and_o unless_o this_o union_n be_v dissolve_v unless_o a_o church_n be_v disunite_v from_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v so_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a however_o it_o may_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o other_o in_o the_o world._n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o union_n there_o proceed_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n a_o bond_n of_o union_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a spirit_n act_v itself_o in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o kingly_a royal_a beautiful_a union_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n bring_v it_o into_o a_o relation_n unto_o himself_o as_o his_o body_n communicate_v of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o it_o govern_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n enable_v it_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n for_o unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hold_v he_o as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o 2._o love_n unto_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o 3._o that_o especial_a holiness_n who_o foundation_n be_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n 4._o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o thing_n be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reality_n and_o power_n of_o they_o be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o be_v its_o external_a form_n 2._o there_o concur_v hereunto_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o i_o mean_v all_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o church_n catholic_n do_v act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o these_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v term_v relatio_fw-la aequiparentiae_fw-la wherein_o neither_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v equal_a it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o unto_o another_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a as_o unto_o what_o concern_v their_o essence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o bond_n hereof_o be_v that_o especial_a love_n which_o christ_n require_v among_o all_o his_o disciple_n act_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o union_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o relation_n unto_o god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o unto_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o holiness_n the_o same_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o church-order_n with_o mutual_a love_n effectual_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n there_o may_v be_v failure_n in_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n among_o they_o about_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o they_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v the_o best_a know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n but_o whilst_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v this_o be_v that_o bless_a oneness_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o so_o earnest_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n one_o among_o themselves_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o horrid_a image_n of_o it_o which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o church_n which_o all_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o bow_v down_o unto_o and_o worship_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n furnance_n of_o any_o other_o union_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v always_o the_o same_o inviolable_a unchangeable_a comprehend_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n not_o confinable_a unto_o any_o state_n or_o party_n not_o interruptible_a by_o any_o external_a form_n nor_o to_o be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o such_o dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n as_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o questionable_a among_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o evangelical_n faith_n holiness_n obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o mutual_a love_n abide_v in_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v profess_v that_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a other_o catholic_n church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o believe_v none_o nor_o any_o that_o need_v other_o thing_n unto_o its_o constitution_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v our_o present_a enquiry_n namely_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v their_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o same_o gospel_n duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o mutual_a act_n towards_o each_o other_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n this_o the_o primitive_a church_n provide_v for_o in_o creed_n and_o symbol_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v know_v but_o as_o never_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o own_v by_o all_o church_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a hence_o we_o have_v as_o many_o arian_n creed_n yet_o extant_a as_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o particular_a ☜_o church_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o profess_a assent_n unto_o all_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v provide_v that_o no_o error_n be_v avow_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o although_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avow_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o yet_o by_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o they_o may_v embrace_v and_o adhere_v unto_o such_o error_n as_o may_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith._n such_o be_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a person_n or_o office_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o may_v also_o add_v that_o of_o their_o own_o unto_o their_o profess_a belief_n as_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o tradition_n as_o equal_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o another_o head_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o another_o sacrifice_n beside_o what_o he_o once_o offer_v for_o all_o and_o the_o like_a but_o where_o any_o be_v preserve_v from_o such_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o communion_n with_o
