circumstance_n thereof_o yea_o and_o in_o these_o case_n of_o the_o ordinary_a conversation_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v we_o need_v not_o enlarge_v in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o although_o a_o great_a assembly_n of_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v reverence_v as_o more_o wise_a and_o able_a than_o a_o few_o elder_n with_o their_o single_a congregation_n and_o according_o may_v have_v a_o high_a doctrinal_a power_n a_o power_n proper_o and_o peculiar_o suit_v to_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n to_o determine_v and_o direct_v congregation_n in_o their_o way_n yet_o christ_n have_v not_o betrust_v they_o with_o that_o power_n he_o have_v do_v the_o congregation_n because_o they_o be_v abstract_v from_o the_o people_n and_o so_o one_o tribe_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o all_o the_o forementioned_a respect_n be_v want_v which_o christ_n will_v have_v personal_o concur_v not_o by_o delegation_n or_o representation_n alone_o not_o to_o the_o execution_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o legal_a sentence_n also_o of_o cut_v man_n off_o as_o in_o the_o former_a parallel_n and_o instance_n may_v be_v observe_v yea_o and_o the_o high_a and_o the_o great_a the_o association_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v the_o further_a be_v they_o remove_v from_o the_o people_n and_o although_o you_o may_v have_v thereby_o a_o great_a help_n in_o that_o juridical_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n to_o be_v proceed_v by_o yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o further_a distance_n and_o disenable_v thereby_o from_o that_o precise_a practic_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o person_n transgress_v and_o case_n may_v be_v as_o true_o difficult_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v decide_v from_o obscurity_n and_o want_v of_o light_n into_o the_o circumstantiation_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n in_o which_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o by_o he_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o as_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o other_o consideration_n of_o like_a weight_n may_v here_o be_v add_v if_o not_o for_o the_o proof_n which_o we_o do_v not_o here_o intend_v yet_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o particular_a as_o also_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o that_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v by_o withdraw_a communion_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o relation_n that_o by_o christ_n endowment_n all_o church_n stand_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o yea_o and_o wherein_o the_o least_o be_v a_o body_n to_o christ_n do_v stand_v unto_o all_o but_o we_o shall_v too_o much_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o epistle_n and_o too_o long_o detain_v the_o reader_n from_o the_o fruitful_a and_o pregnant_a labour_n of_o the_o worthy_a author_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n sanctify_v all_o the_o truth_n in_o it_o to_o all_o those_o holy_a end_n and_o through_o his_o grace_n much_o more_o which_o the_o holy_a and_o peaceable_a spirit_n of_o the_o author_n do_v intend_v tho_o goodwin_n philip_z nye_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n chap._n i._n what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v and_o what_o their_o power_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v promise_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o peter_n mat._n 16.19_o to_o thou_o say_v christ_n will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n the_o word_n be_v allegorical_a be_v therefore_o somewhat_o obscure_a and_o hold_v forth_o honour_n &_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v therefore_o controversall_a 15.1_o prov._n 15.1_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o honour_n nor_o pride_n to_o pursue_v it_o there_o be_v no_o contention_n it_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v amiss_o for_o open_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n somewhat_o to_o open_v the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n whereon_o that_o power_n be_v build_v five_o word_n require_v a_o little_a clear_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o key_n of_o this_o kingdom_n and_o the_o give_v of_o they_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v 4._o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o these_o act_n to_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v here_o put_v under_o a_o general_a name_n whatsoever_o 5._o who_o be_v the_o subject_a recipient_a of_o this_o power_n or_o to_o who_o be_v this_o power_n give_v to_o thou_o will_v i_o give_v the_o key_n etc._n etc._n 1._o for_o the_o first_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v here_o mean_v both_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v in_o the_o high_a heaven_n for_o christ_n give_v to_o peter_n the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n convey_v therewith_o