judgement_n and_o to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n and_o the_o lord_n avouch_v they_o to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n etc._n etc._n v._n 16_o 17_o 18._o and_o the_o like_a if_o not_o great_a care_n be_v have_v of_o the_o profession_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o stranger_n the_o child_n of_o such_o proselyte_n as_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n isa_n 56.6_o 7._o john_n baptist_n also_o require_v of_o all_o who_o he_o admit_v unto_o his_o baptism_n a_o repenting-confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o which_o shall_v come_v after_o he_o that_o be_v on_o christ_n jesus_n act._n 19.4_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o rest_v in_o this_o that_o abraham_n be_v their_o father_n mat._n 3.9_o answerable_o the_o primitive_a church_n require_v of_o all_o grow_v person_n 1._o visible_a repentance_n in_o case_n of_o open_a scandal_n act._n 19.18_o 2._o to_o join_v therewith_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n act._n 2.39_o 3._o a_o profession_n of_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o after_o the_o apostle_n day_n the_o ancient_a church_n they_o have_v their_o poenitentes_fw-la such_o as_o hold_v forth_o their_o repentance_n public_o and_o their_o catechumeni_fw-la who_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v be_v pagan_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o be_v catechize_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o they_o may_v crave_v baptism_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v fit_a and_o then_o be_v call_v competentes_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n they_o be_v call_v audientes_fw-la or_o auditores_fw-la 17._o auditores_fw-la tertull._n l._n de_fw-la poenit_fw-la c._n 6._o &_o praescr_n advers._fw-la haeret_fw-la c._n 4._o cypr._n l._n 3._o ep_v 17._o 2._o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o do_v nonnihil_fw-la adolescere_fw-la be_v catechize_v and_o be_v find_v to_o be_v believer_n be_v confirm_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o admit_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o unto_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church-priviledge_n these_o clemens_n call_v incipientes_fw-la &_o novitio_n and_o so_o do_v other_o from_o 1_o tim._n 3.6_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n wrought_v high_a and_o more_o effectual_o to_o advance_v papal_a usurpation_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o church_n this_o custom_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o cease_v and_o popery_n retain_v only_o the_o name_n of_o confirmation_n but_o corrupt_v the_o thing_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o sacrament_n limit_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o to_o diocesan_n praelat_n this_o corrupt_a custom_n be_v continue_v in_o england_n after_o they_o renounce_v the_o pope_n but_o as_o luther_n in_o germany_n seek_v to_o introduce_v the_o right_a use_n of_o it_o into_o the_o church_n there_o so_o do_v cranmer_n under_o that_o godly_a king_n edward_n the_o 6_o endeavour_v in_o england_n and_o commit_v the_o perusal_n and_o censure_n of_o the_o common-prayer-book_n to_o that_o godly_a learned_a and_o moderate_a theologue_n bucer_n who_o examine_v the_o book_n find_v among_o sundry_a other_o thing_n that_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v confirm_v 17._o censura_fw-la m._n buceri_fw-la super_fw-la lib._n ordinat_fw-la eccles_n cap._n 17._o must_v say_v the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o answer_v the_o question_n of_o the_o short_a catechism_n bucer_n censure_n upon_o it_o be_v thus_o this_o require_v diligent_a ponderation_n if_o they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a that_o the_o word_n of_o this_o confession_n be_v recite_v god_n abhor_v such_o as_o confess_v he_o in_o word_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o be_v catechise_v institute_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v answer_v in_o word_n only_o that_o they_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n the_o lord_n say_v teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v and_o not_o only_o to_o speak_v and_o he_o require_v such_o worshipper_n as_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n but_o if_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o obedience_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v of_o adulti_fw-la grow_v person_n unto_o baptism_n be_v mean_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v require_v as_o may_v be_v judge_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o mouth_n or_o get_v only_o by_o humane_a teach_n but_o also_o it_o must_v have_v those_o sign_n in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n as_o