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 heal_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o all_o this_o be_v frequent_a in_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o time_n of_o asa_n hezekiah_n and_o josiah_n 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 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 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 together_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 mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 24_o l._n 22._o quest_n 13._o but_o what_o be_v the_o work_n that_o proper_o belong_v to_o synod_n answ_n it_o belong_v unto_o synod_n and_o counsel_n to_o debate_n and_o determine_v controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o case_n of_o conscience_n discipline_n platforin_n of_o discipline_n to_o clear_v from_o the_o word_n holy_a direction_n for_o the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bear_v witness_n against_o maladministration_n and_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n in_o any_o particular_a church_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n chap._n 16._o sect_n 14._o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n way_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o hit_v right_a upon_o as_o in_o election_n ordination_n and_o censure_n of_o eminent_a person_n in_o office_n it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o holy_a faithful_a office_n of_o the_o vigilancy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o church_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o helpful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o all_o time_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n whither_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n or_o peace_n the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v excuse_v from_o reform_v they_o again_o into_o their_o right_a way_n according_a to_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o all_o the_o several_a church_n within_o their_o covenant_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 58._o line_n 36._o quest_n 14._o what_o be_v then_o that_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o synod_n and_o combination_n of_o church_n have_v in_o these_o case_n be_v it_o only_o declarative_n and_o directive_n or_o consultative_a answ_n we_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o give_v counsel_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_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 and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodal_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v these_o necessary_a thing_n which_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitare_fw-la praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n as_o a_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v gospel_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o minister_n for_o his_o calling_n fake_v and_o sure_o also_o a_o synod_n sometime_o meet_v to_o convince_v and_o admonish_v and_o offend_a church_n or_o presbytery_n they_o have_v power_n if_o they_o can_v heal_v the_o offender_n to_o determine_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o further_o see_v they_o meet_v likewise_o sometime_o for_o general_a reformation_n they_o have_v power_n to_o decree_n and_o publish_v such_o ordinance_n as_o may_v conduce_v according_a to_o god_n to_o such_o reformation_n example_n whereof_o we_o have_v nehem._n 10.32_o 39_o 2_o chron._n 15.12_o 13._o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 25._o line_n 10._o quest_n 15._o how_o far_o then_o be_v particular_a church_n bind_v to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o direction_n or_o decree_n of_o synod_n answ_n particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o subject_a to_o the_o consociation_n of_o church_n hooker_n mr._n hooker_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n to_o crave_v their_o counsel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v according_a to_o god_n to_o follow_v it_o or_o if_o the_o particular_a church_n err_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o continue_v obstinate_o therein_o the_o consociation_n have_v authority_n to_o renounce_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_n 2._o page_n 80._o line_n 10._o the_o synod_n direction_n and_o determination_n so_o far_o as_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o submission_n not_o only_o for_o their_o agreement_n therewith_o but_o secondary_o for_o the_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v as_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n appoint_v thereunto_o in_o his_o word_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a england_n chap._n 16._o sect_n 5._o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o lawful_a decree_n of_o synod_n receive_v by_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o approve_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n mr._n nortons_n answ_n to_o apollonius_n page_n 118._o line_n 3._o and_o this_o 1._o under_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o disturb_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o non-communion_n by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o civil_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o magistrate_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v mr._n norton_n ib._n l._n 9_o etc._n etc._n quest_n 16._o but_o have_v the_o synod_n authority_n to_o determine_v or_o conclude_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v bind_v the_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v before_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o so_o apprehend_v it_o for_o what_o need_v church_n send_v to_o a_o synod_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n in_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v before_o hand_n how_o far_o they_o will_v go_v but_o if_o the_o elder_n be_v gather_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o rule_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n they_o may_v consider_v and_o conclude_v sundry_a point_n expedient_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o church_n which_o the_o church_n be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a of_o before_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 26._o line_n 33._o quest_n 17._o but_o what_o if_o the_o synod_n conclude_v and_o determine_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o church_n stand_v for_o the_o truth_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o ready_o to_o be_v grant_v though_o neither_o be_v it_o simple_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o in_o reform_a time_n norton_n mr._n norton_n the_o opinion_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v more_o sound_a than_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o synod_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v a_o judicial_a truth_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o supreme_a civil_a judge_n suppose_v the_o parliament_n be_v true_a quoad_fw-la homines_fw-la though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o true_a so_o it_o be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a thing_n the_o synod_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o high_a judge_n of_o the_o question_n the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o true_a yet_o it_o be_v ecclesiastical_o true_a scil._n in_o foro_fw-la exteriore_fw-la 3._o although_o the_o truth_n after_o some_o new_a decree_n of_o a_o new_a synod_n repeal_n the_o act_n of_o the_o former_a may_v remain_v with_o the_o church_n 4._o if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o fundamental_a public_a order_n be_v to_o