commission_n that_o christ_n give_v a_o pastoral_a relation_n or_o presbytership_n which_o be_v include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n and_o exercise_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n such_o presbyter-ship_n john_n and_o peter_n both_o have_v hence_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o successor_n jure_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o be_v relative_a officer_n and_o be_v always_o in_o and_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n we_o know_v of_o no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n that_o any_o pastor_n be_v ordain_v to_o 1._o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n as_o catholic_n visible_a 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o chimaera_n of_o some_o man_n brain_n it_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la for_o if_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v all_o the_o church_n that_o i_o see_v at_o a_o time_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o see_v much_o more_o than_o what_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o church_n actual_o in_o be_v how_o be_v they_o visible_a to_o i_o where_o can_v they_o be_v see_v in_o one_o place_n i_o may_v as_o well_o call_v all_o the_o city_n and_o corporation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n visible_a city_n or_o corporation_n which_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v nonsense_n beside_o if_o all_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v get_v together_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o saint_n militant_a much_o less_o of_o triumphant_a for_o many_o be_v no_o church_n member_n that_o be_v christ_n member_n and_o many_o visible_a member_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o be_v any_o such_o church_n capable_a of_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o other_o organise_v visible_a church_n again_o to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n constitute_v shall_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o officer_n to_o the_o mystical_a church_n christ_n be_v the_o mystical_a head_n and_o pastor_n he_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o hence_o the_o uncalled_a be_v his_o sheep_n as_o john_n 10.16_o but_o to_o all_o visible_a church_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o where_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o please_v we_o to_o take_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o say_v that_o all_o individual_a pastor_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v either_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o as_o much_o pastoral_n power_n and_o charge_n in_o one_o church_n as_o in_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v indefinite_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o all_o pastor_n have_v mutual_a power_n in_o each_o other_o church_n and_o so_o john_n may_v come_v into_o thomas_n his_o church_n and_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n there_o and_o thomas_n into_o john_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o universal_a catholic_n power_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n which_o every_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v be_v apostolic_a or_o last_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o a_o particular_a charge_n where_o he_o please_v with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o if_o he_o have_v a_o office_n whereby_o he_o be_v equal_o and_o indisputable_o relate_v to_o all_o church_n it_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o office_n to_o take_v where_o he_o please_v but_o every_o church-officer_n under_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n must_v be_v such_o whence_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a to_o which_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o visible_a husband_n to_o a_o invisible_a wife_n the_o relate_v and_o correlate_n must_v be_v ejusdem_fw-la naturae_fw-la it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a head_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a nature_n for_o christ_n have_v substitute_v no_o mystical_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o mystical_a and_o external_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o latter_a be_v found_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o it_o as_o take_v its_o true_a spiritual_a original_a from_o it_o derive_v vital_a spirit_n from_o it_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o all_o external_a visible_a assembly_n minister_n ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o call_v in_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o edify_v of_o they_o to_o that_o full_a measure_n of_o stature_n they_o be_v design_v unto_o but_o the_o different_a consideration_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o mystical_a church_n do_v never_o fail_v neither_o be_v diminish_v by_o any_o shock_n of_o temptation_n or_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o visible_a profession_n any_o of_o they_o undergo_v whereas_o visible_a church_n be_v often_o break_v scatter_a yea_o unchurch_v and_o many_o member_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o final_a apostasy_n likewise_o christ_n mystical_a church_n be_v many_o time_n preserve_v in_o that_o state_n only_o or_o most_o when_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o visible_a organise_v church_n according_a to_o institution_n to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o his_o church_n often_o under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n as_o in_o egypt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o manasseh_n and_o other_o wicked_a king_n and_o especial_o in_o babylon_n in_o such_o time_n the_o faithful_a one_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o true_a sacrifice_n the_o teach_a priest_n and_o the_o law._n so_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o draconick_a heathen_a persecution_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o wilderness-state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o false_a worship_n which_o mystical_a state_n be_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n to_o hide_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o from_o the_o dragon_n rage_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n again_o unto_o this_o mystical_a church_n be_v only_o essential_o necessary_a a_o mystical_a union_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n acceptation_n and_o covenant-undertaking_a of_o the_o son_n the_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n work_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n whereby_o as_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a union_n so_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n though_o without_o those_o desirable_a enjoyment_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v providential_o often_o hinder_v from_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o christ_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n which_o he_o sometime_o set_v up_o and_o sometime_o take_v down_o and_o