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prayer_n church_n form_n set_a 6,899 5 10.9977 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A75492 A consideration of certaine controversies at this time agitated in the kingdome of England, concerning the government of the church of God. / Written at the command and appointment of the Walachrian classis, by Guilielmus Apollonii, minister of the Word of God at Middleburgh. And sent from the Walachrian churches, to declare the sense and consent of their churches, to the Synod at London. Octob. 16. 1644. Stilo novo. Translated out of Latine accorning to the printed copy. Apollonius, Willem, 1602 or 3-1657. 1645 (1645) Wing A3535; Thomason E1155_2; ESTC R208676 76,829 175

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bind_v by_o oath_n our_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o live_v under_o our_o power_n to_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n we_o may_v bind_v they_o also_o by_o law_n and_o canon_n to_o the_o same_o profession_n for_o of_o like_a thing_n there_o be_v like_a judgement_n question_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v in_o the_o church_n prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o c_o or_o whether_o those_o church_n who_o use_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n answer_n in_o this_o controversy_n we_o easy_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v write_v by_o ames_n upon_o this_o question_n in_o his_o case_n of_o conscience_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 17._o quaest_n 4._o and_o to_o what_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n have_v in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 36._o thes_n 33_o 34._o and_o that_o we_o may_v handle_v the_o question_n distinct_o 1._o we_o reject_v such_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v vicious_a for_o we_o may_v not_o in_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n propound_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a impertinent_a and_o unfitting_a which_o savour_v of_o superstition_n idolatry_n or_o heresy_n or_o carnal_a profaneness_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o introduce_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n and_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n introduce_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o last_o corrupt_a time_n by_o the_o hierarchicall_a bishop_n as_o which_o be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a do_v deface_v the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o glorious_a reformation_n and_o a_o church_n which_o take_v up_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n partake_v in_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o public_a worship_n which_o by_o a_o tyrannical_a and_o violent_a command_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o as_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n though_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v legitimat_o dispose_v yet_o for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduce_v they_o become_v illegitimate_a instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o pretence_n for_o perverse_a wickedness_n and_o occasion_n of_o violent_a tyranny_n against_o the_o worthy_a and_o best_a son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v not_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n who_o institution_n be_v not_o defective_a in_o the_o absolute_o necessary_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n any_o form_n prescribe_v as_o simple_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a wherein_o they_o have_v draw_v up_o a_o exact_a and_o immutable_a rule_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o church_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o method_n to_o which_o all_o faithful_a worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v to_o be_v precise_o bind_v 3._o the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o form_n whereby_o they_o be_v obtrude_v as_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o essential_a mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o a_o prescribe_v they_o whereby_o they_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n commend_v for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o those_o who_o want_v either_o sufficient_a ability_n or_o freedom_n of_o exercise_v it_o for_o the_o seemly_a expression_n of_o those_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v guide_v by_o they_o as_o help_v in_o their_o meditation_n petition_n word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o auditor_n especial_o in_o great_a congregation_n may_v by_o those_o form_n be_v help_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o uniformity_n observe_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o church_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o great_a edefication_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o judge_v those_o form_n as_o well_o public_o as_o private_o use_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o profitable_a so_o that_o they_o be_v read_v out_o of_o the_o book_n with_o due_a attention_n reverence_n faith_n and_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o zeal_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o he_o that_o be_v to_o perform_v those_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o fit_a word_n to_o express_v the_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o the_o help_a and_o direct_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o auditor_n thereby_o and_o for_o keep_v a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o we_o may_v in_o a_o prescript_n form_n sing_v psalm_n and_o offer_v thanksgiving_n to_o god_n with_o due_a reverence_n faith_n spiritual_a affection_n and_o zeal_n asaph_z and_o his_o brethren_n have_v form_n for_o the_o due_a praise_v of_o god_n prescribe_v they_o by_o david_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n whereof_o they_o be_v in_o set_a word_n to_o celebrate_v public_a thanksgiving_n see_v 1_o chron._n 16._o 7_o 8._o so_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o set-form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 2_o chron._n 7._o 6._o the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v numb_a 6._o 22_o 23._o 2_o chron_n 20._o 21._o esra_fw-la 3._o 10_o 11._o psal_n 92._o 1._o but_o now_o if_o thanksgiving_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n reverence_n and_o understanding_n and_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 15._o ephes_n 5._o 19_o col._n 3._o 16._o both_o lawful_o may_v be_v and_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o set_a form_n then_o also_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n may_v in_o set_a form_n be_v due_o and_o lawful_o conceive_v and_o offer_v to_o god_n for_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v kind_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o require_v the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n with_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o be_v observe_v the_o essentials_n and_o necessary_a requisite_n to_o all_o prayer_n but_o all_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v require_v to_o the_o due_a constitution_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o by_o the_o godly_a be_v observe_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n in_o prayer_n conceive_v in_o set_a form_n and_o pronounce_v out_o of_o a_o book_n therefore_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o scripture_n require_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o supplication_n and_o godly_a