come_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o though_o the_o church_n can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o tree_n by_o their_o fruit_n which_o fruit_n afterward_o he_o declare_v at_o large_a but_o i_o hasten_v to_o the_o next_o point_n have_v be_v the_o large_a in_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o no_o less_o importance_n than_o dispute_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o question_n under_o so_o much_o agitation_n chap._n iii_o concern_v the_o formal_a cause_n the_o formal_a cause_n or_o that_o which_o give_v essential_a be_v to_o this_o church_n be_v here_o hold_v forth_o in_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o house_n for_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d proper_o signify_v to_o build_v a_o house_n of_o material_n fit_o join_v and_o compact_v together_o but_o christ_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o material_a house_n but_o of_o the_o constitute_n of_o that_o holy_a society_n which_o he_o call_v his_o church_n under_o the_o metaphor_n of_o build_v a_o house_n which_o every_o way_n suit_v the_o matter_n he_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o a_o material_a house_n suppose_v of_o stone_n be_v build_v by_o orderly_o place_v and_o strong_o cement_n they_o together_o which_o before_o be_v either_o scatter_a stone_n or_o a_o confuse_a and_o loose_a heap_n but_o not_o a_o house_n till_o they_o be_v thus_o frame_v and_o compact_v together_o so_o this_o holy_a society_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o coadunition_n or_o knit_v together_o of_o many_o saint_n into_o one_o by_o a_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o they_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n 1_o pet._n 2.4_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o natural_a body_n of_o a_o man_n be_v build_v by_o a_o orderly_a join_n and_o firm_o knit_v the_o part_n together_o so_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n build_v by_o the_o mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v call_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n where_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v thus_o orderly_a and_o firm_o knit_v to_o the_o head_n and_o one_o to_o another_o eph._n 4.15_o 16._o the_o same_o hold_v in_o city_n and_o family_n which_o be_v thus_o build_v also_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o this_o matter_n under_o the_o same_o matephor_n in_o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21._o the_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o concl._n 3_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n that_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v constitute_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o essential_a form_n by_o the_o public_a mutual_a covenant_v of_o the_o saint_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o with_o another_o though_o all_o man_n seem_v to_o grant_v that_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o be_v from_o a_o covenant_n for_o which_o cause_n they_o that_o want_v a_o explicit_a covenant_n do_v yet_o plead_v their_o implicit_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o church-state_n yet_o such_o dispute_n be_v raise_v against_o the_o church_n covenant_n that_o i_o be_o compel_v to_o handle_v this_o point_n also_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o truth_n concern_v it_o may_v be_v the_o better_o clear_v and_o settle_v i_o shall_v therefore_o with_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n show_v 1._o to_o what_o end_n it_o serve_v 2._o what_o it_o import_v 3._o prove_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n 4._o draw_v some_o consectary_n from_o the_o conclusion_n 1._o the_o next_o end_n of_o their_o confederate_n be_v to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o submit_v one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n &_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o rule_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o mutual_o and_o to_o walk_v together_o according_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_v sanctify_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o for_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o church-communion_n 2._o the_o covenant_n itself_o import_v two_o thing_n 1._o on_o the_o lord_n part_n it_o impli_v 1._o the_o lord_n give_v they_o his_o covenant_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o seed_n gen._n 17.7_o 2._o his_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o his_o covenant_n according_o isa_n 56.4_o 5_o