be_v prefer_v before_o obedience_n to_o a_o affirmative_a precept_n that_o be_v not_o fundamental_a though_o therefore_o a_o hoof_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o liberty_n and_o life_n of_o the_o ten_o thousand_o of_o israel_n yet_o when_o the_o whole_a community_n be_v more_o endanger_v by_o the_o want_n of_o public_a order_n than_o by_o the_o present_v not_o observe_v of_o some_o affirmative_a command_n not_o fundamental_a we_o ought_v to_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o public_a order_n than_o to_o the_o present_a obedience_n of_o such_o a_o command_n 5._o therefore_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o this_o case_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o submit_v itself_o to_o such_o order_n but_o yet_o without_o sin_n mr._n nortons_n answ_n to_o apollonius_n pag._n 118.119_o quest_n 18._o but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v do_v answ_n 1._o the_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissemble_v norton_n mr._n norton_n but_o the_o church_n be_v modest_o and_o peaceable_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n 2._o effor_o be_v never_o to_o be_v approve_v though_o for_o awhile_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v tolerate_v 3._o wise_o and_o patient_o we_o must_v wait_v in_o our_o station_n in_o the_o due_a use_n of_o mean_n till_o god_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a season_n shall_v reveal_v the_o truth_n mr._n norton_n against_o apollonius_n page_n 119._o line_n 30._o quest_n 19_o have_v all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o synod_n equal_a power_n answ_n a_o synod_n consist_v cotton_n mr._n cotton_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v it_o do_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n their_o power_n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o distinct_a the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n the_o power_n which_o the_o elder_n have_v it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o authority_n the_o brethren_n have_v first_o liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n modest_o and_o christianly_o among_o the_o elder_n so_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 15.7_o 12._o second_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o determine_v the_o same_o as_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o they_o all_o three_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n and_o in_o writing_n synodal_n letter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o for_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n act_v 13._o ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o to_o 29._o but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n lay_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n as_o appear_v act_v 16.4_o so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o preserve_v to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n their_o due_a liberty_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o elder_n their_o due_a authority_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 26._o line_n 1._o quest_n 20._o whether_o may_v a_o person_n or_o person_n wrong_v by_o particular_a church_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n or_o not_o for_o redress_v answ_n there_o be_v a_o right_a of_o appeal_n in_o weighty_a cause_n from_o a_o inferior_a to_o a_o superior_a sentence_n norton_n mr._n norton_n and_o see_v that_o in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n and_o among_o ecclesiastical_a person_n many_o difference_n do_v arise_v who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o right_n of_o appeal_n must_v be_v grant_v there_o appeal_n be_v of_o divine_a and_o natural_a right_n and_o necessary_a in_o all_o society_n because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o many_o who_o be_v judge_n mr._n nortons_n answer_n to_o apoll._n 3._o pag._n 112._o line_n antepenult_n &_o page_n 114._o hitherto_o of_o the_o combination_n or_o consociation_n of_o church_n and_o of_o synod_n and_o their_o power_n now_o from_o these_o particular_n that_o have_v be_v deliver_v let_v we_o draw_v some_o position_n with_o their_o inference_n first_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a covenant_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o church_n affair_n of_o weight_n and_o difficulty_n and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n about_o they_o see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o hence_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o if_o a_o express_a consent_n and_o covenant_n be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la and_o constitutive_a of_o a_o church_n then_o these_o particular_a church_n thus_o join_v together_o make_v up_o one_o church_n not_o representatiuè_a &_o impropriè_fw-la but_o true_o and_o proper_o have_v the_o true_a formale_a of_o a_o church_n and_o that_o which_o that_o essentiam_fw-la 2._o if_o they_o have_v thus_o covenant_v together_o to_o transact_v thing_n by_o common_a consent_n than_o every_o church_n of_o the_o consociation_n have_v the_o same_o power_n in_o all_o matter_n that_o the_o fraternity_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n have_v to_o wit_n of_o consent_v or_o of_o dissent_v 3._o if_o they_o covenant_n to_o administer_v all_o their_o affair_n not_o without_o common_a consent_n then_o quere_z whether_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o a_o negative_a voice_n which_o be_v more_o than_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v for_o 4._o if_o they_o covenant_n to_o administer_v all_o matter_n of_o weight_n and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consent_n than_o the_o excommunication_n of_o any_o person_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o weight_n as_o doubtless_o the_o deliver_v up_o of_o a_o soul_n to_o satan_n be_v and_o also_o a_o matter_n of_o common_a concernment_n he_o that_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o one_o church_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o all_o will_v it_o not_o from_o the_o concession_n follow_v that_o no_o particular_a church_n can_v excommunicate_v a_o member_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_v church_n 2._o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v safe_a useful_a and_o wholesome_a and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 2.3_o 5_o 8._o they_o therefore_o who_o refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o other_o church_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v let_v these_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n 3._o even_o the_o strong_a and_o best_a church_n have_v need_n of_o association_n first_o that_o they_o may_v help_v the_o weak_a for_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o second_o for_o themselves_o for_o the_o best_a may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o for_o want_v of_o association_n may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 4._o therefore_o 1._o these_o association_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v elective_a for_o then_o the_o strong_a and_o athletic_a church_n may_v combine_v together_o and_o exclude_v the_o weak_a and_o less_o athletic_a say_v we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o which_o will_v frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o combination_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n be_v for_o church_n that_o be_v in_o vicinity_n to_o combine_v together_o 2._o if_o the_o strong_a church_n may_v need_v consociation_n to_o prevent_v degeneration_n and_o apostasy_n than_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o have_v these_o consociation_n fix_v and_o state_v not_o occasional_a only_o &_o pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la sero_fw-la med_a cina_fw-la paratur_fw-la quum_fw-la mala_fw-la per_fw-la long_o as_o inualuêre_fw-la moras_fw-la 4._o combination_n of_o church_n be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 