church_n discern_v the_o same_o and_o have_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o it_o but_o condescend_v thereto_o it_o be_v a_o further_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n power_n to_o give_v sentence_n against_o the_o offender_n both_o these_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foretell_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 44.23_o 24._o they_o shall_v teach_v my_o people_n the_o difference_n between_o holy_a and_o profane_a and_o cause_v they_o to_o discern_v between_o the_o unclean_a and_o the_o clean_a and_o in_o controversy_n they_o shall_v stand_v in_o judgement_n and_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o according_a to_o my_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n 8._o the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o dismiss_v the_o church_n with_o a_o blessing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n num._n 6.23_o to_o 26._o heb._n 7.7_o 9_o the_o elder_n have_v receive_v power_n to_o charge_v any_o of_o the_o people_n in_o private_a that_o none_o of_o they_o live_v either_o inordinate_o without_o a_o calling_n or_o idle_o in_o their_o call_n or_o scandalous_o in_o any_o sort_n 2_o thes_n 3.6_o &_o ver_fw-la 8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o the_o apostle_n command_n argue_v a_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n to_o charge_v these_o duty_n upon_o the_o people_n effectual_o 10._o what_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o a_o synod_n be_v more_o fit_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n 11._o in_o case_n the_o church_n shall_v fall_v away_o to_o blasphemy_n against_o christ_n and_o obstinate_a rejection_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o way_n of_o grace_n and_o either_o no_o synod_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o no_o help_n by_o a_o synod_n the_o elder_n have_v power_n to_o withdraw_v or_o separate_z the_o disciple_n from_o they_o and_o to_o carry_v away_o the_o ordinance_n with_o they_o and_o therewithal_o sad_o to_o denounce_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o act._n 19.9_o exod._n 33.7_o mark_n 6.11_o luk._n 10_o 11._o act._n 13.46_o obj._n but_o if_o elder_n have_v all_o this_o power_n to_o exercise_v all_o these_o act_n of_o rule_n partly_o over_o the_o private_a member_n partly_o over_o the_o whole_a church_n how_o be_v they_o then_o call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o answ_n the_o elder_n to_o be_v both_o servant_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n may_v both_o of_o they_o stand_v well_o together_o for_o their_o rule_n be_v not_o lordly_a as_o if_o they_o rule_v of_o themselves_o or_o for_o themselves_o but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o rule_v the_o church_n from_o christ_n and_o also_o from_o their_o call_n and_o withal_o rule_v the_o church_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o church_n even_o for_o their_o spiritual_a everlasting_a good_a a_o queen_n may_v call_v her_o servant_n her_o mariner_n to_o pilot_n and_o conduct_v she_o over_o the_o sea_n to_o such_o a_o haven_n yet_o they_o be_v call_v by_o she_o to_o such_o a_o office_n she_o must_v not_o rule_v they_o in_o steer_v their_o course_n but_o must_v submit_v herself_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o till_o they_o have_v bring_v she_o to_o her_o desire_a haven_n so_o be_v the_o case_n between_o the_o church_n and_o her_o elder_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v to_o synod_n synod_n we_o acknowledge_v be_v right_o order_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n of_o their_o assembly_n we_o find_v three_o just_a cause_n in_o scripture_n 1._o when_o a_o church_n want_v light_n or_o peace_n at_o home_n desire_v the_o counsel_n and_o help_v of_o other_o church_n few_o or_o more_o thus_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n be_v annoy_v with_o corrupt_a teacher_n who_o darken_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o breed_v no_o small_a dissension_n among_o they_o in_o the_o church_n they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o other_o messenger_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n in_o join_v the_o elder_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o doubtless_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n it_o argue_v that_o they_o send_v not_o to_o the_o apostle_n as_o extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a and_o authentical_a oracle_n of_o god_n for_o then_o what_o need_v the_o advice_n and_o help_v of_o elder_n but_o as_o wise_a and_o holy_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n who_o may_v not_o only_o relieve_v they_o by_o some_o wise_a counsel_n and_o holy_a order_n but_o also_o set_v a_o precedent_n to_o succeed_a age_n how_o error_n and_o dissension_n in_o church_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o heal_v and_o the_o course_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n take_v for_o clear_v the_o matter_n be_v not_o by_o publish_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n with_o apostolic_a authority_n from_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o by_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o free_a disputation_n act._n 15._o v._n 7._o which_o be_v as_o fit_v a_o course_n for_o imitation_n in_o after_o age_n as_o it_o be_v seasonable_a for_o practice_n then_o 2._o just_a consequence_n from_o scripture_n give_v we_o another_o ground_n for_o the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n or_o of_o their_o messenger_n into_o a_o synod_n when_o any_o church_n lie_v under_o scandal_n through_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v by_o more_o private_a advertisement_n of_o their_o own_o member_n or_o of_o their_o neighbour_n minister_n