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truth_n church_n profess_v visible_a 1,998 5 9.1242 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A75492 A consideration of certaine controversies at this time agitated in the kingdome of England, concerning the government of the church of God. / Written at the command and appointment of the Walachrian classis, by Guilielmus Apollonii, minister of the Word of God at Middleburgh. And sent from the Walachrian churches, to declare the sense and consent of their churches, to the Synod at London. Octob. 16. 1644. Stilo novo. Translated out of Latine accorning to the printed copy. Apollonius, Willem, 1602 or 3-1657. 1645 (1645) Wing A3535; Thomason E1155_2; ESTC R208676 76,829 175

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calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o sect_n 7._o but_o ofttimes_o say_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n intend_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o profess_v to_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n into_o his_o faith_n testify_v by_o their_o partake_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o charity_n consent_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v thereof_o maintain_v a_o ministry_n institute_v by_o christ_n but_o in_o this_o multitude_n be_v many_o mingle_v who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o christ_n but_o the_o name_n and_o show_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o we_o command_v to_o maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o sect_n 8._o he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o know_v who_o be_v unfeigned_a saint_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o say_v he_o because_o he_o fore_o see_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o requisite_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o his_o child_n herein_o he_o appli_v himself_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o because_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o herein_o requisite_a he_o have_v in_o stead_n thereof_o appoint_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o which_o judgement_n we_o acknowledge_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o example_n of_o their_o life_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n profess_v the_o same_o god_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o hence_o ames_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o the_o reform_a church_n require_v inward_a grace_n to_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o visible_a state_n thereof_o antibellarm_n tom_fw-mi 2._o iib._fw-la 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 5._o and_o not_o 3._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o affirm_v out_o of_o augustine_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o inward_a soul_n to_o wit_n the_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a profession_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n other_o of_o the_o body_n only_o and_o not_o the_o soul_n which_o say_v he_o be_v express_v by_o alexander_n alensis_n in_o other_o word_n when_o he_o say_v that_o evil_a man_n be_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o body_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n mystical_a which_o distinction_n he_o prove_v out_o of_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o rom._n 2._o 28._o a_o jew_n open_o and_o a_o jew_n in_o secret_a so_o trelcatius_n the_o elder_a in_o his_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la 15._o put_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o member_n of_o 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trelcatii_n in_o their_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disp_n 40._o thes_n 33._o hence_o also_o have_v our_o belgic_a church_n in_o our_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n synod_n ordain_v that_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o have_v first_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v testimony_n of_o unblameable_a life_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 70._o and_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 64._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 43._o at_o the_o hage_n anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 54._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 51._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 61._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o ensue_a opinion_n i._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v the_o external_a and_o particular_a visible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n to_o which_o belong_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o property_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n the_o mediator_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v 1._o because_o that_o church_n for_o which_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v be_v perpetual_a which_o never_o fall_v away_o for_o this_o infallible_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o it_o from_o god_n jer._n 31._o 36._o matt._n 16._o 18._o but_o now_o no_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v secure_v from_o fall_v away_o as_o our_o orthodox_n divine_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n it_o be_v not_o for_o it_o therefore_o that_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n 2._o those_o church_n for_o which_o all_o these_o promise_a privilege_n be_v procure_v be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v sincere_a and_o inward_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a believer_n whence_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v the_o spouse_n and_o belove_v of_o christ_n cant._n 4._o 7._o eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o holy_a zion_n and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n isai_n 52._o 1._o gal._n 4._o 26._o and_o 6._o 16._o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v purify_v for_o himself_o to_o present_v she_o to_o himself_o glorious_a not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o body_n of_o christ_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v eph._n 4._o 16._o it_o be_v call_v christ_n people_n who_o he_o save_v from_o their_o sin_n joh._n 10._o 16._o matt._n 1._o 21._o god_n house_n and_o a_o holy_a priesthood_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o the_o lamb_n wife_n apoc._n 21._o 4._o all_o which_o and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o agree_v to_o a_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n as_o such_o rom._n 9_o 6._o but_o only_a to_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n act_v 20._o 28._o 3._o the_o privilege_n promise_v and_o procure_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o many_o other_o be_v these_o that_o god_n put_v his_o law_n and_o his_o fear_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o jer._n 31._o 33._o that_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o know_v he_o joh._n 6._o 42._o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n act._n 20._o 28._o eph._n 5._o 27._o but_o these_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a particular_a church_n therefore_o that_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o these_o privilege_n which_o by_o christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v procure_v for_o the_o church_n whereunto_o the_o reform_a divine_n assent_v see_v among_o other_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 40._o thes_n 29_o 30_o 31._o and_o ames_n himself_o against_o bellarm._n tom_n 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 10._o where_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n quicken_v act_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n partake_v of_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o do_v proper_o and_o full_o agree_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v true_a believer_n or_o they_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n militant_a according_a to_o i●s_n essential_a nature_n peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n not_o according_a to_o
