alexandrum_fw-la omnia_fw-la probate_a quod_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la tenete_fw-la estote_fw-la probati_fw-la nummularij_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la nummus_fw-la adulter_fw-la est_fw-la &_o figuram_fw-la caesaris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la nec_fw-la signatus_fw-la est_fw-la moneta_fw-la publica_fw-la reprobetur_fw-la qui_fw-la autem_fw-la christi_fw-la faciem_fw-la claro_fw-la praefert_fw-la jumine_fw-la in_fw-la cordis_fw-la nostri_fw-la marsupium_fw-la recondatur_fw-la the_o church_n charter_n contain_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o constitution_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2._o the_o privilege_n and_o power_n give_v to_o such_o church_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o examine_v mr._n paget_n argue_v for_o the_o ecclesistical_a juridical_a power_n of_o class_n i_o shall_v positive_o declare_v what_o power_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n after_o i_o have_v describe_v their_o constitution_n according_a to_o christ_n his_o appointment_n in_o every_o of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v in_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o corporation_n or_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o perfect_a city_n be_v because_o i_o find_v that_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n frequent_o to_o express_v this_o matter_n under_o this_o similitude_n 1â—â—â—_n similitude_n ps_n 48_o 1â—_n 2._o &_o 87.3_o isa_n 26.1_o &_o 60.14_o ezek._n 40.2_o &_o 4â—_n 35_o rev._n 3._o â—â—_o &_o â—0_n â—_o 21._o 〈…〉_o 22._o 〈…〉_o luc._n 1â—â—â—_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o venture_v to_o apply_v it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n in_o scripture_n will_v direct_v and_o warrant_v there_o we_o find_v the_o grand_a charter_n itself_o and_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o these_o record_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n the_o father_n command_v we_o to_o hear_v 17.5_o hear_v mat._n 3.17_o &_o 17.5_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o under_o a_o dreadful_a penalty_n etc._n penalty_n act_n 3.22_o 23._o cypr._n ad_fw-la coecil_n lib._n 2._o ep_n 3._o si_fw-mi solus_fw-la christus_fw-la audiendus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la debemus_fw-la attendere_fw-la quid_fw-la aliquis_fw-la ante_fw-la nos_fw-la faciendum_fw-la putaverit_fw-la sed_fw-la quid_fw-la qui_fw-la ante_fw-la omnis_fw-la est_fw-la christus_fw-la prio_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o faciendum_fw-la statuerit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la hominis_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la sequi_fw-la oportet_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la veritatem_fw-la cùm_fw-la per_fw-la isaiam_fw-la prophetam_fw-la deus_fw-la loquatur_fw-la &_o dicat_fw-la etc._n etc._n whence_o cyprian_n do_v well_o infer_v if_o only_a christ_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attend_v what_o any_o before_o we_o thought_n shall_v be_v do_v but_o what_o christ_n who_o be_v before_o all_o have_v do_v and_o appoint_v to_o be_v do_v for_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o custom_n of_o man_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o vain_a they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n the_o charter_n according_a to_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o their_o power_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la be_v to_o be_v state_v we_o find_v in_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o in_o the_o open_n and_o explain_v whereof_o i_o purpose_v with_o christ_n assistance_n to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n one_a handle_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2_o clear_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o word_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o hold_v forth_o a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o its_o cause_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v several_o and_o distinct_o and_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o objection_n as_o occur_v in_o each_o particular_a may_v be_v due_o weigh_v and_o in_o handle_v they_o i_o shall_v observe_v this_o order_n 1._o i_o shall_v propound_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o certain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n 2._o explicate_v and_o confirm_v they_o 3._o deduce_v thence_o such_o consectary_n or_o inference_n as_o free_o flow_v from_o they_o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n be_v note_v in_o this_o clause_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n i_o who_o be_v that_o even_o he_o who_o peter_n have_v confess_v in_o these_o word_n thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v jesus_n our_o mediator_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o for_o though_o he_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n build_v his_o church_n zach._n 4.6_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o building_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 2._o he_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o preter_fw-la or_o present_a tense_n but_o in_o the_o future_a i_o will_v build_v for_o though_o christ_n be_v yesterday_o be_v to_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v in_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new-testament_n which_o shall_v be_v build_v after_o his_o ascension_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n join_v into_o one_o body_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v concl._n 1_o that_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v the_o only_a immediate_a author_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n appear_v by_o his_o give_v to_o it_o the_o key_n which_o we_o shall_v prove_v hereafter_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n 2._o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a immediate_a institutor_n of_o such_o church_n may_v be_v evince_v 1._o general_o from_o heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o particular_o by_o induction_n thus_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o door_n by_o who_o they_o that_o be_v orderly_o admit_v must_v enter_v joh._n 10.9_o 2._o he_o set_v the_o member_n every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o that_o place_n and_o rank_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.18_o and_o gift_v they_o according_o ephes_n 4.7_o 3._o he_o compact_v the_o whole_a body_n ephes_n 4.16_o and_o firm_o knit_v the_o material_n together_o in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 4._o he_o give_v the_o several_a office_n and_o officer_n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.8_o 11._o 5._o he_o appoint_v the_o visible_a seal_n baptism_n col._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 23_o etc._n etc._n 6._o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o 7._o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o church_n admininistration_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o 8._o the_o censure_n have_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n from_o he_o rev._n 3.7_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 9_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v from_o his_o institution_n of_o they_o and_o effectual_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n dispense_n they_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o reas_n thus_o he_o be_v by_o a_o threefold_a right_n 1._o from_o the_o decree_n and_o donation_n of_o the_o father_n psal_n 2.7_o 8._o john_n 3.35_o and_o 5.22_o 23._o 2._o from_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o from_o his_o conquest_n