and_o synod_n that_o they_o may_v so_o far_o as_o convenient_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o common_a consent_n and_o mutual_a assistance_n especial_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o yet_o how_o much_o great_a and_o further_a space_n and_o remoteness_n of_o distance_n there_o be_v between_o particular_a church_n so_o much_o the_o less_o also_o be_v the_o visible_a communion_n of_o those_o church_n because_o the_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o mutual_a edification_n be_v less_o or_o more_o according_a as_o the_o distinct_a distance_n of_o place_n be_v great_a or_o less_o wherefore_o there_o be_v a_o more_o strict_a visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o the_o church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n then_o between_o the_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a and_o consequent_o the_o jurisdiction_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n be_v also_o less_o visible_a between_o these_o then_o between_o the_o church_n of_o one_o nation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o government_n and_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o only_o for_o the_o inform_v of_o church_n what_o be_v command_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o by_o law_n and_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n for_o there_o be_v a_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n belong_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o church_n join_v in_o class_n and_o synod_n which_o to_o particular_a church_n single_o and_o several_o belong_v not_o to_o wit_n a_o power_n of_o make_v canon_n and_o law_n ecclesiastical_a which_o may_v bind_v all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o kingdom_n to_o obey_v they_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n do_v not_o take_v away_o or_o hurt_v the_o power_n or_o liberty_n ecclesiastical_a of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o serve_v to_o direct_v preserve_v and_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o synod_n be_v not_o privative_a but_o cumulative_a and_o grant_v for_o this_o end_n that_o the_o power_n give_v to_o particular_a church_n may_v be_v more_o efficacious_a orderly_a regular_a able_a and_o apt_a for_o edify_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n belong_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n immediate_o grant_v from_o god_n not_o derive_v from_o class_n or_o synod_n as_o likewise_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n a_o power_n of_o their_o own_o immediate_o grant_v by_o god_n and_o not_o derive_v from_o the_o particular_a church_n for_o though_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o original_a or_o the_o rise_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o synod_n particular_a church_n entire_a in_o themselves_o collateral_a one_o to_o another_o and_o equal_a in_o church_n power_n do_v in_o common_a contribute_v associate_n and_o exercise_v their_o church_n power_n and_o so_o make_v up_o a_o collective_a and_o combine_a body_n of_o a_o synod_n yet_o the_o synodical_a authority_n of_o itself_o be_v not_o grant_v to_o any_o other_o first_o subject_n from_o whence_o it_o shall_v be_v derive_v to_o the_o synod_n then_o to_o the_o synod_n itself_o to_o which_o alone_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o apostolical_a institution_n that_o power_n belong_v for_o no_o particular_a church_n single_o and_o several_o consider_v may_v exercise_v a_o synodical_a power_n over_o other_o church_n but_o we_o affirm_v 1._o that_o this_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o government_n and_o discipline_n ecclesiastical_a in_o common_a which_o be_v exercise_v in_o synod_n and_o class_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o to_o imitate_v 2._o that_o these_o synod_n and_o class_n have_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n synodall_n and_o classical_a whereby_o they_o do_v by_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n authoritative_o decern_v matter_n ecclesiastical_a and_o impose_v those_o decree_n under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o particular_a church_n our_o opinion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n 1._o in_o act._n 15._o we_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n practise_v a_o express_a example_n of_o a_o synod_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n about_o a_o question_n concern_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o which_o synod_n that_o business_n which_o have_v wrought_v a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o particular_a church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 4_o 5_o 23._o be_v by_o the_o deputy_n of_o several_a church_n ver_fw-la 2_o 6_o 23._o act._n 21._o 17_o 18_o 25._o determine_v with_o power_n authoritative_a to_o bind_v particular_a church_n to_o obedience_n ver_fw-la 22_o 28._o chap._n 16._o 4._o &_o 21_o 25._o and_o the_o false_a doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o hearer_n be_v by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n condemn_v with_o spiritual_a power_n ver_fw-la 28_o 29._o which_o thing_n be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o appear_v revel_v 2._o 2_o 14_o 20._o and_o the_o determination_n of_o this_o ecclesiastical_a law_n be_v not_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolic_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a authority_n ecclesiastical_a for_o it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o apostle_n alone_o extraordinary_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n join_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v not_o by_o their_o apostololicall_a but_o by_o their_o ordinary_a pastoral_n authority_n with_o great_a discussion_n and_o disputation_n and_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a apostolical_a authority_n but_o by_o a_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a power_n 2._o our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n mat._n 18._o 17_o 18._o where_o he_o do_v institute_v such_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n as_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n make_v provision_n and_o prepare_v efficacious_a remedy_n against_o all_o scandal_n and_o offence_n if_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n do_v give_v scandal_n to_o one_o another_o he_o bid_v that_o it_o be_v show_v to_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n to_o wit_n the_o church_n representative_a which_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v condemn_v and_o punish_v and_o remove_v from_o ecclesiastical_a and_o brotherly_a communion_n the_o person_n offend_v and_o therefore_o do_v likewise_o command_v that_o if_o particular_a church_n give_v offence_n to_o one_o another_o it_o shall_v be_v carry_v to_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n which_o may_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n condemn_v punish_v and_o put_v from_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n the_o particular_a church_n offend_v for_o where_o the_o law_n make_v no_o distinction_n or_o restriction_n there_o must_v not_o we_o distinguish_v or_o restrain_v and_o certain_o the_o remedy_n institute_v in_o this_o place_n be_v ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o remove_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n all_o scandal_n not_o only_o cause_v by_o particular_a member_n but_o also_o by_o whole_a church_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a assembly_n which_o may_v by_o authoritative_a ecclesiastical_a power_n judge_n of_o the_o scandal_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a judge_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v from_o this_o institution_n for_o judge_v the_o scandal_n of_o particular_a member_n for_o since_o that_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o province_n nation_n yea_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o which_o communion_n be_v not_o only_o fraternal_a but_o ecclesiastical_a whereby_o church_n as_o church_n or_o body_n ecclesiastical_a be_v join_v and_o unite_v in_o doctrine_n government_n worship_n discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n and_o see_v that_o in_o this_o holy_a communion_n scandal_n be_v commit_v which_o be_v unbeseeming_a those_o church_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v forth_o from_o that_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n therefore_o both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o divine_a law_n here_o institute_v by_o christ_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v a_o superior_a ecclesiastical_a senate_n furnish_v with_o spiritual_a and_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n which_o may_v remove_v those_o scandal_n hence_o parker_n himself_o de_fw-la politia_fw-la ecclesiast_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o ground_v the_o authority_n of_o synod_n on_o this_o place_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disput_fw-la 49._o thes_n 10._o discourse_n thus_o the_o institution_n of_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n and_o so_o also_o of_o a_o synod_n be_v not_o of_o humane_a but_o of_o divine_a right_n be_v found_v on_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n tell_v the_o church_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n whosoever_o you_o bound_v on_o earth_n etc._n etc._n where_o
