the_o direction_n of_o the_o word_n elder_n according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o to_o 7._o tit._n 1.6_o to_o 9_o deacon_n according_a to_o act_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 12._o for_o the_o church_n have_v not_o absolute_a power_n to_o choose_v who_o they_o listen_v but_o ministerial_a power_n only_o to_o choose_v who_o christ_n have_v choose_v have_v gift_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o if_o the_o church_n can_v find_v out_o none_o such_o in_o their_o own_o body_n they_o send_v to_o any_o other_o church_n for_o fit_a supply_n and_o each_o church_n look_v at_o it_o as_o their_o duty_n to_o be_v mutual_o helpful_a one_o to_o another_o in_o yield_v what_o supply_n they_o may_v without_o too_o much_o prejudice_n to_o themselves_o according_a to_o cant._n 8.8_o 9_o such_o be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o such_o a_o work_n they_o take_v some_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o they_o partly_o by_o their_o own_o observation_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o partly_o by_o consultation_n with_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n continue_v there_o in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n to_o fulfil_v the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n 1_o tim._n 3.22_o for_o every_o man_n of_o good_a gift_n be_v not_o always_o endow_v with_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o every_o good_a heart_n be_v not_o fit_v to_o close_v so_o full_o as_o be_v meet_v with_o every_o good_a people_n every_o key_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o open_v every_o lock_n nor_o every_o good_a man_n gift_n fit_a to_o edify_v every_o people_n but_o when_o upon_o trial_n the_o church_n do_v find_v every_o man_n spirit_n among_o they_o desirous_a of_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o man_n and_o his_o gift_n then_o they_o agree_v among_o themselves_o upon_o a_o certain_a day_n wherein_o in_o a_o solemn_a manner_n they_o intend_v to_o elect_a he_o to_o office_n among_o themselves_o of_o this_o they_o give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o near_a adjoin_a church_n who_o and_o when_o and_o to_o what_o office_n they_o intend_v to_o choose_v such_o a_o man_n who_o they_o nominate_v to_o they_o entreat_v their_o presence_n and_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o assistance_n at_o the_o day_n appoint_v they_o give_v notice_n also_o thereof_o unto_o the_o governor_n and_o such_o other_o of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o be_v near_o to_o they_o that_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v meeting_n with_o no_o just_a exception_n from_o any_o may_v find_v the_o great_a encouragement_n and_o acceptance_n from_o all_o when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v it_o be_v keep_v as_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n with_o fast_v pray_v and_o preach_v the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n act._n 14.23_o &_o 13.1_o 2_o 3._o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o day_n one_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o grave_a brethren_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o themselves_o to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o inquire_v of_o the_o church_n if_o now_o after_o this_o solemn_a seek_v of_o god_n for_o his_o counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o this_o weighty_a work_n they_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o purpose_n to_o elect_v such_o a_o one_o for_o their_o own_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n or_o rule_v elder_a who_o before_o they_o agree_v upon_o then_o have_v take_v their_o silence_n for_o a_o consent_n to_o their_o purpose_n he_o proceed_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o assembly_n not_o only_o the_o messenger_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n present_a but_o of_o all_o that_o stand_v by_o because_o and_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o good_a report_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o 1_o tim._n 3.7_o how_o much_o more_o well_o approve_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n he_o demand_v therefore_o of_o the_o church_n first_o and_o then_o of_o the_o rest_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o have_v know_v of_o any_o evil_n in_o the_o man_n present_v before_o they_o either_o in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n which_o may_v give_v they_o just_a cause_n to_o forbear_v his_o election_n if_o all_o keep_v silence_n as_o usual_o they_o do_v for_o if_o any_o have_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o man_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o acquaint_v some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o church_n with_o it_o before_o the_o day_n he_o turn_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n again_o now_o see_v all_o be_v clear_a for_o their_o free_a election_n of_o he_o to_o such_o a_o office_n he_o desire_v all_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n to_o declare_v their_o election_n of_o he_o with_o one_o accord_n by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v do_v he_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o the_o party_n choose_v whether_o he_o do_v accept_v of_o that_o call_n which_o the_o church_n have_v give_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o that_o office_n he_o have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o wherein_o he_o have_v chief_o see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o the_o elder_a do_v then_o admonish_v the_o church_n what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o they_o all_o in_o his_o word_n towards_o he_o who_o they_o have_v thus_o choose_v and_o afterward_o advertise_v he_o what_o duty_n the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o in_o that_o place_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o have_v take_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o both_o of_o their_o mutual_a duty_n towards_o one_o another_o he_o then_o with_o the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n if_o they_o have_v any_o if_o not_o two_o or_o three_o other_o of_o the_o grave_a christian_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n be_v depute_v by_o the_o body_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ordain_v he_o unto_o that_o office_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n call_v upon_o the_o lord_n who_o have_v furnish_v he_o with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o bow_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o to_o that_o office_n to_o accept_v and_o own_v he_o therein_o to_o enlarge_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o to_o breath_n in_o all_o his_o administration_n and_o to_o guide_v and_o bless_v all_o his_o go_v out_o and_o come_n in_o before_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v his_o speech_n upon_o the_o person_n on_o who_o their_o hand_n be_v impose_v he_o as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o presbytery_n express_v their_o ordination_n of_o he_o to_o that_o office_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o put_v a_o solemn_a charge_n upon_o he_o to_o look_v well_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n as_o one_o that_o must_v give_v account_n of_o all_o their_o soul_n unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n at_o the_o day_n of_o his_o appear_v after_o this_o the_o elder_n of_o their_o church_n present_a observe_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o day_n perform_v by_o the_o officer_n then_o choose_v and_o ordain_v and_o in_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n to_o his_o election_n