office_n be_v vain_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o be_v much_o neglect_v 2._o to_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o attend_v unto_o the_o especial_a case_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o unnecessary_a diversion_n whereas_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o they_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n to_o discountenance_v to_o discourage_v any_o from_o seek_v relief_n in_o perplexity_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o carry_v it_o towards_o they_o with_o a_o seem_a moroseness_n and_o unconcernedness_n be_v to_o turn_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o push_v the_o disease_a and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o express_v the_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o flock_n isa._n 40.11_o yea_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hearken_v after_o they_o who_o may_v be_v so_o exercise_v to_o seek_v they_o out_o to_o give_v they_o their_o counsel_n and_o direction_n on_o all_o occasion_n 3._o to_o bear_v patient_o and_o tender_o with_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n dulness_n slowness_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v satisfaction_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v impertinency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v these_o thing_n will_v abound_v among_o they_o partly_o from_o their_o natural_a infirmity_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o perhaps_o froward_a but_o especial_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o temptation_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o disorder_n and_o disquiet_v their_o mind_n to_o fill_v they_o with_o perplex_a thought_n and_o to_o make_v they_o jealous_a of_o every_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v spiritual_o concern_v and_o if_o much_o patience_n meekness_n and_o condescension_n be_v not_o exercise_v towards_o they_o they_o be_v quick_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a pastoral_n office_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n or_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n nor_o wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v more_o concern_v nor_o more_o eminent_o suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o than_o this_o be_v but_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o duty_n which_o because_o of_o the_o reason_n mention_v must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n patience_n self-denial_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n with_o experience_n with_o wearisome_a diversion_n from_o other_o occasion_n those_o who_o have_v get_v of_o old_a the_o conduct_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o their_o management_n turn_v this_o whole_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n into_o a_o engine_n they_o call_v articular_a confession_n whereby_o they_o wrest_v the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n wealth_n authority_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o worse_a end_n 7._o a_o compassionate_a suffering_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o trouble_n whether_o internal_a or_o external_a belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o render_v they_o more_o like_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o to_o represent_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v their_o principal_a duty_n the_o view_n and_o consideration_n by_o faith_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o compassion_n with_o his_o suffer_a member_n be_v the_o principal_a spring_n of_o consolation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o distress_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o mind_n herein_o ought_v according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o be_v in_o all_o that_o have_v the_o pastoral_n office_n commit_v unto_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o himself_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o 2_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o unless_o this_o compassion_n and_o goodness_n do_v run_v through_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a office_n man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v evangelical_n shepherd_n nor_o the_o sheep_n say_v in_o any_o sense_n to_o be_v their_o own_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o live_v it_o may_v be_v in_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n regardless_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o of_o the_o poor_a of_o it_o or_o relate_v unto_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o office_n nor_o to_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n therein_o 8._o care_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a be_v part_n of_o this_o duty_n common_o know_v though_o common_o neglect_v 9_o the_o principal_a care_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o general_a head_n of_o the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o this_o office_n whereunto_o many_o thing_n in_o particular_a do_v belong_v but_o because_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o distinct_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o it_o 10._o there_o be_v a_o communion_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o profession_n in_o any_o nation_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v the_o principal_a care_n hereof_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o letter_n of_o mutual_a advice_n of_o congratulation_n or_o consolation_n or_o in_o testimony_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o they_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o convening_n in_o synod_n for_o consultation_n of_o their_o joint_a concernment_n which_o thing_n make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o 11._o that_o wherewith_o i_o shall_v close_v these_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o duty_n be_v that_o without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v neither_o be_v useful_a unto_o man_n nor_o be_v accept_v with_o the_o great_a shepherd_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o be_v a_o humble_a holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o do_v profess_v do_v undeniable_o prove_v this_o duty_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o indispensable_a in_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o fill_v up_o a_o volume_n with_o ancient_a example_n unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o first_o writer_n among_o christian_n with_o example_n of_o public_a and_o private_a miscarriage_n herein_o with_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o the_o ruin_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o most_o nation_n where_o it_o have_v be_v profess_v and_o so_o of_o the_o nation_n themselves_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o ambition_n pride_n luxury_n uncleanness_n profaneness_n and_o otherways_o vicious_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v call_v the_o clergy_n and_o in_o daily_a observation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o whatever_o else_o be_v do_v in_o church_n if_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v be_v not_o exemplary_a in_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n religion_n will_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o improve_v among_o the_o people_n if_o person_n light_n or_o profane_a in_o their_o habit_n garb_n and_o converse_v corrupt_v in_o their_o communication_n unsavoury_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o spiritual_a discourse_n if_o such_o as_o be_v covetous_a oppressive_a and_o contentious_a such_o as_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n in_o their_o own_o family_n and_o so_o can_v stir_v up_o other_o unto_o diligence_n therein_o much_o more_o if_o such_o as_o be_v open_o sensual_a vicious_a and_o debauch_a be_v admit_v into_o this_o office_n we_o may_v take_v our_o leave_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n to_o handle_v this_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v necessary_a distinct_o to_o consider_v and_o explain_v all_o the_o qualification_n assign_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o necessary_a unto_o bishop_n and_o elder_n evidence_v as_o previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o orderly_o call_v of_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o tit._n 2.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o which_o be_v a_o work_n not_o consistent_a with_o my_o present_a design_n to_o engage_v in_o these_o be_v
a_o head_n of_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a influence_n yet_o be_v they_o meet_v member_n of_o that_o body_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v a_o head_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n as_o also_o meet_a to_o be_v esteem_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o none_o be_v exclude_v but_o such_o as_o concern_v who_o rule_n be_v give_v either_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o church_n society_n or_o be_v express_o exclude_v by_o god_n himself_o from_o any_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o covenant_n psal._n 50.16_o 17._o divine_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v dispute_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o hypocrite_n and_o person_n unregenerate_a may_v be_v true_a member_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o by_o who_o it_o be_v deny_v but_o the_o only_a question_n be_v that_o whereas_o undoubted_o profession_n be_v necessary_a unto_o all_o church_n communion_n whether_o if_o man_n do_v profess_v themselves_o hypocrite_n in_o state_n and_o unregenerate_a in_o mind_n that_o profession_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o for_o church_n communion_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a profession_n one_o by_o word_n the_o other_o by_o work_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v tit._n 1.16_o whether_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o as_o interpretative_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o state_n of_o man_n as_o the_o former_a other_o contest_v we_o have_v with_o none_o in_o this_o matter_n belarmine_n de_fw-fr eccles._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 2._o give_v a_o account_n out_o of_o augustine_n and_o that_o true_o from_o brevec_fw-fr collat._n col._n 3._o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o do_v say_v he_o consist_v of_o a_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o internal_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o body_n be_v the_o profession_n of_o they_o with_o the_o sacrament_n all_o true_a believer_n make_v profession_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o the_o church_n some_o as_o believe_v catechuman_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o not_o to_o the_o body_n other_o be_v of_o the_o body_n but_o not_o of_o the_o soul_n namely_o such_o as_o have_v no_o internal_a grace_n or_o true_a faith_n and_o they_o be_v like_o the_o hair_n or_o the_o nail_n or_o evil_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n and_o thereunto_o add_v that_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n comprise_v this_o last_o sort_n only_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v define_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o hair_n nail_n and_o ill_a humour_n and_o let_v other_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o that_o evangelical_n church_n at_o their_o first_o constitution_n be_v make_v up_o and_o do_v consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v and_o no_o other_o nor_o be_v there_o one_o word_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n intimate_v any_o concession_n or_o permission_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v into_o his_o church_n those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v other_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o but_o possession_n which_o be_v malae_fw-la fidei_fw-la ill_o obtain_v and_o ill_o continue_v will_v afford_v they_o no_o real_a advantage_n when_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n shall_v come_v wherefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v come_v unto_o that_o profligate_n sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v visible_o holy._n for_o if_o so_o they_o may_v affirm_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n make_v and_o grant_v to_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o who_o visible_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o be_v so_o at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o open_o and_o visible_o there_o be_v a_o declension_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n and_o a_o sinful_a deviation_n in_o they_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n this_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o member_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o we_o observe_v prefer_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o persecution_n from_o without_o be_v continue_v and_o discipline_n preserve_v within_o i_o have_v in_o part_n declare_v before_o what_o great_a care_n and_o circumspection_n the_o church_n then_o use_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o into_o their_o fellowship_n and_o order_n and_o what_o trial_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v before_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o it_o be_v know_v also_o with_o what_o severe_a discipline_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o faith_n walk_v conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o their_o member_n indeed_o such_o be_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n herein_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n at_o present_a the_o least_o resemblance_n or_o appearance_n of_o what_o be_v their_o state_n and_o manner_n of_o rule_n wherefore_o some_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o ascend_v no_o high_o in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n when_o all_o thing_n begin_v to_o rush_v into_o the_o fatal_a apostasy_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o speak_v a_o little_a far_o unto_o for_o upon_o the_o roman_a emperor_n embrace_v christian_n religion_n whereby_o not_o only_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v secure_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v countenance_v encourage_v honour_v and_o reward_v the_o rule_n care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n relinquish_v and_o forsake_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o think_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o its_o number_n find_v both_o their_o own_o power_n veneration_n and_o revenue_n increase_v thereby_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o province_n upon_o a_o bare_a outward_a profession_n be_v admit_v into_o church_n and_o then_o begin_v the_o outward_a court_n that_o be_v all_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o outward_a worship_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trample_v on_o by_o the_o gentile_n not_o keep_v any_o more_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o scripture_n rule_n which_o thenceforth_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v therein_o for_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o mean_n of_o introduce_v all_o that_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n order_n and_o rule_n which_o ensue_v and_o end_v in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n for_o whatever_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n especial_o these_o that_o consist_v in_o practice_n be_v accommodate_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o they_o be_v as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o superstitious_a rite_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o their_o worship_n as_o not_o understand_v the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a such_o as_o no_o interest_n in_o church_n order_n can_v be_v commit_v unto_o see_v they_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o bear_v any_o share_n in_o it_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n over_o they_o with_o grandeur_n and_o power_n like_v unto_o that_o among_o the_o gentile_n wherefore_o the_o accommodation_n of_o all_o church_n concern_v unto_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o corrupt_a member_n as_o church_n be_v fill_v with_o and_o at_o length_n make_v up_o of_o prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o order_n and_o beauty_n but_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n very_o little_a regard_n be_v have_v thereunto_o those_o great_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o be_v call_v unto_o that_o work_n do_v set_v themselves_o principal_o yea_o sole_o for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o the_o false_a doctrine_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o judge_v that_o if_o they_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o people_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n will_v be_v retrive_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o primitive_a holiness_n be_v again_o reduce_v among_o they_o for_o they_o think_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o people_n with_o darkness_n and_o corrupt_v their_o conversation_n nor_o do_v they_o absolute_o judge_v amiss_o therein_o for_o although_o they_o be_v themselves_o at_o first_o introduce_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n
