forth_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o be_v receive_v though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v former_o scandalous_a yet_o now_o hold_v forth_o repentance_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v 1_o cor._n 6.11_o and_o though_o some_o be_v at_o present_a weak_a in_o faith_n yet_o if_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v they_o the_o church_n must_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 3._o for_o christ_n approve_v this_o confession_n of_o peter_n though_o he_o be_v at_o present_a but_o weak_a in_o faith_n as_o the_o follow_a story_n in_o this_o chapter_n v._o 22_o 23._o clear_o show_v 6._o that_o none_o but_o such_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n for_o this_o chapter_n limit_n the_o church_n to_o accept_v only_o such_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n i_o e._n christ_n believe_v on_o and_o public_o confess_v a_o mere_a verbal_a confession_n be_v not_o that_o rock_n for_o the_o devil_n make_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o build_v on_o he_o luke_n 4.34_o but_o this_o confession_n of_o peter_n be_v such_o as_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o christ_n threefold_a elegy_n or_o praise_v of_o it_o 1._o from_o its_o effect_n bless_a be_v thou_o &c_n &c_n as_o joh._n 17.3_o 2._o from_o the_o procreant_a cause_n of_o it_o not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o my_o father_n have_v reveal_v it_o as_o mat._n 11.25_o 26._o 3._o from_o the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o peter_n before_o promise_v john_n 1.42_o and_o now_o confirm_v to_o he_o signify_v a_o stone_n whereby_o christ_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v his_o faith_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thereby_o a_o live_a stone_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v a_o principal_a place_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n in_o which_o sense_n peter_n appli_v a_o like_a title_n to_o other_o believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o who_o yet_o be_v inferior_a in_o degree_n to_o himself_o but_o also_o give_v he_o this_o prerogative_n and_o honour_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n act._n 2._o and_o the_o gentile_n act._n 15.7_o the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o two_o argument_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o the_o name_n whereby_o he_o call_v this_o holy_a society_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n i._n e._n a_o company_n call_v out_o whence_o see_v joh._n 15.19_o to_o what_o see_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o how_o not_o only_o by_o active_a vocation_n by_o man_n ministry_n exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v so_o sundry_a be_v call_v who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o wrought_v upon_o to_o answer_v that_o call_n but_o put_v it_o off_o as_o they_o who_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o great_a supper_n luk._n 14.18_o with_o excuse_n such_o be_v call_v but_o no_o church_n therefore_o more_o be_v require_v to_o qualify_v for_o membership_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n viz._n passive_a vocation_n whereby_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o answer_v god_n call_v by_o submission_n thereunto_o at_o least_o in_o outward_a profession_n though_o some_o do_v it_o but_o feined_o ps_n 18.44_o saint_n by_o internal_a and_o invisible_a call_n be_v such_o as_o answer_v god_n call_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o saint_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a call_n be_v subdue_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o word_n in_o visible_a profession_n thus_o all_o that_o be_v call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n have_v so_o much_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o that_o they_o all_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n and_o labour_v in_o it_o though_o not_o with_o like_a sincerity_n mat._n 20._o according_a to_o this_o clause_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v for_o the_o material_n of_o they_o else_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v give_v both_o the_o 1.2_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o eph._n 1.2_o member_n and_o 3.15_o and_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o &_o 6.16_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o church_n such_o high_a title_n as_o they_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o by_o these_o title_n describe_v the_o invisible_a church_n only_o but_o visible_a church_n for_o to_o such_o paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v apply_v in_o other_o text_n manifest_o to_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v these_o title_n describe_v particular_a church_n only_o according_a to_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o member_n but_o such_o they_o do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_n charity_n conceive_v all_o their_o member_n to_o be_v as_o paul_n tell_v the_o philippian_n phil._n 1.6_o 7._o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o membership_n with_o they_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o conclusion_n note_v by_o we_o reas_n 2_o from_o christ_n appropriate_v such_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o himself_o own_v it_o for_o his_o my_o church_n q._n d._n i_o own_o any_o church_n thus_o build_v by_o myself_o to_o be_v my_o church_n according_a to_o that_o in_o act._n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o lord_n add_v they_o how_o not_o only_o by_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n and_o so_o add_v they_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o also_o by_o his_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n before_o they_o and_o by_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d brethren_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o visible_a â—munion_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n as_o appear_v v._o 41_o 42._o thus_o he_o add_v they_o daily_o to_o the_o church_n which_o clear_v it_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o therefore_o presidential_a to_o the_o church_n in_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n they_o who_o be_v thus_o add_v be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v they_o be_v such_o either_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v fallible_a the_o church_n look_v at_o they_o according_a to_o their_o fruit_n viz._n their_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o christian_a conversation_n observe_v so_o much_o in_o both_o that_o they_o see_v reason_n in_o charity_n guide_v by_o rule_n to_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n such_o be_v the_o three_o thousand_o speak_v of_o in_o v._o 41._o as_o appear_v by_o their_o affectionate_a and_o submissive_a inquire_v of_o the_o apostle_n who_o they_o mock_v before_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n v._o 37._o and_o afterward_o by_o their_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n both_o of_o promise_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n with_o faith_n and_o of_o precept_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o froward_a generation_n with_o obedience_n true_a it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o one_o day_n make_v so_o large_a account_n of_o god_n work_n upon_o they_o as_o be_v common_o hold_v forth_o in_o our_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o effect_v too_o large_a narration_n but_o wish_v such_o passage_n as_o be_v superfluous_a leave_v out_o and_o at_o that_o time_n less_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v express_v than_o necessity_n call_v for_o among_o we_o ordinary_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o more_o quick_a spiritual_a discern_a than_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o church_n have_v and_o concern_v the_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o offering_n themselves_o to_o church-fellowship_n visible_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o such_o visible_a confession_n of_o christ_n be_v with_o manifest_a hazard_n to_o their_o life_n give_v good_a ground_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o conceive_v charitable_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o these_o place_n and_o time_n where_o church-fellowship_n be_v a_o honour_n and_o draw_v after_o it_o sundry_a outward_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v as_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n concern_v their_o good_a conversation_n so_o by_o their_o hold_v forth_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n both_o quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la creditur_fw-la of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o how_o it_o work_v in_o they_o as_o mr._n rogers_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o faith_n say_v it_o may_v be_v know_v of_o
man_n by_o those_o trial_n and_o this_o care_n suit_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n which_o be_v delegate_v and_o steward_o for_o as_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o steward_n bind_v he_o to_o receive_v none_o into_o his_o lord_n family_n but_o according_a to_o his_o lord_n mind_n and_o appointment_n so_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n oblige_v they_o to_o receive_v such_o into_o this_o holy_a fellowship_n as_o they_o may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v the_o lord_n receive_v and_o add_v thereunto_o against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v two_o objection_n be_v make_v object_n 1_o obj._n christ_n receive_v judas_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n into_o fellowship_n of_o the_o twelve_o answ_n 1_o answ_n 1._o not_o into_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n for_o no_o such_o be_v then_o gather_v 2._o christ_n have_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v church_n joh._n 13.18_o object_n 2_o obj._n 2._o christ_n himself_o compare_v visible_a church_n to_o a_o field_n wherein_o be_v tare_n to_o a_o draw-net_a which_o gather_v good_a and_o bad_a fish_n to_o ten_o virgin_n of_o which_o five_o be_v foolish_a and_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n have_v in_o they_o sundry_a hypocrite_n and_o scandalous_a person_n answ_n answ_n such_o place_n show_v 1._o that_o in_o visible_a church_n sometime_o hypocrite_n be_v mix_v either_o by_o the_o sleepiness_n and_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v â—â—â—vent_v it_o thence_o the_o tare_n or_o by_o the_o wyliness_n of_o hypocrite_n who_o creep_v in_o unaware_o judas_n 4._o as_o the_o bad_a fish_n come_v into_o the_o net_n under_o water_n or_o they_o pretend_v save_v gift_n as_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n so_o false_a brethren_n gal._n 2.4_o 2._o the_o pure_a church_n may_v be_v blemish_v with_o scandal_n till_o they_o can_v orderly_o proceed_v against_o they_o but_o then_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o therefore_o they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o be_v such_o before_o from_o this_o second_o conclusion_n thus_o explain_v and_o confirm_v we_o may_v infer_v as_o follow_v consect_n 1_o if_o this_o be_v so_o then_o more_o be_v require_v as_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o church-member_n as_o visible_a than_o that_o they_o profess_v before_o man_n the_o faith_n crave_v fellowship_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o desire_v the_o visible_a seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o man_n may_v have_v all_o these_o three_o property_n who_o be_v notorious_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n drunkard_n adulterer_n profane_a swearer_n and_o curser_n in_o a_o word_n such_o as_o be_v describe_v 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4._o who_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n charge_n be_v from_o such_o turn_n away_o v._o 5._o if_o in_o ordinary_a converse_n the_o people_n of_o god_n must_v not_o exercise_v needless_a familiarity_n with_o such_o much_o less_o may_v they_o receive_v they_o into_o spiritual_a fellowship_n and_o fraternity_n if_o such_o be_v member_n must_v be_v cast_v out_o certain_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n they_o may_v not_o be_v receive_v in_o while_o they_o continue_v such_o consect_n 2_o if_o christ_n will_v build_v his_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n than_o it_o be_v the_o bind_a duty_n of_o church_n to_o see_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v according_a to_o rule_v that_o all_o who_o they_o receive_v into_o church-fellowship_n be_v visible_a believer_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o conclusion_n above_o