layman_n but_o our_o roll_a elder_n we_o utter_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v layman_n as_o the_o word_n be_v common_o mean_v in_o this_o controversy_n but_o church-officer_n set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n but_o if_o they_o be_v layman_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o you_o see_v it_o be_v no_o strange_a or_o unheard_a of_o matter_n that_o church_n shall_v be_v bountiful_a to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o sundry_a sort_n of_o church_n ruler_n who_o be_v mere_o layman_n as_o their_o adversary_n misconceive_v these_o to_o be_v yea_o what_o be_v the_o many_o cloister_n of_o munks_n and_o friar_n and_o nun_n in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n be_v they_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n be_v they_o not_o layman_n &_o woman_n and_o yet_o do_v the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n grudge_v they_o their_o maintenance_n upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o laity_n but_o the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o be_v there_o never_o so_o many_o idle_a drone_n or_o stately_a ruler_n of_o man_n own_o devise_v the_o church_n must_v supply_v they_o not_o only_o with_o maintenance_n but_o with_o magnificence_n but_o let_v the_o lord_n appoint_v roll_a elder_n according_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o assist_v his_o minister_n in_o the_o work_n of_o government_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v the_o more_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n if_o they_o shall_v expect_v from_o the_o church_n any_o maintenance_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n oh_o that_o seem_v a_o strange_a matter_n and_o unheard_a of_o from_o all_o antiquity_n till_o this_o present_a age_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o lie_v elder_n as_o they_o miscall_v they_o rule_v elder_n as_o we_o with_o paul_n call_v they_o be_v not_o mean_v in_o paul_n text_n be_v because_o paul_n mention_v the_o presbyter_n but_o once_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n exclude_v all_o lay_v elder_n from_o that_o presbytery_n neglect_v not_o say_v he_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o imposition_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2_o tim._n 4.14_o this_o christian_a presbytery_n give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v minister_n but_o lay_v elder_n have_v no_o right_a to_o impose_v hand_n to_o that_o purpose_n therefore_o layman_n be_v none_o of_o this_o presbytery_n for_o if_o the_o presbytery_n be_v take_v for_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n none_o be_v of_o that_o company_n but_o such_o as_o may_v give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o if_o presbytery_n be_v take_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a than_o none_o may_v take_v that_o function_n on_o he_o but_o must_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o timothy_n do_v than_o layman_n which_o neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v whole_o debar_v both_o from_o the_o degree_n and_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o be_v in_o paul_n time_n our_o answer_n consist_v of_o three_o point_n first_o lay_v elder_n we_o disclaim_v but_o rule_v elder_n though_o not_o attend_v to_o preach_v as_o they_o have_v their_o election_n from_o the_o people_n who_o be_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v they_o ordain_v &_o set_v apart_o from_o among_o the_o people_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o presbytery_n the_o company_n of_o elder_n for_o by_o presbytery_n we_o conceive_v can_v be_v there_o mean_v the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a for_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o lay_v on_o hand_n now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a but_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n that_o lie_v on_o hand_n answ_n 2._o when_o it_o be_v say_v no_o man_n can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v all_o of_o they_o make_v a_o ready_a answer_n for_o we_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o that_o give_v shall_v always_o formal_o have_v beforehand_o receive_v that_o power_n which_o they_o give_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o virtual_o for_o instance_n a_o multitude_n of_o free_a people_n may_v elect_v and_o ordain_v a_o king_n over_o they_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o have_v before_o hand_n receive_v kingly_a power_n it_o be_v enough_o they_o have_v a_o virtual_a power_n to_o set_v up_o and_o to_o submit_v unto_o any_o lawful_a form_n of_o government_n which_o they_o see_v good_a for_o themselves_o in_o the_o land_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o wit_n some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n for_o all_o can_v not_o at_o once_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n numb_a 8.10_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o levites_n themselves_o nor_o have_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n themselves_o and_o yet_o may_v nevertheless_o impose_v hand_n upon_o other_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o peter_n not_o as_o a_o apostle_n nor_o as_o a_o elder_a but_o as_o a_o profess_a believer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o believer_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o whereupon_o the_o bind_n and_o lose_v which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o church-power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o exercise_v their_o pastoral_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administer_a of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o elect_v such_o who_o god_n have_v furnish_v with_o gift_n among_o they_o unto_o such_o office_n as_o may_v dispense_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o dedicate_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o his_o church_n now_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v this_o power_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o officer_n in_o their_o first_o ordination_n how_o can_v it_o seem_v a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o thing_n or_o a_o absurd_a matter_n that_o roll_a elder_n shall_v together_o with_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n impose_v hand_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o ordain_v answ_n 3._o beside_o there_o be_v that_o conceive_v and_o that_o not_o improbable_o that_o in_o ancient_a time_n the_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o into_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church_n liberty_n until_o that_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n do_v public_o before_o the_o church_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n make_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n and_o so_o be_v confirm_v as_o they_o which_o be_v but_o a_o small_a remnant_n in_o comparison_n 300._o year_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o primitive_a persecution_n whereof_o we_o have_v few_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n extant_a write_v in_o that_o time_n those_o we_o have_v speak_v so_o of_o elder_n as_o do_v indifferent_o comprise_v as_o well_o rule_v elder_a as_o teach_v elder_n ignatius_n his_o presbyter_n who_o he_o style_v the_o court_n of_o god_n the_o combination_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a assembly_n and_o counsellor_n and_o assessor_n of_o the_o bishop_n with_o all_o these_o epithet_n may_v as_o well_o agree_v to_o rule_v elder_n as_o to_o preacher_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o admit_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n tabernacle_n psal_n 82.1_o and_o why_o not_o then_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o tertullian_n his_o elder_n who_o be_v precedent_n over_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o attain_v that_o honour_n not_o by_o bribe_n but_o by_o approve_a testimony_n apologetic_n chap._n 29._o what_o be_v there_o in_o his_o whole_a description_n of_o they_o but_o be_v compatible_a to_o rule_v elder_n as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v yea_o cyprian_n who_o live_v in_o those_o ancient_a bloody_a but_o zealous_a time_n do_v express_o acknowledge_v elder_n that_o be_v not_o preacher_n for_o it_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o five_o epistle_n of_o his_o four_o book_n that_o he_o ordain_v calinus_fw-la and_o ancellus_n to_o be_v presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v no_o preacher_n but_o reader_n only_o and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v sportulis_fw-la communibus_fw-la that_o be_v at_o the_o common_a charge_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o to_o sit_v with_o himself_o in_o their_o grow_a year_n it_o appear_v also_o in_o