to_o the_o church_n of_o that_o kingdom_n any_o new_a right_n but_o that_o right_a which_o before_o they_o have_v to_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o defection_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n be_v hinder_v and_o as_o it_o be_v suspend_v they_o may_v now_o free_o and_o pure_o again_o reduce_v to_o practice_v thus_o do_v the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n often_o in_o the_o time_n of_o defection_n or_o extraordinary_a necessity_n enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 4._o neither_o do_v we_o hold_v that_o the_o covenant_n mention_v in_o the_o question_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o altogether_o unlawful_a for_o it_o be_v lawful_a also_o express_o public_o and_o solemn_o to_o vow_v to_o god_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n enjoin_v to_o all_o believer_n but_o that_o necessity_n of_o make_v this_o public_a solemn_a and_o express_v covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n require_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o essential_a constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o union_n above_o mention_v we_o conceive_v sufficient_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o join_a man_n profess_v the_o faith_n into_o one_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o essence_n and_o entireness_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o union_n be_v sufficient_a we_o deny_v therefore_o in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o a_o solemn_a and_o express_a church_n covenant_n between_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o it_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o exercise_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n so_o that_o without_o such_o a_o covenant_n there_o will_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n of_o god_n no_o member_n of_o a_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n 2._o we_o deny_v also_o that_o by_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n that_o right_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n have_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o grace_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o other_o benefit_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v these_o 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o ordain_v any_o such_o church-covenant_n between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n neither_o in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n do_v require_v such_o a_o covenant_n as_o necessary_a but_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n they_o receive_v such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n in●o_v the_o church_n visible_a and_o join_v in_o the_o same_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n with_o those_o who_o be_v without_o any_o such_o covenant_n receive_v into_o a_o ecclesiastical_a body_n with_o themselves_o see_v act_n 2._o 42_o 47._o &_o 5._o 13._o &_o 8._o 12._o &_o 9_o 26._o &_o 18._o 8._o 2._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o synagogue_n enter_v not_o into_o any_o solemn_a church_n covenant_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n but_o only_o on_o extraordinary_a occasion_n when_o they_o have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n all_o the_o faithful_a of_o the_o whole_a national_a church_n renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n for_o restore_v the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o when_o they_o be_v by_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v upon_o for_o renew_v such_o a_o covenant_n 3._o no_o man_n can_v enjoin_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o enjoy_v the_o sacrament_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n which_o god_n have_v not_o enjoin_v without_o damnable_a will-worship_n but_o god_n have_v not_o enjoin_v such_o a_o covenant_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o there_o be_v no_o law_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o have_v enjoin_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o covenant_n as_o the_o essential_a form_n of_o church-communion_n so_o as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n or_o have_v right_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v a_o will-worship_n and_o so_o to_o be_v reject_v 4._o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n visible_a be_v associate_v and_o unite_v into_o external_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n be_v baptism_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o circumcision_n be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o as_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o 47._o lydia_n act_v 16._o 15._o &_o other_o be_v by_o baptism_n 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ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a hence_o also_o our_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o in_o admit_v of_o pastor_n or_o church_n member_n do_v not_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o church_n covenant_n which_o yet_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n who_o member_n have_v all_o essential_a requisite_n necessary_a to_o church_n communion_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o make_v this_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o true_a believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n be_v indeed_o material_n of_o a_o church_n who_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o have_v not_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o covenant_n want_v the_o form_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o argument_n upon_o which_o we_o reject_v this_o position_n be_v because_o the_o form_n of_o a_o thing_n give_v it_o its_o be_v and_o operation_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o property_n no_o operation_n or_o act_v of_o a_o true_a church_n in_o such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a company_n who_o be_v not_o join_v in_o such_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o this_o opinion_n deprive_v all_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o be_v not_o unite_v in_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n of_o a_o true_a church_n ministry_n of_o the_o power_n of_o call_v and_o ordain_v minister_n of_o a_o lawful_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n etc._n etc._n and_o deny_v all_o that_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n in_o those_o church_n to_o be_v true_o and_o right_o baptize_v etc._n etc._n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o make_v this_o church-covenant_n to_o be_v that_o moment_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o church_n have_v church-power_n over_o his_o congregation_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o the_o people_n enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o exercise_v the_o care_n and_o power_n and_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n whereas_o it_o be_v certain_a out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o church_n receive_v ecclesiastical_a power_n over_o their_o flock_n and_o the_o people_n become_v subject_a to_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o pastor_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o mutual_a edification_n in_o faith_n not_o from_o any_o contract_n which_o those_o man_n make_v among_o themselves_o but_o from_o god_n call_v whereby_o the_o pastor_n be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o flock_n enjoin_v by_o divine_a appointment_n to_o receive_v the_o ministry_n and_o labour_n of_o their_o pastor_n by_o god_n institution_n for_o their_o salvation_n see_v 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 11_o 12._o and_o it_o