and_o ordination_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v give_v unto_o he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n testify_v their_o brotherly_a acceptance_n of_o he_o and_o their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o gracious_a gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o and_o do_v exhort_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o after_o public_a praise_n give_v to_o god_n by_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n he_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n with_o a_o blessing_n sect_n v._o for_o our_o call_n of_o deacon_n we_o hold_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o ordain_v they_o with_o like_a solemnity_n of_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o be_v use_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o elder_n because_o we_o do_v not_o read_v the_o apostle_n give_v any_o precedent_n thereof_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o the_o first_o deacon_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 6._o but_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v look_v out_o among_o themselves_o man_n fit_o qualify_v for_o that_o call_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n former_o mention_v and_o have_v make_v some_o proof_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o some_o lord_n day_n or_o other_o public_a holy_a meeting_n do_v ordain_v they_o to_o the_o office_n and_o appoint_v they_o over_o that_o business_n with_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n sect_n vi_o object_n two_o thing_n be_v here_o demand_v first_o by_o what_o warrant_v the_o people_n choose_v their_o officer_n answ_n from_o the_o precedent_n
a_o precise_a quotient_n a_o number_n of_o hundred_o and_o thousand_o be_v not_o limit_v to_o every_o church_n yet_o such_o a_o number_n be_v limit_v as_o fall_v not_o below_o seven_o nor_o rise_v above_o the_o bulk_n of_o one_o congregation_n and_o such_o a_o congregation_n wherein_o all_o may_v meet_v and_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o all_o may_v partake_v and_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v together_o sect_n ii_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v add_v &_o join_v to_o such_o a_o body_n they_o first_o make_v know_v their_o desire_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o take_v trial_n of_o their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n &_o of_o their_o experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o their_o godly_a conversation_n among_o man_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v find_v ignorant_a and_o graceless_a or_o scandalous_a he_o may_v not_o be_v present_o present_v to_o the_o church_n till_o these_o evil_n be_v remove_v the_o stone_n that_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o solomon_n temple_n be_v square_v and_o make_v ready_a before_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o build_n neither_o iron_n nor_o axe_n nor_o any_o iron_n tool_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o house_n while_o it_o be_v a_o building_n 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o wherefore_o so_o if_o not_o to_o hold_v forth_o that_o no_o member_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o such_o as_o be_v rough-hewen_a and_o square_v and_o fit_v to_o lie_v close_o and_o level_v to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o member_n but_o when_o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o be_v approve_v of_o the_o elder_n they_o be_v propound_v by_o one_o of_o the_o rule_v elder_n to_o the_o church_n with_o a_o motion_n to_o the_o brethren_n to_o make_v inquiry_n after_o they_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v hear_v of_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o they_o to_o give_v notice_n of_o it_o to_o one_o of_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o no_o exception_n be_v hear_v of_o they_o be_v call_v forth_o before_o the_o church_n after_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v perform_v and_o each_o one_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o confession_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o penitent_a confession_n he_o declare_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o sinful_a estate_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o declare_v not_o only_o his_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o also_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o desire_n of_o walk_v therein_o with_o the_o fellowship_n of_o that_o church_n now_o before_o or_o after_o such_o his_o profession_n or_o confession_n those_o of_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v of_o his_o acquaintance_n do_v give_v some_o good_a testimony_n if_o need_v be_v of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n either_o according_a to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o according_a to_o the_o credible_a report_n or_o letter_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v concern_v he_o which_o do_v the_o rule_v elder_a or_o one_o of_o the_o preach_a elder_n propound_v it_o to_o the_o church_n whether_o from_o all_o that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v they_o find_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o he_o if_o so_o it_o be_v clear_v and_o remove_v before_o any_o further_a proceed_n if_o no_o just_a exception_n appear_v the_o rule_v elder_a then_o move_v the_o church_n to_o express_v their_o acceptance_n of_o he_o into_o fellowship_n with_o they_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o do_v and_o the_o like_a course_n take_v with_o two_o or_o three_o more_o as_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v the_o elder_a propound_v to_o they_o the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v with_o his_o church_n what_o promise_v of_o grace_n he_o have_v make_v to_o they_o as_o also_o what_o duty_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n he_o do_v require_v of_o they_o as_o to_o take_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o their_o only_a priest_n and_o atonement_n their_o only_a prophet_n and_o guide_n their_o only_a king_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o to_o walk_v in_o brotherly_a love_n with_o the_o brethren_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o mutual_a edification_n and_o succour_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o new_a receive_v member_n acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n do_v further_a acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o duty_n of_o holy_a watchfulness_n over_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o the_o church_n and_o so_o shut_v up_o his_o work_n with_o some_o short_a prayer_n unto_o the_o lord_n who_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n with_o thousand_o of_o his_o people_n to_o make_v we_o all_o faithful_a to_o he_o and_o one_o to_o another_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a gospel_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n and_o surety_n of_o his_o covenant_n between_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n sect_n iii_o now_o what_o offence_n be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o or_o what_o scruple_n may_v arise_v in_o a_o godly_a mind_n against_o these_o thing_n two_o or_o three_o thing_n seem_v herein_o offensive_a but_o be_v not_o first_o that_o we_o require_v gracious_a qualification_n in_o such_o as_o we_o receive_v to_o church-fellowship_n whereas_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v of_o all_o sort_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o to_o be_v a_o garner_n contain_v chaff_n and_o wheat_n as_o a_o field_n wherein_o wheat_n and_o tare_n grow_v up_o together_o second_o