or_o brethren_n for_o there_o be_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n as_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n so_o between_o the_o church_n we_o have_v a_o little_a sister_n say_v one_o church_n to_o another_o cant._n 8.8_o therefore_o church_n have_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n among_o themselves_o look_v then_o as_o one_o brother_n be_v offend_v with_o another_o and_o not_o able_a to_o heal_v he_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n private_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o by_o proportion_n if_o one_o church_n see_v matter_n of_o offence_n in_o another_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o heal_v it_o in_o a_o more_o private_a way_n it_o will_v hehove_v they_o to_o procure_v the_o assembly_n of_o many_o church_n that_o the_o offence_n may_v be_v orderly_o hear_v and_o judge_v and_o remove_v 3._o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o state_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o country_n may_v be_v corrupt_v and_o beginning_n to_o discern_v their_o corruption_n may_v desire_v the_o concourse_n and_o counsel_n of_o one_o another_o for_o a_o speedy_a and_o safe_a and_o general_a reformation_n and_o then_o so_o meeting_n and_o confer_v together_o may_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o conclude_v and_o determine_v upon_o a_o course_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o public_a heal_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o all_o this_o be_v a_o frequent_a practice_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o asa_n 2_o cron._n 15.10_o to_o 15._o in_o the_o time_n of_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29.4_o to_o 19_o in_o the_o time_n of_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34.29_o to_o 33._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n ezra_n 10.1_o to_o 5._o these_o and_o the_o like_a example_n be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o the_o israelite_n as_o one_o entire_a national_a church_n for_o in_o that_o respect_n they_o appeal_v from_o every_o synagogue_n and_o court_n in_o israel_n to_o the_o national_a high_a priest_n and_o court_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o be_v all_o of_o they_o subordinate_a thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o precedent_n be_v usual_o wave_v by_o our_o best_a divine_n as_o not_o appliable_a to_o christian_a church_n but_o these_o example_n hold_v forth_o no_o superiority_n in_o one_o church_n or_o court_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o equal_a manner_n give_v advice_n in_o common_a and_o take_v one_o common_a course_n for_o redress_n of_o all_o and_o therefore_o such_o example_n be_v fit_a precedent_n for_o church_n of_o equal_a power_n within_o themselves_o to_o assemble_v togegether_o and_o take_v order_n with_o one_o accord_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o they_o all_o now_o a_o synod_n be_v assemble_v three_o question_n arise_v about_o their_o power_n 1._o what_o be_v that_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v 2._o how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n concur_v with_o the_o presbytery_n in_o it_o the_o brotherhood_n with_o the_o eldership_n 3._o whether_o the_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v reach_v to_o the_o enjoin_v of_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o in_o their_o use_n indifferent_a for_o the_o first_o we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o far_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n
misconstruction_n which_o not_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o gift_n and_o worth_a of_o expositor_n have_v make_v difficult_a let_v we_o add_v a_o argument_n or_o two_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n full_o furnish_v with_o officer_n and_o right_o walk_v in_o judgement_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-authority_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o their_o own_o body_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o be_v usual_o and_o just_o take_v from_o the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.1_o to_o 5._o obj._n 1_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o judicial_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whether_o elder_n or_o brethren_n but_o rather_o a_o act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n publish_v the_o sentence_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v before_o decree_v and_o judge_v for_o say_v the_o apostle_n i_o though_o absent_a in_o body_n yet_o present_a in_o spirit_n have_v judge_v already_o concern_v he_o that_o have_v do_v this_o deed_n etc._n etc._n answ_n 1._o though_o paul_n as_o a_o chief_a officer_n of_o every_o church_n judge_v beforehand_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a yet_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n but_o a_o judicious_a doctrine_n and_o instruction_n teach_v the_o church_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o that_o case_n 2._o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n in_o corinth_n in_o censure_v the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v indeed_o a_o act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o apostle_n divine_a doctrine_n and_o direction_n as_o all_o church-censure_n by_o whosoever_o administer_v aught_o to_o be_v act_n of_o subjection_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n but_o yet_o their_o act_n be_v a_o complete_a act_n of_o just_a power_n even_o a_o act_n of_o all_o that_o liberty_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v put_v forth_o in_o any_o censure_n for_o first_o they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n v._o 4._o and_o that_o be_v the_o high_a power_n in_o