and_o that_o golden_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n yet_o a_o pious_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o rude_o insult_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o reverential_a bashfulness_n avoid_v they_o as_o waldensis_n elsewhere_o speak_v but_o when_o form_n be_v compose_v and_o establish_v by_o synod_n call_v authority_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o decide_v of_o truth_n the_o establish_v integrity_n and_o order_n in_o church_n government_n they_o have_v then_o ecclesiastical_a and_o definitive_a authority_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n in_o doctrinal_a cause_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o hold_v therefore_o that_o to_o church_n congregat_v in_o synod_n there_o belong_v power_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n prescribe_v and_o impose_v form_n both_o of_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o private_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o confess_v and_o receive_v under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o ordinary_a power_n ecclesiastical_a do_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v such_o a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n in_o a_o question_n in_o controversy_n act_v 15._o 22_o 29._o and_o 16._o 4._o 2._o because_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o believe_v with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a fiath_n and_o undoubted_a conscience_n these_o may_v synod_n also_o enjoin_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o particular_a church_n for_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o power_n extend_v to_o require_v of_o other_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o may_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n bring_v under_o those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o who_o stubborne_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o may_v therefore_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n impose_v on_o other_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n draw_v up_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 3._o church_n have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o prescribe_v just_a and_o approve_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o church_n and_o for_o overthrow_v the_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o heretic_n and_o disturber_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 13._o 10._o gal._n 5._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o but_o form_n of_o service_n and_o confession_n determine_v concern_v question_n in_o controversy_n be_v approve_v and_o just_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o endanger_v by_o distraction_n and_o the_o poison_n of_o error_n act._n 15._o 23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n they_o may_v therefore_o be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n according_o in_o the_o ancient_a synod_n of_o church_n such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o testify_v not_o only_o what_o themselves_o do_v believe_v but_o also_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o with_o who_o they_o will_v hold_v their_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n as_o all_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n do_v testify_v in_o which_o where_o they_o speak_v concern_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n they_o do_v by_o paul_n example_n anathematise_v those_o who_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o whence_o also_o be_v that_o preface_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o calvin_n right_o epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o provide_v against_o petulant_a wit_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o licence_n and_o the_o gate_n be_v also_o to_o be_v shut_v against_o curious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ready_a course_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v one_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o doctrine_n extant_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o and_o this_o in_o preach_v to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o and_o to_o the_o observance_n thereof_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n so_o as_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n but_o who_o promise_v to_o retain_v that_o consent_n of_o doctrine_n inviolate_a that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a form_n of_o catechism_n for_o the_o use_n of_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n thus_o will_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v familiar_a to_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o will_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o imposture_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v apt_a by_o degree_n to_o creep_v upon_o the_o slothful_a for_o this_o you_o must_v be_v certain_o resolve_v of_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v want_v catechise_v for_o that_o therein_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v contain_v from_o whence_o a_o pure_a and_o good_a harvest_n be_v afterward_o to_o arise_v and_o so_o to_o be_v multiply_v more_o and_o more_o etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o do_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o catechism_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n for_o there_o be_v withal_o this_o other_o benefit_n that_o both_o the_o people_n be_v thereby_o instruct_v will_v be_v better_a able_a to_o profit_v in_o the_o ordinary_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o if_o any_o one_o be_v puff_v up_o will_v bring_v in_o some_o new_a opinion_n be_v call_v to_o examination_n by_o the_o catechism_n he_o will_v straight_o be_v discover_v thus_o calvin_n and_o thus_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n be_v that_o authority_n apply_v to_o our_o form_n of_o harmony_n to_o wit_n the_o confession_n the_o catechism_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n decree_v and_o confirm_v in_o synod_n that_o the_o profession_n the_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n thereof_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n enjoin_v to_o all_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o