the_o doctrine_n of_o institute_v church_n explain_v and_o prove_v from_z the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o solomon_n stoddard_n a._n m._n minister_n of_o the_o gospâ—…_n northampton_n new-england_n london_n print_v for_o ralph_n smith_n at_o the_o bible_n under_o the_o piazâ—…_n exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1700._o the_o doctrine_n of_o institute_v church_n explain_v and_o prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god._n chap._n i._n the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v we_o sufficient_a light_n to_o direct_v we_o about_o institute_v church_n and_o all_o administration_n therein_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o institute_v church_n and_o the_o ordinance_n to_o be_v attend_v therein_o have_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a inquiry_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n and_o those_o inquiry_n have_v be_v accompany_v with_o great_a animosity_n discord_n and_o persecution_n those_o form_n and_o method_n that_o have_v be_v admire_v by_o some_o have_v be_v decry_v by_o other_o and_o multitude_n of_o people_n be_v leave_v at_o a_o loss_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a rule_n to_o guide_n we_o or_o any_o certainty_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o these_o thing_n two_o thing_n especial_o have_v hinder_v those_o that_o have_v be_v studious_a in_o these_o point_n from_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o other_o one_o of_o they_o be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v be_v exceed_o tenacious_a of_o the_o tradition_n and_o ancient_a usage_n of_o the_o church_n not_o consider_v how_o dismal_a a_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n do_v in_o a_o little_a time_n prevail_v whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o thing_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o as_o rule_n which_o be_v the_o blemish_n and_o error_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n they_o have_v a_o veneration_n for_o antiquity_n and_o adopt_v the_o say_n of_o ancient_a father_n for_o canonical_a the_o other_o be_v that_o some_o have_v attempt_v to_o compile_v a_o complete_a platform_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o newtestament_n alone_o look_v on_o all_o old_a testament_n rule_n relate_v to_o church_n affair_n as_o out_o of_o date_n but_o if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v our_o dependence_n upon_o tradition_n neither_o must_v we_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o search_v into_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n impartial_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n do_v full_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v perfect_o direct_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o in_o the_o family_n and_o in_o the_o commonwealth_n so_o in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o addition_n to_o the_o scripture_n there_o need_v a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n but_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o be_v add_v to_o it_o god_n do_v not_o give_v we_o some_o break_a piece_n of_o a_o platform_n but_o have_v reveal_v his_o whole_a will_n in_o that_o matter_n we_o be_v not_o leave_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o miss_v the_o rule_n or_o guess_v at_o it_o god_n have_v describe_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o church_n affair_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n psal_n 19.7_o 2_o tim._n 3.17,18_o man_n shall_v be_v blame_v for_o nothing_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n do_v condemn_v rev._n 20.12_o what_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o we_o and_o god_n have_v no_o where_o else_o reveal_v the_o rule_n but_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v no_o extraordinary_a prophet_n to_o reveal_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n so_o there_o be_v no_o unwritten_a tradition_n to_o make_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o rule_n in_o scripture_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o church_n affair_n 1._o general_n moral_a rule_n these_o rule_n give_v we_o light_v in_o many_o church_n affair_n so_o that_o rule_n of_o loving_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n mat._n 22.37,38,39_o so_o that_o rule_n of_o not_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n 1_o tim._n 5.22_o so_o that_o rule_n of_o peace_n and_o edification_n rom._n 14.19,20_o so_o that_o rule_n of_o do_v thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.20_o so_o that_o rule_n phil._n 4.8_o so_o that_o rule_n of_o humility_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o these_o rule_n and_o such_o like_v show_v we_o our_o duty_n in_o many_o case_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v many_o thing_n necessary_a which_o there_o be_v no_o institution_n about_o god_n be_v more_o particular_a with_o the_o jew_n because_o the_o church_n then_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n than_o he_o be_v with_o we_o so_o we_o have_v no_o institution_n how_o many_o elder_n to_o have_v in_o a_o church_n how_o often_o to_o pray_v or_o sing_v on_o the_o sabbath_n how_o often_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o so_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a institution_n for_o moderator_n in_o church_n in_o case_n of_o a_o vacancy_n of_o elder_n about_o preach_v without_o ordination_n about_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o particular_a church_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o other_o particular_n about_o fast_n matter_n of_o discipline_n the_o age_n of_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o moral_a rule_n 2._o many_o thing_n that_o be_v command_v in_o church_n affair_n be_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o moral_a rule_n and_o so_o do_v need_v a_o institution_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n occasional_o command_v which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o divine_a institution_n that_o be_v not_o branch_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o proper_a deduction_n from_o moral_a rule_n so_o that_o about_o reconciliation_n to_o a_o offend_a brother_n matth._n 5.23,24_o for_o christ_n do_v not_o now_o make_v new_a jewish_a institution_n so_o that_o about_o private_a deal_n with_o a_o offend_a brother_n matth._n 18.15,16_o so_o those_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 5.17,19_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o many_o other_o be_v plain_a moral_a duty_n 3._o moral_a rule_n must_v be_v attend_v in_o church_n affair_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n rule_n for_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v for_o peace_n edification_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n bound_v in_o ecclesiastical_a case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o civil_a and_o domestical_a therefore_o they_o be_v general_o propound_v phil._n 4.8_o yea_o there_o be_v more_o weight_n to_o be_v lay_v on_o they_o then_o on_o institution_n mar._n 12.33_o we_o must_v never_o act_n contrary_a to_o moral_a rule_n church_n be_v bind_v to_o moral_a rule_n as_o well_o as_o other_o society_n we_o have_v n2o_n liberty_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n house_n to_o break_v moral_a rule_n 2._o old_a testament_n institution_n a_o great_a part_n of_o old_a testament_n institution_n be_v abolish_v all_o typical_a law_n be_v out_o of_o date_n but_o some_o institution_n that_o be_v in_o force_n then_o be_v in_o force_n now_o thus_o church_n society_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n fast_n thanksgiving_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v still_o consider_v 1._o they_o and_o we_o be_v under_o the_o same_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o