be_v certain_a also_o that_o believer_n among_o themselves_o have_v charge_n of_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n whereby_o they_o all_o disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v associate_v into_o one_o body_n eph._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 1_o thes_n 5._o 14_o 15._o and_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n which_o require_v this_o mutual_a care_n from_o all_o leu._n 19_o heb._n 3._o and_o 10._o 3._o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v sign_n and_o seal_n to_o confirm_v this_o church-covenant_n and_o so_o institute_v by_o god_n for_o the_o ratify_n of_o it_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v by_o such_o a_o church-covenant_n unite_v among_o themselves_o but_o to_o be_v deny_v to_o other_o though_o know_v to_o be_v godly_a who_o be_v not_o in_o such_o a_o church-communion_n and_o strict_a fellowship_n whereas_o it_o do_v most_o clear_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n chief_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v sign_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o benefit_n promise_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o salvation_n procure_v by_o christ_n for_o we_o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o circumcision_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 10._o rom._n 4._o 11._o of_o the_o passeover_n 1_o cor._n 5._o of_o baptism_n mark_v 1._o 4._o act._n 2._o 38_o 39_o and_o 22._o 16._o rom._n 6._o 3_o 4._o tit._n 3._o 5._o and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n matth._n 26._o 26_o 27_o 28._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 24_o 25_o 26._o but_o in_o a_o secondary_a respect_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v seal_n of_o our_o outward_a engraft_v into_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o our_o conjunction_n into_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o 41._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 12_o 13._o and_o that_o as_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o catholic_a church_n so_o that_o he_o that_o be_v baptize_v be_v not_o baptize_v into_o the_o communion_n only_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n but_o be_v join_v into_o that_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o universal_a as_o the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o man_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o unity_n and_o conjunction_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a and_o universal_a and_o to_o engraft_v they_o as_o member_n into_o it_o eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o as_o by_o excommunication_n due_o perform_v the_o person_n excommunicate_a be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o be_v bind_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o brotherly_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v seal_n to_o a_o man_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n not_o only_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o therefore_o we_o hold_v that_o these_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v not_o to_o those_o only_o who_o by_o a_o church_n covenant_n have_v join_v themselves_o to_o some_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_a who_o have_v due_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o partake_n of_o they_o thus_o our_o belgic_a church_n deny_v not_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n to_o the_o child_n of_o those_o parent_n who_o have_v not_o by_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o submission_n to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n josh_n 5._o 4_o 6._o as_o neither_o do_v we_o deny_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o call_n can_v join_v themselves_o to_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v force_v to_o travel_v through_o divers_a parochial_a church_n chap._n iii_o of_o a_o institute_n visible_a church_n question_n whether_o no_o other_o external_a visible_a church_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o such_o limit_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n so_o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v in_o all_o their_o member_n meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n be_v unlawful_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n institution_n concern_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n answer_n we_o judge_v a_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n to_o be_v a_o church_n due_o and_o lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o church_n erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v in_o one_o place_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o pastor_n and_o elder_n adjoin_v frequent_a the_o service_n of_o god_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n but_o when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n which_o god_n daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n it_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o place_n but_o do_v in_o several_a place_n exercise_v the_o divine_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n under_o more_o pastor_n and_o elder_n join_v into_o one_o consistory_n presbytery_n or_o classis_fw-la the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n we_o say_v do_v very_o well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o therefore_o we_o also_o conceive_v that_o the_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o only_o a_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n but_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n disperse_v through_o a_o whole_a kingdom_n yea_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o do_v in_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n make_v up_o one_o body_n catholic_a yea_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o name_n church_n in_o scripture_n be_v apply_v to_o a_o company_n of_o elder_n with_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n assemble_v together_o for_o transact_v church_n affair_n therefore_o concern_v a_o visible_a church_n institute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o defend_v these_o follow_a position_n 1._o that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v meet_v ordinary_o in_o one_o place_n for_o celebrate_v divine_a worship_n and_o exercise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v lawful_a and_o consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostolical_a institution_n though_o they_o exercise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o diverse_a place_n under_o several_a pastor_n and_o elder_n join_v into_o one_o presbytery_n this_o position_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n institute_v and_o erect_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n but_o must_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n meet_v distributive_o from_o house_n to_o house_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o divers_a pastor_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o visible_a institute_v church_n and_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n for_o the_o number_n of_o that_o church_n be_v so_o great_a that_o three_o thousand_o be_v add_v to_o it_o in_o one_o day_n act._n 2._o 41._o and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n grow_v up_o to_o the_o number_n of_o five_o thousand_o man_n act._n 4._o 4._o and_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v increase_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n act._n 5._o 14._o act._n 2._o 47._o which_o yet_o daily_o meet_v and_o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n from_o house_n to_o house_n for_o perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n act._n 2._o 46._o and_o 5._o 42._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n due_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v one_o church_n revel_v 2._o 2._o which_o yet_o be_v govern_v by_o divers_a pastor_n join_v in_o a_o common_a presbytery_n for_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n act_v
