19_o 8_o 9_o and_o 20._o 17_o 18._o which_o do_v also_o very_o great_o abound_v in_o multitude_n of_o member_n as_o appear_v act._n 19_o 10_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o 20._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 8._o revel_v 2._o 2_o 3._o and_o yet_o meet_v in_o some_o private_a house_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n act._n 19_o 9_o 10._o and_o 20._o 20._o but_o that_o this_o whole_a multitude_n can_v in_o one_o school_n or_o house_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o to_o we_o that_o they_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o at_o divers_a time_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o divers_a pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v more_o holy_a assembly_n there_o in_o divers_a place_n there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16._o 5._o paul_n when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n have_v holy_a church_n assembly_n in_o his_o own_o house_n act_v 28._o 23_o 30_o 31._o which_o yet_o be_v not_o that_o whole_a collective_o take_v and_o famous_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a roman_n who_o faith_n be_v famous_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1._o 8._o other_o example_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o church_n due_o constitute_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n which_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o place_n for_o exercise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n under_o a_o common_a presbytery_n of_o divers_a pastor_n perform_v holy_a duty_n hence_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n in_o some_o great_a town_n though_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n than_o can_v celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a church_n but_o do_v together_o make_v one_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o common_a presbytery_n and_o government_n of_o divers_a pastor_n ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o only_o parochial_a or_o particular_a but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o nationall_n church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o divers_a parochial_a church_n join_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o by_o a_o mutual_a visible_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n ecclesiastical_a we_o deny_v indeed_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o typical_a nationall_n church_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v wherein_o all_o of_o that_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a typical_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o one_o place_n choose_v by_o god_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o visible_a pastor_n or_o priest_n who_o in_o worship_n and_o sacrifice_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a people_n or_o nation_n for_o this_o vanish_v away_o with_o the_o type_n and_o carnal_a precept_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o reject_v also_o that_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n form_n of_o a_o church_n introduce_v by_o man_n in_o which_o many_o church_n be_v unite_v and_o subject_v to_o a_o cathedral_n church_n and_o depend_v upon_o one_o visible_a pastor_n who_o be_v pastor_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o other_o pastor_n and_o inferior_a particular_a church_n wherein_o the_o inferior_a church_n enjoy_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o derivation_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o cathedral_n church_n or_o that_o nationall_n or_o provincial_n pastor_n and_o bishop_n for_o these_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o antichrist_n which_o bring_v a_o tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o overthrow_v the_o power_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n and_o pastor_n yet_o such_o a_o nationall_n and_o provincial_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v wherein_o many_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o one_o visible_a ministry_n and_o church-government_n join_v into_o one_o collective_a ecclesiastical_a body_n visible_a for_o celebrate_v all_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o visible_a ministerial_a government_n of_o those_o church_n and_o mutual_a ecclesiastical_a followship_n in_o it_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n we_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n by_o these_o argument_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a church_n &_o synagogue_n which_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o church-government_n as_o appear_v act._n 15._o 21._o act._n 13._o 15_o 16._o luk._n 21._o 12._o joh._n 12._o 42._o all_o which_o be_v yet_o conjoin_v into_o one_o national_a visible_a church_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n and_o people_n deut._n 7._o 7._o and_o 32._o 8._o but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o form_n in_o all_o effentialls_n which_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n as_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n for_o substance_n the_o same_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o same_o religion_n the_o same_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a common_a to_o both_o and_o differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a typical_a ceremony_n which_o change_v not_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n hence_o protestant_a writer_n observe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n synagogue_n to_o denote_v a_o christian_a church_n jam._n 2._o 2._o 2_o thes_n 2._o 1_o heb._n 10._o 25._o for_o when_o as_o the_o church_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o essence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o both_o people_n may_v not_o be_v describe_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o name_n say_v tilenus_n in_o his_o thesis_n part_n 2._o disput_fw-la 14._o thes_n 3._o it_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a therefore_o that_o those_o many_o synagogue_n and_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n shall_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n nationall_n hence_o also_o the_o jewish_a church_n bring_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o disperse_v through_o divers_a country_n be_v join_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n government_n and_o ecclesiastciall_a discipline_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1_o 2._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n consist_v of_o many_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o appear_v gal._n 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o unite_v in_o a_o church_n society_n under_o one_o common_a discipline_n and_o government_n hence_o gal._n 5._o 9_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lump_n which_o be_v easy_o corrupt_v by_o a_o little_a leaven_n like_v as_o the_o unite_a and_o compact_a body_n of_o the_o corinthian_a church_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o he_o give_v command_v to_o the_o galathian_o concern_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o external_a discipline_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o they_o against_o the_o seducer_n &_o false_a teacher_n gal._n 4._o 10._o etc._n etc._n and_o 5._o 9_o 10._o which_o intimate_v a_o unite_a authority_n in_o church_n government_n whereby_o the_o false_a teacher_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n the_o church_n of_o galathia_fw-la therefore_o be_v provincial_n 3._o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n which_o in_o the_o ministerial_a government_n in_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v conjoin_v and_o unite_v into_o one_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o the_o exercise_v visible_a act_n of_o church_n communion_n joint_o among_o themselves_o those_o constitute_v a_o church_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n for_o the_o member_n which_o do_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a manner_n mutual_o exercise_v among_o themselves_o visible_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o do_v together_o joint_o participate_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n they_o make_v one_o visible_a body_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n exercise_n among_o themselves_o such_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n for_o they_o do_v by_o their_o particular_a member_n by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n delegated_a sometime_o hear_v the_o same_o word_n frequent_a the_o same_o divine_a worship_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o do_v ordinary_o avoid_v and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o excommunicate_v person_n exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o mutual_o edify_v one_o another_o
