church_n the_o church_n may_v by_o communion_n of_o church_n upon_o orderly_a recommendation_n receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n unto_o fellowship_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o the_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o seal_n be_v and_o the_o officer_n may_v administer_v they_o to_o such_o be_v accept_v by_o the_o body_n for_o we_o have_v a_o warrant_n for_o so_o much_o from_o the_o rule_n rom._n 16.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o but_o not_o to_o act_v in_o judgement_n for_o the_o church_n have_v this_o privilege_n proper_a to_o be_v judge_v by_o and_o to_o judge_v only_o those_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o whereas_o i_o allege_v this_o text_n against_o mr._n paget_n to_o prove_v that_o church-ordinance_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n mr._n rutterf_n meet_v with_o that_o expression_n say_v mr._n d._n will_v have_v pastor_n so_o far_o stranger_n to_o all_o congregation_n save_v their_o own_o that_o he_o say_v other_o church_n be_v without_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o and_o allege_v for_o this_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o but_o by_o those_o that_o be_v without_o paul_n mean_v not_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o congregation_n but_o he_o mean_v infidel_n and_o heathen_a as_o in_o other_o scripture_n for_o paul_n judge_v and_o excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o who_o be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n have_v mr._n rutt_n be_v please_v to_o cast_v his_o eye_n upon_o my_o own_o defence_n of_o that_o passage_n 313._o in_o my_o apolog_n reply_v pag._n 312_o 313._o print_v sundry_a year_n before_o he_o put_v pen_n to_o paper_n in_o these_o dispute_v about_o church_n affair_n he_o may_v have_v find_v that_o write_v by_o i_o touch_v the_o sense_n and_o my_o application_n of_o that_o text_n which_o may_v have_v prevent_v his_o exagitate_v that_o matter_n nor_o do_v he_o with_o any_o congruity_n argue_v from_o paul_n excommunicate_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n who_o he_o say_v be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n to_o prove_v that_o pastor_n have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o judge_v judicial_o or_o excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o other_o congregation_n for_o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n a_o extraordinary_a officer_n have_v a_o illimited_a commission_n and_o a_o fullness_n of_o delegated_a power_n both_o in_o every_o church_n and_o to_o administer_v church-ordinance_n without_o the_o fellowship_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o can_v not_o be_v have_v and_o to_o execute_v all_o office_n in_o any_o church_n where_o officer_n be_v want_v but_o pastor_n be_v ordinary_a officer_n have_v a_o limit_a commission_n to_o do_v only_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o those_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o therefore_o though_o paul_n may_v excommunicate_v one_o that_o be_v not_o of_o that_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n yet_o the_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n may_v not_o yet_o paul_n can_v not_o excommunicate_v one_o that_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o church_n but_o without_o as_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a be_v for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o conclude_v the_o apostle_n do_v so_o appropriate_a church-judgment_n to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o that_o particular_a church_n 1_o cor._n 5.12_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o that_o he_o exempt_v from_o it_o in_o a_o due_a proportion_n all_o that_o be_v not_o member_n of_o that_o congregation_n though_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o be_v without_o some_o be_v total_o without_o all_o church-communion_n as_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a other_o though_o in_o church-communion_n elsewhere_o yet_o not_o in_o communion_n of_o membership_n of_o that_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o put_v away_o from_o they_o not_o one_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n but_o he_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n mr._n rutt_n say_v hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n be_v without_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n though_o member_n of_o some_o other_o church_n for_o which_o cause_n the_o church_n at_o corinth_n can_v not_o excommunicate_v they_o yet_o paul_n may_v and_o do_v by_o his_o apostolical_a power_n thus_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n some_o be_v without_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o heathen_a or_o infidel_n to_o conclude_v one_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n two_o way_n 1._o simple_o and_o absolute_o so_o infidel_n and_o heathen_a that_o be_v of_o no_o church_n 2._o comparative_o so_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n compare_v with_o those_o that_o be_v of_o this_o body_n 4._o corollary_n then_o church_n gather_v and_o officer_n ordain_v in_o these_o day_n without_o apostle_n be_v true_a church_n and_o true_a church-officer_n according_a to_o christ_n and_o church_n thus_o organise_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n be_v true_a and_o entire_a church_n and_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n as_o well_o as_o those_o primitive_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o put_v into_o this_o charter_n whereof_o we_o speak_v as_o a_o conditional_a clause_n which_o may_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v if_o christ_n have_v intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o necessary_a he_o do_v not_o say_v upon_o this_o rock_n my_o apostle_n shall_v build_v my_o church_n and_o to_o my_o church_n build_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n viz._n by_o such_o instrument_n as_o christ_n will_v raise_v and_o use_v and_o bless_v in_o that_o work_n in_o every_o age_n and_o to_o this_o church_n thus_o build_v he_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n object_n but_o christ_n give_v the_o commission_n of_o gather_v church_n to_o his_o apostle_n in_o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.8_o 11_o 12._o answ_n those_o and_o the_o like_a text_n of_o scripture_n do_v indeed_o show_v that_o god_n use_v apostle_n principal_o in_o this_o work_n but_o not_o only_o for_o as_o to_o teach_v and_o baptise_v be_v common_a to_o other_o teaching-officer_n as_o well_o as_o apostle_n so_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n by_o make_v man_n disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v do_v by_o other_o beside_o apostle_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n act._n 11.20_o 21._o the_o disperse_a disciple_n plant_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n the_o member_n whereof_o be_v first_o call_v christian_n a_o church_n who_o plant_v barnabas_n approve_v ver_fw-la 23._o 2._o they_o show_v that_o god_n will_v use_v apostle_n herein_o for_o a_o time_n but_o not_o always_o which_o i_o prove_v 1._o from_o the_o proper_a work_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o first_o model_n and_o pattern_n of_o plant_v and_o gather_v church_n which_o ordinary_a instrumentts_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v in_o the_o gather_n and_o constitute_v of_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 10._o and_o in_o that_o sense_n their_o work_n continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o their_o manner_n of_o work_v viz._n from_o a_o immediate_a call_n inspiration_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n proper_a to_o apostle_n in_o make_v those_o pattern_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o end_v with_o their_o office_n in_o the_o first_o age_n since_o when_o there_o never_o have_v be_v apostle_n in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o mathias_n succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n by_o god_n election_n act._n 1.26_o yet_o after_o james_n be_v behead_v no_o apostle_n be_v choose_v to_o succeed_v he_o though_o the_o apostle_n live_v long_o after_o 2._o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o live_v long_a of_o the_o apostle_n describe_v by_o revelation_n from_o christ_n all_o the_o officer_n that_o shall_v be_v by_o god_n ordinance_n in_o christian_a church_n after_o that_o age_n under_o four_o sort_n of_o live_a creature_n which_o note_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n after_o that_o age_n viz._n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n revel_v 4.1_o 6_o 7._o verse_n 19_o and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n hold_v forth_o the_o ratification_n of_o christ_n grant_n of_o the_o key_n unto_o a_o congregational-church_n with_o the_o chiefty_a
