calculation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o classical_a provincial_n and_o nationall_n synod_n have_v a_o power_n of_o judge_v or_o excommunicate_v those_o only_a that_o be_v within_o the_o combination_n now_o these_o be_v representative_a church_n he_o that_o be_v of_o no_o particular_a congregation_n be_v without_o the_o verge_n of_o presbyterial_a power_n or_o else_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o presbyterial_a church_n have_v power_n to_o excommunicate_v a_o person_n that_o be_v not_o within_o their_o combination_n and_o if_o one_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o thousand_o ten_o thousand_o in_o every_o quarter_n and_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n but_o say_v you_o the_o apostle_n oppose_v fornicator_n of_o the_o world_n answer_n and_o fornicator_n that_o be_v brethren_n persecution_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o levy_v against_o those_o who_o do_v join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o ordinance_n reply_v or_o at_o least_o otherwise_o visible_o as_o paul_n at_o his_o first_o conversion_n by_o preach_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n hence_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v so_o much_o faith_n and_o constancy_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o persecution_n these_o do_v inlist_a themselves_o in_o the_o church_n frequent_v their_o meeting_n which_o be_v observable_a by_o the_o persecutor_n and_o profess_v themselves_o of_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n look_v on_o they_o as_o her_o member_n and_o according_o dispense_v ordinance_n and_o censure_n to_o they_o as_o they_o have_v need_v other_o there_o be_v who_o like_o nicodemus_n come_v to_o christ_n by_o night_n or_o like_o those_o chief_a ruler_n speak_v of_o joh._n 12.42_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o confess_v he_o by_o public_a join_n of_o themselves_o to_o run_v all_o hazard_n with_o the_o church_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o politic_a visible_a church_n do_v look_v upon_o these_o as_o of_o her_o fraternity_n or_o do_v dispense_v all_o ordinance_n and_o censure_n to_o they_o now_o the_o brother_n that_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o fornicator_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o he_o that_o by_o the_o internal_a and_o invisible_a grace_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o brother_n and_o of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n though_o peradventure_o he_o dare_v not_o open_o profess_v christ_n but_o such_o a_o one_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o be_v a_o name_v and_o profess_v brother_n so_o look_v upon_o not_o only_o by_o the_o motherly_a eye_n of_o the_o church_n but_o oft_o time_n by_o the_o malicious_a eye_n of_o the_o world_n though_o peradventure_o they_o be_v not_o true_o brethren_n unite_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n of_o god_n as_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n 2._o with_o such_o a_o one_o not_o to_o eat_v presuppose_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n a_o forbear_n of_o voluntary_a civil_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o the_o party_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o he_o be_v under_o censure_n in_o the_o church_n now_o the_o power_n of_o church-censure_n be_v not_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o the_o church-mysticall_a but_o by_o the_o church-visible_a as_o such_o neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v execute_v upon_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church-mysticall_a as_o such_o but_o upon_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n or_o only_o in_o appearance_n member_n of_o the_o mystical_a church_n so_o then_o fornicator_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o so_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o mystical_a church_n may_v be_v fornicator_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o sense_n and_o though_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n concern_v church-discipline_n every_o man_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v with_o those_o that_o be_v know_v fornicator_n under_o church-censure_n in_o their_o own_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o church-communion_n with_o those_o that_o be_v fornicator_n under_o censure_n in_o any_o other_o church_n yet_o if_o one_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a but_o dare_v not_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o christ_n in_o that_o particular_a of_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o visible_a church_n shall_v be_v a_o fornicator_n we_o know_v no_o law_n of_o christ_n precise_o concern_v church-discipline_n that_o interdict_v a_o man_n to_o eat_v in_o point_n of_o voluntary_a civil_a communion_n with_o such_o a_o man_n any_o more_o than_o if_o he_o be_v a_o pagan_a or_o heathen_a but_o answer_n say_v you_o without_o be_v dog_n and_o sorcerer_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 12._o and_o yet_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o all_o christian_n by_o his_o illimited_a apostolic_a power_n whether_o they_o belong_v to_o that_o or_o any_o other_o congregation_n or_o no_o such_o as_o god_n judge_v or_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o believer_n not_o join_v especial_o in_o your_o sense_n of_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o do_v you_o i_o hope_v judge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o believer_n in_o england_n and_o scotland_n 1._o reply_n there_o may_v be_v dog_n in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n as_o well_o as_o without_o phil._n 3.2_o and_o with_o such_o dog_n paul_n have_v to_o do_v with_o nay_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o the_o dog_n of_o the_o gentile_n he_o receive_v a_o key_n of_o knowledge_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o they_o in_o case_n they_o will_v repent_v and_o believe_v and_o to_o bind_v they_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o impenitency_n and_o infidelity_n in_o case_n they_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o believe_v matth._n 28.19_o with_o mark_n 16.16_o but_o those_o that_o paul_n have_v not_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o in_o this_o place_n be_v all_o such_o as_o be_v contradistinguish_v to_o those_o that_o be_v within_o with_o who_o the_o church_n have_v to_o do_v by_o way_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n