church_n and_o judge_v of_o church_n affair_n so_o as_o that_o the_o company_n of_o believer_n govern_v and_o judge_v by_o those_o elder_n as_o their_o instrument_n and_o deputy_n like_v as_o the_o king_n deputy_n represent_v the_o king_n himself_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o judge_a church_n affair_n by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o can_v delegate_v it_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o presbyter_n but_o the_o presbyter_n do_v themselves_o immediate_o from_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o church_n receive_v power_n of_o rule_v and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o this_o sense_n therefore_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o representative_a church_n neither_o do_v we_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o representative_a church_n as_o by_o commission_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n shall_v have_v absolute_a power_n by_o their_o law_n and_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o bind_v the_o multitude_n and_o subject_a their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n so_o as_o without_o trial_n they_o shall_v receive_v and_o embrace_v what_o soever_o shall_v be_v determine_v by_o this_o church_n for_o this_o be_v the_o papist_n tyrannical_a antichristian_a representative_a church_n in_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o popish_a bishop_n which_o by_o reform_a church_n be_v deny_v and_o cast_v out_o but_o this_o representative_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n a_o company_n of_o presbyter_n choose_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n receive_v from_o christ_n be_v set_v over_o and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rule_v it_o by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n and_o decree_n make_v consonant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o who_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o power_n by_o christ_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o decree_v this_o govern_v ministerial_a or_o representative_a church_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o matth._n 18_o 17_o 18._o tell_v the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o have_v the_o power_n oâ—_n the_o key_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o now_o this_o power_n be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o must_v be_v obey_v in_o the_o lord_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o a_o promiscuous_a and_o popular_a government_n but_o be_v commit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n and_o guide_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v that_o church_n which_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o believer_n complaint_n bring_v before_o they_o concern_v the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o presbyter_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v prescribe_v law_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o judge_v of_o those_o complaint_n tit._n 1._o 13._o which_o to_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o enjoin_v this_o be_v that_o church-which_a have_v the_o power_n of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n matth._n 16._o 18_o 19_o joh._n 20._o 21_o 22._o but_o not_o where_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o roll_a and_o ministerial_a church_n of_o presbyter_n be_v therefore_o here_o understand_v whence_o also_o say_v beza_n upon_o matth._n 16._o 18._o that_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o word_n church_n be_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o ecclesiastical_a senate_n as_o matth._n 18._o 17._o to_o wit_n because_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v set_v it_o be_v elsewhere_o call_v by_o paul_n a_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o that_o in_o this_o place_n by_o church_n the_o evangelist_n understand_v a_o college_n of_o elder_n he_o prove_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o do_v after_o make_v mention_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v which_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v always_o in_o their_o power_n who_o be_v therefore_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o tremellius_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n translate_v out_o of_o syriack_n to_o the_o church_n say_v he_o that_o be_v to_o that_o council_n institute_v by_o god_n and_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o the_o authority_n both_o of_o bind_v and_o lose_v according_a to_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o their_o power_n as_o appear_v in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n deodate_v in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o italian_a bible_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n to_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o they_o that_o have_v the_o care_n of_o govern_v the_o church_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4._o &_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o also_o have_v their_o consistory_n for_o correction_n of_o manner_n the_o doctor_n and_o professor_n of_o geneva_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o french_a bible_n in_o this_o place_n do_v understand_v those_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o ordinary_a call_n of_o administer_a doctrine_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o there_o have_v always_o be_v use_n of_o it_o among_o god_n people_n but_o be_v special_o renew_v in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n under_o the_o apostle_n the_o dutch_a interpreter_n in_o their_o note_n on_o the_o new_a dutch_a translation_n upon_o this_o place_n expound_v church_n by_o church_n governor_n who_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v the_o whole_a church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o 2._o it_o be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 5._o where_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n describe_v which_o by_o a_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n transact_v the_o church_n affair_n and_o represent_v the_o church_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o paul_n ministerial_a spirit_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o christ_n as_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n only_o have_v revel_v 