over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o and_o translate_v they_o into_o his_o kingdom_n col._n 1.13_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n have_v right_a to_o institute_v particular_a christian_a church_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o what_o mould_n he_o please_v from_o this_o conclusion_n thus_o prove_v i_o infer_v as_o follow_v 1._o consect_n then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n and_o head_n of_o such_o church_n as_o himself_o have_v institute_v thus_o from_o christ_n building_n his_o house_n follow_v his_o be_v over_o the_o house_n hebrew_n 3.3_o 6._o and_o he_o be_v over_o it_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o it_o act_n 2.36_o and_o as_o the_o only_a political_a head_n of_o it_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o of_o pre-eminence_n as_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o his_o member_n col._n 1.18_o john_n 3.34_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o government_n ephes_n 5.22_o 23_o 24._o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o influence_n joh._n 15.5_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o common_a gift_n whereof_o hypocrite_n partake_v which_o if_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o church_n be_v but_o dead_a member_n who_o as_o dead_a branch_n in_o the_o vine_n god_n will_v take_v away_o and_o cast_v forth_o joh._n 15.2_o 6._o but_o also_o
to_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judicatories_n contradict_v and_o so_o make_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n void_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o high_a tribunal_n under_o christ_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o itself_o 3._o corollary_n then_o entireness_n of_o church-government_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n complete_v with_o its_o officer_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la will_v well_o consist_v with_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n establish_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o both_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n ordinance_n do_v not_o interfere_v as_o the_o communion_n of_o neighbour-family_n do_v not_o cross_v the_o complete_a government_n of_o several_a family_n within_o themselves_o respective_o in_o thing_n proper_o domestical_a and_o as_o communion_n among_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n hinder_v not_o the_o entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o each_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n within_o itself_o in_o its_o proper_a concernment_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n therefore_o church-communion_n must_v be_v only_o in_o a_o way_n of_o brotherly_a association_n for_o mutual_a helpfulness_n in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o not_o in_o way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n of_o one_o church_n to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n whether_o of_o another_o church_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o several_a church_n assemble_v in_o class_n or_o synod_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o former_a way_n be_v exercise_v according_a to_o rule_n in_o sundry_a case_n as_o 1._o in_o mutual_a care_n 2._o in_o recommendation_n of_o member_n 3._o in_o participation_n of_o such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v for_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o 4._o in_o relieve_v and_o succour_v one_o another_o 5._o in_o countenance_v by_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o a_o church_n in_o its_o first_o gather_v and_o unto_o elder_n at_o their_o ordination_n 6._o in_o consult_v one_o with_o another_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o require_v the_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o cause_n 16._o see_v these_o particular_n prove_v in_o the_o platform_n of_o church-discipline_n published-by_a the_o synod_n at_o cambridge_n in_o new-england_n anno._n 1649._o the_o eight_o month_n chap._n 15._o &_o 16._o wherewith_o they_o may_v be_v better_o acquaint_v than_o ourselves_o 7._o in_o admonish_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o public_a scandal_n all_o these_o and_o if_o withdraw_a fellowship_n upon_o just_a cause_n be_v add_v to_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o one_o apostle_n may_v do_v to_o another_o without_o exercise_v church-government_n over_o they_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o latter_a way_n of_o subordination_n or_o subjection_n to_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la the_o scripture_n no_o where_o approve_v not_o of_o one_o church_n to_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o parity_n among_o church_n and_o par_fw-fr in_o parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la nor_o of_o one_o church_n to_o a_o synod_n make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o sundry_a neighbour-churche_n the_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15._o be_v a_o pattern_n they_o say_v of_o such_o a_o synod_n let_v we_o see_v how_o their_o classical_a assembly_n answer_v it_o 1._o that_o be_v no_o set_a meeting_n monthly_a or_o quarterly_a but_o mere_o occasional_a act._n 15.1_o 2._o 2._o if_o be_v not_o a_o assembly_n of_o elder_n meet_v apart_o from_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o assemble_v verse_n 22_o 23._o 3._o it_o be_v but_o a_o meeting_n of_o two_o church_n that_o of_o antioch_n send_v their_o messenger_n with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n who_o residence_n for_o the_o present_a be_v there_o join_v with_o they_o verse_n 4_o 6._o 4._o that_o assembly_n give_v their_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o antioch_n &_o of_o the_o person_n that_o teach_v it_o as_o troublesome_a and_o subverter_n verse_n 24._o but_o do_v neither_o excommunicate_v they_o nor_o command_v the_o church_n to_o excommunicate_v they_o 5._o they_o direct_v and_o charge_v the_o church_n from_o the_o word_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v verse_n 28_o 29._o but_o they_o do_v not_o do_v their_o act_n of_o power_n for_o they_o 6._o nor_o do_v this_o assembly_n exercise_v church-government_n over_o that_o church_n at_o antioch_n or_o any_o other_o church_n or_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o their_o member_n or_o in_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n or_o in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n or_o in_o excommunicate_v or_o in_o reverse_v or_o nullify_n the_o censure_n inflict_v by_o the_o church_n for_o these_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la to_o every_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o yet_o because_o i_o study_v peace_n and_o consent_n with_o godly_a brethren_n so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o truth_n i_o willing_o grant_v that_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n right_o gather_v and_o order_v have_v so_o much_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o in_o these_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v find_v any_o warrant_n for_o in_o scripture_n be_v willing_a also_o to_o yield_v further_o if_o it_o can_v be_v clear_v from_o scripture_n that_o more_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o there_o be_v two_o case_n wherein_o the_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n and_o determination_n of_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n 1._o when_o they_o want_v sufficient_a light_n or_o competent_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n provide_v that_o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o themselves_o approve_v to_o be_v fit_a for_o attainment_n of_o their_o end_n in_o seek_v light_n as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n