the_o whole_a church_n in_o all_o its_o concernment_n be_v principal_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n 1._o to_o acquaint_v they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o poor_a so_o far_o as_o it_o fall_v under_o their_o inspection_n 2._o to_o seek_v and_o take_v their_o advice_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n relate_v unto_o their_o office._n 3_o to_o be_v assist_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n 6._o may_v deacon_n preach_v the_o word_n and_o baptise_v authoritative_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n ans._n 1._o the_o deacon_n who_o office_n be_v institute_v act._n 6._o and_o who_o qualification_n be_v fix_v 1_o tim._n 3._o have_v no_o call_v unto_o or_o ministerial_a power_n in_o these_o thing_n the_o limitation_n of_o their_o office_n work_n and_o power_n be_v so_o express_v as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o debate_n 2._o person_n once_o call_v unto_o this_o office_n may_v of_o old_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n may_v at_o present_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o they_o be_v not_o then_o they_o can_v be_v now_o authorize_v thereunto_o by_o urtue_n of_o this_o office._n 3_o if_o a_o new_a office_n be_v erect_v under_o the_o name_n of_o deacon_n it_o be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v erect_v to_o assign_v what_o power_n unto_o it_o they_o please_v chap._n x._o of_o excommunication_n the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o its_o member_n for_o it_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o that_o be_v without_o may_v be_v refer_v unto_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o its_o society_n 2._o the_o rule_n and_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o 3._o the_o exclusion_n out_o of_o its_o society_n of_o such_o as_o obstinate_o refuse_v to_o live_v and_o walk_v according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o and_o these_o thing_n belong_v essential_o and_o inseparable_o unto_o every_o free_a society_n and_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o church-power_n whatever_o the_o second_o of_o these_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o discourse_n concern_v church_n office_n and_o rule_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v full_o declare_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o gospel_n church_n namely_o their_o matter_n and_o form._n the_o three_o must_v be_v now_o speak_v unto_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christian_a religion_n about_o which_o the_o contest_v of_o opinion_n have_v be_v more_o fierce_a than_o this_o of_o excommunication_n most_o of_o they_o proceed_v evident_o from_o false_a presumption_n and_o secular_a interest_n and_o no_o great_a instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o what_o the_o serpentine_a wit_n of_o man_n engage_v by_o the_o desire_n of_o domination_n and_o wealth_n and_o assist_v by_o opportunity_n may_v attain_v unto_o for_o whereas_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a simple_a and_o more_o expose_v unto_o the_o common_a understanding_n of_o all_o christian_n yea_o of_o all_o mankind_n than_o be_v this_o institution_n of_o christ_n both_o as_o unto_o its_o nature_n form_n and_o manner_n of_o administration_n nothing_o more_o wholesome_a nor_o useful_a unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o give_v the_o least_o disturbance_n or_o prejudice_n to_o civil_a society_n to_o magistrate_n or_o ruler_n unto_o the_o personal_a or_o political_a right_n or_o concernment_n of_o any_o one_o individual_a in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v metamorphose_v into_o a_o hideous_a monster_n a_o engine_n of_o priestly_a domination_n and_o tyranny_n for_o the_o deposition_n or_o assassination_n of_o king_n and_o prince_n the_o waste_v of_o nation_n with_o bloody_a war_n the_o terror_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o life_n with_o all_o their_o earthly_a concern_v unto_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o tyrannical_a empire_n no_o less_o pernicious_a unto_o the_o christian_a world_n than_o those_o of_o the_o saracen_n or_o the_o turk_n he_o be_v a_o stranger_n unto_o all_o that_o have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n for_o near_a a_o thousand_o year_n who_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o this_o very_a day_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n be_v so_o supine_o ignorant_a and_o dote_v or_o so_o infatuate_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a interest_n as_o to_o suppose_v or_o to_o say_v that_o if_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n do_v excommunicate_a king_n or_o prince_n they_o may_v be_v lawful_o depose_v from_o their_o rule_n and_o in_o some_o case_n kill_v and_o that_o other_o person_n be_v right_o excommunicate_v according_a unto_o certain_a law_n rule_n and_o process_n that_o some_o have_v frame_v aught_o to_o be_v fine_v punish_v imprison_v and_o so_o destroy_v and_o about_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v many_o dispute_n and_o contest_v when_o if_o man_n be_v awake_v out_o of_o their_o lethargy_n they_o will_v be_v laugh_v at_o as_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o contemptible_a mormo_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v no_o laugh_a matter_n at_o present_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o suppose_v then_o ecclesiastical_a excommunication_n as_o i_o at_o present_a suppose_n and_o shall_v immediate_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a concern_v it_o not_o capable_a of_o any_o modest_a contradiction_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a evangelical_n institution_n that_o be_v more_o suit_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o rule_n of_o common_a equity_n and_o principle_n of_o unseared_a conscience_n as_o unto_o the_o nature_n efficacy_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o than_o this_o be_v 2._o that_o the_o way_n of_o the_o administration_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n and_o act_n of_o it_o be_v so_o determine_v describe_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o gross_a error_n or_o mistake_n about_o it_o but_o what_o proceed_v from_o secular_a interest_n pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n or_o other_o vicious_a habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o it_o its_o sentence_n power_n and_o efficacy_n be_v mere_o spiritual_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n only_o and_o that_o to_o extend_v it_o direct_o or_o indirect_o immediate_o or_o by_o consequence_n unto_o the_o temporal_a hurt_n evil_a or_o damage_n of_o any_o in_o their_o life_n liberty_n estate_n natural_a or_o legal_a privilege_n be_v opposite_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o whole_a government_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o over_o his_o church_n all_o these_o thing_n wilful_o appear_v in_o the_o account_n which_o we_o shall_v give_v of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a as_o be_v intimate_v that_o nothing_o in_o christian_a practice_n have_v be_v or_o be_v more_o abuse_v corrupt_a or_o pervert_v than_o this_o of_o excommunication_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n of_o it_o to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o and_o over_o all_o christian_n ruler_n and_o subject_n in_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n or_o in_o other_o single_a person_n absolute_o over_o less_o or_o great_a distribution_n of_o they_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o by_o citation_n process_n plead_n and_o contention_n in_o wrangle_a law_n court_v according_a unto_o arbitrary_a canon_n and_o constitution_n who_o original_a be_v either_o know_v or_o unknown_a the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o hurt_a damage_n evil_a or_o loss_n of_o man_n in_o their_o temporal_a concern_v be_v utter_o and_o open_o foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o express_o contrary_a unto_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v therein_o it_o will_v require_v a_o whole_a volume_n to_o declare_v the_o horrible_a abuse_n that_o both_o in_o point_n of_o right_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n that_o have_v ensue_v thereon_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o this_o divine_a institution_n have_v produce_v but_o to_o make_v a_o declaration_n hereof_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o my_o present_a design_n beside_o it_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n be_v do_v by_o other_o in_o brief_a it_o be_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o be_v make_v a_o mere_a political_a engine_n of_o a_o external_a forcible_a government_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o who_o have_v
the_o estate_n of_o visible_a regeneration_n do_v depend_v be_v require_v of_o they_o herein_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o lose_v all_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.25_o for_o circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n very_o it_o profit_v if_o a_o man_n stand_v unto_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v tender_v therein_o between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o it_o will_v give_v he_o right_o unto_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n 16._o as_o unto_o the_o real_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o baptism_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state._n 15.8_o 4._o god_n alone_o be_v judge_n concern_v this_o regeneration_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a 2.23_o real_a principle_n and_o state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v depend_v the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church-state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1.16_o 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constitunent_a of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n of_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 18._o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o gospel-constitution_n be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church_n member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v to_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church_n member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 2._o 15._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o highpriest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n
in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n require_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a be_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o that_o of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god._n for_o as_o on_o their_o unbelief_n thereof_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n do_v depend_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a on_o their_o part_n unto_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n state._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a with_o other_o a_o instruction_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o those_o that_o be_v fundamental_a be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o profession_n we_o inquire_v after_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o what_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o instruct_v those_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n who_o upon_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o keep_n a_o multitude_n in_o the_o state_n of_o catechuman_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o do_v but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o church-communion_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o from_o a_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o real_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o the_o promiscuous_a drive_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ._n this_o knowledge_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o profession_n be_v itself_o to_o be_v profess_v 2._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o profess_a subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 8.5_o this_o in_o general_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a when_o they_o be_v adult_n as_o be_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a consent_n baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o be_v able_a with_o faith_n and_o understanding_n to_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o be_v initiate_v 3._o a_o instruction_n in_o and_o consent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o bear_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n 9.23_o for_o this_o be_v make_v indispensable_o necessary_a by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o man_n have_v not_o be_v more_o and_o better_o instruct_v therein_o 24.14_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v may_v be_v a_o christian_a at_o a_o easy_a rate_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o it_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o that_o reproach_n hatred_n suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n ofttimes_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o its_o professor_n who_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o require_v that_o at_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v aright_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o all_o and_o engage_v cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n be_v continual_o present_v unto_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n their_o willing_a engagement_n to_o undergo_v they_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n some_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o use_n only_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o so_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v continual_o the_o countenance_n and_o favour_n of_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o judge_v well_o for_o they_o with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o who_o outward_a state_n make_v the_o public_a avow_v of_o this_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o may_v add_v it_o as_o my_o own_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o alone_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o countenance_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o any_o church_n by_o the_o public_a magistracy_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o will_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o suffering_n to_o escape_v suffering_n and_o enjoy_v worldly_a advantage_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o bear_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n be_v no_o gospel_n direction_n 4._o conviction_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 5._o unto_o this_o profession_n be_v require_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n 20._o both_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o charity_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n 6._o a_o careful_a abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n giving_z scandal_n or_o offence_n either_o unto_o the_o world_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v 1.10_o that_o this_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n against_o 1._o fear_v 2._o shame_n 3._o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o enemy_n whatever_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exclude_v from_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n state_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o gross_o ignorant_a or_o 2._o persecutor_n or_o reproacher_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o walk_v or_o 3._o idolater_n or_o 4._o man_n scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n through_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n or_o 5._o such_o as_o will_v partake_v of_o gospel-privilege_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o open_o avow_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v peremptory_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o herein_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o exceed_v the_o example_n and_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o that_o arrive_v unto_o it_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o all_o they_o can_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o if_o any_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n their_o diligence_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n their_o severe_a inquiry_n into_o their_o conversation_n their_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o expectation_n for_o their_o trial_n before_o their_o admittance_n be_v remarkable_a and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v that_o their_o promiscuous_a admittance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o church_n membership_n which_o take_v place_n afterward_o ruin_v all_o the_o beauty_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o proper_a subject_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n entitle_v they_o unto_o all_o the_o appellation_n of_o saint_n call_v sanctify_a that_o be_v visible_o and_o by_o profession_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o privilege_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v our_o only_a pattern_n by_o these_o thing_n although_o they_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o not_o be_v real_a live_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v
