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
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
and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n where_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o verse_n forego_v that_o he_o have_v judge_v already_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v do_v not_o argue_v that_o now_o the_o church_n be_v at_o hand_n he_o take_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v the_o cause_n whole_o unto_o himself_o and_o the_o publication_n and_o declaration_n of_o it_o only_o in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o he_o have_v see_v already_o evident_a cause_n to_o judge_v the_o party_n worthy_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o direct_v they_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o action_n as_o 1._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o the_o principal_a power_n of_o all_o church-censure_n rest_v 2._o when_o they_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v gather_v together_o not_o the_o bishop_n nor_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o 3._o and_o paul_n spirit_n with_o they_o to_o wit_n so_o much_o of_o apostolical_a authority_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o present_a with_o it_o in_o such_o case_n 4._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o they_o in_o this_o action_n which_o hold_v forth_o their_o authority_n 5._o when_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v humble_v under_o this_o censure_n paul_n beseech_v they_o to_o forgive_v he_o to_o comfort_v he_o to_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o now_o they_o who_o have_v power_n of_o forgive_a a_o offender_n have_v power_n also_o of_o bind_v he_o under_o wrath_n ejusdem_fw-la potestatis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ligare_fw-la etc._n etc._n &_o solvere_fw-la object_n 1._o all_o this_o argue_v no_o more_o but_o that_o some_o in_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o text_n that_o attribute_v any_o power_n to_o the_o presbytery_n apart_o or_o singular_o above_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o the_o reproof_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o all_o for_o not_o mourn_v and_o take_v the_o offence_n to_o heart_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o ver_fw-la 1.2_o so_o be_v commandment_n direct_v to_o they_o all_o when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o proceed_v unto_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o exhort_v they_o all_o again_o put_v away_o therefore_o say_v he_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o that_o by_o a_o judicial_a power_n to_o wit_n as_o under_o christ_n do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o ver_fw-la 12._o and_o lest_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o he_o magnify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o saint_n take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o stretch_v their_o judicature_n in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o civil_a matter_n also_o know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n yea_o the_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3._o and_o thereupon_o he_o incourage_v they_o to_o betrust_v the_o decide_n of_o any_o civil_a cause_n depend_v between_o brethren_n to_o the_o judicature_n of_o the_o mean_a brother_n in_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 4._o rather_o then_o to_o fly_v sudden_o unto_o civil_a magistrate_n especial_o among_o the_o heathen_a object_n 2._o but_o if_o the_o power_n of_o judicature_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o with_o the_o presbytery_n than_o all_o the_o multitude_n shall_v be_v make_v governor_n and_o who_o then_o shall_v be_v govern_v answ_n the_o multitude_n of_o brethren_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o elder_n so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v aright_o to_o wit_n while_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o hear_v joh._n 10.4_o but_o in_o case_n the_o officer_n do_v err_v and_o commit_v offence_n they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o brethren_n though_o otherwise_o the_o brethren_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.17_o object_n 3._o a_o democraticall_a government_n may_v do_v well_o in_o athens_n a_o city_n fruitful_a of_o pregnant_a wit_n but_o will_v soon_o degenerate_a to_o a_o anarchy_n a_o popular_a tumult_n among_o rude_a common_a people_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o so_o godly_a learn_v a_o man_n as_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o prefer_v athens_n before_o jerusalem_n pregnant_a wit_n before_o sanctify_a heart_n answ_n 2._o though_o the_o government_n be_v democraticall_a as_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o tumultuous_a disorder_n where_o not_o the_o will_n of_o each_o man_n bear_v the_o sway_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n alone_o be_v hear_v who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o wise_a monarch_n of_o the_o church_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v tumult_n and_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n can_v be_v avoid_v where_o the_o multitude_n have_v all_o of_o they_o not_o only_o leave_v but_o power_n to_o speak_v and_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v the_o word_n out_o of_o the_o other_o mouth_n and_o one_o of_o they_o to_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o will_v not_o this_o make_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o confluence_n of_o cyclops_n answ_n all_o such_o disorder_n be_v easy_o and_o timely_o prevent_v by_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o restrain_v any_o man_n speech_n while_o another_o be_v speak_v and_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o mean_v speech_n that_o grow_v either_o impertinent_a or_o intemperate_a the_o elder_n have_v receive_v in_o special_a manner_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o democraticall_a but_o as_o the_o best_a government_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a temper_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n who_o voice_n only_o must_v be_v hear_v and_o his_o rule_n keep_v it_o be_v a_o monarchy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o choose_v officer_n and_o joint_a power_n with_o the_o officer_n in_o admit_v member_n in_o censure_v offender_n it_o be_v a_o democracy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o officer_n instruction_n and_o reproof_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o in_o order_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v a_o aristocracy_n what_o be_v find_v good_a in_o any_o civil_a government_n be_v in_o church-government_n and_o what_o be_v find_v evil_a be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n safe_o avoid_v and_o prevent_v but_o that_o we_o may_v more_o distinct_o declare_v ourselves_o wherein_n lie_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o mutual_a authority_n both_o of_o the_o church_n over_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o elder_n over_o the_o church_n we_o conceive_v the_o church_n exercise_v several_a act_n of_o authority_n over_o their_o elder_n to_o wit_n in_o three_o case_n 1._o in_o call_v and_o elect_v they_o to_o office_n and_o in_o ordain_v they_o also_o thereunto_o in_o defect_n of_o their_o presbytery_n 2._o in_o send_v they_o forth_o upon_o the_o public_a service_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v forth_o choose_v minister_n with_o letter_n of_o instruction_n to_o antioch_n and_o other_o church_n act_n 15.22_o now_o the_o ambassador_n be_v not_o great_a than_o he_o that_o send_v he_o but_o usual_o inferior_a job_n 13.16_o 3._o in_o case_n of_o offence_n give_v by_o any_o elder_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a eldership_n together_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o require_v satisfaction_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v due_a satisfaction_n to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o we_o see_v when_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v offence_n against_o peter_n for_o communicate_v with_o the_o gentile_n and_o contend_v with_o he_o about_o it_o peter_n condescend_v to_o give_v ample_a and_o due_a account_n of_o his_o action_n to_o the_o fatisfaction_n of_o they_o all_o act_v 11.2_o to_o 8._o if_o admonition_n and_o in_o some_o case_n excommunication_n be_v ordinance_n of_o god_n sanctify_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n go_v astray_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a injury_n to_o the_o elder_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o wholesome_a medicine_n when_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o soul_n shall_v come_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v a_o rule_v case_n cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejus_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la if_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o ipsa_fw-la
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