to_o the_o church_n of_o that_o kingdom_n any_o new_a right_n but_o that_o right_a which_o before_o they_o have_v to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o defection_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n be_v hinder_v and_o as_o it_o be_v suspend_v they_o may_v now_o free_o and_o pure_o again_o reduce_v to_o practice_v thus_o do_v the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n often_o in_o the_o time_n of_o defection_n or_o extraordinary_a necessity_n enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 4._o neither_o do_v we_o hold_v that_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o the_o question_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o altogether_o unlawful_a for_o it_o be_v lawful_a also_o express_o public_o and_o solemn_o to_o vow_v to_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n enjoin_v to_o all_o believer_n but_o that_o necessity_n of_o make_v this_o public_a solemn_a and_o express_v covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n require_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o essential_a constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o union_n above_o mention_v we_o conceive_v sufficient_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o join_a man_n profess_v the_o faith_n into_o one_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o essence_n and_o entireness_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o union_n be_v sufficient_a we_o deny_v therefore_o in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o a_o solemn_a and_o express_a church_n covenant_n between_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o without_o such_o a_o covenant_n there_o will_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n no_o member_n of_o a_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n 2._o we_o deny_v also_o that_o by_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n that_o right_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n have_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o grace_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o other_o benefit_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v these_o 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o such_o church-covenant_n between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n do_v require_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o necessary_a but_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n they_o receive_v such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n inâ—o_v the_o church_n visible_a and_o join_v in_o the_o same_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o those_o who_o be_v without_o any_o such_o covenant_n receive_v into_o a_o ecclesiastical_a body_n with_o themselves_o see_v act_n 2._o 42_o 47._o &_o 5._o 13._o &_o 8._o 12._o &_o 9_o 26._o &_o 18._o 8._o 2._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o synagogue_n enter_v not_o into_o any_o solemn_a church_n covenant_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n but_o only_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n when_o they_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n all_o the_o faithful_a of_o the_o whole_a national_a church_n renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o restore_v the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o when_o they_o be_v by_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v upon_o for_o renew_v such_o a_o covenant_n 3._o no_o man_n can_v enjoin_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o enjoy_v the_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n have_v not_o enjoin_v without_o damnable_a will-worship_n but_o god_n have_v not_o enjoin_v such_o a_o covenant_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o have_v enjoin_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o covenant_n as_o the_o essential_a form_n of_o church-communion_n so_o as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o will-worship_n and_o so_o to_o be_v reject_v 4._o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n visible_a be_v associate_v and_o unite_v into_o external_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n be_v baptism_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o circumcision_n be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o as_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 47._o lydia_n act_v 16._o 15._o &_o other_o be_v by_o baptism_n ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o those_o of_o year_n be_v join_v with_o a_o embrace_n and_o profession_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o believer_n act_n 2._o 41._o the_o berean_o act_n 17._o 10._o and_o by_o christ_n commandment_n mat._n 28._o 19_o hence_o say_v the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n that_o beside_o the_o primary_n use_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n there_o be_v other_o secondary_a use_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n the_o external_a engraft_v they_o into_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n act_v 2._o 41._o the_o unite_n of_o christ_n member_n among_o themselves_o and_o into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o and_o consequent_o upon_o these_o a_o signification_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o assembly_n of_o unbeliever_n this_o church-covenant_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a hence_o also_o our_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o in_o admit_v of_o pastor_n or_o church_n member_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o church_n covenant_n which_o yet_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n who_o member_n have_v all_o essential_a requisite_n necessary_a to_o church_n communion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o make_v this_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o true_a believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n be_v indeed_o material_n of_o a_o church_n who_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n want_v the_o form_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o argument_n upon_o which_o we_o reject_v this_o position_n be_v because_o the_o form_n of_o a_o thing_n give_v it_o its_o be_v and_o operation_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o property_n no_o operation_n or_o act_v of_o a_o true_a church_n in_o such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a company_n who_o be_v not_o join_v in_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o this_o opinion_n deprive_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v in_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n of_o a_o true_a church_n ministry_n of_o the_o power_n of_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n of_o a_o lawful_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n and_o deny_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n in_o those_o church_n to_o be_v true_o and_o right_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o make_v this_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v that_o moment_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o church_n have_v church-power_n over_o his_o congregation_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o the_o people_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o exercise_v the_o care_n and_o power_n and_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n whereas_o it_o be_v certain_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n receive_v ecclesiastical_a power_n over_o their_o flock_n and_o the_o people_n become_v subject_a to_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o pastor_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n in_o faith_n not_o from_o any_o contract_n which_o those_o man_n make_v among_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n call_v whereby_o the_o pastor_n be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o flock_n enjoin_v by_o divine_a appointment_n to_o receive_v the_o ministry_n and_o labour_n of_o their_o pastor_n by_o god_n institution_n for_o their_o salvation_n see_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 11_o 12._o and_o it_o
be_v certain_a also_o that_o believer_n among_o themselves_o have_v charge_n of_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n whereby_o they_o all_o disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v associate_v into_o one_o body_n eph._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 14_o 15._o and_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o require_v this_o mutual_a care_n from_o all_o leu._n 19_o heb._n 3._o and_o 10._o 3._o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v sign_n and_o seal_n to_o confirm_v this_o church-covenant_n and_o so_o institute_v by_o god_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o it_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v by_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n unite_v among_o themselves_o but_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o other_o though_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a who_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o church-communion_n and_o strict_a fellowship_n whereas_o it_o do_v most_o clear_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n chief_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o benefit_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n procure_v by_o christ_n for_o we_o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 10._o rom._n 4._o 11._o of_o the_o passeover_n 1_o cor._n 5._o of_o baptism_n mark_v 1._o 4._o act._n 2._o 38_o 39_o and_o 22._o 16._o rom._n 6._o 3_o 4._o tit._n 3._o 5._o and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n matth._n 26._o 26_o 27_o 28._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24_o 25_o 26._o but_o in_o a_o secondary_a respect_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v seal_n of_o our_o outward_a engraft_v into_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o our_o conjunction_n into_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o 41._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o and_o that_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o the_o communion_n only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n but_o be_v join_v into_o that_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o universal_a as_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o man_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o unity_n and_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o universal_a and_o to_o engraft_v they_o as_o member_n into_o it_o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o as_o by_o excommunication_n due_o perform_v the_o person_n excommunicate_a be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o be_v bind_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v seal_n to_o a_o man_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n not_o only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o therefore_o we_o hold_v that_o these_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v not_o to_o those_o only_o who_o by_o a_o church_n covenant_n have_v join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a who_o have_v due_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o partake_n of_o they_o thus_o our_o belgic_a church_n deny_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o have_v not_o by_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o submission_n to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o as_o neither_o do_v we_o deny_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o call_n can_v join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v force_v to_o travel_v through_o divers_a parochial_a church_n chap._n iii_o of_o a_o institute_n visible_a church_n question_n whether_o no_o other_o external_a visible_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o limit_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v in_o all_o their_o member_n meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n answer_n we_o judge_v a_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n due_o and_o lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o one_o place_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o pastor_n and_o elder_n adjoin_v frequent_a the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n but_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o god_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n it_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n but_o do_v in_o several_a place_n exercise_v the_o divine_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n under_o more_o pastor_n and_o elder_n join_v into_o one_o consistory_n presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n we_o say_v do_v very_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o conceive_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o only_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n disperse_v through_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o do_v in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n make_v up_o one_o body_n catholic_a yea_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o name_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v apply_v to_o a_o company_n of_o elder_n with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n assemble_v together_o for_o transact_v church_n affair_n therefore_o concern_v a_o visible_a church_n institute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o defend_v these_o follow_a position_n 1._o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o celebrate_v divine_a worship_n and_o exercise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a and_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n though_o they_o exercise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o diverse_a place_n under_o several_a pastor_n and_o elder_n join_v into_o one_o presbytery_n this_o position_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n institute_v and_o erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n but_o must_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n meet_v distributive_o from_o house_n to_o house_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o divers_a pastor_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o visible_a institute_v church_n and_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n for_o the_o number_n of_o that_o church_n be_v so_o great_a that_o three_o thousand_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o one_o day_n act._n 2._o 41._o and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n grow_v up_o to_o the_o number_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n act._n 4._o 4._o and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v increase_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n act._n 5._o 14._o act._n 2._o 47._o which_o yet_o daily_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n from_o house_n to_o house_n for_o perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n act._n 2._o 46._o and_o 5._o 42._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n due_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v one_o church_n revel_v 2._o 2._o which_o yet_o be_v govern_v by_o divers_a pastor_n join_v in_o a_o common_a presbytery_n for_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n act_v
whole_a particular_a church_n or_o a_o church_n consistory_n christ_n in_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o establish_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o his_o church_n by_o divine_a institution_n do_v not_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o a_o single_a brother_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o give_v the_o instance_n in_o such_o a_o one_o for_o he_o do_v institute_v that_o order_n in_o his_o kingdom_n whereby_o all_o scandal_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o cure_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n whether_o commit_v by_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o by_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o by_o whosoever_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o particular_a sister_n church_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a society_n of_o many_o church_n do_v give_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o other_o church_n they_o may_v by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v clear_a even_o out_o of_o parker_n himself_o that_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o class_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n in_o matt._n 18._o 17_o 18._o for_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o de_fw-la politiâ_fw-la ecclesiasticâ_fw-la he_o thus_o argue_v from_o the_o proportion_n christ_n command_v that_o upon_o the_o despise_v one_o man_n admonition_n we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o admonition_n by_o two_o or_o three_o and_o if_o that_o be_v contemn_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o if_o that_o be_v despise_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o from_o the_o despise_n of_o one_o whole_a church_n to_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o again_o from_o those_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o yet_o more_o in_o a_o synod_n and_o therefore_o also_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n not_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o synod_n also_o have_v power_n give_v of_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o commit_v scandal_n if_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o nature_n and_o authority_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n may_v be_v conclude_v and_o according_o in_o those_o hard_a time_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n when_o the_o church_n among_o we_o be_v infest_a by_o the_o trouble_n and_o error_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n whole_a presbytery_n of_o church_n be_v exauthorate_v by_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v so_o appropriate_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n but_o we_o hold_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o arct_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n which_o it_o hold_v with_o other_o neighbour_n church_n in_o the_o same_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n whereby_o it_o make_v up_o