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truth_n apostle_n church_n doctrine_n 6,346 5 6.4740 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A75492 A consideration of certaine controversies at this time agitated in the kingdome of England, concerning the government of the church of God. / Written at the command and appointment of the Walachrian classis, by Guilielmus Apollonii, minister of the Word of God at Middleburgh. And sent from the Walachrian churches, to declare the sense and consent of their churches, to the Synod at London. Octob. 16. 1644. Stilo novo. Translated out of Latine accorning to the printed copy. Apollonius, Willem, 1602 or 3-1657. 1645 (1645) Wing A3535; Thomason E1155_2; ESTC R208676 76,829 175

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to_o the_o church_n of_o that_o kingdom_n any_o new_a right_n but_o that_o right_a which_o before_o they_o have_v to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o defection_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n be_v hinder_v and_o as_o it_o be_v suspend_v they_o may_v now_o free_o and_o pure_o again_o reduce_v to_o practice_v thus_o do_v the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n often_o in_o the_o time_n of_o defection_n or_o extraordinary_a necessity_n enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 4._o neither_o do_v we_o hold_v that_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o the_o question_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o altogether_o unlawful_a for_o it_o be_v lawful_a also_o express_o public_o and_o solemn_o to_o vow_v to_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n enjoin_v to_o all_o believer_n but_o that_o necessity_n of_o make_v this_o public_a solemn_a and_o express_v covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n require_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o essential_a constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o union_n above_o mention_v we_o conceive_v sufficient_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o join_a man_n profess_v the_o faith_n into_o one_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o essence_n and_o entireness_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o union_n be_v sufficient_a we_o deny_v therefore_o in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o a_o solemn_a and_o express_a church_n covenant_n between_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o without_o such_o a_o covenant_n there_o will_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n no_o member_n of_o a_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n 2._o we_o deny_v also_o that_o by_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n that_o right_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n have_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o grace_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o other_o benefit_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v these_o 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o such_o church-covenant_n between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n do_v require_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o necessary_a but_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n they_o receive_v such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n in●o_v the_o church_n visible_a and_o join_v in_o the_o same_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o those_o who_o be_v without_o any_o such_o covenant_n receive_v into_o a_o ecclesiastical_a body_n with_o themselves_o see_v act_n 2._o 42_o 47._o &_o 5._o 13._o &_o 8._o 12._o &_o 9_o 26._o &_o 18._o 8._o 2._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o synagogue_n enter_v not_o into_o any_o solemn_a church_n covenant_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n but_o only_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n when_o they_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n all_o the_o faithful_a of_o the_o whole_a national_a church_n renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o restore_v the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o when_o they_o be_v by_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v upon_o for_o renew_v such_o a_o covenant_n 3._o no_o man_n can_v enjoin_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o enjoy_v the_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n have_v not_o enjoin_v without_o damnable_a will-worship_n but_o god_n have_v not_o enjoin_v such_o a_o covenant_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o have_v enjoin_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o covenant_n as_o the_o essential_a form_n of_o church-communion_n so_o as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o will-worship_n and_o so_o to_o be_v reject_v 4._o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n visible_a be_v associate_v and_o unite_v into_o external_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n be_v baptism_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o circumcision_n be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o as_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 47._o lydia_n act_v 16._o 15._o &_o other_o be_v by_o baptism_n ingraft_v into_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o those_o of_o year_n be_v join_v with_o a_o embrace_n and_o profession_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o believer_n act_n 2._o 41._o the_o berean_o act_n 17._o 10._o and_o by_o christ_n commandment_n mat._n 28._o 19_o hence_o say_v the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n that_o beside_o the_o primary_n use_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n there_o be_v other_o secondary_a use_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n the_o external_a engraft_v they_o into_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n act_v 2._o 41._o the_o unite_n of_o christ_n member_n among_o themselves_o and_o into_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o and_o consequent_o upon_o these_o a_o signification_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o a_o distinction_n and_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o assembly_n of_o unbeliever_n this_o church-covenant_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a hence_o also_o our_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o in_o admit_v of_o pastor_n or_o church_n member_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o church_n covenant_n which_o yet_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n who_o member_n have_v all_o essential_a requisite_n necessary_a to_o church_n communion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o make_v this_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o true_a believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n be_v indeed_o