o saint_n even_o in_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o ability_n to_o judge_v between_o brethren_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o those_o that_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v from_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n
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
withdraw_v from_o they_o for_o so_o paul_n instruct_v and_o beseech_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n foresee_v will_v most_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o counsel_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o liberty_n i_o beseech_v you_o say_v he_o mark_v such_o as_o cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n you_o have_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d withdraw_v from_o they_o so_o then_o by_o the_o agitation_n of_o this_o objection_n there_o appear_v two_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n more_o to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a one_o be_v this_o which_o be_v the_o five_o liberty_n in_o member_n the_o church_n have_v liberty_n in_o case_n of_o dissension_n among_o themselves_o to_o resort_v to_o a_o synod_n act._n 15.1_o 2._o where_o also_o it_o appear_v the_o brethren_n enjoy_v this_o liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v ver_fw-la 7.12_o to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o definitive_a sentence_n and_o in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o same_o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o the_o sixth_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o who_o they_o want_v authority_n to_o excommunicate_v for_o as_o they_o set_v up_o the_o presbytery_n by_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o they_o avoid_v they_o by_o profess_a withdraw_v their_o subjection_n from_o they_o according_a to_o god_n a_o seven_o and_o last_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v liberty_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n communion_n we_o say_v for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a liberty_n that_o no_o particular_a church_n stand_v in_o subjection_n to_o another_o particular_a church_n no_o not_o to_o a_o cathedral_n church_n but_o that_o all_o the_o church_n enjoy_v mutual_a brotherly_a communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o communion_n be_v mutual_o exercise_v among_o they_o seven_o way_n which_o for_o brevity_n and_o memory_n sake_n we_o sum_n up_o in_o seven_o word_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o participation_n 2._o of_o recommendation_n 3._o of_o consultation_n 4._o of_o congregation_n into_o a_o synod_n 5._o of_o contribution_n 6._o of_o admonition_n 7._o of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o participation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n occasional_o come_v to_o another_o church_n where_o the_o lord_n supper_n come_v to_o be_v administer_v be_v willing_o admit_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o case_n that_o neither_o themselves_o nor_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v lie_n under_o any_o public_a offence_n for_o we_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n not_o only_o as_o a_o seal_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o with_o his_o member_n in_o our_o own_o church_n but_o also_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n 2._o by_o way_n of_o recommendation_n letter_n be_v send_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o recommend_v to_o their_o watchfulness_n and_o communion_n any_o of_o their_o member_n who_o by_o occasion_n of_o business_n be_v for_o a_o time_n to_o reside_v among_o they_o as_o paul_n send_v letter_n of_o recommendation_n to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o phoebe_n a_o deaconesse_n of_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n rom._n 16.1_o 2._o and_o of_o these_o kind_n of_o letter_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o coriuth_v also_o though_o not_o as_o needful_a to_o himself_o who_o be_v well_o know_v to_o they_o yet_o for_o other_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o but_o if_o a_o member_n of_o one_o church_n have_v just_a occasion_n to_o remove_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n to_o take_v up_o his_o settle_a habitation_n in_o another_o church_n than_o the_o letter_n write_v by_o the_o church_n in_o his_o behalf_n do_v recommend_v he_o to_o their_o perpetual_a watchfulness_n and_o communion_n and_o if_o the_o other_o church_n have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o refuse_v he_o they_o of_o his_o own_o church_n do_v by_o those_o letter_n whole_o dismiss_v he_o from_o themselves_o whereupon_o the_o letter_n for_o distinction_n sake_n be_v call_v letter_n of_o dismission_n which_o indeed_o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o durance_n of_o the_o recommendation_n the_o one_o recommend_v he_o for_o a_o time_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o 3._o by_o way_n of_o consultation_n one_o church_n have_v liberty_n of_o communicate_v with_o another_o to_o require_v their_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n touch_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v then_o themselves_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n by_o their_o messenger_n consult_v with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n act._n 15.3_o although_o the_o consultation_n bring_v forth_o a_o further_a effect_n of_o communion_n with_o church_n to_o wit_n their_o congregation_n into_o a_o synod_n which_o be_v the_o four_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n all_o of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o like_a liberty_n of_o send_v their_o messenger_n to_o debate_n and_o determine_v in_o a_o synod_n such_o matter_n as_o do_v concern_v they_o all_o as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n send_v messenger_n to_o jerusalem_n for_o resolution_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o doubt_n that_o trouble_v they_o the_o like_a liberty_n by_o proportion_n may_v any_o other_o church_n have_v take_v yea_o many_o church_n together_o yea_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o case_n that_o may_v concern_v they_o all_o what_o authority_n these_o synod_n have_v receive_v and_o may_v put_v forth_o will_v come_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o sequel_n a_o five_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v the_o liberty_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v mutual_a supply_n and_o succour_v one_o from_o another_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n communicate_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n their_o spiritual_a treasure_n of_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n minister_v back_o again_o to_o they_o liberal_a oblation_n of_o outward_a beneficence_n rom._n 15.26_o 27._o act._n 11.29_o 30._o when_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n abound_v with_o more_o variety_n of_o spiritual_a gift_a man_n then_o the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o fast_v and_o pray_v as_o for_o other_o end_n so_o for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n open_v they_o a_o door_n for_o the_o succour_n of_o many_o country_n about_o they_o by_o the_o send_n forth_o of_o some_o of_o they_o act._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o a_o six_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o mutual_a admonition_n when_o a_o public_a offence_n be_v find_v among_o any_o of_o they_o for_o as_o paul_n have_v liberty_n to_o admonish_v peter_n before_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o antioch_n when_o he_o see_v he_o walk_v