now_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n have_v power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n over_o all_o and_o only_o those_o which_o be_v within_o the_o combination_n of_o that_o church_n and_o therefore_o paul_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v with_o the_o judgement_n mention_v in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v out_o of_o this_o combination_n now_o what_o be_v this_o judgement_n answ_n the_o judgement_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n decree_n that_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n shall_v excommunicate_v fornicator_n and_o consequent_o shall_v not_o eat_v with_o they_o now_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v no_o such_o power_n to_o judge_v those_o person_n to_o excommunication_n and_o that_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v never_o in_o fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n but_o such_o person_n though_o for_o their_o crime_n they_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n they_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o believer_n not_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n by_o who_o shall_v those_o believer_n be_v judge_v why_o shall_v this_o congregationall_a classical_a provincial_n national-church_n judge_v they_o rather_o than_o that_o may_v they_o be_v judge_v by_o all_o or_o any_o one_o certain_o they_o stand_v no_o more_o relate_v to_o one_o then_o to_o another_o which_o be_v member_n of_o none_o at_o all_o where_o shall_v the_o fault_n be_v charge_v if_o judgement_n be_v not_o pass_v we_o say_v before_o if_o a_o church_n may_v judge_v one_o out_o the_o combination_n why_o not_o a_o thousand_o why_o not_o ten_o thousand_o etc._n etc._n yet_o we_o be_v far_o from_o judge_v those_o believer_n in_o england_n and_o scotland_n which_o be_v not_o join_v in_o our_o way_n of_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n therefore_o to_o be_v altogether_o out_o of_o church-combination_n not_o capable_a of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n of_o their_o church_n and_o consequent_o subject_a to_o the_o immediate_a judgement_n of_o christ_n position_n xviii_o the_o elder_n be_v not_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o nor_o do_v exercise_n authority_n as_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v remember_v our_o saviour_n lesson_n matth._n 20.25_o 26_o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o bishop_n strive_v for_o preeminence_n answer_n as_o diotrephes_n do_v 3_o joh._n vers_fw-la 9_o 10._o government_n 10._o these_o scripture_n
judicatory_n and_o appeal_n such_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o judge_a church_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o main_a hypothesis_n upon_o which_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o depend_v be_v unsound_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o judge_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v conform_v to_o spiritual_a precept_n and_o pattern_n leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v the_o jewish_a church_n in_o matter_n of_o government_n to_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o gospel_n church_n for_o if_o so_o then_o be_v not_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o presbyterian_a complexion_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n for_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o your_o church_n and_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o first_o there_o be_v disparity_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o call_n of_o person_n for_o synod_n be_v make_v up_o of_o man_n choose_v and_o send_v forth_o by_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o sanhedrin_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o choose_a man_n send_v out_o by_o the_o synagogue_n but_o of_o priest_n and_o levite_n which_o the_o synagogue_n do_v neither_o choose_v nor_o send_v forth_o second_o there_o be_v disparity_n in_o matter_n of_o power_n in_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n the_o chief_a priest_n be_v chief_a by_o virtue_n of_o office_n 2_o chron._n 19.11_o but_o in_o the_o classical_a way_n all_o be_v equal_a in_o point_n of_o office_n three_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o cause_n judge_v the_o sanhedrin_n deal_v with_o matter_n of_o civil_a nature_n deut._n 21.5_o but_o synod_n only_o with_o ecclesiastical_a four_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n of_o judicature_n the_o sanhedrin_n be_v a_o stand_a constant_a court_n but_o classical_a provincial_n nationall_n and_o ecumenical_a synod_n meet_v but_o once_o in_o a_o month_n once_o in_o half_a a_o year_n once_o in_o twelve_o month_n or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o once_o in_o many_o age_n be_v a_o ecumenical_a synod_n gather_v and_o so_o those_o appeal_n that_o be_v make_v from_o a_o nationall_n be_v in_o little_a hope_n to_o find_v relief_n from_o a_o ecumenical_a synod_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o church-government_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v bear_v conformity_n with_o the_o jewish_a government_n than_o they_o must_v not_o only_o have_v gradual_a judicatory_n and_o appeal_n but_o they_o must_v have_v first_o a_o state_v ecumenical_a judicature_n constant_o to_o judge_v all_o hard_a controversy_n between_o blood_n and_o blood_n plea_n and_o plea_n stroke_n and_o stroke_n into_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n second_o that_o this_o state_v ecumenical_a judicature_n must_v have_v some_o state_v place_n which_o god_n shall_v choose_v deut._n 17.8_o that_o so_o appellant_n may_v know_v whither_o to_o repair_v for_o redress_v of_o their_o grievance_n three_o that_o there_o must_v be_v one_o chief_a by_o virtue_n of_o office_n over_o all_o meet_v in_o this_o universal_a court_n 2_o chron._n 19.4_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v do_v presumptuous_o and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o that_o catholic_a council_n that_o man_n must_v die_v deut._n 17.12_o 3._o there_o may_v be_v good_a reason_n render_v why_o the_o synagogue_n shall_v be_v under_o a_o juperiour_a judicatory_a and_o the_o same_o cause_n there_o be_v why_o congregationall-churche_n shall_v be_v under_o a_o superior_a judicatory_a the_o synagogue_n be_v part_n of_o a_o church_n that_o have_v not_o power_n to_o dispense_v all_o god_n ordinance_n among_o themselves_o and_o be_v branch_n of_o a_o politic_a nationall-church_n