propound_v explain_v and_o prove_v lest_o otherwise_o they_o build_v without_o a_o foundation_n particular_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o see_v so_o far_o as_o in_o charity_n they_o may_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v beleiver_n in_o christ_n else_o they_o can_v answer_v the_o title_n give_v they_o in_o scripture_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o nor_o the_o praise_n give_v unto_o peter_n so_o confess_v christ_n that_o christ_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n 2._o they_o be_v to_o see_v that_o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o a_o good_a conversation_n phil._n 1.27_o jam._n 3.12_o 13._o for_o they_o that_o profess_v they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o their_o work_n deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a tit._n 1.16_o 3._o and_o in_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n before_o the_o church_n as_o peter_n do_v here_o before_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n only_o because_o the_o church_n can_v see_v the_o heart_n immediate_o as_o christ_n do_v peter_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n make_v to_o man_n must_v hold_v forth_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o calvin_n understand_v those_o word_n sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o calvin_n note_n upon_o it_o be_v this_o 3.15_o this_o ejus_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o vobis_fw-la est_fw-la spei_fw-la spes_fw-la hîc_fw-la per_fw-la synechdochen_n pro_fw-la fide_fw-la capitur_fw-la expendi_fw-la debet_fw-la seduló_n quod_fw-la dicit_fw-la significat_fw-la n._n eam_fw-la demâ—_n confessionâ—_n probari_fw-la deo_fw-la quae_fw-la ex_fw-la cord_n emanat_fw-la quia_fw-la nisi_fw-la intus_fw-la resideat_fw-la fides_fw-la frâ—â—â—â—à _fw-la garâ—â—â—â—â—gua_fw-la ergo_fw-la radices_fw-la in_o nobis_fw-la agate_n ut_fw-la deinde_fw-la proferat_fw-la confâ—ssionis_fw-la fructum_fw-la calv._n in_o 1_o pet._n 3.15_o hope_v here_o be_v by_o a_o synecdoche_n put_v for_o faith_n what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o be_v diligent_o weigh_v for_o it_o signify_v that_o god_n approve_v only_o that_o confession_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n because_o unless_o faith_n reside_v within_o the_o tongue_n will_v babble_v in_o vain_a therefore_o faith_n must_v be_v root_v in_o we_o that_o afterward_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o confession_n and_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v the_o brethren_n be_v to_o consent_v in_o receive_v they_o and_o herein_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o gentleness_n of_o christ_n who_o will_v not_o break_v a_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v smoke_v flax_n in_o give_v due_a encouragement_n to_o the_o weak_a in_o faith_n if_o they_o see_v cause_n to_o conceive_v by_o right_o order_v charity_n that_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v in_o they_o but_o if_o they_o see_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o that_o they_o have_v warrant_v to_o suspend_v their_o acceptance_n till_o better_a satisfaction_n be_v give_v from_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n in_o act._n 9.26_o however_o the_o officer_n must_v propound_v it_o to_o the_o brethren_n to_o declare_v whether_o they_o be_v so_o far_o satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v that_o they_o do_v consent_n that_o such_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n as_o peter_n put_v a_o like_a question_n to_o the_o brethren_n that_o go_v with_o he_o from_o joppa_n concern_v the_o baptise_v of_o cornelius_n and_o those_o with_o he_o upon_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v visible_o act._n 10.44_o 45_o 46._o etc._n etc._n consect_n 3_o 3._o cons_n if_o upon_o this_o rock_n christ_n believe_v on_o and_o public_o confess_v by_o grow_v person_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v build_v then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o ripe_a age_n must_v hold_v forth_o public_o their_o personal_a confession_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o fellowship_n in_o vote_v and_o in_o election_n and_o censure_n in_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n but_o if_o they_o be_v find_v gross_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a or_o profess_v a_o false_a faith_n or_o deny_v the_o true_a faith_n or_o contemner_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n or_o do_v not_o according_a to_o this_o clause_n of_o the_o charter_n public_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o crave_v church-fellowship_n they_o may_v not_o be_v own_v for_o member_n by_o their_o admission_n unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o other_o privilege_n of_o church-communion_n in_o their_o own_o right_n but_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v non-member_n in_o jacob_n posterity_n when_o the_o lord_n bring_v they_o to_o canaan_n that_o stand_a ordinance_n of_o present_v unto_o the_o lord_n before_o the_o priest_n their_o first_o fruit_n every_o year_n with_o such_o a_o solemn_a confession_n make_v by_o all_o grow_a israelite_n as_o be_v appoint_v in_o deut._n 26.2_o to_o 16._o be_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o that_o church_n and_o time_n in_o performance_n whereof_o they_o avouch_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o his_o commandment_n and_o his_o
6_o 7._o where_o you_o see_v the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v foretold_v as_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o lord_n be_v give_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o house_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n that_o be_v join_v they_o to_o his_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o nation_n v._o 7._o 2._o on_o the_o saint_n part_n their_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o to_o cleave_v firm_o one_o to_o another_o viz._n to_o their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n deut._n 12.19_o neh._n 10.29_o with_o mutual_a watchfulness_n one_o over_o another_o leu._n 19.17_o deut._n 29.18_o with_o heb._n 12.15_o 16._o and_o with_o mutual_a submission_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 9.13_o 3._o such_o covenant_v be_v christ_n ordinance_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v prove_v reas_n 1_o from_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o in_o all_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n for_o in_o the_o essential_a state_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v join_v together_o into_o church-fellowship_n by_o confederation_n psal_n 50.5_o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o those_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n so_o do_v adam_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n unto_o abraham_n and_o so_o do_v the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n at_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o and_o 24.8_o and_o from_o thence_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o which_o moses_n be_v join_v act._n 7.38_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n there_o tell_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o not_o of_o sacrifice_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n v._o 14_o 15_o 16._o in_o abraham_n family_n god_n build_v his_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n without_o sacrifice_n but_o first_o the_o lord_n change_v his_o name_n and_o call_v he_o abraham_n to_o show_v that_o he_o now_o treat_v with_o he_o not_o as_o a_o single_a person_n but_o as_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o as_o a_o multitude_n virtual_o gen._n 17.5_o then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o church-covenant_n he_o give_v he_o circumcision_n for_o the_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o it_o gen._n 17_o 10-15_a thus_o far_o go_v the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n 2._o on_o abraham_n part_n he_o first_o accept_v both_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o with_o faith_n and_o holy_a reverence_n declare_v by_o his_o rejoice_v john_n 8.56_o and_o humble_a prostration_n of_o himself_o before_o the_o lord_n v._o 17._o and_o by_o real_a performance_n of_o it_o after_z both_o in_o his_o own_o person_n be_v circumcise_v when_o he_o be_v ninty_a nine_o year_n old_a v._o 24._o and_o as_o a_o prophet_n and_o ruler_n instruct_v his_o family_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o circumcision_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o accept_v the_o one_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o which_o they_o do_v according_o v._o 23_o 27._o and_o thereby_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n hence_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n become_v the_o lord_n people_n exod._n 3.7_o yea_o his_o first_o bear_v exod._n 4.22_o 23._o and_o have_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o people_n deut._n 7.6_o 7_o 8._o but_o they_o like_o man_n transgress_v and_o break_v the_o covenant_n both_o in_o egpyt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o covenant_n unto_o their_o forefather_n do_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n in_o a_o more_o evangelical_n manner_n in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o their_o little_a one_o and_o the_o stranger_n deut._n 29_o 10-14_a which_o covenant_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o for_o they_o that_o be_v not_o there_o with_o they_o that_o day_n v._o 15._o that_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o unto_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o but_o such_o as_o shall_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n with_o they_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o with_o memberlike_a love_n watchfulness_n and_o submission_n mutual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o achan_n become_v the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n of_o all_o israel_n josh_n 7.11_o 12._o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o apostle_n manner_n of_o plant_v christian_n church_n after_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n their_o custom_n it_o be_v when_o they_o have_v convert_v many_o to_o christ_n to_o join_v they_o together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o covenant_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n object_n against_o this_o assertion_n some_o object_n that_o in_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n at_o samaria_n in_o cornelius_n his_o house_n at_o phillippi_n corinth_n ephesus_n thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n they_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n as_o the_o doctrine_n intend_v only_o that_o they_o believe_v profess_a and_o be_v baptize_v but_o no_o mention_n of_o a_o express_a vocal_a covenant_n answ_n 1_o 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o those_o text_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o 3._o and_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v three_o way_n 1._o from_o their_o be_v baptize_v 2._o from_o the_o phrase_n 3._o from_o the_o similitude_n which_o import_n their_o covenant_v together_o 1._o from_o their_o be_v baptize_v which_o presuppose_v that_o they_o be_v first_o make_v disciple_n because_o their_o commission_n require_v that_o mat._n 28.19_o where_o to_o make_v disciple_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n by_o visible_a bring_v man_n into_o christ_n school_n with_o engagement_n by_o those_o of_o year_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n to_o submit_v unto_o christ_n teach_v and_o government_n therein_o this_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n whence_o the_o member_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v disciple_n in_o act._n 15.10_o so_o then_o they_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2._o from_o the_o phrase_n which_o imply_v covenant_v to_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o the_o first_o be_v use_v in_o act._n 2.41_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v and_o v._o 47._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n add_v and_o chap._n 5.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o more_o add_v the_o word_n import_v such_o a_o add_v as_o do_v visible_o and_o firm_o knit_v they_o together_o insiti_fw-la calvin_n in_o act_n 2.41_o adjuncti_fw-la christi_fw-la discipulis_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o idem_fw-la corpus_fw-la insiti_fw-la calvin_n say_v they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n disciple_n or_o ingraft_v into_o the_o same_o body_n that_o which_o thus_o visible_o ingraft_v they_o be_v not_o god_n work_a faith_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o their_o visible_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v believer_n be_v add_v v._o 14._o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o those_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n in_o act._n 2.41_o therefore_o this_o add_v be_v by_o something_o else_o and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o their_o visible_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o that_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n whereunto_o they_o now_o join_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o their_o former_a state_n in_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o add_v to_o the_o church_n luke_n confirm_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o engagement_n in_o act._n 2.42_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v strong_o and_o constant_o knit_v together_o viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o former_a mutual_a engagement_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n hear_v believe_a profess_v obey_v it_o constant_o and_o in_o fellowship_n i._n e._n
