the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n wherein_o these_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n iv._o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n v._o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n vi_o the_o office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n ix_o of_o deacon_n x._o of_o excommunication_n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n the_o publish_v whereof_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o author_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n owen_n d._n d._n license_v june_n 10._o 1688._o london_n print_v for_o william_n martial_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate_n street_n mdclxxxix_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a as_o it_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o or_o describe_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v but_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n as_o catholic_n and_o mystical_a or_o as_o visible_a and_o organise_v in_o particular_a congregation_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_a which_o be_v purchase_v and_o redeem_v by_o his_o blood_n whether_o already_o call_v or_o uncalled_a militant_a or_o triumphant_a and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n that_o god_n give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n unto_o which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o his_o fullness_n and_o by_o union_n with_o he_o christ_n mystical_a ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a word_n most_o full_o express_v the_o catholic_n church_n use_v in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o i_o e._n in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v all_o appear_v one_o day_n gather_v together_o to_o their_o head_n in_o the_o perfection_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem-state_n where_o they_o will_v make_v a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n the_o day_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v pass_v in_o the_o respective_a age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o day_n of_o its_o espousal_n wherein_o the_o bride_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a but_o then_o will_v be_v she_o full_o marry_a state_n unto_o christ_n then_o will_v be_v the_o perfection_n not_o only_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n call_v a_o perfect_a man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o via_n in_o our_o passage_n unto_o this_o country_n a_o city_n with_o a_o more_o durable_a fix_a foundation_n which_o we_o seek_v in_o order_n therefore_o unto_o the_o complete_n this_o great_a and_o mystical_a body_n christ_n have_v his_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o assembly_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o he_o have_v ordain_v ordinance_n and_o appoint_v officer_n for_o the_o glorious_a foremention_v end_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v no_o other_o sort_n of_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n organise_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a institution_n speak_v of_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n where_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o great_a ordinance_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o church_n be_v oeconomick_a when_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o the_o large_a family_n of_o the_o antidiluvian_n and_o postdiluvian_n patriarch_n where_o no_o doubt_n all_o frequent_o assemble_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o then_o offer_v and_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n then_o in_o use_n after_o the_o descent_n of_o a_o numerous_a progeny_n from_o abraham_n loin_n god_n take_v they_o to_o himself_o in_o one_o visible_a body_n a_o national_a but_o congregational_a church_n to_o which_o he_o form_v they_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o although_o all_o abraham_n natural_a posterity_n according_a to_o the_o external_n part_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o be_v take_v into_o visible_a church-fellowship_n so_o that_o it_o become_v a_o national_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o national_a church_n always_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a land_n as_o be_v congregational_a for_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n during_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple-state_n first_o or_o second_o they_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o assemble_v to_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n thrice_o at_o least_o every_o year_n hence_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v still_o call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n they_o be_v to_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n for_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n what_o other_o be_v at_o any_o time_n elsewhere_o call_v high-place_n be_v condemn_v by_o god_n as_o sin._n last_o when_o christ_n have_v divorce_v this_o people_n abolish_v their_o moysaicall_a constitution_n by_o break_v their_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o their_o staff_n of_o bond_n he_o erect_v his_o gospel_n church_n call_v in_o disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n form_v they_o into_o a_o body_n furnish_v they_o with_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n and_o after_o he_o have_v suffer_v rise_v again_o and_o continue_v here_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o time_n he_o frequent_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o will_n ascend_v unto_o his_o father_n send_v his_o spirit_n in_o a_o plentiful_a manner_n at_o pentecost_n whereby_o most_o of_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o necessary_a miraculous_a gift_n to_o the_o promote_a the_o glory_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n hence_o the_o whole_a evangelical_n ministry_n be_v first_o place_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o far_o as_o extraordinary_a or_o such_o a_o part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o church_n of_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o place_v as_o abide_v or_o stand_v officer_n in_o any_o other_o church_n as_o we_o find_v in_o this_o church_n they_o act_v as_o the_o elder_n thereof_o and_o from_o this_o church_n they_o be_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a solemn_o send_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o apostolic_a function_n in_o preach_v heal_v and_o work_v miracle_n gather_v church_n and_o settle_v officer_n in_o they_o even_o so_o as_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n their_o distinguish_a apostolic_a office_n and_o charge_n from_o which_o the_o evangelist_n differ_v but_o little_a be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n not_o to_o sit_v down_o as_o stand_v pastor_n to_o all_o or_o any_o particular_a congregation_n but_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n to_o gather_v to_o direct_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o practice_n of_o their_o doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n wherefore_o this_o apostolic_a care_n commit_v to_o they_o prove_v nothing_o either_o of_o the_o catholic_n authority_n claim_v by_o a_o oecumenick_n pastor_n or_o that_o charge_n of_o many_o congregation_n claim_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n whence_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o all_o church_n officer_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v any_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n be_v give_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o read_v of_o no_o pastor_n of_o many_o congregation_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o congregation_n to_o which_o officer_n be_v annex_v nor_o of_o any_o representative_a church_n as_o some_o will_v have_v that_o apostolic_a power_n do_v descend_v to_o successor_n we_o utter_o deny_v it_o be_v not_o derivable_a for_o none_o after_o they_o can_v say_v they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o our_o lord_n before_z or_o after_o his_o resurrection_n none_o since_o so_o qualify_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o preach_v and_o work_v miracle_n and_o none_o but_o the_o pope_n challenge_v such_o a_o extensive_a care_n for_o and_o power_n over_o all_o church_n that_o which_o descend_v from_o they_o to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v and_o why_o not_o to_o head_n it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o
commission_n that_o christ_n give_v a_o pastoral_a relation_n or_o presbytership_n which_o be_v include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n and_o exercise_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n such_o presbyter-ship_n john_n and_o peter_n both_o have_v hence_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o successor_n jure_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o be_v relative_a officer_n and_o be_v always_o in_o and_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n we_o know_v of_o no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n that_o any_o pastor_n be_v ordain_v to_o 1._o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n as_o catholic_n visible_a 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o chimaera_n of_o some_o man_n brain_n it_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la for_o if_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v all_o the_o church_n that_o i_o see_v at_o a_o time_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o see_v much_o more_o than_o what_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o church_n actual_o in_o be_v how_o be_v they_o visible_a to_o i_o where_o can_v they_o be_v see_v in_o one_o place_n i_o may_v as_o well_o call_v all_o the_o city_n and_o corporation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n visible_a city_n or_o corporation_n which_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v nonsense_n beside_o if_o all_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v get_v together_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o saint_n militant_a much_o less_o of_o triumphant_a for_o many_o be_v no_o church_n member_n that_o be_v christ_n member_n and_o many_o visible_a member_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o be_v any_o such_o church_n capable_a of_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o other_o organise_v visible_a church_n again_o to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n constitute_v shall_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o officer_n to_o the_o mystical_a church_n christ_n be_v the_o mystical_a head_n and_o pastor_n he_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o hence_o the_o uncalled_a be_v his_o sheep_n as_o john_n 10.16_o but_o to_o all_o visible_a church_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o where_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o please_v we_o to_o take_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o say_v that_o all_o individual_a pastor_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v either_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o as_o much_o pastoral_n power_n and_o charge_n in_o one_o church_n as_o in_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v indefinite_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o all_o pastor_n have_v mutual_a power_n in_o each_o other_o church_n and_o so_o john_n may_v come_v into_o thomas_n his_o church_n and_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n there_o and_o thomas_n into_o john_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o universal_a catholic_n power_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n which_o every_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v be_v apostolic_a or_o last_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o a_o particular_a charge_n where_o he_o please_v with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o if_o he_o have_v a_o office_n whereby_o he_o be_v equal_o and_o indisputable_o relate_v to_o all_o church_n it_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o office_n to_o take_v where_o he_o please_v but_o every_o church-officer_n under_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n must_v be_v such_o whence_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a to_o which_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o visible_a husband_n to_o a_o invisible_a wife_n the_o relate_v and_o correlate_n must_v be_v ejusdem_fw-la naturae_fw-la it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a head_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a nature_n for_o christ_n have_v substitute_v no_o mystical_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o mystical_a and_o external_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o latter_a be_v found_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o it_o as_o take_v its_o true_a spiritual_a original_a from_o it_o derive_v vital_a spirit_n from_o it_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o all_o external_a visible_a assembly_n minister_n ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o call_v in_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o edify_v of_o they_o to_o that_o full_a measure_n of_o stature_n they_o be_v design_v unto_o but_o the_o different_a consideration_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o mystical_a church_n do_v never_o fail_v neither_o be_v diminish_v by_o any_o shock_n of_o temptation_n or_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o visible_a profession_n any_o of_o they_o undergo_v whereas_o visible_a church_n be_v often_o break_v scatter_a yea_o unchurch_v and_o many_o member_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o