remove_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o see_v best_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world._n but_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n as_o to_o their_o foundadation_n matter_n constitution_n and_o order_n he_o give_v forth_o a_o exact_a pattern_n from_o mount_n zion_n as_o of_o that_o typical_a tabernacle_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o old._n the_o foundation_n part_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o corner_n stone_n eph._n ij_o 20_o matth._n xuj_o 18_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a individual_a person_n that_o make_v a_o organise_v visible_a church_n we_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n not_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o these_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o practise_v holiness_n the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v always_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n saint_n faithful_n believer_n they_o be_v such_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o believer_n so_o as_o such_o but_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n for_o a_o man_n must_v appear_v
say_v that_o moses_n choose_v the_o elder_n but_o it_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o many_o where_o one_o be_v chief_a that_o be_v ascribe_v indifferent_o either_o to_o the_o many_o or_o to_o the_o chief_a director_n so_o be_v it_o say_v israel_n send_v messenger_n number_n 21.21_o moses_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n say_v i_o send_v messenger_n deut._n 2.26_o so_o 1_o chron._n 19.19_o they_o make_v peace_n with_o david_n and_o serve_v he_o which_o be_v 2_o sam._n 10.19_o they_o make_v peace_n with_o israel_n and_o serve_v they_o see_v also_o 2_o king._n 11.12_o with_o 2_o chron._n 23.11_o as_o also_o 1_o chron._n 16.1_o with_o 2_o sam._n 6.17_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o other_o place_n wherefore_o the_o people_n choose_v these_o elder_n under_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o moses_n which_o direct_v we_o unto_o the_o right_a interpretation_n of_o act_n 14.23_o whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v immediate_o the_o first_o of_o these_o way_n be_v repeat_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o evangelical_n church_n christ_n himself_o be_v call_v unto_o his_o office_n by_o the_o father_n through_o the_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n isa._n 60._o heb._n 5._o and_o he_o himself_o call_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o who_o that_o call_v cease_v the_o second_o ordinary_a way_n by_o the_o privilege_n of_o natural_a generation_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v utter_o abolish_v the_o three_o way_n only_o remain_v for_o the_o ordinary_a continuation_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o by_o the_o choice_n and_o election_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o with_o solemn_a separation_n and_o dedication_n by_o officer_n extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a the_o first_o instance_n of_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o church-officer_n have_v a_o mixture_n in_o it_o of_o the_o first_o and_o late_a way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o mathias_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o be_v a_o church-officer_n he_o have_v the_o choice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n or_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n there_o be_v a_o immediate_a divine_a disposition_n of_o he_o into_o his_o office_n the_o latter_a to_o give_v he_o apostolical_a authority_n the_o former_a to_o make_v he_o a_o precedent_n of_o the_o future_a act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o call_n of_o their_o officer_n i_o say_v this_o be_v the_o first_o example_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o call_n of_o any_o person_n unto_o office_n in_o the_o christian_a church-state_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o interposition_n of_o the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o man_n be_v establish_v as_o a_o rule_n and_o precedent_n not_o to_o be_v change_v alter_v or_o depart_v from_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o what_o be_v of_o common_a right_n and_o equity_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_n how_o man_n dare_v ever_o reject_v and_o disannul_v this_o divine_a example_n and_o rule_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v they_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o a_o precept_n or_o institution_n that_o be_v record_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o fact_n leave_v on_o record_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o our_o instruction_n and_o direction_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n propose_v unto_o we_o which_o in_o all_o thing_n not_o otherwise_o determine_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o institution_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o but_o this_o that_o we_o have_v a_o matter_n of_o common_a right_n determine_v and_o apply_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o entire_a church_n of_o believer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o impiety_n to_o depart_v from_o it_o unless_o in_o case_n of_o the_o utmost_a necessity_n whereas_o what_o be_v here_o record_v be_v in_o the_o call_n of_o a_o apostle_n it_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n which_o hence_o we_o plead_v for_o if_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a call_n of_o a_o apostle_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o fraternity_n or_o multitude_n shall_v have_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o suffrage_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o certain_o his_o mind_n that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a call_n of_o their_o own_o peculiar_a officer_n in_o who_o under_o he_o the_o concernment_n be_v their_o own_o only_a that_o this_o right_n shall_v be_v continue_v unto_o they_o the_o order_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o be_v distinct_o declare_v for_o 1._o the_o number_n of_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n that_o be_v of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o v_o 15._o 2._o they_o be_v assemble_v all_o together_o in_o one_o place_n so_o as_o that_o peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o v_o 15._o 3._o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n declare_v unto_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o choose_v one_o to_o be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n v_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 4._o he_o limit_n the_o choice_n of_o he_o unto_o the_o especial_a