in_o church_n communion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v combine_v and_o compact_v before_o have_v solemn_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n expound_v it_o in_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 2._o luke_n confirm_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o as_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o act._n 5.13_o yet_o they_o do_v magnify_v they_o i._n e._n they_o approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o way_n and_o confess_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o add_v they_o so_o to_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n be_v add_v viz._n by_o public_a voluntary_a engagement_n with_o the_o church_n mutual_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n luke_n confirm_v by_o use_v another_o word_n synonomous_a with_o this_o which_o more_o plain_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v glue_v which_o word_n though_o it_o sometime_o signify_v join_v in_o a_o more_o common_a and_o lax_n sense_n yet_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n therefore_o according_a to_o tertullian_n rule_n deligendus_n est_fw-la sensus_fw-la è_fw-la materiâ_fw-la dicti_fw-la and_o then_o we_o know_v that_o all_o join_n unto_o a_o corporation_n must_v be_v do_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n and_o voluntary_a service_n to_o both_o which_o relation_n the_o same_o verb_n be_v apply_v to_o marriage_n in_o mat._n 19.5_o to_o voluntary_a service_n in_o luk._n 15.15_o both_o which_o be_v by_o voluntary_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a knit_n glue_v whereby_o person_n be_v join_v together_o in_o all_o such_o voluntary_a relation_n so_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o explication_n of_o the_o phrase_n 3._o the_o three_o proof_n be_v from_o the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o express_v their_o covenant_v together_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n to_o the_o body-natural_a to_o a_o body-corporate_a to_o a_o wife_n 1._o to_o a_o house_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o every_o member_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o whether_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o house_n in_o a_o architectonical_a sense_n the_o material_n must_v be_v cement_v together_o now_o in_o the_o church_n that_o cement_n be_v the_o covenant_n or_o in_o a_o oeconomical_a sense_n the_o member_n that_o be_v voluntary_o add_v as_o voluntary_a servant_n to_o the_o family_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n by_o covenant_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n eph._n 2.21_o 2._o to_o the_o natural-body_n in_o man_n the_o head_n of_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v beleiver_n the_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o essential_o when_o they_o be_v harmonical_o join_v and_o strong_o compact_v together_o by_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o fall_v as_o it_o be_v into_o joint_n as_o the_o thigh_n fall_v into_o the_o knee_n and_o the_o shoulder_n into_o the_o shoulderblade_n by_o shoot_v itself_o into_o the_o hollow_a of_o it_o and_o be_v firm_o knit_v to_o it_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 3._o to_o a_o body-corporate_a hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a city_n rev._n 11.2_o and_o church-member_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n ephes_n 2.19_o that_o whereby_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o be_v the_o covenant_n for_o as_o all_o citizen_n be_v admit_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la and_o become_v free_a denizen_n by_o voluntary_a enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o political-body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 4._o to_o a_o wife_n whether_o espouse_v or_o marry_v all_o espousal_n and_o marriage_n be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a mutual_a covenant_n prov._n 2.17_o mal._n 2.14_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n isa_n 62.5_o hence_o paul_n style_v the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n a_o virgin_n espouse_v 2_o cor._n 11.2_o to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n be_v join_v as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o virgin-church_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o phrase_n and_o similitude_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v strong_o confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n in_o one_o body_n among_o themselves_o several_o and_o respective_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n if_o any_o demand_n why_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o express_o mention_v the_o word_n covenant_n two_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o that_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a see_v it_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n that_o duty_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a and_o common_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o have_v be_v large_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o brief_o and_o implicit_o point_v at_o in_o the_o new_a as_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o sanctify_v it_o so_o this_o of_o the_o church-covenant_n yet_o concern_v all_o these_o sufficient_a light_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o manifest_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n then_o live_v under_o heathen_a prince_n and_o ruler_n enemy_n to_o christ_n unto_o who_o jealousy_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v render_v they_o obnoxious_a and_o may_v seem_v dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a peace_n therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n choose_v rather_o to_o forbear_v mention_v the_o name_n yet_o establish_v the_o thing_n under_o such_o similitude_n and_o parable_n as_o may_v hide_v it_o from_o other_o and_o yet_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o saint_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o voluntary_a relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o their_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o all_o which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o 1._o their_o relation_n be_v voluntary_a and_o all_o voluntary_a relation_n be_v by_o covenant_n as_o between_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n between_o master_n and_o voluntary_a servant_n so_o between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o both_o party_n before_o be_v free_a the_o one_o to_o offer_v himself_o into_o fellowship_n or_o not_o the_o other_o to_o admit_v he_o or_o not_o if_o such_o join_v together_o it_o be_v by_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o must_v be_v by_o mutual_a engagement_n hence_o arise_v their_o special_a and_o particular_a relation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o among_o themselves_o mutual_o as_o a_o body_n distinct_a from_o other_o church_n 2._o their_o interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o power_n one_o over_o another_o mutual_o arise_v from_o their_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n no_o church_n can_v judge_v any_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o inhabitant_n expect_v memberlike_a watchfulness_n and_o helpfulness_n from_o the_o church_n unless_o upon_o his_o offering_n himself_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n they_o receive_v he_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o 3._o their_o constant_a fellowship_n in_o church-priviledge_n arise_v from_o this_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n for_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v unto_o they_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o body_n admit_v they_o thereunto_o without_o their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n for_o till_o then_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v object_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o need_n of_o church-covenant_n see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n conveigh_v to_o beleiver_n all_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n answ_n 1_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o believer_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o internal_a viz._n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n
say_v salute_v they_o of_o such_o a_o house_n who_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v a_o exemplary_a family_n and_o a_o seminary_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o power_n as_o this_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n 2._o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n heb_fw-mi 12.23_o but_o that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n on_o earth_n to_o worship_n god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v here_o 3._o most_o common_o it_o signify_v a_o congregational_a church_n or_o a_o holy_a society_n join_v together_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o law_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n and_o so_o sometime_o it_o signify_v a_o definite_a particular_a congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n as_o that_o at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 20._o and_o 14.23_o and_o in_o that_o acceptation_n it_o note_n sometime_o the_o brethren_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o elder_n act._n 15.22_o sometime_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v together_o as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 11.20_o but_o never_o the_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n but_o in_o this_o place_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o particular_a definite_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a christian_a church_n build_v by_o christ_n more_o or_o rather_o than_o other_o it_o remain_v that_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n here_o in_o a_o indefinite_a sense_n and_o so_o the_o word_n church_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o paul_n say_v he_o persecute_v the_o church_n phil._n 3.6_o not_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n only_o or_o damascus_n but_o all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n gal._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n call_v every_o christian_a congregational_a church_n thus_o build_v his_o church_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v this_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v collect_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o quantity_n and_o compass_n congregational_a concl._n 4_o this_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n 1._o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n clear_o show_v that_o they_o so_o understand_v this_o branch_n of_o the_o church-charter_n and_o therefore_o they_o speak_v of_o christian-churche_n as_o several_a and_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.33_o yea_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o country_n as_o galatia_n gal_n 1.2_o judea_n v._o 22._o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8.1_o yea_o in_o corinth_n where_o god_n have_v much_o people_n act._n 18.10_o yet_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o though_o cenchrea_n be_v a_o port_n near_o unto_o corinth_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o church_n distinct_a from_o corinth_n rom._n 16.1_o the_o church_n also_o in_o jerusalem_n though_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v there_o than_o we_o read_v of_o in_o other_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n act._n 2.41_o 44_o 47._o and_o 6.2_o 15._o the_o same_o hold_v concern_v other_o