21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
talent_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o be_v rich_a and_o some_o be_v poor_a some_o be_v old_a and_o some_o be_v young_a some_o in_o peace_n some_o in_o trouble_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o and_o have_v more_o opportunity_n for_o their_o exercise_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o be_v admonish_v instruct_v and_o exhort_v to_o attend_v unto_o their_o respective_a duty_n not_o only_o public_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o personal_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v according_a to_o the_o observation_n which_o those_o in_o rule_n do_v make_v of_o their_o forwardness_n or_o remissness_n in_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o instance_n man_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o and_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v defective_a herein_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.14_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o 4._o they_o be_v to_o watch_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o church-disorder_n such_o as_o those_o that_o infest_a the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n with_o remissness_n as_o unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o which_o some_o be_v subject_a unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v heb._n 10.25_o on_o the_o constancy_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n the_o very_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v great_o depend_v the_o want_n hereof_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o all_o the_o trouble_n division_n and_o schism_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v invade_v and_o perplex_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o within_o themselves_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o have_v decay_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o order_n insensible_o prevail_v in_o many_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n first_o one_o grow_v remiss_a in_o attend_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o another_o first_o to_o one_o degree_n then_o to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v infect_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n will_v either_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o that_o offend_v or_o it_o will_v warn_v other_o and_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v either_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v heb._n 3_o chap._n 12._o 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o also_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o such_o as_o who_o inward_a or_o outward_a condition_n do_v expose_v they_o unto_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trial_n in_o their_o sickness_n that_o be_v the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o tempt_v in_o any_o kind_n this_o in_o general_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a church-duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o institution_n and_o one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a relief_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v add_v much_o unto_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o order_n and_o be_v a_o abide_n reserve_v with_o relief_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o outward_a condition_n expose_v they_o to_o strait_n and_o sorrow_n in_o such_o a_o season_n i_o add_v hereunto_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o visitation_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v unto_o restraint_n and_o imprisonment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n adherence_n unto_o church-assembly_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o pastoral_n or_o office-duty_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o case_n wherewith_o we_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a nor_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v some_o look_n on_o this_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o their_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n will_v allow_v they_o provide_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o those_o who_o they_o visit_v and_o inoffensive_a unto_o other_o but_o this_o duty_n diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o elder_n represent_v therein_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o prisoner_n be_v a_o great_a spring_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o elder_n may_v the_o church_n be_v acquaint_v what_o yet_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n on_o their_o account_n the_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o be_v most_o eminent_a 6._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o give_v direction_n unto_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o make_n provision_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v principal_o executive_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o inquisition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n with_o the_o warn_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o liberality_n for_o their_o supply_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n 7._o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o through_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o affliction_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v multiply_v among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o relief_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n if_o any_o supply_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o bounty_n of_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deposit_v with_o these_o elder_n and_o dispose_v according_a to_o their_o advice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.30_o 8._o it_o be_v also_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o peculiar_a inspection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o way_n and_o their_o walk_n to_o acquaint_v the_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o present_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o his_o business_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o minister_v unto_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n their_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n and_o apply_v not_o himself_o in_o his_o ministry_n to_o search_v out_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o their_o edification_n he_o fight_v uncertain_o in_o his_o whole_a work_n as_o a_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n but_o whereas_o their_o obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n confine_v they_o much_o unto_o a_o retirement_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n they_o can_v by_o themselves_o obtain_v that_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o whole_a flock_n but_o that_o other_o may_v great_o assist_v therein_o from_o their_o daily_a inspection_n converse_n and_o observation_n 9_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o meet_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o teaching-elders_a about_o such_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o consent_n and_o compliance_n hence_o nothing_o crude_a or_o indigested_a nothing_o unsuit_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v propose_v therein_o so_o to_o give_v occasion_n unto_o contest_v or_o jangle_n dispute_v contrary_a unto_o order_n or_o decency_n but_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n 10._o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o any_o diotrephes_n in_o office_n or_o without_o it_o 11._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n to_o consult_v together_o with_o the_o other_o elder_n concern_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o their_o preservation_n from_o violence_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ._n 12._o whereas_o there_o
get_v a_o pretence_n of_o its_o power_n administer_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v nor_o of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v be_v any_o way_n concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n or_o any_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ._n from_o a_o observation_n hereof_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v as_o well_o christian_n religion_n from_o such_o a_o scandalous_a abuse_n as_o mankind_n from_o bondage_n to_o such_o a_o monstrous_a fiction_n as_o be_v the_o present_a power_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o some_o have_v fall_v into_o another_o extreme_a deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o excommunication_n appoint_v or_o approve_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o reduce_v religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unto_o its_o primitive_a order_n and_o purity_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v when_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o abuse_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v be_v not_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o reprove_v and_o convince_v that_o abuse_n and_o when_o those_o who_o have_v corrupt_v this_o institution_n find_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n it_o make_v they_o secure_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o abuse_n of_o it_o for_o they_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o justify_v their_o present_a possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n but_o that_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o true_a consideration_n of_o this_o appointment_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o divest_v they_o of_o their_o power_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o discharge_v and_o disprove_v all_o corruption_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la or_o practical_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o sacrament_n public_a worship_n rule_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o original_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n as_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o real_a view_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o proposal_n will_v divest_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o corrupt_v and_o harden_v by_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o erroneous_a conception_n of_o they_o that_o from_o some_o kind_n of_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v prepossess_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o attempt_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o excommunication_n there_o have_v be_v great_a enquiry_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o ordinance_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n for_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o general_a belong_v unto_o a_o church_n as_o such_o every_o church_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o it_o have_v be_v sift_v to_o the_o bran_n already_o and_o intermix_v with_o many_o rabbinical_a conjecture_n and_o mistake_n in_o general_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o doublâ—_n removal_n of_o person_n by_o church-authority_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o one_o for_o a_o season_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o whereof_o i_o have_v give_v instance_n elsewhere_o but_o i_o intend_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o all_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v such_o by_o voluntary_a confederation_n according_a unto_o peculiar_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n unto_o especial_a duty_n and_o end_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o receive_v into_o their_o society_n those_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o meet_a engage_v themselves_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n and_o to_o expel_v they_o out_o of_o it_o who_o wilful_o deviate_v from_o those_o rule_n this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o form_n of_o every_o lawful_a society_n or_o community_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o coalesce_v nor_o subsist_v but_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o so_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n have_v right_o or_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o this_o end_n as_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n hence_o child_n servant_n subject_n have_v no_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o society_n without_o the_o interposition_n of_o and_o obligation_n from_o a_o power_n superior_a unto_o that_o of_o parent_n master_n or_o prince_n namely_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o 2._o that_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n be_v lawful_a good_a and_o useful_a unto_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o confederation_n in_o and_o for_o evil_a which_o be_v a_o combination_n that_o give_v no_o right_a nor_o power_n over_o one_o another_o or_o towards_o other_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o other_o in_o thing_n divine_a or_o humane_a 4._o nor_o oblige_v unto_o the_o omission_n or_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n natural_a moral_a or_o political_n do_v owe_v unto_o other_o nor_o 5._o be_v hurtful_a unto_o themselves_o in_o their_o life_n liberty_n name_n reputation_n usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o unto_o who_o preservation_n they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o 6._o can_v be_v or_o be_v such_o person_n oblige_v to_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o themselves_o in_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o engagement_n of_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o other_o which_o will_v render_v every_o society_n unlawful_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n 7._o lest_o of_o all_o have_v any_o person_n right_o or_o power_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o such_o society_n unto_o thing_n evil_a sinful_a superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o divest_v all_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o fraternity_n that_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o all_o that_o right_n and_o power_n which_o belong_v unto_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v by_o voluntary_a confederation_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o these_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v pretend_v in_o church_n it_o dive_v they_o of_o all_o power_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_n or_o confederation_n whatever_o 2._o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a consent_n vest_v with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n mention_v do_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o any_o right_n privilege_n or_o advantage_n to_o or_o from_o any_o member_n of_o the_o society_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o natural_o or_o political_o but_o their_o power_n be_v confine_v unto_o those_o thing_n alone_o wherein_o man_n may_v be_v benefit_v and_o advantage_v by_o the_o society_n and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o political_a society_n man_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o forego_v many_o particular_a advantage_n which_o without_o they_o they_o may_v make_v unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o can_v forego_v any_o of_o those_o right_n which_o in_o their_o several_a relation_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o give_v power_n over_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n unto_o the_o society_n so_o be_v it_o with_o church_n the_o power_n of_o expulsion_n out_o of_o their_o society_n extend_v only_o unto_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o society_n as_o such_o do_v afford_v and_o communicate_v now_o these_o be_v only_a thing_n spiritual_a if_o church_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o he_o who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world._n the_o power_n then_o that_o be_v in_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v extend_v not_o itself_o unto_o any_o outward_a concernment_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o life_n liberty_n natural_a or_o political_a privilege_n estate_n or_o possession_n unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o man_n hold_v and_o possess_v these_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v