3._o 7._o which_o therefore_o consist_v only_o of_o the_o church_n minister_n and_o christ_n ambassador_n as_o be_v they_o who_o alone_o have_v the_o ministerial_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o be_v also_o gather_v together_o for_o this_o end_n to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o incestuous_a person_n a_o church_n member_n which_o exercise_n be_v commit_v not_o to_o all_o the_o church-member_n but_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v a_o govern_n and_o representative_a church_n we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o opposite_a opinion_n follow_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o church_n visible_a describe_v in_o scripture_n but_o a_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n which_o may_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o scripture_n which_o have_v those_o attribute_n give_v to_o it_o which_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v disperse_v through_o pontus_n galatia_n cappadocia_n asia_n and_o bithynia_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o greek_n whether_o bond_n or_o free_a make_v up_o one_o body_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o 2._o that_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n limit_v to_o such_o bound_n as_o that_o of_o necessity_n they_o may_v be_v ordinary_o contain_v and_o aught_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o perform_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o mutual_a edification_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o multitude_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n do_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n for_o the_o essence_n and_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o place_n but_o on_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o bond_n of_o holy_a communion_n for_o as_o ames_n say_v that_o same_o in_o
sincere_a word_n unite_v your_o heart_n in_o the_o band_n of_o brotherly_a love_n incline_v your_o mind_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n peace_n middleburgh_n in_o zealand_n octob._n 16._o 1644._o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o walachrian_a church_n by_o we_o jacobus_n d'herde_n precedent_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la jodocus_n larenus_fw-la assessor_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la isaacus_n hoornbekius_n preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n cornelius_n beuckelarius_n preacher_n at_o vere_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o west_n souburch_n errata_fw-la pag._n 98._o lin_v 16._o and_o doubtless_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o section_n change_n of_o letter_n p._n 104._o lin_v ult_v luke_n relate_v unto_o p._n 105_o l._n 9_o calvin_n these_o word_n must_v all_o be_v in_o the_o same_o letter_n as_o the_o former_a and_o the_o follow_v p._n 113._o l._n 19_o and_o it_o appear_v etc._n etc._n until_o p._n 114._o l._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v exclusiuè_a all_o these_o word_n must_v be_v in_o other_o letter_n p._n 114._o l._n 5._o and_o one_o deal_n p._n 136._o l._n 11._o though_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n fifteen_o line_n change_v of_o letter_n p._n 137._o l._n 2._o for_o a_o synod_n etc._n etc._n this_o whole_a page_n and_o the_o follow_v unto_o lin_v 20._o we_o hold_v exclusive_a change_n of_o letter_n p._n 97._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v l._n 18._o read_v and_o not_o to_o be_v tedicus_fw-la p._n 98._o l._n 21._o read_v see_v example_n p._n 114._o l._n 10._o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 128._o l._n 27._o deal_n so_o p._n 137._o l._n 22._o r._n this_o be_v p._n 135._o l._n 3._o and_o 1â—_n 5_o indices_fw-la lin_v 16._o 1._o index_n a_o consideration_n of_o certain_a controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n send_v from_o the_o church_n of_o walachria_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n to_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n question_n whither_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n but_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o with_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o who_o upon_o strict_a examination_n do_v manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o real_a internal_a holiness_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v himself_o of_o his_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o communion_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o any_o congregation_n admit_v other_o in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o evident_a proof_n of_o these_o sign_n they_o admit_v impure_a and_o false_a church-member_n answer_n the_o reform_a church_n distinguish_v between_o the_o mystical_a invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n call_v who_o have_v communion_n with_o christ_n to_o which_o be_v make_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o heavenly_a good_a thing_n in_o christ_n to_o which_o no_o hypocrite_n can_v belong_v which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n inward_o work_v and_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-communion_n and_o fellowship_n among_o themselves_o to_o which_o hypocrite_n may_v belong_v for_o any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n we_o require_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n true_a justify_v faith_n repentance_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o this_o church_n be_v god_n work_n who_o by_o effectual_a save_a vocation_n do_v ingraft_v man_n into_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o overseer_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v admit_v none_o other_o to_o the_o complete_a external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o aught_o to_o admit_v all_o such_o who_o by_o external_a federall_a holiness_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o walk_v without_o offence_n in_o their_o outward_a conversation_n be_v account_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n as_o true_a believer_n and_o upon_o examination_n of_o the_o eldership_n concern_v these_o thing_n be_v receive_v into_o brotherly_a and_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n we_o grant_v therefore_o in_o this_o question_n 1._o that_o any_o one_o be_v in_o foro_fw-la dei_fw-la at_o god_n tribunal_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a there_o be_v require_v in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v man_n duty_n who_o will_v due_o for_o salvation_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o real_a holiness_n worship_n god_n aright_o in_o all_o his_o way_n but_o we_o affirm_v that_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a church_n the_o pastor_n be_v to_o admit_v those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n lead_v their_o life_n without_o scandal_n or_o be_v fall_v into_o scandal_n do_v by_o repentance_n wash_v they_o away_o in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la at_o the_o church_n tribunal_n submit_v themselves_o to_o discipline_n public_o frequent_v all_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o desire_v church_n communion_n with_o we_o although_o they_o do_v