not_o with_o a_o right_a foot_n and_o yet_o paul_n have_v no_o authority_n over_o peter_n but_o only_o both_o of_o they_o have_v equal_a mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o gal._n 2.11_o to_o 14._o so_o by_o the_o same_o proportion_n one_o church_n have_v liberty_n to_o admonish_v another_o though_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o of_o equal_a authority_n see_v one_o church_n have_v as_o much_o interest_n in_o another_o as_o one_o apostle_n in_o another_o and_o if_o by_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o love_n one_o brother_n have_v liberty_n to_o admonish_v his_o brother_n in_o the_o same_o church_n mat._n 18.15_o 16._o then_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o mutual_a watchfulness_n one_o church_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v another_o in_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o they_o the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n take_v care_n not_o only_o for_o her_o own_o member_n but_o for_o her_o little_a sister_n which_o she_o think_v have_v no_o breast_n yea_o and_o consult_v with_o other_o church_n what_o to_o do_v for_o she_o cant._n 8.8_o and_o will_v she_o not_o then_o have_v take_v like_o care_n in_o case_n their_o little_a sister_n have_v breast_n her_o breast_n have_v be_v distemper_v and_o give_v corrupt_a matter_n in_o stead_n of_o milk_n a_o seven_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v be_v by_o way_n of_o propagation_n and_o multiplication_n of_o church_n as_o when_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v grow_v so_o full_a of_o member_n as_o all_o of_o they_o can_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n then_o as_o a_o hive_n full_a of_o bee_n swarm_v forth_o so_o be_v the_o church_n occasion_v to_o send_v forth_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o her_o member_n fit_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n and_o to_o carry_v along_o churchwork_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o that_o end_n they_o either_o send_v forth_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o their_o
church_n discern_v the_o same_o and_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o but_o condescend_v thereto_o it_o be_v a_o further_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n power_n to_o give_v sentence_n against_o the_o offender_n both_o these_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foretell_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 44.23_o 24._o they_o shall_v teach_v my_o people_n the_o difference_n between_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o discern_v between_o the_o unclean_a and_o the_o clean_a and_o in_o controversy_n they_o shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n and_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n 8._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n with_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n num._n 6.23_o to_o 26._o heb._n 7.7_o 9_o the_o elder_n have_v receive_v power_n to_o charge_v any_o of_o the_o people_n in_o private_a that_o none_o of_o they_o live_v either_o inordinate_o without_o a_o calling_n or_o idle_o in_o their_o call_n or_o scandalous_o in_o any_o sort_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o &_o ver_fw-la 8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o apostle_n command_n argue_v a_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n to_o charge_v these_o duty_n upon_o the_o people_n effectual_o 10._o what_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o a_o synod_n be_v more_o fit_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n 11._o in_o case_n the_o church_n shall_v fall_v away_o to_o blasphemy_n against_o christ_n and_o obstinate_a rejection_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o either_o no_o synod_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o no_o help_n by_o a_o synod_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o withdraw_v or_o separate_z the_o disciple_n from_o they_o and_o to_o carry_v away_o the_o ordinance_n with_o they_o and_o therewithal_o sad_o to_o denounce_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o act._n 19.9_o exod._n 33.7_o mark_n 6.11_o luk._n 10_o 11._o act._n 13.46_o obj._n but_o if_o elder_n have_v all_o this_o power_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o act_n of_o rule_n partly_o over_o the_o private_a member_n partly_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o be_v they_o then_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o answ_n the_o elder_n to_o be_v both_o servant_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n may_v both_o of_o they_o stand_v well_o together_o for_o their_o rule_n be_v not_o lordly_a as_o if_o they_o rule_v of_o themselves_o or_o for_o themselves_o but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o christ_n and_o also_o from_o their_o call_n and_o withal_o rule_v the_o church_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o church_n even_o for_o their_o spiritual_a everlasting_a good_a a_o queen_n may_v call_v her_o servant_n her_o mariner_n to_o pilot_n and_o conduct_v she_o over_o the_o sea_n to_o such_o a_o haven_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v by_o she_o to_o such_o a_o office_n she_o must_v not_o rule_v they_o in_o steer_v their_o course_n but_o must_v submit_v herself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v she_o to_o her_o desire_a haven_n so_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o church_n and_o her_o elder_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v to_o synod_n synod_n we_o acknowledge_v be_v right_o order_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o assembly_n we_o find_v three_o just_a cause_n in_o scripture_n 1._o when_o a_o church_n want_v light_n or_o peace_n at_o home_n desire_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o other_o church_n few_o or_o more_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v annoy_v with_o corrupt_a teacher_n who_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o breed_v no_o small_a dissension_n among_o they_o in_o the_o church_n they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o messenger_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o join_v the_o elder_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o doubtless_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n it_o argue_v that_o they_o send_v not_o to_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a and_o authentical_a oracle_n of_o god_n for_o then_o what_o need_v the_o advice_n and_o help_v of_o elder_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o holy_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n who_o may_v not_o only_o relieve_v they_o by_o some_o wise_a counsel_n and_o holy_a order_n but_o also_o set_v a_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n how_o error_n and_o dissension_n in_o church_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o heal_v and_o the_o course_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n take_v for_o clear_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o by_o publish_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n with_o apostolic_a authority_n from_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o by_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o free_a disputation_n act._n 15._o v._n 7._o which_o be_v as_o fit_v a_o course_n for_o imitation_n in_o after_o age_n as_o it_o be_v seasonable_a for_o practice_n then_o 2._o just_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n give_v we_o another_o ground_n for_o the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n or_o of_o their_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n