prayer_n but_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o sty_o dispose_v according_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n that_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n with_o reverence_n zeal_n humility_n and_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o due_o express_v our_o urge_v necessity_n but_o we_o know_v by_o certain_a experience_n that_o a_o prayer_n holy_a and_o lawful_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o may_v in_o a_o set_a form_n be_v pronounce_v and_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o necessity_n desire_n and_o zeal_n holiness_n of_o affection_n faith_n and_o religious_a motion_n of_o our_o will_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o according_a as_o our_o affair_n require_v the_o faithful_a read_v the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n with_o understanding_n humility_n reverence_n zeal_n religious_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a necessity_n and_o why_o may_v not_o prayer_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v pronounce_v in_o prescript_n form_n when_o as_o prayer_n differ_v in_o this_o only_a from_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o in_o the_o one_o our_o will_n be_v move_v towards_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v move_v by_o he_o but_o in_o the_o other_o our_o will_n be_v move_v towards_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o our_o desire_n as_o ames_n elsewhere_o observe_v 3._o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o lords-prayer_n not_o only_o as_o a_o pattern_n or_o platform_n according_a to_o
which_o we_o ought_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n but_o also_o as_o a_o prayer_n which_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o may_v say_v pray_v you_o therefore_o thus_o say_v he_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 6._o 9_o and_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 11._o 2._o our_o lord_n therefore_o do_v not_o only_o deliver_v a_o rule_n for_o prayer_n but_o compose_v this_o prayer_n in_o set_a word_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o we_o not_o only_o for_o imitation_n but_o to_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n afford_v we_o in_o mercy_n a_o most_o useful_a help_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o not_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o a_o perfect_a supply_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o use_n whereof_o though_o not_o always_o necessary_a yet_o we_o judge_v it_o ofttimes_o safe_a and_o convenient_a our_o lord_n himself_o suggest_v these_o word_n and_o commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o hence_o in_o all_o the_o liturgy_n of_o reform_a church_n that_o be_v extent_n the_o rehearse_v the_o lords-prayer_n be_v prescribe_v so_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o express_a form_n of_o baptise_v matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o by_o absolute_a necessity_n tie_v to_o the_o syllable_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o we_o must_v admit_v no_o mutation_n as_o also_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n have_v their_o set_a form_n in_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n blessing_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passeover_n which_o also_o christ_n by_o his_o practice_n do_v approve_v to_o be_v retain_v see_v mr_n beza_n on_o matth._n 26._o 20._o paulus_n brugensis_n on_o psalm_n 112._o and_o scaliger_n de_fw-fr emendat_fw-la temporum_fw-la lib._n 6._o who_o he_o there_o cit_v as_o also_o ainsworth_n himself_o on_o exod._n 12._o 8._o so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n have_v by_o his_o example_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n matth._n 26._o which_o the_o apostolic_a church_n think_v good_a to_o retain_v and_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 11._o hence_o also_o in_o almost_o all_o reform_a church_n ecclesiastical_a liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v approve_v as_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n form_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v together_o with_o our_o psalter_n and_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a catechism_n allow_v and_o public_o extant_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o carry_v to_o the_o utmost_a indies_n masculine_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a master_n john_n calvin_n epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n say_v he_o i_o much_o approve_v it_o that_o there_o be_v one_o certain_a form_n extant_a from_o which_o minister_n in_o their_o function_n may_v not_o depart_v as_o well_o that_o thereby_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o some_o as_o also_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o may_v so_o more_o certain_o appear_v last_o also_o that_o the_o petulant_a lightness_n of_o some_o may_v be_v prevent_v who_o affect_v innovation_n to_o which_o end_n also_o the_o catechism_n tend_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v so_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o catechism_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n these_o argument_n do_v also_o manifest_o show_v that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v hold_v with_o those_o church_n which_o retain_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n for_o no_o where_o have_v god_n command_v that_o a_o christian_n shall_v separate_v himself_o from_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o prescript_n form_n and_o christ_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v to_o his_o church_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o celebrate_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o appoint_a form_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o we_o think_v it_o uncharitable_a to_o condemn_v all_o those_o godly_a church_n as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n which_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n downward_o even_o to_o this_o day_n have_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o prescript_n and_o set_v form_n and_o therefore_o we_o blame_v the_o precise_a singularity_n of_o those_o man_n who_o banish_v all_o set_a form_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n into_o private_a and_o separate_a congregation_n of_o their_o own_o because_o of_o the_o form_n use_v by_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la a_o table_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o question_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n p._n 1._o q._n whither_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n but_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o with_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o who_o upon_o strict_a examination_n do_v manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o real_a internal_a holiness_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v himself_o of_o his_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o communion_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o any_o congregation_n admit_v other_o in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o evident_a proof_n of_o these_o sign_n they_o admit_v impure_a and_o false_a church-member_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n p._n 13_o q._n whither_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o a_o public_a and_o express_a agreement_n and_o promise_n associate_v and_o unite_v among_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o fear_n and_o sacred_a worship_n of_o god_n unity_n of_o faith_n brotherly_a love_n mutual_a edification_n and_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o without_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n nor_o true_a church-member_n cha._n iii_o of_o a_o institute_v visible_a church_n p._n 24_o q._n whether_o no_o other_o external_a visible_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o limit_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o god_n publikeworship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v in_o all_o their_o member_n meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n p._n 43_o q._n whither_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v