material_n of_o a_o church_n who_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n want_v the_o form_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o argument_n upon_o which_o we_o reject_v this_o position_n be_v because_o the_o form_n of_o a_o thing_n give_v it_o its_o be_v and_o operation_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o property_n no_o operation_n or_o act_v of_o a_o true_a church_n in_o such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a company_n who_o be_v not_o join_v in_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o this_o opinion_n deprive_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v in_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n of_o a_o true_a church_n ministry_n of_o the_o power_n of_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n of_o a_o lawful_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n and_o deny_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n in_o those_o church_n to_o be_v true_o and_o right_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o make_v this_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v that_o moment_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o church_n have_v church-power_n over_o his_o congregation_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o the_o people_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o exercise_v the_o care_n and_o power_n and_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n whereas_o it_o be_v certain_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n receive_v ecclesiastical_a power_n over_o their_o flock_n and_o the_o people_n become_v subject_a to_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o pastor_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n in_o faith_n not_o from_o any_o contract_n which_o those_o man_n make_v among_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n call_v whereby_o the_o pastor_n be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o flock_n enjoin_v by_o divine_a appointment_n to_o receive_v the_o ministry_n and_o labour_n of_o their_o pastor_n by_o god_n institution_n for_o their_o salvation_n see_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 11_o 12._o and_o it_o
and_o that_o golden_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n yet_o a_o pious_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o rude_o insult_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o reverential_a bashfulness_n avoid_v they_o as_o waldensis_n elsewhere_o speak_v but_o when_o form_n be_v compose_v and_o establish_v by_o synod_n call_v authority_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o decide_v of_o truth_n the_o establish_v integrity_n and_o order_n in_o church_n government_n they_o have_v then_o ecclesiastical_a and_o definitive_a authority_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n in_o doctrinal_a cause_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o hold_v therefore_o that_o to_o church_n congregat_v in_o synod_n there_o belong_v power_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n prescribe_v and_o impose_v form_n both_o of_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o private_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o confess_v and_o receive_v under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o ordinary_a power_n ecclesiastical_a do_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v such_o a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n in_o a_o question_n in_o controversy_n act_v 15._o 22_o 29._o and_o 16._o 4._o 2._o because_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o believe_v with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a fiath_n and_o undoubted_a conscience_n these_o may_v synod_n also_o enjoin_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o particular_a church_n for_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o power_n extend_v to_o require_v of_o other_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o may_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n bring_v under_o those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o who_o stubborne_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o may_v therefore_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n impose_v on_o other_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n draw_v up_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 3._o church_n have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o prescribe_v just_a and_o approve_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o church_n and_o for_o overthrow_v the_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o heretic_n and_o disturber_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 13._o 10._o gal._n 5._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o but_o form_n of_o service_n and_o confession_n determine_v concern_v question_n in_o controversy_n be_v approve_v and_o just_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o endanger_v by_o distraction_n and_o the_o poison_n of_o error_n act._n 15._o 23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n they_o may_v therefore_o be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n according_o in_o the_o ancient_a synod_n of_o church_n such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o testify_v not_o only_o what_o themselves_o do_v believe_v but_o also_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o with_o who_o they_o will_v hold_v their_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n as_o all_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n do_v testify_v in_o which_o where_o they_o speak_v concern_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n they_o do_v by_o paul_n example_n anathematise_v those_o who_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o whence_o also_o be_v that_o preface_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o calvin_n right_o epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o provide_v against_o petulant_a wit_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o licence_n and_o the_o gate_n be_v also_o to_o be_v shut_v against_o curious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ready_a course_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v one_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o doctrine_n extant_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o and_o this_o in_o preach_v to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o and_o to_o the_o observance_n thereof_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n so_o as_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n but_o who_o promise_v to_o retain_v that_o consent_n of_o doctrine_n inviolate_a that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a form_n of_o catechism_n for_o the_o use_n of_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n