one_o ecclesiastical_a corporation_n or_o body_n and_o one_o visible_a sacred_a society_n with_o the_o associate_n church_n have_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o complete_a power_n to_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o a_o member_n from_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o that_o member_n have_v a_o near_a arct_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n associate_n among_o who_o he_o do_v daily_o converse_v and_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o do_v occasion_n to_o they_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o receive_v from_o they_o mean_n of_o edification_n wherefore_o without_o the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_n church_n he_o may_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o brotherly_a and_o visible_a church_n communion_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n 2._o of_o those_o also_o who_o make_v the_o high_a power_n of_o synod_n and_o class_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o deny_v or_o withdraw_v brotherly_a communion_n but_o this_o non-communion_n as_o it_o be_v call_v we_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o brother_n may_v exercise_v towards_o a_o brother_n a_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o can_v exercise_v any_o authority_n or_o censure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n among_o themselves_o one_o over_o the_o other_o nor_o have_v it_o that_o efficacy_n by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o bind_v in_o heaven_n nor_o be_v it_o ordain_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o teach_v from_o god_n such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a not_o to_o blaspheme_v which_o to_o the_o legitimate_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n do_v appertain_v matth._n 18._o 17_o 18_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o sister_n church_n the_o same_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n but_o by_o that_o order_n proceed_v to_o excommunication_n thereby_o to_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o obstinate_a offend_a church_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n answer_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n want_v such_o form_n when_o as_o be_v collect_v in_o one_o people_n they_o have_v express_v ritual_a law_n and_o the_o prophet_n frequent_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n want_v its_o be_v or_o well_o be_v before_o such_o time_n as_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n gather_v out_o of_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o a_o brief_a abstract_n join_v together_o in_o one_o 2._o we_o deny_v that_o these_o form_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n and_o church-government_n be_v to_o have_v that_o authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o authenticknesse_n attribute_v to_o they_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v obtrude_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o church_n discipline_n judgement_n shall_v be_v make_v ex_fw-la formularum_fw-la terminis_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o such_o form_n we_o approve_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o nor_o will_v have_v their_o practice_n to_o be_v imitate_v of_o who_o our_o divine_n do_v heretofore_o just_o complain_v in_o that_o writing_n which_o zacharias_n vrsinus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o neostad_n oppose_v to_o the_o bergenses_n concordistae_fw-la who_o will_v obtrude_v the_o word_n of_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o luther_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a proceed_n see_v chap._n 4._o of_o that_o book_n where_o much_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o confession_n 3._o we_o judge_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o canon_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o be_v declaration_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o discipline_n badge_n and_o token_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n collect_v in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o ratify_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n after_o a_o diligent_a inquiry_n out_o of_o scripture_n wherein_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n pertain_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n gather_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o bundle_n be_v together_o and_o at_o once_o propose_v to_o a_o few_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o compare_v of_o all_o place_n wherein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o article_n the_o wholesome_a truth_n in_o each_o one_o be_v express_v and_o explain_v that_o the_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o
calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o sect_n 7._o but_o ofttimes_o say_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n intend_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o profess_v to_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n into_o his_o faith_n testify_v by_o their_o partake_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o charity_n consent_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v thereof_o maintain_v a_o ministry_n institute_v by_o christ_n but_o in_o this_o multitude_n be_v many_o mingle_v who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o christ_n but_o the_o name_n and_o show_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o we_o command_v to_o maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o sect_n 8._o he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o know_v who_o be_v unfeigned_a saint_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o say_v he_o because_o he_o fore_o see_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o requisite_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o his_o child_n herein_o he_o appli_v himself_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o because_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o herein_o requisite_a he_o have_v in_o stead_n thereof_o appoint_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o which_o judgement_n we_o acknowledge_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o example_n of_o their_o life_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n profess_v the_o same_o god_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o hence_o ames_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o the_o reform_a church_n require_v inward_a grace_n to_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o visible_a state_n thereof_o antibellarm_n tom_fw-mi 2._o iib._fw-la 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 5._o and_o not_o 3._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o affirm_v out_o of_o augustine_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o inward_a soul_n to_o wit_n the_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a profession_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n other_o of_o the_o body_n only_o and_o not_o the_o soul_n which_o say_v he_o be_v express_v by_o alexander_n alensis_n in_o other_o word_n when_o he_o say_v that_o evil_a man_n be_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o body_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n mystical_a which_o distinction_n he_o prove_v out_o of_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o rom._n 2._o 28._o a_o jew_n open_o and_o a_o jew_n in_o secret_a so_o trelcatius_n the_o elder_a in_o his_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la 15._o put_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o a_o lively_a faith_n purity_n of_o life_n certainty_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n ofttimes_o not_o in_o truth_n because_o of_o a_o vocation_n and_o profession_n external_a but_o oft_o hypocritical_a so_o almost_o all_o the_o eminent_a reform_a divine_n affirm_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a to_o be_v man_n outward_o call_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o define_v it_o to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n who_o by_o a_o outward_a call_n or_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n among_o themselves_o see_v both_o the_o trelcatii_n in_o their_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disp_n 40._o thes_n 33._o hence_o also_o have_v our_o belgic_a church_n in_o our_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n synod_n ordain_v that_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o have_v first_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v testimony_n of_o unblameable_a life_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 70._o and_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 64._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 43._o at_o the_o hage_n anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 54._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 51._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 61._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o ensue_a opinion_n i._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v the_o external_a and_o particular_a visible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n to_o which_o belong_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o property_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n the_o mediator_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v 1._o because_o that_o church_n for_o which_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v be_v perpetual_a which_o never_o fall_v away_o for_o this_o infallible_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o it_o from_o god_n jer._n 31._o 36._o matt._n 16._o 18._o but_o now_o no_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v secure_v from_o fall_v away_o as_o our_o orthodox_n divine_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n it_o be_v not_o for_o it_o therefore_o that_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n 2._o those_o church_n for_o which_o all_o these_o promise_a privilege_n be_v procure_v be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v sincere_a and_o inward_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a believer_n whence_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v the_o spouse_n and_o belove_v of_o christ_n cant._n 4._o 7._o eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o holy_a zion_n and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n isai_n 52._o 1._o gal._n 4._o 26._o and_o 6._o 16._o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v purify_v for_o himself_o to_o present_v she_o to_o himself_o glorious_a not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o body_n of_o christ_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v eph._n 4._o 16._o it_o be_v call_v christ_n people_n who_o he_o save_v from_o their_o sin_n joh._n 10._o 16._o matt._n 1._o 21._o god_n house_n and_o a_o holy_a priesthood_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o the_o lamb_n wife_n apoc._n 21._o 4._o all_o which_o and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o agree_v to_o a_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n as_o such_o rom._n 9_o 6._o but_o only_a to_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n act_v 20._o 28._o 3._o the_o privilege_n promise_v and_o procure_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o many_o other_o be_v these_o that_o god_n put_v his_o law_n and_o his_o fear_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o jer._n 31._o 33._o that_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o know_v he_o joh._n 6._o 42._o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n act._n 20._o 28._o eph._n 5._o 27._o but_o these_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a particular_a church_n therefore_o that_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o these_o privilege_n which_o by_o christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v procure_v for_o the_o church_n whereunto_o the_o reform_a divine_n assent_v see_v among_o other_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 40._o thes_n 29_o 30_o 31._o and_o ames_n himself_o against_o bellarm._n tom_n 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 10._o where_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n quicken_v act_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n partake_v of_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o do_v proper_o and_o full_o agree_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v true_a believer_n or_o they_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n militant_a according_a to_o iâ—s_n essential_a nature_n peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n not_o according_a to_o
servant_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o special_a office_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o who_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o aright_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o to_o give_v to_o those_o in_o the_o house_n their_o due_a portion_n in_o season_n math._n 24._o 25._o right_o to_o divide_v and_o distribute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 15._o for_o the_o key_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o power_n entrust_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n commit_v to_o the_o steward_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o house_n whereby_o to_o administer_v their_o power_n and_o by_o the_o key_n in_o scripture_n be_v signify_v authority_n faculty_n power_n administration_n of_o government_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o command_v forbid_a allow_a restrain_v as_o isa_n 22._o 22._o compare_v with_o isa_n 9_o 6._o rev._n 1._o 18._o &_o 3._o 7._o and_o mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o denote_v minister_n power_n and_o full_a administration_n they_o be_v commit_v therefore_o to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v which_o do_v overthrow_v the_o order_n constitute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o order_n christ_n have_v in_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o in_o a_o heterogeneous_a organical_a body_n constitute_v of_o divers_a integrall_a part_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a function_n and_o operation_n in_o that_o ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n eye_n ear_n hand_n foot_n ruler_n and_o such_o as_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n overseer_n watchman_n pastor_n ambassador_n in_o christ_n name_n preacher_n father_n bvilder_n sower_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o flock_n a_o people_n a_o house_n a_o field_n child_n and_o such_o as_o govern_v and_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n see_v heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o all_o in_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n power_n of_o building_n rule_v the_o church_n by_o censure_n ecclesiastical_a etc._n etc._n all_o will_v be_v ambassador_n ruler_n father_n pastor_n watchman_n eye_n ear_n for_o to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ecclesiastical_a and_o authoritative_a oversight_n and_o rule_n belong_v as_o their_o proper_a function_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o be_v the_o proper_a function_n of_o the_o overseer_n and_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o rod_n and_o that_o severe_a power_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o 3._o the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n propose_v in_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o the_o right_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v direct_v be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o other_o church-governor_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o faithful_a steward_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o also_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 3._o &_o 4._o and_o the_o fault_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o mis-governing_a of_o church_n and_o abuse_v of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n impute_v as_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o of_o some_o to_o wit_v the_o overseer_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o tit._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o revel_v 2._o 14_o 20._o 3._o joh._n 16._o 10._o the_o praise_n and_o reward_v promise_v for_o due_a order_n of_o church_n be_v not_o by_o god_n promise_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 4_o 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 4_o 5._o revel_v 22._o therefore_o to_o those_o only_o be_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n entrust_v by_o christ_n 4._o to_o who_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n for_o administration_n and_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o god_n send_v any_o into_o his_o church_n he_o always_o qualifi_v they_o with_o gift_n sufficient_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o who_o god_n have_v send_v into_o the_o church_n but_o where_o be_v the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n may_v remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n speak_v of_o joh._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o where_o be_v that_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o rule_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n commit_v to_o all_o hence_o also_o have_v the_o reform_a church_n always_o reject_v a_o popular_a church-government_n see_v sadeel_n treatise_n in_o french_a concern_v ecclesiastical_a discipline_n against_o morellius_n of_o who_o reverend_a beza_n libro_fw-la de_fw-fr ministrorum_fw-la gradibus_fw-la cap._n 25._o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o election_n in_o the_o church_n say_v thus_o which_o order_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n religious_o and_o prudent_o observe_v hitherto_o in_o this_o city_n when_o one_o democraticall_a fanatical_a morellius_n of_o paris_n be_v bold_a by_o word_n and_o writing_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o that_o his_o writing_n be_v both_o in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o france_n in_o many_o synod_n worthy_o condemn_v and_o in_o our_o synodical_a constitution_n the_o church_n ecclesiastical_a power_n judgement_n exercise_n of_o the_o key_n and_o church-government_n be_v every_o where_o commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n &_o elder_n to_o presbytery_n consistory_n class_n and_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o from_o article_n 25._o to_o art_n 35._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 92._o to_o art_n 101._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 58._o to_o art_n 66._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 64._o to_o art_n 74._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 58._o to_o 75._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 71._o to_o art_n 81._o ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n or_o church-governor_n be_v commit_v by_o god_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n of_o church_n we_o grant_v indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o nomination_n or_o election_n allow_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n so_o as_o no_o minister_n may_v without_o the_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o church_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o which_o nomination_n or_o election_n do_v not_o yet_o confer_v ministerial_a power_n on_o the_o person_n elect_v but_o only_o design_v a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v be_v due_o derive_v according_a to_o the_o institute_v rule_n by_o those_o who_o have_v under_o christ_n receive_v that_o power_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v derive_v on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n we_o deny_v not_o also_o but_o that_o extraordinary_o in_o a_o perplex_a and_o deprave_a estate_n of_o a_o whole_a visible_a church_n the_o multitude_n or_o faithful_a people_n in_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n and_o authoritative_o put_v they_o into_o the_o power_n right_a and_o possession_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o cogent_a necessity_n which_o admit_v no_o law_n and_o to_o which_o all_o positive_a law_n give_v place_n but_o we_o affirm_v that_o in_o a_o settle_a and_o constitute_v visible_a church_n the_o people_n by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o power_n of_o ordain_v or_o send_v their_o pastor_n but_o that_o potestative_a mission_n &_o ordination_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n or_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v confer_v on_o this_o or_o that_o man_n design_v to_o the_o ministry_n belong_v to_o presbytery_n our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o those_o precept_n describe_v in_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v ordination_n or_o
obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o with_o high_a mind_n exalt_v themselves_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a position_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o a_o effect_n intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o that_o never_o any_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n but_o by_o accident_n as_o they_o be_v gift_v christian_n affirm_v that_o ordinary_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o as_o go_v astray_o be_v by_o such_o christian_n endue_v with_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n may_v be_v reconcile_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o bring_v to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o sincere_a conversion_n of_o man_n be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o those_o by_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n they_o be_v convert_v be_v send_v of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o jer._n 23._o 32._o but_o we_o judge_v that_o the_o send_v which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o be_v a_o send_n to_o a_o office_n in_o a_o due_a order_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_o perform_v and_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o confer_v gift_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n or_o prophecy_n but_o in_o confer_v authority_n and_o convey_v ministerial_a authority_n as_o the_o protestant_n prove_v by_o manifest_a argument_n against_o the_o socinian_o and_o although_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o gift_n wherein_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o god_n do_v convert_v some_o from_o their_o sin_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o send_v as_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n authoritative_o because_o they_o want_v the_o authoritative_a mission_n by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whereby_o that_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v confer_v wherein_o man_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 9_o 10._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o hence_o also_o our_o belgic_a reform_a church_n acknowledge_v that_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n by_o minister_n ecclesiastical_o call_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o man_n repentance_n and_o first_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a form_n of_o establish_v pastor_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a netherlands_o question_n 2._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n lawful_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o ordinary_a ministry_n he_o be_v not_o call_v answer_n our_o judgement_n in_o this_o question_n be_v that_o he_o who_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n be_v lawful_o call_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o fasten_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ty_v he_o to_o this_o body_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o gift_n he_o have_v receive_v but_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o special_a office_n which_o he_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o bestow_v and_o apply_v the_o exercise_n and_o work_n of_o his_o office_n for_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o that_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n to_o afford_v succour_n to_o the_o distress_n and_o indigency_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o earth_n yet_o without_o confusion_n and_o in_o due_a order_n and_o there_o lie_v on_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n a_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n appoint_v pastor_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o body_n that_o all_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 24._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v exercise_v the_o ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o in_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o other_o also_o when_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o church_n require_v it_o we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o by_o election_n a_o pastors_n ministry_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o his_o ordinary_a charge_n yet_o by_o ordination_n and_o mission_n whereby_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v commit_v to_o a_o man_n he_o be_v make_v a_o pastor_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o pastoral_n care_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n and_o consequent_o may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o any_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v without_o confusion_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n send_v forth_o pastor_n to_o nation_n and_o people_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v or_o to_o other_o church_n in_o distress_n or_o want_v who_o be_v unsufficient_a for_o the_o call_v of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o work_v their_o own_o edification_n example_n of_o this_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_v 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o this_o send_v forth_o of_o pastor_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n a_o pastor_n therefore_o of_o one_o particular_a church_n may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n 2._o a_o pastor_n as_o a_o pastor_n do_v exercise_v many_o ministerial_a act_n not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n whereof_o he_o be_v fix_v but_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o other_o church_n particular_a provincial_n nationall_n yea_o and_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o by_o baptism_n he_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n universal_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o by_o excommunication_n he_o do_v cast_v member_n out_o not_o of_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o out_o of_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n matth_n 18._o 18_o 19_o by_o his_o pastoral_a office_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o other_o church_n distress_v he_o may_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o by_o virtue_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o gift_n but_o with_o pastoral_n authority_n so_o that_o by_o his_o preach_n he_o do_v bind_v and_o loose_v sinner_n he_o do_v retain_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o as_o a_o ambassador_n send_v from_o god_n do_v beseech_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o divers_a particular_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o also_o in_o the_o pastoral_a action_n and_o administration_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v beyond_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n unite_v into_o a_o sacred_a fellowship_n do_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o admonish_v one_o another_o mutual_o and_o consequent_o do_v maintain_v communion_n in_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v saint_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n ministerial_a act_n therefore_o may_v be_v lawful_o exercise_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o divers_a particular_a church_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n in_o the_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n
synod_n a_o power_n dogmatic_a but_o deny_v a_o power_n diatacticall_a and_o critical_a a_o power_n dogmatic_a which_o be_v a_o power_n and_o right_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n do_v so_o belong_v to_o synod_n as_o that_o it_o be_v also_o give_v by_o god_n to_o single_a pastor_n for_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o elder_n not_o only_o to_o exhort_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n but_o also_o to_o convince_v gainsayer_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o unruly_a vain-talker_n and_o deceiver_n tit._n 1._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o do_v not_o this_o plain_o intimate_v that_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n there_o arise_v a_o disputation_n about_o any_o question_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o soundness_n in_o judgement_n of_o one_o who_o be_v reckon_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v doubt_v of_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o synod_n which_o belong_v even_o to_o single_a pastor_n hence_o there_o be_v also_o attribute_v to_o synod_n a_o diatacticall_a power_n whereby_o they_o have_v right_a to_o manage_v the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o god_n worship_n to_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o al._n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o elder_n also_o do_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n decree_n that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n shall_v abstain_v from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v act_v 15._o 25_o 28._o so_o when_o paul_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o brethren_n not_o only_a james_n but_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o elder_n advise_v he_o for_o the_o believe_a jew_n sake_n to_o join_v himself_o with_o some_o though_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o law_n who_o have_v a_o vow_n on_o they_o and_o decree_v to_o entreat_v he_o that_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o weak_a he_o will_v vouchsafe_v so_o far_o as_o in_o that_o case_n be_v yet_o lawful_a to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n act_v 21._o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o we_o see_v therefore_o that_o a_o classis_fw-la of_o elder_n do_v by_o a_o joint_a care_n and_o endeavour_n provide_v for_o the_o observe_n of_o what_o with_o one_o consent_n they_o judge_v expedient_a for_o the_o church_n i_o need_v not_o further_a instance_n in_o counsel_n in_o which_o that_o presbyter_n join_v in_o consultation_n and_o decision_n for_o the_o establish_n ecclesiastical_a decency_n and_o order_n be_v so_o clear_a by_o their_o act_n that_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a so_o the_o law_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o netherlands_o be_v by_o the_o synodical_a decree_n impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o a_o critical_a power_n which_o contain_v the_o right_a of_o maitain_v and_o exercise_v the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o judge_a and_o remove_v of_o scandal_n belong_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n of_o presbyter_n we_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o prove_v by_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o a_o synod_n may_v assemble_v not_o only_o to_o admonish_v a_o offend_a presbytery_n or_o consistory_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o hear_v to_o censure_v they_o by_o suspension_n deposition_n or_o remove_v from_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n etc._n etc._n question_n 2._o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n answer_n we_o affirm_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o some_o head_n in_o this_o argument_n be_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v hold_v undoubted_a which_o our_o reverend_a bucerus_n refer_v to_o these_o head_n first_o say_v he_o that_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o minister_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n not_o to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o commerce_n of_o believer_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o fellowship_n and_o conjunction_n for_o no_o where_o do_v we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o such_o have_v vote_n in_o election_n of_o minister_n second_o that_o this_o holy_a action_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v to_o both_o its_o integrall_a part_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v church_n minister_n the_o other_o of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o minister_v which_o be_v evident_o declare_v by_o testimony_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n three_o that_o this_o business_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o some_o one_o or_o few_o of_o the_o presbytery_n select_v but_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n in_o common_a which_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n act_v 1._o 23._o &_o 6._o 2_o 3._o &_o 13._o 1_o 2._o &_o 15._o 22._o four_o that_o the_o principal_a part_n herein_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n that_o the_o multitude_n through_o levity_n or_o tumult_n or_o ill_a design_n do_v not_o miscarry_v and_o therefore_o to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v every_o one_o and_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n of_o election_n with_o wholesome_a and_o right_a counsel_n which_o be_v manifest_o evince_v by_o the_o testimony_n we_o have_v produce_v i_o add_v last_o that_o the_o nomination_n be_v principal_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o people_n be_v by_o their_o suffrage_n to_o declare_v their_o consent_n to_o it_o so_o when_o one_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n the_o apostle_n name_v two_o and_o when_o one_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o lot_n the_o church_n approbation_n be_v present_o add_v otherwise_o they_o do_v by_o their_o suffrage_n concur_v to_o the_o election_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o deacon_n do_v somewhat_o more_o condescend_v to_o the_o multitude_n act_v 6._o 3._o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o that_o they_o be_v especial_o in_o that_o tenderness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o a_o murmur_a arise_v of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n to_o put_v off_o from_o themselves_o all_o sinister_a suspicion_n of_o those_o who_o suffrage_n do_v not_o approve_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n calvin_n luke_n relate_v that_o there_o be_v elder_n constitute_v in_o every_o church_n by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n but_o he_o note_v withal_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o suffrage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o two_o therefore_o do_v create_v they_o but_o the_o whole_a multitude_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v in_o election_n declare_v by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n who_o they_o will_v have_v calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 3._o sect_n 15._o therefore_o the_o chief_a of_o what_o the_o people_n be_v to_o do_v be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v nominate_v to_o choose_v one_o all_o which_o be_v full_o clear_a from_o scripture_n thus_o bucerus_n dissert_v de_fw-fr gubernat_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 323_o 324._o 2._o but_o because_o we_o be_v to_o account_v those_o in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o we_o not_o only_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_a member_n but_o those_o also_o on_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o function_n the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o many_o church_n do_v lie_v and_o who_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o in_o they_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o in_o order_n and_o to_o edification_n hence_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n be_v not_o so_o grant_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o absolute_o by_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n perform_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o pastor_n but_o if_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v due_o perform_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o the_o judgement_n consent_n and_o potestative_a mission_n of_o class_n or_o synod_n with_o who_o that_o particular_a church_n hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n for_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o one_o church_n and_o its_o member_n but_o a_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o one_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o what_o concern_v all_o aught_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o therefore_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n do_v not_o do_v aught_o which_o may_v disturb_v the_o common_a order_n or_o which_o in_o a_o like_a case_n may_v
