in_o resect_v of_o quicken_a grace_n whence_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o pet._n 2.5_o hence_o they_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o thing_n into_o he_o which_o be_v the_o head_n christ_n and_o be_v edify_a and_o edify_v member_n in_o the_o body_n eph._n 4.15_o 16._o nor_o be_v christ_n the_o head_n only_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o also_o of_o every_o particular_a church_n institute_v by_o he_o which_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o by_o christ_n himself_o call_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n the_o king_n whereof_o be_v christ_n his_o subject_n be_v visible_a believer_n profess_v their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o this_o sovereign_a power_n be_v so_o proper_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o communicable_a to_o any_o creature_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v his_o substitute_n or_o vicar_n herein_o for_o neither_o do_v christ_n or_o his_o church_n need_v such_o a_o vicar_n or_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n see_v the_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o christ_n alone_o col._n 2.10_o nor_o be_v any_o creature_n capable_a of_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o head_n unto_o the_o church_n ephes_n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o 2._o consect_n then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o earthly_a king_n or_o state_n or_o civil_a court_n to_o make_v ecclesiastical_a law_n or_o to_o invent_v and_o impose_v any_o rite_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n upon_o church_n according_a to_o principle_n of_o state-policy_n or_o humane_a prudence_n though_o moses_n be_v as_o well_o a_o great_a prophet_n as_o a_o great_a prince_n yet_o god_n leave_v no_o part_n of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n to_o his_o prudence_n but_o limit_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o mount_n exod._n 25.40_o nor_o may_v solomon_n though_o the_o wise_a of_o mere_a man_n act_n by_o his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o build_v the_o temple_n 13._o â—_o chon_n 28.11_o 12_o 13._o but_o he_o be_v guide_v therein_o by_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n which_o david_n give_v he_o from_o the_o spirit_n so_o concern_v christian_a church_n christ_n have_v give_v his_o people_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n which_o he_o require_v the_o minister_n to_o hold_v forth_o distinct_o in_o every_o point_n of_o it_o to_o his_o people_n according_a to_o that_o prophecy_n in_o ezek._n 43.10_o 11._o that_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o whole_a form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o do_v they_o which_o also_o christ_n express_o require_v in_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o 3._o consect_n then_o every_o particular_a visible_a church_n must_v exalt_v christ_n and_o his_o institution_n alone_o in_o their_o whole_a church-order_n and_o in_o all_o their_o admistration_n this_o be_v their_o visible_a receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o walk_v in_o he_o col._n 2.5_o 6._o the_o church_n be_v christ_n house_n and_o it_o be_v equal_a according_a to_o natural_a light_n and_o civil_a prudence_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v bear_v rule_n in_o his_o own_o house_n esth_n 1.22_o much_o more_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man._n artaxerxes_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n with_o all_o such_o as_o encroach_v upon_o christ_n right_a in_o order_v church_n by_o their_o policy_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o he_o fear_v the_o jealousy_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n if_o man_n shall_v take_v such_o liberty_n to_o themselves_o provide_v against_o it_o by_o a_o strict_a decree_n say_v whatsoever_o be_v command_v by_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n let_v it_o be_v diligent_o do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o why_o shall_v there_o be_v wrath_n against_o the_o realm_n etc._n etc._n esth_n 7.23_o nor_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o christ_n less_o formidable_a to_o we_o or_o his_o jealousy_n less_o incense_v against_o those_o that_o either_o add_v to_o or_o take_v from_o or_o alter_v his_o institution_n now_o than_o in_o time_n past_a but_o rather_o more_o hebr._fw-la 12.25_o to_o the_o end_n so_o much_o shall_v serve_v touch_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n chap._n ii_o concern_v the_o material_a cause_n the_o material_n whereof_o this_o spiritual_a building_n must_v consist_v be_v employ_v when_o christ_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v etc._n etc._n together_o with_o peter_n confession_n in_o ver_fw-la 16._o and_o christ_n approbation_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 17._o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o this_o speech_n of_o christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o rock_n be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o but_o how_o consider_v not_o simple_o and_o in_o a_o abstract_n sense_n but_o 1._o as_o preach_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n ephes_n 2.20_o 2._o as_o believe_v on_o with_o