thus_o will_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v familiar_a to_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o will_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o imposture_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v apt_a by_o degree_n to_o creep_v upon_o the_o slothful_a for_o this_o you_o must_v be_v certain_o resolve_v of_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v want_v catechise_v for_o that_o therein_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v contain_v from_o whence_o a_o pure_a and_o good_a harvest_n be_v afterward_o to_o arise_v and_o so_o to_o be_v multiply_v more_o and_o more_o etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o do_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o catechism_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n for_o there_o be_v withal_o this_o other_o benefit_n that_o both_o the_o people_n be_v thereby_o instruct_v will_v be_v better_a able_a to_o profit_v in_o the_o ordinary_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o if_o any_o one_o be_v puff_v up_o will_v bring_v in_o some_o new_a opinion_n be_v call_v to_o examination_n by_o the_o catechism_n he_o will_v straight_o be_v discover_v thus_o calvin_n and_o thus_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n be_v that_o authority_n apply_v to_o our_o form_n of_o harmony_n to_o wit_n the_o confession_n the_o catechism_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n decree_v and_o confirm_v in_o synod_n that_o the_o profession_n the_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n thereof_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n enjoin_v to_o all_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o who_o live_v in_o the_o holy_a union_n of_o our_o church_n see_v the_o syne_v at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o art_n 2._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 2._o &_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 8._o etc._n etc._n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o grant_v it_o indeed_o lawful_a for_o a_o private_a person_n or_o even_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o and_o for_o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n to_o make_v confession_n and_o form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o prescribe_v they_o either_o by_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n as_o bind_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o observe_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o now_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v with_o that_o firm_a faith_n and_o unmoved_a constancy_n and_o certainty_n of_o mind_n as_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o all_o believer_n shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o the_o church_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n judge_v that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n sure_o they_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a authority_n prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o constrain_v man_n to_o observance_n thereof_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n all_o who_o be_v faithful_a son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n see_v rev._n 2._o 13._o act._n 7._o 57_o 58._o luk._n 21._o 15_o 16._o therefore_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o profession_n prescribe_v out_o of_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o those_o who_o be_v by_o office_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o integrity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n yea_o and_o we_o may_v bind_v our_o soul_n by_o oath_n to_o preserve_v and_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o away_o from_o the_o holy_a profession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o see_v psal_n 119._o 106._o nehem._n 9_o 38._o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o
whole_a particular_a church_n or_o a_o church_n consistory_n christ_n in_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o establish_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o his_o church_n by_o divine_a institution_n do_v not_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o a_o single_a brother_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o give_v the_o instance_n in_o such_o a_o one_o for_o he_o do_v institute_v that_o order_n in_o his_o kingdom_n whereby_o all_o scandal_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o cure_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n whether_o commit_v by_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o by_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o by_o whosoever_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o particular_a sister_n church_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a society_n of_o many_o church_n do_v give_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o other_o church_n they_o may_v by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v clear_a even_o out_o of_o parker_n himself_o that_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o class_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n in_o matt._n 18._o 17_o 18._o for_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o de_fw-la politiâ_fw-la ecclesiasticâ_fw-la he_o thus_o argue_v from_o the_o proportion_n christ_n command_v that_o upon_o the_o despise_v one_o man_n admonition_n we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o admonition_n by_o two_o or_o three_o and_o if_o that_o be_v contemn_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o if_o that_o be_v despise_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o from_o the_o despise_n of_o one_o whole_a church_n to_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o again_o from_o those_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o yet_o more_o in_o a_o synod_n and_o therefore_o also_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n not_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o synod_n also_o have_v power_n give_v of_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o commit_v scandal_n if_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o nature_n and_o authority_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n may_v be_v conclude_v and_o according_o in_o those_o hard_a time_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n when_o the_o church_n among_o we_o be_v infest_a by_o the_o trouble_n and_o error_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n whole_a presbytery_n of_o church_n be_v exauthorate_v by_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v so_o appropriate_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n but_o we_o hold_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o arct_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n