pastor_n from_o that_o function_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o p._n 66_o q._n 1._o whether_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v only_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o those_o church-member_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o true_o godly_a so_o as_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o more_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n to_o convert_v the_o stray_a soul_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n then_o all_o believer_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n bind_v to_o do_v question_n 2._o p._n 70._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n 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of_o baptism_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n chap._n vi_o of_o class_n and_o synod_n and_o their_o authority_n p._n 89_o q._n 1._o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v authoritative_o judge_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n so_o as_o that_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o decree_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n question_n 2._o p._n 103_o whether_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n question_n 3._o p._n 118_o whether_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n p._n 130_o q._n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n 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in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n finis_fw-la we_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v delegate_n of_o the_o walacrian_a classis_fw-la do_v testify_v that_o our_o reverend_a colleague_n mr_n william_n apollonius_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o say_v classis_fw-la that_o in_o these_o sad_a trouble_n of_o england_n he_o shall_v by_o write_v set_v down_o what_o be_v the_o government_n practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n which_o we_o also_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o state_n that_o controversy_n by_o way_n of_o thesis_n and_o antithesis_n show_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o that_o we_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v and_o approve_v that_o write_n of_o he_o we_o desire_v from_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o government_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v uniform_a observe_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n we_o pray_v that_o the_o learned_a and_o worthy_a our_o brethren_n and_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n will_v be_v please_v fair_o to_o interpret_v this_o our_o affection_n jacobus_n d'herde_n precedent_n of_o the_o wallacrian_a classis_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la jodocus_n larenus_fw-la assessor_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la isaacus_n hoornbekius_n preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n cornelius_n beuckelarius_n preacher_n at_o vere_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o west-souburch_a maximilianus_n teellinck_fw-mi preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n this_o writing_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o prescript_n of_o the_o 46._o article_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n establish_v by_o the_o most_o renown_a and_o noble_a the_o state_n of_o zealand_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o west-souburch_a
a_o consideration_n of_o certain_a controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n write_a at_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la by_o guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n and_o send_v from_o the_o walachrian_a church_n to_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n octob._n 16._o 1644._o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la translate_v out_o of_o latin_a according_a to_o the_o print_a copy_n london_n print_v by_o g._n m._n for_o tho._n vnderhill_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o woodstreet_n 1645._o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lord_n the_o lord_n william_n boreel_n lord_n of_o duynbeque_n etc._n etc._n counsellor_n and_o chief_a syndick_n of_o the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n the_o lord_n john_n de_fw-fr reed_n lo._n of_o reinswoud_n etc._n etc._n deputy_n in_o ordinary_a in_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o province_n of_o vtrecht_n the_o lord_n albert_n joachimi_fw-la lord_n of_o oedekenskerk_n in_o oostende_v secretary_n of_o the_o republic_n of_o tergoes_a ambassador_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o netherlands_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a and_o most_o illustrious_a lord_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la be_v move_v with_o the_o deplorable_a face_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o english_a church_n will_v glad_o contribute_v some_o assistance_n for_o the_o quench_n of_o that_o flame_n of_o controversy_n rise_v among_o they_o concern_v the_o discipline_n and_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o afford_v not_o their_o prayer_n only_o but_o their_o counsel_n and_o assistance_n also_o meet_v for_o 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peace_n and_o the_o perplex_a affair_n of_o a_o shake_a kingdom_n to_o the_o straight_a bond_n of_o renew_a amity_n which_o that_o the_o great_a and_o gracious_a god_n may_v more_o and_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v in_o you_o and_o bless_v with_o prosperous_a success_n in_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o your_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n i_o beg_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o from_o my_o soul_n desire_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o preserve_v your_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a &_o most_o illustrious_a lordship_n and_o inspire_v those_o counsel_n into_o his_o royal_a majesty_n and_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n which_o you_o afford_v your_o assist_a endeavour_n may_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n together_o with_o edification_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v of_o love_n middleburgh_n the_o first_o of_o november_n 1644._o your_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lordship_n most_o observant_a guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n in_o zealand_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n reverend_n and_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n assemble_v in_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n write_v some_o month_n since_o to_o the_o church_n of_o zealand_n a_o express_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o your_o entire_a friendship_n but_o also_o of_o your_o confidence_n and_o sincere_a affection_n towards_o we_o into_o who_o bosom_n you_o be_v please_v to_o pour_v forth_o your_o fluctuate_a mind_n our_o wish_n and_o endeavour_n be_v that_o we_o