commission_n that_o christ_n give_v a_o pastoral_a relation_n or_o presbytership_n which_o be_v include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n and_o exercise_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n such_o presbyter-ship_n john_n and_o peter_n both_o have_v hence_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o successor_n jure_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o be_v relative_a officer_n and_o be_v always_o in_o and_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n we_o know_v of_o no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n that_o any_o pastor_n be_v ordain_v to_o 1._o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n as_o catholic_n visible_a 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o chimaera_n of_o some_o man_n brain_n it_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la for_o if_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v all_o the_o church_n that_o i_o see_v at_o a_o time_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o see_v much_o more_o than_o what_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o church_n actual_o in_o be_v how_o be_v they_o visible_a to_o i_o where_o can_v they_o be_v see_v in_o one_o place_n i_o may_v as_o well_o call_v all_o the_o city_n and_o corporation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n visible_a city_n or_o corporation_n which_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v nonsense_n beside_o if_o all_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v get_v together_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o saint_n militant_a much_o less_o of_o triumphant_a for_o many_o be_v no_o church_n member_n that_o be_v christ_n member_n and_o many_o visible_a member_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o be_v any_o such_o church_n capable_a of_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o other_o organise_v visible_a church_n again_o to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n constitute_v shall_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o officer_n to_o the_o mystical_a church_n christ_n be_v the_o mystical_a head_n and_o pastor_n he_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o hence_o the_o uncalled_a be_v his_o sheep_n as_o john_n 10.16_o but_o to_o all_o visible_a church_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o where_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o please_v we_o to_o take_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o say_v that_o all_o individual_a pastor_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v either_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o as_o much_o pastoral_n power_n and_o charge_n in_o one_o church_n as_o in_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v indefinite_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o all_o pastor_n have_v mutual_a power_n in_o each_o other_o church_n and_o so_o john_n may_v come_v into_o thomas_n his_o church_n and_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n there_o and_o thomas_n into_o john_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o universal_a catholic_n power_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n which_o every_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v be_v apostolic_a or_o last_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o a_o particular_a charge_n where_o he_o please_v with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o if_o he_o have_v a_o office_n whereby_o he_o be_v equal_o and_o indisputable_o relate_v to_o all_o church_n it_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o office_n to_o take_v where_o he_o please_v but_o every_o church-officer_n under_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n must_v be_v such_o whence_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a to_o which_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o visible_a husband_n to_o a_o invisible_a wife_n the_o relate_v and_o correlate_n must_v be_v ejusdem_fw-la naturae_fw-la it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a head_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a nature_n for_o christ_n have_v substitute_v no_o mystical_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o mystical_a and_o external_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o latter_a be_v found_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o it_o as_o take_v its_o true_a spiritual_a original_a from_o it_o derive_v vital_a spirit_n from_o it_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o all_o external_a visible_a assembly_n minister_n ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o call_v in_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o edify_v of_o they_o to_o that_o full_a measure_n of_o stature_n they_o be_v design_v unto_o but_o the_o different_a consideration_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o mystical_a church_n do_v never_o fail_v neither_o be_v diminish_v by_o any_o shock_n of_o temptation_n or_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o visible_a profession_n any_o of_o they_o undergo_v whereas_o visible_a church_n be_v often_o break_v scatter_a yea_o unchurch_v and_o many_o member_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o final_a apostasy_n likewise_o christ_n mystical_a church_n be_v many_o time_n preserve_v in_o that_o state_n only_o or_o most_o when_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o visible_a organise_v church_n according_a to_o institution_n to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o his_o church_n often_o under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n as_o in_o egypt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o manasseh_n and_o other_o wicked_a king_n and_o especial_o in_o babylon_n in_o such_o time_n the_o faithful_a one_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o true_a sacrifice_n the_o teach_a priest_n and_o the_o law._n so_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o draconick_a heathen_a persecution_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o wilderness-state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o false_a worship_n which_o mystical_a state_n be_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n to_o hide_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o from_o the_o dragon_n rage_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n again_o unto_o this_o mystical_a church_n be_v only_o essential_o necessary_a a_o mystical_a union_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n acceptation_n and_o covenant-undertaking_a of_o the_o son_n the_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n work_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n whereby_o as_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a union_n so_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n though_o without_o those_o desirable_a enjoyment_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v providential_o often_o hinder_v from_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o christ_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n which_o he_o sometime_o set_v up_o and_o sometime_o take_v down_o and_o remove_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o see_v best_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world._n but_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n as_o to_o their_o foundadation_n matter_n constitution_n and_o order_n he_o give_v forth_o a_o exact_a pattern_n from_o mount_n zion_n as_o of_o that_o typical_a tabernacle_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o old._n the_o foundation_n part_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o corner_n stone_n eph._n ij_o 20_o matth._n xuj_o 18_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a individual_a person_n that_o make_v a_o organise_v visible_a church_n we_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n not_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o these_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o practise_v holiness_n the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v always_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n saint_n faithful_n believer_n they_o be_v such_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o believer_n so_o as_o such_o but_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n for_o a_o man_n must_v appear_v
season_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o full_a a_o indication_n of_o sincerity_n as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n through_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o non_fw-la admission_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v on_o a_o conjunction_n in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o be_v otherwise_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n prejudicial_a unto_o their_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o church_n can_v answer_v the_o refusal_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o such_o person_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v become_v a_o church_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n be_v by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o solemn_a agreement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o such_o church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v so_o to_o be_v continue_v only_o in_o that_o state_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n few_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o be_v require_v to_o enstate_v they_o in_o church_n order_n and_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o first_o erection_n yet_o that_o that_o continuation_n may_v be_v regular_a it_o be_v require_v that_o its_o first_o congregate_a for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n be_v so_o as_o also_o that_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v wherefore_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o first_o gather_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n plant_v or_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o church_n do_v consist_v each_o of_o they_o of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o another_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n and_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o those_o believer_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o other_o become_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o general_a that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o guide_v they_o in_o these_o affair_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o that_o other_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o they_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_v by_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n matth._n 28.20_o this_o can_v original_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v as_o remote_a cause_n or_o prerequisite_a condition_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v such_o be_v baptism_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n convenient_a cohabitation_n resort_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o neither_o any_o of_o these_o distinct_o or_o separately_z nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o such_o church_n state_n ensue_v they_o can_v altogether_o engage_v unto_o those_o duty_n nor_o communicate_v those_o power_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o state._n be_v there_o no_o other_o order_n in_o particular_a church_n no_o other_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o nor_o rule_n over_o they_o no_o other_o duty_n no_o other_o end_v assign_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n of_o cohabitation_n determine_v by_o civil_a authority_n may_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v entrust_v in_o itself_o with_o sundry_a power_n and_o privilege_n depend_v on_o sundry_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o constitute_v new_a relation_n between_o person_n that_o neither_o natural_o nor_o moral_o be_v before_o so_o relate_v as_o marriage_n do_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o it_o require_v new_a mutual_a duty_n and_o give_v new_a mutual_a right_n among_o themselves_o not_o require_v of_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o unto_o their_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o state_n can_v arise_v from_o or_o have_v any_o other_o formal_a cause_n but_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o virtual_a confederation_n of_o those_o concern_v unto_o these_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o foundation_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n unto_o they_o by_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n i_o say_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o their_o formal_a cause_n the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o will_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o society_n in_o all_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o natural_a such_o as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o power_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v predetermine_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n even_o that_o of_o nature_n wherein_o powers_z privilege_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v establish_v as_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n nor_o after_o its_o first_o institution_n can_v any_o one_o be_v incorporate_v into_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o nor_o if_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v can_v there_o be_v any_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n ensue_v be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o 2._o that_o by_o his_o word_n or_o law_n he_o have_v grant_v power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o prescribe_v duty_n unto_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o wherein_z they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n who_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o such_o a_o church_n 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o church_n relation_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o command_n wherefore_o 4._o this_o join_n of_o themselves_o whereon_o depend_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n all_o their_o obligation_n unto_o church_n duty_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o 5._o herein_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o their_o officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 6._o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v express_o to_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o phrase_n every_o where_o signify_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 7._o this_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o express_a engagement_n make_v unto_o he_o of_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n and_o it_o have_v so_o on_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n annex_v unto_o this_o engagement_n on_o our_o part_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 8._o
for_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v unto_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 1_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o institution_n 2._o that_o upon_o a_o prescription_n of_o duty_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o their_o performance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v especial_a promise_n of_o god_n annex_v thereunto_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o matter_n of_o confederation_n whereof_o mutual_a express_a restipulation_n be_v the_o form_n they_o all_o concur_v herein_o 9_o this_o covenant_n which_o we_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n absolute_o consider_v nor_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o that_o covenant_n prescribe_v in_o it_o but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o as_o faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o like_a be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o nor_o have_v annex_v unto_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n absolute_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o gospel_n duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o do_v belong_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o especial_a promise_n of_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o church_n 10._o whereas_o therefore_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n believer_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v bind_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o that_o state_n whereon_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o presence_n of_o he_o do_v interest_n they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n their_o so_o do_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n include_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n sit_v and_o be_v 11._o beside_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o there_o be_v many_o mutual_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o which_o join_v in_o church_n society_n and_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o submit_v unto_o whereunto_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o must_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n that_o be_v they_o must_v agree_v consent_n and_o engage_v among_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o mutual_a duty_n to_o use_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o those_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n see_v jerem._n 50.4_o 5._o 12._o this_o complete_v the_o confederation_n intend_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o which_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o perform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n state._n 13._o indeed_o herein_o most_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o do_v not_o that_o nor_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o unto_o what_o end_n do_v they_o join_v themselves_o unto_o parochial_a church_n and_o assembly_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o require_v all_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o to_o do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o penalty_n annex_v unto_o its_o neglect_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o may_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o so_o do_v be_v it_o not_o to_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o that_o society_n in_o those_o assembly_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v there_o not_o therein_o virtual_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n among_o they_o unto_o all_o those_o end_n it_o must_v be_v so_o with_o they_o who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n 14._o now_o whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o know_v gospel_n duty_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensable_o oblige_v unto_o the_o more_o express_v our_o engagement_n be_v concern_v they_o the_o more_o do_v we_o glorify_v christ_n in_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o