agree_v to_o send_v to_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n though_o two_o hundred_o mile_n distant_a from_o they_o but_o if_o they_o have_v sufficient_a light_n within_o themselves_o and_o hold_v it_o forth_o convict_o from_o scripture_n the_o elder_n and_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o major_a part_n of_o the_o brethren_n by_o far_o consent_v therein_o no_o rule_n require_v or_o allow_v that_o for_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o a_o delinquent_n who_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n or_o of_o two_o or_o three_o brethren_n who_o side_n with_o he_o and_o refuse_v to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n in_o censure_v he_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v hinder_v from_o proceed_v till_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n have_v be_v consult_v for_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v 1._o it_o will_v disturb_v all_o church-proceeding_n 2._o and_o if_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la it_o must_v issue_v there_o by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o major_a part_n if_o as_o many_o elder_n in_o that_o assembly_n dissent_n as_o brethren_n do_v before_o in_o the_o church-meeting_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v gain_v thereby_o and_o if_o the_o delinquent_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n appeal_v to_o a_o synod_n there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o issue_n and_o so_o appeal_n may_v be_v draw_v further_o till_o a_o delinquent_n wrest_v himself_o at_o last_o from_o all_o power_n of_o censure_n the_o second_o case_n be_v when_o that_o which_o be_v res_fw-la propria_fw-la in_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o consider_v become_v res_fw-la communis_fw-la in_o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o proceed_v for_o though_o receive_v of_o member_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o administration_n of_o seal_n and_o censure_n be_v act_n of_o the_o power_n give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o never_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o establish_v by_o that_o grant_n a_o absolute_a power_n in_o such_o church_n to_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o other_o church_n if_o therefore_o a_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o a_o right_a seed_n shall_v turn_v into_o the_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n unto_o god_n and_o become_v heretical_a or_o schismatical_a or_o scandalous_o corrupt_v and_o therefore_o receive_v into_o their_o fellowship_n know_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n and_o choose_v such_o into_o office_n and_o refuse_v to_o admit_v into_o fellowship_n or_o office_n such_o as_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n because_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o their_o fellowship_n such_o as_o testify_v according_a to_o rule_n against_o these_o evil_n and_o refuse_v to_o consent_v with_o they_o therein_o etc._n etc._n the_o neighbour_n church_n or_o church_n or_o elder_n and_o brethren_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n if_o the_o evil_n spread_v to_o the_o disturb_v corrupt_a or_o scandalize_a
of_o many_o church_n have_v power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n 1._o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n act._n 15.6_o 2._o to_o argue_v debate_n and_o determine_v according_a to_o the_o word_n verse_n 7_o 23_o 3._o to_o publish_v the_o same_o to_o the_o church_n or_o church_n who_o it_o concern_v vers_fw-la 23._o to_o bear_v witness_n against_o their_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n and_o to_o give_v direction_n from_o the_o word_n for_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 24_o 28_o 29._o 4._o such_o determination_n and_o direction_n be_v find_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v be_v to_o receive_v they_o with_o due_a reverence_n and_o submission_n as_o to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o 5._o in_o case_n of_o obstinate_a persistance_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o church_n in_o their_o scandalous_a evil_n against_o light_n convict_o hold_v forth_o the_o church_n so_o offend_v or_o scandalize_v by_o they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o church-communion_n till_o they_o repent_v and_o reform_v this_o follow_v in_o proportion_n from_o the_o contrary_a gal._n 2.9_o and_o à _fw-la pari_fw-la 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o there_o be_v a_o like_a reason_n of_o church_n and_o person_n in_o this_o respect_n yet_o such_o offend_a church_n and_o synod_n be_v not_o to_o exercise_v church-censure_n in_o way_n of_o discipline_n nor_o any_o other_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o neither_o do_v that_o assembly_n in_o act._n 15.29_o here_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o join_v with_o my_o brethren_n in_o add_v some_o caution_n touch_v the_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v 57_o mr._n cotton_n of_o the_o key_n p._n 57_o either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o throâ—â—â—_n ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o may_v not_o the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o ball._n mr._n shepherd_n &_o mr._n allen_n defense_n of_o the_o 9_o position_n in_o answ_n to_o mr._n ball._n other_o express_v their_o apprehension_n in_o way_n of_o caution_n touch_v this_o matter_n thus_o association_n of_o divers_a particular_a church_n we_o hold_v needful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o combination_n of_o member_n into_o one_o church_n yet_o so_o as_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n of_o one_o from_o another_o nor_o usurpation_n of_o one_o over_o another_o that_o either_o one_o shall_v deprive_v the_o rest_n of_o peace_n by_o schism_n or_o many_o shall_v deprive_v any_o one_o of_o its_o power_n by_o usurpation_n hence_o a_o fraternal_a consociation_n we_o acknowledge_v consociation_n for_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o help_v to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v sin_n or_o schism_n yet_o fraternal_a only_o to_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o power_n consociation_n of_o church_n we_o will_v have_v cumulatiuè_a not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o deed_n to_o strengthen_v the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o privatiuè_a to_o take_v away_o any_o power_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n before_o for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o one_o church_n offend_v shall_v have_v no_o mean_n of_o cure_n by_o the_o conceive_a power_n of_o many_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o danger_n may_v appear_v as_o great_a and_o frequent_o fall_v out_o that_o when_o many_o church_n be_v scandalous_a one_o innocent_a church_n may_v be_v hurt_v by_o the_o usurpation_n of_o all_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v not_o but_o that_o fraternal_a consociation_n be_v the_o best_a medicine_n to_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o both_o hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o as_o these_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n speak_v nothing_o for_o the_o classical_a power_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o the_o presbyterian_o contend_v tanquam_fw-la pro_fw-la aris_fw-la &_o focis_fw-la so_o in_o that_o communion_n of_o church_n which_o i_o with_o they_o look_v at_o as_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n due_a moderation_n must_v be_v exercise_v by_o neighbour_n church_n that_o their_o exercise_v brotherly_a communion_n in_o testify_v against_o such_o act_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n