may_v give_v you_o a_o real_a experiment_n of_o our_o brotherly_a compassion_n for_o our_o very_a inmost_a bowel_n burn_v within_o we_o with_o the_o zeal_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o affliction_n when_o the_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n of_o our_o holy_a brethren_n pierce_v our_o ear_n and_o when_o we_o serious_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o calamity_n o_o that_o our_o eye_n be_v resolve_v into_o fountain_n of_o water_n that_o we_o may_v lament_v day_n and_o night_n the_o desolation_n of_o the_o people_n our_o mind_n tremble_v to_o hear_v the_o desperate_a counsel_n and_o wicked_a attempt_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o blot_v out_o from_o among_o you_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o a_o reform_a church_n and_o total_o to_o hinder_v all_o better_a counsel_n and_o have_v bring_v it_o thus_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o band_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v break_v all_o thing_n be_v now_o involve_v in_o a_o cruel_a war_n all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n take_v away_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n overthrow_v but_o as_o god_n do_v by_o his_o favour_n prosper_v right_a counsel_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o bring_v the_o wicked_a plot_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o contrive_v 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happiness_n what_o be_v prosperous_a but_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o it_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o husband_n the_o lord_n and_o physician_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n because_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o we_o draw_v to_o die_v he_o have_v knit_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o himself_o to_o we_o in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n the_o lord_n because_o by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n he_o have_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n he_o govern_v we_o and_o bear_v rule_v in_o we_o and_o dispose_v at_o his_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o propriety_n the_o physician_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n he_o alone_o do_v efficacious_o heal_v the_o evil_n of_o man_n dispel_v the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o the_o soul_n purge_v his_o church_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o health_n he_o be_v ofttimes_o more_o merciful_a when_o he_o send_v bitter_a thing_n then_o when_o he_o refresh_v with_o sweet_a thing_n he_o know_v what_o be_v expedient_a for_o his_o
church_n and_o be_v neither_o slack_a nor_o sleep_v in_o the_o care_n of_o he_o we_o ofttimes_o judge_v those_o thing_n prosperous_a which_o be_v most_o adverse_a and_o think_v those_o thing_n adverse_a which_o be_v most_o prosperous_a our_o duty_n be_v to_o obey_v it_o be_v christ_n work_n to_o judge_v all_o prosperity_n be_v from_o he_o from_o who_o if_o it_o proceed_v not_o it_o can_v be_v call_v prosperity_n from_o he_o come_v adversisity_n which_o to_o we_o he_o make_v to_o be_v either_o a_o remedy_n or_o a_o gain_n to_o piety_n by_o that_o he_o comfort_v our_o infirmity_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o by_o this_o he_o tri_v and_o crow_v our_o faith_n the_o church_n can_v have_v entrance_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n but_o by_o the_o cross_n that_o be_v the_o common_a way_n of_o all_o whether_o we_o be_v king_n as_o one_o speak_v or_o poor_a peasant_n every_o one_o must_v take_v up_o his_o own_o cross_n but_o christ_n live_v order_v the_o scene_n of_o 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the_o saviour_n suffer_v not_o those_o to_o perish_v who_o depend_v on_o thou_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n vindicate_v thy_o own_o possession_n thou_o be_v the_o head_n afford_v succour_n to_o thy_o member_n thou_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n inspire_v those_o that_o be_v thou_o with_o mutual_a love_n thou_o be_v god_n have_v compassion_n on_o thy_o suppliant_n and_o you_o brethren_n endure_v labour_n with_o a_o good_a courage_n and_o compose_v your_o spirit_n that_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n good_a you_o may_v with_o assure_a hope_n and_o firm_a confidence_n undergo_v whatever_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v upon_o you_o there_o be_v no_o affliction_n so_o great_a but_o humane_a nature_n may_v bear_v it_o if_o accustom_v to_o it_o especial_o if_o there_o be_v christian_a fortitude_n godly_a confidence_n and_o a_o courageous_a mind_n think_v with_o yourselves_o not_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o affliction_n do_v thereby_o become_v the_o more_o 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nature_n averse_a from_o all_o dissension_n for_o it_o be_v true_o that_o vine_n and_o that_o figtree_n in_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o be_v by_o a_o message_n from_o the_o tree_n call_v upon_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o wage_v war_n answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o natural_a sweetness_n and_o be_v involve_v in_o trouble_n we_o exhort_v you_o therefore_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v serious_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o charity_n require_v you_o that_o you_o take_v care_n to_o discover_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o you_o will_v endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o this_o loathsome_a evil_n of_o schism_n and_o error_n while_o the_o disease_n be_v yet_o curable_a from_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o nation_n of_o your_o city_n unless_o you_o do_v timely_o withstand_v the_o spread_a gangrene_n of_o separatist_n and_o the_o unlawful_a conventicle_n of_o schismatics_n farewell_o all_o sacred_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n due_a policy_n 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that_o we_o will_v call_v you_o to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o our_o tribunal_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v among_o you_o and_o those_o brother_n who_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a part_n in_o these_o controversy_n man_n learned_a godly_a lover_n of_o peace_n who_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a in_o judge_v explain_v and_o decide_v all_o these_o controversy_n but_o in_o quench_v a_o common_a flame_n in_o a_o city_n they_o not_o without_o cause_n run_v to_o help_v even_o uncalled_a who_o neighbour_n house_n be_v on_o fire_n we_o be_v bind_v not_o only_o by_o the_o same_o bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n but_o by_o the_o common_a danger_n and_o hazard_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o afford_v our_o advice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o will_v bring_v injurious_a and_o destructive_a damage_n to_o our_o reformation_n you_o have_v call_v upon_o we_o in_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n that_o we_o 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its_o external_a manner_n of_o existence_n in_o which_o be_v include_v both_o godly_a and_o reprobate_n ii_o we_o reject_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o in_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o external_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v by_o a_o strict_a examination_n first_o try_v by_o other_o believer_n or_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n holy_a conference_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n