great_a city_n the_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v congregational_a and_o if_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n grow_v too_o great_a for_o one_o congregation_n doubtless_o more_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o case_n &_o if_o several_a part_n of_o the_o church_n meet_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n now_o and_o then_o here_o and_o there_o as_o they_o may_v yet_o they_o continue_v one_o congregation_n have_v the_o same_o officer_n in_o common_a for_o any_o thing_n appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_n now_o let_v we_o see_v why_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v be_v congregational_a reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o end_n of_o church-fellowship_n which_o be_v mutual_a edification_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v institute_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v unto_o edification_n 1._o cor._n 14.26_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v attain_v unless_o they_o so_o meet_v together_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v v._o 13_o hence_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v not_o to_o forsake_v their_o assemble_v together_o heb._n 10.25_o which_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.42_o 44._o therefore_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v feed_v together_o act._n 20.28_o and_o to_o a_o house_n or_o family_n the_o member_n whereof_o enjoy_v the_o same_o family-priviledge_n in_o common_a under_o the_o same_o family-order_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v from_o their_o duty_n to_o take_v up_o offence_n among_o brethren_n which_o can_v be_v end_v private_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o which_o impli_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n must_v consist_v of_o more_o than_o two_o or_o three_o for_o though_o two_o or_o three_o may_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinancy_n withdraw_v from_o a_o convict_a delinquent_n and_o though_o two_o or_o three_o pray_v together_o may_v expect_v the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n as_o v._o 19_o 20._o upon_o their_o admonition_n yet_o two_o or_o three_o can_v issue_v the_o matter_n complete_o in_o way_n of_o church-censure_n but_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a number_n again_o how_o can_v two_o or_o three_o choose_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o officer_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v describe_v by_o four_o live_a creature_n in_o rev._n 4.6_o 7._o viz._n pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_a and_o deacon_n 2._o that_o they_o must_v not_o exceed_v the_o quantity_n and_o compass_n of_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o church_n must_v meet_v ordinary_o together_o with_o their_o officer_n for_o these_o purpose_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v officer_n as_o deacon_n act._n 6.2_o 3_o 5._o elder_n act._n 14.23_o to_o receive_v and_o admit_v member_n act._n 9.26_o for_o prophesy_v 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o seal_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o and_o for_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o and_o to_o release_v from_o censure_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o conâ—â—ctaries_n be_v these_o coral_n 1_o then_o the_o congregational_a frame_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o humane_a invention_n or_o constitution_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o parish_n frame_n as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o join_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n within_o such_o a_o praecinct_n into_o one_o church_n enjoin_v they_o all_o to_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o at_o easter_n be_v mere_o humane_a not_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o golden_a reed_n which_o be_v the_o church-measure_n but_o by_o the_o court-measure_n rev._n 11.1_o 2._o but_o that_o member_n so_o qualify_v as_o christ_n require_v and_o so_o confederate_v shall_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o golden_a reed_n whereby_o the_o city_n and_o gate_n and_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new-jerusalem_n be_v measure_v rev._n 21.15_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o few_o as_o to_o cut_v off_o church-jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o nor_o so_o many_o but_o that_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o of_o their_o fellowship_n within_o themselves_o coral_n 2_o then_o when_o a_o people_n grow_v to_o be_v so_o numerous_a in_o any_o church_n that_o they_o can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o to_o church-end_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v into_o sundry_a congregational_a church_n for_o though_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n because_o they_o may_v stand_v in_o so_o large_a a_o place_n together_o and_o see_v the_o sacrifice_n burn_v yet_o that_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o such_o multitude_n shall_v be_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n where_o more_o communion_n be_v require_v then_o in_o see_v some_o one_o ordinance_n
6.13_o 2._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o rome_n have_v be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n yet_o not_o as_o they_o be_v build_v by_o christ_n or_o plant_v by_o the_o apolste_n but_o their_o degenerate_a posterity_n and_o successor_n who_o be_v not_o build_v on_o this_o rock_n but_o on_o a_o outward_a form_n and_o neglect_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o their_o safety_n the_o apostle_n paul_n forewarn_v the_o roman_n to_o beware_v of_o apostasy_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o jew_n rom._n 11.12_o they_o nevertheless_o in_o succeed_a generation_n do_v degenerate_a from_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o gulf_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n but_o as_o when_o god_n take_v his_o visible_a kingdom_n from_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o unbelief_n he_o do_v not_o destroy_v his_o visible_a kingdom_n total_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o give_v it_o to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o mat._n 21.43_o so_o though_o in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n against_o apostate_n he_o may_v destroy_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a congregational_a church_n yet_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v whole_o against_o the_o church-state_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v preserve_v he_o do_v but_o translate_v the_o candlestick_n not_o break_v it_o all_o to_o piece_n he_o do_v but_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o one_o place_n into_o another_o rev._n 2.5_o and_o still_o preserve_v it_o in_o some_o particular_a congregation_n or_o other_o 3._o though_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o degree_n prevail_v against_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o waver_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o prevail_v according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n they_o have_v prevail_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d only_o in_o some_o respect_n as_o 1._o in_o temporal_n to_o impoverish_v they_o heb._n 10.34_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o bondage_n as_o pharaoh_n do_v the_o israelite_n to_o establish_v a_o decree_n for_o their_o destruction_n as_o haman_n do_v against_o the_o jew_n to_o put_v multitude_n of_o they_o to_o death_n as_o the_o ten_o persecute_v emperor_n do_v the_o christian_n and_o as_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o jew_n deal_v with_o christ_n 2._o in_o spiritual_n 1._o to_o scatter_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o upon_o occasion_n of_o stephen_n act._n 8.1_o and_o to_o cause_v the_o woman_n to_o fly_v into_o the_o wilderness_n rev._n 12._o 2._o to_o assault_v they_o with_o temptation_n as_o christ_n tell_v peter_n that_o satan_n have_v desire_v to_o winnow_v he_o like_o wheat_n but_o they_o can_v not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n absolute_o and_o total_o 1._o not_o against_o all_o of_o they_o in_o smyrna_n by_o outward_a calamity_n rev._n 2.10_o nor_o against_o all_o in_o sardis_n by_o temptation_n rev._n 3.4_o 2._o nor_o total_o against_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o god_n do_v raise_v up_o unexpected_a help_n for_o the_o woman_n flee_v into_o the_o wilderness_n rev._n 12.6_o 14_o 16._o to_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o remain_v on_o earth_n and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o they_o god_n will_v receive_v his_o people_n when_o outward_a subsistence_n fail_v into_o everlasting_a habitation_n luke_n 16.9_o and_o when_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v to_o the_o dispersion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n build_v on_o this_o rock_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o to_o their_o destruction_n but_o tend_v to_o the_o multiplication_n and_o enlargement_n of_o particular_a church_n the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v like_o the_o dispersion_n of_o seed_n into_o the_o field_n which_o bring_v forth_o a_o more_o plentiful_a harvest_n so_o their_o dispersion_n prevail_v against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n to_o the_o propagate_a of_o sundry_a church_n act._n 11.19_o 21._o thus_o the_o lord_n turn_v the_o policy_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n against_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o promise_n zach._n 12.3_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o impregnable_a stability_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n build_v upon_o this_o rock_n we_o shall_v now_o prove_v by_o reason_n that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o reas_n 1_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o invisible_a 1_o cor._n 12.27_o and_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o sound_a member_n of_o his_o body_n to_o be_v pluck_v and_o tear_v from_o it_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n he_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n heb._n 3.3_o 4._o and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v it_o when_o the_o ark_n be_v build_v by_o noah_n as_o god_n instrument_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n it_o stand_v against_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o deluge_n he_o be_v the_o foundation_n as_o he_o be_v belive_v and_o public_o confess_v whereupon_o he_o build_v his_o church_n against_o a_o house_n so_o build_v the_o wind_n and_o wave_n can_v prevail_v matth._n 7.24_o 25._o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o promise_n give_v to_o such_o a_o church_n which_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o for_o protection_n isa_n 4.5_o 6._o where_o be_v prophesi_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o describe_v god_n protection_n over_o they_o by_o a_o twofold_a allusion_n 1._o by_o the_o pillar_n of_o cloud_n and_o fire_n that_o protect_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o the_o red_a sea_n from_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n 2._o by_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o holy_a thing_n in_o it_o from_o all_o injury_n of_o weather_n exod._n 26.14_o rev._n 7.16_o and_o his_o power_n be_v engage_v to_o perform_v his_o promise_n joh._n 10.28_o 29._o and_o his_o providence_n will_v order_v all_o issue_n and_o event_n thereunto_o isa_n 54.16_o 17._o mat._n 28.18_o 20._o 2ly_n for_o victory_n rom._n 16.20_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v tread_v satan_n under_o their_o foot_n he_o will_v see_v to_o it_o that_o satan_n shall_v not_o tread_v they_o under_o his_o foot_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o title_n give_v to_o particular_a visible_a church_n they_o be_v frequent_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o heaven_n they_o be_v call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n have_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n by_o a_o oath_n psal_n 89.35_o 36._o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n herein_o he_o call_v the_o sun_n and_o moon_n to_o be_v witness_n vers_fw-la 37._o the_o sun_n may_v be_v cloud_v sometime_o and_o moon_n be_v sometime_o in_o the_o full_a sometime_o in_o the_o wane_n but_o still_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n 56._o dr._n whitt_n ad_fw-la rat._n camp_n resp_n p._n 56._o semper_fw-la &_o fuisse_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la &_o futuram_fw-la deinceps_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la non_fw-la