who_o live_v in_o the_o holy_a union_n of_o our_o church_n see_v the_o syne_v at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o art_n 2._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 2._o &_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 8._o etc._n etc._n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o grant_v it_o indeed_o lawful_a for_o a_o private_a person_n or_o even_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o and_o for_o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n to_o make_v confession_n and_o form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o prescribe_v they_o either_o by_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n as_o bind_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o observe_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o now_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v with_o that_o firm_a faith_n and_o unmoved_a constancy_n and_o certainty_n of_o mind_n as_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o all_o believer_n shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o the_o church_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n judge_v that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n sure_o they_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a authority_n prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o constrain_v man_n to_o observance_n thereof_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n all_o who_o be_v faithful_a son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n see_v rev._n 2._o 13._o act._n 7._o 57_o 58._o luk._n 21._o 15_o 16._o therefore_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o profession_n prescribe_v out_o of_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o those_o who_o be_v by_o office_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o integrity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n yea_o and_o we_o may_v bind_v our_o soul_n by_o oath_n to_o preserve_v and_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o away_o from_o the_o holy_a profession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o see_v psal_n 119._o 106._o nehem._n 9_o 38._o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o
a_o consideration_n of_o certain_a controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n write_a at_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la by_o guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n and_o send_v from_o the_o walachrian_a church_n to_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n octob._n 16._o 1644._o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la translate_v out_o of_o latin_a according_a to_o the_o print_a copy_n london_n print_v by_o g._n m._n for_o tho._n vnderhill_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o woodstreet_n 1645._o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lord_n the_o lord_n william_n boreel_n lord_n of_o duynbeque_n etc._n etc._n counsellor_n and_o chief_a syndick_n of_o the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n the_o lord_n john_n de_fw-fr reed_n lo._n of_o reinswoud_n etc._n etc._n deputy_n in_o ordinary_a in_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o province_n of_o vtrecht_n the_o lord_n albert_n joachimi_fw-la lord_n of_o oedekenskerk_n in_o oostende_v secretary_n of_o the_o republic_n of_o tergoes_a ambassador_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o netherlands_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a and_o most_o illustrious_a lord_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la be_v move_v with_o the_o deplorable_a face_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o english_a church_n will_v glad_o contribute_v some_o assistance_n for_o the_o quench_n of_o that_o flame_n of_o controversy_n rise_v among_o they_o concern_v the_o discipline_n and_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o afford_v not_o their_o prayer_n only_o but_o their_o counsel_n and_o assistance_n also_o meet_v for_o compose_v these_o contention_n whereby_o the_o billow_n of_o dissension_n may_v be_v assuage_v and_o a_o happy_a peace_n restore_v to_o those_o trouble_a church_n by_o their_o authority_n therefore_o and_o command_v they_o have_v employ_v i_o in_o this_o present_a work_n and_o out_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o brotherly_a love_n to_o those_o church_n have_v late_o enjoin_v i_o to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o london_n our_o ecclesiastical_a government_n prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o confirm_v by_o ground_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o reform_a divine_n which_o work_n be_v now_o finish_v and_o after_o a_o diligent_a examination_n by_o those_o pastor_n approve_v i_o offer_v to_o your_o most_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n for_o to_o you_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o all_o the_o tender_a care_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sacred_a peace_n and_o unity_n together_o with_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o netherlands_o principal_o commit_v the_o promote_a whereof_z with_o all_o your_o utmost_a endeavour_n will_v even_o by_o the_o event_n be_v manifest_a if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n there_o will_v permit_v and_o sure_o if_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o providence_n sometime_o prosper_v your_o endeavour_n and_o make_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o we_o all_o effectual_a i_o do_v certain_o trust_v that_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o church_n of_o eng._n may_n by_o your_o assistance_n and_o help_n be_v cure_v and_o the_o dissension_n raise_v by_o your_o peaceable_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n be_v compose_v for_o god_n have_v confer_v on_o you_o large_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n prudence_n piety_n and_o zeal_n whereby_o the_o disturb_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o moderate_a counsel_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o perplex_a affair_n of_o a_o shake_a kingdom_n to_o the_o straight_a bond_n of_o renew_a amity_n which_o that_o the_o great_a and_o gracious_a god_n may_v more_o and_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v in_o you_o and_o bless_v with_o prosperous_a success_n in_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o your_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n i_o beg_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o from_o my_o soul_n desire_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o preserve_v your_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a &_o most_o illustrious_a lordship_n and_o inspire_v those_o counsel_n into_o his_o royal_a majesty_n and_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n which_o you_o afford_v your_o assist_a endeavour_n may_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n together_o with_o edification_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v of_o love_n middleburgh_n the_o first_o of_o november_n 1644._o your_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lordship_n most_o observant_a guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n in_o zealand_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n reverend_n and_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n assemble_v in_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n