great_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v abide_v on_o our_o conscience_n and_o great_a encouragement_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o mutual_a duty_n as_o also_o the_o more_o evident_a will_v the_o warranty_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o church_n unto_o those_o society_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v virtual_o only_o observe_v especial_o in_o church_n of_o some_o continuance_n wherein_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a consent_n unto_o the_o first_o covenant-constitution_n 15._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v officer_n ruler_n or_o leader_n in_o his_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o look_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o administer_v and_o dispense_v all_o its_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o its_o authority_n the_o consent_n and_o engagement_n insist_v on_o be_v express_o require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o for_o without_o this_o no_o believer_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o relation_n unto_o another_o as_o his_o pastor_n guide_n overseer_n ruler_n unto_o the_o end_v mention_v wherein_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v by_o he_o with_o authority_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n 16._o wherefore_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o obediential_a act_n of_o believer_n in_o such_o number_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o church_n edification_n joint_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n rest_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n thereon_o give_v and_o communicate_v by_o his_o law_n all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o joint_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o state_n with_o a_o especial_a subjection_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n of_o rule_n and_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o state._n 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o which_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o conscientious_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n can_v question_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n or_o no._n and_o whereas_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o any_o church_n state._n 18._o thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n will_v take_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n into_o a_o new_a peculiar_a church_n state_n he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n herein_o as_o he_o prescribe_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o many_o bless_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o power_n and_o privilege_n innumerable_a so_o the_o people_n solemn_o covenant_v and_o engage_v with_o he_o that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o whereby_o they_o coalesce_v into_o that_o church_n state_n which_o abode_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n this_o covenant_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v exod._n 24._o for_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v there_o with_o the_o people_n and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o couénant_n of_o grace_n under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o that_o be_v establish_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o in_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o a_o gospel_n dispensation_n for_o god_n never_o renew_v that_o covenant_n under_o any_o consideration_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a covenant_n which_o god_n then_o make_v with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o make_v it_o with_o their_o father_n deut._n 5.2_o 3._o whereby_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o erect_v into_o a_o church_n state_n wherein_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o enjoin_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v
annex_v thereunto_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o sole_a formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n state_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v so_o often_o to_o have_v break_v and_o which_o they_o so_o often_o solemn_o renew_v unto_o god._n 19_o this_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v whereon_o the_o church_n state_n that_o be_v build_v thereon_o be_v utter_o take_v away_o for_o hereon_o the_o hebrew_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a church_n of_o god_n because_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v so_o be_v abolish_v and_o take_v away_o as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n will_v ☞_o still_o continue_v unto_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n act._n 2.38_o 39_o but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v utter_o take_v away_o 20._o upon_o the_o removal_n therefore_o of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n state_n found_v thereon_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n privilege_n be_v also_o take_v away_o the_o thing_n substitute_v in_o their_o room_n be_v total_o of_o another_o kind_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n be_v continue_v and_o transfer_v unto_o the_o gospel_n worshipper_n the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o he_o be_v change_v but_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o whereas_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n covenant_n be_v in_o themselves_o carnal_a only_o and_o no_o way_n spiritual_a but_o as_o they_o be_v typical_a and_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v burdensome_a yea_o a_o yoke_n intolerable_a the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o the_o new_a church_n state_n whereinto_o we_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o easy_a but_o withal_o have_v such_o holy_a and_o eminent_a privilege_n as_o the_o church_n can_v no_o way_n enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o church_n covenant_n nor_o can_v be_v believer_n make_v partaker_n of_o they_o before_o that_o covenant_n be_v abolish_v wherefore_o 21._o the_o same_o way_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n state_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o more_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o must_v still_o be_v continue_v for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n and_o privilege_n by_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a consent_n with_o a_o engagement_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o voluntary_a relation_n and_o society_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o erect_v the_o church_n state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v express_o require_v of_o all_o believer_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o thing_n last_o treat_v of_o concern_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n it_o remain_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a or_o a_o body_n corporate_a a_o spiritual_o political_a society_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o it_o be_v entrust_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v now_o whereas_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o estate_n by_o the_o set_n fix_v or_o place_v officer_n in_o it_o method_n will_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v first_o treat_v of_o they_o their_o nature_n name_n power_n and_o the_o way_n of_o come_v unto_o their_o office_n but_o whereas_o all_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v found_v in_o the_o grant_n of_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n of_o polity_n and_o rule_n therein_o by_o jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v first_o treat_v somewhat_o thereof_o in_o general_n that_o which_o we_o intend_v on_o various_a consideration_n and_o in_o divers_a respect_n be_v call_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n the_o polity_n the_o rule_n the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v its_o authority_n or_o power_n it_o be_v polity_n be_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o act_v that_o power_n unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v rule_n be_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n it_o be_v government_n be_v the_o exercise_n and_o application_n of_o that_o authority_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n and_o it_o be_v call_v its_o discipline_n principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o end_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o material_a whether_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o accurate_o distinguish_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o general_a the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o its_o edification_n this_o power_n in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la or_o fundamental_o be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la or_o its_o exercise_n in_o they_o that_o be_v especial_o call_v thereunto_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o some_o be_v a_o plain_a secular_a dominion_n have_v any_o affinity_n hereunto_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o act_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v ministerial_a only_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o all_o this_o authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n be_v vest_v in_o he_o alone_o 2._o it_o be_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n only_o which_o no_o authority_n can_v reach_v but_o he_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v he_o whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o afterward_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o rule_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o itself_o rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o chap._n 13.10_o ephes._n 4.14_o 15._o 3._o this_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o especial_a end_n of_o all_o power_n grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o a_o ministry_n unto_o edification_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v for_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o dominion_n over_o the_o person_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n accompany_v with_o secular_a grandeur_n wealth_n and_o power_n the_o lord_n christ_n never_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o any_o authority_n for_o any_o such_o end_n yea_o they_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o he_o luk._n 22.25_o matth._n 20.26_o 27_o 28._o jesus_n call_v his_o disciple_n unto_o he_o and_o say_v you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v all_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o romanist_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o secure_v their_o papal_a domination_n from_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o whereas_o their_o utmost_a pretence_n and_o defence_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o dominion_n and_o power_n absolute_o that_o be_v forbid_v but_o the_o unlawful_a tyrannical_a oppressive_a exercise_n of_o power_n such_o as_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v there_o any_o dominion_n in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o among_o the_o gentile_n more_o cruel_a oppressive_a and_o bloody_a than_o that_o of_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v on_o the_o rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a yea_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n who_o their_o subject_n for_o their_o moderate_a and_o equal_a rule_n with_o their_o usefulness_n unto_o their_o country_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o place_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o office_n with_o power_n unto_o their_o edification_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n act._n 1.14_o 15._o chap._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o chap._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2._o this_o power_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n whence_o it_o do_v flow_v and_o whereon_o it_o do_v depend_v for_o unto_o this_o apostolical_a office_n and_o power_n there_o be_v require_v 1._o a_o immediate_a personal_a call_n from_o christ_n himself_o 2._o a_o commission_n equal_o extensive_a unto_o all_o nation_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o unto_o all_o church_n equal_o for_o their_o edification_n 3._o a_o authority_n in_o all_o church_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o that_o power_n which_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a constitution_n of_o they_o distribute_v among_o many_o 4._o a_o collation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o of_o infallibility_n in_o teach_v of_o work_a miracle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o the_o like_a whereas_o therefore_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v cease_v and_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o act_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n towards_o any_o this_o office_n and_o power_n do_v absolute_o cease_v for_o any_o to_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v successor_n unto_o these_o apostle_n as_o some_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n and_o impertinency_n have_v do_v be_v to_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o call_v by_o christ_n unto_o their_o office_n that_o they_o have_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o church_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n whereof_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n be_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o certain_o when_o some_o of_o they_o consider_v one_o another_o and_o talk_v of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n it_o be_v but_o aruspex_fw-la aruspicens_fw-la 3._o lest_o of_o all_o in_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v a_o vicar_n or_o rather_o as_o be_v pretend_v a_o successor_n with_o a_o plenitude_n of_o all_o church_n power_n to_o be_v by_o he_o parcel_v out_o unto_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v overthrow_v all_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n introduce_v luciferian_a pride_n and_o antichristian_a tyranny_n in_o their_o room_n and_o whereas_o the_o only_a way_n of_o christ_n act_n his_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v act_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n be_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n unto_o that_o end_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n place_v himself_o in_o his_o stead_n for_o these_o end_n do_v thereby_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v god._n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v among_o all_o sober_a christian_n and_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o contend_v with_o the_o mahometan_n who_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n leave_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v his_o successor_n as_o haly_n succeed_v unto_o mahomet_n 5._o all_o these_o by_o who_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v unto_o its_o edification_n be_v as_o unto_o their_o office_n and_o power_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n set_v or_o place_v in_o it_o not_o as_o lord_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 2.2_o chap._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n the_o enfeoffment_n into_o this_o power_n be_v her_o due_a and_o dowry_n all_o particular_a person_n be_v but_o her_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v steward_n and_o set_v over_o all_o their_o fellow_n servant_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o trust_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v his_o spouse_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o to_o grant_v what_o they_o please_v unto_o she_o 6._o but_o as_o this_o whole_a church_n power_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o christ_n so_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o office-authority_n do_v receive_v that_o authority_n from_o he_o by_o the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o namely_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n through_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o v._o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v in_o general_a concern_v church_n power_n we_o must_v treat_v yet_o particular_o of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o from_o christ_n and_o of_o its_o distribution_n as_o unto_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o every_o individual_a believer_n have_v power_n or_o right_o give_v unto_o he_o upon_o his_o believe_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o hereby_o as_o such_o he_o have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n radical_o and_o original_o unto_o with_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o church_n privilege_n to_o be_v actual_o possess_v and_o use_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o he_o prescribe_v for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n have_v a_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v oblige_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o herein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o right_n unto_o church_n power_n for_o both_o it_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o purchase_a inheritance_n whereunto_o right_o be_v grant_v by_o adoption_n wherefore_o the_o first_o original_a grant_n of_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n be_v make_v unto_o believer_n as_o such_o they_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o limitation_n 1._o that_o as_o such_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o