final_a apostasy_n likewise_o christ_n mystical_a church_n be_v many_o time_n preserve_v in_o that_o state_n only_o or_o most_o when_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o visible_a organise_v church_n according_a to_o institution_n to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o his_o church_n often_o under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n as_o in_o egypt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o manasseh_n and_o other_o wicked_a king_n and_o especial_o in_o babylon_n in_o such_o time_n the_o faithful_a one_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o true_a sacrifice_n the_o teach_a priest_n and_o the_o law._n so_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o draconick_a heathen_a persecution_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o wilderness-state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o false_a worship_n which_o mystical_a state_n be_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n to_o hide_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o from_o the_o dragon_n rage_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n again_o unto_o this_o mystical_a church_n be_v only_o essential_o necessary_a a_o mystical_a union_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n acceptation_n and_o covenant-undertaking_a of_o the_o son_n the_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n work_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n whereby_o as_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a union_n so_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n though_o without_o those_o desirable_a enjoyment_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v providential_o often_o hinder_v from_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o christ_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n which_o he_o sometime_o set_v up_o and_o sometime_o take_v down_o and_o remove_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o see_v best_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world._n but_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n as_o to_o their_o foundadation_n matter_n constitution_n and_o order_n he_o give_v forth_o a_o exact_a pattern_n from_o mount_n zion_n as_o of_o that_o typical_a tabernacle_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o old._n the_o foundation_n part_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o corner_n stone_n eph._n ij_o 20_o matth._n xuj_o 18_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a individual_a person_n that_o make_v a_o organise_v visible_a church_n we_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n not_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o these_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o practise_v holiness_n the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v always_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n saint_n faithful_n believer_n they_o be_v such_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o believer_n so_o as_o such_o but_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n for_o a_o man_n must_v appear_v
as_o the_o best_a treasure_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o insure_v by_o all_o that_o will_v be_v happy_a here_o and_o hereafter_o by_o bartholomew_n ashwood_n late_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n price_n bind_v 2s_n 6d_o another_o book_n of_o the_o same_o author_n entitle_v the_o heavenly_a trade_n or_o the_o best_a merchandise_n the_o only_a way_n to_o live_v well_o in_o impoverish_v time_n a_o discourse_n occasion_v from_o the_o decay_n of_o earthly_a trade_n and_o visible_a waste_n of_o practical_a piety_n in_o the_o day_n we_o live_v in_o offer_v argument_n and_o counsel_n to_o all_o towards_o a_o speedy_a revival_n of_o die_a godliness_n and_o timely_a prevention_n of_o the_o dangerous_a issue_n thereof_o hang_v over_o we_o very_o necessary_a for_o all_o family_n price_n 2_o s._n 6_o d._n some_o other_o book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o william_n marshal_n caryl_n exposition_n on_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o job_n in_o two_o volume_n in_o folio_n pool_n synopsis_n criticorum_fw-la in_o v._o volume_n latin._n be_v synopsis_n on_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o two_o large_a volume_n in_o latin_a with_o the_o index_n be_v to_o be_v sell_v very_o cheap_a in_o quire_n both_o volume_n for_o 20_o s_o and_o both_o vol._n well_o bind_v for_o 30_o s._n pool_n annotation_n in_o english._n two_o volume_n index_n to_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v sell_v alone_o price_n 5_o s._n dr._n owen_n on_o the_o hebrew_n in_o four_o volume_n owen_n on_o the_o spirit_n clark_n martyrology_n mellificium_fw-la chirurgiae_fw-la or_o the_o marrow_n of_o chirurgery_n a_o anatomical_a treatise_n institution_n of_o physic_n with_o hippocrates_n aphorism_n large_o comment_v upon_o the_o marrow_n of_o physic_n show_v the_o cause_n sign_n and_o cure_n of_o most_o disease_n incident_a to_o humane_a body_n choice_a experience_a receipt_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o several_a distemper_n the_o four_o edition_n enlarge_v withm_n any_o addition_n and_o purge_v from_o many_o fault_n that_o escape_v in_o the_o former_a impression_n illustrate_v with_o twelve_o copper_n cut_v by_o james_n cook_n of_o warwick_n practitioner_n in_o physic_n and_o chirurgery_n there_o be_v also_o a_o very_a useful_a book_n of_o the_o same_o author_n for_o those_o that_o be_v desirous_a of_o be_v their_o own_o physician_n entitle_v select_a observation_n of_o english_a body_n of_o eminent_a person_n in_o desperate_a disease_n to_o which_o be_v now_o add_v a_o hundred_o rich_a counsel_n and_o advice_n for_o several_a honourable_a person_n with_o all_o the_o several_a medicine_n and_o method_n by_o which_o the_o several_a cure_n be_v effect_v with_o direction_n about_o drink_v the_o bath_n water_n price_n bind_v 2_o s._n 6_o d._n clarkson_n primitive_a episcopacy_n octavo_fw-la price_n bind_v 1_o s._n 6_o d._n owen_n of_o justification_n be_v brief_a and_o impartial_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n chap._n i._n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o unto_o its_o essence_n constitution_n and_o be_v or_o as_o unto_o its_o power_n and_o order_n when_o it_o be_v organise_v as_o unto_o its_o essence_n and_o be_v its_o constituent_a part_n be_v its_o matter_n and_o form._n these_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o by_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n we_o understand_v the_o person_n whereof_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v with_o their_o qualification_n and_o by_o its_o form_n the_o reason_n cause_n and_o way_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o relation_n among_o they_o which_o give_v they_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n and_o therewithal_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o a_o church_n either_o privilege_n or_o power_n as_o such_o our_o first_o enquiry_n being_n concern_v what_o sort_n of_o person_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n require_v and_o admit_v to_o be_v the_o visible_a subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n we_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o our_o determination_n by_o respect_n unto_o his_o honour_n glory_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o rule_n to_o reckon_v such_o person_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o christ_n member_n of_o his_o body_n such_o as_o he_o require_v and_o own_v for_o other_o be_v not_o so_o who_o will_v not_o be_v tolerate_v at_o least_o not_o approve_v 5.27_o in_o a_o well_o govern_v kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o world_n be_v high_o dishonourable_a unto_o he_o but_o it_o be_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o notorious_o and_o flagitious_o wicked_a until_o they_o become_v pest_n of_o the_o earth_n yet_o be_v they_o esteem_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o be_v think_v little_o less_o than_o schism_n to_o forbid_v they_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o sacred_a privilege_n howbeit_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o general_n represent_v the_o kingdom_n or_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o consist_v of_o person_n call_v saint_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n with_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o and_o if_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o such_o weight_n with_o we_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o we_o understand_v aright_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o the_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o it_o above_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o subject_n such_o a_o holiness_n as_o the_o world_n in_o its_o wisdom_n know_v not_o we_o will_v due_o consider_v who_o we_o avow_v to_o belong_v thereunto_o those_o who_o know_v aught_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o profess_v that_o person_n open_o profane_a vicious_a sensual_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a be_v approve_v and_o own_a of_o christ_n as_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n 5._o or_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o old_a opinion_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o mixture_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o it_o be_v make_v a_o scarecrow_n to_o frighten_v man_n from_o attempt_v the_o reformation_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o a_o covert_n for_o the_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o member_n only_o some_o thing_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v premise_v unto_o what_o shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o the_o right_n state_v of_o this_o enquiry_n as_o 1._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v of_o any_o as_o unto_o personal_a qualification_n in_o a_o visible_a uncontrollable_a profession_n to_o constitute_v they_o subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n 22.26_o and_o member_n of_o his_o church_n but_o what_o be_v require_v by_o the_o most_o righteous_a and_o severe_a law_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v a_o good_a subject_a or_o citizen_n the_o distinction_n between_o his_o visible_a kingdom_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o lose_v now_o all_o negative_a qualification_n as_o that_o man_n be_v not_o oppressor_n drunkard_n reviler_n swearer_n adulterer_n etc._n etc._n be_v require_v hereunto_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o general_o more_o be_v require_v to_o constitute_v such_o a_o citizen_n as_o shall_v represent_v the_o righteous_a law_n he_o live_v under_o than_o to_o constitute_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n 2._o that_o whereas_o regeneration_n be_v express_o require_v in_o the_o gospel_n 5._o to_o give_v a_o right_n and_o privilege_n unto_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n or_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n whereby_o that_o kingdom_n of_o he_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o kingdom_n in_o and_o of_o the_o world_n unto_o a_o interest_n wherein_o never_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v require_v it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v something_o better_o more_o excellent_a and_o sublime_a than_o any_o thing_n the_o law_n and_o polity_n of_o man_n pretend_v unto_o or_o prescribe_v wherefore_o it_o can_v consist_v in_o any_o outward_a rite_n easy_a to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o worst_a and_o vile_a of_o man_n beside_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o description_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n unto_o its_o consist_v in_o any_o such_o rite_n 1_o pet._n 3.21_o and_o many_o thing_n require_v unto_o good_a citizen_n be_v far_o better_o than_o the_o mere_a observation_n of_o such_o a_o rite_n of_o this_o regeneration_n baptism_n be_v the_o symbol_n the_o sign_n 3.21_o expression_n and_o representation_n wherefore_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n partaker_n of_o it_o it_o give_v all_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v until_o they_o come_v unto_o such_o season_n wherein_o the_o personal_a performance_n of_o those_o duty_n whereon_o the_o continuation_n of_o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o
