calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o sect_n 7._o but_o ofttimes_o say_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n intend_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o profess_v to_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n into_o his_o faith_n testify_v by_o their_o partake_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o charity_n consent_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v thereof_o maintain_v a_o ministry_n institute_v by_o christ_n but_o in_o this_o multitude_n be_v many_o mingle_v who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o christ_n but_o the_o name_n and_o show_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o we_o command_v to_o maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o sect_n 8._o he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o know_v who_o be_v unfeigned_a saint_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o say_v he_o because_o he_o fore_o see_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o requisite_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o his_o child_n herein_o he_o appli_v himself_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o because_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o herein_o requisite_a he_o have_v in_o stead_n thereof_o appoint_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o which_o judgement_n we_o acknowledge_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o example_n of_o their_o life_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n profess_v the_o same_o god_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o hence_o ames_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o the_o reform_a church_n require_v inward_a grace_n to_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o visible_a state_n thereof_o antibellarm_n tom_fw-mi 2._o iib._fw-la 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 5._o and_o not_o 3._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o affirm_v out_o of_o augustine_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o inward_a soul_n to_o wit_n the_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a profession_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n other_o of_o the_o body_n only_o and_o not_o the_o soul_n which_o say_v he_o be_v express_v by_o alexander_n alensis_n in_o other_o word_n when_o he_o say_v that_o evil_a man_n be_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o body_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n mystical_a which_o distinction_n he_o prove_v out_o of_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o rom._n 2._o 28._o a_o jew_n open_o and_o a_o jew_n in_o secret_a so_o trelcatius_n the_o elder_a in_o his_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la 15._o put_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o a_o lively_a faith_n purity_n of_o life_n certainty_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n ofttimes_o not_o in_o truth_n because_o of_o a_o vocation_n and_o profession_n external_a but_o oft_o hypocritical_a so_o almost_o all_o the_o eminent_a reform_a divine_n affirm_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a to_o be_v man_n outward_o call_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o define_v it_o to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n who_o by_o a_o outward_a call_n or_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n among_o themselves_o see_v both_o the_o trelcatii_n in_o their_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disp_n 40._o thes_n 33._o hence_o also_o have_v our_o belgic_a church_n in_o our_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n synod_n ordain_v that_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o have_v first_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v testimony_n of_o unblameable_a life_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 70._o and_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 64._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 43._o at_o the_o hage_n anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 54._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 51._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 61._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o ensue_a opinion_n i._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v the_o external_a and_o particular_a visible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n to_o which_o belong_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o property_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n the_o mediator_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v 1._o because_o that_o church_n for_o which_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v be_v perpetual_a which_o never_o fall_v away_o for_o this_o infallible_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o it_o from_o god_n jer._n 31._o 36._o matt._n 16._o 18._o but_o now_o no_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v secure_v from_o fall_v away_o as_o our_o orthodox_n divine_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n it_o be_v not_o for_o it_o therefore_o that_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n 2._o those_o church_n for_o which_o all_o these_o promise_a privilege_n be_v procure_v be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v sincere_a and_o inward_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a believer_n whence_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v the_o spouse_n and_o belove_v of_o christ_n cant._n 4._o 7._o eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o holy_a zion_n and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n isai_n 52._o 1._o gal._n 4._o 26._o and_o 6._o 16._o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v purify_v for_o himself_o to_o present_v she_o to_o himself_o glorious_a not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o body_n of_o christ_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v eph._n 4._o 16._o it_o be_v call_v christ_n people_n who_o he_o save_v from_o their_o sin_n joh._n 10._o 16._o matt._n 1._o 21._o god_n house_n and_o a_o holy_a priesthood_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o the_o lamb_n wife_n apoc._n 21._o 4._o all_o which_o and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o agree_v to_o a_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n as_o such_o rom._n 9_o 6._o but_o only_a to_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n act_v 20._o 28._o 3._o the_o privilege_n promise_v and_o procure_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o many_o other_o be_v these_o that_o god_n put_v his_o law_n and_o his_o fear_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o jer._n 31._o 33._o that_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o know_v he_o joh._n 6._o 42._o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n act._n 20._o 28._o eph._n 5._o 27._o but_o these_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a particular_a church_n therefore_o that_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o these_o privilege_n which_o by_o christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v procure_v for_o the_o church_n whereunto_o the_o reform_a divine_n assent_v see_v among_o other_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 40._o thes_n 29_o 30_o 31._o and_o ames_n himself_o against_o bellarm._n tom_n 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 10._o where_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n quicken_v act_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n partake_v of_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o do_v proper_o and_o full_o agree_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v true_a believer_n or_o they_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n militant_a according_a to_o iâ—s_n essential_a nature_n peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n not_o according_a to_o