which_o we_o ought_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n but_o also_o as_o a_o prayer_n which_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o may_v say_v pray_v you_o therefore_o thus_o say_v he_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 6._o 9_o and_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 11._o 2._o our_o lord_n therefore_o do_v not_o only_o deliver_v a_o rule_n for_o prayer_n but_o compose_v this_o prayer_n in_o set_a word_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o we_o not_o only_o for_o imitation_n but_o to_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n afford_v we_o in_o mercy_n a_o most_o useful_a help_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o not_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o a_o perfect_a supply_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o use_n whereof_o though_o not_o always_o necessary_a yet_o we_o judge_v it_o ofttimes_o safe_a and_o convenient_a our_o lord_n himself_o suggest_v these_o word_n and_o commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o hence_o in_o all_o the_o liturgy_n of_o reform_a church_n that_o be_v extent_n the_o rehearse_v the_o lords-prayer_n be_v prescribe_v so_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o express_a form_n of_o baptise_v matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o by_o absolute_a necessity_n tie_v to_o the_o syllable_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o we_o must_v admit_v no_o mutation_n as_o also_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n have_v their_o set_a form_n in_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n blessing_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passeover_n which_o also_o christ_n by_o his_o practice_n do_v approve_v to_o be_v retain_v see_v mr_n beza_n on_o matth._n 26._o 20._o paulus_n brugensis_n on_o psalm_n 112._o and_o scaliger_n de_fw-fr emendat_fw-la temporum_fw-la lib._n 6._o who_o he_o there_o cit_v as_o also_o ainsworth_n himself_o on_o exod._n 12._o 8._o so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n have_v by_o his_o example_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n matth._n 26._o which_o the_o apostolic_a church_n think_v good_a to_o retain_v and_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 11._o hence_o also_o in_o almost_o all_o reform_a church_n ecclesiastical_a liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v approve_v as_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n form_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v together_o with_o our_o psalter_n and_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a catechism_n allow_v and_o public_o extant_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o carry_v to_o the_o utmost_a indies_n masculine_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a master_n john_n calvin_n epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n say_v he_o i_o much_o approve_v it_o that_o there_o be_v one_o certain_a form_n extant_a from_o which_o minister_n in_o their_o function_n may_v not_o depart_v as_o well_o that_o thereby_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o some_o as_o also_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o may_v so_o more_o certain_o appear_v last_o also_o that_o the_o petulant_a lightness_n of_o some_o may_v be_v prevent_v who_o affect_v innovation_n to_o which_o end_n also_o the_o catechism_n tend_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v so_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o catechism_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n these_o argument_n do_v also_o manifest_o show_v that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v hold_v with_o those_o church_n which_o retain_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n for_o no_o where_o have_v god_n command_v that_o a_o christian_n shall_v separate_v himself_o from_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o prescript_n form_n and_o christ_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v to_o his_o church_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o celebrate_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o appoint_a form_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o we_o think_v it_o uncharitable_a to_o condemn_v all_o those_o godly_a church_n as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n which_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n downward_o even_o to_o this_o day_n have_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o prescript_n and_o set_v form_n and_o therefore_o we_o blame_v the_o precise_a singularity_n of_o those_o man_n who_o banish_v all_o set_a form_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n into_o private_a and_o separate_a congregation_n of_o their_o own_o because_o of_o the_o form_n use_v by_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la a_o table_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o question_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n p._n 1._o q._n whither_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n but_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o with_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o who_o upon_o strict_a examination_n do_v manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o real_a internal_a holiness_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v himself_o of_o his_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o communion_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o any_o congregation_n admit_v other_o in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o evident_a proof_n of_o these_o sign_n they_o admit_v impure_a and_o false_a church-member_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n p._n 13_o q._n whither_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o a_o public_a and_o express_a agreement_n and_o promise_n associate_v and_o unite_v among_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o fear_n and_o sacred_a worship_n of_o god_n unity_n of_o faith_n brotherly_a love_n mutual_a edification_n and_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o without_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n nor_o true_a church-member_n cha._n iii_o of_o a_o institute_v visible_a church_n p._n 24_o q._n whether_o no_o other_o external_a visible_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o limit_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o god_n publikeworship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v in_o all_o their_o member_n meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n p._n 43_o q._n whither_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v
nature_n averse_a from_o all_o dissension_n for_o it_o be_v true_o that_o vine_n and_o that_o figtree_n in_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o be_v by_o a_o message_n from_o the_o tree_n call_v upon_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o wage_v war_n answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o natural_a sweetness_n and_o be_v involve_v in_o trouble_n we_o exhort_v you_o therefore_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v serious_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o charity_n require_v you_o that_o you_o take_v care_n to_o discover_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o you_o will_v endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o this_o loathsome_a evil_n of_o schism_n and_o error_n while_o the_o disease_n be_v yet_o curable_a from_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o nation_n of_o your_o city_n unless_o you_o do_v timely_o withstand_v the_o spread_a gangrene_n of_o separatist_n and_o the_o unlawful_a conventicle_n of_o schismatics_n farewell_o all_o sacred_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n due_a policy_n and_o spiritual_a government_n we_o have_v have_v experience_n in_o the_o trouble_n of_o our_o church_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o those_o who_o be_v day_n and_o night_n intent_n on_o innovate_a leave_v no_o stone_n unmoved_a go_v to_o and_o fro_o by_o sea_n by_o land_n to_o gain_v disciple_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o at_o last_o by_o force_n and_o fear_n curb_v and_o oppress_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o god_n the_o remedy_n come_v too_o late_o when_o evil_n have_v get_v strength_n by_o long_a delay_n the_o heavenly_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n go_v to_o ruin_v when_o by_o worldly_a reason_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o be_v protract_v abate_v retard_v settle_v and_o unsettle_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o study_n to_o innovate_v carry_v on_o their_o affair_n subtle_o and_o first_o like_o the_o mystery_n of_o ceres_n they_o keep_v they_o close_o and_o do_v first_o covent_o sow_v the_o seed_n of_o dissension_n they_o love_v the_o dark_a say_v and_o unsay_v and_o say_v again_o as_o they_o find_v suitable_a to_o the_o affair_n and_o time_n and_o be_v hardly_o draw_v forth_o in_o public_a but_o when_o with_o open_a face_n they_o come_v forth_o to_o the_o light_n they_o threaten_v ruin_n believe_v we_o upon_o our_o own_o experience_n you_o must_v therefore_o speedy_o withstand_v their_o design_n at_o first_o these_o thing_n we_o advise_v dear_a brethren_n with_o a_o mind_n trouble_v and_o perplex_v yet_o brotherly_a and_o true_o pious_a for_o we_o sigh_v and_o from_o the_o most_o inward_a sense_n of_o heart_n cry_v to_o god_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a for_o your_o civil_a war_n intestine_a confusion_n the_o dubious_a and_o darksome_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n with_o you_o we_o be_v anxious_a for_o you_o and_o therefore_o be_v force_v to_o change_v our_o voice_n and_o pour_v forth_o the_o grief_n of_o our_o heart_n into_o your_o bosom_n we_o be_v transport_v with_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o beauty_n of_o god_n house_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o church_n peaceable_a unity_n lord_n jesus_n â—digest_a this_o chaos_n of_o confusion_n let_v thy_o spirit_n spread_v itself_o upon_o these_o water_n of_o evil_a fluctuate_a opinion_n thou_o by_o thy_o spirit_n have_v reconcile_v earth_n and_o heaven_n by_o it_o thou_o have_v join_v so_o many_o tongue_n nation_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o man_n into_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v knit_v fast_o to_o thou_o her_o head_n vouchsafe_v therefore_o to_o renew_v that_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o brethren_n that_o all_o these_o confusion_n and_o calamity_n may_v cease_v among_o they_o and_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o godliness_n to_o thy_o church_n reverend_n brethren_n we_o be_v desirous_a to_o repay_v to_o you_o our_o debt_n when_o our_o country_n be_v on_o a_o flame_n by_o the_o intestine_a dissension_n about_o religion_n by_o your_o help_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n be_v our_o wound_n heal_v our_o grief_n assuage_v when_o you_o therefore_o lie_v under_o the_o same_o disease_n we_o labour_v in_o way_n of_o gratitude_n to_o heal_v you_o this_o be_v our_o end_n this_o be_v that_o we_o aim_v at_o this_o our_o labour_n we_o bestow_v to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v pull_v up_o that_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v establish_v among_o you_o and_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n bring_v to_o you_o we_o join_v therefore_o with_o these_o letter_n our_o judgement_n concern_v certain_a controversy_n now_o agitate_a in_o your_o kingdom_n we_o omit_v many_o other_o maintain_v by_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_o which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n nourish_v dissension_n and_o put_v a_o stay_n to_o the_o desire_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o we_o will_v call_v you_o to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o our_o tribunal_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v among_o you_o and_o those_o brother_n who_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a part_n in_o these_o controversy_n man_n learned_a godly_a lover_n of_o peace_n who_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a in_o judge_v explain_v and_o decide_v all_o these_o controversy_n but_o in_o quench_v a_o common_a flame_n in_o a_o city_n they_o not_o without_o cause_n run_v to_o help_v even_o uncalled_a who_o neighbour_n house_n be_v on_o fire_n we_o be_v bind_v not_o only_o by_o the_o same_o bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n but_o by_o the_o common_a danger_n and_o hazard_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o afford_v our_o advice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o will_v bring_v injurious_a and_o destructive_a damage_n to_o our_o reformation_n you_o have_v call_v upon_o we_o in_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n that_o we_o will_v be_v helpful_a to_o you_o in_o your_o shake_a condition_n by_o such_o remedy_n as_o by_o our_o common_a advice_n shall_v be_v think_v meet_v and_o we_o have_v judge_v it_o at_o this_o time_n most_o suitable_a to_o show_v to_o you_o who_o be_v in_o conflict_n your_o disease_n and_o their_o remedy_n to_o signify_v the_o practice_n and_o law_n observe_v by_o our_o church_n in_o their_o spiritual_a government_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o vindicate_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o the_o erroneous_a conceit_n of_o some_o of_o some_o we_o say_v for_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o infect_v with_o this_o ulcer_n and_o therefore_o what_o we_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o public_a writing_n daily_o publish_v among_o you_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o impute_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o defend_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v those_o perverse_a opinion_n or_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o church_n if_o some_o of_o those_o brethren_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n do_v in_o aught_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o wish_v they_o will_v declare_v so_o much_o by_o public_a writing_n and_o express_v it_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v free_v from_o the_o just_a fear_n which_o their_o writing_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o conceive_v for_o not_o without_o cause_n do_v the_o godly_a conceive_v that_o those_o be_v hatch_n some_o monster_n that_o use_v shift_n and_o dare_v not_o with_o open_a face_n clear_o set_v down_o and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n therefore_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o beseech_v those_o brother_n that_o they_o will_v clear_o sincere_o plain_o and_o distinct_o without_o the_o vizard_n of_o rhetorical_a flourish_n declare_v and_o describe_v to_o we_o their_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o here_o and_o there_o a_o piece_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o vent_v doubtful_a expression_n in_o public_a but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n manifest_v it_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v aught_o deficient_a in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o with_o a_o peaceable_a brotherly_a mind_n and_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o truth_n may_v be_v search_v out_o and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o persuade_v most_o dear_a brethren_n with_o a_o mind_n studious_a of_o your_o affair_n most_o desirous_a of_o peace_n well-affected_a to_o you_o solicitous_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n will_v by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n inlighten_v your_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o
