be_v the_o mean_n of_o paul_n escape_n final_o there_o be_v not_o any_o supreme_a judicatory_n upon_o earth_n neither_o civil_a nor_o ecclesiastical_a but_o if_o they_o consist_v of_o many_o person_n and_o be_v not_o absolute_a and_o mere_a monarchy_n consist_v of_o one_o alone_a the_o member_n thereof_o may_v be_v divide_v among_o themselves_o and_o yet_o they_o must_v be_v the_o final_a judge_n to_o determine_v matter_n within_o themselves_o if_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v determine_v at_o all_o so_o that_o this_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o reject_v as_o a_o absurdity_n that_o party_n shall_v be_v judge_n be_v in_o some_o case_n and_o namely_o when_o the_o supreme_a judicatory_n be_v divide_v into_o part_n about_o matter_n arise_v among_o themselves_o a_o matter_n of_o unavoidable_a necessity_n and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o this_o communion_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n in_o government_n god_n as_o by_o his_o word_n so_o by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v all_o society_n whatever_o whether_o commonwealth_n or_o army_n university_n or_o navy_n pag._n 7._o answ._n either_o this_o passage_n mean_v that_o all_o commonwealth_n etc._n etc._n be_v teach_v such_o communion_n and_o assistance_n in_o government_n with_o other_o commonwealth_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o none_o of_o they_o have_v entireness_n and_o supremacy_n of_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o but_o be_v dependent_a on_o other_o the_o like_a society_n for_o the_o same_o or_o else_o that_o the_o member_n and_o part_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n etc._n etc._n be_v teach_v such_o communion_n and_o assistance_n in_o government_n as_o not_o to_o be_v entire_a of_o themselves_o but_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o part_n if_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n than_o the_o thing_n be_v most_o true_a but_o no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o cause_n at_o all_o for_o we_o grant_v the_o same_o of_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o must_v be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n if_o it_o make_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o will_v not_o hold_v true_a for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o commonwealth_n and_o university_n as_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o england_n for_o example_n and_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n have_v no_o such_o communion_n and_o assistance_n in_o government_n with_o other_o commonwealth_n and_o other_o university_n but_o that_o they_o have_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o army_n and_o navy_n the_o member_n of_o all_o these_o society_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o society_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n but_o that_o be_v nothing_o against_o we_o if_o the_o society_n do_v depend_v upon_o other_o the_o like_a society_n this_o indeed_o be_v against_o we_o but_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v so_o to_o be_v not_o that_o therefore_o this_o government_n of_o church_n shall_v as_o those_o end_n in_o a_o monarchy_n on_o earth_n answ._n we_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o clear_a mistake_n to_o say_v that_o the_o government_n in_o all_o those_o society_n do_v end_n in_o a_o monarchy_n for_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n commonwealth_n you_o know_v there_o be_v sundry_a who_o government_n be_v either_o democratical_a or_o aristocratical_a and_o do_v not_o end_n in_o any_o monarchy_n at_o all_o witness_v for_o example_n the_o low_a country_n but_o if_o church_n must_v be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n because_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v a_o communion_n and_o assistance_n in_o government_n to_o all_o society_n whatever_o then_o we_o see_v not_o how_o it_o will_v be_v avoid_v but_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n church_n must_v end_v in_o a_o monarchy_n upon_o earth_n if_o it_o be_v once_o prove_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v teach_v all_o society_n whatever_o so_o to_o end_v for_o there_o be_v as_o good_a reason_n for_o this_o as_o for_o the_o other_o and_o the_o old_a plea_n for_o bishop_n and_o pope_n ut_fw-la capite_fw-la constituto_fw-la schismatis_fw-la occasio_fw-la tolleretur_fw-la will_v not_o be_v easy_o avoid_v if_o we_o yield_v thus_o much_o that_o what_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v other_o society_n the_o same_o must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o government_n of_o church_n you_o say_v indeed_o that_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v because_o the_o church_n monarch_n or_o head_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o though_o in_o heaven_n yet_o still_o present_a by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n here_o on_o earth_n too_o to_o all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o monarch_n pag._n 7._o but_o this_o we_o conceive_v do_v not_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n partly_o because_o the_o objection_n be_v for_o a_o visible_a head_n and_o not_o a_o invisible_a and_o partly_o because_o the_o time_n have_v be_v when_o there_o be_v one_o highpriest_n upon_o earth_n in_o who_o you_o say_v pag._n 6._o that_o all_o appeal_n and_o judgement_n be_v to_o determine_v and_o yet_o at_o that_o time_n the_o monarch_n or_o head_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o present_a on_o earth_n too_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n to_o all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o monarch_n as_o true_o then_o as_o now_o whereby_o we_o may_v see_v that_o if_o you_o will_v go_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o heaven_n and_o his_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a presence_n with_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n that_o will_v take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o visible_a head_n upon_o earth_n a_o sure_a answer_n to_o this_o plea_n be_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n who_o wisdom_n and_o will_v it_o be_v to_o appoint_v one_o high_a priest_n upon_o earth_n in_o former_a time_n but_o have_v not_o do_v the_o like_a in_o these_o day_n chap._n iii_o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o the_o second_o argument_n take_v from_o matth_n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n that_o this_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n be_v the_o joint_a judgement_n of_o ambrose_n theodoret_n among_o the_o ancient_a melanchton_n strigetius_n peretius_fw-la aretius_n and_o even_o mr._n johnson_n himself_o and_o if_o so_o than_o our_o saviour_n here_o sufficient_o confirm_v to_o we_o as_o lawful_a and_o convey_v to_o we_o as_o useful_a so_o much_o of_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n as_o include_v a_o independency_n and_o liberty_n of_o appe_n des_fw-fr therein_o pag._n 9_o 10._o answ._n by_o dependency_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v be_v mean_v dependency_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o a_o synod_n and_o by_o appeal_n must_v be_v mean_v appeal_n from_o a_o particular_a congregation_n unto_o that_o synod_n or_o otherwise_o the_o argument_n conclude_v beside_o the_o question_n and_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o understand_v the_o form_n of_o the_o argument_n must_v be_v to_o this_o purpose_n viz._n if_o that_o which_o be_v here_o speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v speak_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n then_o particular_a congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o but_o for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o minor_a proposition_n you_o bring_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o number_n of_o author_n all_o cite_v before_o by_o mr._n paget_n in_o his_o defence_n pag._n 46_o 47_o etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o consequence_n of_o your_o major_n you_o bring_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o nevertheless_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o consider_v what_o strength_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o argument_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v inquire_v into_o your_o meaning_n in_o this_o phrase_n of_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n whereby_o we_o conceive_v you_o intend_v one_o of_o these_o two_o either_o that_o the_o word_n church_n in_o our_o saviour_n rule_n tell_v the_o church_n do_v signify_v the_o elder_n and_o governor_n alone_o as_o sometime_o the_o like_a word_n be_v use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o else_o that_o no_o new_a rule_n be_v prescribe_v hereby_o our_o saviour_n but_o the_o very_a same_o that_o be_v former_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n mr._n paget_n who_o also_o take_v his_o second_o argument_n from_o this_o place_n of_o mat._n 18._o do_v understand_v our_o saviour_n word_n in_o this_o late_a sense_n but_o whether_o way_n soever_o you_o intend_v our_o answer_n be_v brief_o thus_o first_o that_o though_o we_o will_v not_o now_o deny_v the_o minor_a proposition_n yet_o this_o we_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a of_o itself_o but_o that_o it_o need_v some_o better_a proof_n than_o by_o you_o be_v give_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o for_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v
their_o sore_n but_o so_o many_o sinner_n must_v be_v leave_v lawless_a and_o their_o offence_n remediless_a god_n forbid_v the_o lord_n have_v provide_v good_a store_n of_o help_n for_o all_o these_o but_o every_o salve_n be_v not_o for_o every_o sore_a such_o person_n as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n all_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n administer_v therein_o so_o that_o if_o need_v so_o require_v they_o may_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o cast_v out_o whole_a church_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o wholesome_a advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v according_a to_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o harken_v thereunto_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o may_v lawful_o be_v renounce_v by_o other_o church_n from_o all_o church-communion_n with_o they_o and_o as_o for_o indian_n or_o other_o that_o be_v no_o church_n nor_o member_n of_o church_n though_o our_o saviour_n rule_n of_o tell_v the_o church_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o they_o yet_o both_o they_o and_o christian_a church_n likewise_o and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o high_a power_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o both_o table_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v their_o endeavour_n that_o all_o the_o subject_n may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n rom._n 13._o 1._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 2._o but_o say_v you_o a_o offence_n may_v be_v so_o general_a as_o to_o defile_v and_o make_v guilty_a a_o whole_a land_n and_o why_o not_o then_o the_o remedy_n as_o large_a as_o it_o tell_v the_o church_n pag._n 11._o ans._n in_o such_o case_n of_o general_a and_o national_a defilement_n the_o remedy_n be_v general_a and_o national_a repentance_n whereto_o all_o the_o people_n must_v be_v provoke_v and_o exhort_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o their_o several_a congregation_n and_o when_o the_o high_a power_n do_v give_v example_n thereof_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o by_o some_o act_n of_o their_o authority_n do_v call_v upon_o all_o the_o people_n for_o the_o same_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a remedy_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o defilement_n of_o national_a sin_n and_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v come_v thereby_o which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o asa_n hezekiah_n josiah_n and_o the_o state_n of_o judah_n in_o their_o time_n so_o we_o have_v cause_n with_o all_o humble_a thankfulness_n to_o bless_v the_o lord_n that_o put_v the_o like_a care_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n in_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n who_o by_o a_o ordinance_n of_o both_o house_n think_v it_o meet_v to_o exhort_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n and_o wales_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n both_o for_o personal_a and_o national_a sin_n but_o suppose_v the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o