and_o have_v manifest_v to_o they_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o have_v afterward_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n public_o profess_v a_o sincere_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v either_o by_o a_o continue_a speech_n or_o by_o question_n and_o answer_n make_v manifest_a by_o evident_a sign_n the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n that_o in_o a_o church_n covenant_n sincere_o faithful_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o both_o can_v and_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o we_o read_v not_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n this_o manner_n of_o admit_v church_n member_n be_v in_o use_n those_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o be_v not_o in_o this_o manner_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o man_n be_v upon_o such_o a_o confession_n join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o whereby_o hypocrite_n and_o person_n not_o convert_v may_v have_v entrance_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n whence_o also_o in_o our_o reform_a church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o member_n of_o church_n be_v admit_v by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n a_o solemn_a protestation_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n a_o testimony_n of_o a_o unblameable_a and_o inoffensive_a life_n as_o also_o ames_n himself_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v due_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o obedience_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 17._o and_o in_o some_o more_o numerous_a church_n in_o the_o netherlands_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o church_n great_a prudence_n in_o admit_v member_n that_o those_o who_o desire_v admission_n into_o church-communion_n before_o their_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v for_o some_o week_n several_a time_n private_o exercise_v and_o instruct_v if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o exercise_v and_o this_o instruction_n be_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o visitation_n of_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o be_v also_o public_o offer_v to_o all_o when_o notice_n be_v give_v of_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o minister_n inquire_v likewise_o of_o the_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v communion_n with_o we_o afterward_o they_o use_v to_o undergo_v a_o examination_n before_o the_o consistory_n in_o their_o consistoriall_a meeting_n or_o before_o the_o delegate_n of_o the_o consistory_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o minister_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o catechism_n and_o last_o of_o all_o have_v be_v thus_o try_v they_o do_v in_o public_a before_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n give_v answer_n to_o these_o general_a position_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o persist_v till_o death_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o as_o become_v this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v those_o who_o desire_v admission_n admit_v to_o our_o church_n communion_n this_o custom_n though_o laudable_a be_v not_o indeed_o contrary_a but_o yet_o be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o all_o our_o church_n which_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o urge_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o great_a ecclesiastical_a prudence_n in_o so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o esteem_v that_o order_n establish_v in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o due_a admit_v of_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n question_n whether_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o 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one_o ministry_n and_o spiritual_a discipline_n but_o this_o union_n they_o affirm_v the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n enter_v into_o among_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o in_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o will_v frequent_v the_o same_o divine_a worship_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o church_n governor_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a and_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o discipline_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o this_o union_n there_o be_v they_o affirm_v a_o kind_n of_o tacit_n and_o virtual_a covenant_n which_o unit_v the_o faithful_a into_o a_o particular_a church_n although_o such_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o they_o in_o express_a term_n be_v not_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o question_n require_v we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o save_a grace_n between_o god_n and_o repent_a sinner_n found_v in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n whereby_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n as_o well_o in_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n as_o out_o of_o it_o by_o which_o covenant_n all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o partaker_n of_o it_o obtain_v right_a to_o all_o those_o save_a benefit_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o tacit_n or_o virtual_a covenant_n between_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o external_a particular_a church_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o mutual_a duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o particular_a church_n communion_n as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o care_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n frequent_v the_o same_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o which_o covenant_n they_o also_o obtain_v to_o themselves_o right_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o we_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o express_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n enter_v into_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n when_o the_o church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n or_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o for_o the_o preserve_n or_o propagate_a or_o restore_v of_o the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o which_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o there_o do_v not_o accrue_v
ecclesiastical_o and_o when_o one_o of_o they_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n other_o endeavour_v by_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n to_o reduce_v it_o into_o the_o right_a way_n and_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o their_o ecclesiastical_a admonition_n they_o judge_v they_o as_o a_o company_n of_o heathen_n and_o publican_n avoid_v and_o exclude_v they_o from_o their_o holy_a communion_n since_o then_o the_o church_n of_o one_o people_n or_o nation_n perform_v among_o themselves_o these_o specifical_a exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o union_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o coalition_n of_o they_o into_o a_o church_n nationall_n hence_o also_o our_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o in_o their_o synodall_n canon_n have_v ordain_v not_o only_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n consistoriall_a presbyterial_a and_o classical_a but_o have_v also_o often_o decree_v that_o synod_n provincial_n and_o nationall_n be_v to_o be_v call_v for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judge_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o synod_n at_o emda_n anno_fw-la 1571._o art_n 