not_o manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n which_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n our_o opinion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o all_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n live_v without_o manifest_a scandal_n or_o have_v give_v scandal_n do_v by_o repentance_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la amend_v they_o be_v by_o they_o admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v for_o instance_n act._n 2._o 41_o 42_o 45._o act._n 8._o 13._o act._n 4._o 34_o 37._o in_o so_o much_o as_o even_a hypocrite_n have_v entrance_n into_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o ananias_n judas_n simon_n magus_n hymeneus_n philetus_n 2._o from_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o those_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o external_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a communion_n thereof_o who_o be_v adorn_v with_o federall_a holiness_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a god_n of_o israel_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n into_o that_o church_n deut._n 29._o 4_o etc._n etc._n josh_n 24._o 23_o etc._n etc._n 3._o from_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a the_o nature_n whereof_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o barn_n wherein_o the_o chaff_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o the_o wheat_n the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o which_o be_v vessel_n both_o of_o gold_n and_o of_o wood_n a_o net_n wherein_o be_v catch_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a matth._n 3._o 12._o and_o 13._o 47._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 20_o 21._o so_o that_o to_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a the_o pastor_n can_v require_v no_o more_o in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la as_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a then_o what_o may_v also_o be_v find_v in_o hypocrite_n 4._o fron_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o acknowledge_v for_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n those_o visible_a society_n among_o who_o there_o be_v hypocrite_n carnal_a man_n schismatics_n and_o other_o not_o endue_v with_o real_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n to_o who_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n rev._n 2._o &_o 3_o chap._n the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11_o 12._o and_o 3._o 3._o and_o 6._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 11._o 17_o 18._o gal._n 1._o 6._o and_o 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n thus_o have_v our_o divine_n determine_v this_o controversy_n
profession_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o reality_n and_o its_o internal_a nature_n constitute_v the_o church_n mystical_a that_o be_v faith_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 7._o 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a institute_v church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o a_o constitute_v church_n but_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o meet_v together_o not_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n so_o likewise_o be_v that_o meeting_n call_v a_o church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o way_n of_o sermon_n preach_v the_o word_n nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o tell_v what_o god_n have_v do_v among_o the_o gentile_n act._n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 4._o or_o choose_v some_o to_o carry_v their_o decree_n to_o other_o act._n 15._o 22._o which_o be_v act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o that_o meeting_n which_o meet_v only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v also_o a_o church_n and_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n question_n whether_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v pastor_n from_o that_o function_n answer_n the_o reform_a divine_n teach_v that_o none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n may_v arrogate_v any_o power_n to_o himself_o but_o from_o a_o divine_a calling_n and_o delegation_n from_o christ_n for_o whereas_o those_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n none_o may_v perform_v they_o but_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o 5._o 4._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o when_o as_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v this_o call_n and_o delegation_n to_o administer_v those_o holy_a function_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o some_o only_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 28_o 29._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5_o 6._o they_o therefore_o deny_v that_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o allow_v indeed_o to_o all_o believer_n and_o godly_a member_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a a_o spiritual_a dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n for_o divine_a grace_n have_v a_o heavenly_a authority_n and_o majesty_n accompany_v it_o but_o deny_v that_o authority_n of_o office_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o they_o all_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o believer_n for_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 2._o that_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n either_o by_o suffrage_n or_o by_o free_a consent_n for_o this_o power_n be_v find_v ground_v on_o rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 1._o 23._o and_o 6._o 2_o 3_o 4._o &_o 14._o 22._o but_o by_o this_o election_n the_o believer_n do_v not_o confer_v or_o derive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n choose_v but_o only_o design_v he_o on_o who_o the_o power_n of_o that_o church_n office_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v confer_v by_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o spiritual_a power_n on_o minister_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v ministerial_o secondary_o and_o subordinate_o perform_v by_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a vocation_n but_o by_o election_n be_v only_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o that_o power_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v and_o by_o ordination_n he_o be_v authoritative_o send_v and_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o function_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o election_n design_v to_o be_v ordain_v ordination_n therefore_o be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o spalleto_n right_o discourse_v de_fw-fr repub_fw-la eccle_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 3._o num_fw-la 54._o but_o the_o act_n of_o election_n or_o nomination_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o prove_v the_o spirit_n and_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o choose_v he_o by_o who_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v lead_v for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o business_n when_o we_o consider_v of_o a_o pastor_n call_v entire_o and_o absolute_o and_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a right_n on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n perform_v and_o