when_o any_o church_n lie_v under_o scandal_n through_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v by_o more_o private_a advertisement_n of_o their_o own_o member_n or_o of_o their_o neighbour_n minister_n or_o brethren_n for_o there_o be_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n as_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o between_o the_o church_n we_o have_v a_o little_a sister_n say_v one_o church_n to_o another_o cant._n 8.8_o therefore_o church_n have_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n among_o themselves_o look_v then_o as_o one_o brother_n be_v offend_v with_o another_o and_o not_o able_a to_o heal_v he_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n private_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o by_o proportion_n if_o one_o church_n see_v matter_n of_o offence_n in_o another_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o heal_v it_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n it_o will_v hehove_v they_o to_o procure_v the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n that_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v orderly_o hear_v and_o judge_v and_o remove_v 3._o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o state_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o country_n may_v be_v corrupt_v and_o beginning_n to_o discern_v their_o corruption_n may_v desire_v the_o concourse_n and_o counsel_n of_o one_o another_o for_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a and_o general_a reformation_n and_o then_o so_o meeting_n and_o confer_v together_o may_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o conclude_v and_o determine_v upon_o a_o course_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a heal_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o frequent_a practice_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o asa_n 2_o cron._n 15.10_o to_o 15._o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o to_o 19_o in_o the_o time_n of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34.29_o to_o 33._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n ezra_n 10.1_o to_o 5._o these_o and_o the_o like_a example_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o israelite_n as_o one_o entire_a national_a church_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o appeal_v from_o every_o synagogue_n and_o court_n in_o israel_n to_o the_o national_a high_a priest_n and_o court_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v all_o of_o they_o subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o precedent_n be_v usual_o wave_v by_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o not_o appliable_a to_o christian_a church_n but_o these_o example_n hold_v forth_o no_o superiority_n in_o one_o church_n or_o court_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o equal_a manner_n give_v advice_n in_o common_a and_o take_v one_o common_a course_n for_o redress_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o such_o example_n be_v fit_a precedent_n for_o church_n of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o assemble_v togegether_o and_o take_v order_n with_o one_o accord_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o all_o now_o a_o synod_n be_v assemble_v three_o question_n arise_v about_o their_o power_n 1._o what_o be_v that_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v 2._o how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n concur_v with_o the_o presbytery_n in_o it_o the_o brotherhood_n with_o the_o eldership_n 3._o whether_o the_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v reach_v to_o the_o enjoin_v of_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o in_o their_o use_n indifferent_a for_o the_o first_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n
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
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
elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o congregation_n answ_n let_v all_o the_o place_n allege_v be_v examine_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o judgement_n where_o the_o congregation_n be_v put_v for_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n it_o be_v never_o mean_v for_o aught_o we_o can_v find_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n alone_o sit_v apart_o and_o retire_v from_o the_o congregation_n but_o sit_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o hear_v and_o judge_v cause_n before_o they_o in_o which_o case_n if_o a_o sentence_n have_v pass_v from_o a_o ruler_n with_o the_o dislike_n of_o the_o congregation_n they_o have_v not_o stick_v to_o show_v their_o dislike_n sometime_o by_o protest_v open_o against_o it_o as_o 1_o sam._n 14.44_o 45._o sometime_o by_o refuse_v to_o execute_v it_o 1_o sam._n 22.16_o 17._o and_o what_o the_o people_n of_o the_o congregation_n lawful_o do_v in_o some_o case_n at_o some_o time_n in_o wave_v and_o counterpoize_v the_o sentence_n of_o their_o ruler_n the_o same_o they_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n at_o any_o time_n the_o whole_a host_n or_o congregation_n of_o israel_n may_v protest_v against_o a_o unrighteous_a illegal_a sentence_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o discern_v the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o sentence_n may_v just_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o object_n 4._o when_o christ_n say_v tell_v the_o church_n he_o mean_v a_o synodical_a or_o classical_a assembly_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o many_o church_n for_o it_o be_v his_o meaning_n and_o purpose_n in_o this_o place_n to_o prescribe_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o all_o scandal_n out_o of_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o tell_v the_o church_n of_o one_o congregation_n for_o what_o if_o a_o elder_a offend_v yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n offend_v the_o people_n or_o brethren_n have_v not_o power_n to_o judge_v their_o judge_n to_o rule_v their_o ruler_n yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a congregation_n fall_v under_o a_o offence_n as_o they_o may_v do_v leu._n 4.13_o a_o synod_n of_o many_o presbyter_n may_v reform_v they_o but_o so_o can_v any_o one_o congregation_n alone_o if_o the_o congregation_n that_o give_v the_o offence_n stand_v out_o in_o it_o answ_n 1._o reserve_v due_a honour_n to_o synod_n right_o order_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o convention_n of_o presbyter_n of_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o a_o church_n be_v any_o where_o put_v for_o a_o synod_n of_o presbytery_n and_o it_o be_v very_o incongruous_a in_o this_o place_n for_o though_o it_o be_v faid_fw-we a_o particular_a congregation_n can_v reach_v the_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n so_o it_o may_v be_v as_o true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v unmeet_a to_o trouble_v synod_n with_o every_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o in_o a_o congregation_n offence_n fall_v out_o often_o synod_n meet_v but_o seldom_o and_o when_o they_o do_v meet_v they_o find_v many_o more_o weighty_a employment_n then_o to_o attend_v to_o every_o offence_n of_o every_o private_a brother_n beside_o as_o a_o whole_a particular_a congregation_n may_v offend_v so_o may_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o presbyter_n in_o a_o nation_n offend_v also_o for_o general_a counsel_n have_v err_v and_o what_o remedy_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o remove_v such_o error_n and_o offence_n out_o of_o this_o text_n moreover_o if_o a_o offence_n be_v find_v in_o a_o brother_n of_o a_o congregation_n and_o the_o congregation_n be_v