land_n or_o whole_a church_n therein_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v a_o solemn_a renewal_n of_o their_o covenant_n with_o god_n shall_v not_o this_o whole_a church_n or_o number_n in_o their_o collective_a body_n have_v power_n to_o enjoin_v it_o ans._n if_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o like_o but_o most_o or_o many_o of_o the_o people_n will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n regis_fw-la ad_fw-la exemplum_fw-la totus_fw-la as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o france_n and_o spain_n and_o be_v in_o england_n in_o the_o day_n of_o queen_n mary_n and_o other_o popish_a prince_n and_o than_o the_o believer_n in_o the_o land_n will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o as_o to_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o land_n or_o nation_n but_o of_o a_o small_a part_n thereof_o and_o so_o at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v not_o be_v require_v of_o they_o to_o make_v any_o national_a covenant_n or_o to_o enjoin_v the_o same_o nor_o can_v it_o well_o be_v conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v assemble_v in_o a_o national_a synod_n for_o that_o or_o any_o other_o purpose_n when_o the_o magistrate_n be_v a_o profess_a enemy_n to_o their_o religion_n at_o such_o time_n it_o be_v more_o like_o their_o meeting_n in_o small_a congregation_n will_v be_v full_a of_o danger_n rather_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v liberty_n safe_o and_o free_o to_o meet_v in_o such_o great_a assembly_n as_o national_a synod_n and_o though_o for_o lack_n of_o such_o a_o national_a covenant_n the_o remedy_n be_v not_o equal_a to_o the_o offence_n or_o need_n yet_o at_o such_o time_n that_o remedy_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o such_o believer_n as_o be_v in_o the_o land_n it_o be_v not_o require_v at_o their_o hand_n if_o a_o whole_a congregation_n great_a or_o small_a play_v the_o fox_n and_o spoil_v the_o vineyard_n why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v take_v and_o restrain_v pa._n 11._o ans._n no_o doubt_n but_o it_o may_v but_o ever_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v if_o those_o fox_n be_v particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o doctrine_n by_o discipline_n and_o by_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n if_o they_o be_v whole_a church_n they_o may_v be_v restrain_v by_o doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n and_o also_o by_o the_o magistrate_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n they_o can_v not_o be_v restrain_v by_o church_n discipline_n but_o only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o this_o argument_n the_o independent_a party_n reply_n or_o rather_o labour_v to_o obtain_v out_o of_o the_o text_n three_o thing_n first_o that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v here_o of_o a_o single_a church_n or_o congregation_n second_o to_o this_o single_a church_n and_o to_o all_o this_o church_n entire_o not_o distinguish_v between_o elder_n and_o member_n he_o give_v the_o key_n of_o excommunication_n and_o absolution_n three_o over_o this_o church_n to_o assume_v a_o church_n power_n of_o judicature_n be_v a_o lording_n it_o over_o christ_n heritage_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o exception_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o no_o way_n appear_v that_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o usual_o mean_v a_o single_a congregation_n by_o the_o word_n church_n but_o that_o the_o contrary_a rather_o be_v easy_o evincible_a first_o that_o he_o here_o speak_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o way_n no_o single_a congregation_n have_v above_o sufficient_o appear_v pag._n 11._o ans._n but_o how_o in_o reference_n if_o you_o mean_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o what_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o that_o church_n must_v be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a or_o that_o as_o that_o church_n be_v national_a so_o christian_a church_n must_v be_v the_o like_a than_o we_o may_v say_v no_o such_o thing_n have_v appear_v at_o all_o nor_o have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o undertake_v to_o be_v prove_v if_o you_o mean_v only_o thus_o that_o there_o be_v such_o gradual_a proceed_n in_o that_o church_n as_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n require_v or_o that_o the_o word_n church_n may_v signify_v the_o elder_n or_o ruler_n than_o we_o may_v say_v neither_o of_o these_o have_v sufficient_o appear_v by_o any_o proof_n that_o you_o have_v bring_v and_o if_o they_o be_v both_o grant_v they_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o matter_n now_o in_o question_n viz._n that_o the_o word_n church_n do_v not_o signify_v one_o single_a congregation_n for_o both_o these_o particular_n may_v be_v find_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v of_o no_o large_a extent_n next_o that_o he_o have_v reference_n herein_o to_o that_o of_o deut._n 19_o 15._o appear_v by_o his_o citation_n of_o the_o very_a word_n of_o that_o text_n that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v now_o there_o the_o witness_n and_o offender_n be_v by_o way_n of_o further_a appeal_n to_o stand_v before_o the_o lord_n before_o the_o priest_n for_o judgement_n vers._n 17._o pag._n 12._o answ._n the_o word_n be_v not_o as_o you_o cite_v they_o before_o the_o priest_n for_o judgement_n but_o before_o the_o priest_n and_o judge_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o those_o day_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o punishment_n which_o these_o judge_n must_v inflict_v upon_o the_o guilty_a person_n there_o speak_v of_o life_n for_o life_n eye_n for_o eye_n tooth_n for_o tooth_n etc._n etc._n v._n 21._o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n refer_v his_o church_n to_o do_v like_o unto_o that_o judicatory_n which_o you_o say_v he_o have_v
a_o modest_a and_o brotherly_a answer_n to_o mr._n charles_n herle_n his_o book_n against_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n wherein_o his_o four_o argument_n for_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n over_o particular_a congregation_n be_v friendly_o examine_v and_o clear_o answer_v together_o with_o christian_a and_o love_a animadversion_n upon_o sundry_a other_o observable_a passage_n in_o the_o say_a book_n all_o tend_v to_o declare_v the_o true_a use_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o power_n of_o congregational_a church_n in_o the_o point_n of_o elect_v and_o ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o censure_v their_o offender_n by_o richard_n mather_z teacher_n of_o the_o church_n at_o dorchester_n and_o william_n tompson_n pastor_n of_o the_o church_n at_o braintree_n in_o new-england_n send_v from_o thence_o after_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n be_v dissolve_v that_o last_o meet_v at_o cambridg_n to_o debate_v matter_n about_o church-government_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n overton_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n 1644._o reverend_a and_o dear_a sir_n the_o right_a form_n of_o church_n government_n be_v more_o search_v into_o of_o late_a time_n then_o former_o and_o yourself_o among_o other_o have_v write_v for_o the_o govern_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n of_o synod_n over_o particular_a church_n we_o therefore_o know_v ourselves_o bind_v as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a have_v consider_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v holpen_v we_o those_o argument_n of_o you_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o your_o book_n against_o the_o indepency_n of_o church_n and_o not_o be_v satisfy_v therewith_o your_o book_n be_v publish_v in_o print_n we_o have_v therefore_o think_v meet_v in_o like_o fort_n to_o publish_v our_o answer_n and_o in_o that_o way_n to_o show_v unto_o yourself_o and_o other_o what_o yet_o hinder_v we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v your_o argument_n to_o be_v convince_a in_o which_o attempt_n we_o have_v be_v 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truth_n do_v stand_v on_o your_o side_n and_o as_o your_o book_n do_v breathe_v forth_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n ingenuity_n and_o love_n so_o we_o hope_v you_o will_v find_v that_o we_o have_v aim_v at_o the_o like_a in_o our_o answer_n which_o as_o we_o have_v write_v and_o now_o publish_v it_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o help_n of_o those_o that_o can_v attain_v unto_o large_a and_o more_o learned_a treatise_n about_o this_o subject_a so_o in_o special_a manner_n in_o love_n to_o yourself_o and_o our_o dear_a country_n man_n and_o friend_n as_o in_o other_o place_n of_o lancashire_n so_o in_o your_o parish_n of_o winwick_n wherein_o one_o of_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o other_o be_v for_o sundry_a year_n together_o a_o unworthy_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n accept_v therefore_o we_o do_v beseech_v you_o this_o brotherly_a labour_n of_o we_o which_o here_o we_o send_v you_o divide_v into_o these_o few_o chapter_n we_o be_v also_o willing_a 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tompson_n a_o modest_a and_o brotherly_a answer_n to_o mr._n charles_n herle_n his_o book_n against_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n chapt._n i._n contain_v observation_n upon_o sundry_a passage_n in_o your_o state_v the_o question_n the_o independent_n say_v you_o deny_v to_o a_o synod_n as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n so_o all_o manner_n of_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n either_o to_o determine_v or_o any_o way_n oblige_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v any_o way_n represent_v pag._n 2._o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o in_o scripture_n the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n be_v give_v to_o a_o synod_n we_o be_v not_o to_o blame_v though_o we_o give_v not_o a_o synod_n that_o name_n sith_o we_o be_v command_v to_o hold_v fast_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o wholesome_a word_n of_o scripture_n as_o sufficient_a 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o though_o for_o this_o we_o will_v not_o contend_v but_o for_o power_n to_o determine_v viz._n dogmatical_o or_o by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n this_o we_o deny_v not_o to_o a_o synod_n for_o that_o synod_n act._n 15._o do_v put_v forth_o such_o power_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v other_o synod_n may_v do_v the_o like_a upon_o like_o occasion_n and_o their_o determination_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n aught_o to_o bind_v all_o those_o who_o they_o represent_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o neighbour_n church_n may_v meet_v and_o consult_v and_o advise_v each_o other_o and_o withdraw_v all_o fellowship_n from_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v grow_v pertinacious_o scandalous_a pag._n 2._o and_o you_o may_v add_v further_o that_o by_o their_o messenger_n be_v meet_v in_o a_o synod_n they_o may_v determine_v by_o the_o scripture_n any_o matter_n of_o controversy_n that_o may_v arise_v but_o for_o matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o excommunication_n ordination_n or_o whatever_o censure_n they_o hold_v it_o be_v entire_o and_o only_o in_o every_o single_a congregation_n though_o but_o of_o 2_o or_o 3_o believer_n p._n 2._o if_o any_o hold_v so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o 2_o or_o 3_o to_o be_v a_o church_n so_o complete_a as_o to_o have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n ordination_n and_o whatever_o censure_n they_o may_v if_o they_o see_v cause_n declare_v their_o ground_n for_o so_o hold_v but_o for_o our_o part_n for_o aught_o we_o yet_o see_v a_o church_n that_o have_v such_o power_n as_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o have_v need_n to_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o even_o so_o many_o as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a and_o requisite_a for_o the_o carry_n on_o of_o church-work_n in_o admonition_n and_o reprehension_n of_o one_o another_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v cause_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n to_o be_v seven_o or_o more_o for_o a_o brother_n that_o sin_v must_v so_o be_v deal_v withal_o for_o his_o recovery_n that_o if_o he_o remain_v impenitent_a the_o proceed_n against_o he_o be_v still_o to_o go_v on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n mat._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o but_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o proceed_v against_o he_o the_o person_n before_o who_o he_o be_v call_v be_v in_o every_o latter_a step_n and_o degree_n more_o in_o number_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a and_o so_o the_o church_n be_v the_o last_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o all_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v three_o at_o the_o least_o that_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o matter_n before_o it_o must_v be_v bring_v unto_o the_o church_n viz._n the_o brother_n offend_v the_o brother_n offend_v and_o one_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o so_o that_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o those_o three_o or_o four_o that_o deal_n in_o the_o matter_n before_o it_o come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o of_o another_o number_n great_a than_o they_o and_o distinct_a from_o they_o to_o who_o the_o matter_n be_v bring_v