that_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o covenant_n three_o that_o we_o communicate_v too_o much_o power_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o do_v not_o rather_o refer_v all_o power_n in_o this_o case_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o give_v therefore_o some_o account_n of_o these_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v for_o the_o first_o though_o we_o willing_o admit_v all_o comer_n to_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n with_o we_o as_o the_o corinthian_n admit_v infidel_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o yet_o we_o receive_v none_o as_o member_n into_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o charitable_a christian_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o god_n into_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n our_o reason_n be_v first_o from_o the_o near_a relation_n between_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o church_n as_o also_o between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n even_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.22_o to_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o to_o be_v espouse_v to_o christ_n as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a 2_o cor._n 6.18_o and_o be_v exhort_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o as_o dear_a child_n eph._n 4.1_o now_o how_o can_v the_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o heavenly_a father_n except_o the_o member_n in_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v as_o indeed_o the_o holy_a ghost_n describe_v they_o to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o faithful_a brethren_n gal._n 1.2_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o external_a profession_n for_o these_o be_v too_o high_a style_n for_o hypocrite_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n second_o we_o read_v act._n 2.47_o that_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o add_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o god_n add_v not_o such_o as_o have_v no_o show_n of_o any_o save_a work_n upon_o they_o to_o any_o spiritual_a discern_v aught_o not_o the_o lord_n steward_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o god_n house_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o therein_o but_o as_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n go_v before_o they_o receive_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o refuse_v who_o he_o refuse_v cast_v out_o who_o he_o cast_v out_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n upon_o this_o ground_n direct_v the_o roman_n to_o receive_v a_o
weak_a believer_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v receive_v he_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3._o three_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o name_n and_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o a_o man_n but_o his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o be_v the_o rock_n on_o which_o his_o visible_a church_n be_v build_v for_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o church_n whereunto_o he_o commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o be_v the_o visible_a church_n mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o now_o if_o such_o a_o profession_n be_v the_o rock_n and_o foundation_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n than_o we_o shall_v build_v a_o church_n without_o a_o foundation_n if_o we_o receive_v such_o member_n into_o the_o church_n as_o do_v not_o hold_v forth_o such_o a_o profession_n but_o either_o through_o ignorance_n make_v no_o profession_n at_o all_o or_o such_o a_o verbal_a profession_n as_o savour_v not_o of_o any_o bless_a work_n of_o the_o father_n by_o his_o spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n expostulate_v with_o such_o a_o guest_n as_o come_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o church_n even_o unto_o his_o table_n not_o have_v a_o wedding_n garment_n mat._n 22.12_o and_o do_v not_o expostulation_n intimate_v a_o taxation_n also_o of_o they_o by_o who_o connivance_n he_o come_v in_o where_o he_o say_v how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o and_o do_v not_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n impute_v it_o to_o the_o sleepiness_n that_o be_v to_o the_o remissness_n and_o negligence_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o tare_n be_v sow_v in_o his_o field_n among_o the_o wheat_n mat._n 13.25.38.39_o four_o such_o as_o have_v only_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o be_v forbid_v to_o join_v with_o and_o command_v to_o turn_v from_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o five_o can_v any_o man_n judge_v such_o person_n fit_a material_n for_o the_o constitute_n and_o edify_v of_o a_o church_n who_o be_v more_o fit_a for_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o leave_v their_o first_o love_n as_o all_o hypocrite_n will_v at_o length_n they_o procure_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o candlestick_n rev._n 2.4_o we_o pass_v by_o the_o type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o without_o their_o due_a weight_n it_o be_v touch_v above_o that_o rough_a stone_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o the_o build_n of_o solomon_n temple_n till_o they_o be_v hew_v and_o prepare_v before_o 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o solomon_n be_v here_o and_o a_o great_a temple_n then_o that_o of_o solomon_n the_o attendance_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o porter_n suffer_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v unclean_a in_o any_o thing_n 2_o chro._n 23.19_o do_v it_o not_o evident_o type_n forth_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o suffer_v none_o unclean_a unclean_a in_o estate_n or_o course_n of_o life_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o communion_n of_o saint_n well_o then_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n it_o can_v be_v think_v a_o unseasonable_a curiosity_n but_o rather_o hold_v a_o due_a and_o faithful_a watchfulness_n in_o the_o officer_n and_o body_n of_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o take_v a_o due_a trial_n of_o man_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o sin_n as_o john_n baptist_n do_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o by_o a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o philip_n do_v act._n 8.37_o before_o they_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o church_n as_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o excessive_a austerity_n in_o john_n but_o a_o holy_a faithfulness_n and_o godly_a zeal_n not_o only_o to_o repulse_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n mat._n 3.7_o but_o the_o profane_a people_n also_o from_o his_o baptism_n luk._n 3.7_o as_o those_o who_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o viper_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o therefore_o themselves_o be_v not_o meet_v for_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n luk._n 2.3_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o trial_n we_o do_v not_o exact_v eminent_a measure_n either_o of_o knowledge_n or_o holiness_n but_o do_v willing_o stretch_v out_o our_o hand_n to_o receive_v the_o weak_a in_o faith_n such_o in_o who_o spirit_n we_o can_v discern_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o breathe_v and_o pant_v after_o christ_n in_o their_o sensible_a feel_n of_o a_o lose_a estate_n ☞_o ☞_o for_o we_o have_v rather_o 99_o hypocrite_n shall_v perish_v through_o presumption_n than_o one_o humble_a soul_n belong_v to_o christ_n shall_v sink_v under_o discouragement_n or_o despair_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o hypocrite_n