in_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n and_o society_n again_o that_o whole_a communion_n or_o society_n be_v by_o excommunication_n deprive_v of_o its_o member_n and_o so_o the_o particular_a church_n exercise_v excommunication_n in_o a_o business_n not_o proper_a to_o itself_o but_o in_o a_o matter_n common_a which_o concern_v all_o the_o church_n of_o that_o ecclesiastical_a body_n it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o handle_v by_o they_o all_o the_o end_n of_o excommunication_n that_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o leaven_n of_o infection_n be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o the_o ecclesiastical_a society_n purge_v from_o offence_n concern_v not_o only_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o classical_a or_o synodical_a society_n and_o therefore_o the_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v decern_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o proper_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 6_o 7._o the_o censure_n of_o reprehension_n and_o condemnation_n against_o those_o brethren_n that_o trouble_v the_o church_n and_o subvert_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n perform_v and_o put_v in_o execution_n act._n 15._o 1_o 6_o 24._o that_o degree_n or_o step_n towards_o excommunication_n show_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o synod_n power_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o excommunication_n for_o to_o that_o assembly_n to_o which_o belong_v a_o ecclesiastical_a reproof_n and_o censure_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o belong_v also_o in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n and_o obstinacy_n the_o authority_n and_o judgement_n of_o excommunication_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o compare_v with_o 1_o cor._n 5_o 4_o 5._o and_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 6._o for_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o ecclesiastical_a bind_v as_o the_o reform_a divine_n do_v every_o where_o teach_v furthermore_o bind_v say_v bucer_n dissert_n de_fw-fr gubernation_n ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 374._o consist_v partly_o in_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v with_o the_o offence_n of_o many_o partly_o in_o correction_n answerable_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n whereby_o we_o provide_v both_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o kind_n or_o degree_n of_o correction_n be_v reprehension_n abstention_n from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o excommunication_n according_o in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o no_o particular_a church_n be_v permit_v to_o deliver_v any_o one_o to_o satan_n by_o excommunication_n but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la see_v the_o synod_n at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 62._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 69._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 69._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 76._o 4._o class_n and_o synod_n have_v power_n to_o exercise_v church_n discipline_n and_o censure_n on_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o in_o those_o act_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o keep_v of_o ecclesiastical_a person_n only_o to_o their_o duty_n which_o act_v consist_v in_o prohibition_n and_o execution_n prohibition_n be_v whereby_o the_o church_n forbid_v to_o pastor_n and_o whole_a presbytery_n under_o penalty_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o disobedient_a what_o ever_o thing_n be_v account_v scandalous_a to_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n or_o do_v hinder_v public_a edification_n as_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o secular_a employment_n to_o take_v money_n for_o admit_v to_o baptism_n to_o retain_v a_o adulterous_a wife_n to_o take_v up_o arm_n in_o sedition_n to_o keep_v hawk_n and_o hound_n for_o hunt_v to_o use_v game_n to_o be_v present_a at_o dance_n and_o stageplays_a which_o have_v be_v forbid_v in_o counsel_n with_o judicial_a and_o definitive_a authority_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o counsel_n by_o execution_n be_v understand_v ecclesiastical_a punishment_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n to_o be_v inflict_v on_o offender_n which_o be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o offence_n the_o principal_a be_v suspension_n and_o deposition_n suspension_n when_o they_o prohibit_v any_o from_o the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o his_o office_n till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o have_v give_v the_o church_n satisfaction_n deposition_n i_o call_v that_o whereby_o they_o do_v whole_o put_v the_o offender_n from_o his_o function_n the_o greek_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o there_o be_v also_o some_o degree_n for_o some_o when_o deprive_v from_o their_o office_n be_v only_o hinder_v from_o meddle_v with_o holy_a thing_n but_o do_v not_o whole_o abstain_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n other_o be_v debar_v from_o this_o also_o yea_o and_o shut_v out_o from_o all_o sacred_a communion_n and_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n of_o these_o censure_n the_o canon_n and_o history_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v frequent_o make_v mention_n and_o that_o in_o inflict_v of_o these_o synod_n do_v improve_v their_o authority_n and_o endeavour_n be_v konw_v to_o all_o that_o be_v not_o stranger_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o counsel_n but_o let_v we_o consult_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o when_o the_o apostle_n command_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o ephesine_fw-la classis_fw-la to_o watch_v against_o such_o as_o shall_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o he_o intimate_v clear_o that_o they_o have_v a_o authority_n to_o drive_v away_o wolf_n act._n 20._o 30_o 31._o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o congregation_n but_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n or_o a_o unite_a society_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n pass_v a_o prohibition_n and_o condemnation_n in_o order_n to_o church_n censure_n on_o those_o pastor_n who_o teach_v perverse_a thing_n and_o trouble_v particular_a church_n with_o much_o disputation_n as_o have_v be_v say_v from_o act_n 15._o and_o thus_o censure_n suspension_n and_o deposition_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n from_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n in_o many_o case_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o classical_a assembly_n and_o provincial_n synod_n in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n in_o the_o netherlands_o see_v the_o synod_n at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 9_o 99_o 100_o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 39_o 40_o 72_o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 58_o 59_o 60._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 79._o 5._o there_o belong_v authority_n to_o class_n and_o synod_n to_o pass_v a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n against_o the_o whole_a consistory_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o case_n they_o disturb_v the_o church_n with_o damnable_a error_n or_o pollute_v it_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o vice_n and_o if_o they_o obstinate_o adhere_v to_o their_o perverse_a doctrine_n and_o corrupt_a manner_n then_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n by_o the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o spiritual_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v because_o a_o synod_n of_o pastor_n by_o the_o concionall_a key_n may_v authoritative_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n denounce_v a_o anathema_n against_o a_o particular_a church_n err_v perverse_o for_o this_o one_o single_a pastor_n of_o a_o church_n may_v do_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o office_n commit_v to_o he_o how_o much_o more_o than_o a_o synod_n of_o pastor_n now_o to_o a_o unity_n or_o ecclesiastical_a college_n institute_v by_o god_n to_o who_o by_o authority_n of_o their_o office_n there_o belong_v the_o concionall_a or_o doctrinal_a key_n there_o belong_v also_o the_o key_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o for_o in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a college_n or_o society_n god_n have_v conjoin_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o together_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o and_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n this_o appear_v evident_o to_o the_o consistory_n whereof_o god_n have_v give_v not_o only_o a_o concionall_a and_o comminatory_a power_n to_o denounce_v a_o anathema_n but_o also_o a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n join_v with_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o great_a and_o superior_a church_n assembly_n also_o have_v god_n give_v both_o these_o power_n joint_o the_o apostle_n attribute_n to_o the_o unite_a association_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o galatia_n a_o power_n of_o cut_v off_o all_o those_o troubler_n who_o corrupt_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 5._o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o what_o hinder_v therefore_o but_o that_o they_o may_v exercise_v this_o power_n against_o a_o
a_o consideration_n of_o certain_a controversy_n at_o this_o time_n agitate_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n write_a at_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la by_o guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n and_o send_v from_o the_o walachrian_a church_n to_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n octob._n 16._o 1644._o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la translate_v out_o of_o latin_a according_a to_o the_o print_a copy_n london_n print_v by_o g._n m._n for_o tho._n vnderhill_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o woodstreet_n 1645._o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lord_n the_o lord_n william_n boreel_n lord_n of_o duynbeque_n etc._n etc._n counsellor_n and_o chief_a syndick_n of_o the_o city_n of_o amsterdam_n the_o lord_n john_n de_fw-fr reed_n lo._n of_o reinswoud_n etc._n etc._n deputy_n in_o ordinary_a in_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o province_n of_o vtrecht_n the_o lord_n albert_n joachimi_fw-la lord_n of_o oedekenskerk_n in_o oostende_v secretary_n of_o the_o republic_n of_o tergoes_a ambassador_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n of_o the_o netherlands_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a and_o most_o illustrious_a lord_n the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la be_v move_v with_o the_o deplorable_a face_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o english_a church_n will_v glad_o contribute_v some_o assistance_n for_o the_o quench_n of_o that_o flame_n of_o controversy_n rise_v among_o they_o concern_v the_o discipline_n and_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o afford_v not_o their_o prayer_n only_o but_o their_o counsel_n and_o assistance_n also_o meet_v for_o