for_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v unto_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 1_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o institution_n 2._o that_o upon_o a_o prescription_n of_o duty_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o their_o performance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v especial_a promise_n of_o god_n annex_v thereunto_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o matter_n of_o confederation_n whereof_o mutual_a express_a restipulation_n be_v the_o form_n they_o all_o concur_v herein_o 9_o this_o covenant_n which_o we_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n absolute_o consider_v nor_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o that_o covenant_n prescribe_v in_o it_o but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o as_o faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o like_a be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o nor_o have_v annex_v unto_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n absolute_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o gospel_n duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o do_v belong_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o especial_a promise_n of_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o church_n 10._o whereas_o therefore_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n believer_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v bind_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o that_o state_n whereon_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o presence_n of_o he_o do_v interest_n they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n their_o so_o do_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n include_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n sit_v and_o be_v 11._o beside_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o there_o be_v many_o mutual_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o which_o join_v in_o church_n society_n and_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o submit_v unto_o whereunto_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o must_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n that_o be_v they_o must_v agree_v consent_n and_o engage_v among_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o mutual_a duty_n to_o use_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o those_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n see_v jerem._n 50.4_o 5._o 12._o this_o complete_v the_o confederation_n intend_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o which_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o perform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n state._n 13._o indeed_o herein_o most_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o do_v not_o that_o nor_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o unto_o what_o end_n do_v they_o join_v themselves_o unto_o parochial_a church_n and_o assembly_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o require_v all_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o to_o do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o penalty_n annex_v unto_o its_o neglect_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o may_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o so_o do_v be_v it_o not_o to_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o that_o society_n in_o those_o assembly_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v there_o not_o therein_o virtual_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n among_o they_o unto_o all_o those_o end_n it_o must_v be_v so_o with_o they_o who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n 14._o now_o whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o know_v gospel_n duty_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensable_o oblige_v unto_o the_o more_o express_v our_o engagement_n be_v concern_v they_o the_o more_o do_v we_o glorify_v christ_n in_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o great_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v abide_v on_o our_o conscience_n and_o great_a encouragement_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o mutual_a duty_n as_o also_o the_o more_o evident_a will_v the_o warranty_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o church_n unto_o those_o society_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v virtual_o only_o observe_v especial_o in_o church_n of_o some_o continuance_n wherein_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a consent_n unto_o the_o first_o covenant-constitution_n 15._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v officer_n ruler_n or_o leader_n in_o his_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o look_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o administer_v and_o dispense_v all_o its_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o its_o authority_n the_o consent_n and_o engagement_n insist_v on_o be_v express_o require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o for_o without_o this_o no_o believer_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o relation_n unto_o another_o as_o his_o pastor_n guide_n overseer_n ruler_n unto_o the_o end_v mention_v wherein_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v by_o he_o with_o authority_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n 16._o wherefore_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o obediential_a act_n of_o believer_n in_o such_o number_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o church_n edification_n joint_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n rest_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n thereon_o give_v and_o communicate_v by_o his_o law_n all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o joint_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o state_n with_o a_o especial_a subjection_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n of_o rule_n and_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o state._n 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o which_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o conscientious_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n can_v question_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n or_o no._n and_o whereas_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o any_o church_n state._n 18._o thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n will_v take_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n into_o a_o new_a peculiar_a church_n state_n he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n herein_o as_o he_o prescribe_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o many_o bless_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o power_n and_o privilege_n innumerable_a so_o the_o people_n solemn_o covenant_v and_o engage_v with_o he_o that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o whereby_o they_o coalesce_v into_o that_o church_n state_n which_o abode_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n this_o covenant_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v exod._n 24._o for_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v there_o with_o the_o people_n and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o couénant_n of_o grace_n under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o that_o be_v establish_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o in_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o a_o gospel_n dispensation_n for_o god_n never_o renew_v that_o covenant_n under_o any_o consideration_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a covenant_n which_o god_n then_o make_v with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o make_v it_o with_o their_o father_n deut._n 5.2_o 3._o whereby_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o erect_v into_o a_o church_n state_n wherein_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o enjoin_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v
in_o charge_n this_o work_n and_o duty_n therefore_o as_o be_v say_v be_v essential_a unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n a_o man_n be_v a_o pastor_n unto_o they_o who_o he_o feed_v by_o pastoral_n teach_v and_o to_o no_o more_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o so_o feed_v be_v no_o pastor_n nor_o be_v it_o require_v only_o that_o he_o preach_v now_o and_o then_o at_o his_o leisure_n but_o that_o he_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o employment_n though_o lawful_a all_o other_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o such_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o they_o as_o will_v divert_v he_o from_o this_o work_n that_o he_o give_v himself_o unto_o it_o that_o he_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n labour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n without_o this_o no_o man_n will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o comfortable_a account_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n at_o the_o last_o day_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o more_o require_v of_o any_o man_n than_o god_n give_v he_o ability_n for_o weakness_n sickness_n bodily_a infirmity_n may_v disenable_a man_n from_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o that_o assiduity_n and_o frequency_n which_o be_v require_v in_o ordinary_a case_n and_o some_o may_v through_o age_n or_o other_o incapacitate_v distemper_n be_v utter_o disable_v for_o it_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o lay_v down_o and_o take_v a_o dismission_n from_o their_o office_n or_o if_o their_o disability_n be_v but_o partial_a provide_v a_o suitable_a supply_n that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o prejudice_v but_o for_o man_n to_o pretend_v themselves_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v unable_a for_o or_o negligent_a of_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o live_v in_o open_a defiance_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o reproachful_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n cast_v upon_o laborious_a preach_a that_o be_v labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o discouragement_n give_v unto_o it_o with_o endeavour_n for_o its_o suppression_n in_o sundry_a instance_n yea_o some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v be_v unnecessary_a in_o the_o church_n so_o to_o reduce_v all_o religion_n to_o the_o read_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o liturgy_n the_o next_o attempt_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v may_v be_v to_o exclude_v christ_n himself_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n which_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n make_v a_o entrance_n into_o yea_o a_o good_a progress_n towards_o sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v unto_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n preach_v as_o 1._o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v declare_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n see_v act._n 20.27_o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o ephes._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n have_v a_o spiritual_a insight_n into_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o all_o believer_n may_v have_v so_o ephes._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o and_o if_o those_o that_o instruct_v they_o or_o shall_v so_o do_v have_v not_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n herein_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o lead_v they_o on_o to_o perfection_n and_o the_o little_a care_n hereof_o or_o concernment_n herein_o be_v that_o which_o in_o our_o day_n have_v render_v the_o ministry_n of_o many_o fruitless_a and_o useless_a 2._o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o soul_n without_o this_o they_o will_v themselves_o be_v lifeless_a and_o heartless_a in_o their_o own_o work_n and_o their_o labour_n for_o the_o most_o part_n unprofitable_a towards_o other_o it_o be_v to_o such_o man_n attend_v unto_o as_o a_o task_n for_o their_o advantage_n or_o as_o that_o which_o carry_v some_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o from_o ostentation_n and_o suppose_a reputation_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v but_o a_o man_n preach_v that_o sermon_n only_o well_o unto_o other_o which_o preach_v itself_o in_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o feed_v on_o and_o thrive_v in_o the_o digestion_n of_o the_o food_n which_o he_o provide_v for_o other_o will_v scarce_o make_v it_o savoury_a unto_o they_o yea_o he_o know_v not_o but_o the_o food_n he_o have_v provide_v may_v be_v poison_n unless_o he_o have_v real_o taste_v of_o it_o himself_o if_o the_o word_n do_v not_o dwell_v with_o power_n in_o we_o it_o will_v not_o pass_v with_o power_n from_o we_o and_o no_o man_n live_v in_o a_o more_o woeful_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o real_o believe_v not_o themselves_o what_o they_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v continual_o the_o want_n of_o this_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o gospel-truth_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o give_v we_o so_o many_o lifeless_a sapless_a oration_n quaint_a in_o word_n and_o dead_a as_o to_o power_n instead_o of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o let_v any_o say_v what_o they_o please_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o man_n preach_v as_o well_o as_o other_o not_o preach_v have_v lose_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o ministry_n 3._o skill_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o this_o consist_v in_o a_o practical_a wisdom_n upon_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v real_a substantial_a and_o meet_a food_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o hearer_n to_o give_v unto_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v their_o proper_a portion_n and_o this_o require_v 4._o a_o prudent_a and_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o any_o man_n be_v set_v as_o unto_o their_o strength_n or_o weakness_n their_o growth_n or_o defect_n in_o knowledge_n the_o measure_n of_o their_o attainment_n require_v either_o milk_n or_o strong_a meat_n their_o temptation_n and_o duty_n their_o spiritual_a decay_n or_o thriving_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o individual_a member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o these_o thing_n man_n preach_v at_o random_n uncertain_o fight_v like_o those_o that_o beat_v the_o air._n preach_v sermon_n not_o design_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v preach_v insist_v on_o general_a doctrine_n not_o level_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o auditory_a speak_v what_o man_n can_v without_o consideration_n of_o what_o they_o ought_v be_v thing_n that_o will_v make_v man_n weary_a of_o preach_v when_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o influence_v with_o outward_a advantage_n as_o much_o as_o make_v other_o weary_a in_o hear_v of_o they_o and_o 5._o all_o these_o in_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v constant_o accompany_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n where_o these_o be_v not_o in_o vigorous_a exercise_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o preach_v the_o word_n give_v a_o demonstration_n of_o themselves_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o quicken_a form_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o preach_v be_v lose_v all_o these_o thing_n seem_v common_a obvious_a and_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o most_o for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o or_o from_o notable_a defect_n in_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_o know_v and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o which_o be_v all_o at_o present_a which_o i_o design_v be_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v incumbent_n on_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v continual_o intent_n on_o this_o work_n to_o engage_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o their_o grace_n and_o gift_n unto_o constant_a exercise_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n unto_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o supply_n of_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n for_o that_o work_n which_o in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o can_v no_o way_n answer_v so_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o avoidance_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o will_v give_v they_o a_o diversion_n or_o avocation_n from_o the_o constant_a