church_n power_n but_o upon_o their_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o duty_n give_v unto_o this_o end_n such_o be_v joint_a confession_n and_o confederation_n 2._o that_o each_o individual_a do_v actual_o participate_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o peculiarly_a respect_n woman_n that_o do_v believe_v 2._o wherever_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o of_o these_o believer_n the_o small_a number_n right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o actual_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n whereunto_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n among_o they_o matth._n 18.19_o 20._o to_o meet_v and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o exhort_v instruct_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o or_o to_o pray_v together_o as_o v_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a right_n or_o power_n require_v thereunto_o this_o be_v grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o least_o number_n of_o consent_v believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o second_o preparation_n unto_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n unto_o the_o former_a faith_n only_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o profession_n with_o mutual_a consent_n unto_o and_o agreement_n in_o the_o evangelical_n duty_n mention_v be_v to_o be_v add_v 3._o where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v increase_v so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a as_o unto_o their_o number_n to_o observe_v and_o perform_v all_o church_n duty_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n prescribe_v for_o their_o performance_n they_o have_v right_o and_o power_n grant_v unto_o they_o to_o make_v a_o joint_a solemn_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n especial_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n matth._n 16.16_o 18._o as_o also_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o a_o holy_a agreement_n or_o confederation_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatever_o that_o he_o have_v command_v hereon_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n in_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o order_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o enstate_v they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o these_o believer_n i_o say_v thus_o congregat_v into_o a_o church_n state_n have_v immediate_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o power_n to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o as_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o by_o his_o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o
brethren_n leave_v they_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n they_o begin_v to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o interest_n which_o they_o call_v rule_n or_o canon_n and_o never_o leave_v enlarge_a they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n until_o they_o enstate_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n by_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o whereon_o they_o become_v not_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n in_o office_n unto_o any_o person_n call_v thereunto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v formal_o in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hence_o it_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o such_o officer_n a_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v formal_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o grant_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o delegation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o they_o design_v choose_v set_v apart_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o thereon_o be_v entrust_v with_o office-power_n by_o christ_n himself_o according_a as_o be_v before_o declare_v this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o officer_n namely_o to_o design_n call_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o the_o person_n by_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n unto_o those_o office_n whereunto_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v annex_v church_n power_n and_o authority_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o dispute_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o officer_n they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n needful_a unto_o such_o duty_n who_o be_v immediate_o call_v unto_o they_o hereby_o all_o thing_n become_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v church_n duty_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n wherefore_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v which_o have_v a_o double_a exercise_n first_o in_o the_o call_n or_o choose_v of_o officer_n second_o in_o their_o voluntary_a act_n with_o they_o and_o under_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o rule_n 1._o all_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o office-power_n be_v require_v and_o 2._o every_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n as_o unto_o his_o own_o consent_n or_o dissent_v in_o what_o he_o be_v himself_o concern_v that_o this_o power_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v original_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v reside_v in_o any_o other_o who_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v upon_o any_o occasional_a intermission_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o all_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o need_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v again_o insist_v on_o vi_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v take_v objective_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o state_n and_o the_o law_n of_o its_o rule_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v it_o subjective_o as_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v the_o government_n in_o it_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o rule_v it_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o this_o wisdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.9_o whereby_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v require_v 1._o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o this_o purpose_n ezra_n 7.6_o 7_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2.14_o 15._o 3._o humble_a wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v about_o ezek._n 43.11_o 4._o a_o conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o skill_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v talent_n trade_v with_o due_o will_v increase_v 5._o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n be_v call_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o how_o much_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o church_n government_n yea_o how_o much_o it_o be_v despise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a unto_o all_o it_o be_v skill_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o vexatious_a court_n with_o the_o learning_n subtilty_n and_o art_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a skill_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v no_o way_n meet_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o according_a as_o any_o do_v arrive_v unto_o a_o dexterity_n in_o this_o polity_n they_o be_v esteem_v eminent_o useful_a but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o do_v what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o unto_o political_a end_n we_o inquire_v nor_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n require_v unto_o this_o end_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v of_o it_o more_o despise_v more_o neglect_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o those_o who_o pretence_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o authority_n will_v make_v it_o most_o necessary_a unto_o they_o two_o thing_n follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o wisdom_n intend_v be_v not_o promise_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o before_o lay_v down_o but_o respect_n be_v have_v herein_o only_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n hereon_o depend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o ruler_n for_o wisdom_n for_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o grant_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n wherefore_o those_o who_o on_o every_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o advance_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o disorderly_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o out-cry_n of_o some_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v suppose_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n better_o than_o they_o whereas_o the_o government_n which_o they_o exercise_v belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v easy_o discern_v nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o themselves_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o herein_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o order_v
cyprian_n speak_v see_v matth._n 7.17_o joh._n â—5_n 39_o gal._n 11.9_o 1_o thess._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o 2_o joh._n 10.11_o what_o be_v object_v hereunto_o from_o the_o unfitness_n and_o disability_n of_o the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n labour_n with_o a_o threefold_a weakness_n for_o 1._o it_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o command_v they_o the_o observance_n and_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v no_o way_n meet_v for_o 2._o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o that_o degenerate_a state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o member_n as_o to_o light_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fall_v into_o which_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o argument_n in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reform_v 3._o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o supply_n of_o assistance_n provide_v for_o the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o therein_o which_o be_v otherwise_o see_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o such_o election_n be_v make_v and_o those_o of_o other_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n be_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o three_o the_o church_n be_v a_o voluntary_a society_n person_n otherwise_o absolute_o free_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n do_v of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o free_a choice_n coalesce_v into_o it_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o church_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o herein_o neither_o by_o prescription_n nor_o tradition_n nor_o succession_n have_v any_o one_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n than_o another_o but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a it_o be_v gather_v into_o this_o society_n mere_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o collect_v it_o have_v neither_o right_n power_n privilege_n rule_n nor_o bond_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v give_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n moreover_o it_o abide_v and_o continue_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o principle_n as_o whereon_o it_o be_v collect_v namely_o the_o will_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o subject_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a unto_o its_o present_a continuance_n in_o all_o its_o member_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o plantation_n it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o political_a society_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v first_o establish_v by_o force_n or_o consent_n bring_v a_o necessity_n on_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o they_o and_o under_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o rule_n and_o law_n for_o man_n may_v and_o in_o many_o case_n ought_v to_o submit_v unto_o the_o disposal_n of_o temporal_a thing_n in_o a_o way_n it_o may_v be_v not_o convenient_a for_o they_o which_o they_o judge_v not_o well_o off_o and_o which_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o unto_o their_o advantage_n and_o this_o may_v be_v just_a and_o equal_a because_o the_o special_a good_a which_o every_o one_o will_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o absolute_o so_o may_v be_v outbalanced_n by_o a_o general_a good_a nor_o alterable_a but_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o particular_a but_o with_o reference_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o previous_a law_n be_v conclude_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o general_n good_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o of_o they_o none_o therefore_o can_v coalesce_v in_o such_o a_o society_n or_o adhere_v unto_o it_o or_o be_v any_o way_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o consent_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o any_o rule_n authority_n power_n or_o office_n shall_v arise_v or_o be_v erect_v in_o such_o a_o society_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a for_o he_o by_o who_o this_o church-state_n be_v erect_v and_o appoint_v may_v and_o do_v appoint_v in_o it_o and_o over_o it_o extraordinary_a officer_n for_o a_o season_n and_o we_o do_v suppose_v that_o as_o he_o have_v by_o his_o divine_a authority_n institute_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o society_n shall_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v grant_n of_o privilege_n and_o power_n to_o they_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n as_o also_o that_o he_o have_v give_v law_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o observance_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n with_o a_o right_n unto_o their_o exercise_n on_o these_o supposition_n in_o a_o society_n absolute_o voluntary_a among_o those_o who_o in_o their_o conjunction_n into_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a there_o can_v but_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o actual_a constitution_n of_o rule_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o discharge_v of_o such_o a_o office_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n above_o other_o this_o be_v previous_a unto_o all_o government_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principio_fw-la rerum_fw-la gentium_fw-la nationumque_fw-la imperium_fw-la penes_fw-la reges_fw-la erat_fw-la quos_fw-la ad_fw-la fastigium_fw-la huius_fw-la majestatis_fw-la non_fw-la popularis_fw-la ambitio_fw-la sed_fw-la spectata_fw-la inter_fw-la bonos_fw-es moderatio_fw-la provehebat_fw-la just._n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la tertull._n this_o preparation_n and_o furniture_n of_o some_o person_n with_o ability_n and_o meet_a qualification_n for_o office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v on_o himself_o and_o do_v and_o will_v effect_v it_o in_o all_o generation_n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o office_n nor_o rule_n nor_o order_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o new_a relation_n to_o be_v make_v or_o create_v between_o a_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o between_o they_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o church_n a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n be_v relata_n it_o must_v be_v introduce_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o the_o mutual_a voluntary_a act_n of_o one_o another_o or_o of_o each_o party_n for_o one_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la can_v as_o such_o have_v no_o be_v or_o existence_n without_o the_o other_o now_o this_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o person_n so_o antecedent_o qualify_v for_o office_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o delegation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o any_o other_o superior_a or_o equal_a unto_o they_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o delegation_n nor_o the_o relation_n unto_o christ_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o interposition_n of_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o delegation_n of_o power_n from_o themselves_o in_o other_o man_n which_o will_v make_v they_o their_o minister_n and_o not_o christ_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o voluntary_a society_n this_o therefore_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o free_a choice_n election_n consent_n or_o approbation_n it_o can_v i_o say_v be_v so_o regular_o how_o far_o a_o irregularity_n herein_o may_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v now_o this_o choice_n or_o election_n do_v not_o communicate_v a_o power_n from_o they_o that_o choose_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v as_o though_o ☜_o such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v formal_o inherent_a in_o the_o chooser_n antecedent_n unto_o such_o choice_n for_o this_o will_v make_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n only_o and_o to_o act_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o instrumental_a ministerial_a mean_n to_o enstate_v they_o in_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o such_o officer_n by_o the_o constitution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n who_o minister_n thereon_o they_o