alexandrum_fw-la omnia_fw-la probate_a quod_fw-la bonum_fw-la est_fw-la tenete_fw-la estote_fw-la probati_fw-la nummularij_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la nummus_fw-la adulter_fw-la est_fw-la &_o figuram_fw-la caesaris_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la nec_fw-la signatus_fw-la est_fw-la moneta_fw-la publica_fw-la reprobetur_fw-la qui_fw-la autem_fw-la christi_fw-la faciem_fw-la claro_fw-la praefert_fw-la jumine_fw-la in_fw-la cordis_fw-la nostri_fw-la marsupium_fw-la recondatur_fw-la the_o church_n charter_n contain_v two_o part_n 1._o the_o constitution_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2._o the_o privilege_n and_o power_n give_v to_o such_o church_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o examine_v mr._n paget_n argue_v for_o the_o ecclesistical_a juridical_a power_n of_o class_n i_o shall_v positive_o declare_v what_o power_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o particular_a church_n after_o i_o have_v describe_v their_o constitution_n according_a to_o christ_n his_o appointment_n in_o every_o of_o which_o particular_n i_o shall_v principal_o insist_v in_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o corporation_n or_o body_n politic_a such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o perfect_a city_n be_v because_o i_o find_v that_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n frequent_o to_o express_v this_o matter_n under_o this_o similitude_n 1âââ_n similitude_n ps_n 48_o 1â_n 2._o &_o 87.3_o isa_n 26.1_o &_o 60.14_o ezek._n 40.2_o &_o 4â_n 35_o rev._n 3._o ââ_o &_o â0_n â_o 21._o ãâ¦ã_o 22._o ãâ¦ã_o luc._n 1âââ_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o venture_v to_o apply_v it_o any_o further_a than_o the_o light_n of_o truth_n in_o scripture_n will_v direct_v and_o warrant_v there_o we_o find_v the_o grand_a charter_n itself_o and_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o these_o record_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n who_o god_n the_o father_n command_v we_o to_o hear_v 17.5_o hear_v mat._n 3.17_o &_o 17.5_o in_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o under_o a_o dreadful_a penalty_n etc._n penalty_n act_n 3.22_o 23._o cypr._n ad_fw-la coecil_n lib._n 2._o ep_n 3._o si_fw-mi solus_fw-la christus_fw-la audiendus_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la debemus_fw-la attendere_fw-la quid_fw-la aliquis_fw-la ante_fw-la nos_fw-la faciendum_fw-la putaverit_fw-la sed_fw-la quid_fw-la qui_fw-la ante_fw-la omnis_fw-la est_fw-la christus_fw-la prio_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o faciendum_fw-la statuerit_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la hominis_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la sequi_fw-la oportet_fw-la sed_fw-la dei_fw-la veritatem_fw-la cùm_fw-la per_fw-la isaiam_fw-la prophetam_fw-la deus_fw-la loquatur_fw-la &_o dicat_fw-la etc._n etc._n whence_o cyprian_n do_v well_o infer_v if_o only_a christ_n be_v to_o be_v hear_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o attend_v what_o any_o before_o we_o thought_n shall_v be_v do_v but_o what_o christ_n who_o be_v before_o all_o have_v do_v and_o appoint_v to_o be_v do_v for_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o custom_n of_o man_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n see_v the_o lord_n say_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n in_o vain_a they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n the_o charter_n according_a to_o which_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v constitute_v and_o their_o power_n in_o re_fw-mi propriâ_fw-la be_v to_o be_v state_v we_o find_v in_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o in_o the_o open_n and_o explain_v whereof_o i_o purpose_v with_o christ_n assistance_n to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n one_a handle_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n 2_o clear_v the_o power_n of_o it_o the_o word_n in_o mat._n 16.18_o hold_v forth_o a_o perfect_a rule_n for_o the_o constitute_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o its_o cause_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v several_o and_o distinct_o and_o the_o more_o large_o that_o the_o strength_n of_o such_o objection_n as_o occur_v in_o each_o particular_a may_v be_v due_o weigh_v and_o in_o handle_v they_o i_o shall_v observe_v this_o order_n 1._o i_o shall_v propound_v what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n in_o certain_a doctrinal_a conclusion_n 2._o explicate_v and_o confirm_v they_o 3._o deduce_v thence_o such_o consectary_n or_o inference_n as_o free_o flow_v from_o they_o chap._n i._n 1._o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n be_v note_v in_o this_o clause_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n i_o who_o be_v that_o even_o he_o who_o peter_n have_v confess_v in_o these_o word_n thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v jesus_n our_o mediator_n 1._o he_o speak_v in_o the_o first_o person_n not_o in_o the_o second_o for_o though_o he_o use_v man_n as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o