same_o way_n of_o salvation_n then_o as_o now_o they_o be_v under_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o save_v by_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o we_o heb._n 4.2_o hence_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n common_a to_o they_o and_o we_o hence_o the_o people_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n must_v be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o visible_a union_n to_o christ_n they_o and_o we_o must_v have_v sign_n represent_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.3,4_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o same_o under_o both_o testament_n a_o church_n be_v not_o one_o kind_a of_o thing_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o another_o in_o the_o new_a but_o it_o have_v the_o same_o essence_n and_o definition_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o form_n be_v the_o same_o the_o church_n then_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o relation_n to_o god_n be_v appoint_v for_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n as_o now_o 3._o there_o be_v several_a ordinance_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o have_v no_o particular_a reference_n to_o the_o time_n before_o christ_n or_o to_o any_o particular_a condition_n of_o that_o people_n and_o such_o ordinance_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o force_n still_o as_o their_z have_v a_o holy_a convocation_n leu._n 23.13_o so_o much_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o priest_n they_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n deut._n 33.10_o they_o be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n num._n 6.23_o so_o it_o be_v their_o manner_n in_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o blessing_n to_o lay_v on_o hand_n so_o excommunication_n which_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o
some_o thing_n in_o those_o psalm_n be_v not_o so_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a case_n so_o it_o be_v in_o what_o we_o read_v yet_o those_o psalm_n be_v very_o suitable_a for_o we_o to_o meditate_v upon_o and_o contain_v in_o they_o much_o instruction_n and_o encouragement_n and_o because_o they_o be_v indict_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o excite_v the_o working_n of_o grace_n than_o such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o private_a composure_n a_o three_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o preach_a and_o teach_v of_o the_o word_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28.19.20_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o a_o minister_n be_v call_v a_o preacher_n rom._n 12.14_o this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o advance_v the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n and_o edification_n of_o saint_n although_o it_o be_v the_o special_a office_n and_o duty_n of_o teach_v elder_n and_o ordain_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o preach_v be_v a_o moral_a duty_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o ordain_v minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n yea_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o such_o man_n who_o be_v not_o devote_v to_o the_o ministry_n provide_v they_o have_v suitable_a ability_n the_o read_n of_o large_a portion_n of_o scripture_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n day_n which_o be_v constant_o practise_v by_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v not_o so_o particular_o now_o require_v by_o god_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o it_o in_o those_o age_n when_o the_o world_n have_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o preach_v but_o there_o be_v no_o institution_n require_v any_o such_o service_n of_o we_o any_o further_a than_o the_o rule_n of_o edification_n call_v for_o it_o minister_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o observe_v any_o particular_a method_n in_o their_o preach_v they_o may_v preach_v either_o by_o expound_v some_o portion_n of_o scripture_n or_o by_o raise_v a_o doctrine_n from_o a_o particular_a text_n and_o apply_v of_o it_o or_o by_o explain_v of_o a_o catechism_n or_o in_o any_o other_o profitable_a way_n minister_n have_v power_n to_o catechise_v their_o hearer_n not_o only_o that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o fitness_n to_o participate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o also_o in_o order_n to_o their_o growth_n in_o knowledge_n though_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o many_o person_n be_v inquisitive_a and_o studious_a yet_o there_o be_v many_o other_o who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confide_v in_o and_o the_o minister_n have_v power_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o pastoral_a charge_n to_o see_v that_o they_o learn_v reason_n dictate_v this_o to_o be_v a_o most_o suitable_a method_n as_o in_o the_o learning_n of_o art_n and_o language_n so_o in_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o most_o proper_a and_o profitable_a way_n of_o teach_v be_v to_o be_v use_v by_o minister_n a_o four_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v baptism_n this_o be_v a_o ordinance_n appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a ordinance_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v publish_v by_o john_n before_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o institution_n but_o afterward_o declare_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o the_o form_n afterward_o use_v by_o john_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v that_o they_o do_v baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act._n 19.5_o but_o see_v christ_n do_v express_o command_v his_o apostle_n before_o his_o ascension_n to_o baptise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o first_o teacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v use_v any_o other_o form_n and_o when_o we_o read_v that_o the_o samaritan_n be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act._n 8.18_o and_o that_o peter_n order_v that_o cornelius_n and_o his_o company_n shall_v be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n act._n 10.48_o no_o more_o seem_v to_o be_v intend_v by_o it_o than_o their_o be_v baptise_a according_o to_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o person_n that_o be_v send_v to_o administer_v baptism_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n matth._n 28.19,20_o though_o the_o apostle_n do_v sometime_o decline_v it_o yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o they_o commit_v it_o to_o inferior_a minister_n after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o do_v not_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o people_n but_o to_o his_o disciple_n john_n 4.2_o therefore_o such_o preacher_n as_o be_v not_o ordain_v minister_n be_v not_o to_o baptise_v baptism_n may_v be_v administer_v either_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n or_o in_o private_a there_o be_v no_o appointment_n that_o necessitate_v the_o public_a performance_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o do_v necessitate_v it_o and_o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n do_v it_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n both_o public_o and_o private_o act._n 8.38_o and_o 9.18_o and_o 16.33_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o person_n be_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n before_o they_o be_v baptise_a person_n before_o they_o be_v member_n of_o any_o particular_a congregation_n may_v have_v that_o qualification_n that_o give_v they_o a_o right_n to_o baptism_n viz._n visible_a saintship_n many_o that_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o first_o time_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o any_o particular_a congregation_n