compose_v these_o contention_n whereby_o the_o billow_n of_o dissension_n may_v be_v assuage_v and_o a_o happy_a peace_n restore_v to_o those_o trouble_a church_n by_o their_o authority_n therefore_o and_o command_v they_o have_v employ_v i_o in_o this_o present_a work_n and_o out_o of_o pure_a zeal_n and_o brotherly_a love_n to_o those_o church_n have_v late_o enjoin_v i_o to_o exhibit_v to_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o london_n our_o ecclesiastical_a government_n prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o confirm_v by_o ground_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o reform_a divine_n which_o work_n be_v now_o finish_v and_o after_o a_o diligent_a examination_n by_o those_o pastor_n approve_v i_o offer_v to_o your_o most_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n for_o to_o you_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o all_o the_o tender_a care_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o sacred_a peace_n and_o unity_n together_o with_o truth_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o high_a and_o mighty_a lord_n the_o state_n general_n of_o the_o netherlands_o principal_o commit_v the_o promote_a whereof_z with_o all_o your_o utmost_a endeavour_n will_v even_o by_o the_o event_n be_v manifest_a if_o so_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n there_o will_v permit_v and_o sure_o if_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o providence_n sometime_o prosper_v your_o endeavour_n and_o make_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o we_o all_o effectual_a i_o do_v certain_o trust_v that_o the_o wound_n of_o the_o church_n of_o eng._n may_n by_o your_o assistance_n and_o help_n be_v cure_v and_o the_o dissension_n raise_v by_o your_o peaceable_a and_o prudent_a counsel_n be_v compose_v for_o god_n have_v confer_v on_o you_o large_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n prudence_n piety_n and_o zeal_n whereby_o the_o disturb_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o moderate_a counsel_n of_o peace_n and_o the_o perplex_a affair_n of_o a_o shake_a kingdom_n to_o the_o straight_a bond_n of_o renew_a amity_n which_o that_o the_o great_a and_o gracious_a god_n may_v more_o and_o more_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v in_o you_o and_o bless_v with_o prosperous_a success_n in_o the_o business_n commit_v to_o your_o most_o excellent_a lordship_n i_o beg_v with_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o from_o my_o soul_n desire_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o preserve_v your_o most_o excellent_a most_o noble_a magnificent_a &_o most_o illustrious_a lordship_n and_o inspire_v those_o counsel_n into_o his_o royal_a majesty_n and_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n which_o you_o afford_v your_o assist_a endeavour_n may_v restore_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n together_o with_o edification_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v of_o love_n middleburgh_n the_o first_o of_o november_n 1644._o your_o most_o excellent_a and_o noble_a lordship_n most_o observant_a guilielmus_fw-la apollonii_fw-la pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o middleburgh_n in_o zealand_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n reverend_n and_o belove_a brethren_n in_o christ_n assemble_v in_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n write_v some_o month_n since_o to_o the_o church_n of_o zealand_n a_o express_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o your_o entire_a friendship_n but_o also_o of_o your_o confidence_n and_o sincere_a affection_n towards_o we_o into_o who_o bosom_n you_o be_v please_v to_o pour_v forth_o your_o fluctuate_a mind_n our_o wish_n and_o endeavour_n be_v that_o we_o may_v give_v you_o a_o real_a experiment_n of_o our_o brotherly_a compassion_n for_o our_o very_a inmost_a bowel_n burn_v within_o we_o with_o the_o zeal_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n when_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o affliction_n when_o the_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n of_o our_o holy_a brethren_n pierce_v our_o ear_n and_o when_o we_o serious_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o your_o calamity_n o_o that_o our_o eye_n be_v resolve_v into_o fountain_n of_o water_n that_o we_o may_v lament_v day_n and_o night_n the_o desolation_n of_o the_o people_n our_o mind_n tremble_v to_o hear_v the_o desperate_a counsel_n and_o wicked_a attempt_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n have_v be_v to_o blot_v out_o from_o among_o you_o the_o whole_a face_n of_o a_o reform_a church_n and_o total_o to_o hinder_v all_o better_a counsel_n and_o have_v bring_v it_o thus_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o band_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v break_v all_o thing_n be_v now_o involve_v in_o a_o cruel_a war_n all_o hope_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n take_v away_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n overthrow_v but_o as_o god_n do_v by_o his_o favour_n prosper_v right_a counsel_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o bring_v the_o wicked_a plot_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o those_o who_o contrive_v they_o and_o by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v over-rule_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n whereby_o his_o church_n be_v oppress_v either_o to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o own_o or_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o piety_n for_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o true_o love_v god_n they_o do_v not_o fasten_v the_o anchor_n of_o all_o their_o hope_n on_o the_o barren_a sand_n of_o mutable_a thing_n and_o humane_a strength_n but_o on_o the_o solid_a rock_n which_o can_v be_v move_v by_o any_o wave_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o church_n husband_n peculiar_a and_o present_a with_o every_o one_o in_o who_o bosom_n whoever_o do_v with_o full_a confidence_n repose_v themselves_o and_o cast_v all_o their_o care_n on_o he_o alone_o be_v quiet_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n and_o enjoy_v comfort_n and_o be_v as_o well_o thankful_a in_o adversity_n as_o in_o prosperity_n though_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n what_o be_v adverse_a but_o that_o which_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o course_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o be_v prosperous_a but_o that_o which_o conduce_v to_o it_o christ_n be_v both_o the_o husband_n the_o lord_n and_o physician_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n because_o be_v out_o of_o love_n to_o we_o draw_v to_o die_v he_o have_v knit_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o himself_o to_o we_o in_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n the_o lord_n because_o by_o the_o price_n of_o his_o blood_n he_o have_v rescue_v we_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n he_o govern_v we_o and_o bear_v rule_v in_o we_o and_o dispose_v at_o his_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o propriety_n the_o physician_n because_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n he_o alone_o do_v efficacious_o heal_v the_o evil_n of_o man_n dispel_v the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o the_o soul_n purge_v his_o church_n and_o restore_v it_o to_o health_n he_o be_v ofttimes_o more_o merciful_a when_o he_o send_v bitter_a thing_n then_o when_o he_o refresh_v with_o sweet_a thing_n he_o know_v what_o be_v expedient_a for_o his_o
obedience_n of_o christ_n those_o who_o with_o high_a mind_n exalt_v themselves_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a position_n of_o those_o 1._o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o a_o effect_n intend_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n as_o a_o mean_v appoint_v to_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o that_o never_o any_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ecclesiastical_a office_n but_o by_o accident_n as_o they_o be_v gift_v christian_n affirm_v that_o ordinary_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o as_o go_v astray_o be_v by_o such_o christian_n endue_v with_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n as_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n whereby_o such_o as_o be_v stranger_n and_o enemy_n to_o god_n may_v be_v reconcile_v 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o bring_v to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3_o 4._o 2._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o sincere_a conversion_n of_o man_n be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o those_o by_o who_o preach_v the_o word_n they_o be_v convert_v be_v send_v of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o jer._n 23._o 32._o but_o we_o judge_v that_o the_o send_v which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o rom._n 10._o 14_o 15._o be_v a_o send_n to_o a_o office_n in_o a_o due_a order_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_o perform_v and_o that_o it_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o confer_v gift_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n or_o prophecy_n but_o in_o confer_v authority_n and_o convey_v ministerial_a authority_n as_o the_o protestant_n prove_v by_o manifest_a argument_n against_o the_o socinian_o and_o although_o private_a christian_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o gift_n wherein_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o god_n do_v convert_v some_o from_o their_o sin_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v thus_o send_v as_o that_o they_o have_v authority_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o name_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n authoritative_o because_o they_o want_v the_o authoritative_a mission_n by_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whereby_o that_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v confer_v wherein_o man_n as_o the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 9_o 10._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o hence_o also_o our_o belgic_a reform_a church_n acknowledge_v that_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n by_o minister_n ecclesiastical_o call_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o