write_v some_o month_n since_o to_o the_o church_n of_o zealand_n a_o express_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o your_o entire_a friendship_n but_o also_o of_o your_o confidence_n and_o sincere_a affection_n towards_o we_o into_o who_o bosom_n you_o be_v please_v to_o pour_v forth_o your_o fluctuate_a mind_n our_o wish_n and_o endeavour_n be_v that_o we_o may_v give_v you_o a_o real_a experiment_n of_o our_o brotherly_a compassion_n for_o our_o very_a inmost_a bowel_n burn_v within_o we_o with_o the_o zeal_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o affliction_n when_o the_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n of_o our_o holy_a brethren_n pierce_v our_o ear_n and_o when_o we_o serious_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o calamity_n o_o that_o our_o eye_n be_v resolve_v into_o fountain_n of_o water_n that_o we_o may_v lament_v day_n and_o night_n the_o desolation_n of_o the_o people_n our_o mind_n tremble_v to_o hear_v the_o desperate_a counsel_n and_o wicked_a attempt_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o blot_v out_o from_o among_o you_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o a_o reform_a church_n and_o total_o to_o hinder_v all_o better_a counsel_n and_o have_v bring_v it_o thus_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o band_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v break_v all_o thing_n be_v now_o involve_v in_o a_o cruel_a war_n all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n take_v away_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n overthrow_v but_o as_o god_n do_v by_o his_o favour_n prosper_v right_a counsel_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o bring_v the_o wicked_a plot_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o contrive_v 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that_o we_o will_v call_v you_o to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o our_o tribunal_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v among_o you_o and_o those_o brother_n who_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a part_n in_o these_o controversy_n man_n learned_a godly_a lover_n of_o peace_n who_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a in_o judge_v explain_v and_o decide_v all_o these_o controversy_n but_o in_o quench_v a_o common_a flame_n in_o a_o city_n they_o not_o without_o cause_n run_v to_o help_v even_o uncalled_a who_o neighbour_n house_n be_v on_o fire_n we_o be_v bind_v not_o only_o by_o the_o same_o bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n but_o by_o the_o common_a danger_n and_o hazard_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o afford_v our_o advice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o will_v bring_v injurious_a and_o destructive_a damage_n to_o our_o reformation_n you_o have_v call_v upon_o we_o in_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n that_o we_o 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if_o some_o of_o those_o brethren_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n do_v in_o aught_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o wish_v they_o will_v declare_v so_o much_o by_o public_a writing_n and_o express_v it_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v free_v from_o the_o just_a fear_n which_o their_o writing_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o conceive_v for_o not_o without_o cause_n do_v the_o godly_a conceive_v that_o those_o be_v hatch_n some_o monster_n that_o use_v shift_n and_o dare_v not_o with_o open_a face_n clear_o set_v down_o and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n therefore_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o beseech_v those_o brother_n that_o they_o will_v clear_o sincere_o plain_o and_o distinct_o without_o the_o vizard_n of_o rhetorical_a flourish_n declare_v and_o describe_v to_o we_o their_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o here_o and_o there_o a_o piece_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o vent_v doubtful_a expression_n in_o public_a but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n manifest_v it_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v aught_o deficient_a in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o with_o a_o peaceable_a brotherly_a mind_n and_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o truth_n may_v be_v search_v out_o and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o persuade_v most_o dear_a brethren_n with_o a_o mind_n studious_a of_o your_o affair_n most_o desirous_a of_o peace_n well-affected_a to_o you_o solicitous_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n will_v by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n inlighten_v your_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o
its_o external_a manner_n of_o existence_n in_o which_o be_v include_v both_o godly_a and_o reprobate_n ii_o we_o reject_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o in_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o external_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v by_o a_o strict_a examination_n first_o try_v by_o other_o believer_n or_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n holy_a conference_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n and_o have_v manifest_v to_o they_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o have_v afterward_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n public_o profess_v a_o sincere_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v either_o by_o a_o continue_a speech_n or_o by_o question_n and_o answer_n make_v manifest_a by_o evident_a sign_n the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n that_o in_o a_o church_n covenant_n sincere_o faithful_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o both_o can_v and_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o we_o read_v not_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n this_o manner_n of_o admit_v church_n member_n be_v in_o use_n those_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o be_v not_o in_o this_o manner_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o man_n be_v upon_o such_o a_o confession_n join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o whereby_o hypocrite_n and_o person_n not_o convert_v may_v have_v entrance_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n whence_o also_o in_o our_o reform_a church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o member_n of_o church_n be_v admit_v by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n a_o solemn_a protestation_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n a_o testimony_n of_o a_o unblameable_a and_o inoffensive_a life_n as_o also_o ames_n himself_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v due_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o obedience_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 17._o and_o in_o some_o more_o numerous_a church_n in_o the_o netherlands_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o church_n great_a prudence_n in_o admit_v member_n that_o those_o who_o desire_v admission_n into_o church-communion_n before_o their_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v for_o some_o week_n several_a time_n private_o exercise_v and_o instruct_v if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o exercise_v and_o this_o instruction_n be_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o