church_n and_o judge_v of_o church_n affair_n so_o as_o that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n govern_v and_o judge_v by_o those_o elder_n as_o their_o instrument_n and_o deputy_n like_v as_o the_o king_n deputy_n represent_v the_o king_n himself_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o judge_a church_n affair_n by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o can_v delegate_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n but_o the_o presbyter_n do_v themselves_o immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v power_n of_o rule_v and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o this_o sense_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o representative_a church_n neither_o do_v we_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o representative_a church_n as_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n shall_v have_v absolute_a power_n by_o their_o law_n and_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o bind_v the_o multitude_n and_o subject_a their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o without_o trial_n they_o shall_v receive_v and_o embrace_v what_o soever_o shall_v be_v determine_v by_o this_o church_n for_o this_o be_v the_o papist_n tyrannical_a antichristian_a representative_a church_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o popish_a bishop_n which_o by_o reform_a church_n be_v deny_v and_o cast_v out_o but_o this_o representative_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n choose_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n receive_v from_o christ_n be_v set_v over_o and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_v it_o by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o decree_n make_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n by_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o decree_v this_o govern_v ministerial_a or_o representative_a church_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n oâ—_n the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o must_v be_v obey_v in_o the_o lord_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o promiscuous_a and_o popular_a government_n but_o be_v commit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n and_o guide_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o believer_n complaint_n bring_v before_o they_o concern_v the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prescribe_v law_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o complaint_n tit._n 1._o 13._o which_o to_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o enjoin_v this_o be_v that_o church-which_a have_v the_o power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n matth._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o but_o not_o where_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o roll_a and_o ministerial_a church_n of_o presbyter_n be_v therefore_o here_o understand_v whence_o also_o say_v beza_n upon_o matth._n 16._o 18._o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n church_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n as_o matth._n 18._o 17._o to_o wit_n because_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v it_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v by_o paul_n a_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o this_o place_n by_o church_n the_o evangelist_n understand_v a_o college_n of_o elder_n he_o prove_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o do_v after_o make_v mention_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v always_o in_o their_o power_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o tremellius_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v out_o of_o syriack_n to_o the_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o that_o council_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o power_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n deodate_v in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o italian_a bible_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n to_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4._o &_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o also_o have_v their_o consistory_n for_o correction_n of_o manner_n the_o doctor_n and_o professor_n of_o geneva_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o french_a bible_n in_o this_o place_n do_v understand_v those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o ordinary_a call_n of_o administer_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o have_v always_o be_v use_n of_o it_o among_o god_n people_n but_o be_v special_o renew_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n under_o the_o apostle_n the_o dutch_a interpreter_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o new_a dutch_a translation_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n by_o church_n governor_n who_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 2._o it_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n describe_v which_o by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n transact_v the_o church_n affair_n and_o represent_v the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o paul_n ministerial_a spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n as_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n only_o have_v revel_v 3._o 7._o which_o therefore_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o christ_n ambassador_n as_o be_v they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o ministerial_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v also_o gather_v together_o for_o this_o end_n to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o incestuous_a person_n a_o church_n member_n which_o exercise_n be_v commit_v not_o to_o all_o the_o church-member_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v a_o govern_n and_o representative_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o opposite_a opinion_n follow_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n visible_a describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n which_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v those_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o which_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bithynia_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o greek_n whether_o bond_n or_o free_a make_v up_o one_o body_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o 2._o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n limit_v to_o such_o bound_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o may_v be_v ordinary_o contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o perform_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n do_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o the_o essence_n and_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o place_n but_o on_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o bond_n of_o holy_a communion_n for_o as_o ames_n say_v that_o same_o in_o
profession_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o reality_n and_o its_o internal_a nature_n constitute_v the_o church_n mystical_a that_o be_v faith_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 7._o 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a institute_v church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o a_o constitute_v church_n but_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o meet_v together_o not_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n so_o likewise_o be_v that_o meeting_n call_v a_o church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o way_n of_o sermon_n preach_v the_o word_n nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o tell_v what_o god_n have_v do_v among_o the_o gentile_n act._n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 4._o or_o choose_v some_o to_o carry_v their_o decree_n to_o other_o act._n 15._o 22._o which_o be_v act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o that_o meeting_n which_o meet_v only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v also_o a_o church_n and_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n question_n whether_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v pastor_n from_o that_o function_n answer_n the_o reform_a divine_n teach_v that_o none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n may_v arrogate_v any_o power_n to_o himself_o but_o from_o a_o divine_a calling_n and_o delegation_n from_o christ_n for_o whereas_o those_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n none_o may_v perform_v they_o but_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o 5._o 4._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o when_o as_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v this_o call_n and_o delegation_n to_o administer_v those_o holy_a function_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o some_o only_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 28_o 29._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5_o 6._o they_o therefore_o deny_v that_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o allow_v indeed_o to_o all_o believer_n and_o godly_a member_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a a_o spiritual_a dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n for_o divine_a grace_n have_v a_o heavenly_a authority_n and_o majesty_n accompany_v it_o but_o deny_v that_o authority_n of_o office_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o they_o all_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o believer_n for_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 2._o that_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n either_o by_o suffrage_n or_o by_o free_a consent_n for_o this_o power_n be_v find_v ground_v on_o rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 1._o 23._o and_o 6._o 2_o 3_o 4._o &_o 14._o 22._o but_o by_o this_o election_n the_o believer_n do_v not_o confer_v or_o derive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n choose_v but_o only_o design_v he_o on_o who_o the_o power_n of_o that_o church_n office_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v confer_v by_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o spiritual_a power_n