not_o only_o this_o power_n to_o bind_v on_o earth_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n for_o he_o give_v he_o no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o bind_v in_o the_o world_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o he_o give_v he_o also_o this_o privilege_n that_o what_o he_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n 2._o for_o the_o second_o what_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v the_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v to_o be_v administer_v in_o his_o church_n as_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o it_o also_o the_o administer_a of_o the_o seal_n and_o censure_n for_o by_o the_o open_n and_o apply_v of_o these_o both_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o church_n here_o and_o of_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v open_v or_o shut_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o the_o give_v of_o these_o key_n impli_v that_o christ_n invest_v those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v they_o with_o a_o power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o gate_n of_o both_o and_o this_o power_n lie_v partly_o in_o their_o spiritual_a call_n whether_o it_o be_v their_o office_n or_o their_o place_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o concourse_n and_o co-operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n accompany_v the_o right_a dispensation_n of_o these_o key_n that_o be_v of_o these_o ordinance_n according_a to_o his_o will_n moreover_o these_o key_n be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o sceptre_n no_o sword_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o civil_a power_n of_o bodily_a life_n and_o death_n nor_o sceptre_n for_o they_o convey_v not_o sovereign_a or_o legislative_a power_n over_o the_o church_n but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a as_o the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v give_v to_o hilkiah_n isa_n 22.22_o who_o succeed_v shebna_n in_o his_o office_n and_o his_o office_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o the_o house_n v._o 15._o and_o the_o same_o word_n over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v steward_n in_o the_o house_n gen._n 43.19_o 3._o touch_v the_o three_o thing_n what_o be_v the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n the_o act_n of_o these_o key_n be_v say_v here_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o lose_v which_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o material_a key_n for_o their_o act_n be_v open_v and_o shut_v which_o argue_v the_o key_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o material_a key_n but_o metaphorical_a and_o y_z t_z be_v key_n they_o have_v a_o power_n also_o of_o open_v and_o shut_v for_o christ_n who_o have_v the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o these_o key_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o key_n of_o david_n to_o open_v and_o no_o man_n to_o shut_v to_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n to_o open_v rev._n 3.7_o which_o impli_v that_o these_o key_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v as_o that_o they_o do_v thereby_o bind_v and_o loose_v retain_v and_o remit_v in_o open_v they_o lose_v and_o remit_v in_o shut_v they_o bind_v and_o retain_v which_o will_v more_o appear_v in_o open_v the_o four_o point_n 4._o the_o four_o point_n than_o be_v what_o be_v the_o subject_n to_o be_v bind_v and_o loose_v the_o text_n in_o mat._n 16.9_o say_v whatsoever_o which_o reach_v not_o so_o far_o as_o the_o papist_n will_v stretch_v it_o to_o whatsoever_o oath_n or_o covenant_n or_o contract_n or_o counsel_n or_o law_n as_o if_o whatsoever_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n covenant_n of_o lease_n or_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n the_o pope_n ratifi_v or_o dissolve_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v ratify_v or_o dissolve_v in_o heaven_n no_o this_o
she_o be_v but_o simple_o the_o power_n of_o she_o own_o act_n in_o which_o her_o own_o concernment_n which_o do_v interest_n her_o free_a by_o a_o intrinsical_v right_a the_o like_a difference_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o have_v see_v a_o government_n temper_v of_o a_o aristocracy_n and_o democracy_n in_o which_o suppose_v the_o people_n have_v a_o share_n and_o their_o actual_a consent_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o law_n and_o sentence_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o a_o few_o noble_n that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o who_o concernment_n be_v less_o general_a in_o who_o the_o formal_a sanction_n of_o all_o shall_v lie_v in_o these_o it_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o that_o multitude_n but_o power_n and_o interest_n and_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o a_o presbytry_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n or_o else_o as_o we_o have_v long_o since_o be_v resolve_v all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n about_o their_o rule_n and_o of_o