the_o ten_o epistle_n of_o his_o four_o book_n that_o he_o ordain_v numiditus_n a_o confessor_n to_o be_v a_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o first_o call_v to_o be_v a_o preacher_n ambrose_n though_o he_o outlive_v those_o time_n of_o pure_a government_n yet_o bear_v full_a witness_n to_o the_o honourable_a use_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n before_o his_o time_n for_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o 1_o tim._n 15.1_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v elder_n in_o year_n honour_v even_o in_o the_o heal_n of_o their_o fault_n he_o urge_v the_o honour_n of_o old_a age_n in_o all_o nation_n whence_o say_v he_o it_o be_v that_o the_o synagogue_n and_o afterward_o the_o church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o negligence_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n in_o the_o church_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o by_o the_o sloth_n of_o teacher_n or_o rather_o pride_n while_o they_o only_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o against_o this_o testimony_n because_o it_o be_v pregnant_a sundry_a exception_n or_o rather_o evasion_n be_v take_v as_o 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v not_o that_o ancient_a ambrose_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o milan_n but_o some_o other_o late_a of_o that_o name_n ans_fw-fr and_o what_o though_o yet_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v this_o other_o ambrose_n who_o testimony_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o ancient_a learned_a writer_n and_o therefore_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_v that_o charge_n and_o brave_a flourish_n that_o rule_v elder_n be_v utter_o unknown_a and_o unheard_a of_o from_o all_o antiquity_n for_o 1500._o year_n a_o second_o exception_n they_o give_v be_v that_o ambrose_n speak_v not_o of_o elder_n in_o office_n but_o in_o year_n without_o who_o counsel_n not_o without_o who_o authority_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v evident_a he_o speak_v of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o synagogue_n now_o the_o elder_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o synagogue_n as_o appear_v by_o sundry_a place_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v without_o their_o counsel_n impli_v that_o nothing_o be_v do_v without_o their_o authority_n as_o the_o same_o phrase_n of_o other_o ancient_n imply_v when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o church-government_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n speak_v cyprian_a to_o his_o presbyter_n epistolarum_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 10._o a_o primordio_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la mei_fw-la i_o determine_v with_o myself_o nihil_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la vestro_fw-la &_o sine_fw-la consensu_fw-la plebis_fw-la meâ_fw-la privatim_fw-la sententiâ_fw-la gerere_fw-la and_o that_o not_o out_o of_o courtesy_n but_o as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o next_o sentence_n imply_v sicuti_fw-la honour_n mutuus_fw-la poscit_fw-la and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n jeromes_n word_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n imply_v authority_n in_o such_o counsel_n whereby_o the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o church_n govern_v their_o own_o church_n though_o otherwise_o in_o govern_v other_o church_n they_o imply_v rather_o advice_n than_o authority_n his_o word_n be_v before_o faction_n and_o schism_n grow_v in_o the_o church_n communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la hierome_n in_o the_o 2._o tom_n of_o his_o work_n and_o upon_o titus_n a_o three_o exception_n they_o give_v be_v that_o by_o elder_n be_v mean_v preach_v elder_n who_o the_o bishop_n be_v wont_a to_o consult_v withal_o in_o government_n but_o now_o have_v leave_v it_o off_o either_o by_o the_o idleness_n of_o the_o learned_a teacher_n who_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n give_v over_o meddle_v with_o matter_n pertain_v to_o government_n or_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o learned_a bishop_n who_o take_v all_o upon_o themselves_o that_o they_o alone_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o for_o if_o you_o expound_v pastorum_fw-la for_o the_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n of_o parish_n only_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v or_o for_o bishop_n alone_o as_o other_o do_v i_o can_v see_v say_v dr._n downham_n how_o the_o exclude_v of_o senior_n and_o take_v the_o whole_a burden_n and_o employment_n upon_o themselves_o can_v by_o ambrose_n be_v impute_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n either_o in_o the_o pastor_n to_o exclude_v lay_a elder_n or_o in_o bishop_n to_o exclude_v learned_a presbyter_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o word_n of_o ambrose_n do_v plain_o imply_v not_o only_o that_o consult_v with_o elder_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n but_o that_o the_o elder_n themselves_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v consult_v with_o be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n also_o for_o his_o word_n be_v the_o synagogue_n and_o afterward_o the_o church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o intimate_v the_o church_n former_o have_v such_o but_o then_o have_v they_o not_o they_o be_v obsolete_a and_o according_o consult_v with_o they_o be_v obsolete_a also_o 2._o it_o be_v plain_a these_o elder_n be_v opposite_a to_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n or_o if_o you_o will_v so_o construe_v they_o learned_a man_n and_o therefore_o these_o elder_n be_v neither_o doctor_n nor_o teacher_n nor_o learned_a man_n but_o to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n or_o learned_a man_n to_o bishop_n only_o be_v too_o great_a a_o arrogancy_n in_o bishop_n and_o too_o great_a a_o injury_n to_o the_o learned_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o every_o age_n till_o antichrist_n his_o darkness_n overwhelm_v all_o in_o ignorance_n as_o well_o bishop_n as_o pastor_n 3._o it_o may_v be_v marvel_v why_o those_o learned_a opposite_n that_o make_v this_o exception_n shall_v understand_v ambrose_n to_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o idleness_n of_o the_o teacher_n that_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n they_o give_v over_o meddle_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o government_n when_o as_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o their_o party_n idleness_n that_o they_o give_v over_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o their_o pride_n that_o they_o ingross_v all_o rule_n and_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o say_v they_o can_v see_v how_o the_o exclude_v of_o senior_n and_o the_o take_n of_o the_o whole_a burden_n of_o government_n upon_o themselves_o can_v by_o ambrose_n be_v impute_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n either_o in_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n sure_o if_o man_n do_v not_o willing_o shut_v their_o eye_n they_o may_v see_v and_o daily_a experience_n make_v it_o palpable_o evident_a that_o they_o who_o be_v most_o idle_a in_o teach_v be_v most_o busy_a and_o proud_a in_o government_n so_o that_o the_o doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la which_o ambrose_n make_v to_o be_v the_o two_o cause_n why_o senior_n in_o the_o church_n and_o consult_v with_o they_o be_v then_o both_o of_o they_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n need_v no_o comment_n to_o expound_v the_o same_o but_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v from_o the_o former_a age_n to_o this_o very_a day_n usurp_v all_o church-government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o any_o man_n say_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o whatsoever_o this_o ambrose_n say_v yet_o that_o famous_a bishop_n ambrose_n do_v utter_o disclaim_v it_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o valentinian_n that_o any_o lay_v ruler_n shall_v be_v judge_n of_o church-office_n and_o cause_n let_v he_o take_v for_o a_o answer_n that_o which_o have_v be_v often_o give_v that_o we_o utter_o deny_v those_o roll_a elder_n to_o be_v layman_n or_o lie_v judge_n but_o part_n of_o that_o church_n body_n which_o those_o ancient_a time_n call_v clerus_fw-la if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o as_o also_o it_o be_v that_o ambrose_n call_v his_o presbyter_n antistites_fw-la and_o vicar_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a style_n of_o high_a honour_n let_v they_o understand_v that_o the_o least_o office_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n will_v easy_o and_o safe_o admit_v as_o great_a acknowledgement_n as_o these_o be_v only_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nothing_o seem_v divine_a and_o high_a but_o secular_a pomp_n and_o worldly_a glory_n have_v thus_o rescue_v the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n unto_o rule_v elder_n from_o all_o exception_n of_o any_o colourable_a weight_n make_v against_o it_o let_v we_o add_v only_o one_o observation_n out_o of_o antiquity_n which_o may_v give_v some_o further_a light_n to_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a of_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v count_v a_o rare_a and_o insolent_a matter_n for_o a_o elder_a to_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o
worship_v the_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n propos_fw-fr 4._o we_o conceive_v it_o can_v seem_v unreasonable_a that_o in_o the_o same_o way_n by_o which_o particular_a godly_a person_n do_v enter_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o those_o holy_a ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v appropriate_v to_o his_o church_n in_o the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v meet_v that_o a_o whole_a company_n of_o christian_n shall_v enter_v into_o church_n estate_n for_o in_o enter_v of_o they_o into_o church_n estate_n the_o lord_n call_v as_o well_o whole_a company_n as_o particular_a person_n to_o enjoy_v the_o like_a liberty_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o like_a liberty_n require_v preparation_n thereunto_o by_o the_o like_a duty_n in_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n such_o as_o be_v receive_v into_o baptism_n they_o do_v first_o make_v confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therewith_o of_o their_o repentance_n and_o of_o their_o faith_n also_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o he_o matth._n 3.6_o act._n 19.4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n philip_n receive_v the_o eunuch_n unto_o baptism_n not_o until_o he_o have_v make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n acts._n 8.37_o but_o now_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o all_o who_o be_v bear_v in_o christian_a church_n be_v baptize_v in_o our_o infancy_n and_o such_o as_o be_v baptize_v infant_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n in_o well_o order_v church_n till_o they_o have_v approve_v and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n public_o confirm_v that_o profession_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n which_o their_o parent_n or_o other_o in_o their_o stead_n profess_v and_o promise_v for_o they_o at_o their_o baptism_n it_o can_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a that_o such_o a_o company_n of_o godly_a christian_n have_v be_v baptize_v infant_n shall_v now_o make_v the_o like_a profession_n of_o their_o repentance_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n estate_n which_o other_o make_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n before_o baptism_n and_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o ripe_a year_n be_v wont_v public_o to_o make_v or_o at_o least_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o their_o admittance_n