6._o therefore_o let_v they_o consider_v how_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o jesus_n christ_n who_o not_o only_o live_v without_o this_o ordinance_n but_o despise_v it_o and_o speak_v evil_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v covenant_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v be_v think_v so_o to_o do_v 5._o combination_n of_o church_n be_v no_o more_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n than_o the_o consociation_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o their_o apostolical_a power_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 6._o 6._o as_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o therefore_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o congregational_a church_n to_o refuse_v to_o associate_v with_o their_o brethren_n of_o another_o judgement_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n what_o do_v it_o declare_v but_o this_o that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o think_v we_o in_o our_o ministry_n work_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o weaken_v our_o hand_n and_o hinder_v our_o work_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v because_o though_o we_o do_v god_n work_v
faith_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n baptism_n page_n 57_o line_n 31._o 2._o god_n may_v approve_v a_o man_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n who_o person_n he_o approve_v not_o mr._n cotton_n infant_n bapt._n page_n 66._o line_n 39_o 3._o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o approve_v man_n to_o be_v in_o covenant_n another_o thing_n to_o approve_v they_o in_o the_o covenant_n god_n he_o do_v never_o approve_v saul_n nor_o jehu_n in_o their_o kingdom_n yet_o he_o approve_v both_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o their_o kingdom_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt._n page_n 68_o line_n 19_o object_n but_o be_v it_o not_o say_v john_n 4._o that_o god_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n therefore_o none_o but_o such_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o be_v it_o not_o say_v act_v 2.47_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 or_o save_v man_n as_o some_o translate_v it_o therefore_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v say_v god_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v god_n find_v such_o in_o every_o church_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n baptism_n page_n 103._o line_n 35._o much_o less_o none_n but_o such_o 2._o it_o be_v say_v act_v 2._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 but_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o add_v none_o other_o be_v not_o ananias_n and_o sapphyra_n add_v to_o the_o church_n and_o simon_n magus_n also_o who_o yet_o for_o aught_o appear_v be_v none_o of_o they_o save_v mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt._n page_n 67._o line_n 35._o object_n but_o as_o none_o invisible_o before_o god_n be_v by_o he_o approve_v at_o all_o to_o have_v right_a to_o any_o privilege_n of_o grace_n but_o only_o as_o he_o look_v upon_o they_o in_o his_o son_n no_o more_o be_v there_o any_o before_o man_n visible_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o so_o as_o to_o have_v right_a to_o the_o same_o but_o as_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n declare_v the_o same_o answ_n if_o you_o mean_v by_o grace_n save_v grace_n it_o be_v true_a none_o have_v right_a to_o any_o privilege_n of_o save_a grace_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n but_o as_o god_n look_v at_o they_o in_o his_o son_n either_o by_o faith_n or_o by_o election_n unto_o faith_n if_o you_o mean_v by_o grace_n the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o seal_n thereof_o it_o be_v true_a none_o have_v right_a to_o any_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n either_o by_o faith_n or_o by_o election_n unto_o faith_n or_o by_o the_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n in_o which_o respect_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o seed_n be_v in_o christ_n as_o branch_n in_o the_o vine_n or_o olive_n and_o may_v be_v cut_v off_o for_o want_n of_o faith_n to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a in_o he_o mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt_v p._n 55._o l._n 28_o etc._n etc._n 2._o but_o when_o you_o say_v none_o have_v right_a to_o the_o covenant_n or_o the_o external_a privilege_n thereof_o but_o as_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o some_o effect_n of_o faith_n declare_v the_o same_o that_o you_o can_v make_v good_a from_o scripture-light_n mr._n cotton_n of_o infant_n bapt_v p._n 56._o l._n 1_o etc._n etc._n hitherto_o of_o church_n matter_n and_o church-member_n now_o out_o of_o this_o that_o have_v be_v speak_v i_o draw_v these_o plain_a position_n with_o some_o inference_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o new_a do_v not_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o qualification_n of_o their_o matter_n and_o member_n see_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o question_n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n consist_v of_o visible_a saint_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a 2._o sole_a want_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n uncapable_a of_o church-membership_a unless_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n do_v accompany_v it_o see_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o and_o three_o question_n therefore_o no_o man_n may_v be_v deny_v membership_n because_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o best_a judgement_n of_o charity_n and_o discretion_n thar_z he_o have_v true_a save_a grace_n 3._o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v saint_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a call_n not_o inward_a inherent_a grace_n see_v answer_n to_o the_o four_o the_o question_n 4._o the_o holiness_n from_o which_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n be_v denominate_v saint_n be_v not_o by_o imputation_n or_o regeneration_n but_o by_o separation_n to_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 5._o according_a to_o which_o saul_n and_o judas_n and_o demas_n may_v be_v denominate_v saint_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 6._o therefore_o all_o assembly_n of_o people_n thus_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v church_n of_o saint_n and_o one_o church_n may_v not_o say_v unto_o another_o stand_z apart_z from_o i_o for_o i_o be_o holy_a than_o thou_o 5._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n separate_v man_n and_o woman_n from_o other_o people_n set_v they_o apart_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o holy_a worship_n give_v they_o right_o to_o holy_a privilege_n denominate_v they_o holy_a or_o saint_n see_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o five_o question_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o any_o other_o constitute_v the_o church_n and_o give_v church_n membership_n 6._o neither_o faith_n nor_o consent_n to_o the_o covenant_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o bring_n of_o man_n outward_o into_o covenant_n see_v the_o answer_n to_o quest_n 7_o 8._o therefore_o a_o explicit_a consent_n be_v not_o require_v to_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o church_n 7._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v apply_v to_o man_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n and_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v faith_n and_o be_v convert_v see_v answer_n to_o question_v 7._o and_o 9_o therefore_o by_o a_o like_a reason_n man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o because_o they_o have_v faith_n and_o be_v convert_v but_o that_o they_o may_v have_v