the_o people_n obedience_n to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o but_o as_o metaphor_n and_o to_o hold_v no_o porportion_n with_o any_o substantial_a reality_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o in_o this_o distribution_n of_o power_n christ_n have_v have_v a_o suitable_a and_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o his_o church_n as_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o have_v qualify_v and_o dignify_v it_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o be_v in_o its_o infancy_n but_o it_o be_v comparative_o come_v forth_o of_o its_o nonage_n &_o grow_v up_o to_o a_o ripe_a age_n both_o as_o the_o tenure_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o difference_n from_o the_o old_a run_v in_o the_o prophet_n &_o as_o paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n express_v it_o they_o be_v therefore_o more_o general_o able_a if_o visible_a saint_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o church_n under_o the_o n._n testanent_a to_o join_v with_o their_o guide_n &_o leader_n in_o judge_v &_o discern_v what_o concern_v their_o own_o &_o their_o brethren_n conscience_n and_o therefore_o christ_n have_v not_o now_o lodge_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o all_o church_n matter_n sole_o &_o entire_o in_o the_o church_n tutor_n &_o governor_n as_o of_o old_a when_o it_o be_v under_o age_n he_o do_v but_o yet_o because_o of_o their_o weakness_n &_o unskilfulnes_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o in_o comparison_n to_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ascend_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o on_o purpose_n for_o their_o guidance_n &_o the_o government_n of_o they_o he_o have_v therefore_o place_v a_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o those_o officer_n over_o they_o not_o direct_v only_o but_o bind_v so_o as_o not_o only_o nothing_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o church_n government_n shall_v be_v do_v without_o they_o but_o not_o esteem_v valid_o do_v unless_o do_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o due_a and_o golden_a balance_a and_o poise_v of_o power_n and_o interest_n authority_n and_o privilege_n in_o elder_n and_o the_o brethren_n this_o government_n may_v neither_o degenerate_a into_o lordlynesse_n and_o oppression_n in_o ruler_n over_o the_o flock_n as_o not_o have_v all_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n alone_o nor_o yet_o into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o flock_n among_o themselves_o &_o so_o as_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o man_n conscience_n may_v be_v transact_v to_o common_a edification_n &_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o second_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v a_o paradox_n that_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a authority_n shall_v be_v find_v sever_v from_o that_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o second_v it_o if_o not_o obey_v every_o minister_n and_o pastor_n have_v in_o himself_o alone_o a_o ministerial_a doctrinal_a authority_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v his_o charge_n and_o every_o person_n in_o it_o to_o instruct_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o authority_n by_o reason_n of_o which_o those_o under_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o vi_o materiae_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o command_n in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n for_o so_o he_o shall_v speak_v with_o no_o more_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o man_n yea_o a_o child_n who_o speak_v a_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o word_n shall_v lead_v we_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v but_o further_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o ministerial_a authority_n which_o christ_n have_v endow_v he_o withal_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o by_o they_o as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o his_o over_o they_o and_o towards_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o alone_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o excommunication_n in_o he_o to_o enforce_v his_o doctrine_n if_o any_o do_v gainsay_v it_o neither_o therefore_o be_v this_o authority_n as_o in_o he_o consider_v to_o be_v judge_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o draw_v man_n to_o obedience_n neither_o let_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o power_n of_o this_o censure_n of_o cut_v man_n off_o and_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n in_o which_o the_o positive_a part_n and_o indeed_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o &_o other_o of_o excommunication_n lie_v shall_v be_v inseparable_o link_v by_o christ_n unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o proper_a native_a privilege_n hereof_o so_o as_o that_o no_o assembly_n or_o company_n of_o elder_n just_o presume_v and_o grant_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a &_o