the_o church_n second_o the_o spirit_n of_o paul_n that_o be_v his_o apostolic_a spirit_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o they_o in_o deliver_v and_o publish_v the_o sentence_n which_o argue_v both_o his_o power_n and_o they_o be_v co-incident_a and_o concurrent_a in_o this_o sentence_n three_o the_o holy_a end_n and_o use_v of_o this_o sentence_n argue_v the_o heavenly_a power_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v they_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v for_o the_o mortify_n of_o his_o corruption_n that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n four_o when_o his_o soul_n come_v to_o be_v humble_a and_o penitent_a by_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o sentence_n paul_n intreat_v the_o church_n to_o release_v and_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o to_o 10._o now_o ejusdem_fw-la potestatis_fw-la est_fw-la ligare_fw-la &_o solvere_fw-la claudere_fw-la &_o aperire_fw-la object_n 2._o all_o this_o argue_v no_o more_o but_o that_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_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 to_o excommunicate_v the_o offender_n answ_n 1._o if_o the_o presbytery_n alone_o have_v put_v forth_o this_o power_n yet_o that_o suffice_v to_o make_v good_a the_o proposition_n that_o every_o church_n furnish_v with_o a_o presbytery_n and_o proceed_v righteous_o and_o peaceable_o they_o have_v within_o themselves_o so_o much_o power_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o their_o own_o body_n answ_n 2._o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o text_n that_o the_o brethren_n concur_v also_o in_o this_o sentence_n and_o that_o with_o some_o act_n of_o power_n to_o wit_n such_o power_n as_o the_o want_n of_o put_v it_o forth_o retard_v the_o sentence_n and_o the_o put_n of_o it_o forth_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sentence_n for_o first_o the_o reproof_n for_o not_o proceed_v to_o sentence_n soon_o be_v direct_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o presbytery_n they_o be_v all_o blame_v for_o not_o mourn_v for_o not_o put_v he_o away_o for_o be_v puff_v up_o rather_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 2._o the_o commandment_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o all_o when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o what_o be_v that_o but_o to_o a_o church_n meeting_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o command_v they_o all_o put_v away_o therefore_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wiek_v person_n v._o 13._o 3._o he_o declare_v this_o act_n of_o they_o in_o put_v he_o out_o to_o be_v a_o judicial_a act_n v._o 12._o do_v you_o not_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o say_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o presbytery_n yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o as_o concur_v in_o this_o act_n with_o the_o presbytery_n have_v a_o power_n in_o it_o as_o be_v say_v may_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o the_o brethren_n for_o here_o be_v a_o act_n of_o judgement_n ascribe_v to_o they_o all_o which_o judgement_n in_o the_o brethren_n he_o esteem_v of_o it_o so_o high_o that_o from_o thence_o he_o take_v occasion_n to_o advise_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o refer_v their_o difference_n even_o in_o civil_a matter_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o brethren_n 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 6.1_o 2_o 3._o how_o much_o more_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n yea_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o law_n and_o that_o before_o infidel_n in_o any_o case_n depend_v between_o brethren_n he_o advise_v they_o rather_o to_o set_v up_o the_o mean_a in_o the_o church_n to_o hear_v and_o judge_v between_o they_o 1_o cor._n 6.4_o 4._o when_o the_o apostle_n direct_v they_o upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o offender_n to_o forgive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 2.4_o to_o 10._o he_o speak_v to_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o their_o elder_n to_o forgive_v he_o as_o they_o be_v all_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n offend_v with_o his_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v meet_v they_o shall_v all_o a_o like_o be_v satisfy_v and_o be_v satisfy_v shall_v forgive_v he_o the_o brethren_n in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o church-consent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n by_o sentence_v his_o absolution_n and_o restitution_n to_o the_o church_n 3._o obj._n but_o be_v not_o this_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v all_o this_o power_n a_o metropolis_n a_o mother_n church_n of_o achaia_n in_o which_o many_o presbytery_n from_o many_o church_n in_o the_o village_n be_v assemble_v to_o administer_v this_o censure_n ans_fw-fr no_o such_o thing_n appear_v from_o the_o story_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n neither_o in_o the_o act_n act._n 18._o nor_o from_o either_o of_o the_o epistle_n 〈…〉_o corinthian_n true_a it_o be_v corinth_n be_v a_o mother-city_n but_o not_o a_o mother-church_n to_o all_o achaia_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a that_o other_o church_n in_o that_o region_n may_v borrow_v much_o light_n from_o their_o gift_n for_o they_o abound_v and_o be_v enrich_v with_o variety_n of_o all_o gift_n 1_o cor._n â—_o 〈◊〉_d but_o yet_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a church_n be_v no_o large_a than_o be_v wont_a to_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n one_o congregation_n 1_o conrinth_n 14.23_o a_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o proposition_n that_o every_o church_n so_o furnish_v with_o officer_n as_o have_v