of_o christian_n and_o though_o many_o of_o they_o do_v belong_v to_o particular_a jewish_a congregation_n or_o synagogue_n yet_o some_o do_v not_o act._n 16.33_o such_o adult_n person_n as_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o be_v moral_o sincere_a be_v to_o be_v baptise_a as_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o john_n christ_n himself_o philip_n and_o other_o who_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o none_o be_v refuse_v that_o do_v serious_o tender_v themselves_o to_o be_v baptise_a such_o infant_n as_o be_v descend_v from_o the_o covenant_n people_n of_o god_n by_o either_o parent_n be_v to_o be_v baptise_a 1_o cor._n 7.14_o such_o infant_n as_o do_v descend_v from_o parent_n that_o be_v under_o church_n consure_n for_o immorality_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v baptism_n because_o excommunication_n do_v not_o cut_v man_n off_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n such_o infant_n as_o be_v the_o child_n of_o heathen_n belong_v to_o the_o family_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o covenant_n and_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a when_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 7.14_o else_o be_v your_o child_n unclean_a he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o but_o when_o they_o be_v take_v into_o the_o family_n of_o christian_n they_o do_v become_v holy_a such_o be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a under_o the_o law_n a_o five_o part_n of_o worship_n be_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a ordinance_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o such_o professoâ—…â—f_a the_o christian_a faith_n as_o be_v of_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o have_v knowledge_n to_o exaâ—…_n themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n three_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o admission_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n first_o visible_a saintship_n and_o that_o be_v find_v in_o such_o person_n all_o professor_n walk_v blameless_o be_v visible_a saint_n the_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v often_o call_v saint_n in_o the_o scripture_n who_o do_v give_v no_o further_o evidence_n of_o their_o saintship_n a_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n join_v with_o a_o good_a conversation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o charity_n these_o be_v mark_n that_o we_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o judge_n of_o man_n saintship_n by_o the_o apostle_n do_v accept_v of_o such_o person_n for_o visible_a saint_n man_n that_o have_v these_o character_n be_v not_o visible_o wicked_a therefore_o they_o be_v visible_a saint_n these_o property_n be_v the_o proper_a fruit_n of_o saintship_n and_o therefore_o constitute_v man_n visible_a saint_n such_o a_o profession_n as_o be_v sincere_a make_v a_o man_n a_o real_a saint_n be_v moral_o sincere_a make_v a_o man_n a_o visible_a saint_n that_o whereby_o godly_a man_n do_v make_v their_o saintship_n visible_a do_v make_v man_n visible_a saint_n viz._n a_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o good_a conversation_n a_o second_o requisite_a be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o scandalous_a a_o
the_o christian_a church_n matth._n 18.17_o 4._o we_o be_v refer_v in_o some_o case_n to_o those_o institution_n god_n send_v we_o to_o the_o law_n for_o light_n direct_v we_o to_o do_v as_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o about_o woman_n not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o so_o about_o the_o maintenance_n of_o minister_n gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9.13,14_o 3._o new_a testament_n institution_n there_o be_v some_o institution_n appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v few_o principal_o what_o officer_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o first_o day_n sabbath_n 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o temporal_a and_o perpetual_a institution_n some_o institution_n be_v only_o for_o a_o time_n as_o the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o sick_a with_o oil_n jam._n 5.14_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v baptism_n matth._n 20._o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o these_o ordinance_n will_v not_o be_v remove_v as_o jewish_a ceremony_n heb._n 13.28_o 2._o distinguish_v between_o approve_a practice_n and_o institution_n there_o be_v many_o practice_n and_o institution_n there_o be_v many_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o be_v approve_v yet_o not_o bind_v to_o we_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v seven_o deacon_n act_n 6.5_o they_o do_v baptise_v in_o private_a house_n act._n 10.33_o christ_n send_v out_o his_o disciple_n two_o and_o two_o luk._n 10.1_o this_o do_v not_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v institution_n that_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o one_o case_n that_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o another_o one_o or_o two_o example_n show_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o practice_n but_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o bind_a rule_n chap._n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o institute_v church_n explain_v the_o word_n church_n be_v use_v equivocal_o there_o be_v three_o sense_n especial_o wherein_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n first_o it_o be_v take_v for_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_o unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n eph._n 5.27_o that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n second_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v profess_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o they_o that_o be_v visible_a christian_n 1_o cor._n 15.9_o i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o institute_v church_n this_o church_n be_v invest_v by_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n and_o be_v thus_o define_v a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n join_v together_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o constant_a carry_v on_o of_o his_o public_a worship_n a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n a_o single_a person_n be_v not_o a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v a_o collection_n or_o congregative_a body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_n hence_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n and_o other_o câ—…ective_a body_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v saint_n by_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 11.12_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n to_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n psal_n 79.12,11_o psal_n 1._o none_o be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o institute_v church_n but_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n particular_a church_n be_v but_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n therefore_o must_v be_v holy_a therefore_o society_n of_o papist_n be_v abusive_o call_v church_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o for_o the_o public_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o family_n join_v together_o for_o the_o private_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o church_n we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n col._n 4.15_o because_o there_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v attend_v the_o church_n do_v join_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o public_a worship_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o dispense_n of_o censure_n in_o a_o public_a way_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o for_o the_o constant_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n corporate_a which_o may_v