papam_fw-la p._n 565._o be_v there_o burn_v for_o deny_v the_o primacy_n of_o the_o pope_n teach_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v ecclesiae_fw-la toti_fw-la non_fw-la uni_fw-la petro_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o the_o communion_n shall_v be_v administer_v sub_fw-la utrâque_fw-la specie_fw-la and_o against_o humane_a tradition_n and_o the_o pope_n indulgency_n and_o the_o wicked_a life_n of_o the_o cardinal_n and_o priest_n and_o for_o preach_v free_a justification_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o pope_n be_v antichrist_n this_o be_v about_o the_o year_n 1499._o in_o our_o own_o land_n john_n lambert_n in_o the_o year_n 8_o fox_n martyrol_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o hen._n 8_o 1538_o be_v burn_v to_o death_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o himself_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o he_o with_o all_o his_o noble_n and_o bishop_n by_o the_o wicked_a counsel_n of_o stephen_n gardiner_n upon_o 45_o article_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o 43_o article_n whether_o he_o believe_v the_o pope_n be_v christ_n vicar_n and_o have_v power_n on_o earth_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v he_o deny_v that_o the_o pope_n be_v christ_n vicar_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n not_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v it_o out_o of_o cyprian_a ibid._n idem_fw-la ibid._n de_fw-fr simplicitate_fw-la clericorum_fw-la and_o aug._n de_fw-fr ago_o christiano_n also_o sir_n john_n borthwick_n a_o scottish_a knight_n in_o the_o year_n 1540_o be_v condemn_v by_o the_o arch_a bishop_n of_o st._n andrews_n than_o cardinal_n of_o scotland_n and_o the_o pope_n legate_n with_o sundry_a popish_a bishop_n upon_o ten_o article_n of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o first_o touch_v the_o pope_n supremacy_n ground_v upon_o mat._n 16._o to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n which_o he_o from_o that_o place_n confute_v affirm_v that_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n which_o name_n be_v give_v he_o upon_o his_o confession_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o confirm_v his_o assertion_n out_o of_o cyprian_a and_o augustine_n so_o that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o singular_a exposition_n of_o these_o word_n or_o practice_n take_v up_o by_o some_o few_o of_o late_a not_o new_a for_o cyprian_n write_v about_o the_o year_n 250_o after_o christ_n and_o augustine_n about_o the_o year_n 410_o the_o last_o of_o they_o about_o 1200_o year_n since_o and_o the_o first_o above_o 1400_o year_n past_a i_o shall_v add_v hereunto_o that_o before_o cyprian_a tertullian_n about_o the_o year_n 200_o show_v we_o that_o church-censure_n be_v then_o perform_v by_o one_o particular_a church_n within_o it_o self_n and_o not_o in_o any_o combination_n of_o church_n tertull._n apolog._n cap._n 39_o nor_o singular_a for_o sundry_a sort_n of_o writer_n in_o several_a age_n and_o country_n have_v consent_v therein_o i_o will_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o question_n about_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o apprehension_n between_o some_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n whether_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n under_o several_a consideration_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o as_o a_o elder_a and_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n all_o be_v take_v joint_o together_o or_o to_o a_o single_a society_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n under_o some_o special_a relation_n which_o share_n alike_o in_o the_o equality_n of_o this_o power_n promise_v unto_o they_o for_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o agree_v 1._o that_o the_o key_n be_v promise_v to_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o congregational-church_n 2._o that_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n can_v be_v give_v to_o one_o single_a society_n formal_o in_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o because_o it_o require_v several_a sort_n of_o subject_n formal_o different_a viz._n some_o rule_v some_o rule_v some_o teach_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o till_o a_o congregational-church_n be_v organise_v and_o complete_v with_o all_o its_o officer_n it_o can_v complete_o exercise_v the_o key_n commit_v to_o it_o 4._o that_o nevertheless_o before_o it_o be_v complete_v it_o have_v power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o they_o either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o whereby_o all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v or_o administrable_a among_o they_o i_o shall_v issue_v this_o point_n into_o one_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n concl._n 6._o concl._n the_o subordinate_a ordinary_a power_n of_o act_v church-affair_n in_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o a_o visible_a congregation_n of_o confederate_a believer_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v note_v something_n 1._o for_o explication_n 2._o confirmation_n of_o it_o 3._o draw_v some_o consectary_n 1._o for_o explication_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v five_o particular_n 1._o what_o i_o mean_v by_o subordinate_a power_n subordinate_a power_n be_v that_o which_o whole_o depend_v on_o christ_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o only_a monarch_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o his_o reveal_v will_n must_v be_v attend_v in_o all_o church-administations_a as_o the_o only_a rule_n from_o which_o they_o may_v not_o swerve_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a for_o any_o humane_a policy_n or_o pretence_n whatsoever_o by_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v any_o thing_n therefrom_o to_o this_o christ_n limit_v his_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o according_o paul_n strict_o charge_v timothy_n and_o in_o he_o all_o the_o church_n and_o church-officer_n to_o keep_v this_o commandment_n without_o spot_n unrebukable_a until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 6.13_o 14_o 15._o they_o must_v assume_v to_o themselves_o only_o that_o power_n which_o he_o have_v allot_v they_o and_o not_o exercise_v it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v allow_v they_o 2._o why_o i_o add_v ordinary_a to_o subordinate_a it_o be_v add_v to_o difference_n that_o power_n which_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n for_o continual_a use_n in_o ordinary_a dispensation_n from_o that_o which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o time_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n both_o apostolical-power_n and_o church-power_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v receive_v immediate_o from_o christ_n for_o as_o he_o say_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v etc._n etc._n joh._n 20.23_o so_o he_o say_v to_o the_o church_n both_o here_o in_o peter_n and_o in_o mat._n 18.18_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v or_o loose_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o neither_o do_v the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n receive_v its_o power_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o both_o immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v their_o power_n before_o visible_a christian-churche_n be_v constitute_v so_o such_o church_n have_v and_o hold_v their_o power_n when_o apostle_n cease_v to_o be_v on_o earth_n but_o herein_o these_o two_o power_n differ_v 1._o that_o apostolical_a power_n be_v centre_v in_o one_o single_a person_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o circumference_n of_o all_o church_n each_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n when_o he_o be_v absent_a from_o the_o church_n he_o can_v administer_v seal_n and_o censure_n as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o be_v present_a in_o any_o church_n that_o want_v officer_n a_o apostle_n have_v power_n to_o execute_v every_o office_n for_o the_o church_n and_o this_o their_o power_n extend_v itself_o as_o much_o to_o all_o church_n as_o to_o any_o one_o their_o line_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n psal_n 19.4_o with_o rom._n 10.18_o mat._n 28.19_o for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n the_o mediator_n with_o fullness_n of_o soveragin_n power_n so_o christ_n send_v his_o apostle_n with_o fullness_n of_o ministerial_a power_n joh._n 20.21_o but_o church-power_n be_v not_o in_o one_o man_n but_o in_o a_o society_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v various_o by_o several_a person_n in_o that_o society_n according_a to_o variety_n of_o calling_n be_v all_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.29_o hence_o 2._o that_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o to_o last_v but_o for_o a_o time_n but_o this_o be_v ordinary_a and_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n rev._n 4.1_o 3._o what_o the_o church-affair_n be_v and_o what_o the_o act_v they_o import_v the_o church-affair_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n call_v here_o the_o