receive_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o have_v in_o it_o good_a and_o bad_a wheat_n and_o tare_n for_o tare_n as_o hierome_n say_v be_v like_a to_o wheat_n sect_n iv_o come_v we_o now_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o second_o point_n why_o we_o receive_v such_o into_o the_o church_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n 1._o meet_v it_o be_v that_o as_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v receive_v as_o one_o body_n unto_o christ_n by_o profess_v their_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o in_o the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o five_o part_n so_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o fellowship_n by_o profession_n of_o their_o take_a hold_n of_o the_o same_o covenant_n eadem_fw-la estratio_fw-la partium_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o of_o the_o part_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o common_a nature_n of_o both_o and_o as_o all_o relative_n do_v they_o mutual_o argue_v one_o another_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o godly_a stranger_n who_o have_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n to_o wit_n by_o faith_n to_o serve_v he_o to_o love_v his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n they_o add_v this_o duty_n over_o and_o above_o the_o former_a they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o sure_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o for_o their_o personal_a salvation_n for_o so_o they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n before_o when_o they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 3._o but_o by_o their_o profession_n of_o their_o acceptance_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o subjection_n to_o it_o which_o the_o lord_n make_v with_o his_o church_n and_o people_n who_o he_o cause_v to_o pass_v into_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n ezek._n 20.37_o object_n it_o be_v object_v first_o that_o the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n speak_v of_o such_o stranger_n as_o be_v proselyte_n who_o in_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v therein_o also_o join_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o so_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n impli_v join_v to_o the_o church_n jer._n 50.5_o zech._n 2.11_o ans_fw-fr 1._o they_o that_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o those_o text_n of_o jeremy_n and_o zachary_n do_v indeed_o in_o so_o do_v join_v in_o a_o church-body_n also_o for_o they_o who_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o multitude_n concur_v and_o consent_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n to_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o become_v his_o people_n but_o here_o in_o isaiah_n the_o eunuch_n and_o stranger_n be_v say_v to_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n who_o yet_o be_v not_o join_v to_o the_o church_n but_o ready_a to_o complain_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o liberty_n of_o join_v to_o the_o church_n and_o have_v utter_o separate_v they_o from_o his_o people_n ver_fw-la 3._o as_o indeed_o he_o have_v by_o express_a law_n separate_v they_o that_o be_v prohibit_v they_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o deut._n 23.1_o 2_o 3._o against_o which_o law_n the_o lord_n comfort_v they_o with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o their_o eunuchicall_a estate_n nor_o the_o alienation_n or_o strangernesse_n of_o any_o nation_n shall_v be_v a_o impediment_n unto_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o lord_n house_n which_o be_v the_o church_n the_o join_v there_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o their_o join_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n as_o proselyte_n of_o the_o church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n yet_o they_o complain_v of_o their_o disjoyn_v and_o separate_n from_o the_o lord_n people_n but_o the_o lord_n
some_o public_a offence_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o as_o have_v be_v already_o open_v sure_o though_o this_o three_o reason_n reach_v not_o infant_n yet_o the_o two_o former_a do_v and_o prevent_v as_o their_o parent_n of_o just_a claim_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o they_o of_o due_a right_n of_o baptism_n with_o we_o for_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n over_o they_o neither_o have_v they_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o recommend_v to_o none_o against_o this_o sundry_a thing_n be_v object_v and_o such_o as_o seem_v of_o much_o weight_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v to_o some_o who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o to_o the_o child_n of_o non-member_n as_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.37_o 38._o and_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 10.47_o 48._o paul_n baptize_v lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 16.15.33_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n *_o *_o first_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o unlimited_a power_n and_o may_v baptize_v believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n and_o their_o seed_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v but_o the_o power_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a visible_a church_n which_o have_v call_v they_o to_o minister_v unto_o they_o *_o *_o second_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n baptize_v any_o but_o such_o as_o either_o be_v member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n before_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o else_o they_o gather_v they_o into_o a_o visible_a church_n estate_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o *_o *_o the_o eunuch_n in_o act_n 8._o be_v a_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o text_n say_v he_o come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n for_o to_o worship_n act_v 8.27_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n object_n that_o his_o membership_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o baptism_n see_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o of_o the_o jewish_a *_o *_o for_o whatsoever_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n and_o profess_v that_o faith_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n for_o such_o they_o be_v who_o john_n baptize_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o christ_n disciple_n joh._n 4.2_o yea_o all_o the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n 1_o cor._n 10.2_o *_o *_o as_o for_o lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o both_o their_o family_n they_o live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o city_n of_o philippi_n act._n 16.12_o where_o be_v a_o company_n also_o of_o other_o brethren_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o doubtless_o be_v when_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o act_v 16._o he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o a_o church_n know_v you_o philippian_n say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o church_n communicate_v with_o i_o as_o concern_v give_v and_o receive_v but_o you_o only_o phil._n 4.15_o which_o evident_o hold_v they_o forth_o as_o a_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o paul_n do_v first_o gather_v the_o brethren_n there_o into_o a_o church_n when_o he_o baptize_v lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o other_o there_o and_o indeed_o the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n hold_v it_o forth_o that_o they_o be_v by_o preach_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o their_o child_n mat._n 28.19_o now_o a_o disciple_n