continue_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n it_o be_v not_o any_o occasional_a meeting_n together_o that_o give_v be_v to_o a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v a_o stand_a society_n not_o depend_v on_o any_o occasional_a meeting_n therefore_o a_o congregation_n that_o meet_v together_o on_o a_o lecture_n day_n from_o several_a town_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v not_o a_o church_n neither_o have_v any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n yea_o a_o synod_n that_o meet_v now_o and_o then_o occasional_o though_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o representative_a church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v choose_v for_o a_o particular_a occasion_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n christ_n have_v give_v a_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v together_o and_o if_o man_n join_v in_o worship_v with_o a_o church_n irregular_o that_o do_v not_o make_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o one_o town_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n do_v join_v constant_o in_o worship_v with_o another_o church_n that_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n quest_n who_o be_v visible_a saint_n answ_n this_o question_n have_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a debate_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o great_a contention_n in_o the_o church_n we_o may_v not_o count_v those_o only_a to_o be_v saint_n who_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n give_v considerable_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v saint_n we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v not_o countenance_v any_o such_o opinion_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o make_v baptise_a person_n and_o visible_a saint_n to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o person_n must_v be_v visible_a saint_n before_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o some_o that_o be_v baptise_a may_v cease_v to_o be_v visible_a saint_n neither_o be_v they_o only_o visible_a saint_n that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n join_v with_o a_o holy_a conversation_n some_o man_n may_v behave_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o deserve_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o yet_o be_v visible_a saint_n visible_a saintship_n and_o real_a saintship_n may_v consist_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o iniquity_n in_o the_o conversation_n for_o a_o time_n visible_a saint_n be_v such_o as_o make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n together_o with_o those_o that_o do_v descend_v from_o they_o till_o reject_v of_o god_n 1._o such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v visible_a saint_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n do_v real_o accept_v of_o such_o not_o wait_v to_o see_v what_o their_o conversation_n will_v be_v act._n 16,14,15_o so_o do_v john_n luk._n 7.29,30_o such_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v without_o delay_n 2._o their_o infant_n seed_n be_v likewise_o visible_a saint_n god_n give_v that_o testimony_n for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o such_o also_o as_o descend_v from_o they_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n until_o they_o be_v reject_v by_o god_n be_v visible_a saint_n for_o they_o that_o be_v visible_a saint_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o till_o god_n have_v cast_v they_o off_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n if_o they_o shall_v carry_v it_o wicked_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o heresy_n yet_o they_o be_v visible_a saint_n till_o god_n have_v reject_v they_o and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n may_v show_v his_o rejection_n of_o they_o one_o be_v when_o they_o do_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o heathen_a or_o antichristian_a society_n the_o other_o be_v when_o the_o people_n that_o they_o belong_v unto_o and_o they_o with_o they_o be_v unchurch_v by_o god_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n as_o a_o civil_a society_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o town_n or_o more_o town_n so_o a_o institute_v church_n
choose_v its_o own_o servant_n phebe_n be_v call_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 6.2_o so_o be_v widow_n for_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v so_o their_o sexton_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v oversee_v the_o building_n or_o any_o other_o servant_n that_o may_v be_v for_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o church_n this_o church_n privilege_n of_o choose_v officer_n do_v only_o belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n the_o brethren_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v the_o deacon_n act._n 6.3_o and_o woman_n have_v not_o power_n in_o this_o matter_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 2.12_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o subjection_n which_o god_n have_v put_v they_o into_o if_o they_o may_v vote_n they_o may_v over-rule_v the_o man_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n those_o male_n that_o be_v not_o their_o own_o master_n as_o child_n that_o be_v not_o at_o their_o own_o dispose_n and_o servant_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o church_n they_o that_o be_v not_o free_a be_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o this_o liberty_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o officer_n of_o congregational_a church_n and_o their_o power_n the_o officer_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v either_o elder_n or_o deacon_n the_o elder_n be_v either_o teach_v elder_n or_o rule_v elder_n the_o work_n of_o the_o teach_v elder_n lie_v principal_o in_o these_o five_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n both_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o private_o in_o case_n of_o sickness_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o administer_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o together_o with_o the_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n such_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v suitable_o qualify_v but_o not_o in_o office_n may_v upon_o occasion_n discharge_v some_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o those_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o natural_a worship_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o as_o pray_v and_o preach_v but_o such_o ministerial_a act_n as_o do_v depend_v whole_o upon_o institution_n they_o may_v not_o perform_v as_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o dispence_n of_o censure_n and_o a_o authoritative_a blessing_n these_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o institution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v do_v only_o according_a to_o a_o institution_n a_o teach_v elder_a by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v his_o work_n in_o that_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o perform_v act_n of_o office_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o to_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n assemble_v with_o his_o own_o church_n pastoral_a power_n over_o a_o particular_a church_n give_v he_o no_o power_n over_o any_o that_o be_v of_o that_o church_n his_o relation_n to_o they_o give_v he_o no_o power_n over_o any_o other_o but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n stand_v in_o a_o more_o general_a relation_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n some_o that_o be_v not_o pastor_n to_o particular_a congregation_n be_v yet_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pastor_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o may_v do_v act_n of_o office_n