Selected quad for the lemma: act_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
act_n	apostle_n	church_n	elder_n	5,779	5	10.2377	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A91309	Truth triumphing over falshood, antiquity over novelty. Or, The first part of a just and seasonable vindication of the undoubted ecclesiasticall iurisdiction, right, legislative, coercive power of Christian emperors, kings, magistrates, parliaments, in all matters of religion, church-government, discipline, ceremonies, manners: summoning of, presiding, moderating in councells, synods; and ratifying their canons, determinations, decrees: as likewise of lay-mens right both to sit and vote in councells; ... In refutation of Mr. Iohn Goodwins Innocencies Triumph: my deare brother Burtons Vindication of churches, commonly called Independent: and of all anti-monarchicall, anti-Parliamentall, anti-synodicall, and anarchicall paradoxes of papists, prelates, Anabaptists, Arminians, Socinians, Brownists, or Independents: whose old and new objections to the contrary, are here fully answered. / By William Prynne, of Lincolnes Inne, Esquire.	Prynne, William, 1600-1669.	1645 (1645)	Wing P4115; Thomason E259_1; ESTC R212479	202,789	171

seven_o to_o what_o rule_n covenant_n order_n censure_n government_n discipline_n every_o private_a minister_n eldership_n or_o every_o major_a part_n of_o a_o congregation_n shall_v arbitrary_o prescribe_v unto_o their_o member_n as_o suitable_a to_o the_o word_n no_o doubt_v he_o that_o have_v a_o doubtful_a case_n in_o law_n will_v rather_o have_v the_o advice_n of_o many_o solid_a lawyer_n then_o one_o he_o that_o be_v sick_a in_o body_n will_v give_v more_o credit_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o physician_n upon_o debate_n then_o to_o one_o or_o two_o doctor_n or_o apothecary_n whence_o the_o policy_n of_o all_o state_n church_n in_o all_o age_n have_v reserve_v the_o power_n of_o make_v law_n and_o settle_v matter_n of_o great_a moment_n to_o their_o most_o general_a counsel_n parliament_n and_o assembly_n not_o to_o cabinet_n counsel_n or_o vestery_n brother_n it_o be_v a_o true_a rule_n of_o 12._o aristotle_n that_o man_n be_v better_o govern_v by_o law_n which_o continue_v constant_a inpartiall_a inflexible_a then_o by_o man_n who_o lust_n passion_n interest_n and_o private_a end_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n bias_n they_o awry_o hold_v as_o well_o in_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a constitution_n therefore_o this_o legislative_a power_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o parliament_n and_o synod_n over_o particular_a church_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o prejudice_n or_o slavery_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o privilege_n and_o freedom_n as_o our_o parliament_n be_v to_o our_o kingdom_n which_o only_o make_v bind_v law_n for_o all_o and_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o free_v we_o from_o a_o arbitrary_a government_n the_o three_o thing_n my_o 1●_n brother_n object_n be_v 3._o that_o all_o these_o church_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v be_v of_o absolute_a authority_n among_o themselves_o respective_o and_o equal_a one_o to_o another_o not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v jurisdiction_n over_o another_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n corinth_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n exercise_v all_o jurisdiction_n within_o themselves_o alone_o not_o be_v subordinate_a to_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o as_o other_o object_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n next_o after_o christ_n for_o two_o hundred_o year_n or_o more_o the_o government_n be_v almost_o popular_a and_o every_o church_n have_v equal_a power_n of_o ordain_v and_o cast_v out_o their_o minister_n and_o be_v independent_a one_o of_o another_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o centurist_n cent._n 1._o c._n 7._o tit_n de_fw-fr conso●iatione_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la and_o de_fw-fr synodis_fw-la privatis_fw-la to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o century_n my_o brother_n quote_v nor_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o second_o but_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o then_o lord_n and_o sovereign_a over_o another_o but_o it_o say_v not_o they_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o public_a synod_n 2._o that_o none_o of_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a as_o you_o pretend_v for_o first_o they_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n and_o direction_n both_o church_n minister_n elder_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o all_o the_o epistle_n write_v to_o those_o church_n after_o they_o be_v plant_v prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o they_o for_o to_o follow_v by_o paul_n