find_v faithful_a and_o willing_a to_o remove_v it_o by_o due_a censure_n why_o shall_v the_o offence_n be_v call_v up_o to_o more_o public_a judicature_n and_o the_o plaster_n make_v broad_a than_o the_o sore_n again_o if_o a_o elder_a offend_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o the_o congregation_n join_v together_o may_v proceed_v against_o he_o if_o they_o can_v otherwise_o heal_v he_o and_o so_o remove_v the_o offence_n from_o among_o they_o if_o the_o whole_a presbytery_n offend_v or_o such_o a_o part_n as_o will_v draw_v a_o party_n and_o a_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n with_o they_o their_o ready_a course_n be_v to_o bring_v the_o matter_n then_o to_o a_o synod_n for_o though_o this_o place_n in_o matthew_n direct_v not_o to_o that_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n leave_v we_o not_o without_o direction_n in_o such_o a_o case_n but_o give_v we_o a_o pattern_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n to_o repair_v to_o a_o synod_n and_o the_o like_a course_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n if_o it_o be_v persist_v in_o with_o obstinacy_n neither_o be_v it_o true_a which_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o christ_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o to_o prescribe_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o of_o such_o private_a and_o less_o heinous_a offence_n as_o grow_v public_a and_o notorious_a only_o by_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o offender_n for_o if_o offence_n be_v heinous_a and_o public_a at_o first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o direct_v we_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o general_a course_n from_o a_o private_a admonition_n by_o one_o brother_n alone_o and_o then_o to_o a_o second_o by_o one_o or_o two_o more_o and_o at_o last_o to_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o apostle_n give_v another_o rule_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o to_o cast_v a_o heinous_a notorious_a offender_n both_o out_o of_o church-communion_n and_o private_a familiar_a communion_n also_o object_n 5._o the_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o mat._n 18.17_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o whereto_o a_o complaint_n may_v orderly_o be_v make_v but_o a_o complaint_n can_v be_v orderly_o make_v to_o a_o multitude_n such_o as_o a_o whole_a congregation_n be_v answ_n and_o why_o may_v not_o a_o complaint_n be_v orderly_o make_v to_o a_o whole_a multitude_n the_o levite_n make_v a_o orderly_a conplaint_n to_o a_o great_a multitude_n than_o 400._o particular_a congregation_n be_v wont_a to_o amount_v to_o jud._n 20.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n object_n 6._o the_o church_n here_o to_o be_v complain_v of_o meet_v with_o authority_n for_o censure_n be_v administer_v with_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n meet_v with_o humility_n to_o seek_v the_o face_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n answ_n humility_n to_o god_n may_v well_o stand_v with_o authority_n to_o man_n the_o 24._o elder_n who_o represent_v the_o grow_v heir_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o be_v say_v in_o church-assembly_n to_o sit_v upon_o throne_n with_o crown_n on_o their_o head_n rev._n 4.4_o yet_o when_o they_o fall_v down_o to_o worship_n god_n and_o the_o lamb_n they_o cast_v down_o their_o crown_n at_o his_o foot_n v._o 10._o object_n 7._o in_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n a_o woman_n may_v not_o speak_v but_o in_o this_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o they_o may_v speak_v for_o they_o may_v be_v offender_n and_o offender_n must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o offence_n answ_n when_o the_o apostle_n forbid_v woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n he_o mean_v speak_v partly_o by_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o in_o public_a pray_v or_o prophesy_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 2.12_o partly_o by_o way_n of_o bold_a inquiry_n in_o ask_v question_n public_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o but_o to_o answer_v it_o if_o the_o whole_a congregation_n have_v take_v just_a offence_n at_o the_o open_a sin_n of_o a_o woman_n she_o be_v bind_v as_o much_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o presbytery_n object_n 8._o when_o schism_n grow_v to_o be_v scandalous_a in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o household_n of_o chloe_n tell_v not_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o it_o but_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 1.11_o answ_n the_o contention_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o private_a brother_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o the_o church_n before_o but_o whether_o they_o have_v or_o no_o the_o example_n only_o argue_v that_o brethren_n offend_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o brethren_n may_v tell_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n which_o no_o man_n deny_v paul_n be_v a_o elder_a of_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v as_o have_v the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o all_o have_v thus_o by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n clear_v this_o text_n in_o mat._n 18.17_o from_o variety_n of_o
misconstruction_n which_o not_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o worth_a of_o expositor_n have_v make_v difficult_a let_v we_o add_v a_o argument_n or_o two_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n full_o furnish_v with_o officer_n and_o right_o walk_v in_o judgement_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-authority_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o their_o own_o body_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o be_v usual_o and_o just_o take_v from_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.1_o to_o 5._o obj._n 1_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whether_o elder_n or_o brethren_n but_o rather_o a_o act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n publish_v the_o sentence_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o decree_v and_o judge_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o though_o absent_a in_o body_n yet_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o concern_v he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o though_o paul_n as_o a_o chief_a officer_n of_o every_o church_n judge_v beforehand_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a yet_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n but_o a_o judicious_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n 2._o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n in_o censure_v the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v indeed_o a_o act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n divine_a doctrine_n and_o direction_n as_o all_o church-censure_n by_o whosoever_o administer_v aught_o to_o be_v act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o their_o act_n be_v a_o complete_a act_n of_o just_a power_n even_o a_o act_n of_o all_o that_o liberty_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o any_o censure_n for_o first_o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o and_o that_o be_v the_o high_a power_n in_o the_o church_n second_o the_o spirit_n of_o paul_n that_o be_v his_o apostolic_a spirit_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o they_o in_o deliver_v and_o publish_v the_o sentence_n which_o argue_v both_o his_o power_n and_o they_o be_v co-incident_a and_o concurrent_a in_o this_o sentence_n three_o the_o holy_a end_n and_o use_v of_o this_o sentence_n