synod_n both_o by_o themselves_o and_o by_o choose_v such_o as_o may_v further_o promote_v the_o same_o in_o a_o national_a council_n etc._n etc._n v._o the_o time_n of_o this_o election_n be_v to_o be_v in_o that_o session_n of_o the_o first_o council_n which_o do_v immediate_o precede_v the_o state_v quarterly_o time_n of_o the_o provincial_a council_n meet_v vi_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o election_n may_v be_v this_o the_o moderator_n of_o that_o session_n may_v first_o put_v this_o to_o vote_n whether_o they_o will_v send_v buâ—…_n one_o or_o more_o than_o one_o teach_v elder_n for_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n and_o rich_a grace_n of_o christ_n there_o may_v be_v sâ—…ndry_a able_a and_o eminent_a light_n in_o one_o first_o council_n and_o such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v a_o public_a injury_n and_o detriment_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o send_v this_o provide_v that_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o teach_v elder_n a_o like_a number_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v also_o send_v with_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o election_n may_v be_v by_o paper_n if_o they_o see_v meet_v which_o the_o moderator_n and_o notary_n be_v to_o take_v and_o number_n and_o manifest_v who_o be_v choose_v and_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v be_v by_o the_o notary_n to_o be_v record_v vii_o the_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a â—…oly_a able_a and_o eminent_a light_n in_o all_o the_o provincial_a council_n by_o who_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o send_v forth_o with_o their_o prayer_n and_o blessing_n every_o provincial_a council_n choose_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o able_a elder_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v that_o they_o have_v among_o they_o to_o constitute_v a_o national_a council_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o that_o high_a and_o holy_a service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o nation_n yeâ—…_n and_o among_o other_o nation_n if_o need_v be_v and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o call_n thereunto_o viii_o the_o time_n of_o this_o election_n be_v to_o be_v in_o that_o session_n of_o the_o provincial_a council_n which_o do_v immediate_o precede_v the_o state_v time_n of_o the_o annual_a session_n of_o the_o national_a council_n the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n may_v be_v in_o all_o respect_n according_a to_o the_o forementioned_a election_n in_o the_o provincial_a synod_n ix_o a_o ecumenical_a council_n be_v to_o consist_v of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o eminent_a light_n in_o all_o the_o national_a council_n combine_v in_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o mutual_a counsel_n and_o may_v ready_o be_v order_v by_o this_o standard_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v in_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n give_v opportunity_n to_o exercise_v the_o same_o touch_v the_o duration_n of_o these_o council_n x._o every_o one_o of_o these_o council_n do_v continue_v in_o be_v until_o according_a to_o order_n a_o new_a election_n be_v make_v the_o new_a election_n do_v antiquate_v the_o old_a hence_o as_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v apostle_n always_o in_o be_v for_o their_o help_n so_o there_o be_v at_o least_o three_o order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a council_n ever_o in_o be_v in_o every_o populous_a christian_a nation_n who_o must_v at_o the_o state_v time_n and_o may_v at_o any_o â—…it_a time_n meet_v when_o the_o affair_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o any_o of_o the_o church_n do_v need_n and_o due_o call_v for_o the_o same_o and_o when_o christian_a nation_n shall_v be_v thus_o combine_v there_o will_v be_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n ever_o in_o be_v yea_o and_o when_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v combine_v there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a ecumenical_a council_n ever_o in_o be_v to_o order_v all_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n in_o unity_n holiness_n and_o peace_n all_o the_o world_n over_o xi_o a_o principal_a objection_n arise_v against_o this_o fix_v and_o state_v of_o council_n viz._n that_o although_o pro-renascent_a council_n be_v a_o divine_a remedy_n when_o trouble_n arise_v as_o it_o be_v at_o antioch_n who_o also_o then_o finish_v the_o council_n when_o the_o present_a work_n be_v finish_v but_o of_o fix_v state_v and_o permanent_a council_n we_o have_v no_o example_n nor_o do_v there_o appear_v any_o ground_n iâ—…_n scripture_n to_o bottom_v