visitation_n of_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o be_v also_o public_o offer_v to_o all_o when_o notice_n be_v give_v of_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o minister_n inquire_v likewise_o of_o the_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v communion_n with_o we_o afterward_o they_o use_v to_o undergo_v a_o examination_n before_o the_o consistory_n in_o their_o consistoriall_a meeting_n or_o before_o the_o delegate_n of_o the_o consistory_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o minister_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o catechism_n and_o last_o of_o all_o have_v be_v thus_o try_v they_o do_v in_o public_a before_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n give_v answer_n to_o these_o general_a position_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o persist_v till_o death_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o as_o become_v this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v those_o who_o desire_v admission_n admit_v to_o our_o church_n communion_n this_o custom_n though_o laudable_a be_v not_o indeed_o contrary_a but_o yet_o be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o all_o our_o church_n which_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o urge_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o great_a ecclesiastical_a prudence_n in_o so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o esteem_v that_o order_n establish_v in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o due_a admit_v of_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n question_n whether_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o a_o public_a and_o express_a agreement_n and_o promise_n associate_v and_o unite_v among_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o fear_n and_o sacred_a worship_n of_o god_n unity_n of_o faith_n brotherly_a love_n mutual_a edification_n and_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o without_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n nor_o true_a church_n member_n answer_n the_o reform_a church_n judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o there_o be_v sacred_a union_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n express_v by_o certain_a external_a act_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o visible_a church_n society_n under_o one_o ministry_n and_o spiritual_a discipline_n but_o this_o union_n they_o affirm_v the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n enter_v into_o among_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o in_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o will_v frequent_v the_o same_o divine_a worship_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o church_n governor_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a and_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o discipline_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o this_o union_n there_o be_v they_o affirm_v a_o kind_n of_o tacit_n and_o virtual_a covenant_n which_o unit_v the_o faithful_a into_o a_o particular_a church_n although_o such_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o they_o in_o express_a term_n be_v not_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o question_n require_v we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o save_a grace_n between_o god_n and_o repent_a sinner_n found_v in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n whereby_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n as_o well_o in_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n as_o out_o of_o it_o by_o which_o covenant_n all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o partaker_n of_o it_o obtain_v right_a to_o all_o those_o save_a benefit_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o tacit_n or_o virtual_a covenant_n between_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o external_a particular_a church_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o mutual_a duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o particular_a church_n communion_n as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o care_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n frequent_v the_o same_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o which_o covenant_n they_o also_o obtain_v to_o themselves_o right_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o we_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o express_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n enter_v into_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n when_o the_o church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n or_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o for_o the_o preserve_n or_o propagate_a or_o restore_v of_o the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o which_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o there_o do_v not_o accrue_v
two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o which_o primary_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o inferior_a consistory_n but_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o of_o all_o church_n the_o superior_a consistory_n be_v comprehend_v likewise_o 3._o we_o deduce_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n borrow_v her_o frame_n of_o her_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n from_o the_o constitution_n not_o pedagogical_a but_o essential_a and_o perpetual_a of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n consistory_n be_v now_o lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o same_o form_n according_a to_o which_o the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v constitute_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_o evident_a that_o this_o order_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v of_o old_a institute_v by_o god_n and_o by_o the_o father_n most_o religious_o observe_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o good_a order_n of_o a_o church_n not_o to_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o distinct_a nature_n of_o that_o government_n but_o now_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v synagogicall_a consistory_n in_o each_o city_n wherein_o the_o scribe_n and_o levit_n be_v preside_v some_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o man_n more_o eminent_a in_o dignity_n be_v join_v to_o they_o who_o office_n consist_v as_o well_o in_o teach_v as_o in_o moderate_v the_o action_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o believer_n manner_n and_o dispense_v pious_a reprehension_n and_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o the_o vice_n of_o offender_n and_o there_o be_v also_o at_o jerusalem_n a_o general_a consistory_n or_o synedrium_fw-la hold_v to_o which_o the_o most_o weighty_a matter_n be_v bring_v which_o in_o the_o lesser_a synagogicall_a judicatories_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o difficulty_n or_o the_o dissension_n of_o party_n can_v not_o be_v decide_v or_o end_v see_v deut._n 17._o 8_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7._o jer._n 26._o 9_o etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n our_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a gersom_a bucer_n in_o his_o dissertation_n the_o gubernation_n ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 65._o do_v thus_o propose_v and_o not_o to_o be_v tedious_a it_o be_v requisite_a to_o set_v