to_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o assemble_v with_o 〈◊〉_d own_o and_o towards_o other_o church_n be_v desire_v when_o he_o can_v convenient_o be_v spare_v from_o his_o own_o and_o towards_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n the_o levite_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o any_o particular_a synagogue_n paul_n have_v office_n power_n over_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n act._n 26.17,18_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v barnabas_n to_o antiock_n to_o officiate_v as_o a_o minister_n act._n 11._o and_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o preach_v have_v also_o to_o baptise_v mat._n 28.19,20_o we_o find_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o baptise_v such_o as_o he_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o commit_v that_o work_n to_o some_o other_o inferior_a minister_n that_o be_v in_o company_n with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 1.14_o and_o this_o he_o do_v after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n john_n 4.2_o there_o be_v need_n that_o some_o have_v office-power_n now_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o there_o may_v be_v several_a now_o that_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o as_o well_o as_o cornelius_n the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o jallor_n and_o other_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o service_n the_o teach_v officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o baptise_v and_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v make_v the_o judge_n by_o god_n what_o person_n those_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n either_o of_o the_o brethren_n or_o rule_v elder_n any_o way_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o affair_n or_o limit_v he_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v advise_v with_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o shall_v baptise_v such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o as_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o so_o the_o judge_a concern_v those_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v unto_o as_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o subject_n to_o teach_v upon_o and_o as_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v so_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o join_v with_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n these_o officer_n be_v call_v government_n 1_o cor._n 12._o such_o as_o rule_v rom._n 12._o distinguish_v from_o such_o as_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5._o the_o teach_v elder_n with_o the_o rule_v elder_n make_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v the_o power_n of_o censure_v offender_n in_o the_o church_n and_o absolve_v of_o penitent_n do_v belong_v alone_o to_o these_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v overrule_v by_o the_o brethren_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o rule_v well_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o elder_n therefore_o not_o to_o control_v they_o in_o their_o government_n heb._n 12.17_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o ruler_n and_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act._n 18._o deut._n 21.5_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o they_o matth._n 16.18_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o elder_a and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o personal_a reward_n of_o his_o profession_n obj._n matth._n 18.17_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n this_o imply_v the_o power_n of_o the_o brethren_n answ_n 1._o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o civil_a 2._o it_o be_v not_o harsh_a by_o the_o church_n to_o intend_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n see_v numb_a 24.25_o 3._o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o the_o day_n when_o it_o be_v speak_v and_o there_o be_v now_o no_o church_n in_o be_v but_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o which_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n be_v with_o the_o elder_n obj._n 1_o cor._n 5.1,4_o the_o church_n be_v order_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o his_o punishment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o answ_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v only_o require_v to_o publish_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n from_o paul_n 2._o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n to_o attribute_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ruler_n to_o the_o public_a society_n as_o when_o god_n require_v that_o the_o people_n of_o judah_n do_v act_n of_o public_a justice_n he_o do_v not_o
intend_v that_o the_o people_n shall_v intrude_v into_o that_o work_n but_o that_o the_o ruler_n do_v it_o 3._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o punishment_n be_v inflict_v by_o many_o it_o may_v be_v read_v before_o many_o deacon_n be_v choose_v at_o first_o to_o have_v a_o oversight_n of_o the_o poor_a act._n 6._o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o plain_o declare_v to_o be_v their_o work_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v intimate_v rom._n 12.8_o that_o it_o be_v their_o work_n to_o show_v mercy_n and_o to_o give_v it_o be_v general_o put_v upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n about_o the_o minister_n due_n and_o about_o the_o provision_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o be_v gather_v from_o that_o phrase_n act._n 6.2_o it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o church_n officer_n to_o do_v all_o that_o work_n which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o see_v do_v some_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v by_o servant_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o ordination_n of_o church_n officer_n there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v ordain_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o those_o that_o have_v a_o regular_a call_n to_o those_o office_n ordination_n be_v the_o admission_n of_o person_n into_o their_o office_n or_o the_o consummation_n of_o their_o call_n needful_a to_o the_o regular_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n it_o include_v in_o it_o first_o a_o solemn_a implore_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o their_o office_n two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a unto_o a_o call_n one_o be_v the_o approbation_n or_o invitation_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v entrust_v with_o that_o care_n the_o other_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o person_n invite_v the_o former_a may_v be_v a_o call_n to_o the_o latter_a and_o bind_v the_o person_n to_o accept_v but_o there_o must_v be_v both_o before_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o enter_v immediate_o upon_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n before_o he_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n as_o a_o officer_n the_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o congregation_n the_o invitation_n of_o that_o church_n be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o further_a approbation_n act._n 6.7_o god_n have_v appoint_v all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n the_o choice_n of_o a_o church_n be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o further_a approbation_n unto_o the_o call_n of_o elder_n as_o when_o luther_n and_o other_o break_v off_o from_o popery_n yet_o elder_n have_v not_o only_a power_n over_o their_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o over_o other_o and_o god_n have_v commit_v to_o national_a and_o provincial_a church_n the_o care_n of_o particular_a congregation_n it_o be_v requisite_a when_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o approbation_n