to_o the_o lord_n supper_n beside_o when_o upon_o peter_n confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n christ_n say_v that_o upon_o that_o rock_n or_o foundation_n he_o will_v build_v his_o church_n mat._n 16.16.18_o do_v he_o not_o plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o every_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v as_o on_o christ_n so_o on_o christ_n in_o this_o way_n to_o wit_n on_o christ_n believe_v on_o by_o faith_n and_o that_o faith_n public_o confess_v before_o god_n and_o man_n propos_fw-fr 5._o to_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o church_n as_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o it_o so_o the_o presence_n of_o neighbour_a church_n and_o brethren_n be_v requisite_a to_o cry_v grace_n grace_n unto_o it_o for_o if_o david_n advertisement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o of_o important_a weight_n except_o the_o lord_n build_v the_o house_n they_o labour_v in_o vain_a that_o build_v it_o psal_n 127.1_o how_o much_o more_o important_a be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o alone_o build_v his_o own_o jerusalem_n psal_n 147.2_o be_v seek_v unto_o with_o unfeigned_a humiliation_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o his_o presence_n with_o his_o people_n and_o acceptance_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n paul_n think_v it_o requisite_a to_o communicate_v with_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n about_o his_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o proceed_n partly_o to_o prevent_v suspicion_n of_o dissent_n between_o he_o and_o they_o lest_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o shall_v run_v in_o vain_a partly_o to_o hold_v forth_o mutual_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o give_v and_o take_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2.2.9_o how_o much_o more_o requisite_a will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o as_o go_v about_o to_o gather_v together_o scatter_v christian_n into_o a_o church_n estate_n to_o communicate_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n crave_v their_o presence_n and_o counsel_n and_o communion_n in_o so_o great_a a_o work_n and_o see_v christian_n magistrate_n be_v also_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o church_n be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o be_v nurse_n father_n unto_o the_o church_n isa_n 49.23_o it_o can_v but_o encourage_v they_o to_o take_v the_o more_o special_a notice_n and_o care_n of_o every_o church_n and_o to_o provide_v and_o assign_v convenient_a allotment_n of_o land_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o each_o of_o they_o when_o in_o time_n of_o peace_n they_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o person_n and_o proceed_n of_o such_o as_o gather_v into_o church-fellowship_n under_o the_o wing_n of_o their_o government_n and_o yet_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n nor_o regulate_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o a_o church_n may_v be_v clear_o gather_v and_o right_o order_v though_o they_o want_v opportunity_n or_o omit_v to_o acquaint_v the_o magistrate_n with_o their_o proceed_n especial_o when_o magistrate_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n sect_n ii_o now_o then_o to_o apply_v all_o these_o proposition_n to_o our_o present_a order_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o it_o be_v when_o many_o christian_n be_v come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n they_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o some_o church_n or_o other_o according_a to_o the_o second_o proposition_n profess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o their_o come_n to_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o liberty_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o if_o the_o company_n of_o such_o as_o come_v together_o be_v so_o well_o know_v one_o to_o another_o that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v company_n and_o yet_o so_o great_a that_o they_o can_v well_o join_v in_o any_o one_o church_n already_o establish_v without_o too_o much_o impeachment_n of_o their_o outward_a estate_n and_o livelihood_n the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o each_o church_n be_v prepossess_v by_o other_o before_o they_o they_o then_o take_v that_o course_n which_o other_o company_n take_v before_o they_o they_o consider_v of_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n estate_n and_o fellowship_n among_o themselves_o and_o for_o that_o end_n first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n they_o inquire_v out_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o eminent_a gift_n usual_o such_o as_o have_v be_v preacher_n of_o good_a esteem_n in_o england_n who_o may_v guide_v and_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o so_o great_a a_o action_n and_o if_o god_n see_v good_a may_v afterward_o be_v call_v to_o place_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o then_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n touch_v to_o go_v along_o with_o they_o in_o this_o work_n they_o often_o meet_v together_o about_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o perform_v some_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o spiritual_a conference_n together_o till_o a_o sufficient_a company_n of_o they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o the_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n of_o one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v approve_v themselves_o to_o one_o another_o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o live_v stone_n fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a temple_n which_o be_v his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o first_o proposition_n now_o because_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n our_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v nurse_v father_n to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v be_v carry_v not_o only_o with_o a_o pious_a desire_n to_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o with_o brotherly_a love_n to_o such_o as_o intend_v so_o good_a a_o work_n those_o christian_n therefore_o that_o desire_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n together_o do_v acquaint_v the_o governor_n and_o some_o of_o the_o near_a magistrate_n and_o those_o church_n which_o be_v next_o adjoin_v to_o they_o with_o their_o intention_n to_o enter_v into_o church-fellowship_n and_o crave_v the_o presence_n of_o some_o from_o among_o they_o at_o the_o day_n appoint_v some_o few_o week_n after_o to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o prayer_n and_o with_o their_o counsel_n if_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n as_o be_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n less_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n than_o those_o who_o have_v go_v before_o they_o in_o such_o a_o work_n as_o also_o desire_v to_o approve_v themselves_o and_o their_o course_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v more_o free_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n
bishop_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o good_a old_a bishop_n valerius_n be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o for_o suffer_v augustine_n a_o presbyter_n though_o a_o learned_a presbyter_n to_o preach_v before_o he_o which_o be_v say_v never_o any_o african_a bishop_n have_v allow_v before_o he_o now_o whence_o shall_v such_o a_o offence_n as_o be_v take_v against_o valerius_n arise_v but_o from_o translate_n the_o silence_n of_o rule_v elder_n from_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n unto_o those_o presbyter_n also_o who_o be_v call_v oft_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n free_o and_o diligent_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o but_o when_o through_o corruption_n of_o time_n bishop_n claim_v to_o themselves_o the_o principal_n pastoral_a cure_n of_o soul_n than_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o offensive_a matter_n that_o teach_v elder_n shall_v preach_v before_o they_o as_o before_o it_o be_v unwonted_a for_o rule_v elder_n to_o preach_v before_o the_o teach_v ordinary_o object_n but_o there_o remain_v one_o objection_n or_o two_o which_o some_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n have_v make_v against_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n object_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o office_n of_o ruling_n elder_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o no_o footstep_n leave_v of_o it_o in_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n popery_n itself_o though_o it_o corrupt_v all_o ordinance_n yet_o retain_v some_o footstep_n of_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n though_o much_o pervert_v from_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n at_o all_o of_o those_o rule_v elder_n extant_a in_o any_o church_n but_o those_o of_o genevah_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v their_o pattern_n for_o though_o some_o tell_v we_o of_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o england_n who_o assist_v the_o preacher_n in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o rule_v elder_n for_o these_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v appoint_v not_o for_o assistance_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o churchwarden_n for_o keep_v the_o church_n stock_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o necessary_a repair_v of_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o vestry_n be_v a_o company_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o rich_a parishioner_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v churchwarden_n be_v exercise_v in_o audit_v the_o account_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o admonish_v a_o unruly_a neighbour_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o authority_n as_o ruler_n but_o by_o christian_a discretion_n and_o charity_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rule_v elder_n for_o though_o they_o be_v both_o choose_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o choice_n the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o attend_v to_o nor_o be_v they_o so_o ordain_v either_o with_o the_o like_a holy_a solemnity_n or_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a power_n nor_o allow_v to_o