qualification_n of_o be_v a_o meet_a witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n unto_o those_o who_o constant_o accompany_v he_o with_o themselves_o from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n that_o be_v his_o be_v baptise_a by_o he_o whereon_o he_o begin_v his_o public_a ministry_n 5._o among_o these_o they_o be_v leave_v at_o their_o liberty_n to_o nominate_v any_o two_o who_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o lot_n for_o a_o determination_n whether_o of_o they_o god_n design_v unto_o the_o office._n 6._o hereon_o the_o whole_a multitude_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appoint_v two_o that_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n and_o brethren_n unto_o who_o peter_n speak_v v_o 16._o do_v so_o 7._o the_o same_o person_n to_o promote_v the_o work_n pray_v and_o give_v forth_o their_o lot_n v_o 24.26_o 8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mathias_n be_v by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n reckon_v unto_o the_o number_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o say_v not_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o disciple_n in_o distinction_n from_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o they_o peter_n do_v nothing_o without_o they_o nor_o do_v they_o any_o thing_n without_o he_o the_o exception_n of_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o against_o this_o testimony_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o grant_n and_o a_o condescension_n in_o peter_n and_o not_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n that_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v by_o lot_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n the_o pretend_a concession_n of_o peter_n be_v a_o figment_n the_o case_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a as_o to_o include_v in_o it_o all_o ordinary_a case_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o and_o although_o the_o ultimate_a determination_n of_o the_o individual_a person_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o his_o apostleship_n be_v immediate_o divine_a by_o lot_n yet_o here_o be_v all_o grant_v unto_o the_o people_n in_o their_o choose_n and_o appoint_v two_o in_o their_o pray_v in_o their_o cast_a lot_n in_o their_o voluntary_a opprobatory_n suffrage_n that_o be_v desire_v this_o bless_a example_n give_v we_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n yea_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o they_o be_v eminent_o suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o compliant_a with_o all_o other_o direction_n and_o apostolical_a example_n in_o the_o like_a case_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v follow_v than_o the_o practice_n of_o some_o degenerate_a church_n who_o to_o cover_v the_o turpitude_n of_o act_v in_o desert_v this_o example_n and_o rule_n do_v make_v use_n of_o a_o mock-shew_a and_o pretence_n of_o that_o which_o real_o they_o deny_v reject_v and_o oppose_v the_o second_o example_n we_o have_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n whereby_o the_o precede_a rule_n be_v confirm_v be_v give_v we_o act._n 6._o in_o the_o election_n of_o the_o deacon_n have_v there_o ensue_v after_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n a_o instance_n of_o a_o diverse_a practice_n by_o a_o exclusion_n of_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n the_o former_a may_v have_v be_v evade_v as_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o extraordinary_a and_o not_o oblige_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o this_o be_v the_o very_a next_o instance_n of_o the_o call_v of_o any_o church-officer_n and_o it_o be_v the_o first_o appointment_n of_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o very_a year_n of_o christ_n ascension_n there_o be_v no_o
attendance_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o when_o man_n undertake_v the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o either_o judge_n it_o not_o their_o duty_n to_o preach_v or_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v or_o attempt_v it_o only_o at_o some_o solemn_a season_n or_o attend_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o task_n require_v of_o they_o without_o that_o wisdom_n skill_n diligence_n care_n prudence_n zeal_n and_o compassion_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o the_o glory_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v utter_o destroy_v 2._o the_o second_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o his_o flock_n be_v continual_a fervent_a prayer_n for_o they_o 1.11_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v or_o do_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o he_o ought_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o duty_n of_o his_o pastoral_n office._n from_o hence_o may_v any_o man_n take_v the_o best_a measure_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o his_o flock_n he_o that_o do_v constant_o diligent_o fervent_o pray_v for_o they_o will_v have_v a_o testimony_n in_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o other_o pastoral_n duty_n nor_o can_v he_o voluntary_o omit_v or_o neglect_v any_o of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v negligent_a herein_o be_v their_o pain_n labour_n and_o travel_v in_o other_o duty_n never_o so_o great_a they_o may_v be_v influence_v from_o other_o reason_n and_o so_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n in_o this_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o incumbent_a on_o all_o pastor_n as_o that_o whatever_o be_v do_v without_o it_o be_v of_o no_o esteem_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o jesus_n christ_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v 1._o unto_o the_o success_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o all_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o it_o among_o they_o these_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o improvement_n and_o strengthen_n of_o all_o their_o grace_n the_o direction_n of_o all_o their_o duty_n their_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o the_o entire_a conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n therefore_o and_o not_o to_o follow_v it_o with_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o its_o success_n be_v to_o disbelieve_v its_o use_n neglect_v its_o end_n and_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o random_n 2._o unto_o the_o temptation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v general_o expose_v unto_o these_o great_o vary_v according_a unto_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o temptation_n in_o general_a that_o accompany_v a_o state_n of_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o those_o that_o attend_v a_o time_n of_o trouble_n