servant_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o special_a office_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o who_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o aright_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o to_o give_v to_o those_o in_o the_o house_n their_o due_a portion_n in_o season_n math._n 24._o 25._o right_o to_o divide_v and_o distribute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 15._o for_o the_o key_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o power_n entrust_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n commit_v to_o the_o steward_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o house_n whereby_o to_o administer_v their_o power_n and_o by_o the_o key_n in_o scripture_n be_v signify_v authority_n faculty_n power_n administration_n of_o government_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o command_v forbid_a allow_a restrain_v as_o isa_n 22._o 22._o compare_v with_o isa_n 9_o 6._o rev._n 1._o 18._o &_o 3._o 7._o and_o mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o denote_v minister_n power_n and_o full_a administration_n they_o be_v commit_v therefore_o to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v which_o do_v overthrow_v the_o order_n constitute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o order_n christ_n have_v in_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o in_o a_o heterogeneous_a organical_a body_n constitute_v of_o divers_a integrall_a part_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a function_n and_o operation_n in_o that_o ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n eye_n ear_n hand_n foot_n ruler_n and_o such_o as_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n overseer_n watchman_n pastor_n ambassador_n in_o christ_n name_n preacher_n father_n bvilder_n sower_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o flock_n a_o people_n a_o house_n a_o field_n child_n and_o such_o as_o govern_v and_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n see_v heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o all_o in_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n power_n of_o building_n rule_v the_o church_n by_o censure_n ecclesiastical_a etc._n etc._n all_o will_v be_v ambassador_n ruler_n father_n pastor_n watchman_n eye_n ear_n for_o to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ecclesiastical_a and_o authoritative_a oversight_n and_o rule_n belong_v as_o their_o proper_a function_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o be_v the_o proper_a function_n of_o the_o overseer_n and_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o rod_n and_o that_o severe_a power_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o 3._o the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n propose_v in_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o the_o right_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v direct_v be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o other_o church-governor_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o faithful_a steward_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o also_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 3._o &_o 4._o and_o the_o fault_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o mis-governing_a of_o church_n and_o abuse_v of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n impute_v as_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o of_o some_o to_o wit_v the_o overseer_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o tit._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o revel_v 2._o 14_o 20._o 3._o joh._n 16._o 10._o the_o praise_n and_o reward_v promise_v for_o due_a order_n of_o church_n be_v not_o by_o god_n promise_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 4_o 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 4_o 5._o revel_v 22._o therefore_o to_o those_o only_o be_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n entrust_v by_o christ_n 4._o to_o who_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n for_o administration_n and_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o god_n send_v any_o into_o his_o church_n he_o always_o qualifi_v they_o with_o gift_n sufficient_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o who_o god_n have_v send_v into_o the_o church_n but_o where_o be_v the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n may_v remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n speak_v of_o joh._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o where_o be_v that_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o rule_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n commit_v to_o all_o hence_o also_o have_v the_o reform_a church_n always_o reject_v a_o popular_a church-government_n see_v sadeel_n treatise_n in_o french_a concern_v ecclesiastical_a discipline_n against_o morellius_n of_o who_o reverend_a beza_n libro_fw-la de_fw-fr ministrorum_fw-la gradibus_fw-la cap._n 25._o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o election_n in_o the_o church_n say_v thus_o which_o order_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n religious_o and_o prudent_o observe_v hitherto_o in_o this_o city_n when_o one_o democraticall_a fanatical_a morellius_n of_o paris_n be_v bold_a by_o word_n and_o writing_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o that_o his_o writing_n be_v both_o in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o france_n in_o many_o synod_n worthy_o condemn_v and_o in_o our_o synodical_a constitution_n the_o church_n ecclesiastical_a power_n judgement_n exercise_n of_o the_o key_n and_o church-government_n be_v every_o where_o commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n &_o elder_n to_o presbytery_n consistory_n class_n and_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o from_o article_n 25._o to_o art_n 35._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 92._o to_o art_n 101._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 58._o to_o