continue_v for_o life_n as_o rule_v elder_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o yet_o such_o as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v see_v in_o they_o some_o footstep_n and_o remnant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v rudera_fw-la of_o that_o holy_a and_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o much_o as_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o chancellor_n commissary_n and_o official_o who_o be_v mere_a lay_v elder_n and_o yet_o administer_v church-government_n not_o in_o one_o church_n only_o but_o in_o many_o score_n of_o church_n what_o other_o thing_n sound_v the_o very_a name_n of_o churchwarden_n guardiani_n ecclesiae_fw-la but_o church-guardian_n or_o church-ruler_n and_o what_o be_v the_o company_n of_o vestryman_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o consistory_n second_o though_o by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o his_o vicar_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o care_n be_v transform_v from_o order_v the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o material_a church_n or_o temple_n yet_o what_o power_n of_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o any_o congregation_n beside_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o churchwarden_n and_o vestery_n man_n do_v assist_v the_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o same_o they_o observe_v all_o scandalous_a disorder_n that_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church-minister_n or_o people_n they_o admonish_v the_o offender_n and_o though_o they_o be_v over-ruler_n to_o present_v all_o disorder_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o which_o of_o right_n they_o shall_v complain_v of_o when_o the_o offender_n be_v incorrigible_a only_o to_o their_o own_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n for_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n to_o return_v such_o offender_n have_v first_o pay_v they_o their_o fee_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o their_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o amendment_n of_o which_o also_o they_o must_v bring_v a_o certificate_n under_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n hand_n yea_o of_o our_o knowledge_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a privilege_a church_n in_o england_n exempt_v from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n where_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o minister_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v transact_v all_o that_o government_n which_o in_o other_o church_n the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n do_v invade_v and_o usurp_v as_o to_o admonish_v offender_n to_o enjoin_v acknowledgement_n of_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o repress_v idleness_n drunkenness_n swear_v sabbath-breaking_a and_o the_o like_a disorder_n with_o better_a success_n than_o other_o town_n can_v do_v who_o have_v the_o help_n of_o major_n and_o justice_n but_o not_o so_o much_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n unto_o their_o minister_n and_o guardian_n or_o ruler_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o appear_v that_o ancient_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o among_o themselves_o before_o one_o church_n begin_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o another_o object_n the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o rule_v elder_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o perilous_a consequence_n to_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o authority_n answ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v clear_o enough_o limit_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o ruling_n elder_n call_v and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o since_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o the_o sword_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o church-governour_n may_v take_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o wit_n civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o usurpation_n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v princely_a lordly_a but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v only_o stewardly_a and_o ministerial_a for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n to_o eliakim_n isa_n 22.22_o and_o he_o be_v over_o the_o house_n ver._n 15._o which_o phrase_n of_o be_v over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v proper_o gen._n 43.19_o steward_z of_o the_o house_n see_v then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritnall_a and_o not_o worldly_a and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o lordly_a but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a evident_a it_o be_v that_o these_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n may_v only_o attend_v to_o work_n of_o spiritual_a and_o ministerial_a rule_n and_o further_o because_o such_o act_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n as_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o call_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o that_o work_n be_v leave_v unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o what_o act_v soever_o of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n over_o and_o above_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n all_o such_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n and_o none_o but_o such_o to_o instance_n then_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n office_n
of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n in_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o voice_n of_o people_n go_v as_o far_o as_o any_o humane_a suffrage_n can_v go_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o they_o choose_v two_o and_o present_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o because_o and_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n out_o of_o those_o two_o god_n choose_v one_o act._n 1.15.23.26_o act._n 14.23_o the_o apostle_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o original_a word_n impli_v and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o look_v out_o and_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n act._n 6.3.15_o the_o practice_n of_o succeed_a church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o be_v plain_a from_o cyprian_n word_n lib._n 1._o epist_n 4._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la object_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o demand_v by_o what_o warrant_n do_v a_o particular_a church_n depute_v such_o who_o be_v not_o presbyter_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o presbyter_n be_v it_o not_o more_o regular_a and_o orderly_a to_o repair_v to_o some_o bishop_n to_o receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o he_o or_o as_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n in_o crete_n receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o titus_n who_o be_v leave_v in_o crete_n with_o episcopal_a authority_n for_o that_o very_a end_n tit._n 1.5_o or_o rather_o than_o take_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o lay-man_n as_o they_o be_v call_v why_o do_v not_o the_o church_n rather_o entreat_v the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o presbytery_n by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n ans_fw-fr the_o warrant_n by_o which_o each_o particular_a church_n do_v depute_v some_o of_o their_o own_o body_n though_o not_o presbyter_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o those_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o presbyter_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o receive_v all_o fullness_n of_o power_n from_o the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16.19_o and_o this_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n mat._n 18.18_o whatsoever_o say_v christ_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n 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 which_o be_v the_o whole_a ministerial_a power_n of_o the_o key_n sect_n vii_o object_n 1._o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o subject_n and_o receptacle_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o though_o the_o church_n elect_v a_o pastor_n or_o other_o elder_a yet_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v from_o christ_n eph._n 4.8_o and_o so_o be_v his_o authority_n from_o christ_n also_o and_o if_o he_o have_v neither_o his_o office_n nor_o his_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n how_o can_v he_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o though_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o general_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o authority_n from_o he_o also_o yet_o the_o application_n of_o this_o office_n and_o of_o this_o authority_n to_o this_o elect_a person_n be_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v sufficient_a and_o just_a warrant_n as_o to_o elect_v and_o call_v a_o presbyter_n unto_o office_n so_o to_o ordain_v he_o to_o it_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o elect_v a_o king_n have_v power_n also_o to_o depute_v some_o in_o their_o name_n to_o set_v the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n answ_n 2._o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o elder_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n so_o neither_o be_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o bishop_n nor_o from_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o presbytery_n if_o therefore_o that_o be_v a_o just_a impediment_n why_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o lay_v hand_n upon_o their_o elect_a pastor_n or_o elder_n because_o neither_o their_o office_n nor_o their_o authority_n be_v from_o the_o church_n than_o neither_o may_v the_o bishop_n nor_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o the_o classis_fw-la lie_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o because_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o so_o much_o from_o they_o as_o from_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o this_o argument_n may_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v present_a ordain_v officer_n because_o neither_o the_o office_n nor_o the_o authority_n be_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o christ_n only_o neither_o will_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o as_o