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the_o saviour_n suffer_v not_o those_o to_o perish_v who_o depend_v on_o thou_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n vindicate_v thy_o own_o possession_n thou_o be_v the_o head_n afford_v succour_n to_o thy_o member_n thou_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o peace_n inspire_v those_o that_o be_v thou_o with_o mutual_a love_n thou_o be_v god_n have_v compassion_n on_o thy_o suppliant_n and_o you_o brethren_n endure_v labour_n with_o a_o good_a courage_n and_o compose_v your_o spirit_n that_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n good_a you_o may_v with_o assure_a hope_n and_o firm_a confidence_n undergo_v whatever_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v lay_v upon_o you_o there_o be_v no_o affliction_n so_o great_a but_o humane_a nature_n may_v bear_v it_o if_o accustom_v to_o it_o especial_o if_o there_o be_v christian_a fortitude_n godly_a confidence_n and_o a_o courageous_a mind_n think_v with_o yourselves_o not_o only_o thus_o that_o the_o affliction_n do_v thereby_o become_v the_o more_o 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be_v common_o vent_v in_o public_a in_o that_o city_n which_o by_o so_o express_v so_o sacred_a and_o severe_a a_o oath_n have_v bind_v itself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o cast_v out_o all_o error_n heresy_n schism_n from_o the_o house_n of_o god_n pardon_v we_o reverend_a brethren_n it_o be_v just_a grief_n of_o heart_n that_o enforce_v we_o to_o complain_v for_o that_o we_o understand_v that_o in_o religion_n the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spiritual_a government_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v such_o confusion_n rise_v among_o you_o that_o those_o among_o you_o who_o endeaour_n schism_n spread_v heresy_n traduce_v the_o reform_a church_n breed_v stir_n and_o render_v the_o church_n face_n pollute_v do_v so_o without_o control_n exult_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n favour_n not_o seditious_a proceed_n as_o be_v by_o instinct_n of_o its_o holy_a
nature_n averse_a from_o all_o dissension_n for_o it_o be_v true_o that_o vine_n and_o that_o figtree_n in_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n which_o be_v by_o a_o message_n from_o the_o tree_n call_v upon_o to_o bear_v rule_n and_o to_o wage_v war_n answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o leave_v their_o natural_a sweetness_n and_o be_v involve_v in_o trouble_n we_o exhort_v you_o therefore_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v serious_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o charity_n require_v you_o that_o you_o take_v care_n to_o discover_v a_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o you_o will_v endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o this_o loathsome_a evil_n of_o schism_n and_o error_n while_o the_o disease_n be_v yet_o curable_a from_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o nation_n of_o your_o city_n unless_o you_o do_v timely_o withstand_v the_o spread_a gangrene_n of_o separatist_n and_o the_o unlawful_a conventicle_n of_o schismatics_n farewell_o all_o sacred_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n due_a policy_n and_o spiritual_a government_n we_o have_v have_v experience_n in_o the_o trouble_n of_o our_o church_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o those_o who_o be_v day_n and_o night_n intent_n on_o innovate_a leave_v no_o stone_n unmoved_a go_v to_o and_o fro_o by_o sea_n by_o land_n to_o gain_v disciple_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o at_o last_o by_o force_n and_o fear_n curb_v and_o oppress_v the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o god_n the_o remedy_n come_v too_o late_o when_o evil_n have_v get_v strength_n by_o long_a delay_n the_o heavenly_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n go_v to_o ruin_v when_o by_o worldly_a reason_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n they_o be_v protract_v abate_v retard_v settle_v and_o unsettle_a it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n who_o study_n to_o innovate_v carry_v on_o their_o affair_n subtle_o and_o first_o like_o the_o mystery_n of_o ceres_n they_o keep_v they_o close_o and_o 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your_o bosom_n we_o be_v transport_v with_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o beauty_n of_o god_n house_n the_o government_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o church_n peaceable_a unity_n lord_n jesus_n â—digest_a this_o chaos_n of_o confusion_n let_v thy_o spirit_n spread_v itself_o upon_o these_o water_n of_o evil_a fluctuate_a opinion_n thou_o by_o thy_o spirit_n have_v reconcile_v earth_n and_o heaven_n by_o it_o thou_o have_v join_v so_o many_o tongue_n nation_n and_o several_a sort_n of_o man_n into_o one_o body_n of_o the_o church_n which_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v knit_v fast_o to_o thou_o her_o head_n vouchsafe_v therefore_o to_o renew_v that_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o brethren_n that_o all_o these_o confusion_n and_o calamity_n may_v cease_v among_o they_o and_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o godliness_n to_o thy_o church_n reverend_n brethren_n we_o be_v desirous_a to_o repay_v to_o you_o our_o debt_n when_o our_o country_n be_v on_o a_o flame_n by_o the_o intestine_a dissension_n about_o religion_n by_o your_o help_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n be_v our_o wound_n heal_v our_o grief_n assuage_v when_o you_o therefore_o lie_v under_o the_o same_o disease_n we_o labour_v in_o way_n of_o gratitude_n to_o heal_v you_o this_o be_v our_o end_n this_o be_v that_o we_o aim_v at_o this_o our_o labour_n we_o bestow_v to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o schism_n may_v be_v pull_v up_o that_o the_o divine_a government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v establish_v among_o you_o and_o the_o true_a peace_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n bring_v to_o you_o we_o join_v therefore_o with_o these_o letter_n our_o judgement_n concern_v certain_a controversy_n now_o agitate_a in_o your_o kingdom_n we_o omit_v many_o other_o maintain_v by_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_o which_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n nourish_v dissension_n and_o put_v a_o stay_n to_o the_o desire_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o we_o will_v call_v you_o to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o our_o tribunal_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v among_o you_o and_o those_o brother_n who_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a part_n in_o these_o controversy_n man_n learned_a godly_a lover_n of_o peace_n who_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a in_o judge_v explain_v and_o decide_v all_o these_o controversy_n but_o in_o quench_v a_o common_a flame_n in_o a_o city_n they_o not_o without_o cause_n run_v to_o help_v even_o uncalled_a who_o neighbour_n house_n be_v on_o fire_n we_o be_v bind_v not_o only_o by_o the_o same_o bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n but_o by_o the_o common_a danger_n and_o hazard_v of_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o afford_v our_o advice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o will_v bring_v injurious_a and_o destructive_a damage_n to_o our_o reformation_n you_o have_v call_v upon_o we_o in_o your_o most_o courteous_a letter_n that_o we_o will_v be_v helpful_a to_o you_o in_o your_o shake_a condition_n by_o such_o remedy_n as_o by_o our_o common_a advice_n shall_v be_v think_v meet_v and_o we_o have_v judge_v it_o at_o this_o time_n most_o suitable_a to_o show_v to_o you_o who_o be_v in_o conflict_n your_o disease_n and_o their_o remedy_n to_o signify_v the_o practice_n and_o law_n observe_v by_o our_o church_n in_o their_o spiritual_a government_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o vindicate_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o the_o erroneous_a conceit_n of_o some_o of_o some_o we_o say_v for_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o infect_v with_o