they_o upon_o ans._n the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o state_v and_o permâ—…nent_a way_n of_o counsel_n eminent_o and_o more_o than_o our_o state_v and_o permanent_a council_n can_v be_v for_o they_o have_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n constant_o among_o they_o and_o though_o they_o have_v fix_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n yet_o they_o do_v need_v the_o visitation_n and_o frequent_o make_v use_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o be_v the_o permanent_a council_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o though_o it_o have_v please_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o great_a lawgiver_n to_o give_v we_o but_o one_o example_n of_o a_o ordinary_a council_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v to_o be_v our_o perpetual_a guide_n in_o our_o ordinary_a way_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o example_n of_o the_o church_n need_v of_o and_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n counsel_n who_o they_o have_v always_o with_o they_o or_o know_v when_o and_o where_o to_o repair_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o help_n and_o we_o find_v by_o much_o and_o long_a experience_n that_o our_o reform_a church_n do_v stand_v in_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o need_v of_o constant_a and_o state_v council_n as_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v of_o the_o constant_a presence_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n always_o for_o their_o directive_n and_o often_o for_o their_o corrective_a â—…elp_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o our_o church_n do_v often_o need_v the_o directive_n help_v of_o council_n than_o the_o corrective_a and_o in_o both_o respect_n together_o we_o need_v they_o to_o be_v always_o in_o be_v many_o good_a work_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v stick_v long_o in_o the_o birth_n and_o languish_v yea_o oft_o miscarry_v and_o vanish_v for_o want_v of_o the_o help_n of_o council_n sundry_a church_n also_o and_o remote_a place_n lie_v long_o in_o the_o dark_a without_o food_n and_o help_n for_o want_v of_o the_o orderly_a care_n of_o settle_a council_n every_o body_n work_n be_v nobody_o but_o when_o all_o church_n be_v in_o order_n all_o know_v where_o their_o work_n lie_v disorder_n likewise_o and_o insuperable_a distemper_n by_o long_o â—…retting_v and_o burn_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o sundry_a church_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o saint_n for_o want_v of_o state_v council_n some_o or_o other_o refuse_v in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o temptation_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o remedy_n especial_o have_v that_o advantage_n that_o without_o their_o consent_n a_o pro-renascent_a council_n may_v not_o be_v call_v or_o if_o call_v by_o some_o only_a they_o have_v the_o less_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o be_v in_o the_o more_o danger_n of_o do_v hurt_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o example_n nor_o ground_n of_o state_v and_o permanent_a council_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n see_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v so_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o primitive_a church_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v we_o one_o pâ—…tern_n of_o a_o ordinary_a council_n there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n do_v survive_v object_n but_o do_v not_o this_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n for_o bishop_n and_o such_o like_a superintendent_o over_o the_o church_n for_o so_o they_o a_o gue_z ans._n be_v there_o a_o like_a example_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n for_o this_o work_n to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o one_o man_n not_o extraordinary_o call_v as_o there_o be_v for_o a_o council_n than_o their_o argument_n will_v have_v force_n with_o it_o but_o such_o â—…_n pattern_n or_o precept_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v and_o the_o way_n of_o council_n which_o be_v clear_o institute_v be_v sufficient_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n as_o we_o have_v find_v by_o pracious_a and_o pienteous_a experience_n though_o we_o be_v still_o defective_a in_o that_o we_o have_v not_o our_o council_n state_v and_o we_o do_v find_v great_a inconvenience_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o defect_n xii_o these_o council_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o duration_n may_v multiply_v or_o cut_v short_a their_o session_n as_o need_n may_v require_v according_a as_o the_o business_n of_o the_o church_n and_o affair_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o press_v and_o urgent_a xiii_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o their_o meeting_n staâ—…ed_v occasional_a the_o