art_n 66._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 64._o to_o art_n 74._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 58._o to_o 75._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 71._o to_o art_n 81._o ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n or_o church-governor_n be_v commit_v by_o god_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n of_o church_n we_o grant_v indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o nomination_n or_o election_n allow_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n so_o as_o no_o minister_n may_v without_o the_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o church_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o which_o nomination_n or_o election_n do_v not_o yet_o confer_v ministerial_a power_n on_o the_o person_n elect_v but_o only_o design_v a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v be_v due_o derive_v according_a to_o the_o institute_v rule_n by_o those_o who_o have_v under_o christ_n receive_v that_o power_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v derive_v on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n we_o deny_v not_o also_o but_o that_o extraordinary_o in_o a_o perplex_a and_o deprave_a estate_n of_o a_o whole_a visible_a church_n the_o multitude_n or_o faithful_a people_n in_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n and_o authoritative_o put_v they_o into_o the_o power_n right_a and_o possession_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o cogent_a necessity_n which_o admit_v no_o law_n and_o to_o which_o all_o positive_a law_n give_v place_n but_o we_o affirm_v that_o in_o a_o settle_a and_o constitute_v visible_a church_n the_o people_n by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o power_n of_o ordain_v or_o send_v their_o pastor_n but_o that_o potestative_a mission_n &_o ordination_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n or_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v confer_v on_o this_o or_o that_o man_n design_v to_o the_o ministry_n belong_v to_o presbytery_n our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o those_o precept_n describe_v in_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v ordination_n or_o
there_o with_o pastoral_n authority_n they_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n admit_v member_n attend_v to_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n choose_v pastor_n and_o church_n governor_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o to_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o those_o church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a assertion_n of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o a_o pastor_n may_v indeed_o in_o another_o particular_a church_n exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o pray_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o not_o by_o virtue_n or_o force_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n but_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o gift_n which_o he_o be_v to_o employ_v for_o the_o common_a edification_n but_o that_o he_o may_v exercise_v no_o ministerial_a act_n which_o he_o perform_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o authority_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o god_n in_o dispense_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n save_v only_o in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v fasten_v by_o election_n for_o his_o ordinary_a ministry_n question_v 3_o whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o perpetual_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereby_o private_a man_n who_o bear_v no_o church-office_n may_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o explain_v and_o apply_v it_o for_o instruction_n confutation_n reprehension_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o hearer_n answer_n our_o judgement_n be_v that_o none_o may_v public_o in_o the_o church_n assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n but_o he_o who_o be_v send_v by_o a_o divine_a call_v for_o that_o work_n as_o the_o protestant_n demonstrate_v against_o the_o socinian_o and_o anabaptist_n from_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o heb._n 5._o 4_o 5._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2._o &_o 14._o 22._o tit._n 1._o 5._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o and_o other_o place_n and_o argument_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o who_o either_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n which_o mission_n or_o send_v consist_v not_o only_o in_o confer_v gift_n whereby_o a_o ability_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o in_o confer_v a_o power_n whereby_o be_v give_v a_o authority_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o authority_n be_v ofttimes_o not_o confer_v on_o those_o on_o who_o yet_o god_n bestow_v gift_n and_o ability_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deny_v to_o woman_n in_o who_o lip_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n prov._n 31._o 26._o and_o a_o fitness_n to_o teach_v the_o young_a woman_n tit._n 2._o 3_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o god_n enjoin_v all_o believer_n to_o exhort_v comfort_n reprove_v and_o edify_v one_o another_o heb._n 3._o 13._o 1_o thes_n 4_o 18._o &_o 5._o 14._o but_o it_o be_v from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o bind_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n which_o they_o declare_v to_o their_o neighbour_n do_v not_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o special_a office_n bind_v to_o obedience_n those_o that_o hear_v it_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o subject_n or_o matter_n contain_v in_o that_o word_n but_o the_o church_n minister_n declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n ambassador_n with_o authority_n of_o special_a office_n and_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o manifold_n difference_n between_o the_o charitative_a admonition_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o the_o authoritative_a preach_v of_o god_n minister_n for_o 1._o the_o admonition_n of_o ordinary_a christian_n be_v to_o our_o neighbour_n private_o and_o as_o join_v to_o we_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o minister_n of_o church_n do_v public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o pastoral_a charge_n of_o soul_n and_o god_n authority_n to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n over_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o watchman_n and_o overseer_n 2._o the_o minister_n authoritative_a preach_v the_o word_n have_v join_v with_o it_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v sinner_n remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o which_o authority_n be_v not_o affix_v to_o the_o charitative_a admonition_n of_o private_a christian_n 3._o there_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a and_o strict_a a_o