persecution_n distress_n and_o poverty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o other_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n these_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n ought_v diligent_o to_o consider_v look_v on_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o church_n have_v be_v ruin_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o lose_v for_o ever_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o therefore_o ought_v their_o prayer_n for_o the_o church_n to_o be_v fervent_a 3._o unto_o the_o especial_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o member_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o they_o there_o may_v be_v of_o they_o who_o be_v spiritual_o sick_a and_o disease_a tempt_v afflict_a bemisted_a wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n surprise_v in_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n disconsolate_a and_o trouble_v in_o spirit_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o all_o aught_o to_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v continual_o call_v over_o in_o their_o daily_a pastoral_n supplication_n 4._o unto_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o the_o bless_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v life_n and_o power_n unto_o all_o church_n assembly_n without_o which_o all_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o they_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n now_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o church_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n with_o a_o gracious_a divine_a efficacy_n evidence_v itself_o by_o bless_a operation_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v pastor_n of_o church_n continual_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o they_o will_v do_v so_o who_o understand_v that_o all_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n and_o all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o god_n in_o their_o duty_n do_v depend_v hereon_o 5._o to_o their_o preservation_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o fruitfulness_n with_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o all_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o this_o pastoral_n office_n do_v well_o consider_v and_o understand_v how_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v in_o their_o continual_a fervent_a prayer_n for_o their_o flock_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_o institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n bless_v their_o congregation_n so_o will_v they_o find_v their_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o and_o by_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o more_o and_o more_o fill_v with_o love_n and_o engage_v with_o diligence_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o excite_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o where_o any_o be_v negligent_a herein_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n which_o they_o perform_v towards_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v influence_v with_o false_a consideration_n and_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 3._o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o christ._n for_o unto_o they_o the_o authoritative_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v whereunto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v for_o their_o principal_a end_n be_v the_o peculiar_a confirmation_n and_o application_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o herein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o 1._o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o their_o administration_n unto_o the_o church_n edification_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o frequency_n be_v enjoin_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o their_o administration_n as_o unto_o time_n place_n frequency_n order_n and_o decency_n 2._o to_o keep_v severe_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n the_o gradual_a introduction_n of_o uninstituted_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n into_o the_o church-celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n end_v at_o length_n in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass._n herein_o then_o alone_z and_o not_o in_o bow_v cringe_v and_o vestment_n lie_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o these_o administration_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v compliant_a with_o and_o expressive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n do_v in_o they_o but_o in_o express_a obedience_n unto_o his_o authority_n i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 3._o to_o take_v care_n that_o these_o holy_a thing_n be_v administer_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v meet_v and_o worthy_a according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o who_o impose_v on_o pastor_n the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o these_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n unto_o all_o without_o difference_n do_v deprive_v they_o of_o one_o half_a of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o duty_n but_o here_o it_o be_v inquire_v by_o some_o whether_o in_o case_n a_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n at_o present_a or_o a_o teach_v elder_a with_o pastoral_n power_n whether_o it_o may_v not_o delegate_v and_o appoint_v the_o administration_n of_o these_o especial_a ordinance_n unto_o some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o or_o that_o season_n who_o be_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o they_o which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v examine_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o order_n without_o teach_v officer_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o a_o church_n not_o complete_a in_o order_n can_v be_v complete_a in_o administration_n because_o the_o power_n of_o administration_n depend_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o order_n proportionable_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n