endue_v with_o power_n of_o government_n as_o nationall_n the_o promise_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n of_o government_n leave_v to_o every_o or_o to_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v particular_a congregation_n part_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o synagogue_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v but_o they_o be_v entire_a and_o complete_a church_n and_o may_v transact_v all_o god_n ordinance_n walk_v in_o truth_n and_o peace_n among_o themselves_o otherwise_o all_o god_n ordinance_n can_v not_o be_v transact_v unless_o a_o whole_a nation_n be_v convert_v and_o bring_v into_o church-society_n this_o gospel_n be_v write_v principal_o for_o the_o jew_n some_o say_v in_o hebrew_n answer_n etc._n etc._n admit_v the_o proposition_n be_v true_a reply_v which_o yet_o we_o have_v much_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o may_v not_o congregationall_a man_n that_o be_v christian_n use_v this_o place_n aright_o in_o apply_v it_o to_o congregationall_a church_n because_o the_o whole_a gospel_n be_v write_v principal_o for_o the_o jew_n certain_o the_o undiscernible_a strength_n of_o this_o reason_n at_o least_o by_o we_o will_v levy_v war_n against_o the_o presbyterian_o except_o they_o will_v profess_v themselves_o jew_n for_o apply_v this_o place_n to_o presbyterian_a church_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o james_n be_v write_v principal_o for_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o christian_n that_o be_v gentile_n may_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o they_o in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n use_v much_o the_o language_n and_o dialect_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n answer_n in_o which_o kahal_n and_o ecclesia_fw-la with_o the_o seventy_o do_v sometime_o signify_v the_o company_n of_o elder_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n a_o nationall_n church_n with_o gradual_a judicatory_n and_o appeal_n as_o well_o as_o a_o particular_a assembly_n we_o can_v but_o despair_v of_o ever_o see_v the_o premise_n deliver_v of_o the_o conclusion_n reply_n let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o kahal_n etc._n etc._n signify_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n sometime_o a_o company_n of_o elder_n sometime_o the_o people_n sometime_o a_o nationall_n sometime_o a_o congregationall_a church_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o congregationall_a man_n in_o apply_v mat._n 18.17_o to_o the_o congregationall_a church_n have_v offer_v any_o violence_n to_o the_o text._n for_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v kahal_n sometime_o signify_v a_o nationall_n church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n no_o though_o to_o make_v it_o more_o strong_a you_o add_v that_o the_o spirit_n use_v much_o the_o language_n and_o dialect_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o say_v it_o will_v not_o follow_v therefore_o it_o signify_v a_o nationall_n church_n in_o matth._n 18.17_o for_o the_o spirit_n may_v use_v by_o your_o own_o confession_n the_o language_n and_o dialoct_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o particular_a assembly_n neither_o will_v it_o follow_v kahal_n sometime_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n ergo_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la signify_v a_o company_n of_o elder_n ergo_fw-la it_o signify_v a_o company_n of_o elder_n in_o matth._n 18.17_o now_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o the_o text_n answer_n to_o show_v either_o that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o here_o take_v for_o the_o presbytery_n but_o for_o the_o people_n see_v when_o christ_n say_v whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v etc._n etc._n he_o speak_v to_o the_o disciple_n vers_fw-la 1._o or_o apostles_n which_o be_v elsewhere_o say_v to_o have_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16.19_o joh._n 20.23_o and_o be_v not_o ordinary_a believer_n but_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o or_o that_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o parcular_a congregation_n without_o gradual_a judicatory_n and_o appeal_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o premise_n reply_v but_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o get_v the_o conclusion_n willing_o to_o follow_v these_o premise_n which_o must_v be_v this_o ergo_fw-la when_o the_o congregationall_a man_n affirm_v that_o the_o particular_a congregation_n be_v the_o church_n to_o which_o god_n have_v give_v the_o power_n of_o government_n and_o urge_v matth._n 18._o to_o prove_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o power_n by_o the_o church_n aforesaid_a they_o abuse_v that_o text._n for_o the_o congregationall_a man_n may_v very_o secure_o affirm_v that_o those_o word_n tell_v the_o church_n send_v the_o offend_a brother_n to_o the_o congregationall_a church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o they_o send_v the_o jewé_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n while_o that_o be_v in_o force_n and_o yet_o not_o send_v he_o to_o the_o people_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a organical_a part_n of_o the_o integral_o perfect_a church_n for_o we_o do_v not_o seat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o the_o people_n as_o they_o be_v contradistinguish_v to_o their_o elder_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o divine_a dispersion_n of_o power_n unto_o the_o dissimilar_v part_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n for_o as_o the_o elder_n have_v a_o authoritative_a power_n so_o the_o people_n have_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n in_o point_n of_o