as_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n impli_v be_v a_o scholar_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o do_v baptize_v they_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n but_o also_o to_o gather_v they_o as_o disciple_n or_o scholar_n into_o a_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v every_o particular_a visible_a christian_a church_n wherein_o some_o be_v teacher_n some_o be_v disciple_n or_o scholar_n and_o his_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v baptize_v any_o that_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o enter_v they_o into_o it_o in_o which_o regard_n we_o can_v easy_o think_v that_o when_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o family_n he_o do_v only_o perceive_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o evident_o profess_v the_o same_o in_o new_a tongue_n act_n 10.45_o 46_o 47._o but_o that_o he_o do_v also_o gather_v they_o into_o one_o body_n direct_v they_o to_o the_o spiritual_a use_n of_o the_o new_o receive_v gift_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o baptize_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o one_o another_o in_o his_o name_n three_o we_o answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v transcendent_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o receive_v transcendent_a power_n to_o administer_v their_o work_n as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v they_o job_n 20.21_o to_o wit_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la with_o all_o fullness_n of_o power_n so_o that_o any_o one_o apostle_n receive_v both_o the_o gift_n and_o power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n any_o apostle_n may_v do_v the_o work_n not_o only_o of_o a_o apostle_n but_o of_o a_o prophet_n of_o a_o evangelist_n of_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o deacon_n 1.1_o rev._n 1.1_o they_o do_v foretell_v as_o prophet_n thing_n to_o come_v act_v 27.22_o they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o not_o only_o to_o plant_v church_n but_o to_o water_v church_n as_o evangelist_n act_n 15.41_o they_o as_o pastor_n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n with_o wholesome_a word_n of_o exhortation_n 2.7_o 1_o tim._n 2.7_o joh._n 21.25_o they_o as_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o as_o elder_n rule_v the_o church_n not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o as_o deacon_n they_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o distribute_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o 4.35_o act_n 4.35_o though_o when_o the_o apostle_n come_v where_o church_n be_v plant_v they_o do_v put_v forth_o no_o act_n of_o transcendent_a authority_n but_o do_v all_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v do_v any_o act_n which_o any_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o may_v do_v together_o as_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v in_o such_o a_o case_n impose_v hand_n alone_o so_o paul_n may_v set_v apart_o timothy_n to_o some_o special_a office_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o they_o may_v alone_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o they_o alone_o may_v baptize_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o the_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v comprehend_v as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o *_o *_o their_o act_n therefore_o in_o such_o transcendent_a case_n be_v not_o pattern_n nor_o precedent_n for_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v to_o move_v in_o our_o own_o line_n and_o to_o act_v only_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v again_o that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n such_o as_o be_v cast_v out_o be_v not_o hold_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v yet_o right_a unto_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v of_o we_o to_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n they_o prove_v by_o sundry_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divers_a sort_n of_o member_n some_o be_v member_n not_o actual_o but_o in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n 2._o some_o be_v member_n only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o hypocrite_n which_o be_v as_o wooden_a leg_n fasten_v to_o the_o body_n 3._o some_o be_v lively_a member_n knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n to_o the_o brethren_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n 4._o some_o be_v decay_v member_n which_o though_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n &_o
be_v true_o ingraff_v into_o christ_n jesus_n yet_o for_o the_o present_n have_v no_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o christ_n these_o be_v like_a to_o a_o leg_n or_o arm_n to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o dead_a palsy_n which_o though_o it_o remain_v for_o a_o time_n without_o feeling_n and_o nourishment_n yet_o be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n it_o may_v be_v recover_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o strong_a medicine_n and_o make_v whole_a as_o the_o other_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v excommunicate_v person_n for_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o engraff_n they_o be_v true_a member_n and_o can_v be_v quite_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n joh._n 10.18_o and_o though_o they_o be_v hold_v as_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o church_n censure_n as_o also_o because_o christ_n ratifi_v in_o heaven_n what_o the_o church_n have_v do_v on_o earth_n and_o likewise_o because_o in_o themselves_o they_o want_v the_o free_a passage_n of_o the_o life_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n till_o they_o be_v touch_v with_o repentance_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a because_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n remain_v in_o they_o and_o that_o knit_v the_o bond_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n answ_n those_o godly_a learned_a divine_n who_o do_v thus_o argue_v we_o do_v so_o high_o esteem_v and_o so_o deep_o reverence_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n our_o own_o and_o not_o the_o lord_n we_o shall_v rather_o let_v it_o fall_v then_o defend_v it_o by_o opposition_n to_o the_o grave_a judgement_n of_o such_o holy_a saint_n but_o because_o we_o may_v not_o accept_v person_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v force_v to_o excuse_v ourselves_o from_o submit_v to_o their_o judgement_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o yet_o general_o in_o other_o we_o yield_v unto_o they_o our_o answer_n therefore_o be_v that_o howsoever_o such_o excommunicate_a person_n as_o be_v true_o faithful_a notwithstanding_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n because_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n remain_v in_o they_o yet_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a join_v in_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n they_o be_v not_o knit_v but_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o their_o communion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n nor_o faith_n itself_o that_o knit_v a_o man_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a visible_a church_n but_o a_o holy_a profession_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o communion_n which_o profession_n when_o a_o faithful_a man_n have_v violate_v by_o some_o notorious_a scandalous_a crime_n or_o by_o wilful_a obstinacy_n in_o stand_v out_o in_o any_o offence_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v now_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n and_o therefore_o whole_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o