on_o minister_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v ministerial_o secondary_o and_o subordinate_o perform_v by_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a vocation_n but_o by_o election_n be_v only_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o that_o power_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v and_o by_o ordination_n he_o be_v authoritative_o send_v and_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o function_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o election_n design_v to_o be_v ordain_v ordination_n therefore_o be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o spalleto_n right_o discourse_v de_fw-fr repub_fw-la eccle_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 3._o num_fw-la 54._o but_o the_o act_n of_o election_n or_o nomination_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o prove_v the_o spirit_n and_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o choose_v he_o by_o who_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v lead_v for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o business_n when_o we_o consider_v of_o a_o pastor_n call_v entire_o and_o absolute_o and_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a right_n on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n perform_v and_o thus_o it_o comprehend_v election_n and_o ordination_n election_n have_v three_o part_n examination_n approbation_n and_o nomination_n examination_n consist_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o gift_n and_o former_a conversation_n approbation_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n judgement_n and_o assent_v judgement_n we_o call_v that_o sentence_n whereby_o the_o person_n examine_v be_v judge_v fit_a to_o undertake_v the_o ministry_n and_o may_v profitable_o perform_v it_o assent_n be_v of_o they_o who_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o judgement_n nomination_n be_v when_o one_o by_o name_n be_v by_o common_a advise_v decern_v to_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n ordination_n comprehend_v mission_n and_o admission_n mission_n or_o send_v be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o the_o office_n be_v confer_v on_o the_o person_n elect_v and_o he_o send_v and_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v design_v and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o ministry_n initiation_n or_o admission_n be_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o a_o outward_a rite_n whereby_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n and_o be_v perform_v by_o explain_v the_o divine_a institution_n prayer_n and_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n the_o common_a symbol_n of_o this_o ordination_n be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o this_o whole_a business_n therefore_o of_o vocation_n we_o grant_v to_o the_o people_n nomination_n which_o be_v at_o first_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o common_a the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n mean_v while_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n for_o they_o be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o gift_n be_v therefore_o to_o perform_v this_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o people_n but_o to_o lead_v they_o for_o the_o election_n be_v chief_o the_o act_n of_o minister_n the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n to_o consent_v to_o that_o election_n distinct_a 63._o cap._n nosse_fw-la &_o cap._n cum_fw-la longè_fw-la for_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o apostolical_a example_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v first_o to_o nominate_v and_o the_o people_n to_o assent_v to_o that_o nomination_n due_o perform_v or_o to_o consult_v in_o common_a about_o the_o person_n to_o be_v nominate_v or_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o may_v just_o oppose_v that_o nomination_n free_o to_o produce_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n their_o consent_n they_o signify_v ancient_o as_o junius_n acknowledge_v disput_fw-la
and_o our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o mat._n 16._o 17_o 18._o where_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v promise_v to_o peter_n as_o a_o pastor_n and_o ordinary_a ruler_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o to_o those_o be_v promise_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v of_o retain_v and_o remit_v sin_n ver_fw-la 19_o which_o authority_n be_v peculiar_a to_o christ_n ambassador_n who_o he_o send_v into_o the_o world_n with_o his_o authority_n joh._n 20._o 20_o 21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o to_o those_o therefore_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n in_o excommunication_n entrust_v and_o not_o to_o the_o whole_a people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v not_o promise_v 2._o from_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o church_n representative_a or_o company_n of_o presbyter_n to_o who_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n whereby_o they_o actual_o cast_v out_o the_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n from_o church-communion_n which_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n 3._o our_o assertion_n be_v evident_a from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n and_o my_o spirit_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v such_o a_o man_n be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o this_o rebuke_n or_o church_n censure_n be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o many_o as_o he_o write_v 2_o cor._n 2_o 6._o sure_o that_o by_o these_o many_o the_o apostle_n understand_v not_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v easy_o manifest_a if_o all_o be_v present_a at_o the_o deliberate_v every_o one_o even_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v see_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o paul_n shall_v not_o have_v write_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o for_o this_o have_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o commend_v that_o cause_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v urge_v for_o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o have_v by_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n correct_v the_o incestuous_a person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o prevail_v with_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o will_v now_o afford_v pardon_n to_o he_o upon_o his_o repentance_n and_o further_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o many_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o former_a place_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gather_v together_o with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o since_o we_o know_v that_o this_o power_n be_v by_o christ_n commit_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n and_o lie_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spiritual_a key_n we_o may_v easy_o guess_v that_o by_o the_o term_n many_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o company_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v commit_v hence_o bullinger_n on_o that_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5._o do_v thus_o comment_n therefore_o the_o ancient_a church_n have_v a_o holy_a senate_n of_o presbyter_n which_o do_v diligent_o admonish_v offender_n in_o the_o church_n sharp_o correct_v they_o yea_o and_o exclude_v they_o from_o church_n fellowship_n to_o wit_n if_o it_o appear_v that_o no_o amendment_n may_v be_v expect_v and_o hyperius_n note_v upon_o this_o place_n that_o by_o congregation_n must_v not_o simple_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a multitude_n among_o who_o be_v mingle_v many_o jew_n ananias_n false_a brethren_n man_n vicious_a who_o will_v never_o suffer_v that_o such_o a_o sentence_n shall_v be_v unanimous_o pass_v but_o rather_o certain_a select_a elder_n eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o piety_n in_o who_o power_n he_o will_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o like_a cause_n so_o that_o these_o by_o a_o synecdoche_n be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o hence_o appear_v that_o matth._n 18._o after_o it_o be_v say_v tell_v the_o church_n it_o be_v add_v where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o he_o say_v sufficient_a be_v the_o punishment_n that_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apologetic_n chap._n 39_o say_v that_o all_o the_o approve_a elder_n use_v to_o preside_v if_o any_o say_v he_o do_v so_o offend_v as_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v debar_v from_o communicate_v in_o prayer_n and_o assembly_n and_o all_o holy_a commerce_n all_o the_o approve_a elder_n do_v preside_v who_o attain_v that_o honour_n not_o for_o money_n but_o desert_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o question_v 1_o whether_o the_o end_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v only_o the_o confirmation_n and_o edification_n of_o those_o church-member_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v and_o true_o godly_a so_o as_o that_o pastor_n be_v not_o more_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n to_o convert_v the_o stray_a soul_n of_o such_o as_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n then_o all_o believer_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v by_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n bind_v to_o do_v answer_n we_o judge_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n due_o and_o true_o preach_v and_o public_o receive_v be_v both_o a_o mean_n of_o constitute_v a_o visible_a church_n and_o a_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o a_o mean_n also_o of_o confirm_v and_o save_v of_o believer_n who_o do_v already_o in_o a_o visible_a church_n profess_v the_o faith_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o question_n 1._o that_o private_a christian_n from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n make_v use_n of_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n for_o man_n edification_n do_v sometime_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n