this_o ulcer_n and_o therefore_o what_o we_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o the_o public_a writing_n daily_o publish_v among_o you_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o impute_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o defend_v nourish_v and_o maintain_v those_o perverse_a opinion_n or_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o church_n if_o some_o of_o those_o brethren_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n do_v in_o aught_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o wish_v they_o will_v declare_v so_o much_o by_o public_a writing_n and_o express_v it_o by_o common_a consent_n that_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v free_v from_o the_o just_a fear_n which_o their_o writing_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o conceive_v for_o not_o without_o cause_n do_v the_o godly_a conceive_v that_o those_o be_v hatch_n some_o monster_n that_o use_v shift_n and_o dare_v not_o with_o open_a face_n clear_o set_v down_o and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n therefore_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o beseech_v those_o brother_n that_o they_o will_v clear_o sincere_o plain_o and_o distinct_o without_o the_o vizard_n of_o rhetorical_a flourish_n declare_v and_o describe_v to_o we_o their_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n and_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n not_o here_o and_o there_o a_o piece_n but_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o vent_v doubtful_a expression_n in_o public_a but_o in_o a_o due_a order_n which_o tend_v to_o edification_n manifest_v it_o to_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v aught_o deficient_a in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a government_n that_o with_o a_o peaceable_a brotherly_a mind_n and_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o truth_n may_v be_v search_v out_o and_o hold_v forth_o in_o public_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o persuade_v most_o dear_a brethren_n with_o a_o mind_n studious_a of_o your_o affair_n most_o desirous_a of_o peace_n well-affected_a to_o you_o solicitous_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o pray_v that_o god_n the_o father_n of_o light_n will_v by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n inlighten_v your_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o
sincere_a word_n unite_v your_o heart_n in_o the_o band_n of_o brotherly_a love_n incline_v your_o mind_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o church_n peace_n middleburgh_n in_o zealand_n octob._n 16._o 1644._o stilo_fw-it novo_fw-la subscribe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o walachrian_a church_n by_o we_o jacobus_n d'herde_n precedent_n of_o the_o walachrian_a classis_fw-la pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la jodocus_n larenus_fw-la assessor_n pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la isaacus_n hoornbekius_n preacher_n at_o middleburgh_n cornelius_n beuckelarius_n preacher_n at_o vere_n melchior_n burr_n minister_n of_o west_n souburch_n errata_fw-la pag._n 98._o lin_v 16._o and_o doubtless_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o section_n change_n of_o letter_n p._n 104._o lin_v ult_v luke_n relate_v unto_o p._n 105_o l._n 9_o calvin_n these_o word_n must_v all_o be_v in_o the_o same_o letter_n as_o the_o former_a and_o the_o follow_v p._n 113._o l._n 19_o and_o it_o appear_v etc._n etc._n until_o p._n 114._o l._n 13._o where_o he_o show_v exclusiuè_a all_o these_o word_n must_v be_v in_o other_o letter_n p._n 114._o l._n 5._o and_o one_o deal_n p._n 136._o l._n 11._o though_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n fifteen_o line_n change_v of_o letter_n p._n 137._o l._n 2._o for_o a_o synod_n etc._n etc._n this_o whole_a page_n and_o the_o follow_v unto_o lin_v 20._o we_o hold_v exclusive_a change_n of_o letter_n p._n 97._o l._n 1._o deal_n be_v l._n 18._o read_v and_o not_o to_o be_v tedicus_fw-la p._n 98._o l._n 21._o read_v see_v example_n p._n 114._o l._n 10._o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 128._o l._n 27._o deal_n so_o p._n 137._o l._n 22._o r._n this_o be_v p._n 135._o l._n 3._o and_o 1â—_n 5_o indices_fw-la lin_v 16._o 1._o index_n 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 send_v from_o the_o church_n of_o walachria_n to_o the_o synod_n at_o london_n to_o declare_v the_o sense_n and_o consent_n of_o their_o church_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o qualification_n of_o church-member_n question_n whither_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n but_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o with_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n or_o who_o upon_o strict_a examination_n do_v manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o real_a internal_a holiness_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v himself_o of_o his_o sincere_a faith_n repentance_n and_o communion_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o if_o any_o congregation_n admit_v other_o in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o evident_a proof_n of_o these_o sign_n they_o admit_v impure_a and_o false_a church-member_n answer_n the_o reform_a church_n distinguish_v between_o the_o mystical_a invisible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o company_n of_o believer_n call_v who_o have_v communion_n with_o christ_n to_o which_o be_v make_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o heavenly_a good_a thing_n in_o christ_n to_o which_o no_o hypocrite_n can_v belong_v which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n inward_o work_v and_o the_o external_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church-communion_n and_o fellowship_n among_o themselves_o to_o which_o hypocrite_n may_v belong_v for_o any_o one_o to_o be_v a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n we_o require_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n true_a justify_v faith_n repentance_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o christ_n the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o this_o church_n be_v god_n work_n who_o by_o effectual_a save_a vocation_n do_v ingraft_v man_n into_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o overseer_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v admit_v none_o other_o to_o the_o complete_a external_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a and_o aught_o to_o admit_v all_o such_o who_o by_o external_a federall_a holiness_n be_v separate_v from_o the_o world_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o walk_v without_o offence_n in_o their_o outward_a conversation_n be_v account_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n as_o true_a believer_n and_o upon_o examination_n of_o the_o eldership_n concern_v these_o thing_n be_v receive_v into_o brotherly_a and_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n we_o grant_v therefore_o in_o this_o question_n 1._o that_o any_o one_o be_v in_o foro_fw-la dei_fw-la at_o god_n tribunal_n a_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a there_o be_v require_v in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o real_a internal_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n in_o christ_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v man_n duty_n who_o will_v due_o for_o salvation_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o real_a holiness_n worship_n god_n aright_o in_o all_o his_o way_n but_o we_o affirm_v that_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a church_n the_o pastor_n be_v to_o admit_v those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o faith_n of_o christ_n lead_v their_o life_n without_o scandal_n or_o be_v fall_v into_o scandal_n do_v by_o repentance_n wash_v they_o away_o in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la at_o the_o church_n tribunal_n submit_v themselves_o to_o discipline_n public_o frequent_v all_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o desire_v church_n communion_n with_o we_o although_o they_o do_v not_o manifest_v such_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n