she_o be_v but_o simple_o the_o power_n of_o she_o own_o act_n in_o which_o her_o own_o concernment_n which_o do_v interest_n her_o free_a by_o a_o intrinsical_v right_a the_o like_a difference_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o have_v see_v a_o government_n temper_v of_o a_o aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n in_o which_o suppose_v the_o people_n have_v a_o share_n and_o their_o actual_a consent_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o law_n and_o sentence_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o a_o few_o noble_n that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o who_o concernment_n be_v less_o general_a in_o who_o the_o formal_a sanction_n of_o all_o shall_v lie_v in_o these_o it_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o multitude_n but_o power_n and_o interest_n and_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o presbytry_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o else_o as_o we_o have_v long_o since_o be_v resolve_v all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n about_o their_o rule_n and_o of_o the_o people_n obedience_n to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o metaphor_n and_o to_o hold_v no_o porportion_n with_o any_o substantial_a reality_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o in_o this_o distribution_n of_o power_n christ_n have_v have_v a_o suitable_a and_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o church_n as_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o have_v qualify_v and_o dignify_v it_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n but_o it_o be_v comparative_o come_v forth_o of_o its_o nonage_n &_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o ripe_a age_n both_o as_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o difference_n from_o the_o old_a run_v in_o the_o prophet_n &_o as_o paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n express_v it_o they_o be_v therefore_o more_o general_o able_a if_o visible_a saint_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o church_n under_o the_o n._n testanent_a to_o join_v with_o their_o guide_n &_o leader_n in_o judge_v &_o discern_v what_o concern_v their_o own_o &_o their_o brethren_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v not_o now_o lodge_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o all_o church_n matter_n sole_o &_o entire_o in_o the_o church_n tutor_n &_o governor_n as_o of_o old_a when_o it_o be_v under_o age_n he_o do_v but_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o weakness_n &_o unskilfulnes_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o in_o comparison_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ascend_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o on_o purpose_n for_o their_o guidance_n &_o the_o government_n of_o they_o he_o have_v therefore_o place_v a_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o those_o officer_n over_o they_o not_o direct_v only_o but_o bind_v so_o as_o not_o only_o nothing_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o church_n government_n shall_v be_v do_v without_o they_o but_o not_o esteem_v valid_o do_v unless_o do_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o due_a and_o golden_a balance_a and_o poise_v of_o power_n and_o interest_n authority_n and_o privilege_n in_o elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n this_o government_n may_v neither_o degenerate_a into_o lordlynesse_n and_o oppression_n in_o ruler_n over_o the_o flock_n as_o not_o have_v all_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n alone_o nor_o yet_o into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o flock_n among_o themselves_o &_o so_o as_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v transact_v to_o common_a edification_n &_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o second_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o paradox_n that_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a authority_n shall_v be_v find_v sever_v from_o that_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o second_v it_o if_o not_o obey_v every_o minister_n and_o pastor_n have_v in_o himself_o alone_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v his_o charge_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o to_o instruct_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o authority_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o those_o under_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o vi_o materiae_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o command_n in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o he_o shall_v speak_v with_o no_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o man_n yea_o a_o child_n who_o speak_v a_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o word_n shall_v lead_v we_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v but_o further_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o ministerial_a authority_n which_o christ_n have_v endow_v he_o withal_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o by_o they_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o his_o over_o they_o and_o towards_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o alone_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n in_o he_o to_o enforce_v his_o doctrine_n if_o any_o do_v gainsay_v it_o neither_o therefore_o be_v this_o authority_n as_o in_o he_o consider_v to_o be_v judge_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o draw_v man_n to_o obedience_n neither_o let_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o power_n of_o this_o censure_n of_o cut_v man_n off_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n in_o which_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o indeed_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o &_o other_o of_o excommunication_n lie_v shall_v be_v inseparable_o link_v by_o christ_n unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o proper_a native_a privilege_n hereof_o so_o as_o that_o no_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o elder_n just_o presume_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a &_o judicious_a shall_v assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o or_o sever_v the_o formal_a power_n thereof_o from_o the_o particular_a congregation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o christ_n institution_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n something_o analogous_a thereunto_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o illustorate_v if_o not_o to_o justify_v this_o dispersion_n of_o interest_n and_o so_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o there_o may_v be_v find_v even_o of_o this_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o sentence_n to_o death_n of_o any_o subject_n in_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a civil_a punishment_n so_o of_o all_o other_o the_o near_a and_o exact_a parallel_n to_o this_o in_o spirituall_n of_o cut_v a_o soul_n off_o and_o deliver_v it_o to_o satan_n yet_o the_o power_n of_o this_o high_a judgement_n be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o