and_o their_o put_n of_o it_o into_o act_n be_v a_o judicial_a act_n in_o they_o all_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o so_o their_o forgive_a he_o will_v be_v a_o legal_a and_o judicial_a acquit_v he_o from_o thaâ—_n sentence_n 2_o cor._n 2._o this_o church_n be_v our_o pattern_n and_o its_o practice_n in_o this_o be_v presidential_a to_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n reas_n 1_o from_o the_o guilt_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o such_o church_n when_o any_o scandal_n give_v by_o their_o member_n remain_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a therefore_o paul_n apply_v this_o reproof_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n brethren_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n for_o their_o slowness_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n christ_n reprove_v the_o angel_n and_o church_n both_o of_o pergamus_n rev._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o of_o thyatira_n ver_fw-la 20._o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o sufficient_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o purge_v out_o such_o leaven_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o tolerate_v the_o same_o and_o why_o be_v not_o other_o church_n or_o the_o class_n blame_v for_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n over_o they_o if_o they_o stand_v under_o any_o such_o and_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o he_o say_v to_o other_o church_n also_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a remissness_n which_o admonition_n all_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v lest_o else_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o severally_z and_o respective_o to_o preserve_v their_o member_n and_o whole_a fellowship_n in_o spiritual_a purity_n and_o safety_n heb._n 12.15_o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o most_o free_a and_o perfect_a city_n which_o thucydides_n say_v have_v three_o privilege_n viz._n to_o use_v 1._o their_o own_o law_n 2._o magistrate_n 3._o judgement_n whence_o he_o call_v every_o such_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o city_n be_v not_o account_v entire_a and_o perfect_a city_n of_o themselves_o but_o less_o worthy_a member_n of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n 7._o grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la bell_n &_o pac_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o p._n 4_o 5_o 7._o under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v the_o summa_fw-la potestas_fw-la of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n be_v that_o cujus_fw-la actus_fw-la alterius_fw-la juri_fw-la non_fw-la subsunt_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la alterius_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la humanae_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la irriti_fw-la possunt_fw-la reddi_fw-la now_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o free_a city_n the_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 48.1_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n ver_fw-la 2._o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v sufficient_a and_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o to_o manage_v the_o key_n without_o dependence_n on_o class_n etc._n etc._n in_o its_o own_o concernment_n yet_o herein_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o such_o perfect_a city_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o such_o city_n may_v part_v with_o their_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n dedimus_fw-la liv._o dec._n 1._o l._n 1._o idem_fw-la ibid._n l._n 7._o populum_fw-la campanum_n urbemque_fw-la delubra_fw-la deûm_fw-la divina_fw-la humanaque_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o vestram_fw-la p.c._n ditioâ—em_fw-la dedimus_fw-la as_o be_v overmatch_v by_o a_o potent_a enemy_n in_o this_o case_n the_o collative_n yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o city_n and_o liberty_n to_o tarqvinius_n priscus_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n or_o when_o they_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n by_o a_o enemy_n who_o they_o will_v not_o have_v to_o rule_v over_o they_o and_o can_v defend_v themselves_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o campani_a distress_a by_o the_o samnite_n which_o force_v they_o to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v with_o all_o their_o liberty_n unto_o the_o roman_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v facti_fw-la alienae_n potestatis_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v presuppose_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o thus_o to_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o question_n estne_v populus_fw-la collatinus_n in_fw-la suâ_fw-la potestate_fw-la but_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o alienate_v from_o themselves_o their_o church-liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o they_o gal._n 5.1_o and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v keep_v and_o manage_v the_o same_o luke_n 16.2_o reas_n 3_o from_o the_o concession_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v this_o truth_n calcem_fw-la the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o syn._n p._n 33._o ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la mr._n pag._n acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n shall_v sojourn_v among_o the_o indian_n or_o among_o heretic_n where_o it_o can_v not_o obtain_v fellowship_n with_o other_o church_n out_o of_o itself_o or_o if_o by_o violence_n or_o other_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n any_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o enjoy_v this_o benefit_n of_o combination_n with_o other_o church_n in_o classical_a government_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o want_n this_o church_n shall_v subsist_v still_o and_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n other_o say_v the_o same_o of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o island_n and_o add_v 2_o mr._n herle_n indep_n p._n 2_o that_o in_o such_o case_n a_o single_a congregation_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n mr._n rutterf_n add_v that_o when_o church_n can_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o neighbour_a church_n with_o that_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n as_o their_o occasion_n may_v require_v among_o they_o ordination_n and_o so_o excommunication_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n from_o this_o concession_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o 1._o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n quà _fw-la talis_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_n in_o a_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n within_o itself_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n yea_o that_o the_o church-power_n native_o and_o natural_o lie_v in_o the_o congregation_n for_o such_o case_n be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o first_o synod_n which_o be_v look_v at_o as_o presidential_a to_o all_o synod_n be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o two_o church_n which_o be_v two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a 2._o the_o other_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n have_v no_o right_a to_o take_v away_o this_o power_n from_o it_o for_o none_o may_v put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v join_v as_o well_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o that_o note_a in_o mat._n 19.7_o god_n have_v join_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la to_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o then_o shall_v sunder_v it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n to_o place_v it_o in_o class_n as_o superior_a judicatories_n where_o god_n never_o put_v it_o 3._o if_o the_o first_o church_n in_o a_o continent_n have_v this_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o before_o other_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o other_o church_n there_o long_o after_o shall_v deprive_v they_o of_o it_o by_o set_v up_o a_o classis_fw-la as_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a over_o they_o then_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o a_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o and_o will_v give_v they_o cause_n to_o complain_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n 34._o pow._n of_o class_n &_o syn._n p._n 33._o idem_fw-la p_o 34._o but_o not_o increase_v our_o joy_n but_o they_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v this_o dependency_n and_o union_n with_o other_o church_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o mean_n and_o can_v without_o sin_n neglect_v the_o same_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o but_o a_o matter_n arbitrary_a at_o best_a they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o a_o church_n to_o combine_v unto_o classeâ—_n and_o synod_n for_o their_o spiritual_a government_n if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n as_o to_o join_v a_o man_n self_n as_o a_o member_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o and_o conclude_v all_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o sin_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o walk_v not_o as_o become_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12.5_o 1_o cor._n 12.15_o ephes_n 4.16_o answ_n 1._o the_o proof_n allege_v do_v show_v that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o exercise_v in_o