of_o man_n choose_v to_o be_v elder_n by_o some_o depute_a by_o the_o national_a or_o provincial_a church_n furthermore_o some_o person_n be_v to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o office_n of_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v no_o call_n to_o any_o particular_a congregation_n there_o be_v need_n that_o they_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o some_o depute_a by_o the_o church_n in_o that_o country_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o act_n of_o ordination_n aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o ordination_n viz._n the_o signify_v approbation_n and_o the_o obtain_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o he_o sometime_o we_o find_v that_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v ordain_v a_o person_n to_o extraordinary_a office_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o sometime_o we_o find_v that_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v ordain_v ordinary_a officer_n act._n 14.23_o and_o there_o be_v command_v give_v to_o extraordinary_a officer_n to_o ordain_v ordinary_a 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tit._n 5._o sometime_o we_o find_v that_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o ordinary_a have_v join_v in_o the_o ordain_v of_o extraordinary_a act._n 13.1,5_o sometime_o we_o find_v that_o ordinary_a officer_n have_v ordain_v a_o extraordinary_a officer_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o in_o a_o provincial_a church_n that_o be_v in_o order_n minister_n ought_v to_o be_v ordain_v by_o such_o elder_n as_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o public_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n of_o the_o land_n in_o such_o country_n where_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o order_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v ordain_v by_o some_o suitable_a person_n depute_v by_o the_o neighbour_a elder_n but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n minister_n may_v be_v ordain_v by_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n appoint_v by_o the_o church_n to_o that_o service_n the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o elder_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o or_o by_o the_o brethren_n in_o case_n there_o be_v none_o a_o minister_n remove_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o may_v be_v ordain_v a_o second_o time_n as_o paul_n be_v and_o probable_o timothy_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n in_o some_o place_n to_o give_v to_o church_n at_o their_o constitution_n and_o to_o minister_n at_o their_o ordination_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o that_o be_v any_o more_o than_o a_o civil_a act_n if_o it_o be_v a_o institution_n we_o be_v to_o seek_v whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v to_o all_o those_o person_n that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o and_o when_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o worship_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v in_o congregational_a church_n the_o end_n of_o this_o constitution_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n herein_o they_o differ_v from_o civil_a society_n that_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o management_n of_o civil_a affair_n the_o first_o part_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v prayer_n prayer_n which_o include_v in_o it_o beside_o petition_n confession_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n prayer_n be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n worship_n psal_n 107.32_o psal_n 149.1_o this_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o church_n act._n 1.14_o act._n 4.24_o act._n 6.4_o these_o public_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v ordinary_o perform_v by_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o vacancy_n it_o may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o rule_v elder_n or_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n but_o ordinary_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n act._n 6.4_o these_o public_a prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o read_n of_o prescribe_a form_n of_o prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o minister_n there_o may_v be_v some_o exempt_a case_n wherein_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o a_o man_n to_o pray_v in_o a_o form_n which_o they_o have_v learned_a out_o of_o a_o book_n but_o the_o impose_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n on_o man_n be_v a_o addition_n to_o divine_a institution_n and_o the_o ordinary_a practise_v of_o it_o be_v of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n it_o quench_v and_o stifle_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n indulge_v man_n in_o idleness_n and_o be_v very_o unprofitable_a to_o other_o the_o second_o part_n of_o worship_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o church_n be_v sing_v of_o psalm_n this_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n not_o belong_v peculiarly_a to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o christ_n with_o his_o disciple_n do_v practice_v it_o so_o afterward_o paul_n and_o silas_n act._n 16._o and_o we_o have_v positive_a command_n for_o it_o eph._n 5.16_o col._n 3.16_o jam._n 5.13_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o god_n give_v to_o all_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o manner_n sometime_o for_o one_o man_n to_o sing_v a_o psalm_n and_o the_o congregation_n to_o say_v amen_o 1_o cor._n 14.15,16_o but_o now_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o join_v together_o in_o sing_v of_o psalm_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n do_v and_o as_o moses_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n do_v exod._n 15.1_o as_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v the_o psalm_n of_o david_n so_o though_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o sing_v psalm_n of_o a_o private_a composure_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o sing_v the_o psalm_n of_o david_n and_o other_o scripture_n psalm_n the_o apostle_n when_o he_o direct_v we_o to_o sing_v psalm_n hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n eph._n col._n 3._o have_v a_o manifest_a respect_n to_o the_o division_n of_o david_n psalm_n
man_n that_o be_v real_o and_o visible_o godly_a may_v fall_v into_o a_o scandal_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v forbid_v to_o participate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o when_o their_o conversation_n be_v good_a they_o can_v be_v hinder_v upon_o that_o account_n a_o three_o requisite_a be_v that_o they_o have_v knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o infant_n be_v deny_v the_o lord_n supper_n those_o adult_n person_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o adult_a person_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n ordinary_o have_v all_o those_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o be_v of_o good_a conversation_n they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o ordinance_n they_o may_v soon_o be_v sufficient_o inform_v two_o thing_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n one_o be_v that_o they_o ready_o admit_v such_o into_o the_o church_n as_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n act._n 2._o act._n 6._o we_o never_o read_v that_o ever_o they_o deny_v admission_n to_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o make_v that_o profession_n the_o other_o be_v that_o all_o that_o be_v thus_o receive_v by_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 10.17_o act._n 2.24_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n of_o the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o communicant_n and_o non-communicants_a those_o