obligation_n on_o private_a christian_n for_o that_o brotherly_a correction_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o as_o the_o obligation_n on_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o office_n of_o preach_v who_o may_v not_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v whole_o attend_v upon_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 4._o and_o who_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o hearer_n commit_v to_o they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o ezek._n 3._o 18._o &_o 33._o 18._o which_o do_v not_o concern_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charitative_a admonition_n we_o grant_v therefore_o in_o this_o cause_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v on_o all_o believer_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o private_a to_o their_o neighbour_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o private_a christian_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o a_o church_n to_o be_v erect_v or_o that_o be_v decay_v and_o ruin_v may_v sometime_o public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o plant_n a_o church_n when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o as_o by_o god_n ordinary_a call_v have_v receive_v from_o god_n power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n for_o the_o positive_a ritual_a law_n of_o god_n give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n when_o necessity_n require_v it_o 3._o we_o grant_v also_o that_o private_a christian_n in_o some_o special_a case_n and_o upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n may_v sometime_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o public_a by_o a_o special_a call_v from_o god_n as_o martyr_n be_v call_v to_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n constant_o and_o ordinary_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o word_n shall_v by_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o all_o authority_n be_v public_o preach_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o maintain_v the_o negative_a of_o the_o question_n propose_v and_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o exercise_n to_o be_v perpetual_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o ground_n it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o ambassador_n of_o god_n be_v join_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o yea_o and_o there_o lie_v a_o more_o excellent_a utility_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n then_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o all_o indifferent_o who_o have_v those_o gift_n as_o the_o protestant_n do_v solid_o demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n 2._o no_o man_n may_v take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o send_v to_o preach_v his_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o but_o all_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v not_o call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n for_o those_o who_o be_v send_v of_o god_n be_v send_v either_o by_o a_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a call_n or_o by_o a_o mediate_a call_n by_o the_o church_n but_o whereas_o now_o a_o extraordinary_a mission_n or_o send_v be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n those_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a call_v separate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v who_o may_v lawful_o undertake_v it_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o &_o 5._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o 3._o 3._o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o
confer_v on_o timothy_n by_o prophecy_n that_o be_v by_o a_o singular_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o prophet_n command_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o very_a apt_a expression_n to_o say_v the_o presbyter_n office_n be_v confer_v on_o timothy_n by_o his_o vocation_n both_o extraordinary_a declare_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o prophet_n and_o ordinary_a perform_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n two_o thing_n do_v reverend_a bucerus_n here_o evince_v that_o by_o presbytery_n be_v understand_v the_o company_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v signify_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n together_o with_o sufficiency_n of_o gift_n this_o place_n therefore_o do_v assert_v that_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n be_v commit_v to_o pastor_n by_o god_n law_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_v wherein_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v perform_v by_o pastor_n and_o minister_n that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o church_n see_v acts._n 6._o 2_o 3._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 14._o 23._o tit._n 1._o 5._o etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o example_n to_o be_v find_v wherein_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n without_o presbyter_n and_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v our_o safe_a rule_n of_o church-government_n we_o judge_v that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o pastor_n in_o settle_a state_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v ordain_v and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n see_v also_o what_o be_v say_v chap._n 4._o concern_v ecclesiastical_a power_n ii_o we_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o send_v and_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o particular_a church_n which_o want_v presbytery_n this_o assertion_n appear_v also_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n which_o by_o ordination_n do_v set_v apart_o and_o send_v forth_o pastor_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o neighbour_n church_n act_n 8._o 14._o act_n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o sure_o that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o right_a of_o mission_n for_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n or_o for_o the_o raise_v they_o up_o out_o of_o a_o defect_n be_v always_o practise_v by_o class_n and_o synod_n as_o be_v know_v to_o all_o who_o have_v but_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v any_o report_n of_o church_n labour_v under_o persecution_n as_o also_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n for_o supply_v of_o the_o church_n defect_n choose_v and_o send_v man_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a duty_n necessary_a to_o that_o end_n act_v 15._o 22._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n and_o send_v they_o to_o antioch_n and_o ver_fw-la 25._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n to_o choose_v and_o send_v man_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v the_o apostolical_a church_n do_v this_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolical_a but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o they_o do_v