himself_o by_o his_o spirit_n build_v his_o church_n zach._n 4.6_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v his_o building_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o 2._o he_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o preter_fw-la or_o present_a tense_n but_o in_o the_o future_a i_o will_v build_v for_o though_o christ_n be_v yesterday_o be_v to_o day_n and_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o he_o thus_o speak_v in_o a_o particular_a respect_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o new-testament_n which_o shall_v be_v build_v after_o his_o ascension_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n join_v into_o one_o body_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o cornerstone_n etc._n etc._n ephes_n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o conclusion_n hence_o be_v concl._n 1_o that_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v the_o only_a immediate_a author_n and_o institutor_n of_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o not_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n appear_v by_o his_o give_v to_o it_o the_o key_n which_o we_o shall_v prove_v hereafter_o be_v give_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n 2._o that_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a immediate_a institutor_n of_o such_o church_n may_v be_v evince_v 1._o general_o from_o heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o 2._o particular_o by_o induction_n thus_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o door_n by_o who_o they_o that_o be_v orderly_o admit_v must_v enter_v joh._n 10.9_o 2._o he_o set_v the_o member_n every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o that_o place_n and_o rank_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o body_n 1_o cor._n 12.18_o and_o gift_v they_o according_o ephes_n 4.7_o 3._o he_o compact_v the_o whole_a body_n ephes_n 4.16_o and_o firm_o knit_v the_o material_n together_o in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 4._o he_o give_v the_o several_a office_n and_o officer_n pastor_n teacher_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes_n 4.8_o 11._o 5._o he_o appoint_v the_o visible_a seal_n baptism_n col._n 2.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 23_o etc._n etc._n 6._o he_o be_v the_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n jam._n 4.12_o 7._o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o all_o church_n admininistration_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o 8._o the_o censure_n have_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n from_o he_o rev._n 3.7_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o 9_o the_o blessing_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n be_v from_o his_o institution_n of_o they_o and_o effectual_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n and_o minister_n dispense_n they_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o reas_n thus_o he_o be_v by_o a_o threefold_a right_n 1._o from_o the_o decree_n and_o donation_n of_o the_o father_n psal_n 2.7_o 8._o john_n 3.35_o and_o 5.22_o 23._o 2._o from_o the_o redemption_n of_o his_o church_n act._n 20.28_o phil._n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 3._o from_o his_o conquest_n over_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o and_o translate_v they_o into_o his_o kingdom_n col._n 1.13_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n and_o many_o more_o jesus_n christ_n our_o mediator_n have_v right_a to_o institute_v particular_a christian_a church_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o what_o mould_n he_o please_v from_o this_o conclusion_n thus_o prove_v i_o infer_v as_o follow_v 1._o consect_n then_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lord_n and_o head_n of_o such_o church_n as_o himself_o have_v institute_v thus_o from_o christ_n building_n his_o house_n follow_v his_o be_v over_o the_o house_n hebrew_n 3.3_o 6._o and_o he_o be_v over_o it_o as_o the_o lord_n of_o it_o act_n 2.36_o and_o as_o the_o only_a political_a head_n of_o it_o in_o three_o respect_n 1._o of_o pre-eminence_n as_o have_v the_o spirit_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n than_o all_o his_o member_n col._n 1.18_o john_n 3.34_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o government_n ephes_n 5.22_o 23_o 24._o 3._o in_o respect_n of_o influence_n joh._n 15.5_o and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o common_a gift_n whereof_o hypocrite_n partake_v which_o if_o they_o be_v join_v to_o christ_n visible_a body_n the_o church_n be_v but_o dead_a member_n who_o as_o dead_a branch_n in_o the_o vine_n god_n will_v take_v away_o and_o cast_v forth_o joh._n 15.2_o 6._o but_o also_o