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 16_o 17._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 20_o 21._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 26_o 27._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 25_o 26._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 29_o 30._o where_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v four_o sort_n of_o church_n assembly_n hold_v to_o wit_n consistory_n class_n synod_n provincial_n and_o nationall_n wherein_o nothing_o but_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n may_v be_v handle_v and_o that_o in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a manner_n iii_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n a_o universal_a external_a church_n disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o in_o a_o visible_a polity_n make_v one_o ecclesiastical_a organical_a body_n under_o which_o be_v contain_v all_o particular_a classical_a provincial_n and_o nationall_n church_n as_o part_n of_o that_o whole_a this_o assertion_n we_o thus_o prove_v from_o scripture_n 1._o from_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n where_o by_o the_o word_n church_n be_v signify_v that_o one_o body_n of_o which_o there_o be_v many_o member_n speak_v of_o ver_fw-la 12._o wherein_o be_v not_o describe_v the_o invisible_a and_o mystical_a church_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o visible_a and_o external_a as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o visible_a sacrament_n or_o sign_n of_o baptism_n ver_fw-la 13._o which_o consist_v of_o various_a and_o heterogeneous_a external_a member_n and_o organ_n ver_fw-la 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o to_o which_o be_v give_v from_o god_n those_o various_a and_o external_a administration_n for_o edification_n speak_v of_o ver_fw-la 28._o which_o be_v subject_a to_o schism_n and_o separation_n ver_fw-la 25._o nor_o be_v it_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v there_o describe_v but_o the_o universal_a and_o catholic_a church_n wherein_o all_o as_o well_o jew_n as_o gentile_n be_v join_v into_o one_o body_n ver_fw-la 13._o which_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v in_o one_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 13._o to_o which_o be_v give_v from_o god_n apostles_n prophet_n teacher_n pastor_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 28._o which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a but_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n visible_a there_o be_v therefore_o here_o describe_v a_o universal_a church_n 2._o there_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n some_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n ecclesiastical_a between_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n a_o universal_a body_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v between_o they_o a_o internal_a fellowship_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o mutual_a duty_n of_o christianity_n eph._n 4._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o which_o require_v also_o a_o external_a ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o exhort_v reprove_v comfort_v and_o edify_v of_o all_o and_o bind_v we_o to_o offer_v prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o behalf_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o reduce_v church_n go_v astray_o etc._n etc._n and_o that_o fellowship_n which_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n hold_v among_o themselves_o the_o same_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n ought_v the_o provincial_n and_o nationall_n church_n to_o hold_v among_o themselves_o for_o the_o mutual_a edification_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n all_o nationall_n church_n do_v make_v up_o one_o universal_a ecclesiastical_a body_n 3._o so_o also_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n ecclesiastical_a meeting_n hold_v which_o represent_v the_o church_n catholic_a and_o universal_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n wherein_o business_n be_v transact_v which_o concern_v the_o universal_a catholic_a church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o act._n 1._o where_o a_o ecclesiastical_a meeting_n be_v hold_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n or_o church-government_n ver_fw-la 15_o 16_o 26._o and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a for_o there_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a the_o apostle_n send_v into_o the_o whole_a world_n matth._n 28._o 19_o with_o the_o brethren_n out_o of_o galilee_n and_o jerusalem_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o they_o transact_v a_o business_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n universal_a to_o wit_n the_o election_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o they_o who_o transact_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o rule_n government_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a aught_o to_o represent_v the_o church_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all._n 15._o 22._o that_o meeting_n of_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n be_v call_v a_o church_n who_o by_o a_o ordinary_a power_n prescribe_v ecclesiastical_a decree_n and_o canon_n to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o impose_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o no_o provincial_n or_o nationall_n much_o less_o parochial_a church_n may_v lawful_o do_v but_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n the_o reform_a divine_n also_o acknowledge_v a_o catholic_a visible_a church_n see_v among_o other_o walaeus_n in_o his_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la militante_fw-la pag._n 458._o of_o his_o work_n in_o folio_n where_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a after_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o he_o affirm_v that_o this_o church_n visible_a be_v consider_v two_o way_n either_o universal_o for_o the_o church_n which_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v also_o catholic_a or_o for_o a_o particular_a company_n confine_v to_o one_o certain_a place_n see_v also_o the_o position_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disp_n 40._o thes_n 27._o where_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v by_o some_o consounded_a with_o a_o church_n particular_a and_o the_o invisible_a with_o the_o universal_a but_o we_o say_v they_o save_v always_o better_a judgement_n think_v these_o member_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v confound_v and_o thes_n 33._o thus_o they_o say_v this_o church_n visible_a be_v consider_v two_o way_n either_o as_o a_o certain_a company_n of_o one_o particular_a village_n town_n or_o province_n those_o to_o wit_n who_o be_v knit_v together_o not_o only_o in_o a_o community_n of_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n but_o also_o in_o the_o form_n of_o external_a government_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n or_o as_o a_o certain_a company_n occumenicall_a and_o universal_a disperse_v in_o divers_a place_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n though_o in_o the_o very_a external_a form_n of_o government_n and_o circumstantial_a rite_n they_o do_v often_o much_o differ_v among_o themselves_o yet_o agree_v in_o the_o essential_a community_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o sacrament_n whence_o also_o that_o be_v frequent_a in_o cyprian_a the_o bishopric_n be_v one_o whereof_o each_o several_o hold_v a_o part_n four_o we_o affirm_v that_o a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n meet_v together_o with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n for_o transact_a church_n affair_n be_v a_o church_n to_o wit_n a_o ministerial_a or_o a_o govern_n and_o representative_a church_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o therefore_o call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n church_n we_o confess_v that_o such_o a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n be_v not_o a_o church_n representative_a proper_o so_o call_v as_o if_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o delegate_n of_o the_o believer_n who_o in_o their_o name_n and_o their_o stead_n govern_v the_o