brethren_n leave_v they_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n they_o begin_v to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o interest_n which_o they_o call_v rule_n or_o canon_n and_o never_o leave_v enlarge_a they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n until_o they_o enstate_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n by_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o whereon_o they_o become_v not_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n in_o office_n unto_o any_o person_n call_v thereunto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v formal_o in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hence_o it_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o such_o officer_n a_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v formal_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o grant_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o delegation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o they_o design_v choose_v set_v apart_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o thereon_o be_v entrust_v with_o office-power_n by_o christ_n himself_o according_a as_o be_v before_o declare_v this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o officer_n namely_o to_o design_n call_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o the_o person_n by_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n unto_o those_o office_n whereunto_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v annex_v church_n power_n and_o authority_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o dispute_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o officer_n they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n needful_a unto_o such_o duty_n who_o be_v immediate_o call_v unto_o they_o hereby_o all_o thing_n become_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v church_n duty_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n wherefore_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v which_o have_v a_o double_a exercise_n first_o in_o the_o call_n or_o choose_v of_o officer_n second_o in_o their_o voluntary_a act_n with_o they_o and_o under_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o rule_n 1._o all_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o office-power_n be_v require_v and_o 2._o every_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n as_o unto_o his_o own_o consent_n or_o dissent_v in_o what_o he_o be_v himself_o concern_v that_o this_o power_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v original_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v reside_v in_o any_o other_o who_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v upon_o any_o occasional_a intermission_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o all_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o need_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v again_o insist_v on_o vi_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v take_v objective_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o state_n and_o the_o law_n of_o its_o rule_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v it_o subjective_o as_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v the_o government_n in_o it_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o rule_v it_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o this_o wisdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.9_o whereby_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v require_v 1._o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o this_o purpose_n ezra_n 7.6_o 7_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2.14_o 15._o 3._o humble_a wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v about_o ezek._n 43.11_o 4._o a_o conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o skill_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v talent_n trade_v with_o due_o will_v increase_v 5._o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n be_v call_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o how_o much_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o church_n government_n yea_o how_o much_o it_o be_v despise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a unto_o all_o it_o be_v skill_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o vexatious_a court_n with_o the_o learning_n subtilty_n and_o art_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a skill_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v no_o way_n meet_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o according_a as_o any_o do_v arrive_v unto_o a_o dexterity_n in_o this_o polity_n they_o be_v esteem_v eminent_o useful_a but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o do_v what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o unto_o political_a end_n we_o inquire_v nor_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n require_v unto_o this_o end_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v of_o it_o more_o despise_v more_o neglect_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o those_o who_o pretence_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o authority_n will_v make_v it_o most_o necessary_a unto_o they_o two_o thing_n follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o wisdom_n intend_v be_v not_o promise_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o before_o lay_v down_o but_o respect_n be_v have_v herein_o only_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n hereon_o depend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o ruler_n for_o wisdom_n for_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o grant_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n wherefore_o those_o who_o on_o every_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o advance_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o disorderly_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o out-cry_n of_o some_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v suppose_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n better_o than_o they_o whereas_o the_o government_n which_o they_o exercise_v belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v easy_o discern_v nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o themselves_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o herein_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o order_v
discharge_v of_o this_o office._n many_o have_v be_v the_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n occasion_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o disorderly_a affection_n of_o some_o person_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v the_o truth_n herein_o with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o call_v itself_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a 1._o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o office._n he_o give_v it_o appoint_v it_o erect_v it_o in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o as_o he_o give_v appoint_v ordain_v a_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o apostleship_n so_o he_o ordain_v appoint_a and_o give_v the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastorship_n or_o teach_v they_o have_v both_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o he_o appoint_v this_o office_n for_o continuance_n or_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n ephes._n 4.13_o matth._n 28.19_o and_o therefore_o he_o take_v order_n by_o his_o apostle_n that_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n pastor_n elder_n or_o bishop_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o ordain_v unto_o the_o care_n and_o discharge_v of_o it_o in_o all_o church_n which_o be_v do_v by_o they_o according_o act._n 14.22_o 23._o chap._n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o tit._n 1.5_o wherein_o he_o give_v rule_n unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o prescribe_v they_o their_o duty_n 3._o on_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n act._n 20.28_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n hereon_o a_o double_a necessity_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n do_v depend_v first_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o precept_n or_o command_n of_o it_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o obedience_n which_o it_o owe_v to_o christ_n and_o second_o of_o its_o be_v the_o principal_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o church_n wherefore_o although_o he_o can_v himself_o feed_v his_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o outward_a institute_v mean_n of_o edification_n yet_o where_o this_o office_n fail_v through_o its_o neglect_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o destruction_n that_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o no_o promise_n of_o feed_v or_o edification_n 4._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v command_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o obedience_n unto_o those_o who_o enjoy_v and_o exercise_v this_o office_n among_o they_o now_o all_o these_o command_n be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a nor_o can_v any_o obedience_n be_v yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o observance_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o this_o office._n and_o the_o church_n lose_v as_o much_o in_o grace_n and_o privilege_n as_o it_o lose_v in_o command_n for_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n do_v grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n consist_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 5._o this_o office_n be_v accompany_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o none_o can_v take_v or_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o be_v not_o either_o found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o collate_v by_o divine_a ordination_n be_v usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o take_v either_o sword._n to_o invade_v a_o office_n which_o include_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v to_o disturb_v all_o right_n natural_a divine_a and_o civil_a that_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v include_v in_o this_o office_n be_v evident_a 1._o from_o the_o name_n ascribe_v unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v vest_v as_o pastor_n bishop_n elder_n ruler_n all_o of_o they_o require_v of_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o work_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v feed_v by_o rule_n and_o teach_v 3._o from_o the_o execution_n of_o church-power_n in_o discipline_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v unto_o they_o 4._o from_o the_o command_n give_v for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o which_o respect_n authority_n 5._o from_o their_o appointment_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o exert_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v do_v no_o other_o way_n 6._o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o but_o if_o man_n may_v enter_v upon_o it_o and_o discharge_v it_o without_o any_o such_o call_v that_o rule_n with_o the_o way_n of_o the_o call_v prescribe_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a affront_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n than_o to_o act_v in_o it_o in_o neglect_n of_o or_o opposition_n unto_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o it_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o accountable_a trust_n commit_v unto_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office._n the_o whole_a flock_n the_o ministry_n itself_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o all_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o 2_o tim._n 2.2_o 16_o 23._o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 13.17_o they_o who_o must_v give_v a_o account_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wicked_a or_o foolish_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o trust_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o he_o they_o be_v brand_v as_o profligate_o wicked_a who_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o impudent_a falsification_n and_o what_o shall_v he_o be_v esteem_v who_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o high_a trust_n that_o any_o creature_n be_v capable_a off_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o its_o discharge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n without_o any_o divine_a call_n or_o warranty_n 8._o there_o be_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office_n especial_a promise_n grant_v and_o annex_v of_o present_a assistance_n and_o future_a eternal_a reward_n matth._n 28.19_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o either_o these_o promise_n belong_v unto_o they_o who_o take_v this_o office_n on_o themselves_o without_o any_o call_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o then_o have_v they_o neither_o any_o especial_a assistance_n in_o their_o work_n nor_o can_v expect_v any_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o than_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v the_o benefit_n of_o divine_a promise_n without_o any_o divine_a designation_n 9_o the_o general_a force_n of_o the_o rule_n heb._n 5.4_o include_v a_o prohibition_n of_o undertake_v any_o sacred_a office_n without_o a_o divine_a call_n and_o so_o the_o instance_n of_o such_o prohibition_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o unto_o the_o duty_n annex_v unto_o a_o office_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o vzziah_n invade_v the_o priesthood_n or_o of_o take_v a_o ministerial_a office_n without_o call_n or_o mission_n as_o jerem._n 27.9_o 14_o 15._o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n of_o god_n institution_n may_v be_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n 10._o whoever_o therefore_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o pastoral_a office_n without_o a_o lawful_a outward_a call_n do_v take_v unto_o himself_o power_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o divine_a warranty_n which_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n interest_n himself_n in_o a_o accountable_a trust_n no_o way_n commit_v unto_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o assistance_n in_o or_o reward_n for_o his_o work_n but_o engage_v in_o that_o which_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o church-order_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n itself_o 11._o yet_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v annex_v unto_o this_o assertion_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n as_o 1._o many_o thing_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o other_o not_o call_v to_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o charity_n such_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o exhort_v admonish_a comfort_a instruct_v and_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o 2._o spiritual_a gift_n may_v be_v exercise_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o without_o office-power_n where_o order_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o