right_n unto_o its_o exercise_n it_o be_v require_v moreover_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o his_o office_n in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o peculiar_a prayer_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o any_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o notion_n that_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o these_o thing_n nor_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o sort_n they_o have_v be_v among_o many_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o there_o have_v be_v less_o regard_n unto_o the_o other_o duty_n namely_o that_o these_o prayer_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o fast_v but_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n act._n 14.23_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o work_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v so_o ordain_v it_o do_v belong_v unto_o extraordinary_a officer_n whilst_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o cessation_n of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v devolve_v on_o the_o ordinary_a state_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o officer_n before_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v only_o ordain_v and_o in_o case_n there_o be_v none_o the_o assistance_n of_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v desire_v unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authoritative_a influence_n of_o this_o ordination_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n whilst_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o to_o belong_v essential_o unto_o the_o call_v unto_o office._n for_o when_o sundry_a duty_n as_o these_o of_o election_n and_o ordination_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o without_o the_o other_o have_v any_o at_o all_o hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o a_o external_n adjunct_n imposition_n of_o hand_n significant_a of_o the_o person_n so_o call_v to_o office_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o although_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_o prove_v that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v design_v unto_o continuance_n after_o a_o cessation_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o outward_a mean_n in_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o do_v free_o grant_v it_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v that_o there_o be_v no_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v the_o sole_a authoritative_a conveyance_n of_o a_o successive_a flux_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o this_o may_v at_o present_a suffice_v as_o unto_o the_o call_v of_o meet_a person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o consequent_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n follow_v be_v essential_o necessary_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o that_o authority_n and_o right_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o his_o house_n that_o may_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o one_o thereby_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o charter_n grant_v by_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v that_o antecedent_o unto_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o a_o person_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n he_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o with_o grace_n and_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n whereunto_o he_o be_v to_o be_v call_v this_o divine_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v rest_v on_o the_o kingly_a office_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n where_o this_o be_v whole_o want_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n under_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a order_n or_o act_n to_o communicate_v pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o any_o person_n whatever_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o exploration_n or_o trial_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o ability_n as_o unto_o their_o accommodation_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o although_o the_o right_a of_o judge_v herein_o belong_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o who_o else_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o they_o or_o be_v entrust_v so_o to_o do_v yet_o be_v it_o their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n to_o desire_v the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o other_o church_n three_o the_o first_o act_n of_o power_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o election_n of_o a_o person_n qualify_v and_o try_v unto_o his_o office_n which_o we_o have_v now_o vindicate_v four_o there_o be_v require_v hereunto_o the_o solemn_a ordination_n inauguration_n dedication_n or_o set_v apart_o of_o the_o person_n so_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n this_o be_v that_o order_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o direct_v unto_o and_o although_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o unavoidable_a hindrance_n do_v disannul_v the_o call_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o all_o due_o attend_v unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n infringe_v wherefore_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o authority_n for_o office_n and_o of_o office_n itself_o sole_o by_o a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o ordainer_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o pretend_a successor_n in_o all_o age_n under_o all_o the_o innumerable_a miscarriage_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a and_o have_v actual_o fall_v into_o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o the_o consent_n or_o call_v of_o the_o church_n by_o rule_n law_n and_o order_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n as_o shall_v be_v manifest_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a chap._n v._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n we_o have_v declare_v the_o way_n whereby_o pastor_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o instate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o shall_v ensue_v be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office._n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o large_a discourse_n both_o among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o late_a i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o touch_v on_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o most_o necessary_a consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o diligent_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n jer._n 3.15_o this_o be_v by_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o no_o otherwise_o this_o feed_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o or_o can_v or_o will_v not_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v no_o pastor_n whatever_o outward_a call_n or_o work_v he_o may_v have_v in_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v joh._n 21.15_o 16._o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o encumbrance_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act._n 6._o their_o work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o thereby_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v every_o where_o give_v they_o
some_o instance_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o office-duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v they_o be_v but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o only_o propose_v not_o pursue_v and_o press_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o those_o particular_a duty_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n way_n of_o management_n motive_n and_o enforcement_n defect_n and_o cause_n of_o they_o which_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n these_o may_v suffice_v unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o we_o may_v derive_v from_o they_o the_o ensue_a brief_a consideration_n 1._o a_o due_a meditation_n and_o view_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o wise_a the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o the_o most_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n this_o will_v make_v they_o look_v well_o to_o their_o call_n and_o entrance_n into_o this_o office_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o will_v bear_v they_o out_o and_o justify_v they_o in_o the_o susception_n of_o it_o for_o no_o sense_n of_o insufficiency_n can_v utter_o discourage_v any_o in_o the_o undertake_n of_o a_o work_n which_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n call_v he_o unto_o for_o where_o he_o call_v to_o a_o duty_n he_o give_v competent_a strength_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v under_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v say_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o you_o 2._o although_o all_o the_o thing_n mention_v do_v plain_o evident_o and_o undeniable_o belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n we_o find_v by_o the_o success_n that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o that_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o religion_n as_o unto_o its_o power_n beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o all_o place_n arise_v principal_o from_o this_o cause_n that_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office_n be_v neither_o in_o any_o measure_n fit_a for_o it_o nor_o do_v either_o conscientious_o attend_v unto_o or_o diligent_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o it_o ever_o be_v and_o every_o will_v be_v true_a in_o general_a like_o priest_n like_o people_n 3._o whereas_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o primitive_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v frequent_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o many_o warning_n give_v we_o thereon_o in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o take_v it_o into_o due_a consideration_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o christ_n visitation_n he_o will_v proceed_v on_o such_o article_n as_o those_o here_o lay_v down_o and_o other_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o at_o all_o on_o those_o which_o be_v now_o inquire_v upon_o in_o our_o episcopal_a visitation_n and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o concern_v whilst_o they_o possess_v the_o place_n they_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n without_o offence_n i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o conform_v their_o inquiry_n in_o their_o visitation_n unto_o those_o which_o they_o can_v but_o know_v the_o lord_n christ_n will_v make_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o visitation_n which_o do_v approach_v this_o i_o think_v but_o reasonable_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o give_v up_o their_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o confidence_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n continual_o to_o bear_v in_o mind_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n to_o take_v benefice_n to_o perform_v legal_a duty_n by_o themselves_o or_o other_o be_v not_o full_o compliant_a with_o what_o pastor_n of_o church_n be_v call_v unto_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a also_o from_o hence_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o for_o any_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o pastor_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o especial_o if_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o a_o evil_a this_o be_v like_o that_o of_o mathematical_a prognostication_n at_o rome_n always_o condemn_v and_o always_o retain_v but_o one_o view_n of_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o each_o pastor_n and_o of_o who_o diligent_a performance_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v discard_v this_o practice_n from_o all_o approbation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v sober_a however_o it_o be_v as_o good_a to_o have_v ten_o church_n at_o once_o as_o have_v but_o one_o never_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o it_o 5._o all_o church_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n that_o they_o may_v be_v constant_a in_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o they_o as_o also_o to_o provide_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n 6._o there_o be_v so_o many_o duty_n necessary_a unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o those_o of_o such_o various_a sort_n and_o kind_n as_o to_o require_v various_a gift_n and_o ability_n unto_o their_o due_a performance_n it_o seem_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o concurrence_n of_o they_o in_o any_o own_o person_n in_o any_o considerable_a degree_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o office_n itself_o shall_v be_v due_o discharge_v i_o answer_v 1._o the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o of_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n this_o therefore_o give_v they_o their_o measure_n where_o that_o be_v attain_v the_o office_n be_v due_o discharge_v though_o the_o gift_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o be_v not_o eminent_a 2._o where_o a_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o apply_v himself_o sincere_o unto_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o if_o he_o be_v evident_o defective_a with_o respect_n to_o any_o especial_a duty_n or_o duty_n of_o it_o that_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o call_v any_o other_o unto_o his_o assistance_n in_o office_n who_o be_v qualify_v to_o make_v that_o supply_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a must_v be_v say_v concern_v such_o pastor_n as_o through_o age_n or_o bodily_a weakness_n be_v disable_v from_o attendance_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o still_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v provide_v for_o 7._o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n and_o what_o relation_n with_o respect_n unto_o communion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v unto_o they_o who_o pastor_n be_v evident_o defective_a in_o or_o neglective_a of_o these_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o competent_a measure_n attend_v unto_o and_o we_o may_v in_o particular_a instance_n in_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o of_o the_o pastoral_a duty_n before_o insist_v on_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v his_o flock_n or_o have_v any_o ability_n yet_o do_v not_o will_v not_o give_v himself_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n or_o not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o edification_n and_o suppose_v the_o same_o person_n be_v open_o defective_a as_o unto_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a lay_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o his_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o constituent_a part_n as_o its_o ruler_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n real_o to_o confer_v the_o pastoral_a office_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ordination_n whatever_o unto_o any_o who_o be_v open_o and_o evident_o destitute_a of_o all_o those_o previous_a qualification_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v in_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office._n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o latitude_n to_o be_v allow_v