censure_n so_o that_o reclamante_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la there_o can_v be_v no_o excommunication_n so_o then_o though_o it_o be_v not_o understand_v of_o the_o people_n only_o no_o nor_o chief_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o their_o guide_n yet_o this_o place_n may_v lawful_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o congregationall_a church_n as_o it_o be_v contradistinct_a to_o classical_a provincial_n nationall_n and_o ecumenical_a church_n the_o reason_n be_v we_o have_v precedent_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n corinth_n cenchrea_n etc._n etc._n and_o rule_v prescribe_v to_o such_o a_o church_n act_v 6.3_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o chap._n 11._o chap._n 12._o chap._n 1.4_o chap._n 16._o but_o of_o any_o state_v classical_a provincial_n nationall_n ecumenical_a church_n there_o be_v a_o deep_a silence_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n no_o precept_n for_o the_o erect_n of_o such_o and_o no_o law_n nor_o officer_n provide_v for_o such_o church_n now_o christ_n matth._n 18._o send_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o such_o a_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v in_o strength_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o charter_n from_o heaven_n to_o redress_v grievance_n and_o heal_v offence_n and_o therefore_o he_o send_v we_o to_o the_o congregationall_a church_n as_o it_o oppose_v those_o church_n i_o speak_v of_o before_o for_o these_o can_v show_v no_o such_o charter_n i_o read_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v be_v not_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n when_o leaven_v with_o error_n and_o variance_n answer_n but_o then_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n or_o of_o their_o messenger_n may_v judicial_o convince_v and_o condemn_v error_n search_v out_o truth_n etc._n etc._n all_o that_o we_o have_v to_o say_v to_o that_o reply_n be_v this_o if_o you_o will_v acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v to_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o particular_a congregation_n we_o shall_v not_o contend_v against_o it_o though_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n bring_v be_v convince_a to_o each_o of_o we_o to_o enforce_v our_o grant_n but_o that_o in_o ease_n of_o error_n or_o scandal_n that_o can_v be_v heal_v in_o the_o congregation_n a_o synod_n of_o neighbour_n church_n or_o their_o messenger_n may_v judicial_o condemn_v those_o error_n and_o schism_n etc._n etc._n and_o impose_v way_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n but_o yet_o not_o assume_v authority_n of_o censure_v the_o delinquent_n but_o leave_v that_o to_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v perform_v 28._o cotton_n key_n pag._n 28._o position_n xx._n matth._n 16.19_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n not_o to_o peter_n alone_o 44._o this_o seem_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o answer_n to_o 32_o q_o p_o 44._o but_o to_o all_o the_o disciple_n also_o for_o to_o they_o all_o be_v the_o question_n propound_v by_o christ_n vers_fw-la 15._o nor_o to_o they_o as_o general_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o commission_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v they_o but_o as_o disciple_n and_o believer_n in_o lay_v down_o this_o position_n reply_n and_o make_v your_o battery_n upon_o it_o as_o you_o do_v fall_v short_a of_o that_o ingenuity_n you_o profess_v in_o your_o preface_n when_o you_o say_v if_o any_o of_o the_o brethren_n among_o who_o mr._n cotton_n be_v deserve_o the_o chief_a seem_v in_o my_o apprehension_n to_o come_v near_o the_o truth_n then_o other_o 4._o cotton_n key_n pag._n 4._o i_o willing_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o etc._n etc._n now_o mr._n cotton_n must_v needs_o in_o your_o judgement_n come_v near_o the_o truth_n then_o the_o elder_n for_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o peter_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o several_a capacitle_n of_o a_o apostle_n a_o elder_a a_o brother_n and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v promise_v in_o he_o to_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n according_a to_o their_o several_a proportion_n of_o that_o disperse_a spiritual_a power_n now_o have_v you_o deal_v with_o this_o doctrine_n with_o which_o we_o concur_v and_o tell_v we_o your_o thought_n of_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o place_n we_o shall_v have_v acknowledge_v your_o answerablenesse_n therein_o to_o your_o profession_n now_o though_o you_o cite_v mr._n cotton_n in_o the_o margin_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o reader_n can_v hardly_o guess_v what_o his_o judgement_n be_v and_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o your_o discourse_n be_v such_o that_o may_v well_o leave_v the_o reader_n in_o this_o apprehension_n that_o the_o elder_n of_o new-england_n place_n all_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o believer_n as_o such_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o new-england_n and_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o congregationall_a man_n in_o general_a for_o the_o elder_n say_v the_o ministerial_a power_n of_o government_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o believer_n unless_o they_o become_v a_o church_n yea_o they_o say_v express_o that_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v to_o all_o believer_n that_o shall_v join_v together_o in_o the_o same_o confession_n according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o except_o believer_n join_v into_o church-society_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v no_o share_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n muchlesse_a do_v they_o assert_v any_o such_o power_n in_o woman_n who_o though_o believer_n yet_o be_v exclude_v from_o any_o share_n in_o church-government_n by_o a_o positive_a law_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o 35._o peter_n be_v a_o apostle_n in_o office_n and_o commission_n answer_n though_o not_o yet_o send_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o a_o elder_a matth._n 10.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o the_o key_n of_o authority_n and_o rule_v when_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o peter_n and_o give_v to_o he_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n joh._n 20.23_o be_v the_o same_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v to_o their_o successor_n whereby_o they_o be_v call_v to_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v do_v before_o etc._n etc._n let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n so_o call_v mat._n 10.1_o be_v not_o call_v apostle_n vers_fw-la 2._o by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n reply_v 14._o mar._n 3.13_o 14._o but_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a still_o to_o distinguish_v the_o equivocal_a term_n of_o apostle_n as_o note_v 1._o one_o authorize_v to_o dispense_v doctrine_n and_o discipline_n among_o all_o nation_n matth._n 28.19_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n peter_n be_v no_o apostle_n in_o office_n and_o commission_n as_o yourself_o confess_v and_o what_o the_o elder_n affirm_v be_v true_a that_o the_o key_n