lawyer_n only_o no_o not_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n themselves_o man_n select_v for_o wisdom_n faithfulness_n and_o gravity_n who_o yet_o be_v by_o office_n design_v to_o have_v a_o inerest_n herein_o but_o when_o they_o upon_o any_o special_a cause_n of_o difficulty_n for_o council_n and_o direction_n in_o such_o judgement_n do_v all_o meet_v as_o sometime_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o pronounce_v this_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o any_o man_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o jury_n of_o his_o peer_n which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o rank_n and_o in_o corporation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o place_n and_o with_o a_o jury_n of_o these_o man_n of_o themselves_o not_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n two_o judge_n yea_o one_o with_o other_o justice_n on_o the_o bench_n have_v power_n to_o adjudge_v and_o pronounce_v that_o which_o all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o lawyer_n in_o this_o kingdom_n together_o have_v not_o without_o a_o jury_n and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n use_v to_o admire_v the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n herein_o &_o do_v esteem_v this_o privilege_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o this_o particular_a peculiar_a to_o our_o nation_n as_o one_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o law_n and_o do_v make_v beast_n of_o it_o as_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o security_n to_o each_o person_n life_n as_o we_o think_v no_o nation_n about_o we_o can_v show_v the_o like_a and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o constitution_n but_o this_o which_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o insist_v on_o the_o dispersion_n of_o power_n into_o several_a hand_n which_o in_o capital_a matter_n every_o man_n trial_n shall_v run_v through_o whereof_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o tie_n of_o like_a common_a interest_n to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o faithfulness_n as_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o direct_v therein_o and_o beside_o that_o interest_n that_o be_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n fraternity_n yea_o or_o neighbourhood_n or_o like_o wise_a that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o common_a case_n of_o man_n alike_o subject_v to_o a_o authority_n set_v over_o they_o to_o sentence_v they_o there_o be_v also_o the_o special_a advantage_n of_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o the_o heinous_a
circumstance_n thereof_o yea_o and_o in_o these_o case_n of_o the_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v we_o need_v not_o enlarge_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o although_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v reverence_v as_o more_o wise_a and_o able_a than_o a_o few_o elder_n with_o their_o single_a congregation_n and_o according_o may_v have_v a_o high_a doctrinal_a power_n a_o power_n proper_o and_o peculiar_o suit_v to_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n to_o determine_v and_o direct_v congregation_n in_o their_o way_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o betrust_v they_o with_o that_o power_n he_o have_v do_v the_o congregation_n because_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o the_o people_n and_o so_o one_o tribe_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n be_v want_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v personal_o concur_v not_o by_o delegation_n or_o representation_n alone_o not_o to_o the_o execution_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o legal_a sentence_n also_o of_o cut_v man_n off_o as_o in_o the_o former_a parallel_n and_o instance_n may_v be_v observe_v yea_o and_o the_o high_a and_o the_o great_a the_o association_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o further_a be_v they_o remove_v from_o the_o people_n and_o although_o you_o may_v have_v thereby_o a_o great_a help_n in_o that_o juridical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n to_o be_v proceed_v by_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o further_a distance_n and_o disenable_v thereby_o from_o that_o precise_a practic_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o person_n transgress_v and_o case_n may_v be_v as_o true_o difficult_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v decide_v from_o obscurity_n and_o want_v of_o light_n into_o the_o circumstantiation_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n in_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o by_o he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o as_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o other_o consideration_n of_o like_a weight_n may_v here_o be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o the_o proof_n which_o we_o do_v not_o here_o intend_v yet_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o particular_a as_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o that_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v by_o withdraw_a communion_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o relation_n that_o by_o christ_n endowment_n all_o church_n stand_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o yea_o and_o wherein_o the_o least_o be_v a_o body_n to_o christ_n do_v stand_v unto_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v too_o much_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n and_o too_o long_o detain_v the_o reader_n from_o the_o fruitful_a and_o pregnant_a labour_n of_o the_o worthy_a author_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n sanctify_v all_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o to_o all_o those_o holy_a end_n and_o through_o his_o grace_n much_o more_o which_o the_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o the_o author_n do_v intend_v tho_o goodwin_n philip_z nye_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v and_o what_o their_o power_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v promise_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o peter_n mat._n 16.19_o to_o thou_o say_v christ_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v allegorical_a be_v therefore_o somewhat_o obscure_a and_o hold_v forth_o honour_n &_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v therefore_o controversall_a 15.1_o prov._n 15.1_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o honour_n nor_o pride_n to_o pursue_v it_o there_o be_v no_o contention_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v amiss_o for_o open_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n somewhat_o to_o open_v the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n whereon_o that_o power_n be_v build_v five_o word_n require_v a_o little_a clear_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o key_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o give_v of_o they_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v 4._o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o these_o act_n to_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v