church-communion_n by_o believer_n join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o walk_v in_o a_o memberlike_a affection_n and_o fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n but_o they_o speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la but_o rather_o intimate_v the_o contrary_n for_o the_o apostle_n by_o compare_v a_o congregational-church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n entire_a in_o all_o its_o member_n show_v that_o as_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v entire_a and_o sound_a have_v complete_a power_n within_o itself_o for_o all_o bodily_a action_n so_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v organise_v and_o govern_v by_o christ_n the_o head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o by_o joint_n of_o supply_n according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o without_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o jurisdiction_n out_o of_o itself_o to_o supply_v a_o superior_a church-power_n which_o be_v want_v in_o this_o body_n of_o chirist_n a_o congregational-church_n and_o as_o the_o body_n natural_a be_v sound_a and_o of_o a_o good_a constitution_n have_v sufficient_a ability_n in_o itself_o to_o purge_v out_o of_o itself_o malignant_a humour_n so_o such_o a_o church_n have_v sufficient_a power_n in_o itself_o to_o cast_v out_o vicious_a and_o hurtful_a member_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o commandment_n in_o such_o as_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n neglect_v to_o join_v as_o member_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o it_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o reveal_v will_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o but_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o subjection_n thereunto_o be_v no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a but_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n which_o forbid_v man_n invention_n in_o god_n worship_n that_o it_o may_v establish_v only_o god_n ordinance_n therein_o other_o argue_v thus_o as_o though_o a_o town_n or_o family_n be_v alone_o may_v govern_v as_o a_o complete_a body_n yet_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o independent_a but_o must_v submit_v to_o combination_n so_o though_o when_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v alone_o it_o may_v govern_v as_o complete_a yet_o not_o so_o when_o it_o be_v among_o other_o church_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v not_o a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o of_o town_n or_o family_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o civil_a society_n be_v more_o leave_v to_o rule_n of_o humane_a prudence_n by_o the_o great_a ruâ—â—â—_n of_o the_o world_n than_o church_n be_v therefore_o civil_a society_n may_v be_v of_o several_a constitution_n have_v different_a law_n and_o privilege_n and_o admit_v various_a form_n of_o government_n provide_v that_o they_o be_v not_o against_o moral_a rule_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n but_o in_o this_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n man_n may_v not_o alter_v the_o kind_n or_o form_n of_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v but_o must_v preserve_v inviolate_a the_o law_n administration_n privilege_n and_o church-government_n ordain_v by_o he_o without_o addition_n diminution_n or_o alteration_n hence_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o alienate_v from_o itself_o in_o whole_a or_o part_n any_o right_n power_n or_o privilege_n give_v it_o by_o christ_n 2._o if_o such_o a_o town_n or_o family_n have_v complete_a power_n and_o officer_n within_o itself_o it_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o combination_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n except_o it_o be_v under_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v command_v the_o same_o abraham_n have_v a_o complete_a family_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o combine_v with_o the_o government_n he_o dwell_v among_o nor_o do_v he_o though_o he_o join_v in_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n and_o for_o mutual_a help_n with_o aner_n eschol_n and_o mamre_o yet_o not_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o government_n so_o neither_o be_v a_o particular_a organical_a church_n bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o classical_a combination_n till_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o a_o superior_a power_n of_o other_o church_n can_v command_v the_o same_o 3._o though_o several_a family_n not_o have_v complete_a government_n within_o themselves_o must_v combine_v in_o a_o commonwealth_n yet_o not_o to_o yield_v up_o their_o family-government_n over_o their_o wife_n child_n and_o servant_n respective_o to_o rule_v they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o master_n of_o family_n much_o less_o may_v several_a congregational-churche_n give_v up_o the_o government_n of_o themselves_o to_o pastor_n of_o sundry_a church_n combine_v in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o govern_v they_o in_o their_o proper_a affair_n such_o as_o admission_n of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n 1._o corollary_n then_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o light_a matter_n but_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o very_o weighty_a and_o formidable_a you_o see_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o sovereign_a remedy_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n against_o the_o many_o disease_n whereunto_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a the_o great_a preservative_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o safety_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n as_o prove_v church-society_n to_o be_v the_o visible_a suburb_n of_o heaven_n yea_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n begin_v on_o earth_n see_v such_o a_o heavenly_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a work_n than_o elijah_n do_v when_o he_o shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o rain_v not_o jam._n 5.17_o for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o outward_a and_o temporal_a judgement_n for_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n but_o this_o be_v spiritual_a and_o for_o ever_o upon_o impenitent_a person_n it_o be_v great_a than_o earthly_a king_n and_o magistrate_n can_v do_v they_o can_v bind_v a_o malefactor_n hand_n and_o foot_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jailor_n and_o sentence_v he_o to_o banishment_n out_o of_o their_o dominion_n but_o this_o censure_n bind_v the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n and_o exclude_v obstinate_a impenitent_a sinner_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o when_o this_o censure_n be_v apply_v by_o the_o church_n according_a to_o scripture-rule_n jesus_n christ_n be_v with_o they_o to_o ratify_v his_o censure_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n what_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o bless_v it_o to_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n if_o they_o that_o be_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o liberty_n because_o they_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o church-censure_n they_o show_v their_o extreme_a folly_n therein_o for_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o forlorn_a creature_n exclude_v from_o spiritual_a help_n suitable_a to_o their_o need_n they_o be_v as_o sheep_n who_o no_o man_n take_v up_o or_o care_v for_o in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n isa_n 3.13_o 14._o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a privilege_n of_o church-member_n and_o much_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o they_o improve_v it_o aright_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o those_o corruption_n in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o be_v purge_v out_o and_o heal_v by_o easy_a mean_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o see_v themselves_o as_o adam_z drive_v from_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n by_o the_o flame_a sword_n of_o a_o cherubin_n or_o as_o cain_n cast_v out_o from_o god_n face_n or_o as_o the_o leper_n shut_v out_o from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n people_n or_o as_o that_o incestuous_a corinthian_a deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a humble_v and_o effectual_o bring_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o hold_v it_o forth_o according_a to_o god_n rule_n if_o it_o work_v not_o this_o effect_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n for_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n when_o it_o be_v not_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n so_o this_o gospel-ordinance_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a but_o shall_v work_v one_o way_n or_o tother_o either_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o impenitent_a or_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o that_o repent_v
of_o many_o church_n have_v power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n act._n 15.6_o 2._o to_o argue_v debate_n and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o word_n verse_n 7_o 23_o 3._o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v vers_fw-la 23._o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 24_o 28_o 29._o 4._o such_o determination_n and_o direction_n be_v find_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v be_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o 5._o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a persistance_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n in_o their_o scandalous_a evil_n against_o light_n convict_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n so_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v by_o they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o church-communion_n till_o they_o repent_v and_o reform_v this_o follow_v in_o proportion_n from_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 2.9_o and_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o person_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o such_o offend_a church_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o neither_o do_v that_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15.29_o here_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o join_v with_o my_o brethren_n in_o add_v some_o caution_n touch_v the_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 57_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 57_o either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o throâ—â—â—_n ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o ball._n mr._n shepherd_n &_o mr._n allen_n defense_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n in_o answ_n to_o mr._n ball._n other_o express_v their_o apprehension_n in_o way_n of_o caution_n