be_v not_o give_v to_o peter_n in_o this_o capacity_n i.e._n not_o as_o to_o one_o that_o be_v actual_o in_o that_o estate_n and_o condition_n or_o be_v hereby_o put_v into_o that_o estate_n and_o condition_n 2._o as_o one_o send_v forth_o by_o a_o temporary_a commission_n to_o preach_v and_o work_v miracle_n among_o the_o jew_n only_o 10.23_o only_o mat._n 10.23_o now_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o make_v to_o peter_n under_o this_o capacity_n neither_o be_v he_o a_o elder_a invest_v with_o authoritative_a power_n of_o government_n at_o this_o time_n he_o can_v neither_o vote_n in_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o sanhedrin_n but_o only_o preach_v authoritative_o and_o work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n and_o in_o case_n that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v he_o he_o can_v not_o excommunicate_v they_o by_o himself_o or_o with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o with_o he_o but_o must_v shake_v 15._o shake_v mat._n 10_o 14_o 15._o off_o the_o dust_n of_o his_o foot_n against_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o great_a day_n of_o god_n immediate_a judgement_n for_o so_o run_v the_o tenor_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o there_o be_v deep_a silence_n of_o any_o other_o then_o mere_o a_o doctrinal_a power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o that_o the_o issue_n be_v this_o that_o though_o what_o you_o say_v be_v true_a in_o the_o sense_n express_v yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v for_o still_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o elder_n may_v be_v true_a that_o christ_n speak_v not_o to_o they_o as_o apostle_n in_o office_n and_o commission_n whether_o limit_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o you_o will_v insinuate_v or_o extend_v to_o all_o nation_n but_o as_o disciple_n or_o believer_n 2._o neither_o will_v it_o follow_v the_o key_n of_o authority_n promise_v to_o peter_n and_o give_v to_o he_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n joh._n 20.23_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v give_v to_o their_o successor_n therefore_o christ_n direct_v his_o speech_n to_o
do_v and_o with_o consent_n answ_n no_o such_o order_n can_v be_v expect_v where_o no_o such_o order_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v exercise_v if_o any_o godly_a person_n have_v remove_v from_o one_o country_n to_o another_o and_o plant_v himself_o in_o manchester_n have_v the_o minister_n or_o people_n who_o he_o leave_v send_v after_o he_o or_o challenge_v he_o as_o they_o or_o have_v the_o minister_n or_o people_n who_o he_o have_v come_v to_o reject_v he_o as_o none_o of_o they_o because_o not_o orderly_o deliver_v into_o their_o hand_n suppose_v the_o end_n of_o his_o removal_n be_v communion_n with_o a_o better_a people_n or_o better_a ministry_n do_v this_o make_v it_o the_o worse_a or_o more_o unwarrantable_a be_v it_o lawful_a to_o remove_v to_o a_o fat_a soil_n when_o the_o place_n a_o man_n live_v in_o be_v more_o barren_a be_v it_o lawful_a to_o remove_v to_o a_o pure_a air_n when_o the_o air_n one_o have_v live_v in_o be_v worse_a and_o distemper_n the_o body_n and_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a to_o remove_v to_o a_o pure_a church_n the_o pure_a any_o church_n be_v do_v not_o christ_n take_v the_o more_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o do_v he_o not_o desire_v to_o be_v there_o most_o and_o why_o may_v not_o person_n desire_v to_o plant_v themselves_o where_o christ_n give_v most_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o if_o one_o man_n may_v unite_v to_o such_o a_o church_n that_o be_v pure_a may_v not_o many_o agree_v together_o to_o make_v such_o a_o church_n that_o may_v be_v pure_a and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n that_o we_o know_v of_o that_o be_v either_o teach_v or_o practise_v but_o the_o exception_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o removal_n of_o person_n to_o other_o church_n without_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o habitation_n but_o why_o shall_v this_o be_v blame_v 1._o if_o distinction_n of_o parish_n by_o bound_n and_o limit_n be_v not_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la where_o be_v then_o the_o fault_n tithe_n selden_n of_o tithe_n 2._o be_v there_o not_o liberty_n within_o this_o very_a kingdom_n fromer_o for_o person_n to_o pay_v their_o tithe_n to_o what_o minister_n they_o please_v and_o consequent_o they_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o the_o parish_n they_o live_v in_o but_o may_v choose_v their_o own_o society_n and_o pastor_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o piece_n of_o parish_n in_o some_o place_n six_o or_o eight_o mile_n distant_a from_o other_o part_n of_o it_o and_o whole_a parish_n betwixt_o why_o therefore_o now_o shall_v there_o be_v a_o abridgement_n 3._o there_o be_v many_o inconvenience_n both_o to_o minister_v and_o people_n arise_v hence_o 1._o the_o pastor_n of_o parish_n church_n be_v only_o at_o certainty_n what_o house_n they_o have_v under_o their_o ministry_n not_o what_o person_n for_o they_o may_v go_v which_o way_n they_o will_v leave_v their_o house_n but_o their_o house_n and_o land_n be_v fix_v and_o they_o shall_v always_o find_v they_o there_o 2._o the_o member_n of_o these_o church_n though_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o such_o church_n and_o pastor_n thereof_o and_o have_v take_v a_o love_n and_o like_n to_o the_o same_o yet_o if_o they_o remove_v from_o their_o habitation_n but_o a_o stone_n cast_v sometime_o they_o must_v be_v break_v off_o thereby_o from_o such_o church_n in_o point_n of_o membership_n 3._o a_o man_n habitation_n may_v be_v near_o to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v out_o of_o that_o parish_n and_o so_o far_o off_o from_o his_o own_o parish_n church_n that_o he_o can_v convenient_o repair_v thereunto_o must_v he_o yet_o be_v bind_v to_o his_o own_o parish_n church_n by_o his_o habitation_n 4._o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v many_o house_n in_o several_a parish_n and_o will_v desire_v sometime_o to_o live_v in_o one_o and_o sometime_o in_o another_o must_v he_o needs_o alter_v his_o church_n membership_n as_o oft_o as_o he_o change_v his_o habitation_n or_o can_v he_o be_v a_o member_n in_o all_o the_o parish_n where_o he_o have_v house_n the_o apostle_n be_v not_o of_o man_n answer_v nor_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 1.1_o 67._o 