some_o object_n that_o if_o the_o elder_n receive_v their_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n than_o they_o shall_v execute_v their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n name_n or_o that_o then_o they_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o diligent_a in_o their_o office_n at_o the_o church_n appointment_n or_o that_o then_o the_o church_n have_v a_o lordlike_o power_n over_o they_o or_o that_o then_o the_o elder_n must_v receive_v their_o errand_n from_o the_o church_n as_o a_o ambassador_n do_v from_o he_o from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o commission_n or_o that_o then_o the_o church_n in_o defect_n of_o all_o officer_n may_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o their_o officer_n as_o to_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v follow_v for_o 1._o most_o of_o these_o objection_n do_v strike_v as_o much_o against_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n do_v receive_v the_o application_n of_o their_o office_n and_o of_o their_o power_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o from_o the_o church_n or_o if_o from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o only_a as_o instrument_n unto_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o can_v choose_v or_o ordain_v who_o they_o please_v to_o what_o office_n they_o please_v but_o who_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v to_o their_o hand_n nor_o may_v they_o enlarge_v or_o straiten_v the_o limit_n of_o his_o office_n who_o they_o do_v elect_v or_o ordain_v but_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v prescribe_v nor_o can_v they_o give_v he_o any_o errand_n but_o only_o a_o charge_n to_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o more_o lordly_a power_n over_o he_o than_o he_o over_o they_o but_o both_o ministerial_a as_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n neither_o may_v they_o administer_v sacrament_n in_o defect_n of_o all_o officer_n because_o that_o by_o appointment_n from_o christ_n pertain_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v call_v by_o office_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o as_o for_o mutual_a instruction_n and_o admission_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n open_v of_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o shut_v the_o same_o by_o church-censure_n these_o thing_n they_o may_v do_v if_o need_v be_v without_o officer_n yea_o and_o if_o all_o their_o officer_n be_v find_v culpable_a either_o in_o heretical_a doctrine_n or_o scandalous_a crime_n yet_o the_o church_n have_v lawful_a authority_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o all_o for_o they_o that_o as_o a_o church_n may_v admonish_v archippus_n col._n 4.17_o may_v in_o case_n he_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o their_o admonition_n have_v proceed_v against_o he_o to_o excommunication_n and_o they_o that_o may_v so_o proceed_v against_o one_o of_o their_o officer_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n upon_o like_a ground_n proceed_v against_o they_o all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o church_n do_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o immediate_o from_o christ_n but_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o in_o such_o case_n our_o church_n be_v never_o wont_a to_o proceed_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n as_o know_v that_o in_o such_o weighty_a case_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n and_o as_o the_o church_n do_v not_o choose_v any_o elder_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o but_o with_o the_o like_a grave_n and_o solemn_a assistance_n object_n 2._o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n immediate_o from_o christ_n joh._n 20.23_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n
to_o one_o another_o set-forme_n of_o prayer_n why_o not_o set-forme_n of_o homily_n and_o then_o neither_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o successor_n need_v to_o have_v leave_v off_o their_o employment_n in_o minister_a to_o table_n to_o attend_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act_n 6.4_o for_o both_o be_v prepare_v to_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o prescription_n of_o other_o whence_o also_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o minister_n shall_v little_o need_v to_o edify_v the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o gift_n receive_v of_o christ_n to_o that_o end_n but_o may_v edify_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o other_o yea_o minister_n though_o destitute_a of_o ministerial_a gift_n may_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o public_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o help_n of_o other_o man_n gift_n both_o in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v and_o so_o indeed_o a_o prescript_n liturgy_n be_v proper_o a_o maintenance_n to_o all_o idol_n dumb_a minister_n and_o in_o this_o forbearance_n of_o prescript_n prayer_n as_o we_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n and_o of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n so_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o pattern_n in_o this_o case_n of_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o second_o apology_n for_o christian_n a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n send_v up_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n without_o mention_v any_o prescript_n form_n according_a to_o his_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o prayer_n or_o thanksgiving_n leave_v he_o by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o and_o tertullian_n about_o 203._o year_n after_o christ_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o christian_n say_v they_o pray_v sine_fw-la monitore_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la pectore_fw-la without_o a_o prompter_n because_o they_o pray_v from_o their_o heart_n tertull._n apolog._n 30._o that_o be_v as_o zeph._n on_o the_o place_n expound_v it_o they_o pray_v not_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o saint_n to_o wit_n in_o any_o form_n of_o word_n prescribe_v by_o they_o and_o indeed_o if_o in_o those_o bloody_a time_n of_o persecution_n the_o church_n have_v any_o set-forme_n of_o liturgy_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v enjoin_v a_o form_n of_o solemn_a prayer_n for_o their_o emperor_n it_o have_v be_v a_o unskilful_a and_o sinful_a neglect_n both_o in_o justin_n and_o tertullian_n to_o omit_v such_o public_a evidence_n of_o their_o profess_a loyalty_n and_o devotion_n to_o the_o state_n sect_n v._o object_n the_o second_o thing_n in_o our_o administration_n of_o public_a ordinance_n whereof_o many_o require_v account_n of_o we_o be_v why_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o their_o child_n to_o baptism_n as_o we_o receive_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n answ_n let_v it_o first_o be_v know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o then_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n we_o do_v it_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n in_o this_o country_n unless_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n from_o the_o church_n whence_o they_o come_v or_o at_o least_o unless_o those_o church_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o their_o desire_n that_o their_o member_n come_v occasional_o among_o we_o may_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o our_o own_o by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n 2._o we_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o either_o the_o person_n themselves_o or_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v lie_v under_o any_o offence_n before_o the_o church_n now_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o we_o thus_o walk_v be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o power_n requisite_a to_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n to_o administer_v a_o sacrament_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o christian_a liberty_n that_o every_o christian_a may_v dispense_v to_o who_o he_o please_v but_o a_o act_n of_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o they_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o by_o they_o to_o be_v dispense_v unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n they_o then_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o they_o we_o may_v not_o dispense_v a_o act_n of_o power_n but_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n we_o have_v no_o ministerial_a power_n over_o they_o and_o they_o who_o be_v member_n of_o other_o church_n not_o of_o our_o own_o we_o have_v no_o power_n over_o they_o further_o than_o they_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o from_o their_o own_o church_n either_o by_o letter_n or_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o country_n who_o we_o do_v admit_v to_o communion_n with_o we_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o now_o for_o our_o brethren_n who_o come_v out_o of_o england_n many_o of_o they_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o those_o who_o be_v well_o know_v and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o well_o approve_v yet_o they_o bring_v no_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n to_o we_o from_o those_o church_n who_o have_v interest_n in_o they_o and_o power_n over_o they_o and_o beside_o we_o know_v that_o those_o who_o have_v be_v member_n of_o any_o parish_n church_n in_o england_n when_o once_o they_o remove_v their_o dwell_n out_o of_o that_o parish_n they_o be_v account_v as_o no_o long_a member_n of_o that_o church_n so_o that_o they_o come_v over_o to_o we_o as_o member_n of_o no_o particular_a church_n at_o all_o either_o in_o old_a england_n or_o in_o new_a and_o so_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o no_o church_n either_o there_o or_o here_o how_o then_o can_v we_o dispense_v a_o act_n of_o power_n to_o they_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o either_o commend_v to_o we_o by_o themselves_o or_o by_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v will_v it_o be_v think_v reasonable_a in_o case_n that_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n come_v over_o to_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o drunkenness_n or_o whoredom_n or_o other_o scandalous_a crime_n if_o the_o church_n where_o he_o