in_o the_o last_o place_n must_v needs_o consist_v of_o seven_o person_n or_o more_o as_o for_o that_o speech_n of_o our_o saviour_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o 2_o or_o 3_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n mat._n 18._o 20._o he_o do_v not_o thereby_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o small_a number_n to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o fetch_v a_o argument_n from_o thence_o as_o from_o the_o lesser_a or_o less_o probable_a to_o prove_v the_o firm_a and_o inviolable_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o censure_n of_o which_o he_o have_v speak_v before_o v._n 18._o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o two_o agree_v together_o upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v hear_v in_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v ask_v and_o if_o i_o be_v present_a with_o two_o or_o three_o gather_v in_o my_o name_n then_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o whole_a church_n who_o be_v a_o great_a number_n and_o a_o more_o solemn_a assembly_n be_v hear_v in_o their_o prayer_n and_o have_v christ_n presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o to_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o heaven_n what_o they_o shall_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o earth_n but_o the_o former_a be_v true_a vers._n 19_o 20_o therefore_o the_o latter_a be_v true_a also_o verse_n 18._o and_o for_o excommunication_n ordination_n and_o censure_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o scripture_n nor_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n of_o you_o that_o these_o matter_n belong_v only_o to_o a_o synod_n and_o not_o to_o a_o particular_a congreation_n yea_o we_o conceive_v it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a for_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o to_o prove_v that_o synod_n and_o they_o only_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v officer_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v offender_n and_o till_o this_o be_v prove_v the_o independent_n as_o you_o call_v they_o need_v not_o to_o relinquish_v their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o particular_n sure_o it_o be_v that_o synod_n in_o act_n 15._o do_v neither_o meddle_v with_o ordination_n nor_o excommunication_n but_o only_o determine_v the_o controversy_n 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the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o adverse_a party_n be_v the_o sole_a judge_n and_o party_n too_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o that_o it_o be_v against_o all_o equity_n that_o the_o offend_a party_n mean_v the_o congregation_n shall_v be_v the_o sole_a and_o final_a judge_n of_o the_o offence_n sure_o we_o can_v think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v such_o a_o case_n imagine_v wherein_o you_o will_v grant_v it_o lawful_a for_o a_o single_a congregation_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v against_o all_o equity_n and_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o you_o grant_v that_o the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o that_o a_o single_a congregation_n may_v have_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o which_o seem_v to_o we_o plain_o to_o prove_v that_o for_o a_o congregation_n to_o be_v so_o independent_a as_o to_o be_v the_o final_a judge_n of_o offence_n within_o itself_o be_v not_o against_o all_o equity_n nor_o against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v intimate_v by_o you_o in_o the_o page_n aforementioned_a but_o sith_o in_o one_o place_n you_o grant_v that_o in_o some_o case_n a_o congregation_n may_v have_v entireness_n of_o jurisdiction_n within_o itself_o and_o in_o another_o place_n do_v seem_v to_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v against_o all_o equity_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v grant_v we_o for_o our_o part_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v how_o these_o thing_n do_v stand_v together_o but_o that_o too_o much_o may_v not_o be_v make_v of_o the_o grant_n of_o you_o you_o do_v qualify_v it_o in_o your_o subsequent_a word_n wherein_o you_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o case_n extraordinary_a and_o fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v about_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o church-government_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1_o that_o
not_o clear_a that_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o all_o the_o step_n of_o such_o gradual_a proceed_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v prescribe_v be_v former_o command_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o yourself_o profess_v in_o your_o epistle_n to_o the_o gentleman_n prefix_v before_o your_o book_n that_o you_o like_o d._n moulins_n resolution_n rather_o to_o bring_v one_o argument_n then_o ten_o author_n if_o according_o you_o have_v confirm_v this_o minor_a proposition_n with_o some_o further_a proof_n then_o only_o the_o name_n of_o author_n it_o can_v have_v give_v better_a satisfaction_n but_o what_o ever_o become_v of_o the_o minor_a the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_n may_v just_o be_v deny_v for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n word_n tell_v the_o church_n be_v speak_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n in_o this_o sense_n that_o this_o gradual_a proceed_n in_o all_o the_o step_n of_o it_o be_v former_o command_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o dependence_n of_o congregation_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n which_o be_v our_o question_n because_o there_o may_v be_v such_o gradual_a proceed_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o our_o saviour_n rule_n without_o any_o use_n of_o a_o synod_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o synod_n have_v need_v to_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o they_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o be_v for_o this_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o very_o frequent_a use_n and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o by_o church_n our_o saviour_n mean_v the_o elder_n which_o be_v the_o other_o sense_n of_o your_o word_n of_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n yet_o neither_o will_v this_o prove_v the_o dependence_n of_o congregation_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n because_o there_o may_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o a_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n and_o by_o tell_v those_o elder_n that_o rule_n may_v be_v observe_v if_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v take_v in_o that_o sense_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v yourself_o do_v so_o understand_v they_o as_o appear_v in_o pag._n 17._o of_o your_o book_n and_o likewise_o in_o this_o place_n now_o in_o hand_n because_o one_o of_o those_o author_n who_o you_o allege_v for_o the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n be_v mr._n johnson_n who_o in_o his_o latter_a time_n do_v so_o understand_v they_o of_o who_o you_o say_v even_o mr._n johnson_n himself_o though_o a_o pastor_n of_o separatist_n in_o a_o peculiar_a treatise_n reduce_v himself_o from_o his_o former_a error_n in_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n to_o this_o judgement_n too_o whereby_o it_o seem_v that_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n you_o concur_v in_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n with_o mr._n johnson_n and_o if_o so_o then_o though_o you_o may_v by_o church_n understand_v the_o elder_n as_o he_o do_v yet_o than_o you_o must_v also_o acknowledge_v the_o independency_n of_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o plain_a that_o mr._n johnson_n be_v of_o that_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n too_o notwithstanding_o that_o his_o exposition_n of_o matth._n 18._o and_o do_v never_o reduce_v himself_o to_o this_o opinion_n that_o congregation_n must_v be_v dependent_a upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n which_o be_v your_o plea_n for_o which_o purpose_n you_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o his_o christian_a plea_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o book_n that_o ever_o he_o write_v now_o in_o pag._n 250_o 251._o of_o that_o book_n be_v these_o word_n viz._n see_v now_o every_o particular_a constitute_a church_n have_v right_a and_o power_n within_o itself_o to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o passover_n that_o be_v keep_v at_o jerusalem_n this_o show_v that_o now_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v as_o jerusalem_n and_o so_o to_o stand_v immediate_o under_o jesus_n christ_n the_o arch-pastor_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o again_o all_o particular_a church_n with_o their_o pastor_n do_v stand_v immediate_o under_o jesus_n christ_n the_o arch-pastor_n without_o any_o strange_a ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o authority_n interpose_v between_o whether_o it_o be_v of_o the_o prelate_n or_o of_o their_o unlawful_a usurp_a synod_n or_o any_o such_o like_a and_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v speak_v how_o all_o church_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o help_v and_o advise_v one_o another_o he_o add_v thus_o viz._n and_o so_o to_o this_o end_n and_o in_o this_o manner_n may_v be_v have_v a_o lawful_a and_o profitable_a use_n of_o synod_n class_n etc._n etc._n for_o mutual_a help_n and_o advise_v so_o as_o always_o it_o be_v provide_v that_o they_o do_v not_o challenge_v or_o usurp_v any_o unlawful_a jurisdiction_n or_o power_n over_o the_o particular_a church_n or_o their_o pastor_n and_o governor_n by_o which_o word_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o though_o mr._n johnson_n by_o church_n in_o matth._n 18._o do_v understand_v the_o elder_n yet_o he_o never_o hold_v that_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n but_o be_v immediate_o under_o the_o government_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o depend_v no_o other_o way_n upon_o synod_n but_o only_a for_o their_o advice_n and_o counsel_n and_o therefore_o his_o exposition_n of_o matth._n 18._o will_v stand_v you_o in_o no_o stead_n to_o prove_v the_o dependence_n of_o particular_a church_n upon_o synod_n wherefore_o to_o wind_v up_o our_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v tell_v the_o church_n he_o mean_v tell_v the_o elder_n and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v also_o that_o enjoy_v such_o a_o gradual_a proceed_n he_o prescribe_v no_o new_a rule_n but_o the_o same_o that_o have_v be_v give_v before_o unto_o the_o jew_n yet_o neither_o of_o these_o do_v prove_v that_o congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o both_o these_o may_v be_v perform_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n for_o therein_o a_o man_n may_v proceed_v by_o such_o step_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v and_o may_v also_o tell_v his_o matter_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o so_o the_o consequence_n of_o your_o major_a proposition_n fail_v the_o whole_a argument_n must_v fail_v also_o though_o the_o minor_a be_v never_o so_o strong_o prove_v and_o how_o much_o more_o when_o the_o minor_a be_v leave_v so_o weak_a neither_o of_o these_o particular_n be_v sufficient_o clear_v and_o make_v good_a by_o you_o that_o by_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o elder_n nor_o that_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o place_n prescribe_v be_v before_o command_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o inasmuch_o as_o your_o word_n be_v that_o this_o of_o matth._n 18._o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n before_o urge_v therefore_o we_o may_v give_v a_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o argument_n out_o of_o that_o which_o before_o have_v be_v answer_v when_o the_o argument_n from_o the_o jewish_a church-government_n be_v urge_v for_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o christ_n speak_v in_o reference_n to_o that_o government_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v which_o we_o suppose_v none_o will_v affirm_v that_o all_o that_o be_v use_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v here_o prescribe_v by_o christ_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v too_o short_a to_o prove_v that_o our_o congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o jewish_a congregation_n do_v so_o depend_v which_o we_o have_v former_o show_v to_o be_v otherwise_o the_o great_a synedrion_fw-mi at_o jerusalem_n upon_o which_o their_o lesser_a congregation_n do_v depend_v if_o they_o be_v dependent_a at_o all_o be_v not_o any_o synod_n but_o a_o assembly_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o you_o will_v improve_v this_o text_n further_o and_o therefore_o after_o some_o speech_n of_o a_o indefinite_a proposition_n in_o logic_n and_o a_o indefinite_a command_n in_o divinity_n and_o of_o five_o gradual_a if_n in_o our_o saviour_n word_n if_o he_o shall_v offend_v etc._n etc._n you_o come_v thus_o to_o argue_v viz._n the_o remedy_n of_o complaint_n or_o appeal_n must_v be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o malady_n offence_n otherwise_o christ_n salve_n be_v not_o equal_a to_o the_o sore_a but_o offence_n may_v arise_v as_o well_o between_o divers_a congregation_n in_o the_o same_o church_n as_o between_o divers_a member_n in_o the_o same_o congregation_n