which_o it_o hold_v with_o other_o neighbour_n church_n in_o the_o same_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n whereby_o it_o make_v up_o one_o ecclesiastical_a corporation_n or_o body_n and_o one_o visible_a sacred_a society_n with_o the_o associate_n church_n have_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o complete_a power_n to_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o a_o member_n from_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o that_o member_n have_v a_o near_a arct_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n associate_n among_o who_o he_o do_v daily_o converse_v and_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o do_v occasion_n to_o they_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o receive_v from_o they_o mean_n of_o edification_n wherefore_o without_o the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_n church_n he_o may_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o brotherly_a and_o visible_a church_n communion_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n 2._o of_o those_o also_o who_o make_v the_o high_a power_n of_o synod_n and_o class_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o deny_v or_o withdraw_v brotherly_a communion_n but_o this_o non-communion_n as_o it_o be_v call_v we_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o brother_n may_v exercise_v towards_o a_o brother_n a_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o can_v exercise_v any_o authority_n or_o censure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n among_o themselves_o one_o over_o the_o other_o nor_o have_v it_o that_o efficacy_n by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o bind_v in_o heaven_n nor_o be_v it_o ordain_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o teach_v from_o god_n such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a not_o to_o blaspheme_v which_o to_o the_o legitimate_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n do_v appertain_v matth._n 18._o 17_o 18_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o sister_n church_n the_o same_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n but_o by_o that_o order_n proceed_v to_o excommunication_n thereby_o to_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o obstinate_a offend_a church_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n answer_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n want_v such_o form_n when_o as_o be_v collect_v in_o one_o people_n they_o have_v express_v ritual_a law_n and_o the_o prophet_n frequent_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n want_v its_o be_v or_o well_o be_v before_o such_o time_n as_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n gather_v out_o of_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o a_o brief_a abstract_n join_v together_o in_o one_o 2._o we_o deny_v that_o these_o form_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n and_o church-government_n be_v to_o have_v that_o authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o authenticknesse_n attribute_v to_o they_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v obtrude_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o church_n discipline_n judgement_n shall_v be_v make_v ex_fw-la formularum_fw-la terminis_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o such_o form_n we_o approve_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o nor_o will_v have_v their_o practice_n to_o be_v imitate_v of_o who_o our_o divine_n do_v heretofore_o just_o complain_v in_o that_o writing_n which_o zacharias_n vrsinus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o neostad_n oppose_v to_o the_o bergenses_n concordistae_fw-la who_o will_v obtrude_v the_o word_n of_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o luther_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a proceed_n see_v chap._n 4._o of_o that_o book_n where_o much_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o confession_n 3._o we_o judge_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o canon_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o be_v declaration_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o discipline_n badge_n and_o token_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n collect_v in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o ratify_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n after_o a_o diligent_a inquiry_n out_o of_o scripture_n wherein_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n pertain_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n gather_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o bundle_n be_v together_o and_o at_o once_o propose_v to_o a_o few_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o compare_v of_o all_o place_n wherein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o article_n the_o wholesome_a truth_n in_o each_o one_o be_v express_v and_o explain_v that_o the_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o
doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v by_o ordinary_a ministerial_a knowledge_n may_v by_o common_a consent_n be_v explain_v and_o decide_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n also_o about_o the_o proper_a form_n of_o speak_v and_o proceed_v agreeable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o those_o church_n hold_v which_o set_v forth_o those_o confession_n and_o canon_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o all_o those_o orthodox_n with_o who_o they_o will_v keep_v communion_n shall_v hold_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o restraint_n of_o licentiousness_n in_o invent_v new_a opinion_n and_o order_n to_o distract_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o last_o that_o there_o may_v remain_v a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o vicious_a or_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a innovation_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n the_o concord_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o better_o preserve_v they_o be_v useful_a therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n divine_a scripture_n as_o handmaid_n with_o due_a subjection_n without_o any_o absolute_o necessary_a prescription_n of_o use_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a sense_n but_o be_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n to_o those_o only_a who_o with_o licentiousness_n rather_o than_o liberty_n endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o principle_n which_o be_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o christian_a discipline_n and_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o even_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o listen_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n reject_v as_o be_v far_o