faith_n and_o be_v convert_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n be_v commensurate_a 8._o though_o christ_n be_v a_o live_a head_n yet_o he_o count_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o he_o to_o admit_v of_o dead_a member_n in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o mystical_a body_n as_o know_v how_o to_o glorify_v himself_o in_o or_o by_o dead_a member_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 10._o and_o though_o christ_n be_v spiritual_a yet_o he_o do_v not_o despise_v to_o take_v into_o covenant_n with_o himself_o those_o that_o be_v but_o natural_a see_v the_o answer_n to_o the_o 11._o quest_n therefore_o they_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a than_o christ_n himself_o who_o despise_v and_o depart_v from_o church_n assembly_n and_o communion_n because_o of_o the_o mixture_n of_o those_o which_o be_v not_o spiritual_a and_o have_v nor_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n 9_o christ_n though_o he_o be_v marry_v to_o the_o church_n be_v not_o present_o marry_v to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n see_v answer_n to_o question_v 11._o 10._o profession_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o admission_n unto_o church-membership_a be_v only_o require_v of_o those_o that_o from_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n be_v convert_v unto_o christ_n and_o not_o from_o such_o as_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n be_v admit_v in_o their_o infancy_n for_o their_o baptism_n seal_v to_o they_o their_o initiation_n into_o church-membership_a see_v answer_n to_o question_v 12._o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o injury_n do_v to_o any_o that_o have_v be_v baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n to_o deny_v they_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n 11._o it_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n the_o profession_n whereof_o be_v require_v in_o church-member_n see_v answer_n to_o question_v 13._o therefore_o it_o be_v irregular_a to_o put_v people_n upon_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n 12._o it_o be_v a_o inextricable_a perplexity_n to_o suspend_v the_o essence_n and_o validity_n of_o church_n and_o church_n administration_n upon_o the_o hide_a sincerity_n of_o
in_o the_o person_n that_o dispense_v partly_o in_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v dispense_v ibid._n p._n line_n 20._o quest_n 4._o what_o be_v essential_a in_o the_o person_n that_o dispense_v the_o ordinance_n answ_n in_o the_o person_n that_o dispense_v the_o kind_n of_o officer_n appoint_v to_o that_o work_n the_o nature_n bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o office_n all_o these_o be_v essential_o mr._n hooker_n ibid._n line_n 22._o quest_n 5._o what_o be_v the_o ordinance_n that_o these_o be_v to_o disperse_v answ_n the_o ordinance_n that_o these_o be_v to_o dispense_v be_v preach_v prayer_n seal_n church_n censure_n etc._n etc._n these_o all_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n a_o fetch_v from_o the_o word_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n among_o all_o people_n at_o all_o time_n in_o all_o succeed_a generation_n until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n ibid._n line_n 25._o quest_n 6._o may_v there_o then_o be_v no_o alteration_n in_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o call_v essential_o answ_n it_o be_v not_o leave_v in_o the_o power_n of_o person_n officer_n church_n nor_o all_o the_o state_n in_o the_o world_n to_o add_v or_o diminish_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o measure_n but_o as_o god_n do_v appoint_v all_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o those_o institution_n do_v endure_v there_o ever_o as_o scripture_n speak_v until_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o same_o power_n which_o appoint_v change_v they_o so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o be_v to_o expect_v no_o alteration_n christ_n the_o lawgiver_n he_o only_o appoint_v none_o but_o he_o can_v and_o he_o have_v make_v know_v his_o will_n that_o he_o will_v not_o change_v they_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 1._o p._n 5._o l._n 32._o quest_n 7._o what_o be_v the_o circumstantial_o of_o government_n answ_n the_o circumstantial_o of_o discipline_n as_o time_n place_n the_o carrying_z on_o of_o these_o dispensation_n in_o civil_a decency_n suitable_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n as_o peace_n and_o persecution_n the_o general_a rule_n of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o word_n deliver_v but_o the_o particular_a application_n admit_v variety_n mutability_n and_o alteration_n according_a as_o necessity_n or_o conveniency_n shall_v appear_v by_o emergent_a occasion_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 1_o page_n 6._o line_n 3._o quest_n 8._o you_o have_v speak_v already_o of_o most_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o church_n government_n namely_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n but_o what_o say_v you_o of_o church_n censure_n be_v they_o necessary_a answ_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o prevent_n remove_v and_o heal_v of_o offence_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o reclaim_n and_o gain_v of_o offend_a brethren_n for_o the_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a offence_n for_o purge_v out_o the_o leaven_n which_o may_v infect_v the_o whole_a lump_n for_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o holy_a profession_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o for_o prevent_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o may_v just_o fall_v upon_o the_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v suffer_v his_o covenant_n and_o the_o seal_n thereof_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o notorious_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o new_a england_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 1._o quest_n 9_o how_o many_o censure_n be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n answ_n three_o the_o first_o admonition_n the_o second_o suspension_n the_o three_o excommunication_n quest_n 10._o what_o be_v admonition_n answ_n admonition_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o first_o more_o private_a when_o the_o offend_a brother_n admonish_v the_o offender_n of_o his_o offence_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n between_o he_o and_o the_o offender_n alone_o the_o second_o less_o private_a and_o yet_o not_o public_a when_o he_o take_v one_o or_o two_o with_o he_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 14._o sect_n 2._o mr._n cotton_v way_n pag._n 89._o quest_n 11._o but_o what_o if_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v not_o gain_v by_o either_o of_o these_o admonition_n answ_n the_o offend_a brother_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o it_o to_o wit_n in_o god_n way_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o way_n pag._n 90._o line_n 12._o quest_n 12._o what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o god_n way_n answ_n the_o offend_a brother_n be_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o tell_v it_o the_o church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n chap._n sect_n 2._o that_o be_v he_o tell_v the_o elder_n who_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o church_n that_o by_o they_o it_o may_v be_v present_v before_o the_o church_n mr._n cotton_v way_n pag._n 90._o line_n 13._o the_o matter_n must_v first_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o elder_n and_o by_o they_o debate_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 3._o p._n 36_o l._n 2._o quest_n 13._o but_o why_o must_v the_o mattor_n be_v first_o bring_v to_o the_o elder_n and_o debate_v by_o they_o answ_n 