here_o put_v under_o a_o general_a name_n whatsoever_o 5._o who_o be_v the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o this_o power_n or_o to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n etc._n etc._n 1._o for_o the_o first_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v here_o mean_v both_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n for_o christ_n give_v to_o peter_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n convey_v therewith_o not_o only_o this_o power_n to_o bind_v on_o earth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o give_v he_o no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o bind_v in_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o he_o give_v he_o also_o this_o privilege_n that_o what_o he_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 2._o for_o the_o second_o what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o it_o also_o the_o administer_a of_o the_o seal_n and_o censure_n for_o by_o the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o these_o both_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n here_o and_o of_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v open_v or_o shut_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o give_v of_o these_o key_n impli_v that_o christ_n invest_v those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v they_o with_o a_o power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o and_o this_o power_n lie_v partly_o in_o their_o spiritual_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v their_o office_n or_o their_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o concourse_n and_o co-operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n accompany_v the_o right_a dispensation_n of_o these_o key_n that_o be_v of_o these_o ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o will_n moreover_o these_o key_n be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o sceptre_n no_o sword_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o civil_a power_n of_o bodily_a life_n and_o death_n nor_o sceptre_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o sovereign_a or_o legislative_a power_n over_o the_o church_n but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v give_v to_o hilkiah_n isa_n 22.22_o who_o succeed_v shebna_n in_o his_o office_n and_o his_o office_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o house_n v._o 15._o and_o the_o same_o word_n over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v steward_n in_o the_o house_n gen._n 43.19_o 3._o touch_v the_o three_o thing_n what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o material_a key_n for_o their_o act_n be_v open_v and_o shut_v which_o argue_v the_o key_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o material_a key_n but_o metaphorical_a and_o y_z t_z be_v key_n they_o have_v a_o power_n also_o of_o open_v and_o shut_v for_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o these_o key_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o no_o man_n to_o shut_v to_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n to_o open_v rev._n 3.7_o which_o impli_v that_o these_o key_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v as_o that_o they_o do_v thereby_o bind_v and_o loose_v retain_v and_o remit_v in_o open_v they_o lose_v and_o remit_v in_o shut_v they_o bind_v and_o retain_v which_o will_v more_o appear_v in_o open_v the_o four_o point_n 4._o the_o four_o point_n than_o be_v what_o be_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v bind_v and_o loose_v the_o text_n in_o mat._n 16.9_o say_v whatsoever_o which_o reach_v not_o so_o far_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v stretch_v it_o to_o whatsoever_o oath_n or_o covenant_n or_o contract_n or_o counsel_n or_o law_n as_o if_o whatsoever_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n covenant_n of_o lease_n or_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n the_o pope_n ratifi_v or_o dissolve_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v ratify_v or_o dissolve_v in_o heaven_n no_o this_o
be_v not_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o key_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n rev._n 9.1_o but_o this_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v here_o put_v in_o the_o neuter_n gender_n not_o in_o the_o masculine_a whosoever_o to_o imply_v both_o thing_n and_o person_n thing_n as_o sin_n person_n as_o those_o that_o commit_v they_o for_o so_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o act_n of_o the_o same_o key_n joh._n 20.21_o he_o explain_v himself_o thus_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v and_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o therefore_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o retain_v on_o earth_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n be_v as_o much_o as_o who_o sin_n soever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n now_o this_o bind_n and_o lose_v of_o whatsoever_o sin_n in_o whosever_v commit_v they_o be_v partly_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o partly_o in_o his_o outward_a estate_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v express_v in_o other_o term_n either_o in_o foro_fw-la interiori_fw-la or_o in_o foro_fw-la exteriori_fw-la as_o when_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n a_o sinner_n be_v convince_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n than_o his_o sin_n be_v retain_v his_o conscience_n be_v bind_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o bind_v under_o some_o church-censure_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o desert_n of_o his_o offence_n and_o if_o his_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o heinous_a himself_o be_v shut_v out_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o confess_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o it_o be_v know_v before_o his_o people_n also_o and_o then_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o sin_n be_v remit_v and_o his_o conscience_n loose_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o and_o himself_o have_v open_a and_o free_a entrance_n both_o unto_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o into_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o the_o five_o point_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n give_v the_o text_n say_v to_o thou_o simon_n peter_n the_o son_n of_o jona_n who_o christ_n bless_v and_o pronounce_v bless_v upon_o his_o holy_a confession_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n promise_v both_o to_o use_v he_o and_o his_o confession_n as_o a_o instrument_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n and_o also_o to_o give_v he_o the_o key_n of_o his_o church_n for_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v of_o it_o but_o it_o have_v prove_v abusie_a question_n how_o peter_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o receive_v this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o as_o a_o elder_a for_o a_o elder_a also_o he_o be_v 1_o pet._n 5.1_o or_o as_o a_o believer_n profess_v his_o faith_n before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n