touch_v this_o matter_n thus_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n or_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulatiuè_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privatiuè_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o as_o these_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o classical_a power_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v tanquam_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la so_o in_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o i_o with_o they_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n due_a moderation_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o exercise_v brotherly_a communion_n in_o testify_v against_o such_o act_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n be_v according_a to_o scripture-light_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o 1._o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o though_o as_o elder_n yet_o not_o as_o apostle_n nor_o as_o infallible_o assist_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a in_o their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o in_o a_o masterly_a way_n impose_v their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n upon_o other_o but_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o receive_v only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o that_o church_n hold_v forth_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a apprehension_n let_v they_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o answer_v convict_o or_o let_v that_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la without_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n 2._o godly_a wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o proceed_n in_o make_v difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v church_n to_o connive_v at_o grosser_n scandal_n nor_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o small_a difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n much_o less_o for_o censure_v and_o hold_v under_o censure_n impenitent_a person_n when_o the_o scandalous_a obstinacy_n of_o delinquent_n be_v res_fw-la propriâ_fw-la to_o that_o church_n though_o some_o other_o church_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o guide_n who_o possible_o may_v side_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o delinquent_n out_o of_o some_o secret_a grutch_v against_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o party_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v lay_v under_o that_o censure_n or_o shall_v now_o be_v release_v from_o it_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v contrary_a to_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n if_o a_o church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a matter_n than_o this_o will_v cause_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n between_o church_n where_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v exercise_v with_o true_a humility_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n see_v the_o moderation_n of_o that_o african_a synod_n whereof_o cyprian_n write_v thus_o to_o stephanus_n caeterum_fw-la scimus_fw-la quosdam_fw-la quod_fw-la semel_fw-la imbiberint_fw-la 1._o cypr._n l._n 2._o ep._n 1._o nolle_fw-la deponere_fw-la nec_fw-la propositum_fw-la suum_fw-la facilè_fw-la mutare_fw-la sed_fw-la salvo_fw-la inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la quaedam_fw-la propria_fw-la quae_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la semel_fw-la sint_fw-la usurpata_fw-la retinere_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o re_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la cviquam_fw-la facimus_fw-la aut_fw-la legem_fw-la damus_fw-la cum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la administratione_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la suae_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la liberum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la praepositus_fw-la rationem_fw-la actus_fw-la svi_fw-la domino_fw-la redditurus_fw-la yet_o these_o proper_a practice_n of_o some_o church_n differ_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n which_o be_v establish_v as_o he_o say_v consensu_fw-la &_o authoritate_fw-la communi_fw-la nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v end_n of_o breach_n among_o church_n unless_o due_a moderation_n in_o such_o case_n
judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n etc._n etc._n v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o the_o like_a if_o not_o great_a care_n be_v have_v of_o the_o profession_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o stranger_n the_o child_n of_o such_o proselyte_n as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n isa_n 56.6_o 7._o john_n baptist_n also_o require_v of_o all_o who_o he_o admit_v unto_o his_o baptism_n a_o repenting-confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19.4_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n mat._n 3.9_o answerable_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v of_o all_o grow_v person_n 1._o visible_a repentance_n in_o case_n of_o open_a scandal_n act._n 19.18_o 2._o to_o join_v therewith_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n act._n 2.39_o 3._o a_o profession_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o ancient_a church_n they_o have_v their_o poenitentes_fw-la such_o as_o hold_v forth_o their_o repentance_n public_o and_o their_o catechumeni_fw-la who_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v be_v pagan_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o be_v catechize_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v crave_v baptism_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v fit_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competentes_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n they_o be_v call_v audientes_fw-la or_o auditores_fw-la 17._o auditores_fw-la tertull._n l._n de_fw-la poenit_fw-la c._n 6._o &_o praescr_n advers._fw-la haeret_fw-la c._n 4._o cypr._n l._n 3._o ep_v 17._o 2._o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o do_v nonnihil_fw-la adolescere_fw-la be_v catechize_v and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v believer_n be_v confirm_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church-priviledge_n these_o clemens_n call_v incipientes_fw-la &_o novitio_n and_o so_o do_v other_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wrought_v high_a and_o more_o effectual_o to_o advance_v papal_a usurpation_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o church_n this_o custom_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o popery_n retain_v only_o the_o name_n of_o confirmation_n but_o corrupt_v the_o thing_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o sacrament_n limit_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o diocesan_n praelat_n this_o corrupt_a custom_n be_v continue_v in_o england_n after_o they_o renounce_v the_o pope_n but_o as_o luther_n in_o germany_n seek_v to_o introduce_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o into_o the_o church_n there_o so_o do_v cranmer_n under_o that_o godly_a king_n edward_n the_o 6_o endeavour_v in_o england_n and_o commit_v the_o perusal_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n to_o that_o godly_a learned_a and_o moderate_a theologue_n bucer_n who_o examine_v the_o book_n find_v among_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v 17._o censura_fw-la m._n buceri_fw-la super_fw-la lib._n ordinat_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 17._o must_v say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o answer_v the_o question_n of_o the_o short_a catechism_n bucer_n censure_n upon_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o require_v diligent_a ponderation_n if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v recite_v god_n abhor_v such_o as_o confess_v he_o in_o word_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o be_v catechise_v institute_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v answer_v in_o word_n only_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o lord_n say_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v and_o not_o only_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o require_v such_o worshipper_n as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n unto_o baptism_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v require_v as_o may_v be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o mouth_n or_o get_v only_o by_o humane_a teach_n but_o also_o it_o must_v have_v those_o sign_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n as_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o though_o the_o church_n can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n which_o fruit_n afterward_o he_o declare_v at_o large_a but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o point_n have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n than_o dispute_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o question_n under_o so_o much_o agitation_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o formal_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n or_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o this_o church_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o house_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o material_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o but_o christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o material_a house_n but_o of_o the_o constitute_n of_o that_o holy_a society_n which_o he_o call_v his_o church_n under_o the_o metaphor_n of_o build_v a_o house_n which_o every_o way_n suit_v the_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o a_o material_a house_n suppose_v of_o stone_n be_v build_v by_o orderly_o place_v and_o strong_o cement_n they_o together_o which_o before_o be_v either_o scatter_a stone_n or_o a_o confuse_a and_o loose_a heap_n but_o not_o a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v thus_o frame_v and_o compact_v together_o