1._o for_o that_o they_o be_v guide_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.17_o the_o watchman_n and_o overseer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v know_v the_o cause_n and_o controversy_n to_o the_o full_a in_o all_o circumstance_n difficulty_n wind_n and_o turn_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o lead_v the_o congregation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n which_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o they_o know_v the_o way_n themselves_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v part_v 3._o pag._n 36._o line_n 3._o 2._o to_o they_o it_o appertain_v to_o judge_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o weight_n and_o worth_n and_o so_o need_v and_o require_v the_o presence_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o body_n to_o express_v their_o judgement_n against_o they_o and_o the_o party_n guilty_a of_o they_o or_o no_o for_o if_o they_o be_v petty_a business_n and_o altogether_o unfit_a and_o unworthy_a to_o trouble_v the_o congregation_n withal_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o prevent_v such_o causeless_a and_o needless_a disturbance_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppress_v any_o further_a proceed_n therein_o mr._n hooker_n part_v 3._o pag._n 36._o line_n 10._o object_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n if_o the_o elder_n be_v corrupt_a in_o judgement_n or_o partial_a in_o affection_n they_o may_v silence_v the_o weight_a cause_n that_o can_v be_v and_o so_o prejudice_v the_o innocency_n of_o those_o they_o be_v not_o friendly_a to_o and_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o corrupt_a and_o partial_a way_n they_o sinful_o favour_n answ_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o suppress_v such_o petty_a occasion_n as_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o time_n pain_n and_o disturbance_n that_o must_v be_v spend_v upon_o they_o so_o yet_o to_o prevent_v injustice_n and_o partiality_n in_o such_o case_n the_o party_n who_o take_v himself_o wrong_v may_v complain_v of_o the_o elder_n in_o that_o behalf_n and_o if_o the_o congregation_n see_v apparent_o that_o they_o have_v deal_v unjust_o and_o partial_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o rectify_v but_o if_o the_o complaint_n prove_v unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o he_o that_o complain_v for_o he_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v sharp_o and_o severe_o as_o out_o of_o pride_n and_o perverseness_n refuse_v to_o listen_v to_o the_o seasonable_a advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o he_o by_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o because_o he_o have_v needless_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o congregation_n as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 3._o pag._n 6._o line_n 26._o three_o the_o preparation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o elder_n because_o if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n be_v numerous_a they_o will_v be_v unable_a with_o any_o comely_a conveniency_n to_o weigh_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o difficulty_n which_o will_v certain_o and_o necessary_o occur_v in_o such_o agitation_n nor_o can_v in_o reason_n bestow_v their_o time_n and_o pain_n upon_o they_o as_o the_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o work_n will_v sometime_o require_v ibid._n quest_n 14._o but_o what_o be_v the_o work_n or_o power_n of_o the_o member_n then_o in_o order_n unto_o censure_n answ_n as_o the_o brethren_n have_v a_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o privilege_n to_o expostulate_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o case_n of_o private_a scandal_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n matth._n 18.15_o 16._o so_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o brethren_n have_v power_n and_o privilege_n to_o join_v with_o the_o elder_n in_o inquire_v hear_v judge_v of_o public_a scandal_n so_o as_o to_o
and_o therefore_o till_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o penitent_a and_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o they_o he_o do_v abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o will_v not_o have_v a_o offender_n present_v himself_o nor_o his_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n while_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o offence_n of_o his_o brother_n lie_v upon_o he_o mat._n 5.23_o 24._o or_o as_o the_o priest_n in_o the_o law_n do_v forbear_v to_o eat_v of_o the_o holy_a thing_n while_o they_o lie_v in_o uncleanness_n leu._n 22._o 3_o 4._o or_o as_o one_o who_o lie_v in_o his_o uncleanness_n do_v rather_o pollute_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o god_n by_o partake_v of_o it_o than_o receive_v any_o holiness_n from_o it_o mr._n cotton_v way_n of_o the_o church_n page_n 91._o line_n 26._o object_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o offend_a party_n this_o be_v not_o a_o church_n censure_n answ_n if_o the_o church_n discern_v the_o offend_a brother_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v but_o not_o yet_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o offence_n as_o in_o case_n of_o heresy_n they_o be_v to_o dispense_v to_o he_o a_o public_a admonition_n with_o declare_v the_o offender_n to_o be_v under_o the_o public_a offence_n of_o the_o church_n who_o do_v thereby_o withhold_v or_o suspend_v he_o from_o the_o holy_a fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o his_o offence_n be_v remove_v by_o penitent_a confession_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n cap._n 14._o sect_n 2._o and_o this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o sâ—spensio_fw-la per_fw-la modum_fw-la censurae_fw-la hitherto_o of_o church_n government_n and_o censure_n now_o out_o of_o these_o particular_n draw_v we_o these_o position_n with_o inference_n thereupon_o 1._o church-government_n or_o rule_n be_v place_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o therefore_o be_v call_v ruler_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 1._o therefore_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o the_o seat_n or_o subject_n of_o rule_n or_o power_n 2._o the_o essential_o of_o church-government_n be_v unalterable_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 1._o therefore_o they_o who_o believe_v roll_a elder_n to_o be_v essential_o of_o government_n and_o yet_o constitute_v none_o in_o their_o church_n live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o duty_n contrary_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n 3._o church_n censure_n be_v christ_n appointment_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o and_o can_v be_v dispense_v at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o without_o ruler_n see_v answ_o to_o q._n 19_o therefore_o church_n that_o have_v no_o ruler_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v observe_v all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o appoinment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 4._o petty_a matter_n and_o small_a aberration_n be_v not_o to_o be_v censure_v by_o excommunication_n but_o such_o evil_n as_o be_v either_o heinous_a and_o abominable_a or_o at_o least_o be_v such_o as_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o a_o man_n enlighten_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n will_v condemn_v in_o any_o upon_o the_o first_o serious_a consideration_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 20_o 21._o 5._o offence_n be_v not_o immediate_o and_o at_o the_o first_o dash_n to_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n or_o community_n but_o first_o to_o the_o elder_n to_o be_v consider_v debate_v ripen_v by_o they_o receive_v as_o serious_a and_o weighty_a or_o reject_v as_o