send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o he_o to_o miletus_n and_o give_v they_o there_o a_o charge_n concern_v themselves_o and_o their_o flock_n act_n 20._o 15._o to_o 36._o by_o ●_o cor._n 11._o 18._o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11._o 34._o the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v by_o his_o command_v they_o to_o deliver_v the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a to_o satan_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 4_o 5._o &_o tit._n 1._o 5_o 6._o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o independent_a or_o absolute_a in_o themselves_o but_o subordinate_a to_o the_o apostle_n 2._o though_o they_o be_v not_o subordinate_a immediate_o one_o to_o another_o as_o one_o single_a parish_n church_n now_o be_v not_o subordinate_a to_o another_o particular_a church_n nor_o the_o church_n of_o one_o city_n republic_n kingdom_n subordinate_a to_o another_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o a_o parliament_n synod_n or_o combination_n of_o many_o church_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n new_a opinion_n etc._n etc._n which_o concern_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o suppress_n of_o schism_n the_o common_a peace_n or_o weal_n of_o all_o church_n in_o which_o all_o have_v equal_a interest_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o the_o 6._o synodical_a determination_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o send_v decree_n to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o observe_v act_v 15._o throughout_o etc._n etc._n 21._o 24_o 25._o which_o be_v thus_o express_v ch._n 16._o v._n 4_o 5._o and_o as_o they_o go_v through_o the_o city_n they_o deliver_v they_o the_o decree_n for_o to_o keep_v that_o be_v ordain_v of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n which_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o mark_v the_o happy_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o those_o decree_n and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n establish_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o increase_v in_o number_n daily_o it_o be_v well_o there_o be_v no_o independent_o then_o they_o will_v have_v quarrel_v both_o this_o synod_n and_o its_o decree_n as_o 70._o they_o do_v most_o strange_o now_o or_o seek_v for_o to_o avoid_v this_o unavoidable_a precedent_n &_o argue_v as_o some_o do_v now_o what_o we_o be_v independent_a congregation_n absolute_a and_o complete_a within_o ourselves_o what_o have_v the_o church_n or_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o do_v to_o make_v decree_n for_o we_o to_o keep_v who_o be_v under_o christ_n alone_o as_o our_o only_a king_n head_z governor_n lawgiver_n not_o under_o apostle_n elder_n synod_n or_o any_o other_o church_n who_o may_v not_o lord_n it_o over_o we_o hence_o than_o i_o argue_v that_o the_o church_n than_o be_v not_o independent_a because_o they_o thus_o ready_o embrace_v submit_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o synodall_n decree_n which_o our_o independent_a church_n will_v not_o stoop_v to_o say_v their_o church_n be_v absolute_a entire_o their_o own_o 4._o who_o be_v lord_n over_o they_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 15._o argue_v the_o unlawfulnesse_n of_o woman_n pray_v without_o veil_n and_o of_o man_n wear_n long_a hair_n ad_fw-la never_o long_o in_o england_n then_o now_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n from_o the_o very_a custom_n of_o other_o church_n nevertheless_o say_v he_o if_o any_o man_n seen_n to_o be_v contentious_a in_o oppose_v the_o premise_n we_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n neither_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o paul_n from_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n condemn_v the_o irregularity_n of_o some_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n whence_o i_o argue_v if_o the_o lawful_a laudable_a custom_n only_o of_o all_o other_o or_o most_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o oblige_v a_o sister_n church_n that_o be_v singular_a and_o different_a from_o they_o to_o uniformity_n with_o they_o in_o thing_n convenient_a and_o just_a as_o this_o text_n manifest_v then_o by_o like_a reason_n the_o just_a decree_n and_o canon_n of_o many_o church_n combine_v aught_o to_o oblige_v particular_a church_n which_o be_v under_o their_o precinct_n 3._o though_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n do_v not_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n or_o claim_v a_o power_n over_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n nor_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n exercise_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o the_o other_o as_o they_o be_v single_a church_n and_o under_o several_a civil_a government_n who_o magistrate_n then_o be_v not_o christian_n yet_o paul_n