now_o because_o we_o be_v as_o well_o studious_a of_o peace_n as_o of_o truth_n we_o will_v not_o lean_v to_o one_o of_o these_o interpretation_n more_o than_o to_o another_o take_v any_o of_o they_o it_o will_v not_o hinder_v our_o purpose_n in_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n though_o to_o speak_v ingenuous_o and_o without_o offence_n what_o we_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n will_v be_v most_o full_a if_o all_o the_o several_a consideration_n be_v take_v joint_o together_o take_v peter_n consider_v not_o only_o as_o a_o apostle_n but_o a_o elder_a also_o yea_o and_o a_o believer_n too_o profess_v his_o faith_n all_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o for_o there_o be_v a_o different_a power_n give_v to_o all_o these_o to_o a_o apostle_n to_o a_o elder_a to_o a_o believer_n and_o peter_n be_v all_o these_o and_o receive_v all_o the_o power_n which_o be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o any_o of_o these_o or_o to_o all_o of_o these_o together_o for_o as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v peter_n as_o well_o as_o any_o apostle_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la so_o far_o as_o either_o any_o church-officer_n or_o the_o whole_a church_n itself_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o john_n 20.21_o so_o that_o austin_n do_v not_o mistake_v when_o he_o say_v peter_n receive_v the_o key_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n nevertheless_o we_o from_o this_o place_n in_o mat._n 16.19_o will_v challenge_v no_o further_o power_n either_o to_o the_o presbytery_n or_o to_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n then_o be_v more_o express_o grant_v to_o they_o in_o other_o scripture_n now_o in_o other_o scripture_n it_o appear_v first_o that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o retain_v or_o remit_v of_o sin_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o to_o peter_n joh._n 20.21.23_o second_o it_o appear_v also_o that_o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o elder_n the_o presbytery_n of_o that_o church_n heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o therefore_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o they_o also_o three_o it_o appear_v far_a that_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o the_o body_n likewise_o of_o the_o church_n even_o to_o the_o fraternity_n with_o the_o presbytery_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n communicate_v the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v to_o the_o apostle_n or_o elder_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v in_o his_o name_n and_o agree_v together_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o offender_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o a_o offender_n say_v he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n that_o be_v let_v he_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o censure_n administer_v by_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n he_o ratifi_v with_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o place_n howsoever_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n between_o classical_a and_o congregationall_a divine_n what_o shall_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o church_n tell_v the_o church_n whether_o the_o presbytery_n or_o the_o congregation_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o and_o it_o be_v agreement_n in_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o seek_v for_o that_o no_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o with_o some_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n at_o least_o by_o way_n 1._o of_o consent_n to_o the_o sentence_n 2._o of_o actual_a execution_n of_o it_o by_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o offender_n so_o convict_v and_o censure_v now_o this_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o power_n and_o validity_n of_o the_o censure_n we_o conceive_v be_v some_o part_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o that_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o peter_n to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o peter_n then_o receive_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o key_n than_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o name_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v any_o part_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n whether_o apostle_n or_o elder_n or_o church_n or_o if_o he_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o a_o apostle_n only_o yet_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o as_o he_o there_o receive_v the_o power_n of_o a_o apostle_n so_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o same_o power_n either_o there_o or_o elsewhere_o and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o each_o church_n receive_v if_o not_o there_o yet_o elsewhere_o the_o power_n belong_v to_o their_o office_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n each_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o profess_a believer_n receive_v that_o portion_n also_o of_o church-power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o key_n and_o their_o power_n or_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n thereof_o the_o ordinary_a distribution_n of_o the_o key_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v thus_o deliver_v there_o be_v clavis_fw-la 1._o scientiae_fw-la a_o key_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o clavis_fw-la 2._o potestatis_fw-la key_n of_o power_n and_o the_o key_n of_o power_n be_v 1._o ordinis_fw-la either_o a_o key_n of_o order_n or_o a_o key_n of_o 2._o jurisdictionis_fw-la jurisdiction_n this_o distribution_n though_o it_o go_v for_o current_n both_o among_o
5._o from_o this_o sovereign_a power_n it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o spiritual_a power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o gift_n in_o these_o office_n and_o place_n for_o the_o gather_n and_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o they_o be_v from_o he_o mat._n 28.20_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o etc._n etc._n col._n 1.29_o 1_o cor._n 15.9_o the_o g_o odd_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n his_o purchase_n of_o his_o church_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o his_o deep_a humiliation_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v all_o of_o they_o obtain_v to_o he_o this_o his_o high_a exaltation_n to_o be_v head_n over_o all_o thing_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o enjoy_v as_o king_n thereof_o this_o sovereign_a power_n col._n 1.19_o col._n 2.2_o 9_o 10._o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.8_o to_o 11._o but_o of_o this_o sovereign_a power_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o question_n among_o protestant_n especial_o studious_a of_o reformation_n now_o as_o concern_v the_o ministerial_a power_n we_o give_v these_o follow_a proposition_n i._n propos_fw-fr a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o saint_n profess_v the_o faith_n take_v indefinite_o for_o any_o