church_n and_o judge_v of_o church_n affair_n so_o as_o that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n govern_v and_o judge_v by_o those_o elder_n as_o their_o instrument_n and_o deputy_n like_v as_o the_o king_n deputy_n represent_v the_o king_n himself_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o judge_a church_n affair_n by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o can_v delegate_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n but_o the_o presbyter_n do_v themselves_o immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v power_n of_o rule_v and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o this_o sense_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o representative_a church_n neither_o do_v we_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o representative_a church_n as_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n shall_v have_v absolute_a power_n by_o their_o law_n and_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o bind_v the_o multitude_n and_o subject_a their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o without_o trial_n they_o shall_v receive_v and_o embrace_v what_o soever_o shall_v be_v determine_v by_o this_o church_n for_o this_o be_v the_o papist_n tyrannical_a antichristian_a representative_a church_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o popish_a bishop_n which_o by_o reform_a church_n be_v deny_v and_o cast_v out_o but_o this_o representative_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n choose_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n receive_v from_o christ_n be_v set_v over_o and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_v it_o by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o decree_n make_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n by_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o decree_v this_o govern_v ministerial_a or_o representative_a church_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n oâ—_n the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o must_v be_v obey_v in_o the_o lord_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o promiscuous_a and_o popular_a government_n but_o be_v commit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n and_o guide_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o believer_n complaint_n bring_v before_o they_o concern_v the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prescribe_v law_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o complaint_n tit._n 1._o 13._o which_o to_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o enjoin_v this_o be_v that_o church-which_a have_v the_o power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n matth._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o but_o not_o where_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o roll_a and_o ministerial_a church_n of_o presbyter_n be_v therefore_o here_o understand_v whence_o also_o say_v beza_n upon_o matth._n 16._o 18._o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n church_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n as_o matth._n 18._o 17._o to_o wit_n because_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v it_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v by_o paul_n a_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o this_o place_n by_o church_n the_o evangelist_n understand_v a_o college_n of_o elder_n he_o prove_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o do_v after_o make_v mention_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v always_o in_o their_o power_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o tremellius_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v out_o of_o syriack_n to_o the_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o that_o council_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o power_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n deodate_v in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o italian_a bible_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n to_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4._o &_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o also_o have_v their_o consistory_n for_o correction_n of_o manner_n the_o doctor_n and_o professor_n of_o geneva_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o french_a bible_n in_o this_o place_n do_v understand_v those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o ordinary_a call_n of_o administer_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o have_v always_o be_v use_n of_o it_o among_o god_n people_n but_o be_v special_o renew_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n under_o the_o apostle_n the_o dutch_a interpreter_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o new_a dutch_a translation_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n by_o church_n governor_n who_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 2._o it_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n describe_v which_o by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n transact_v the_o church_n affair_n and_o represent_v the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o paul_n ministerial_a spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n as_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n only_o have_v revel_v 3._o 7._o which_o therefore_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o christ_n ambassador_n as_o be_v they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o ministerial_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v also_o gather_v together_o for_o this_o end_n to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o incestuous_a person_n a_o church_n member_n which_o exercise_n be_v commit_v not_o to_o all_o the_o church-member_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v a_o govern_n and_o representative_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o opposite_a opinion_n follow_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n visible_a describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n which_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v those_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o which_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bithynia_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o greek_n whether_o bond_n or_o free_a make_v up_o one_o body_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o 2._o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n limit_v to_o such_o bound_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o may_v be_v ordinary_o contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o perform_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n do_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o the_o essence_n and_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o place_n but_o on_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o bond_n of_o holy_a communion_n for_o as_o ames_n say_v that_o same_o in_o
and_o synod_n that_o they_o may_v so_o far_o as_o convenient_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o common_a consent_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n especial_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o yet_o how_o much_o great_a and_o further_a space_n and_o remoteness_n of_o distance_n there_o be_v between_o particular_a church_n so_o much_o the_o less_o also_o be_v the_o visible_a communion_n of_o those_o church_n because_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o mutual_a edification_n be_v less_o or_o more_o according_a as_o the_o distinct_a distance_n of_o place_n be_v great_a or_o less_o wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o more_o strict_a visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n then_o between_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o consequent_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v also_o less_o visible_a between_o these_o then_o between_o the_o church_n of_o one_o nation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o government_n and_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o church_n what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o by_o law_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n for_o there_o be_v a_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n belong_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o church_n join_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n which_o to_o particular_a church_n single_o and_o several_o belong_v not_o to_o wit_n a_o power_n of_o make_v canon_n and_o law_n ecclesiastical_a which_o may_v bind_v all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o kingdom_n to_o obey_v they_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o take_v away_o or_o hurt_v the_o power_n or_o liberty_n ecclesiastical_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o serve_v to_o direct_v preserve_v