judicious_a shall_v assume_v it_o to_o themselves_o or_o sever_v the_o formal_a power_n thereof_o from_o the_o particular_a congregation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o christ_n institution_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o reason_n something_o analogous_a thereunto_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o illustorate_v if_o not_o to_o justify_v this_o dispersion_n of_o interest_n and_o so_o if_o we_o mistake_v not_o there_o may_v be_v find_v even_o of_o this_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n the_o sentence_n to_o death_n of_o any_o subject_n in_o the_o kingdom_n as_o it_o be_v the_o high_a civil_a punishment_n so_o of_o all_o other_o the_o near_a and_o exact_a parallel_n to_o this_o in_o spirituall_n of_o cut_v a_o soul_n off_o and_o deliver_v it_o to_o satan_n yet_o the_o power_n of_o this_o high_a judgement_n be_v not_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o assembly_n of_o lawyer_n only_o no_o not_o of_o all_o the_o judge_n themselves_o man_n select_v for_o wisdom_n faithfulness_n and_o gravity_n who_o yet_o be_v by_o office_n design_v to_o have_v a_o inerest_n herein_o but_o when_o they_o upon_o any_o special_a cause_n of_o difficulty_n for_o council_n and_o direction_n in_o such_o judgement_n do_v all_o meet_v as_o sometime_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o pronounce_v this_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o any_o man_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o jury_n of_o his_o peer_n which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o rank_n and_o in_o corporation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o place_n and_o with_o a_o jury_n of_o these_o man_n of_o themselves_o not_o suppose_v to_o be_v so_o skilful_a in_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n two_o judge_n yea_o one_o with_o other_o justice_n on_o the_o bench_n have_v power_n to_o adjudge_v and_o pronounce_v that_o which_o all_o of_o they_o and_o all_o the_o lawyer_n in_o this_o kingdom_n together_o have_v not_o without_o a_o jury_n and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n use_v to_o admire_v the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n herein_o &_o do_v esteem_v this_o privilege_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o this_o particular_a peculiar_a to_o our_o nation_n as_o one_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o law_n and_o do_v make_v beast_n of_o it_o as_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o security_n to_o each_o person_n life_n as_o we_o think_v no_o nation_n about_o we_o can_v show_v the_o like_a and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o constitution_n but_o this_o which_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o insist_v on_o the_o dispersion_n of_o power_n into_o several_a hand_n which_o in_o capital_a matter_n every_o man_n trial_n shall_v run_v through_o whereof_o the_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o tie_n of_o like_a common_a interest_n to_o oblige_v they_o unto_o faithfulness_n as_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o direct_v therein_o and_o beside_o that_o interest_n that_o be_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n fraternity_n yea_o or_o neighbourhood_n or_o like_o wise_a that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o common_a case_n of_o man_n alike_o subject_v to_o a_o authority_n set_v over_o they_o to_o sentence_v they_o there_o be_v also_o the_o special_a advantage_n of_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o the_o heinous_a
and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodall_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n act._n 15.27_o this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v those_o necessary_a thing_n which_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_a power_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n as_o a_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n teach_v by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o bind_v to_o faith_n a_o obedience_n not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v gospel_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o a_o minister_n for_o his_o calling_n sake_n see_v christ_n have_v say_v who_o so_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o and_o see_v also_o a_o synod_n sometime_o meet_v to_o convince_v and_o admonish_v a_o offend_a church_n or_o presbytery_n they_o have_v power_n therefore_o if_o they_o can_v heal_v the_o offender_n to_o determine_v to_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o and_o further_o see_v they_o meet_v likewise_o sometime_o for_o general_a reformation_n they_o have_v power_n to_o decree_n and_o publish_v such_o ordinance_n as_o may_v conduce_v according_a to_o god_n unto_o such_o reformation_n example_n whereof_o we_o read_v neh._n 10.32_o to_o 39_o 2_o chron._n 15.12_o 13._o for_o the_o second_o question_n how_o far_o the_o fraternity_n or_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n may_v concur_v with_o the_o elder_n in_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o