be_v say_v and_o so_o carry_v on_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n have_v all_o church_n power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o be_v take_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o offence_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o church_n when_o any_o offence_n commit_v by_o their_o member_n lie_v uncensured_a and_o unremoved_a christ_n have_v something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n for_o suffer_v balaam_n and_o the_o nicolaitan_n revel_v 2.14_o 15._o and_o something_o against_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n for_o suffer_v jezabel_n now_o if_o these_o church_n have_v not_o either_o of_o they_o sufficient_a power_n to_o purge_v out_o their_o own_o offender_n why_o be_v they_o blame_v for_o toleration_n of_o they_o yea_o why_o be_v not_o the_o neighbour_n church_n blame_v for_o
circumstance_n thereof_o yea_o and_o in_o these_o case_n of_o the_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v we_o need_v not_o enlarge_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o although_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v reverence_v as_o more_o wise_a and_o able_a than_o a_o few_o elder_n with_o their_o single_a congregation_n and_o according_o may_v have_v a_o high_a doctrinal_a power_n a_o power_n proper_o and_o peculiar_o suit_v to_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n to_o determine_v and_o direct_v congregation_n in_o their_o way_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o betrust_v they_o with_o that_o power_n he_o have_v do_v the_o congregation_n because_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o the_o people_n and_o so_o one_o tribe_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n be_v want_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v personal_o concur_v not_o by_o delegation_n or_o representation_n alone_o not_o to_o the_o execution_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o legal_a sentence_n also_o of_o cut_v man_n off_o as_o in_o the_o former_a parallel_n and_o instance_n may_v be_v observe_v yea_o and_o the_o high_a and_o the_o great_a the_o association_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o further_a be_v they_o remove_v from_o the_o people_n and_o although_o you_o may_v have_v thereby_o a_o great_a help_n in_o that_o juridical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n to_o be_v proceed_v by_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o further_a distance_n and_o disenable_v thereby_o from_o that_o precise_a practic_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o person_n transgress_v and_o case_n may_v be_v as_o true_o difficult_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v decide_v from_o obscurity_n and_o want_v of_o light_n into_o the_o circumstantiation_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n in_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o by_o he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o as_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o other_o consideration_n of_o like_a weight_n may_v here_o be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o the_o proof_n which_o we_o do_v not_o here_o intend_v yet_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o particular_a as_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o that_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v by_o withdraw_a communion_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o relation_n that_o by_o christ_n endowment_n all_o church_n stand_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o yea_o and_o wherein_o the_o least_o be_v a_o body_n to_o christ_n do_v stand_v unto_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v too_o much_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n and_o too_o long_o detain_v the_o reader_n from_o the_o fruitful_a and_o pregnant_a labour_n of_o the_o worthy_a author_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n sanctify_v all_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o to_o all_o those_o holy_a end_n and_o through_o his_o grace_n much_o more_o which_o the_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o the_o author_n do_v intend_v tho_o goodwin_n philip_z nye_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v and_o what_o their_o power_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v promise_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o peter_n mat._n 16.19_o to_o thou_o say_v christ_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v allegorical_a be_v therefore_o somewhat_o obscure_a and_o hold_v forth_o honour_n &_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v therefore_o controversall_a 15.1_o prov._n 15.1_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o honour_n nor_o pride_n to_o pursue_v it_o there_o be_v no_o contention_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v amiss_o for_o open_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n somewhat_o to_o open_v the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n whereon_o that_o power_n be_v build_v five_o word_n require_v a_o little_a clear_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o key_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o give_v of_o they_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v 4._o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o these_o act_n to_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v here_o put_v under_o a_o general_a name_n whatsoever_o 5._o who_o be_v the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o this_o power_n or_o to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n etc._n etc._n 1._o for_o the_o first_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v here_o mean_v both_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n