the_o power_n of_o congregational_a church_n assert_v and_o vindicated_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o treatise_n of_o mr._n j._n paget_n entitle_v the_o defence_n of_o church-government_n exercise_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n by_o john_n davenport_n b._n of_o d._n and_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n in_o newhaven_n in_o new-england_n isa_n 1.26_o i_o will_v restore_v thy_o judge_n as_o at_o the_o first_o and_o thy_o counsellor_n as_o at_o the_o beginning_n afterward_o thou_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o city_n of_o righteousness_n the_o faithful_a city_n london_n print_v for_o rich._n chiswell_n and_o to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n usher_n of_o boston_n in_o new-england_n 1672._o to_o the_o reader_n thou_o disposals_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o travel_n of_o truth_n and_o bring_v forth_o of_o light_n be_v much_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o have_v much_o to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o there_o ãâã_d ât_a be_v a_o great_a and_o overrule_a hand_n âted_v and_o that_o very_o conspicuous_o about_o ãâã_d present_a treatise_n the_o reverend_a and_o âearned_a and_o eminent_o accomplish_a author_n âârst_v finish_v a_o tractate_n with_o this_o title_n and_o ãâã_d his_o subject_n near_o thirty_o year_n ago_o but_o âod's_n time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v for_o its_o publish_n it_o perish_v therefore_o in_o the_o rude_a wave_n of_o the_o vast_a ocean_n with_o some_o other_o excellent_a manuscript_n and_o precious_a christian_n nevertheless_o some_o seven_o year_n aftââ_n god_n seâ_n he_o about_o it_o again_o and_o then_o he_o finish_v what_o be_v now_o after_o twenty_o year_n more_o thus_o make_v public_a thus_o come_v this_o short_a anâ_n nervous_a treatise_n to_o have_v have_v a_o double_a and_o so_o a_o more_o thorough_a digestion_n in_o the_o heart_n oâ_n so_o judicious_a and_o holy_a a_o servant_n of_o christâ_n nor_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o ground_n herâ_n proceed_v on_o such_o as_o our_o author_n sudden_o or_o late_o take_v up_o he_o be_v of_o too_o serious_a ãâã_d weighty_a and_o advise_v a_o spirit_n slight_o to_o take_v up_o or_o sudden_o to_o vent_v any_o singular_a apprehension_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o relate_v though_o i_o can_v from_o his_o own_o hand_n how_o he_o be_v first_o stagger_v in_o his_o conformity_n and_o afterward_o full_o take_v off_o by_o set_a conference_n and_o debate_n with_o himself_o and_o sundry_a other_o minister_n obtain_v with_o mr._n john_n cotton_n then_o drive_v from_o boston_n on_o account_n of_o nonconformity_n nor_o be_o i_o willing_a tâ_n revive_v the_o memory_n of_o what_o affliction_n ãâã_d author_n afterward_o undergo_v because_o ãâã_d can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v in_o conscience_n in_o thoâ_n two_o point_n viz._n a_o particular_a church_n be_v subject_v to_o a_o classis_fw-la &_o baptise_v in_o that_o latitude_n which_o be_v then_o practise_v and_o iâ_n still_o in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o he_o have_v a_o earnest_n call_v and_o with_o which_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o a_o very_a general_n and_o great_a acceptance_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v the_o principle_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o treatise_n cost_v the_o reverend_a author_n not_o only_o many_o suffering_n but_o also_o many_o very_o many_o sad_a search_n and_o much_o read_n and_o study_v on_o set_v purpose_n accompany_v with_o manifold_a prayer_n and_o cry_n to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n for_o light_n therein_o after_o all_o which_o he_o be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o they_o and_o attain_v to_o such_o comfortable_a clearness_n therein_o as_o hore_n he_o up_o with_o much_o inward_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n under_o all_o his_o affliction_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o persuasion_n in_o these_o point_n and_o so_o persuade_v live_v and_o so_o die_v this_o grave_n and_o serious_a spirit_v man_n the_o reader_n will_v find_v in_o it_o which_o be_v a_o rare_a conjunction_n much_o succinctness_n with_o much_o scripture_n clearness_n light_o contract_v like_o the_o sunbeam_n in_o a_o burning-glass_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o will_v be_v the_o more_o grateful_a too_o if_o it_o can_v possible_o meet_v with_o a_o eye_n able_a to_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v that_o think_v and_o as_o they_o conceive_v from_o scripture_n ground_n too_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n receive_v addition_n and_o increase_v daily_a as_o their_o holy_a walk_n and_o faithful_a service_n when_o here_o on_o earth_n do_v after_o they_o be_v go_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n