answer_n be_v the_o power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v be_v a_o power_n of_o liberty_n as_o 1._o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o dispute_v their_o doubt_n modest_o and_o christanly_n among_o the_o elder_n for_o in_o that_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o there_o be_v much_o disputation_n act._n 15.7_o so_o the_o multitude_n have_v a_o part_n in_o the_o disputation_n v._o 12._o for_o after_o peter_n speech_n it_o be_v say_v the_o whole_a multitude_n keep_v silence_n and_o silence_n from_o what_o to_o wit_n from_o the_o speech_n last_o in_o hand_n among_o they_o and_o that_o be_v from_o disputation_n 2._o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o approve_v of_o the_o sentence_n of_o james_n and_o determine_v the_o same_o as_o the_o common_a sentence_n of_o they_o all_o 3._o they_o have_v liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n and_o in_o writing_n synodall_n letter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o for_o the_o publish_n of_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n both_o these_o point_n be_v express_v in_o the_o text_n v._o 22.23_o to_o 29._o then_o please_v it_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v choose_v man_n and_o to_o write_v letter_n by_o they_o see_v the_o whole_a church_n distinguish_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o those_o who_o he_o call_v the_o whole_a church_n v._o 22._o he_o call_v the_o brethren_n v._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n etc._n etc._n but_o though_o it_o may_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n present_a in_o the_o synod_n have_v all_o this_o power_n of_o liberty_n to_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o decree_n lay_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 16.4_o that_o paul_n and_o silas_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n for_o to_o keep_v the_o decree_n that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n so_o than_o it_o will_v be_v most_o safe_a to_o preserve_v to_o the_o church_n of_o brethren_n their_o due_a liberty_n and_o to_o reserve_v to_o the_o elder_n their_o due_a authority_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o elder_n assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o determine_v or_o conclude_v any_o act_n that_o shall_v bind_v the_o church_n but_o according_a to_o the_o instruction_n which_o before_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o church_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o so_o apprehend_v it_o for_o what_o need_v church_n send_v to_o a_o synod_n for_o light_n and_o direction_n in_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n if_o they_o be_v resolve_v aforehand_o how_o far_o they_o will_v go_v it_o be_v true_a if_o the_o elder_n of_o church_n shall_v conclude_v in_o a_o synod_n any_o thing_n prejujudiciall_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v just_o expostulate_v with_o they_o at_o their_o return_n and_o refuse_v such_o sanction_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o sancit_v but_o if_o the_o elder_n be_v gather_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o synod_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n the_o word_n or_o christ_n they_o may_v consider_v and_o conclude_v sundry_a point_n expedient_a for_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o church_n which_o the_o church_n be_v either_o ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a of_o before_o as_o for_o the_o three_o question_n whether_o the_o synod_n have_v power_n to_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v both_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o their_o use_n indifferent_a we_o shall_v answer_v it_o negative_o and_o our_o reason_n be_v 1._o from_o the_o pattern_n of_o that_o precedent_n of_o synod_n act._n 15.28_o they_o lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n but_o those_o necessary_a thing_n necessary_a though_o not_o all_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o for_o present_a use_n to_o avoid_v the_o offence_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o eat_v thing_n strangle_v and_o blood_n of_o the_o gentile_a and_o jew_n both_o by_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n as_o paul_n expound_v that_o article_n of_o the_o synod_n 1_o cor._n 8.