1.1_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o apostle_n or_o apostolic_a man_n answ_n to_o 9_o pos_fw-la p_o 76._o t.w._n to_o w.r._n p._n 67._o do_v preach_v not_o only_o without_o but_o against_o the_o peremptory_a command_n and_o law_n of_o the_o magigistrate_n act_v 4.17_o 18_o 21._o &_o 5.28_o so_o do_v the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o those_o time_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o many_o of_o they_o be_v martyr_v for_o their_o labour_n which_o yet_o have_v not_o a_o immediate_a call_n from_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v reply_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o apostolic_a business_n as_o you_o will_v make_v it_o but_o you_o profess_v not_o such_o a_o latitude_n of_o opposition_n against_o magistracy_n answer_n we_o profess_v subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n reply_n without_o any_o opposition_n at_o all_o against_o magistracy_n though_o you_o will_v suggest_v the_o contrary_a only_o thus_o if_o magistrate_n command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o christ_n we_o rather_o choose_v to_o deliver_v up_o our_o person_n into_o their_o hand_n than_o our_o conscience_n and_o practice_n unto_o their_o command_n and_o this_o we_o hope_v can_v be_v interpret_v a_o oppose_a of_o magistracy_n nor_o do_v you_o hold_v i_o suppose_v that_o our_o godly_a nonconformable_a brethren_n suspend_v by_o the_o bishop_n answer_n or_o new-england_n minister_n depose_v by_o their_o church_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o minister_n deprive_v by_o the_o parliament_n for_o malignancie_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o apostle_n example_n to_o execute_v their_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o such_o suspension_n or_o deposition_n etc._n etc._n we_o conceive_v you_o have_v not_o equal_o yoke_v the_o bishop_n reply_v new-england_n church_n and_o the_o parliament_n together_o for_o 1._o the_o parliament_n challenge_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o yet_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o punish_v malignancie_n in_o minister_n or_o any_o other_o 2._o the_o bishop_n have_v lay_v claim_n to_o it_o and_o exercise_v it_o without_o any_o just_a or_o true_a title_n to_o it_o therefore_o though_o godly_a nonconformable_a minister_n may_v in_o prudence_n give_v place_n to_o violence_n especial_o when_o their_o people_n desert_v they_o and_o pulpit_n door_n be_v shut_v against_o they_o yet_o in_o conscience_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o such_o suspension_n and_o deposition_n they_o neither_o do_v neither_o aught_o to_o have_v do_v desist_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n 3._o minister_n that_o be_v censure_v by_o a_o lawful_a power_n where_o ever_o it_o lie_v whether_o in_o their_o own_o congregationall_a church_n or_o in_o a_o presbytery_n for_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v that_o now_o in_o this_o place_n whether_o the_o censure_n be_v inflict_v just_o or_o unjust_o ought_v to_o submit_v thereto_o and_o forbear_v the_o execution_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o that_o place_n till_o they_o be_v restore_v again_o else_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o be_v christ_n ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n as_o civil_a government_n be_v in_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v come_v to_o be_v undermine_v and_o subvert_v by_o pretence_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o it_o or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v disturb_v but_o wherein_o make_v this_o against_o the_o position_n we_o conceive_v that_o those_o very_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o continue_v to_o preach_v though_o the_o express_a command_n of_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n be_v against_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v offend_v christ_n by_o desist_v be_v yet_o take_v off_o from_o preach_v when_o silence_v by_o their_o own_o church_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n lest_o they_o shall_v offend_v christ_n in_o persist_v but_o you_o go_v on_o to_o say_v have_v 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do_v 2._o we_o allow_v the_o case_n to_o be_v much_o different_a for_o when_o we_o live_v under_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n inteud_v and_o endeavour_v reformation_n we_o be_v raise_v up_o unto_o a_o expectation_n of_o have_v all_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n countenance_v and_o confirm_v by_o his_o authority_n which_o will_v be_v a_o very_a bless_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v no_o such_o ground_n to_o look_v for_o live_v under_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n but_o how_o the_o case_n be_v different_a in_o your_o sense_n we_o understand_v not_o for_o the_o christianity_n of_o the_o magistrate_n or_o his_o piety_n and_o sedulity_n in_o intend_v and_o endeavour_v reformation_n can_v take_v any_o person_n or_o person_n off_o from_o their_o duty_n which_o they_o will_v be_v bind_v unto_o if_o a_o heathen_a magistrate_n bear_v sway_v the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n must_v each_o do_v their_o part_n because_o each_o stand_v engage_v for_o himself_o to_o jesus_n 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competent_a number_n yet_o it_o appear_v not_o that_o they_o be_v call_v or_o count_v a_o church_n till_o they_o be_v more_o increase_v first_o reply_n though_o twelve_o be_v more_o than_o seven_o or_o eight_o yet_o twelve_o be_v not_o more_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n than_o seven_o or_o eight_o be_v there_o more_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n in_o twelve_o then_o in_o seven_o or_o eight_o except_o you_o mean_v it_o so_o you_o declare_v only_o in_o say_v so_o that_o you_o can_v number_v twelve_o and_o if_o you_o so_o understand_v it_o we_o shall_v demand_v proof_n of_o you_o for_o it_o second_o the_o scripture_n determine_v not_o what_o number_n be_v competent_a and_o what_o not_o competent_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n how_o come_v you_o then_o so_o to_o pass_v your_o verdict_n about_o it_o when_o further_o you_o add_v that_o it_o appear_v not_o they_o be_v call_v or_o account_v a_o church_n till_o they_o be_v more_o increase_v that_o 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may_v meet_v in_o the_o place_n even_o those_o very_a person_n and_o yet_o not_o meet_v as_o a_o church_n as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v