and_o therefore_o particular_a congregation_n as_o well_o as_o member_n have_v hereby_o liberty_n to_o complain_v and_o appeal_v to_o a_o more_o general_a judgement_n for_o redress_n and_o a_o little_a after_o that_o such_o offence_n may_v arise_v between_o church_n as_o well_o as_o member_n appear_v by_o that_o between_o the_o grecian_n and_o hebrew_n about_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n act._n 6._o 1._o and_o that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o may_v complain_v and_o implead_v each_o other_o appear_v by_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 2._o 2._o even_o the_o daughter_n church_n with_o the_o mother_n pag._n 10._o to_o all_o which_o we_o thus_o answer_v first_o though_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o offence_n may_v arise_v between_o church_n as_o well_o as_o member_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o see_v that_o those_o instance_n allege_v by_o you_o from_o act._n 6._o and_o hos._n 2._o do_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o same_o because_o those_o grecian_n and_o hebrew_n act._n 6._o may_v be_v all_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n and_o congregation_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o two_o congregation_n or_o church_n the_o grecian_n one_o and_o the_o hebrew_n another_o as_o it_o seem_v you_o do_v conceive_v of_o they_o for_o when_o the_o apostle_n upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o murmur_n of_o the_o grecian_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o widow_n do_v take_v course_n for_o the_o appoint_n of_o deacon_n for_o the_o remedy_v thereof_o the_o whole_a manage_n of_o the_o business_n be_v transact_v and_o do_v in_o one_o congregation_n alone_o for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v they_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o disciple_n together_o vers._n 2._o they_o appoint_v they_o to_o look_v out_o seven_o man_n due_o qualify_v who_o they_o may_v appoint_v over_o that_o business_n v._n 3._o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n who_o thereupon_o do_v choose_v seven_o who_o they_o present_v unto_o the_o apostle_n ver._n 5_o 6._o and_o the_o apostle_n impose_v hand_n on_o they_o ver._n 6._o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o hint_n of_o two_o congregation_n one_o of_o grecian_n and_o another_o of_o hebrew_n but_o the_o text_n seem_v plain_a enough_o that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o disciple_n whether_o grecian_n or_o hebrew_n be_v all_o gather_v together_o into_o one_o congregation_n about_o the_o choice_n and_o ordain_v of_o these_o deacon_n and_o as_o for_o hos._n 2._o 2._o plead_v with_o your_o mother_n plead_v sith_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o that_o scripture_n of_o any_o daughter_n church_n nor_o of_o any_o two_o church_n at_o all_o and_o sith_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v only_o one_o church_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n even_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n therefore_o we_o can_v see_v how_o this_o text_n can_v be_v any_o proof_n of_o church_n complain_v and_o implead_v one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n think_v otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o daughter-churche_n do_v plead_v against_o the_o mother-church_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o than_o we_o will_v demand_v what_o or_o where_o be_v that_o superior_a judicatory_n be_v it_o synod_n or_o any_o other_o before_o which_o they_o do_v plead_v and_o before_o who_o the_o mother-church_n of_o israel_n must_v answer_v for_o herself_o when_o the_o daughter-churche_n do_v complain_v against_o she_o we_o suppose_v none_o will_v affirm_v there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o therefore_o this_o text_n can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o church_n implead_v one_o another_o but_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n be_v thus_o much_o not_o that_o one_o church_n must_v plead_v against_o another_o but_o that_o the_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n must_v plead_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o very_a church_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o she_o be_v as_o a_o mother_n and_o they_o as_o child_n and_o before_o who_o must_v they_o plead_v not_o before_o any_o other_o judge_n upon_o earth_n but_o before_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o unto_o she_o own_o face_n lay_v open_a her_o abomination_n and_o show_v unto_o she_o her_o sin_n and_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n may_v do_v the_o like_a if_o there_o be_v the_o like_a occasion_n so_o that_o they_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sobriety_n and_o their_o own_o call_n but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v though_o these_o allegation_n do_v not_o prove_v it_o that_o offence_n may_v arise_v between_o congregation_n how_o do_v this_o prove_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n viz._n that_o congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o government_n of_o synod_n yes_o say_v you_o because_o the_o remedy_n must_v be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o malady_n and_o otherwise_o christ_n salve_n be_v not_o equal_a to_o the_o sore_a but_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a against_o the_o independency_n of_o church_n then_o by_o the_o like_a reason_n a_o man_n may_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o a_o nation_n must_v not_o be_v independent_a neither_o for_o as_o you_o allege_v that_o offence_n may_v arise_v as_o well_o between_o divers_a congregation_n as_o between_o divers_a member_n in_o the_o same_o congregation_n so_o a_o man_n may_v allege_v that_o offence_n may_v arise_v between_o divers_a national_a church_n and_o as_o you_o demand_v what_o if_o a_o brother_n offend_v not_o a_o particular_a brother_n but_o the_o whole_a congregation_n what_o if_o ten_o brethren_n offend_v the_o whole_a or_o part_n shall_v we_o think_v the_o offence_n fall_v not_o within_o our_o saviour_n remedy_n so_o in_o like_o sort_n a_o man_n may_v demand_v what_o if_o the_o congregation_n offend_v not_o a_o particular_a congregation_n but_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o a_o nation_n what_o if_o ten_o twenty_o forty_o congregation_n offend_v the_o whole_a nation_n or_o part_n yea_o we_o may_v add_v what_o if_o the_o national_a church_n offend_v the_o church_n of_o another_o nation_n will_v you_o now_o say_v that_o all_o these_o offence_n must_v fall_v within_o our_o saviour_n rule_n of_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o the_o independency_n of_o national_a church_n and_o national_a synod_n we_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o say_v so_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v by_o your_o reason_n and_o ground_n sith_o that_o ground_n be_v appliable_a to_o the_o one_o case_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o other_o if_o the_o reason_n do_v overthrow_v the_o independency_n of_o particular_a congregation_n then_o of_o a_o national_a church_n also_o if_o not_o of_o a_o national_a church_n then_o how_o do_v it_o make_v any_o more_o against_o the_o other_o of_o necessity_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v discern_v you_o must_v own_v the_o reason_n as_o strong_a in_o both_o case_n or_o else_o refuse_v it_o as_o weak_a in_o both_o yea_o and_o further_o by_o the_o like_a reason_n a_o man_n may_v prove_v that_o indian_n and_o turk_n must_v be_v complain_v of_o unto_o the_o church_n and_o that_o the_o offence_n of_o they_o or_o of_o other_o heathen_a must_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o saviour_n remedy_n for_o as_o offence_n may_v arise_v between_o member_n and_o member_n between_o church_n and_o church_n so_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o offence_n may_v arise_v between_o christian_n and_o pagan_n and_o if_o this_o ground_n that_o you_o lay_v be_v sound_a that_o the_o remedy_n complaint_n or_o oppeale_v must_v be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o malady_n offence_n and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o church_n above_o congregation_n then_o if_o a_o indian_a or_o other_o pagan_a shall_v commit_v a_o offence_n the_o remedy_n must_v be_v to_o complain_v of_o the_o indian_a to_o the_o church_n and_o sith_o as_o you_o say_v pag._n 11._o there_o must_v be_v power_n of_o judgement_n to_o redress_v there_o where_o the_o complaint_n be_v to_o be_v make_v will_v it_o not_o thence_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v power_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o church_n to_o redress_v the_o offence_n of_o indian_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o but_o this_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o church_n judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o do_v unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o this_o which_o you_o lay_v as_o a_o ground_n against_o the_o independency_n of_o congregation_n viz._n that_o where_o a_o offence_n may_v be_v commit_v there_o christ_n rule_n tell_v the_o church_n may_v be_v apply_v for_o redress_v thereof_o but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o if_o indian_n and_o other_o heathen_n if_o congregational_a and_o national_a church_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o that_o rule_n of_o christ_n shall_v we_o say_v then_o there_o be_v no_o salve_n for_o all_o