19_o 8_o 9_o and_o 20._o 17_o 18._o which_o do_v also_o very_o great_o abound_v in_o multitude_n of_o member_n as_o appear_v act._n 19_o 10_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o 20._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 8._o revel_v 2._o 2_o 3._o and_o yet_o meet_v in_o some_o private_a house_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n act._n 19_o 9_o 10._o and_o 20._o 20._o but_o that_o this_o whole_a multitude_n can_v in_o one_o school_n or_o house_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o to_o we_o that_o they_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o at_o divers_a time_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o divers_a pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v more_o holy_a assembly_n there_o in_o divers_a place_n there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16._o 5._o paul_n when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n have_v holy_a church_n assembly_n in_o his_o own_o house_n act_v 28._o 23_o 30_o 31._o which_o yet_o be_v not_o that_o whole_a collective_o take_v and_o famous_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a roman_n who_o faith_n be_v famous_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1._o 8._o other_o example_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o church_n due_o constitute_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n which_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o place_n for_o exercise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n under_o a_o common_a presbytery_n of_o divers_a pastor_n perform_v holy_a duty_n hence_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n in_o some_o great_a town_n though_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n than_o can_v celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a church_n but_o do_v together_o make_v one_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o common_a presbytery_n and_o government_n of_o divers_a pastor_n ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o only_o parochial_a or_o particular_a but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o nationall_n church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o divers_a parochial_a church_n join_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o by_o a_o mutual_a visible_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n ecclesiastical_a we_o deny_v indeed_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o typical_a nationall_n church_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v wherein_o all_o of_o that_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a typical_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o one_o place_n choose_v by_o god_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o visible_a pastor_n or_o priest_n who_o in_o worship_n and_o sacrifice_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a people_n or_o nation_n for_o this_o vanish_v away_o with_o the_o type_n and_o carnal_a precept_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o reject_v also_o that_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n form_n of_o a_o church_n introduce_v by_o man_n in_o which_o many_o church_n be_v unite_v and_o subject_v to_o a_o cathedral_n church_n and_o depend_v upon_o one_o visible_a pastor_n who_o be_v pastor_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o other_o pastor_n and_o inferior_a particular_a church_n wherein_o the_o inferior_a church_n enjoy_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o derivation_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o cathedral_n church_n or_o that_o nationall_n or_o provincial_n pastor_n and_o bishop_n for_o these_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o antichrist_n which_o bring_v a_o tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o overthrow_v the_o power_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n and_o pastor_n yet_o such_o a_o nationall_n and_o provincial_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v wherein_o many_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o one_o visible_a ministry_n and_o church-government_n join_v into_o one_o collective_a ecclesiastical_a body_n visible_a for_o celebrate_v all_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o visible_a ministerial_a government_n of_o those_o church_n and_o mutual_a ecclesiastical_a followship_n in_o it_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n we_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n by_o these_o argument_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a church_n &_o synagogue_n which_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o church-government_n as_o appear_v act._n 15._o 21._o act._n 13._o 15_o 16._o luk._n 21._o 12._o joh._n 12._o 42._o all_o which_o be_v yet_o conjoin_v into_o one_o national_a visible_a church_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n and_o people_n deut._n 7._o 7._o and_o 32._o 8._o but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o form_n in_o all_o effentialls_n which_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n as_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n for_o substance_n the_o same_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o same_o religion_n the_o same_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a common_a to_o both_o and_o differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a typical_a ceremony_n which_o change_v not_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n hence_o protestant_a writer_n observe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n synagogue_n to_o denote_v a_o christian_a church_n jam._n 2._o 2._o 2_o thes_n 2._o 1_o heb._n 10._o 25._o for_o when_o as_o the_o church_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o essence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o both_o people_n may_v not_o be_v describe_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o name_n say_v tilenus_n in_o his_o thesis_n part_n 2._o disput_fw-la 14._o thes_n 3._o it_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a therefore_o that_o those_o many_o synagogue_n and_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n shall_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n nationall_n hence_o also_o the_o jewish_a church_n bring_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o disperse_v through_o divers_a country_n be_v join_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n government_n and_o ecclesiastciall_a discipline_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1_o 2._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n consist_v of_o many_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o appear_v gal._n 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o unite_v in_o a_o church_n society_n under_o one_o common_a discipline_n and_o government_n hence_o gal._n 5._o 9_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lump_n which_o be_v easy_o corrupt_v by_o a_o little_a leaven_n like_v as_o the_o unite_a and_o compact_a body_n of_o the_o corinthian_a church_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o he_o give_v command_v to_o the_o galathian_o concern_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o external_a discipline_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o they_o against_o the_o seducer_n &_o false_a teacher_n gal._n 4._o 10._o etc._n etc._n and_o 5._o 9_o 10._o which_o intimate_v a_o unite_a authority_n in_o church_n government_n whereby_o the_o false_a teacher_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n the_o church_n of_o galathia_fw-la therefore_o be_v provincial_n 3._o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n which_o in_o the_o ministerial_a government_n in_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v conjoin_v and_o unite_v into_o one_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o the_o exercise_v visible_a act_n of_o church_n communion_n joint_o among_o themselves_o those_o constitute_v a_o church_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n for_o the_o member_n which_o do_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a manner_n mutual_o exercise_v among_o themselves_o visible_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o do_v together_o joint_o participate_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n they_o make_v one_o visible_a body_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n exercise_n among_o themselves_o such_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n for_o they_o do_v by_o their_o particular_a member_n by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n delegated_a sometime_o hear_v the_o same_o word_n frequent_a the_o same_o divine_a worship_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o do_v ordinary_o avoid_v and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o excommunicate_v person_n exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o mutual_o edify_v one_o another_o
church_n and_o judge_v of_o church_n affair_n so_o as_o that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n govern_v and_o judge_v by_o those_o elder_n as_o their_o instrument_n and_o deputy_n like_v as_o the_o king_n deputy_n represent_v the_o king_n himself_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o judge_a church_n affair_n by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o can_v delegate_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n but_o the_o presbyter_n do_v themselves_o immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v power_n of_o rule_v and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o this_o sense_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o representative_a church_n neither_o do_v we_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o representative_a church_n as_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n shall_v have_v absolute_a power_n by_o their_o law_n and_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o bind_v the_o multitude_n and_o subject_a their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o without_o trial_n they_o shall_v receive_v and_o embrace_v what_o soever_o shall_v be_v determine_v by_o this_o church_n for_o this_o be_v the_o papist_n tyrannical_a antichristian_a representative_a church_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o popish_a bishop_n which_o by_o reform_a church_n be_v deny_v and_o cast_v out_o but_o this_o representative_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n choose_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n receive_v from_o christ_n be_v set_v over_o and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_v it_o by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o decree_n make_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n by_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o decree_v this_o govern_v ministerial_a or_o representative_a church_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n oâ—_n the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o must_v be_v obey_v in_o the_o lord_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o promiscuous_a and_o popular_a government_n but_o be_v commit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n and_o guide_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o believer_n complaint_n bring_v before_o they_o concern_v the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prescribe_v law_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o complaint_n tit._n 1._o 13._o which_o to_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o enjoin_v this_o be_v that_o church-which_a have_v the_o power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n matth._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o but_o not_o where_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o roll_a and_o ministerial_a church_n of_o presbyter_n be_v therefore_o here_o understand_v whence_o also_o say_v beza_n upon_o matth._n 16._o 18._o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n church_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n as_o matth._n 18._o 17._o to_o wit_n because_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v it_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v by_o paul_n a_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o this_o place_n by_o church_n the_o evangelist_n understand_v a_o college_n of_o elder_n he_o prove_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o do_v after_o make_v mention_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v always_o in_o their_o power_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o tremellius_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v out_o of_o syriack_n to_o the_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o that_o council_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o power_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n deodate_v in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o italian_a bible_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n to_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4._o &_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o also_o have_v their_o consistory_n for_o correction_n of_o manner_n the_o doctor_n and_o professor_n of_o geneva_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o french_a bible_n in_o this_o place_n do_v understand_v those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o ordinary_a call_n of_o administer_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o have_v always_o be_v use_n of_o it_o among_o god_n people_n but_o be_v special_o renew_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n under_o the_o apostle_n the_o dutch_a interpreter_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o new_a dutch_a translation_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n by_o church_n governor_n who_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 2._o it_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n describe_v which_o by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n transact_v the_o church_n affair_n and_o represent_v the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o paul_n ministerial_a spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n as_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n only_o have_v revel_v 3._o 7._o which_o therefore_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o christ_n ambassador_n as_o be_v they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o ministerial_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v also_o gather_v together_o for_o this_o end_n to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o incestuous_a person_n a_o church_n member_n which_o exercise_n be_v commit_v not_o to_o all_o the_o church-member_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v a_o govern_n and_o representative_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o opposite_a opinion_n follow_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n visible_a describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n which_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v those_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o which_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bithynia_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o greek_n whether_o bond_n or_o free_a make_v up_o one_o body_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o 2._o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n limit_v to_o such_o bound_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o may_v be_v ordinary_o contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o perform_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n do_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o the_o essence_n and_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o place_n but_o on_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o bond_n of_o holy_a communion_n for_o as_o ames_n say_v that_o same_o in_o
and_o our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o mat._n 16._o 17_o 18._o where_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v promise_v to_o peter_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o ordinary_a ruler_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o to_o those_o be_v promise_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o retain_v and_o remit_v sin_n ver_fw-la 19_o which_o authority_n be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n ambassador_n who_o he_o send_v into_o the_o world_n with_o his_o authority_n joh._n 20._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o to_o those_o therefore_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o excommunication_n entrust_v and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v not_o promise_v 2._o from_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o church_n representative_a or_o company_n of_o presbyter_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n whereby_o they_o actual_o cast_v out_o the_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n from_o church-communion_n which_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n 3._o our_o assertion_n be_v evident_a from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o my_o spirit_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v such_o a_o man_n be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o this_o rebuke_n or_o church_n censure_n be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o many_o as_o he_o write_v 2_o cor._n 2_o 6._o sure_o that_o by_o these_o many_o the_o apostle_n understand_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v easy_o manifest_a if_o all_o be_v present_a at_o the_o deliberate_v every_o one_o even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v see_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o paul_n shall_v not_o have_v write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o for_o this_o have_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o commend_v that_o cause_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v urge_v for_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o have_v by_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n correct_v the_o incestuous_a person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o prevail_v with_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o will_v now_o afford_v pardon_n to_o he_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o further_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o many_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o former_a place_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gather_v together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o since_o we_o know_v that_o this_o power_n be_v by_o christ_n commit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lie_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spiritual_a key_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v that_o by_o the_o term_n many_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o company_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v commit_v hence_o bullinger_n on_o that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5._o do_v thus_o comment_n therefore_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v a_o holy_a senate_n of_o presbyter_n which_o do_v diligent_o admonish_v offender_n in_o the_o church_n sharp_o correct_v they_o yea_o and_o exclude_v they_o from_o church_n fellowship_n to_o wit_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o amendment_n may_v be_v expect_v and_o hyperius_n note_v upon_o this_o place_n that_o by_o congregation_n must_v not_o simple_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n among_o who_o be_v mingle_v many_o jew_n ananias_n false_a brethren_n man_n vicious_a who_o will_v never_o suffer_v that_o such_o a_o sentence_n shall_v be_v unanimous_o pass_v but_o rather_o certain_a select_a elder_n eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n in_o who_o power_n he_o will_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o like_a cause_n so_o that_o these_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o hence_o appear_v that_o matth._n 18._o after_o it_o be_v say_v tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v add_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o