so_o this_o holy_a society_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o coadunition_n or_o knit_v together_o of_o many_o saint_n into_o one_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o they_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v build_v by_o a_o orderly_a join_n and_o firm_o knit_v the_o part_n together_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o the_o mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o orderly_a and_o firm_o knit_v to_o the_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o the_o same_o hold_v in_o city_n and_o family_n which_o be_v thus_o build_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o same_o matephor_n in_o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o concl._n 3_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n by_o the_o public_a mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o with_o another_o though_o all_o man_n seem_v to_o grant_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o be_v from_o a_o covenant_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o that_o want_v a_o explicit_a covenant_n do_v yet_o plead_v their_o implicit_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o church-state_n yet_o such_o dispute_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o church_n covenant_n that_o i_o be_o compel_v to_o handle_v this_o point_n also_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o clear_v and_o settle_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n show_v 1._o to_o what_o end_n it_o serve_v 2._o what_o it_o import_v 3._o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 4._o draw_v some_o consectary_n from_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o the_o next_o end_n of_o their_o confederate_n be_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o and_o to_o walk_v together_o according_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v sanctify_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 2._o the_o covenant_n itself_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o on_o the_o lord_n part_n it_o impli_v 1._o the_o lord_n give_v they_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o 2._o his_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n according_o isa_n 56.4_o 5_o
together_o with_o the_o bless_a right_n unto_o all_o the_o outward_a good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n 1_o tim._n 4.8_o and_o a_o remote_a or_o mediate_a right_n unto_o church-priviledge_n these_o all_o believer_n have_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2._o external_n viz._n church-fellowship_n and_o power_n of_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n these_o visible_a believer_n have_v from_o christ_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o be_v confederate_n and_o join_v with_o the_o church_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o difference_n be_v between_o they_o the_o former_a be_v limit_v to_o the_o person_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n hab._n 2.4_o the_o latter_a be_v give_v to_o a_o society_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v extend_v to_o their_o seed_n also_o exod._n 20.6_o 2._o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n receive_v by_o we_o bind_v we_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o bind_v we_o also_o to_o do_v they_o in_o the_o due_a order_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o â—rder_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n therefore_o such_o duty_n as_o issue_v from_o voluntary_a relation_n must_v be_v do_v only_o by_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o such_o relation_n will_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n infer_v from_o he_o or_o her_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n or_o use_v of_o a_o conjugal_a covenant_n but_o that_o he_o have_v right_a to_o all_o woman_n and_o she_o to_o all_o man_n to_o perform_v conjugal_a duty_n with_o they_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v though_o they_o be_v not_o join_v to_o any_o of_o they_o by_o a_o conjugal_a covenant_n the_o like_a reason_n be_v of_o all_o other_o duty_n which_o be_v found_v in_o other_o voluntary_a relation_n as_o between_o master_n and_o servant_n pastor_n and_o people_n corporation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o member_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n bind_v all_o believer_n to_o such_o mutual_a covenant_v together_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o orderly_a discharge_n of_o the_o several_a duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o relation_n thus_o the_o conclusion_n be_v prove_v coral_n ∣_o lary_n 1_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o a_o visible_a member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n that_o he_o be_v join_v to_o it_o in_o hearty_a affection_n or_o in_o neighbourhood_n of_o habitation_n or_o in_o ordinary_a hear_v the_o word_n preach_v among_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o member_n of_o several_a church_n may_v be_v so_o join_v yea_o 2._o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n may_v so_o join_v with_o church_n assembly_n all_o these_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o those_o who_o dare_v not_o join_v as_o member_n to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 5.13_o and_o of_o that_o heathen_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o 3._o all_o these_o may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o excommunicate_a coral_n ∣_o lary_n 2_o then_o baptism_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o freedom_n from_o public_a scandal_n do_v not_o formal_o constitute_v a_o church_n nor_o make_v one_o a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o not_o baptism_n 1._o because_o the_o form_n must_v be_v before_o the_o formatum_fw-la not_o after_o it_o but_o the_o congregational-church_n be_v before_o baptism_n for_o 1._o baptism_n can_v ordinary_o be_v orderly_o administer_v but_o by_o a_o minister_n call_v unto_o office_n by_o the_o church_n 2._o because_o baptism_n seal_v the_o covenant_n and_o incorporation_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o therefore_o baptism_n be_v not_o before_o but_o after_o the_o church_n because_o where_o the_o form_n be_v there_o the_o formatum_fw-la must_v be_v also_o but_o visible_a church-membership_a may_v cease_v by_o excommunication_n or_o desertion_n or_o by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o baptism_n remain_v 2._o not_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n though_o accompany_v with_o freedom_n from_o scandalous_a sin_n for_o general_a profession_n can_v appropriate_v a_o man_n particular_o to_o any_o one_o church_n without_o particular_a engagement_n to_o that_o particular_a body_n 2._o nor_o do_v it_o bring_v any_o one_o under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n which_o it_o have_v over_o its_o own_o member_n and_o other_o church_n have_v not_o 3._o if_o that_o be_v sufficient_a a_o man_n shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n whether_o it_o will_v or_o no._n coral_n ∣_o lary_n 3_o then_o a_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o thereby_o a_o member_n of_o all_o visible_a congregation_n on_o earth_n for_o though_o a_o church-covenant_n be_v common_a to_o all_o church_n in_o its_o general_a nature_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o special_a combination_n which_o give_v a_o peculiar_a be_v to_o one_o congregational-church_n and_o its_o member_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o else_o how_o can_v one_o church_n have_v that_o power_n over_o its_o own_o member_n which_o another_o have_v not_o and_o in_o all_o voluntary_a covenant_n the_o only_a difference_n between_o they_o be_v the_o peculiar_a interest_n which_o one_o have_v in_o another_o by_o a_o particular_a engagement_n that_o pass_v between_o party_n and_o party_n covenant_n of_o corporation_n of_o marriage_n of_o service_n and_o the_o like_a be_v in_o general_a common_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o those_o and_o the_o like_a relation_n yet_o in_o particular_a appropriation_n bound_v they_o only_o to_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a no_o man_n can_v claim_v a_o memberlike_a right_n in_o all_o corporation_n because_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o one_o upon_o this_o plea_n that_o corporation-covenant_n be_v common_a to_o all_o society_n nor_o can_v a_o husband_n plead_v that_o he_o have_v a_o conjugal_a right_n in_o all_o wife_n because_o conjugal-covenant_n be_v common_a to_o all_o marry_a person_n the_o same_o hold_v in_o church_n which_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o respective_a covenant_n other_o absurdity_n that_o proceed_v from_o this_o tenet_n i_o shall_v pretermit_v coral_n ∣_o lary_n 4_o then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n which_o they_o have_v during_o their_o menority_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_n yet_o they_o must_v when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o voluntary_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n public_o with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n before_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o church-communion_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o all_o church-priviledge_n for_o themselves_o and_o before_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptise_a 1._o i_o say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o church-communion_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o all_o church-priviledge_n for_o themselves_o for_o in_o their_o minority_n they_o be_v member_n in_o their_o parent_n and_o be_v baptise_a to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o their_o parent_n or_o with_o the_o parent_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o must_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n for_o themselves_o because_o now_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o church-priviledge_n in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o be_v not_o before_o if_o any_o oppose_v against_o this_o that_o church-membership_a non_fw-la recipit_fw-la magis_fw-la et_fw-la minus_fw-la that_o argue_v only_o that_o one_o of_o the_o confederate_n be_v no_o more_o engage_v to_o the_o other_o than_o the_o other_o to_o he_o but_o otherwise_o in_o confederacy_n some_o be_v allow_v great_a liberty_n than_o other_o be_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o their_o capacity_n so_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a society_n and_o corporation_n the_o child_n of_o the_o freeman_n of_o london_n have_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o freeman_n child_n under_o age_n he_o may_v trade_v for_o himself_o with_o and_o under_o his_o father_n in_o his_o father_n right_a but_o be_v of_o year_n he_o may_v not_o set_v up_o shop_n nor_o trade_n in_o his_o own_o right_n till_o he_o first_o take_v up_o his_o freedom_n and_o by_o oath_n voluntary_o submit_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o order_n of_o that_o society_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o citizen_n some_o think_v that_o the_o child_n of_o confederate_n be_v so_o complete_a member_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v in_o case_n of_o demerit_n i_o can_v easy_o assent_v thereunto_o for_o that_o will_v imply_v that_o they_o