sojourn_v among_o shall_v proceed_v to_o excommunicate_v he_o for_o the_o same_o be_v it_o not_o a_o act_n coram_fw-la non_fw-la judice_fw-la may_v he_o not_o demand_v just_o by_o what_o authority_n we_o cast_v he_o out_o of_o our_o communion_n who_o be_v never_o yet_o enter_v into_o our_o communion_n this_o may_v therefore_o yield_v we_o a_o just_a defence_n they_o over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v in_o any_o case_n by_o excommunication_n to_o they_o we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o dispense_v the_o communion_n but_o so_o it_o be_v we_o have_v no_o power_n to_o censure_v any_o of_o our_o congregation_n though_o never_o so_o scandalous_a by_o excommunicate_v unless_o they_o first_o commend_v themselves_o to_o our_o fellowship_n therefore_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n till_o then_o to_o receive_v they_o into_o our_o communion_n 2._o a_o second_o ground_n of_o their_o practice_n we_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o though_o they_o be_v seal_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n rom._n 4.11_o yet_o not_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a as_o such_o but_o as_o they_o be_v confederate_a and_o join_v together_o in_o some_o particular_a visible_a church_n none_o may_v ordinary_o dispense_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o a_o minister_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n nor_o may_v he_o dispense_v it_o to_o any_o but_o to_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n none_o be_v partaker_n either_o of_o the_o passeover_n or_o of_o circumcision_n unless_o they_o be_v either_o israelite_n bear_v or_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n job_n and_o his_o three_o friend_n and_o elihu_n with_o they_o though_o all_o of_o they_o righteous_a by_o faith_n and_o all_o of_o the_o stock_n and_o kindred_n of_o abraham_n yet_o we_o read_v of_o none_o of_o they_o to_o be_v circumcise_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a they_o be_v for_o have_v they_o be_v circumcise_a they_o will_v not_o have_v keep_v so_o deep_a silence_n of_o it_o throughout_o all_o their_o conference_n with_o job_n as_o they_o do_v especial_o have_v so_o often_o occasion_n to_o urge_v the_o pollution_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o birth_n whereof_o circumcision_n have_v be_v a_o most_o pertinent_a and_o pregnant_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o same_o and_o wherefore_o be_v they_o not_o all_o circumcise_a be_v all_o of_o they_o righteous_a by_o faith_n but_o only_o because_o they_o have_v not_o opportunity_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o
and_o then_o if_o god_n mercy_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n may_v fetch_v in_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a person_n the_o same_o promise_n may_v fetch_v in_o all_o turk_n and_o infidel_n at_o this_o day_n we_o dare_v not_o therefore_o improve_v the_o large_a extension_n of_o god_n mercy_n so_o far_o as_o to_o give_v a_o thousand_o generation_n right_a and_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n thereunto_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n we_o take_v to_o be_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o rich_a mercy_n may_v and_o do_v extend_v thought_n of_o redeem_v and_o convert_v grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o thousand_o generation_n but_o he_o never_o allow_v his_o church_n any_o warrant_n to_o receive_v into_o their_o covenant_n and_o communion_n the_o child_n of_o godly_a parent_n who_o live_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o much_o less_o a_o thousand_o generation_n nay_o rather_o the_o text_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o child_n depend_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o next_o immediate_a parent_n or_o of_o one_o of_o they_o at_o least_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o to_o wit_n such_o faith_n as_o denominate_v they_o christian-beleever_n in_o opposition_n to_o pagan_a infidel_n and_o that_o holiness_n of_o the_o child_n to_o such_o parent_n be_v call_v federall_n which_o receive_v they_o into_o the_o covenant_n and_o to_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o object_n last_o it_o be_v object_v that_o child_n bear_v in_o fornication_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n and_o why_o not_o then_o the_o child_n of_o excommunicate_a parent_n the_o wickedness_n of_o parent_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v the_o child_n in_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o their_o salvation_n answ_n the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o parent_n do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o election_n or_o redemption_n or_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o child_n jephta_n a_o bastard_n be_v yet_o reckon_v up_o in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o believer_n heb._n 11.32_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o bastard_n be_v not_o admit_v to_o come_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o ten_o generation_n deut._n 23.2_o and_o that_o can_v not_o but_o prejudice_v all_o the_o base-born_a child_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o their_o salvation_n and_o though_o god_n show_v great_a grace_n to_o they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o great_a grace_n can_v by_o proportion_n of_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v expect_v for_o they_o from_o the_o church_n than_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o parent_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o unto_o baptism_n either_o when_o their_o parent_n repent_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n or_o when_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o better_a profession_n of_o better_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o person_n it_o be_v general_o know_v that_o our_o best_a divine_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o baptism_n of_o bastard_n sine_fw-la sponsoribus_fw-la but_o whether_o they_o consider_v sponsores_fw-la as_o witness_n as_o some_o do_v who_o fetch_v allowance_n of_o witness_n from_o isa_n 8.2_o 3_o 4._o or_o whether_o they_o consider_v they_o as_o surety_n the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v no_o warrant_n for_o either_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o place_n in_o isaiah_n give_v no_o foothold_a for_o witness_n in_o baptism_n the_o prophet_n call_v not_o vriah_n for_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n but_o of_o the_o conception_n of_o a_o man-child_n yet_o unbegotten_a and_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o such_o event_n as_o be_v to_o fall_v out_o during_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o child_n nor_o be_v it_o meet_v the_o prophet_n shall_v honour_v so_o wicked_a a_o timeserver_n as_o vriah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o circumcision_n of_o his_o child_n though_o the_o more_o profane_a and_o idolatrous_a he_o be_v the_o more_o fit_a and_o faithful_a a_o witness_n of_o a_o miraculous_a prediction_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o incredulous_a king_n and_o people_n and_o as_o for_o surety_n the_o covenant_n be_v not_o intayled_a to_o surety_n to_o such_o as_o for_o who_o they_o undertake_v but_o to_o faithful_a parent_n pertain_v to_o the_o family_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o their_o seed_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o large_a promise_n to_o abraham_n stretch_v the_o covenant_n to_o his_o seed_n not_o only_o to_o the_o child_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o to_o his_o proselyte_n servant_n but_o also_o to_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o buy_v with_o money_n gen._n 17.12_o 13._o which_o happy_o may_v grant_v so_o much_o liberty_n to_o a_o christian_a sponsor_n that_o if_o a_o stranger_n or_o wicked_a man_n shall_v give_v he_o his_o child_n from_o his_o infancy_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o his_o own_o it_o may_v be_v baptize_v as_o his_o own_o but_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o liberty_n in_o this_o case_n and_o very_o doubtful_a it_o be_v whether_o the_o promise_n pertain_v only_o to_o the_o child_n of_o proselyte_n either_o stranger_n or_o bear_v in_o the_o house_n but_o we_o know_v not_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o to_o allow_v a_o faithful_a man_n liberty_n to_o entitle_v another_o man_n child_n to_o baptism_n only_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o promise_n to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o his_o education_n unless_o the_o child_n be_v either_o bear_v in_o his_o house_n or_o resign_v to_o he_o to_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o his_o own_o chap._n v._o touch_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n sect_n i._o we_o proceed_v not_o to_o censure_n but_o in_o case_n of_o know_a offence_n and_o such_o offence_n as_o can_v be_v heal_v without_o censure_n two_o sort_n of_o offence_n there_o be_v some_o private_a between_o brother_n and_o brother_n some_o public_a and_o notorious_a be_v know_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o at_o least_o to_o many_o and_o of_o they_o some_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o heinous_a some_o less_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v private_a between_o brother_n and_o brother_n the_o brother_n offend_v be_v to_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o that_o be_v first_o to_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n or_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v convince_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o admonish_v he_o of_o it_o private_o so_o that_o the_o plaster_n may_v be_v no_o broad_a than_o the_o sore_a private_a admonition_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o a_o private_a fault_n and_o express_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o the_o brother_n who_o in_o so_o do_v both_o heal_v and_o cover_v the_o offence_n at_o once_o if_o the_o offender_n take_v the_o admonition_n in_o good_a part_n as_o take_v part_n with_o the_o admonition_n against_o his_o own_o sin_n the_o brother_n have_v win_v and_o gain_v he_o both_o to_o god_n and_o himself_o to_o god_n by_o repentance_n to_o himself_o by_o this_o experiment_n of_o his_o brotherly_a love_n