reference_n unto_o than_o the_o church_n must_v have_v power_n to_o inflict_v corporal_a punishment_n even_o to_o the_o take_v away_o of_o life_n itself_o because_o that_o judicatory_n have_v such_o power_n last_o no_o other_o place_n can_v be_v show_v where_o our_o saviour_n use_v the_o word_n church_n for_o a_o single_a congregation_n ans._n nor_o can_v any_o other_o place_n be_v show_v where_o he_o use_v the_o word_n church_n for_o a_o synod_n nor_o that_o he_o ever_o use_v the_o word_n at_o all_o but_o only_o here_o and_o in_o matth._n 16._o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n in_o which_o place_n he_o mean_v a_o synod_n no_o more_o than_o a_o single_a congregation_n but_o for_o the_o scripture_n language_n nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a then_o as_o it_o never_o anywhere_o use_v the_o word_n church_n for_o a_o single_a congregation_n unless_o happy_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o so_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a therein_o then_o to_o call_v many_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n or_o city_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 12._o ans._n we_o be_v willing_a to_o consider_v of_o both_o these_o particular_n and_o first_o of_o the_o former_a wherein_o you_o do_v acknowledge_v though_o a_o perhaps_o or_o happy_o that_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o the_o word_n church_n be_v take_v for_o a_o single_a congregation_n but_o you_o may_v acknowledge_v it_o undoubted_o and_o without_o any_o perhaps_o at_o all_o because_o it_o be_v say_v ver._n 23._o of_o that_o chapter_n that_o the_o whole_a church_n come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o other_o verse_n of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o speak_v how_o he_o that_o prophesy_v edifi_v the_o church_n how_o interpret_n be_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v how_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n ver._n 4_o 5_o 35._o yea_o in_o ver._n 26_o 27_o 28._o he_o give_v they_o this_o direction_n that_o when_o they_o come_v together_o and_o every_o one_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n that_o he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n if_o there_o be_v no_o interpreter_n must_v keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n by_o all_o which_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o name_n church_n be_v give_v to_o the_o company_n that_o do_v assemble_v and_o come_v together_o for_o performance_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n now_o a_o company_n come_v together_o be_v a_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o the_o name_n of_o church_n be_v here_o give_v to_o a_o congregation_n but_o beside_o this_o chapter_n there_o be_v many_o other_o place_n where_o the_o word_n church_n be_v also_o use_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n for_o instance_n take_v these_o among_o many_o act._n 14._o 27._o and_o 11._o 26._o and_o 15._o 4_o 22_o 30._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 18_o 20_o 22_o 33._o 3_o joh._n 6._o in_o which_o place_n there_o be_v mention_n of_o assemble_v with_o the_o church_n of_o gather_v the_o church_n together_o of_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o bear_v witness_n before_o the_o church_n of_o come_v together_o in_o the_o church_n of_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n of_o gather_v the_o multitude_n together_o and_o the_o like_a which_o place_n do_v abundant_o show_v that_o a_o company_n that_o be_v gather_v together_o into_o one_o place_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o congregation_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o cenchrea_n which_o be_v but_o a_o little_a village_n and_o therefore_o not_o like_a to_o be_v many_o congregation_n yet_o they_o be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n rom._n 16._o 1._o and_o though_o cenchrea_n be_v but_o the_o port_n of_o corinth_n and_o not_o far_o from_o it_o like_o radcliffe_n or_o lymehouse_n to_o london_n as_o some_o have_v observe_v yet_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o itself_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a church_n of_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o corinth_n be_v much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o a_o single_a congregation_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o how_o then_o can_v that_o stand_v which_o be_v here_o affirm_v by_o you_o that_o the_o word_n be_v never_o so_o use_v unless_o happy_o in_o 1_o cor._n 14._o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a but_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a then_o to_o call_v many_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n or_o city_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n we_o may_v rather_o say_v that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v so_o frequent_a as_o nothing_o more_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v very_o questionable_a whether_o it_o be_v ever_o so_o use_v at_o all_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n sure_o it_o be_v more_o frequent_a to_o call_v many_o congregation_n in_o a_o province_n or_o nation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n and_o not_o by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a which_o do_v strong_o imply_v that_o if_o they_o be_v many_o congregation_n than_o they_o be_v not_o one_o church_n but_o many_o for_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v how_o the_o scripture_n mention_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n gal._n 1._o 1._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 1._o of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o of_o judea_n 1_o thess._n 2._o 14._o gal._n 1._o 21._o of_o galilee_n and_o of_o samaria_n act_n 9_o 31._o of_o syria_n and_o cilitia_n act_n 15._o 41._o and_o of_o asia_n 1_o cor._n 16._o 19_o in_o which_o one_o province_n there_o be_v seven_o famous_a church_n at_o once_o mention_v revel._n 1._o 4._o beside_o other_o that_o be_v mention_v elsewhere_o now_o as_o all_o these_o instance_n do_v sufficient_o show_v that_o something_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n then_o to_o call_v many_o congregation_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n so_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o consideration_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o different_a speech_n in_o scripture_n that_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n of_o one_o congregation_n it_o shall_v frequent_o give_v they_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n as_o we_o hear_v before_o and_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o province_n or_o country_n where_o be_v many_o congregation_n it_o shall_v call_v they_o so_o usual_o by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n sure_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v strong_o employ_v thereby_o that_o one_o congregation_n of_o christian_n may_v be_v a_o church_n but_o if_o they_o be_v many_o congregation_n than_o they_o be_v many_o church_n and_o not_o one_o only_o but_o you_o will_v give_v four_o instance_n where_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n be_v give_v to_o many_o congregation_n jerusalem_n rome_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n and_o concerning_o jerusalem_n the_o number_n of_o disciple_n that_o be_v there_o be_v 8120_o act_n 1._o 15._o with_o 2._o 41._o and_o 4._o 4._o and_o afterward_o abundant_o large_a it_o be_v impossible_a all_o the_o member_n shall_v meet_v but_o by_o way_n of_o distribution_n into_o several_a congregation_n pag._n 12._o answ._n how_o large_a soever_o that_o church_n be_v in_o those_o place_n you_o allege_v yet_o if_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n than_o we_o must_v believe_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n so_o they_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n now_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a first_o of_o all_o that_o when_o they_o be_v but_o 120._o they_o all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o otherwise_o how_o can_v peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o they_o all_o about_o the_o election_n of_o another_o apostle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n as_o he_o be_v record_v to_o have_v do_v act_n 115._o next_o of_o all_o when_o 3000_o be_v add_v to_o they_o act_n 2._o yet_o all_o that_o multitude_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v do_v all_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n vers._n 6._o and_o peter_n stand_v up_o lift_v up_o his_o voice_n and_o speak_v unto_o they_o all_o vers._n 14._o and_o when_o they_o be_v convert_v both_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o many_o but_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v all_o together_o vers._n 44._o and_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n vers._n 46._o and_o when_o after_o this_o the_o lord_n add_v daily_o to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o 5000._o act_n 4._o 4._o yet_o all_o this_o company_n do_v still_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o
place_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o council_n with_o threaten_n they_o go_v unto_o their_o own_o company_n and_o report_v what_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o vers._n 23._o and_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o they_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n with_o one_o accord_n vers._n 24._o and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v the_o place_n be_v shake_v where_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o vers._n 31._o by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o this_o company_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o all_o 5000._o or_o if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o 5000._o beside_o the_o former_a number_n and_o so_o in_o all_o 8120._o yet_o still_o they_o be_v all_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o when_o after_o this_o believer_n be_v more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n act_n 5._o 14._o yet_o all_o that_o time_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o salomon_n porch_n vers._n 12._o which_o show_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o many_o but_o all_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o congregation_n furthermore_o when_o after_o this_o the_o number_n of_o disciple_n in_o jerusalem_n be_v more_o multiply_v act_n 6._o 1._o yet_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o multitude_n of_o they_o together_o to_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n vers._n 2._o and_o the_o matter_n be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v say_v the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o who_o be_v there_o name_v vers._n 5._o which_o show_v that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v not_o so_o many_o but_o they_o may_v assemble_v and_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hear_v matter_n propose_v and_o to_o make_v election_n of_o officer_n after_o this_o indeed_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o scatter_a by_o persecution_n except_o the_o apostle_n act_n 8._o 1._o but_o when_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v again_o by_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n that_o church_n even_o all_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n do_v all_o assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o congregation_n about_o the_o business_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o arise_v at_o antioch_n so_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v act_n 15._o that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n come_v from_o antioch_n be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n vers._n 4._o and_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v messenger_n to_o antioch_n vers._n 22._o and_o to_o that_o church_n letter_n be_v write_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n vers._n 23._o be_v all_o assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n verse_n 25._o which_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o this_o time_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o apostle_n and_o elder_n alone_o as_o a_o representative_a church_n but_o of_o other_o also_o who_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o those_o officer_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o church_n do_v assemble_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n last_o for_o that_o place_n 21._o where_o you_o say_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o the_o church_n meet_v collective_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presbyter_n and_o elder_n and_o that_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n the_o collective_a meeting_n be_v representative_a in_o their_o elder_n the_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o elder_n may_v meet_v apart_o from_o the_o multitude_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o so_o much_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o verse_n 18._o where_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n go_v in_o unto_o james_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v so_o numerous_a that_o all_o the_o member_n can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o but_o in_o several_a congregation_n nay_o that_o very_a place_n though_o it_o speak_v of_o many_o thousand_o jew_n that_o do_v believe_v verse_n 20._o yet_o as_o it_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o these_o be_v of_o that_o one_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o there_o be_v good_a divine_n that_o do_v think_v they_o be_v not_o but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o nothing_o prejudice_v our_o cause_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o when_o james_n and_o the_o elder_n speak_v to_o paul_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v