be_v according_a to_o scripture-light_n with_o humility_n and_o that_o 1._o hold_v forth_o by_o they_o they_o look_v at_o themselves_o though_o as_o elder_n yet_o not_o as_o apostle_n nor_o as_o infallible_o assist_v or_o carry_v by_o the_o spirit_n above_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a in_o their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o in_o a_o masterly_a way_n impose_v their_o determination_n and_o counsel_n upon_o other_o but_o propound_v they_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o receive_v only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o agree_v therewith_o and_o if_o that_o church_n hold_v forth_o reason_n of_o their_o contrary_a apprehension_n let_v they_o be_v due_o weigh_v and_o answer_v convict_o or_o let_v that_o church_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o own_o light_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la without_o offence_n or_o disturbance_n 2._o godly_a wisdom_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o proceed_n in_o make_v difference_n between_o cause_n and_o cause_n which_o will_v not_o suffer_v church_n to_o connive_v at_o grosser_n scandal_n nor_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o any_o church_n upon_o small_a difference_n in_o judgement_n or_o practice_n much_o less_o for_o censure_v and_o hold_v under_o censure_n impenitent_a person_n when_o the_o scandalous_a obstinacy_n of_o delinquent_n be_v res_fw-la propriâ_fw-la to_o that_o church_n though_o some_o other_o church_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o guide_n who_o possible_o may_v side_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v with_o the_o delinquent_n out_o of_o some_o secret_a grutch_v against_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o judgement_n that_o the_o party_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v lay_v under_o that_o censure_n or_o shall_v now_o be_v release_v from_o it_o to_o withdraw_v the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n from_o a_o church_n for_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v contrary_a to_o rule_n of_o true_a wisdom_n if_o a_o church_n be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_a matter_n than_o this_o will_v cause_v no_o breach_n of_o communion_n between_o church_n where_o brotherly_a communion_n be_v exercise_v with_o true_a humility_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n see_v the_o moderation_n of_o that_o african_a synod_n whereof_o cyprian_n write_v thus_o to_o stephanus_n caeterum_fw-la scimus_fw-la quosdam_fw-la quod_fw-la semel_fw-la imbiberint_fw-la 1._o cypr._n l._n 2._o ep._n 1._o nolle_fw-la deponere_fw-la nec_fw-la propositum_fw-la suum_fw-la facilè_fw-la mutare_fw-la sed_fw-la salvo_fw-la inter_fw-la collegas_fw-la pacis_fw-la &_o concordiae_fw-la vinculo_fw-la quaedam_fw-la propria_fw-la quae_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la semel_fw-la sint_fw-la usurpata_fw-la retinere_fw-la quâ_fw-la in_o re_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la cviquam_fw-la facimus_fw-la aut_fw-la legem_fw-la damus_fw-la cum_fw-la habeat_fw-la in_o ecclesiae_fw-la administratione_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la suae_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la liberum_fw-la unusquisque_fw-la praepositus_fw-la rationem_fw-la actus_fw-la svi_fw-la domino_fw-la redditurus_fw-la yet_o these_o proper_a practice_n of_o some_o church_n differ_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o synod_n which_o be_v establish_v as_o he_o say_v consensu_fw-la &_o authoritate_fw-la communi_fw-la nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v end_n of_o breach_n among_o church_n unless_o due_a moderation_n in_o such_o case_n
judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n etc._n etc._n v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o the_o like_a if_o not_o great_a care_n be_v have_v of_o the_o profession_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o stranger_n the_o child_n of_o such_o proselyte_n as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n isa_n 56.6_o 7._o john_n baptist_n also_o require_v of_o all_o who_o he_o admit_v unto_o his_o baptism_n a_o repenting-confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19.4_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n mat._n 3.9_o answerable_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v of_o all_o grow_v person_n 1._o visible_a repentance_n in_o case_n of_o open_a scandal_n act._n 19.18_o 2._o to_o join_v therewith_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n act._n 2.39_o 3._o a_o profession_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o ancient_a church_n they_o have_v their_o poenitentes_fw-la such_o as_o hold_v forth_o their_o repentance_n public_o and_o their_o catechumeni_fw-la who_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v be_v pagan_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o be_v catechize_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v crave_v baptism_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v fit_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competentes_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n they_o be_v call_v audientes_fw-la or_o auditores_fw-la 17._o auditores_fw-la tertull._n l._n de_fw-la poenit_fw-la c._n 6._o &_o praescr_n advers._fw-la haeret_fw-la c._n 4._o cypr._n l._n 3._o ep_v 17._o 2._o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o do_v nonnihil_fw-la adolescere_fw-la be_v catechize_v and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v believer_n be_v confirm_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church-priviledge_n these_o clemens_n call_v incipientes_fw-la &_o novitio_n and_o so_o do_v other_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wrought_v high_a and_o more_o effectual_o to_o advance_v papal_a usurpation_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o church_n this_o custom_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o popery_n retain_v only_o the_o name_n of_o confirmation_n but_o corrupt_v the_o thing_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o sacrament_n limit_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o diocesan_n praelat_n this_o corrupt_a custom_n be_v continue_v in_o england_n after_o they_o renounce_v the_o pope_n but_o as_o luther_n in_o germany_n seek_v to_o introduce_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o into_o the_o church_n there_o so_o do_v cranmer_n under_o that_o godly_a king_n edward_n the_o 6_o endeavour_v in_o england_n and_o commit_v the_o perusal_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n to_o that_o godly_a learned_a and_o moderate_a theologue_n bucer_n who_o examine_v the_o book_n find_v among_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v 17._o censura_fw-la m._n buceri_fw-la super_fw-la lib._n ordinat_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 17._o must_v say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o answer_v the_o question_n of_o the_o short_a catechism_n bucer_n censure_n upon_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o require_v diligent_a ponderation_n if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v recite_v god_n abhor_v such_o as_o confess_v he_o in_o word_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o be_v catechise_v institute_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v answer_v in_o word_n only_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o lord_n say_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v and_o not_o only_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o require_v such_o worshipper_n as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n unto_o baptism_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v require_v as_o may_v