from_o christian_a modesty_n 4._o we_o attribute_v therefore_o to_o these_o form_n only_o a_o hypotheticall_a necessity_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o writing_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o church_n heretic_n and_o erroneous_a person_n contention_n or_o sophistication_n fraudulent_a expression_n and_o interpretation_n or_o the_o adversary_n calumny_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o testification_n of_o a_o consent_n with_o other_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o present_a or_o a_o necessary_a declare_v the_o union_n of_o concord_n and_o consent_n 5._o therefore_o these_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n out_o of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o can_v be_v prescribe_v to_o church_n but_o by_o college_n of_o prophet_n to_o who_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o government_n be_v commit_v hence_o the_o meeting_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n compose_v explication_n out_o of_o scripture_n of_o opinion_n in_o controversy_n act._n 15._o and_o set_v out_o a_o epistle_n wherein_o by_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n concern_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n it_o be_v decide_v and_o a_o canon_n prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n 6._o we_o consider_v these_o form_n either_o as_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v divine_a be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o indices_fw-la in_o explain_v and_o determine_v dubious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o controversy_n for_o be_v search_v out_o by_o so_o great_a diligence_n of_o godly_a teacher_n and_o approve_v by_o their_o consent_n and_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o can_v see_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o attribute_v to_o these_o form_n be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indices_fw-la of_o some_o controvert_v doctrine_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o meditation_n even_o of_o a_o private_a christian_a much_o more_o of_o a_o numerous_a company_n of_o prophet_n may_v be_v a_o index_n or_o they_o be_v consider_v formal_o as_o they_o be_v synodical_a determination_n due_o conclude_v confirm_v with_o ecclesiaasticall_a authority_n carry_v in_o they_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o badge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a union_n and_o communion_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o decide_v and_o explain_v ecclesiastical_a controversy_n in_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o joint_o we_o attribute_v to_o they_o this_o authority_n which_o we_o propose_v in_o vrsin_n word_n their_o authority_n say_v he_o be_v show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o recede_v from_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o recite_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v innova●●●_n in_o form_n of_o exposition_n or_o speech_n without_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n yea_o and_o if_o they_o either_o have_v indeed_o or_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n blame-worthy_a nothing_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v attempt_v in_o a_o rash_a disorderly_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n nothing_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o contrary_a without_o a_o previous_a communicate_v of_o opinion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v teacher_n and_o other_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v though_o therefore_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o synod_n which_o prescribe_v those_o form_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o infallible_a nor_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o authority_n oblige_v believer_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v determine_v in_o those_o form_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o synod_n which_o constitute_v those_o form_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n give_v by_o god_n for_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o rend_n of_o church_n whereby_o they_o may_v inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o such_o as_o open_o oppose_v their_o decree_n hence_o have_v those_o form_n a_o excellent_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v for_o as_o the_o learned_a camero_n well_o note_v tom_n 1._o prelect_v de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o discourse_n concern_v the_o infallability_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n it_o make_v that_o this_o be_v not_o rash_o and_o without_o accurate_a and_o grave_a observation_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o synod_n have_v a_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o a_o great_a than_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o teacher_n judge_v single_o and_o apart_o they_o have_v also_o more_o certain_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_n &_o disputation_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o have_v also_o a_o better_a course_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n concern_v a_o controversy_n raise_v and_o what_o course_n the_o church_n observe_v therein_o so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o form_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o upon_o light_n and_o probable_a reason_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v bind_v so_o far_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o form_n decree_v as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o that_o case_n which_o obedience_n be_v a_o observance_n of_o christian_a humility_n and_o modesty_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a in_o such_o case_n abstain_v from_o public_a or_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o condemnation_n or_o confutation_n of_o the_o opinion_n determine_v in_o those_o form_n and_o this_o evident_a because_o for_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o church_n we_o have_v the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a authority_n of_o god_n command_v to_o obey_v they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o for_o oppose_v they_o we_o have_v only_o uncertain_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o common_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v hold_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a again_o to_o oppose_v open_o the_o form_n of_o church_n upon_o argument_n but_o probable_a and_o less_o evident_a give_v a_o unbridled_a and_o endless_a licence_n of_o contradict_v any_o ecclesiastical_a decree_n whatever_o yea_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n prescribe_v in_o those_o form_n of_o church_n