tell_v he_o the_o multitude_n must_v needs_o come_v together_o for_o they_o will_v hear_v that_o thou_o be_v come_v verse_n 22._o it_o appear_v thereby_o that_o their_o multitude_n be_v not_o such_o but_o they_o may_v all_o assemble_v and_o come_v together_o if_o any_o say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o as_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n shall_v all_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o show_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o many_o thousand_o yea_o miriads_o be_v gather_v together_o luke_n 12._o 12._o and_o christ_n speak_v unto_o they_o all_o though_o unto_o his_o disciple_n first_o verse_n 1_o 14_o 15_o 54._o and_o that_o parish_n in_o england_n in_fw-la or_o about_o london_n and_o elsewhere_o as_o stepney_n giles_n sepulcher_n and_o other_o have_v many_o thousand_o inhabitant_n in_o they_o all_o member_n of_o one_o parishional_a church_n and_o yet_o all_o but_o one_o congregation_n and_o that_o of_o chrysostome_n on_o matth._n 24._o who_o as_o mr._n bayn_n report_v dioe_fw-la trial_n pag._n 16._o do_v esteem_v the_o company_n that_o hear_v his_o voice_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o be_v about_o 5000._o person_n and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o scaffold_n and_o gallery_n a_o man_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n may_v so_o speak_v as_o to_o be_v hear_v of_o thousand_o at_o a_o time_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v do_v make_v it_o less_o incredible_a that_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o such_o a_o great_a multitude_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o may_v be_v no_o more_o but_o one_o ordinary_a congregation_n next_o for_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n style_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n not_o church_n pag._n 13._o answ._n we_o suppose_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a mistake_n that_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n be_v everywhere_o in_o that_o epistle_n style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n for_o aught_o we_o remember_v in_o that_o epistle_n it_o be_v never_o so_o style_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o it_o be_v a_o church_n and_o one_o church_n but_o say_v you_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o a_o church_n in_o such_o a_o city_n can_v be_v famous_a throughout_o all_o the_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 1._o 8._o and_o 16._o 19_o and_o yet_o but_o one_o single_a independent_a congregation_n answ._n we_o know_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_a but_o it_o 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and_o family_n name_v in_o the_o apostle_n salutation_n of_o that_o church_n even_o those_o choice_a family_n be_v able_a to_o fill_v several_a congregation_n answ._n we_o dare_v not_o say_v so_o for_o there_o be_v not_o name_v above_o 30._o in_o all_o sure_o if_o 30._o family_n fill_v several_a congregation_n than_o those_o congregation_n must_v be_v very_o small_a one_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o city_n be_v at_o least_o half_a christian_a and_o cornelius_n tell_v we_o that_o beside_o himself_o there_o be_v in_o that_o church_n 45._o presbyter_n answ._n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o many_o congregation_n be_v frequent_o call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n these_o testimony_n be_v not_o from_o scripture_n do_v not_o suit_v the_o
question_n therefore_o we_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o they_o but_o only_o say_v this_o much_o that_o as_o they_o be_v both_o allege_v by_o doctor_n downam_n and_o they_o of_o the_o hierarchy_n that_o plead_v for_o diocesan_n church_n against_o congregational_a so_o they_o be_v both_o sufficient_o answer_v by_o mr._n bain_n in_o his_o diocesan_n trial_n p._n 19_o 20._o and_o by_o the_o refuter_n of_o d._n downam_n sermon_n at_o lambeth_n p._n 65._o next_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n everywhere_o style_v a_o church_n not_o church_n answ._n this_o we_o grant_v but_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v one_o congregation_n as_o well_o as_o one_o church_n the_o only_a reason_n you_o bring_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v because_o they_o have_v so_o many_o instructor_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 15._o and_o builder_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 12._o so_o many_o prophet_n say_v you_o and_o teacher_n speaker_n with_o tongue_n can_v not_o questionless_a have_v their_o ordinary_a local_a meeting_n but_o by_o way_n of_o 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the_o like_a both_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n also_o even_o woman_n and_o all_o use_v to_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n but_o it_o be_v with_o much_o instance_n urge_v general_o by_o all_o the_o separatist_n that_o those_o among_o who_o the_o corinthian_a fornicatouâ—_z be_v they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v gather_v together_o and_o all_o to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v alike_o in_o all_o the_o member_n and_o not_o in_o the_o elder_n alone_o pag._n 14._o answ._n this_o and_o all_o that_o follow_v for_o two_o whole_a page_n may_v be_v something_o pertain_v to_o the_o second_o of_o your_o three_o exception_n forementioned_a but_o nothing_o concern_v the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n for_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o must_v excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a man_n be_v the_o elder_n alone_o as_o you_o hold_v or_o all_o the_o people_n also_o as_o other_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o present_a point_n 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this_o dispute_n be_v beside_o the_o question_n we_o will_v not_o spend_v time_n in_o answer_v of_o it_o because_o we_o will_v hasten_v to_o go_v forward_o with_o the_o rest_n that_o pertain_v to_o the_o question_n as_o you_o have_v state_v it_o your_o last_o instance_n of_o many_o congregation_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o church_n be_v ephesus_n where_o you_o argue_v there_o must_v needs_o be_v many_o congregation_n because_o there_o be_v a_o great_a door_n and_o effectual_a open_v unto_o paul_n so_o mighty_o there_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o price_n of_o the_o conjure_a book_n burn_v public_o and_o god_n himself_o testify_v he_o have_v many_o people_n in_o that_o city_n answ._n when_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o paul_n i_o have_v much_o people_n in_o the_o city_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a mistake_n to_o understand_v this_o of_o ephesus_n for_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o corinth_n and_o not_o of_o ephesus_n act._n 18._o 10._o but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o ephesus_n as_o we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n there_o how_o do_v this_o prove_v the_o point_n that_o they_o be_v not_o one_o congregation_n but_o many_o we_o do_v not_o think_v they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n then_o in_o corinth_n and_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o christian_n as_o we_o have_v show_v do_v usual_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n and_o therefore_o at_o ephesus_n they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n there_o as_o for_o that_o which_o you_o say_v that_o as_o this_o church_n can_v not_o possible_o ordinary_o in_o all_o its_o member_n meet_v but_o distributive_o so_o that_o it_o do_v meet_v collective_o in_o its_o presbytery_n and_o eldership_n that_o which_o ordain_v timothy_n there_o by_o the_o apostle_n own_o testimony_n appear_v in_o the_o 17._o 28._o and_o 26._o verse_n of_o the_o 20._o chapter_n beyond_o all_o exception_n we_o answer_v thereto_o it_o be_v not_o beyond_o all_o exception_n that_o at_o ephesus_n be_v one_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o congregation_n which_o be_v our_o question_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n upon_o paul_n send_v for_o they_o do_v meet_v at_o miletum_n apart_o from_o the_o people_n as_o be_v note_v before_o out_o of_o act._n 21._o of_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o question_n whether_o a_o church_n be_v many_o congregation_n or_o one_o only_o as_o much_o may_v he_o say_v of_o the_o other_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n with_o that_o at_o antioch_n philippi_n and_o thessalonica_n ans._n and_o if_o as_o much_o be_v say_v of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o other_o as_o much_o may_v also_o be_v answer_v and_o though_o philippi_n and_o thessalonica_n have_v many_o bishop_n deacon_n overseer_n yet_o all_o this_o be_v too_o short_a to_o prove_v they_o be_v many_o congregation_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o one_o congregation_n may_v have_v many_o officer_n that_o which_o follow_v in_o this_o sixteen_o page_n and_o so_o forward_o to_o the_o middle_n of_o pag._n 19_o be_v spend_v in_o answer_v the_o other_o two_o exception_n which_o you_o former_o propose_v pag._n 11._o concerning_o which_o we_o need_v not_o to_o spend_v much_o time_n the_o one_o of_o they_o as_o we_o say_v before_o be_v altogether_o beside_o the_o purpose_n and_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o the_o truth_n do_v lie_v in_o that_o matter_n the_o present_a question_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o clear_v thereby_o and_o for_o the_o other_o we_o leave_v it_o to_o they_o that_o make_v it_o to_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o it_o for_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v show_v that_o all_o that_o you_o have_v say_v from_o matth._n 18._o tell_v the_o church_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o congregation_n must_v depend_v upon_o
argue_v not_o any_o want_n at_o all_o of_o authority_n or_o right_n in_o which_o respect_n they_o may_v be_v independent_a notwithstanding_o their_o imperfection_n in_o the_o other_o regard_n suppose_v a_o father_n of_o child_n or_o master_n of_o a_o family_n through_o want_n of_o wisdom_n or_o courage_n be_v not_o able_a to_o rule_v his_o own_o child_n and_o household_n as_o eli_n or_o suppose_v a_o king_n that_o be_v a_o child_n as_o solomon_n speak_v eccles._n 10._o or_o prince_n that_o be_v babe_n as_o the_o prophet_n term_v they_o isai._n 3._o be_v not_o able_a to_o govern_v their_o own_o subject_n as_o rehoboam_n 2_o king_n 12._o will_v you_o think_v this_o want_n of_o sufficient_a ability_n a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o such_o a_o father_n or_o master_n have_v no_o authority_n or_o right_a to_o rule_v his_o own_o child_n or_o household_n nor_o such_o a_o prince_n any_o right_a to_o rule_v his_o subject_n but_o that_o the_o family_n of_o the_o one_o must_v depend_v upon_o other_o family_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o other_o upon_o other_o commonwealth_n we_o suppose_v you_o will_v not_o say_v so_o and_o yet_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o as_o say_v as_o here_o you_o do_v that_o if_o church_n have_v be_v independent_a antioch_n have_v be_v able_a herself_n sufficient_o to_o have_v end_v the_o cause_n antioch_n find_v herself_o not_o able_a may_v send_v to_o jerulem_fw-la for_o help_n and_o yet_o this_o send_v neither_o prove_v right_a of_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o of_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v send_v unto_o nor_o want_v of_o jurisdiction_n in_o they_o of_o antioch_n who_o so_o do_v send_v yes_o say_v you_o an_fw-mi oblige_v the_o church_n by_o decree_n lay_v on_o they_o as_o a_o burden_n be_v a_o use_n of_o the_o key_n in_o which_o use_n of_o they_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v pergamus_n and_o thyatyra_n reprove_v pag._n 25._o answ._n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o use_n of_o the_o key_n may_v it_o not_o be_v of_o the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n sith_o the_o burden_n lay_v on_o they_o be_v not_o burden_n of_o penalty_n but_o burden_n of_o duty_n not_o punishment_n to_o be_v suffer_v for_o offence_n give_v but_o rule_n of_o practice_n to_o be_v observe_v lest_o offence_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o be_v plain_a if_o the_o particular_n be_v consider_v pag._n 29._o and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v the_o impose_v these_o burden_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o discipline_n as_o a_o act_n of_o doctrine_n as_o for_o ephesus_n the_o use_n of_o the_o key_n for_o which_o