among_o those_o that_o be_v leave_v behind_o they_o if_o so_o they_o that_o ever_o have_v any_o value_n and_o affection_n for_o this_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v yea_o yet_o be_v many_o in_o who_o heart_n a_o precious_a remembrance_n of_o he_o life_n and_o will_v live_v for_o ever_o be_v engage_v to_o read_v and_o improve_v this_o excellent_a work_n of_o he_o for_o their_o instruction_n and_o establishment_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v for_o several_a month_n since_o send_v over_o from_o new_a england_n with_o desire_n that_o it_o may_v be_v print_v the_o wise_a and_o all-disposing_a providence_n of_o god_n allot_v this_o as_o the_o season_n for_o it_o and_o in_o his_o season_n all_o thing_n have_v a_o peculiar_a beauty_n and_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n be_v more_o general_o prepare_v for_o a_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o light_n hold_v out_o to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v please_v to_o fulfil_v that_o good_a word_n of_o promise_n upon_o all_o his_o faithful_a and_o humble_a people_n ezek._n 43.11_o and_n if_o they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o all_o they_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v two_o thing_n run_v through_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o be_v ligible_a even_o in_o every_o line_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o church_n be_v confine_v to_o their_o res_fw-la propria_fw-la their_o own_o proper_a matter_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o spiritual_a church-power_n to_o which_o they_o be_v by_o any_o institution_n of_o christ_n subject_v two_o grand_a and_o pillar-principle_n of_o the_o congregational-way_n both_o of_o they_o abundant_o clear_v from_o mistake_n and_o establish_v upon_o scripture-foundation_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n go_v with_o it_o to_o lead_v the_o reader_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o these_o point_n and_o to_o take_v off_o from_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o of_o our_o ruler_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o book_n may_v fall_v all_o those_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o congregational-way_n which_o it_o may_v have_v be_v unjust_o miss_v represent_v under_o for_o as_o in_o all_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n we_o differ_v not_o from_o the_o establish_a public_a profession_n of_o the_o kingdom_n yea_o be_v much_o more_o tenacious_a thereof_o than_o many_o of_o our_o zealous_a adversary_n so_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v our_o most_o singular_a opinion_n and_o wherein_o we_o differ_v most_o from_o the_o public_a profession_n and_o for_o which_o we_o have_v suffer_v and_o be_v ready_a by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n still_o to_o suffer_v even_o worse_a matter_n if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o concern_v we_o this_o book_n after_o many_o other_o which_o speak_v the_o same_o language_n may_v render_v it_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o impartial_a and_o understand_a reader_n the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o congregational-way_n be_v not_o in_o truth_n so_o incompatible_a with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o some_o will_v represent_v nor_o such_o as_o may_v render_v they_o suspect_v to_o civil_a power_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o for_o these_o our_o principle_n be_v account_v unworthy_a to_o enjoy_v a_o peaceable_a dwell_n in_o our_o native_a land_n the_o weal_n whereof_o be_v more_o dear_a to_o we_o than_o our_o life_n or_o all_o our_o private_a earthly_a enjoyment_n in_o it_o m._n n._n may_v 28._o 1672._o tertull_n de_fw-fr praescr_n adv_fw-la haeret._n cap._n 21._o constat_fw-la omnem_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la quae_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesiis_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la matricibus_fw-la &_o originalibus_fw-la fidei_fw-la conspiret_fw-la veritati_fw-la deputandam_fw-la id_fw-la sine_fw-la dubio_fw-la tenentem_fw-la quod_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ab_fw-la apostolis_n apostoli_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la christus_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la suscepit_fw-la reliquam_fw-la veró_n omnem_fw-la doctâinam_fw-la de_fw-la mendacio_fw-la praejudicandam_fw-la quae_fw-la sapiat_fw-la contra_fw-la veritatem_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la &_o apostolorum_fw-la &_o christi_fw-la &_o dei._n aug._n de_fw-fr venit_fw-la eccl._n cap._n 3._o tom._n 7._o sunt_fw-la certè_fw-la libri_fw-la dominici_n quorum_fw-la authoritati_fw-la utrique_fw-la consentimus_fw-la utrique_fw-la credimus_fw-la utrique_fw-la servimus_fw-la ibi_fw-la quaeramus_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la ibi_fw-la discutiamus_fw-la causam_fw-la nostram_fw-la hieron_n epist_n ad_fw-la minerium_fw-la &_o