a_o faith_n make_v visible_a by_o public_a confession_n according_a to_o rom._n 10.9_o 10._o christ_n believe_v on_o be_v the_o foundation_n or_o rock_n of_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n but_o christ_n believe_v on_o and_o confess_v be_v the_o rock_n whereupon_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v build_v in_o this_o exposition_n sundry_a of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n 21._o writer_n basil_n tract_n de_fw-fr poenit_fw-la gre._n naz._n de_fw-fr comp._n disserendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la theod_n in_o psal_n 47._o ambr._n in_o eph._n 2.20_o aug._n in_o lib._n 1._o retract_v c._n 21._o and_o the_o orthodox_n modern_a general_o consent_n the_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n which_o these_o word_n of_o the_o charter_n afford_v we_o concern_v the_o material_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v that_o 2._o conclusion_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o and_o only_o such_o grow_a person_n be_v admit_v member_n of_o particular_a church_n who_o make_v such_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v have_v blessedness_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o be_v such_o as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 1._o that_o christ_n here_o mean_v a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o only_o the_o catholic_n church_n we_o have_v partly_o evince_v already_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o hereafter_o 2._o that_o person_n mean_v by_o christ_n here_o be_v adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n appear_v by_o his_o question_n to_o the_o apostle_n who_o do_v man_n say_v and_o who_o do_v you_o say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o by_o peter_n answer_n as_o for_o infant_n they_o be_v indeed_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o as_o such_o baptise_a yet_o it_o be_v so_o only_o as_o they_o be_v include_v in_o their_o parent_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrap_v with_o their_o parent_n gen._n 17.7_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o that_o such_o adulti_fw-la or_o grow_v person_n must_v make_v a_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n so_o christ_n require_v peter_n to_o do_v here_o and_z when_o he_o have_v so_o do_v say_v christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n viz._n in_o after_o time_n for_o no_o particular_a christian_a church_n be_v actual_o constitute_v at_o this_o time_n nor_o till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n in_o act._n 1._o q._n d._n then_o take_v this_o course_n and_o ever_o after_o all_o the_o world_n over_o if_o you_o will_v have_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o i_o to_o be_v my_o build_n 4._o that_o their_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v so_o make_v as_o that_o the_o church_n may_v in_o charitable_a discretion_n conceive_v it_o to_o have_v blessedness_n annex_v etc._n etc._n for_o see_v it_o please_v christ_n to_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o build_v his_o church_n zach._n 6.15_o ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o he_o be_v content_a that_o they_o improve_v the_o judgement_n which_o they_o have_v christ_n judgement_n concern_v peter_n be_v infallible_a for_o he_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n john_n 2.25_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o man_n who_o judge_n by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o therefore_o their_o judgement_n be_v fallible_a and_o have_v be_v deceive_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n concern_v ananias_n and_o sapphira_n and_o in_o that_o of_o philip_n and_o the_o church_n in_o samaria_n concern_v simon_n magus_n etc._n etc._n their_o duty_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o far_o as_o man_n may_v by_o rule_n with_o due_a moderation_n and_o gentleness_n to_o try_v they_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o fellowship_n whether_o they_o be_v believer_n or_o not_o refuse_v know_v hypocrite_n though_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v close_a hypocrite_n will_v creep_v in_o 5._o that_o all_o they_o who_o hold_v
synagogue_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o pope_n as_o peter_n successor_n and_o of_o the_o indeficiency_n of_o their_o church_n as_o build_v upon_o peter_n when_o as_o neither_o have_v peter_n himself_o any_o such_o privilege_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o story_n in_o this_o 16_o of_o matthew_n evince_v the_o contrary_a v._o 23._o nor_o by_o the_o rock_n whereupon_o christ_n build_v his_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o person_n of_o peter_n or_o peter_n confession_n personal_o as_o it_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o but_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v real_o in_o itself_o and_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o to_o all_o visible_a believer_n which_o may_v be_v thus_o confirm_v 1._o because_o peter_n confession_n must_v have_v relation_n to_o the_o matter_n which_o he_o confess_v but_o peter_n confess_v not_o himself_o but_o christ_n say_v thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n therefore_o his_o confession_n have_v relation_n to_o christ_n