communion_n of_o church_n or_o the_o divine_a management_n of_o gospel-churche_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o council_n constitute_v in_o order_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o the_o way_n of_o bring_v all_o christian_a parish_n to_o be_v particular_a reform_v congregationall_a church_n humble_o propose_v as_o a_o way_n which_o have_v so_o much_o light_n from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n as_o that_o it_o may_v lawful_o be_v submit_v unto_o by_o all_o and_o may_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o unite_n those_o two_o holy_a and_o eminent_a party_n the_o presbyterian_o and_o the_o congregationals_n as_o also_o to_o prepare_v for_o the_o hoped-for_a resurrection_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o propose_v a_o way_n to_o bring_v all_o christian_a nation_n unto_o a_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n write_a by_o john_n eliot_n teacher_n of_o roxbury_n in_o n._n e._n psal._n 1._o â—…0_n that_o you_o may_v try_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a 1_o john_n 4_o 1._o try_v the_o spirit_n cambridge_n print_v by_o marmaduke_n johnson_n 1665._o preface_n although_o a_o few_o copy_n of_o this_o small_a script_n be_v print_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o publish_v only_o commit_v private_o to_o some_o godly_a and_o able_a hand_n to_o be_v view_v correct_v amend_v or_o reject_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o hold_v wright_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n ballance_n or_o not_o and_o it_o be_v the_o humble_a request_n of_o the_o author_n that_o whatever_o objection_n rectification_n or_o emendatiâ—…ns_n may_v occurreâ—…_n they_o may_v be_v convey_v unto_o he_o who_o desire_v nothing_o may_v be_v accept_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o holiness_n peace_n and_o promotion_n of_o the_o holy_a kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o procure_n of_o half_n so_o many_o copy_n write_v and_o correct_v will_v be_v more_o difficult_a and_o chargeable_a than_o the_o print_n of_o these_o few_o i_o beg_v the_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o precioâ—…s_a servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o i_o may_v never_o have_v the_o least_o singer_n in_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o holiness_n and_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o to_o this_o i_o subscribe_v myself_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o the_o labourer_n in_o our_o lord_n vineyard_n john_n eliot_n communion_n of_o church_n or_o the_o divine_a management_n of_o gospel-churche_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o council_n chap._n i._o prolegomena_n or_o thing_n premise_v i._o there_o be_v two_o holy_a public_a society_n famous_a in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o a_o church_n of_o believer_n 2._o a_o council_n of_o church_n a_o church_n of_o believer_n be_v a_o company_n of_o visible_a saint_n combine_v together_o with_o one_o heart_n to_o hold_v communion_n in_o all_o the_o institute_v gospel-worship_n ordinance_n and_o discipline_n which_o christ_n have_v sit_v for_o and_o give_v unto_o a_o particular_a church_n such_o a_o company_n be_v frequent_o call_v a_o church_n see_v a_o few_o place_n act_v 2._o 47_o &_o 11._o 26._o &_o 14._o 23_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 11._o 18_o 20_o 22_o etc._n etc._n a_o council_n be_v a_o society_n of_o particular_a church_n in_o communion_n by_o their_o representative_n for_o their_o well-being_n and_o well-ordering_a all_o thing_n among_o they_o by_o mutual_a counsel_n in_o truth_n peace_n and_o holiness_n our_o pattern_n be_v that_o great_a council_n act_v 15._o which_o consist_v of_o two_o church_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n express_o agree_v to_o give_v and_o take_v counsel_n and_o it_o be_v leâ—…_n as_o a_o standard_n and_o pattern_n â—…ow_v the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o counsel_n be_v to_o be_v use_v and_o manage_v for_o the_o well-being_n of_o church_n to_o the_o world_n end_n ii_o the_o constitution_n of_o both_o these_o building_n or_o society_n be_v eminent_a and_o observable_a in_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n a_o church_n of_o believer_n be_v first_o institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o afterward_o put_v in_o practice_n by_o the_o apostle_n matth._n 16._o 18._o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n the_o rock_n confess_v be_v christ_n christ_n