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o chap._n 10.28_o this_o ea_fw-la ing_z with_o offence_n be_v a_o murder_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n soul_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v forbear_v necessitate_n praecepti_fw-la by_o the_o necessity_n of_o god_n commandment_n 2._o a_o second_o reason_n may_v be_v from_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o apostolical_a commission_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o mat._n 28.19_o 20._o where_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v if_o then_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o a_o large_a commission_n than_o that_o give_v to_o the_o apostle_n nor_o elder_n nor_o synod_n nor_o church_n can_v challenge_v if_o it_o be_v say_v christ_n speak_v only_o of_o teach_v such_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v command_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n answ_n if_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n shall_v hereupon_o usurp_v a_o authority_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n thing_n indifferent_a they_o must_v plead_v this_o their_o authority_n from_o some_o other_o commission_n give_v they_o elsewhere_o for_o in_o this_o place_n there_o be_v no_o foot_n step_n for_o any_o such_o power_n that_o much_o urge_v and_o much_o abuse_v place_n in_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o will_v not_o reach_v it_o for_o though_o paul_n require_v in_o that_o place_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n whether_o prayer_n or_o prophesy_v or_o psalm_n or_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v perform_v decent_o and_o orderly_o he_o thereby_o forbid_v any_o performance_n thereof_o undecent_o as_o for_o man_n with_o long_a hair_n and_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o open_a assembly_n especial_o to_o pray_v with_o their_o hair_n loose_v about_o they_o and_o though_o he_o forbid_v also_o man_n speak_v two_o or_o three_o at_o once_o which_o to_o do_v be_v not_o order_n but_o confusion_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o himself_o enjoin_v nor_o allow_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o enjoin_v such_o thing_n as_o decent_a who_o want_n or_o who_o contrary_a be_v not_o undecent_a nor_o such_o order_n who_o want_n or_o
be_v also_o betrust_v by_o the_o civil_a state_n with_o the_o preservation_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o law_n and_o liberty_n peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o shall_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o public_a civil_a assembly_n whether_o in_o council_n or_o camp_n they_o may_v there_o provide_v by_o civil_a power_n according_a to_o the_o wholesome_a law_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o country_n ne_fw-la quid_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ne_fw-la quid_fw-la respublica_fw-la detrimenti_fw-la capiat_fw-la if_o king_n saul_n swear_v to_o put_v jonathan_n to_o death_n the_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n may_v by_o strong_a hand_n rescue_v he_o from_o his_o father_n unjust_a and_o illegal_a fury_n 1_o sam._n 14.44_o 45._o but_o if_o saul_n persecute_v david_n though_o as_o unjust_o as_o jonathan_n yet_o if_o the_o prince_n and_o leader_n of_o the_o people_n will_v not_o rescue_v he_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o king_n david_n a_o private_a man_n will_v not_o draw_v out_o his_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n so_o much_o as_o to_o touch_v the_o lord_n anoint_a 1_o sam._n 24.4_o to_o 7._o to_o conclude_v this_o corollary_n touch_v the_o subjection_n of_o church_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n this_o may_v not_o be_v omit_v that_o as_o the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o civil_a peace_n so_o the_o magistrate_n if_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o church_n in_o matter_n which_o concern_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n hence_o it_o be_v prophesy_v by_o isaiah_n that_o king_n and_o queen_n who_o be_v nurse_v father_n and_o mother_n to_o the_o church_n shall_v bow_v down_o to_o the_o church_n with_o their_o face_n to_o the_o earth_n isai_n 49.23_o that_o be_v they_o shall_v walk_v in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o david_n prophesi_v of_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o christ_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v by_o call_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o subdue_v the_o nation_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n psal_n 149.6_o 7._o so_o to_o bind_v their_o king_n with_o chain_n and_o their_o noble_n with_o fetter_n of_o iron_n to_o execute_v upon_o they_o the_o judgement_n write_v that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n psal_n 149._o v._n 8_o 9_o 3._o a_o three_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v this_o that_o a_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n have_v be_v clear_v above_o in_o the_o open_n the_o three_o proposition_n of_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o church-power_n be_v unavoidable_o independent_a upon_o any_o other_o church_n or_o body_n for_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o as_o have_v be_v say_v afore_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o any_o accident_n or_o adjunct_n be_v independent_a upon_o any_o other_o either_o for_o the_o enjoy_v or_o for_o the_o employ_v the_o have_v or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o 4._o a_o four_o corollary_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n be_v that_o a_o church_n fall_v into_o any_o offence_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n or_o a_o strong_a party_n in_o it_o be_v not_o independent_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n