he_o say_v sufficient_a be_v the_o punishment_n that_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetic_n chap._n 39_o say_v that_o all_o the_o approve_a elder_n use_v to_o preside_v if_o any_o say_v he_o do_v so_o offend_v as_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v debar_v from_o communicate_v in_o prayer_n and_o assembly_n and_o all_o holy_a commerce_n all_o the_o approve_a elder_n do_v preside_v who_o attain_v that_o honour_n not_o for_o money_n but_o desert_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o question_v 1_o whether_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v only_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o those_o church-member_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o true_o godly_a so_o as_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o more_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n to_o convert_v the_o stray_a soul_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n then_o all_o believer_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n bind_v to_o do_v answer_n we_o judge_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n due_o and_o true_o preach_v and_o public_o receive_v be_v both_o a_o mean_n of_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o mean_n also_o of_o confirm_v and_o save_v of_o believer_n who_o do_v already_o in_o a_o visible_a church_n profess_v the_o faith_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o question_n 1._o that_o private_a christian_n from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n make_v use_n of_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o man_n edification_n do_v sometime_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n those_o soul_n which_o go_v astray_o and_o bring_v those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v john_n 4._o 29._o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 16._o 2._o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o office_n of_o he_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o send_v of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n do_v confer_v any_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o he_o or_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v for_o the_o power_n of_o god_n only_o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v do_v give_v to_o the_o word_n preach_v a_o virtue_n and_o save_a efficacy_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 11._o &_o 15._o 10._o but_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o he_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o do_v by_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n authoritative_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o which_o god_n do_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n give_v assistance_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n so_o that_o pastor_n as_o pastor_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o faith_n be_v give_v and_o first_fw-mi attain_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o those_o who_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o mission_n and_o function_n preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o man_n see_v rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o gal._n 3._o 2._o 2._o because_o pastor_n of_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o office_n they_o bear_v be_v father_n who_o do_v first_o beget_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o god_n do_v give_v spirit_n and_o life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n see_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o gal._n 4._o 19_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o 3._o pastor_n be_v enjoin_v as_o a_o office_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o meekness_n mildness_n and_o patience_n if_o perhaps_o god_n will_v give_v repentance_n to_o those_o who_o be_v hold_v captive_n in_o the_o share_n of_o the_o devil_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25_o 26._o to_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o grace_n act._n 26._o 18._o to_o seek_v lose_v sheep_n for_o the_o lord_n ezek._n 34._o 4_o 5._o and_o to_o bring_v into_o captivity_n to_o the_o
there_o with_o pastoral_n authority_n they_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n admit_v member_n attend_v to_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n choose_v pastor_n and_o church_n governor_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o to_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o those_o church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a assertion_n of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o a_o pastor_n may_v indeed_o in_o another_o particular_a church_n exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o pray_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o not_o by_o virtue_n or_o force_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n but_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o gift_n which_o he_o be_v to_o employ_v for_o the_o common_a edification_n but_o that_o he_o may_v exercise_v no_o ministerial_a act_n which_o he_o perform_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o authority_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o god_n in_o dispense_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n save_v only_o in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v fasten_v by_o election_n for_o his_o ordinary_a ministry_n question_v 3_o whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o perpetual_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereby_o private_a man_n who_o bear_v no_o church-office_n may_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o explain_v and_o apply_v it_o for_o instruction_n confutation_n reprehension_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o hearer_n answer_n our_o judgement_n be_v that_o none_o may_v public_o in_o the_o church_n assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n but_o he_o who_o be_v send_v by_o a_o divine_a call_v for_o that_o work_n as_o the_o protestant_n demonstrate_v against_o the_o socinian_o and_o anabaptist_n from_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o heb._n 5._o 4_o 5._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2._o &_o 14._o 22._o tit._n 1._o 5._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o and_o other_o place_n and_o argument_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o who_o either_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n which_o mission_n or_o send_v consist_v not_o only_o in_o confer_v gift_n whereby_o a_o ability_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o in_o confer_v a_o power_n whereby_o be_v give_v a_o authority_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o authority_n be_v ofttimes_o not_o confer_v on_o those_o on_o who_o yet_o god_n bestow_v gift_n and_o ability_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deny_v to_o woman_n in_o who_o lip_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n prov._n 31._o 26._o and_o a_o fitness_n to_o teach_v the_o young_a woman_n tit._n 2._o 3_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o god_n enjoin_v all_o believer_n to_o exhort_v comfort_n reprove_v and_o edify_v one_o another_o heb._n 3._o 13._o 1_o thes_n 4_o 18._o &_o 5._o 14._o but_o it_o be_v from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o bind_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n which_o they_o declare_v to_o their_o neighbour_n do_v not_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o special_a office_n bind_v to_o obedience_n those_o that_o hear_v it_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o subject_n or_o matter_n contain_v in_o that_o word_n but_o the_o church_n minister_n declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n ambassador_n with_o authority_n of_o special_a office_n and_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o manifold_n difference_n between_o the_o charitative_a admonition_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o the_o authoritative_a preach_v of_o god_n minister_n for_o 1._o the_o admonition_n of_o ordinary_a christian_n be_v to_o our_o neighbour_n private_o and_o as_o join_v to_o we_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o minister_n of_o church_n do_v public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o pastoral_a charge_n of_o soul_n and_o god_n authority_n to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n over_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o watchman_n and_o overseer_n 2._o the_o minister_n authoritative_a preach_v the_o word_n have_v join_v with_o it_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v sinner_n remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o which_o authority_n be_v not_o affix_v to_o the_o charitative_a admonition_n of_o private_a christian_n 3._o there_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a and_o strict_a a_o obligation_n on_o private_a christian_n for_o that_o brotherly_a correction_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o as_o the_o obligation_n on_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o office_n of_o preach_v who_o may_v not_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v whole_o attend_v upon_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 4._o and_o who_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o hearer_n commit_v to_o they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o ezek._n 3._o 18._o &_o 33._o 18._o which_o do_v not_o concern_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charitative_a admonition_n we_o grant_v therefore_o in_o this_o cause_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v on_o all_o believer_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o private_a to_o their_o neighbour_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o private_a christian_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o a_o church_n to_o be_v erect_v or_o that_o be_v decay_v and_o ruin_v may_v sometime_o public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o plant_n a_o church_n when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o as_o by_o god_n ordinary_a call_v have_v receive_v from_o god_n power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n for_o the_o positive_a ritual_a law_n of_o god_n give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n when_o necessity_n require_v it_o 3._o we_o grant_v also_o that_o private_a christian_n in_o some_o special_a case_n and_o upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n may_v sometime_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o public_a by_o a_o special_a call_v from_o god_n as_o martyr_n be_v call_v to_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n constant_o and_o ordinary_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o word_n shall_v by_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o all_o authority_n be_v public_o preach_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o maintain_v the_o negative_a of_o the_o question_n propose_v and_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o exercise_n to_o be_v perpetual_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o ground_n it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o ambassador_n of_o god_n be_v join_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o yea_o and_o there_o lie_v a_o more_o excellent_a utility_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n then_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o all_o indifferent_o who_o have_v those_o gift_n as_o the_o protestant_n do_v solid_o demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n 2._o no_o man_n may_v take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o send_v to_o preach_v his_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o but_o all_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v not_o call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n for_o those_o who_o be_v send_v of_o god_n be_v send_v either_o by_o a_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a call_n or_o by_o a_o mediate_a call_n by_o the_o church_n but_o whereas_o now_o a_o extraordinary_a mission_n or_o send_v be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n those_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a call_v separate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v who_o may_v lawful_o undertake_v it_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o &_o 5._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o 3._o 3._o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o
often_o testify_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o his_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n he_o have_v constant_o keep_v and_o continue_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n promise_v for_o many_o age_n to_o those_o child_n who_o near_a ancestor_n rebel_a against_o god_n and_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v revolt_v from_o god_n see_v psal_n 106._o 35_o 36_o 44_o 45._o isai_n 63._o 10_o 11._o and_o 51._o 1_o 2_o 3._o ezek._n 20._o 8._o etc._n etc._n again_o baptism_n be_v also_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o catholic_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n though_o through_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o opportunity_n or_o the_o like_a they_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a parochial_a church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n as_o also_o their_o child_n but_o that_o any_o be_v constitute_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o embrace_v the_o table_n of_o god_n covenant_n that_o be_v that_o he_o embrace_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n catholic_a and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o live_v in_o that_o holy_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o insidel_n we_o hence_o affirm_v therefore_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n baptism_n lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v not_o only_o to_o those_o infant_n who_o next_o parent_n have_v join_v themselves_o in_o a_o church-covenant_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church-communion_n do_v lead_v their_o life_n pious_o but_o even_o to_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o no_o parochial_a church_n and_o by_o their_o wicked_a way_n have_v render_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o christian_a stock_n and_o baptize_v parent_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o those_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o they_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v be_v according_a to_o the_o accustom_a order_n of_o our_o church_n offer_v to_o baptism_n the_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o ground_n it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o child_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v admit_v to_o circumcision_n although_o their_o next_o parent_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o wallow_v in_o sin_n to_o their_o life_n end_v have_v make_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o themselves_o void_a as_o appear_v josh_n 5._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o where_o the_o child_n of_o such_o israelite_n of_o who_o many_o have_v dye_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o godly_a be_v command_v to_o be_v circumcise_v 2._o because_o the_o child_n even_o of_o ungodly_a parent_n who_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o federall_a holiness_n for_o their_o infidelity_n do_v not_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o his_o constancy_n in_o dispense_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o effect_n rom._n 3._o 3_o hence_o god_n call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o ungodly_a israelite_n his_o child_n although_o they_o offer_v they_o to_o moloch_n ezek_n 16._o 20._o &_o 23._o 37._o for_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o their_o next_o parent_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n towards_o the_o follow_a posterity_n which_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v ezek._n 20._o 18_o 19_o 23_o 36_o 37_o 42_o 43._o and_o therefore_o those_o privilege_n and_o promise_n of_o federall_a holiness_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n of_o that_o holiness_n 3._o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o of_o year_n be_v all_o baptise_a by_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n publican_n soldier_n and_o whoever_o out_o of_o judea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n without_o any_o long_a examination_n if_o so_o be_v they_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n though_o there_o be_v among_o they_o hypocrite_n generation_n of_o viper_n and_o debauch_a man_n and_o therefore_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n this_o question_n walaeus_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o his_o common_a place_n pag._n 494_o 495._o of_o his_o work_n in_o folio_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o live_v wicked_o and_o by_o their_o ungodly_a life_n make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o themselves_o of_o none_o effect_n to_o these_o we_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n where_o they_o thus_o discourse_v disput_fw-la 44._o thes_n 50._o neither_o yet_o do_v we_o therefore_o exclude_v say_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o sacrament_n those_o infant_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o christian_a stock_n and_o baptise_a parent_n though_o their_o parent_n by_o their_o ungodly_a life_n and_o corrupt_a faith_n have_v make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n to_o themselves_o of_o none_o effect_n if_o by_o those_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o they_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n accustom_v in_o our_o church_n present_v to_o baptism_n because_o under_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o son_n do_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o god_n notwithstanding_o remain_v the_o god_n of_o such_o child_n as_o himself_o witness_v ezek._n 16._o &_o 23_o where_o he_o call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a israelites_n his_o child_n who_o they_o have_v beget_v for_o god_n though_o they_o offer_v they_o to_o moloch_n and_o out_o of_o they_o also_o do_v god_n ordinary_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n wherefore_o also_o he_o command_v the_o child_n of_o such_o israelite_n many_o of_o who_o have_v dye_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v circumcise_v josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v both_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n have_v always_o hold_v without_o controversy_n thus_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n 2._o of_o those_o who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o church-covenant_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o godly_a but_o for_o that_o baptism_n do_v unite_v man_n not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o also_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a we_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o who_o belong_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n see_v what_o we_o have_v say_v above_o concern_v a_o church-covenant_n chap._n vi_o of_o class_n and_o synod_n and_o their_o authority_n question_v 1_o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v authoritative_o judge_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n so_o as_o that_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o decree_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n answer_n we_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o sacred_a communion_n between_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o profess_v one_o common_a faith_n and_o piety_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n and_o body_n of_o a_o spiritual_a polity_n and_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o government_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o common_a so_o ames_n himself_o confess_v medul_n theolog._n lib._n 1_o cap._n 39_o thes_n 27._o that_o particular_a church_n as_o their_o communion_n require_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o scripture_n rule_v and_o example_n teach_v may_v and_o very_o often_o even_o ought_v to_o enter_v into_o mutual_a consociation_n or_o confederation_n among_o themselves_o in_o class_n