not_o to_o himself_o 2._o because_o peter_n confess_v no_o more_o than_o that_o which_o he_o know_v the_o other_o disciple_n believe_v before_o he_o speak_v for_o christ_n question_n be_v general_a what_o say_v you_o peter_n answer_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o apostle_n before_o he_o speak_v believe_v christ_n confess_v and_o not_o peter_n confess_v 3._o because_o this_o rock_n be_v that_o confession_n whereupon_o christ_n say_v he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n but_o whosoever_o shall_v true_o believe_v that_o which_o peter_n confess_v viz._n christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o confess_v or_o profess_v it_o in_o due_a order_n be_v according_o build_v on_o this_o rock_n though_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o peter_n name_n therefore_o the_o confession_n right_o understand_v have_v relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n of_o peter_n 4._o because_o the_o rock_n signify_v that_o which_o be_v immovable_a and_o impregnable_a such_o as_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o truth_n but_o peter_n confession_n be_v movable_a and_o shake_v at_o one_o time_n thrice_o deny_v this_o confession_n of_o his_o lord_n therefore_o this_o confession_n which_o christ_n call_v the_o rock_n have_v not_o relation_n to_o peter_n but_o only_o to_o christ_n coral_n 2_o then_o they_o that_o will_v have_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v impregnable_a stable_n and_o firm_a against_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n must_v see_v that_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n and_o not_o upon_o humane_a form_n 1._o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n not_o the_o policy_n or_o custom_n of_o man_n 2._o loc_n 2._o exit_fw-la quo_fw-la patet_fw-la quòd_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la non_fw-la consistit_fw-la in_o hominibus_fw-la ratione_fw-la potestatis_fw-la vel_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la ecclesiasticae_fw-la vel_fw-la saecularis_fw-la etc._n etc._n sed_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la personis_fw-la in_fw-la quibus_fw-la est_fw-la notitia_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o confessio_fw-la fidei_fw-la &_o veritatis_fw-la lyra_n in_o loc_n that_o the_o material_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v be_v such_o as_o believe_v and_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n public_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n 3._o that_o they_o be_v firm_o join_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n of_o subjection_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o and_o according_o walk_v together_o in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n resist_v satan_n in_o all_o his_o temptation_n and_o machination_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v they_o without_o who_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o joh._n 15.5_o and_o that_o they_o improve_v careful_o and_o faithful_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o viz._n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o appointment_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o his_o church_n safe_a in_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v handle_v the_o second_o part._n chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o power_n give_v of_o christ_n unto_o such_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o the_o second_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o the_o charter_n be_v concern_v the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o such_o church_n to_o have_v and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o for_o their_o establishment_n against_o the_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n mat._n 16.19_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n these_o word_n contain_v 1._o a_o grant_n of_o power_n 2._o a_o ratification_n of_o that_o grant_n we_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o distinct_o 1._o to_o christ_n his_o grant_n of_o power_n and_o therein_o 1._o explicate_v the_o term_n by_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v 1_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o by_o the_o key_n of_o it_o 3_o what_o this_o appropriation_n or_o application_n of_o they_o import_v to_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v 1._o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v mean_v both_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n &_o glory_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n be_v also_o mean_v the_o follow_a word_n show_v when_o he_o say_v what_o you_o bound_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n 2._o by_o the_o key_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o power_n and_o be_v put_v by_o a_o metonimy_n for_o the_o subject_a the_o power_n itself_o be_v mean_v church-power_n which_o be_v either_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a in_o christ_n only_o as_o lord_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v in_o rev._n 3.7_o or_o subordinate_a and_o delegate_v such_o as_o be_v in_o christ_n steward_n this_o be_v note_v by_o key_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n in_o this_o place_n which_o signify_v all_o power_n delegated_a