which_o may_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o true_a faith_n in_o christ_n our_o opinion_n be_v prove_v by_o these_o argument_n 1._o from_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o all_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n live_v without_o manifest_a scandal_n or_o have_v give_v scandal_n do_v by_o repentance_n in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la amend_v they_o be_v by_o they_o admit_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v for_o instance_n act._n 2._o 41_o 42_o 45._o act._n 8._o 13._o act._n 4._o 34_o 37._o in_o so_o much_o as_o even_a hypocrite_n have_v entrance_n into_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n of_o discern_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o ananias_n judas_n simon_n magus_n hymeneus_n philetus_n 2._o from_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n into_o the_o church_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o those_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o external_a church_n and_o the_o visible_a communion_n thereof_o who_o be_v adorn_v with_o federall_a holiness_n do_v profess_v the_o true_a god_n of_o israel_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n into_o that_o church_n deut._n 29._o 4_o etc._n etc._n josh_n 24._o 23_o etc._n etc._n 3._o from_o the_o description_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a the_o nature_n whereof_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v as_o a_o barn_n wherein_o the_o chaff_n be_v gather_v together_o with_o the_o wheat_n the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o which_o be_v vessel_n both_o of_o gold_n and_o of_o wood_n a_o net_n wherein_o be_v catch_v fish_n good_a and_o bad_a matth._n 3._o 12._o and_o 13._o 47._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 20_o 21._o so_o that_o to_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a the_o pastor_n can_v require_v no_o more_o in_o foro_fw-la ecclesiastico_fw-la as_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a then_o what_o may_v also_o be_v find_v in_o hypocrite_n 4._o fron_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o acknowledge_v for_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n those_o visible_a society_n among_o who_o there_o be_v hypocrite_n carnal_a man_n schismatics_n and_o other_o not_o endue_v with_o real_a holiness_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justify_v faith_n to_o who_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n write_v their_o epistle_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a see_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n rev._n 2._o &_o 3_o chap._n the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 11_o 12._o and_o 3._o 3._o and_o 6._o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o 11._o 17_o 18._o gal._n 1._o 6._o and_o 3._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n thus_o have_v our_o divine_n determine_v this_o controversy_n
calvin_n instit_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 1._o sect_n 7._o but_o ofttimes_o say_v he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n intend_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o man_n throughout_o the_o world_n who_o profess_v to_o worship_v one_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v initiate_v by_o baptism_n into_o his_o faith_n testify_v by_o their_o partake_v the_o lord_n supper_n a_o unity_n in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o charity_n consent_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o preach_v thereof_o maintain_v a_o ministry_n institute_v by_o christ_n but_o in_o this_o multitude_n be_v many_o mingle_v who_o be_v hypocrite_n and_o have_v nothing_o of_o christ_n but_o the_o name_n and_o show_v etc._n etc._n which_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n be_v call_v a_o church_n and_o we_o command_v to_o maintain_v the_o communion_n of_o it_o and_o sect_n 8._o he_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n alone_o to_o know_v who_o be_v unfeigned_a saint_n and_o true_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o say_v he_o because_o he_o fore_o see_v that_o it_o be_v somewhat_o requisite_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v to_o be_v account_v for_o his_o child_n herein_o he_o appli_v himself_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o because_o a_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o herein_o requisite_a he_o have_v in_o stead_n thereof_o appoint_v the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n in_o which_o judgement_n we_o acknowledge_v for_o member_n of_o the_o church_n those_o who_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o example_n of_o their_o life_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n profess_v the_o same_o god_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o hence_o ames_n affirm_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o the_o reform_a church_n require_v inward_a grace_n to_o the_o admit_v of_o any_o into_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o visible_a state_n thereof_o antibellarm_n tom_fw-mi 2._o iib._fw-la 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 5._o and_o not_o 3._o of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o affirm_v out_o of_o augustine_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o inward_a soul_n to_o wit_n the_o gift_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o body_n or_o outward_a profession_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o be_v both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n other_o of_o the_o body_n only_o and_o not_o the_o soul_n which_o say_v he_o be_v express_v by_o alexander_n alensis_n in_o other_o word_n when_o he_o say_v that_o evil_a man_n be_v of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o body_n or_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o body_n mystical_a which_o distinction_n he_o prove_v out_o of_o 1_o joh._n 2._o 19_o rom._n 2._o 28._o a_o jew_n open_o and_o a_o jew_n in_o secret_a so_o trelcatius_n the_o elder_a in_o his_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la 15._o put_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o of_o the_o invisible_a church_n in_o a_o lively_a faith_n purity_n of_o life_n certainty_n of_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n invisible_a in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n but_o in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a only_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n ofttimes_o not_o in_o truth_n because_o of_o a_o vocation_n and_o profession_n external_a but_o oft_o hypocritical_a so_o almost_o all_o the_o eminent_a reform_a divine_n affirm_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a to_o be_v man_n outward_o call_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o define_v it_o to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o man_n who_o by_o a_o outward_a call_n or_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n among_o themselves_o see_v both_o the_o trelcatii_n in_o their_o common_a place_n loco_fw-la de_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n disp_n 40._o thes_n 33._o hence_o also_o have_v our_o belgic_a church_n in_o our_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n synod_n ordain_v that_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o have_v first_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n submit_v himself_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o bring_v testimony_n of_o unblameable_a life_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 70._o and_o anno_fw-la 1578._o art_n 64._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 43._o at_o the_o hage_n anno_fw-la 1586._o art_n 54._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 51._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 61._o we_o reject_v therefore_o these_o ensue_a opinion_n i._o of_o those_o who_o affirm_v the_o external_a and_o particular_a visible_a church_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n to_o which_o belong_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n the_o property_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n