but_o if_o the_o offender_n hear_v not_o his_o brother_n but_o take_v part_n with_o his_o sin_n against_o the_o admonition_n he_o than_o take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o he_o such_o as_o in_o wisdom_n he_o think_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o prevail_v with_o he_o that_o so_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o his_o word_n of_o admonition_n may_v be_v establish_v or_o if_o the_o offender_n hear_v they_o not_o his_o word_n of_o accusation_n to_o the_o church_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o they_o come_v to_o the_o offender_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o they_o understand_v be_v commit_v by_o he_o they_o first_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o in_o this_o duty_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n mat._n 18.19_o 20._o where_o he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v be_v present_a with_o any_o two_o or_o three_o that_o be_v meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n to_o ask_v of_o he_o for_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o this_o chief_o upon_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o the_o brother_n offend_v lay_v open_a the_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o declare_v how_o ill_o the_o labour_n of_o his_o love_n be_v accept_v before_o and_o desire_v their_o help_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o offender_n if_o they_o can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o offence_n and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o offender_n be_v heal_v thanks_o be_v give_v to_o god_n and_o
demerit_n as_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o excommunication_n but_o if_o a_o member_n be_v importunate_o desirous_a to_o remove_v whole_o from_o the_o church_n where_o he_o be_v unto_o another_o and_o yet_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o removal_n favour_n of_o nothing_o but_o levity_n or_o covetousness_n or_o schism_n or_o the_o like_a according_a to_o their_o covenant_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o brethren_n of_o his_o own_o church_n labour_v to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sinful_a weakness_n herein_o to_o dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o purpose_n to_o which_o counsel_n god_n usual_o tow_v his_o heart_n to_o stoop_v and_o submit_v but_o if_o after_o all_o their_o dissuasion_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o bent_n of_o his_o spirit_n unremovable_o set_v upon_o removal_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o his_o sin_n be_v not_o apparent_a and_o his_o danger_n imminent_a they_o use_v indulgence_n towards_o he_o as_o not_o willing_a to_o make_v the_o church_n of_o god_n a_o prison_n to_o any_o man_n but_o when_o man_n thus_o depart_v god_n usual_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o bitter_a curse_n either_o take_v away_o their_o life_n from_o they_o or_o blast_v they_o with_o poverty_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o scandal_n where_o they_o come_v or_o in_o entertain_v they_o with_o such_o restless_a agitation_n that_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o repent_v of_o their_o former_a rashness_n and_o many_o time_n to_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o church_n from_o which_o they_o have_v break_v away_o sect_n iii_o our_o three_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o consultation_n whereof_o we_o have_v give_v some_o touch_n before_o as_o 1._o in_o time_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n the_o brethren_n who_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o church-estate_n do_v give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o desire_v the_o presence_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o of_o such_o other_o brethren_n as_o they_o shall_v see_v meet_a to_o send_v to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o competent_a gift_n of_o such_o member_n as_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o that_o work_n and_o further_o to_o give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o order_n of_o that_o day_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o 2._o in_o the_o choice_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n one_o church_n be_v wont_a to_o send_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n about_o they_o for_o such_o elder_n and_o brethren_n as_o may_v give_v counsel_n and_o direction_n to_o their_o proceed_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o same_o as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v as_o have_v be_v former_o deliver_v 3._o in_o case_n of_o difference_n of_o judgement_n among_o the_o brethren_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o church-censure_n and_o the_o like_a to_o prevent_v all_o suspicion_n of_o partiality_n or_o prejudice_n the_o church_n be_v sometime_o occasion_v to_o send_v to_o the_o neighbour-churche_n one_o or_o more_o for_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n and_o brethren_n to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o counsel_n in_o discover_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o cause_n depend_v among_o they_o who_o give_v advice_n according_a to_o the_o word_n do_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n heal_v jealousy_n and_o compose_v difference_n and_o settle_v peace_n and_o love_n among_o they_o and_o this_o also_o have_v be_v mention_v before_o 4._o in_o doubtful_a case_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n whether_o of_o judgement_n or_o practice_n where_o yet_o no_o difference_n have_v rise_v but_o all_o or_o most_o be_v uncertain_a what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o whether_o a_o child_n may_v be_v baptize_v by_o right_a of_o his_o grandfather_n covenant_n or_o the_o like_a the_o church_n do_v sometime_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n to_o crave_v the_o counsel_n of_o other_o church_n who_o deliberate_a by_o consider_v and_o argue_v the_o matter_n and_o agree_v upon_o what_o they_o conceive_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n each_o church_n send_v their_o judgement_n and_o their_o reason_n either_o by_o elder_n or_o by_o messenger_n to_o the_o church_n that_o send_v to_o they_o sect_n iv_o a_o four_o way_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o congregation_n or_o gather_v together_o many_o church_n or_o the_o messenger_n of_o many_o church_n to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v either_o some_o corrupt_a opinion_n or_o suspicious_a practice_n which_o be_v scatter_v and_o find_v in_o many_o church_n at_o once_o can_v well_o be_v heal_v in_o any_o one_o alone_a in_o which_o case_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n desirous_a to_o maintain_v verity_n and_o unity_n of_o judgement_n in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n do_v both_o acquaint_v our_o magistrate_n be_v nurse_n father_n to_o the_o church_n with_o the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o end_n of_o a_o general_a and_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o do_v also_o solicit_v the_o church_n to_o send_v some_o fit_a person_n at_o such_o a_o time_n to_o such_o a_o church_n where_o the_o assembly_n be_v most_o seasonable_o hold_v to_o consider_v and_o discern_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o agitation_n the_o assembly_n be_v meet_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o presence_n call_v for_o by_o humble_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v discuss_v and_o clear_v be_v propound_v by_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o we_o meet_v or_o by_o some_o other_o appoint_v by_o they_o and_o consent_v to_o by_o the_o assembly_n when_o the_o matter_n be_v propound_v the_o elder_n do_v declare_v their_o judgement_n of_o the_o point_n in_o order_n one_o after_o another_o together_o with_o their_o reason_n from_o the_o word_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v free_a for_o any_o man_n present_a and_o all_o may_v be_v present_a if_o they_o will_v as_o well_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n as_o other_o after_o leave_v orderly_o crave_v or_o obtain_v to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n without_o offence_n whence_o disputation_n do_v arise_v as_o in_o act._n 15.7_o till_o all_o party_n be_v either_o satisfy_v or_o convince_v and_o so_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n be_v clear_v and_o this_o course_n be_v take_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o all_o the_o point_n remain_v which_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o not_o so_o full_o clear_v and_o agree_v upon_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o such_o as_o may_v admit_v further_a discussion_n yea_o and_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n without_o disunion_n of_o affection_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n yet_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n people_n the_o mean_a while_n in_o such_o thing_n each_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o his_o christian_a liberty_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v all_o come_v they_o judge_v and_o mind_n one_o thing_n if_o any_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v who_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n seek_v the_o truth_n and_o in_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o love_n hold_v forth_o the_o same_o we_o hope_v god_n will_v in_o time_n reveal_v the_o same_o unto_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n all_o agree_v in_o this_o one_o not_o to_o condemn_v nor_o to_o despise_v one_o another_o in_o difference_n of_o weakness_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_v rom._n 14.2_o 3_o 4._o sect_n v._o a_o five_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n be_v by_o contribution_n or_o communication_n in_o yield_a supply_n to_o one_o another_o want_n for_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a precedent_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n if_o any_o of_o our_o brethren_n shall_v fall_v into_o such_o decay_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v their_o onw_n necessity_n in_o outward_a thing_n among_o themselves_o we_o shall_v take_v it_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o minister_v to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n act._n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.25_o 26._o hitherto_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o all-sufficient_a goodness_n so_o to_o supply_v we_o all_o each_o church_n within_o itself_o as_o that_o we_o have_v have_v scarce_o any_o occasion_n never_o but_o once_o to_o exercise_v our_o mutual_a love_n and_o liberality_n to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o kind_n but_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v we_o consider_v aforehand_o what_o mutual_a help_n god_n require_v of_o we_o from_o one_o towards_o another_o in_o such_o a_o case_n also_o if_o any_o of_o our_o church_n do_v want_v some_o fit_a member_n to_o employ_v in_o some_o public_a office_n among_o they_o and_o shall_v make_v know_v their_o want_n to_o some_o other_o church_n who_o may_v abound_v in_o such_o blessing_n as_o sometime_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n have_v four_o or_o five_o prophet_n among_o they_o act._n 13.1_o when_o other_o want_v the_o church_n that_o abound_v in_o such_o help_n