church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o church-office_n with_o all_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o be_v execute_v among_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n all_o be_v you_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n of_o gorinth_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o not_o as_o a_o peculiar_a privilege_n unto_o they_o but_o common_a to_o they_o with_o any_o other_o particular_a church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o a_o church_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o come_v all_o together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o their_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 23._o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o same_o church_n that_o god_n have_v set_v the_o officer_n and_o their_o gift_n and_o all_o variety_n of_o member_n and_o their_o function_n in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.28_o where_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o translate_v some_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o his_o church_n for_o he_o have_v set_v all_o but_o speak_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n v._n 27._o he_o proceed_v to_o exemplify_v those_o member_n in_o v._o 28._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o which_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n that_o be_v which_o member_n apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n for_o though_o the_o relative_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o gender_n with_o the_o antecedent_n before_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o respect_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o so_o the_o person_n intend_v rather_o than_o the_o gender_n of_o their_o name_n and_o to_o render_v the_o relative_n of_o the_o same_o gender_n and_o case_n with_o the_o substantive_n follow_n so_o here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a observation_n that_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o national_a church_n nor_o of_o any_o national_a officer_n give_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n indeed_o we_o read_v of_o a_o nationall_n church_n all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o jerusalem_n deut._n 16.16_o and_o he_o appoint_v they_o there_o a_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o certain_a solemn_a sacrifice_n by_o he_o to_o be_v administer_v leu._n 16.1_o to_o 29._o and_o together_o with_o he_o other_o priest_n and_o elder_n and_o judge_n to_o who_o all_o appeal_n shall_v be_v bring_v and_o who_o shall_v judge_v all_o difficult_a and_o transcendent_a case_n deut._n 17.8_o to_o 11._o but_o we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o national_a church_n or_o high_a priest_n or_o court_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o yet_o we_o willing_o grant_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o equal_a power_n may_v in_o some_o case_n appoint_v by_o christ_n meet_v together_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o their_o messenger_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o may_v perform_v sundry_a act_n of_o power_n there_o as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o but_o the_o officer_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o brethren_n member_n of_o the_o synod_n yea_o and_o the_o synod_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o power_n they_o put_v forth_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o primary_o give_v to_o the_o several_a church_n of_o particular_a congregation_n either_o as_o the_o first_o subject_n in_o who_o they_o be_v resident_a or_o as_o the_o first_o object_n about_o who_o they_o be_v conversant_a and_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v gather_v and_o employ_v ii_o propos_fw-fr the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o apostolical_a power_n apostolical_a power_n stand_v chief_o in_o two_o thing_n first_o in_o that_o each_o apostle_n have_v in_o he_o all_o ministerial_a power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n may_v exhort_v as_o pastor_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o teach_v as_o teacher_n 1_o tim._n 2.7_o rule_v as_o ruler_n 2_o tim._n 4.1_o receive_v and_o distribute_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deacon_n act._n 4.35_o yea_o any_o one_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n carry_v about_o with_o he_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o may_v baptise_v yea_o and_o censure_v a_o offender_n too_o as_o if_o he_o have_v the_o presence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o he_o for_o we_o read_v that_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o church_n act._n 8.38_o and_o that_o paul_n himself_o excommunicate_v alexander_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o it_o be_v not_o mention_v that_o he_o take_v the_o consent_n of_o any_o church_n or_o presbytery_n in_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o where_o he_o can_v have_v the_o consent_n and_o concourse_n of_o the_o church_n and_o presbytery_n in_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church-power_n he_o willing_o take_v it_o and_o join_v with_o it_o as_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o with_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o but_o when_o both_o himself_o and_o the_o person_n to_o be_v baptize_v or_o ordain_v or_o excommunicate_v be_v absent_a and_o distant_a from_o all_o church_n the_o apostle_n may_v proceed_v to_o put_v forth_o their_o power_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o church_n act_n without_o they_o the_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o power_n which_o they_o receive_v immediate_o from_o christ_n will_v bear_v they_o out_o in_o it_o as_o my_o father_n send_v i_o say_v christ_n to_o wit_n with_o amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o sovereign_a power_n so_o send_v i_o you_o with_o like_a amplitude_n and_o plenitude_n of_o ministerial_a power_n joh._n 20.21_o 2._o apostolical_a power_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o any_o one_o their_o line_n go_v out_o into_o all_o the_o world_n psal_n 19.4_o compare_v with_o rom._n 10._o and_o as_o they_o receive_v commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptize_v in_o all_o the_o world_n mat._n 28.19_o so_o they_o receive_v charge_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n sheep_n and_o lamb_n which_o impli_v all_o act_n of_o pastoral_a government_n over_o all_o the_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n of_o christ_n joh._n 21.15_o 16_o 17._o now_o this_o apostolical_a power_n centre_v all_o church-power_n into_o one_o man_n and_o extend_v itself_o forth_o to_o the_o circumference_n of_o all_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o it_o so_o be_v they_o also_o the_o last_o nevertheless_o that_o ample_a and_o universal_a latitude_n of_o power_n which_o be_v conjoin_v in_o they_o be_v now_o divide_v even_o by_o themselves_o among_o all_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n respective_o the_o officer_n of_o each_o church_n attend_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n commit_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o neglect_v the_o good_a of_o other_o church_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v mutual_o helpful_a to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n iii_o propos_fw-fr when_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o of_o church-authority_n and_o both_o of_o they_o together_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o