the_o mediator_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o denial_n be_v 1._o because_o that_o church_n for_o which_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v be_v perpetual_a which_o never_o fall_v away_o for_o this_o infallible_a promise_n be_v make_v to_o it_o from_o god_n jer._n 31._o 36._o matt._n 16._o 18._o but_o now_o no_o particular_a visible_a church_n be_v secure_v from_o fall_v away_o as_o our_o orthodox_n divine_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n it_o be_v not_o for_o it_o therefore_o that_o these_o privilege_n be_v purchase_v by_o christ_n the_o mediator_n 2._o those_o church_n for_o which_o all_o these_o promise_a privilege_n be_v procure_v be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v sincere_a and_o inward_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a believer_n whence_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v call_v the_o spouse_n and_o belove_v of_o christ_n cant._n 4._o 7._o eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o holy_a zion_n and_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n isai_n 52._o 1._o gal._n 4._o 26._o and_o 6._o 16._o so_o likewise_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v purify_v for_o himself_o to_o present_v she_o to_o himself_o glorious_a not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n eph._n 5._o 27._o the_o body_n of_o christ_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v eph._n 4._o 16._o it_o be_v call_v christ_n people_n who_o he_o save_v from_o their_o sin_n joh._n 10._o 16._o matt._n 1._o 21._o god_n house_n and_o a_o holy_a priesthood_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 5._o the_o temple_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o the_o lamb_n wife_n apoc._n 21._o 4._o all_o which_o and_o such_o like_a do_v not_o agree_v to_o a_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n as_o such_o rom._n 9_o 6._o but_o only_a to_o the_o church_n invisible_a which_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n act_v 20._o 28._o 3._o the_o privilege_n promise_v and_o procure_v for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o many_o other_o be_v these_o that_o god_n put_v his_o law_n and_o his_o fear_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o jer._n 31._o 33._o that_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n and_o know_v he_o joh._n 6._o 42._o that_o they_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n act._n 20._o 28._o eph._n 5._o 27._o but_o these_o agree_v not_o to_o a_o external_a and_o visible_a particular_a church_n therefore_o that_o external_a visible_a particular_a church_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o these_o privilege_n which_o by_o christ_n our_o mediator_n be_v procure_v for_o the_o church_n whereunto_o the_o reform_a divine_n assent_v see_v among_o other_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 40._o thes_n 29_o 30_o 31._o and_o ames_n himself_o against_o bellarm._n tom_n 2._o lib._n 2._o cap._n 1._o not_o 10._o where_o he_o affirm_v that_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v speak_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v redeem_v by_o christ_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n quicken_v act_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n partake_v of_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n so_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o prevail_v against_o it_o do_v proper_o and_o full_o agree_v not_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v true_a believer_n or_o they_o agree_v to_o the_o church_n militant_a according_a to_o iâ—s_n essential_a nature_n peculiar_a to_o true_a believer_n not_o according_a to_o
its_o external_a manner_n of_o existence_n in_o which_o be_v include_v both_o godly_a and_o reprobate_n ii_o we_o reject_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o in_o the_o church_n none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o member_n into_o the_o external_a fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n but_o such_o as_o have_v be_v by_o a_o strict_a examination_n first_o try_v by_o other_o believer_n or_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n holy_a conference_n and_o spiritual_a communion_n and_o have_v manifest_v to_o they_o evident_a sign_n of_o regeneration_n and_o have_v afterward_o before_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n public_o profess_v a_o sincere_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v either_o by_o a_o continue_a speech_n or_o by_o question_n and_o answer_n make_v manifest_a by_o evident_a sign_n the_o save_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v translate_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o spirit_n that_o in_o a_o church_n covenant_n sincere_o faithful_o and_o godly_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o both_o can_v and_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o we_o read_v not_o that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n this_o manner_n of_o admit_v church_n member_n be_v in_o use_n those_o three_o thousand_o act._n 2._o be_v not_o in_o this_o manner_n add_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o man_n be_v upon_o such_o a_o confession_n join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o whereby_o hypocrite_n and_o person_n not_o convert_v may_v have_v entrance_n into_o the_o church_n and_o that_o under_o the_o inspection_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n whence_o also_o in_o our_o reform_a church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o member_n of_o church_n be_v admit_v by_o a_o confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o religion_n a_o solemn_a protestation_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n a_o testimony_n of_o a_o unblameable_a and_o inoffensive_a life_n as_o also_o ames_n himself_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v due_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o a_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o promise_v of_o obedience_n medulla_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 32._o thes_n 17._o and_o in_o some_o more_o numerous_a church_n in_o the_o netherlands_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n and_o practice_n for_o the_o church_n great_a prudence_n in_o admit_v member_n that_o those_o who_o desire_v admission_n into_o church-communion_n before_o their_o solemn_a profession_n of_o faith_n be_v for_o some_o week_n several_a time_n private_o exercise_v and_o instruct_v if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o exercise_v and_o this_o instruction_n be_v by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o visitation_n of_o their_o several_a precinct_n and_o be_v also_o public_o offer_v to_o all_o when_o notice_n be_v give_v of_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o minister_n inquire_v likewise_o of_o the_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v communion_n with_o we_o afterward_o they_o use_v to_o undergo_v a_o examination_n before_o the_o consistory_n in_o their_o consistoriall_a meeting_n or_o before_o the_o delegate_n of_o the_o consistory_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o minister_n through_o all_o the_o point_n of_o catechism_n and_o last_o of_o all_o have_v be_v thus_o try_v they_o do_v in_o public_a before_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o bare_a affirmation_n give_v answer_n to_o these_o general_a position_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n to_o be_v the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o persist_v till_o death_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o promise_v to_o live_v holy_o and_o as_o become_v this_o doctrine_n whether_o or_o no_o they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v those_o who_o desire_v admission_n admit_v to_o our_o church_n communion_n this_o custom_n though_o laudable_a be_v not_o indeed_o contrary_a but_o yet_o be_v beside_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n and_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o all_o our_o church_n which_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o