seal_v thereof_o himself_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n his_o seed_n which_o be_v his_o member_n from_o baptism_n he_o be_v not_o now_o as_o a_o dead_a palsy_n member_n cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n ne_fw-fr pars_fw-la sincera_fw-la trahatur_fw-la the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v still_o lay_v hold_n upon_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n when_o yet_o he_o can_v in_o any_o lively_a manner_n for_o the_o time_n lie_v hold_v upon_o christ_n and_o so_o he_o may_v still_o remain_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n of_o the_o firstborn_a when_o yet_o he_o have_v neither_o part_n nor_o portion_n nor_o fellowship_n in_o the_o particular_a flock_n and_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n but_o be_v as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n now_o because_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n nor_o to_o the_o member_n thereof_o as_o such_o but_o to_o the_o visible_a particular_a church_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o the_o member_n thereof_o such_o therefore_o as_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o memberlike_a communion_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v cut_v off_o also_o from_o the_o seal_n of_o that_o communion_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n as_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v a_o heathen_a to_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o supper_n nor_o their_o seed_n to_o baptism_n so_o neither_o dare_v we_o receive_v a_o excommunicate_a person_n who_o be_v to_o we_o as_o a_o heathen_a unto_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o his_o child_n to_o baptism_n object_n it_o be_v object_v again_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o christ_n though_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v the_o personal_a sin_n of_o the_o parent_n may_v not_o keep_v the_o blessing_n from_o the_o child_n and_o therefore_o not_o deprive_v it_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n answ_n the_o same_o power_n of_o christ_n that_o ratifi_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o excommunicate_a parent_n though_o it_o do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o child_n from_o christ_n no_o more_o than_o the_o father_n yet_o it_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o outward_a fruition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o church_n and_o from_o the_o seal_v thereof_o for_o as_o christ_n give_v the_o child_n no_o right_n unto_o baptism_n but_o by_o the_o father_n right_a unto_o the_o coverant_a and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n so_o if_o he_o take_v away_o the_o father_n right_a from_o the_o covenant_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n he_o take_v away_o the_o child_n right_n also_o the_o personal_a sin_n of_o the_o parent_n be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n a_o mere_a private_a or_o personal_a sin_n but_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o public_a person_n of_o his_o family_n for_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n at_o his_o receive_n into_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o public_a person_n for_o receive_v he_o and_o his_o child_n who_o can_v make_v no_o profession_n but_o by_o his_o mouth_n into_o the_o church_n so_o his_o violation_n of_o his_o profession_n by_o a_o scandalous_a crime_n be_v as_o a_o public_a violation_n thereof_o for_o himself_o and_o his_o seed_n who_o stand_v and_o fall_v before_o the_o church_n in_o his_o name_n and_o person_n object_n it_o be_v yet_o further_o object_v we_o must_v always_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o person_n excommunicate_a which_o do_v not_o make_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n though_o they_o be_v grievous_a offender_n and_o open_a apostate_n which_o join_v themselves_o with_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o between_o turk_n and_o infidel_n that_o be_v forth_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o never_o belong_v to_o christ_n answ_n we_o willing_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n and_o apostate_n and_o turk_n to_o wit_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o differ_v excommunicate_a person_n be_v near_a to_o help_v and_o mean_n of_o conversion_n than_o turk_n for_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o salvation_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o and_o turk_n be_v near_o than_o apostate_n for_o better_v it_o be_v never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n then_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n give_v unto_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2.21_o but_o yet_o in_o this_o they_o all_o agree_v they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o as_o heathen_n mat._n 18.17_o and_o therefore_o neither_o the_o parent_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n nor_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n object_n moreover_o it_o be_v still_o further_o object_v in_o behalf_n of_o infant_n command_v 2_o if_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n enlarge_v itself_o to_o thousand_o why_o shall_v man_n question_v whether_o such_o infant_n belong_v to_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o by_o the_o right_n of_o their_o ancestor_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o extension_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o thousand_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o extend_v baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o ancestor_n it_o may_v suffice_v as_o well_o to_o extend_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o turk_n and_o infidel_n and_o apostate_n and_o so_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o urge_v in_o the_o last_o argument_n will_v be_v take_v away_o for_o it_o be_v not_o above_o 66._o generation_n from_o noah_n to_o christ_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o genealogy_n luk._n 3.23_o to_o 38._o and_o there_o have_v not_o pass_v as_o many_o more_o generation_n from_o christ_n time_n to_o the_o turk_n and_o infidel_n of_o this_o present_a age_n
be_v ready_a to_o send_v and_o commend_v such_o of_o their_o member_n as_o their selve_o may_v spare_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n but_o not_o call_v to_o office_n among_o themselves_o to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o brethren_n sect_n vi_o a_o six_o way_n of_o communion_n among_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o admonition_n as_o it_o one_o church_n shall_v be_v credible_o give_v to_o understand_v of_o some_o scandal_n arise_v in_o another_o church_n whether_o by_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n and_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n the_o report_n be_v find_v true_a the_o church_n hear_v thereof_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n or_o both_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o such_o offence_n be_v find_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o take_v a_o speedy_a and_o diligent_a course_n for_o the_o redress_n thereof_o but_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v remiss_a therein_o or_o be_v faulty_a themselves_o they_o then_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n thereof_o to_o call_v upon_o their_o officer_n as_o paul_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o coloss_n to_o call_v upon_o archippus_n to_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n col._n 4.17_o if_o the_o church_n hear_v they_o the_o scandal_n be_v remove_v if_o it_o hear_v they_o not_o the_o church_n offend_v herewith_o take_v in_o the_o