give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n as_o such_o primo_fw-la &_o per_fw-la se_fw-la than_o it_o will_v be_v find_v in_o every_o particular_a church_n of_o brethren_n for_o a_o quatenus_fw-la adomnia_fw-la valet_fw-la consequentia_fw-la obj._n 4._o but_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a tenant_n in_o many_o of_o our_o best_a divine_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mix_v of_o a_o monarchy_n a_o aristocracy_n and_o a_o democracy_n in_o regard_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v sovereign_a and_o monarchical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o presbytery_n it_o be_v stewardly_a and_o aristocratical_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o election_n and_o censure_n it_o be_v democraticall_a which_o argue_v the_o people_n have_v some_o stock_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n authority_n after_o a_o sort_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o people_n as_o 1._o when_o a_o man_n act_v by_o counsel_n according_a to_o his_o own_o discern_v free_o he_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dominus_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la so_o the_o people_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o liberty_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v domini_fw-la svi_fw-la actus_fw-la lord_n of_o their_o own_o action_n 2._o the_o people_n by_o their_o act_n of_o liberty_n as_o in_o election_n of_o officer_n and_o concurrency_n in_o censure_n of_o offender_n and_o in_o the_o determination_n and_o promulgation_n of_o synodall_n act_n they_o have_v a_o great_a stroke_n or_o power_n in_o the_o order_n of_o church_n affair_n which_o may_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o potestas_fw-la a_o power_n which_o many_o time_n go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o rule_n or_o authority_n but_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n then_o authority_n as_o have_v be_v open_v above_o in_o chap._n 3._o for_o no_o act_n of_o the_o people_n power_n or_o liberty_n do_v proper_o bind_v unless_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n concur_v with_o it_o 3._o a_o three_o argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o authority_n in_o that_o church_n be_v take_v from_o the_o like_a removal_n of_o other_o subject_n from_o whence_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o derive_v their_o authority_n as_o be_v use_v before_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n of_o brethren_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n the_o elder_n of_o church_n be_v never_o find_v in_o scripture_n to_o derive_v their_o authority_n which_o they_o exercise_v in_o their_o own_o congregation_n either_o from_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o from_o any_o synod_n of_o church_n all_o particular_a church_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a power_n each_o of_o they_o respective_o in_o their_o own_o congregation_n none_o of_o they_o call_v other_o their_o rabbi_n or_o master_n or_o father_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o authority_n over_o they_o but_o all_o of_o they_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o as_o fellow_n brethren_n matth._n 23.8_o 9_o 10._o and_o though_o in_o a_o synod_n they_o have_v receive_v power_n from_o christ_n and_o from_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o synod_n to_o exercise_v authority_n in_o impose_v burden_n such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v upon_o all_o church_n who_o elder_n be_v present_a with_o they_o act._n 15.28_o for_o the_o apostle_n be_v elder_n in_o all_o church_n yet_o the_o elder_n of_o every_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o walk_v with_o the_o brethren_n of_o their_o own_o church_n in_o light_n and_o peace_n they_o need_v not_o to_o derive_v from_o the_o synod_n any_o power_n to_o impose_v the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a burden_n upon_o their_o own_o church_n for_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o power_n and_o charge_n from_o christ_n to_o teach_v and_o command_v with_o all_o authority_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n unto_o their_o people_n and_o the_o people_n discern_v the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n deliver_v and_o walk_v in_o peace_n with_o their_o elder_n they_o ready_o yield_v obedience_n to_o their_o overseer_n in_o whatsoever_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v by_o they_o commend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o lord_n 3._o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o branch_n of_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n elder_n and_o brethren_n walk_v and_o join_v together_o in_o truth_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o themselves_o whether_o in_o the_o election_n or_o ordination_n of_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o censure_n of_o offender_n in_o their_o own_o body_n the_o truth_n hereof_o may_v appear_v by_o these_o argument_n 1_o in_o point_n of_o ordination_n from_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v oven_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o people_n conscience_n when_o both_o the_o brethren_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n whereto_o he_o be_v call_v have_v put_v forth_o the_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o about_o he_o as_o when_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v choose_v he_o to_o office_n and_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o their_o several_a act_n have_v due_a respect_n to_o the_o inward_a ministerial_a gift_n whereunto_o god_n have_v furnish_v he_o he_o may_v then_o look_v at_o himself_o as_o call_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o exercise_v his_o talent_n in_o that_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o people_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o send_v of_o god_n to_o they_o what_o defect_n may_v be_v find_v in_o such_o a_o call_n when_o the_o brethren_n exercise_v their_o lawful_a liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n their_o lawful_a authority_n in_o his_o ordination_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v require_v to_o the_o complete_a integrity_n of_o a_o minister_n call_v if_o it_o be_v say_v there_o want_v imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o bishop_n who_o succee_v in_o the_o place_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o the_o apostle_n paul_n leave_v the_o one_o in_o ephesus_n the_o other_o in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o ans_fw-fr touch_v ordination_n by_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o