be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o mouth_n or_o get_v only_o by_o humane_a teach_n but_o also_o it_o must_v have_v those_o sign_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n as_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o though_o the_o church_n can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n which_o fruit_n afterward_o he_o declare_v at_o large_a but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o point_n have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n than_o dispute_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o question_n under_o so_o much_o agitation_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o formal_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n or_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o this_o church_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o house_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o material_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o but_o christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o material_a house_n but_o of_o the_o constitute_n of_o that_o holy_a society_n which_o he_o call_v his_o church_n under_o the_o metaphor_n of_o build_v a_o house_n which_o every_o way_n suit_v the_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o a_o material_a house_n suppose_v of_o stone_n be_v build_v by_o orderly_o place_v and_o strong_o cement_n they_o together_o which_o before_o be_v either_o scatter_a stone_n or_o a_o confuse_a and_o loose_a heap_n but_o not_o a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v thus_o frame_v and_o compact_v together_o so_o this_o holy_a society_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o coadunition_n or_o knit_v together_o of_o many_o saint_n into_o one_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o they_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v build_v by_o a_o orderly_a join_n and_o firm_o knit_v the_o part_n together_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o the_o mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o orderly_a and_o firm_o knit_v to_o the_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o the_o same_o hold_v in_o city_n and_o family_n which_o be_v thus_o build_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o same_o matephor_n in_o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o concl._n 3_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n by_o the_o public_a mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o with_o another_o though_o all_o man_n seem_v to_o grant_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o be_v from_o a_o covenant_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o that_o want_v a_o explicit_a covenant_n do_v yet_o plead_v their_o implicit_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o church-state_n yet_o such_o dispute_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o church_n covenant_n that_o i_o be_o compel_v to_o handle_v this_o point_n also_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o clear_v and_o settle_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n show_v 1._o to_o what_o end_n it_o serve_v 2._o what_o it_o import_v 3._o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 4._o draw_v some_o consectary_n from_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o the_o next_o end_n of_o their_o confederate_n be_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o and_o to_o walk_v together_o according_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v sanctify_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 2._o the_o covenant_n itself_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o on_o the_o lord_n part_n it_o impli_v 1._o the_o lord_n give_v they_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o 2._o his_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n according_o isa_n 56.4_o 5_o
in_o church_n communion_n into_o which_o they_o be_v combine_v and_o compact_v before_o have_v solemn_o give_v up_o themselves_o first_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o then_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o church_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n expound_v it_o in_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 2._o luke_n confirm_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n by_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o as_o of_o the_o rest_n dare_v no_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o act._n 5.13_o yet_o they_o do_v magnify_v they_o i._n e._n they_o approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o way_n and_o confess_v the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o all_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o add_v they_o so_o to_o the_o church_n as_o believer_n be_v add_v viz._n by_o public_a voluntary_a engagement_n with_o the_o church_n mutual_o and_o this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n luke_n confirm_v by_o use_v another_o word_n synonomous_a with_o this_o which_o more_o plain_o express_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v glue_v which_o word_n though_o it_o sometime_o signify_v join_v in_o a_o more_o common_a and_o lax_n sense_n yet_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n therefore_o according_a to_o tertullian_n rule_n deligendus_n est_fw-la sensus_fw-la è_fw-la materiâ_fw-la dicti_fw-la and_o then_o we_o know_v that_o all_o join_n unto_o a_o corporation_n must_v be_v do_v by_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v in_o marriage_n and_o voluntary_a service_n to_o both_o which_o relation_n the_o same_o verb_n be_v apply_v to_o marriage_n in_o mat._n 19.5_o to_o voluntary_a service_n in_o luk._n 15.15_o both_o which_o be_v by_o voluntary_a covenant_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a knit_n glue_v whereby_o person_n be_v join_v together_o in_o all_o such_o voluntary_a relation_n so_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o explication_n of_o the_o phrase_n 3._o the_o three_o proof_n be_v from_o the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o express_v their_o covenant_v together_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v to_o a_o house_n to_o the_o body-natural_a to_o a_o body-corporate_a to_o a_o wife_n 1._o to_o a_o house_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o whole_a society_n be_v call_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o every_o member_n of_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.19_o whether_o you_o speak_v of_o a_o house_n in_o a_o architectonical_a sense_n the_o material_n must_v be_v cement_v together_o now_o in_o the_o church_n that_o cement_n be_v the_o covenant_n or_o in_o a_o oeconomical_a sense_n the_o member_n that_o be_v voluntary_o add_v as_o voluntary_a servant_n to_o the_o family_n be_v join_v with_o the_o rest_n by_o covenant_n so_o it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o church_n eph._n 2.21_o 2._o to_o the_o natural-body_n in_o man_n the_o head_n of_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v beleiver_n the_o whole_a be_v make_v up_o essential_o when_o they_o be_v harmonical_o join_v and_o strong_o compact_v together_o by_o mutual_a engagement_n to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n whereby_o they_o fall_v as_o it_o be_v into_o joint_n as_o the_o thigh_n fall_v into_o the_o knee_n and_o the_o shoulder_n into_o the_o shoulderblade_n by_o shoot_v itself_o into_o the_o hollow_a of_o it_o and_o be_v firm_o knit_v to_o it_o ephes_n 4.15_o 16._o 3._o to_o a_o body-corporate_a hence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o holy_a city_n rev._n 11.2_o and_o church-member_n citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n ephes_n 2.19_o that_o whereby_o the_o church_n be_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v together_o be_v