argue_v the_o heavenly_a power_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v for_o the_o mortify_n of_o his_o corruption_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n four_o when_o his_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o sentence_n paul_n intreat_v the_o church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o to_o 10._o now_o ejusdem_fw-la potestatis_fw-la est_fw-la ligare_fw-la &_o solvere_fw-la claudere_fw-la &_o aperire_fw-la object_n 2._o all_o this_o argue_v no_o more_o but_o that_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v this_o power_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o offender_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o presbytery_n alone_o have_v put_v forth_o this_o power_n yet_o that_o suffice_v to_o make_v good_a the_o proposition_n that_o every_o church_n furnish_v with_o a_o presbytery_n and_o proceed_v righteous_o and_o peaceable_o they_o have_v within_o themselves_o so_o much_o power_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o their_o own_o body_n answ_n 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o text_n that_o the_o brethren_n concur_v also_o in_o this_o sentence_n and_o that_o with_o some_o act_n of_o power_n to_o wit_n such_o power_n as_o the_o want_n of_o put_v it_o forth_o retard_v the_o sentence_n and_o the_o put_n of_o it_o forth_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o first_o the_o reproof_n for_o not_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n soon_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o presbytery_n they_o be_v all_o blame_v for_o not_o mourn_v for_o not_o put_v he_o away_o for_o be_v puff_v up_o rather_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 2._o the_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o all_o when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o a_o church_n meeting_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o command_v they_o all_o put_v away_o therefore_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wiek_v person_n v._o 13._o 3._o he_o declare_v this_o act_n of_o they_o in_o put_v he_o out_o to_o be_v a_o judicial_a act_n v._o 12._o do_v you_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o as_o concur_v in_o this_o act_n with_o the_o presbytery_n have_v a_o power_n in_o it_o as_o be_v say_v may_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o brethren_n for_o here_o be_v a_o act_n of_o judgement_n ascribe_v to_o they_o all_o which_o judgement_n in_o the_o brethren_n he_o esteem_v of_o it_o so_o high_o that_o from_o thence_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o advise_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o refer_v their_o difference_n even_o in_o civil_a matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o brethren_n know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n yea_o the_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 6.1_o 2_o 3._o how_o much_o more_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o law_n and_o that_o before_o infidel_n in_o any_o case_n depend_v between_o brethren_n he_o advise_v they_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v and_o judge_v between_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6.4_o 4._o when_o the_o apostle_n direct_v they_o upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o offender_n to_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2.4_o to_o 10._o he_o speak_v to_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o elder_n to_o forgive_v he_o as_o they_o be_v all_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n offend_v with_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v meet_v they_o shall_v all_o a_o like_o be_v satisfy_v and_o be_v satisfy_v shall_v forgive_v he_o the_o brethren_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o church-consent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n by_o sentence_v his_o absolution_n and_o restitution_n to_o the_o church_n 3._o obj._n but_o be_v not_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v all_o this_o power_n a_o metropolis_n a_o mother_n church_n of_o achaia_n in_o which_o many_o presbytery_n from_o many_o church_n in_o the_o village_n be_v assemble_v to_o administer_v this_o censure_n ans_fw-fr no_o such_o thing_n appear_v from_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n neither_o in_o the_o act_n act._n 18._o nor_o from_o either_o of_o the_o epistle_n 〈…〉_o corinthian_n true_a it_o be_v corinth_n be_v a_o mother-city_n but_o not_o a_o mother-church_n to_o all_o achaia_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o other_o church_n in_o that_o region_n may_v borrow_v much_o light_n from_o their_o gift_n for_o they_o abound_v and_o be_v enrich_v with_o variety_n of_o all_o gift_n 1_o cor._n â—_o 〈◊〉_d but_o yet_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a church_n be_v no_o large_a than_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n one_o congregation_n 1_o conrinth_n 14.23_o a_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o proposition_n that_o every_o church_n so_o furnish_v with_o officer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o carry_v on_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n have_v all_o church_n power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o be_v take_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o offence_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o church_n when_o any_o offence_n commit_v by_o their_o member_n lie_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a christ_n have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o suffer_v balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n revel_v 2.14_o 15._o and_o something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v jezabel_n now_o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o either_o of_o they_o sufficient_a power_n to_o purge_v out_o their_o own_o offender_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o toleration_n of_o they_o yea_o why_o be_v not_o the_o neighbour_n church_n blame_v for_o
the_o sin_n of_o these_o church_n but_o we_o see_v neither_o be_v pergamus_n blame_v for_o tolerate_v jezabel_n nor_o thyatira_n for_o tolerate_v balaam_n nor_o smyrna_n for_o tolerate_v either_o indeed_o what_o christ_n write_v to_o any_o one_o church_n his_o spirit_n call_v all_o the_o church_n to_o hearken_v unto_o and_o so_o he_o do_v our_o church_n also_o at_o this_o day_n not_o because_o he_o blame_v they_o for_o the_o toleration_n of_o sin_n in_o other_o church_n but_o because_o he_o will_v have_v they_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a remissness_n in_o tolerate_v the_o like_a offence_n among_o themselves_o and_o also_o will_v provoke_v they_o to_o observe_v notorious_a offence_n among_o their_o sister-churche_n and_o with_o brotherly_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o admonish_v they_o thereof_o it_o be_v a_o unsound_a body_n that_o want_v strength_n to_o purge_v out_o his_o own_o vicious_a and_o malignant_a humour_n and_o every_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o body_n even_o a_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o body_n if_o when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o sound_n and_o athletic_a constitution_n it_o shall_v not_o have_v power_n to_o purge_v itself_o of_o its_o own_o superfluous_a and_o noisome_a humour_n iv_o proposition_n in_o case_n a_o particular_a church_n be_v disturb_v with_o error_n or_o scandal_n and_o the_o same_o maintain_v by_o a_o faction_n among_o they_o now_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n or_o of_o their_o messenger_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n whereby_o error_n be_v judicial_o convince_v