from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v and_o administer_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o his_o house_n according_a to_o christ_n will_n and_o in_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o he_o to_o that_o end_n for_o all_o power_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n jesus_n betru_v his_o church_n aim_v at_o this_o which_o be_v here_o express_v to_o open_v and_o shut_v to_o bind_v and_o loose_v 3._o to_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o application_n of_o this_o grant_n be_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n promise_v to_o build_v upon_o himself_o believe_v on_o and_o public_o profess_v as_o peter_n do_v before_o he_o and_o his_o fellow-disciple_n in_o christ_n school_n at_o this_o time_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v more_o fit_o give_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n than_o to_o the_o church_n by_o name_n because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o church_n that_o make_v this_o confession_n but_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stand_n to_o examine_v the_o sundry_a claim_n which_o have_v be_v make_v to_o this_o right_n upon_o several_a pretence_n from_o this_o text._n 1_o some_o look_v at_o peter_n as_o represent_v the_o catholic_n visible-church_n conceive_v that_o a_o general_a council_n which_o they_o say_v be_v the_o catholic_n church_n representative_o be_v the_o church_n here_o mean_v to_o which_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o that_o can_v be_v for_o particular_a visible_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n have_v and_o exercise_v the_o key_n complete_o within_o themselves_o yet_o be_v there_o no_o general_a council_n till_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n which_o be_v three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n 2._o other_o look_v at_o this_o grant_n as_o peculiar_a to_o peter_n consider_v as_o the_o prince_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n as_o his_o successor_n but_o this_o papal_a usurpation_n the_o council_n of_o constance_n and_o basil_n strong_o and_o just_o oppose_v show_v that_o the_o key_n which_o be_v here_o give_v to_o peter_n be_v in_o joh._n 20.21_o 22_o 23._o give_v to_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o peter_n himself_o be_v enjoin_v in_o mat._n 18._o to_o tell_v the_o church_n 3._o other_o think_v that_o the_o catholic_n church_n consider_v not_o representative_o but_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n yet_o these_o differ_v among_o themselves_o for_o some_o affirm_v it_o of_o the_o invisible_a other_o of_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n as_o for_o the_o term_n we_o know_v that_o visible_a &_o invisible_a do_v not_o note_v distinct_a species_n or_o kind_n of_o church_n but_o be_v only_o several_a adjunct_n of_o the_o same_o church_n which_o be_v call_v invisible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o invisible_a union_n which_o member_n have_v with_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n and_o visible_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o outward_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v visible_a to_o man_n but_o in_o neither_o of_o these_o sense_n be_v the_o catholic_n church_n the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n 1._o not_o as_o invisible_a for_o that_o be_v not_o build_v by_o a_o visible_a profession_n
perform_v coral_n 3_o then_o it_o be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o a_o duty_n for_o every_o christian_a to_o endeavour_v to_o join_v himself_o in_o membership_n with_o a_o congregational_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n whosoever_o have_v opportunity_n and_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v they_o great_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o break_v the_o second_o commandment_n in_o not_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o institution_n and_o also_o against_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o blessing_n which_o he_o have_v annex_v unto_o his_o institution_n exod._n 20.24_o mat._n 28.20_o and_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o that_o neglect_n they_o can_v hardly_o be_v account_v believer_n true_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n what_o profession_n of_o religion_n soever_o they_o make_v otherwise_o mat._n 6.33_o and_o they_o sin_n against_o their_o posterity_n also_o to_o who_o god_n promise_v mercy_n upon_o their_o parent_n worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o institution_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v good_a to_o the_o posterity_n of_o such_o it_o be_v mere_o from_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n but_o not_o from_o their_o parent_n covenant_n ezek._n 16.61_o chap._n v._o concern_v the_o church_n impregnable_a stability_n to_o the_o church_n build_v by_o christ_n upon_o this_o rock_n he_o have_v promise_v and_o give_v this_o great_a privilege_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o scripture_n signify_v not_o hell_n but_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o grave_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v enemy_n vanquish_v by_o christ_n for_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 15.26_o 55._o and_o shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n rev._n 20.