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
and_o their_o put_n of_o it_o into_o act_n be_v a_o judicial_a act_n in_o they_o all_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o 1_o cor._n 5.12_o so_o their_o forgive_a he_o will_v be_v a_o legal_a and_o judicial_a acquit_v he_o from_o thaâ—_n sentence_n 2_o cor._n 2._o this_o church_n be_v our_o pattern_n and_o its_o practice_n in_o this_o be_v presidential_a to_o all_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n reas_n 1_o from_o the_o guilt_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o such_o church_n when_o any_o scandal_n give_v by_o their_o member_n remain_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a therefore_o paul_n apply_v this_o reproof_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n brethren_n as_o well_o as_o officer_n for_o their_o slowness_n to_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n christ_n reprove_v the_o angel_n and_o church_n both_o of_o pergamus_n rev._n 2.14_o 15._o and_o of_o thyatira_n ver_fw-la 20._o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o sufficient_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o purge_v out_o such_o leaven_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o tolerate_v the_o same_o and_o why_o be_v not_o other_o church_n or_o the_o class_n blame_v for_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v their_o power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judicature_n over_o they_o if_o they_o stand_v under_o any_o such_o and_o what_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o he_o say_v to_o other_o church_n also_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o like_a remissness_n which_o admonition_n all_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v lest_o else_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v against_o they_o through_o their_o neglect_n of_o exercise_v that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o severally_z and_o respective_o to_o preserve_v their_o member_n and_o whole_a fellowship_n in_o spiritual_a purity_n and_o safety_n heb._n 12.15_o reas_n 2_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o agreement_n that_o be_v between_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o civil_a power_n of_o the_o most_o free_a and_o perfect_a city_n which_o thucydides_n say_v have_v three_o privilege_n viz._n to_o use_v 1._o their_o own_o law_n 2._o magistrate_n 3._o judgement_n whence_o he_o call_v every_o such_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o city_n be_v not_o account_v entire_a and_o perfect_a city_n of_o themselves_o but_o less_o worthy_a member_n of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n 7._o grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la bell_n &_o pac_n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o p._n 4_o 5_o 7._o under_o who_o jurisdiction_n they_o be_v the_o summa_fw-la potestas_fw-la of_o those_o great_a and_o perfect_a city_n be_v that_o cujus_fw-la actus_fw-la alterius_fw-la juri_fw-la non_fw-la subsunt_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la alterius_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la humanae_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la irriti_fw-la possunt_fw-la reddi_fw-la now_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v complete_v with_o its_o officer_n be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o free_a city_n the_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 48.1_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n ver_fw-la 2._o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v necessary_o have_v sufficient_a and_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o to_o manage_v the_o key_n without_o dependence_n on_o class_n etc._n etc._n in_o its_o own_o concernment_n yet_o herein_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o such_o perfect_a city_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o such_o city_n may_v part_v with_o their_o liberty_n in_o some_o case_n dedimus_fw-la liv._o dec._n 1._o l._n 1._o idem_fw-la ibid._n l._n 7._o populum_fw-la campanum_n urbemque_fw-la delubra_fw-la deûm_fw-la divina_fw-la humanaque_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o vestram_fw-la p.c._n ditioâ—em_fw-la dedimus_fw-la as_o be_v overmatch_v by_o a_o potent_a enemy_n in_o this_o case_n the_o collative_n yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o their_o city_n and_o liberty_n to_o tarqvinius_n priscus_n king_n of_o the_o roman_n or_o when_o they_o be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n by_o a_o enemy_n who_o they_o will_v not_o have_v to_o rule_v over_o they_o and_o can_v defend_v themselves_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o campani_a distress_a by_o the_o samnite_n which_o force_v they_o to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o and_o all_o they_o have_v with_o all_o their_o liberty_n unto_o the_o roman_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v facti_fw-la alienae_n potestatis_fw-la yet_o it_o be_v presuppose_v that_o they_o have_v power_n in_o themselves_o thus_o to_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o that_o question_n estne_v populus_fw-la collatinus_n in_fw-la suâ_fw-la potestate_fw-la but_o church_n have_v not_o power_n to_o alienate_v from_o themselves_o their_o church-liberty_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o command_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o they_o gal._n 5.1_o and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o have_v keep_v and_o manage_v the_o same_o luke_n 16.2_o reas_n 3_o from_o the_o concession_n of_o those_o that_o oppose_v this_o truth_n calcem_fw-la the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o syn._n p._n 33._o ad_fw-la calcem_fw-la mr._n pag._n acknowledge_v that_o if_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n shall_v sojourn_v among_o the_o indian_n or_o among_o heretic_n where_o it_o can_v not_o obtain_v fellowship_n with_o other_o church_n out_o of_o itself_o or_o if_o by_o violence_n or_o other_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n any_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o enjoy_v this_o benefit_n of_o combination_n with_o other_o church_n in_o classical_a government_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o want_n this_o church_n shall_v subsist_v still_o and_o be_v repute_v a_o true_a church_n other_o say_v the_o same_o of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o island_n and_o add_v 2_o mr._n herle_n indep_n p._n 2_o that_o in_o such_o case_n a_o single_a congregation_n must_v not_o be_v deny_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n mr._n rutterf_n add_v that_o when_o church_n can_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o neighbour_a church_n with_o that_o comfort_n and_o conveniency_n as_o their_o occasion_n may_v require_v among_o they_o ordination_n and_o so_o excommunication_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o congregation_n from_o this_o concession_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o 1._o a_o congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n quà _fw-la talis_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_n in_o a_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n within_o itself_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n yea_o that_o the_o church-power_n native_o and_o natural_o lie_v in_o the_o congregation_n for_o such_o case_n be_v ordinary_a and_o the_o first_o synod_n which_o be_v look_v at_o as_o presidential_a to_o all_o synod_n be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o two_o church_n which_o be_v two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a 2._o the_o other_o church_n or_o class_n or_o synod_n have_v no_o right_a to_o take_v away_o this_o power_n from_o it_o for_o none_o may_v put_v asunder_o what_o god_n have_v join_v as_o well_o in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o that_o note_a in_o mat._n 19.7_o god_n have_v join_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la to_o a_o particular_a church_n who_o then_o shall_v sunder_v it_o from_o such_o a_o church_n to_o place_v it_o in_o class_n as_o superior_a judicatories_n where_o god_n never_o put_v it_o 3._o if_o the_o first_o church_n in_o a_o continent_n have_v this_o complete_a power_n within_o itself_o before_o other_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o the_o rise_n up_o of_o other_o church_n there_o long_o after_o shall_v deprive_v they_o of_o it_o by_o set_v up_o a_o classis_fw-la as_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a over_o they_o then_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o benefit_n but_o a_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o and_o will_v give_v they_o cause_n to_o complain_v unto_o god_n thou_o have_v multiply_v the_o nation_n 34._o pow._n of_o class_n &_o syn._n p._n 33._o idem_fw-la p_o 34._o but_o not_o increase_v our_o joy_n but_o they_o hold_v that_o every_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o seek_v this_o dependency_n and_o union_n with_o other_o church_n as_o god_n shall_v give_v opportunity_n and_o mean_n and_o can_v without_o sin_n neglect_v the_o same_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o but_o a_o matter_n arbitrary_a at_o best_a they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o necessity_n for_o a_o church_n to_o combine_v unto_o classeâ—_n and_o synod_n for_o their_o spiritual_a government_n if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n as_o to_o join_v a_o man_n self_n as_o a_o member_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n if_o he_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o and_o conclude_v all_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o sin_n against_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o walk_v not_o as_o become_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n rom._n 12.5_o 1_o cor._n 12.15_o ephes_n 4.16_o answ_n 1._o the_o proof_n allege_v do_v show_v that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ought_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o exercise_v in_o
