sincere_a word_n unite_v your_o heart_n in_o the_o band_n of_o brotherly_a love_n incline_v your_o mind_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n peace_n middleburgh_n in_o zealand_n octob._n 16._o 1644._o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o walachrian_a church_n by_o we_o jacobus_n d'herde_n precedent_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la jodocus_n larenus_fw-la assessor_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la isaacus_n hoornbekius_n preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n cornelius_n beuckelarius_n preacher_n at_o vere_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o west_n souburch_n errata_fw-la pag._n 98._o lin_v 16._o and_o doubtless_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o section_n change_n of_o letter_n p._n 104._o lin_v ult_v luke_n relate_v unto_o p._n 105_o l._n 9_o calvin_n these_o word_n must_v all_o be_v in_o the_o same_o letter_n as_o the_o former_a and_o the_o follow_v p._n 113._o l._n 19_o and_o it_o appear_v etc._n etc._n until_o p._n 114._o l._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v exclusiuè_a all_o these_o word_n must_v be_v in_o other_o letter_n p._n 114._o l._n 5._o and_o one_o deal_n p._n 136._o l._n 11._o though_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n fifteen_o line_n change_v of_o letter_n p._n 137._o l._n 2._o for_o a_o synod_n etc._n etc._n this_o whole_a page_n and_o the_o follow_v unto_o lin_v 20._o we_o hold_v exclusive_a change_n of_o letter_n p._n 97._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v l._n 18._o read_v and_o not_o to_o be_v tedicus_fw-la p._n 98._o l._n 21._o read_v see_v example_n p._n 114._o l._n 10._o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 128._o l._n 27._o deal_n so_o p._n 137._o l._n 22._o r._n this_o be_v p._n 135._o l._n 3._o and_o 1â—_n 5_o indices_fw-la lin_v 16._o 1._o index_n a_o consideration_n of_o certain_a controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n send_v from_o the_o church_n of_o walachria_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n to_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n question_n whither_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n but_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o with_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o who_o upon_o strict_a examination_n do_v manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o real_a internal_a holiness_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v himself_o of_o his_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o communion_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o any_o congregation_n admit_v other_o in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o evident_a proof_n of_o these_o sign_n they_o admit_v impure_a and_o false_a church-member_n answer_n the_o reform_a church_n distinguish_v between_o the_o mystical_a invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n call_v who_o have_v communion_n with_o christ_n to_o which_o be_v make_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o heavenly_a good_a thing_n in_o christ_n to_o which_o no_o hypocrite_n can_v belong_v which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n inward_o work_v and_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-communion_n and_o fellowship_n among_o themselves_o to_o which_o hypocrite_n may_v belong_v for_o any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n we_o require_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n true_a justify_v faith_n repentance_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o this_o church_n be_v god_n work_n who_o by_o effectual_a save_a vocation_n do_v ingraft_v man_n into_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o overseer_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v admit_v none_o other_o to_o the_o complete_a external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o aught_o to_o admit_v all_o such_o who_o by_o external_a federall_a holiness_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o walk_v without_o offence_n in_o their_o outward_a conversation_n be_v account_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n as_o true_a believer_n and_o upon_o examination_n of_o the_o eldership_n concern_v these_o thing_n be_v receive_v into_o brotherly_a and_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n we_o grant_v therefore_o in_o this_o question_n 1._o that_o any_o one_o be_v in_o foro_fw-la dei_fw-la at_o god_n tribunal_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a there_o be_v require_v in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v man_n duty_n who_o will_v due_o for_o salvation_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o real_a holiness_n worship_n god_n aright_o in_o all_o his_o way_n but_o we_o affirm_v that_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a church_n the_o pastor_n be_v to_o admit_v those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n lead_v their_o life_n without_o scandal_n or_o be_v fall_v into_o scandal_n do_v by_o repentance_n wash_v they_o away_o in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la at_o the_o church_n tribunal_n submit_v themselves_o to_o discipline_n public_o frequent_v all_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o desire_v church_n communion_n with_o we_o although_o they_o do_v not_o manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n which_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n our_o opinion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o all_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n live_v without_o manifest_a scandal_n or_o have_v give_v scandal_n do_v by_o repentance_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la amend_v they_o be_v by_o they_o admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v for_o instance_n act._n 2._o 41_o 42_o 45._o act._n 8._o 13._o act._n 4._o 34_o 37._o in_o so_o much_o as_o even_a hypocrite_n have_v entrance_n into_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o ananias_n judas_n simon_n magus_n hymeneus_n philetus_n 2._o