such_o case_n this_o remedy_n by_o the_o pastor_n lay_v down_o his_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o otherwise_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o edification_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a where_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o negligent_a in_o its_o duty_n and_o persist_v in_o that_o negligence_n after_o admonition_n in_o provide_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n for_o the_o outward_a necessity_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o his_o family_n but_o this_o case_n can_v be_v determine_v without_o the_o consideration_n of_o many_o particular_a circumstance_n 6._o where_o all_o or_o many_o of_o these_o cause_n concur_v so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n can_v cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o go_v on_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v press_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n through_o the_o church_n noncompliance_n with_o their_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o present_a obstruct_a may_v be_v provide_v for_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n after_o a_o due_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o such_o grievous_a yoke_n lay_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n but_o that_o such_o a_o person_n may_v peaceable_o lay_v down_o his_o office_n in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o either_o abide_v in_o a_o private_a station_n or_o take_v the_o care_n of_o another_o church_n wherein_o he_o may_v discharge_v his_o office_n be_v yet_o of_o ability_n unto_o his_o own_o comfort_n and_o their_o edification_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o work_v of_o those_o call_v teacher_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o antioch_n there_o be_v prophet_n and_o teacher_n act._n 13.1_o and_o their_o work_n be_v both_o describe_v and_o assign_v unto_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o the_o thought_n of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v teacher_n be_v very_o various_a nor_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n easy_a or_o obvious_a as_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o enquiry_n if_o there_o be_v original_o a_o distinct_a office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v lose_v for_o many_o age_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v always_o a_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n of_o it_o retain_v first_o in_o public_a catechist_n and_o then_o in_o doctor_n or_o professor_n of_o theology_n in_o the_o school_n belong_v unto_o any_o church_n but_o this_o as_o unto_o the_o title_n of_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n be_v but_o a_o late_a invention_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o rise_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1135._o lotharius_n the_o emperor_n have_v find_v in_o italy_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o roman_a civil_a law_n and_o be_v great_o take_v with_o it_o he_o ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v public_o teach_v and_o expound_v in_o the_o school_n this_o he_o begin_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o imerius_fw-la his_o chancellor_n at_o bononia_n and_o to_o give_v encouragement_n unto_o this_o employment_n they_o ordain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v the_o public_a professor_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v solemn_o create_v doctor_n of_o who_o bulgarus_fw-la hugolinus_n with_o other_o be_v the_o first_o not_o long_o after_o this_o rite_n of_o create_v doctor_n be_v borrow_v of_o the_o lawyer_n by_o divine_n who_o public_o teach_v divinity_n in_o their_o school_n and_o this_o imitation_n first_o take_v place_n in_o bononia_n paris_n and_o oxford_n but_o this_o name_n be_v since_o grow_v a_o title_n of_o honour_n to_o sundry_a sort_n of_o person_n whether_o unto_o any_o good_a use_n or_o purpose_n or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o be_v in_o use_n and_o not_o worth_a contend_v about_o especial_o if_o as_o unto_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v fair_o reconcileable_a unto_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 23.8_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o have_v in_o the_o church_n teacher_n that_o do_v public_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v far_o more_o ancient_a and_o of_o know_a usage_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n such_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n in_o their_o school_n wherein_o the_o famous_a panlaenus_n origen_n and_o clemens_n be_v teacher_n a_o imitation_n whereof_o be_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o the_o continuation_n of_o such_o a_o peculiar_a work_n and_o employment_n to_o be_v discharge_v in_o manner_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o original_o there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o have_v institute_v sundry_a order_n of_o sacred_a officer_n borrow_v from_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n which_o have_v no_o resemblance_n unto_o any_o thing_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o sundry_a thing_n abase_v and_o corrupt_v by_o they_o in_o church-officer_n take_v their_o occasional_a rise_n from_o what_o be_v so_o mention_v there_o be_v four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o this_o name_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o some_z say_v that_o no_o office_n at_o all_o be_v denote_v by_o it_o it_o be_v only_o a_o general_a appellation_n of_o those_o that_o teach_v other_o whether_o constant_o or_o occasional_o such_o be_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o speak_v occasional_o and_o in_o their_o turn_n 1_o cor._n 14._o which_o be_v that_o which_o all_o may_v do_v who_o have_v ability_n for_o it_o v_o 5.24_o 25._o 2._o some_z say_v it_o be_v only_o another_o name_n for_o the_o same_o office_n with_o that_o of_o a_o pastor_n and_o so_o not_o to_o denote_v any_o distinct_a office_n of_o which_o mind_n hierom_n seem_v to_o be_v ephes._n 4._o 3._o other_o allow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a office_n whereunto_o some_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v and_o that_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n so_o the_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v or_o instruct_v only_o but_o not_o to_o rule_v nor_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o rule_v elder_a to_o rule_v only_o and_o neither_o to_o preach_v nor_o administer_v sacrament_n which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o order_n both_o useful_a and_o beautiful_a 4._o some_o judge_n that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a office_n but_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o kind_n with_o that_o of_o the_o pastor_n endow_v with_o all_o the_o same_o power_n but_o difference_v from_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o gift_n and_o a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o work_n allot_v unto_o it_o but_o this_o opinion_n have_v this_o seem_a disadvantage_n that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v so_o small_a as_o not_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o distinct_a denomination_n of_o officer_n or_o to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a office._n and_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o distinction_n in_o gift_n will_v seldom_o appear_v as_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v guide_v thereby_o in_o their_o choice_n of_o meet_a person_n unto_o distinct_a office_n but_o scripture-testimony_n and_o rule_n must_v take_v place_n and_o i_o shall_v brief_o examine_v all_o these_o opinion_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o any_o officer_n nor_o be_v a_o teacher_n as_o such_o any_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o general_a name_n for_o any_o that_o teach_v on_o any_o account_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o indeed_o know_v of_o any_o who_o have_v in_o particular_a contend_v for_o this_o opinion_n but_o i_o observe_v that_o very_o many_o expositor_n take_v no_o far_a notice_n of_o they_o but_o as_o such_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o first_o church_n not_o only_o some_o but_o all_o who_o have_v receive_v spiritual_a light_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o hence_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n as_o celsus_n in_o particular_a object_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a that_o they_o suffer_v sutler_n and_o weaver_n and_o cobbler_n to_o teach_v among_o they_o which_o they_o
who_o know_v that_o paul_n himself_o their_o great_a apostle_n wrought_v at_o a_o trade_n not_o much_o better_a be_v not_o offend_v at_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o disciple_n mention_v act._n 8.4_o so_o be_v aquila_n act._n 18.26_o and_o the_o many_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 2_o epist._n chap._n 1.14_o but_o 1._o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o for_o a_o teacher_n with_o authority_n the_o apostle_n john_n tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 20.16_o or_o as_o it_o be_v write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mark_n 10.51_o which_o in_o mix_a dialect_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rabbi_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v then_o in_o use_n for_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o see_v job_n 36.22_o isa._n 30.20_o now_o the_o constant_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n be_v a_o master_n in_o teach_v a_o teacher_n with_o authority_n nor_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o for_o such_o a_o one_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v call_v teacher_n be_v such_o as_o be_v set_v apart_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v so_o call_v from_o a_o occasional_a work_n or_o duty_n 2._o teacher_n be_v number_v among_o the_o officer_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v unto_o and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o so_o that_o original_o church-officer_n be_v intend_v by_o they_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n 3._o they_o be_v mention_v as_o those_o who_o with_o other_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o church_n and_o join_v in_o the_o public_a ministration_n of_o it_o act._n 15.1_o 2._o 4._o they_o be_v charge_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v which_o none_o can_v be_v but_o they_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v rom._n 12.7_o it_o be_v therefore_o undeniable_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o office_n as_o that_o of_o a_o teacher_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o opinion_n be_v that_o although_o a_o teacher_n be_v a_o church-officer_n yet_o no_o distinct_a office_n be_v intend_v in_o that_o denomination_n it_o be_v say_v they_o only_o another_o name_n for_o a_o pastor_n the_o office_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o same_o person_n be_v both_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o call_v by_o these_o several_a name_n as_o they_o have_v other_o title_n also_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o so_o it_o be_v fall_v out_o and_o so_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o man_n run_v into_o extreme_n truth_n please_v they_o not_o in_o the_o first_o deviation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a institution_n there_o be_v introduce_v sundry_a office_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n borrow_v partly_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o partly_o of_o the_o gentile_n which_o issue_v in_o the_o seven_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o do_v not_o utter_o reject_v any_o that_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o retain_v some_o kind_n of_o figure_n shadow_n or_o image_n of_o they_o but_o they_o bring_v in_o other_o that_o be_v mere_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n in_o the_o rejection_n of_o this_o exorbitancy_n some_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a they_o will_v deny_v and_o reject_v some_o of_o they_o that_o have_v a_o divine_a warranty_n for_o their_o original_a howbeit_o they_o be_v not_o many_o nor_o burdensome_a yea_o they_o be_v all_o such_o as_o without_o the_o continuation_n of_o they_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n for_o unto_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o rule_n and_o worship_n it_o be_v require_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v many_o officer_n in_o each_o church_n but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v of_o sundry_a sort_n all_o harmony_n in_o thing_n natural_a political_a and_o ecclesiastical_a arise_v from_o variety_n with_o proportion_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v with_o calmness_n and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v the_o whole_a work_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church_n with_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n will_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n for_o those_o end_n and_o no_o other_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o shall_v demonstrate_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o respective_a office_n with_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o i_o have_v consider_v one_o of_o they_o already_o wherefore_o as_o unto_o the_o opinion_n under_o present_a consideration_n i_o say_v 1._o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n before_o there_o be_v the_o least_o attempt_n to_o introduce_v new_a officer_n into_o the_o church_n there_o be_v person_n call_v unto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o public_a teach_v who_o be_v not_o pastor_n nor_o call_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n those_o of_o this_o sort_n in_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o extraordinary_a ability_n quick_o of_o great_a fame_n and_o renown_n their_o constant_a work_n be_v public_o unto_o all_o comer_n believer_n and_o unbeliever_n to_o explain_v and_o teach_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n defend_v and_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o opposition_n of_o its_o heathen_a adversary_n whether_o atheist_n or_o philosopher_n this_o have_v never_o be_v so_o exact_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n if_o it_o have_v not_o derive_v from_o divine_a institution_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o catechist_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 6.6_o for_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o constant_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v and_o have_v those_o who_o depend_v upon_o his_o ministry_n therein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o be_v teach_v or_o catechise_v by_o he_o for_o hence_o alone_o it_o be_v that_o maintenance_n be_v due_a unto_o he_o for_o his_o work._n let_v the_o catechise_v communicate_v unto_o the_o cathechi_v the_o teach_v unto_o the_o teacher_n in_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o intend_v for_o he_o speak_v of_o he_o in_o the_o same_o case_n in_o another_o manner_n and_o no_o where_o only_o with_o respect_n unto_o teach_v alone_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o a_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o instance_n wherein_o man_n try_v their_o wit_n in_o put_v in_o exception_n unto_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n as_o some_o or_o other_o do_v in_o all_o other_o case_n which_o if_o it_o may_v be_v allow_v we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o leave_v we_o certain_a in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god._n the_o apostle_n enumerate_v distinct_o all_o the_o teach_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n both_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a it_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n but_o there_o be_v none_o say_v some_o between_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o be_v also_o name_v distinct_o why_o so_o because_o there_o be_v a_o interposition_n of_o the_o article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d between_o those_o of_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o not_o between_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n a_o very_a weak_a consideration_n to_o control_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n we_o be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o how_o he_o shall_v express_v himself_o but_o this_o i_o know_v that_o the_o discretive_a and_o copulative_a conjunction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o between_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n do_v no_o less_o distinguish_v they_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o than_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d before_o make_v use_n of_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v confirm_v from_o the_o word_n themselves_o 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v pastor_n or_o teacher_n which_o in_o congruity_n of_o speech_n shall_v have_v be_v do_v if_o the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o same_o office_n be_v intend_v and_o the_o discretive_a particle_n in_o the_o close_a of_o such_o a_o enumeration_n of_o thing_n distinct_a as_o that_o in_o this_o place_n be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n with_o the_o other_o note_n of_o distinction_n before_o use_v 2._o after_o he_o have_v name_v pastor_n he_o name_v teacher_n with_o a_o note_n of_o distinction_n this_o must_v contain_v either_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a office_n or_o be_v a_o interpretation_n of_o what_o go_v before_o as_o