thus_o it_o comprehend_v election_n and_o ordination_n election_n have_v three_o part_n examination_n approbation_n and_o nomination_n examination_n consist_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o gift_n and_o former_a conversation_n approbation_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n judgement_n and_o assent_v judgement_n we_o call_v that_o sentence_n whereby_o the_o person_n examine_v be_v judge_v fit_a to_o undertake_v the_o ministry_n and_o may_v profitable_o perform_v it_o assent_n be_v of_o they_o who_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o judgement_n nomination_n be_v when_o one_o by_o name_n be_v by_o common_a advise_v decern_v to_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n ordination_n comprehend_v mission_n and_o admission_n mission_n or_o send_v be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o the_o office_n be_v confer_v on_o the_o person_n elect_v and_o he_o send_v and_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v design_v and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o ministry_n initiation_n or_o admission_n be_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o a_o outward_a rite_n whereby_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n and_o be_v perform_v by_o explain_v the_o divine_a institution_n prayer_n and_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n the_o common_a symbol_n of_o this_o ordination_n be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o this_o whole_a business_n therefore_o of_o vocation_n we_o grant_v to_o the_o people_n nomination_n which_o be_v at_o first_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o common_a the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n mean_v while_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n for_o they_o be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o gift_n be_v therefore_o to_o perform_v this_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o people_n but_o to_o lead_v they_o for_o the_o election_n be_v chief_o the_o act_n of_o minister_n the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n to_o consent_v to_o that_o election_n distinct_a 63._o cap._n nosse_fw-la &_o cap._n cum_fw-la longè_fw-la for_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o apostolical_a example_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v first_o to_o nominate_v and_o the_o people_n to_o assent_v to_o that_o nomination_n due_o perform_v or_o to_o consult_v in_o common_a about_o the_o person_n to_o be_v nominate_v or_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o may_v just_o oppose_v that_o nomination_n free_o to_o produce_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n their_o consent_n they_o signify_v ancient_o as_o junius_n acknowledge_v disput_fw-la
servant_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o special_a office_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o who_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o aright_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o to_o give_v to_o those_o in_o the_o house_n their_o due_a portion_n in_o season_n math._n 24._o 25._o right_o to_o divide_v and_o distribute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 15._o for_o the_o key_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o power_n entrust_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n commit_v to_o the_o steward_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o house_n whereby_o to_o administer_v their_o power_n and_o by_o the_o key_n in_o scripture_n be_v signify_v authority_n faculty_n power_n administration_n of_o government_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o command_v forbid_a allow_a restrain_v as_o isa_n 22._o 22._o compare_v with_o isa_n 9_o 6._o rev._n 1._o 18._o &_o 3._o 7._o and_o mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o denote_v minister_n power_n and_o full_a administration_n they_o be_v commit_v therefore_o to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v which_o do_v overthrow_v the_o order_n constitute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o order_n christ_n have_v in_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o in_o a_o heterogeneous_a organical_a body_n constitute_v of_o divers_a integrall_a part_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a function_n and_o operation_n in_o that_o ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n eye_n ear_n hand_n foot_n ruler_n and_o such_o as_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n overseer_n watchman_n pastor_n ambassador_n in_o christ_n name_n preacher_n father_n bvilder_n sower_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o flock_n a_o people_n a_o house_n a_o field_n child_n and_o such_o as_o govern_v and_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n see_v heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o all_o in_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n power_n of_o building_n rule_v the_o church_n by_o censure_n ecclesiastical_a etc._n etc._n all_o will_v be_v ambassador_n ruler_n father_n pastor_n watchman_n eye_n ear_n for_o to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ecclesiastical_a and_o authoritative_a oversight_n and_o rule_n belong_v as_o their_o proper_a function_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o be_v the_o proper_a function_n of_o the_o overseer_n and_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o rod_n and_o that_o severe_a power_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o 3._o the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n propose_v in_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o the_o right_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v direct_v be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o other_o church-governor_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o faithful_a steward_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o also_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 3._o &_o 4._o and_o the_o fault_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o mis-governing_a of_o church_n and_o abuse_v of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n impute_v as_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o of_o some_o to_o wit_v the_o overseer_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o tit._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o revel_v 2._o 14_o 20._o 3._o joh._n 16._o 10._o the_o praise_n and_o reward_v promise_v for_o due_a order_n of_o church_n be_v not_o by_o god_n promise_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 4_o 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 4_o 5._o revel_v 22._o therefore_o to_o those_o only_o be_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n entrust_v by_o christ_n 4._o to_o who_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n for_o administration_n and_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o god_n send_v any_o into_o his_o church_n he_o always_o qualifi_v they_o with_o gift_n sufficient_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o who_o god_n have_v send_v into_o the_o church_n but_o where_o be_v the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n may_v remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n speak_v of_o