the_o covenant_n for_o as_o all_o citizen_n be_v admit_v into_o jus_o civitatis_fw-la and_o become_v free_a denizen_n by_o voluntary_a enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n and_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o become_v a_o political-body_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 4._o to_o a_o wife_n whether_o espouse_v or_o marry_v all_o espousal_n and_o marriage_n be_v by_o a_o voluntary_a mutual_a covenant_n prov._n 2.17_o mal._n 2.14_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n isa_n 62.5_o hence_o paul_n style_v the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n a_o virgin_n espouse_v 2_o cor._n 11.2_o to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o member_n be_v join_v as_o one_o virgin_n into_o one_o body_n and_o that_o virgin-church_n into_o a_o covenant_n of_o espousal_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n in_o all_o his_o office_n and_o one_o with_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o phrase_n and_o similitude_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v strong_o confirm_v this_o truth_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n in_o one_o body_n among_o themselves_o several_o and_o respective_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n if_o any_o demand_n why_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o express_o mention_v the_o word_n covenant_n two_o reason_n be_v give_v for_o that_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a see_v it_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o full_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture_n that_o duty_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a and_o common_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o have_v be_v large_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v but_o brief_o and_o implicit_o point_v at_o in_o the_o new_a as_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n the_o christian_a sabbath_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o sanctify_v it_o so_o this_o of_o the_o church-covenant_n yet_o concern_v all_o these_o sufficient_a light_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o manifest_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o seasonable_a and_o safe_a for_o the_o church_n then_o live_v under_o heathen_a prince_n and_o ruler_n enemy_n to_o christ_n unto_o who_o jealousy_n the_o name_n of_o covenant_n and_o covenanter_n may_v render_v they_o obnoxious_a and_o may_v seem_v dangerous_a to_o the_o civil_a peace_n therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n choose_v rather_o to_o forbear_v mention_v the_o name_n yet_o establish_v the_o thing_n under_o such_o similitude_n and_o parable_n as_o may_v hide_v it_o from_o other_o and_o yet_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o saint_n reas_n 3_o from_o the_o voluntary_a relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o their_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o all_o which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v their_o mutual_a covenant_v one_o with_o another_o 1._o their_o relation_n be_v voluntary_a and_o all_o voluntary_a relation_n be_v by_o covenant_n as_o between_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o between_o husband_n and_o wife_n between_o master_n and_o voluntary_a servant_n so_o between_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o both_o party_n before_o be_v free_a the_o one_o to_o offer_v himself_o into_o fellowship_n or_o not_o the_o other_o to_o admit_v he_o or_o not_o if_o such_o join_v together_o it_o be_v by_o their_o free_a consent_n and_o must_v be_v by_o mutual_a engagement_n hence_o arise_v their_o special_a and_o particular_a relation_n to_o this_o church_n and_o among_o themselves_o mutual_o as_o a_o body_n distinct_a from_o other_o church_n 2._o their_o interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o power_n one_o over_o another_o mutual_o arise_v from_o their_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n no_o church_n can_v judge_v any_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o first_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o inhabitant_n expect_v memberlike_a watchfulness_n and_o helpfulness_n from_o the_o church_n unless_o upon_o his_o offering_n himself_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o common_a engagement_n they_o receive_v he_o and_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o 3._o their_o constant_a fellowship_n in_o church-priviledge_n arise_v from_o this_o mutual_a engagement_n by_o covenant_n for_o none_o can_v be_v admit_v unto_o they_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o can_v the_o body_n admit_v they_o thereunto_o without_o their_o take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n for_o till_o then_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v object_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o need_n of_o church-covenant_n see_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n conveigh_v to_o beleiver_n all_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n answ_n 1_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n communicate_v by_o christ_n unto_o believer_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o internal_a viz._n adoption_n justification_n sanctification_n etc._n etc._n
together_o with_o the_o bless_a right_n unto_o all_o the_o outward_a good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n 1_o tim._n 4.8_o and_o a_o remote_a or_o mediate_a right_n unto_o church-priviledge_n these_o all_o believer_n have_v from_o christ_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o be_v believer_n in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2._o external_n viz._n church-fellowship_n and_o power_n of_o the_o key_n etc._n etc._n these_o visible_a believer_n have_v from_o christ_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o they_o be_v confederate_n and_o join_v with_o the_o church_n by_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n this_o difference_n be_v between_o they_o the_o former_a be_v limit_v to_o the_o person_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n hab._n 2.4_o the_o latter_a be_v give_v to_o a_o society_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v extend_v to_o their_o seed_n also_o exod._n 20.6_o 2._o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n receive_v by_o we_o bind_v we_o to_o all_o christian_a duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o bind_v we_o also_o to_o do_v they_o in_o the_o due_a order_n for_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o â—rder_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n therefore_o such_o duty_n as_o issue_v from_o voluntary_a relation_n must_v be_v do_v only_o by_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o such_o relation_n will_v any_o man_n or_o woman_n infer_v from_o he_o or_o her_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n or_o use_v of_o a_o conjugal_a covenant_n but_o that_o he_o have_v right_a to_o all_o woman_n and_o she_o to_o all_o man_n to_o perform_v conjugal_a duty_n with_o they_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v though_o they_o be_v not_o join_v to_o any_o of_o they_o by_o a_o conjugal_a covenant_n the_o like_a reason_n be_v of_o all_o other_o duty_n which_o be_v found_v in_o other_o voluntary_a relation_n as_o between_o master_n and_o servant_n pastor_n and_o people_n corporation_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o member_n therefore_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n bind_v all_o believer_n to_o such_o mutual_a covenant_v together_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o orderly_a discharge_n of_o the_o several_a duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o relation_n thus_o the_o conclusion_n be_v prove_v coral_n ∣_o lary_n 1_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v one_o a_o visible_a member_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n that_o he_o be_v join_v to_o it_o in_o hearty_a affection_n or_o in_o neighbourhood_n of_o habitation_n or_o in_o ordinary_a hear_v the_o word_n preach_v among_o they_o for_o 1._o the_o member_n of_o several_a church_n may_v be_v so_o join_v yea_o 2._o they_o that_o be_v member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n may_v so_o join_v with_o church_n assembly_n all_o these_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o those_o who_o dare_v not_o join_v as_o member_n to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 5.13_o and_o of_o that_o heathen_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o 3._o all_o these_o may_v be_v find_v in_o a_o excommunicate_a coral_n ∣_o lary_n 2_o then_o baptism_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n with_o freedom_n from_o public_a scandal_n do_v not_o formal_o constitute_v a_o church_n nor_o make_v one_o a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o not_o baptism_n 1._o because_o the_o form_n must_v be_v before_o the_o formatum_fw-la not_o after_o it_o but_o the_o congregational-church_n be_v before_o baptism_n for_o 1._o baptism_n can_v ordinary_o be_v orderly_o administer_v but_o by_o a_o minister_n call_v unto_o office_n by_o the_o church_n 2._o because_o baptism_n seal_v the_o covenant_n and_o incorporation_n of_o a_o believer_n and_o his_o seed_n into_o the_o visible_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o therefore_o baptism_n be_v not_o before_o but_o after_o the_o church_n because_o where_o the_o form_n be_v there_o the_o formatum_fw-la must_v be_v also_o but_o visible_a church-membership_a may_v cease_v by_o excommunication_n or_o desertion_n or_o by_o the_o dissolution_n of_o a_o church_n yet_o baptism_n remain_v 2._o not_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n though_o accompany_v with_o freedom_n from_o scandalous_a sin_n for_o general_a profession_n can_v appropriate_v a_o man_n particular_o to_o any_o one_o church_n without_o particular_a engagement_n to_o that_o particular_a body_n 2._o nor_o do_v it_o bring_v any_o one_o under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n which_o it_o have_v over_o its_o own_o member_n and_o other_o church_n have_v not_o 3._o if_o that_o be_v sufficient_a a_o man_n shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n whether_o it_o will_v or_o no._n coral_n ∣_o lary_n 3_o then_o a_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n be_v not_o thereby_o a_o member_n of_o all_o visible_a congregation_n on_o earth_n for_o though_o a_o church-covenant_n be_v common_a to_o all_o church_n in_o its_o general_a nature_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o special_a combination_n which_o give_v a_o peculiar_a be_v to_o one_o congregational-church_n and_o its_o member_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o else_o how_o can_v one_o church_n have_v that_o power_n over_o its_o own_o member_n which_o another_o have_v not_o and_o in_o all_o voluntary_a covenant_n the_o only_a difference_n between_o they_o be_v the_o peculiar_a interest_n which_o one_o have_v in_o another_o by_o a_o particular_a engagement_n that_o pass_v between_o party_n and_o party_n covenant_n of_o corporation_n of_o marriage_n of_o service_n and_o the_o like_a be_v in_o general_a common_a to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o those_o and_o the_o like_a relation_n yet_o in_o particular_a appropriation_n bound_v they_o only_o to_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a no_o man_n can_v claim_v a_o memberlike_a right_n in_o all_o corporation_n because_o he_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o one_o upon_o this_o plea_n that_o corporation-covenant_n be_v common_a to_o all_o society_n nor_o can_v a_o husband_n plead_v that_o he_o have_v a_o conjugal_a right_n in_o all_o wife_n because_o conjugal-covenant_n be_v common_a to_o all_o marry_a person_n the_o same_o hold_v in_o church_n which_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o by_o their_o respective_a covenant_n other_o absurdity_n that_o proceed_v from_o this_o tenet_n i_o shall_v pretermit_v coral_n ∣_o lary_n 4_o then_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o their_o membership_n which_o they_o have_v during_o their_o menority_n by_o their_o parent_n covenant_n yet_o they_o must_v when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n by_o their_o voluntary_a take_n hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n public_o with_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n before_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o church-communion_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o all_o church-priviledge_n for_o themselves_o and_o before_o their_o child_n may_v be_v baptise_a 1._o i_o say_v before_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o church-communion_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o all_o church-priviledge_n for_o themselves_o for_o in_o their_o minority_n they_o be_v member_n in_o their_o parent_n and_o be_v baptise_a to_o seal_v the_o covenant_n make_v with_o they_o in_o their_o parent_n or_o with_o the_o parent_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n they_o must_v take_v hold_v of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o church_n for_o themselves_o because_o now_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o church-priviledge_n in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o be_v not_o before_o if_o any_o oppose_v against_o this_o that_o church-membership_a non_fw-la recipit_fw-la magis_fw-la et_fw-la minus_fw-la that_o argue_v only_o that_o one_o of_o the_o confederate_n be_v no_o more_o engage_v to_o the_o other_o than_o the_o other_o to_o he_o but_o otherwise_o in_o confederacy_n some_o be_v allow_v great_a liberty_n than_o other_o be_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o their_o capacity_n so_o it_o be_v in_o civil_a society_n and_o corporation_n the_o child_n of_o the_o freeman_n of_o london_n have_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o freeman_n child_n under_o age_n he_o may_v trade_v for_o himself_o with_o and_o under_o his_o father_n in_o his_o father_n right_a but_o be_v of_o year_n he_o may_v not_o set_v up_o shop_n nor_o trade_n in_o his_o own_o right_n till_o he_o first_o take_v up_o his_o freedom_n and_o by_o oath_n voluntary_o submit_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o order_n of_o that_o society_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o citizen_n some_o think_v that_o the_o child_n of_o confederate_n be_v so_o complete_a member_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v in_o case_n of_o demerit_n i_o can_v easy_o assent_v thereunto_o for_o that_o will_v imply_v that_o they_o