that_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v effectual_a for_o their_o eternal_a good_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n when_o the_o sentence_n proceed_v either_o according_a to_o the_o eighteen_o of_o matthew_n upon_o their_o not_o hear_v the_o church_n in_o less_o heinous_a offence_n or_o according_a to_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o rev._n 22.15_o upon_o the_o heinous_a nature_n of_o scandal_n give_v by_o they_o against_o common_a light_n to_o humble_v themselves_o under_o the_o mighty_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v they_o in_o due_a time_n 1_o pet._n 5.6_o and_o to_o cry_v mighty_o to_o he_o to_o add_v efficacy_n to_o his_o ordinance_n by_o his_o spirit_n that_o their_o spirit_n may_v be_v due_o and_o true_o humble_v their_o corruption_n powerful_o mortify_v and_o their_o soul_n eternal_o save_v be_v sure_a that_o you_o take_v not_o part_n with_o your_o sin_n against_o the_o ordinance_n but_o take_v part_n with_o the_o ordinance_n against_o your_o sin_n and_o account_v it_o your_o honour_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o exalt_v his_o rule_n and_o let_v other_o learn_v hereby_o to_o fear_v not_o join_v with_o the_o church_n but_o persist_v obstinate_o in_o sin_n 2._o corollary_n then_o a_o congregational_a church_n such_o as_o have_v be_v describe_v be_v the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n this_o be_v reveal_v to_o john_n as_o that_o frame_n of_o church-government_n which_o shall_v continue_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o see_v a_o throne_n set_v in_o heaven_n the_o trinity_n sit_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n between_o it_o and_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n who_o sit_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n rev._n 4.1_o 9_o thither_o appeal_n must_v be_v make_v according_a to_o christ_n his_o ordinance_n by_o a_o offend_a brother_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n or_o by_o any_o member_n that_o find_v himself_o over-rigorous_o dealâ—_n with_o by_o his_o brethren_n in_o these_o step_n matth._n 18.17_o 18._o that_o there_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o sentence_n proceed_v according_a to_o christ_n if_o the_o church_n want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o consent_n for_o the_o sentence_n they_o be_v to_o seek_v help_n from_o other_o by_o their_o light_n and_o counsel_n but_o still_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o censure_n entire_o in_o the_o church_n where_o christ_n have_v place_v it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o every_o member_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o there_o be_v some_o chief_a tribunal_n in_o the_o exerciâ—â—_n of_o church-government_n unto_o which_o appeal_n must_v be_v last_o make_v juridical_o and_o from_o which_o no_o appeal_n may_v be_v grant_v and_o expect_v 2._o that_o this_o chief_a tribunal_n must_v have_v no_o ecclesiastical_a power_n above_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v judial_o censure_v by_o any_o power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n all_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v the_o chief_a tribunal_n that_o say_v some_o must_v be_v the_o class_n under_o which_o such_o church_n stand_v and_o the_o synod_n under_o which_o the_o class_n be_v subordinate_a and_o they_o give_v this_o reason_n because_o the_o end_n for_o which_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n may_v be_v remove_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o say_v can_v be_v do_v if_o you_o put_v the_o chief_a power_n of_o judgement_n into_o a_o congregational_a church_n for_o what_o if_o a_o elder_a what_o if_o the_o whole_a edership_n yea_o what_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n offend_v the_o church_n can_v censure_v their_o elder_n for_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v their_o ruler_n and_o to_o judge_v their_o judge_n nor_o will_v they_o censure_v themselves_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n of_o many_o elder_n may_v and_o will_v reform_v all_o by_o judicial_o censure_v all_o answ_n 1._o this_o argument_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o mistake_n or_o error_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o rule_n prescribe_v in_o matth._n 18._o be_v â—â—t_n for_o removal_n of_o all_o offence_n but_o of_o such_o private_a and_o less_o heinous_a offence_n as_o grow_v public_a and_o notorious_a only_o by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o delinquent_n for_o if_o offence_n be_v public_a and_o heinous_a in_o themselves_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_a church_n to_o proceed_v by_o those_o step_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rev._n 22.15_o 2._o nor_o do_v it_o make_v the_o people_n ruler_n of_o their_o ruler_n or_o judge_n of_o their_o judge_n when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o power_n over_o they_o in_o case_n of_o delinquency_n for_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a rule_n or_o authority_n but_o of_o the_o high_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o may_v well_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o their_o privilege_n without_o any_o entrenchment_n upon_o the_o rule_n and_o authority_n of_o elder_n wherein_o as_o officer_n they_o be_v above_o the_o brethren_n whilst_o they_o act_v according_a to_o rule_n but_o if_o they_o become_v delinquent_n then_o as_o member_n they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o church_n must_v submit_v to_o they_o as_o ruler_n while_o they_o right_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n in_o preach_v administer_a the_o seal_n hold_v forth_o light_a from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o censure_n order_v speech_n and_o silence_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o order_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o other_o official_a act_n but_o they_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o church_n question_v or_o proceed_v to_o censure_v they_o with_o good_a advice_n of_o neighbour-churche_n and_o elder_n who_o as_o they_o concur_v in_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o their_o ordination_n so_o they_o shall_v concur_v in_o approve_v this_o censure_n as_o just_o inflict_v by_o the_o church_n from_o parity_n of_o reason_n the_o mayor_n in_o a_o free_a city_n or_o corporation_n be_v in_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o his_o office_n above_o the_o court_n none_o but_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o act_n peculiar_a to_o his_o place_n yet_o if_o he_o corrupt_v the_o people_n pervert_v justice_n or_o be_v any_o way_n gross_o and_o scandalous_o delinquent_a the_o court_n can_v censure_v and_o despose_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a have_v power_n over_o any_o member_n to_o preserve_v its_o purity_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n against_o any_o in_o the_o body_n that_o will_v corrupt_v disturb_v or_o destroy_v the_o same_o and_o the_o covenant_n bind_v every_o member_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a either_o to_o be_v reform_v or_o remove_v from_o communion_n of_o it_o thereby_o 3._o their_o plaster_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o heal_v the_o sore_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v either_o too_o broad_a when_o offence_n of_o brethren_n may_v be_v heal_v by_o church-censure_n within_o themselves_o or_o it_o be_v too_o narrow_a for_o 1._o those_o assembly_n be_v too_o seldom_o and_o can_v sit_v together_o long_o enough_o to_o remove_v the_o many_o offence_n that_o fall_v out_o frequent_o in_o church_n 2._o non_fw-fr can_v they_o excommunicate_v a_o church_n nor_o any_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o warrant_n from_o christ_n 3._o class_n and_o synod_n and_o general_a council_n may_v be_v under_o just_a offence_n as_o well_o as_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v censure_v they_o 4._o this_o plaster_n hinder_v the_o heal_n of_o the_o sore_n of_o church_n for_o pronunciatum_fw-la appellatio_fw-la est_fw-la jus_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la prima_fw-la sententia_fw-la tantisper_fw-la extinguitur_fw-la donec_fw-la de_fw-la causae_fw-la cognition_n ad_fw-la superiorem_fw-la devolutâ_fw-la fuerit_fw-la pronunciatum_fw-la if_o a_o delinquent_n dislike_a the_o church_n proceed_v appeal_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o classis_fw-la and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la to_o a_o provincial_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o national_a synod_n then_o to_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n which_o may_v not_o assemble_v in_o a_o age_n while_o the_o appeal_n depend_v he_o shall_v stand_v as_o uncensured_a for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n of_o appeal_n now_o how_o can_v that_o heal_v which_o be_v cross_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a wise_a physician_n he_o say_v tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n but_o he_o who_o appeal_v from_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n therefore_o he_o that_o so_o do_v deserve_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n which_o this_o tradition_n of_o appeal_n from_o church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la