help_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n more_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o exhortation_n or_o admonition_n it_o still_o the_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n lie_v persi_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o brethren_n either_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o congregation_n of_o many_o or_o all_o the_o church_n together_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v or_o else_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o weighty_a and_o of_o ill_a though_o not_o general_a consequence_n the_o church_n offend_v with_o they_o will_v as_o just_o they_o may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o forbear_v all_o such_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o which_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o walk_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o we_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v put_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o this_o duty_n towards_o any_o of_o our_o church_n the_o lord_n hitherto_o so_o far_o prevent_v with_o his_o grace_n that_o no_o church_n have_v stand_v out_o so_o long_o in_o maintain_v any_o offence_n find_v among_o they_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o which_o god_n forbid_v we_o look_v at_o it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v faithful_a one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o like_a sort_n as_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n be_v call_v to_o be_v faithful_a one_o towards_o another_o do_v not_o church_n enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o well_o as_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n take_v care_n not_o only_o for_o her_o own_o member_n but_o for_o her_o little_a sister_n which_o have_v no_o breast_n cant._n 8.8_o and_o will_v she_o have_v take_v no_o care_n of_o have_v her_o breast_n heal_v if_o her_o breast_n have_v be_v distemper_v and_o give_v corrupt_a milk_n the_o apostle_n have_v a_o public_a care_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o be_v the_o public_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_v dead_a with_o they_o aught_o not_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v a_o care_n and_o watchful_a eye_n over_o the_o public_a good_a of_o one_o another_o though_o not_o virtute_fw-la officii_fw-la yet_o intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la sect_n vii_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o way_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n though_o this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a eminency_n of_o the_o apostolic_a calling_n for_o they_o in_o their_o lifetime_n to_o travel_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o beget_v disciple_n to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-estate_n and_o so_o to_o plant_v church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o prosecute_v and_o carry_v along_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n throughout_o all_o generation_n and_o in_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v immediate_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o that_o fullness_n of_o measure_n which_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n do_v require_v if_o then_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o process_n of_o time_n to_o be_v so_o far_o multiply_v as_o that_o like_a bee_n when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a they_o be_v necessary_o occasion_v to_o swarm_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o case_n when_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n can_v reach_v to_o all_o in_o such_o or_o in_o the_o like_a case_n the_o church_n surcharge_v with_o multitude_n may_v send_v forth_o sundry_a of_o their_o member_n fit_a for_o the_o purpose_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o church-estate_n among_o themselves_o or_o if_o a_o number_n of_o godly_a christian_n shall_v come_v over_o into_o a_o country_n where_o they_o find_v the_o church_n so_o full_a that_o they_o can_v with_o conveniency_n join_v with_o they_o the_o church_n may_v comfortable_o encourage_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n among_o themselves_o they_o may_v also_o commend_v both_o unto_o the_o one_o company_n and_o unto_o the_o other_o such_o able_a gift_a man_n who_o they_o may_v fit_o choose_v to_o be_v minister_n and_o officer_n to_o they_o and_o both_o then_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o beginning_n as_o also_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v church-officer_n among_o themselves_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o presence_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v requisite_a for_o the_o propagation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o have_v we_o give_v unto_o all_o our_o holy_a brethren_n throughout_o the_o church_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o just_a and_o true_a account_n of_o all_o our_o proceed_n in_o church-affaire_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o way_n and_o order_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o rule_n in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o go_v astray_o it_o be_v our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n unto_o all_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v erranti_fw-la comiter_fw-la monstrare_fw-la viam_fw-la but_o if_o the_o way_n we_o walk_v in_o be_v find_v upon_o serious_a and_o mature_a consideration_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v let_v all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n be_v entreat_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o people_n but_o rather_o seek_v how_o to_o address_v themselves_o and_o to_o call_v on_o other_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o straight_a step_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o grace_n till_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o glory_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n sect_n i._o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prescribe_v unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n man_n of_o their_o church_n and_o eminent_a light_n in_o the_o world_n what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o pursue_v and_o perfect_v the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o england_n nay_o we_o know_v our_o own_o tenuity_n the_o store_n of_o business_n enough_o which_o we_o have_v to_o attend_v unto_o near_a home_n nevertheless_o as_o we_o can_v cease_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o seek_v their_o good_a as_o our_o own_o so_o we_o can_v but_o rejoice_v with_o they_o to_o behold_v that_o open_a door_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o and_o with_o that_o all_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o far_o enlarge_v towards_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o wave_n as_o we_o hear_v his_o hand_n be_v enlarge_v towards_o they_o only_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o