that_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o all_o professor_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conversation_n and_o knowledge_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o participate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o man_n have_v not_o these_o qualification_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v immediate_o to_o participate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n if_o they_o shall_v but_o have_v these_o qualification_n they_o be_v bind_v provide_v they_o have_v opportunity_n christ_n have_v lay_v this_o law_n upon_o professor_n 1_o cor._n 11.24,25_o the_o person_n here_o command_v be_v not_o only_o true_a believer_n than_o none_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o those_o that_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a believer_n then_o the_o church_n authority_n can_v require_v none_o but_o true_a believer_n to_o come_v the_o person_n therefore_o require_v to_o partake_v be_v such_o professor_n as_o carry_v it_o inoffensive_o and_o if_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o come_v the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o they_o may_v not_o hinder_v any_o man_n from_o do_v his_o duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n assign_v why_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v debar_v from_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v debar_v for_o not_o give_v the_o high_a evidence_n of_o sincerity_n there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o law_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o any_o shall_v be_v debar_v church_n privilege_n because_o they_o do_v not_o give_v the_o high_a evidence_n of_o sincerity_n nor_o for_o want_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o believe_v man_n to_o be_v visible_a saint_n from_o their_o infancy_n till_o they_o be_v forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o yet_o not_o capable_a of_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o want_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o grace_n they_o that_o have_v the_o least_o grace_n need_v to_o have_v it_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n or_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v continue_v without_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v utter_o unreasonable_a to_o deny_v the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o not_o lay_v they_o under_o censure_n if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o offence_n as_o to_o be_v deny_v the_o lord_n supper_n why_o be_v they_o not_o censure_v if_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v censure_v why_o be_v they_o keep_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v some_o scripture_n that_o have_v be_v think_v to_o hold_v forth_o a_o need_n of_o somewhat_o further_o in_o order_n to_o participation_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o if_o they_o be_v examine_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v strain_v beyond_o the_o import_n of_o they_o psal_n 6.16_o david_n say_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v argue_v that_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o david_n do_v respect_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n do_v it_o follow_v because_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o talk_v of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o law_n to_o bind_v he_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o david_n offer_v to_o do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o his_o join_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n act._n 2.37_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o many_o other_o be_v join_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o who_o we_o read_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o here_o be_v no_o live_a rule_n that_o other_o must_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n before_o their_o admission_n yea_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o do_v not_o declare_v their_o trouble_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o in_o order_n to_o their_o direction_n yea_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o these_o man_n be_v under_o a_o work_n of_o conversion_n at_o this_o time_n they_o may_v be_v godly_a man_n before_o the_o thing_n that_o sting_v they_o be_v a_o national_a sin_n which_o in_o probability_n they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v stranger_n come_v up_o to_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o crucify_a of_o christ_n act._n 9.26,27_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n refuse_v to_o admit_v paul_n to_o their_o communion_n till_o they_o be_v inform_v by_o barnabas_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o paul_n do_v then_o desire_v to_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n possible_o it_o may_v be_v only_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v he_o be_v not_o any_o doubt_n whether_o his_o conversion_n be_v sincere_a but_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a as_o if_o in_o a_o popish_a country_n one_o who_o have_v be_v a_o violent_a persecutor_n shall_v essay_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o protestant_a congregation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o until_o they_o be_v inform_v that_o he_o be_v become_v a_o protestant_n this_o be_v no_o foundation_n to_o require_v of_o all_o that_o join_v to_o the_o church_n a_o accout_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o man_n be_v require_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o here_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v their_o experience_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o persecution_n v._o 14._o and_o because_o he_o direct_v they_o to_o give_v their_o answer_n with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n quest_n here_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o such_o person_n as_o have_v a_o good_a conversation_n and_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n may_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o case_n they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a condition_n answ_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o come_v though_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a condition_n this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v for_o all_o the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o scandalous_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v attend_v by_o they_o
constant_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o protestant_a church_n but_o some_o in_o latter_a time_n do_v make_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o church_n that_o there_o be_v national_a church_n do_v appear_v first_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o man_n be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o man_n be_v fit_v for_o society_n and_o the_o great_a end_n why_o he_o be_v so_o be_v that_o in_o society_n he_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o lesser_a society_n ought_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n so_o that_o kingdom_n and_o country_n shall_v join_v together_o in_o promote_a and_o advance_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o that_o be_v one_o people_n shall_v unite_n together_o in_o carry_v on_o god_n worship_n and_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o that_o body_n nature_n teach_v that_o every_o kingdom_n shall_v see_v that_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v attend_v in_o the_o several_a congregation_n therein_o 2_o dly_z from_o god_n appoint_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v one_o church_n act._n 7.38_o and_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o new_a form_n of_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o church_n