this_o joint_o together_o with_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o a_o ordinary_a synod_n these_o example_n therefore_o declare_v the_o ordinary_a right_n of_o mission_n to_o those_o church_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o presbytery_n or_o ministry_n or_o labour_n and_o groan_v under_o persecution_n and_o defect_n but_o that_o mission_n do_v infer_v vocation_n and_o ordination_n and_o do_v confer_v power_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o rule_v the_o people_n reverend_a voetius_fw-la prove_v by_o many_o argument_n in_o desperatâ_fw-la causâ_fw-la papatus_fw-la lib._n 2._o sect_n 2._o cap._n 17._o and_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o word_n itself_o to_o send_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o come_v send_v and_o send_v or_o mission_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o commission_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v some_o function_n or_o charge_n full_o commit_v to_o he_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o call_v and_o constitute_v for_o as_o mission_n or_o send_v be_v take_v either_o active_o or_o passive_o as_o it_o imply_v either_o a_o relation_n of_o he_o that_o send_v to_o he_o that_o be_v send_v or_o of_o he_o that_o be_v send_v to_o he_o that_o send_v so_o also_o vocation_n or_o ordination_n for_o all_o those_o metaphor_n to_o send_v into_o the_o vineyard_n to_o send_v into_o the_o field_n to_o the_o lord_n work_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o call_v one_o to_o the_o feed_v of_o the_o flock_n dress_v the_o vineyard_n or_o to_o constitute_v one_o a_o pastor_n and_o one_o that_o take_v charge_n of_o soul_n hence_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o constitute_v pastor_n of_o soul_n be_v common_o call_v apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d send_v in_o hebrew_n the_o priest_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v a_o messenger_n or_o ambassador_n malach._n 2._o 7._o of_o the_o original_n and_o signification_n whereof_o ludovicus_n de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr speak_v append_v ad_fw-la matth._n 27_o 2._o where_o he_o show_v elegant_o from_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o arabic_a and_o aethiopic_a root_n that_o this_o name_n be_v derive_v from_o send_v whence_o also_o presbyter_n whether_o the_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a or_o the_o lesser_a and_o ordinary_a lawful_o ordain_v and_o call_v be_v send_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o feed_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o be_v lawful_o send_v be_v ordain_v to_o preach_v for_o to_o the_o actual_a give_v a_o apostleship_n or_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v to_o a_o active_a mission_n of_o he_o that_o send_v there_o be_v answerable_a a_o passive_a mission_n of_o he_o that_o be_v send_v which_o be_v a_o actual_a receive_v a_o apostleship_n or_o ministry_n for_o or_o relative_n the_o affirm_v one_o infer_v the_o other_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n therefore_o for_o a_o church_n that_o want_v a_o eldership_n or_o be_v labour_v under_o defect_n which_o hinder_v the_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o the_o eldership_n be_v lawful_o perform_v by_o synod_n and_o class_n under_o who_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n they_o live_v so_o in_o the_o belgic_a church_n the_o mission_n or_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n which_o be_v send_v to_o church_n groan_v under_o the_o cross_n of_o persecution_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o classical_a assembly_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o the_o hagh_o anno._n 1586._o art_n 4._o and_o so_o of_o those_o who_o be_v send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west-indies_n iii_o we_o allow_v also_o this_o power_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o the_o right_n of_o ordination_n that_o even_o in_o a_o settle_a and_o constitute_v state_n of_o the_o church_n a_o particular_a church_n which_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n may_v not_o perform_v the_o vocation_n or_o ordination_n of_o their_o pastor_n without_o the_o authoritative_a judgement_n and_o potestative_a mission_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o arguement_n because_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o holy_a society_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o into_o the_o ecclesiastical_a body_n as_o a_o member_n belong_v to_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n in_o the_o right_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v therefore_o with_o their_o judgement_n and_o consent_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o ordination_n into_o that_o society_n because_o also_o by_o ordination_n a_o pastor_n be_v put_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o function_n he_o may_v perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n in_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o exercise_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o many_o case_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o reason_n plain_o show_v that_o it_o can_v due_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o church_n over_o who_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v receive_v ministerial_a power_n a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o lawful_o remove_v or_o putout_a a_o pastor_n from_o his_o office_n without_o the_o assent_n and_o authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n wherein_o he_o be_v due_o admit_v a_o member_n therefore_o without_o that_o judgement_n they_o can_v lawful_o admit_v into_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n by_o ordination_n for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o power_n to_o take_v in_o and_o to_o put_v out_o in_o
whole_a particular_a church_n or_o a_o church_n consistory_n christ_n in_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o establish_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o his_o church_n by_o divine_a institution_n do_v not_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o a_o single_a brother_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o give_v the_o instance_n in_o such_o a_o one_o for_o he_o do_v institute_v that_o order_n in_o his_o kingdom_n whereby_o all_o scandal_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o cure_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n whether_o commit_v by_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o by_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o by_o whosoever_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o particular_a sister_n church_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a society_n of_o many_o church_n do_v give_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o other_o church_n they_o may_v by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v