joh._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o where_o be_v that_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o rule_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n commit_v to_o all_o hence_o also_o have_v the_o reform_a church_n always_o reject_v a_o popular_a church-government_n see_v sadeel_n treatise_n in_o french_a concern_v ecclesiastical_a discipline_n against_o morellius_n of_o who_o reverend_a beza_n libro_fw-la de_fw-fr ministrorum_fw-la gradibus_fw-la cap._n 25._o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o election_n in_o the_o church_n say_v thus_o which_o order_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n religious_o and_o prudent_o observe_v hitherto_o in_o this_o city_n when_o one_o democraticall_a fanatical_a morellius_n of_o paris_n be_v bold_a by_o word_n and_o writing_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o that_o his_o writing_n be_v both_o in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o france_n in_o many_o synod_n worthy_o condemn_v and_o in_o our_o synodical_a constitution_n the_o church_n ecclesiastical_a power_n judgement_n exercise_n of_o the_o key_n and_o church-government_n be_v every_o where_o commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n &_o elder_n to_o presbytery_n consistory_n class_n and_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o from_o article_n 25._o to_o art_n 35._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 92._o to_o art_n 101._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 58._o to_o art_n 66._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 64._o to_o art_n 74._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 58._o to_o 75._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 71._o to_o art_n 81._o ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n or_o church-governor_n be_v commit_v by_o god_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n of_o church_n we_o grant_v indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o nomination_n or_o election_n allow_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n so_o as_o no_o minister_n may_v without_o the_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o church_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o which_o nomination_n or_o election_n do_v not_o yet_o confer_v ministerial_a power_n on_o the_o person_n elect_v but_o only_o design_v a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v be_v due_o derive_v according_a to_o the_o institute_v rule_n by_o those_o who_o have_v under_o christ_n receive_v that_o power_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v derive_v on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n we_o deny_v not_o also_o but_o that_o extraordinary_o in_o a_o perplex_a and_o deprave_a estate_n of_o a_o whole_a visible_a church_n the_o multitude_n or_o faithful_a people_n in_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n and_o authoritative_o put_v they_o into_o the_o power_n right_a and_o possession_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o cogent_a necessity_n which_o admit_v no_o law_n and_o to_o which_o all_o positive_a law_n give_v place_n but_o we_o affirm_v that_o in_o a_o settle_a and_o constitute_v visible_a church_n the_o people_n by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o power_n of_o ordain_v or_o send_v their_o pastor_n but_o that_o potestative_a mission_n &_o ordination_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n or_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v confer_v on_o this_o or_o that_o man_n design_v to_o the_o ministry_n belong_v to_o presbytery_n our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o those_o precept_n describe_v in_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v ordination_n or_o
prejudice_v other_o church_n they_o be_v in_o the_o vocation_n of_o pastor_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o synod_n 3._o in_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o power_n ecclesiastical_a in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n we_o conceive_v there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n 1._o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n it_o be_v actus_fw-la imperatus_fw-la as_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v actus_fw-la elicitus_fw-la that_o be_v that_o synod_n and_o class_n be_v to_o take_v care_n and_o authoritative_o to_o enjoin_v particular_a church_n that_o they_o excite_v their_o power_n and_o exercise_v it_o for_o the_o ordain_v their_o pastor_n but_o the_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o do_v those_o ecclesiastical_a act_n whereby_o the_o ordination_n itself_o be_v perform_v 2._o that_o there_o belong_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n a_o authoritative_a judgement_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o suitable_a sitnesse_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v to_o the_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o the_o whole_a election_n dispatch_v and_o the_o ordination_n to_o be_v perform_v 3._o that_o it_o belong_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n to_o decree_v canon_n and_o prescribe_v decrce_n for_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o all_o those_o church_n according_a to_o which_o the_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o do_v those_o act_n whereby_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v perform_v 4._o that_o the_o synod_n and_o classis_fw-la do_v authoritative_o concur_v with_o the_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o power_n of_o send_v pastor_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o which_o a_o ecclesiastical_a right_n be_v derive_v on_o the_o minister_n for_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o a_o minister_n by_o ordination_n be_v derive_v ministerial_o secondary_o and_o subordinate_o under_o god_n not_o only_o from_o the_o eldership_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o from_o that_o whole_a minister_a or_o govern_v ecclesiastical_a society_n into_o which_o the_o pastor_n ordain_v be_v admit_v by_o ordination_n to_o perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n thus_o we_o conceive_v these_o act_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o legitimate_a ordination_n of_o pastor_n in_o a_o constitute_v and_o settle_a church_n 4._o in_o a_o case_n extraordinary_a when_o a_o nationall_n church_n be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_a the_o due_a power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n overturn_v and_o destroy_v and_o when_o the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n so_o utter_o ruin_v as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o any_o face_n of_o it_o to_o be_v see_v no_o where_o any_o to_o be_v find_v that_o labour_n in_o sound_a doctrine_n no_o mark_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n discernible_a by_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n who_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n right_o to_o ordain_v in_o this_o necessity_n by_o their_o own_o eldership_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o eldership_n they_o first_o go_v about_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o then_o be_v thus_o constitute_v