down_o distinct_o in_o what_o respect_n the_o order_n appoint_v among_o the_o jew_n do_v express_v the_o polity_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o hold_v their_o meeting_n for_o first_o as_o of_o old_a the_o use_n of_o sacred_a consistory_n as_o well_o synagogicall_a in_o the_o several_a city_n as_o the_o supreme_a at_o jerusalem_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n institution_n for_o the_o pass_n of_o judgement_n and_o determine_v controversy_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n birth_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v as_o well_o particular_o in_o each_o city_n as_o in_o many_o city_n in_o common_a some_o form_n of_o ordinary_a judicatory_a to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n may_v be_v due_o perform_v and_o the_o censure_n of_o manner_n administer_v else_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a either_o then_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n command_v that_o he_o who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n or_o the_o apostle_n reproof_n reprehend_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o have_v neglect_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o public_a judicatory_a of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n neither_o only_a have_v each_o particular_a church_n their_o proper_a distinct_a consistory_n but_o that_o also_o divers_a church_n when_o more_o weighty_a controversy_n do_v arise_v which_o can_v not_o in_o lesser_a assembly_n be_v determine_v do_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v together_o to_o one_o general_a council_n the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v act_v 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o not_o only_a this_o ordinary_a superior_a court_n or_o sanedrim_n be_v keep_v at_o jerusalem_n but_o extraordinary_a convention_n call_v for_o the_o church_n reformation_n the_o establish_v religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o a_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o for_o other_o holy_a occasion_n see_v example_n thereof_o deut._n 29._o 20._o 2_o chro._n 15._o 9_o &_o 29._o 4_o &_o 34._o 29_o nehem._n 10._o 32._o to_o 34._o and_o such_o convention_n be_v celebrate_v for_o moral_a duty_n the_o celebration_n of_o they_o lie_v as_o a_o duty_n on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o time_n 4._o a_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n by_o apostolical_a precept_n whatsoever_o therefore_o a_o ecclesiastical_a prophet_n do_v in_o his_o sacred_a function_n perform_v either_o in_o sacred_a doctrine_n or_o divine_a worship_n or_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o prophet_n therefore_o one_o single_a prophet_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prophet_n of_o other_o church_n and_o consequent_o assembly_n of_o many_o prophet_n meeting_n out_o of_o divers_a church_n be_v here_o establish_v to_o who_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o prophet_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v subject_a other_o argument_n be_v also_o at_o hand_n in_o this_o cause_n if_o we_o purpose_v to_o contend_v by_o number_n of_o argument_n hence_o also_o do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o hold_v their_o synod_n endow_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a which_o do_v so_o impose_v their_o decree_n on_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o permit_v not_o a_o private_a or_o particular_a church_n to_o alter_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o enjoin_v all_o to_o observe_v their_o canon_n establish_v till_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o appoint_v by_o the_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n ann._n 1571._o art_n 53._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 91._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 69._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586_o art_n 79._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 80._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 86._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o allow_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n no_o other_o power_n then_o of_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n as_o one_o brother_n towards_o another_o and_o one_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a sister_n church_n may_v be_v counsel_n and_o persuasion_n direct_v and_o exhort_v to_o their_o duty_n so_o neither_o have_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o church_n that_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o synod_n and_o class_n any_o other_o authority_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o persuade_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v against_o who_o we_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o what_o master_n john_n cotton_n himself_o have_v in_o a_o late_a treatise_n in_o english_a concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n chap._n 6._o we_o dare_v not_o say_v say_v he_o that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodall_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n act_v 15._o 27._o this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v those_o necessary_a thing_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_a power_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n thus_o master_n cotton_n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o their_o contrary_a opinion_n who_o allow_v to_o
doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v examine_v by_o ordinary_a ministerial_a knowledge_n may_v by_o common_a consent_n be_v explain_v and_o decide_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o agreement_n also_o about_o the_o proper_a form_n of_o speak_v and_o proceed_v agreeable_a to_o the_o phrase_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v what_o those_o church_n hold_v which_o set_v forth_o those_o confession_n and_o canon_n and_o what_o they_o judge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o all_o those_o orthodox_n with_o who_o they_o will_v keep_v communion_n shall_v hold_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o restraint_n of_o licentiousness_n in_o invent_v new_a opinion_n and_o order_n to_o distract_v and_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o last_o that_o there_o may_v remain_v a_o testimony_n to_o posterity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o their_o ancestor_n that_o vicious_a or_o unnecessary_a and_o unprofitable_a innovation_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n the_o concord_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n the_o better_o preserve_v they_o be_v useful_a therefore_o for_o the_o understanding_n divine_a scripture_n as_o handmaid_n with_o due_a subjection_n without_o any_o absolute_o necessary_a prescription_n of_o use_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o true_a sense_n but_o be_v impediment_n and_o hindrance_n to_o those_o only_a who_o with_o licentiousness_n rather_o than_o liberty_n endeavour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o principle_n which_o be_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o christian_a discipline_n and_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o even_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o listen_v which_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n reject_v as_o be_v far_o from_o