confessëd_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n 〈◊〉_d peter_n confess_v be_v a_o hew_a stone_n square_v to_o the_o foundation_n 〈◊〉_d a_o believer_n make_v ecclesiastical_o visible_a sit_v for_o church-building_n and_o fellowship_n a_o company_n of_o such_o confessor_n or_o a_o company_n of_o these_o confess_v believer_n 1._o have_v power_n to_o join_v together_o into_o a_o gospel_n church-state_n as_o they_o do_v act_n 1._o 13_o 14._o continue_a with_o one_o accord_n so_o act_v 2._o 46._o 2._o they_o have_v power_n to_o call_v officer_n by_o who_o they_o become_v a_o organic_n body_n and_o sit_v to_o administer_v and_o enjoy_v all_o institute_v worship_n act_v 1._o 15_o 23._o peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o they_o appoint_v two_o act_n 6._o 3._o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o man_n act_n 14._o 23._o by_o bold_v up_o band_n make_v elder_n 3._o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o these_o officer_n the_o church_n do_v actual_o enjoy_v such_o ordinance_n as_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n for_o their_o edisication_n both_o directive_n in_o word_n sacrament_n prayer_n sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o collection_n act_v 2._o 42._o they_o continuâ—…ct_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o sellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n col._n 3._o 16._o teach_v one_o another_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n etc._n etc._n â—…1_n cor._n 16._o 1_o 2._o every_o first_o day_n lie_v by_o itself_o etc._n etc._n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o neuter_n gender_n as_o well_o as_o masculine_a and_o be_v so_o to_o be_v read_v because_o they_o have_v two_o distinct_a collection_n â—…t_v that_o time_n the_o collection_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v by_o itself_o a_o public_a not_o a_o private_a collection_n corrective_a 1_o cor._n â—…5_n 425._o when_o gather_v together_o deliver_v to_o saâ—…_n iii_o the_o administration_n of_o and_o participation_n in_o all_o these_o ordiâ—…ances_n while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o flesh_n and_o state_n militant_a be_v in_o full_a of_o variety_n of_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n especial_o where_o church_n be_v numerous_a that_o the_o work_n can_v long_o be_v carry_v on_o a_o while_n it_o sometime_o may_v viz._n while_o the_o church_n be_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o adversary_n and_o when_o there_o be_v elder_n eminent_a in_o piety_n humility_n and_o ability_n without_o state_v help_n the_o help_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v institute_v be_v counsel_n when_o antiech_n have_v trouble_v in_o some_o point_n of_o doctrine_n the_o remedy_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n apply_v be_v counsel_n give_v they_o by_o a_o formal_a council_n act_v 15._o when_o corinth_n want_v help_v in_o a_o point_n of_o discipline_n the_o apostle_n do_v help_v by_o minister_a counsel_n unto_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o he_o counsel_v the_o church_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o man_n the_o sinner_n excommunication_n be_v a_o sharp_a rod_n make_v up_o of_o seven_o most_o severe_a and_o terrible_a twig_n or_o a_o strong_a purgation_n compound_v of_o seven_o violent_a ingredient_n viz._n 1._o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o visible_a communion_n with_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o familiar_a communion_n with_o the_o saint_n in_o worship_n 3._o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o usual_a walk_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o he_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o unsavoury_a salt_n or_o a_o loathsome_a thing_n that_o do_v offend_v 5._o he_o be_v thrust_v out_o of_o the_o paradise_n of_o god_n from_o eat_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n viz._n christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o supper_n where_o the_o spirit_n sit_v as_o in_o his_o sealing-office_n 6._o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o familiar_a civil_a communion_n with_o the_o saint_n he_o may_v not_o be_v invite_v to_o eat_v with_o they_o 7._o he_o be_v deliver_v to_o satan_n and_o that_o by_o the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o spouse_n the_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o a_o brother_n ah_o who_o tremble_v not_o to_o minister_v such_o a_o pill_n to_o lay_v on_o such_o a_o rod_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v need_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o administer_v with_o all_o care_n fear_v and_o clearness_n and_o all_o this_o show_v and_o much_o more_o may_v be_v produce_v to_o show_v what_o need_v there_o be_v of_o counsel_n which_o after_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n experience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o congregational_a church_n in_o fullness_n of_o