dubitamus_fw-la quanquam_fw-la ejus_fw-la aspectum_fw-la aliquando_fw-la illustrem_fw-la ut_fw-la conspici_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la possit_fw-la aliquando_fw-la tantâ_fw-la caligine_fw-la ut_fw-la vix_fw-la agnoscas_fw-la obscuratam_fw-la esse_fw-la fateamur_fw-la and_o it_o belong_v to_o christ_n to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n who_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o than_o to_o bruise_v his_o hâ—el_n gen._n 3.15_o he_o be_v that_o little_a stone_n that_o break_v the_o image_n to_o piece_n which_o represent_v the_o monarchy_n and_o power_n whereby_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n seek_v to_o prevail_v against_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n dan._n 2.45_o christ_n church_n be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o nation_n isa_n 56.7_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n gal._n 6.16_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o change_n of_o jacob_n name_n who_o by_o prayer_n obtain_v victory_n and_o protection_n against_o esau_n gen._n 32.28_o hos_fw-la 12.2_o 3._o so_o shall_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o prayer_n obtain_v deliverance_n from_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o they_o reas_n 4_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o devil_n themselves_o and_o all_o their_o instrument_n 1._o they_o be_v curse_v gen._n 12.3_o i_o will_v curse_v they_o that_o curse_v thou_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o their_o interprize_n against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 2._o they_o be_v conquer_v and_o captivate_v and_o triumph_v over_o by_o christ_n before_o he_o do_v build_v his_o church_n ephes_n 4.8_o 12._o therefore_o shall_v not_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o it_o nor_o destroy_v it_o be_v build_v 3._o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o christ_n kingdom_n therefore_o shall_v not_o prevail_v ps_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 110.1_o 2._o let_v we_o brief_o note_v some_o corollary_n hence_o then_o in_o vain_a boast_v that_o roman_a
office-power_n but_o all_o power_n which_o serve_v to_o shut_v and_o open_v the_o house_n or_o city_n of_o god_n not_o power_n of_o the_o steward_n only_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o this_o great_a king_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o her_o husband_n be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n even_o to_o heaven_n have_v give_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o family_n and_o reject_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o for_o those_o end_n to_o judge_v also_o because_o such_o act_n require_v judgement_n and_o to_o call_v the_o steward_n to_o his_o place_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o key_n of_o office_n by_o election_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o power_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o she_o yet_o it_o come_v original_o from_o she_o reas_n 2._o because_o christ_n here_o give_v the_o key_n only_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v i._n e._n only_o to_o teacher_n and_o elder_n answ_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n be_v give_v only_o to_o teacher_n &_o elder_n only_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n have_v that_o formal_o yet_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o large_a than_o office-power_n viz._n to_o admit_v reject_v etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v their_o office_n from_o the_o church_n and_o their_o office-power_n by_o the_o church_n original_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n in_o the_o church_n before_o office-power_n which_o do_v communicate_v and_o convey_v office-power_n to_o its_o officer_n 3._o reas_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v act_n of_o the_o office-power_n of_o pastor_n ruler_n feeder_n by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n answ_n bind_v and_o lose_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o in_o this_o text_n comprehend_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o church-power_n and_o these_o act_n be_v not_o only_o by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n for_o then_o the_o ruling-eld_a shall_v have_v no_o key_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v but_o also_o by_o admonition_n excommunication_n admission_n which_o issue_n from_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o common_a to_o the_o people_n with_o they_o 2._o though_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o she_o may_v not_o exercise_v any_o act_n proper_a to_o office-power_n without_o officer_n who_o she_o do_v and_o must_v call_v to_o that_o end_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 4._o reas_n if_o this_o place_n give_v not_o warrant_v and_o authority_n to_o officer_n what_o warrant_v have_v they_o for_o their_o office-power_n answ_n 1._o this_o place_n give_v warrant_n for_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o church_n do_v according_o call_v they_o to_o that_o place_n and_o invest_v they_o with_o office_n with_o voluntary_a profess_a subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n of_o office_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o several_a act_n of_o office-power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o be_v abundant_o warrant_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 5._o reas_n they_o to_o who_o the_o key_n be_v here_o give_v do_v authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o their_o act_n be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v officer_n can_v by_o any_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n answ_n the_o word_n authority_n sometime_o be_v take_v more_o general_o for_o power_n sometime_o more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o rule_v and_o office-power_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o foregive_v judicial_o in_o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o former_a censure_n the_o officer_n forgive_v authoritative_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o interpretation_n 6._o other_o look_v at_o the_o key_n as_o give_v to_o peter_n here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n indefinite_o take_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a definite_a church_n that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v receive_v the_o key_n from_o they_o or_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o that_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o parity_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la therefore_o the_o church_n here_o intend_v must_v be_v take_v general_o and_o indefinite_o as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o or_o the_o general_a church_n as_o exist_v its_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v object_v against_o this_o that_o peter_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a congregation_n when_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a for_o no_o such_o church_n be_v then_o constitute_v no_o more_o be_v there_o a_o presbytery_n then_o constitute_v when_o christ_n direct_v peter_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o after_o proceed_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o mat._n 18._o which_o yet_o they_o hold_v but_o not_o true_o to_o be_v the_o presbytery_n as_o we_o shall_v evince_v hereafter_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o grant_n that_o that_o rule_n serve_v to_o order_v member_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o case_n when_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o force_n in_o this_o text_n also_o some_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n in_o this_o text_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n because_o he_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o his_o speech_n for_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o person_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o he_o say_v not_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o key_n but_o vary_v the_o person_n he_o turn_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n say_v and_o unto_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n here_o be_v no_o change_v of_o person_n nor_o turn_v of_o speech_n in_o christ_n give_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n but_o as_o christ_n begin_v so_o he_o continue_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 17._o christ_n pronounce_v peter_n bless_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 18._o he_o give_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n to_o peter_n confession_n that_o upon_o this_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n and_o establish_v it_o as_o impregnable_a against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o v._o 19_o he_o give_v unto_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o though_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o calling_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o the_o key_n be_v here_o original_o and_o primary_o commit_v to_o the_o 3._o the_o toti_n ecclesiae_fw-la dedit_fw-la christus_fw-la clave_n sed_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la certi_fw-la essent_fw-la qui_fw-la clavibus_fw-la utantur_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honoremque_fw-la dei_fw-la zanc._n in_o praec_fw-la 4._o quaest_n 3._o vid._n park_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 3._o church_n in_o general_n exist_v in_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v produce_v sundry_a writer_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a of_o other_o country_n and_o our_o own_o if_o need_v require_v to_o confirm_v this_o exposition_n yea_o of_o the_o author_n quote_v by_o mr._n p._n not_o a_o few_o consent_n herein_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v cyprian_n and_o augustine_n who_o in_o sundry_a place_n speak_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o these_o two_o i_o the_o rather_o name_n because_o i_o find_v in_o approve_a history_n that_o sundry_a martyr_n be_v confirm_v in_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o testimony_n have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n hieronimus_fw-la savanarola_n a_o godly_a learned_a preacher_n in_o florence_n a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n 565._o illyr_n catal_a test_n verit_fw-la count_v
may_v by_o the_o eye_n which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o that_o end_n 2._o the_o confirmation_n or_o proof_n that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v double_a 1._o by_o scripture_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o by_o scripture_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o sundry_a text_n 1._o this_o in_o hand_n clear_o confirm_v it_o if_o that_o good_a ancient_a rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n be_v receive_v dictorum_fw-la intelligentia_fw-la ex_fw-la causis_fw-la dictorum_fw-la sumenda_fw-la est_fw-la for_o christ_n question_n to_o the_o disciple_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o peter_n confession_n here_o be_v only_o concern_v the_o faith_n common_a to_o the_o church_n who_o say_v you_o that_o i_o be_o hereupon_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o disciple_n make_v this_o confession_n of_o faith_n 13._o quia_fw-la christus_fw-la petra_n petrus_n populus_fw-la christianus_n august_n in_o matth._n de_fw-fr verbis_fw-la domini_fw-la ser._n 13._o christ_n testify_v his_o approbation_n of_o it_o by_o call_v he_o peter_n not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o office_n as_o of_o his_o faith_n thus_o public_o profess_v whence_o also_o visible_a believer_n be_v call_v lively_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o christ_n add_v to_o this_o praise_n of_o peter_n a_o twofold_a promise_n 1._o of_o edify_v and_o stablish_v the_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n 2._o of_o afford_v it_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o end_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o city_n or_o house_n the_o door_n or_o gate_n whereof_o be_v christ_n the_o key_n be_v all_o institute_v mean_n whereby_o a_o entrance_n into_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n visible_o be_v open_v and_o shut_v the_o subordinate_a power_n whereof_o be_v here_o give_v to_o the_o church_n immediate_o the_o second_o text_n be_v in_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n &_o if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n for_o what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n this_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o elder_n assemble_v together_o and_o act_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n for_o no_o such_o