and_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o privative_a but_o cumulative_a and_o grant_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o power_n give_v to_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v more_o efficacious_a orderly_a regular_a able_a and_o apt_a for_o edify_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n immediate_o grant_v from_o god_n not_o derive_v from_o class_n or_o synod_n as_o likewise_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n a_o power_n of_o their_o own_o immediate_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o though_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o original_a or_o the_o rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o synod_n particular_a church_n entire_a in_o themselves_o collateral_a one_o to_o another_o and_o equal_a in_o church_n power_n do_v in_o common_a contribute_v associate_n and_o exercise_v their_o church_n power_n and_o so_o make_v up_o a_o collective_a and_o combine_a body_n of_o a_o synod_n yet_o the_o synodical_a authority_n of_o itself_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o any_o other_o first_o subject_n from_o whence_o it_o shall_v be_v derive_v to_o the_o synod_n then_o to_o the_o synod_n itself_o to_o which_o alone_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n that_o power_n belong_v for_o no_o particular_a church_n single_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v exercise_v a_o synodical_a power_n over_o other_o church_n but_o we_o affirm_v 1._o that_o this_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o government_n and_o discipline_n ecclesiastical_a in_o common_a which_o be_v exercise_v in_o synod_n and_o class_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v 2._o that_o these_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n synodall_n and_o classical_a whereby_o they_o do_v by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n authoritative_o decern_v matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o impose_v those_o decree_n under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o particular_a church_n our_o opinion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o in_o act._n 15._o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n practise_v a_o express_a example_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n about_o a_o question_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o synod_n that_o business_n which_o have_v wrought_v a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 4_o 5_o 23._o be_v by_o the_o deputy_n of_o several_a church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 6_o 23._o act._n 21._o 17_o 18_o 25._o determine_v with_o power_n authoritative_a to_o bind_v particular_a church_n to_o obedience_n ver_fw-la 22_o 28._o chap._n 16._o 4._o &_o 21_o 25._o and_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o hearer_n be_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n condemn_v with_o spiritual_a power_n ver_fw-la 28_o 29._o which_o thing_n be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o 2_o 14_o 20._o and_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v not_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolic_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a authority_n ecclesiastical_a for_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n alone_o extraordinary_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o by_o their_o apostololicall_a but_o by_o their_o ordinary_a pastoral_n authority_n with_o great_a discussion_n and_o disputation_n and_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolical_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a power_n 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n mat._n 18._o 17_o 18._o where_o he_o do_v institute_v such_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n as_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n make_v provision_n and_o prepare_v efficacious_a remedy_n against_o all_o scandal_n and_o offence_n if_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v give_v scandal_n to_o one_o another_o he_o bid_v that_o it_o be_v show_v to_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n representative_a which_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v condemn_v and_o punish_v and_o remove_v from_o ecclesiastical_a and_o brotherly_a communion_n the_o person_n offend_v and_o therefore_o do_v likewise_o command_v that_o if_o particular_a church_n give_v offence_n to_o one_o another_o it_o shall_v be_v carry_v to_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n which_o may_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n condemn_v punish_v and_o put_v from_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n the_o particular_a church_n offend_v for_o where_o the_o law_n make_v no_o distinction_n or_o restriction_n there_o must_v not_o we_o distinguish_v or_o restrain_v and_o certain_o the_o remedy_n institute_v in_o this_o place_n be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o remove_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n all_o scandal_n not_o only_o cause_v by_o particular_a member_n but_o also_o by_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n which_o may_v by_o authoritative_a ecclesiastical_a power_n judge_n of_o the_o scandal_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v from_o this_o institution_n for_o judge_v the_o scandal_n of_o particular_a member_n for_o since_o that_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o province_n nation_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o which_o communion_n be_v not_o only_o fraternal_a but_o ecclesiastical_a whereby_o church_n as_o church_n or_o body_n ecclesiastical_a be_v join_v and_o unite_v in_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o see_v that_o in_o this_o holy_a communion_n scandal_n be_v commit_v which_o be_v unbeseeming_a those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v forth_o from_o that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n therefore_o both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o divine_a law_n here_o institute_v by_o christ_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a senate_n furnish_v with_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o may_v remove_v those_o scandal_n hence_o parker_n himself_o de_fw-la politia_fw-la ecclesiast_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o ground_v the_o authority_n of_o synod_n on_o this_o place_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disput_fw-la 49._o thes_n 10._o discourse_n thus_o the_o institution_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o so_o also_o of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o of_o humane_a but_o of_o divine_a right_n be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n tell_v the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o you_o bound_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n where_o
doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v by_o ordinary_a ministerial_a knowledge_n may_v by_o common_a consent_n be_v explain_v and_o decide_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n also_o about_o the_o proper_a form_n of_o speak_v and_o proceed_v agreeable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o those_o church_n hold_v which_o set_v forth_o those_o confession_n and_o canon_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o all_o those_o orthodox_n with_o who_o they_o will_v keep_v communion_n shall_v hold_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o restraint_n of_o licentiousness_n in_o invent_v new_a opinion_n and_o order_n to_o distract_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o last_o that_o there_o may_v remain_v a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o vicious_a or_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a innovation_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n the_o concord_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o better_o preserve_v they_o be_v useful_a therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n divine_a scripture_n as_o handmaid_n with_o due_a subjection_n without_o any_o absolute_o necessary_a prescription_n of_o use_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a sense_n but_o be_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n to_o those_o only_a who_o with_o licentiousness_n rather_o than_o liberty_n endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o principle_n which_o be_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o christian_a discipline_n and_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o even_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o listen_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n reject_v as_o be_v far_o from_o christian_a modesty_n 4._o we_o attribute_v therefore_o to_o these_o form_n only_o a_o hypotheticall_a necessity_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o