from_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o those_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o external_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a communion_n thereof_o who_o be_v adorn_v with_o federall_a holiness_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a god_n of_o israel_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n into_o that_o church_n deut._n 29._o 4_o etc._n etc._n josh_n 24._o 23_o etc._n etc._n 3._o from_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a the_o nature_n whereof_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o barn_n wherein_o the_o chaff_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o the_o wheat_n the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o which_o be_v vessel_n both_o of_o gold_n and_o of_o wood_n a_o net_n wherein_o be_v catch_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a matth._n 3._o 12._o and_o 13._o 47._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 20_o 21._o so_o that_o to_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a the_o pastor_n can_v require_v no_o more_o in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la as_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a then_o what_o may_v also_o be_v find_v in_o hypocrite_n 4._o fron_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o acknowledge_v for_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n those_o visible_a society_n among_o who_o there_o be_v hypocrite_n carnal_a man_n schismatics_n and_o other_o not_o endue_v with_o real_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n to_o who_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n rev._n 2._o &_o 3_o chap._n the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11_o 12._o and_o 3._o 3._o and_o 6._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 11._o 17_o 18._o gal._n 1._o 6._o and_o 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n thus_o have_v our_o divine_n determine_v this_o controversy_n
a_o consideration_n of_o certain_a controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n write_a at_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la by_o guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n and_o send_v from_o the_o walachrian_a church_n to_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n octob._n 16._o 1644._o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la translate_v out_o of_o latin_a according_a to_o the_o print_a copy_n london_n print_v by_o g._n m._n for_o tho._n vnderhill_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o woodstreet_n 1645._o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lord_n the_o lord_n william_n boreel_n lord_n of_o duynbeque_n etc._n etc._n counsellor_n and_o chief_a syndick_n of_o the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n the_o lord_n john_n de_fw-fr reed_n lo._n of_o reinswoud_n etc._n etc._n deputy_n in_o ordinary_a in_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o province_n of_o vtrecht_n the_o lord_n albert_n joachimi_fw-la lord_n of_o oedekenskerk_n in_o oostende_v secretary_n of_o the_o republic_n of_o tergoes_a ambassador_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o netherlands_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a and_o most_o illustrious_a lord_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la be_v move_v with_o the_o deplorable_a face_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o english_a church_n will_v glad_o contribute_v some_o assistance_n for_o the_o quench_n of_o that_o flame_n of_o controversy_n rise_v among_o they_o concern_v the_o discipline_n and_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o afford_v not_o their_o prayer_n only_o but_o their_o counsel_n and_o assistance_n also_o meet_v for_o compose_v these_o contention_n whereby_o the_o billow_n of_o dissension_n may_v be_v assuage_v and_o a_o happy_a peace_n restore_v to_o those_o trouble_a church_n by_o their_o authority_n therefore_o and_o command_v they_o have_v employ_v i_o in_o this_o present_a work_n and_o out_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o brotherly_a love_n to_o those_o church_n have_v late_o enjoin_v i_o to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o london_n our_o ecclesiastical_a government_n prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o confirm_v by_o ground_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o reform_a divine_n which_o work_n be_v now_o finish_v and_o after_o a_o diligent_a examination_n by_o those_o pastor_n approve_v i_o offer_v to_o your_o most_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n for_o to_o you_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o all_o the_o tender_a care_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sacred_a peace_n and_o unity_n together_o with_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o netherlands_o principal_o commit_v the_o promote_a whereof_z with_o all_o your_o utmost_a endeavour_n will_v even_o by_o the_o event_n be_v manifest_a if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n there_o will_v permit_v and_o sure_o if_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o providence_n sometime_o prosper_v your_o endeavour_n and_o make_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o we_o all_o effectual_a i_o do_v certain_o trust_v that_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o church_n of_o eng._n may_n by_o your_o assistance_n and_o help_n be_v cure_v and_o the_o dissension_n raise_v by_o your_o peaceable_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n be_v compose_v for_o god_n have_v confer_v on_o you_o large_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n prudence_n piety_n and_o zeal_n whereby_o the_o disturb_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o moderate_a counsel_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o perplex_a affair_n of_o a_o shake_a kingdom_n to_o the_o straight_a bond_n of_o renew_a amity_n which_o that_o the_o great_a and_o gracious_a god_n may_v more_o and_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v in_o you_o and_o bless_v with_o prosperous_a success_n