church-communion_n by_o believer_n join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o memberlike_a affection_n and_o fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n but_o they_o speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la but_o rather_o intimate_v the_o contrary_n for_o the_o apostle_n by_o compare_v a_o congregational-church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n entire_a in_o all_o its_o member_n show_v that_o as_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v entire_a and_o sound_a have_v complete_a power_n within_o itself_o for_o all_o bodily_a action_n so_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v organise_v and_o govern_v by_o christ_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o joint_n of_o supply_n according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o without_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o supply_v a_o superior_a church-power_n which_o be_v want_v in_o this_o body_n of_o chirist_n a_o congregational-church_n and_o as_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v sound_a and_o of_o a_o good_a constitution_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n in_o itself_o to_o purge_v out_o of_o itself_o malignant_a humour_n so_o such_o a_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o cast_v out_o vicious_a and_o hurtful_a member_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o such_o as_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n neglect_v to_o join_v as_o member_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o reveal_v will_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o but_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o subjection_n thereunto_o be_v no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a but_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v man_n invention_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o it_o may_v establish_v only_o god_n ordinance_n therein_o other_o argue_v thus_o as_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o must_v submit_v to_o combination_n so_o though_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a yet_o not_o so_o when_o it_o be_v among_o other_o church_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v not_o a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o of_o town_n or_o family_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v more_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o great_a ruâ—â—â—_n of_o the_o world_n than_o church_n be_v therefore_o civil_a society_n may_v be_v of_o several_a constitution_n have_v different_a law_n and_o privilege_n and_o admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o against_o moral_a rule_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n man_n may_v not_o alter_v the_o kind_n or_o form_n of_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v but_o must_v preserve_v inviolate_a the_o law_n administration_n privilege_n and_o church-government_n ordain_v by_o he_o without_o addition_n diminution_n or_o alteration_n hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o alienate_v from_o itself_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n any_o right_n power_n or_o privilege_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n 2._o if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o dwell_v among_o nor_o do_v he_o though_o he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n eschol_n and_o mamre_o yet_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o neither_o be_v a_o particular_a organical_a church_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o classical_a combination_n till_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o a_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o 3._o though_o several_a family_n not_o have_v complete_a government_n within_o themselves_o must_v combine_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o not_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o family-government_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n respective_o to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n much_o less_o may_v several_a congregational-churche_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o to_o pastor_n of_o sundry_a church_n combine_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o govern_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a affair_n such_o as_o admission_n of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n but_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o very_o weighty_a and_o formidable_a you_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o sovereign_a remedy_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n against_o the_o many_o disease_n whereunto_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a the_o great_a preservative_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o safety_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n as_o prove_v church-society_n to_o be_v the_o visible_a suburb_n of_o heaven_n yea_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n begin_v on_o earth_n see_v such_o a_o heavenly_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n than_o elijah_n do_v when_o he_o shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o jam._n 5.17_o for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o outward_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n but_o this_o be_v spiritual_a and_o for_o ever_o upon_o impenitent_a person_n it_o be_v great_a than_o earthly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n can_v do_v they_o can_v bind_v a_o malefactor_n hand_n and_o foot_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jailor_n and_o sentence_v he_o to_o banishment_n out_o of_o their_o dominion_n but_o this_o censure_n bind_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n and_o exclude_v obstinate_a impenitent_a sinner_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o when_o this_o censure_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o they_o to_o ratify_v his_o censure_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o bless_v it_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n if_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o liberty_n because_o they_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o church-censure_n they_o show_v their_o extreme_a folly_n therein_o for_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o forlorn_a creature_n exclude_v from_o spiritual_a help_n suitable_a to_o their_o need_n they_o be_v as_o sheep_n who_o no_o man_n take_v up_o or_o care_v for_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n isa_n 3.13_o 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n and_o much_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o they_o improve_v it_o aright_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o be_v purge_v out_o and_o heal_v by_o easy_a mean_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o see_v themselves_o as_o adam_z drive_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o the_o flame_a sword_n of_o a_o cherubin_n or_o as_o cain_n cast_v out_o from_o god_n face_n or_o as_o the_o leper_n shut_v out_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n or_o as_o that_o incestuous_a corinthian_a deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a humble_v and_o effectual_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o hold_v it_o forth_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n if_o it_o work_v not_o this_o effect_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n for_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n when_o it_o be_v not_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n so_o this_o gospel-ordinance_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o shall_v work_v one_o way_n or_o tother_o either_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a or_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v