writing_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o church_n heretic_n and_o erroneous_a person_n contention_n or_o sophistication_n fraudulent_a expression_n and_o interpretation_n or_o the_o adversary_n calumny_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o testification_n of_o a_o consent_n with_o other_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o present_a or_o a_o necessary_a declare_v the_o union_n of_o concord_n and_o consent_n 5._o therefore_o these_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n out_o of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o can_v be_v prescribe_v to_o church_n but_o by_o college_n of_o prophet_n to_o who_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o government_n be_v commit_v hence_o the_o meeting_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n compose_v explication_n out_o of_o scripture_n of_o opinion_n in_o controversy_n act._n 15._o and_o set_v out_o a_o epistle_n wherein_o by_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n concern_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n it_o be_v decide_v and_o a_o canon_n prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n 6._o we_o consider_v these_o form_n either_o as_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v divine_a be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o indices_fw-la in_o explain_v and_o determine_v dubious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o controversy_n for_o be_v search_v out_o by_o so_o great_a diligence_n of_o godly_a teacher_n and_o approve_v by_o their_o consent_n and_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o can_v see_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o attribute_v to_o these_o form_n be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indices_fw-la of_o some_o controvert_v doctrine_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o meditation_n even_o of_o a_o private_a christian_a much_o more_o of_o a_o numerous_a company_n of_o prophet_n may_v be_v a_o index_n or_o they_o be_v consider_v formal_o as_o they_o be_v synodical_a determination_n due_o conclude_v confirm_v with_o ecclesiaasticall_a authority_n carry_v in_o they_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o badge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a union_n and_o communion_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o decide_v and_o explain_v ecclesiastical_a controversy_n in_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o joint_o we_o attribute_v to_o they_o this_o authority_n which_o we_o propose_v in_o vrsin_n word_n their_o authority_n say_v he_o be_v show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o recede_v from_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o recite_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v innovaâ—â—â—_n in_o form_n of_o exposition_n or_o speech_n without_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n yea_o and_o if_o they_o either_o have_v indeed_o or_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n blame-worthy_a nothing_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v attempt_v in_o a_o rash_a disorderly_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n nothing_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o contrary_a without_o a_o previous_a communicate_v of_o opinion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v teacher_n and_o other_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v though_o therefore_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o synod_n which_o prescribe_v those_o form_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o infallible_a nor_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o authority_n oblige_v believer_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v determine_v in_o those_o form_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o synod_n which_o constitute_v those_o form_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n give_v by_o god_n for_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o rend_n of_o church_n whereby_o they_o may_v inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o such_o as_o open_o oppose_v their_o decree_n hence_o have_v those_o form_n a_o excellent_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v for_o as_o the_o learned_a camero_n well_o note_v tom_n 1._o prelect_v de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o discourse_n concern_v the_o infallability_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n it_o make_v that_o this_o be_v not_o rash_o and_o without_o accurate_a and_o grave_a observation_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o synod_n have_v a_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o a_o great_a than_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o teacher_n judge_v single_o and_o apart_o they_o have_v also_o more_o certain_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_n &_o disputation_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o have_v also_o a_o better_a course_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n concern_v a_o controversy_n raise_v and_o what_o course_n the_o church_n observe_v therein_o so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o form_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o upon_o light_n and_o probable_a reason_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v bind_v so_o far_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o form_n decree_v as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o that_o case_n which_o obedience_n be_v a_o observance_n of_o christian_a humility_n and_o modesty_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a in_o such_o case_n abstain_v from_o public_a or_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o condemnation_n or_o confutation_n of_o the_o opinion_n determine_v in_o those_o form_n and_o this_o evident_a because_o for_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o church_n we_o have_v the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a authority_n of_o god_n command_v to_o obey_v they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o for_o oppose_v they_o we_o have_v only_o uncertain_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o common_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v hold_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a again_o to_o oppose_v open_o the_o form_n of_o church_n upon_o argument_n but_o probable_a and_o less_o evident_a give_v a_o unbridled_a and_o endless_a licence_n of_o contradict_v any_o ecclesiastical_a decree_n whatever_o yea_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n prescribe_v in_o those_o form_n of_o church_n
calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o sect_n 7._o but_o ofttimes_o say_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n intend_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o profess_v to_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n into_o his_o faith_n testify_v by_o their_o partake_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o charity_n consent_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v thereof_o maintain_v a_o ministry_n institute_v by_o christ_n but_o in_o this_o multitude_n be_v many_o mingle_v who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o christ_n but_o the_o name_n and_o show_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o we_o command_v to_o maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o sect_n 8._o he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o know_v who_o be_v unfeigned_a saint_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o say_v he_o because_o he_o fore_o see_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o requisite_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o his_o child_n herein_o he_o appli_v himself_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o because_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o herein_o requisite_a he_o have_v in_o stead_n thereof_o appoint_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o which_o judgement_n we_o acknowledge_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o example_n of_o their_o life_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n profess_v the_o same_o god_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o hence_o ames_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o the_o reform_a church_n require_v inward_a grace_n to_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o visible_a state_n thereof_o antibellarm_n tom_fw-mi 2._o iib._fw-la 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 5._o and_o not_o 3._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o affirm_v out_o of_o augustine_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o inward_a soul_n to_o wit_n the_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a profession_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n other_o of_o the_o body_n only_o and_o not_o the_o soul_n