man_n repentance_n and_o first_o reconciliation_n to_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o ecclesiastical_a form_n of_o establish_v pastor_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a netherlands_o question_n 2._o whether_o the_o minister_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n may_v not_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o from_o the_o common_a duty_n of_o charity_n but_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a function_n lawful_o perform_v ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n to_o who_o ordinary_a ministry_n he_o be_v not_o call_v answer_n our_o judgement_n in_o this_o question_n be_v that_o he_o who_o by_o a_o ecclesiastical_a call_n be_v lawful_o call_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o fasten_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n but_o also_o to_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n ty_v he_o to_o this_o body_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o gift_n he_o have_v receive_v but_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o special_a office_n which_o he_o bear_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o bestow_v and_o apply_v the_o exercise_n and_o work_n of_o his_o office_n for_o the_o common_a edification_n of_o that_o whole_a body_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o his_o ecclesiastical_a office_n to_o afford_v succour_n to_o the_o distress_n and_o indigency_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o earth_n yet_o without_o confusion_n and_o in_o due_a order_n and_o there_o lie_v on_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n a_o pastoral_a charge_n and_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v christ_n appoint_v pastor_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o body_n that_o all_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 24._o rom._n 12._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v exercise_v the_o ministerial_a act_n of_o his_o office_n not_o only_o in_o one_o particular_a church_n but_o in_o other_o also_o when_o the_o edification_n of_o those_o church_n require_v it_o we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o by_o election_n a_o pastors_n ministry_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a church_n for_o his_o ordinary_a charge_n yet_o by_o ordination_n and_o mission_n whereby_o authority_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n and_o the_o whole_a right_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v commit_v to_o a_o man_n he_o be_v make_v a_o pastor_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o church_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o pastoral_n care_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o church_n and_o consequent_o may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o any_o visible_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v do_v without_o confusion_n and_o in_o a_o due_a order_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n send_v forth_o pastor_n to_o nation_n and_o people_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o make_v know_v or_o to_o other_o church_n in_o distress_n or_o want_v who_o be_v unsufficient_a for_o the_o call_v of_o their_o own_o pastor_n and_o work_v their_o own_o edification_n example_n of_o this_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n act_v 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o but_o this_o send_v forth_o of_o pastor_n be_v a_o ministerial_a act_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pastoral_a office_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n a_o pastor_n therefore_o of_o one_o particular_a church_n may_v exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o another_o particular_a church_n 2._o a_o pastor_n as_o a_o pastor_n do_v exercise_v many_o ministerial_a act_n not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n whereof_o he_o be_v fix_v but_o also_o in_o reference_n to_o other_o church_n particular_a provincial_n nationall_n yea_o and_o the_o universal_a church_n for_o by_o baptism_n he_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o church_n universal_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o by_o excommunication_n he_o do_v cast_v member_n out_o not_o of_o his_o own_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o out_o of_o the_o provincial_n nationall_n and_o universal_a church_n matth_n 18._o 18_o 19_o by_o his_o pastoral_a office_n he_o offer_v up_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o other_o church_n distress_v he_o may_v preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n not_o only_o by_o virtue_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o gift_n but_o with_o pastoral_n authority_n so_o that_o by_o his_o preach_n he_o do_v bind_v and_o loose_v sinner_n he_o do_v retain_v and_o remit_v sin_n and_o as_o a_o ambassador_n send_v from_o god_n do_v beseech_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n between_o divers_a particular_a church_n not_o only_o in_o the_o common_a gift_n of_o all_o christian_n but_o also_o in_o the_o pastoral_a action_n and_o administration_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perform_v beyond_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n particular_a church_n as_o they_o be_v church_n unite_v into_o a_o sacred_a fellowship_n do_v exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o admonish_v one_o another_o mutual_o and_o consequent_o do_v maintain_v communion_n in_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v saint_n but_o also_o as_o they_o be_v church_n ministerial_a act_n therefore_o may_v be_v lawful_o exercise_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o divers_a particular_a church_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o this_o practice_n be_v hold_v forth_o in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a canon_n in_o the_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o pastor_n of_o one_o church_n exercise_v ministerial_a act_n in_o another_o particular_a church_n
whole_a particular_a church_n or_o a_o church_n consistory_n christ_n in_o matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o establish_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n in_o his_o church_n by_o divine_a institution_n do_v not_o restrain_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o a_o single_a brother_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o give_v the_o instance_n in_o such_o a_o one_o for_o he_o do_v institute_v that_o order_n in_o his_o kingdom_n whereby_o all_o scandal_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o cure_v by_o spiritual_a authority_n whether_o commit_v by_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o by_o a_o particular_a person_n or_o by_o whosoever_o and_o therefore_o if_o a_o particular_a sister_n church_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a society_n of_o many_o church_n do_v give_v a_o scandal_n to_o those_o other_o church_n they_o may_v by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v bring_v into_o order_n by_o this_o spiritual_a power_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v clear_a even_o out_o of_o parker_n himself_o that_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o class_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o christ_n institution_n in_o matt._n 18._o 17_o 18._o for_o lib._n 3._o cap._n 24._o de_fw-la politiâ_fw-la ecclesiasticâ_fw-la he_o thus_o argue_v from_o the_o proportion_n christ_n command_v that_o upon_o the_o despise_v one_o man_n admonition_n we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o admonition_n by_o two_o or_o three_o and_o if_o that_o be_v contemn_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o if_o that_o be_v despise_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o why_o not_o therefore_o from_o the_o despise_n of_o one_o whole_a church_n to_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o again_o from_o those_o more_o in_o a_o classis_fw-la to_o yet_o more_o in_o a_o synod_n and_o therefore_o also_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n not_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o but_o a_o classis_fw-la and_o synod_n also_o have_v power_n give_v of_o excommunicate_v such_o as_o commit_v scandal_n if_o by_o this_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o nature_n and_o authority_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n may_v be_v conclude_v and_o according_o in_o those_o hard_a time_n of_o the_o belgic_a church_n when_o the_o church_n among_o we_o be_v infest_a by_o the_o trouble_n and_o error_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n whole_a presbytery_n of_o church_n be_v exauthorate_v by_o the_o power_n of_o class_n and_o synod_n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o contrary_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v so_o appropriate_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n so_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v attribute_v to_o class_n and_o synod_n but_o we_o hold_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o arct_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n which_o it_o hold_v with_o other_o neighbour_n church_n in_o the_o same_o classis_fw-la or_o synod_n whereby_o it_o make_v up_o one_o ecclesiastical_a corporation_n or_o body_n and_o one_o visible_a sacred_a society_n with_o the_o associate_n church_n have_v not_o a_o absolute_a and_o complete_a power_n to_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o a_o member_n from_o that_o particular_a church_n because_o that_o member_n have_v a_o near_a arct_a and_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n associate_n among_o who_o he_o do_v daily_o converse_v and_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o do_v occasion_n to_o they_o danger_n of_o scandal_n and_o infection_n and_o receive_v from_o they_o mean_n of_o edification_n wherefore_o without_o the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o associate_n church_n he_o may_v not_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o brotherly_a and_o visible_a church_n communion_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n 2._o of_o those_o also_o who_o make_v the_o high_a power_n of_o synod_n and_o class_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o deny_v or_o withdraw_v brotherly_a communion_n but_o this_o non-communion_n as_o it_o