be_v exercise_v that_o love_n among_o church_n may_v be_v maintain_v 3._o unto_o these_o let_v it_o be_v add_v that_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v brotherly_a love_n so_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v show_v to_o any_o one_o church_n and_o before_o other_o church_n the_o proof_n of_o their_o love_n in_o not_o easy_o receive_v suggestion_n against_o the_o proceed_n of_o it_o though_o from_o some_o elder_a or_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o another_o church_n who_o may_v possible_o speak_v against_o they_o out_o of_o envy_n or_o ill_a will_n much_o more_o in_o not_o countenance_v a_o censure_v delinquent_n complain_v against_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n by_o who_o he_o be_v censure_v in_o a_o disorderly_a tumultuous_a manner_n as_o desirous_a to_o beget_v reproach_n and_o trouble_v to_o that_o church_n and_o contention_n and_o division_n among_o the_o church_n and_o elder_n 3._o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o ep._n 3._o from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n of_o revenge_n the_o african_a pastor_n be_v careful_a hereof_o as_o cyprian_a note_n cum_fw-la statutum_fw-la sit_fw-la omnibus_fw-la nobis_fw-la &_o aequum_fw-la sit_fw-la pariter_fw-la ac_fw-la justum_fw-la ut_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la causa_fw-la illic_fw-la audiatur_fw-la ubi_fw-la est_fw-la crimen_fw-la admissum_fw-la &_o singulis_fw-la pastoribus_fw-la portio_fw-la egregis_fw-la sit_fw-la ascripta_fw-la quam_fw-la regat_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la &_o gubernet_fw-la rationem_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la domino_fw-la rediturus_fw-la oportet_fw-la utique_fw-la eos_fw-la quibus_fw-la praesumus_fw-la non_fw-la circumcurdare_v nec_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la concordiam_fw-la cohaerentem_fw-la suâ_fw-la subdolâ_fw-la &_o fallaci_fw-la temeritate_fw-la collidere_fw-la sed_fw-la agere_fw-la illic_fw-la causam_fw-la svam_fw-la ubi_fw-la &_o accusatores_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o testes_fw-la svi_fw-la criminis_fw-la possint_fw-la last_o if_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o church_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n shall_v determine_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o entireness_n of_o the_o church_n power_n within_o itself_o the_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o not_o be_v sancit_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v right_o order_v according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a spiritual_a remedy_n against_o all_o those_o inconvenience_n which_o some_o think_n can_v be_v redress_v unless_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n over_o particular_a church_n be_v establish_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n as_o if_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o two_o faction_n &_o opposition_n within_o itself_o or_o if_o there_o be_v scandalous_a contention_n between_o two_o church_n or_o between_o the_o eldership_n and_o brotherhood_n of_o the_o same_o church_n or_o if_o a_o whole_a church_n be_v under_o scandalous_a delinquency_n i_o say_v these_o and_o the_o like_a inconvenience_n will_v be_v better_o redress_v in_o this_o way_n than_o in_o that_o of_o classical_a government_n for_o this_o way_n be_v ground_v upon_o divine_a institution_n so_o be_v not_o that_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n follow_v and_o accompany_v his_o own_o institution_n not_o man_n device_n if_o vzzah_n put_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o stay_v the_o ark_n his_o good_a intention_n can_v not_o justify_v his_o action_n but_o his_o not_o act_v according_o to_o god_n order_n be_v his_o death_n the_o prelate_n have_v as_o plausible_a a_o plea_n for_o their_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n and_o take_v the_o key_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n viz._n for_o unity_n peace_n and_o conformity_n yet_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_v unto_o all_o man_n last_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n may_v befall_v classical_a and_o synodal_n assembly_n yea_o and_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o what_o remedy_n be_v there_o for_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o this_o way_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n afford_v to_o particular_a church_n corollary_n 4._o then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la aught_o to_o be_v thankful_o receive_v right_o improve_v and_o faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n and_o by_o other_o church_n and_o their_o officer_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v thankful_o receive_v as_o a_o blessing_n promise_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n who_o heart_n be_v engage_v to_o approach_v unto_o he_o jer._n 30.21_o the_o grant_n by_o charter_n of_o entireness_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o unto_o city_n and_o corporation_n have_v ever_o be_v high_o esteem_v as_o a_o act_n of_o special_a grace_n from_o the_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o privilege_n with_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o that_o the_o chief_a captain_n in_o act_n 22.25_o 26_o 28._o purchase_v his_o freedom_n in_o rome_n with_o a_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n this_o grant_n to_o particular_a church_n be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o member_n of_o they_o sundry_a way_n 1._o for_o their_o ease_n in_o have_v their_o cause_n hear_v examine_v and_o issue_v at_o home_n without_o chargeable_a tiresome_a journey_n to_o the_o classical_a or_o synodal_n assembly_n to_o have_v their_o matter_n determine_v there_o 2._o for_o encouragement_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o speech_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o answer_v before_o his_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v a_o memberlike_a and_o pastoral_a care_n and_o respect_n of_o he_o whereas_o the_o presence_n of_o sundry_a strange_a face_n of_o person_n of_o superior_a rank_n and_o quality_n will_v not_o a_o little_a daunt_v he_o which_o may_v occasion_v his_o fall_n in_o his_o cause_n 3._o for_o their_o satisfaction_n concern_v the_o church_n proceed_v where_o as_o all_o circumstance_n can_v be_v best_o clear_v so_o more_o moderation_n may_v rational_o be_v expect_v from_o their_o own_o officer_n and_o brethren_n than_o from_o stranger_n comparative_o and_o from_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o censure_n and_o the_o same_o either_o have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v their_o own_o case_n they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o which_o be_v strong_a inducement_n to_o moderation_n exod._n 23.9_o gal._n 6.1_o than_o from_o a_o judicatory_a of_o constant_a judge_n who_o think_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o danger_n 4._o for_o common_a edification_n in_o the_o congregational_a way_n all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v by_o their_o presence_n in_o church-proceeding_n act_n 5.11_o this_o they_o lose_v in_o the_o presbyterial_a way_n classical_a assembly_n consist_v only_o of_o elder_n meeting_n and_o act_v apart_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v right_o improve_v which_o be_v then_o do_v when_o church-proceeding_n be_v orderly_o carry_v according_a to_o christ_n rule_n both_o by_o the_o eldership_n and_o fraternity_n act_v the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v delegated_a to_o they_o respective_o according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n in_o the_o due_a order_n and_o with_o mutual_a consent_n according_a to_o god_n 3._o it_o must_v be_v faithful_o preserve_v without_o violation_n 1._o by_o the_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whereby_o the_o church_n act_v according_a to_o rule_v be_v make_v under_o christ_n the_o high_a ecclesiastical_a tribunal_n in_o its_o own_o matter_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o without_z appeal_n to_o other_o ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n who_o have_v no_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o dispense_v church-censure_n or_o to_o release_v man_n from_o they_o matth._n 18.18_o object_n what_o if_o the_o brother_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o church_n proceed_v ans_fw-fr the_o elder_n have_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n from_o scripture_n to_o guide_v their_o proceed_n and_o the_o brethren_n either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o major_a part_n by_o far_o judge_a according_o let_v he_o suspect_v his_o own_o apprehension_n fear_v that_o satan_n temptation_n and_o his_o own_o corruption_n pride_n and_o self-flattery_n may_v darken_v and_o harden_v he_o prov._n 28.14_o 2._o let_v he_o attend_v serious_o to_o the_o light_n hold_v forth_o from_o scripture_n for_o his_o conviction_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o pray_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a in_o he_o 3._o let_v he_o thankful_o close_a with_o the_o light_n that_o do_v shine_v unto_o he_o and_o answerable_o judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o himself_o the_o evil_n which_o that_o light_n reprove_v and_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o whole_a mind_n of_o christ_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o compass_n of_o his_o guilt_n seek_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o further_a help_n with_o a_o self-denying_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o rule_n 4._o if_o he_o can_v show_v convict_o to_o the_o church_n some_o error_n in_o the_o elder_n expound_v or_o apply_v the_o rule_n to_o the_o case_n whereupon_o the_o censure_n proceed_v let_v he_o fall_v under_o the_o rule_n or_o look_v at_o it_o as_o his_o great_a sin_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o covenant_n