and_o condemn_v the_o truth_n search_v out_o and_o determine_v and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n declare_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n may_v appear_v by_o two_o argument_n 1._o argum._n from_o the_o want_n of_o power_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o pass_v a_o bind_a sentence_n where_o error_n or_o scandal_n be_v maintain_v by_o a_o faction_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v make_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n mat._n 18.18_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o church_n when_o it_o be_v leaven_v with_o error_n and_o variance_n it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a ecclesia_fw-la litigans_fw-la not_z ligat_fw-la and_o the_o ground_n of_o both_o arise_v from_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v make_v mat._n 18.17_o 18._o which_o though_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o church_n agree_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18.19_o 20._o if_o there_o want_v agreement_n among_o they_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v not_o give_v to_o they_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v agree_v and_o yet_o agree_v in_o a_o error_n or_o in_o a_o scandal_n they_o do_v not_o then_o agree_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n impli_v they_o meet_v not_o only_o by_o his_o command_n and_o authority_n but_o also_o that_o they_o proceed_v according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o will_n and_o that_o to_o his_o service_n and_o glory_n if_o then_o the_o church_n or_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o fall_v into_o error_n through_o ignorance_n or_o into_o faction_n by_o variance_n they_o can_v expect_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n to_o pass_v a_o bind_a sentence_n and_o then_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o conviction_n and_o admonition_n of_o any_o other_o sister_n church_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n so_o their_o error_n and_o variance_n and_o whatsoever_o scandal_v else_o do_v accompany_v the_o same_o they_o be_v just_o subject_a to_o the_o condemnation_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o synod_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o power_n to_o determine_v and_o judge_v error_n and_o variance_n in_o particular_a church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o pattern_n set_v before_o we_o in_o that_o case_n act._n 15.1_o to_o 28._o when_o certain_a false_a teacher_n have_v teach_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n a_o necessity_n of_o circumcision_n to_o salvation_n and_o have_v get_v a_o faction_n to_o take_v part_n with_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n against_o they_o the_o church_n do_v not_o determine_v the_o case_n themselves_o but_o refer_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 15.1_o 2._o not_o to_o the_o apostle_n alone_o but_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n there_o be_v not_o a_o few_o the_o believer_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v many_o thousand_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n determine_v the_o matter_n as_o have_v be_v say_v by_o apostolical_a authority_n from_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o they_o assemble_v together_o with_o the_o elder_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n v._o 6._o and_o a_o multitude_n of_o brethren_n together_o with_o they_o v._n 12.22_o 23._o and_o after_o search_v out_o the_o cause_n by_o a_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o disputation_n v._o 7._o peter_n clear_v it_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o ministry_n in_o cornelius_n his_o family_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n by_o the_o like_a effect_n of_o their_o ministry_n among_o the_o gentile_n â—_o james_n confirm_v the_o same_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n wherewith_o the_o whole_a synod_n be_v satisfy_v they_o determine_v of_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n and_o of_o a_o way_n to_o publish_v it_o by_o letter_n and_o messenger_n in_o which_o they_o censure_v the_o false_a teacher_n as_o troubler_n of_o their_o church_n and_o subverter_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o reject_v the_o imposition_n of_o circumcision_n as_o a_o yoke_n which_o neither_o they_o nor_o their_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v they_o impose_v upon_o the_o church_n none_o but_o some_o necessary_a observation_n and_o they_o by_o way_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o v._o 28._o which_o pattern_n clear_o show_v we_o to_o who_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n be_v commit_v when_o there_o grow_v offence_n and_o difference_n in_o a_o church_n look_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o a_o faithful_a brother_n persist_v in_o the_o matter_n be_v at_o last_o judge_v and_o determine_v in_o a_o church_n which_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n the_o matter_n be_v at_o last_o judge_v in_o a_o congregation_n of_o church_n a_o church_n of_o church_n for_o what_o be_v a_o synod_n else_o but_o a_o church_n of_o church_n now_o from_o all_o these_o former_a proposition_n which_o tend_v to_o clear_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o deduce_v certain_a corollary_n from_o thence_o tend_v to_o clear_v a_o parallel_n question_n to_o this_o to_o wit_n in_o what_o sense_n it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v that_o a_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v independent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o in_o what_o sense_n not_o for_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n it_o be_v independent_a and_o in_o none_o other_o we_o take_v the_o first_o subject_n and_o the_o independent_a subject_n to_o be_v all_o one_o 1._o corollary_n the_o church_n be_v not_o independent_a on_o christ_n but_o dependent_a on_o he_o for_o all_o church-power_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o he_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n by_o way_n of_o sovereign_a eminency_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o yea_o and_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n be_v dependent_a upon_o he_o for_o all_o ministerial_a church-power_n ministry_n be_v dependent_a upon_o sovereignty_n yea_o the_o more_o dependent_a they_o be_v upon_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o church-power_n the_o more_o powerful_a be_v all_o their_o power_n in_o all_o their_o adminstration_n 2._o corollary_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o the_o key_n though_o it_o be_v independent_a in_o respect_n of_o derivation_n of_o power_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o spiritual_a administration_n yet_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o