those_o soul_n which_o go_v astray_o and_o bring_v those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n see_v john_n 4._o 29._o etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 7._o 16._o 2._o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o office_n of_o he_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n as_o send_v of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n do_v confer_v any_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o he_o or_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o he_o that_o be_v convert_v for_o the_o power_n of_o god_n only_o and_o the_o spirit_n which_o accompany_v the_o word_n preach_v do_v give_v to_o the_o word_n preach_v a_o virtue_n and_o save_a efficacy_n for_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 11._o &_o 15._o 10._o but_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o he_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o do_v by_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n authoritative_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o which_o god_n do_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n give_v assistance_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o sin_n out_o of_o church-communion_n so_o that_o pastor_n as_o pastor_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o world_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o faith_n be_v give_v and_o first_fw-mi attain_v by_o the_o word_n preach_v by_o those_o who_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n be_v send_v of_o god_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o mission_n and_o function_n preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o faith_n be_v wrought_v in_o man_n see_v rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o gal._n 3._o 2._o 2._o because_o pastor_n of_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o office_n they_o bear_v be_v father_n who_o do_v first_o beget_v their_o child_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o god_n do_v give_v spirit_n and_o life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n see_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o gal._n 4._o 19_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o 3._o pastor_n be_v enjoin_v as_o a_o office_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o meekness_n mildness_n and_o patience_n if_o perhaps_o god_n will_v give_v repentance_n to_o those_o who_o be_v hold_v captive_n in_o the_o share_n of_o the_o devil_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 24_o 25_o 26._o to_o open_a the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o grace_n act._n 26._o 18._o to_o seek_v lose_v sheep_n for_o the_o lord_n ezek._n 34._o 4_o 5._o and_o to_o bring_v into_o captivity_n to_o the_o
there_o with_o pastoral_n authority_n they_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n administer_v the_o sacrament_n admit_v member_n attend_v to_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n choose_v pastor_n and_o church_n governor_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o to_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o those_o church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a assertion_n of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o a_o pastor_n may_v indeed_o in_o another_o particular_a church_n exercise_v the_o gift_n of_o pray_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o not_o by_o virtue_n or_o force_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n but_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o gift_n which_o he_o be_v to_o employ_v for_o the_o common_a edification_n but_o that_o he_o may_v exercise_v no_o ministerial_a act_n which_o he_o perform_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o authority_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o god_n in_o dispense_n the_o mystery_n of_o god_n save_v only_o in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v fasten_v by_o election_n for_o his_o ordinary_a ministry_n question_v 3_o whether_o the_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o perpetual_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n whereby_o private_a man_n who_o bear_v no_o church-office_n may_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o explain_v and_o apply_v it_o for_o instruction_n confutation_n reprehension_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o hearer_n answer_n our_o judgement_n be_v that_o none_o may_v public_o in_o the_o church_n assembly_n of_o the_o faithful_a preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o god_n but_o he_o who_o be_v send_v by_o a_o divine_a call_v for_o that_o work_n as_o the_o protestant_n demonstrate_v against_o the_o socinian_o and_o anabaptist_n from_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o heb._n 5._o 4_o 5._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2._o &_o 14._o 22._o tit._n 1._o 5._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o and_o other_o place_n and_o argument_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o those_o who_o either_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a manner_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n which_o mission_n or_o send_v consist_v not_o only_o in_o confer_v gift_n whereby_o a_o ability_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v give_v by_o god_n but_o in_o confer_v a_o power_n whereby_o be_v give_v a_o authority_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o authority_n be_v ofttimes_o not_o confer_v on_o those_o on_o who_o yet_o god_n bestow_v gift_n and_o ability_n for_o it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deny_v to_o woman_n in_o who_o lip_n be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n prov._n 31._o 26._o and_o a_o fitness_n to_o teach_v the_o young_a woman_n tit._n 2._o 3_o 4._o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o god_n enjoin_v all_o believer_n to_o exhort_v comfort_n reprove_v and_o edify_v one_o another_o heb._n 3._o 13._o 1_o thes_n 4_o 18._o &_o 5._o 14._o but_o it_o be_v from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o bind_v and_o therefore_o the_o word_n which_o they_o declare_v to_o their_o neighbour_n do_v not_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o special_a office_n bind_v to_o obedience_n those_o that_o hear_v it_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o subject_n or_o matter_n contain_v in_o that_o word_n but_o the_o church_n minister_n declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n ambassador_n with_o authority_n of_o special_a office_n and_o power_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o manifold_n difference_n between_o the_o charitative_a admonition_n of_o private_a christian_n and_o the_o authoritative_a preach_v of_o god_n minister_n for_o 1._o the_o admonition_n of_o ordinary_a christian_n be_v to_o our_o neighbour_n private_o and_o as_o join_v to_o we_o by_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o minister_n of_o church_n do_v public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o pastoral_a charge_n of_o soul_n and_o god_n authority_n to_o the_o church_n as_o a_o church_n over_o which_o god_n have_v make_v they_o watchman_n and_o overseer_n 2._o the_o minister_n authoritative_a preach_v the_o word_n have_v join_v with_o it_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v sinner_n remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o which_o authority_n be_v not_o affix_v to_o the_o charitative_a admonition_n of_o private_a christian_n 3._o there_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_a and_o strict_a a_o obligation_n on_o private_a christian_n for_o that_o brotherly_a correction_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o they_o as_o the_o obligation_n on_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o their_o office_n of_o preach_v who_o may_v not_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v whole_o attend_v upon_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v 2_o tim._n 2._o 4._o and_o who_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o hearer_n commit_v to_o they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o ezek._n 3._o 18._o &_o 33._o 18._o which_o do_v not_o concern_v private_a christian_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charitative_a admonition_n we_o grant_v therefore_o in_o this_o cause_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v on_o all_o believer_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o private_a to_o their_o neighbour_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n and_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o private_a christian_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o a_o church_n to_o be_v erect_v or_o that_o be_v decay_v and_o ruin_v may_v sometime_o public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o plant_n a_o church_n when_o there_o be_v not_o such_o as_o by_o god_n ordinary_a call_v have_v receive_v from_o god_n power_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n for_o the_o positive_a ritual_a law_n of_o god_n give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n of_o god_n when_o necessity_n require_v it_o 3._o we_o grant_v also_o that_o private_a christian_n in_o some_o special_a case_n and_o upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n may_v sometime_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o public_a by_o a_o special_a call_v from_o god_n as_o martyr_n be_v call_v to_o a_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o faith_n but_o all_o this_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o prophecy_n constant_o and_o ordinary_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n whereby_o the_o word_n shall_v by_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o all_o authority_n be_v public_o preach_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o we_o maintain_v the_o negative_a of_o the_o question_n propose_v and_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o exercise_n to_o be_v perpetual_o retain_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o ground_n it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o ambassador_n of_o god_n be_v join_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o yea_o and_o there_o lie_v a_o more_o excellent_a utility_n and_o eminency_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n then_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 17._o but_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o all_o indifferent_o who_o have_v those_o gift_n as_o the_o protestant_n do_v solid_o demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n 2._o no_o man_n may_v take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o unless_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o send_v to_o preach_v his_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o but_o all_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v not_o call_v and_o send_v of_o god_n for_o those_o who_o be_v send_v of_o god_n be_v send_v either_o by_o a_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a call_n or_o by_o a_o mediate_a call_n by_o the_o church_n but_o whereas_o now_o a_o extraordinary_a mission_n or_o send_v be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n those_o be_v therefore_o by_o the_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a call_v separate_v to_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v who_o may_v lawful_o undertake_v it_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o &_o 5._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2_o 3._o 3._o those_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o public_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o