forth_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o be_v receive_v though_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v former_o scandalous_a yet_o now_o hold_v forth_o repentance_n they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v 1_o cor._n 6.11_o and_o though_o some_o be_v at_o present_a weak_a in_o faith_n yet_o if_o we_o may_v conceive_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v they_o the_o church_n must_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 3._o for_o christ_n approve_v this_o confession_n of_o peter_n though_o he_o be_v at_o present_a but_o weak_a in_o faith_n as_o the_o follow_a story_n in_o this_o chapter_n v._o 22_o 23._o clear_o show_v 6._o that_o none_o but_o such_o be_v admit_v into_o church-fellowship_n for_o this_o chapter_n limit_n the_o church_n to_o accept_v only_o such_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n i_o e._n christ_n believe_v on_o and_o public_o confess_v a_o mere_a verbal_a confession_n be_v not_o that_o rock_n for_o the_o devil_n make_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christ_n yet_o be_v not_o build_v on_o he_o luke_n 4.34_o but_o this_o confession_n of_o peter_n be_v such_o as_o hold_v forth_o his_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o appear_v by_o christ_n threefold_a elegy_n or_o praise_v of_o it_o 1._o from_o its_o effect_n bless_a be_v thou_o &c_n &c_n as_o joh._n 17.3_o 2._o from_o the_o procreant_a cause_n of_o it_o not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o my_o father_n have_v reveal_v it_o as_o mat._n 11.25_o 26._o 3._o from_o the_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o peter_n before_o promise_v john_n 1.42_o and_o now_o confirm_v to_o he_o signify_v a_o stone_n whereby_o christ_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v his_o faith_n and_o that_o he_o be_v thereby_o a_o live_a stone_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v a_o principal_a place_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n in_o which_o sense_n peter_n appli_v a_o like_a title_n to_o other_o believer_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o who_o yet_o be_v inferior_a in_o degree_n to_o himself_o but_o also_o give_v he_o this_o prerogative_n and_o honour_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o first_o planter_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n both_o among_o the_o jew_n act._n 2._o and_o the_o gentile_n act._n 15.7_o the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v confirm_v by_o two_o argument_n in_o the_o text._n 1._o from_o the_o name_n whereby_o he_o call_v this_o holy_a society_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o church_n i._n e._n a_o company_n call_v out_o whence_o see_v joh._n 15.19_o to_o what_o see_v 1_o cor._n 1.2_o how_o not_o only_o by_o active_a vocation_n by_o man_n ministry_n exhort_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v so_o sundry_a be_v call_v who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o wrought_v upon_o to_o answer_v that_o call_n but_o put_v it_o off_o as_o they_o who_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o great_a supper_n luk._n 14.18_o with_o excuse_n such_o be_v call_v but_o no_o church_n therefore_o more_o be_v require_v to_o qualify_v for_o membership_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n viz._n passive_a vocation_n whereby_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o answer_v god_n call_v by_o submission_n thereunto_o at_o least_o in_o outward_a profession_n though_o some_o do_v it_o but_o feined_o ps_n 18.44_o saint_n by_o internal_a and_o invisible_a call_n be_v such_o as_o answer_v god_n call_v inward_o and_o spiritual_o saint_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a call_n be_v subdue_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o word_n in_o visible_a profession_n thus_o all_o that_o be_v call_v into_o the_o vineyard_n have_v so_o much_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o that_o they_o all_o come_v into_o the_o vineyard_n and_o labour_v in_o it_o though_o not_o with_o like_a sincerity_n mat._n 20._o according_a to_o this_o clause_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v for_o the_o material_n of_o they_o else_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o have_v give_v both_o the_o 1.2_o the_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o eph._n 1.2_o member_n and_o 3.15_o and_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 2_o cor._n 11.2_o &_o 6.16_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o church_n such_o high_a title_n as_o they_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o by_o these_o title_n describe_v the_o invisible_a church_n only_o but_o visible_a church_n for_o to_o such_o paul_n write_v his_o epistle_n and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v apply_v in_o other_o text_n manifest_o to_o visible_a church_n nor_o do_v these_o title_n describe_v particular_a church_n only_o according_a to_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o member_n but_o such_o they_o do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_n charity_n conceive_v all_o their_o member_n to_o be_v as_o paul_n tell_v the_o philippian_n phil._n 1.6_o 7._o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v say_v if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admit_v person_n into_o membership_n with_o they_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o conclusion_n note_v by_o we_o reas_n 2_o from_o christ_n appropriate_v such_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o himself_o own_v it_o for_o his_o my_o church_n q._n d._n i_o own_o any_o church_n thus_o build_v by_o myself_o to_o be_v my_o church_n according_a to_o that_o in_o act._n 2.47_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o lord_n add_v they_o how_o not_o only_o by_o give_v they_o save_v faith_n and_o so_o add_v they_o to_o the_o invisible_a church_n but_o also_o by_o his_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n before_o they_o and_o by_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d brethren_n to_o receive_v they_o into_o visible_a â—munion_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n as_o appear_v v._o 41_o 42._o thus_o he_o add_v they_o daily_o to_o the_o church_n which_o clear_v it_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o lord_n ordinary_a dispensation_n and_o therefore_o presidential_a to_o the_o church_n in_o their_o ordinary_a practice_n they_o who_o be_v thus_o add_v be_v say_v to_o be_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v they_o be_v such_o either_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v fallible_a the_o church_n look_v at_o they_o according_a to_o their_o fruit_n viz._n their_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o their_o christian_a conversation_n observe_v so_o much_o in_o both_o that_o they_o see_v reason_n in_o charity_n guide_v by_o rule_n to_o conceive_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n such_o be_v the_o three_o thousand_o speak_v of_o in_o v._o 41._o as_o appear_v by_o their_o affectionate_a and_o submissive_a inquire_v of_o the_o apostle_n who_o they_o mock_v before_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n v._o 37._o and_o afterward_o by_o their_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n both_o of_o promise_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n with_o faith_n and_o of_o precept_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o that_o froward_a generation_n with_o obedience_n true_a it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o one_o day_n make_v so_o large_a account_n of_o god_n work_n upon_o they_o as_o be_v common_o hold_v forth_o in_o our_o church_n nor_o do_v we_o effect_v too_o large_a narration_n but_o wish_v such_o passage_n as_o be_v superfluous_a leave_v out_o and_o at_o that_o time_n less_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v express_v than_o necessity_n call_v for_o among_o we_o ordinary_o for_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o more_o quick_a spiritual_a discern_a than_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o church_n have_v and_o concern_v the_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o offering_n themselves_o to_o church-fellowship_n visible_o at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o such_o visible_a confession_n of_o christ_n be_v with_o manifest_a hazard_n to_o their_o life_n give_v good_a ground_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o conceive_v charitable_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o these_o place_n and_o time_n where_o church-fellowship_n be_v a_o honour_n and_o draw_v after_o it_o sundry_a outward_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v as_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n concern_v their_o good_a conversation_n so_o by_o their_o hold_v forth_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n both_o quae_fw-la creditur_fw-la and_o quâ_fw-la creditur_fw-la of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o faith_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o how_o it_o work_v in_o they_o as_o mr._n rogers_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o faith_n say_v it_o may_v be_v know_v of_o
judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n etc._n etc._n v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o the_o like_a if_o not_o great_a care_n be_v have_v of_o the_o profession_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o stranger_n the_o child_n of_o such_o proselyte_n as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n isa_n 56.6_o 7._o john_n baptist_n also_o require_v of_o all_o who_o he_o admit_v unto_o his_o baptism_n a_o repenting-confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19.4_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n mat._n 3.9_o answerable_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v of_o all_o grow_v person_n 1._o visible_a repentance_n in_o case_n of_o open_a scandal_n act._n 19.18_o 2._o to_o join_v therewith_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n act._n 2.39_o 3._o a_o profession_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o ancient_a church_n they_o have_v their_o poenitentes_fw-la such_o as_o hold_v forth_o their_o repentance_n public_o and_o their_o catechumeni_fw-la who_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v be_v pagan_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o be_v catechize_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v crave_v baptism_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v fit_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competentes_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n they_o be_v call_v audientes_fw-la or_o auditores_fw-la 17._o auditores_fw-la tertull._n l._n de_fw-la poenit_fw-la c._n 6._o &_o praescr_n advers._fw-la haeret_fw-la c._n 4._o cypr._n l._n 3._o ep_v 17._o 2._o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o do_v nonnihil_fw-la adolescere_fw-la be_v catechize_v and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v believer_n be_v confirm_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church-priviledge_n these_o clemens_n call_v incipientes_fw-la &_o novitio_n and_o so_o do_v other_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wrought_v high_a and_o more_o effectual_o to_o advance_v papal_a usurpation_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o church_n this_o custom_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o popery_n retain_v only_o the_o name_n of_o confirmation_n but_o corrupt_v the_o thing_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o sacrament_n limit_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o diocesan_n praelat_n this_o corrupt_a custom_n be_v continue_v in_o england_n after_o they_o renounce_v the_o pope_n but_o as_o luther_n in_o germany_n seek_v to_o introduce_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o into_o the_o church_n there_o so_o do_v cranmer_n under_o that_o godly_a king_n edward_n the_o 6_o endeavour_v in_o england_n and_o commit_v the_o perusal_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n to_o that_o godly_a learned_a and_o moderate_a theologue_n bucer_n who_o examine_v the_o book_n find_v among_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v 17._o censura_fw-la m._n buceri_fw-la super_fw-la lib._n ordinat_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 17._o must_v say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o answer_v the_o question_n of_o the_o short_a catechism_n bucer_n censure_n upon_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o require_v diligent_a ponderation_n if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v recite_v god_n abhor_v such_o as_o confess_v he_o in_o word_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o be_v catechise_v institute_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v answer_v in_o word_n only_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o lord_n say_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v and_o not_o only_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o require_v such_o worshipper_n as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n unto_o baptism_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v require_v as_o may_v be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o mouth_n or_o get_v only_o by_o humane_a teach_n but_o also_o it_o must_v have_v those_o sign_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n as_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o though_o the_o church_n can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n which_o fruit_n afterward_o he_o declare_v at_o large_a but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o point_n have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n than_o dispute_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o question_n under_o so_o much_o agitation_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o formal_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n or_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o this_o church_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o house_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o material_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o but_o christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o material_a house_n but_o of_o the_o constitute_n of_o that_o holy_a society_n which_o he_o call_v his_o church_n under_o the_o metaphor_n of_o build_v a_o house_n which_o every_o way_n suit_v the_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o a_o material_a house_n suppose_v of_o stone_n be_v build_v by_o orderly_o place_v and_o strong_o cement_n they_o together_o which_o before_o be_v either_o scatter_a stone_n or_o a_o confuse_a and_o loose_a heap_n but_o not_o a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v thus_o frame_v and_o compact_v together_o so_o this_o holy_a society_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o coadunition_n or_o knit_v together_o of_o many_o saint_n into_o one_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o they_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v build_v by_o a_o orderly_a join_n and_o firm_o knit_v the_o part_n together_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o the_o mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o orderly_a and_o firm_o knit_v to_o the_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o the_o same_o hold_v in_o city_n and_o family_n which_o be_v thus_o build_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o same_o matephor_n in_o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o concl._n 3_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n by_o the_o public_a mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o with_o another_o though_o all_o man_n seem_v to_o grant_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o be_v from_o a_o covenant_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o that_o want_v a_o explicit_a covenant_n do_v yet_o plead_v their_o implicit_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o church-state_n yet_o such_o dispute_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o church_n covenant_n that_o i_o be_o compel_v to_o handle_v this_o point_n also_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o clear_v and_o settle_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n show_v 1._o to_o what_o end_n it_o serve_v 2._o what_o it_o import_v 3._o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 4._o draw_v some_o consectary_n from_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o the_o next_o end_n of_o their_o confederate_n be_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o and_o to_o walk_v together_o according_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v sanctify_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 2._o the_o covenant_n itself_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o on_o the_o lord_n part_n it_o impli_v 1._o the_o lord_n give_v they_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o 2._o his_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n according_o isa_n 56.4_o 5_o