for_o christ_n give_v to_o peter_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n convey_v therewith_o not_o only_o this_o power_n to_o bind_v on_o earth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o give_v he_o no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o bind_v in_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o he_o give_v he_o also_o this_o privilege_n that_o what_o he_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 2._o for_o the_o second_o what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o it_o also_o the_o administer_a of_o the_o seal_n and_o censure_n for_o by_o the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o these_o both_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n here_o and_o of_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v open_v or_o shut_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o give_v of_o these_o key_n impli_v that_o christ_n invest_v those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v they_o with_o a_o power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o and_o this_o power_n lie_v partly_o in_o their_o spiritual_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v their_o office_n or_o their_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o concourse_n and_o co-operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n accompany_v the_o right_a dispensation_n of_o these_o key_n that_o be_v of_o these_o ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o will_n moreover_o these_o key_n be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o sceptre_n no_o sword_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o civil_a power_n of_o bodily_a life_n and_o death_n nor_o sceptre_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o sovereign_a or_o legislative_a power_n over_o the_o church_n but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v give_v to_o hilkiah_n isa_n 22.22_o who_o succeed_v shebna_n in_o his_o office_n and_o his_o office_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o house_n v._o 15._o and_o the_o same_o word_n over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v steward_n in_o the_o house_n gen._n 43.19_o 3._o touch_v the_o three_o thing_n what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o material_a key_n for_o their_o act_n be_v open_v and_o shut_v which_o argue_v the_o key_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o material_a key_n but_o metaphorical_a and_o y_z t_z be_v key_n they_o have_v a_o power_n also_o of_o open_v and_o shut_v for_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o these_o key_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o no_o man_n to_o shut_v to_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n to_o open_v rev._n 3.7_o which_o impli_v that_o these_o key_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v as_o that_o they_o do_v thereby_o bind_v and_o loose_v retain_v and_o remit_v in_o open_v they_o lose_v and_o remit_v in_o shut_v they_o bind_v and_o retain_v which_o will_v more_o appear_v in_o open_v the_o four_o point_n 4._o the_o four_o point_n than_o be_v what_o be_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v bind_v and_o loose_v the_o text_n in_o mat._n 16.9_o say_v whatsoever_o which_o reach_v not_o so_o far_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v stretch_v it_o to_o whatsoever_o oath_n or_o covenant_n or_o contract_n or_o counsel_n or_o law_n as_o if_o whatsoever_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n covenant_n of_o lease_n or_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n the_o pope_n ratifi_v or_o dissolve_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v ratify_v or_o dissolve_v in_o heaven_n no_o this_o
be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 9.1_o but_o this_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v here_o put_v in_o the_o neuter_n gender_n not_o in_o the_o masculine_a whosoever_o to_o imply_v both_o thing_n and_o person_n thing_n as_o sin_n person_n as_o those_o that_o commit_v they_o for_o so_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o the_o same_o key_n joh._n 20.21_o he_o explain_v himself_o thus_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o therefore_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v on_o earth_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n now_o this_o bind_n and_o lose_v of_o whatsoever_o sin_n in_o whosever_v commit_v they_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o partly_o in_o his_o outward_a estate_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v in_o other_o term_n either_o in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la or_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la as_o when_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n than_o his_o sin_n be_v retain_v his_o conscience_n be_v bind_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o bind_v under_o some_o church-censure_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o desert_n of_o his_o offence_n and_o if_o his_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o heinous_a himself_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o confess_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v before_o his_o people_n also_o and_o then_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o his_o conscience_n loose_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o have_v open_a and_o free_a entrance_n both_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o the_o five_o point_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v the_o text_n say_v to_o thou_o simon_n peter_n the_o son_n of_o jona_n who_o christ_n bless_v and_o pronounce_v bless_v upon_o his_o holy_a confession_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n promise_v both_o to_o use_v he_o and_o