upon_o pretence_n of_o they_o by_o bishop_n enough_o have_v be_v say_v by_o many_o godly_a learned_a heretofore_o especial_o of_o late_a time_n the_o sum_n come_v to_o these_o conclusion_n 1_o that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n do_v not_o ordain_v elder_n in_o many_o church_n as_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n timothy_n be_v express_o term_v a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o titus_n be_v as_o clear_o decipher_v to_o be_v a_o evangelist_n as_o timothy_n by_o the_o character_n of_o a_o evangelist_n which_o either_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o or_o eusebius_n note_v in_o his_o ecclesiast_fw-la histor_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 37._o gr._n cap._n 31._o lat._n not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o certain_a church_n but_o to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n finish_v their_o work_n in_o plant_v and_o water_v church_n where_o they_o come_v they_o do_v indeed_o ordain_v officer_n where_o they_o want_v and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o several_a church_n yet_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 1_o tim._n 5._o but_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o office_n of_o a_o evangelist_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v no_o direction_n in_o the_o epistle_n either_o to_o timothy_n or_o titus_n or_o any_o where_o else_o in_o scripture_n 2._o conclusion_n those_o bishop_n who_o calling_n or_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o those_o epistle_n to_o be_v continue_v they_o be_v altogether_o synonyma_fw-la with_o presbyter_n tit._n 1.5_o 7._o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o to_o 7._o 3._o conclus_fw-la we_o read_v of_o many_o bishop_n to_o one_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 14.23_o and_o chap._n 20.17_o 28._o tit._n 1.5.7_o but_o not_o of_o many_o church_n much_o less_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o large_a diocese_n to_o one_o bishop_n 4._o conclus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o transcendent_a proper_a work_n cut_v out_o or_o reserve_v for_o such_o a_o transcendent_a officer_n as_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o transcendent_a act_n reserve_v to_o he_o by_o the_o advocate_n of_o episcopacy_n be_v ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n now_o both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o rule_n and_o paul_n to_o timothy_n acknowledge_v no_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o labour_n in_o
another_o and_o yet_o paul_n go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o confer_v with_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n lest_o he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ministry_n galat._n 2.2_o and_o though_o in_o conference_n the_o chief_a apostle_n add_v nothing_o to_o paul_n ver_fw-la 6._o yet_o when_o they_o perceive_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o uncircumcision_n be_v commit_v to_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n as_o that_o of_o the_o circumcision_n to_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n they_o give_v unto_o one_o another_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n ver_fw-la 9_o now_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v by_o just_a proportion_n that_o if_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v each_o of_o they_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o consult_v and_o confer_v together_o about_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o their_o call_n and_o to_o their_o doctrine_n then_o sure_o church_n and_o elder_n of_o church_n though_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o have_v need_n to_o communicate_v their_o course_n and_o proceed_n in_o such_o case_n one_o with_o another_o to_o procure_v the_o free_a passage_n to_o the_o same_o and_o if_o the_o apostle_n give_v right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n one_o to_o another_o do_v mutual_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n give_v right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o one_o another_o in_o their_o ordination_n or_o upon_o any_o fit_a occasion_n can_v but_o much_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o heart_n and_o hand_n of_o one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n work_v again_o something_o may_v be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o confirmation_n yet_o for_o illustration_n of_o this_o point_n by_o compare_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o be_v a_o perfect_a platform_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v constitute_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n state_n at_o their_o last_o conversion_n the_o dimension_n of_o this_o church_n as_o they_o be_v describe_v by_o ezekiel_n chap._n 48.30_o be_v according_a to_o junius_n twelve_o furlong_n which_o after_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n which_o be_v double_a to_o the_o common_a be_v about_o three_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n but_o the_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o revel_n 21.16_o be_v say_v to_o be_v twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n now_o how_o can_v these_o two_o dimension_n of_o the_o same_o church_n stand_v together_o which_o be_v so_o far_o discrepant_a one_o from_o another_o for_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n twelve_o furlong_n in_o twelve_o thousand_o furlong_n the_o fit_a and_o fair_a reconciliation_n seem_v plain_o to_o be_v this_o that_o ezekiel_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o any_o ordinary_a jewish_a church_n of_o one_o particular_a congregation_n but_o john_n speak_v of_o the_o dimension_n of_o many_o particular_a jewish_a church_n combine_v together_o in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o thousand_o church_n not_o that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v constitute_v in_o a_o nationall_n and_o diocesan_n frame_n with_o nationall_n officer_n and_o diocesan_n bishop_n or_o the_o like_a but_o that_o sometime_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o will_v be_v gather_v into_o a_o synod_n and_o all_o of_o they_o will_v have_v such_o mutual_a care_n and_o yield_v such_o mutual_a brotherly_a help_n and_o communion_n one_o to_o another_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o but_o one_o body_n if_o any_o man_n say_v theologia_n symbolica_fw-la or_o parabolica_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la argumentativa_fw-la that_o argument_n from_o such_o parable_n and_o mystical_a resemblance_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o valid_a let_v he_o enjoy_v his_o own_o apprehension_n and_o if_o he_o can_v yield_v a_o better_a interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n let_v he_o wave_v this_o collection_n nevertheless_o if_o there_o be_v no_o argumentative_a power_n in_o parable_n why_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o much_o delight_n in_o that_o kind_n of_o teach_v and_o why_o do_v john_n and_o daniel_n and_o ezekiel_n