6_o 7._o where_o you_o see_v the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v foretold_v as_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v previous_a to_o the_o lord_n be_v give_v they_o a_o place_n in_o his_o house_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a mountain_n that_o be_v join_v they_o to_o his_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o nation_n v._o 7._o 2._o on_o the_o saint_n part_n their_o covenant_v for_o themselves_o and_o for_o their_o seed_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n deut._n 29.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o to_o cleave_v firm_o one_o to_o another_o viz._n to_o their_o officer_n and_o brethren_n deut._n 12.19_o neh._n 10.29_o with_o mutual_a watchfulness_n one_o over_o another_o leu._n 19.17_o deut._n 29.18_o with_o heb._n 12.15_o 16._o and_o with_o mutual_a submission_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 9.13_o 3._o such_o covenant_v be_v christ_n ordinance_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v prove_v reas_n 1_o from_o the_o parity_n of_o reason_n between_o the_o church_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o in_o all_o essential_o of_o a_o church_n for_o in_o the_o essential_a state_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n there_o be_v par_fw-fr ratio_fw-la omnium_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v join_v together_o into_o church-fellowship_n by_o confederation_n psal_n 50.5_o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o those_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n so_o do_v adam_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n unto_o abraham_n and_o so_o do_v the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n at_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 19.5_o 6._o and_o 24.8_o and_o from_o thence_o be_v call_v the_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o which_o moses_n be_v join_v act._n 7.38_o and_o so_o the_o lord_n there_o tell_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o point_n of_o the_o covenant_n though_o not_o of_o sacrifice_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n v._o 14_o 15_o 16._o in_o abraham_n family_n god_n build_v his_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n without_o sacrifice_n but_o first_o the_o lord_n change_v his_o name_n and_o call_v he_o abraham_n to_o show_v that_o he_o now_o treat_v with_o he_o not_o as_o a_o single_a person_n but_o as_o a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n and_o as_o a_o multitude_n virtual_o gen._n 17.5_o then_o he_o give_v he_o his_o covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o church-covenant_n he_o give_v he_o circumcision_n for_o the_o visible_a sign_n and_o seal_n of_o it_o gen._n 17_o 10-15_a thus_o far_o go_v the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n 2._o on_o abraham_n part_n he_o first_o accept_v both_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o with_o faith_n and_o holy_a reverence_n declare_v by_o his_o rejoice_v john_n 8.56_o and_o humble_a prostration_n of_o himself_o before_o the_o lord_n v._o 17._o and_o by_o real_a performance_n of_o it_o after_z both_o in_o his_o own_o person_n be_v circumcise_v when_o he_o be_v ninty_a nine_o year_n old_a v._o 24._o and_o as_o a_o prophet_n and_o ruler_n instruct_v his_o family_n concern_v the_o covenant_n and_o circumcision_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o accept_v the_o one_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o which_o they_o do_v according_o v._o 23_o 27._o and_o thereby_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o ordinance_n hence_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n by_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n become_v the_o lord_n people_n exod._n 3.7_o yea_o his_o first_o bear_v exod._n 4.22_o 23._o and_o have_v circumcision_n as_o a_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o people_n deut._n 7.6_o 7_o 8._o but_o they_o like_o man_n transgress_v and_o break_v the_o covenant_n both_o in_o egpyt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a in_o his_o covenant_n unto_o their_o forefather_n do_v not_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o renew_v his_o covenant_n in_o a_o more_o evangelical_n manner_n in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o their_o little_a one_o and_o the_o stranger_n deut._n 29_o 10-14_a which_o covenant_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n and_o for_o they_o that_o be_v not_o there_o with_o they_o that_o day_n v._o 15._o that_o they_o will_v admit_v none_o unto_o church-fellowship_n with_o they_o but_o such_o as_o shall_v separate_v themselves_o from_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n with_o they_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o with_o memberlike_a love_n watchfulness_n and_o submission_n mutual_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o sin_n of_o one_o achan_n become_v the_o sin_n and_o punishment_n of_o all_o israel_n josh_n 7.11_o 12._o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o apostle_n manner_n of_o plant_v christian_n church_n after_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n their_o custom_n it_o be_v when_o they_o have_v convert_v many_o to_o christ_n to_o join_v they_o together_o into_o one_o congregation_n by_o covenant_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n object_n against_o this_o assertion_n some_o object_n that_o in_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n at_o samaria_n in_o cornelius_n his_o house_n at_o phillippi_n corinth_n ephesus_n thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n they_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o such_o a_o covenant_n as_o the_o doctrine_n intend_v only_o that_o they_o believe_v profess_a and_o be_v baptize_v but_o no_o mention_n of_o a_o express_a vocal_a covenant_n answ_n 1_o 1._o though_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o those_o text_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o be_v solicitous_a about_o the_o word_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v find_v there_o 3._o and_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v there_o it_o may_v be_v evince_v three_o way_n 1._o from_o their_o be_v baptize_v 2._o from_o the_o phrase_n 3._o from_o the_o similitude_n which_o import_n their_o covenant_v together_o 1._o from_o their_o be_v baptize_v which_o presuppose_v that_o they_o be_v first_o make_v disciple_n because_o their_o commission_n require_v that_o mat._n 28.19_o where_o to_o make_v disciple_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o gather_v and_o plant_v church_n by_o visible_a bring_v man_n into_o christ_n school_n with_o engagement_n by_o those_o of_o year_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n to_o submit_v unto_o christ_n teach_v and_o government_n therein_o this_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n whence_o the_o member_n of_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v disciple_n in_o act._n 15.10_o so_o then_o they_o be_v in_o church-fellowship_n before_o they_o be_v baptize_v 2._o from_o the_o phrase_n which_o imply_v covenant_v to_o be_v that_o whereby_o they_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o the_o first_o be_v use_v in_o act._n 2.41_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v and_o v._o 47._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n add_v and_o chap._n 5.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o more_o add_v the_o word_n import_v such_o a_o add_v as_o do_v visible_o and_o firm_o knit_v they_o together_o insiti_fw-la calvin_n in_o act_n 2.41_o adjuncti_fw-la christi_fw-la discipulis_fw-la vel_fw-la in_o idem_fw-la corpus_fw-la insiti_fw-la calvin_n say_v they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n disciple_n or_o ingraft_v into_o the_o same_o body_n that_o which_o thus_o visible_o ingraft_v they_o be_v not_o god_n work_a faith_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o their_o visible_a profession_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v say_v believer_n be_v add_v v._o 14._o which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o those_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n in_o act._n 2.41_o therefore_o this_o add_v be_v by_o something_o else_o and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o their_o visible_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o that_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n whereunto_o they_o now_o join_v themselves_o notwithstanding_o their_o former_a state_n in_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o add_v to_o the_o church_n luke_n confirm_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o engagement_n in_o act._n 2.42_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v strong_o and_o constant_o knit_v together_o viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o former_a mutual_a engagement_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n hear_v believe_a profess_v obey_v it_o constant_o and_o in_o fellowship_n i._n e._n