which_o say_v he_o be_v express_v by_o alexander_n alensis_n in_o other_o word_n when_o he_o say_v that_o evil_a man_n be_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o body_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n mystical_a which_o distinction_n he_o prove_v out_o of_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o rom._n 2._o 28._o a_o jew_n open_o and_o a_o jew_n in_o secret_a so_o trelcatius_n the_o elder_a in_o his_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la 15._o put_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o a_o lively_a faith_n purity_n of_o life_n certainty_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n ofttimes_o not_o in_o truth_n because_o of_o a_o vocation_n and_o profession_n external_a but_o oft_o hypocritical_a so_o almost_o all_o the_o eminent_a reform_a divine_n affirm_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a to_o be_v man_n outward_o call_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o define_v it_o to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n who_o by_o a_o outward_a call_n or_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n among_o themselves_o see_v both_o the_o trelcatii_n in_o their_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disp_n 40._o thes_n 33._o hence_o also_o have_v our_o belgic_a church_n in_o our_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n synod_n ordain_v that_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o have_v first_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v testimony_n of_o unblameable_a life_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 70._o and_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 64._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 43._o at_o the_o hage_n anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 54._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 51._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 61._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o ensue_a opinion_n i._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v the_o external_a and_o particular_a visible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n to_o which_o belong_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o property_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n the_o mediator_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v 1._o because_o that_o church_n for_o which_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v be_v perpetual_a which_o never_o fall_v away_o for_o this_o infallible_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o it_o from_o god_n jer._n 31._o 36._o matt._n 16._o 18._o but_o now_o no_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v secure_v from_o fall_v away_o as_o our_o orthodox_n divine_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n it_o be_v not_o for_o it_o therefore_o that_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n 2._o those_o church_n for_o which_o all_o these_o promise_a privilege_n be_v procure_v be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v sincere_a and_o inward_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a believer_n whence_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v the_o spouse_n and_o belove_v of_o christ_n cant._n 4._o 7._o eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o holy_a zion_n and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n isai_n 52._o 1._o gal._n 4._o 26._o and_o 6._o 16._o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v purify_v for_o himself_o to_o present_v she_o to_o himself_o glorious_a not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o body_n of_o christ_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v eph._n 4._o 16._o it_o be_v call_v christ_n people_n who_o he_o save_v from_o their_o sin_n joh._n 10._o 16._o matt._n 1._o 21._o god_n house_n and_o a_o holy_a priesthood_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o the_o lamb_n wife_n apoc._n 21._o 4._o all_o which_o and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o agree_v to_o a_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n as_o such_o rom._n 9_o 6._o but_o only_a to_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n act_v 20._o 28._o 3._o the_o privilege_n promise_v and_o procure_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o many_o other_o be_v these_o that_o god_n put_v his_o law_n and_o his_o fear_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o jer._n 31._o 33._o that_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o know_v he_o joh._n 6._o 42._o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n act._n 20._o 28._o eph._n 5._o 27._o but_o these_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a particular_a church_n therefore_o that_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o these_o privilege_n which_o by_o christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v procure_v for_o the_o church_n whereunto_o the_o reform_a divine_n assent_v see_v among_o other_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 40._o thes_n 29_o 30_o 31._o and_o ames_n himself_o against_o bellarm._n tom_n 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 10._o where_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n quicken_v act_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n partake_v of_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o do_v proper_o and_o full_o agree_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v true_a believer_n or_o they_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n militant_a according_a to_o iâ—s_n essential_a nature_n peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n not_o according_a to_o
synod_n a_o power_n dogmatic_a but_o deny_v a_o power_n diatacticall_a and_o critical_a a_o power_n dogmatic_a which_o be_v a_o power_n and_o right_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n do_v so_o belong_v to_o synod_n as_o that_o it_o be_v also_o give_v by_o god_n to_o single_a pastor_n for_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o elder_n not_o only_o to_o exhort_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n but_o also_o to_o convince_v gainsayer_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o unruly_a vain-talker_n and_o deceiver_n tit._n 1._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o do_v not_o this_o plain_o intimate_v that_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n there_o arise_v a_o disputation_n about_o any_o question_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o soundness_n in_o judgement_n of_o one_o who_o be_v reckon_v a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v doubt_v of_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o synod_n which_o belong_v even_o to_o single_a pastor_n hence_o there_o be_v also_o attribute_v to_o synod_n a_o diatacticall_a power_n whereby_o they_o have_v right_a to_o manage_v the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o god_n worship_n to_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o al._n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o the_o elder_n also_o do_v in_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n decree_n that_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o to_o christ_n shall_v abstain_v from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v act_v 15._o 25_o 28._o so_o when_o paul_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o brethren_n not_o only_a james_n but_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o elder_n advise_v he_o for_o the_o believe_a jew_n sake_n to_o join_v himself_o with_o some_o though_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o law_n who_o have_v a_o vow_n on_o they_o and_o decree_v to_o entreat_v he_o that_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o weak_a he_o will_v vouchsafe_v so_o far_o as_o in_o that_o case_n be_v yet_o lawful_a to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n act_v 21._o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o we_o see_v therefore_o that_o a_o classis_fw-la of_o elder_n do_v by_o a_o joint_a care_n and_o endeavour_n provide_v for_o the_o observe_n of_o what_o with_o one_o consent_n they_o judge_v expedient_a for_o the_o church_n i_o need_v not_o further_a instance_n in_o counsel_n in_o which_o that_o presbyter_n join_v in_o consultation_n and_o decision_n for_o the_o establish_n ecclesiastical_a decency_n and_o order_n be_v so_o clear_a by_o their_o act_n that_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a so_o the_o law_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o netherlands_o be_v by_o the_o synodical_a decree_n impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o a_o critical_a power_n which_o contain_v the_o right_a of_o maitain_v and_o exercise_v the_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o judge_a and_o remove_v of_o scandal_n belong_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n of_o presbyter_n