spirit_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o with_o they_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o prosper_v his_o work_n among_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reduce_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o pattern_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o primitive_a simplicity_n describe_v above_o four_o thing_n we_o observe_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n which_o make_v way_n for_o reformation_n among_o they_o first_o the_o efficient_a instrument_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n which_o be_v either_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n whether_o philip_n or_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n or_o simon_n zelotes_n as_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n may_v read_v in_o mr._n fox_n book_n of_o act_n and_o monument_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o next_o after_o the_o story_n of_o the_o ten_o primitive_a persecution_n out_o of_o gildas_n tertullian_n origen_n beda_n nicephorus_n which_o be_v so_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v right_o gather_v and_o plant_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o since_o have_v spring_v from_o popish_a apostasy_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o from_o want_n of_o through_o and_o perfect_a purge_v out_o of_o that_o leaven_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n so_o that_o all_o the_o work_n now_o be_v not_o to_o make_v they_o church_n which_o be_v none_o before_o but_o to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n second_o the_o public_a service-booke_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o godly_a discipline_n that_o notorious_a sinner_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o both_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o other_o admonish_v by_o their_o example_n may_v be_v the_o more_o afraid_a to_o offend_v which_o godly_a discipline_n be_v a_o thing_n say_v the_o book_n much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v restore_v again_o see_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n it_o be_v therefore_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a and_o swerve_v from_o the_o primitive_a godly_a discipline_n three_o in_o the_o public_a rubric_n before_o the_o catechism_n it_o be_v order_v that_o when_o child_n come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v learn_v what_o other_o promise_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n they_o shall_v then_o themselves_o with_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n open_o before_o the_o church_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o also_o promise_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o will_v evermore_o endeavour_v themselves_o faithful_o to_o observe_v and_o keep_v such_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o confession_n they_o have_v assent_v to_o which_o course_n the_o book_n in_o a_o few_o word_n after_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o time_n past_a that_o child_n come_v to_o perfect_a age_n have_v be_v instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o direction_n if_o it_o be_v as_o due_o observe_v as_o it_o be_v express_o order_v do_v plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o to_o be_v confirm_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o unfit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v express_o confess_v their_o faith_n open_o before_o the_o church_n and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v serious_o do_v and_o not_o perfunctory_o be_v somewhat_o of_o like_a nature_n with_o our_o receive_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o join_v they_o by_o covenant_n four_o in_o the_o exhortation_n before_o the_o communion_n the_o minister_n be_v direct_v to_o denounce_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o god_n a_o hinderer_n or_o slanderer_n of_o his_o word_n a_o adulterer_n or_o be_v in_o malice_n or_o envy_v or_o in_o any_o other_o grievous_a crime_n they_o shall_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o come_v to_o that_o holy_a table_n lest_o after_o the_o take_n of_o that_o sacrament_n the_o devil_n enter_v into_o they_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o judas_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o argue_v they_o will_v allow_v no_o scandalous_a person_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o these_o thing_n presuppose_v real_o perform_v and_o serious_o attend_v to_o may_v open_v a_o door_n to_o sundry_a passage_n of_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a reformation_n sect_n ii_o tender_v certain_a proposition_n tend_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n propos_fw-fr 1._o where_o godly_a minister_n be_v already_o plant_v in_o any_o congregation_n let_v they_o with_o due_a encouragement_n from_o the_o state_n call_v the_o people_n to_o solemn_a humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o own_o sin_n &_o those_o of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v imitate_v so_o do_v ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n with_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n nehem._n 9.2.2_o 3_o 4._o &_o ezra_n 10.1_o 2.9_o 10._o for_o though_o the_o parliament_n &_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v protest_v and_o covenant_v reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v yet_o they_o have_v cause_n also_o to_o be_v humble_v and_o that_o thorough_o for_o the_o time_n past_a 2._o let_v such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o of_o approve_a conversation_n take_v up_o that_o course_n which_o the_o service-book_n as_o have_v be_v say_v give_v a_o hint_n of_o renew_v their_o covenant_n former_o make_v in_o baptism_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o promise_a reformation_n of_o life_n not_o only_o in_o their_o private_a conversation_n but_o also_o in_o their_o public_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n 3._o let_v no_o minister_n that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n better_a than_o his_o own_o belly_n stand_v upon_o his_o advocation_n from_o his_o patron_n but_o rather_o expect_v his_o vocation_n from_o his_o people_n 4._o for_o this_o end_n let_v every_o patron_n restore_v his_o jus_o patronatus_fw-la to_o the_o church_n or_o if_o it_o seem_v too_o hard_a a_o thing_n for_o they_o to_o part_v so_o free_o with_o their_o freehold_n though_o they_o ought_v free_o to_o give_v unto_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v free_o from_o he_o the_o parliament_n may_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a part_n of_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o benefice_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o annex_v it_o to_o their_o own_o private_a inheritance_n reserve_v so_o much_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o a_o sufficient_a maintenance_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o though_o thing_n dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n can_v be_v alienate_v or_o divert_v to_o private_a use_n without_o sacrilege_n yet_o that_o hold_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n accept_v as_o sacred_a to_o himself_o but_o god_n no_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n or_o allowance_n of_o land_n dedicate_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o for_o the_o church_n service_n they_o may_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o their_o consent_n as_o sometime_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n give_v away_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o captivity_n 2_o king_n 18.15_o 16._o 5._o the_o people_n have_v call_v or_o choose_v their_o minister_n one_o or_o more_o unto_o office_n in_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n let_v they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n depute_v some_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o with_o prayer_n over_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n set_v he_o apart_o to_o that_o office_n the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v say_v to_o anoint_v zadok_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o high_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o solomon_n to_o be_v king_n 1_o chron._n 29.22_o which_o be_v a_o sacred_a right_n as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o