in_o church_n communion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v combine_v and_o compact_v before_o have_v solemn_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n expound_v it_o in_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 2._o luke_n confirm_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o as_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o act._n 5.13_o yet_o they_o do_v magnify_v they_o i._n e._n they_o approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o way_n and_o confess_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o add_v they_o so_o to_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n be_v add_v viz._n by_o public_a voluntary_a engagement_n with_o the_o church_n mutual_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n luke_n confirm_v by_o use_v another_o word_n synonomous_a with_o this_o which_o more_o plain_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v glue_v which_o word_n though_o it_o sometime_o signify_v join_v in_o a_o more_o common_a and_o lax_n sense_n yet_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n therefore_o according_a to_o tertullian_n rule_n deligendus_n est_fw-la sensus_fw-la è_fw-la materiâ_fw-la dicti_fw-la and_o then_o we_o know_v that_o all_o join_n unto_o a_o corporation_n must_v be_v do_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n and_o voluntary_a service_n to_o both_o which_o relation_n the_o same_o verb_n be_v apply_v to_o marriage_n in_o mat._n 19.5_o to_o voluntary_a service_n in_o luk._n 15.15_o both_o which_o be_v by_o voluntary_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a knit_n glue_v whereby_o person_n be_v join_v together_o in_o all_o such_o voluntary_a relation_n so_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o explication_n of_o the_o phrase_n 3._o the_o three_o proof_n be_v from_o the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o express_v their_o covenant_v together_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n to_o the_o body-natural_a to_o a_o body-corporate_a to_o a_o wife_n 1._o to_o a_o house_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o every_o member_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o whether_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o house_n in_o a_o architectonical_a sense_n the_o material_n must_v be_v cement_v together_o now_o in_o the_o church_n that_o cement_n be_v the_o covenant_n or_o in_o a_o oeconomical_a sense_n the_o member_n that_o be_v voluntary_o add_v as_o voluntary_a servant_n to_o the_o family_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n by_o covenant_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n eph._n 2.21_o 2._o to_o the_o natural-body_n in_o man_n the_o head_n of_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v beleiver_n the_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o essential_o when_o they_o be_v harmonical_o join_v and_o strong_o compact_v together_o by_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o fall_v as_o it_o be_v into_o joint_n as_o the_o thigh_n fall_v into_o the_o knee_n and_o the_o shoulder_n into_o the_o shoulderblade_n by_o shoot_v itself_o into_o the_o hollow_a of_o it_o and_o be_v firm_o knit_v to_o it_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 3._o to_o a_o body-corporate_a hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a city_n rev._n 11.2_o and_o church-member_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n ephes_n 2.19_o that_o whereby_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o be_v the_o covenant_n for_o as_o all_o citizen_n be_v admit_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la and_o become_v free_a denizen_n by_o voluntary_a enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o political-body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 4._o to_o a_o wife_n whether_o espouse_v or_o marry_v all_o espousal_n and_o marriage_n be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a mutual_a covenant_n prov._n 2.17_o mal._n 2.14_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n isa_n 62.5_o hence_o paul_n style_v the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n a_o virgin_n espouse_v 2_o cor._n 11.2_o to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n be_v join_v as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o virgin-church_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o phrase_n and_o similitude_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v strong_o confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n in_o one_o body_n among_o themselves_o several_o and_o respective_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n if_o any_o demand_n why_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o express_o mention_v the_o word_n covenant_n two_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o that_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a see_v it_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n that_o duty_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a and_o common_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o have_v be_v large_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o brief_o and_o implicit_o point_v at_o in_o the_o new_a as_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o sanctify_v it_o so_o this_o of_o the_o church-covenant_n yet_o concern_v all_o these_o sufficient_a light_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o manifest_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n then_o live_v under_o heathen_a prince_n and_o ruler_n enemy_n to_o christ_n unto_o who_o jealousy_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v render_v they_o obnoxious_a and_o may_v seem_v dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a peace_n therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n choose_v rather_o to_o forbear_v mention_v the_o name_n yet_o establish_v the_o thing_n under_o such_o similitude_n and_o parable_n as_o may_v hide_v it_o from_o other_o and_o yet_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o saint_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o voluntary_a relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o their_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o all_o which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o 1._o their_o relation_n be_v voluntary_a and_o all_o voluntary_a relation_n be_v by_o covenant_n as_o between_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n between_o master_n and_o voluntary_a servant_n so_o between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o both_o party_n before_o be_v free_a the_o one_o to_o offer_v himself_o into_o fellowship_n or_o not_o the_o other_o to_o admit_v he_o or_o not_o if_o such_o join_v together_o it_o be_v by_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o must_v be_v by_o mutual_a engagement_n hence_o arise_v their_o special_a and_o particular_a relation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o among_o themselves_o mutual_o as_o a_o body_n distinct_a from_o other_o church_n 2._o their_o interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o power_n one_o over_o another_o mutual_o arise_v from_o their_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n no_o church_n can_v judge_v any_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o inhabitant_n expect_v memberlike_a watchfulness_n and_o helpfulness_n from_o the_o church_n unless_o upon_o his_o offering_n himself_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n they_o receive_v he_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o 3._o their_o constant_a fellowship_n in_o church-priviledge_n arise_v from_o this_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n for_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v unto_o they_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o body_n admit_v they_o thereunto_o without_o their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n for_o till_o then_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v object_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o need_n of_o church-covenant_n see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n conveigh_v to_o beleiver_n all_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n answ_n 1_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o believer_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o internal_a viz._n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n