be_v call_v we_o conceive_v to_o be_v such_o a_o act_n as_o a_o brother_n may_v exercise_v towards_o a_o brother_n a_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a church_n who_o yet_o can_v exercise_v any_o authority_n or_o censure_n of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n among_o themselves_o one_o over_o the_o other_o nor_o have_v it_o that_o efficacy_n by_o god_n ordinance_n to_o bind_v in_o heaven_n nor_o be_v it_o ordain_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o this_o end_n to_o save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o teach_v from_o god_n such_o as_o be_v erroneous_a not_o to_o blaspheme_v which_o to_o the_o legitimate_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n do_v appertain_v matth._n 18._o 17_o 18_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 20._o in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o sister_n church_n the_o same_o degree_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v in_o the_o admonition_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n but_o by_o that_o order_n proceed_v to_o excommunication_n thereby_o to_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n and_o to_o deliver_v to_o satan_n a_o obstinate_a offend_a church_n chap._n vii_o of_o set_a form_n question_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o church_n to_o prescribe_v to_o themselves_o constitute_v law_n and_o form_n and_o certain_a canon_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n wherein_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o thing_n necessary_o require_v by_o god_n for_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n expound_v and_o determine_v and_o thing_n not_o necessary_o require_v be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a power_n prescribe_v according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n from_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o holy_a prudence_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o impose_v on_o particular_a church_n and_o church-governor_n as_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n answer_n we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o these_o form_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n want_v such_o form_n when_o as_o be_v collect_v in_o one_o people_n they_o have_v express_v ritual_a law_n and_o the_o prophet_n frequent_a direction_n nor_o do_v the_o christian_a church_n want_v its_o be_v or_o well_o be_v before_o such_o time_n as_o the_o branch_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n gather_v out_o of_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o a_o brief_a abstract_n join_v together_o in_o one_o 2._o we_o deny_v that_o these_o form_n or_o declaration_n of_o faith_n and_o church-government_n be_v to_o have_v that_o authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o authenticknesse_n attribute_v to_o they_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v obtrude_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o church_n discipline_n judgement_n shall_v be_v make_v ex_fw-la formularum_fw-la terminis_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o such_o form_n we_o approve_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o nor_o will_v have_v their_o practice_n to_o be_v imitate_v of_o who_o our_o divine_n do_v heretofore_o just_o complain_v in_o that_o writing_n which_o zacharias_n vrsinus_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o university_n of_o neostad_n oppose_v to_o the_o bergenses_n concordistae_fw-la who_o will_v obtrude_v the_o word_n of_o the_o augustan_n confession_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o luther_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a proceed_n see_v chap._n 4._o of_o that_o book_n where_o much_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o use_n and_o abuse_v of_o confession_n 3._o we_o judge_v form_n of_o confession_n and_o canon_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n to_o be_v declaration_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o discipline_n badge_n and_o token_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n collect_v in_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o godly_a learned_a and_o ratify_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n after_o a_o diligent_a inquiry_n out_o of_o scripture_n wherein_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n pertain_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n gather_v as_o it_o be_v into_o a_o bundle_n be_v together_o and_o at_o once_o propose_v to_o a_o few_o eye_n and_o by_o the_o compare_v of_o all_o place_n wherein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o article_n the_o wholesome_a truth_n in_o each_o one_o be_v express_v and_o explain_v that_o the_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o
and_o that_o golden_a rule_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man_n yet_o a_o pious_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v not_o rude_o insult_v on_o they_o but_o with_o a_o reverential_a bashfulness_n avoid_v they_o as_o waldensis_n elsewhere_o speak_v but_o when_o form_n be_v compose_v and_o establish_v by_o synod_n call_v authority_n for_o the_o promote_a and_o decide_v of_o truth_n the_o establish_v integrity_n and_o order_n in_o church_n government_n they_o have_v then_o ecclesiastical_a and_o definitive_a authority_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n in_o doctrinal_a cause_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 32_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 18._o 17_o 18._o we_o hold_v therefore_o that_o to_o church_n congregat_v in_o synod_n there_o belong_v power_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n prescribe_v and_o impose_v form_n both_o of_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o particular_a church_n and_o their_o governor_n and_o private_a member_n be_v bind_v to_o confess_v and_o receive_v under_o pain_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o a_o ordinary_a power_n ecclesiastical_a do_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v such_o a_o form_n to_o other_o church_n in_o a_o question_n in_o controversy_n act_v 15._o 22_o 29._o and_o 16._o 4._o 2._o because_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o believe_v with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a fiath_n and_o undoubted_a conscience_n these_o may_v synod_n also_o enjoin_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o particular_a church_n for_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n their_o power_n extend_v to_o require_v of_o other_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o may_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n bring_v under_o those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o who_o stubborne_o oppose_v themselves_o against_o the_o decree_n and_o constitution_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n they_o may_v therefore_o by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n impose_v on_o other_o form_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o obedience_n to_o the_o faith_n draw_v up_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 3._o church_n have_v ecclesiastical_a power_n to_o prescribe_v just_a and_o approve_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o true_a doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o church_n and_o for_o overthrow_v the_o wicked_a counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o heretic_n and_o disturber_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o 13._o 10._o gal._n 5._o 12._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o but_o form_n of_o service_n and_o confession_n determine_v concern_v question_n in_o controversy_n be_v approve_v and_o just_a mean_n for_o preserve_v the_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o endanger_v by_o distraction_n and_o the_o poison_n of_o error_n act._n 15._o 23_o 24._o etc._n etc._n they_o may_v therefore_o be_v impose_v on_o particular_a church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n according_o in_o the_o ancient_a synod_n of_o church_n such_o symbol_n ecclesiastical_a canon_n confession_n and_o declaration_n of_o faith_n be_v set_v forth_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o testify_v not_o only_o what_o themselves_o do_v believe_v but_o also_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o other_o with_o who_o they_o will_v hold_v their_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n as_o all_o the_o act_n of_o synod_n do_v testify_v in_o which_o where_o they_o speak_v concern_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n they_o do_v by_o paul_n example_n anathematise_v those_o who_o think_v or_o teach_v otherwise_o whence_o also_o be_v that_o preface_n of_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o calvin_n right_o epist_n 87._o to_o the_o protector_n of_o england_n it_o be_v requisite_a to_o provide_v against_o petulant_a wit_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o too_o great_a a_o licence_n and_o the_o gate_n be_v also_o to_o be_v shut_v against_o curious_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ready_a course_n for_o this_o purpose_n be_v one_o to_o wit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sum_n of_o doctrine_n extant_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o and_o this_o in_o preach_v to_o be_v follow_v by_o all_o and_o to_o the_o observance_n thereof_o all_o bishop_n and_o minister_n to_o be_v bind_v by_o oath_n so_o as_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n but_o who_o promise_v to_o retain_v that_o consent_n of_o doctrine_n inviolate_a that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a form_n of_o catechism_n for_o the_o use_n of_o child_n and_o ignorant_a people_n thus_o will_v the_o truth_n be_v make_v familiar_a to_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o will_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o imposture_n and_o corruption_n which_o be_v apt_a by_o degree_n to_o creep_v upon_o the_o slothful_a for_o this_o you_o must_v be_v certain_o resolve_v of_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v want_v catechise_v for_o that_o therein_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v contain_v from_o whence_o a_o pure_a and_o good_a harvest_n be_v afterward_o to_o arise_v and_o so_o to_o be_v multiply_v more_o and_o more_o etc._n etc._n nor_o