urge_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o great_a ecclesiastical_a prudence_n in_o so_o grave_a and_o serious_a a_o matter_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o esteem_v that_o order_n establish_v in_o our_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o due_a admit_v of_o member_n into_o church_n communion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o a_o church-covenant_n question_n whether_o a_o church-covenant_n solemn_o make_v between_o the_o member_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o church_n public_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o a_o public_a and_o express_a agreement_n and_o promise_n associate_v and_o unite_v among_o themselves_o to_o exercise_v the_o fear_n and_o sacred_a worship_n of_o god_n unity_n of_o faith_n brotherly_a love_n mutual_a edification_n and_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o a_o holy_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o true_a church_n so_o that_o without_o this_o covenant_n there_o be_v no_o true_a or_o pure_a church_n nor_o true_a church_n member_n answer_n the_o reform_a church_n judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n that_o there_o be_v sacred_a union_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n express_v by_o certain_a external_a act_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o visible_a church_n society_n under_o one_o ministry_n and_o spiritual_a discipline_n but_o this_o union_n they_o affirm_v the_o member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n enter_v into_o among_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o one_o external_a profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o in_o the_o same_o baptism_n and_o will_v frequent_v the_o same_o divine_a worship_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o church_n governor_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a and_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o discipline_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o this_o union_n there_o be_v they_o affirm_v a_o kind_n of_o tacit_n and_o virtual_a covenant_n which_o unit_v the_o faithful_a into_o a_o particular_a church_n although_o such_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n between_o they_o in_o express_a term_n be_v not_o public_o enter_v into_o before_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o the_o question_n require_v we_o grant_v in_o this_o controversy_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o save_a grace_n between_o god_n and_o repent_a sinner_n found_v in_o christ_n the_o mediator_n whereby_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n of_o piety_n which_o he_o have_v command_v in_o his_o word_n as_o well_o in_o church_n communion_n and_o fellowship_n as_o out_o of_o it_o by_o which_o covenant_n all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o partaker_n of_o it_o obtain_v right_a to_o all_o those_o save_a benefit_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o covenant_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v a_o tacit_n or_o virtual_a covenant_n between_o the_o member_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o external_a particular_a church_n whereby_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o mutual_a duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o particular_a church_n communion_n as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o care_n and_o discipline_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n frequent_v the_o same_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a by_o which_o covenant_n they_o also_o obtain_v to_o themselves_o right_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o particular_a church_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o other_o particular_a church_n 3._o we_o grant_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o express_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n enter_v into_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n when_o the_o church_n in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n have_v make_v defection_n from_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n or_o some_o other_o necessity_n call_v for_o it_o for_o the_o preserve_n or_o propagate_a or_o restore_v of_o the_o decay_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o which_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o there_o do_v not_o accrue_v
19_o 8_o 9_o and_o 20._o 17_o 18._o which_o do_v also_o very_o great_o abound_v in_o multitude_n of_o member_n as_o appear_v act._n 19_o 10_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o 20._o 20_o 21._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 8._o revel_v 2._o 2_o 3._o and_o yet_o meet_v in_o some_o private_a house_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n act._n 19_o 9_o 10._o and_o 20._o 20._o but_o that_o this_o whole_a multitude_n can_v in_o one_o school_n or_o house_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o to_o we_o that_o they_o meet_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o at_o divers_a time_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o divers_a pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o place_n for_o celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n there_o be_v more_o holy_a assembly_n there_o in_o divers_a place_n there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16._o 5._o paul_n when_o he_o be_v at_o rome_n have_v holy_a church_n assembly_n in_o his_o own_o house_n act_v 28._o 23_o 30_o 31._o which_o yet_o be_v not_o that_o whole_a collective_o take_v and_o famous_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a roman_n who_o faith_n be_v famous_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n rom._n 1._o 8._o other_o example_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o church_n due_o constitute_v according_a to_o god_n appointment_n which_o meet_v not_o in_o one_o place_n for_o exercise_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n under_o a_o common_a presbytery_n of_o divers_a pastor_n perform_v holy_a duty_n hence_o also_o in_o our_o belgic_a church_n in_o some_o great_a town_n though_o there_o be_v more_o believer_n than_o can_v celebrate_v the_o holy_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o in_o one_o place_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a church_n but_o do_v together_o make_v one_o visible_a church_n under_o the_o common_a presbytery_n and_o government_n of_o divers_a pastor_n ii_o we_o affirm_v that_o a_o visible_a church_n describe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o only_o parochial_a or_o particular_a but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o nationall_n church_n of_o one_o nation_n or_o kingdom_n which_o consist_v of_o many_o and_o divers_a parochial_a church_n join_v under_o one_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o by_o a_o mutual_a visible_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n ecclesiastical_a we_o deny_v indeed_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o typical_a nationall_n church_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v wherein_o all_o of_o that_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a typical_a worship_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o one_o place_n choose_v by_o god_n under_o the_o inspection_n of_o one_o visible_a pastor_n or_o priest_n who_o in_o worship_n and_o sacrifice_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o represent_v the_o whole_a people_n or_o nation_n for_o this_o vanish_v away_o with_o the_o type_n and_o carnal_a precept_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o reject_v also_o that_o nationall_n and_o provincial_n form_n of_o a_o church_n introduce_v by_o man_n in_o which_o many_o church_n be_v unite_v and_o subject_v to_o a_o cathedral_n church_n and_o depend_v upon_o one_o visible_a pastor_n who_o be_v pastor_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o other_o pastor_n and_o inferior_a particular_a church_n wherein_o the_o inferior_a church_n enjoy_v god_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o ecclesiastical_a power_n by_o derivation_n and_o commission_n from_o the_o