church_n 2._o ubi_fw-la est_fw-la vera_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ibi_fw-la esse_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o eligendi_fw-la et_fw-la ordiâ—ndi_fw-la ministros_fw-la melanct._n de_fw-fr potest_fw-la episcop_n arg._n 2._o 4._o their_o expostulate_v with_o any_o member_n in_o case_n of_o suppose_a offence_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whereunto_o peter_n submit_v though_o a_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 11.2_o 3_o 4._o 5._o their_o public_a admonish_a offender_n be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n whether_o they_o be_v offend_v brethren_n or_o offend_a officer_n mat._n 18.18_o col._n 4.17_o let_v he_o hear_v the_o church_n etc._n etc._n say_v to_o archippus_n fulfil_v etc._n etc._n 6._o their_o excommunicate_v obstinate_a and_o scandalous_a sinner_n whether_o a_o brother_n mat._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o or_o a_o officer_n gal._n 5.12_o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o power_n in_o the_o church_n 7._o their_o receive_n again_o or_o release_n from_o censure_n those_o that_o have_v be_v under_o censure_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o be_v a_o act_n of_o this_o â—ower_n this_o also_o cyprian_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o 3._o the_o vix_fw-la plebi_fw-la persuadeo_fw-la imò_fw-la extorqueo_fw-la ut_fw-la tale_n patiantur_fw-la admitti_fw-la et_fw-la justior_fw-la factus_fw-la est_fw-la fraternitatis_fw-la dolour_n exeo_fw-la quod_fw-la unus_fw-la atque_fw-la alius_fw-la obnitente_fw-la plebe_fw-la &_o contradicente_fw-la meâ_fw-la tamen_fw-la facilitate_v suscepti_fw-la priores_fw-la extiterunt_fw-la quà m_fw-la priùs_fw-la fuerant_fw-la nec_fw-la fidem_fw-la poenitentiae_fw-la seruare_fw-la potuerunt_fw-la quia_fw-la nec_fw-la cum_fw-la verâ_fw-la poenitentiâ_fw-la venerant_fw-la cypr._n l._n 1._o ep_v 3._o people_n or_o fraternity_n who_o though_o they_o glad_o receive_v such_o as_o return_v with_o repentance_n yet_o he_o can_v hardly_o persuade_v they_o yea_o extort_v it_o from_o they_o to_o receive_v such_o in_o who_o pride_n and_o obstinacy_n appear_v and_o he_o justify_v they_o herein_o blame_v himself_o for_o too_o much_o facility_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o church_n be_v before_o its_o officer_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n essential_o and_o have_v all_o church-power_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o before_o it_o have_v officer_n and_o when_o the_o officer_n be_v remove_v from_o it_o by_o death_n or_o censure_n for_o 1._o as_o a_o man_n be_v a_o true_a man_n who_o be_v a_o live_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o man_n agree_v to_o he_o though_o he_o want_v some_o bodily_a member_n so_o a_o church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o consist_v of_o a_o socâ—â—_n of_o visible_a believer_n confederate_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o mutual_a submission_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n because_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n agree_v to_o it_o though_o it_o want_v officer_n 2._o such_o a_o church_n can_v call_v their_o officer_n and_o thereby_o make_v they_o officer_n to_o themselves_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v before_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v before_o its_o effect_n a_o corporation_n have_v its_o be_v and_o power_n of_o a_o corporation_n within_o itself_o before_o it_o have_v magistrate_n because_o it_o can_v choose_v magistrate_n and_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a or_o put_v out_o can_v put_v other_o into_o their_o stead_n and_o place_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n 2._o corollary_n then_o though_o the_o church_n have_v its_o essential_a be_v and_o power_n without_o officer_n yet_o it_o be_v defective_a two_o way_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o member_n it_o have_v not_o its_o complete_a integrity_n of_o member_n without_o they_o bartimeus_n be_v a_o true_a man_n without_o his_o eye_n but_o not_o perfect_a with_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o part_n and_o member_n so_o be_v the_o church_n defective_a and_o maim_v without_o officer_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v defective_a in_o its_o member_n so_o also_o in_o its_o operation_n if_o it_o want_v officer_n for_o some_o ordinance_n can_v be_v at_o all_o administer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o the_o outward_a seal_n or_o sacrament_n which_o be_v annex_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v by_o he_o limit_v unto_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n by_o office_n mat._n 28.19_o and_o some_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o in_o order_v speech_n in_o public_a in_o church-debate_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o the_o like_a can_v be_v do_v without_o ruling-elders_a the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o official_a watch_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v private_a disorder_n in_o conversation_n among_o the_o member_n 3._o some_o can_v be_v so_o do_v by_o other_o as_o by_z officer_n 1._o not_o with_o that_o attendance_n to_o they_o as_o the_o need_n and_o good_a of_o the_o church_n require_v he_o that_o have_v a_o office_n be_v bind_v to_o wait_v on_o it_o rom._n 12.7_o to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o continual_o act._n 6.4_o to_o be_v in_o it_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v free_v by_o the_o church_n from_o other_o distract_n care_v which_o will_v disable_v he_o to_o it_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o 2._o not_o with_o authority_n which_o belong_v to_o rule_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o preach_v the_o word_n with_o authority_n heb._n 13.17_o so_o in_o other_o act_n which_o be_v proper_o official_a and_o authoritative_a hence_o arise_v a_o difference_n between_o officer_n and_o private_a member_n in_o their_o seveâ—â—â—_n manner_n of_o act_v in_o thing_n common_a to_o both_o a_o church_n want_v officer_n may_v appoint_v some_o of_o their_o member_n to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o church_n touch_v the_o admission_n of_o such_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o membership_n with_o the_o church_n in_o who_o fitness_n thereunto_o the_o church_n be_v satisfy_v and_o in_o ordain_v officer_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n and_o in_o gather_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o fraternity_n and_o in_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o censure_n but_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v only_o at_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n pro_fw-la hâc_fw-la vel_fw-la illâ_fw-la vice_fw-la the_o same_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o teach_v and_o ruling-elders_a in_o another_o manner_n viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n without_o particular_a leave_n of_o the_o church_n for_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o officer_n to_o attend_v unto_o their_o work_n not_o only_o to_o hold_v forth_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o receive_v into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o the_o church_n approve_v but_o also_o to_o try_v the_o fitness_n of_o those_o that_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o fellowship_n before_o they_o propound_v they_o to_o the_o church_n the_o same_o hold_v in_o officer_n to_o be_v call_v and_o when_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v they_o and_o agree_v to_o ordain_v they_o the_o eldership_n impose_v hand_n upon_o they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o theâ—â—_n office_n when_o offence_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o step_n as_o the_o elder_n do_v propound_v the_o case_n so_o it_o must_v first_o be_v notify_v to_o they_o that_o they_o may_v try_v whether_o the_o rule_n have_v be_v attend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a step_n and_o that_o they_o may_v clear_v all_o difficulty_n and_o then_o propound_v the_o case_n when_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o public_a cognizance_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o be_v so_o if_o they_o neglect_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n or_o assume_v any_o undue_a power_n to_o themselves_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v may_v complain_v to_o the_o church_n and_o as_o need_n may_v require_v they_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o judge_v and_o in_o the_o close_a to_o propound_v the_o sentence_n wherein_o the_o church_n consent_v and_o they_o concur_v with_o they_o authoritative_o 3._o corollary_n then_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o church-power_n and_o of_o ordinary_a office-power_n be_v limit_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n and_o officer_n respective_o within_o that_o body_n or_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a memberly_n or_o official_a relation_n the_o member_n of_o one_o church_n can_v act_v in_o admit_v the_o member_n choose_v the_o officer_n nor_o censure_a offender_n of_o another_o church_n nor_o may_v the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n administer_v the_o seal_n or_o ordain_v officer_n or_o perform_v other_o proper_a act_n of_o official_a authority_n out_o of_o their_o own_o body_n in_o another_o