assembly_n be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n much_o less_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o they_o for_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o other_o member_n to_o be_v censure_v by_o they_o though_o when_o they_o keep_v the_o rule_n they_o be_v as_o elder_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o congregational-church_n the_o three_o text_n be_v in_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o paul_n exhort_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o exercise_v this_o their_o power_n which_o he_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o whereby_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o incestuous_a person_n v._n 5._o and_o be_v to_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n v._n 7._o and_o be_v to_o judge_v those_o that_o be_v within_o v._n 12._o and_o to_o put_v away_o that_o wicked_a person_n from_o among_o they_o v._n 13._o and_o this_o paul_n call_v a_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o thus_o he_o establish_v their_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o use_v it_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o exhort_v they_o upon_o the_o man_n repentance_n to_o turn_v the_o key_n and_o to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o loose_v he_o from_o the_o former_a censure_n by_o forgive_a he_o in_o a_o legal_a or_o judicial_a sense_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o and_o that_o this_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v a_o mere_a congregational-church_n it_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v no_o large_a than_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o ordinary_a worship_n of_o god_n 2._o by_o reason_n 1._o because_o in_o such_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v all_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o power_n 1._o efficient_a the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n who_o delegate_v this_o subordinate_a power_n to_o who_o it_o please_v he_o by_o his_o own_o appointment_n 2._o the_o material_a cause_n visible_a believer_n 3._o the_o formal_a cause_n covenant_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o submit_v mutual_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v reclaim_v if_o they_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n or_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a if_o they_o be_v find_v obstinate_a 2._o because_o there_o be_v no_o former_a subject_n of_o this_o power_n from_o whence_o a_o congregational-church_n may_v derive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v communicate_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o church_n to_o all_o that_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o it_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n when_o other_o be_v remove_v they_o choose_v their_o own_o elder_n therefore_o they_o have_v this_o power_n virtual_o in_o they_o before_o they_o have_v elder_n and_o so_o can_v not_o derive_v it_o from_o they_o 2._o all_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o not_o one_o of_o they_o subordinate_a to_o another_o therefore_o they_o derive_v it_o not_o from_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o synod_n both_o lesser_a and_o large_a be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n send_v from_o particular_a church_n and_o have_v their_o be_v from_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o send_v they_o to_o they_o to_o borrow_v any_o church-power_n but_o only_o light_v from_o they_o as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n do_v from_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15._o therefore_o they_o derive_v no_o church-power_n from_o they_o again_o when_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v dead_a or_o censure_v or_o reject_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o obstinacy_n in_o scandalous_a evil_n the_o church_n still_o retain_v its_o power_n to_o choose_v other_o as_o a_o corporation_n have_v its_o full_a power_n still_o though_o the_o magistrate_n be_v dead_a or_o cast_v out_o the_o same_o hold_v in_o church_n in_o island_n by_o their_o own_o confession_n when_o they_o can_v have_v the_o help_n of_o synod_n thus_o we_o prove_v fire_n to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o heat_n because_o if_o it_o be_v in_o other_o thing_n as_o in_o water_n or_o wood_n it_o be_v there_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o fire_n and_o when_o they_o be_v remove_v yet_o still_o it_o remain_v in_o fire_n the_o like_a reason_n hold_v in_o this_o as_o you_o see_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o of_o which_o we_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n or_o of_o the_o key_n 3._o because_o all_o the_o act_n do_v immediate_o by_o the_o church_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v in_o bind_v and_o lose_v flow_v from_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o 1._o their_o admit_v member_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n and_o hold_v it_o forth_o for_o till_o the_o brethren_n be_v satisfy_v and_o approve_v one_o fitness_n he_o can_v be_v receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 10.47_o 2._o their_o choose_v officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n which_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o violate_v in_o add_v deacon_n act._n 6.3_o 5._o and_o ruling-elders_a to_o the_o church_n act._n 14.23_o and_o the_o same_o hold_v much_o more_o concern_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n this_o power_n cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 4._o the_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la metuens_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maximè_fw-la habet_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divinâ_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 4._o people_n principal_o to_o accept_v or_o refuse_v minister_n as_o they_o judge_v they_o worthy_a or_o unworthy_a 3._o their_o ordination_n of_o officer_n by_o depute_v some_o choose_v out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n thereunto_o in_o the_o want_n of_o officer_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n reside_v in_o they_o for_o though_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n in_o general_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n as_o they_o be_v ruler_n be_v from_o christ_n immediate_o yet_o the_o invest_n of_o this_o or_o that_o elect_a person_n with_o this_o office_n &_o authority_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n by_o application_n of_o it_o to_o he_o in_o particular_a rather_o than_o to_o another_o this_o be_v by_o the_o
church-communion_n by_o believer_n join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o memberlike_a affection_n and_o fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n but_o they_o speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la but_o rather_o intimate_v the_o contrary_n for_o the_o apostle_n by_o compare_v a_o congregational-church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n entire_a in_o all_o its_o member_n show_v that_o as_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v entire_a and_o sound_a have_v complete_a power_n within_o itself_o for_o all_o bodily_a action_n so_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v organise_v and_o govern_v by_o christ_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o joint_n of_o supply_n according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o without_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o supply_v a_o superior_a church-power_n which_o be_v want_v in_o this_o body_n of_o chirist_n a_o congregational-church_n and_o as_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v sound_a and_o of_o a_o good_a constitution_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n in_o itself_o to_o purge_v out_o of_o itself_o malignant_a humour_n so_o such_o a_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o cast_v out_o vicious_a and_o hurtful_a member_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o such_o as_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n neglect_v to_o join_v as_o member_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o reveal_v will_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o but_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o subjection_n thereunto_o be_v no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a but_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v man_n invention_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o it_o may_v establish_v only_o god_n ordinance_n therein_o other_o argue_v thus_o as_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o must_v submit_v to_o combination_n so_o though_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a yet_o not_o so_o when_o it_o be_v among_o other_o church_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v not_o a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o of_o town_n or_o family_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v more_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o great_a ruâ—â—â—_n of_o the_o world_n than_o church_n be_v therefore_o civil_a society_n may_v be_v of_o several_a constitution_n have_v different_a law_n and_o privilege_n and_o admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o against_o moral_a rule_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n man_n may_v not_o alter_v the_o kind_n or_o form_n of_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v but_o must_v preserve_v inviolate_a the_o law_n administration_n privilege_n and_o church-government_n ordain_v by_o he_o without_o addition_n diminution_n or_o alteration_n hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o alienate_v from_o itself_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n any_o right_n power_n or_o privilege_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n 2._o if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o dwell_v among_o nor_o do_v he_o though_o he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n eschol_n and_o mamre_o yet_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o neither_o be_v a_o particular_a organical_a church_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o classical_a combination_n till_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o a_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o 3._o though_o several_a family_n not_o have_v complete_a government_n within_o themselves_o must_v combine_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o not_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o family-government_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n respective_o to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n much_o less_o may_v several_a congregational-churche_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o to_o pastor_n of_o sundry_a church_n combine_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o govern_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a affair_n such_o as_o admission_n of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n but_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o very_o weighty_a and_o formidable_a you_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o sovereign_a remedy_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n against_o the_o many_o disease_n whereunto_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a the_o great_a preservative_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o safety_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n as_o prove_v church-society_n to_o be_v the_o visible_a suburb_n of_o heaven_n yea_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n begin_v on_o earth_n see_v such_o a_o heavenly_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n than_o elijah_n do_v when_o he_o shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o jam._n 5.17_o for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o outward_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n but_o this_o be_v spiritual_a and_o for_o ever_o upon_o impenitent_a person_n it_o be_v great_a than_o earthly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n can_v do_v they_o can_v bind_v a_o malefactor_n hand_n and_o foot_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jailor_n and_o sentence_v he_o to_o banishment_n out_o of_o their_o dominion_n but_o this_o censure_n bind_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n and_o exclude_v obstinate_a impenitent_a sinner_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o when_o this_o censure_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o they_o to_o ratify_v his_o censure_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o bless_v it_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n if_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o liberty_n because_o they_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o church-censure_n they_o show_v their_o extreme_a folly_n therein_o for_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o forlorn_a creature_n exclude_v from_o spiritual_a help_n suitable_a to_o their_o need_n they_o be_v as_o sheep_n who_o no_o man_n take_v up_o or_o care_v for_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n isa_n 3.13_o 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n and_o much_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o they_o improve_v it_o aright_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o be_v purge_v out_o and_o heal_v by_o easy_a mean_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o see_v themselves_o as_o adam_z drive_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o the_o flame_a sword_n of_o a_o cherubin_n or_o as_o cain_n cast_v out_o from_o god_n face_n or_o as_o the_o leper_n shut_v out_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n or_o as_o that_o incestuous_a corinthian_a deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a humble_v and_o effectual_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o hold_v it_o forth_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n if_o it_o work_v not_o this_o effect_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n for_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n when_o it_o be_v not_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n so_o this_o gospel-ordinance_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o shall_v work_v one_o way_n or_o tother_o either_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a or_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v