slight_v and_o frivolous_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 11._o and_o therefore_o that_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o next_o immediate_a step_n after_o the_o first_o and_o second_o brethren_n and_o private_a admonition_n it_o be_v not_o tell_v the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n but_o tell_v the_o elder_n 6._o the_o power_n which_o the_o brethren_n have_v in_o censure_n it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o authority_n but_o a_o power_n of_o liberty_n and_o the_o judgement_n they_o pass_v it_o be_v not_o a_o judgement_n of_o authority_n but_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o jury_n the_o eldership_n be_v as_o the_o judge_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 14_o 15_o 16._o 7._o the_o church_n bind_v and_o lose_v only_o by_o consent_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o consent_n of_o they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o obedience_n and_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v to_o it_o unless_o they_o can_v manifest_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o eldership_n be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 18._o 8._o in_o doubtful_a case_n and_o in_o matter_n of_o difference_n it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o crave_v the_o help_n and_o counsel_n of_o neighbour_a church_n see_v answer_n to_o quest_n 19_o 9_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o church-member_n some_o complete_a who_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o ordinance_n some_o incompleate_a who_o have_v receive_v their_o membership_n in_o their_o infancy_n be_v suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o other_o church-priviledge_n till_o they_o have_v pass_v a_o trial_n and_o have_v receive_v approbation_n of_o their_o fitness_n for_o those_o enjoyment_n a_o offend_a brother_n lie_v under_o public_a admonition_n be_v suspend_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n before_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v therefore_o suspension_n be_v a_o censure_n distinct_a from_o admonition_n and_o excommunication_n chap._n vi_o of_o combination_n or_o consotiation_n of_o church_n into_o class_n or_o synod_n question_v 1_o whither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o join_v together_o in_o consotiation_n on_o combination_n of_o church_n answ_n though_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church_n power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a yea_o it_o be_v a_o useful_a safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a for_o such_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n and_o consotiation_n so_o i_o think_v it_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o author_n though_o the_o print_a copy_n say_v consolation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church_n affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n preface_n a._n 3._o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n pag._n 54._o line_n 27._o quest_n 2._o why_o do_v some_o say_v this_o consotiation_n of_o church_n be_v useful_a answ_n the_o consotiation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o useful_a serve_v not_o alone_a to_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o to_o settle_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_o mind_v in_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o same_o hooker_n mr._n hooker_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 1._o line_n 2._o when_o many_o and_o those_o select_a and_o eminent_a lay_v the_o best_a of_o their_o ability_n together_o improve_v their_o part_n and_o prayer_n disquisition_n consultation_n determination_n to_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n the_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o their_o eternal_a peace_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 2._o line_n 2._o quest_n 3._o why_o do_v you_o say_v it_o be_v safe_a answ_n it_o be_v safe_a for_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o councillor_n there_o be_v safety_n as_o in_o civil_a so_o in_o church_n affair_n prov._n 11.14_o mr._n cotton_v keys_n pag._n 55._o line_n 4._o cotton_n mr._n cotton_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n force_v man_n out_o of_o their_o own_o necessity_n and_o experience_n to_o confess_v this_o that_o in_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n et_fw-la plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o issue_n of_o the_o council_n evidence_v as_o much_o act._n 16.4_o 5._o they_o deliver_v the_o decree_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o faith_n mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_v 4._o pag._n 2._o line_n 9_o quest_n 4._o but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o need_v of_o such_o consotiation_n answ_n though_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o
yet_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o in_o their_o way_n 7._o a_o combination_n of_o church_n or_o a_o classical_a church_n be_v a_o pure_a gospel_n church_n according_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a platform_n it_o be_v the_o new_a jerusalem_fw-la that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n rev._n 21.16_o see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o therefore_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o say_v it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a platform_n 8._o class_n and_o synod_n provincial_a and_o national_a be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 9_o therefore_o they_o exceed_o prevaricate_v who_o go_v about_o to_o render_v they_o either_o ridiculous_a as_o some_o or_o odious_a as_o other_o 9_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n necessary_a though_o not_o to_o the_o be_v yet_o to_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 10._o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o rest_n of_o discipline_n which_o be_v necessary_a only_o for_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n not_o to_o their_o be_v and_o second_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o more_o improper_a to_o have_v combination_n or_o synod_n fix_v and_o state_v than_o it_o be_v to_o have_v other_o meeting_n for_o discipline_n so_o fix_v 10._o delegation_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v a_o lawful_a gospel-employment_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 11._o 11._o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n may_v meet_v together_o to_o consult_v and_o to_o renew_v their_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n if_o the_o covenant_n constitute_v the_o church_n quere_z whither_o they_o be_v not_o now_o a_o national_a church_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 12._o 12._o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o hezekiahs_n day_n and_o in_o josiahs_n day_n be_v a_o precedent_n for_o national_a synod_n and_o council_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 12._o 13._o synod_n be_v useful_a and_o have_v power_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n and_o in_o such_o case_n particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 13._o and_o 15._o and_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o consociate_v church_n be_v bind_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o it_o &_o redress_v it_o see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 13._o 14._o synod_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n from_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o direct_v and_o give_v counsel_n and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 19_o 15._o synod_n have_v some_o part_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 14._o quere_z why_o not_o all_o as_o well_o as_o some_o and_o where_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o