deliver_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o prophecy_n in_o parable_n if_o we_o must_v take_v they_o for_o riddle_n and_o not_o for_o document_n nor_o argument_n sure_o if_o they_o serve_v not_o for_o argument_n they_o serve_v not_o for_o document_n but_o furthermore_o touch_v this_o great_a work_n of_o communion_n and_o consociation_n of_o church_n give_v we_o leave_v to_o add_v this_o caution_n caution_n a_o caution_n to_o see_v that_o this_o consociation_n of_o church_n be_v not_o pervert_v either_o to_o the_o oppression_n or_o diminution_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n and_o authority_n of_o each_o particular_a church_n within_o itself_o who_o be_v well_o supply_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o expert_a presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o do_v walk_v in_o their_o integrity_n according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v synod_n have_v their_o just_a authority_n in_o all_o church_n how_o pure_a soever_o in_o determine_v such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o christ_n church_n according_a to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n and_o censure_n of_o offender_n let_v it_o suffice_v the_o church_n consociate_v to_o assist_v one_o another_o with_o their_o counsel_n and_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n when_o they_o see_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n and_o power_n aright_o but_o let_v they_o not_o put_v forth_o the_o power_n of_o their_o community_n either_o to_o take_v such_o church_n act_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n or_o to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o lawful_a course_n unless_o they_o see_v they_o through_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o abuse_v their_o liberty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o liberty_n of_o church_n be_v purchase_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o therefore_o neither_o may_v the_o church_n give_v they_o away_o nor_o many_o church_n take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o they_o may_v indeed_o prevent_v the_o abuse_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o direct_v in_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o they_o but_o not_o take_v they_o away_o though_o themselves_o shall_v be_v willing_a the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v give_v equal_a power_n to_o all_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o eleven_o of_o they_o to_o forbid_v the_o twelve_o to_o do_v any_o act_n of_o his_o office_n without_o their_o intervention_n neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o nine_o who_o be_v of_o inferior_a gift_n to_o commit_v the_o guidance_n and_o command_n of_o all_o their_o apostolic_a administration_n unto_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o they_o be_v all_o one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o immediate_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o because_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a in_o office_n and_o every_o one_o to_o give_v account_n for_o himself_o unto_o god_n it_o be_v the_o like_a case_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o particular_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v moreover_o a_o threefold_a further_a inconvenience_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o attend_v the_o translation_n of_o the_o power_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o these_o ordinary_a admninistraon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyter_n common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la 1._o the_o promise_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o way_n of_o discipline_n which_o christ_n give_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v by_o this_o mean_v not_o receive_v nor_o enjoin_v nor_o practise_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o but_o by_o their_o deputy_n or_o overseer_n 2._o the_o same_o promise_n which_o be_v not_o give_v to_o synod_n in_o act_n of_o that_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o synod_n but_o in_o act_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v hereby_o receive_v and_o enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o they_o and_o by_o they_o only_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v and_o which_o be_v a_o three_o inconvenience_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o power_n of_o the_o key_n only_o by_o a_o synod_n of_o presbyter_n still_o keep_v the_o church_n as_o under_o nonage_n as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o the_o just_a liberty_n of_o their_o ripe_a year_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o a_o mother_n to_o bear_v her_o young_a daughter_n in_o her_o arm_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o go_v on_o its_o own_o foot_n while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o infancy_n be_v kind_o and_o comely_a but_o when_o the_o damsel_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n for_o the_o mother_n still_o to_o bear_v she_o in_o her_o arm_n for_o fear_v of_o stumble_v it_o be_v a_o uncecessary_a burden_n to_o the_o mother_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o virgin_n such_o be_v the_o case_n here_o the_o community_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n phrase_n be_v as_o the_o mother_n each_o particular_a church_n be_v as_o the_o daughter_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n while_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o nonage_n it_o be_v not_o unseasonable_a to_o leave_v the_o whole_a guidance_n and_o bear_v thereof_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o tutor_n and_o governor_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n and_o in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o national_a court_n but_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v up_o or_o shall_v be_v grow_v at_o least_o to_o more_o maturity_n it_o be_v meet_v more_o to_o give_v the_o church_n liberty_n to_o stand_v alone_o and_o to_o walk_v upon_o she_o own_o leg_n and_o yet_o in_o any_o such_o part_n of_o her_o way_n as_o may_v be_v more_o hard_a to_o hit_v right_a upon_o as_o in_o her_o election_n and_o ordinance_n and_o censure_n of_o eminent_a person_n in_o office_n it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o holy_a and_o faithful_a office_n of_o the_o vigilancy_n of_o the_o community_n of_o church_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o helpful_a to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o at_o all_o time_n when_o a_o particular_a church_n shall_v wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n whether_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n or_o of_o peace_n the_o community_n of_o church_n may_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v excuse_v from_o reform_v they_o again_o into_o their_o right_a way_n according_a to_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o all_o the_o several_a church_n within_o their_o covenant_n soli_fw-la christo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v license_v and_o enter_v according_a to_o order_n finis_fw-la