〈◊〉_d catechist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4.15_o instructor_n of_o those_o that_o be_v young_a in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o whereof_o be_v eminent_a famous_a and_o useful_a and_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v great_a and_o numerous_a for_o whereas_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n as_o belong_v entire_o unto_o his_o office_n the_o discharge_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v numerous_a be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o office_n where_o all_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o especial_a attendance_n on_o one_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o appoint_v such_o as_o in_o distinct_a office_n shall_v be_v associate_v with_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o be_v deacon_n ordain_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o to_o teach_v so_o be_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v elder_n ordain_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o rule_n without_o any_o call_n to_o preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o be_v teacher_n appoint_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n and_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n and_o thus_o although_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n yet_o be_v supply_v with_o assistance_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v comfortable_o discharge_v by_o they_o and_o if_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n not_o only_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v prevent_v but_o the_o order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n great_o promote_v 2._o he_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o distinction_n from_o a_o pastor_n may_v yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o teach_v elder_a and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o officer_n a_o concurrence_n of_o both_o these_o a_o right_n unto_o rule_n as_o a_o elder_a and_o power_n to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o same_o office_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o pastor_n 3._o on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n there_o yet_o remain_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o as_o far_o as_o light_n may_v be_v take_v from_o their_o name_n and_o distinct_a asscription_n unto_o they_o consist_v material_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n which_o those_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n have_v receive_v which_o the_o church_n in_o their_o call_n ought_v to_o have_v respect_n unto_o and_o formal_o in_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o assignation_n of_o their_o especial_a work_n unto_o they_o which_o themselves_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o whether_o there_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v one_o of_o each_o sort_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o take_v teacher_n in_o the_o three_o sense_n for_o those_o who_o be_v only_o so_o and_o have_v no_o far_o interest_n in_o office-power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o institution_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n preach_v constant_o who_o be_v in_o no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v regular_o or_o solemn_o set_v a_o part_n or_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n have_v the_o right_n of_o constant_a preach_a inherent_a in_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o incumbent_a on_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o those_o church_n wherein_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v peculiar_o ordain_v yet_o for_o man_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o constant_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o never_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o i_o know_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.22_o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o pastor_n who_o peculiar_o feed_v the_o flock_n those_o teach_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o those_o ruler_n concern_v who_o we_o shall_v treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o no_o determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o order_n very_o early_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praeses_fw-la quick_o call_v episcopus_fw-la by_o way_n of_o distinction_n with_o many_o elder_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o deacon_n minister_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o its_o authority_n represent_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o each_o particular_a church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o deviation_n from_o its_o first_o order_n by_o a_o occasional_a coalescency_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o by_o a_o new_a form_n of_o church_n never_o appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o come_v not_o in_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o corrupt_v this_o order_n into_o a_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n which_o degenerate_v more_o and_o more_o into_o confusion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o order_n and_o the_o absolute_a equality_n of_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v liable_a unto_o many_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o 5._o wherefore_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v unto_o its_o original_a constitution_n which_o be_v congregational_a and_o no_o other_o and_o i_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v so_o early_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o of_o one_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o all_o holy_a administration_n with_o many_o elder_n teach_v or_o rule_v only_o do_v not_o so_o overthrow_v church-order_n as_o to_o render_v its_o rule_n or_o discipline_n useless_a 6._o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o office_n or_o power_n intimate_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v where_o there_o be_v many_o teach_v elder_n in_o any_o church_n a_o equality_n in_o office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o off_o from_o the_o due_a preference_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n nor_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o precedency_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o order_n in_o all_o church_n assembly_n nor_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o gift_n age_n ability_n prudence_n and_o experience_n which_o may_v belong_v unto_o some_o according_a to_o rule_n may_v give_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n 1._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n therein_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n all_o elder_n in_o office_n have_v rule_n and_o none_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o elder_n as_o such_o rule_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o especial_a office_n be_v entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n also_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o 3_o joh._n 1._o see_v act
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
even_o the_o word_n command_v and_o direction_n of_o christ_n himself_o alone_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o spiritual_a mere_o and_o only_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v a_o instance_n give_v of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n yea_o it_o be_v sufficient_a eternal_o to_o exclude_v any_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o it_o any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n from_o any_o interest_n in_o church-affair_n that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v carnal_a political_n despotical_a of_o external_a operaration_n or_o not_o entire_o spiritual_a 5._o the_o change_n of_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n fall_v out_o and_o be_v introduce_v gradual_o upon_o a_o advantage_n take_v from_o the_o unmeetness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v lead_v under_o this_o spiritual_a rule_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o make_v up_o christian_a church_n be_v become_v ignorant_a and_o carnal_a that_o rule_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o spiritual_a influence_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o retain_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o outward_a obedience_n which_o be_v at_o last_o only_o aim_v at_o there_o be_v therefore_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n judge_v necessary_a to_o retain_v they_o in_o any_o order_n or_o decorum_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n spiritual_a a_o rule_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a will_v be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n unto_o they_o but_o principal_o this_o change_n be_v introduce_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o rule_n itself_o and_o that_o on_o two_o ground_n 1._o their_o unskilfulness_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o spiritual_a rule_n or_o weariness_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o this_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o desert_n it_o with_o that_o perpetual_a labour_n and_o exercise_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v require_v in_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v another_o more_o easy_a and_o more_o suit_v unto_o their_o inclination_n 2._o a_o desire_n of_o the_o secular_a advantage_n of_o profit_n honour_n and_o veneration_n which_o tender_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v the_o original_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n utter_o lose_v and_o a_o worldly_a domination_n introduce_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o the_o brief_a delineation_n give_v of_o it_o before_o with_o what_o shall_v now_o be_v add_v will_v demonstrate_v sufficient_o that_o all_o these_o dispute_n and_o contest_v which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o about_o church-power_n and_o rule_n be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o christian_a religion_n 6._o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o skill_n and_o polity_n that_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o exercise_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o sole_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o what_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o especial_o those_o wherein_n the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n do_v take_v place_n 1._o the_o polity_n of_o church-government_n subjective_o consider_v be_v general_o support_v to_o consist_v 1._o in_o a_o skill_n learning_n or_o understand_v in_o the_o civil_a and_o especial_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o the_o additional_a canon_n accommodate_v that_o law_n unto_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v interpret_v according_a unto_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o it_o 2._o knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o constitution_n power_n jurisdiction_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o law_n court_v which_o be_v in_o their_o original_n grant_v of_o power_n manner_n of_o proceed_v plea_n and_o censure_n mere_o secular_a be_v yet_o call_v ecclesiastical_a or_o spiritual_a 3._o a_o good_a discretion_n to_o understand_v a-right_a the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n with_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o let_v none_o escape_v who_o they_o can_v reach_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o their_o court_n and_o on_o the_o other_o not_o entrench_v so_o far_o on_o the_o civil-power_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o court_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o charge_n or_o trouble_v 4._o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o table_n of_o fee_n that_o they_o may_v neither_o lose_v their_o own_o profit_n nor_o give_v advantage_n unto_o other_o to_o question_v they_o for_o take_v more_o than_o their_o due_n but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v 8._o the_o skill_n then_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n with_o a_o ability_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o in_o all_o requisite_a instance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o its_o member_n through_o a_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o a_o due_a representation_n of_o his_o holiness_n love_n care_n compassion_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o his_o church_n 1._o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o intimation_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o his_o institution_n command_n prohibition_n and_o promise_n a_o understanding_n herein_o with_o wisdom_n from_o that_o understanding_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o skill_n inquire_v after_o how_o this_o wisdom_n be_v bestow_v as_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acquire_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n by_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o study_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v intimate_v before_o and_o shall_v full_o be_v declare_v in_o our_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n all_o decree_n and_o decretal_n canon_n and_o gloss_n come_v proper_o in_o this_o matter_n under_o one_o title_n of_o they_o namely_o extravagant_a the_o utmost_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o skill_n in_o they_o will_v contribute_v nothing_o unto_o this_o wisdom_n neither_o be_v any_o sort_n of_o man_n more_o stranger_n unto_o it_o or_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n who_o be_v eminent_o cunning_a in_o such_o law_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n but_o wisdom_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v of_o use_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o part_n of_o this_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o requisite_a instance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o respective_o this_o wisdom_n be_v not_o notional_a only_o but_o practical_a it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o speculative_a comprehension_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o rule_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o only_o though_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o in_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o whereunto_o diligence_n care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a courage_n be_v require_v some_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v some_o to_o be_v rebuke_v sharp_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a case_n a_o spirit_n of_o government_n act_v itself_o in_o diligence_n boldness_n and_o courage_n be_v necessary_a and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n and_o those_o of_o several_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o any_o one_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o rule_n some_o may_v have_v a_o good_a understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n government_n yet_o through_o a_o natural_a tenderness_n and_o a_o insuperable_a kind_n of_o modesty_n not_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o prompt_a for_o that_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n which_o consist_v in_o reproof_n and_o severity_n of_o censure_n some_o may_v not_o have_v so_o great_a a_o ability_n for_o the_o indagation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n as_o other_o have_v who_o yet_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v discover_v unto_o they_o have_v readiness_n and_o boldness_n in_o christ_n to_o apply_v it_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v all_o elder_n therefore_o in_o their_o variety_n of_o gift_n be_v to_o be_v