they_o perform_v their_o ordination_n by_o it_o for_o that_o be_v sure_a which_o melancton_n do_v oft_o inculcate_v when_o the_o ordinary_a bishop_n say_v he_o become_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n or_o refuse_v to_o afford_v ordination_n the_o church_n retain_v their_o own_o right_n for_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n there_o be_v power_n of_o dispense_n the_o gospel_n so_o that_o of_o necessity_n the_o church_n must_v retain_v a_o right_n of_o their_o own_o to_o call_v elect_v and_o ordain_v minister_n and_o this_o right_n be_v a_o gift_n grant_v to_o the_o church_n which_o no_o humane_a authority_n can_v take_v from_o it_o argum._n &_o respon_n part_n 7._o de_fw-la potest_fw-la epise_v argum_fw-la 2._o that_o this_o power_n shall_v be_v whole_o abrogate_a and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o for_o want_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v but_o common_a sense_n teach_v that_o it_o be_v better_a in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o enlarge_v it_o then_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o the_o large_a fruit_n of_o the_o gospel_n preach_v for_o that_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v then_o deprive_v of_o this_o power_n when_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v most_o chief_o require_v be_v absurd_a and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n nor_o eldership_n in_o some_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n to_o be_v plant_v and_o erect_v and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v first_o introduce_v here_o the_o neighbour_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n who_o be_v by_o the_o opportunity_n of_o occasion_n invite_v by_o god_n to_o afford_v their_o mutual_a help_n and_o assistance_n in_o this_o spiritual_a matter_n have_v power_n of_o send_v minister_n and_o pastor_n with_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o the_o gather_n erect_v and_o promote_a a_o church_n in_o that_o place_n for_o that_o manner_n of_o mission_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n act_n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n to_o the_o neighbour_n church_n hence_o therefore_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n we_o maintain_v these_o assertion_n 1._o that_o a_o particular_a church_n want_v a_o presbytery_n may_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o settle_a state_n of_o church_n perform_v the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n but_o the_o mission_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n into_o a_o sacted_a function_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v prove_v 1._o from_o express_v place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o ecclesiastical_a act_n be_v enjoin_v the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n and_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o that_o by_o presbytery_n there_o be_v signify_v a_o college_n of_o presbyter_n be_v prove_v by_o most_o certain_a argument_n against_o the_o hierarchy_n our_o reverend_a bucerus_n discourse_v excellent_o of_o this_o place_n dissert_n de_fw-fr gubern_n ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 339_o 340._o i_o know_v say_v he_o that_o the_o word_n presbytery_n may_v be_v expound_v either_o of_o the_o college_n of_o presbyter_n or_o of_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n but_o three_o reason_n chief_o persuade_v i_o to_o think_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o former_a signification_n the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o find_v it_o no_o where_o use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v for_o the_o presbyter_n office_n but_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v their_o meeting_n be_v evident_a for_o what_o luke_n relate_v chap._n 22._o 66._o that_o when_o christ_n be_v apprehend_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o people_n be_v gather_v together_o certain_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o presbyterial_a office_n so_o paul_n at_o jerusalem_n render_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o testimony_n of_o what_o he_o say_v cit_v the_o high_a priest_n and_o the_o presbytery_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 22._o 5._o where_o every_o one_o understand_v the_o word_n presbytery_n to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n not_o the_o office_n a_o second_o reason_n be_v that_o there_o will_v appear_v a_o kind_n of_o tautology_n in_o paul_n speech_n if_o by_o the_o word_n presbytery_n we_o understand_v the_o presbyterial_a office_n for_o the_o gift_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o paul_n bid_v timothy_n not_o to_o neglect_v in_o the_o exposition_n of_o most_o signify_v that_o office_n itself_o join_v with_o a_o sufficiency_n of_o gift_n the_o apostle_n word_n therefore_o will_v sound_v to_o this_o purpose_n neglect_v not_o the_o presbyterial_a office_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a office_n in_o good_a earnest_n i_o like_v it_o not_o i_o know_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v understand_v by_o some_o only_o of_o the_o faculty_n of_o teach_v but_o when_o paul_n add_v that_o it_o be_v give_v timothy_n by_o prophecy_n whether_o or_o no_o will_n you_o not_o judge_v this_o expression_n to_o suit_n better_o to_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v for_o any_o one_o will_v easy_o discern_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v a_o harsh_a speech_n to_o say_v that_o the_o faculty_n of_o teach_v be_v
19_o 8_o 9_o and_o 20._o 17_o 18._o which_o do_v also_o very_o great_o abound_v in_o multitude_n of_o member_n as_o appear_v act._n 19_o 10_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o 20._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 8._o revel_v 2._o 2_o 3._o and_o yet_o meet_v in_o some_o private_a house_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n act._n 19_o 9_o 10._o and_o 20._o 20._o but_o that_o this_o whole_a multitude_n can_v in_o one_o school_n or_o house_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o to_o we_o that_o they_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o at_o divers_a time_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o divers_a pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v more_o holy_a assembly_n there_o in_o divers_a place_n there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16._o 5._o paul_n when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n have_v holy_a church_n assembly_n in_o his_o own_o house_n act_v 28._o 23_o 30_o 31._o which_o yet_o be_v not_o that_o whole_a collective_o take_v and_o famous_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a roman_n who_o faith_n be_v famous_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1._o 8._o other_o example_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o church_n due_o constitute_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n which_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o place_n for_o exercise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n under_o a_o common_a presbytery_n of_o divers_a pastor_n perform_v holy_a duty_n hence_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n in_o some_o