yet_o do_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o catechism_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o child_n for_o there_o be_v withal_o this_o other_o benefit_n that_o both_o the_o people_n be_v thereby_o instruct_v will_v be_v better_a able_a to_o profit_v in_o the_o ordinary_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n and_o also_o if_o any_o one_o be_v puff_v up_o will_v bring_v in_o some_o new_a opinion_n be_v call_v to_o examination_n by_o the_o catechism_n he_o will_v straight_o be_v discover_v thus_o calvin_n and_o thus_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n be_v that_o authority_n apply_v to_o our_o form_n of_o harmony_n to_o wit_n the_o confession_n the_o catechism_n and_o ecclesiastical_a order_n decree_v and_o confirm_v in_o synod_n that_o the_o profession_n the_o doctrine_n and_o observation_n thereof_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n enjoin_v to_o all_o who_o will_v enjoy_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n and_o who_o live_v in_o the_o holy_a union_n of_o our_o church_n see_v the_o syne_v at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o art_n 2._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 2._o &_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 8._o etc._n etc._n we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o grant_v it_o indeed_o lawful_a for_o a_o private_a person_n or_o even_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n yea_o and_o for_o all_o the_o church_n of_o a_o kingdom_n to_o make_v confession_n and_o form_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n but_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a and_o unprofitable_a to_o prescribe_v they_o either_o by_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a authority_n as_o bind_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o observe_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o now_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v with_o that_o firm_a faith_n and_o unmoved_a constancy_n and_o certainty_n of_o mind_n as_o that_o for_o the_o profession_n thereof_o all_o believer_n shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o the_o church_n with_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a faith_n judge_v that_o so_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n sure_o they_o may_v by_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a authority_n prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o constrain_v man_n to_o observance_n thereof_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o pure_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n all_o who_o be_v faithful_a son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o shed_v their_o blood_n see_v rev._n 2._o 13._o act._n 7._o 57_o 58._o luk._n 21._o 15_o 16._o therefore_o canon_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o profession_n prescribe_v out_o of_o the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o those_o who_o be_v by_o office_n to_o watch_v over_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o integrity_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n yea_o and_o we_o may_v bind_v our_o soul_n by_o oath_n to_o preserve_v and_o profess_v the_o save_a truth_n of_o god_n in_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o fall_v not_o away_o from_o the_o holy_a profession_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o see_v psal_n 119._o 106._o nehem._n 9_o 38._o and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o
profession_n do_v constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a which_o in_o reality_n and_o its_o internal_a nature_n constitute_v the_o church_n mystical_a that_o be_v faith_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 7._o 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a institute_v church_n but_o that_o which_o be_v meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o a_o constitute_v church_n but_o christ_n speak_v of_o a_o church_n mat._n 18._o 17._o meet_v together_o not_o for_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n but_o only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n discipline_n so_o likewise_o be_v that_o meeting_n call_v a_o church_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o by_o way_n of_o sermon_n preach_v the_o word_n nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o tell_v what_o god_n have_v do_v among_o the_o gentile_n act._n 14._o 27._o &_o 15._o 4._o or_o choose_v some_o to_o carry_v their_o decree_n to_o other_o act._n 15._o 22._o which_o be_v act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o therefore_o that_o meeting_n which_o meet_v only_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n and_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v also_o a_o church_n and_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n chap._n four_o of_o ecclesiastical_a power_n question_n whether_o the_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o multitude_n or_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n so_o as_o believer_n not_o bear_v any_o church_n office_n may_v by_o themselves_o immediate_o exercise_v all_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n discipline_n and_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n and_o consequent_o whether_o private_a christian_n be_v church_n member_n have_v such_o a_o ecclesiastical_a power_n as_o that_o they_o may_v authoritative_o admit_v church_n member_n to_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n reprove_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n such_o as_o commit_v offence_n bound_v by_o excommunication_n and_o church_n censure_n absolve_v from_o excommunication_n and_o authoritative_o remit_v sin_n whether_o to_o they_o also_o belong_v the_o confer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o power_n which_o give_v to_o the_o minister_n a_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o consequent_o the_o examination_n of_o pastor_n the_o send_n unto_o and_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o church_n office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o again_o authoritative_a suspending_a and_o remove_v pastor_n from_o that_o function_n answer_n the_o reform_a divine_n teach_v that_o none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n may_v arrogate_v any_o power_n to_o himself_o but_o from_o a_o divine_a calling_n and_o delegation_n from_o christ_n for_o whereas_o those_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n none_o may_v perform_v they_o but_o he_o to_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v by_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o 5._o 4._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o when_o as_o christ_n have_v vouchsafe_v this_o call_n and_o delegation_n to_o administer_v those_o holy_a function_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o some_o only_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 28_o 29._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5_o 6._o they_o therefore_o deny_v that_o this_o power_n belong_v to_o all_o they_o allow_v indeed_o to_o all_o believer_n and_o godly_a member_n in_o the_o church_n visible_a a_o spiritual_a dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o grace_n whereby_o they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n for_o divine_a grace_n have_v a_o heavenly_a authority_n and_o majesty_n accompany_v it_o but_o deny_v that_o authority_n of_o office_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n or_o jurisdiction_n belong_v to_o they_o all_o we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o all_o believer_n for_o their_o spiritual_a edification_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 2._o that_o to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n belong_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o minister_n and_o pastor_n either_o by_o suffrage_n or_o by_o free_a consent_n for_o this_o power_n be_v find_v ground_v on_o rule_n of_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 1._o 23._o and_o 6._o 2_o 3_o 4._o &_o 14._o 22._o but_o by_o this_o election_n the_o believer_n do_v not_o confer_v or_o derive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n on_o the_o minister_n or_o pastor_n choose_v but_o only_o design_v he_o on_o who_o the_o power_n of_o that_o church_n office_n be_v by_o divine_a institution_n to_o be_v confer_v by_o ecclesiastical_a ordination_n the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o spiritual_a power_n on_o minister_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v ministerial_o secondary_o and_o subordinate_o perform_v by_o the_o church_n be_v by_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a vocation_n but_o by_o election_n be_v only_o the_o designation_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o that_o power_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v and_o by_o ordination_n he_o be_v authoritative_o send_v and_o put_v into_o possession_n of_o that_o function_n to_o which_o he_o be_v by_o election_n design_v to_o be_v ordain_v ordination_n therefore_o be_v a_o act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o spalleto_n right_o discourse_v de_fw-fr repub_fw-la eccle_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 3._o num_fw-la 54._o but_o the_o act_n of_o election_n or_o nomination_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n but_o of_o the_o gift_n of_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o prove_v the_o spirit_n and_o discern_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o choose_v he_o by_o who_o teach_v they_o will_v be_v lead_v for_o the_o better_a clear_n of_o this_o business_n when_o we_o consider_v of_o a_o pastor_n call_v entire_o and_o absolute_o and_o not_o in_o reference_n to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a derivation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a right_n on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n perform_v and_o thus_o it_o comprehend_v election_n and_o ordination_n election_n have_v three_o part_n examination_n approbation_n and_o nomination_n examination_n consist_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o gift_n and_o former_a conversation_n approbation_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n judgement_n and_o assent_v judgement_n we_o call_v that_o sentence_n whereby_o the_o person_n examine_v be_v judge_v fit_a to_o