say_v not_o in_o any_o â—…â—…cal_a power_n but_o in_o order_n and_o extent_n than_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o way_n or_o expedient_a whereby_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_n and_o equal_a communion_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n wherein_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o act_n and_o consent_n interest_v and_o concern_v much_o less_o can_v there_o be_v aâ—…_n equal_a communion_n of_o church_n of_o several_a nation_n for_o if_o several_a nation_n shall_v need_v and_o desire_v to_o hold_v communion_n of_o council_n who_o shall_v choose_v the_o person_n or_o instrument_n by_o who_o this_o communion_n shall_v be_v hold_v and_o act_v if_o prince_n choose_v they_o it_o be_v not_o a_o regular_a ecclesiastical_a council_n if_o church_n choose_v and_o send_v they_o shall_v some_o church_n only_o choose_v they_o or_o all_o the_o church_n â—…f_n some_o only_o who_o and_o why_o they_o and_o not_o other_o and_o how_o can_v their_o act_n interest_n and_o oblige_v all_o if_o all_o the_o church_n must_v choose_v then_o immediate_o or_o â—…_n delegate_n immediate_o it_o be_v unfeizible_a especial_o to_o act_v in_o knowledge_n and_o prudence_n but_o mediate_o by_o their_o confident_n and_o representative_n they_o may_v the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o province_n where_o election_n must_v â—…e_v perform_v by_o representative_n in_o which_o way_n a_o general_n and_o equal_a election_n be_v attainable_a and_o without_o it_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v attainable_a now_o that_o several_a nation_n ought_v to_o hold_v communion_n and_o also_o all_o the_o church_n in_o a_o nation_n it_o do_v appear_v in_o these_o scripture_n isa._n 19_o 23_o 24_o 25._o zeph._n 3._o 9_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 1â—…_n &_o 14._o 32_o 36._o of_o which_o see_v more_o in_o synod_n at_o boston_n this_o be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o as_o yet_o no_o way_n or_o expedient_a appear_v whereby_o it_o may_v be_v due_o act_v we_o be_v at_o a_o great_a loss_n therefore_o the_o lord_n open_v this_o way_n which_o be_v so_o attainable_a and_o not_o without_o scripture_n light_n what_o iâ—…_n the_o church_n shall_v set_v upon_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n may_v appear_v unto_o his_o servant_n therein_o as_o for_o the_o episcopal_a way_n of_o government_n alas_o that_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o this_o ordinance_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o constitution_n of_o four_o order_n of_o council_n i._o when_o twelve_o church_n or_o any_o other_o number_n under_o twenty_o â—…our_n shall_v agree_v to_o hold_v communion_n in_o a_o council_n for_o mutual_n help_v and_o shall_v send_v forth_o messenger_n at_o least_o two_o from_o every_o church_n and_o they_o of_o both_o order_n of_o elder_n or_o in_o defect_n of_o rule_v elder_n brethren_n eminent_a in_o piety_n and_o wisdom_n who_o be_v as_o elder_n to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o church_n herein_o combine_v these_o do_v constitute_v the_o first_o order_n of_o a_o complete_a council_n the_o first_o ascent_n of_o the_o glorious_a temple_n the_o first_o row_n in_o compact_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n these_o be_v the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n before_o the_o lord_n represent_v all_o the_o congregation_n which_o send_v they_o it_o be_v both_o needful_a and_o attainable_a that_o these_o council_n shall_v meet_v once_o every_o month_n ii_o when_o twelve_o of_o the_o first_o order_n of_o council_n or_o any_o other_o number_n under_o twenty_o four_o shall_v with_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o all_o their_o particular_a church_n agree_v to_o hold_v communion_n in_o a_o council_n for_o mutual_n help_v and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v send_v forth_o from_o among_o themselves_o at_o least_o one_o principal_a and_o eminent_a teach_v elder_a and_o one_o rule_v elder_a to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o a_o provincial_a synod_n in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o church_n herein_o combine_v these_o do_v constitute_v the_o second_o order_n of_o council_n these_o be_v a_o provincial_a council_n these_o do_v represent_v very_o many_o church_n and_o all_o the_o people_n in_o they_o with_o their_o express_a consent_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o twenty_o four_o elder_n so_o denominate_v by_o their_o least_o and_o constitute_a number_n