which_o we_o ought_v to_o direct_v our_o prayer_n but_o also_o as_o a_o prayer_n which_o when_o we_o pray_v we_o may_v say_v pray_v you_o therefore_o thus_o say_v he_o our_o father_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 6._o 9_o and_o when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 11._o 2._o our_o lord_n therefore_o do_v not_o only_o deliver_v a_o rule_n for_o prayer_n but_o compose_v this_o prayer_n in_o set_a word_n and_o commend_v it_o to_o we_o not_o only_o for_o imitation_n but_o to_o be_v use_v in_o prayer_n afford_v we_o in_o mercy_n a_o most_o useful_a help_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o not_o to_o be_v despise_v and_o a_o perfect_a supply_n of_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o use_n whereof_o though_o not_o always_o necessary_a yet_o we_o judge_v it_o ofttimes_o safe_a and_o convenient_a our_o lord_n himself_o suggest_v these_o word_n and_o commend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o hence_o in_o all_o the_o liturgy_n of_o reform_a church_n that_o be_v extent_n the_o rehearse_v the_o lords-prayer_n be_v prescribe_v so_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o express_a form_n of_o baptise_v matth._n 28._o mark_v 16._o and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o by_o absolute_a necessity_n tie_v to_o the_o syllable_n of_o it_o yet_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o we_o must_v admit_v no_o mutation_n as_o also_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n have_v their_o set_a form_n in_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n blessing_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o passeover_n which_o also_o christ_n by_o his_o practice_n do_v approve_v to_o be_v retain_v see_v mr_n beza_n on_o matth._n 26._o 20._o paulus_n brugensis_n on_o psalm_n 112._o and_o scaliger_n de_fw-fr emendat_fw-la temporum_fw-la lib._n 6._o who_o he_o there_o cit_v as_o also_o ainsworth_n himself_o on_o exod._n 12._o 8._o so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n have_v by_o his_o example_n prescribe_v a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o the_o lord_n supper_n matth._n 26._o which_o the_o apostolic_a church_n think_v good_a to_o retain_v and_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v as_o appear_v from_o 1_o cor._n 11._o hence_o also_o in_o almost_o all_o reform_a church_n ecclesiastical_a liturgy_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v approve_v as_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n form_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v together_o with_o our_o psalter_n and_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a catechism_n allow_v and_o public_o extant_a to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o carry_v to_o the_o utmost_a indies_n masculine_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a master_n john_n calvin_n epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n as_o for_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n say_v he_o i_o much_o approve_v it_o that_o there_o be_v one_o certain_a form_n extant_a from_o which_o minister_n in_o their_o function_n may_v not_o depart_v as_o well_o that_o thereby_o provision_n may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unskilfulnesse_n of_o some_o as_o also_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n among_o themselves_o may_v so_o more_o certain_o appear_v last_o also_o that_o the_o petulant_a lightness_n of_o some_o may_v be_v prevent_v who_o affect_v innovation_n to_o which_o end_n also_o the_o catechism_n tend_v as_o i_o have_v before_o show_v so_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o catechism_n of_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o public_a prayer_n these_o argument_n do_v also_o manifest_o show_v that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v hold_v with_o those_o church_n which_o retain_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n for_o no_o where_o have_v god_n command_v that_o a_o christian_n shall_v separate_v himself_o from_o that_o worship_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o a_o prescript_n form_n and_o christ_n himself_o have_v prescribe_v to_o his_o church_n form_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o celebrate_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n according_a to_o the_o appoint_a form_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o we_o think_v it_o uncharitable_a to_o condemn_v all_o those_o godly_a church_n as_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n which_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n downward_o even_o to_o this_o day_n have_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o prescript_n and_o set_v form_n and_o therefore_o we_o blame_v the_o precise_a singularity_n of_o those_o man_n who_o banish_v all_o set_a form_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o all_o the_o protestant_a church_n into_o private_a and_o separate_a congregation_n of_o their_o own_o because_o of_o the_o form_n use_v by_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n finis_fw-la a_o table_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o question_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n p._n 1._o q._n whither_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n but_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o with_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o who_o upon_o strict_a examination_n do_v manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o real_a internal_a holiness_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v himself_o of_o his_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o communion_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o any_o congregation_n admit_v other_o in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o evident_a proof_n of_o these_o sign_n they_o admit_v impure_a and_o false_a church-member_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n p._n 13_o q._n whither_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o a_o public_a and_o express_a agreement_n and_o promise_n associate_v and_o unite_v among_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o fear_n and_o sacred_a worship_n of_o god_n unity_n of_o faith_n brotherly_a love_n mutual_a edification_n and_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o without_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n nor_o true_a church-member_n cha._n iii_o of_o a_o institute_v visible_a church_n p._n 24_o q._n whether_o no_o other_o external_a visible_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o limit_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o god_n publikeworship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v in_o all_o their_o member_n meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n p._n 43_o q._n whither_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v
often_o testify_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n and_o his_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n he_o have_v constant_o keep_v and_o continue_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o the_o privilege_n promise_v for_o many_o age_n to_o those_o child_n who_o near_a ancestor_n rebel_a against_o god_n and_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n have_v revolt_v from_o god_n see_v psal_n 106._o 35_o 36_o 44_o 45._o isai_n 63._o 10_o 11._o and_o 51._o 1_o 2_o 3._o ezek._n 20._o 8._o etc._n etc._n again_o baptism_n be_v also_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o engraft_v into_o the_o communion_n not_o only_o of_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n but_o of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o catholic_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v within_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n though_o through_o neglect_n or_o want_v of_o opportunity_n or_o the_o like_a they_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a parochial_a church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o faith_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n as_o also_o their_o child_n but_o that_o any_o be_v constitute_v in_o the_o visible_a catholic_a church_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o embrace_v the_o table_n of_o god_n covenant_n that_o be_v that_o he_o embrace_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n catholic_a and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o live_v in_o that_o holy_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o insidel_n we_o hence_o affirm_v therefore_o that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n baptism_n lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v administer_v not_o only_o to_o those_o infant_n who_o next_o