say_v salute_v they_o of_o such_o a_o house_n who_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v a_o exemplary_a family_n and_o a_o seminary_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o all_o church_n officer_n and_o power_n as_o this_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n have_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n 2._o sometime_o it_o signify_v the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n heb_fw-mi 12.23_o but_o that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n on_o earth_n to_o worship_n god_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v here_o 3._o most_o common_o it_o signify_v a_o congregational_a church_n or_o a_o holy_a society_n join_v together_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o walk_v together_o according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o law_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o his_o church_n and_o so_o sometime_o it_o signify_v a_o definite_a particular_a congregation_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n as_o that_o at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 20._o and_o 14.23_o and_o in_o that_o acceptation_n it_o note_n sometime_o the_o brethren_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o elder_n act._n 15.22_o sometime_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v together_o as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 11.20_o but_o never_o the_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n but_o in_o this_o place_n it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o particular_a definite_a church_n for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a christian_a church_n build_v by_o christ_n more_o or_o rather_o than_o other_o it_o remain_v that_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o particular_a congregational_a church_n here_o in_o a_o indefinite_a sense_n and_o so_o the_o word_n church_n be_v apply_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o paul_n say_v he_o persecute_v the_o church_n phil._n 3.6_o not_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n only_o or_o damascus_n but_o all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n gal._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n call_v every_o christian_a congregational_a church_n thus_o build_v his_o church_n from_o the_o word_n thus_o open_v this_o doctrinal_a conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v collect_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o quantity_n and_o compass_n congregational_a concl._n 4_o this_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n 1._o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n clear_o show_v that_o they_o so_o understand_v this_o branch_n of_o the_o church-charter_n and_o therefore_o they_o speak_v of_o christian-churche_n as_o several_a and_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o and_o 14.33_o yea_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o country_n as_o galatia_n gal_n 1.2_o judea_n v._o 22._o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8.1_o yea_o in_o corinth_n where_o god_n have_v much_o people_n act._n 18.10_o yet_o the_o church_n there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o though_o cenchrea_n be_v a_o port_n near_o unto_o corinth_n yet_o it_o have_v a_o church_n distinct_a from_o corinth_n rom._n 16.1_o the_o church_n also_o in_o jerusalem_n though_o a_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v there_o than_o we_o read_v of_o in_o other_o city_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n act._n 2.41_o 44_o 47._o and_o 6.2_o 15._o the_o same_o hold_v concern_v other_o great_a city_n the_o church_n in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v congregational_a and_o if_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n grow_v too_o great_a for_o one_o congregation_n doubtless_o more_o church_n be_v gather_v in_o such_o a_o place_n and_o case_n &_o if_o several_a part_n of_o the_o church_n meet_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n now_o and_o then_o here_o and_o there_o as_o they_o may_v yet_o they_o continue_v one_o congregation_n have_v the_o same_o officer_n in_o common_a for_o any_o thing_n appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_n now_o let_v we_o see_v why_o the_o christian_a church_n must_v be_v congregational_a reas_n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o end_n of_o church-fellowship_n which_o be_v mutual_a edification_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_v institute_v by_o christ_n thereunto_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v unto_o edification_n 1._o cor._n 14.26_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v attain_v unless_o they_o so_o meet_v together_o that_o all_o may_v learn_v and_o all_o may_v be_v comfort_v v._o 13_o hence_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v exhort_v not_o to_o forsake_v their_o assemble_v together_o heb._n 10.25_o which_o be_v the_o praise_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o jerusalem_n act._n 2.42_o 44._o therefore_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v feed_v together_o act._n 20.28_o and_o to_o a_o house_n or_o family_n the_o member_n whereof_o enjoy_v the_o same_o family-priviledge_n in_o common_a under_o the_o same_o family-order_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o reas_n 2_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v from_o their_o duty_n to_o take_v up_o offence_n among_o brethren_n which_o can_v be_v end_v private_o mat._n 18.17_o 18._o which_o impli_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n must_v consist_v of_o more_o than_o two_o or_o three_o for_o though_o two_o or_o three_o may_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinancy_n withdraw_v from_o a_o convict_a delinquent_n and_o though_o two_o or_o three_o pray_v together_o may_v expect_v the_o presence_n and_o blessing_n of_o christ_n as_o v._o 19_o 20._o upon_o their_o admonition_n yet_o two_o or_o three_o can_v issue_v the_o matter_n complete_o in_o way_n of_o church-censure_n but_o must_v tell_v the_o church_n therefore_o the_o church_n must_v necessary_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a number_n again_o how_o can_v two_o or_o three_o choose_v the_o four_o sort_n of_o officer_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v describe_v by_o four_o live_a creature_n in_o rev._n 4.6_o 7._o viz._n pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_a and_o deacon_n 2._o that_o they_o must_v not_o exceed_v the_o quantity_n and_o compass_n of_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o church_n must_v meet_v ordinary_o together_o with_o their_o officer_n for_o these_o purpose_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n show_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n do_v meet_v together_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v officer_n as_o deacon_n act._n 6.2_o 3_o 5._o elder_n act._n 14.23_o to_o receive_v and_o admit_v member_n act._n 9.26_o for_o prophesy_v 1_o cor._n 14.23_o for_o the_o seal_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o and_o for_o censure_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o and_o to_o release_v from_o censure_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o so_o much_o for_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n the_o conâ—â—ctaries_n be_v these_o coral_n 1_o then_o the_o congregational_a frame_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n be_v no_o humane_a invention_n or_o constitution_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o parish_n frame_n as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o join_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n within_o such_o a_o praecinct_n into_o one_o church_n enjoin_v they_o all_o to_o communicate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o at_o easter_n be_v mere_o humane_a not_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o golden_a reed_n which_o be_v the_o church-measure_n but_o by_o the_o court-measure_n rev._n 11.1_o 2._o but_o that_o member_n so_o qualify_v as_o christ_n require_v and_o so_o confederate_v shall_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n for_o the_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o golden_a reed_n whereby_o the_o city_n and_o gate_n and_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new-jerusalem_n be_v measure_v rev._n 21.15_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o few_o as_o to_o cut_v off_o church-jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o nor_o so_o many_o but_o that_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o be_v edify_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o of_o their_o fellowship_n within_o themselves_o coral_n 2_o then_o when_o a_o people_n grow_v to_o be_v so_o numerous_a in_o any_o church_n that_o they_o can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o to_o church-end_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v distribute_v into_o sundry_a congregational_a church_n for_o though_o many_o thousand_o of_o israel_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n because_o they_o may_v stand_v in_o so_o large_a a_o place_n together_o and_o see_v the_o sacrifice_n burn_v yet_o that_o will_v not_o prove_v that_o such_o multitude_n shall_v be_v member_n of_o a_o christian_a church_n where_o more_o communion_n be_v require_v then_o in_o see_v some_o one_o ordinance_n