we_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o prove_v by_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o a_o synod_n may_v assemble_v not_o only_o to_o admonish_v a_o offend_a presbytery_n or_o consistory_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o hear_v to_o censure_v they_o by_o suspension_n deposition_n or_o remove_v from_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n etc._n etc._n question_n 2._o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n answer_n we_o affirm_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o some_o head_n in_o this_o argument_n be_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v hold_v undoubted_a which_o our_o reverend_a bucerus_n refer_v to_o these_o head_n first_o say_v he_o that_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o minister_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n not_o to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o who_o be_v stranger_n from_o the_o commerce_n of_o believer_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o fellowship_n and_o conjunction_n for_o no_o where_o do_v we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o such_o have_v vote_n in_o election_n of_o minister_n second_o that_o this_o holy_a action_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v to_o both_o its_o integrall_a part_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v church_n minister_n the_o other_o of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o minister_v which_o be_v evident_o declare_v by_o testimony_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v from_o scripture_n three_o that_o this_o business_n be_v not_o to_o be_v commit_v to_o some_o one_o or_o few_o of_o the_o presbytery_n select_v but_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o presbyter_n in_o common_a which_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o antioch_n act_v 1._o 23._o &_o 6._o 2_o 3._o &_o 13._o 1_o 2._o &_o 15._o 22._o four_o that_o the_o principal_a part_n herein_o belong_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o be_v to_o preside_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n that_o the_o multitude_n through_o levity_n or_o tumult_n or_o ill_a design_n do_v not_o miscarry_v and_o therefore_o to_o teach_v and_o exhort_v every_o one_o and_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n of_o election_n with_o wholesome_a and_o right_a counsel_n which_o be_v manifest_o evince_v by_o the_o testimony_n we_o have_v produce_v i_o add_v last_o that_o the_o nomination_n be_v principal_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a person_n the_o people_n be_v by_o their_o suffrage_n to_o declare_v their_o consent_n to_o it_o so_o when_o one_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n the_o apostle_n name_v two_o and_o when_o one_o of_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o lot_n the_o church_n approbation_n be_v present_o add_v otherwise_o they_o do_v by_o their_o suffrage_n concur_v to_o the_o election_n but_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o deacon_n do_v somewhat_o more_o condescend_v to_o the_o multitude_n act_v 6._o 3._o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o that_o they_o be_v especial_o in_o that_o tenderness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o a_o murmur_a arise_v of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n to_o put_v off_o from_o themselves_o all_o sinister_a suspicion_n of_o those_o who_o suffrage_n do_v not_o approve_v they_o to_o this_o purpose_n calvin_n luke_n relate_v that_o there_o be_v elder_n constitute_v in_o every_o church_n by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n but_o he_o note_v withal_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o suffrage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o two_o therefore_o do_v create_v they_o but_o the_o whole_a multitude_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o grecian_n be_v in_o election_n declare_v by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n who_o they_o will_v have_v calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 3._o sect_n 15._o therefore_o the_o chief_a of_o what_o the_o people_n be_v to_o do_v be_v of_o those_o who_o be_v nominate_v to_o choose_v one_o all_o which_o be_v full_o clear_a from_o scripture_n thus_o bucerus_n dissert_v de_fw-fr gubernat_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 323_o 324._o 2._o but_o because_o we_o be_v to_o account_v those_o in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o we_o not_o only_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o some_o one_o particular_a church_n as_o fix_a member_n but_o those_o also_o on_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o function_n the_o charge_n and_o care_n of_o many_o church_n do_v lie_v and_o who_o be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o in_o they_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o in_o order_n and_o to_o edification_n hence_o the_o power_n of_o ordain_v pastor_n be_v not_o so_o grant_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o absolute_o by_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n perform_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v require_v to_o the_o ordination_n of_o their_o pastor_n but_o if_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v due_o perform_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o church_n communion_n with_o the_o judgement_n consent_n and_o potestative_a mission_n of_o class_n or_o synod_n with_o who_o that_o particular_a church_n hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n for_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o one_o church_n and_o its_o member_n but_o a_o thing_n common_a to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o one_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o what_o concern_v all_o aught_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o therefore_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n do_v not_o do_v aught_o which_o may_v disturb_v the_o common_a order_n or_o which_o in_o a_o like_a case_n may_v
whole_a particular_a church_n or_o a_o church_n consistory_n christ_n in_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o establish_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o his_o church_n by_o divine_a institution_n do_v not_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o a_o single_a brother_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o give_v the_o instance_n in_o such_o a_o one_o for_o he_o do_v institute_v that_o order_n in_o his_o kingdom_n whereby_o all_o scandal_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o cure_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n whether_o commit_v by_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o by_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o by_o whosoever_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o particular_a sister_n church_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a society_n of_o many_o church_n do_v give_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o other_o church_n they_o may_v by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v clear_a even_o out_o of_o parker_n himself_o that_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o class_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n in_o matt._n 18._o 17_o 18._o for_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o de_fw-la politiâ_fw-la ecclesiasticâ_fw-la he_o thus_o argue_v from_o the_o proportion_n christ_n command_v that_o upon_o the_o despise_v one_o man_n admonition_n we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o admonition_n by_o two_o or_o three_o and_o if_o that_o be_v contemn_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o if_o that_o be_v despise_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o from_o the_o despise_n of_o one_o whole_a church_n to_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o again_o from_o those_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o yet_o more_o in_o a_o synod_n and_o therefore_o also_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n not_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o synod_n also_o have_v power_n give_v of_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o commit_v scandal_n if_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o nature_n and_o authority_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n may_v be_v conclude_v and_o according_o in_o those_o hard_a time_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n when_o the_o church_n among_o we_o be_v infest_a by_o the_o trouble_n and_o error_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n whole_a presbytery_n of_o church_n be_v exauthorate_v by_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v so_o appropriate_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n but_o we_o hold_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o