parent_n have_v join_v themselves_o in_o a_o church-covenant_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o that_o church-communion_n do_v lead_v their_o life_n pious_o but_o even_o to_o infant_n of_o those_o who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o no_o parochial_a church_n and_o by_o their_o wicked_a way_n have_v render_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o christian_a stock_n and_o baptize_v parent_n who_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o those_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o they_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v be_v according_a to_o the_o accustom_a order_n of_o our_o church_n offer_v to_o baptism_n the_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o ground_n it_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o child_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v admit_v to_o circumcision_n although_o their_o next_o parent_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o wallow_v in_o sin_n to_o their_o life_n end_v have_v make_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o to_o themselves_o void_a as_o appear_v josh_n 5._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o where_o the_o child_n of_o such_o israelite_n of_o who_o many_o have_v dye_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o godly_a be_v command_v to_o be_v circumcise_v 2._o because_o the_o child_n even_o of_o ungodly_a parent_n who_o in_o the_o visible_a church_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v under_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o endue_v with_o federall_a holiness_n for_o their_o infidelity_n do_v not_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n and_o his_o constancy_n in_o dispense_n the_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n without_o effect_n rom._n 3._o 3_o hence_o god_n call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o ungodly_a israelite_n his_o child_n although_o they_o offer_v they_o to_o moloch_n ezek_n 16._o 20._o &_o 23._o 37._o for_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o their_o next_o parent_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n towards_o the_o follow_a posterity_n which_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a church_n see_v ezek._n 20._o 18_o 19_o 23_o 36_o 37_o 42_o 43._o and_o therefore_o those_o privilege_n and_o promise_n of_o federall_a holiness_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o confer_v on_o they_o the_o sacrament_n as_o seal_n of_o that_o holiness_n 3._o because_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o of_o year_n be_v all_o baptise_a by_o john_n baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n publican_n soldier_n and_o whoever_o out_o of_o judea_n and_o the_o region_n round_o about_o come_v to_o his_o baptism_n without_o any_o long_a examination_n if_o so_o be_v they_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o confess_v their_o sin_n though_o there_o be_v among_o they_o hypocrite_n generation_n of_o viper_n and_o debauch_a man_n and_o therefore_o the_o infant_n of_o such_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n this_o question_n walaeus_n dispute_v at_o large_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o his_o common_a place_n pag._n 494_o 495._o of_o his_o work_n in_o folio_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o live_v wicked_o and_o by_o their_o ungodly_a life_n make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o baptism_n to_o themselves_o of_o none_o effect_n to_o these_o we_o oppose_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n where_o they_o thus_o discourse_v disput_fw-la 44._o thes_n 50._o neither_o yet_o do_v we_o therefore_o exclude_v say_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o this_o sacrament_n those_o infant_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o christian_a stock_n and_o baptise_a parent_n though_o their_o parent_n by_o their_o ungodly_a life_n and_o corrupt_a faith_n have_v make_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o covenant_n seal_v in_o baptism_n to_o themselves_o of_o none_o effect_n if_o by_o those_o parent_n or_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o they_o under_o who_o power_n they_o be_v they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n accustom_v in_o our_o church_n present_v to_o baptism_n because_o under_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o son_n do_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n and_o god_n notwithstanding_o remain_v the_o god_n of_o such_o child_n as_o himself_o witness_v ezek._n 16._o &_o 23_o where_o he_o call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a israelites_n his_o child_n who_o they_o have_v beget_v for_o god_n though_o they_o offer_v they_o to_o moloch_n and_o out_o of_o they_o also_o do_v god_n ordinary_o gather_v his_o church_n by_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n wherefore_o also_o he_o command_v the_o child_n of_o such_o israelite_n many_o of_o who_o have_v dye_v in_o their_o wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v circumcise_v josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o and_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v both_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o primitive_a christian_a church_n have_v always_o hold_v without_o controversy_n thus_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n 2._o of_o those_o who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o have_v not_o join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o church-covenant_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o otherwise_o godly_a but_o for_o that_o baptism_n do_v unite_v man_n not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o also_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n visible_a we_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v deny_v to_o none_o who_o belong_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n see_v what_o we_o have_v say_v above_o concern_v a_o church-covenant_n chap._n vi_o of_o class_n and_o synod_n and_o their_o authority_n question_v 1_o whither_o class_n and_o synod_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n whereby_o they_o may_v authoritative_o judge_v cause_n ecclesiastical_a with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n so_o as_o that_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o decree_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n answer_n we_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a and_o sacred_a communion_n between_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v join_v in_o a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o profess_v one_o common_a faith_n and_o piety_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n and_o body_n of_o a_o spiritual_a polity_n and_o have_v and_o exercise_v a_o government_n and_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n in_o common_a so_o ames_n himself_o confess_v medul_n theolog._n lib._n 1_o cap._n 39_o thes_n 27._o that_o particular_a church_n as_o their_o communion_n require_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o scripture_n rule_v and_o example_n teach_v may_v and_o very_o often_o even_o ought_v to_o enter_v into_o mutual_a consociation_n or_o confederation_n among_o themselves_o in_o class_n
servant_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o special_a office_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o who_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o aright_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o to_o give_v to_o those_o in_o the_o house_n their_o due_a portion_n in_o season_n math._n 24._o 25._o right_o to_o divide_v and_o distribute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 15._o for_o the_o key_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o power_n entrust_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n commit_v to_o the_o steward_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o house_n whereby_o to_o administer_v their_o power_n and_o by_o the_o key_n in_o scripture_n be_v signify_v authority_n faculty_n power_n administration_n of_o government_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o command_v forbid_a allow_a restrain_v as_o isa_n 22._o 22._o compare_v with_o isa_n 9_o 6._o rev._n 1._o 18._o &_o 3._o 7._o and_o mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o denote_v minister_n power_n and_o full_a administration_n they_o be_v commit_v therefore_o to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v which_o do_v overthrow_v the_o order_n constitute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o order_n christ_n have_v in_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o in_o a_o heterogeneous_a organical_a body_n constitute_v of_o divers_a integrall_a part_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a function_n and_o operation_n in_o that_o ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n eye_n ear_n hand_n foot_n ruler_n and_o such_o as_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n overseer_n watchman_n pastor_n ambassador_n in_o christ_n name_n preacher_n father_n bvilder_n sower_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o flock_n a_o people_n a_o house_n a_o field_n child_n and_o such_o as_o govern_v and_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n see_v heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o all_o in_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n power_n of_o building_n rule_v the_o church_n by_o censure_n ecclesiastical_a etc._n etc._n all_o will_v be_v ambassador_n ruler_n father_n pastor_n watchman_n eye_n ear_n for_o to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ecclesiastical_a and_o authoritative_a oversight_n and_o rule_n belong_v as_o their_o proper_a function_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o be_v the_o proper_a function_n of_o the_o overseer_n and_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o rod_n and_o that_o severe_a power_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o 3._o the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n propose_v in_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o the_o