that_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a for_o their_o eternal_a good_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n when_o the_o sentence_n proceed_v either_o according_a to_o the_o eighteen_o of_o matthew_n upon_o their_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n in_o less_o heinous_a offence_n or_o according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o rev._n 22.15_o upon_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o against_o common_a light_n to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v they_o in_o due_a time_n 1_o pet._n 5.6_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o he_o to_o add_v efficacy_n to_o his_o ordinance_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v due_o and_o true_o humble_v their_o corruption_n powerful_o mortify_v and_o their_o soul_n eternal_o save_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o take_v not_o part_n with_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o ordinance_n but_o take_v part_n with_o the_o ordinance_n against_o your_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o your_o honour_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o exalt_v his_o rule_n and_o let_v other_o learn_v hereby_o to_o fear_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n but_o persist_v obstinate_o in_o sin_n 2._o corollary_n then_o a_o congregational_a church_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n this_o be_v reveal_v to_o john_n as_o that_o frame_n of_o church-government_n which_o shall_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o see_v a_o throne_n set_v in_o heaven_n the_o trinity_n sit_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n between_o it_o and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n who_o sit_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n rev._n 4.1_o 9_o thither_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o ordinance_n by_o a_o offend_a brother_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n or_o by_o any_o member_n that_o find_v himself_o over-rigorous_o dealâ—_n with_o by_o his_o brethren_n in_o these_o step_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o that_o there_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o christ_n if_o the_o church_n want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o consent_n for_o the_o sentence_n they_o be_v to_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o by_o their_o light_n and_o counsel_n but_o still_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o censure_n entire_o in_o the_o church_n where_o christ_n have_v place_v it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o chief_a tribunal_n in_o the_o exerciâ—â—_n of_o church-government_n unto_o which_o appeal_n must_v be_v last_o make_v juridical_o and_o from_o which_o no_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o expect_v 2._o that_o this_o chief_a tribunal_n must_v have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n above_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v judial_o censure_v by_o any_o power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n all_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v the_o chief_a tribunal_n that_o say_v some_o must_v be_v the_o class_n under_o which_o such_o church_n stand_v and_o the_o synod_n under_o which_o the_o class_n be_v subordinate_a and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n may_v be_v remove_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o say_v can_v be_v do_v if_o you_o put_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n for_o what_o if_o a_o elder_a what_o if_o the_o whole_a edership_n yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n offend_v the_o church_n can_v censure_v their_o elder_n for_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o to_o judge_v their_o judge_n nor_o will_v they_o censure_v themselves_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n of_o many_o elder_n may_v and_o will_v reform_v all_o by_o judicial_o censure_v all_o answ_n 1._o this_o argument_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_n or_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o matth._n 18._o be_v â—â—t_n for_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n but_o of_o such_o private_a and_o less_o heinous_a offence_n as_o grow_v public_a and_o notorious_a only_o by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n for_o if_o offence_n be_v public_a and_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_a church_n to_o proceed_v by_o those_o step_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rev._n 22.15_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o make_v the_o people_n ruler_n of_o their_o ruler_n or_o judge_n of_o their_o judge_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n over_o they_o in_o case_n of_o delinquency_n for_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a rule_n or_o authority_n but_o of_o the_o high_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o may_v well_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o their_o privilege_n without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o authority_n of_o elder_n wherein_o as_o officer_n they_o be_v above_o the_o brethren_n whilst_o they_o act_v according_a to_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o become_v delinquent_n then_o as_o member_n they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n must_v submit_v to_o they_o as_o ruler_n while_o they_o right_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n in_o preach_v administer_a the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o censure_n order_v speech_n and_o silence_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o other_o official_a act_n but_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o church_n question_v or_o proceed_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o good_a advice_n of_o neighbour-churche_n and_o elder_n who_o as_o they_o concur_v in_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o their_o ordination_n so_o they_o shall_v concur_v in_o approve_v this_o censure_n as_o just_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n from_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o mayor_n in_o a_o free_a city_n or_o corporation_n be_v in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o his_o office_n above_o the_o court_n none_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o act_n peculiar_a to_o his_o place_n yet_o if_o he_o corrupt_v the_o people_n pervert_v justice_n or_o be_v any_o way_n gross_o and_o scandalous_o delinquent_a the_o court_n can_v censure_v and_o despose_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o any_o member_n to_o preserve_v its_o purity_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n against_o any_o in_o the_o body_n that_o will_v corrupt_v disturb_v or_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o the_o covenant_n bind_v every_o member_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a either_o to_o be_v reform_v or_o remove_v from_o communion_n of_o it_o thereby_o 3._o their_o plaster_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o heal_v the_o sore_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v either_o too_o broad_a when_o offence_n of_o brethren_n may_v be_v heal_v by_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o or_o it_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o 1._o those_o assembly_n be_v too_o seldom_o and_o can_v sit_v together_o long_o enough_o to_o remove_v the_o many_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o frequent_o in_o church_n 2._o non_fw-fr can_v they_o excommunicate_v a_o church_n nor_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o warrant_n from_o christ_n 3._o class_n and_o synod_n and_o general_a council_n may_v be_v under_o just_a offence_n as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o 4._o this_o plaster_n hinder_v the_o heal_n of_o the_o sore_n of_o church_n for_o pronunciatum_fw-la appellatio_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la prima_fw-la sententia_fw-la tantisper_fw-la extinguitur_fw-la donec_fw-la de_fw-la causae_fw-la cognition_n ad_fw-la superiorem_fw-la devolutâ_fw-la fuerit_fw-la pronunciatum_fw-la if_o a_o delinquent_n dislike_a the_o church_n proceed_v appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o national_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n which_o may_v not_o assemble_v in_o a_o age_n while_o the_o appeal_n depend_v he_o shall_v stand_v as_o uncensured_a for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o appeal_n now_o how_o can_v that_o heal_v which_o be_v cross_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a wise_a physician_n he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n but_o he_o who_o appeal_v from_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n therefore_o he_o that_o so_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n which_o this_o tradition_n of_o appeal_n from_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la
to_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n contradict_v and_o so_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o high_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o itself_o 3._o corollary_n then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la will_v well_o consist_v with_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o both_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n ordinance_n do_v not_o interfere_v as_o the_o communion_n of_o neighbour-family_n do_v not_o cross_v the_o complete_a government_n of_o several_a family_n within_o themselves_o respective_o in_o thing_n proper_o domestical_a and_o as_o communion_n among_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n hinder_v not_o the_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o each_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n within_o itself_o in_o its_o proper_a concernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n therefore_o church-communion_n must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a association_n for_o mutual_a helpfulness_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o not_o in_o way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n whether_o of_o another_o church_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o several_a church_n assemble_v in_o class_n or_o synod_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o former_a way_n be_v exercise_v according_a to_o rule_n in_o sundry_a case_n as_o 1._o in_o mutual_a care_n 2._o in_o recommendation_n of_o member_n 3._o in_o participation_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o 4._o in_o relieve_v and_o succour_v one_o another_o 5._o in_o countenance_v by_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o a_o church_n in_o its_o first_o gather_v and_o unto_o elder_n at_o their_o ordination_n 6._o in_o consult_v one_o with_o another_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o require_v the_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n 16._o see_v these_o particular_n prove_v in_o the_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n