partition_n 16._o the_o decree_n and_o injunction_n of_o synod_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n bind_v not_o only_o material_o because_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n but_o formal_o because_o they_o be_v the_o decree_n of_o a_o synod_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 14._o and_o 15._o 17._o in_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o synod_n approve_v by_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v upon_o pain_n 1._o of_o be_v guilty_a of_o disturb_v the_o order_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o of_o non-communion_n 3._o of_o punishment_n by_o the_o magistrate_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 15._o if_o so_o than_o first_o the_o magistrate_n may_v use_v compulsion_n and_o coercion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n second_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o westminster_n have_v more_o oblige_a power_n than_o some_o body_n will_v own_v and_o some_o body_n be_v guilty_a of_o something_o 18._o the_o decree_n of_o synod_n though_o erroneous_a yet_o if_o not_o fundamental_o err_v be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o scorn_v but_o receive_v and_o submit_v to_o rather_o than_o peace_n and_o order_n disturb_v see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 17._o if_o i_o understand_v this_o aright_o our_o brethren_n say_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v if_o not_o more_o o_o that_o any_o thing_n near_o this_o have_v be_v practise_v 19_o it_o be_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v grant_v that_o synod_n err_v and_o particular_a person_n and_o church_n that_o be_v contrary-minded_n have_v the_o truth_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 7._o 20._o appeal_n be_v warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o necessary_a in_o all_o society_n because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n or_o iniquity_n of_o they_o that_o be_v judge_n see_v answ_o to_o quest_n 20._o therefore_o great_a be_v either_o their_o ignorance_n or_o their_o iniquity_n who_o deny_v the_o member_n of_o their_o society_n this_o just_a and_o necessary_a liberty_n of_o appeal_n chap._n vii_o of_o communion_n with_o and_o separation_n from_o the_o true_a church_n question_v 1_o whither_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a visible_a church_n discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n answ_n there_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o universal_a visisible_a church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 2._o sect_n 3._o quest_n 2._o what_o relation_n or_o respect_n do_v particular_a visible_a church_n bear_v to_o the_o universal_a visible_a church_n answ_n a_o congregational_a church_n by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o militant_a visible_a church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n sect_n 6._o this_o catholic_n mystical_a church_n be_v the_o materia_fw-la prima_fw-la out_o of_o which_o political_a church_n by_o their_o combination_n be_v form_v defence_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n pag._n 104._o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v in_o some_o respect_v the_o first_o church_n and_o particular_a church_n ortae_fw-la ibid._n pag._n 78._o quest_n 3._o be_v every_o particular_a person_n bind_v to_o be_v of_o some_o particular_a congregation_n answ_n every_o faithful_a person_n be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o positive_a precept_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o such_o single_a congregation_n owen_n mr._n owen_n have_v the_o mark_n and_o note_n by_o which_o a_o true_a church_n may_v be_v know_v and_o discern_v dr._n owen_n in_o his_o eshcol_n preface_n a_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o christian_n who_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o christ_n jesus_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o one_o or_o other_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o way_n etc._n etc._n pag._n 2._o line_n 10._o quest_n 4._o but_o be_v a_o man_n bind_v to_o join_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n of_o that_o place_n where_o his_o dwelling_n be_v answ_n member_n ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n where_o they_o do_v inhabit_v if_o it_o may_v be_v discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n otherwise_o they_o can_v neither_o perform_v the_o duty_n nor_o receive_v the_o privilege_n of_o member_n such_o a_o example_n tolerate_v in_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v other_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v follow_v will_v threaten_v the_o confusion_n and_o dissolution_n of_o church_n contrary_a to_o scripture_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 13._o sect_n 6._o 2._o all_o believer_n of_o one_o place_n be_v bind_v to_o join_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n unless_o through_o their_o be_v too_o numerous_a they_o be_v by_o common_a consent_n distinguish_v into_o more_o which_o order_n can_v be_v disturb_v without_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n dr._n owen_n eshcol_n prefao_n a._n 3._o quest_n 5._o but_o be_v a_o man_n bind_v after_o he_o have_v once_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o church_n to_o continue_v a_o member_n of_o this_o church_n all_o his_o day_n answ_n 1._o church-member_n may_v not_o remove_v and_o depart_v from_o the_o church_n discipline_n platform_n discipline_n and_o so_o one_o from_o another_o as_o they_o please_v but_o aught_o to_o dwell_v together_o platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 13._o sect_n 1._o 2._o people_n join_v with_o a_o parish_n at_o the_o call_n and_o elect_v of_o a_o minister_n at_o his_o first_o come_n have_v such_o just_a weight_n in_o it_o and_o be_v such_o a_o engagement_n as_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o safe_a for_o such_o to_o remove_v from_o such_o a_o minister_n unless_o it_o be_v upon_o such_o ground_n as_o may_v give_v he_o due_a satisfaction_n platform_n of_o discipline_n preface_n pag._n 7._o 3._o to_o separate_v from_o a_o church_n either_o out_o of_o contempt_n of_o their_o holy_a fellowship_n or_o out_o of_o covetuousness_n or_o for_o great_a enlargement_n with_o just_a grief_n to_o the_o church_n or_o out_o of_o schism_n or_o want_v of_o love_n or_o out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o contention_n in_o respect_n of_o some_o unkindness_n or_o some_o evil_n only_o conceive_v or_o indeed_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v tolerate_v and_o heal_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v