though_o the_o number_n represent_v be_v very_o great_a according_a to_o rev._n 5._o 8_o 9_o etc._n etc._n these_o all_o be_v church-messenger_n send_v forth_o to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n though_o immediate_o send_v forth_o by_o the_o first_o council_n with_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n combine_v these_o be_v the_o second_o row_n of_o church_n compact_v by_o the_o number_n twelve_o the_o second_o row_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o temple_n of_o equal_a dimension_n to_o the_o first_o and_o build_v upon_o the_o first_o stand_v upon_o the_o same_o bottom_n and_o foundation_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n it_o be_v both_o needful_a and_o attainable_a that_o these_o shall_v meet_v quarterly_o iii_o when_o twelve_o provincial_a council_n or_o any_o other_o number_n under_o twenty_o four_o shall_v with_o the_o explicit_a consent_n of_o the_o first_o council_n and_o with_o the_o explicit_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v in_o this_o combination_n agree_v to_o hold_v communion_n in_o a_o council_n for_o mutual_a help_n and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v send_v forth_o from_o among_o themselves_o at_o least_o one_o principal_n teach_v elder_a and_o one_o rule_v elder_a both_o eminent_a in_o holiness_n wisdom_n and_o all_o fit_a ability_n to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o a_o national_a synod_n in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o province_n first_o council_n and_o particular_a church_n herein_o combine_v these_o do_v constitute_v a_o three_o order_n of_o council_n these_o be_v a_o national_a council_n these_o do_v represent_v a_o whole_a nation_n of_o church_n and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o twenty_o four_o elder_n as_o rev._n 5_o 1â—…_n 13_o 14._o though_o all_o creature_n concur_v and_o be_v combine_v in_o the_o work_n all_o be_v represent_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o twenty_o four_o elder_n these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o church-messenger_n send_v forth_o to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n but_o they_o be_v immediate_o send_v forth_o by_o the_o proviâ—…iall_a council_n iv._o as_o the_o first_o council_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a person_n in_o all_o the_o church_n so_o the_o provincial_a council_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a instrument_n in_o the_o respective_a province_n and_o the_o national_a council_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o most_o choice_a person_n in_o all_o the_o nation_n who_o pass_v through_o so_o many_o ecclesiastical_a election_n before_o they_o arrive_v unto_o this_o high_a and_o â—…oly_a service_n they_o pass_v under_o a_o opportunity_n of_o be_v call_v out_o from_o among_o all_o the_o choice_n jewel_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o be_v in_o â—…n_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o capacity_n it_o will_v be_v both_o needful_a and_o attainable_a that_o these_o shall_v meet_v once_o in_o a_o year_n v._o when_o twelve_o national_a council_n or_o any_o number_n under_o twenty_o four_o shall_v agree_v with_o the_o explicit_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n pass_v and_o arise_v through_o all_o the_o order_n of_o council_n to_o hold_v communion_n in_o council_n for_o mutual_a help_n and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v send_v forth_o at_o least_o one_o teach_v and_o one_o rule_v elder_a man_n eminent_a in_o holiness_n and_o ability_n for_o so_o high_a a_o service_n to_o constitute_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o there_o to_o manage_v the_o ordinance_n of_o counsel_n in_o the_o behalf_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o council_n herein_o combine_v these_o do_v constitute_v a_o four_o order_n of_o council_n they_o be_v a_o ecumenical_a council_n and_o represent_v all_o the_o church_n in_o those_o nation_n before_o the_o lord_n vi_o twenty_o three_o nation_n meet_v in_o one_o council_n will_v be_v a_o great_a glory_n to_o christ_n and_o by_o what_o have_v yet_o be_v in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v call_v ecumenical_a yet_o when_o the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n i_o know_v not_o but_o there_o will_v be_v council_n above_o this_o nay_o why_o may_v there_o not_o be_v twelve_o ascent_n in_o combine_v all_o the_o world_n rev._n 21._o 16_o 17._o but_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n at_o present_v this_o be_v the_o top_n and_o uppermost_a