shall_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o transgress_v in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o society_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o entire_a nor_o the_o next_o immediate_a ground_n reason_n or_o warranty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a excommunication_n for_o this_o natural_a equity_n will_v not_o extend_v itself_o unto_o case_n that_o be_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n thereon_o reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o excommunication_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o no_o man_n have_v right_o or_o power_n either_o to_o enter_v into_o themselves_o or_o to_o exclude_v other_o from_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n no_o warranty_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o voluntary_a confederation_n can_v enable_v any_o to_o constitute_v a_o church-society_n unless_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n express_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o his_o church_n be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n which_o none_o can_v constitute_v or_o build_v but_o himself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n into_o and_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n do_v arise_v from_o his_o grant_n and_o institution_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o this_o society_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o 2._o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o person_n whatever_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o authority_n itself_o however_o ministerial_o exercise_v by_o other_o be_v his_o alone_a and_o he_o exert_v it_o not_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n so_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n direct_v that_o excommunication_n be_v exert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v in_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 3._o the_o privilege_n from_o which_o man_n be_v exclude_v by_o excommunication_n be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n unto_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o mere_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o man_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o without_o a_o warranty_n from_o he_o by_o his_o institution_n expel_v other_o from_o the_o privilege_n which_o be_v mere_o of_o his_o grant_n and_o donation_n he_o alone_o therefore_o have_v give_v and_o grant_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o of_o exclude_v any_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o grant_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a power_n of_o excommunication_n inquire_v after_o 4._o there_o be_v such_o a_o efficacy_n assign_v unto_o excommunication_n in_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o retain_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o destruction_n or_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o heal_n and_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n as_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n can_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o mutual_a consent_n man_n may_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n of_o communion_n agree_v upon_o among_o they_o but_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o other_o with_o any_o of_o these_o effect_n 5._o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o express_a ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v full_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o authority_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o power_n express_v therein_o be_v not_o mere_o doctrinal_a and_o declarative_a as_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o consequent_a whereof_o upon_o the_o faith_n or_o unbelief_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o remit_v or_o retain_v of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o it_o be_v disciplinary_a also_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o house_n who_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o steward_n of_o it_o and_o see_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v his_o church_n holy_a vnblamable_a and_o without_o offence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v make_v a_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o whereas_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v constitute_v be_v liable_a and_o subject_a unto_o sin_n scandalous_a and_o offensive_a reflect_v dishonour_n on_o himself_o and_o the_o church_n in_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_v unto_o other_o that_o design_n will_v not_o have_v be_v accomplish_v have_v he_o not_o give_v this_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o itself_o all_o that_o do_v by_o their_o sin_n so_o give_v offence_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o the_o glory_n honour_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o length_n utter_o lose_v 2._o it_o have_v a_o direct_a institution_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n etc._n etc._n tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n after_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a contest_v that_o have_v be_v about_o this_o place_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o such_o as_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la about_o such_o church_n and_o such_o excommunication_n as_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o by_o trespass_n in_o this_o place_n sin_z against_o god_n give_v scandal_n or_o offence_n be_v intend_v have_v be_v prove_v before_o as_o also_o that_o by_o a_o church_n a_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n be_v intend_v this_o church_n have_v the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o its_o member_n commit_v unto_o it_o when_o bring_v before_o it_o in_o the_o due_a order_n describe_v hereon_o it_o make_v a_o determination_n design_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o recovery_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o his_o sin_n by_o his_o hear_n of_o its_o counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n it_o be_v to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o communion_n leave_v he_o in_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n so_o be_v he_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n bind_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o his_o sin_n unless_o he_o do_v repent_v the_o rejection_n of_o a_o offend_a brother_n out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n leave_v he_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a declare_v he_o liable_a unto_o the_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n without_o repentance_n be_v the_o excommunication_n we_o plead_v for_o and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o with_o its_o exercise_n be_v plain_o here_o grant_v by_o christ_n and_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n 3._o according_a unto_o this_o institution_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o we_o have_v several_a instance_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n the_o magician_n a_o baptize_v professor_n by_o peter_n who_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v neither_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o wickedness_n act._n 8.13_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o single_a act_n of_o one_o apostle_n and_o so_o may_v be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a i_o shall_v omit_v it_o however_o that_o fact_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_o declarative_a of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o like_a case_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v it_o can_v be_v
the_o whole_a church_n as_o unto_o faith_n in_o general_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n before_o describe_v 2._o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n respect_v the_o church_n itself_o as_o its_o material_a object_n for_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o have_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n confine_v unto_o no_o place_n nor_o party_n of_o man_n no_o empire_n nor_o dominion_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o confinement_n as_o also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v redeem_a call_v sanctify_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o interest_n his_o concernment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v confine_v that_o this_o church_n he_o will_v save_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o opposition_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o after_o death_n will_v raise_v it_o up_o and_o glorify_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o it_o unto_o which_o alone_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v appertain_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o all_o other_o or_o confine_v it_o unto_o a_o party_n unto_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o appropriate_a he_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v a_o comfort_a refresh_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o many_o duty_n in_o they_o continual_o 3._o this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o faith_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o it_o namely_o prayer_n so_o be_v it_o state_v ephes._n 2.18_o for_o through_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v consist_v the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o prayer_n in_o all_o church_n have_v one_o object_n which_o be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n god_n as_o the_o father_n proceed_v in_o all_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o continual_o offer_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n who_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o intercession_n and_o by_o who_o they_o have_v all_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o same_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v all_o a_o bless_a communion_n herein_o continual_o and_o this_o communion_n be_v the_o more_o express_a in_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o be_v for_o all_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n not_o any_o one_o member_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o however_o this_o communion_n be_v invisible_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n yet_o be_v it_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o heaven_n this_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o or_o wrought_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o equal_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o object_n even_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n together_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n give_v unto_o all_o church_n a_o communion_n far_o more_o glorious_a than_o what_o consist_v in_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n of_o man_n devise_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n by_o who_o to_o convey_v or_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n but_o christ_n alone_o the_o only_a highpriest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v renounce_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n herein_o 4._o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o church_n affect_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o unto_z and_o among_o they_o all_o neither_o do_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o administration_n interrupt_v that_o communion_n but_o wherever_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v deny_v or_o their_o nature_n or_o use_n be_v pervert_v or_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v annex_v unto_o their_o administration_n there_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v renounce_v 5._o they_o have_v also_o by_o faith_n communion_n herein_o in_o that_o all_o church_n do_v profess_v a_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v other_z instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v how_o unscriptural_a the_o notion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a communion_n with_o or_o among_o church_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o certain_a power_n order_n and_o rite_n the_o press_v whereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o uniformity_n have_v cast_v all_o thought_n of_o real_a evangelical_n church_n communion_n into_o oblivion_n second_o church_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o end_v declare_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o live_v constant_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o church-duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o continuation_n increase_v and_o edification_n have_v also_o a_o especial_a union_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o mutual_a communion_n thence_o arise_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v love_n not_o the_o common_a regulate_v affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o call_v not_o mere_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n towards_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o blood_n with_o themselves_o but_o a_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o bond_n of_o its_o union_n unto_o its_o self_n whence_o the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n because_o in_o itself_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n and_o motive_n unto_o it_o with_o its_o peculiar_a end_n and_o proper_a exercise_n it_o be_v absolute_o new_a and_o evangelical_n a_o explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v either_o so_o utter_o lose_v or_o have_v such_o vile_a image_n of_o it_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o full_a consideration_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o another_o place_n i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v give_v from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church-union_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o abide_v with_o his_o church_n thereby_o unite_n it_o unto_o himself_o do_v work_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o may_v and_o do_v animate_v they_o unto_o all_o those_o mutual_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n one_o with_o another_o herein_o consist_v the_o union_n of_o every_o church_n in_o itself_o of_o all_o church_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n their_o communion_n consist_v