in_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o your_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n i_o beg_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o from_o my_o soul_n desire_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o preserve_v your_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a &_o most_o illustrious_a lordship_n and_o inspire_v those_o counsel_n into_o his_o royal_a majesty_n and_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n which_o you_o afford_v your_o assist_a endeavour_n may_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n together_o with_o edification_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v of_o love_n middleburgh_n the_o first_o of_o november_n 1644._o your_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lordship_n most_o observant_a guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n in_o zealand_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n reverend_n and_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n assemble_v in_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n write_v some_o month_n since_o to_o the_o church_n of_o zealand_n a_o express_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o your_o entire_a friendship_n but_o also_o of_o your_o confidence_n and_o sincere_a affection_n towards_o we_o into_o who_o bosom_n you_o be_v please_v to_o pour_v forth_o your_o fluctuate_a mind_n our_o wish_n and_o endeavour_n be_v that_o we_o may_v give_v you_o a_o real_a experiment_n of_o our_o brotherly_a compassion_n for_o our_o very_a inmost_a bowel_n burn_v within_o we_o with_o the_o zeal_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o affliction_n when_o the_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n of_o our_o holy_a brethren_n pierce_v our_o ear_n and_o when_o we_o serious_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o calamity_n o_o that_o our_o eye_n be_v resolve_v into_o fountain_n of_o water_n that_o we_o may_v lament_v day_n and_o night_n the_o desolation_n of_o the_o people_n our_o mind_n tremble_v to_o hear_v the_o desperate_a counsel_n and_o wicked_a attempt_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o blot_v out_o from_o among_o you_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o a_o reform_a church_n and_o total_o to_o hinder_v all_o better_a counsel_n and_o have_v bring_v it_o thus_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o band_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v break_v all_o thing_n be_v now_o involve_v in_o a_o cruel_a war_n all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n take_v away_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n overthrow_v but_o as_o god_n do_v by_o his_o favour_n prosper_v right_a counsel_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o bring_v the_o wicked_a plot_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o contrive_v they_o and_o by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v over-rule_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v oppress_v either_o to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o own_o or_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o piety_n for_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o true_o love_v god_n they_o do_v not_o fasten_v the_o anchor_n of_o all_o their_o hope_n on_o the_o barren_a sand_n of_o mutable_a thing_n and_o humane_a strength_n but_o on_o the_o solid_a rock_n which_o can_v be_v move_v by_o any_o wave_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n husband_n peculiar_a and_o present_a with_o every_o one_o in_o who_o bosom_n whoever_o do_v with_o full_a confidence_n repose_v themselves_o and_o cast_v all_o their_o care_n on_o he_o alone_o be_v quiet_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n and_o enjoy_v comfort_n and_o be_v as_o well_o thankful_a in_o adversity_n as_o in_o prosperity_n though_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n what_o be_v adverse_a but_o that_o which_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o course_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o be_v prosperous_a but_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o it_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o husband_n the_o lord_n and_o physician_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n because_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o we_o draw_v to_o die_v he_o have_v knit_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o himself_o to_o we_o in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n the_o lord_n because_o by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n he_o have_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n he_o govern_v we_o and_o bear_v rule_v in_o we_o and_o dispose_v at_o his_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o propriety_n the_o physician_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n he_o alone_o do_v efficacious_o heal_v the_o evil_n of_o man_n dispel_v the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o the_o soul_n purge_v his_o church_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o health_n he_o be_v ofttimes_o more_o merciful_a when_o he_o send_v bitter_a thing_n then_o when_o he_o refresh_v with_o sweet_a thing_n he_o know_v what_o be_v expedient_a for_o his_o