helpful_a to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o common_a work_n which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o but_o such_o as_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o this_o work_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o power_n that_o be_v exercise_v herein_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o it_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n not_o formal_o to_o reside_v in_o they_o as_o the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o only_a for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v spiritual_o affect_v with_o reference_n unto_o spiritual_a end_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v their_o sin_n remit_v or_o retain_v and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n among_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o what_o they_o do_v 4._o the_o especial_a design_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o holiness_n love_n compassion_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o discipline_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o whilst_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o endeavour_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o office_n to_o set_v forth_o these_o virtue_n of_o christ_n to_o exemplify_v that_o impression_n of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n they_o utter_o deviate_v from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o man_n to_o act_v herein_o in_o a_o way_n of_o domination_n with_o a_o visible_a elation_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n above_o their_o brethren_n with_o anger_n wrath_n and_o passion_n by_o rule_n order_n and_o law_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v and_o what_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o reflect_v the_o high_a dishonour_n imaginable_a upon_o christ_n himself_o he_o who_o come_v into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o king_n in_o westminster_n hall_n when_o fill_v with_o judge_n grave_a learned_a and_o righteous_a most_o ordinary_o be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n moderation_n and_o clemency_n by_o the_o law_n which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o and_o their_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o christian_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v the_o holiness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o representation_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v make_v of_o he_o and_o they_o in_o some_o court_n wherein_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n be_v admistre_v when_o any_o have_v offend_v of_o old_a their_o censure_n by_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o bewail_v of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.24_o and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o sorrow_n pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o in_o that_o censure_n they_o evidence_v the_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n this_o be_v scarce_o answer_v by_o those_o pecuniary_a mulct_n and_o other_o penalty_n which_o with_o indignation_n and_o contempt_n be_v inflict_v on_o such_o as_o be_v make_v offender_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n certain_o those_o who_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n and_o have_v a_o due_a honour_n for_o the_o gospel_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o begin_v to_o think_v meet_a that_o this_o stain_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v wash_v away_o 2_o dly_z the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n all_o his_o law_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v effectual_a can_v oblige_v or_o operate_v upon_o the_o object_n or_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n if_o the_o church_n make_v a_o thousand_o rule_n or_o canon_n or_o law_n for_o government_n neither_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o general_a have_v any_o the_o least_o power_n to_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n or_o compliance_n with_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o virtual_o and_o material_o they_o contain_v what_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o derive_v force_n from_o thence_o as_o the_o judge_n in_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_n and_o determine_v in_o all_o case_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o do_v not_o their_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reverse_v but_o if_o wilful_o or_o of_o choice_n they_o shall_v introduce_v law_n or_o rule_n not_o legal_o establish_v in_o this_o nation_n judge_v according_a unto_o they_o it_o will_v render_v they_o high_o criminal_a and_o punishable_a it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o it_o be_v by_o his_o law_n alone_o that_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o application_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o they_o unto_o particular_a case_n and_o occasion_n to_o make_v to_o bring_v to_o execute_v any_o other_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o usurp_v on_o his_o kingly_a dominion_n whereunto_o all_o legislative_a power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v appropriate_a nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v require_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n wherein_o for_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o more_o leave_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o application_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o application_n to_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n before_o describe_v be_v requisite_a and_o that_o alone_a where_o there_o be_v other_o law_n rule_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o where_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o law_n civil_a or_o political_a there_o be_v a_o skill_n in_o they_o require_v unto_o that_o administration_n as_o all_o will_v confess_v so_o be_v the_o wisdom_n we_o before_o describe_v and_o that_o alone_a necessary_a unto_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n whereof_o be_v his_o word_n and_o law_n alone_o 3_o dly_z the_o matter_n of_o this_o rule_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a and_o so_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o church-power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v organical_a and_o complete_a in_o its_o officer_n there_o be_v that_o in_o they_o both_o which_o be_v found_v in_o and_o warrant_v from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o equity_n every_o righteous_a voluntary_a society_n coalesce_v therein_o rightful_o upon_o know_a law_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o it_o unto_o certain_a end_n have_v natural_o a_o power_n inherent_a in_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o receive_v into_o its_o incorporation_n such_o as_o be_v meet_a for_o it_o do_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o as_o also_o to_o reject_v or_o withhold_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n this_o power_n be_v inherent_a in_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o officer_n in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mutual_a confederation_n they_o may_v receive_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n those_o that_o be_v meet_v and_o withdraw_v the_o same_o privilege_n from_o those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o in_o
all_o natural_a and_o humane_a right_n in_o the_o world._n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n be_v now_o compel_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n and_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_o but_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v divest_v of_o their_o natural_a liberty_n they_o know_v not_o how_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o shall_v be_v teach_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n they_o must_v come_v under_o a_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o society_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o court_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o wise_a man_n in_o church_n as_o now_o there_o be_v think_v to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o among_o other_o also_o christian_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o and_o belong_v unto_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n immediate_o hereon_o all_o the_o right_n liberty_n privilege_n possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o just_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v come_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o especial_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n which_o they_o be_v adjudge_v to_o belong_v unto_o for_o upon_o expulsion_n out_o of_o that_o society_n by_o excommunication_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o it_o have_v frame_v unto_o itself_o all_o their_o right_n and_o title_n and_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v forfeit_v and_o expose_v to_o ruin_n some_o indeed_o do_v earnest_o and_o learned_o contend_v that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v sovereign_a king_n and_o prince_n and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v they_o make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o life_n or_o dignity_n thereby_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o deal_v with_o other_o poor_a man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v excommunicate_v immediate_o he_o lose_v the_o free_a tenure_n of_o his_o life_n liberty_n and_o good_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o land_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o gaol_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n so_o that_o by_o this_o artifice_n all_o man_n hold_v their_o natural_a and_o civil_a right_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n society_n whereto_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v and_o as_o this_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o property_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o value_v so_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o liberty_n but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o employ_v this_o engine_n unto_o great_a man_n and_o man_n in_o power_n who_o may_v yet_o deserve_v excommunication_n as_o well_o as_o some_o of_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a helpless_a and_o friendless_a shall_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o excommunication_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o house_n cast_v into_o prison_n and_o keep_v there_o until_o they_o and_o their_o family_n starve_v and_o perish_v and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o the_o greatness_n authority_n and_o wealth_n of_o many_o who_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n care_v not_o to_o conflict_n withal_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v not_o actual_o bring_v under_o this_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n which_o on_o this_o presumption_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o and_o all_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o all_o society_n apparent_a unto_o all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o namely_o that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n in_o or_o over_o any_o thing_n right_o privilege_n or_o advantage_n but_o what_o man_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o society_n their_o rule_n and_o law_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v not_o the_o life_n the_o liberty_n the_o house_n and_o possession_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n they_o receive_v they_o not_o from_o the_o church_n and_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o think_v that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o take_v they_o away_o yea_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o order_n upon_o the_o good_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o judge_v it_o best_o neither_o to_o exert_v their_o power_n nor_o act_v their_o principle_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o whereas_o they_o esteem_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o belong_v unto_o their_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n excommunicate_v all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o own_o law_n and_o canon_n both_o which_o a_o man_n will_v think_v they_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n unto_o and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o sentence_n send_v out_o the_o capias_fw-la for_o they_o all_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o will_v go_v to_o prison_n or_o no_o and_o then_o in_o what_o a_o fine_a case_n will_v this_o government_n be_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v all_o go_v to_o gaol_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o king_n will_v be_v in_o a_o ill_a state_n to_o defend_v his_o realm_n against_o his_o enemy_n 3._o every_o society_n have_v this_o power_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v incorporate_v in_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o not_o towards_o other_o for_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n or_o who_o shall_v commit_v it_o unto_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o be_v cast_v out_o from_o those_o privilege_n which_o they_o never_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o nor_o a_o right_n unto_o the_o apostle_n rule_n hold_v in_o this_o case_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v without_o who_o be_v not_o right_o incorporate_v into_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v eject_v out_o of_o it_o a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n at_o random_n towards_o all_o that_o those_o who_o exercise_v it_o can_v extend_v force_n unto_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o corporation_n to_o disfranchise_v such_o as_o never_o belong_v unto_o it_o who_o be_v never_o member_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o only_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o the_o expulsion_n of_o any_o person_n out_o of_o such_o a_o society_n be_v a_o wilful_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n who_o observance_n he_o have_v engage_v unto_o upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o it_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v require_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o any_o right_a or_o privilege_n but_o what_o he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o perform_v in_o his_o admittance_n into_o it_o and_o if_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o every_o church-society_n be_v that_o man_n observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v none_o can_v be_v just_o eject_v out_o of_o that_o society_n but_o upon_o a_o wilful_a disobedience_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o ☞_o the_o cast_n of_o man_n out_o of_o church_n communion_n on_o light_n and_o trivial_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o reason_n or_o cause_n whatever_o but_o such_o as_o essential_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereon_o the_o church_n do_v original_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n be_v contrary_a unto_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o thus_o far_o i_o say_v be_v every_o lawful_a confederate_a society_n enable_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o remove_v from_o its_o communion_n and_o from_o a_o participation_n in_o its_o right_n and_o privilege_n any_o of_o its_o number_n who_o will_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o its_o coalescency_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o man_n walk_v together_o in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o institution_n without_o give_v offence_n unto_o one_o another_o or_o those_o that_o be_v without_o by_o any_o sinful_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v abide_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o any_o one_o
shall_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o transgress_v in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o society_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o entire_a nor_o the_o next_o immediate_a ground_n reason_n or_o warranty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a excommunication_n for_o this_o natural_a equity_n will_v not_o extend_v itself_o unto_o case_n that_o be_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n thereon_o reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o excommunication_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o no_o man_n have_v right_o or_o power_n either_o to_o enter_v into_o themselves_o or_o to_o exclude_v other_o from_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n no_o warranty_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o voluntary_a confederation_n can_v enable_v any_o to_o constitute_v a_o church-society_n unless_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n express_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o his_o church_n be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n which_o none_o can_v constitute_v or_o build_v but_o himself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n into_o and_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n do_v arise_v from_o his_o grant_n and_o institution_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o this_o society_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o 2._o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o person_n whatever_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o authority_n itself_o however_o ministerial_o exercise_v by_o other_o be_v his_o alone_a and_o he_o exert_v it_o not_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n so_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n direct_v that_o excommunication_n be_v exert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v in_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 3._o the_o privilege_n from_o which_o man_n be_v exclude_v by_o excommunication_n be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n unto_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o mere_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o man_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o without_o a_o warranty_n from_o he_o by_o his_o institution_n expel_v other_o from_o the_o privilege_n which_o be_v mere_o of_o his_o grant_n and_o donation_n he_o alone_o therefore_o have_v give_v and_o grant_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o of_o exclude_v any_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o grant_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a power_n of_o excommunication_n inquire_v after_o 4._o there_o be_v such_o a_o efficacy_n assign_v unto_o excommunication_n in_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o retain_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o destruction_n or_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o heal_n and_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n as_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n can_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o mutual_a consent_n man_n may_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n of_o communion_n agree_v upon_o among_o they_o but_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o other_o with_o any_o of_o these_o effect_n 5._o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o express_a ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v full_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o authority_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o power_n express_v therein_o be_v not_o mere_o doctrinal_a and_o declarative_a as_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o consequent_a whereof_o upon_o the_o faith_n or_o unbelief_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o remit_v or_o retain_v of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o it_o be_v disciplinary_a also_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o house_n who_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o steward_n of_o it_o and_o see_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v his_o church_n holy_a vnblamable_a and_o without_o offence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v make_v a_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o