profession_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o reality_n and_o its_o internal_a nature_n constitute_v the_o church_n mystical_a that_o be_v faith_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 7._o 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a institute_v church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o a_o constitute_v church_n but_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o meet_v together_o not_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n so_o likewise_o be_v that_o meeting_n call_v a_o church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o way_n of_o sermon_n preach_v the_o word_n nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o tell_v what_o god_n have_v do_v among_o the_o gentile_n act._n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 4._o or_o choose_v some_o to_o carry_v their_o decree_n to_o other_o act._n 15._o 22._o which_o be_v act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o that_o meeting_n which_o meet_v only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v also_o a_o church_n and_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n question_n whether_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v pastor_n from_o that_o function_n answer_n the_o reform_a divine_n teach_v that_o none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n may_v arrogate_v any_o power_n to_o himself_o but_o from_o a_o divine_a calling_n and_o delegation_n from_o christ_n for_o whereas_o those_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n none_o may_v perform_v they_o but_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o 5._o 4._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o when_o as_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v this_o call_n and_o delegation_n to_o administer_v those_o holy_a function_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o some_o only_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 28_o 29._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5_o 6._o they_o therefore_o deny_v that_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o allow_v indeed_o to_o all_o believer_n and_o godly_a member_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a a_o spiritual_a dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n for_o divine_a grace_n have_v a_o heavenly_a authority_n and_o majesty_n accompany_v it_o but_o deny_v that_o authority_n of_o office_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o they_o all_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o believer_n for_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 2._o that_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n either_o by_o suffrage_n or_o by_o free_a consent_n for_o this_o power_n be_v find_v ground_v on_o rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 1._o 23._o and_o 6._o 2_o 3_o 4._o &_o 14._o 22._o but_o by_o this_o election_n the_o believer_n do_v not_o confer_v or_o derive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n choose_v but_o only_o design_v he_o on_o who_o the_o power_n of_o that_o church_n office_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v confer_v by_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o spiritual_a power_n on_o minister_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v ministerial_o secondary_o and_o subordinate_o perform_v by_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a vocation_n but_o by_o election_n be_v only_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o that_o power_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v and_o by_o ordination_n he_o be_v authoritative_o send_v and_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o function_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o election_n design_v to_o be_v ordain_v ordination_n therefore_o be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o spalleto_n right_o discourse_v de_fw-fr repub_fw-la eccle_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 3._o num_fw-la 54._o but_o the_o act_n of_o election_n or_o nomination_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o prove_v the_o spirit_n and_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o choose_v he_o by_o who_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v lead_v for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o business_n when_o we_o consider_v of_o a_o pastor_n call_v entire_o and_o absolute_o and_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a right_n on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n perform_v and_o thus_o it_o comprehend_v election_n and_o ordination_n election_n have_v three_o part_n examination_n approbation_n and_o nomination_n examination_n consist_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o gift_n and_o former_a conversation_n approbation_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n judgement_n and_o assent_v judgement_n we_o call_v that_o sentence_n whereby_o the_o person_n examine_v be_v judge_v fit_a to_o undertake_v the_o ministry_n and_o may_v profitable_o perform_v it_o assent_n be_v of_o they_o who_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o judgement_n nomination_n be_v when_o one_o by_o name_n be_v by_o common_a advise_v decern_v to_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n ordination_n comprehend_v mission_n and_o admission_n mission_n or_o send_v be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o the_o office_n be_v confer_v on_o the_o person_n elect_v and_o he_o send_v and_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v design_v and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o ministry_n initiation_n or_o admission_n be_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o a_o outward_a rite_n whereby_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n and_o be_v perform_v by_o explain_v the_o divine_a institution_n prayer_n and_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n the_o common_a symbol_n of_o this_o ordination_n be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o this_o whole_a business_n therefore_o of_o vocation_n we_o grant_v to_o the_o people_n nomination_n which_o be_v at_o first_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o common_a the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n mean_v while_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n for_o they_o be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o gift_n be_v therefore_o to_o perform_v this_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o people_n but_o to_o lead_v they_o for_o the_o election_n be_v chief_o the_o act_n of_o minister_n the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n to_o consent_v to_o that_o election_n distinct_a 63._o cap._n nosse_fw-la &_o cap._n cum_fw-la longè_fw-la for_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o apostolical_a example_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v first_o to_o nominate_v and_o the_o people_n to_o assent_v to_o that_o nomination_n due_o perform_v or_o to_o consult_v in_o common_a about_o the_o person_n to_o be_v nominate_v or_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o may_v just_o oppose_v that_o nomination_n free_o to_o produce_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n their_o consent_n they_o signify_v ancient_o as_o junius_n acknowledge_v disput_fw-la
obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o with_o high_a mind_n exalt_v themselves_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a position_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o a_o effect_n intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o that_o never_o any_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n but_o by_o accident_n as_o they_o be_v gift_v christian_n affirm_v that_o ordinary_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o as_o go_v astray_o be_v by_o such_o christian_n endue_v with_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n may_v be_v reconcile_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o bring_v to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o sincere_a conversion_n of_o man_n be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o those_o by_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n they_o be_v convert_v be_v send_v of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o jer._n 23._o 32._o but_o we_o judge_v that_o the_o send_v which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o be_v a_o send_n to_o a_o office_n in_o a_o due_a order_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_o perform_v and_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o confer_v gift_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n or_o prophecy_n but_o in_o confer_v authority_n and_o convey_v ministerial_a authority_n as_o the_o protestant_n prove_v by_o manifest_a argument_n against_o the_o socinian_o and_o although_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o gift_n wherein_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o god_n do_v convert_v some_o from_o their_o sin_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o send_v as_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n authoritative_o because_o they_o want_v the_o authoritative_a mission_n by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whereby_o that_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v confer_v wherein_o man_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 9_o 10._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o hence_o also_o our_o belgic_a reform_a church_n acknowledge_v that_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n by_o minister_n ecclesiastical_o call_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o man_n repentance_n and_o first_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a form_n of_o establish_v pastor_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a netherlands_o question_n 2._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n lawful_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o ordinary_a ministry_n he_o be_v not_o call_v answer_n our_o judgement_n in_o this_o question_n be_v that_o he_o who_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n be_v lawful_o call_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o fasten_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ty_v he_o to_o this_o body_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o gift_n he_o have_v receive_v but_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o special_a office_n which_o he_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o bestow_v and_o apply_v the_o exercise_n and_o work_n of_o his_o office_n for_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o that_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n to_o afford_v succour_n to_o the_o distress_n and_o indigency_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o earth_n yet_o without_o confusion_n and_o in_o due_a order_n and_o there_o lie_v on_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n a_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n appoint_v pastor_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o body_n that_o all_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 24._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v exercise_v the_o ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o in_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o other_o also_o when_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o church_n require_v it_o we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o by_o election_n a_o pastors_n ministry_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o his_o ordinary_a charge_n yet_o by_o ordination_n and_o mission_n whereby_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v commit_v to_o a_o man_n he_o be_v make_v a_o pastor_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o pastoral_n care_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n and_o consequent_o may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o any_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v without_o confusion_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n send_v forth_o pastor_n to_o nation_n and_o people_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v or_o to_o other_o church_n in_o distress_n or_o want_v who_o be_v unsufficient_a for_o the_o call_v of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o work_v their_o own_o edification_n example_n of_o this_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_v 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o this_o send_v forth_o of_o pastor_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n a_o pastor_n therefore_o of_o one_o particular_a church_n may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n 2._o a_o pastor_n as_o a_o pastor_n do_v exercise_v many_o ministerial_a act_n not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n whereof_o he_o be_v fix_v but_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o other_o church_n particular_a provincial_n nationall_n yea_o and_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o by_o baptism_n he_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n universal_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o by_o excommunication_n he_o do_v cast_v member_n out_o not_o of_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o out_o of_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n matth_n 18._o 18_o 19_o by_o his_o pastoral_a office_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o other_o church_n distress_v he_o may_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o by_o virtue_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o gift_n but_o with_o pastoral_n authority_n so_o that_o by_o his_o preach_n he_o do_v bind_v and_o loose_v sinner_n he_o do_v retain_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o as_o a_o ambassador_n send_v from_o god_n do_v beseech_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o divers_a particular_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o also_o in_o the_o pastoral_a action_n and_o administration_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v beyond_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n unite_v into_o a_o sacred_a fellowship_n do_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o admonish_v one_o another_o mutual_o and_o consequent_o do_v maintain_v communion_n in_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v saint_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n ministerial_a act_n therefore_o may_v be_v lawful_o exercise_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o divers_a particular_a church_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n in_o the_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n