according_a to_o this_o type_n rev._n 7._o 4._o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n be_v order_v multiply_v and_o â—…ealed_v in_o this_o number_n and_o rev._n 21._o 12_o 14._o the_o twelve_o tribe_n be_v the_o twelve_o gate_n and_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v the_o twelve_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n â—…hat_o glorious_a visible_a gospel-church_n ezekâ—…8_n â—…8_z which_o be_v call_v jehovahshamniah_a be_v order_v by_o the_o number_n twelve_o according_a to_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n as_o the_o typical_a and_o of_o canaan_n be_v iv._o in_o the_o perfect_a pattern_n fâ—…r_n the_o word_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v leave_v we_o act_v 15._o as_o there_o be_v a_o ground_n work_n for_o the_o least_o of_o council_n in_o the_o two_o church_n so_o of_o complete_a council_n in_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n for_o though_o herod_n have_v kill_v james_n with_o the_o sword_n actsâ—…_n â—…_z â—…_n his_o martyrdom_n do_v not_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o foundation_n but_o rather_o six_o him_z in_o it_o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v most_o of_o they_o kill_v for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n before_o john_n have_v his_o revelation_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v they_o all_o write_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o in_o the_o order_n of_o complete_a council_n we_o shall_v lay_v our_o foundation_n in_o the_o number_n twelve_o and_o all_o the_o order_n of_o council_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o compact_v by_o that_o number_n even_o from_o the_o bottom_n to_o the_o top_n v._o and_o unto_o this_o order_n and_o number_n we_o may_v the_o â—…ather_o be_v induce_v because_o here_o will_v be_v the_o twenty_o four_o elderâ—…_n who_o do_v wait_v upon_o and_o worship_v the_o holy_a majesty_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n as_o he_o have_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o rev._n 4._o where_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o the_o church_n be_v reveâ—…led_v first_o with_o his_o glorious_a angel_n next_o he_o represent_v by_o the_o four_o live_a creature_n according_a to_o ezek._n 1._o &_o 10._o and_o second_o with_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n about_o he_o represent_v by_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n who_o do_v represent_v all_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n in_o communion_n as_o will_v anon_o appear_v vi_o for_o when_o twelve_o church_n be_v combine_v to_o hold_v communion_n together_o the_o least_o number_n that_o one_o church_n must_v by_o institution_n send_v forth_o to_o that_o first_o council_n must_v be_v one_o teach_v elder_a and_o one_o rule_v elder_a and_o then_o this_o society_n of_o church_n be_v represent_v by_o twenty_o four_o elder_n strict_o and_o when_o twelve_o of_o these_o first_o council_n shall_v with_o consent_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n elect_a and_o send_v forth_o one_o teach_v and_o one_o rule_v elder_a the_o able_a and_o fit_a among_o they_o to_o constitute_v a_o provincial_a council_n that_o council_n will_v be_v strict_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n represent_v all_o the_o church_n in_o that_o province_n concur_v in_o the_o election_n and_o when_o twelve_o provincial_a council_n shall_v with_o like_a consent_n send_v forth_o from_o each_o of_o they_o one_o teach_v and_o one_o rule_v elder_a the_o most_o holy_a and_o able_a among_o they_o to_o constitute_v a_o national_a council_n they_o will_v still_o be_v strict_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n represent_v the_o whole_a nation_n in_o their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o when_o twelve_o national_a council_n shall_v send_v forth_o in_o like_a manner_n from_o each_o of_o they_o one_o teach_v and_o one_o rule_v elder_a the_o most_o holy_a and_o fit_a among_o they_o to_o constitute_v aâ—…_n oecumenicâ—…l_a council_n or_o by_o what_o other_o less_o term_v it_o may_v be_v think_v meet_a to_o call_v it_o they_o will_v still_o be_v strict_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n represent_v before_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o church_n in_o all_o those_o nation_n concur_v in_o the_o election_n and_o why_o may_v not_o this_o ascent_n and_o representation_n of_o all_o before_o the_o lord_n be_v part_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text_n rev._n 5._o 8_o 9_o 11_o 12_o 14_o vii_o and_o this_o point_n be_v the_o more_o to_o be_v â—…eeded_v because_o god_n visible_a respect_n unto_o and_o acceptation_n of_o any_o people_n be_v according_a to_o the_o good_a aspect_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o representative_n there_o may_v be_v much_o drose_n in_o a_o parish_n a_o province_n a_o nation_n and_o