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o voluntary_a convention_n of_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o some_o other_o of_o neighbour_a church_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n or_o heresy_n among_o they_o in_o and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o call_v together_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith._n in_o after_o age_n those_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o italy_n germany_n france_n and_o england_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n advise_v about_o thing_n civil_a and_o political_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o religious_a especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o mutual_a contest_v between_o pope_n and_o prince_n in_o they_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v lose_v and_o bury_v and_o all_o religion_n almost_o destroy_v thus_o this_o laudable_a practice_n of_o church_n act_v their_o mutual_a communion_n by_o meeting_n in_o synod_n or_o assembly_n by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n to_o advise_v about_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a concernment_n and_o joint_a edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o countenance_v by_o primitive_a apostolical_a example_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o design_v interest_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o all_o church-power_n in_o such_o synod_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n give_v unto_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o instance_n innumerable_a and_o whereas_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v fill_v so_o many_o volume_n with_o their_o act_n and_o do_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o pope_n will_v place_v all_o religion_n in_o they_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n so_o bellarmine_n affirm_v pighius_fw-la to_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr coelest_n hierarch_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 1._o but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o de_fw-fr council_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o superstructure_n pretend_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o of_o these_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o principal_n for_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o public_a edification_n incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n they_o be_v presume_v just_o to_o know_v best_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o to_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n under_o consideration_n and_o they_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v than_o any_o private_a brethren_n can_v do_v and_o so_o receive_v that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o also_o they_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o report_v and_o recommend_v the_o synodal_n determination_n unto_o their_o church_n and_o a_o contrary_a practice_n will_v quick_o introduce_v confusion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o alone_o shall_v be_v so_o send_v or_o delegated_a by_o the_o church_n but_o many_o have_v other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v so_o until_o prelatical_a usurpation_n overturn_v their_o liberty_n so_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v from_o antioch_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o be_v impudent_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a concur_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n there_o make_v 5._o that_o which_o be_v term_v the_o call_n of_o these_o synod_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n for_o the_o end_n before_o declare_v i_o no_o way_n deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v convene_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n with_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v meet_a within_o his_o own_o territory_n yea_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o convention_n meet_v man_n out_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o other_o by_o their_o consent_n to_o advise_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v he_o advice_n about_o such_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o regulate_v himself_o according_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v with_o good_a success_n and_o may_v be_v with_o bad_a also_o and_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o church_n have_v power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o convene_v themselves_o in_o synod_n to_o exercise_v any_o exterior_a jurisdiction_n that_o shall_v affect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v allow_v but_o whereas_o the_o synod_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o any_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v outward_o concern_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n but_o only_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o their_o call_n beyond_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o external_a peace_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o when_o they_o can_v obtain_v they_o must_v deport_v themselves_o as_o in_o case_n of_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o synod_n in_o what_o measure_n extent_n and_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o although_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v concern_v their_o original_a nature_n cause_n use_v and_o end_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a power_n ascribe_v unto_o synod_n the_o first_o be_v declarative_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v constitutive_a appoint_v and_o ordain_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o observe_v by_o and_o upon_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o three_o executive_a in_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n towards_o person_n and_o church_n the_o person_n who_o the_o authority_n plead_v may_v affect_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v their_o proper_a representative_n present_v in_o such_o synod_n who_o be_v direct_o concern_v in_o its_o conciliary_a determination_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o such_o representative_n in_o they_o who_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v but_o in_o the_o doctrine_n material_o consider_v declare_v in_o they_o wherefore_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o church_n receive_v comply_v with_o or_o obey_v the_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n must_v be_v either_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n give_v unto_o those_o determination_n by_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o affect_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o first_o way_n wherein_o the_o assent_n and_o obedience_n of_o church_n be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v thereof_o not_o only_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v own_v but_o there_o be_v a_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o if_o due_o seek_v and_o regard_v whence_o great_a respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o decree_n respect_v either_o 1._o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n declare_v and_o be_v recommendatory_a of_o they_o on_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o person_n to_o censure_n excommunicate_a or_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o just_a power_n of_o synod_n may_v be_v positive_o and_o negative_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n
society_n overthrow_v its_o nature_n and_o frustrate_v its_o institution_n in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n see_v act._n 20.28_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 1_o tim._n 9.5_o chap._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o revel_v 2.3_o 2._o different_n and_o distinct_a gift_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o distinct_a work_n and_o duty_n this_o belong_v unto_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n gift_n be_v bestow_v to_o answer_v all_o duty_n prescribe_v hence_o they_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v ability_n for_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n wherein_o christ_n be_v please_v to_o grant_v it_o ephes._n 4.7_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o wherefore_o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n so_o be_v they_o to_o minister_v the_o same_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o hence_o be_v they_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v heb._n 6.4_o 5._o wherefore_o differ_v gift_n be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o differ_v office_n and_o duty_n 3._o that_o differ_v gift_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o different_a work_n of_o pastoral_n teach_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o practical_a rule_n on_o the_o other_o be_v evident_a 1._o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_v themselves_o be_v so_o different_a and_o 2._o from_o experience_n some_o man_n be_v fit_v by_o gift_n for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n in_o a_o way_n of_o pastoral_n feed_v who_o have_v no_o useful_a ability_n in_o the_o work_n of_o rule_n and_o some_o be_v fit_v for_o rule_n who_o have_v no_o gift_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n work_n in_o preach_v yea_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o gift_n do_v concur_v in_o any_o eminency_n in_o the_o same_o person_n or_o without_o some_o notable_a defect_n those_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o assume_v all_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fit_v for_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o esteem_v both_o these_o work_n to_o belong_v principal_o unto_o they_o do_v almost_o total_o decline_v the_o one_o or_o that_o of_o pastoral_n preach_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o attend_v unto_o the_o other_o that_o be_v rule_n in_o a_o very_a preposterous_a way_n for_o they_o omit_v that_o which_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a and_o more_o worthy_a for_o that_o which_o be_v less_o and_o inferior_a unto_o it_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v attend_v unto_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o this_o and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o traditional_a notion_n which_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o and_o continue_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n namely_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o on_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n incumbent_a and_o who_o principal_a work_v it_o be_v to_o attend_v thereunto_o for_o the_o great_a depravation_n of_o all_o church_n government_n proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n and_o abuse_v of_o this_o notion_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o original_n be_v true_a and_o sacred_a herein_o also_o malum_fw-la habitat_fw-la in_o alieno_fw-la fundo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o corruption_n in_o church-order_n or_o rule_n but_o be_v corrupt_o derive_v from_o or_o be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o image_n of_o some_o divine_a institution_n 4._o the_o work_n of_o rule_n as_o distinct_a from_o teach_v be_v in_o general_a to_o watch_v over_o the_o walk_n or_o conversation_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o authority_n exhort_v comfort_v admonish_a reprove_v encourage_v direct_v of_o they_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v the_o gift_n necessary_a hereunto_o be_v diligence_n wisdom_n courage_n and_o gravity_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o the_o pastoral_a work_n be_v principal_o to_o reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o or_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o general_a dispensation_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o it_o in_o all_o season_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n hereunto_o spiritual_a wisdom_n knowledge_n sound_v judgement_n experience_n and_o utterance_n be_v require_v all_o to_o be_v improve_v by_o continual_a study_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o this_o difference_n of_o gift_n unto_o these_o distinct_a work_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o constitute_v distinct_a office_n because_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v meet_o furnish_v with_o those_o of_o both_o sort_n 5._o yet_o distinct_a work_n and_o duty_n though_o some_o be_v furnish_v with_o gift_n for_o both_o be_v a_o ground_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n where_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o those_o of_o one_o office_n can_v ordinary_o attend_v unto_o act._n 6.2_o 3_o 4._o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o temporal_a necessity_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n the_o administration_n hereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v furnish_v for_o with_o gift_n and_o wisdom_n above_o all_o other_o but_o yet_o because_o there_o be_v another_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n superior_a hereunto_o and_o of_o great_a necessity_n unto_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o think_v meet_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o be_v any_o obstruction_n unto_o the_o other_o i_o do_v not_o observe_v this_o as_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o other_o after_o they_o to_o do_v the_o same_o namely_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o a_o especial_a work_n to_o erect_v a_o especial_a office._n only_o i_o will_v demonstrate_v from_o hence_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o that_o institution_n which_o we_o shall_v afterward_o evince_v 6._o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n whereunto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v annex_v with_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o especial_a application_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o insist_v on_o unto_o the_o flock_n be_v ordinary_o sufficient_a to_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o endowment_n who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o work_n in_o itself_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o short_a description_n of_o it_o add_v as_o a_o intimation_n of_o its_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n add_v unto_o its_o weight_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o intention_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n and_o compassion_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a office_n the_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n so_o as_o to_o provide_v spiritual_a food_n convenient_a for_o they_o with_o a_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o the_o issue_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o life_n of_o man_n be_v enough_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o take_v up_o their_o whole_a time_n and_o strength_n it_o be_v gross_a ignorance_n or_o negligence_n that_o occasion_v any_o to_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v general_o discharge_v as_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o weekly_a provision_n of_o sermon_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o state_v office_n by_o read_v man_n may_v have_v time_n and_o liberty_n enough_o to_o attend_v unto_o other_o occasion_n but_o in_o such_o person_n we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v our_o rule_n be_v plain_a 1_o tim._n 4.12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o 7._o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v
these_o act_n of_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a rule_n but_o what_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a there_o be_v in_o what_o it_o do_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o do_v receive_v or_o reject_v but_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o organical_a as_o there_o be_v elder_n or_o ruler_n instate_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n commit_v for_o those_o act_n of_o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v apply_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o dly_z the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o mutual_n intense_a peculiar_a love_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v exercise_v continual_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 2._o personal_a holiness_n in_o gracious_a moral_a obedience_n 3._o vsefulness_n towards_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o all_o man_n absolute_o as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v 4._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v mutual_o unto_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o place_n and_o order_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o possess_v in_o the_o body_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v church-rule_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o ends._n 3_o dly_z hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o outward_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o disposal_n of_o time_n season_n place_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o church-assembly_n the_o regulation_n of_o speech_n and_o action_n the_o appointment_n of_o season_n for_o extraordinary_a duty_n according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n from_o present_a circumstance_n be_v act_n of_o rule_n who_o right_a reside_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o elder_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v place_v by_o christ_n for_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o pastoral_a office_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o have_v now_o be_v add_v concern_v its_o rule_n in_o general_a i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o ability_n as_o to_o suppose_v himself_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o both_o sort_n in_o the_o least_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v yea_o suppose_v more_o teaching-elders_a in_o every_o church_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o equal_o bind_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o that_o work_n by_o any_o inferior_a duty_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n continual_o it_o will_v appear_v at_o length_n to_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o peculiar_a office_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o rule_n with_o diligence_n and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n ensue_v 1._o they_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o church-power_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v those_o before_o declare_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v join_v and_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o labour_v also_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n compose_v wherein_o reside_v all_o church-authority_n and_o in_o this_o conjunction_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a determine_v all_o act_n of_o rule_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n this_o give_v order_n with_o a_o necessary_a representation_n of_o authority_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o particular_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o the_o rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v with_o a_o due_a care_n that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v due_o observe_v by_o and_o among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v whatever_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_n whatever_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n church-rule_n be_v a_o due_a care_n and_o provision_n that_o the_o institution_n law_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v due_o observe_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereof_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n we_o may_v give_v some_o instance_n as_o 1._o to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o way_n walk_v and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v blameless_a without_o offence_n useful_a exemplary_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n answer_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n which_o in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v thereof_o and_o upon_o the_o observation_n which_o they_o so_o make_v in_o the_o watch_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o instruct_v admonish_v charge_n exhort_v encourage_v comfort_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o with_o courage_n and_o diligence_n 2._o to_o watch_n against_o all_o rise_n or_o appearance_n of_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n on_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a as_o unto_o their_o name_n right_n and_o propriety_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n to_o be_v find_v among_o his_o disciple_n this_o he_o call_v his_o own_o new_a command_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n require_v it_o his_o example_n first_o illustrate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o reveal_v and_o teach_v wherefore_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o this_o law_n of_o love_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o fruit_n with_o the_o prevention_n removal_n or_o condemnation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o consist_v and_o consider_v the_o weakness_n the_o passion_n the_o temptation_n of_o man_n the_o mutual_a provocation_n and_o exasperation_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o even_o among_o the_o best_a the_o influence_n that_o earthly_a occasion_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o frowardness_n sometime_o of_o man_n natural_a temper_n the_o attendance_n unto_o this_o one_o duty_n or_o part_n of_o rule_n require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o be_v mere_o either_o the_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o law_n and_o its_o fruit_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n or_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o decay_n and_o of_o breech_n make_v in_o it_o or_o ignorance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o preservation_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o especial_a office_n be_v not_o require_v hereunto_o 3._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o warn_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o especial_a church-duty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v negligent_a or_o want_v in_o they_o there_o be_v especial_a duty_n require_v respective_o of_o all_o church-member_n according_a unto_o the_o distinct_a
get_v a_o pretence_n of_o its_o power_n administer_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o wherein_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v nor_o of_o those_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v apply_v be_v any_o way_n concern_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n or_o any_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ._n from_o a_o observation_n hereof_o and_o a_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v as_o well_o christian_n religion_n from_o such_o a_o scandalous_a abuse_n as_o mankind_n from_o bondage_n to_o such_o a_o monstrous_a fiction_n as_o be_v the_o present_a power_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o some_o have_v fall_v into_o another_o extreme_a deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o excommunication_n appoint_v or_o approve_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v a_o way_n to_o reduce_v religion_n nor_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o unto_o its_o primitive_a order_n and_o purity_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v when_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o abuse_n of_o it_o but_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v be_v not_o a_o rational_a way_n to_o reprove_v and_o convince_v that_o abuse_n and_o when_o those_o who_o have_v corrupt_v this_o institution_n find_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o argument_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n it_o make_v they_o secure_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o abuse_n of_o it_o for_o they_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o justify_v their_o present_a possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n but_o that_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n by_o christ_n whereas_o the_o true_a consideration_n of_o this_o appointment_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o divest_v they_o of_o their_o power_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o discharge_v and_o disprove_v all_o corruption_n in_o the_o agenda_fw-la or_o practical_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o sacrament_n public_a worship_n rule_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o propose_v and_o declare_v the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o original_a simplicity_n and_o purity_n as_o appoint_v by_o christ_n and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n a_o real_a view_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o proposal_n will_v divest_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n not_o corrupt_v and_o harden_v by_o prejudice_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o erroneous_a conception_n of_o they_o that_o from_o some_o kind_n of_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v prepossess_v withal_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o attempt_v in_o this_o particular_a of_o excommunication_n there_o have_v be_v great_a enquiry_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o this_o ordinance_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o latter_a jew_n for_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o it_o in_o general_a belong_v unto_o a_o church_n as_o such_o every_o church_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o evangelical_n only_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o it_o have_v be_v sift_v to_o the_o bran_n already_o and_o intermix_v with_o many_o rabbinical_a conjecture_n and_o mistake_n in_o general_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o doublâ—_n removal_n of_o person_n by_o church-authority_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n in_o divine_a worship_n the_o one_o for_o a_o season_n the_o other_o for_o ever_o whereof_o i_o have_v give_v instance_n elsewhere_o but_o i_o intend_v only_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o all_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v such_o by_o voluntary_a confederation_n