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o gate_n of_o death_n in_o job_n 38.17_o psal_n 107.18_o and_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o grave_a isa_n 38.10_o i_o e._n the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a which_o seize_v on_o they_o as_o a_o sergeant_n psal_n 116.3_o the_o sum_n be_v let_v the_o church_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o low_a that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a as_o those_o two_o witness_n rev._n 11.8_o 9_o and_o bury_v as_o christ_n natural_a body_n be_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o neither_o death_n nor_o the_o grave_n shall_v prevail_v agaist_fw-mi it_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o limit_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n only_o to_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a but_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o satan_n plot_n and_o assault_n against_o the_o church_n against_o which_o if_o christ_n do_v not_o help_v they_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n will_v prevail_v against_o they_o to_o their_o eternal_a destruction_n we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o in_o this_o text_n by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v mean_v all_o the_o machination_n of_o satan_n and_o temptation_n whatsoever_o whereby_o he_o labour_v to_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o draw_v those_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v build_v upon_o he_o the_o prevail_a of_o they_o signify_v their_o effectual_a work_n unto_o the_o attainment_n of_o those_o end_n the_o sum_n be_v a_o promise_n that_o the_o devil_n with_o all_o his_o policy_n and_o power_n shall_v neither_o hinder_v the_o build_n of_o christ_n church_n nor_o cause_v the_o church_n thus_o build_v to_o apostatise_v from_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n whatsoever_o socinian_n or_o arminian_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a may_v thus_o be_v evince_v 1._o because_o the_o thing_n promise_v be_v the_o disable_n of_o what_o ever_o oppose_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o rock_n or_o its_o constant_a adhere_n to_o christ_n from_o prevail_v to_o those_o end_n but_o so_o do_v satan_n temptation_n therefore_o they_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o because_o whatsoever_o go_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n or_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o thence_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o phrase_n but_o the_o temptation_n and_o machination_n of_o satan_n by_o himself_o and_o his_o instrument_n heretic_n and_o tyrant_n go_v forth_o thence_o therefore_o they_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o phrase_n 3._o because_o peter_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n describe_v unbeliever_n the_o adversary_n of_o this_o building_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 1_o pet._n 2.7_o 8._o 4._o because_o the_o proportion_n which_o christ_n imply_v in_o these_o word_n require_v that_o they_o be_v so_o understand_v the_o proportion_n be_v between_o two_o city_n that_o of_o heaven_n which_o have_v its_o gate_n and_o key_n in_o v._o 19_o and_o the_o other_o of_o hell_n which_o have_v its_o gate_n whence_o it_o endeavour_v the_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o that_o but_o shall_v not_o prevail_v see_v therefore_o city_n be_v oppose_v to_o city_n and_o gate_n to_o gate_n and_o one_o viz._n the_o church_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o state_n of_o present_a build_n it_o be_v most_o suitable_a that_o the_o other_o be_v also_o look_v at_o as_o it_o oppose_v that_o in_o the_o present_a whilst_o it_o be_v militant_a upon_o earth_n but_o from_o hence_o that_o christ_n promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n thus_o build_v some_o infer_v that_o christ_n mean_v only_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n for_o that_o only_a say_v they_o be_v bulilt_v on_o this_o rock_n and_o only_o that_o shall_v not_o fail_v answ_n 1._o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o catholic_n invisible_a church_n be_v build_v upon_o christ_n by_o effectual_a and_o unfeigned_a faith_n and_o that_o shall_v not_o fail_v for_o that_o be_v the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o fist-born_a which_o be_v enroll_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o and_o all_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v against_o those_o that_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o these_o only_o be_v build_v on_o this_o rock_n the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n right_o constitute_v as_o that_o at_o corinth_n be_v build_v upon_o this_o rock_n or_o rocky-foundation_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o be_v so_o build_v be_v under_o the_o special_a protection_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n in_o respect_n whereof_o the_o lord_n promise_v any_o such_o church_n as_o well_o among_o the_o gentile_n as_o the_o jew_n whosoever_o shall_v gather_v himself_o against_o thou_o shall_v fall_v isa_n 54.15_o and_o all_o the_o weapon_n that_o be_v make_v against_o