right_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v direct_v be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o other_o church-governor_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o faithful_a steward_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o also_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 3._o &_o 4._o and_o the_o fault_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o mis-governing_a of_o church_n and_o abuse_v of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n impute_v as_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o of_o some_o to_o wit_v the_o overseer_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o tit._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o revel_v 2._o 14_o 20._o 3._o joh._n 16._o 10._o the_o praise_n and_o reward_v promise_v for_o due_a order_n of_o church_n be_v not_o by_o god_n promise_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 4_o 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 4_o 5._o revel_v 22._o therefore_o to_o those_o only_o be_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n entrust_v by_o christ_n 4._o to_o who_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n for_o administration_n and_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o god_n send_v any_o into_o his_o church_n he_o always_o qualifi_v they_o with_o gift_n sufficient_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o who_o god_n have_v send_v into_o the_o church_n but_o where_o be_v the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n may_v remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n speak_v of_o joh._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o where_o be_v that_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o rule_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n commit_v to_o all_o hence_o also_o have_v the_o reform_a church_n always_o reject_v a_o popular_a church-government_n see_v sadeel_n treatise_n in_o french_a concern_v ecclesiastical_a discipline_n against_o morellius_n of_o who_o reverend_a beza_n libro_fw-la de_fw-fr ministrorum_fw-la gradibus_fw-la cap._n 25._o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o election_n in_o the_o church_n say_v thus_o which_o order_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n religious_o and_o prudent_o observe_v hitherto_o in_o this_o city_n when_o one_o democraticall_a fanatical_a morellius_n of_o paris_n be_v bold_a by_o word_n and_o writing_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o that_o his_o writing_n be_v both_o in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o france_n in_o many_o synod_n worthy_o condemn_v and_o in_o our_o synodical_a constitution_n the_o church_n ecclesiastical_a power_n judgement_n exercise_n of_o the_o key_n and_o church-government_n be_v every_o where_o commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n &_o elder_n to_o presbytery_n consistory_n class_n and_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o from_o article_n 25._o to_o art_n 35._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 92._o to_o art_n 101._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 58._o to_o art_n 66._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 64._o to_o art_n 74._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 58._o to_o 75._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 71._o to_o art_n 81._o ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n or_o church-governor_n be_v commit_v by_o god_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n of_o church_n we_o grant_v indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o nomination_n or_o election_n allow_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n so_o as_o no_o minister_n may_v without_o the_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o church_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o which_o nomination_n or_o election_n do_v not_o yet_o confer_v ministerial_a power_n on_o the_o person_n elect_v but_o only_o design_v a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v be_v due_o derive_v according_a to_o the_o institute_v rule_n by_o those_o who_o have_v under_o christ_n receive_v that_o power_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v derive_v on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n we_o deny_v not_o also_o but_o that_o extraordinary_o in_o a_o perplex_a and_o deprave_a estate_n of_o a_o whole_a visible_a church_n the_o multitude_n or_o faithful_a people_n in_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n and_o authoritative_o put_v they_o into_o the_o power_n right_a and_o possession_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o cogent_a necessity_n which_o admit_v no_o law_n and_o to_o which_o all_o positive_a law_n give_v place_n but_o we_o affirm_v that_o in_o a_o settle_a and_o constitute_v visible_a church_n the_o people_n by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o power_n of_o ordain_v or_o send_v their_o pastor_n but_o that_o potestative_a mission_n &_o ordination_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n or_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v confer_v on_o this_o or_o that_o man_n design_v to_o the_o ministry_n belong_v to_o presbytery_n our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o those_o precept_n describe_v in_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v ordination_n or_o
obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o with_o high_a mind_n exalt_v themselves_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a position_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o a_o effect_n intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o that_o never_o any_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n but_o by_o accident_n as_o they_o be_v gift_v christian_n affirm_v that_o ordinary_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o as_o go_v astray_o be_v by_o such_o christian_n endue_v with_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n may_v be_v reconcile_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o bring_v to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o sincere_a conversion_n of_o man_n be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o those_o by_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n they_o be_v convert_v be_v send_v of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o jer._n 23._o 32._o but_o we_o judge_v that_o the_o send_v which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o be_v a_o send_n to_o a_o office_n in_o a_o due_a order_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_o perform_v and_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o confer_v gift_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n or_o prophecy_n but_o in_o confer_v authority_n and_o convey_v ministerial_a authority_n as_o the_o protestant_n prove_v by_o manifest_a argument_n against_o the_o socinian_o and_o although_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o gift_n wherein_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o god_n do_v convert_v some_o from_o their_o sin_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o send_v as_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n authoritative_o because_o they_o want_v the_o authoritative_a mission_n by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whereby_o that_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v confer_v wherein_o man_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 9_o 10._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o hence_o also_o our_o belgic_a reform_a church_n acknowledge_v that_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n by_o minister_n ecclesiastical_o call_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o man_n repentance_n and_o first_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a form_n of_o establish_v pastor_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a netherlands_o question_n 2._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n lawful_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o ordinary_a ministry_n he_o be_v not_o call_v answer_n our_o judgement_n in_o this_o question_n be_v that_o he_o who_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n be_v lawful_o call_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o fasten_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ty_v he_o to_o this_o body_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o gift_n he_o have_v receive_v but_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o special_a office_n which_o he_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o bestow_v and_o apply_v the_o exercise_n and_o work_n of_o his_o office_n for_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o that_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n to_o afford_v succour_n to_o the_o distress_n and_o indigency_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o earth_n yet_o without_o confusion_n and_o in_o due_a order_n and_o there_o lie_v on_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n a_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n appoint_v pastor_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o body_n that_o all_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 24._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v exercise_v the_o ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o in_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o other_o also_o when_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o church_n require_v it_o we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o by_o election_n a_o pastors_n ministry_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o his_o ordinary_a charge_n yet_o by_o ordination_n and_o mission_n whereby_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v commit_v to_o a_o man_n he_o be_v make_v a_o pastor_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o pastoral_n care_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n and_o consequent_o may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o any_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v without_o confusion_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n send_v forth_o pastor_n to_o nation_n