two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o which_o primary_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o inferior_a consistory_n but_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o of_o all_o church_n the_o superior_a consistory_n be_v comprehend_v likewise_o 3._o we_o deduce_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n borrow_v her_o frame_n of_o her_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n from_o the_o constitution_n not_o pedagogical_a but_o essential_a and_o perpetual_a of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n consistory_n be_v now_o lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o same_o form_n according_a to_o which_o the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v constitute_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_o evident_a that_o this_o order_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v of_o old_a institute_v by_o god_n and_o by_o the_o father_n most_o religious_o observe_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o good_a order_n of_o a_o church_n not_o to_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o distinct_a nature_n of_o that_o government_n but_o now_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v synagogicall_a consistory_n in_o each_o city_n wherein_o the_o scribe_n and_o levit_n be_v preside_v some_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o man_n more_o eminent_a in_o dignity_n be_v join_v to_o they_o who_o office_n consist_v as_o well_o in_o teach_v as_o in_o moderate_v the_o action_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o believer_n manner_n and_o dispense_v pious_a reprehension_n and_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o the_o vice_n of_o offender_n and_o there_o be_v also_o at_o jerusalem_n a_o general_a consistory_n or_o synedrium_fw-la hold_v to_o which_o the_o most_o weighty_a matter_n be_v bring_v which_o in_o the_o lesser_a synagogicall_a judicatories_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o difficulty_n or_o the_o dissension_n of_o party_n can_v not_o be_v decide_v or_o end_v see_v deut._n 17._o 8_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7._o jer._n 26._o 9_o etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n our_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a gersom_a bucer_n in_o his_o dissertation_n the_o gubernation_n ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 65._o do_v thus_o propose_v and_o not_o to_o be_v tedious_a it_o be_v requisite_a to_o set_v down_o distinct_o in_o what_o respect_n the_o order_n appoint_v among_o the_o jew_n do_v express_v the_o polity_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o hold_v their_o meeting_n for_o first_o as_o of_o old_a the_o use_n of_o sacred_a consistory_n as_o well_o synagogicall_a in_o the_o several_a city_n as_o the_o supreme_a at_o jerusalem_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n institution_n for_o the_o pass_n of_o judgement_n and_o determine_v controversy_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n birth_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v as_o well_o particular_o in_o each_o city_n as_o in_o many_o city_n in_o common_a some_o form_n of_o ordinary_a judicatory_a to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n may_v be_v due_o perform_v and_o the_o censure_n of_o manner_n administer_v else_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a either_o then_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n command_v that_o he_o who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n or_o the_o apostle_n reproof_n reprehend_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o have_v neglect_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o public_a judicatory_a of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n neither_o only_a have_v each_o particular_a church_n their_o proper_a distinct_a consistory_n but_o that_o also_o divers_a church_n when_o more_o weighty_a controversy_n do_v arise_v which_o can_v not_o in_o lesser_a assembly_n be_v determine_v do_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v together_o to_o one_o general_a council_n the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v act_v 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o not_o only_a this_o ordinary_a superior_a court_n or_o sanedrim_n be_v keep_v at_o jerusalem_n but_o extraordinary_a convention_n call_v for_o the_o church_n reformation_n the_o establish_v religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o a_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o for_o other_o holy_a occasion_n see_v example_n thereof_o deut._n 29._o 20._o 2_o chro._n 15._o 9_o &_o 29._o 4_o &_o 34._o 29_o nehem._n 10._o 32._o to_o 34._o and_o such_o convention_n be_v celebrate_v for_o moral_a duty_n the_o celebration_n of_o they_o lie_v as_o a_o duty_n on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o time_n 4._o a_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n by_o apostolical_a precept_n whatsoever_o therefore_o a_o ecclesiastical_a prophet_n do_v in_o his_o sacred_a function_n perform_v either_o in_o sacred_a doctrine_n or_o divine_a worship_n or_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o prophet_n therefore_o one_o single_a prophet_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prophet_n of_o other_o church_n and_o consequent_o assembly_n of_o many_o prophet_n meeting_n out_o of_o divers_a church_n be_v here_o establish_v to_o who_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o prophet_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v subject_a other_o argument_n be_v also_o at_o hand_n in_o this_o cause_n if_o we_o purpose_v to_o contend_v by_o number_n of_o argument_n hence_o also_o do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o hold_v their_o synod_n endow_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a which_o do_v so_o impose_v their_o decree_n on_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o permit_v not_o a_o private_a or_o particular_a church_n to_o alter_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o enjoin_v all_o to_o observe_v their_o canon_n establish_v till_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o appoint_v by_o the_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n ann._n 1571._o art_n 53._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 91._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 69._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586_o art_n 79._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 80._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 86._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o allow_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n no_o other_o power_n then_o of_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n as_o one_o brother_n towards_o another_o and_o one_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a sister_n church_n may_v be_v counsel_n and_o persuasion_n direct_v and_o exhort_v to_o their_o duty_n so_o neither_o have_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o church_n that_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o synod_n and_o class_n any_o other_o authority_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o persuade_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v against_o who_o we_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o what_o master_n john_n cotton_n himself_o have_v in_o a_o late_a treatise_n in_o english_a concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n chap._n 6._o we_o dare_v not_o say_v say_v he_o that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodall_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n act_v 15._o 27._o this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v those_o necessary_a thing_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_a power_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n thus_o master_n cotton_n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o their_o contrary_a opinion_n who_o allow_v to_o
confer_v on_o timothy_n by_o prophecy_n that_o be_v by_o a_o singular_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o the_o prophet_n command_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o very_a apt_a expression_n to_o say_v the_o presbyter_n office_n be_v confer_v on_o timothy_n by_o his_o vocation_n both_o extraordinary_a declare_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o prophet_n and_o ordinary_a perform_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n two_o thing_n do_v reverend_a bucerus_n here_o evince_v that_o by_o presbytery_n be_v understand_v the_o company_n of_o presbyter_n and_o that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v signify_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n together_o with_o sufficiency_n of_o gift_n this_o place_n therefore_o do_v assert_v that_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n be_v commit_v to_o pastor_n by_o god_n law_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n 2._o it_o appear_v from_o the_o apostle_n practice_v wherein_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v perform_v by_o pastor_n and_o minister_n that_o have_v the_o government_n of_o church_n see_v acts._n 6._o 2_o 3._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o &_o 14._o 23._o tit._n 1._o 5._o etc._n etc._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o example_n to_o be_v find_v wherein_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n without_o presbyter_n and_o because_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v our_o safe_a rule_n of_o church-government_n we_o judge_v that_o by_o god_n ordinance_n it_o can_v be_v that_o a_o pastor_n in_o settle_a state_n of_o church_n shall_v be_v ordain_v and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n see_v also_o what_o be_v say_v chap._n 4._o concern_v ecclesiastical_a power_n ii_o we_o therefore_o affirm_v that_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o send_v and_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o particular_a church_n which_o want_v presbytery_n this_o assertion_n appear_v also_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n which_o by_o ordination_n do_v set_v apart_o and_o send_v forth_o pastor_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o neighbour_n church_n act_n 8._o 14._o act_n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o sure_o that_o in_o the_o reform_a church_n the_o right_a of_o mission_n for_o the_o plant_n of_o church_n or_o for_o the_o raise_v they_o up_o out_o of_o a_o defect_n be_v always_o practise_v by_o class_n and_o synod_n as_o be_v know_v to_o all_o who_o have_v but_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v any_o report_n of_o church_n labour_v under_o persecution_n as_o also_o the_o apostolical_a synod_n for_o supply_v of_o the_o church_n defect_n choose_v and_o send_v man_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a duty_n necessary_a to_o that_o end_n act_v 15._o 22._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n and_o send_v they_o to_o antioch_n and_o ver_fw-la 25._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o we_o be_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n to_o choose_v and_o send_v man_n unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n neither_o do_v the_o apostolical_a church_n do_v this_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolical_a but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o they_o do_v this_o joint_o together_o with_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o a_o ordinary_a synod_n these_o example_n therefore_o declare_v the_o ordinary_a right_n of_o mission_n to_o those_o church_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o presbytery_n or_o ministry_n or_o labour_n and_o groan_v under_o persecution_n and_o defect_n but_o that_o mission_n do_v infer_v vocation_n and_o ordination_n and_o do_v confer_v power_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o rule_v the_o people_n reverend_a voetius_fw-la prove_v by_o many_o argument_n in_o desperatâ_fw-la causâ_fw-la papatus_fw-la lib._n 2._o sect_n 2._o cap._n 17._o and_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o word_n itself_o to_o send_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o come_v send_v and_o send_v or_o mission_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o commission_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v some_o function_n or_o charge_n full_o commit_v to_o he_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o call_v and_o constitute_v for_o as_o mission_n or_o send_v be_v take_v either_o active_o or_o passive_o as_o it_o imply_v either_o a_o relation_n of_o he_o that_o send_v to_o he_o that_o be_v send_v or_o of_o he_o that_o be_v send_v to_o he_o that_o send_v so_o also_o vocation_n or_o ordination_n for_o all_o those_o metaphor_n to_o send_v into_o the_o vineyard_n to_o send_v into_o the_o field_n to_o the_o lord_n work_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o call_v one_o to_o the_o feed_v of_o the_o flock_n dress_v the_o vineyard_n or_o to_o constitute_v one_o a_o pastor_n and_o one_o that_o take_v charge_n of_o soul_n hence_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o constitute_v pastor_n of_o soul_n be_v common_o call_v apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d send_v in_o hebrew_n the_o priest_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v send_v a_o messenger_n or_o ambassador_n malach._n 2._o 7._o of_o the_o original_n and_o signification_n whereof_o ludovicus_n de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr speak_v append_v ad_fw-la matth._n 27_o 2._o where_o he_o show_v elegant_o from_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o arabic_a and_o aethiopic_a root_n that_o this_o name_n be_v derive_v from_o send_v whence_o also_o presbyter_n whether_o the_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a or_o the_o lesser_a and_o ordinary_a lawful_o ordain_v and_o call_v be_v send_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o feed_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o be_v lawful_o send_v be_v ordain_v to_o preach_v for_o to_o the_o actual_a give_v a_o apostleship_n or_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v to_o a_o active_a mission_n of_o he_o that_o send_v there_o be_v answerable_a a_o passive_a mission_n of_o he_o that_o be_v send_v which_o be_v a_o actual_a receive_v a_o apostleship_n or_o ministry_n for_o or_o relative_n the_o affirm_v one_o infer_v the_o other_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n therefore_o for_o a_o church_n that_o want_v a_o eldership_n or_o be_v labour_v under_o defect_n which_o hinder_v the_o ordinary_a exercise_n of_o the_o eldership_n be_v lawful_o perform_v by_o synod_n and_o class_n under_o who_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n they_o live_v so_o in_o the_o belgic_a church_n the_o mission_n or_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n which_o be_v send_v to_o church_n groan_v under_o the_o cross_n of_o persecution_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o classical_a assembly_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o the_o hagh_o anno._n 1586._o art_n 4._o and_o so_o of_o those_o who_o be_v send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west-indies_n iii_o we_o allow_v also_o this_o power_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o the_o right_n of_o ordination_n that_o even_o in_o a_o settle_a and_o constitute_v state_n of_o the_o church_n a_o particular_a church_n which_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n may_v not_o perform_v the_o vocation_n or_o ordination_n of_o their_o pastor_n without_o the_o authoritative_a judgement_n and_o potestative_a mission_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o arguement_n because_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o holy_a society_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o into_o the_o ecclesiastical_a body_n as_o a_o member_n belong_v to_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n in_o the_o right_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o be_v therefore_o with_o their_o judgement_n and_o consent_n to_o be_v admit_v by_o ordination_n into_o that_o society_n because_o also_o by_o ordination_n a_o pastor_n be_v put_v into_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o function_n he_o may_v perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n in_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o exercise_v a_o ministerial_a authority_n in_o many_o case_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o reason_n plain_o show_v that_o it_o can_v due_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o church_n over_o who_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v receive_v ministerial_a power_n a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o lawful_o remove_v or_o putout_a a_o pastor_n from_o his_o office_n without_o the_o assent_n and_o authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n wherein_o he_o be_v due_o admit_v a_o member_n therefore_o without_o that_o judgement_n they_o can_v lawful_o admit_v into_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n by_o ordination_n for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o power_n to_o take_v in_o and_o to_o put_v out_o in_o