power_n of_o the_o sword_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n the_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n wherein_o church-subjection_n be_v chief_o attend_v be_v of_o four_o sort_n 1._o the_o first_o sort_n be_v civil_a matter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o be_v the_o dispose_n of_o man_n good_n or_o land_n life_n or_o liberty_n tribute_n custom_n worldly_a honour_n and_o inheritance_n in_o these_o the_o church_n submit_v and_o refer_v itself_o to_o the_o civil_a state_n christ_n as_o minister_v of_o the_o circumcision_n refuse_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o divide_n of_o inheritance_n among_o brethren_n as_o impertinent_a to_o his_o call_n luk._n 12.13_o 14._o his_o kingdom_n he_o acknowledge_v be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o himself_o pay_v tribute_n to_o cesar_n matth._n 17.27_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o concern_v civil_a peace_n be_v the_o establishment_n of_o pure_a religion_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o also_o the_o reformation_n of_o all_o corruption_n in_o any_o of_o these_o on_o this_o ground_n the_o good_a king_n of_o judah_n command_v judah_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o own_o statute_n and_o commandment_n and_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n of_o strange_a god_n high_a place_n image_n and_o grove_n they_o remove_v and_o be_v commend_v of_o god_n and_o obey_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o people_n in_o so_o do_v 2_o chron._n 14.3_o 4_o 5._o 2_o chron._n 15.8_o to_o 16._o 2_o chron._n 17.6_o to_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 19.3_o 4._o 2_o chron._n 24.4_o 5_o 6._o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2_o chron._n 29.3_o to_o 35._o 2_o chron._n 30.1_o to_o 12._o 2_o chron._n 34.3_o to_o 33._o the_o establishment_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n in_o religion_n do_v much_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n if_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v there_o will_v be_v war_n in_o the_o gate_n judg._n 5.8_o and_o no_o peace_n to_o he_o that_o come_v in_o or_o go_v out_o 2_o chron._n 15.3_o 5_o 6._o but_o where_o religion_n rejoice_v the_o civil_a state_n flourish_v hagg._n 2.15_o to_o 19_o it_o be_v true_a the_o establishment_n of_o pure_a religion_n and_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n pertain_v also_o to_o the_o church_n and_o synodical_a assembly_n but_o they_o go_v about_o it_o only_o with_o spiritual_a weapon_n ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o church-censure_n upon_o such_o as_o be_v under_o church-power_n but_o magistrate_n address_v themselves_o thereto_o partly_o by_o command_v and_o stir_v up_o the_o church_n and_o minister_n thereof_o to_o go_v about_o it_o in_o their_o spiritual_a way_n partly_o also_o by_o civil_a punishment_n upon_o the_o wilful_a opposer_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o same_o as_o jehosaphat_n send_v priest_n and_o levite_n and_o they_o accompanied_z and_o countenance_v with_o prince_n and_o noble_n to_o preach_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n 2_o chron._n 17.7_o 8_o 9_o so_o josiah_n put_v to_o death_n the_o idolatrous_a priest_n of_o the_o high_a place_n 2_o king_n 22.20_o nor_o be_v that_o a_o peculiar_a duty_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n but_o attend_v to_o also_o by_o heathen_a prince_n and_o that_o to_o prevent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o the_o realm_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o son_n ezra_n 7.23_o yea_o and_o of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o in_o some_o case_n capital_a punishment_n shall_v proceed_v against_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o by_o the_o procurement_n of_o their_o near_a kindred_n zach._n 13.3_o and_o the_o execution_n thereof_o be_v describe_v revel_v 16.4_o to_o 7._o where_o the_o river_n and_o fountain_n of_o water_n that_o be_v the_o priest_n and_o jesuite_n that_o convey_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n throughout_o the_o country_n be_v turn_v to_o blood_n that_o be_v have_v blood_n give_v they_o to_o drink_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n nevertheless_o though_o we_o willing_o acknowledge_v a_o power_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o establish_v and_o reform_v religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o we_o judge_v it_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o civil_a power_n to_o compel_v all_o man_n to_o come_v and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n or_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n before_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v of_o god_n for_o such_o fellowship_n for_o this_o be_v not_o a_o reformation_n but_o a_o deformation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o against_o it_o as_o we_o shall_v show_v god_n will_v in_o the_o sequel_n when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o disposition_n or_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o three_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o some_o public_a spiritual_a administration_n which_o may_v advance_v and_o help_v forward_o the_o public_a good_a of_o civil_a state_n according_a to_o god_n in_o time_n of_o war_n or_o pestilence_n or_o any_o public_a calamity_n or_o danger_n lie_v upon_o a_o commonwealth_n the_o magistrate_n may_v lawful_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a as_o jehosaphat_n do_v 2_o chron._n 20.3_o and_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o neglect_v such_o a_o administration_n upon_o such_o a_o just_a occasion_n neither_o do_v it_o impeach_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v a_o fast_a when_o themselves_o see_v god_n call_v they_o to_o public_a humiliation_n for_o as_o jehosaphat_n call_v a_o fast_a so_o the_o prophet_n joel_n stir_v up_o the_o priest_n to_o call_v a_o fast_a in_o time_n of_o a_o famine_n threaten_v the_o want_n of_o holy_a sacrifice_n joel_n 1.13_o 14._o it_o may_v fall_v out_o also_o that_o in_o undertake_v a_o war_n or_o in_o make_v a_o league_n with_o a_o foreign_a state_n there_o may_v arise_v such_o case_n of_o conscience_n as_o may_v require_v the_o consultation_n of_o a_o synod_n in_o which_o case_n or_o the_o like_a if_o the_o magistrate_n call_v for_o a_o synod_n the_o church_n be_v to_o yield_v he_o ready_a subjection_n herein_o in_o the_o lord_n jehosaphat_n though_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o place_n when_o he_o be_v in_o samaria_n visit_v a_o idolatrous_a king_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o out_o of_o his_o way_n when_o in_o case_n of_o undertake_v the_o war_n against_o syria_n he_o call_v for_o counsel_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o a_o council_n or_o synod_n of_o priest_n and_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 22.5_o 6_o 7._o 4._o a_o four_o sort_n of_o thing_n wherein_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o refuse_v subjection_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v in_o patient_a suffer_v their_o unjust_a persecution_n without_o hostile_a or_o rebellious_a resistance_n for_o though_o persecution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o advance_v the_o civil_a peace_n but_o overthrow_v it_o yet_o for_o the_o church_n to_o take_v up_o the_o sword_n in_o her_o own_o defence_n be_v not_o a_o lawful_a mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o church_n peace_n but_o a_o disturbance_n of_o it_o rather_o in_o this_o case_n when_o peter_n draw_v his_o sword_n in_o defence_n of_o his_o master_n the_o lord_n jesus_n against_o a_o attachment_n serve_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n our_o saviour_n bid_v he_o put_v up_o his_o sword_n into_o his_o sheath_n again_o for_o say_v he_o all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v by_o the_o sword_n mat._n 27.50_o 51_o 52._o where_o he_o speak_v of_o peter_n either_o as_o a_o private_a disciple_n or_o a_o church-officer_n to_o who_o though_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v yet_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v not_o commit_v and_o for_o such_o to_o take_v up_o the_o sword_n though_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n and_o such_o be_v the_o case_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o of_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n as_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o the_o sword_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o administer_v but_o not_o of_o the_o sword_n wherein_o nevertheless_o we_o speak_v of_o church_n and_o synod_n as_o such_o that_o be_v as_o church-member_n or_o church-assembly_n act_v in_o a_o church-way_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n receive_v from_o christ_n but_o if_o some_o of_o the_o same_o person_n