church_n and_o judge_v of_o church_n affair_n so_o as_o that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n govern_v and_o judge_v by_o those_o elder_n as_o their_o instrument_n and_o deputy_n like_v as_o the_o king_n deputy_n represent_v the_o king_n himself_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o judge_a church_n affair_n by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o can_v delegate_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n but_o the_o presbyter_n do_v themselves_o immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v power_n of_o rule_v and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o this_o sense_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o representative_a church_n neither_o do_v we_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o representative_a church_n as_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n shall_v have_v absolute_a power_n by_o their_o law_n and_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o bind_v the_o multitude_n and_o subject_a their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o without_o trial_n they_o shall_v receive_v and_o embrace_v what_o soever_o shall_v be_v determine_v by_o this_o church_n for_o this_o be_v the_o papist_n tyrannical_a antichristian_a representative_a church_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o popish_a bishop_n which_o by_o reform_a church_n be_v deny_v and_o cast_v out_o but_o this_o representative_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n choose_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n receive_v from_o christ_n be_v set_v over_o and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_v it_o by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o decree_n make_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n by_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o decree_v this_o govern_v ministerial_a or_o representative_a church_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n oâ—_n the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o must_v be_v obey_v in_o the_o lord_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o promiscuous_a and_o popular_a government_n but_o be_v commit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n and_o guide_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o believer_n complaint_n bring_v before_o they_o concern_v the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prescribe_v law_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o complaint_n tit._n 1._o 13._o which_o to_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o enjoin_v this_o be_v that_o church-which_a have_v the_o power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n matth._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o but_o not_o where_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o roll_a and_o ministerial_a church_n of_o presbyter_n be_v therefore_o here_o understand_v whence_o also_o say_v beza_n upon_o matth._n 16._o 18._o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n church_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n as_o matth._n 18._o 17._o to_o wit_n because_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v it_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v by_o paul_n a_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o this_o place_n by_o church_n the_o evangelist_n understand_v a_o college_n of_o elder_n he_o prove_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o do_v after_o make_v mention_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v always_o in_o their_o power_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o tremellius_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v out_o of_o syriack_n to_o the_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o that_o council_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o power_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n deodate_v in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o italian_a bible_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n to_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4._o &_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o also_o have_v their_o consistory_n for_o correction_n of_o manner_n the_o doctor_n and_o professor_n of_o geneva_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o french_a bible_n in_o this_o place_n do_v understand_v those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o ordinary_a call_n of_o administer_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o have_v always_o be_v use_n of_o it_o among_o god_n people_n but_o be_v special_o renew_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n under_o the_o apostle_n the_o dutch_a interpreter_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o new_a dutch_a translation_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n by_o church_n governor_n who_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 2._o it_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n describe_v which_o by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n transact_v the_o church_n affair_n and_o represent_v the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o paul_n ministerial_a spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n as_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n only_o have_v revel_v 3._o 7._o which_o therefore_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o christ_n ambassador_n as_o be_v they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o ministerial_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v also_o gather_v together_o for_o this_o end_n to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o incestuous_a person_n a_o church_n member_n which_o exercise_n be_v commit_v not_o to_o all_o the_o church-member_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v a_o govern_n and_o representative_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o opposite_a opinion_n follow_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n visible_a describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n which_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v those_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o which_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bithynia_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o greek_n whether_o bond_n or_o free_a make_v up_o one_o body_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o 2._o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n limit_v to_o such_o bound_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o may_v be_v ordinary_o contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o perform_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n do_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o the_o essence_n and_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o place_n but_o on_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o bond_n of_o holy_a communion_n for_o as_o ames_n say_v that_o same_o in_o