office-power_n but_o all_o power_n which_o serve_v to_o shut_v and_o open_v the_o house_n or_o city_n of_o god_n not_o power_n of_o the_o steward_n only_o but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o wife_n of_o this_o great_a king_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o her_o husband_n be_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n even_o to_o heaven_n have_v give_v power_n to_o admit_v into_o the_o family_n and_o reject_v as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v and_o for_o those_o end_n to_o judge_v also_o because_o such_o act_n require_v judgement_n and_o to_o call_v the_o steward_n to_o his_o place_n and_o to_o put_v he_o into_o it_o and_o to_o put_v a_o key_n of_o office_n by_o election_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o though_o all_o power_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o she_o yet_o it_o come_v original_o from_o she_o reas_n 2._o because_o christ_n here_o give_v the_o key_n only_o to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o actual_a exercise_n thereof_o in_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v i._n e._n only_o to_o teacher_n and_o elder_n answ_n 1._o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o official_a warrant_n and_o authority_n be_v give_v only_o to_o teacher_n &_o elder_n only_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n have_v that_o formal_o yet_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o large_a than_o office-power_n viz._n to_o admit_v reject_v etc._n etc._n 3._o they_o have_v their_o office_n from_o the_o church_n and_o their_o office-power_n by_o the_o church_n original_o therefore_o there_o be_v power_n in_o the_o church_n before_o office-power_n which_o do_v communicate_v and_o convey_v office-power_n to_o its_o officer_n 3._o reas_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v act_n of_o the_o office-power_n of_o pastor_n ruler_n feeder_n by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o believer_n answ_n bind_v and_o lose_v take_v in_o the_o large_a sense_n as_o in_o this_o text_n comprehend_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o church-power_n and_o these_o act_n be_v not_o only_o by_o public_a and_o pastoral_a preach_n for_o then_o the_o ruling-eld_a shall_v have_v no_o key_n to_o bind_v or_o loose_v but_o also_o by_o admonition_n excommunication_n admission_n which_o issue_n from_o a_o power_n of_o judge_v not_o proper_a to_o the_o pastor_n only_o but_o common_a to_o the_o people_n with_o they_o 2._o though_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o she_o may_v not_o exercise_v any_o act_n proper_a to_o office-power_n without_o officer_n who_o she_o do_v and_o must_v call_v to_o that_o end_n and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o due_a exercise_n thereof_o 4._o reas_n if_o this_o place_n give_v not_o warrant_v and_o authority_n to_o officer_n what_o warrant_v have_v they_o for_o their_o office-power_n answ_n 1._o this_o place_n give_v warrant_n for_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v their_o officer_n according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n and_o the_o church_n do_v according_o call_v they_o to_o that_o place_n and_o invest_v they_o with_o office_n with_o voluntary_a profess_a subjection_n to_o they_o in_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n of_o office_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o several_a act_n of_o office-power_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o be_v abundant_o warrant_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 5._o reas_n they_o to_o who_o the_o key_n be_v here_o give_v do_v authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n and_o their_o act_n be_v valid_a in_o heaven_n but_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v officer_n can_v by_o any_o warrant_n of_o scripture_n authoritative_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n answ_n the_o word_n authority_n sometime_o be_v take_v more_o general_o for_o power_n sometime_o more_o strict_o and_o proper_o for_o rule_v and_o office-power_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o foregive_v judicial_o in_o 2_o cor._n 2.10_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o former_a censure_n the_o officer_n forgive_v authoritative_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n we_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o interpretation_n 6._o other_o look_v at_o the_o key_n as_o give_v to_o peter_n here_o in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n indefinite_o take_v not_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a definite_a church_n that_o