too_o credulous_a of_o his_o insinuation_n see_v the_o other_o evangelist_n ascribe_v it_o to_o they_o also_o but_o the_o same_o pretence_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o follow_v age_n be_v turn_v unto_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o covetousness_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n for_o under_o this_o pretence_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a the_o thief_n who_o have_v get_v the_o bag_n that_o be_v the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o the_o priest_n friar_n and_o monk_n who_o serve_v they_o allow_v man_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o religion_n towards_o christ_n himself_o so_o as_o that_o they_o will_v give_v all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o the_o poor_a not_o that_o they_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o because_o they_o be_v thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n this_o be_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o equal_o make_v use_v of_o in_o other_o thing_n this_o foundation_n of_o their_o office_n be_v far_o raise_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o poor_a many_o of_o they_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o be_v of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o testify_v the_o poor_a be_v evangelize_v matth._n 11.5_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a jam._n 2.5_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o provision_n for_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o this_o way_n become_v the_o original_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a thereby_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o worldly_a design_n or_o advantage_n god_n also_o declare_v therein_o of_o how_o little_a esteem_n with_o he_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o also_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o rich_a in_o their_o supply_n the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v glorify_v god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o will_v wise_o consider_v how_o eminent_a be_v this_o grace_n how_o excellent_a be_v this_o duty_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o poor_a how_o much_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concern_v herein_o for_o whereas_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o ordinary_a work_n to_o be_v perform_v transient_o and_o curious_o scarce_o deserve_v any_o of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o the_o church_n public_a service_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v indeed_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a duty_n of_o christian_a society_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o the_o second_o evangelical_n grace_n namely_o love_n do_v consist_v the_o care_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o poor_a be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n a_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v natural_o incumbent_a on_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o only_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o apostle_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n act._n 6._o the_o whole_a work_n and_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o any_o manner_n whereas_o therefore_o they_o give_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n most_o unto_o those_o part_n of_o their_o work_n which_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a than_o the_o other_o namely_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o this_o other_o part_n of_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a as_o must_v unavoidable_o accompany_v the_o act_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o able_a to_o apply_v itself_o constant_o unto_o thing_n of_o diverse_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v quick_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o be_v express_v their_o resentment_n of_o a_o neglect_n in_o somewhat_o a_o undue_a order_n there_o be_v a_o murmur_a about_o it_o ver._n 1._o the_o apostle_n hereon_o declare_v that_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o constant_o to_o attend_v unto_o afterward_o indeed_o man_n begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n themselves_o but_o it_o be_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o do_v nothing_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n choose_v as_o their_o duty_n the_o work_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v as_o that_o which_o they_o will_v and_o ought_v entire_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o work_n will_v deposit_v the_o care_n of_o other_o thing_n on_o other_o hand_n they_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o successor_n unto_o they_o who_o lie_v aside_o that_o work_n which_o they_o determine_v to_o belong_v unto_o they_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_a yet_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n hereon_o utter_o forgo_v the_o care_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v not_o divest_v themselves_o whole_o of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o provide_v such_o assistance_n in_o the_o work_n as_o that_o for_o the_o future_a it_o may_v require_v no_o more_o of_o their_o time_n or_o pain_n but_o what_o they_o shall_v spare_v from_o their_o principal_a employment_n and_o the_o same_o care_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o their_o principal_a work_n and_o duty_n from_o which_o those_o who_o understand_v it_o aright_o can_v spare_v but_o little_a of_o their_o time_n and_o strength_n hereon_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o who_o infallible_a guidance_n they_o be_v in_o all_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o necessary_a and_o important_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v unto_o themselves_o and_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o the_o disciple_n there_o be_v now_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o will_v have_v they_o provide_v for_o and_o it_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o new_a office_n and_o not_o a_o present_a supply_n in_o a_o work_n of_o business_n which_o they_o design_v for_o the_o limitation_n of_o a_o especial_a ecclesiastical_a work_n with_o the_o designation_n of_o person_n unto_o that_o work_n with_o authority_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o set_v over_o this_o business_n with_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o do_v complete_o constitute_v a_o office_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o require_v thereunto_o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o concur_v and_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n 1._o the_o love_n charity_n bounty_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contribution_n unto_o that_o ministration_n 2._o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o application_n of_o it_o the_o last_o only_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n and_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o be_v both_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o its_o moral_a part_n enforce_v by_o many_o especial_a command_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o nothing_o can_v absolve_v man_n from_o their_o obligation_n thereunto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o excite_v direct_a and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n therein_o incumbent_a on_o they_o nor_o be_v any_o man_n by_o the_o entrust_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o his_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o its_o distribution_n absolve_v thereby_o from_o his_o own_o personal_a discharge_n of_o it_o also_o for_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n require_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o receive_v peculiar_a obligation_n
get_v a_o pretence_n of_o its_o power_n administer_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v nor_o of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v be_v any_o way_n concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n or_o any_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ._n from_o a_o observation_n hereof_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v as_o well_o christian_n religion_n from_o such_o a_o scandalous_a abuse_n as_o mankind_n from_o bondage_n to_o such_o a_o monstrous_a fiction_n as_o be_v the_o present_a power_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o some_o have_v fall_v into_o another_o extreme_a deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o excommunication_n appoint_v or_o approve_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o reduce_v religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unto_o its_o primitive_a order_n and_o purity_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v when_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o abuse_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v be_v not_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o reprove_v and_o convince_v that_o abuse_n and_o when_o those_o who_o have_v corrupt_v this_o institution_n find_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n it_o make_v they_o secure_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o abuse_n of_o it_o for_o they_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o justify_v their_o present_a possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n but_o that_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o true_a consideration_n of_o this_o appointment_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o divest_v they_o of_o their_o power_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o discharge_v and_o disprove_v all_o corruption_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la or_o practical_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o sacrament_n public_a worship_n rule_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o original_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n as_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o real_a view_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o proposal_n will_v divest_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o corrupt_v and_o harden_v by_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o erroneous_a conception_n of_o they_o that_o from_o some_o kind_n of_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v prepossess_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o attempt_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o excommunication_n there_o have_v be_v great_a enquiry_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o ordinance_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n for_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o general_a belong_v unto_o a_o church_n as_o such_o every_o church_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o it_o have_v be_v sift_v to_o the_o bran_n already_o and_o intermix_v with_o many_o rabbinical_a conjecture_n and_o mistake_n in_o general_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o doublâ—_n removal_n of_o person_n by_o church-authority_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o one_o for_o a_o season_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o whereof_o i_o have_v give_v instance_n elsewhere_o but_o i_o intend_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o all_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v such_o by_o voluntary_a confederation_n according_a unto_o peculiar_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n unto_o especial_a duty_n and_o end_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o receive_v into_o their_o society_n those_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o meet_a engage_v themselves_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n and_o to_o expel_v they_o out_o of_o it_o who_o wilful_o deviate_v from_o those_o rule_n this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o form_n of_o every_o lawful_a society_n or_o community_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o coalesce_v nor_o subsist_v but_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o so_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n have_v right_o or_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o this_o end_n as_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n hence_o child_n servant_n subject_n have_v no_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o society_n without_o the_o interposition_n of_o and_o obligation_n from_o a_o power_n superior_a unto_o that_o of_o parent_n master_n or_o prince_n namely_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o 2._o that_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n be_v lawful_a good_a and_o useful_a unto_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o confederation_n in_o and_o for_o evil_a which_o be_v a_o combination_n that_o give_v no_o right_a nor_o power_n over_o one_o another_o or_o towards_o other_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o other_o in_o thing_n divine_a or_o humane_a 4._o nor_o oblige_v unto_o the_o omission_n or_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n natural_a moral_a or_o political_n do_v owe_v unto_o other_o nor_o 5._o be_v hurtful_a unto_o themselves_o in_o their_o life_n liberty_n name_n reputation_n usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o unto_o who_o preservation_n they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o 6._o can_v be_v or_o be_v such_o person_n oblige_v to_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o themselves_o in_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o engagement_n of_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o other_o which_o will_v render_v every_o society_n unlawful_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n 7._o lest_o of_o all_o have_v any_o person_n right_o or_o power_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o such_o society_n unto_o thing_n evil_a sinful_a superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o divest_v all_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o fraternity_n that_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o all_o that_o right_n and_o power_n which_o belong_v unto_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v by_o voluntary_a confederation_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o these_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v pretend_v in_o church_n it_o dive_v they_o of_o all_o power_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_n or_o confederation_n whatever_o 2._o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a consent_n vest_v with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n mention_v do_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o any_o right_n privilege_n or_o advantage_n to_o or_o from_o any_o member_n of_o the_o society_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o natural_o or_o political_o but_o their_o power_n be_v confine_v unto_o those_o thing_n alone_o wherein_o man_n may_v be_v benefit_v and_o advantage_v by_o the_o society_n and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o political_a society_n man_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o forego_v many_o particular_a advantage_n which_o without_o they_o they_o may_v make_v unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o can_v forego_v any_o of_o those_o right_n which_o in_o their_o several_a relation_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o give_v power_n over_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n unto_o the_o society_n so_o be_v it_o with_o church_n the_o power_n of_o expulsion_n out_o of_o their_o society_n extend_v only_o unto_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o society_n as_o such_o do_v afford_v and_o communicate_v now_o these_o be_v only_a thing_n spiritual_a if_o church_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o he_o who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world._n the_o power_n then_o that_o be_v in_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v extend_v not_o itself_o unto_o any_o outward_a concernment_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o life_n liberty_n natural_a or_o political_a privilege_n estate_n or_o possession_n unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o man_n hold_v and_o possess_v these_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v
unto_o such_o mistake_n where_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n only_o 2._o in_o or_o together_o with_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o that_o what_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n may_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end._n 3_o it_o must_v be_v follow_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n all_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o humiliation_n repentance_n healing_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n 2_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o lamentation_n or_o mourn_v so_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o mourn_v that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o mourning_n and_o himself_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n from_o this_o adjunct_n his_o bewail_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o that_o have_v sin_v already_o 2_o cor._n 12.2_o compassion_n for_o the_o person_n offend_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n whereinto_o he_o have_v cast_v himself_o the_o excision_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o who_o they_o have_v have_v communion_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o fall_n aught_o to_o ingenerate_v this_o mourn_a or_o lamentation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v for_o any_o church_n to_o proceed_v thereunto_o before_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v 3_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o christ._n for_o we_o herein_o judge_v for_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o who_o dare_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n without_o a_o persuasion_n on_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o there_o be_v a_o representation_n also_o in_o it_o of_o the_o future_a judgement_n when_o christ_n will_v eternal_o cut_v off_o and_o separate_v from_o himself_o all_o hypocrite_n and_o impenitent_a sinner_n this_o be_v well_o express_v by_o tertullian_n ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n name_n &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la ita_fw-la d_o liquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la a_o communicatione_n orationis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la apol._n cap._n 39_o be_v this_o duty_n observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o preservative_n against_o that_o intermixture_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o corrupt_a end_n which_o often_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n last_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n be_v corrective_a not_o vindicative_a for_o heal_v not_o destruction_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o principal_o concern_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o to_o render_v it_o effectual_a be_v plain_o evident_a of_o what_o use_n a_o significant_fw-la and_o capias_fw-la may_v be_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v not_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o do_v fire_n and_o faggot_n do_v so_o prayer_n for_o the_o person_n cut_v off_o admonition_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v compassion_n in_o his_o distress_a estate_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o deplorable_a if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o forbearance_n from_o common_a converse_n with_o readiness_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o contain_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v just_o excommunicate_a what_o far_o belong_v unto_o this_o head_n of_o