appoint_v now_o congregational_a church_n be_v no_o new_a kind_n of_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o old_a institution_n for_o euâ—…y_a synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o congregational_a church_n they_o have_v ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o government_n in_o they_o they_o be_v call_v church_n by_o christ_n matth._n 18.17_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n institution_n do_v continue_v still_o appear_v partly_o because_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v subordinate_a to_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o national_a church_n and_o do_v attend_v jewish_a ordinance_n and_o thâ—…fore_o by_o institution_n christian_a congregation_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o subordinate_a to_o a_o national_a church_n it_o be_v further_a evident_a because_o the_o jewish_a national_a church_n do_v not_o cease_v as_o their_o ceremony_n do_v because_o their_o date_n be_v out_o but_o because_o they_o reject_v christ_n rom._n 11.20_o have_v they_o keep_v god_n covenant_n they_o will_v have_v continue_v a_o national_a church_n to_o this_o day_n 3_o lie_v from_o the_o public_a covenant_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o a_o profess_v people_n god_n make_v a_o public_a covenant_n between_o he_o and_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n wherein_o he_o engage_v public_a prosperity_n unto_o they_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o all_o profess_v country_n be_v under_o the_o same_o covenant_n for_o substance_n the_o promise_n and_o so_o the_o threaten_n declare_v be_v of_o force_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o we_o have_v the_o like_a encouragement_n to_o obedience_n that_o they_o have_v and_o be_v in_o the_o like_a danger_n in_o case_n of_o â—…sobedience_n god_n deal_v with_o profess_v country_n at_o this_o day_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o covenant_n those_o promise_n will_v never_o be_v out_o of_o date_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n god_n make_v the_o same_o to_o israel_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n of_o their_o restoration_n this_o abundant_o witness_v that_o every_o christian_a nation_n be_v a_o church_n if_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o they_o upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n than_o they_o be_v a_o society_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n than_o they_o be_v one_o body_n in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o the_o part_n and_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o see_v the_o covenant_n keep_v if_o they_o be_v in_o covenant_n and_o have_v not_o power_n to_o make_v the_o several_a part_n to_o keep_v covenant_n the_o covenant_n will_v be_v a_o snare_n to_o they_o particular_a society_n may_v bring_v guilt_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v no_o power_n to_o remove_v it_o if_o they_o be_v all_o engage_v in_o one_o individual_a covenant_n the_o country_n have_v power_n to_o regulate_v all_o maleadministration_n that_o any_o of_o the_o part_n be_v guilty_a of_o if_o they_o be_v in_o one_o individual_a covenant_n they_o be_v as_o one_o body_n expouse_v by_o god_n the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o one_o church_n here_o be_v all_o that_o make_v israel_n to_o be_v a_o church_n therefore_o such_o a_o people_n be_v a_o church_n 4_o lie_v from_o the_o promise_n that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o make_v gentile_a nation_n to_o be_v his_o people_n god_n do_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o set_v up_o soâ—…_n church_n among_o the_o gentile_n but_o to_o take_v whole_a nation_n into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o isa_n 24.22_o and_o it_o be_v express_o foretell_v by_o christ_n that_o whole_a nation_n shall_v receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o become_v church_n matth._n 21.43_o yea_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o when_o israel_n be_v convert_v they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n as_o former_o the_o same_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o eâ—…iel_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o obedience_n as_o be_v make_v to_o they_o in_o deutrenomy_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n will_v be_v one_o church_n when_o they_o be_v restore_v than_o it_o will_v be_v so_o with_o every_o other_o christian_a nation_n the_o difference_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o abolish_v 5._o because_o the_o supreme_a ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o particular_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n than_o every_o particular_a â—…ngregation_n be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a and_o not_o responsable_a to_o â—…y_v high_a power_n this_o be_v too_o lordly_a a_o principle_n it_o be_v too_o ambitious_a a_o thing_n for_o every_o small_a congregation_n to_o arrogate_v such_o a_o uncontrollable_a power_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o none_o on_o earth_n this_o be_v neither_o a_o probable_a way_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n nor_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o church_n member_n appeal_v 〈◊〉_d admit_v in_o all_o kingdom_n and_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o in_o a_o whâ—…_n country_n person_n may_v be_v find_v that_o may_v rectify_v the_o miscarriaâ—…_n of_o particular_a congregation_n than_o that_o particular_a congregation_n will_v not_o miscarry_v this_o absoluteness_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o dignity_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v not_o enjoy_v this_o be_v not_o the_o common_a privilege_n of_o gospel_n church_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o seem_v that_o god_n give_v they_o this_o power_n because_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o government_n can_v not_o then_o be_v practise_v the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o gentile_a nation_n lie_v in_o their_o heathenism_n obj._n 1_o we_o do_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n any_o national_a church_n among_o the_o gentile_n answ_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v not_o that_o national_a church_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n that_o do_v receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n though_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n gather_v among_o the_o gentile_n yet_o there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o they_o comparitive_o that_o do_v entertain_v the_o gospel_n the_o bulk_n of_o all_o the_o gentile_a nation_n lay_v in_o their_o heathenism_n during_o all_o that_o time_n that_o we_o have_v the_o history_n of_o in_o the_o scripture_n obj._n 2._o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n any_o national_a officer_n as_o the_o high_a priest_n in_o israel_n nor_o any_o national_a place_n of_o worship_n as_o jerusalem_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o national_a church_n answ_n 1._o to_o have_v one_o national_a officer_n over_o the_o â—…le_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n israel_n be_v a_o national_a church_n when_o they_o have_v no_o such_o national_a officer_n while_o the_o first_o bear_v do_v exercise_n the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n before_o the_o separation_n of_o the_o levite_n to_o that_o work_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o civil_a government_n none_o of_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o republic_n the_o be_v of_o a_o national_a church_n do_v not_o necessitate_v this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o government_n if_o there_o be_v a_o national_a church_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o to_o rule_n over_o the_o whole_a