published-by_a the_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n anno._n 1649._o the_o eight_o month_n chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v than_o ourselves_o 7._o in_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n all_o these_o and_o if_o withdraw_a fellowship_n upon_o just_a cause_n be_v add_v to_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o apostle_n may_v do_v to_o another_o without_o exercise_v church-government_n over_o they_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n to_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la the_o scripture_n no_o where_o approve_v not_o of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o church_n and_o par_fw-fr in_o parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la nor_o of_o one_o church_n to_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a neighbour-churche_n the_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o pattern_n they_o say_v of_o such_o a_o synod_n let_v we_o see_v how_o their_o classical_a assembly_n answer_v it_o 1._o that_o be_v no_o set_a meeting_n monthly_a or_o quarterly_a but_o mere_o occasional_a act._n 15.1_o 2._o 2._o if_o be_v not_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o assemble_v verse_n 22_o 23._o 3._o it_o be_v but_o a_o meeting_n of_o two_o church_n that_o of_o antioch_n send_v their_o messenger_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n who_o residence_n for_o the_o present_a be_v there_o join_v with_o they_o verse_n 4_o 6._o 4._o that_o assembly_n give_v their_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o antioch_n &_o of_o the_o person_n that_o teach_v it_o as_o troublesome_a and_o subverter_n verse_n 24._o but_o do_v neither_o excommunicate_v they_o nor_o command_v the_o church_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 5._o they_o direct_v and_o charge_v the_o church_n from_o the_o word_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v verse_n 28_o 29._o but_o they_o do_v not_o do_v their_o act_n of_o power_n for_o they_o 6._o nor_o do_v this_o assembly_n exercise_v church-government_n over_o that_o church_n at_o antioch_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n or_o in_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n or_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n or_o in_o excommunicate_v or_o in_o reverse_v or_o nullify_n the_o censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o church_n for_o these_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la to_o every_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o yet_o because_o i_o study_v peace_n and_o consent_n with_o godly_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o truth_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n right_o gather_v and_o order_v have_v so_o much_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o in_o these_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n for_o in_o scripture_n be_v willing_a also_o to_o yield_v further_o if_o it_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o more_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o there_o be_v two_o case_n wherein_o the_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n and_o determination_n of_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n 1._o when_o they_o want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o competent_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o themselves_o approve_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o attainment_n of_o their_o end_n in_o seek_v light_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n agree_v to_o send_v to_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n though_o two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o have_v sufficient_a light_n within_o themselves_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o convict_o from_o scripture_n the_o elder_n and_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o brethren_n by_o far_o consent_v therein_o no_o rule_n require_v or_o allow_v that_o for_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o a_o delinquent_n who_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n or_o of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n who_o side_n with_o he_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o censure_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o proceed_v till_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n have_v be_v consult_v for_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v 1._o it_o will_v disturb_v all_o church-proceeding_n 2._o and_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la it_o must_v issue_v there_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n if_o as_o many_o elder_n in_o that_o assembly_n dissent_n as_o brethren_n do_v before_o in_o the_o church-meeting_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v gain_v thereby_o and_o if_o the_o delinquent_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o issue_n and_o so_o appeal_n may_v be_v draw_v further_o till_o a_o delinquent_n wrest_v himself_o at_o last_o from_o all_o power_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o case_n be_v when_o that_o which_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la in_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o consider_v become_v res_fw-la communis_fw-la in_o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o proceed_v for_o though_o receive_v of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v act_n of_o the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o never_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o establish_v by_o that_o grant_n a_o absolute_a power_n in_o such_o church_n to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o other_o church_n if_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o a_o right_a seed_n shall_v turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n unto_o god_n and_o become_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a or_o scandalous_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n know_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o choose_v such_o into_o office_n and_o refuse_v to_o admit_v into_o fellowship_n or_o office_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o fellowship_n such_o as_o testify_v according_a to_o rule_n against_o these_o evil_n and_o refuse_v to_o consent_v with_o they_o therein_o etc._n etc._n the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n or_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n if_o the_o evil_n spread_v to_o the_o disturb_v corrupt_a or_o scandalize_a
of_o many_o church_n have_v power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n act._n 15.6_o 2._o to_o argue_v debate_n and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o word_n verse_n 7_o 23_o 3._o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v vers_fw-la 23._o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 24_o 28_o 29._o 4._o such_o determination_n and_o direction_n be_v find_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v be_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o 5._o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a persistance_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n in_o their_o scandalous_a evil_n against_o light_n convict_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n so_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v by_o they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o church-communion_n till_o they_o repent_v and_o reform_v this_o follow_v in_o proportion_n from_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 2.9_o and_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o person_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o such_o offend_a church_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o neither_o do_v that_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15.29_o here_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o join_v with_o my_o brethren_n in_o add_v some_o caution_n touch_v the_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 57_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 57_o either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o throâ—â—â—_n ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o ball._n mr._n shepherd_n &_o mr._n allen_n defense_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n in_o answ_n to_o mr._n ball._n other_o express_v their_o apprehension_n in_o way_n of_o caution_n touch_v this_o matter_n thus_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n or_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulatiuè_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privatiuè_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o as_o these_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o classical_a power_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v tanquam_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la so_o in_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o i_o with_o they_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n due_a moderation_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o exercise_v brotherly_a communion_n in_o testify_v against_o such_o act_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n be_v according_a to_o scripture-light_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o 1._o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o though_o as_o elder_n yet_o not_o as_o apostle_n nor_o as_o infallible_o assist_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a in_o their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o in_o a_o masterly_a way_n impose_v their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n upon_o other_o but_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o receive_v only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o that_o church_n hold_v forth_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a apprehension_n let_v they_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o answer_v convict_o or_o let_v that_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la without_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n 2._o godly_a wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o proceed_n in_o make_v difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v church_n to_o connive_v at_o grosser_n scandal_n nor_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o small_a difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n much_o less_o for_o censure_v and_o hold_v under_o censure_n impenitent_a person_n when_o the_o scandalous_a obstinacy_n of_o delinquent_n be_v res_fw-la propriâ_fw-la to_o that_o church_n though_o some_o other_o church_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o guide_n who_o possible_o may_v side_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o delinquent_n out_o of_o some_o secret_a grutch_v against_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o party_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v lay_v under_o that_o censure_n or_o shall_v now_o be_v release_v from_o it_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v contrary_a to_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n if_o a_o church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a matter_n than_o this_o will_v cause_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n between_o church_n where_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v exercise_v with_o true_a humility_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n see_v the_o moderation_n of_o that_o african_a synod_n whereof_o cyprian_n write_v thus_o to_o stephanus_n caeterum_fw-la scimus_fw-la quosdam_fw-la quod_fw-la semel_fw-la imbiberint_fw-la 1._o cypr._n l._n 2._o ep._n 1._o nolle_fw-la deponere_fw-la nec_fw-la propositum_fw-la suum_fw-la facilè_fw-la mutare_fw-la sed_fw-la salvo_fw-la inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la quaedam_fw-la propria_fw-la quae_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la semel_fw-la sint_fw-la usurpata_fw-la retinere_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o re_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la cviquam_fw-la facimus_fw-la aut_fw-la legem_fw-la damus_fw-la cum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la administratione_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la suae_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la liberum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la praepositus_fw-la rationem_fw-la actus_fw-la svi_fw-la domino_fw-la redditurus_fw-la yet_o these_o proper_a practice_n of_o some_o church_n differ_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n which_o be_v establish_v as_o he_o say_v consensu_fw-la &_o authoritate_fw-la communi_fw-la nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v end_n of_o breach_n among_o church_n unless_o due_a moderation_n in_o such_o case_n