according_a unto_o peculiar_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n unto_o especial_a duty_n and_o end_n have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o receive_v into_o their_o society_n those_o that_o be_v willing_a and_o meet_a engage_v themselves_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n and_o to_o expel_v they_o out_o of_o it_o who_o wilful_o deviate_v from_o those_o rule_n this_o be_v the_o life_n and_o form_n of_o every_o lawful_a society_n or_o community_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o which_o they_o can_v neither_o coalesce_v nor_o subsist_v but_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o so_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n have_v right_o or_o power_n so_o to_o do_v and_o many_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o this_o end_n as_o 1._o that_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o such_o a_o society_n be_v svi_fw-la juris_fw-la have_v a_o lawful_a right_o to_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n hence_o child_n servant_n subject_n have_v no_o power_n in_o themselves_o to_o enter_v into_o such_o society_n without_o the_o interposition_n of_o and_o obligation_n from_o a_o power_n superior_a unto_o that_o of_o parent_n master_n or_o prince_n namely_o that_o of_o god_n himself_o 2._o that_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o the_o society_n be_v lawful_a good_a and_o useful_a unto_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o there_o may_v be_v a_o confederation_n in_o and_o for_o evil_a which_o be_v a_o combination_n that_o give_v no_o right_a nor_o power_n over_o one_o another_o or_o towards_o other_o that_o enter_v into_o it_o 3._o that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o other_o in_o thing_n divine_a or_o humane_a 4._o nor_o oblige_v unto_o the_o omission_n or_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n that_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n natural_a moral_a or_o political_n do_v owe_v unto_o other_o nor_o 5._o be_v hurtful_a unto_o themselves_o in_o their_o life_n liberty_n name_n reputation_n usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o unto_o who_o preservation_n they_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o 6._o can_v be_v or_o be_v such_o person_n oblige_v to_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o themselves_o in_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o engagement_n of_o blind_a obedience_n unto_o other_o which_o will_v render_v every_o society_n unlawful_a by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n 7._o lest_o of_o all_o have_v any_o person_n right_o or_o power_n to_o oblige_v themselves_o in_o such_o society_n unto_o thing_n evil_a sinful_a superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o themselves_o and_o every_o way_n sufficient_a to_o divest_v all_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o fraternity_n that_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n of_o all_o that_o right_n and_o power_n which_o belong_v unto_o lawful_a society_n constitute_v by_o voluntary_a confederation_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o these_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v pretend_v in_o church_n it_o dive_v they_o of_o all_o power_n as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o compact_n or_o confederation_n whatever_o 2._o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a consent_n vest_v with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n mention_v do_v neither_o give_v nor_o take_v away_o any_o right_n privilege_n or_o advantage_n to_o or_o from_o any_o member_n of_o the_o society_n which_o belong_v unto_o they_o natural_o or_o political_o but_o their_o power_n be_v confine_v unto_o those_o thing_n alone_o wherein_o man_n may_v be_v benefit_v and_o advantage_v by_o the_o society_n and_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o political_a society_n man_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o forego_v many_o particular_a advantage_n which_o without_o they_o they_o may_v make_v unto_o themselves_o but_o they_o can_v forego_v any_o of_o those_o right_n which_o in_o their_o several_a relation_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o give_v power_n over_o themselves_o in_o such_o thing_n unto_o the_o society_n so_o be_v it_o with_o church_n the_o power_n of_o expulsion_n out_o of_o their_o society_n extend_v only_o unto_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o society_n as_o such_o do_v afford_v and_o communicate_v now_o these_o be_v only_a thing_n spiritual_a if_o church_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o he_o who_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world._n the_o power_n then_o that_o be_v in_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v extend_v not_o itself_o unto_o any_o outward_a concernment_n of_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o life_n liberty_n natural_a or_o political_a privilege_n estate_n or_o possession_n unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o man_n hold_v and_o possess_v these_o thing_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v
and_o unless_o this_o union_n be_v dissolve_v unless_o a_o church_n be_v disunite_v from_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v so_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a however_o it_o may_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o other_o in_o the_o world._n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o union_n there_o proceed_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n a_o bond_n of_o union_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a spirit_n act_v itself_o in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o kingly_a royal_a beautiful_a union_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n bring_v it_o into_o a_o relation_n unto_o himself_o as_o his_o body_n communicate_v of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o it_o govern_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n enable_v it_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n for_o unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hold_v he_o as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o 2._o love_n unto_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o 3._o that_o especial_a holiness_n who_o foundation_n be_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n 4._o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o thing_n be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reality_n and_o power_n of_o they_o be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o be_v its_o external_a form_n 2._o there_o concur_v hereunto_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o i_o mean_v all_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o church_n catholic_n do_v act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o these_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v term_v relatio_fw-la aequiparentiae_fw-la wherein_o neither_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v equal_a it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o unto_o another_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a as_o unto_o what_o concern_v their_o essence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o bond_n hereof_o be_v that_o especial_a love_n which_o christ_n require_v among_o all_o his_o disciple_n act_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o union_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o relation_n unto_o god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o unto_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o holiness_n the_o same_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o church-order_n with_o mutual_a love_n effectual_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n there_o may_v be_v failure_n in_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n among_o they_o about_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o they_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v the_o best_a know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n but_o whilst_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v this_o be_v that_o bless_a oneness_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o so_o earnest_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n one_o among_o themselves_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o horrid_a image_n of_o it_o which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o church_n which_o all_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o bow_v down_o unto_o and_o worship_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n furnance_n of_o any_o other_o union_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v always_o the_o same_o inviolable_a unchangeable_a comprehend_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n not_o confinable_a unto_o any_o state_n or_o party_n not_o interruptible_a by_o any_o external_a form_n nor_o to_o be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o such_o dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n as_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o questionable_a among_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o evangelical_n faith_n holiness_n obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o mutual_a love_n abide_v in_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v profess_v that_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a other_o catholic_n church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o believe_v none_o nor_o any_o that_o need_v other_o thing_n unto_o its_o constitution_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v our_o present_a enquiry_n namely_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v their_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o same_o gospel_n duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o mutual_a act_n towards_o each_o other_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n this_o the_o primitive_a church_n provide_v for_o in_o creed_n and_o symbol_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v know_v but_o as_o never_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o own_v by_o all_o church_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a hence_o we_o have_v as_o many_o arian_n creed_n yet_o extant_a as_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o particular_a ☜_o church_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o profess_a assent_n unto_o all_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v provide_v that_o no_o error_n be_v avow_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o although_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avow_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o yet_o by_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o they_o may_v embrace_v and_o adhere_v unto_o such_o error_n as_o may_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith._n such_o be_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a person_n or_o office_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o may_v also_o add_v that_o of_o their_o own_o unto_o their_o profess_a belief_n as_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o tradition_n as_o equal_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o another_o head_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o another_o sacrifice_n beside_o what_o he_o once_o offer_v for_o all_o and_o the_o like_a but_o where_o any_o be_v preserve_v from_o such_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o communion_n with_o
annex_v thereunto_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o sole_a formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n state_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v so_o often_o to_o have_v break_v and_o which_o they_o so_o often_o solemn_o renew_v unto_o god._n 19_o this_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v whereon_o the_o church_n state_n that_o be_v build_v thereon_o be_v utter_o take_v away_o for_o hereon_o the_o hebrew_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a church_n of_o god_n because_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v so_o be_v abolish_v and_o take_v away_o as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n will_v ☞_o still_o continue_v unto_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n act._n 2.38_o 39_o but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v utter_o take_v away_o 20._o upon_o the_o removal_n therefore_o of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n state_n found_v thereon_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n privilege_n be_v also_o take_v away_o the_o thing_n substitute_v in_o their_o room_n be_v total_o of_o another_o kind_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n be_v continue_v and_o transfer_v unto_o the_o gospel_n worshipper_n the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o he_o be_v change_v but_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o whereas_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n covenant_n be_v in_o themselves_o carnal_a only_o and_o no_o way_n spiritual_a but_o as_o they_o be_v typical_a and_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v burdensome_a yea_o a_o yoke_n intolerable_a the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o the_o new_a church_n state_n whereinto_o we_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o easy_a but_o withal_o have_v such_o holy_a and_o eminent_a privilege_n as_o the_o church_n can_v no_o way_n enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o church_n covenant_n nor_o can_v be_v believer_n make_v partaker_n of_o they_o before_o that_o covenant_n be_v abolish_v wherefore_o 21._o the_o same_o way_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n