prejudice_v other_o church_n they_o be_v in_o the_o vocation_n of_o pastor_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o synod_n 3._o in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o power_n ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n we_o conceive_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n 1._o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n it_o be_v actus_fw-la imperatus_fw-la as_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v actus_fw-la elicitus_fw-la that_o be_v that_o synod_n and_o class_n be_v to_o take_v care_n and_o authoritative_o to_o enjoin_v particular_a church_n that_o they_o excite_v their_o power_n and_o exercise_v it_o for_o the_o ordain_v their_o pastor_n but_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o do_v those_o ecclesiastical_a act_n whereby_o the_o ordination_n itself_o be_v perform_v 2._o that_o there_o belong_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n a_o authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o suitable_a sitnesse_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o whole_a election_n dispatch_v and_o the_o ordination_n to_o be_v perform_v 3._o that_o it_o belong_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n to_o decree_v canon_n and_o prescribe_v decrce_n for_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o all_o those_o church_n according_a to_o which_o the_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o do_v those_o act_n whereby_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v perform_v 4._o that_o the_o synod_n and_o classis_fw-la do_v authoritative_o concur_v with_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o power_n of_o send_v pastor_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o which_o a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n be_v derive_v on_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o a_o minister_n by_o ordination_n be_v derive_v ministerial_o secondary_o and_o subordinate_o under_o god_n not_o only_o from_o the_o eldership_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o from_o that_o whole_a minister_a or_o govern_v ecclesiastical_a society_n into_o which_o the_o pastor_n ordain_v be_v admit_v by_o ordination_n to_o perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n thus_o we_o conceive_v these_o act_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o legitimate_a ordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o a_o constitute_v and_o settle_a church_n 4._o in_o a_o case_n extraordinary_a when_o a_o nationall_n church_n be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_a the_o due_a power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n overturn_v and_o destroy_v and_o when_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o utter_o ruin_v as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o any_o face_n of_o it_o to_o be_v see_v no_o where_o any_o to_o be_v find_v that_o labour_n in_o sound_a doctrine_n no_o mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n discernible_a by_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n who_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n right_o to_o ordain_v in_o this_o necessity_n by_o their_o own_o eldership_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o eldership_n they_o first_o go_v about_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o then_o be_v thus_o constitute_v they_o perform_v their_o ordination_n by_o it_o for_o that_o be_v sure_a which_o melancton_n do_v oft_o inculcate_v when_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n say_v he_o become_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o afford_v ordination_n the_o church_n retain_v their_o own_o right_n for_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n there_o be_v power_n of_o dispense_n the_o gospel_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n must_v retain_v a_o right_n of_o their_o own_o to_o call_v elect_v and_o ordain_v minister_n and_o this_o right_n be_v a_o gift_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n which_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v take_v from_o it_o argum._n &_o respon_n part_n 7._o de_fw-la potest_fw-la epise_v argum_fw-la 2._o that_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v whole_o abrogate_a and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o for_o want_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v but_o common_a sense_n teach_v that_o it_o be_v better_a in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o enlarge_v it_o then_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o large_a fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v for_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v then_o deprive_v of_o this_o power_n when_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v most_o chief_o require_v be_v absurd_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n nor_o eldership_n in_o some_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n to_o be_v plant_v and_o erect_v and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v first_o introduce_v here_o the_o neighbour_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n who_o be_v by_o the_o opportunity_n of_o occasion_n invite_v by_o god_n to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n and_o assistance_n in_o this_o spiritual_a matter_n have_v power_n of_o send_v minister_n and_o pastor_n with_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o the_o gather_n erect_v and_o promote_a a_o church_n in_o that_o place_n for_o that_o manner_n of_o mission_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n act_n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n to_o the_o neighbour_n church_n hence_o therefore_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o maintain_v these_o assertion_n 1._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n want_v a_o presbytery_n may_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o settle_a state_n of_o church_n perform_v the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n but_o the_o mission_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n