power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o that_o cathedral_n church_n or_o that_o nationall_n or_o provincial_n pastor_n and_o bishop_n for_o these_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o antichrist_n which_o bring_v a_o tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o overthrow_v the_o power_n grant_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n and_o pastor_n yet_o such_o a_o nationall_n and_o provincial_a church_n we_o acknowledge_v wherein_o many_o particular_a church_n be_v by_o one_o visible_a ministry_n and_o church-government_n join_v into_o one_o collective_a ecclesiastical_a body_n visible_a for_o celebrate_v all_o those_o ordinance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o visible_a ministerial_a government_n of_o those_o church_n and_o mutual_a ecclesiastical_a followship_n in_o it_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n we_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n by_o these_o argument_n 1._o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a church_n &_o synagogue_n which_o do_v in_o divers_a place_n celebrate_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o church-government_n as_o appear_v act._n 15._o 21._o act._n 13._o 15_o 16._o luk._n 21._o 12._o joh._n 12._o 42._o all_o which_o be_v yet_o conjoin_v into_o one_o national_a visible_a church_n which_o god_n have_v choose_v out_o of_o every_o nation_n and_o people_n deut._n 7._o 7._o and_o 32._o 8._o but_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o form_n in_o all_o effentialls_n which_o do_v constitute_v a_o church_n as_o have_v the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n for_o substance_n the_o same_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o same_o religion_n the_o same_o visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n which_o constitute_v a_o church_n visible_a common_a to_o both_o and_o differ_v only_o in_o accidental_a typical_a ceremony_n which_o change_v not_o the_o essence_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n hence_o protestant_a writer_n observe_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o refuse_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o name_n synagogue_n to_o denote_v a_o christian_a church_n jam._n 2._o 2._o 2_o thes_n 2._o 1_o heb._n 10._o 25._o for_o when_o as_o the_o church_n of_o both_o testament_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o essence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o both_o people_n may_v not_o be_v describe_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o name_n say_v tilenus_n in_o his_o thesis_n part_n 2._o disput_fw-la 14._o thes_n 3._o it_o be_v moral_a and_o perpetual_a therefore_o that_o those_o many_o synagogue_n and_o parochial_a or_o particular_a church_n shall_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n nationall_n hence_o also_o the_o jewish_a church_n bring_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o disperse_v through_o divers_a country_n be_v join_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n rule_v by_o the_o same_o law_n government_n and_o ecclesiastciall_a discipline_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 1_o 2._o compare_v with_o chap._n 5._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n consist_v of_o many_o several_a particular_a church_n as_o appear_v gal._n 1._o 2._o and_o yet_o be_v unite_v into_o one_o ecclesiastical_a body_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o unite_v in_o a_o church_n society_n under_o one_o common_a discipline_n and_o government_n hence_o gal._n 5._o 9_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o lump_n which_o be_v easy_o corrupt_v by_o a_o little_a leaven_n like_v as_o the_o unite_a and_o compact_a body_n of_o the_o corinthian_a church_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 6._o he_o give_v command_v to_o the_o galathian_o concern_v a_o uniformity_n of_o government_n in_o external_a discipline_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o they_o against_o the_o seducer_n &_o false_a teacher_n gal._n 4._o 10._o etc._n etc._n and_o 5._o 9_o 10._o which_o intimate_v a_o unite_a authority_n in_o church_n government_n whereby_o the_o false_a teacher_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n the_o church_n of_o galathia_fw-la therefore_o be_v provincial_n 3._o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o province_n or_o nation_n which_o in_o the_o ministerial_a government_n in_o ecclesiastical_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v conjoin_v and_o unite_v into_o one_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a body_n for_o the_o exercise_v visible_a act_n of_o church_n communion_n joint_o among_o themselves_o those_o constitute_v a_o church_n provincial_n or_o nationall_n for_o the_o member_n which_o do_v in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a manner_n mutual_o exercise_v among_o themselves_o visible_a act_n of_o ecclesiastical_a communion_n and_o do_v together_o joint_o participate_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n they_o make_v one_o visible_a body_n of_o a_o church_n but_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o nation_n do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n exercise_n among_o themselves_o such_o visible_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n for_o they_o do_v by_o their_o particular_a member_n by_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n delegated_a sometime_o hear_v the_o same_o word_n frequent_a the_o same_o divine_a worship_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n and_o do_v ordinary_o avoid_v and_o shut_v out_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o excommunicate_v person_n exhort_v reprove_v comfort_n and_o mutual_o edify_v one_o another_o
two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o and_o i_o be_o with_o you_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 28._o which_o primary_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o inferior_a consistory_n but_o there_o be_v a_o union_n and_o communion_n among_o themselves_o of_o all_o church_n the_o superior_a consistory_n be_v comprehend_v likewise_o 3._o we_o deduce_v our_o argument_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n borrow_v her_o frame_n of_o her_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n from_o the_o constitution_n not_o pedagogical_a but_o essential_a and_o perpetual_a of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n consistory_n be_v now_o lawful_o constitute_v according_a to_o the_o same_o form_n according_a to_o which_o the_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n be_v constitute_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_o evident_a that_o this_o order_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v of_o old_a institute_v by_o god_n and_o by_o the_o father_n most_o religious_o observe_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o good_a order_n of_o a_o church_n not_o to_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o the_o distinct_a nature_n of_o that_o government_n but_o now_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v synagogicall_a consistory_n in_o each_o city_n wherein_o the_o scribe_n and_o levit_n be_v preside_v some_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o man_n more_o eminent_a in_o dignity_n be_v join_v to_o they_o who_o office_n consist_v as_o well_o in_o teach_v as_o in_o moderate_v the_o action_n of_o the_o church_n and_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o believer_n manner_n and_o dispense_v pious_a reprehension_n and_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n towards_o the_o vice_n of_o offender_n and_o there_o be_v also_o at_o jerusalem_n a_o general_a consistory_n or_o synedrium_fw-la hold_v to_o which_o the_o most_o weighty_a matter_n be_v bring_v which_o in_o the_o lesser_a synagogicall_a judicatories_n either_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o difficulty_n or_o the_o dissension_n of_o party_n can_v not_o be_v decide_v or_o end_v see_v deut._n 17._o 8_o 9_o 2_o chron._n 19_o 5_o 6_o 7._o jer._n 26._o 9_o etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n our_o eminent_a and_o