christian_a modesty_n 4._o we_o attribute_v therefore_o to_o these_o form_n only_o a_o hypotheticall_a necessity_n for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o writing_n arise_v only_o from_o the_o reformation_n of_o church_n heretic_n and_o erroneous_a person_n contention_n or_o sophistication_n fraudulent_a expression_n and_o interpretation_n or_o the_o adversary_n calumny_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a or_o the_o testification_n of_o a_o consent_n with_o other_o church_n both_o ancient_a and_o present_a or_o a_o necessary_a declare_v the_o union_n of_o concord_n and_o consent_n 5._o therefore_o these_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n out_o of_o all_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o can_v be_v prescribe_v to_o church_n but_o by_o college_n of_o prophet_n to_o who_o ecclesiastical_a power_n of_o government_n be_v commit_v hence_o the_o meeting_n of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v by_o common_a consent_n compose_v explication_n out_o of_o scripture_n of_o opinion_n in_o controversy_n act._n 15._o and_o set_v out_o a_o epistle_n wherein_o by_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n concern_v the_o question_n in_o controversy_n it_o be_v decide_v and_o a_o canon_n prescribe_v to_o other_o church_n 6._o we_o consider_v these_o form_n either_o as_o touch_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o which_o be_v divine_a be_v deduce_v from_o scripture_n which_o we_o make_v use_v of_o as_o indices_fw-la in_o explain_v and_o determine_v dubious_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o controversy_n for_o be_v search_v out_o by_o so_o great_a diligence_n of_o godly_a teacher_n and_o approve_v by_o their_o consent_n and_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o can_v see_v that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o attribute_v to_o these_o form_n be_v examine_v and_o try_v by_o scripture_n if_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o indices_fw-la of_o some_o controvert_v doctrine_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n of_o which_o the_o meditation_n even_o of_o a_o private_a christian_a much_o more_o of_o a_o numerous_a company_n of_o prophet_n may_v be_v a_o index_n or_o they_o be_v consider_v formal_o as_o they_o be_v synodical_a determination_n due_o conclude_v confirm_v with_o ecclesiaasticall_a authority_n carry_v in_o they_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o a_o badge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a union_n and_o communion_n and_o thus_o we_o make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o decide_v and_o explain_v ecclesiastical_a controversy_n in_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o joint_o we_o attribute_v to_o they_o this_o authority_n which_o we_o propose_v in_o vrsin_n word_n their_o authority_n say_v he_o be_v show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o any_o one_o to_o recede_v from_o those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o recite_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v innova●●●_n in_o form_n of_o exposition_n or_o speech_n without_o just_a and_o necessary_a cause_n yea_o and_o if_o they_o either_o have_v indeed_o or_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n blame-worthy_a nothing_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v attempt_v in_o a_o rash_a disorderly_a and_o turbulent_a manner_n nothing_o to_o be_v spread_v abroad_o to_o the_o contrary_a without_o a_o previous_a communicate_v of_o opinion_n with_o such_o as_o be_v teacher_n and_o other_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o common_a knowledge_n and_o consent_n of_o those_o church_n wherein_o those_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v though_o therefore_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o synod_n which_o prescribe_v those_o form_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o infallible_a nor_o institute_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o therefore_o can_v by_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o authority_n oblige_v believer_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v determine_v in_o those_o form_n yet_o we_o acknowledge_v in_o synod_n which_o constitute_v those_o form_n the_o supreme_a power_n of_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n and_o determine_v controversy_n give_v by_o god_n for_o avoid_v confusion_n and_o rend_n of_o church_n whereby_o they_o may_v inflict_v ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o such_o as_o open_o oppose_v their_o decree_n hence_o have_v those_o form_n a_o excellent_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v for_o as_o the_o learned_a camero_n well_o note_v tom_n 1._o prelect_v de_fw-fr ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o discourse_n concern_v the_o infallability_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v decree_v by_o a_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v in_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n it_o make_v that_o this_o be_v not_o rash_o and_o without_o accurate_a and_o grave_a observation_n to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o synod_n have_v a_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o so_o a_o great_a than_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o teacher_n judge_v single_o and_o apart_o they_o have_v also_o more_o certain_a mean_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n to_o wit_n the_o prayer_n and_o fast_n &_o disputation_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o principal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o have_v also_o a_o better_a course_n to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n concern_v a_o controversy_n raise_v and_o what_o course_n the_o church_n observe_v therein_o so_o that_o they_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o form_n constitute_v in_o a_o synod_n or_o upon_o light_n and_o probable_a reason_n judge_v they_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o so_o to_o be_v be_v bind_v so_o far_o to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o form_n decree_v as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o that_o case_n which_o obedience_n be_v a_o observance_n of_o christian_a humility_n and_o modesty_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a in_o such_o case_n abstain_v from_o public_a or_o open_a profession_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o condemnation_n or_o confutation_n of_o the_o opinion_n determine_v in_o those_o form_n and_o this_o evident_a because_o for_o give_v obedience_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o church_n we_o have_v the_o certain_a and_o manifest_a authority_n of_o god_n command_v to_o obey_v they_o heb._n 13._o 17._o but_o for_o oppose_v they_o we_o have_v only_o uncertain_a and_o probable_a conjecture_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o common_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v hold_v that_o which_o be_v certain_a and_o leave_v that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a again_o to_o oppose_v open_o the_o form_n of_o church_n upon_o argument_n but_o probable_a and_o less_o evident_a give_v a_o unbridled_a and_o endless_a licence_n of_o contradict_v any_o ecclesiastical_a decree_n whatever_o yea_o when_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n prescribe_v in_o those_o form_n of_o church_n