arct_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n which_o it_o hold_v with_o other_o neighbour_n church_n in_o the_o same_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n whereby_o it_o make_v up_o one_o ecclesiastical_a corporation_n or_o body_n and_o one_o visible_a sacred_a society_n with_o the_o associate_n church_n have_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o complete_a power_n to_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o a_o member_n from_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o that_o member_n have_v a_o near_a arct_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n associate_n among_o who_o he_o do_v daily_o converse_v and_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o do_v occasion_n to_o they_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o receive_v from_o they_o mean_n of_o edification_n wherefore_o without_o the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_n church_n he_o may_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o brotherly_a and_o visible_a church_n communion_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n 2._o of_o those_o also_o who_o make_v the_o high_a power_n of_o synod_n and_o class_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o deny_v or_o withdraw_v brotherly_a communion_n but_o this_o non-communion_n as_o it_o be_v call_v we_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o brother_n may_v exercise_v towards_o a_o brother_n a_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o can_v exercise_v any_o authority_n or_o censure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n among_o themselves_o one_o over_o the_o other_o nor_o have_v it_o that_o efficacy_n by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o bind_v in_o heaven_n nor_o be_v it_o ordain_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o teach_v from_o god_n such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a not_o to_o blaspheme_v which_o to_o the_o legitimate_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n do_v appertain_v matth._n 18._o 17_o 18_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o sister_n church_n the_o same_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n but_o by_o that_o order_n proceed_v to_o excommunication_n thereby_o to_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o obstinate_a offend_a church_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n answer_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n want_v such_o form_n when_o as_o be_v collect_v in_o one_o people_n they_o have_v express_v ritual_a law_n and_o the_o prophet_n frequent_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n want_v its_o be_v or_o well_o be_v before_o such_o time_n as_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n gather_v out_o of_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o a_o brief_a abstract_n join_v together_o in_o one_o 2._o we_o deny_v that_o these_o form_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n and_o church-government_n be_v to_o have_v that_o authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o authenticknesse_n attribute_v to_o they_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v obtrude_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o church_n discipline_n judgement_n shall_v be_v make_v ex_fw-la formularum_fw-la terminis_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o such_o form_n we_o approve_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o nor_o will_v have_v their_o practice_n to_o be_v imitate_v of_o who_o our_o divine_n do_v heretofore_o just_o complain_v in_o that_o writing_n which_o zacharias_n vrsinus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o neostad_n oppose_v to_o the_o bergenses_n concordistae_fw-la who_o will_v obtrude_v the_o word_n of_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o luther_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a proceed_n see_v chap._n 4._o of_o that_o book_n where_o much_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o confession_n 3._o we_o judge_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o canon_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o be_v declaration_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o discipline_n badge_n and_o token_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n collect_v in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o ratify_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n after_o a_o diligent_a inquiry_n out_o of_o scripture_n wherein_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n pertain_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n gather_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o bundle_n be_v together_o and_o at_o once_o propose_v to_o a_o few_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o compare_v of_o all_o place_n wherein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o article_n the_o wholesome_a truth_n in_o each_o one_o be_v express_v and_o explain_v that_o the_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o
pastor_n from_o that_o function_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o p._n 66_o q._n 1._o whether_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v only_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o those_o church-member_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o true_o godly_a so_o as_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o more_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n to_o convert_v the_o stray_a soul_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n then_o all_o believer_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n bind_v to_o do_v question_n 2._o p._n 70._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n lawful_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o ordinary_a ministry_n he_o be_v not_o call_v question_n 3._o p._n 75_o whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o perpetual_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereby_o private_a man_n who_o bear_v no_o church-office_n may_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o explain_v and_o apply_v it_o for_o instruction_n confutation_n reprehension_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o hearer_n question_n 4._o p._n 84_o whether_o those_o infant_n who_o next_o parent_n do_v not_o by_o a_o solemn_a church-covenant_n join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o incapable_a of_o baptism_n and_o to_o have_v no_o right_n to_o church-priviledge_n chap._n vi_o of_o class_n and_o synod_n and_o their_o authority_n p._n 89_o q._n 1._o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v authoritative_o judge_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n so_o as_o that_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o decree_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n question_n 2._o p._n 103_o whether_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n question_n 3._o p._n 118_o whether_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n p._n 130_o q._n 1._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n question_n 2._o p._n 143_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v in_o the_o church_n prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n or_o whether_o those_o church_n who_o use_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n finis_fw-la we_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v delegate_n of_o the_o walacrian_a classis_fw-la do_v testify_v that_o our_o reverend_a colleague_n mr_n william_n apollonius_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o say_v classis_fw-la that_o in_o these_o sad_a trouble_n of_o england_n he_o shall_v by_o write_v set_v down_o what_o be_v the_o government_n practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n which_o we_o also_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o state_n that_o controversy_n by_o way_n of_o thesis_n and_o antithesis_n show_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o and_o that_o we_o have_v diligent_o peruse_v and_o approve_v that_o write_n of_o he_o we_o desire_v from_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o government_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v uniform_a observe_v in_o all_o reform_a church_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n we_o pray_v that_o the_o learned_a and_o worthy_a our_o brethren_n and_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n will_v be_v please_v fair_o to_o interpret_v this_o our_o affection_n jacobus_n d'herde_n precedent_n of_o the_o wallacrian_a classis_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la jodocus_n larenus_fw-la assessor_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la isaacus_n hoornbekius_n preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n cornelius_n beuckelarius_n preacher_n at_o vere_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o west-souburch_a maximilianus_n teellinck_fw-mi preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n this_o writing_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o prescript_n of_o the_o 46._o article_n of_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n establish_v by_o the_o most_o renown_a and_o noble_a the_o state_n of_o zealand_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o the_o word_n at_o west-souburch_a