be_v also_o betrust_v by_o the_o civil_a state_n with_o the_o preservation_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o shall_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o public_a civil_a assembly_n whether_o in_o council_n or_o camp_n they_o may_v there_o provide_v by_o civil_a power_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o country_n ne_fw-la quid_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la respublica_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la if_o king_n saul_n swear_v to_o put_v jonathan_n to_o death_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n may_v by_o strong_a hand_n rescue_v he_o from_o his_o father_n unjust_a and_o illegal_a fury_n 1_o sam._n 14.44_o 45._o but_o if_o saul_n persecute_v david_n though_o as_o unjust_o as_o jonathan_n yet_o if_o the_o prince_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n will_v not_o rescue_v he_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n david_n a_o private_a man_n will_v not_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n so_o much_o as_o to_o touch_v the_o lord_n anoint_a 1_o sam._n 24.4_o to_o 7._o to_o conclude_v this_o corollary_n touch_v the_o subjection_n of_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n this_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n so_o the_o magistrate_n if_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hence_o it_o be_v prophesy_v by_o isaiah_n that_o king_n and_o queen_n who_o be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v bow_v down_o to_o the_o church_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o david_n prophesi_v of_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v by_o call_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o subdue_v the_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n psal_n 149.6_o 7._o so_o to_o bind_v their_o king_n with_o chain_n and_o their_o noble_n with_o fetter_n of_o iron_n to_o execute_v upon_o they_o the_o judgement_n write_v that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n psal_n 149._o v._n 8_o 9_o 3._o a_o three_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v this_o that_o a_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n have_v be_v clear_v above_o in_o the_o open_n the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n be_v unavoidable_o independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o body_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o as_o have_v be_v say_v afore_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o accident_n or_o adjunct_n be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o either_o for_o the_o enjoy_v or_o for_o the_o employ_v the_o have_v or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o 4._o a_o four_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v that_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o any_o offence_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o a_o strong_a party_n in_o it_o be_v not_o independent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n but_o be_v subject_n both_o to_o the_o admonition_n of_o any_o other_o church_n and_o to_o the_o determination_n and_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o direction_n into_o a_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o also_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o if_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la litigans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la that_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n a_o promise_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n unless_o they_o agree_v together_o and_o agree_v in_o his_o name_n than_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o independent_a in_o their_o proceed_n as_o do_v fail_v in_o either_o for_o all_o the_o independency_n that_o can_v be_v claim_v be_v found_v upon_o that_o promise_n what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o on_o that_o promise_n be_v found_v both_o the_o independency_n and_o security_n and_o parity_n also_o of_o all_o church_n but_o if_o that_o promise_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o they_o they_o be_v like_o samson_n when_o his_o hair_n be_v cut_v off_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o fall_v under_o other_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o fall_v soft_a than_o he_o do_v he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o friend_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n recant_v his_o error_n do_v acknowledge_v so_o may_v they_o thus_o be_v i_o wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n zach._n 13.6_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o neighbour-church_n or_o two_o i_o be_v friendly_o smite_v with_o a_o brotherly_a admonition_n which_o like_o a_o precious_a oil_n do_v not_o break_v my_o head_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n i_o be_v friendly_a yea_o brotherly_o censure_v and_o heal_v 5._o a_o five_o and_o last_o corollary_n arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n may_v be_v this_o though_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o whole_a some_o and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n and_o consolation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church_n affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o now_o church-affaire_n of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n we_o account_v to_o be_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n excommunication_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o any_o person_n of_o public_a note_n and_o employment_n the_o translation_n of_o a_o elder_a from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o or_o the_o like_a in_o which_o case_n we_o conceive_v it_o safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o proceed_v with_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n safe_a for_o in_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n as_o in_o civil_a so_o in_o church_n affair_n prov._n 11.14_o and_o though_o this_o or_o that_o church_n may_v be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o they_o will_v be_v joath_v to_o call_v in_o or_o look_v out_o for_o help_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o other_o though_o they_o have_v more_o need_n than_o other_o yea_o and_o the_o best_a church_n may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o help_n as_o other_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n which_o other_o church_n may_v have_v prevent_v have_v they_o discern_v it_o at_o first_o it_o be_v also_o wholesome_a as_o tend_v to_o maintain_v brotherly_a love_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n in_o church_n and_o to_o prevent_v many_o offence_n which_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o transact_v all_o such_o thing_n within_o itself_o without_o consent_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v just_a warrant_n from_o a_o like_a precedent_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o independent_a from_o one_o another_o and_o stand_v in_o as_o little_a need_n of_o one_o another_o help_n as_o church_n do_v one_o of_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 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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