what_o manner_n ought_v be_v contract_v in_o the_o same_o be_v it_o dissolve_v hence_o in_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o church_n be_v perform_v the_o ordination_n of_o the_o deacon_n elect_v act._n 6._o 3._o with_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o those_o church_n so_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o the_o presbytery_n to_o who_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v be_v attribute_v do_v not_o only_o denote_v a_o parochial_a presbytery_n of_o which_o sort_n both_o in_o town_n and_o in_o more_o eminent_a village_n there_o be_v ancient_o one_o in_o each_o but_o it_o signify_v a_o college_n of_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n in_o who_o number_n paul_n be_v one_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v sometime_o call_v elder_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2._o 2_o joh._n ver_fw-la 1_o 3._o for_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o lystra_n as_o the_o dutch_a translator_n observe_v from_o act_n 16._o 1_o 2._o in_o which_o the_o brethren_n of_o derbe_n and_o iconium_n be_v also_o actor_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o place_n under_o who_o be_v include_v also_o the_o church_n of_o the_o region_n round_o about_o as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o act_n 14._o 6._o and_o if_o those_o most_o excellent_a servant_n of_o god_n who_o god_n have_v render_v eminent_a by_o indue_a they_o with_o most_o ample_a gift_n and_o set_v they_o in_o a_o degree_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o sublime_a ministry_n will_v not_o yet_o at_o their_o own_o pleasure_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o other_o admit_v timothy_n though_o name_v by_o the_o spirit_n designation_n into_o the_o order_n of_o presbyter_n by_o public_a ordination_n but_o think_v fit_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o order_n first_o to_o acquaint_v sundry_a pastor_n and_o church_n with_o it_o shall_v we_o who_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o doubt_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v for_o not_o their_o say_n only_o but_o their_o do_n also_o shall_v be_v to_o we_o a_o rule_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v and_o do_v and_o so_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n establish_v ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v perform_v with_o the_o consent_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la as_o appear_v by_o the_o synod_n at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 4._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o artic_a 3_o 4._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 4._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o settle_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o absolute_a power_n of_o ordain_v their_o pastor_n without_o the_o inspection_n or_o authoritative_a jurisdiction_n of_o any_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n question_v 3_o whither_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n answer_n in_o this_o controversy_n we_o hold_v 1._o that_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n of_o pastor_n have_v power_n to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v authoritative_o and_o with_o power_n ecclesiastical_a such_o as_o offend_v subvert_v soul_n by_o error_n and_o commit_v scandal_n act_n 15._o 10_o 24._o this_o admonition_n reproof_n and_o condemnation_n in_o this_o synod_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o order_n to_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o this_o power_n not_o a_o power_n of_o order_n but_o of_o jurisdiction_n perform_v not_o by_o the_o concionall_a key_n only_o but_o the_o key_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n for_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o one_o but_o by_o many_o by_o the_o whole_a synod_n ver_fw-la 6_o 22._o in_o the_o society_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a body_n which_o have_v power_n by_o common_a advice_n to_o decree_v this_o rebuke_n and_o what_o ever_o be_v determine_v in_o this_o cause_n about_o that_o question_n for_o which_o they_o come_v together_o see_v ver_fw-la 2_o 6_o 23_o 24_o 25._o chap._n 16._o 5._o &_o 21._o 25._o the_o cause_n in_o which_o it_o be_v do_v be_v not_o only_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n but_o of_o scandal_n and_o public_a offence_n give_v in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n ver_fw-la 19_o 28_o 29._o with_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o rom._n 14._o 14_o 15._o whereupon_o it_o be_v determine_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o trouble_n and_o unprofitable_a burden_n shall_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 19_o 23_o 24._o &_o chap._n 16._o 4_o 5._o and_o that_o in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n ver_fw-la 6_o 15_o 22_o 25._o so_o that_o this_o rebuke_n perform_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o order_n to_o spiritual_a censure_n be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n 2._o there_o belong_v also_o to_o synod_n and_o class_n this_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n which_o be_v determination_n necessary_a for_o the_o observation_n of_o moral_a precept_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o for_o the_o order_n the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o all_o by_o this_o power_n they_o establish_v outward_a ceremony_n suitable_a to_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n outward_a form_n of_o behaviour_n and_o thing_n indifferent_a such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o outward_a order_n decency_n and_o edification_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o make_v rule_n for_o direct_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o synod_n decree_v that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v embrace_v christ_n shall_v abstain_v from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v act._n 15._o 25_o 28._o lambertus_n daneus_n discourse_v sound_o and_o accurate_o in_o his_o poliria_n christiana_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 3._o moreover_o say_v he_o as_o for_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o outward_a order_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_v the_o church_n let_v a_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v assemble_v with_o the_o command_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o godly_a surpeme_a magistrate_n and_o this_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n due_o gather_v shall_v determine_v what_o that_o order_n and_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v etc._n etc._n see_v what_o be_v say_v before_o of_o the_o doctrinal_a power_n of_o synod_n this_o power_n of_o make_v law_n be_v a_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o government_n for_o it_o do_v direct_v and_o dispose_v authoritative_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v put_v in_o execution_n for_o these_o law_n be_v make_v with_o the_o sanction_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a penalty_n against_o delinquent_n and_o consequent_o proceed_v from_o that_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n from_o whence_o proceed_v this_o threaten_a and_o inflict_v of_o spiritual_a power_n again_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o direction_n pass_v with_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o a_o scandal_n give_v or_o take_v of_o case_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a of_o the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v to_o the_o external_a tribunal_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n but_o he_o that_o appoint_v rite_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n must_v of_o necessity_n give_v a_o public_a judgement_n pass_v by_o ministerial_a authority_n concern_v scandal_n give_v or_o take_v concern_v case_n of_o conscience_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n about_o thing_n indifferent_a concern_v the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v ecclesiastical_a law_n make_v for_o the_o avoid_n of_o scandal_n for_o the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o due_a exercise_v of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o church_n communion_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o act_n of_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n 3._o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a inspection_n and_o judgement_n not_o of_o discretion_n only_o but_o of_o jurisdiction_n and_o approbation_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o excommunication_n from_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o no_o particular_a church_n which_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n in_o class_n and_o synod_n may_v lawful_o excommunicate_v &_o deliver_v to_o satan_n any_o member_n of_o their_o communion_n without_o the_o authoritative_a judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n which_o appear_v by_o these_o argument_n that_o which_o concern_v all_o ought_v in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o manner_n to_o be_v handle_v by_o all_o now_o the_o excommunication_n of_o any_o in_o a_o consociate_n church_n concern_v all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o society_n for_o they_o all_o receive_v scandal_n they_o be_v all_o liable_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o infection_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o communion_n which_o they_o hold_v
doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v by_o ordinary_a ministerial_a knowledge_n may_v by_o common_a consent_n be_v explain_v and_o decide_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n also_o about_o the_o proper_a form_n of_o speak_v and_o proceed_v agreeable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o those_o church_n hold_v which_o set_v forth_o those_o confession_n and_o canon_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o all_o those_o orthodox_n with_o who_o they_o will_v keep_v communion_n shall_v hold_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o restraint_n of_o licentiousness_n in_o invent_v new_a opinion_n and_o order_n to_o distract_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o last_o that_o there_o may_v remain_v a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o vicious_a or_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a innovation_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n the_o concord_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o better_o preserve_v they_o be_v useful_a therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n divine_a scripture_n as_o handmaid_n with_o due_a subjection_n without_o any_o absolute_o necessary_a prescription_n of_o use_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a sense_n but_o be_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n to_o those_o only_a who_o with_o licentiousness_n rather_o than_o liberty_n endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o principle_n which_o be_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o christian_a discipline_n and_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o even_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o listen_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n reject_v as_o be_v far_o from_o christian_a modesty_n 4._o we_o 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by_o common_a consent_n compose_v explication_n out_o of_o scripture_n of_o opinion_n in_o controversy_n act._n 15._o and_o set_v out_o a_o epistle_n wherein_o by_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n concern_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n it_o be_v decide_v and_o a_o canon_n prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n 6._o we_o consider_v these_o form_n either_o as_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v divine_a be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o indices_fw-la in_o explain_v and_o determine_v dubious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o controversy_n for_o be_v search_v out_o by_o so_o great_a diligence_n of_o godly_a teacher_n and_o approve_v by_o their_o consent_n and_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o can_v see_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o attribute_v to_o these_o form_n be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indices_fw-la of_o some_o controvert_v doctrine_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o meditation_n even_o of_o a_o private_a christian_a much_o more_o of_o a_o numerous_a company_n of_o prophet_n may_v be_v a_o index_n or_o they_o be_v consider_v formal_o as_o they_o be_v synodical_a determination_n due_o conclude_v confirm_v with_o ecclesiaasticall_a authority_n carry_v in_o they_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o badge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a union_n and_o communion_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o decide_v and_o explain_v ecclesiastical_a controversy_n in_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o joint_o we_o attribute_v to_o they_o this_o authority_n which_o we_o propose_v in_o vrsin_n word_n their_o authority_n say_v he_o be_v show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o recede_v from_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o recite_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v innovaâ—â—â—_n in_o form_n of_o exposition_n or_o speech_n without_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n yea_o and_o if_o they_o either_o have_v indeed_o or_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n blame-worthy_a nothing_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v attempt_v in_o a_o rash_a disorderly_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n nothing_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o contrary_a without_o a_o previous_a communicate_v of_o opinion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v teacher_n and_o other_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v though_o therefore_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o synod_n which_o prescribe_v those_o form_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o infallible_a nor_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o authority_n oblige_v believer_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v determine_v in_o those_o form_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o synod_n which_o constitute_v those_o form_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n give_v by_o god_n for_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o rend_n of_o church_n whereby_o they_o may_v inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o such_o as_o open_o oppose_v their_o decree_n hence_o have_v those_o form_n a_o excellent_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v for_o as_o the_o learned_a camero_n well_o note_v tom_n 1._o prelect_v de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o discourse_n concern_v the_o infallability_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n it_o make_v that_o this_o be_v not_o rash_o and_o without_o accurate_a and_o grave_a observation_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o synod_n have_v a_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o a_o great_a than_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o teacher_n judge_v single_o and_o apart_o they_o have_v also_o more_o certain_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_n &_o disputation_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o have_v also_o a_o better_a course_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n concern_v a_o controversy_n raise_v and_o what_o course_n the_o church_n observe_v therein_o so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o form_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o upon_o light_n and_o probable_a reason_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v bind_v so_o far_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o form_n decree_v as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o that_o case_n which_o obedience_n be_v a_o observance_n of_o christian_a humility_n and_o modesty_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a in_o such_o case_n abstain_v from_o public_a or_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o condemnation_n or_o confutation_n of_o the_o opinion_n determine_v in_o those_o form_n and_o this_o evident_a because_o for_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o church_n we_o have_v the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a authority_n of_o god_n command_v to_o obey_v they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o for_o oppose_v they_o we_o have_v only_o uncertain_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o common_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v hold_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a again_o to_o oppose_v open_o the_o form_n of_o church_n upon_o argument_n but_o probable_a and_o less_o evident_a give_v a_o unbridled_a and_o endless_a licence_n of_o contradict_v any_o ecclesiastical_a decree_n whatever_o yea_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n prescribe_v in_o those_o form_n of_o church_n