spirit_n we_o crave_v leave_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o and_o with_o they_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o prosper_v his_o work_n among_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reduce_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n to_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o pattern_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o primitive_a simplicity_n describe_v above_o four_o thing_n we_o observe_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n which_o make_v way_n for_o reformation_n among_o they_o first_o the_o efficient_a instrument_n of_o their_o first_o plantation_n which_o be_v either_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n whether_o philip_n or_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n or_o simon_n zelotes_n as_o any_o of_o our_o countryman_n may_v read_v in_o mr._n fox_n book_n of_o act_n and_o monument_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o next_o after_o the_o story_n of_o the_o ten_o primitive_a persecution_n out_o of_o gildas_n tertullian_n origen_n beda_n nicephorus_n which_o be_v so_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o church_n in_o england_n be_v right_o gather_v and_o plant_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o corruption_n find_v in_o they_o since_o have_v spring_v from_o popish_a apostasy_n in_o succeed_a age_n and_o from_o want_n of_o through_o and_o perfect_a purge_v out_o of_o that_o leaven_n in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n so_o that_o all_o the_o work_n now_o be_v not_o to_o make_v they_o church_n which_o be_v none_o before_o but_o to_o reduce_v and_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o primitive_a institution_n second_o the_o public_a service-booke_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o godly_a discipline_n that_o notorious_a sinner_n be_v put_v to_o open_a penance_n and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o both_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o other_o admonish_v by_o their_o example_n may_v be_v the_o more_o afraid_a to_o offend_v which_o godly_a discipline_n be_v a_o thing_n say_v the_o book_n much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v restore_v again_o see_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o commination_n against_o sinner_n it_o be_v therefore_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o very_a state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o church_n discipline_n be_v not_o perfect_a but_o defective_a and_o swerve_v from_o the_o primitive_a godly_a discipline_n three_o in_o the_o public_a rubric_n before_o the_o catechism_n it_o be_v order_v that_o when_o child_n come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o have_v learn_v what_o other_o promise_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n they_o shall_v then_o themselves_o with_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o own_o consent_n open_o before_o the_o church_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o and_o also_o promise_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o will_v evermore_o endeavour_v themselves_o faithful_o to_o observe_v and_o keep_v such_o thing_n as_o by_o their_o own_o mouth_n and_o confession_n they_o have_v assent_v to_o which_o course_n the_o book_n in_o a_o few_o word_n after_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n of_o time_n past_a that_o child_n come_v to_o perfect_a age_n have_v be_v instruct_v in_o christian_a religion_n shall_v open_o profess_v their_o own_o faith_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o direction_n if_o it_o be_v as_o due_o observe_v as_o it_o be_v express_o order_v do_v plain_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o they_o call_v it_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v any_o to_o be_v confirm_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o unfit_a to_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n till_o they_o have_v express_o confess_v their_o faith_n open_o before_o the_o church_n and_o promise_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v serious_o do_v and_o not_o perfunctory_o be_v somewhat_o of_o like_a nature_n with_o our_o receive_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o join_v they_o by_o covenant_n four_o in_o the_o exhortation_n before_o the_o communion_n the_o minister_n be_v direct_v to_o denounce_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n of_o god_n a_o hinderer_n or_o slanderer_n of_o his_o word_n a_o adulterer_n or_o be_v in_o malice_n or_o envy_v or_o in_o any_o other_o grievous_a crime_n they_o shall_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o not_o come_v to_o that_o holy_a table_n lest_o after_o the_o take_n of_o that_o sacrament_n the_o devil_n enter_v into_o they_o as_o he_o enter_v into_o judas_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o argue_v they_o will_v allow_v no_o scandalous_a person_n to_o partake_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n all_o these_o thing_n presuppose_v real_o perform_v and_o serious_o attend_v to_o may_v open_v a_o door_n to_o sundry_a passage_n of_o a_o more_o full_a and_o perfect_a reformation_n sect_n ii_o tender_v certain_a proposition_n tend_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o england_n propos_fw-fr 1._o where_o godly_a minister_n be_v already_o plant_v in_o any_o congregation_n let_v they_o with_o due_a encouragement_n from_o the_o state_n call_v the_o people_n to_o solemn_a humiliation_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o their_o own_o sin_n &_o those_o of_o their_o father_n they_o have_v imitate_v so_o do_v ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n with_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n and_o upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n nehem._n 9.2.2_o 3_o 4._o &_o ezra_n 10.1_o 2.9_o 10._o for_o though_o the_o parliament_n &_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n have_v protest_v and_o covenant_v reformation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v yet_o they_o have_v cause_n also_o to_o be_v humble_v and_o that_o thorough_o for_o the_o time_n past_a 2._o let_v such_o of_o the_o people_n as_o be_v of_o good_a knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o of_o approve_a conversation_n take_v up_o that_o course_n which_o the_o service-book_n as_o have_v be_v say_v give_v a_o hint_n of_o renew_v their_o covenant_n former_o make_v in_o baptism_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o promise_a reformation_n of_o life_n not_o only_o in_o their_o private_a conversation_n but_o also_o in_o their_o public_a communion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yield_v profess_v subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n 3._o let_v no_o minister_n that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n better_a than_o his_o own_o belly_n stand_v upon_o his_o advocation_n from_o his_o patron_n but_o rather_o expect_v his_o vocation_n from_o his_o people_n 4._o for_o this_o end_n let_v every_o patron_n restore_v his_o jus_o patronatus_fw-la to_o the_o church_n or_o if_o it_o seem_v too_o hard_a a_o thing_n for_o they_o to_o part_v so_o free_o with_o their_o freehold_n though_o they_o ought_v free_o to_o give_v unto_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v free_o from_o he_o the_o parliament_n may_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o a_o competent_a part_n of_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o benefice_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o annex_v it_o to_o their_o own_o private_a inheritance_n reserve_v so_o much_o to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n as_o may_v strengthen_v their_o hand_n in_o a_o sufficient_a maintenance_n of_o their_o ministry_n for_o though_o thing_n dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n can_v be_v alienate_v or_o divert_v to_o private_a use_n without_o sacrilege_n yet_o that_o hold_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o dedicate_v to_o sacred_a use_n as_o that_o the_o lord_n accept_v as_o sacred_a to_o himself_o but_o god_n no_o where_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v express_v his_o acceptance_n or_o allowance_n of_o land_n dedicate_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o only_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o then_o for_o the_o church_n service_n they_o may_v be_v dispose_v of_o by_o their_o consent_n as_o sometime_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o israel_n give_v away_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o temple_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o captivity_n 2_o king_n 18.15_o 16._o 5._o the_o people_n have_v call_v or_o choose_v their_o minister_n one_o or_o more_o unto_o office_n in_o a_o day_n of_o humiliation_n let_v they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o other_o church_n depute_v some_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o he_o with_o prayer_n over_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n set_v he_o apart_o to_o that_o office_n the_o whole_a congregation_n be_v say_v to_o anoint_v zadok_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o high_a priest_n as_o well_o as_o solomon_n to_o be_v king_n 1_o chron._n 29.22_o which_o be_v a_o sacred_a right_n as_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o this_o