when_o such_o meet_a in_o a_o synod_n it_o be_v mean_v as_o a_o synod_n to_o act_v some_o thing_n as_o a_o synod_n bid_v synod_n as_o convenire_fw-la in_o senatum_fw-la be_v to_o meet_v as_o a_o senate_n not_o so_o much_o refer_v to_o the_o place_n as_o to_o the_o person_n so_o meet_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d misacrum_fw-la conventum_fw-la beza_n ibid._n i._n for_o a_o holy_a meeting_n &_o musculus_fw-la in_o coetu_fw-la sacro_fw-la quem_fw-la liâ—vocat_n ecclesiam_fw-la i._o in_o a_o holy_a assembly_n which_o he_o call_v the_o church_n item_n pet._n mart._n bid_v it_o refer_v not_o to_o the_o place_n nor_o to_o the_o person_n bare_o meet_v but_o to_o the_o person_n meet_v as_o a_o synod_n to_o act_v synodical_o beside_o though_o kahal_n and_o synogoga_n may_v by_o a_o metonymy_n be_v refer_v to_o place_n because_o there_o be_v place_n build_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o church-service_n yet_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v so_o take_v because_o they_o have_v not_o set_v state_v appoint_v place_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o meet_v in_o yourself_o assert_v so_o much_o p._n 26._o nor_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oppose_v to_o the_o building_n and_o house_n in_o which_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o 1_o cor._n 11.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o word_n be_v or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o respect_v the_o people_n the_o godly_a among_o they_o which_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o other_o church_n also_o as_o pareus_n upon_o that_o place_n observe_v unless_o you_o will_v say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o reverend_a observance_n of_o the_o place_n where_o the_o church_n meet_v more_o than_o of_o all_o other_o place_n they_o meet_v in_o wood_n den_n cave_n many_o time_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o must_v those_o place_n be_v more_o respect_v than_o man_n house_n where_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o but_o what_o will_v you_o infer_v if_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o church_n be_v take_v for_o the_o place_n will_v it_o profit_v you_o yes_o for_o you_o say_v afterward_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o church_n or_o congregation_n often_o answer_v and_o sometime_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o several_a synagogue_n psal_n 74.4.8_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o if_o that_o christian_n of_o one_o country_n meet_v in_o several_a synagogue_n james_n 2.2_o heb._n 10.25_o act_n 19.8_o 9_o &_o 22.19_o act_n 13.15_o 16_o 43._o and_o house_n act_n 12.12_o rom._n 16.5_o do_v receive_v the_o denomination_n of_o church_n which_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v all_o one_o with_o assembly_n many_o whereof_o we_o confess_v be_v in_o galatia_n macedonia_n the_o place_n you_o bring_v from_o psal_n 74.4.8_o be_v impertinent_o allege_v reply_v for_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v one_o be_v not_o call_v congregation_n in_o 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you_o be_v so_o soolish_a profane_a presumptuous_a superstitious_a a_o stranger_n come_v to_o the_o gate_n of_o a_o garrison_n town_n profess_v to_o be_v a_o friend_n yet_o except_o there_o be_v something_o to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o profession_n he_o be_v examine_v over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o it_o be_v strictness_n that_o show_v faithfulness_n to_o the_o state_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v more_o remiss_a and_o careless_a when_o we_o receive_v person_n into_o the_o church_n than_o we_o be_v when_o we_o receive_v they_o into_o a_o town_n our_o too_o much_o credulity_n may_v show_v too_o little_a fidelity_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o man_n beside_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o common_a receptacle_n of_o all_o person_n but_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o a_o select_a number_n and_o some_o be_v receive_v and_o other_o reject_v then_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o reception_n and_o rejection_n and_o then_o there_o 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and_o there_o may_v many_o argument_n be_v bring_v to_o hold_v it_o forth_o 1._o the_o end_n of_o church-fellowship_n be_v not_o conversion_n but_o edification_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o act_n 9.31_o for_o if_o it_o be_v conversion_n then_o all_o uncovert_v once_o whether_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o no_o may_v enter_v in_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v attain_v one_o end_n for_o which_o they_o enter_v as_o we_o know_v because_o one_o end_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n be_v conversion_n therefore_o all_o may_v partake_v of_o it_o jew_n turk_n heathen_n because_o they_o may_v attain_v one_o end_n whereto_o it_o serve_v it_o be_v suppose_v then_o that_o the_o person_n that_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n be_v convert_v already_o 2._o excommunication_n be_v a_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n and_o one_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o recover_v person_n that_o be_v desperate_o sick_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v it_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o as_o 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church_n constitute_v of_o saint_n which_o expression_n rather_o of_o the_o two_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o church_n before_o they_o be_v saint_n see_v vers_n 1._o paul_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n then_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n before_o they_o be_v a_o church_n he_o write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n reply_v and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n before_o there_o be_v saint_n what_o a_o church_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o have_v no_o visible_a saint_n in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v first_o constitute_v sure_o except_o you_o will_v say_v they_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n while_o they_o be_v heathen_n you_o must_v confess_v that_o profess_v to_o be_v turn_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o time_n of_o persecution_n from_o the_o service_n of_o idol_n to_o embrace_v the_o live_a god_n in_o christ_n they_o must_v