reverend_a gersom_a bucer_n in_o his_o dissertation_n the_o gubernation_n ecclesiae_fw-la pag._n 65._o do_v thus_o propose_v and_o not_o to_o be_v tedious_a it_o be_v requisite_a to_o set_v down_o distinct_o in_o what_o respect_n the_o order_n appoint_v among_o the_o jew_n do_v express_v the_o polity_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o hold_v their_o meeting_n for_o first_o as_o of_o old_a the_o use_n of_o sacred_a consistory_n as_o well_o synagogicall_a in_o the_o several_a city_n as_o the_o supreme_a at_o jerusalem_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n institution_n for_o the_o pass_n of_o judgement_n and_o determine_v controversy_n so_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o church_n birth_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v as_o well_o particular_o in_o each_o city_n as_o in_o many_o city_n in_o common_a some_o form_n of_o ordinary_a judicatory_a to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o the_o ordination_n of_o minister_n may_v be_v due_o perform_v and_o the_o censure_n of_o manner_n administer_v else_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a either_o then_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n command_v that_o he_o who_o refuse_v to_o hear_v his_o brethren_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o church_n or_o the_o apostle_n reproof_n reprehend_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o have_v neglect_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o public_a judicatory_a of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o incestuous_a person_n neither_o only_a have_v each_o particular_a church_n their_o proper_a distinct_a consistory_n but_o that_o also_o divers_a church_n when_o more_o weighty_a controversy_n do_v arise_v which_o can_v not_o in_o lesser_a assembly_n be_v determine_v do_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n come_v together_o to_o one_o general_a council_n the_o history_n of_o the_o apostle_n testify_v act_v 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o doubtless_o not_o only_a this_o ordinary_a superior_a court_n or_o sanedrim_n be_v keep_v at_o jerusalem_n but_o extraordinary_a convention_n call_v for_o the_o church_n reformation_n the_o establish_v religion_n and_o the_o sincere_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o a_o nationall_n covenant_n and_o for_o other_o holy_a occasion_n see_v example_n thereof_o deut._n 29._o 20._o 2_o chro._n 15._o 9_o &_o 29._o 4_o &_o 34._o 29_o nehem._n 10._o 32._o to_o 34._o and_o such_o convention_n be_v celebrate_v for_o moral_a duty_n the_o celebration_n of_o they_o lie_v as_o a_o duty_n on_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o all_o time_n 4._o a_o four_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 32._o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n by_o apostolical_a precept_n whatsoever_o therefore_o a_o ecclesiastical_a prophet_n do_v in_o his_o sacred_a function_n perform_v either_o in_o sacred_a doctrine_n or_o divine_a worship_n or_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o prophet_n therefore_o one_o single_a prophet_n of_o this_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o prophet_n of_o other_o church_n and_o consequent_o assembly_n of_o many_o prophet_n meeting_n out_o of_o divers_a church_n be_v here_o establish_v to_o who_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n and_o way_n of_o prophet_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v subject_a other_o argument_n be_v also_o at_o hand_n in_o this_o cause_n if_o we_o purpose_v to_o contend_v by_o number_n of_o argument_n hence_o also_o do_v the_o church_n of_o the_o netherlands_o hold_v their_o synod_n endow_v with_o authority_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a which_o do_v so_o impose_v their_o decree_n on_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o permit_v not_o a_o private_a or_o particular_a church_n to_o alter_v the_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o synod_n but_o enjoin_v all_o to_o observe_v their_o canon_n establish_v till_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o appoint_v by_o the_o synod_n see_v the_o synod_n at_o embden_n ann._n 1571._o art_n 53._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1574._o art_n 91._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1581._o art_n 69._o at_o the_o hagh_o anno_fw-la 1586_o art_n 79._o at_o middleburgh_n anno_fw-la 1591._o art_n 80._o at_o dort_n anno_fw-la 1619._o art_n 86._o we_o reject_v therefore_o the_o opposite_a assertion_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o allow_v to_o synod_n and_o class_n no_o other_o power_n then_o of_o counsel_n and_o persuasion_n as_o one_o brother_n towards_o another_o and_o one_o particular_a church_n towards_o another_o particular_a sister_n church_n may_v be_v counsel_n and_o persuasion_n direct_v and_o exhort_v to_o their_o duty_n so_o neither_o have_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o church_n that_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o synod_n and_o class_n any_o other_o authority_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o to_o persuade_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v against_o who_o we_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o what_o master_n john_n cotton_n himself_o have_v in_o a_o late_a treatise_n in_o english_a concern_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n chap._n 6._o we_o dare_v not_o say_v say_v he_o that_o their_o power_n reach_v no_o further_a than_o give_v counsel_n for_o such_o as_o their_o end_n be_v for_o which_o according_a to_o god_n they_o do_v assemble_v such_o be_v the_o power_n give_v they_o of_o god_n as_o may_v attain_v those_o end_n as_o they_o meet_v to_o minister_v light_n and_o peace_n to_o such_o church_n as_o through_o want_n of_o light_n and_o peace_n lie_v in_o error_n or_o doubt_v at_o least_o and_o variance_n so_o they_o have_v power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o give_v light_n and_o counsel_n in_o matter_n of_o truth_n and_o practice_n but_o also_o to_o command_v and_o enjoin_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o synodall_n letter_n imply_v no_o less_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o other_o burden_n act_v 15._o 27._o this_o burden_n therefore_o to_o observe_v those_o necessary_a thing_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v power_n to_o impose_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o bind_a power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o bind_v burden_n and_o this_o bind_a power_n arise_v not_o only_o material_o from_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n impose_v which_o be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la from_o the_o word_n but_o also_o formal_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n bind_v the_o more_o for_o the_o synod_n sake_n thus_o master_n cotton_n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o their_o contrary_a opinion_n who_o allow_v to_o