thou_o shall_v not_o prosper_v vers_fw-la 17._o and_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o peter_n make_v visible_o and_o public_o whereupon_o not_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n but_o visible_a particular_a church_n be_v build_v therefore_o these_o only_o be_v mean_v here_o concl._n 5_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o himself_o upon_o this_o rock_n in_o use_v the_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o safety_n be_v impregnable_a the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v here_o indefinite_o take_v for_o a_o particular_a congregational-church_n institute_v by_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o former_a conclusion_n not_o for_o this_o or_o that_o definite_o therefore_o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o greek-churche_n those_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o asia_n and_o against_o rome_n who_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o against_o sundry_a other_o particular_a church_n answ_n i_o answer_v 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n yet_o not_o against_o a_o particular_a church_n indefinite_o consider_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o against_o the_o church_n in_o general_a exist_v in_o its_o particular_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o visible_a church_n do_v not_o fail_v for_o 1._o christ_n ever_o have_v and_o will_v have_v some_o or_o other_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n wherein_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v preserve_v as_o the_o genus_fw-la be_v in_o its_o species_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a as_o when_o the_o lord_n preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o the_o ark_n mankind_n be_v preserve_v in_o they_o though_o multitude_n of_o man_n be_v destroy_v in_o the_o deluge_n 2._o christ_n will_v show_v that_o he_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o church_n wherein_o be_v some_o true_a believer_n mix_v with_o many_o hypocrite_n and_o other_o society_n therefore_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o visible_a church_n to_o be_v total_o destroy_v as_o he_o do_v his_o open_a enemy_n hos_fw-la 11.8_o 9_o isa_n 1.8_o 9_o &_o
office-power_n but_o all_o power_n which_o serve_v to_o shut_v and_o open_v the_o house_n or_o city_n of_o god_n not_o power_n of_o the_o steward_n only_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o this_o great_a king_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o her_o husband_n be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n even_o to_o heaven_n have_v give_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o family_n and_o reject_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o for_o those_o end_n to_o judge_v also_o because_o such_o act_n require_v judgement_n and_o to_o call_v the_o steward_n to_o his_o place_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o key_n of_o office_n by_o election_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o power_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o she_o yet_o it_o come_v original_o from_o she_o reas_n 2._o because_o christ_n here_o give_v the_o key_n only_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v i._n e._n only_o to_o teacher_n and_o elder_n answ_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n be_v give_v only_o to_o teacher_n &_o elder_n only_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n have_v that_o formal_o yet_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o large_a than_o office-power_n viz._n to_o admit_v reject_v etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v their_o office_n from_o the_o church_n and_o their_o office-power_n by_o the_o church_n original_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n in_o the_o church_n before_o office-power_n which_o do_v communicate_v and_o convey_v office-power_n to_o its_o officer_n 3._o reas_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v act_n of_o the_o office-power_n of_o pastor_n ruler_n feeder_n by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n answ_n bind_v and_o lose_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o in_o this_o text_n comprehend_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o church-power_n and_o these_o act_n be_v not_o only_o by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n for_o then_o the_o ruling-eld_a shall_v have_v no_o key_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v but_o also_o by_o admonition_n excommunication_n admission_n which_o issue_n from_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o common_a to_o the_o people_n with_o they_o 2._o though_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o she_o may_v not_o exercise_v any_o act_n proper_a to_o office-power_n without_o officer_n who_o she_o do_v and_o must_v call_v to_o that_o end_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 4._o reas_n if_o this_o place_n give_v not_o warrant_v and_o authority_n to_o officer_n what_o warrant_v have_v they_o for_o their_o office-power_n answ_n 1._o this_o place_n give_v warrant_n for_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o church_n do_v according_o call_v they_o to_o that_o place_n and_o invest_v they_o with_o office_n with_o voluntary_a profess_a subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n of_o office_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o several_a act_n of_o office-power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o be_v abundant_o warrant_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 5._o reas_n they_o to_o who_o the_o key_n be_v here_o give_v do_v authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o their_o act_n be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v officer_n can_v by_o any_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n answ_n the_o word_n authority_n sometime_o be_v take_v more_o general_o for_o power_n sometime_o more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o rule_v and_o office-power_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o foregive_v judicial_o in_o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o former_a censure_n the_o officer_n forgive_v authoritative_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o interpretation_n 6._o other_o look_v at_o the_o key_n as_o give_v to_o peter_n here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n indefinite_o take_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a definite_a church_n that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v receive_v the_o key_n from_o they_o or_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o that_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o parity_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la therefore_o the_o church_n here_o intend_v must_v be_v take_v general_o and_o indefinite_o as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o or_o the_o general_a church_n as_o exist_v its_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v object_v against_o this_o that_o peter_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a congregation_n when_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a for_o no_o such_o church_n be_v then_o constitute_v no_o more_o be_v there_o a_o presbytery_n then_o constitute_v when_o christ_n direct_v peter_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o after_o proceed_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o mat._n 18._o which_o yet_o they_o hold_v but_o not_o true_o to_o be_v the_o presbytery_n as_o we_o shall_v evince_v hereafter_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o grant_n that_o that_o rule_n serve_v to_o order_v member_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o case_n when_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o force_n in_o this_o text_n also_o some_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n in_o this_o text_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n because_o he_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o his_o speech_n for_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o person_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o he_o say_v not_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o key_n but_o vary_v the_o person_n he_o turn_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n say_v and_o unto_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n here_o be_v no_o change_v of_o person_n nor_o turn_v of_o speech_n in_o christ_n give_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n but_o as_o christ_n begin_v so_o he_o continue_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 17._o christ_n pronounce_v peter_n bless_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 18._o he_o give_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n to_o peter_n confession_n that_o upon_o this_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n and_o establish_v it_o as_o impregnable_a against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o v._o 19_o he_o give_v unto_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o though_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o calling_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o the_o key_n be_v here_o original_o and_o primary_o commit_v to_o the_o 3._o the_o toti_n ecclesiae_fw-la dedit_fw-la christus_fw-la clave_n sed_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la certi_fw-la essent_fw-la qui_fw-la clavibus_fw-la utantur_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honoremque_fw-la dei_fw-la zanc._n in_o praec_fw-la 4._o quaest_n 3._o vid._n park_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 3._o church_n in_o general_n exist_v in_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v produce_v sundry_a writer_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a of_o other_o country_n and_o our_o own_o if_o need_v require_v to_o confirm_v this_o exposition_n yea_o of_o the_o author_n quote_v by_o mr._n p._n not_o a_o few_o consent_n herein_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v cyprian_n and_o augustine_n who_o in_o sundry_a place_n speak_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o these_o two_o i_o the_o rather_o name_n because_o i_o find_v in_o approve_a history_n that_o sundry_a martyr_n be_v confirm_v in_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o testimony_n have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n hieronimus_fw-la savanarola_n a_o godly_a learned_a preacher_n in_o florence_n a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n 565._o illyr_n catal_a test_n verit_fw-la count_v