they_o be_v commend_v be_v not_o as_o you_o affirm_v for_o impose_v decree_n as_o burden_n upon_o one_o another_o nor_o be_v pergamus_n or_o thyatyra_n reprove_v for_o neglect_v of_o so_o do_v but_o try_v and_o detect_v counterfeit_a apostle_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o not_o bear_v with_o they_o that_o be_v evil_a which_o be_v matter_n of_o discipline_n be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o ephesus_n be_v commend_v and_o suffer_v they_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o be_v a_o neglect_n of_o discipline_n be_v that_o for_o which_o the_o other_o be_v reprove_v rev._n 2._o 2._o 14._o 20._o but_o neither_o be_v the_o one_o commend_v for_o impose_v decree_n nor_o the_o other_o reprove_v for_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v but_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o synod_n have_v jurisdiction_n and_o power_n of_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n because_o say_v you_o this_o decree_n be_v itself_o a_o rule_n give_v wherein_o and_o whereby_o to_o use_v the_o key_n upon_o such_o as_o shall_v prove_v stubborn_a in_o defend_v the_o contrary_a of_o what_o be_v here_o decree_v and_o that_o authority_n which_o can_v give_v the_o rule_n can_v a_o fortiori_fw-la back_o and_o punish_v its_o breach_n p._n 25._o ans._n but_o be_v this_o certain_a and_o clear_a that_o whoever_o have_v authority_n by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n to_o impose_v a_o rule_n have_v also_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o discipline_n to_o punish_v its_o breach_n we_o propose_v to_o consideration_n these_o instance_n for_o the_o contrary_a first_o of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o israel_n isaiah_n joel_n amos_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v authority_n by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n as_o be_v send_v of_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n to_o deliver_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v not_o only_o by_o all_o the_o prince_n and_o people_n but_o even_o by_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n also_o for_o so_o we_o read_v they_o many_o time_n do_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v priest_n themselves_o nor_o levite_n they_o have_v not_o authority_n to_o punish_v by_o way_n of_o discipline_n such_o as_o disobey_v their_o doctrine_n and_o those_o holy_a rule_n which_o they_o deliver_v from_o the_o lord_n next_o any_o one_o minister_n who_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n may_v in_o his_o doctrine_n deliver_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o the_o people_n he_o be_v send_v unto_o and_o impose_v those_o rule_n as_o burden_n and_o necessary_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o yet_o one_o minister_n alone_o can_v punish_v the_o breach_n of_o those_o rule_n in_o a_o way_n of_o discipline_n because_o church-discipline_n be_v to_o be_v dispense_v by_o a_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17._o and_o one_o man_n alone_o we_o be_v persuade_v you_o will_v not_o say_v can_v be_v a_o church_n further_o any_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o one_o church_n be_v it_o congregational_a or_o national_a may_v upon_o occasion_n be_v desire_v thereto_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o another_o the_o like_a church_n and_o so_o impose_v burden_n of_o christian_a duty_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o that_o they_o thus_o occasional_o preach_v unto_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v they_o may_v by_o discipline_n punish_v such_o as_o shall_v walk_v contrary_a to_o those_o rule_n because_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o church_n do_v not_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o unto_o that_o other_o church_n where_o now_o they_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n last_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o any_o minister_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o occasion_n serve_v thereunto_o may_v by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o pagan_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o christian_a church_n at_o all_o and_o may_v command_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o observe_v those_o rule_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o may_v punish_v those_o pagan_n in_o a_o way_n of_o discipline_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o rule_n because_o the_o apostle_n say_v plain_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 12._o yea_o there_o be_v sundry_a good_a writer_n in_o reform_a church_n who_o do_v hold_v that_o doctor_n in_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n by_o their_o office_n to_o deliver_v sound_a wholesome_a doctrine_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o dispensation_n of_o sacrament_n nor_o discipline_n see_v among_o other_o for_o this_o calvine_v instit._n lib._n 4._o ch._n 3._o sect._n 4._o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o this_o may_v be_v another_o instance_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n as_o the_o rest_n and_o by_o all_o this_o we_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o some_o man_n may_v have_v authority_n by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n to_o impose_v rule_n that_o must_v be_v observe_v as_o necessary_a thing_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v authority_n by_o way_n of_o discipline_n to_o punish_v those_o that_o shall_v disobey_v those_o rule_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n yet_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v the_o other_o also_o be_v not_o prove_v thereby_o chap._n v._o contain_v a_o answer_n to_o your_o four_o argument_n take_v from_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n hence_o i_o argue_v thus_o such_o as_o be_v for_o independency_n admit_v of_o no_o other_o rule_n in_o church-government_n but_o the_o scripture_n practice_n or_o institution_n but_o where_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n read_v we_o of_o any_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n but_o by_o presbyter_n timothy_n be_v ordain_v by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n titus_n be_v for_o this_o very_a cause_n leave_v at_o crete_n that_o he_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n pag._n 26_o 27._o answ._n all_o that_o be_v here_o say_a be_v only_o about_o ordination_n of_o officer_n which_o at_o the_o most_o be_v but_o one_o part_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a government_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o
own_o it_o may_v do_v well_o to_o crave_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o neighbour_a congregation_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o first_o and_o three_o of_o these_o proposition_n have_v be_v declare_v already_o and_o for_o the_o second_o we_o thus_o argue_v arg._n 1._o if_o such_o a_o church_n may_v elect_v and_o choose_v officer_n to_o itself_o without_o any_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o synod_n then_o they_o may_v ordain_v they_o also_o have_v so_o fit_a instrument_n as_o elder_n of_o their_o own_o to_o do_v it_o by_o but_o the_o first_o be_v true_a as_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v in_o this_o answer_n of_o we_o therefore_o the_o second_o be_v true_a also_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_n be_v clear_a by_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o which_o can_v do_v the_o great_a can_v do_v the_o lesser_a also_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n arg._n 2._o if_o such_o a_o church_n as_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o ordain_v their_o officer_n without_o dependence_n on_o a_o synod_n or_o a_o classis_fw-la then_o neither_o may_v they_o administer_v seal_n without_o such_o dependence_n for_o the_o word_n make_v such_o dependence_n no_o more_o requisite_a in_o the_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o arg._n 3._o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o synod_n or_o classis_fw-la upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o what_o be_v a_o classis_fw-la or_o a_o synod_n but_o a_o company_n of_o minister_n or_o elder_n of_o several_a congregation_n assemble_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o thing_n concerning_o themselves_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n special_o such_o church_n whereto_o they_o do_v peculiar_o belong_v now_o this_o assemble_n of_o elder_n into_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n do_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v elder_n before_o there_o be_v any_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o those_o elder_n sith_o they_o be_v elder_n before_o that_o synod_n have_v any_o be_v which_o do_v sufficient_o show_v that_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o always_o require_v in_o the_o ordain_n of_o elder_n obj._n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o synod_n do_v ordain_v timothy_n a_o evangelist_n a_o officer_n of_o many_o church_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o must_v ordain_v officer_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n the_o answer_n be_v first_o that_o the_o consequence_n be_v not_o strong_a because_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v have_v authority_n sufficient_a to_o ordain_v by_o their_o eldership_n the_o officer_n of_o their_o particular_a church_n only_o and_o not_o sufficient_a to_o ordain_v such_o as_o must_v be_v officer_n in_o all_o church_n whatsoever_o the_o help_n of_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n where_o be_v a_o combination_n or_o consociation_n of_o elder_n of_o many_o church_n may_v be_v requisite_a for_o ordain_v a_o officer_n of_o many_o church_n and_o yet_o the_o eldership_n of_o our_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o ordain_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v to_o be_v officer_o to_o no_o more_o but_o only_o to_o that_o particular_a church_n second_o the_o ground_n hence_o be_v not_o certain_a for_o though_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n and_o so_o to_o travel_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o yet_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o that_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o may_v be_v the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o not_o any_o synod_n or_o classis_fw-la for_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v apostle_n act._n 14._o 4._o and_o 14._o gal._n 2._o 9_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v ordain_v not_o by_o any_o classis_fw-la or_o presbytery_n of_o many_o church_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o church_n the_o church_n at_o antioch_n act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o those_o say_v they_o that_o can_v do_v the_o great_a that_o be_v to_o say_v make_v a_o church_n can_v do_v the_o less_o make_v pastor_n of_o that_o church_n ans._n we_o will_v rather_o argue_v thus_o those_o that_o have_v power_n of_o elect_a officer_n they_o have_v power_n of_o ordain_v officer_n but_o the_o people_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n have_v the_o former_a therefore_o they_o have_v power_n to_o do_v the_o latter_a the_o consequence_n be_v prove_v because_o elect_v be_v great_a than_o ordain_v and_o great_a not_o in_o another_o kind_n but_o in_o the_o same_o viz._n about_o the_o place_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o the_o design_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o office_n of_o ministry_n now_o a_o argument_n from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o less_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n you_o confess_v will_v hold_v which_o visible_a ministry_n where_o it_o be_v this_o property_n or_o proper_a power_n of_o ordain_v officer_n be_v a_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a ordinary_a concomitant_a thereof_o pag._n 31._o answ._n if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o there_o may_v be_v officer_n ordain_v and_o not_o by_o a_o synod_n even_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n because_o in_o such_o a_o one_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a ministry_n although_o that_o which_o you_o have_v say_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v not_o express_o against_o the_o congregation_n elect_v their_o officer_n but_o only_o against_o their_o ordain_n of_o they_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n yet_o in_o asmuch_o as_o sundry_a passage_n in_o your_o book_n and_o in_o this_o argument_n especial_o do_v