bind_v by_o oath_n our_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o who_o live_v under_o our_o power_n to_o such_o a_o profession_n of_o save_a faith_n we_o may_v bind_v they_o also_o by_o law_n and_o canon_n to_o the_o same_o profession_n for_o of_o like_a thing_n there_o be_v like_a judgement_n question_n 2._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o use_v in_o the_o church_n prescript_n form_n of_o prayer_n administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n &_o c_o or_o whether_o those_o church_n who_o use_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o hold_v ecclesiastical_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o such_o form_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v in_o use_n answer_n in_o this_o controversy_n we_o easy_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v write_v by_o ames_n upon_o this_o question_n in_o his_o case_n of_o conscience_n lib._n 4._o cap._n 17._o quaest_n 4._o and_o to_o what_o the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n have_v in_o their_o synopsis_n theologiae_n disput_fw-la 36._o thes_n 33_o 34._o and_o that_o we_o may_v handle_v the_o question_n distinct_o 1._o we_o reject_v such_o form_n of_o prayer_n of_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v vicious_a for_o we_o may_v not_o in_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n propound_v any_o thing_n unlawful_a impertinent_a and_o unfitting_a which_o savour_v of_o superstition_n idolatry_n or_o heresy_n or_o carnal_a profaneness_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o introduce_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o reject_v the_o ceremony_n and_o form_n of_o public_a worship_n introduce_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o these_o last_o corrupt_a time_n by_o the_o hierarchicall_a bishop_n as_o which_o be_v superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a do_v deface_v the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o glorious_a reformation_n and_o a_o church_n which_o take_v up_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a ceremony_n partake_v in_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n 2._o we_o reject_v also_o those_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o public_a worship_n which_o by_o a_o tyrannical_a and_o violent_a command_n be_v impose_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o as_o essential_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n though_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o they_o be_v legitimat_o dispose_v yet_o for_o the_o form_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o introduce_v they_o become_v illegitimate_a instrument_n of_o cruelty_n and_o pretence_n for_o perverse_a wickedness_n and_o occasion_n of_o violent_a tyranny_n against_o the_o worthy_a and_o best_a son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v not_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n who_o institution_n be_v not_o defective_a in_o the_o absolute_o necessary_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n any_o form_n prescribe_v as_o simple_o and_o absolute_o necessary_a wherein_o they_o have_v draw_v up_o a_o exact_a and_o immutable_a rule_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o church_n in_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o method_n to_o which_o all_o faithful_a worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n end_n be_v to_o be_v precise_o bind_v 3._o the_o question_n be_v not_o here_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o form_n whereby_o they_o be_v obtrude_v as_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o essential_a mean_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o of_o such_o a_o prescribe_v they_o whereby_o they_o be_v by_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n commend_v for_o the_o order_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o useful_a and_o profitable_a for_o those_o who_o want_v either_o sufficient_a ability_n or_o freedom_n of_o exercise_v it_o for_o the_o seemly_a expression_n of_o those_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o it_o be_v guide_v by_o they_o as_o help_v in_o their_o meditation_n petition_n word_n and_o action_n and_o that_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o auditor_n especial_o in_o great_a congregation_n may_v by_o those_o form_n be_v help_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o uniformity_n observe_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o all_o church_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o scandal_n and_o for_o the_o great_a edefication_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o judge_v those_o form_n as_o well_o public_o as_o private_o use_v to_o be_v lawful_a and_o profitable_a so_o that_o they_o be_v read_v out_o of_o the_o book_n with_o due_a attention_n reverence_n faith_n and_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o zeal_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o he_o that_o be_v to_o perform_v those_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o fit_a word_n to_o express_v the_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o also_o for_o the_o help_a and_o direct_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o auditor_n thereby_o and_o for_o keep_v a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o assertion_n be_v prove_v 1._o because_o we_o may_v in_o a_o prescript_n form_n sing_v psalm_n and_o offer_v thanksgiving_n to_o god_n with_o due_a reverence_n faith_n spiritual_a affection_n and_o zeal_n asaph_z and_o his_o brethren_n have_v form_n for_o the_o due_a praise_v of_o god_n prescribe_v they_o by_o david_n according_a to_o the_o prescript_n whereof_o they_o be_v in_o set_a word_n to_o celebrate_v public_a thanksgiving_n see_v 1_o chron._n 16._o 7_o 8._o so_o in_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n do_v celebrate_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o set-form_n prescribe_v by_o david_n 2_o chron._n 7._o 6._o the_o like_a example_n we_o have_v numb_a 6._o 22_o 23._o 2_o chron_n 20._o 21._o esra_fw-la 3._o 10_o 11._o psal_n 92._o 1._o but_o now_o if_o thanksgiving_n and_o sing_v of_o psalm_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o spiritual_a affection_n reverence_n and_o understanding_n and_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 15._o ephes_n 5._o 19_o col._n 3._o 16._o both_o lawful_o may_v be_v and_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o set_a form_n then_o also_o prayer_n and_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n may_v in_o set_a form_n be_v due_o and_o lawful_o conceive_v and_o offer_v to_o god_n for_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v kind_n of_o prayer_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n which_o require_v the_o same_o affection_n of_o mind_n with_o other_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n 2._o that_o be_v a_o just_a and_o lawful_a form_n of_o prayer_n in_o which_o be_v observe_v the_o essentials_n and_o necessary_a requisite_n to_o all_o prayer_n but_o all_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v require_v to_o the_o due_a constitution_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o by_o the_o godly_a be_v observe_v in_o a_o holy_a manner_n in_o prayer_n conceive_v in_o set_a form_n and_o pronounce_v out_o of_o a_o book_n therefore_o this_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a for_o what_o be_v there_o in_o scripture_n require_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o supplication_n and_o godly_a prayer_n but_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v lawful_a and_o sty_o dispose_v according_a to_o the_o present_a necessity_n that_o they_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n in_o a_o holy_a manner_n with_o reverence_n zeal_n humility_n and_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o due_o express_v our_o urge_v necessity_n but_o we_o know_v by_o certain_a experience_n that_o a_o prayer_n holy_a and_o lawful_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o may_v in_o a_o set_a form_n be_v pronounce_v and_o offer_v to_o god_n with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o necessity_n desire_n and_o zeal_n holiness_n of_o affection_n faith_n and_o religious_a motion_n of_o our_o will_n towards_o god_n and_o that_o according_a as_o our_o affair_n require_v the_o faithful_a read_v the_o text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n with_o understanding_n humility_n reverence_n zeal_n religious_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o application_n of_o they_o to_o particular_a necessity_n and_o why_o may_v not_o prayer_n in_o like_a manner_n be_v pronounce_v in_o prescript_n form_n when_o as_o prayer_n differ_v in_o this_o only_a from_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o in_o the_o one_o our_o will_n be_v move_v towards_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v move_v by_o he_o but_o in_o the_o other_o our_o will_n be_v move_v towards_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o our_o desire_n as_o ames_n elsewhere_o observe_v 3._o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v we_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n for_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o lords-prayer_n not_o only_o as_o a_o pattern_n or_o platform_n according_a to_o