whereas_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v constitute_v be_v liable_a and_o subject_a unto_o sin_n scandalous_a and_o offensive_a reflect_v dishonour_n on_o himself_o and_o the_o church_n in_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_v unto_o other_o that_o design_n will_v not_o have_v be_v accomplish_v have_v he_o not_o give_v this_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o itself_o all_o that_o do_v by_o their_o sin_n so_o give_v offence_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o the_o glory_n honour_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o length_n utter_o lose_v 2._o it_o have_v a_o direct_a institution_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n etc._n etc._n tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_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 etc._n etc._n after_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a contest_v that_o have_v be_v about_o this_o place_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o such_o as_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la about_o such_o church_n and_o such_o excommunication_n as_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o by_o trespass_n in_o this_o place_n sin_z against_o god_n give_v scandal_n or_o offence_n be_v intend_v have_v be_v prove_v before_o as_o also_o that_o by_o a_o church_n a_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n be_v intend_v this_o church_n have_v the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o its_o member_n commit_v unto_o it_o when_o bring_v before_o it_o in_o the_o due_a order_n describe_v hereon_o it_o make_v a_o determination_n design_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o recovery_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o his_o sin_n by_o his_o hear_n of_o its_o counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n it_o be_v to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o communion_n leave_v he_o in_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n so_o be_v he_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n bind_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o his_o sin_n unless_o he_o do_v repent_v the_o rejection_n of_o a_o offend_a brother_n out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n leave_v he_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a declare_v he_o liable_a unto_o the_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n without_o repentance_n be_v the_o excommunication_n we_o plead_v for_o and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o with_o its_o exercise_n be_v plain_o here_o grant_v by_o christ_n and_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n 3._o according_a unto_o this_o institution_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o we_o have_v several_a instance_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n the_o magician_n a_o baptize_v professor_n by_o peter_n who_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v neither_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o wickedness_n act._n 8.13_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o single_a act_n of_o one_o apostle_n and_o so_o may_v be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a i_o shall_v omit_v it_o however_o that_o fact_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_o declarative_a of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o like_a case_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v it_o can_v be_v
one_o to_o forbear_v for_o a_o season_n from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o privilege_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o will_v be_v take_v at_o it_o and_o ensue_v thereon_o and_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v refuse_v a_o submission_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o act_n of_o rule_n the_o church_n have_v no_o way_n for_o its_o relief_n but_o to_o proceed_v unto_o the_o total_a removal_n of_o such_o a_o person_n from_o their_o whole_a communion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v not_o be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o refractoriness_n of_o any_o one_o among_o they_o this_o excommunication_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o be_v a_o act_n of_o church-authority_n exert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v authoritative_a for_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o what_o reside_v in_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v mere_o ministerial_a without_o any_o formal_a authority_n that_o be_v of_o the_o deacon_n but_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o exercise_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v two_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n as_o to_o the_o authoritative_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office-power_n in_o every_o church_n do_v join_v in_o the_o authoritative_a excommunication_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n insist_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o there_o be_v no_o office-power_n now_o remain_v but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o rule_n but_o all_o rule_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o ruler_n only_o we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o its_o member_n of_o the_o correction_n and_o salvation_n of_o offender_n be_v principal_o incumbent_a on_o they_o or_o commit_v unto_o they_o as_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o also_o that_o they_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v when_o and_o for_o what_o this_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v denounce_v against_o any_o which_o require_v their_o best_a skill_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o therefore_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a be_v charge_v as_o a_o neglect_n on_o the_o angel_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o it_o be_v commend_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o unto_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o office_n and_o be_v thereon_o a_o office-act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n howbeit_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o interest_n yea_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v consider_v herein_o for_o indeed_o wherever_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o any_o where_o recommend_v it_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n but_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o brethren_n therein_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v wherefore_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v concern_v herein_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n interest_n and_o power_n 1._o in_o point_n of_o duty_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o mutual_a watch_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o each_o other_o and_o of_o the_o care_n incumbent_a on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o for_o the_o good_a the_o honour_n the_o reputation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n joint_o and_o several_o to_o endeavour_v the_o purge_n out_o from_o among_o they_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o those_o end_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v dead_a and_o useless_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o interest_n they_o have_v also_o a_o concernment_n therein_o they_o be_v to_o look_v that_o no_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o among_o they_o lest_o themselves_o be_v at_o length_n defile_v thereby_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o the_o good_a be_v not_o defile_v by_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v wicked_a in_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o what_o be_v say_v with_o reference_n unto_o wicked_a undiscovered_a hypocrite_n or_o such_o as_o be_v not_o scandalous_o flagitious_a but_o to_o promote_v this_o persuasion_n so_o as_o to_o beget_v a_o opinion_n in_o church-member_n that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o live_v of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n open_o avow_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o they_o be_v a_o diabolical_a engine_n invent_v to_o countenance_n church_n in_o horrible_a security_n unto_o their_o ruin_n but_o yet_o beside_o that_o defilement_n which_o may_v be_v contract_v in_o a_o joint_a participation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n with_o such_o person_n there_o be_v other_o way_n almost_o innumerable_a whereby_o their_o example_n if_o pass_v by_o without_o animadversion_n may_v be_v pernicious_a unto_o their_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n wherefore_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a interest_n as_o they_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o concur_v in_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o obstinate_a offender_n 3._o in_o point_n of_o power_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v commit_v unto_o and_o rest_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o they_o concur_v and_o practice_v so_o it_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o suspend_v for_o it_o be_v they_o who_o must_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o or_o the_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o validity_n this_o punishment_n must_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o many_o who_o also_o be_v to_o restore_v he_o who_o be_v so_o rebuke_v wherefore_o excommunication_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n nor_o of_o office_n but_o of_o power_n reside_v in_o the_o community_n result_v from_o their_o common_a suffrage_n guide_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v again_o take_v up_o this_o enquiry_n immediate_o and_o speak_v unto_o it_o more_o distinct_o lest_o what_o be_v here_o speak_v shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o any_o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o this_o church_n censure_n or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o 1._o they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o which_o the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o and_o this_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o they_o can_v be_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n one_o church_n can_v excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o another_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o this_o matter_n without_o and_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o judge_v they_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o right_a to_o proceed_v against_o any_o herein_o be_v in_o their_o own_o voluntary_a engagement_n to_o observe_v and_o keep_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v the_o offence_n be_v give_v unto_o that_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o not_o only_o and_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n for_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o there_o be_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o sentence_n which_o be_v ordain_v decree_v or_o denounce_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o officer_n of_o that_o church_n in_o particular_a wherein_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v 2._o these_o church-member_n that_o may_v be_v just_o excommunicate_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n after_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n the_o process_n from_o the_o first_o offence_n in_o admonition_n be_v so_o state_v in_o ordinary_a case_n matth._n 18._o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n far_o to_o declare_v it_o the_o time_n that_o be_v to_o be_v allot_v unto_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o and_o unto_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n it_o be_v require_v 1._o that_o the_o sin_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v such_o as_o be_v own_v to_o be_v such_o by_o all_o without_o doubt_v dispute_n or_o haesitation_n it_o must_v be_v some_o sin_n that_o be_v
edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v wherefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v constitute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o order_n as_o wherein_o none_o of_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o always_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n to_o attain_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o he_o do_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n be_v animate_v by_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v act_n the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a herein_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v lie_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o other_o about_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n though_o not_o of_o gift_n and_o usefulness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o peace_n other_o way_n and_o mean_n have_v be_v find_v out_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n which_o we_o must_v speak_v unto_o immediate_o wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o use_v some_o diligence_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v moreover_o premise_v that_o whereas_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v radical_o and_o essential_o the_o same_o among_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v confine_v and_o limit_v by_o divine_a providence_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o the_o natural_a mean_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n may_v extend_v unto_o that_o be_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v within_o such_o line_n of_o communication_n such_o precinct_n or_o boundary_n of_o place_n and_o country_n as_o may_v not_o render_v the_o mutual_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n insuperable_o difficult_a yet_o be_v not_o the_o world_n itself_o so_o wide_o but_o that_o all_o place_n be_v make_v pervious_a by_o navigation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v be_v visible_o profess_v and_o in_o some_o instance_n practise_v among_o all_o church_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o going-down_a of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v by_o the_o most_o vehement_a pretence_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o as_o those_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherefore_o such_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v after_o as_o from_o which_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o actual_a exercise_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o all_o to_o live_v and_o whereby_o the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v attain_v this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a catholicism_n of_o the_o church_n which_o whoever_o depart_v from_o or_o substitute_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o under_o that_o name_n destroy_v its_o whole_a nature_n and_o disturb_v the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a harmony_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n however_o therefore_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o our_o real_a controversy_n with_o most_o in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o be_v union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n which_o be_v various_o pervert_v by_o many_o and_o separate_v it_o into_o party_n and_o confine_v it_o to_o rule_n measure_n and_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o and_o establishment_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o belong_v neither_o to_o the_o internal_a nor_o external_a form_n of_o that_o catholic_n church_n who_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o believe_v and_o who_o union_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o whoever_o give_v any_o description_n of_o or_o limitation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n beside_o what_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n intend_v do_v utter_o overthrow_v it_o and_o therein_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith._n but_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n can_v be_v due_o apprehend_v unless_o we_o inquire_v and_o determine_v wherein_o their_o union_n do_v consist_v for_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o union_n that_o receive_v both_o its_o nature_n and_o power_n from_o it_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n distinct_a in_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o communion_n that_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o he_o be_v pope_n be_v the_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church_n union_n nor_o be_v there_o allow_v any_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o christ_n or_o among_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o through_o he_o a_o universal_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o church_n union_n among_o they_o and_o if_o any_o one_o soul_n fail_v herein_o if_o as_o unto_o thing_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v repute_v a_o stranger_n and_o forâ—â—â—ner_n unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n yea_o they_o affirm_v that_o be_v a_o man_n never_o so_o willing_a for_o and_o desirous_a of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v have_v it_o but_o by_o the_o pope_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n congenial_a and_o suit_v unto_o this_o union_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o exercise_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o various_a contignation_n of_o order_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o one_o story_n of_o church_n interest_n upon_o another_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o idol_n place_v on_o the_o top_n of_o this_o babel_n so_o be_v this_o communion_n carry_v on_o from_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o low_a rubbish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n unto_o diocesan_n of_o they_o to_o metropolitan_n of_o they_o to_o patriarch_n or_o cardinal_n of_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o ascent_n be_v make_v from_o diocesan_n synod_n by_o provincial_n and_o national_a to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ecumenical_a who_o head_n be_v the_o pope_n yet_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v far_o observe_v to_o clear_v this_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n as_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o ascent_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n by_o a_o vital_a act_n of_o communion_n from_o the_o low_a degree_n order_n or_o consociation_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o church-power_n from_o they_o but_o all_o the_o plenitude_n of_o it_o be_v original_o vest_v in_o he_o by_o these_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n he_o communicate_v of_o it_o unto_o all_o church_n as_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conjunction_n and_o communion_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o joint_v in_o this_o order_n so_o compact_v in_o this_o body_n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o personal_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o unto_o his_o whole_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v he_o formal_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v antichrist_n and_o the_o church-state_n arise_v from_o its_o union_n unto_o he_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n subsist_v in_o a_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o power_n receive_v through_o various_a order_n and_o constitution_n from_o he_o to_o be_v anti-christian_n for_o he_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o and_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o church_n state_n thereon_o depend_v this_o we_o have_v describe_v ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o etc._n etc._n as_o also_o col._n 2.19_o where_o there_o be_v a_o rejection_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n take_v from_o its_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n when_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o when_o the_o power_n of_o