undertake_v the_o ministry_n and_o may_v profitable_o perform_v it_o assent_n be_v of_o they_o who_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o judgement_n nomination_n be_v when_o one_o by_o name_n be_v by_o common_a advise_v decern_v to_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n ordination_n comprehend_v mission_n and_o admission_n mission_n or_o send_v be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o presbytery_n whereby_o the_o office_n be_v confer_v on_o the_o person_n elect_v and_o he_o send_v and_o commend_v to_o the_o church_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v design_v and_o put_v in_o possession_n of_o his_o ministry_n initiation_n or_o admission_n be_v the_o public_a administration_n of_o a_o outward_a rite_n whereby_o the_o person_n elect_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o that_o church_n and_o be_v perform_v by_o explain_v the_o divine_a institution_n prayer_n and_o a_o solemn_a blessing_n the_o common_a symbol_n of_o this_o ordination_n be_v imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o this_o whole_a business_n therefore_o of_o vocation_n we_o grant_v to_o the_o people_n nomination_n which_o be_v at_o first_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o presbyter_n and_o people_n in_o common_a the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n mean_v while_o moderate_v the_o whole_a action_n for_o they_o be_v better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o gift_n be_v therefore_o to_o perform_v this_o charge_n that_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n they_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o people_n but_o to_o lead_v they_o for_o the_o election_n be_v chief_o the_o act_n of_o minister_n the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a people_n to_o consent_v to_o that_o election_n distinct_a 63._o cap._n nosse_fw-la &_o cap._n cum_fw-la longè_fw-la for_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o apostolical_a example_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o minister_n be_v first_o to_o nominate_v and_o the_o people_n to_o assent_v to_o that_o nomination_n due_o perform_v or_o to_o consult_v in_o common_a about_o the_o person_n to_o be_v nominate_v or_o last_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o may_v just_o oppose_v that_o nomination_n free_o to_o produce_v their_o judgement_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n their_o consent_n they_o signify_v ancient_o as_o junius_n acknowledge_v disput_fw-la
servant_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n by_o special_a office_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o who_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o aright_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o to_o give_v to_o those_o in_o the_o house_n their_o due_a portion_n in_o season_n math._n 24._o 25._o right_o to_o divide_v and_o distribute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 15._o for_o the_o key_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o power_n entrust_v which_o be_v by_o christ_n commit_v to_o the_o steward_n and_o overseer_n in_o his_o house_n whereby_o to_o administer_v their_o power_n and_o by_o the_o key_n in_o scripture_n be_v signify_v authority_n faculty_n power_n administration_n of_o government_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o command_v forbid_a allow_a restrain_v as_o isa_n 22._o 22._o compare_v with_o isa_n 9_o 6._o rev._n 1._o 18._o &_o 3._o 7._o and_o mat._n 16._o 18_o 19_o denote_v minister_n power_n and_o full_a administration_n they_o be_v commit_v therefore_o to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n not_o to_o all_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o opinion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v which_o do_v overthrow_v the_o order_n constitute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o order_n christ_n have_v in_o the_o church_n visible_a as_o in_o a_o heterogeneous_a organical_a body_n constitute_v of_o divers_a integrall_a part_n to_o which_o he_o have_v give_v their_o peculiar_a function_n and_o operation_n in_o that_o ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n eye_n ear_n hand_n foot_n ruler_n and_o such_o as_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n overseer_n watchman_n pastor_n ambassador_n in_o christ_n name_n preacher_n father_n bvilder_n sower_n etc._n etc._n and_o a_o flock_n a_o people_n a_o house_n a_o field_n child_n and_o such_o as_o govern_v and_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n see_v heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 15._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 9_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o all_o in_o the_o church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n power_n of_o building_n rule_v the_o church_n by_o censure_n ecclesiastical_a etc._n etc._n all_o will_v be_v ambassador_n ruler_n father_n pastor_n watchman_n eye_n ear_n for_o to_o those_o part_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ecclesiastical_a and_o authoritative_a oversight_n and_o rule_n belong_v as_o their_o proper_a function_n therefore_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o be_v not_o common_a to_o all_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o be_v the_o proper_a function_n of_o the_o overseer_n and_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o rod_n and_o that_o severe_a power_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 10._o 3._o the_o cannon_n and_o rule_n propose_v in_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o the_o right_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o due_a use_n of_o the_o key_n be_v direct_v be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o other_o church-governor_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n instruct_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o faithful_a steward_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o also_o 1_o cor._n chap._n 3._o &_o 4._o and_o the_o fault_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o mis-governing_a of_o church_n and_o abuse_v of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n impute_v as_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o of_o some_o to_o wit_v the_o overseer_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o tit._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o revel_v 2._o 14_o 20._o 3._o joh._n 16._o 10._o the_o praise_n and_o reward_v promise_v for_o due_a order_n of_o church_n be_v not_o by_o god_n promise_v to_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 12._o heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 4_o 5._o 1_o pet._n 5._o 4_o 5._o revel_v 22._o therefore_o to_o those_o only_o be_v the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n entrust_v by_o christ_n 4._o to_o who_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o the_o key_n or_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n to_o those_o he_o give_v the_o spirit_n for_o administration_n and_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o when_o god_n send_v any_o into_o his_o church_n he_o always_o qualifi_v they_o with_o gift_n sufficient_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o example_n of_o all_o who_o god_n have_v send_v into_o the_o church_n but_o where_o be_v the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o all_o the_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n may_v remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n speak_v of_o joh._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o where_o be_v that_o prudence_n and_o wisdom_n promise_v to_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o rule_v the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o the_o people_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o by_o god_n commit_v to_o all_o hence_o also_o have_v the_o reform_a church_n always_o reject_v a_o popular_a church-government_n see_v sadeel_n treatise_n in_o french_a concern_v ecclesiastical_a discipline_n against_o morellius_n of_o who_o reverend_a beza_n libro_fw-la de_fw-fr ministrorum_fw-la gradibus_fw-la cap._n 25._o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o manner_n of_o election_n in_o the_o church_n say_v thus_o which_o order_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n religious_o and_o prudent_o observe_v hitherto_o in_o this_o city_n when_o one_o democraticall_a fanatical_a morellius_n of_o paris_n be_v bold_a by_o word_n and_o writing_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o that_o his_o writing_n be_v both_o in_o this_o church_n and_o in_o france_n in_o many_o synod_n worthy_o condemn_v and_o in_o our_o synodical_a constitution_n the_o church_n ecclesiastical_a power_n judgement_n exercise_n of_o the_o key_n and_o church-government_n be_v every_o where_o commit_v to_o the_o pastor_n &_o elder_n to_o presbytery_n consistory_n class_n and_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n anno_fw-la 1571._o from_o article_n 25._o to_o art_n 35._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 92._o to_o art_n 101._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 58._o to_o art_n 66._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 64._o to_o art_n 74._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 58._o to_o 75._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 71._o to_o art_n 81._o ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o power_n of_o send_v or_o ordain_v pastor_n or_o church-governor_n be_v commit_v by_o god_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n of_o church_n we_o grant_v indeed_o as_o be_v say_v before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o nomination_n or_o election_n allow_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o all_o the_o member_n in_o a_o church_n so_o as_o no_o minister_n may_v without_o the_o agreement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n be_v obtrude_v upon_o a_o church_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o which_o nomination_n or_o election_n do_v not_o yet_o confer_v ministerial_a power_n on_o the_o person_n elect_v but_o only_o design_v a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v be_v due_o derive_v according_a to_o the_o institute_v rule_n by_o those_o who_o have_v under_o christ_n receive_v that_o power_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n be_v derive_v on_o this_o or_o that_o person_n we_o deny_v not_o also_o but_o that_o extraordinary_o in_o a_o perplex_a and_o deprave_a estate_n of_o a_o whole_a visible_a church_n the_o multitude_n or_o faithful_a people_n in_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n and_o authoritative_o put_v they_o into_o the_o power_n right_a and_o possession_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o cogent_a necessity_n which_o admit_v no_o law_n and_o to_o which_o all_o positive_a law_n give_v place_n but_o we_o affirm_v that_o in_o a_o settle_a and_o constitute_v visible_a church_n the_o people_n by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n have_v not_o power_n of_o ordain_v or_o send_v their_o pastor_n but_o that_o potestative_a mission_n &_o ordination_n whereby_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n or_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v confer_v on_o this_o or_o that_o man_n design_v to_o the_o ministry_n belong_v to_o presbytery_n our_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o from_o those_o precept_n describe_v in_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v ordination_n or_o