all_o other_o church_n shall_v receive_v the_o key_n from_o they_o or_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o that_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o parity_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o par_fw-fr in_fw-la parem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la imperium_fw-la therefore_o the_o church_n here_o intend_v must_v be_v take_v general_o and_o indefinite_o as_o comprehend_v in_o it_o any_o particular_a visible_a church_n one_o as_o well_o as_o another_o or_o the_o general_a church_n as_o exist_v its_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v object_v against_o this_o that_o peter_n be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o christian_a congregation_n when_o christ_n speak_v these_o word_n unto_o he_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a for_o no_o such_o church_n be_v then_o constitute_v no_o more_o be_v there_o a_o presbytery_n then_o constitute_v when_o christ_n direct_v peter_n and_o the_o rest_n in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n obstinate_o persist_v in_o after_o proceed_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o step_n to_o tell_v the_o church_n in_o mat._n 18._o which_o yet_o they_o hold_v but_o not_o true_o to_o be_v the_o presbytery_n as_o we_o shall_v evince_v hereafter_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christ_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o grant_n that_o that_o rule_n serve_v to_o order_v member_n how_o to_o proceed_v in_o such_o case_n when_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v of_o force_n in_o this_o text_n also_o some_o have_v think_v that_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n in_o this_o text_n not_o to_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n because_o he_o alter_v the_o form_n of_o his_o speech_n for_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o three_o person_n say_v upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o he_o say_v not_o in_o this_o verse_n and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o it_o the_o key_n but_o vary_v the_o person_n he_o turn_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n say_v and_o unto_o thou_o i_o will_v give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n here_o be_v no_o change_v of_o person_n nor_o turn_v of_o speech_n in_o christ_n give_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n but_o as_o christ_n begin_v so_o he_o continue_v his_o speech_n to_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 17._o christ_n pronounce_v peter_n bless_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o confession_n in_o v._o 18._o he_o give_v a_o promise_n of_o reward_n to_o peter_n confession_n that_o upon_o this_o as_o upon_o a_o rock_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n and_o establish_v it_o as_o impregnable_a against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n in_o v._o 19_o he_o give_v unto_o peter_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o public_a confession_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n a_o promise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n therefore_o this_o promise_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o peter_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o though_o the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o variety_n of_o calling_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o the_o power_n itself_o of_o the_o key_n be_v here_o original_o and_o primary_o commit_v to_o the_o 3._o the_o toti_n ecclesiae_fw-la dedit_fw-la christus_fw-la clave_n sed_fw-la ita_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la certi_fw-la essent_fw-la qui_fw-la clavibus_fw-la utantur_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la honoremque_fw-la dei_fw-la zanc._n in_o praec_fw-la 4._o quaest_n 3._o vid._n park_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles_n l._n 3_o c._n 3._o church_n in_o general_n exist_v in_o particular_a church_n i_o may_v produce_v sundry_a writer_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a of_o other_o country_n and_o our_o own_o if_o need_v require_v to_o confirm_v this_o exposition_n yea_o of_o the_o author_n quote_v by_o mr._n p._n not_o a_o few_o consent_n herein_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v cyprian_n and_o augustine_n who_o in_o sundry_a place_n speak_v the_o same_o with_o we_o and_o these_o two_o i_o the_o rather_o name_n because_o i_o find_v in_o approve_a history_n that_o sundry_a martyr_n be_v confirm_v in_o this_o truth_n by_o their_o testimony_n have_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n hieronimus_fw-la savanarola_n a_o godly_a learned_a preacher_n in_o florence_n a_o man_n endue_v with_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n 565._o illyr_n catal_a test_n verit_fw-la count_v