into_o a_o sacted_a function_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prove_v 1._o from_o express_v place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o ecclesiastical_a act_n be_v enjoin_v the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n and_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o presbytery_n there_o be_v signify_v a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n be_v prove_v by_o most_o certain_a argument_n against_o the_o hierarchy_n our_o reverend_a bucerus_n discourse_v excellent_o of_o this_o place_n dissert_n de_fw-fr gubern_n ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 339_o 340._o i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o the_o word_n presbytery_n may_v be_v expound_v either_o of_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n but_o three_o reason_n chief_o persuade_v i_o to_o think_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o former_a signification_n the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o find_v it_o no_o where_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v for_o the_o presbyter_n office_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v their_o meeting_n be_v evident_a for_o what_o luke_n relate_v chap._n 22._o 66._o that_o when_o christ_n be_v apprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o certain_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o presbyterial_a office_n so_o paul_n at_o jerusalem_n render_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o testimony_n of_o what_o he_o say_v cit_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 22._o 5._o where_o every_o one_o understand_v the_o word_n presbytery_n to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n not_o the_o office_n a_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o there_o will_v appear_v a_o kind_n of_o tautology_n in_o paul_n speech_n if_o by_o the_o word_n presbytery_n we_o understand_v the_o presbyterial_a office_n for_o the_o gift_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o paul_n bid_v timothy_n not_o to_o neglect_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o most_o signify_v that_o office_n itself_o join_v with_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o gift_n the_o apostle_n word_n therefore_o will_v sound_v to_o this_o purpose_n neglect_v not_o the_o presbyterial_a office_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a office_n in_o good_a earnest_n i_o like_v it_o not_o i_o know_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v understand_v by_o some_o only_o of_o the_o faculty_n of_o teach_v but_o when_o paul_n add_v that_o it_o be_v give_v timothy_n by_o prophecy_n whether_o or_o no_o will_n you_o not_o judge_v this_o expression_n to_o suit_n better_o to_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v for_o any_o one_o will_v easy_o discern_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v a_o harsh_a speech_n to_o say_v that_o the_o faculty_n of_o teach_v be_v
doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v by_o ordinary_a ministerial_a knowledge_n may_v by_o common_a consent_n be_v explain_v and_o decide_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n also_o about_o the_o proper_a form_n of_o speak_v and_o proceed_v agreeable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o those_o church_n hold_v which_o set_v forth_o those_o confession_n and_o canon_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o all_o those_o orthodox_n with_o who_o they_o will_v keep_v communion_n shall_v hold_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o restraint_n of_o licentiousness_n in_o invent_v new_a opinion_n and_o order_n to_o distract_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o last_o that_o there_o may_v remain_v a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o vicious_a or_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a innovation_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n the_o concord_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o better_o preserve_v they_o be_v useful_a therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n divine_a scripture_n as_o handmaid_n with_o due_a subjection_n without_o any_o absolute_o necessary_a prescription_n of_o use_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a sense_n but_o be_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n to_o those_o only_a who_o with_o licentiousness_n rather_o than_o liberty_n endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o principle_n which_o be_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o christian_a discipline_n and_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o even_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o listen_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n reject_v as_o be_v far_o from_o christian_a modesty_n 4._o we_o attribute_v therefore_o to_o these_o form_n only_o a_o hypotheticall_a necessity_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o writing_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o church_n heretic_n and_o erroneous_a person_n contention_n or_o sophistication_n fraudulent_a expression_n and_o interpretation_n or_o the_o adversary_n calumny_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o testification_n of_o a_o consent_n with_o other_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o present_a or_o a_o necessary_a declare_v the_o union_n of_o concord_n and_o consent_n 5._o therefore_o these_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n out_o of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o can_v be_v prescribe_v to_o church_n but_o by_o college_n of_o prophet_n to_o who_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o government_n be_v commit_v hence_o the_o meeting_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n compose_v explication_n out_o of_o scripture_n of_o opinion_n in_o controversy_n act._n 15._o and_o set_v out_o a_o epistle_n wherein_o by_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n concern_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n it_o be_v decide_v and_o a_o canon_n prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n 6._o we_o consider_v these_o form_n either_o as_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v divine_a be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o indices_fw-la in_o explain_v and_o determine_v dubious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o controversy_n for_o be_v search_v out_o by_o so_o great_a diligence_n of_o godly_a teacher_n and_o approve_v by_o their_o consent_n and_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o can_v see_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o attribute_v to_o these_o form_n be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indices_fw-la of_o some_o controvert_v doctrine_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o meditation_n even_o of_o a_o private_a christian_a much_o more_o of_o a_o numerous_a company_n of_o prophet_n may_v be_v a_o index_n or_o they_o be_v consider_v formal_o as_o they_o be_v synodical_a determination_n due_o conclude_v confirm_v with_o ecclesiaasticall_a authority_n carry_v in_o they_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o badge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a union_n and_o communion_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o decide_v and_o explain_v ecclesiastical_a controversy_n in_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o joint_o we_o attribute_v to_o they_o this_o authority_n which_o we_o propose_v in_o vrsin_n word_n their_o authority_n say_v he_o be_v show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o recede_v from_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o recite_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v innovaâ—â—â—_n in_o form_n of_o exposition_n or_o speech_n without_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n yea_o and_o if_o they_o either_o have_v indeed_o or_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n blame-worthy_a nothing_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v attempt_v in_o a_o rash_a disorderly_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n nothing_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o contrary_a without_o a_o previous_a communicate_v of_o opinion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v teacher_n and_o other_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v though_o therefore_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o synod_n which_o prescribe_v those_o form_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o infallible_a nor_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o authority_n oblige_v believer_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v determine_v in_o those_o form_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o synod_n which_o constitute_v those_o form_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n give_v by_o god_n for_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o rend_n of_o church_n whereby_o they_o may_v inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o such_o as_o open_o oppose_v their_o decree_n hence_o have_v those_o form_n a_o excellent_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v for_o as_o the_o learned_a camero_n well_o note_v tom_n 1._o prelect_v de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o discourse_n concern_v the_o infallability_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n it_o make_v that_o this_o be_v not_o rash_o and_o without_o accurate_a and_o grave_a observation_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o synod_n have_v a_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o a_o great_a than_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o teacher_n judge_v single_o and_o apart_o they_o have_v also_o more_o certain_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_n &_o disputation_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o have_v also_o a_o better_a course_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n concern_v a_o controversy_n raise_v and_o what_o course_n the_o church_n observe_v therein_o so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o form_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o upon_o light_n and_o probable_a reason_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v bind_v so_o far_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o form_n decree_v as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o that_o case_n which_o obedience_n be_v a_o observance_n of_o christian_a humility_n and_o modesty_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a in_o such_o case_n abstain_v from_o public_a or_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o condemnation_n or_o confutation_n of_o the_o opinion_n determine_v in_o those_o form_n and_o this_o evident_a because_o for_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o church_n we_o have_v the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a authority_n of_o god_n command_v to_o obey_v they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o for_o oppose_v they_o we_o have_v only_o uncertain_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o common_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v hold_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a again_o to_o oppose_v open_o the_o form_n of_o church_n upon_o argument_n but_o probable_a and_o less_o evident_a give_v a_o unbridled_a and_o endless_a licence_n of_o contradict_v any_o ecclesiastical_a decree_n whatever_o yea_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n prescribe_v in_o those_o form_n of_o church_n