state_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o more_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o must_v still_o be_v continue_v for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n and_o privilege_n by_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a consent_n with_o a_o engagement_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o voluntary_a relation_n and_o society_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o erect_v the_o church_n state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v express_o require_v of_o all_o believer_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o thing_n last_o treat_v of_o concern_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n it_o remain_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a or_o a_o body_n corporate_a a_o spiritual_o political_a society_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o it_o be_v entrust_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v now_o whereas_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o estate_n by_o the_o set_n fix_v or_o place_v officer_n in_o it_o method_n will_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v first_o treat_v of_o they_o their_o nature_n name_n power_n and_o the_o way_n of_o come_v unto_o their_o office_n but_o whereas_o all_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v found_v in_o the_o grant_n of_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n of_o polity_n and_o rule_n therein_o by_o jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v first_o treat_v somewhat_o thereof_o in_o general_n that_o which_o we_o intend_v on_o various_a consideration_n and_o in_o divers_a respect_n be_v call_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n the_o polity_n the_o rule_n the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v its_o authority_n or_o power_n it_o be_v polity_n be_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o act_v that_o power_n unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v rule_n be_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n it_o be_v government_n be_v the_o exercise_n and_o application_n of_o that_o authority_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n and_o it_o be_v call_v its_o discipline_n principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o end_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o material_a whether_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o accurate_o distinguish_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o general_a the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o its_o edification_n this_o power_n in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la or_o fundamental_o be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la or_o its_o exercise_n in_o they_o that_o be_v especial_o call_v thereunto_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o some_o be_v a_o plain_a secular_a dominion_n have_v any_o affinity_n hereunto_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o act_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v ministerial_a only_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o all_o this_o authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n be_v vest_v in_o he_o alone_o 2._o it_o be_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n only_o which_o no_o authority_n can_v reach_v but_o he_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v he_o whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o afterward_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o rule_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o itself_o rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o chap._n 13.10_o ephes._n 4.14_o 15._o 3._o this_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o especial_a end_n of_o all_o power_n grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o a_o ministry_n unto_o edification_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v for_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o dominion_n over_o the_o person_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n accompany_v with_o secular_a grandeur_n wealth_n and_o power_n the_o lord_n christ_n never_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o any_o authority_n for_o any_o such_o end_n yea_o they_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o he_o luk._n 22.25_o matth._n 20.26_o 27_o 28._o jesus_n call_v his_o disciple_n unto_o he_o and_o say_v you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v all_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o romanist_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o secure_v their_o papal_a domination_n from_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o whereas_o their_o utmost_a pretence_n and_o defence_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o dominion_n and_o power_n absolute_o that_o be_v forbid_v but_o the_o unlawful_a tyrannical_a oppressive_a exercise_n of_o power_n such_o as_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v there_o any_o dominion_n in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o among_o the_o gentile_n more_o cruel_a oppressive_a and_o bloody_a than_o that_o of_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v on_o the_o rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a yea_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n who_o their_o subject_n for_o their_o moderate_a and_o equal_a rule_n with_o their_o usefulness_n unto_o their_o country_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
or_o benefactor_n their_o rule_n as_o unto_o the_o kind_a and_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n he_o approve_v of_o and_o such_o a_o power_n or_o pre-eminence_n it_o be_v namely_o good_a and_o just_a in_o itself_o not_o tyrannical_a and_o oppressive_a that_o the_o two_o disciple_n desire_v in_o his_o kingdom_n which_o give_v occasion_n unto_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o for_o in_o this_o power_n or_o dominion_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o over_o the_o person_n good_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o court_n coercive_a jurisdiction_n process_n of_o law_n and_o external_n force_v in_o punishment_n 2._o the_o state_n grandeur_n pre-eminence_n wealth_n exaltation_n above_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o these_o in_o the_o least_o participation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n whatever_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v admit_v in_o his_o kingdom_n or_o to_o have_v any_o place_n therein_o on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o of_o lordship_n domination_n pre-eminence_n in_o lordly_a power_n in_o his_o church_n no_o court_n no_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n no_o exercise_n of_o any_o humane_a authority_n do_v he_o allow_v therein_o for_o by_o these_o mean_n do_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n those_o that_o be_v the_o benefactor_n of_o their_o country_n rule_n among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o what_o in_o opposition_n hereunto_o he_o prescribe_v unto_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o great_a the_o best_a in_o office_n grace_n and_o gift_n namely_o a_o ministry_n only_o to_o be_v discharge_v in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n how_o well_o this_o great_a command_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v and_o be_v comply_v withal_o by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o know_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v ministerial_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a declaration_n and_o application_n of_o the_o command_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n wherein_z those_o who_o exercise_v it_o be_v servant_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o introduction_n of_o humane_a authority_n into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o kind_n destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v in_o their_o measure_n like_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n nor_o be_v it_o ofttimes_o from_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o more_o like_o they_o than_o they_o be_v the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o christ_n his_o family_n his_o kingdom_n to_o act_v any_o power_n in_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o he_o which_o derive_v not_o from_o he_o which_o be_v not_o communicate_v by_o his_o legal_a grant_n or_o to_o act_v any_o power_n by_o way_n process_n rule_n and_o law_n not_o of_o his_o appointment_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o dominion_n it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v if_o the_o church_n be_v his_o family_n his_o house_n his_o kingdom_n for_o what_o father_n will_v endure_v that_o any_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o family_n as_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o child_n and_o estate_n but_o his_o own_o what_o earthly_a prince_n will_v bear_v with_o such_o a_o intrusion_n into_o his_o right_n and_o dominion_n foreign_a papal_a power_n be_v severe_o exclude_v here_o in_o england_n because_o it_o entrenche_n on_o the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o king_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o do_v not_o encroach_v upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o authority_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o or_o by_o law_n and_o rule_n not_o enact_v by_o he_o but_o more_o foreign_a unto_o his_o kingdom_n than_o the_o canon_n law_n or_o the_o pope_n rule_n be_v unto_o the_o law_n of_o this_o nation_n lest_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o statute_n of_o praemunire_n matth._n 10.26_o 27_o 28._o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n then_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o for_o such_o end_n as_o wherein_o and_o whereby_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v act_v the_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n both_o those_o that_o rule_n and_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v as_o unto_o all_o their_o civil_a and_o political_a concern_v in_o this_o world_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o inhabit_v and_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concern_v the_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n but_o whereas_o the_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o spiritual_a as_o unto_o its_o object_n which_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o as_o unto_o its_o end_n which_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o god_n their_o spiritual_a obedience_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v a_o frenzy_n to_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o this_o rule_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n alone_o to_o sum_n up_o this_o discourse_n if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a of_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v precise_o limit_v thereunto_o if_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o they_o be_v servant_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o its_o edification_n if_o all_o lordly_a domination_n in_o a_o exaltation_n above_o the_o church_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n by_o external_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n be_v forbid_v unto_o they_o if_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a mighty_a through_o god_n and_o not_o through_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n for_o spiritual_a end_n only_o it_o be_v apparent_a how_o it_o have_v be_v lose_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o lordly_a domination_n a_o secular_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n with_o law_n and_o power_n no_o way_n derive_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n alive_a to_o reconcile_v the_o present_a government_n of_o some_o church_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o officer_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o that_o rule_n or_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o they_o act_n and_o proceed_v or_o power_n which_o they_o exercise_v or_o the_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o claim_v or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o its_o administration_n unto_o any_o tolerable_a consistency_n with_o the_o principle_n rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o preserve_v their_o loyalty_n entire_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v in_o their_o own_o practice_n seek_v after_o the_o reduction_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o appointment_n in_o the_o public_a disposal_n of_o nation_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n 4._o whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o its_o rule_n unto_o edification_n give_v and_o commit_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o his_o church_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o ☞_o this_o power_n be_v communicate_v what_o it_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v which_o shall_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a church_n power_n commit_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n who_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a subject_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o it_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o according_a unto_o any_o rule_v prescribe_v thereunto_o for_o their_o office_n as_o it_o be_v apostolical_a be_v antecedent_n unto_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o gospel_n church_n state_n proper_o so_o call_v neither_o have_v any_o church_n the_o least_o concurrence_n or_o influence_n into_o their_o call_n or_o mission_n howbeit_o when_o there_o be_v a_o church_n state_n the_o