be_v judge_v visible_a saint_n at_o the_o first_o when_o they_o be_v a_o church_n of_o god_n and_o these_o word_n paul_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n will_v not_o avail_v you_o for_o paul_n be_v a_o man_n and_o a_o christian_a too_o before_o a_o apostle_n but_o what_o will_v you_o have_v the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o be_v before_o they_o be_v visible_a saint_n but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o all_o the_o honourable_a title_n and_o epithet_n give_v paul_n answer_n be_v give_v with_o relation_n to_o church-member_n the_o corinthian_n be_v enrich_v by_o god_n in_o all_o utterance_n etc._n etc._n will_v you_o thence_o conclude_v that_o all_o church-member_n must_v be_v so_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v some_o name_n which_o show_v the_o intrinsical_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o they_o be_v give_v reply_v and_o they_o do_v agree_v to_o all_o of_o that_o kind_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v write_v to_o the_o army_n of_o
concession_n that_o the_o church_n reply_n act_n 2._o bid_v not_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o none_o be_v then_o appoint_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o act_n 14.23_o show_v so_o much_o they_o be_v church_n before_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o position_n drive_v at_o and_o though_o there_o be_v general_a elder_n which_o have_v inspection_n over_o all_o church_n yet_o neither_o these_o nor_o any_o other_o elder_n do_v church_n do_v come_v into_o the_o essence_n of_o church_n ingredi_fw-la essentiam_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la nor_o be_v it_o any_o formal_a reason_n why_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n be_v a_o church_n because_o they_o have_v elder_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a for_o be_v it_o so_o than_o their_o privilege_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n will_v be_v when_o they_o have_v officer_n for_o than_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o they_o can_v choose_v officer_n when_o 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censure_v of_o ancient_a precedent_n who_o have_v put_v forth_o act_n of_o power_n in_o ordination_n and_o excommunication_n but_o he_o declare_v his_o opinion_n against_o it_o and_o we_o approve_v as_o well_o of_o his_o modesty_n as_o we_o do_v agree_v with_o he_o in_o his_o judgement_n we_o hold_v it_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o people_n especial_o if_o they_o proceed_v wise_o and_o pious_o to_o elect_v their_o officer_n answer_v and_o a_o injury_n to_o obtrude_v any_o on_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n 1._o what_o people_n be_v these_o that_o have_v this_o privilege_n reply_n 12._o cotton_v key_n pag._n 12._o the_o author_n who_o you_o make_v use_v of_o so_o oft_o call_v they_o church_n of_o brethren_n be_v it_o a_o people-priviledge_n or_o a_o church-priviledge_n to_o choose_v ecclesiastical_a officer_n 2._o what_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v wise_o and_o pious_o be_v their_o privilege_n lose_v must_v it_o be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v no_o 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to_o the_o seven_o church_n this_o though_o a_o truth_n will_v afford_v no_o contribution_n towards_o the_o make_n good_a of_o your_o charge_n against_o the_o elder_n of_o new-england_n be_v that_o which_o they_o deny_v not_o 2._o for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v undeniable_o manifest_a that_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o elder_n viz._n that_o the_o church_n of_o pergamus_n be_v guilty_a of_o suffer_v balaamite_n and_o other_o wicked_a person_n be_v true_a yea_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o text._n but_o to_o have_v so_o much_o faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o six_o church_n of_o asia_n if_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o neighbour_a church_n in_o your_o account_n be_v guilty_a of_o suffer_v balaamite_n and_o nicolaitan_n yea_o even_o ephesus_n and_o philadelphia_n that_o be_v commend_v for_o not_o suffer_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a hate_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o nicolaitan_n and_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o god_n patience_n will_v require_v some_o further_a proof_n than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d your_o bare_a assertion_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o it_o for_o if_o the_o rest_n be_v guilty_a why_o be_v they_o not_o blame_v why_o be_v the_o burden_n lay_v only_o though_o it_o may_v be_v lay_v chief_o upon_o one_o church_n when_o as_o the_o rest_n be_v guilty_a i_o suppose_v the_o build_n upon_o which_o you_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o roof_n be_v this_o these_o seven_o church_n be_v a_o combine_a presbytery_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o government_n so_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o concern_v all_o answ_n if_o you_o may_v assume_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o thing_n in_o question_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o thing_n out_o of_o question_n you_o may_v in_o time_n persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o elder_n of_o new-england_n have_v force_v this_o and_o many_o other_o text_n but_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o seven_o asian_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o joint_n and_o common_a presbytery_n hic_fw-la labour_n hoc_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la this_o be_v the_o business_n but_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o common_a presbytery_n there_o be_v and_o that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o all_o the_o other_o six_o church_n do_v endeavour_v the_o cast_v out_o of_o these_o balaamite_n etc._n etc._n why_o be_v they_o then_o not_o cast_v out_o can_v the_o elder_n of_o pergamus_n over-vote_n the_o elder_n of_o all_o the_o neighbour_a church_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o if_o all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o these_o seven_o church_n neglect_v why_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o pergamus_n only_o reprove_v last_o we_o can_v choose_v upon_o this_o consideration_n but_o condole_v the_o sad_a condition_n of_o presbyterian_a church_n which_o be_v such_o if_o wicked_a man_n be_v suffer_v in_o any_o particular_a congregation_n in_o