send_v ruler_n to_o a_o church_n whereby_o it_o be_v commit_v not_o to_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n and_o church-governor_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o tit._n 1._o 5._o etc._n etc._n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o send_v and_o ordain_v pastor_n be_v reserve_v to_o church-governor_n and_o never_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n see_v example_n act._n 6._o 6._o act._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o 3._o because_o the_o power_n of_o suspension_n or_o degrade_n minister_n of_o a_o church_n belong_v not_o to_o the_o multitude_n for_o to_o who_o belong_v the_o authority_n of_o take_v away_o a_o ecclesiastical_a ministry_n to_o the_o same_o it_o belong_v to_o confer_v it_o for_o in_o what_o way_n any_o thing_n be_v obtain_v in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v dissolve_v but_o no_o where_o in_o scripture_n be_v this_o commit_v to_o the_o people_n to_o pass_v a_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n on_o false_a minister_n or_o teacher_n or_o remove_v they_o from_o the_o ministry_n but_o be_v require_v of_o the_o angel_n of_o church_n and_o their_o presbyter_n tit._n 1._o 10_o 13._o reve._n 2._o 2_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 20._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o so_o also_o be_v it_o decree_v by_o our_o belgic_a church_n that_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v not_o transact_v without_o the_o people_n suffrage_n or_o free_a assent_n yet_o that_o the_o mission_n or_o ordination_n into_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o church_n as_o also_o the_o suspension_n and_o degradation_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v do_v by_o the_o consistoriall_a presbytery_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o classis_fw-la see_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o synod_n at_o middleburgh_n anno._n 1591._o art_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 11_o 58._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno._n 1586._o art_n 4_o 13_o 72._o at_o middleburgh_n anno._n 1581._o art_n 4_o 7_o 64._o at_o dort_n anno._n 1619._o art_n 4_o 5_o 79._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o contrary_a opinion_n follow_v i._o of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o people_n or_o multitude_n of_o believer_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n even_o where_o there_o be_v no_o ruler_n or_o governor_n so_o that_o a_o congregation_n of_o believer_n join_v in_o church-covenant_n though_o want_v church_n governor_n have_v power_n of_o excommunication_n and_o of_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o the_o key_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o government_n save_v only_o the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o we_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o that_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n give_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v a_o organical_a body_n of_o divers_a member_n wherein_o be_v eye_n ear_n hand_n and_o foot_n pastor_n ruler_n and_o a_o flock_n which_o be_v lead_v and_o govern_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 14_o 15._o rom._n 12._o 4_o 5._o 6._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o but_o now_o believer_n join_v in_o church_n covenant_n destitute_a of_o church_n ruler_n do_v not_o make_v up_o such_o a_o organical_a body_n and_o therefore_o never_o in_o scripture_n do_v we_o meet_v with_o a_o church_n which_o exercise_v ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o yet_o be_v destitute_a of_o church_n ruler_n see_v 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o act._n 20._o 28_o 29._o revel_v chap._n 2._o and_o 3._o therefore_o to_o no_o church_n of_o believer_n want_v ruler_n be_v we_o to_o ascribe_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ii_o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o a_o church_n do_v derive_v ecclesiastical_a power_n on_o the_o church-governor_n and_o the_o church-governor_n be_v the_o believer_n servant_n proper_o so_o call_v the_o church_n mouth_n hand_n and_o instrument_n by_o who_o intervention_n she_o do_v execute_v her_o decree_n so_o that_o the_o church_n of_o believer_n under_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o his_o spouse_n and_o wife_n do_v communicate_v government_n stewardship_n and_o legal_a exercise_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o some_o certain_a man_n choose_v by_o herself_o who_o as_o her_o servant_n and_o deputy_n by_o a_o authority_n borrow_v from_o the_o multitude_n as_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v govern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o function_n but_o we_o in_o this_o cause_n do_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n thus_o judge_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o function_n and_o office_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v derive_v and_o receive_v the_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o christ_n alone_o and_o his_o institution_n ephes_n 4._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o act._n 20._o 28._o and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o all_o authority_n of_o order_n and_o jurisdiction_n be_v primary_o in_o christ_n which_o christ_n do_v immediate_o communicate_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n therein_o 2._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n by_o this_o nomination_n or_o designation_n of_o a_o person_n on_o who_o it_o may_v according_a to_o christ_n institution_n be_v due_o confer_v do_v effect_n thus_o much_o that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a office_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o by_o the_o donation_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n but_o do_v not_o derive_v this_o power_n on_o that_o person_n but_o the_o presbytery_n of_o church_n by_o a_o potestative_a mission_n or_o authoritative_a ordination_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v apply_v and_o send_v forth_o that_o person_n design_v by_o the_o people_n choice_n into_o the_o possession_n and_o exercise_n of_o that_o function_n and_o authority_n so_o that_o church_n office_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n confer_v on_o the_o church_n governor_n but_o the_o application_n of_o these_o office_n to_o these_o or_o those_o man_n be_v do_v by_o the_o potestative_a mission_n of_o the_o presbytery_n with_o the_o previous_a assent_n or_o nomination_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o the_o pastor_n therefore_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o all_o act_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o the_o church_n servant_n proper_o call_v but_o governor_n guide_n father_n ruler_n in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v who_o government_n rod_n and_o authority_n they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o embrace_v with_o due_a subjection_n and_o reverence_n heb._n 13._o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o faithful_a 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o they_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n not_o subjectiuè_n as_o if_o they_o derive_v and_o hold_v their_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n for_o than_o be_v they_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n not_o of_o god_n but_o finaliter_fw-la or_o objectiuè_fw-la because_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n for_o the_o church_n for_o who_o good_a and_o benefit_n they_o labour_v as_o christ_n be_v call_v our_o servant_n mat._n 20._o 28._o and_o the_o angel_n be_v call_v minister_a spirit_n heb._n 1._o 14._o yet_o neither_o christ_n nor_o the_o angel_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o vocation_n from_o we_o but_o exercise_v it_o for_o our_o good_a and_o service_n the_o church_n officer_n therefore_o be_v servant_n but_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o in_o who_o name_n they_o be_v ambassador_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a function_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o be_v furnish_v with_o his_o command_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 18._o be_v his_o angel_n revel_v 2._o 1._o and_o steward_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o &_o 3_o 10._o iii_o we_o reject_v also_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v that_o the_o exercise_n of_o excommunication_n can_v be_v due_o and_o lawful_o do_v but_o by_o the_o judgement_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o judge_n in_o the_o case_n of_o excommunication_n although_o we_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n may_v in_o the_o church_n be_v due_o excommunicate_v without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o against_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n but_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o great_a excommunication_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n as_o be_v say_v before_o yet_o to_o set_v all_o the_o church_n member_n in_o the_o place_n of_o judge_n we_o certain_o believe_v will_v bring_v anarchy_n and_o confusion_n into_o the_o church_n