bind_v by_o oath_n our_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o live_v under_o our_o power_n to_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n we_o may_v bind_v they_o also_o by_o law_n and_o canon_n to_o the_o same_o profession_n for_o of_o like_a thing_n there_o be_v like_a judgement_n question_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v in_o the_o church_n prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o c_o or_o whether_o those_o church_n who_o use_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n answer_n in_o this_o controversy_n we_o easy_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v write_v by_o ames_n upon_o this_o question_n in_o his_o case_n of_o conscience_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 17._o quaest_n 4._o and_o to_o what_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n have_v in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 36._o thes_n 33_o 34._o and_o that_o we_o may_v handle_v the_o question_n distinct_o 1._o we_o reject_v such_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v vicious_a for_o we_o may_v not_o in_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n propound_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a impertinent_a and_o unfitting_a which_o savour_v of_o superstition_n idolatry_n or_o heresy_n or_o carnal_a profaneness_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o introduce_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n and_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n introduce_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o last_o corrupt_a time_n by_o the_o hierarchicall_a bishop_n as_o which_o be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a do_v deface_v the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o glorious_a reformation_n and_o a_o church_n which_o take_v up_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n partake_v in_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o public_a worship_n which_o by_o a_o tyrannical_a and_o violent_a command_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o as_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n though_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v legitimat_o dispose_v yet_o for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduce_v they_o become_v illegitimate_a instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o pretence_n for_o perverse_a wickedness_n and_o occasion_n of_o violent_a tyranny_n against_o the_o worthy_a and_o best_a son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v not_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n who_o institution_n be_v not_o defective_a in_o the_o absolute_o necessary_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n any_o form_n prescribe_v as_o simple_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a wherein_o they_o have_v draw_v up_o a_o exact_a and_o immutable_a rule_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o church_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o method_n to_o which_o all_o faithful_a worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v to_o be_v precise_o bind_v 3._o the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o form_n whereby_o they_o be_v obtrude_v as_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o essential_a mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o a_o prescribe_v they_o whereby_o they_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n commend_v for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o those_o who_o want_v either_o sufficient_a ability_n or_o freedom_n of_o exercise_v it_o for_o the_o seemly_a expression_n of_o those_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v guide_v by_o they_o as_o help_v in_o their_o meditation_n petition_n word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o auditor_n especial_o in_o great_a congregation_n may_v by_o those_o form_n be_v help_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o uniformity_n observe_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o church_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o great_a edefication_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o judge_v those_o form_n as_o well_o public_o as_o private_o use_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o profitable_a so_o that_o they_o be_v read_v out_o of_o the_o book_n with_o due_a attention_n reverence_n faith_n and_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o zeal_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o he_o that_o be_v to_o perform_v those_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o fit_a word_n to_o express_v the_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o the_o help_a and_o direct_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o auditor_n thereby_o and_o for_o keep_v a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o we_o may_v in_o a_o prescript_n form_n sing_v psalm_n and_o offer_v thanksgiving_n to_o god_n with_o due_a reverence_n faith_n spiritual_a affection_n and_o zeal_n asaph_z and_o his_o brethren_n have_v form_n for_o the_o due_a praise_v of_o god_n prescribe_v they_o by_o david_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n whereof_o they_o be_v in_o set_a word_n to_o celebrate_v public_a thanksgiving_n see_v 1_o chron._n 16._o 7_o 8._o so_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o set-form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 2_o chron._n 7._o 6._o the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v numb_a 6._o 22_o 23._o 2_o chron_n 20._o 21._o esra_fw-la 3._o 10_o 11._o psal_n 92._o 1._o but_o now_o if_o thanksgiving_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n reverence_n and_o understanding_n and_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 15._o ephes_n 5._o 19_o col._n 3._o 16._o both_o lawful_o may_v be_v and_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o set_a form_n then_o also_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n may_v in_o set_a form_n be_v due_o and_o lawful_o conceive_v and_o offer_v to_o god_n for_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v kind_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o require_v the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n with_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o be_v observe_v the_o essentials_n and_o necessary_a requisite_n to_o all_o prayer_n but_o all_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v require_v to_o the_o due_a constitution_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o by_o the_o godly_a be_v observe_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n in_o prayer_n conceive_v in_o set_a form_n and_o pronounce_v out_o of_o a_o book_n therefore_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o scripture_n require_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o supplication_n and_o godly_a prayer_n but_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o sty_o dispose_v according_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n that_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n with_o reverence_n zeal_n humility_n and_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o due_o express_v our_o urge_v necessity_n but_o we_o know_v by_o certain_a experience_n that_o a_o prayer_n holy_a and_o lawful_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o may_v in_o a_o set_a form_n be_v pronounce_v and_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o necessity_n desire_n and_o zeal_n holiness_n of_o affection_n faith_n and_o religious_a motion_n of_o our_o will_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o according_a as_o our_o affair_n require_v the_o faithful_a read_v the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n with_o understanding_n humility_n reverence_n zeal_n religious_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a necessity_n and_o why_o may_v not_o prayer_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v pronounce_v in_o prescript_n form_n when_o as_o prayer_n differ_v in_o this_o only_a from_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o in_o the_o one_o our_o will_n be_v move_v towards_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v move_v by_o he_o but_o in_o the_o other_o our_o will_n be_v move_v towards_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o our_o desire_n as_o ames_n elsewhere_o observe_v 3._o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o lords-prayer_n not_o only_o as_o a_o pattern_n or_o platform_n according_a to_o