church-rule_n or_o order_n shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n or_o inquiry_n wherein_o also_o some_o thing_n only_o mention_v already_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n before_o whether_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o by_o who_o it_o be_v desire_v i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n herein_o though_o i_o shall_v alter_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a it_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o i_o now_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n wherefore_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n both_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a interest_n for_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o which_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o exercise_v it_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o null_a there_o be_v therefore_o no_o distinction_n or_o distribution_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o especial_a duty_n 2._o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a society_n for_o its_o especial_a end_n do_v not_o deprive_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a right_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n there_o be_v in_o every_o community_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n a_o natural_a right_n and_o power_n to_o expel_v those_o from_o its_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n new_a as_o unto_o the_o way_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o original_a radical_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o gainer_n by_o that_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v in_o particular_a appoint_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n or_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n commit_v the_o care_n thereof_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o can_v be_v well_o understand_v that_o thereby_o he_o shall_v deprive_v the_o church_n of_o its_o right_n and_o forbid_v they_o their_o duty_n in_o preserve_v their_o society_n entire_a and_o pure_a neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v unto_o any_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o neglect_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v continue_v in_o it_o unto_o its_o sin_n and_o defilement_n the_o church_n itself_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n express_o charge_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n with_o sin_n and_o neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o it_o for_o none_o can_v incur_v a_o gild_n mere_o by_o the_o defect_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n 3._o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v officer_n in_o every_o church_n but_o the_o church_n in_o that_o state_n have_v power_n to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o and_o their_o communion_n a_o obstinate_a offender_n they_o have_v it_o as_o they_o be_v a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n wherein_o this_o come_v short_a of_o authoritative_a excommunication_n will_v immediate_o appear_v 4._o where_o a_o church_n be_v complete_a and_o organise_v with_o its_o state_v ruler_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v yet_o rule_n instruction_n and_o command_n be_v give_v express_o unto_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o act_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o offender_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o yea_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o infliction_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v
case_n dubious_a and_o disputable_a wherein_o right_o and_o wrong_n be_v not_o easy_o determinable_a unto_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v admit_v when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o testimony_n and_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o two_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o 2._o all_z prejudices_fw-la all_o partiality_n all_o provocation_n all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o this_o administration_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o lord_n wherefore_o 3._o we_o be_v continual_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o tend_v unto_o this_o sentence_n and_o eminent_o in_o the_o sentence_n itself_o to_o charge_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n consider_v his_o love_n grace_n mercy_n and_o patience_n with_o instance_n of_o his_o condescension_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o this_o world._n 4._o there_o be_v also_o require_v of_o we_o herein_o a_o constant_a remembrance_n that_o we_o also_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o liable_a to_o temptation_n which_o may_v restrain_v and_o keep_v in_o awe_n that_o forwardness_n and_o confidence_n which_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o manifest_v in_o such_o case_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n a_o watchful_a eye_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v over_o the_o method_n of_o satan_n who_o by_o all_o mean_n seek_v to_o pervert_v this_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o too_o often_o prevail_v in_o that_o design_n and_o if_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o management_n and_o pursuit_n of_o this_o ordinance_n he_o get_v advantage_n to_o pervert_v it_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o any_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o that_o church_n in_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n therein_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o excommunication_n by_o a_o curse_a noise_n and_o clamour_v with_o bell_n book_n and_o candle_n such_o as_o we_o have_v instance_n of_o in_o some_o papal_a council_n be_v a_o horrible_a anti-christian_n abomination_n so_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o undue_a representation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n for_o person_n open_o guilty_a of_o profaneness_n in_o sin_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o all_o christian_a obedience_n 3._o all_o excommunication_n be_v evangelical_o null_a where_o there_o be_v want_v a_o evangelical_n frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v and_o there_o be_v present_v a_o anti-evangelical_a order_n in_o its_o administration_n 4._o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o after_o all_o the_o contest_v and_o dispute_v about_o this_o excommunication_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o noise_n that_o it_o have_v make_v the_o horrible_a abuse_n that_o it_o have_v be_v put_v unto_o the_o wrest_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o rule_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o it_o with_o the_o needless_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o its_o institution_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o nothing_o belong_v unto_o it_o nothing_o require_v unto_o its_o administration_n wherein_o man_n outward_a interest_n be_v at_o all_o concern_v and_o which_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n in_o any_o church-society_n may_v not_o perform_v and_o discharge_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n it_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o have_v traverse_v these_o thing_n into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o posture_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a unto_o spiritual_a wisdom_n unpracticable_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o ruinous_a unto_o all_o evangelical_n order_n and_o discipline_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n church_n so_o appoint_v and_o establish_v in_o order_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v aught_o to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o or_o with_o each_o other_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o order_n for_o these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o the_o general_a end_n of_o they_o be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n consider_v antecedent_o unto_o their_o institution_n in_o particular_a this_o end_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a or_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o promotion_n hereof_o be_v commit_v joint_o and_o several_o unto_o all_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o with_o respect_n hereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o mutual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v their_o consent_n endeavour_n and_o conjunction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therein_o their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o this_o communion_n be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n equal_o and_o the_o duty_n and_o act_n of_o it_o in_o all_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n between_o they_o or_o subordination_n among_o they_o as_o shall_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o act_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o act_n of_o some_o shall_v be_v act_n of_o authority_n and_o those_o of_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n or_o egubium_n in_o a_o city_n or_o a_o village_n the_o communion_n of_o they_o all_o be_v mutual_a the_o act_n of_o it_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n however_o one_o church_n may_v have_v more_o advantage_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a therein_o than_o another_o and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o advantage_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v effectual_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o disorder_n which_o at_o length_n destroy_v the_o catholic_n church_n with_o all_o church-communion_n whatever_o for_o some_o church_n especial_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v many_o advantage_n in_o gift_n ability_n number_n and_o reputation_n above_o many_o above_o most_o church_n for_o usefulness_n in_o their_o mutual_a communion_n the_o guide_n of_o it_o insensible_o turn_v and_o pervert_v the_o address_n make_v unto_o they_o the_o advises_n and_o assistance_n desire_v of_o they_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n or_o their_o pretence_n of_o such_o address_n and_o desire_n into_o a_o usurpation_n first_o of_o a_o primacy_n of_o honour_n then_o of_o order_n then_o of_o supremacy_n and_o jurisdiction_n unto_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o communion_n and_o at_o length_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o state_v and_o subsist_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o church_n on_o their_o first_o institution_n quick_o find_v themselves_o indigent_a and_o want_v though_o not_o as_o unto_o their_o be_v power_n and_o order_n yet_o as_o unto_o their_o well-being_n with_o their_o preservation_n in_o truth_n and_o order_n upon_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n as_o also_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o usefulness_n and_o serviceableness_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o further_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o care_n hereof_o and_o the_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o defect_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n during_o their_o life_n which_o paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v only_o a_o press_a care_n and_o burden_n unto_o they_o be_v afterward_o contend_v for_o by_o other_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n the_o pretence_n of_o it_o in_o one_o especial_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o curse_a domination_n under_o the_o style_n and_o title_n of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la dei._n but_o if_o a_o thousand_o pretence_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o supply_a church_n defect_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o any_o other_o order_n way_n or_o means_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o equal_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v all_o find_v destitute_a of_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n primitive_a antiquity_n the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o church_n yea_o of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o yet_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o all_o that_o disposal_n of_o church_n into_o several_a story_n of_o subordination_n with_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o which_o now_o prevail_v in_o the_o world._n but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o such_o imagination_n until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o union_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o
edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v wherefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v constitute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o order_n as_o wherein_o none_o of_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o always_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n to_o attain_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o he_o do_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n be_v animate_v by_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v act_n the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a herein_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v lie_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o other_o about_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n though_o not_o of_o gift_n and_o usefulness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o peace_n other_o way_n and_o mean_n have_v be_v find_v out_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n which_o we_o must_v speak_v unto_o immediate_o wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o use_v some_o diligence_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v moreover_o premise_v that_o whereas_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v radical_o and_o essential_o the_o same_o among_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v confine_v and_o limit_v by_o divine_a providence_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o the_o natural_a mean_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n may_v extend_v unto_o that_o be_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v within_o such_o line_n of_o communication_n such_o precinct_n or_o boundary_n of_o place_n and_o country_n as_o may_v not_o render_v the_o mutual_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n insuperable_o difficult_a yet_o be_v not_o the_o world_n itself_o so_o wide_o but_o that_o all_o place_n be_v make_v pervious_a by_o navigation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v be_v visible_o profess_v and_o in_o some_o instance_n practise_v among_o all_o church_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o going-down_a of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v by_o the_o most_o vehement_a pretence_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o as_o those_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherefore_o such_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v after_o as_o from_o which_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o actual_a exercise_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o all_o to_o live_v and_o whereby_o the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v attain_v this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a catholicism_n of_o the_o church_n which_o whoever_o depart_v from_o or_o substitute_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o under_o that_o name_n destroy_v its_o whole_a nature_n and_o disturb_v the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a harmony_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n however_o therefore_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o our_o real_a controversy_n with_o most_o in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o be_v union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n which_o be_v various_o pervert_v by_o many_o and_o separate_v it_o into_o party_n and_o confine_v it_o to_o rule_n measure_n and_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o and_o establishment_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o belong_v neither_o to_o the_o internal_a nor_o external_a form_n of_o that_o catholic_n church_n who_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o believe_v and_o who_o union_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o whoever_o give_v any_o description_n of_o or_o limitation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n beside_o what_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n intend_v do_v utter_o overthrow_v it_o and_o therein_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith._n but_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n can_v be_v due_o apprehend_v unless_o we_o inquire_v and_o determine_v wherein_o their_o union_n do_v consist_v for_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o union_n that_o receive_v both_o its_o nature_n and_o power_n from_o it_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n distinct_a in_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o communion_n that_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o he_o be_v pope_n be_v the_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church_n union_n nor_o be_v there_o allow_v any_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o christ_n or_o among_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o through_o he_o a_o universal_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o church_n