and_o people_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v or_o to_o other_o church_n in_o distress_n or_o want_v who_o be_v unsufficient_a for_o the_o call_v of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o work_v their_o own_o edification_n example_n of_o this_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_v 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o this_o send_v forth_o of_o pastor_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n a_o pastor_n therefore_o of_o one_o particular_a church_n may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n 2._o a_o pastor_n as_o a_o pastor_n do_v exercise_v many_o ministerial_a act_n not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n whereof_o he_o be_v fix_v but_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o other_o church_n particular_a provincial_n nationall_n yea_o and_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o by_o baptism_n he_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n universal_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o by_o excommunication_n he_o do_v cast_v member_n out_o not_o of_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o out_o of_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n matth_n 18._o 18_o 19_o by_o his_o pastoral_a office_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o other_o church_n distress_v he_o may_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o by_o virtue_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o gift_n but_o with_o pastoral_n authority_n so_o that_o by_o his_o preach_n he_o do_v bind_v and_o loose_v sinner_n he_o do_v retain_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o as_o a_o ambassador_n send_v from_o god_n do_v beseech_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o divers_a particular_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o also_o in_o the_o pastoral_a action_n and_o administration_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v beyond_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n unite_v into_o a_o sacred_a fellowship_n do_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o admonish_v one_o another_o mutual_o and_o consequent_o do_v maintain_v communion_n in_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v saint_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n ministerial_a act_n therefore_o may_v be_v lawful_o exercise_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o divers_a particular_a church_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n in_o the_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n
in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n and_o society_n again_o that_o whole_a communion_n or_o society_n be_v by_o excommunication_n deprive_v of_o its_o member_n and_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n exercise_v excommunication_n in_o a_o business_n not_o proper_a to_o itself_o but_o in_o a_o matter_n common_a which_o concern_v all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a body_n it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o handle_v by_o they_o all_o the_o end_n of_o excommunication_n that_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o leaven_n of_o infection_n be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o the_o ecclesiastical_a society_n purge_v from_o offence_n concern_v not_o only_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o classical_a or_o synodical_a society_n and_o therefore_o the_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v decern_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o proper_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 6_o 7._o the_o censure_n of_o reprehension_n and_o condemnation_n against_o those_o brethren_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n perform_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n act._n 15._o 1_o 6_o 24._o that_o degree_n or_o step_n towards_o excommunication_n show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o synod_n power_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o excommunication_n for_o to_o that_o assembly_n to_o which_o belong_v a_o ecclesiastical_a reproof_n and_o censure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o belong_v also_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n and_o obstinacy_n the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o excommunication_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o compare_v with_o 1_o cor._n 5_o 4_o 5._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a bind_v as_o the_o reform_a divine_n do_v every_o where_o teach_v furthermore_o bind_v say_v bucer_n dissert_n de_fw-fr gubernation_n ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 374._o consist_v partly_o in_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v with_o the_o offence_n of_o many_o partly_o in_o correction_n answerable_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n whereby_o we_o provide_v both_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o correction_n be_v reprehension_n abstention_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o excommunication_n according_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v permit_v to_o deliver_v any_o one_o to_o satan_n by_o excommunication_n but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la see_v the_o synod_n at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 62._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 69._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 69._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 76._o 4._o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n to_o exercise_v church_n discipline_n and_o censure_n on_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o in_o those_o act_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o keep_v of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n only_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o act_v consist_v in_o prohibition_n and_o execution_n prohibition_n be_v whereby_o the_o church_n forbid_v to_o pastor_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n under_o penalty_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o disobedient_a what_o ever_o thing_n be_v account_v scandalous_a to_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n or_o do_v hinder_v public_a edification_n as_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o secular_a employment_n to_o take_v money_n for_o admit_v to_o baptism_n to_o retain_v a_o adulterous_a wife_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n in_o sedition_n to_o keep_v hawk_n and_o hound_n for_o hunt_v to_o use_v game_n to_o be_v present_a at_o dance_n and_o stageplays_a which_o have_v be_v forbid_v in_o counsel_n with_o judicial_a and_o definitive_a authority_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o counsel_n by_o execution_n be_v understand_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o offender_n which_o be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o offence_n the_o principal_a be_v suspension_n and_o deposition_n suspension_n when_o they_o prohibit_v any_o from_o the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o his_o office_n till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o have_v give_v the_o church_n satisfaction_n deposition_n i_o call_v that_o whereby_o they_o do_v whole_o put_v the_o offender_n from_o his_o function_n the_o greek_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o there_o be_v also_o some_o degree_n for_o some_o when_o deprive_v from_o their_o office_n be_v only_o hinder_v from_o meddle_v with_o holy_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o whole_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n other_o be_v debar_v from_o this_o also_o yea_o and_o shut_v out_o from_o all_o sacred_a communion_n and_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n of_o these_o censure_n the_o canon_n and_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v frequent_o make_v mention_n and_o that_o in_o inflict_v of_o these_o synod_n do_v improve_v their_o authority_n and_o endeavour_n be_v konw_v to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o stranger_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o counsel_n but_o let_v we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o ephesine_fw-la classis_fw-la to_o watch_v against_o such_o as_o shall_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o he_o intimate_v clear_o that_o they_o have_v a_o authority_n to_o drive_v away_o wolf_n act._n 20._o 30_o 31._o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n but_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n or_o a_o unite_a society_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n pass_v a_o prohibition_n and_o condemnation_n in_o order_n to_o church_n censure_n on_o those_o pastor_n who_o teach_v perverse_a thing_n and_o trouble_v particular_a church_n with_o much_o disputation_n as_o have_v be_v say_v from_o act_n 15._o and_o thus_o censure_n suspension_n and_o deposition_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n from_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n in_o many_o case_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o classical_a assembly_n and_o provincial_n synod_n in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n in_o the_o netherlands_o see_v the_o synod_n at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 9_o 99_o 100_o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 39_o 40_o 72_o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 58_o 59_o 60._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 79._o 5._o there_o belong_v authority_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n to_o pass_v a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n against_o the_o whole_a consistory_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o case_n they_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o damnable_a error_n or_o pollute_v it_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o vice_n and_o if_o they_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o their_o perverse_a doctrine_n and_o corrupt_a manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n by_o the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v