clear_a even_o out_o of_o parker_n himself_o that_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o class_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n in_o matt._n 18._o 17_o 18._o for_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o de_fw-la politiâ_fw-la ecclesiasticâ_fw-la he_o thus_o argue_v from_o the_o proportion_n christ_n command_v that_o upon_o the_o despise_v one_o man_n admonition_n we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o admonition_n by_o two_o or_o three_o and_o if_o that_o be_v contemn_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o if_o that_o be_v despise_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o from_o the_o despise_n of_o one_o whole_a church_n to_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o again_o from_o those_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o yet_o more_o in_o a_o synod_n and_o therefore_o also_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n not_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o synod_n also_o have_v power_n give_v of_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o commit_v scandal_n if_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o nature_n and_o authority_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n may_v be_v conclude_v and_o according_o in_o those_o hard_a time_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n when_o the_o church_n among_o we_o be_v infest_a by_o the_o trouble_n and_o error_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n whole_a presbytery_n of_o church_n be_v exauthorate_v by_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v so_o appropriate_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n but_o we_o hold_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o arct_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n which_o it_o hold_v with_o other_o neighbour_n church_n in_o the_o same_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n whereby_o it_o make_v up_o one_o ecclesiastical_a corporation_n or_o body_n and_o one_o visible_a sacred_a society_n with_o the_o associate_n church_n have_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o complete_a power_n to_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o a_o member_n from_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o that_o member_n have_v a_o near_a arct_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n associate_n among_o who_o he_o do_v daily_o converse_v and_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o do_v occasion_n to_o they_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o receive_v from_o they_o mean_n of_o edification_n wherefore_o without_o the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_n church_n he_o may_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o brotherly_a and_o visible_a church_n communion_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n 2._o of_o those_o also_o who_o make_v the_o high_a power_n of_o synod_n and_o class_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o deny_v or_o withdraw_v brotherly_a communion_n but_o this_o non-communion_n as_o it_o be_v call_v we_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o brother_n may_v exercise_v towards_o a_o brother_n a_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o can_v exercise_v any_o authority_n or_o censure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n among_o themselves_o one_o over_o the_o other_o nor_o have_v it_o that_o efficacy_n by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o bind_v in_o heaven_n nor_o be_v it_o ordain_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o teach_v from_o god_n such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a not_o to_o blaspheme_v which_o to_o the_o legitimate_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n do_v appertain_v matth._n 18._o 17_o 18_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o sister_n church_n the_o same_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n but_o by_o that_o order_n proceed_v to_o excommunication_n thereby_o to_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o obstinate_a offend_a church_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n question_n 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 necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n answer_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n want_v such_o form_n when_o as_o be_v collect_v in_o one_o people_n they_o have_v express_v ritual_a law_n and_o the_o prophet_n frequent_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n want_v its_o be_v or_o well_o be_v before_o such_o time_n as_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n gather_v out_o of_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o a_o brief_a abstract_n join_v together_o in_o one_o 2._o we_o deny_v that_o these_o form_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n and_o church-government_n be_v to_o have_v that_o authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o authenticknesse_n attribute_v to_o they_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v obtrude_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o church_n discipline_n judgement_n shall_v be_v make_v ex_fw-la formularum_fw-la terminis_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o such_o form_n we_o approve_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o nor_o will_v have_v their_o practice_n to_o be_v imitate_v of_o who_o our_o divine_n do_v heretofore_o just_o complain_v in_o that_o writing_n which_o zacharias_n vrsinus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o neostad_n oppose_v to_o the_o bergenses_n concordistae_fw-la who_o will_v obtrude_v the_o word_n of_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o luther_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a proceed_n see_v chap._n 4._o of_o that_o book_n where_o much_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o confession_n 3._o we_o judge_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o canon_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o be_v declaration_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o discipline_n badge_n and_o token_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n collect_v in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o ratify_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n after_o a_o diligent_a inquiry_n out_o of_o scripture_n wherein_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n pertain_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n gather_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o bundle_n be_v together_o and_o at_o once_o propose_v to_o a_o few_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o compare_v of_o all_o place_n wherein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o article_n the_o wholesome_a truth_n in_o each_o one_o be_v express_v and_o explain_v that_o the_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o
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