his_o confession_n as_o a_o instrument_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o also_o to_o give_v he_o the_o key_n of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v of_o it_o but_o it_o have_v prove_v abusie_a question_n how_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o receive_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o a_o elder_a for_o a_o elder_a also_o he_o be_v 1_o pet._n 5.1_o or_o as_o a_o believer_n profess_v his_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n now_o because_o we_o be_v as_o well_o studious_a of_o peace_n as_o of_o truth_n we_o will_v not_o lean_v to_o one_o of_o these_o interpretation_n more_o than_o to_o another_o take_v any_o of_o they_o it_o will_v not_o hinder_v our_o purpose_n in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n though_o to_o speak_v ingenuous_o and_o without_o offence_n what_o we_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n will_v be_v most_o full_a if_o all_o the_o several_a consideration_n be_v take_v joint_o together_o take_v peter_n consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o apostle_n but_o a_o elder_a also_o yea_o and_o a_o believer_n too_o profess_v his_o faith_n all_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o for_o there_o be_v a_o different_a power_n give_v to_o all_o these_o to_o a_o apostle_n to_o a_o elder_a to_o a_o believer_n and_o peter_n be_v all_o these_o and_o receive_v all_o the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o to_o all_o of_o these_o together_o for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v peter_n as_o well_o as_o any_o apostle_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la so_o far_o as_o either_o any_o church-officer_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n itself_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o john_n 20.21_o so_o that_o austin_n do_v not_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v peter_n receive_v the_o key_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o we_o from_o this_o place_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o will_v challenge_v no_o further_o power_n either_o to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o to_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v more_o express_o grant_v to_o they_o in_o other_o scripture_n now_o in_o other_o scripture_n it_o appear_v first_o that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o retain_v or_o remit_v of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o to_o peter_n joh._n 20.21.23_o second_o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o elder_n the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o therefore_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o they_o also_o three_o it_o appear_v far_a that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o body_n likewise_o of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o fraternity_n with_o the_o presbytery_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n communicate_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v to_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o offender_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o a_o offender_n say_v he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n that_o be_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o censure_n administer_v by_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o ratifi_v with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o place_n howsoever_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o classical_a and_o congregationall_a divine_n what_o shall_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n tell_v the_o church_n whether_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o congregation_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v agreement_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o that_o no_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o with_o some_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o least_o by_o way_n 1._o of_o consent_n to_o the_o sentence_n 2._o of_o actual_a execution_n of_o it_o by_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o offender_n so_o convict_v and_o censure_v now_o this_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o power_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o censure_n we_o conceive_v be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o peter_n then_o receive_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n than_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o name_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v any_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n or_o church_n or_o if_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o a_o apostle_n only_o yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o as_o he_o there_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o same_o power_n either_o there_o or_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o each_o church_n receive_v if_o not_o there_o yet_o elsewhere_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n each_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n receive_v that_o portion_n also_o of_o church-power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n and_o their_o power_n or_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n thereof_o the_o ordinary_a distribution_n of_o the_o key_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v thus_o deliver_v there_o be_v clavis_fw-la 1._o scientiae_fw-la a_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o clavis_fw-la 2._o potestatis_fw-la key_n of_o power_n and_o the_o key_n of_o power_n be_v 1._o ordinis_fw-la either_o a_o key_n of_o order_n or_o a_o key_n of_o 2._o jurisdictionis_fw-la jurisdiction_n this_o distribution_n though_o it_o go_v for_o current_n both_o among_o