but_o be_v subject_n both_o to_o the_o admonition_n of_o any_o other_o church_n and_o to_o the_o determination_n and_o judicial_a sentence_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o direction_n into_o a_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o also_o arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n for_o if_o clavis_fw-la errans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la &_o ecclesia_fw-la litigans_fw-la non_fw-la ligat_fw-la that_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n a_o promise_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n unless_o they_o agree_v together_o and_o agree_v in_o his_o name_n than_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o independent_a in_o their_o proceed_n as_o do_v fail_v in_o either_o for_o all_o the_o independency_n that_o can_v be_v claim_v be_v found_v upon_o that_o promise_n what_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n what_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o on_o that_o promise_n be_v found_v both_o the_o independency_n and_o security_n and_o parity_n also_o of_o all_o church_n but_o if_o that_o promise_n be_v cut_v off_o from_o they_o they_o be_v like_o samson_n when_o his_o hair_n be_v cut_v off_o weak_a and_o subject_a to_o fall_v under_o other_o man_n and_o yet_o they_o fall_v soft_a than_o he_o do_v he_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n but_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o their_o friend_n as_o the_o false_a prophet_n recant_v his_o error_n do_v acknowledge_v so_o may_v they_o thus_o be_v i_o wound_v in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o friend_n zach._n 13.6_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o neighbour-church_n or_o two_o i_o be_v friendly_o smite_v with_o a_o brotherly_a admonition_n which_o like_o a_o precious_a oil_n do_v not_o break_v my_o head_n and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o church_n i_o be_v friendly_a yea_o brotherly_o censure_v and_o heal_v 5._o a_o five_o and_o last_o corollary_n arise_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n touch_v the_o independency_n of_o church_n may_v be_v this_o though_o the_o church_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n consist_v of_o elder_n and_o brethren_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o all_o church-power_n needful_a to_o be_v exercise_v within_o itself_o and_o consequent_o be_v independent_a from_o any_o other_o church_n or_o synod_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o whole_a some_o and_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o particular_a church_n to_o join_v together_o in_o holy_a covenant_n or_o communion_n and_o consolation_n among_o themselves_o to_o administer_v all_o their_o church_n affair_n which_o be_v of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n not_o without_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o church_n about_o they_o now_o church-affaire_n of_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a and_o common_a concernment_n we_o account_v to_o be_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o elder_n excommunication_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o any_o person_n of_o public_a note_n and_o employment_n the_o translation_n of_o a_o elder_a from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o or_o the_o like_a in_o which_o case_n we_o conceive_v it_o safe_a and_o wholesome_a and_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o proceed_v with_o common_a consultation_n and_o consent_n safe_a for_o in_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n as_o in_o civil_a so_o in_o church_n affair_n prov._n 11.14_o and_o though_o this_o or_o that_o church_n may_v be_v of_o a_o good_a and_o strong_a constitution_n and_o walk_v with_o a_o right_a foot_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o all_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o like_o athletic_a plight_n and_o they_o will_v be_v joath_v to_o call_v in_o or_o look_v out_o for_o help_v as_o much_o or_o more_o than_o other_o though_o they_o have_v more_o need_n than_o other_o yea_o and_o the_o best_a church_n may_v soon_o degenerate_a and_o stand_v in_o as_o much_o need_n of_o help_n as_o other_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o may_v sink_v and_o fall_v into_o deep_a apostasy_n which_o other_o church_n may_v have_v prevent_v have_v they_o discern_v it_o at_o first_o it_o be_v also_o wholesome_a as_o tend_v to_o maintain_v brotherly_a love_n and_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n in_o church_n and_o to_o prevent_v many_o offence_n which_o may_v grow_v up_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n when_o it_o transact_v all_o such_o thing_n within_o itself_o without_o consent_n it_o be_v likewise_o a_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o have_v just_a warrant_n from_o a_o like_a precedent_n the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o independent_a from_o one_o another_o and_o stand_v in_o as_o little_a need_n of_o one_o another_o help_n as_o church_n do_v one_o of_o