because_o a_o synod_n of_o pastor_n by_o the_o concionall_a key_n may_v authoritative_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n denounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n err_v perverse_o for_o this_o one_o single_a pastor_n of_o a_o church_n may_v do_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o office_n commit_v to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o a_o synod_n of_o pastor_n now_o to_o a_o unity_n or_o ecclesiastical_a college_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o who_o by_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n there_o belong_v the_o concionall_a or_o doctrinal_a key_n there_o belong_v also_o the_o key_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a college_n or_o society_n god_n have_v conjoin_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o together_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o and_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o appear_v evident_o to_o the_o consistory_n whereof_o god_n have_v give_v not_o only_o a_o concionall_a and_o comminatory_a power_n to_o denounce_v a_o anathema_n but_o also_o a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n join_v with_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o great_a and_o superior_a church_n assembly_n also_o have_v god_n give_v both_o these_o power_n joint_o the_o apostle_n attribute_n to_o the_o unite_a association_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o galatia_n a_o power_n of_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o troubler_n who_o corrupt_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 5._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o what_o hinder_v therefore_o but_o that_o they_o may_v exercise_v this_o power_n against_o a_o
send_v ruler_n to_o a_o church_n whereby_o it_o be_v commit_v not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o church-governor_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o tit._n 1._o 5._o etc._n etc._n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o send_v and_o ordain_v pastor_n be_v reserve_v to_o church-governor_n and_o never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n see_v example_n act._n 6._o 6._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o 3._o because_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n or_o degrade_n minister_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o multitude_n for_o to_o who_o belong_v the_o authority_n of_o take_v away_o a_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n to_o the_o same_o it_o belong_v to_o confer_v it_o for_o in_o what_o way_n any_o thing_n be_v obtain_v in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v dissolve_v but_o no_o where_o in_o scripture_n be_v this_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n to_o pass_v a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o false_a minister_n or_o teacher_n or_o remove_v they_o from_o the_o ministry_n but_o be_v require_v of_o the_o angel_n of_o church_n and_o their_o presbyter_n tit._n 1._o 10_o 13._o reve._n 2._o 2_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 20._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o so_o also_o be_v it_o decree_v by_o our_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v not_o transact_v without_o the_o people_n suffrage_n or_o free_a assent_n yet_o that_o the_o mission_n or_o ordination_n into_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n as_o also_o the_o suspension_n and_o degradation_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v do_v by_o the_o consistoriall_a presbytery_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la see_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n at_o middleburgh_n anno._n 1591._o art_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 11_o 58._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno._n 1586._o art_n 4_o 13_o 72._o at_o middleburgh_n anno._n 1581._o art_n 4_o 7_o 64._o at_o dort_n anno._n 1619._o art_n 4_o 5_o 79._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o contrary_a opinion_n follow_v i._o of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n even_o where_o there_o be_v no_o ruler_n or_o governor_n so_o that_o a_o congregation_n of_o believer_n join_v in_o church-covenant_n though_o want_v church_n governor_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o of_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o government_n save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o that_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v a_o organical_a body_n of_o divers_a member_n wherein_o be_v eye_n ear_n hand_n and_o foot_n pastor_n ruler_n and_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 14_o 15._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5._o 6._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o but_o now_o believer_n join_v in_o church_n covenant_n destitute_a of_o church_n ruler_n do_v not_o make_v up_o such_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o therefore_o never_o in_o scripture_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o a_o church_n which_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o church_n ruler_n see_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o revel_v chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o therefore_o to_o no_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v ruler_n be_v we_o to_o ascribe_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ii_o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o a_o church_n do_v derive_v ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o the_o church-governor_n and_o the_o church-governor_n be_v the_o believer_n servant_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o church_n mouth_n hand_n and_o instrument_n by_o who_o intervention_n she_o do_v execute_v her_o decree_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n under_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o spouse_n and_o wife_n do_v communicate_v government_n stewardship_n and_o legal_a exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o some_o certain_a man_n choose_v by_o herself_o who_o as_o her_o servant_n and_o deputy_n by_o a_o authority_n borrow_v from_o the_o multitude_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v govern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o function_n but_o we_o in_o this_o cause_n do_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n thus_o judge_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o function_n and_o office_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v derive_v and_o receive_v the_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o christ_n alone_o and_o his_o institution_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o act._n 20._o 28._o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v primary_o in_o christ_n which_o christ_n do_v immediate_o communicate_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n therein_o 2._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n by_o this_o nomination_n or_o designation_n of_o a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n be_v due_o confer_v do_v effect_n thus_o much_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o by_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n but_o do_v not_o derive_v this_o power_n on_o that_o person_n but_o the_o presbytery_n of_o church_n by_o a_o potestative_a mission_n or_o authoritative_a ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v apply_v and_o send_v forth_o that_o person_n design_v by_o the_o people_n choice_n into_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o function_n and_o authority_n so_o that_o church_n office_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n confer_v on_o the_o church_n governor_n but_o the_o application_n of_o these_o office_n to_o these_o or_o those_o man_n be_v do_v by_o the_o potestative_a mission_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o the_o previous_a assent_n or_o nomination_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o the_o pastor_n therefore_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o act_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o the_o church_n servant_n proper_o call_v but_o governor_n guide_n father_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v who_o government_n rod_n and_o authority_n they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o embrace_v with_o due_a subjection_n and_o reverence_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o they_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n not_o subjectiuè_n as_o if_o they_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n for_o than_o be_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n but_o finaliter_fw-la or_o objectiuè_fw-la because_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o the_o church_n for_o who_o good_a and_o benefit_n they_o labour_v as_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o servant_n mat._n 20._o 28._o and_o the_o angel_n be_v call_v minister_a spirit_n heb._n 1._o 14._o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o angel_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o vocation_n from_o we_o but_o exercise_v it_o for_o our_o good_a and_o service_n the_o church_n officer_n therefore_o be_v servant_n but_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v ambassador_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o be_v furnish_v with_o his_o command_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 18._o be_v his_o angel_n revel_v 2._o 1._o and_o steward_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o &_o 3_o 10._o iii_o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o excommunication_n can_v be_v due_o and_o lawful_o do_v but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o judge_n in_o the_o case_n of_o excommunication_n although_o we_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n may_v in_o the_o church_n be_v due_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o be_v say_v before_o yet_o to_o set_v all_o the_o church_n member_n in_o the_o place_n of_o judge_n we_o certain_o believe_v will_v bring_v anarchy_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n