which_o bind_v he_o to_o submit_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o find_v that_o through_o sinful_a prejudice_n he_o can_v receive_v the_o light_n hold_v forth_o when_o he_o have_v no_o objection_n of_o weight_n against_o it_o 2._o other_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o ought_v to_o preserve_v the_o entireness_n of_o power_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la inviolate_a the_o law_n of_o love_n and_o righteousness_n bind_v every_o man_n hereunto_o one_o corporation_n must_v uphold_v the_o just_a right_n liberty_n and_o power_n of_o another_o if_o a_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n ox_n or_o sheep_n go_v astray_o he_o must_v in_o any_o case_n bring_v they_o again_o unto_o his_o brother_n deut._n 22.1_o much_o more_o if_o he_o see_v a_o sheep_n of_o christ_n go_v astray_o by_o sinful_a prejudice_n against_o the_o church_n he_o must_v in_o any_o case_n convince_v he_o of_o his_o error_n and_o bring_v he_o again_o to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o angel_n return_v hagar_n to_o sarah_n her_o mistress_n gen._n 16.8_o 9_o for_o this_o purpose_n 1._o they_o must_v not_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_n much_o less_o against_o the_o church_n and_o eldership_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o therefore_o much_o less_o from_o a_o delinquent_n under_o public_a censure_n and_o that_o in_o his_o one_o cause_n 2._o if_o more_o join_v with_o he_o attest_v what_o he_o say_v they_o must_v see_v 1_o whether_o they_o do_v it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o faction_n side_v with_o a_o censure_v delinquent_n against_o the_o church_n or_o no._n if_o yea_o they_o must_v testify_v against_o their_o way_n as_o contrary_a to_o rule_v and_o avoid_v they_o as_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 16.17_o if_o not_o they_o must_v inquire_v 1_o whether_o they_o have_v plead_v with_o the_o church_n itself_o hos_fw-la 2.2_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o become_v such_o as_o will_v approve_v themselves_o to_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zach._n 8.21_o before_o they_o become_v accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n unto_o other_o 2_o whether_o they_o proceed_v peaceable_o or_o tumultuous_o and_o tumultuos_o they_o do_v act_n if_o they_o seek_v nor_o light_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n first_o at_o home_n but_o refuse_v help_v that_o way_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v they_o that_o they_o may_v make_v trouble_n and_o disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n by_o spread_v their_o complaint_n abroad_o and_o those_o not_o to_o some_o one_o church_n without_o who_o help_n the_o question_n can_v be_v end_v as_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n send_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o eight_o or_o nine_o church_n some_o near_a some_o far_o distant_a from_o the_o church_n some_o 40_o 50_o 100_o 150_o mile_n off_o and_o that_o without_o give_v notice_n of_o their_o purpose_n to_o the_o church_n or_o have_v their_o consent_n thereunto_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o the_o state_v of_o the_o question_n if_o so_o they_o may_v clear_o see_v a_o evil_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o business_n with_o which_o other_o shall_v have_v no_o fellowship_n 2_o cor._n 12.20_o 3_o whether_o they_o do_v positive_o justify_v the_o delinquent_n in_o that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v censure_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n or_o only_o declare_v their_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o delinquent_n in_o some_o respect_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a concern_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o censure_n if_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o thus_o speak_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n 4_o whether_o they_o come_v only_o in_o a_o backbiting_a way_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n public_o before_o the_o church_n which_o they_o accuse_v private_o if_o not_o they_o must_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_v against_o common_a equity_n act._n 25.16_o 5_o what_o the_o end_n be_v which_o they_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o in_o take_v this_o course_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o light_v only_a or_o for_o the_o nullify_n of_o the_o censure_n by_o the_o power_n of_o other_o if_o the_o former_a they_o can_v safe_o conclude_v any_o thing_n alterâ_fw-la parte_fw-la inauditâ_fw-la remember_v what_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 18.17_o if_o the_o latter_a they_o must_v profess_v that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o power_n but_o all_o that_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o inform_v themselves_o from_o the_o church_n whether_o their_o report_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o to_o give_v such_o advice_n from_o scripture_n as_o the_o case_n require_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n exhort_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a space_n to_o attend_v the_o rule_n in_o memberlike_a submission_n to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o church_n according_a to_o god_n quest_n but_o suppose_v that_o the_o party_n censure_v think_v he_o can_v prove_v that_o he_o be_v wrong_v be_v there_o no_o course_n to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o free_n of_o he_o from_o a_o sentence_n that_o be_v unjust_a in_o his_o apprehension_n answ_n if_o he_o have_v hold_v forth_o convince_a light_n as_o he_o conceive_v to_o the_o church_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v wrong_v and_o have_v wait_v patient_o for_o redress_n but_o can_v find_v none_o and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o join_v with_o some_o other_o church_n he_o may_v remove_v his_o dwell_n if_o no_o other_o church_n be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n or_o without_o that_o if_o there_o be_v and_o he_o may_v offer_v himself_o to_o their_o fellowship_n make_v know_v to_o they_o his_o case_n if_o in_o other_o respect_n they_o approve_v he_o as_o one_o who_o fellowship_n with_o they_o will_v be_v helpful_a or_o comfortable_a to_o they_o they_o will_v acquaint_v the_o church_n whence_o he_o come_v with_o his_o desire_n and_o crave_v their_o advice_n which_o will_v draw_v from_o that_o church_n a_o full_a narrative_n of_o his_o case_n upon_o examination_n whereof_o these_o who_o desire_v his_o fellowship_n will_v labour_v with_o he_o to_o further_a his_o repentance_n and_o his_o hold_v it_o forth_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o offend_a church_n according_a to_o rule_n which_o be_v do_v the_o church_n that_o be_v offend_v will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o forgive_v he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o recommend_v he_o to_o that_o fellowship_n where_o he_o desire_v to_o settle_v but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o the_o church_n that_o have_v thus_o far_o labour_v in_o the_o business_n will_v acquaint_v other_o neighbour-churche_n with_o the_o matter_n and_o crave_v their_o advice_n who_o find_v either_o that_o the_o church_n do_v err_v in_o judgement_n or_o that_o the_o delinquent_n have_v satisfy_v the_o rule_n of_o repentance_n will_v signify_v their_o apprehension_n to_o both_o the_o church_n and_o according_o the_o party_n be_v either_o release_v by_o the_o one_o or_o receive_v by_o the_o other_o each_o of_o they_o preserve_v its_o church-power_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la according_a to_o their_o light_n maintain_v still_o church-communion_n notwithstanding_o their_o different_a apprehension_n touch_v this_o matter_n 2._o if_o the_o case_n be_v reducible_a to_o what_o be_v note_v in_o the_o three_o corollary_n there_o you_o may_v find_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n prescribe_v according_a to_o congregational_a principle_n without_o his_o remove_n 3._o in_o some_o case_n a_o mischief_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v before_o a_o inconvenience_n as_o lawyer_n speak_v better_o it_o be_v that_o the_o church_n want_v a_o remedy_n for_o a_o case_n that_o may_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o man_n life_n than_o to_o be_v under_o the_o continual_a dropping_n of_o classical_a jurisdiction_n over_o they_o in_o all_o case_n 4._o we_o have_v former_o prove_v that_o classical_a jurisdiction_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v helpful_a to_o church_n that_o it_o frustrate_v christ_n grant_n of_o power_n to_o particular_a church_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la finis_fw-la