seem_v to_o make_v as_o much_o against_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n of_o ordination_n so_o we_o will_v also_o for_o the_o reader_n further_a direction_n give_v some_o ground_n for_o confirmation_n of_o this_o position_n about_o election_n viz._n election_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o party_n be_v to_o be_v a_o officer_n so_o that_o they_o proceed_v in_o this_o election_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n both_o choose_v a_o man_n fit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o office_n unto_o which_o they_o choose_v he_o and_o carry_v their_o choice_n in_o a_o orderly_a manner_n reason_n 1_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o now_o the_o antecedent_n be_v clear_a from_o act._n 1._o where_o in_o the_o very_a choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v not_o whole_o exclude_v for_o though_o the_o office_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a the_o express_a design_n of_o the_o particular_a person_n be_v determine_v by_o god_n by_o lot_n yet_o the_o church_n appoint_v two_o that_o one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v single_v out_o v._n 23._o and_o when_o the_o lot_n have_v fall_v upon_o mathias_n it_o be_v say_v he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n v._n 26._o that_o be_v he_o be_v by_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o churchchosen_a to_o be_v of_o that_o number_n for_o so_o do_v the_o word_n signify_v that_o be_v use_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v translate_v by_o scapula_n omnium_fw-la calculis_fw-la allectus_fw-la and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o the_o office_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o though_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n and_o have_v receive_v their_o call_n and_o extraordinary_a authority_n from_o christ_n himself_o immediate_o be_v now_o present_a yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o church_n have_v a_o stroke_n in_o this_o matter_n both_o first_o appoint_v two_o and_o then_o approve_v by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n or_o consent_v he_o of_o the_o two_o on_o who_o the_o lot_n have_v fall_v to_o be_v for_o instruction_n unto_o we_o in_o after_o time_n that_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n it_o shall_v be_v far_o from_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o exclude_v the_o people_n of_o god_n from_o their_o right_n and_o interest_n therein_o for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o stroke_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v they_o have_v the_o like_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v present_a will_v not_o abridge_v the_o people_n of_o this_o liberty_n much_o less_o may_v other_o do_v it_o doubtless_o they_o that_o engross_v the_o authority_n of_o choose_v minister_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n exclude_v the_o people_n they_o arrogate_v more_o unto_o themselves_o then_o the_o apostle_n ever_o do_v so_o likewise_o in_o act._n 6._o when_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v appoint_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o take_v all_o the_o business_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n as_o if_o election_n of_o such_o officer_n appertain_v only_o to_o themselves_o and_o not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o people_n but_o they_o call_v the_o whole_a multitude_n unto_o they_o ver._n
2._o and_o bid_v they_o choose_v out_o seven_o man_n fit_o qualify_v for_o the_o office_n ver._n 3._o and_o according_o the_o saying_n please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v seven_o that_o be_v there_o name_v ver._n 5._o and_o have_v so_o do_v they_o set_v they_o before_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v ordain_v they_o by_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o ver._n 6._o and_o in_o act._n 14._o 23._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n by_o election_n or_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n for_o so_o do_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v in_o every_o church_n obj._n the_o word_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o and_o not_o of_o the_o people_n ans._n the_o word_n be_v never_o use_v for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o word_n use_v for_o that_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o betwixt_o which_o and_o this_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o there_o be_v as_o much_o difference_n as_o between_o hold_v up_o and_o lay_v down_o if_o luke_n the_o writer_n of_o the_o act_n have_v intend_v the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n it_o have_v be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o have_v use_v the_o other_o word_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o express_v such_o a_o action_n and_o frequent_o use_v by_o himself_o in_o that_o sense_n in_o this_o book_n act._n 6._o 6._o and_o 8._o 17._o and_o 9_o 17._o object_n but_o be_v it_o lay_v on_o or_o lift_v up_o that_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o apostle_n alone_o answ._n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v confess_v for_o who_o doubt_n but_o as_o they_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n and_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n in_o ordination_n so_o they_o may_v also_o concur_v in_o the_o election_n by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n but_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o that_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o apostle_n only_o for_o elsewhere_o the_o word_n be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o be_v translate_v be_v choose_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 19_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v choose_v of_o the_o church_n even_o as_o one_o place_n mention_v a_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o timothy_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o paul_n hand_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o which_o must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o paul_n hand_n alone_o because_o another_o scripture_n mention_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n the_o people_n have_v one_o hand_n in_o the_o election_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o also_o in_o these_o day_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n record_v in_o the_o act_n be_v presidential_a for_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o particular_a reason_n and_o respect_n which_o for_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o minister_n can_v be_v say_v beside_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o great_a purity_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v more_o safe_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o further_o if_o this_o practice_n have_v not_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o have_v countenance_v it_o nor_o have_v direct_v the_o church_n to_o have_v use_v it_o but_o will_v have_v leave_v and_o prescribe_v some_o other_o course_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o minister_n which_o we_o see_v they_o have_v not_o do_v second_o if_o minister_n must_v not_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n then_o either_o they_o must_v be_v call_v of_o god_n immediate_o or_o minister_n without_o any_o call_n at_o all_o or_o be_v choose_v and_o appoint_v by_o some_o other_o man_n but_o not_o the_o first_o because_o such_o immediate_a call_n be_v now_o cease_v as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a function_n of_o apostle_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n which_o in_o these_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v nor_o the_o second_o because_o that_o be_v express_o against_o the_o scripture_n which_o say_v no_o man_n must_v take_v this_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n heb._n 5._o 4._o and_o therefore_o they_o that_o run_v when_o god_n send_v they_o not_o be_v many_o time_n and_o very_o sharp_o reprove_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 23._o 21._o nor_o the_o three_o for_o 1._o god_n have_v not_o give_v any_o such_o authority_n to_o other_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o church_n to_o appoint_v officer_n to_o the_o church_n nor_o 2._o may_v some_o of_o the_o church_n arrogate_v this_o power_n only_o to_o themselves_o exclude_v the_o rest_n because_o that_o which_o concern_v all_o as_o this_o matter_n do_v ought_v to_o have_v approbation_n of_o all_o unless_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o god_n have_v commit_v the_o thing_n only_o to_o some_o which_o for_o the_o choose_n of_o officer_n can_v be_v say_v 3._o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o right_a reason_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o for_o 1._o by_o this_o mean_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o infringe_v by_o thrust_v officer_n upon_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n and_o who_o they_o never_o choose_v also_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o strong_a engagement_n to_o the_o people_n to_o yield_v due_a reverence_n subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o minister_n because_o they_o be_v the_o man_n who_o themselves_o have_v choose_v whereas_o one_o thrust_v upon_o they_o against_o their_o will_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v much_o belove_v but_o rather_o contemn_v and_o hate_v and_o how_o then_o shall_v they_o profit_v by_o his_o doctrine_n final_o the_o people_n have_v a_o right_n original_o to_o choose_v their_o civil_a officer_n as_o be_v also_o practise_v at_o this_o day_n in_o many_o place_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n bring_v a_o sword_n upon_o a_o land_n the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n may_v take_v a_o man_n of_o their_o coast_n and_o set_v he_o for_o their_o watchman_n ezek._n 33._o 2._o and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o may_v well_o have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v such_o as_o must_v be_v watchman_n for_o their_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v much_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v thrust_v upon_o they_o such_o watchman_n and_o officer_n upon_o who_o the_o salvation_n or_o damnation_n of_o their_o soul_n do_v depend_v than_o such_o as_o upon_o who_o depend_v no_o more_o but_o their_o wealth_n or_o commodity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o this_o shall_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o your_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n there_o be_v in_o your_o book_n two_o other_o general_a head_n which_o be_v something_o insist_v on_o the_o one_o about_o clear_v such_o objection_n as_o be_v not_o reducible_a to_o your_o former_a argument_n the_o other_o of_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o adverse_a party_n in_o both_o which_o thopugh_o we_o may_v observe_v sundry_a thing_n which_o be_v worth_a your_o second_o review_n yet_o in_o as_o much_o as_o our_o intention_n be_v chief_o to_o consider_v the_o weight_n of_o your_o argument_n but_o not_o to_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o every_o objection_n which_o you_o propose_v and_o consider_v withal_o that_o those_o consideration_n from_o the_o order_n unity_n peace_n and_o strength_n of_o government_n with_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o you_o as_o we_o suppose_v as_o convince_a but_o only_o as_o probable_a ground_n against_o that_o way_n which_o you_o deal_v against_o therefore_o for_o these_o and_o some_o other_o reason_n have_v speak_v to_o that_o which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o main_a substance_n of_o your_o book_n we_o will_v here_o for_o this_o time_n surcease_v pray_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n for_o christ_n jesus_n his_o sake_n to_o pour_v out_o his_o rich_a blessing_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n upon_o our_o dear_a native_a country_n and_o to_o guide_v all_o his_o servant_n there_o and_o here_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n into_o all_o truth_n and_o to_o give_v we_o such_o heart_n and_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n till_o antichristianism_n be_v utter_o root_v out_o and_o zion_n be_v restore_v especial_o in_o england_n to_o her_o former_a beiuty_n and_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o a_o bride_n adorn_v for_o her_o husband_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o be_v all_o glory_n and_o praise_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n finis_fw-la