union_n among_o they_o and_o if_o any_o one_o soul_n fail_v herein_o if_o as_o unto_o thing_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v repute_v a_o stranger_n and_o forâ—â—â—ner_n unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n yea_o they_o affirm_v that_o be_v a_o man_n never_o so_o willing_a for_o and_o desirous_a of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v have_v it_o but_o by_o the_o pope_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n congenial_a and_o suit_v unto_o this_o union_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o exercise_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o various_a contignation_n of_o order_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o one_o story_n of_o church_n interest_n upon_o another_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o idol_n place_v on_o the_o top_n of_o this_o babel_n so_o be_v this_o communion_n carry_v on_o from_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o low_a rubbish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n unto_o diocesan_n of_o they_o to_o metropolitan_n of_o they_o to_o patriarch_n or_o cardinal_n of_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o ascent_n be_v make_v from_o diocesan_n synod_n by_o provincial_n and_o national_a to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ecumenical_a who_o head_n be_v the_o pope_n yet_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v far_o observe_v to_o clear_v this_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n as_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o ascent_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n by_o a_o vital_a act_n of_o communion_n from_o the_o low_a degree_n order_n or_o consociation_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o church-power_n from_o they_o but_o all_o the_o plenitude_n of_o it_o be_v original_o vest_v in_o he_o by_o these_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n he_o communicate_v of_o it_o unto_o all_o church_n as_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conjunction_n and_o communion_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o joint_v in_o this_o order_n so_o compact_v in_o this_o body_n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o personal_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o unto_o his_o whole_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v he_o formal_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v antichrist_n and_o the_o church-state_n arise_v from_o its_o union_n unto_o he_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n subsist_v in_o a_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o power_n receive_v through_o various_a order_n and_o constitution_n from_o he_o to_o be_v anti-christian_n for_o he_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o and_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o church_n state_n thereon_o depend_v this_o we_o have_v describe_v ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o etc._n etc._n as_o also_o col._n 2.19_o where_o there_o be_v a_o rejection_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n take_v from_o its_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n when_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o when_o the_o power_n of_o
the_o whole_a church_n as_o unto_o faith_n in_o general_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n before_o describe_v 2._o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n respect_v the_o church_n itself_o as_o its_o material_a object_n for_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o have_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n confine_v unto_o no_o place_n nor_o party_n of_o man_n no_o empire_n nor_o dominion_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o confinement_n as_o also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v redeem_a call_v sanctify_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o interest_n his_o concernment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v confine_v that_o this_o church_n he_o will_v save_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o opposition_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o after_o death_n will_v raise_v it_o up_o and_o glorify_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o it_o unto_o which_o alone_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v appertain_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o all_o other_o or_o confine_v it_o unto_o a_o party_n unto_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o appropriate_a he_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v a_o comfort_a refresh_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o many_o duty_n in_o they_o continual_o 3._o this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o faith_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o it_o namely_o prayer_n so_o be_v it_o state_v ephes._n 2.18_o for_o through_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v consist_v the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o prayer_n in_o all_o church_n have_v one_o object_n which_o be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n god_n as_o the_o father_n proceed_v in_o all_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o continual_o offer_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n who_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o intercession_n and_o by_o who_o they_o have_v all_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o same_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v all_o a_o bless_a communion_n herein_o continual_o and_o this_o communion_n be_v the_o more_o express_a in_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o be_v for_o all_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n not_o any_o one_o member_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o however_o this_o communion_n be_v invisible_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n yet_o be_v it_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o heaven_n this_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o or_o wrought_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o equal_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o object_n even_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n together_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n give_v unto_o all_o church_n a_o communion_n far_o more_o glorious_a than_o what_o consist_v in_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n of_o man_n devise_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n by_o who_o to_o convey_v or_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n but_o christ_n alone_o the_o only_a highpriest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v renounce_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n herein_o 4._o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o church_n affect_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o unto_z and_o among_o they_o all_o neither_o do_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o administration_n interrupt_v that_o communion_n but_o wherever_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v deny_v or_o their_o nature_n or_o use_n be_v pervert_v or_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v annex_v unto_o their_o administration_n there_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v renounce_v 5._o they_o have_v also_o by_o faith_n communion_n herein_o in_o that_o all_o church_n do_v profess_v a_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v other_z instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v how_o unscriptural_a the_o notion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a communion_n with_o or_o among_o church_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o certain_a power_n order_n and_o rite_n the_o press_v whereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o uniformity_n have_v cast_v all_o thought_n of_o real_a evangelical_n church_n communion_n into_o oblivion_n second_o church_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o end_v declare_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o live_v constant_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o church-duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o continuation_n increase_v and_o edification_n have_v also_o a_o especial_a union_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o mutual_a communion_n thence_o arise_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v love_n not_o the_o common_a regulate_v affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o call_v not_o mere_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n towards_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o blood_n with_o themselves_o but_o a_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o bond_n of_o its_o union_n unto_o its_o self_n whence_o the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n because_o in_o itself_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n and_o motive_n unto_o it_o with_o its_o peculiar_a end_n and_o proper_a exercise_n it_o be_v absolute_o new_a and_o evangelical_n a_o explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v either_o so_o utter_o lose_v or_o have_v such_o vile_a image_n of_o it_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o full_a consideration_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o another_o place_n i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v give_v from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church-union_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o abide_v with_o his_o church_n thereby_o unite_n it_o unto_o himself_o do_v work_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o may_v and_o do_v animate_v they_o unto_o all_o those_o mutual_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n one_o with_o another_o herein_o consist_v the_o union_n of_o every_o church_n in_o itself_o of_o all_o church_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n their_o communion_n consist_v
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o voluntary_a convention_n of_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o some_o other_o of_o neighbour_a church_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n or_o heresy_n among_o they_o in_o and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o call_v together_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith._n in_o after_o age_n those_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o italy_n germany_n france_n and_o england_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n advise_v about_o thing_n civil_a and_o political_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o religious_a especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o mutual_a contest_v between_o pope_n and_o prince_n in_o they_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v lose_v and_o bury_v and_o all_o religion_n almost_o destroy_v thus_o this_o laudable_a practice_n of_o church_n act_v their_o mutual_a communion_n by_o meeting_n in_o synod_n or_o assembly_n by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n to_o advise_v about_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a concernment_n and_o joint_a edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o countenance_v by_o primitive_a apostolical_a example_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o design_v interest_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o all_o church-power_n in_o such_o synod_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n give_v unto_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o instance_n innumerable_a and_o whereas_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v fill_v so_o many_o volume_n with_o their_o act_n and_o do_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o pope_n will_v place_v all_o religion_n in_o they_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n so_o bellarmine_n affirm_v pighius_fw-la to_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr coelest_n hierarch_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 1._o but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o de_fw-fr council_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o superstructure_n pretend_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o of_o these_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o principal_n for_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o public_a edification_n incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n they_o be_v presume_v just_o to_o know_v best_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o to_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n under_o consideration_n and_o they_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v than_o any_o private_a brethren_n can_v do_v and_o so_o receive_v that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o also_o they_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o report_v and_o recommend_v the_o synodal_n determination_n unto_o their_o church_n and_o a_o contrary_a practice_n will_v quick_o introduce_v confusion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o alone_o shall_v be_v so_o send_v or_o delegated_a by_o the_o church_n but_o many_o have_v other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v so_o until_o prelatical_a usurpation_n overturn_v their_o liberty_n so_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v from_o antioch_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o be_v impudent_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a concur_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n there_o make_v 5._o that_o which_o be_v term_v the_o call_n of_o these_o synod_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n for_o the_o end_n before_o declare_v i_o no_o way_n deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v convene_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n with_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v meet_a within_o his_o own_o territory_n yea_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o convention_n meet_v man_n out_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o other_o by_o their_o consent_n to_o advise_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v he_o advice_n about_o such_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o regulate_v himself_o according_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v with_o good_a success_n and_o may_v be_v with_o bad_a also_o and_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o church_n have_v power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o convene_v themselves_o in_o synod_n to_o exercise_v any_o exterior_a jurisdiction_n that_o shall_v affect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v allow_v but_o whereas_o the_o synod_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o any_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v outward_o concern_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n but_o only_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o their_o call_n beyond_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o external_a peace_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o when_o they_o can_v obtain_v they_o must_v deport_v themselves_o as_o in_o case_n of_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o synod_n in_o what_o measure_n extent_n and_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o although_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v concern_v their_o original_a nature_n cause_n use_v and_o end_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a power_n ascribe_v unto_o synod_n the_o first_o be_v declarative_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v constitutive_a appoint_v and_o ordain_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o observe_v by_o and_o upon_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o three_o executive_a in_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n towards_o person_n and_o church_n the_o person_n who_o the_o authority_n plead_v may_v affect_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v their_o proper_a representative_n present_v in_o such_o synod_n who_o be_v direct_o concern_v in_o its_o conciliary_a determination_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o such_o representative_n in_o they_o who_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v but_o in_o the_o doctrine_n material_o consider_v declare_v in_o they_o wherefore_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o church_n receive_v comply_v with_o or_o obey_v the_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n must_v be_v either_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n give_v unto_o those_o determination_n by_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o affect_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o first_o way_n wherein_o the_o assent_n and_o obedience_n of_o church_n be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v thereof_o not_o only_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v own_v but_o there_o be_v a_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o if_o due_o seek_v and_o regard_v whence_o great_a respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o decree_n respect_v either_o 1._o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n declare_v and_o be_v recommendatory_a of_o they_o on_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o person_n to_o censure_n excommunicate_a or_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o just_a power_n of_o synod_n may_v be_v positive_o and_o negative_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n