in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v good_a representative_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o they_o carry_v the_o lord_n matter_n well_o in_o his_o sight_n that_o do_v obtain_v through_o christ_n a_o favourable_a acceptation_n of_o and_o dispensation_n towards_o all_o that_o be_v so_o represent_v and_o he_o have_v institute_v representative_n of_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n aaron_n represent_v all_o israel_n on_o his_o breast_n before_o the_o lord_n exod._n 28._o 29._o and_o a_o council_n consist_v of_o messenger_n of_o church_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v represent_v the_o church_n who_o send_v and_o constitute_v that_o council_n act_v 15._o oh_o how_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o any_o people_n to_o be_v in_o such_o visible_a institute_v order_n on_o earth_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v through_o christ_n acceptable_o represent_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o god_n be_v so_o well_o please_v to_o see_v his_o people_n in_o order_n as_o that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o that_o place_n and_o call_v it_o by_o his_o own_o name_n jehovahshamniah_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v civil_o as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastical_o in_o good_a order_n represent_v before_o he_o viii_o furthermore_o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n be_v so_o call_v by_o the_o least_o number_n that_o they_o can_v be_v by_o this_o constitution_n yet_o according_a as_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v more_o abundant_o pour_v out_o they_o may_v be_v more_o in_o number_n though_o under_o this_o constitute_a denomination_n for_o one_o church_n may_v send_v forth_o â—…ing_a elder_n as_o antioch_n send_v forth_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o rule_v elder_n or_o brethren_n proportionable_o so_o likewise_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n when_o there_o be_v more_o eminent_a light_n in_o any_o of_o the_o council_n as_o through_o grace_n it_o be_v like_o often_o to_o be_v they_o may_v send_v more_o than_o one_o to_o the_o provincial_n or_o national_a or_o ecumenical_a council_n but_o still_a they_o be_v the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n because_o that_o be_v the_o foundation_n number_n ix_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v illustrate_v this_o point_n by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o apostle_n than_o twelve_o for_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o paul_n who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o twelve_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o a_o chief_a apostle_n a_o great_a foundation_n and_o barnabas_n be_v a_o apostle_n also_o act_v 14_o 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n â—…_n 9_o but_o twelve_o be_v the_o foundation_n number_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v so_o denominate_v x._o again_o though_o twelve_o church_n be_v the_o low_a number_n of_o the_o first_o combination_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v more_o than_o twelve_o when_o the_o pouring_n out_o of_o god_n grace_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v yea_o they_o may_v be_v any_o number_n under_o twenty_o four_o church_n if_o then_o twenty_o three_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o combination_n their_o messenger_n send_v to_o the_o first_o council_n will_v be_v a_o great_a number_n but_o still_o they_o be_v the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n before_o the_o lord_n by_o their_o fundamental_a constitution_n so_o a_o like_a number_n of_o provincial_a council_n and_o a_o like_a number_n of_o national_a council_n though_o their_o messenger_n be_v many_o yet_o they_o be_v still_o the_o twenty_o four_o elder_n grow_v up_o through_o grace_n and_o increase_v unto_o more_o order_n of_o council_n for_o the_o great_a glory_n of_o christ._n and_o when_o through_o grace_n there_o shall_v be_v twenty_o four_o church_n or_o first_o council_n or_o provincial_a or_o national_a council_n then_o they_o must_v be_v compact_v into_o two_o order_n of_o those_o council_n because_o twelve_o be_v the_o foundation_n number_n by_o which_o they_o be_v multiply_v and_o compact_v and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v they_o be_v reduce_v to_o be_v twenty_o four_o elder_n strict_o the_o foundation_n number_n as_o in_o the_o order_n of_o that_o civil_a government_n set_v up_o by_o moses_n the_o order_n of_o ten_o and_o of_o fifty_o etc._n etc._n be_v denominate_v bâ—…_n the_o least_o and_o constitute_a number_n though_o those_o order_n may_v consist_v when_o they_o be_v full_a of_o people_n and_o