which_o we_o ought_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n but_o also_o as_o a_o prayer_n which_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o may_v say_v pray_v you_o therefore_o thus_o say_v he_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 6._o 9_o and_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 11._o 2._o our_o lord_n therefore_o do_v not_o only_o deliver_v a_o rule_n for_o prayer_n but_o compose_v this_o prayer_n in_o set_a word_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o we_o not_o only_o for_o imitation_n but_o to_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n afford_v we_o in_o mercy_n a_o most_o useful_a help_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o not_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o a_o perfect_a supply_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o use_n whereof_o though_o not_o always_o necessary_a yet_o we_o judge_v it_o ofttimes_o safe_a and_o convenient_a our_o lord_n himself_o suggest_v these_o word_n and_o commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o hence_o in_o all_o the_o liturgy_n of_o reform_a church_n that_o be_v extent_n the_o rehearse_v the_o lords-prayer_n be_v prescribe_v so_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o express_a form_n of_o baptise_v matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o by_o absolute_a necessity_n tie_v to_o the_o syllable_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o we_o must_v admit_v no_o mutation_n as_o also_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n have_v their_o set_a form_n in_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n blessing_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passeover_n which_o also_o christ_n by_o his_o practice_n do_v approve_v to_o be_v retain_v see_v mr_n beza_n on_o matth._n 26._o 20._o paulus_n brugensis_n on_o psalm_n 112._o and_o scaliger_n de_fw-fr emendat_fw-la temporum_fw-la lib._n 6._o who_o he_o there_o cit_v as_o also_o ainsworth_n himself_o on_o exod._n 12._o 8._o so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n have_v by_o his_o example_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n matth._n 26._o which_o the_o apostolic_a church_n think_v good_a to_o retain_v and_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 11._o hence_o also_o in_o almost_o all_o reform_a church_n ecclesiastical_a liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v approve_v as_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n form_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v together_o with_o our_o psalter_n and_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a catechism_n allow_v and_o public_o extant_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o carry_v to_o the_o utmost_a indies_n masculine_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a master_n john_n calvin_n epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n say_v he_o i_o much_o approve_v it_o that_o there_o be_v one_o certain_a form_n extant_a from_o which_o minister_n in_o their_o function_n may_v not_o depart_v as_o well_o that_o thereby_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o some_o as_o also_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o may_v so_o more_o certain_o appear_v last_o also_o that_o the_o petulant_a lightness_n of_o some_o may_v be_v prevent_v who_o affect_v innovation_n to_o which_o end_n also_o the_o catechism_n tend_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v so_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o catechism_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n these_o argument_n do_v also_o manifest_o show_v that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v hold_v with_o those_o church_n which_o retain_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n for_o no_o where_o have_v god_n command_v that_o a_o christian_n shall_v separate_v himself_o from_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o prescript_n form_n and_o christ_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v to_o his_o church_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o celebrate_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o appoint_a form_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o we_o think_v it_o uncharitable_a to_o condemn_v all_o those_o godly_a church_n as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n which_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n downward_o even_o to_o this_o day_n have_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o prescript_n and_o set_v form_n and_o therefore_o we_o blame_v the_o precise_a singularity_n of_o those_o man_n who_o banish_v all_o set_a form_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n into_o private_a and_o separate_a congregation_n of_o their_o own_o because_o of_o the_o form_n use_v by_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la a_o table_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o question_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n p._n 1._o q._n whither_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n but_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o with_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o who_o upon_o strict_a examination_n do_v manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o real_a internal_a holiness_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v himself_o of_o his_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o communion_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o any_o congregation_n admit_v other_o in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o evident_a proof_n of_o these_o sign_n they_o admit_v impure_a and_o false_a church-member_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n p._n 13_o q._n whither_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o a_o public_a and_o express_a agreement_n and_o promise_n associate_v and_o unite_v among_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o fear_n and_o sacred_a worship_n of_o god_n unity_n of_o faith_n brotherly_a love_n mutual_a edification_n and_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o without_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n nor_o true_a church-member_n cha._n iii_o of_o a_o institute_v visible_a church_n p._n 24_o q._n whether_o no_o other_o external_a visible_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o limit_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o god_n publikeworship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v in_o all_o their_o member_n meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n p._n 43_o q._n whither_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v