helpful_a to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o common_a work_n which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o but_o such_o as_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o this_o work_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o power_n that_o be_v exercise_v herein_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o it_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n not_o formal_o to_o reside_v in_o they_o as_o the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o only_a for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v spiritual_o affect_v with_o reference_n unto_o spiritual_a end_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v their_o sin_n remit_v or_o retain_v and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n among_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o what_o they_o do_v 4._o the_o especial_a design_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o holiness_n love_n compassion_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o discipline_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o whilst_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o endeavour_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o office_n to_o set_v forth_o these_o virtue_n of_o christ_n to_o exemplify_v that_o impression_n of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n they_o utter_o deviate_v from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o man_n to_o act_v herein_o in_o a_o way_n of_o domination_n with_o a_o visible_a elation_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n above_o their_o brethren_n with_o anger_n wrath_n and_o passion_n by_o rule_n order_n and_o law_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v and_o what_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o reflect_v the_o high_a dishonour_n imaginable_a upon_o christ_n himself_o he_o who_o come_v into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o king_n in_o westminster_n hall_n when_o fill_v with_o judge_n grave_a learned_a and_o righteous_a most_o ordinary_o be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n moderation_n and_o clemency_n by_o the_o law_n which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o and_o their_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o christian_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v the_o holiness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o representation_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v make_v of_o he_o and_o they_o in_o some_o court_n wherein_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n be_v admistre_v when_o any_o have_v offend_v of_o old_a their_o censure_n by_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o bewail_v of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.24_o and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o sorrow_n pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o in_o that_o censure_n they_o evidence_v the_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n this_o be_v scarce_o answer_v by_o those_o pecuniary_a mulct_n and_o other_o penalty_n which_o with_o indignation_n and_o contempt_n be_v inflict_v on_o such_o as_o be_v make_v offender_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n certain_o those_o who_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n and_o have_v a_o due_a honour_n for_o the_o gospel_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o begin_v to_o think_v meet_a that_o this_o stain_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v wash_v away_o 2_o dly_z the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n all_o his_o law_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v effectual_a can_v oblige_v or_o operate_v upon_o the_o object_n or_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n if_o the_o church_n make_v a_o thousand_o rule_n or_o canon_n or_o law_n for_o government_n neither_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o general_a have_v any_o the_o least_o power_n to_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n or_o compliance_n with_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o virtual_o and_o material_o they_o contain_v what_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o derive_v force_n from_o thence_o as_o the_o judge_n in_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_n and_o determine_v in_o all_o case_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o do_v not_o their_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reverse_v but_o if_o wilful_o or_o of_o choice_n they_o shall_v introduce_v law_n or_o rule_n not_o legal_o establish_v in_o this_o nation_n judge_v according_a unto_o they_o it_o will_v render_v they_o high_o criminal_a and_o punishable_a it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o it_o be_v by_o his_o law_n alone_o that_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o application_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o they_o unto_o particular_a case_n and_o occasion_n to_o make_v to_o bring_v to_o execute_v any_o other_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o usurp_v on_o his_o kingly_a dominion_n whereunto_o all_o legislative_a power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v appropriate_a nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v require_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n wherein_o for_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o more_o leave_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o application_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o application_n to_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n before_o describe_v be_v requisite_a and_o that_o alone_a where_o there_o be_v other_o law_n rule_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o where_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o law_n civil_a or_o political_a there_o be_v a_o skill_n in_o they_o require_v unto_o that_o administration_n as_o all_o will_v confess_v so_o be_v the_o wisdom_n we_o before_o describe_v and_o that_o alone_a necessary_a unto_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n whereof_o be_v his_o word_n and_o law_n alone_o 3_o dly_z the_o matter_n of_o this_o rule_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a and_o so_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o church-power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v organical_a and_o complete_a in_o its_o officer_n there_o be_v that_o in_o they_o both_o which_o be_v found_v in_o and_o warrant_v from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o equity_n every_o righteous_a voluntary_a society_n coalesce_v therein_o rightful_o upon_o know_a law_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o it_o unto_o certain_a end_n have_v natural_o a_o power_n inherent_a in_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o receive_v into_o its_o incorporation_n such_o as_o be_v meet_a for_o it_o do_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o as_o also_o to_o reject_v or_o withhold_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n this_o power_n be_v inherent_a in_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o officer_n in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mutual_a confederation_n they_o may_v receive_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n those_o that_o be_v meet_v and_o withdraw_v the_o same_o privilege_n from_o those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o in_o