right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n yet_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o they_o that_o be_v not_o so_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o call_v in_o or_o look_v out_o for_o help_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o other_o though_o they_o have_v more_o need_n than_o other_o yea_o and_o the_o best_a church_n may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o help_n as_o other_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o a_o deep_a apostasy_n which_o other_o church_n may_v have_v prevent_v if_o they_o have_v discern_v it_o at_o first_o mr._n cotton_n keyes_n pag._n 55._o line_n 7._o quest_n 5._o why_o do_v you_o say_v this_o combination_n and_o consotiation_n of_o church_n be_v wholesome_a answ_n it_o be_v wholesome_a as_o tend_v to_o maintain_v brotherly_a love_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n in_o church_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n and_o to_o prevent_v many_o offence_n which_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o transact_v all_o such_o thing_n in_o itself_o without_o con-mr_n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 55._o line_n 17._o quest_n 6._o but_o how_o do_v you_o prove_v it_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n answ_n it_o be_v a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v just_a warrant_n from_o a_o like_a precedent_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o independent_a one_o from_o another_o cotton_n mr._n cotton_n and_o stand_v in_o as_o little_a need_n of_o help_n one_o from_o another_o as_o church_n do_v and_o yet_o paul_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o confer_v with_o peter_n jamâ—s_n and_o john_n lest_o he_o shall_v in_o vain_a run_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n gal._n 2.2_o and_o though_o in_o conference_n the_o chief_a apostle_n add_v nothing_o to_o paul_n ver_fw-la 6._o yet_o when_o they_o perceive_v the_o gospel_n of_o uncircumcision_n be_v commit_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o that_o of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v to_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n they_o give_v unto_o one_o another_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n now_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v by_o just_a proportion_n that_o if_o the_o apostl_n be_v who_o be_v independent_a each_o of_o they_o one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o consult_v and_o confer_v together_o to_o procure_v a_o free_a passage_n to_o their_o call_n and_o to_o their_o doctrine_n than_o sure_o church_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n though_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o communicate_v te_fw-mi their_o course_n and_o proceed_n in_o such_o case_n one_o with_o another_o to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o the_o same_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o do_v mutual_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o in_o their_o ordination_n or_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o much_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 55._o line_n 22._o quest_n 7._o be_v there_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o confirmation_n yet_o for_o illustration_n of_o the_o point_n answ_n yes_o by_o compare_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a platform_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v constitute_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n state_n at_o their_o last_o conversion_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n the_o dimension_n of_o this_o church_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 48.30_o be_v twelve_o furlong_n that_o be_v about_o three_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o many_o in_o breadth_n but_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n rev._n 21.16_o be_v say_v to_o be_v twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n now_o how_o can_v those_o two_o dimension_n stand_v together_o that_o be_v so_o far_o discrepant_a one_o from_o another_o as_o twelve_o and_o twelve_o thousand_o the_o fit_a and_o fair_a reconciliation_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o ezekiel_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o any_o ordinary_a jewish_a church_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o john_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o many_o particular_a jewish_a church_n combine_v together_o in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o thousand_o church_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 56._o line_n 7._o object_n but_o theologia_n symbolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la argument_n from_o parable_n and_o mystical_a resemblance_n be_v not_o valid_a answ_n if_o there_o be_v no_o argumentative_a power_n in_o parable_n cotton_n mr._n cotton_n why_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n delight_v so_o much_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o teach_v and_o why_o do_v john_n and_o daniel_n and_o ezekiel_n deliver_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o prophecy_n in_o parable_n if_o we_o must_v take_v they_o for_o riddle_n and_o not_o for_o document_n or_o argument_n sure_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o argument_n they_o serve_v not_o for_o document_n mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n page_n 56._o line_n 36._o quest_n 8._o but_o be_v this_o combination_n of_o church_n necessary_a as_o well_o as_o lawful_a answ_n the_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a hooker_n mr._n hooker_n but_o in_o some_o case_n necessary_a mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n preface_n a._n 3._o nemo_n inquit_fw-la parkerus_fw-la quod_fw-la sciam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la alicujus_fw-la reformatae_fw-la alumnus_fw-la ante_fw-la hugonem_fw-la grotium_fw-la negavit_fw-la synodos_fw-la esse_fw-la necessarias_fw-la quibus_fw-la nos_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d libenter_fw-la profitemur_fw-la norton_n adversus_fw-la apollonium_n pag._n 112._o mr._n parker_n say_v that_o no_o man_n that_o be_v a_o disciple_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v ever_o deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o synod_n before_o hugo_n grotius_n and_o we_o do_v unanimous_o confess_v the_o necessity_n of_o they_o mr._n norton_n against_o apollonius_n page_n 112._o line_n 17._o quest_n 9_o how_o many_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v there_o answ_n this_o consociation_n be_v of_o several_a sort_n and_o degree_n some_o lesser_a some_o great_a as_o class_n synod_n hooker_n mr._n hooker_n and_o these_o provincial_n national_a and_o ecumenical_a thus_o far_o we_o agree_v mr._n hooker_n survey_v of_o discipline_n part_n 4._o page_n 2._o line_n 15._o and_o 25._o quest_n 10._o what_o be_v a_o synod_n answ_n synod_n we_o acknowledge_v be_v right_o order_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n mr._n cotton_v key_n page_n 23._o line_n 21._o and_o though_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n yet_o many_o time_n necessary_a to_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n from_o n._n e._n chap._n 16._o sect_n 1._o quest_n 11._o how_o be_v a_o synod_n to_o be_v compose_v and_o of_o what_o member_n ought_v it_o to_o consist_v answ_n because_o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a for_o many_o church_n to_o come_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n discipline_n platform_n of_o discipline_n in_o all_o their_o member_n universal_o therefore_o they_o may_v assemble_v by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n go_v not_o all_o to_o jerusalem_n but_o some_o select_a man_n for_o that_o purpose_n because_o none_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v more_o fit_a to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o advise_v of_o way_n for_o the_o good_a thereof_o than_o elder_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o messenger_n for_o such_o assembly_n they_o have_v special_a respect_n unto_o such_o yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o not_o only_a paul_n and_o barnabas_n but_o certain_a other_o also_o be_v send_v to_o jerusalem_n from_o antioch_n act_v 15._o and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n but_o other_o brethren_n also_o do_v assemble_v and_o meet_v about_o the_o matter_n therefore_o synod_n be_v to_o consist_v both_o of_o elder_n and_o other_o church-member_n endue_v with_o gift_n and_o send_v by_o the_o church_n not_o exclude_v the_o presence_n of_o any_o brethren_n in_o the_o church_n platform_n of_o discipline_n chap._n 16._o sect_n 6._o quest_n 12._o whether_o may_v there_o be_v call_v and_o keep_v a_o national_a synod_n or_o no_o answ_n 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 cotton_n mr._n cotton_n 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 all_o confer_v together_o may_v renew_v their_o