1 75 ) and not for thofe times, wherein the Church couldnot fubfift in order without it. 31y. The Church here directed unto, is a Chriftian Church. For (r.) whereas it hathbeen proved, it concerned the times to come afterwards; there was in thofe times nothing that could pretend unto the name of the Church but a Chrittian'Church only. TheJewifhSynagogues had an utterend put unto them, fo as that anAddrefs unto any of them in this cafe was not only ufelefs but unlawful. And as unto Magiftrates or Arbitrators,to have them called the Church, and that in fuch a fenfe as that af- ter the Interpofition oftheir Authority or Advice,a man fhould be freed from the difcharge of all Chriftian Duties, fuch as are mutually required among the Difciples of Chrift towards his Brother, is a fond Imagination : For (z j It is fuch a Church, as can exercife Authority in the Name of Chri/l, over his Difci- ples, and fuch as in Confcience,they Mould be bound to fubmit themfelves unto. For theReafon given of the Contempt of the Voice, Judgment and Sentence of the Church incafe ofoffence, is their Power of fpiritual bindingand looting, which is comit- ted by Chrift thereunto, and fo he adds immediatley ver. 18. Whatever ye (hall bind on Earth, (hall be bound in Heaven ; andwhatfoever ye fhallloofe in heaven, (hall le loofedon earth ; is the Priviledge ofa Chriftian Church only. 4thly. It is avifible particular Congregation alone that is in- tended. For (r.) As unto the Church, in other acceptations of that name, either for the Catholick invifible Church, or for the whole Body of profefí-ed Believers thoroughout the world, it is utterly impoffible that this Daty Mould be obferved to- wards it, as is manifeft unto all. (2.) We have proved that táe firfi and moll proper fignification ofthe word is ofa f ngle con- gregation, affembling together for its Duties and Enjoyments. Where ever therefore the Church in general is mentioned,with- out the Addition of any thing or circumfiance, that may lead unto another fignification ; it mutt be interpreted of fuch a Parti- cular Church or Congregation. (3.) The Perlons intended, of- Iv 7 fettling
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