the_o whole_a church_n as_o unto_o faith_n in_o general_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n before_o describe_v 2._o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n respect_v the_o church_n itself_o as_o its_o material_a object_n for_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o have_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n confine_v unto_o no_o place_n nor_o party_n of_o man_n no_o empire_n nor_o dominion_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o confinement_n as_o also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v redeem_a call_v sanctify_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o interest_n his_o concernment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v confine_v that_o this_o church_n he_o will_v save_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o opposition_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o after_o death_n will_v raise_v it_o up_o and_o glorify_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o it_o unto_o which_o alone_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v appertain_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o all_o other_o or_o confine_v it_o unto_o a_o party_n unto_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o appropriate_a he_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v a_o comfort_a refresh_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o many_o duty_n in_o they_o continual_o 3._o this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o faith_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o it_o namely_o prayer_n so_o be_v it_o state_v ephes._n 2.18_o for_o through_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v consist_v the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o prayer_n in_o all_o church_n have_v one_o object_n which_o be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n god_n as_o the_o father_n proceed_v in_o all_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o continual_o offer_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n who_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o intercession_n and_o by_o who_o they_o have_v all_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o same_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v all_o a_o bless_a communion_n herein_o continual_o and_o this_o communion_n be_v the_o more_o express_a in_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o be_v for_o all_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n not_o any_o one_o member_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o however_o this_o communion_n be_v invisible_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n yet_o be_v it_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o heaven_n this_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o or_o wrought_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o equal_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o object_n even_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n together_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n give_v unto_o all_o church_n a_o communion_n far_o more_o glorious_a than_o what_o consist_v in_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n of_o man_n devise_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n by_o who_o to_o convey_v or_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n but_o christ_n alone_o the_o only_a highpriest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v renounce_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n herein_o 4._o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o church_n affect_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o unto_z and_o among_o they_o all_o neither_o do_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o administration_n interrupt_v that_o communion_n but_o wherever_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v deny_v or_o their_o nature_n or_o use_n be_v pervert_v or_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v annex_v unto_o their_o administration_n there_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v renounce_v 5._o they_o have_v also_o by_o faith_n communion_n herein_o in_o that_o all_o church_n do_v profess_v a_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v other_z instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v how_o unscriptural_a the_o notion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a communion_n with_o or_o among_o church_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o certain_a power_n order_n and_o rite_n the_o press_v whereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o uniformity_n have_v cast_v all_o thought_n of_o real_a evangelical_n church_n communion_n into_o oblivion_n second_o church_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o end_v declare_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o live_v constant_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o church-duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o continuation_n increase_v and_o edification_n have_v also_o a_o especial_a union_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o mutual_a communion_n thence_o arise_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v love_n not_o the_o common_a regulate_v affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o call_v not_o mere_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n towards_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o blood_n with_o themselves_o but_o a_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o bond_n of_o its_o union_n unto_o its_o self_n whence_o the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n because_o in_o itself_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n and_o motive_n unto_o it_o with_o its_o peculiar_a end_n and_o proper_a exercise_n it_o be_v absolute_o new_a and_o evangelical_n a_o explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v either_o so_o utter_o lose_v or_o have_v such_o vile_a image_n of_o it_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o full_a consideration_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o another_o place_n i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v give_v from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church-union_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o abide_v with_o his_o church_n thereby_o unite_n it_o unto_o himself_o do_v work_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o may_v and_o do_v animate_v they_o unto_o all_o those_o mutual_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n one_o with_o another_o herein_o consist_v the_o union_n of_o every_o church_n in_o itself_o of_o all_o church_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n their_o communion_n consist_v
arrive_v unto_o those_o which_o they_o call_v general_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o senate_n they_o be_v but_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v they_o by_o any_o divine_a institution_n apostolical_a example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a product_n of_o secular_a interest_n work_v itself_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n since_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n nation_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o distinct_a civil_a government_n of_o their_o own_o who_o sovereignty_n be_v in_o themselves_o by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n and_o counsel_n thereon_o emergent_a unto_o each_o of_o these_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n accommodate_v as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o the_o like_a who_o original_a and_o be_v depend_v on_o the_o first_o event_n of_o war_n in_o that_o dissolution_n unto_o these_o new_a church-state_n who_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o absolute_o by_o those_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o they_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v think_v meet_v that_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n shall_v be_v accommodate_v but_o in_o what_o way_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o agreement_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o consider_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o which_o be_v know_v unto_o this_o nation_n on_o a_o dear_a account_n yet_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v eminent_o useful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o all_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a government_n shall_v hold_v constant_a actual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o abridgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o their_o right_n which_o they_o hold_v by_o divine_a institution_n if_o through_o more_o constant_a lesser_a synod_n for_o advice_n there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o their_o mutual_a concern_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v great_a until_o if_o occasion_n require_v and_o it_o be_v expedient_a there_o be_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o they_o all_o to_o advise_v about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v grant_v only_o with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o free_a election_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o all_o these_o synod_n 2._o that_o they_o assume_v no_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n or_o person_n in_o thing_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a 3._o that_o none_o be_v immediate_o concern_v in_o this_o proper_a synodal_n power_n or_o authority_n which_o what_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v inquire_v who_o be_v not_o present_a in_o they_o by_o their_o own_o delegate_n for_o that_o kind_n of_o synod_n which_o some_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o convention_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o sundry_a parochial_a church_n distinguish_v for_o presential_a communion_n ordinary_o in_o some_o act_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o office-power_n it_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o into_o one_o who_o original_a distinction_n be_v only_o in_o the_o civil_a limit_n of_o their_o cohabitation_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o place_n unto_o edification_n 4._o the_o person_n of_o who_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v to_o consist_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o mere_a humane_a prudential_a constitution_n that_o have_v long_a obtain_v in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o those_o shall_v be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o and_o whereas_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o ☞_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o synod_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o until_o after_o the_o distinction_n be_v make_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o both_o sort_n of_o they_o but_o afterward_o those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v bishop_n enclose_v this_o right_n unto_o themselves_o on_o what_o ground_n god_n know_v there_o be_v no_o one_o tittle_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_v therein_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v affirm_v that_o no_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n mere_o have_v right_o to_o be_v member_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n as_o such_o neither_o be_v there_o either_o example_n or_o reason_n to_o give_v colour_n unto_o any_o such_o pretence_n farther_o be_v no_o office-power_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o such_o synod_n as_o such_o neither_o conjunct_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o nor_o single_o by_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n bishop_n pastor_n elder_n may_v be_v present_a in_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v present_a in_o they_o be_v meet_a for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o to_o be_v but_o mere_o as_o such_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o care_n oversight_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o flock_n among_o they_o distinct_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n but_o as_o unto_o their_o conjunction_n in_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o peculiar_a right_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n if_o it_o be_v so_o without_o respect_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o call_v they_o or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v they_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o for_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o office_n belong_v equal_o unto_o all_o and_o if_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n only_o as_o for_o instance_n bishop_n or_o unto_o all_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o for_o instance_n presbyter_n also_o if_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n than_o every_o presbyter_n as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n have_v right_o and_o power_n to_o be_v present_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n for_o although_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o office_n be_v not_o equal_a unto_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o also_o that_o this_o right_n do_v equal_o belong_v unto_o his_o office._n if_o the_o former_a be_v avow_v namely_o that_o this_o right_n belong_v unto_o bishop_n only_o such_o as_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n as_o such_o then_o 1._o i_o desire_v that_o any_o tolerable_a proof_n of_o the_o confinement_n of_o this_o right_n unto_o such_o a_o office_n be_v produce_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n which_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v never_o see_v 2._o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o false_a presumption_n hereof_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o introduce_v tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o liberty_n concern_v the_o composition_n that_o be_v make_v herein_o that_o some_o shall_v convene_v in_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o other_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o delegation_n from_o some_o of_o their_o own_o order_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a political_a constitution_n which_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v unto_o it_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n example_n or_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o society_n in_o union_n or_o communion_n that_o will_v lead_v we_o any_o far_a than_o this_o that_o such_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v choose_v and_o delegated_a by_o those_o church_n respective_o who_o do_v act_n and_o exert_v their_o communion_n in_o such_o assembly_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o example_n of_o they_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o advise_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o which_o consultation_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n also_o be_v present_a and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n it_o be_v on_o other_o account_n that_o they_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o history_n