great_a town_n though_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n than_o can_v celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a church_n but_o do_v together_o make_v one_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o common_a presbytery_n and_o government_n of_o divers_a pastor_n ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o only_o parochial_a or_o particular_a but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o nationall_n church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o divers_a parochial_a church_n join_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o by_o a_o mutual_a visible_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n ecclesiastical_a we_o deny_v indeed_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o typical_a nationall_n church_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v wherein_o all_o of_o that_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a typical_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o one_o place_n choose_v by_o god_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o visible_a pastor_n or_o priest_n who_o in_o worship_n and_o sacrifice_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a people_n or_o nation_n for_o this_o vanish_v away_o with_o the_o type_n and_o carnal_a precept_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o reject_v also_o that_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n form_n of_o a_o church_n introduce_v by_o man_n in_o which_o many_o church_n be_v unite_v and_o subject_v to_o a_o cathedral_n church_n and_o depend_v upon_o one_o visible_a pastor_n who_o be_v pastor_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o other_o pastor_n and_o inferior_a particular_a church_n wherein_o the_o inferior_a church_n enjoy_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o derivation_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o cathedral_n church_n or_o that_o nationall_n or_o provincial_n pastor_n and_o bishop_n for_o these_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o antichrist_n which_o bring_v a_o tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o overthrow_v the_o power_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n and_o pastor_n yet_o such_o a_o nationall_n and_o provincial_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v wherein_o many_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o one_o visible_a ministry_n and_o church-government_n join_v into_o one_o collective_a ecclesiastical_a body_n visible_a for_o celebrate_v all_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o visible_a ministerial_a government_n of_o those_o church_n and_o mutual_a ecclesiastical_a followship_n in_o it_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n we_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n by_o these_o argument_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a church_n &_o synagogue_n which_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o church-government_n as_o appear_v act._n 15._o 21._o act._n 13._o 15_o 16._o luk._n 21._o 12._o joh._n 12._o 42._o all_o which_o be_v yet_o conjoin_v into_o one_o national_a visible_a church_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n and_o people_n deut._n 7._o 7._o and_o 32._o 8._o but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o form_n in_o all_o effentialls_n which_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n as_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n for_o substance_n the_o same_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o same_o religion_n the_o same_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a common_a to_o both_o and_o differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a typical_a ceremony_n which_o change_v not_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n hence_o protestant_a writer_n observe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n synagogue_n to_o denote_v a_o christian_a church_n jam._n 2._o 2._o 2_o thes_n 2._o 1_o heb._n 10._o 25._o for_o when_o as_o the_o church_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o essence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o both_o people_n may_v not_o be_v describe_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o name_n say_v tilenus_n in_o his_o thesis_n part_n 2._o disput_fw-la 14._o thes_n 3._o it_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a therefore_o that_o those_o many_o synagogue_n and_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n shall_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n nationall_n hence_o also_o the_o jewish_a church_n bring_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o disperse_v through_o divers_a country_n be_v join_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n government_n and_o ecclesiastciall_a discipline_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1_o 2._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n consist_v of_o many_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o appear_v gal._n 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o unite_v in_o a_o church_n society_n under_o one_o common_a discipline_n and_o government_n hence_o gal._n 5._o 9_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lump_n which_o be_v easy_o corrupt_v by_o a_o little_a leaven_n like_v as_o the_o unite_a and_o compact_a body_n of_o the_o corinthian_a church_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o he_o give_v command_v to_o the_o galathian_o concern_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o external_a discipline_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o they_o against_o the_o seducer_n &_o false_a teacher_n gal._n 4._o 10._o etc._n etc._n and_o 5._o 9_o 10._o which_o intimate_v a_o unite_a authority_n in_o church_n government_n whereby_o the_o false_a teacher_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n the_o church_n of_o galathia_fw-la therefore_o be_v provincial_n 3._o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n which_o in_o the_o ministerial_a government_n in_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v conjoin_v and_o unite_v into_o one_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o the_o exercise_v visible_a act_n of_o church_n communion_n joint_o among_o themselves_o those_o constitute_v a_o church_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n for_o the_o member_n which_o do_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a manner_n mutual_o exercise_v among_o themselves_o visible_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o do_v together_o joint_o participate_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n they_o make_v one_o visible_a body_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n exercise_n among_o themselves_o such_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n for_o they_o do_v by_o their_o particular_a member_n by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n delegated_a sometime_o hear_v the_o same_o word_n frequent_a the_o same_o divine_a worship_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o do_v ordinary_o avoid_v and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o excommunicate_v person_n exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o mutual_o edify_v one_o another_o