john_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n hold_v a_o jurisdiction_n over_o they_o as_o their_o epistle_n to_o they_o manifest_v and_o they_o all_o combine_v in_o a_o synod_n have_v power_n by_o their_o deputy_n one_o over_o another_o not_o as_o particular_a church_n appollonius_n but_o as_o a_o synod_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o combine_v as_o the_o second_o century_n cap._n 7._o master_n rutherford_n his_o due_a right_n of_o presbitire_n art_n 15._o p._n 355._o to_o 480._o to_o who_o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n my_o brother_n argument_n therefore_o be_v but_o this_o in_o substance_n the_o church_n of_o sepulcher_n have_v no_o jurisdiction_n over_o saint_n androwe_v nor_o the_o church_n of_o paul_n over_o westminster_n not_o the_o church_n of_o england_n over_o the_o church_n of_o france_n or_o scotland_n ergo_fw-la a_o general_a council_n or_o

reason_n all_o their_o law_n canon_n edict_n shall_v be_v obey_v as_o just_a and_o good_a but_o such_o wherein_o there_o be_v apparent_a error_n and_o pregnant_a contrariety_n to_o the_o scripture_n 4._o all_o determination_n of_o man_n not_o immediate_o direct_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n ●ven_v in_o church-affaire_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v condemn_v but_o submit_v to_o since_o paul_n resolve_v some_o thing_n of_o his_o kind_n by_o his_o own_o private_a spirit_n without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n especial_o inspire_v he_o to_o which_o yet_o we_o all_o submit_v as_o be_v clear_a by_o 1._o cor._n 7._o ●_o 11_o to_o 40._o for_o that_o clause_n concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o very_a full_a answer_n to_o it_o first_o it_o be_v clear_a by_o act_n 15._o 6._o 7._o 12_o 13._o 22_o 23._o that_o those_o who_o use_v this_o expression_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o be_v 6●_n not_o only_a apostle_n endue_v with_o in_o infallible_a spirit_n but_o likewise_o the_o elder_n brethren_n and_o whole_a church_n or_o synod_n then_o assemble_v at_o jerusalem_n now_o brother_n you_o can_v say_v nor_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o elder_n brethren_n and_o whole_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v infallible_o inspire_v yet_o they_o all_o use_v this_o language_n then_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o the_o self_n same_o reason_n parliament_n synod_n counsel_n may_v do_v it_o now_o especial_o where_o they_o earnest_o sack_v to_o god_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n direction_n assistance_n aid_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n second_o god_n have_v command_v all_o christian_n earnest_o to_o 13_o pray_v for_o and_o have_v 14._o promise_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o yea_o the_o scripture_n be_v express_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o spirit_n do_v not_o only_o sanctify_v comfort_n live_v dwell_v and_o abide_v in_o the_o heart_n soul_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o people_n for_o ever_o but_o 19_o aver_v that_o their_o very_a body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o that_o 15_o he_o shall_v lead_v his_o church_n and_o people_n into_o all_o truth_n why_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o now_o say_v when_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n or_o a_o synod_n with_o sincere_a heart_n desirous_a to_o reform_v and_o settle_v church-government_n as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o especial_o when_o they_o have_v find_v a_o extraordinary_a providence_n and_o assistance_n from_o heaven_n which_o they_o have_v importune_v in_o the_o work_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n then_o since_o we_o and_o they_o have_v 12_o all_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n though_o in_o a_o different_a measure_n by_o which_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n and_o have_v all_o be_v make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n i_o can_v discern_v three_o all_o christian_n be_v express_o command_v to_o 18_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o sing_v in_o the_o spirit_n in_o which_o duty_n the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n yea_o the_o scripture_n be_v direct_a that_o christian_n be_v not_o only_o 16_o regenerate_v quicken_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o receive_v the_o earnest_n and_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o 25_o but_o that_o they_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n live_v in_o the_o spirit_n worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n speak_v and_o bless_v god_n in_o the_o spirit_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o great_a 28_o promise_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v 26_o fill_v with_o he_o whence_o we_o read_v that_o steven_n and_o sundry_a other_o who_o be_v not_o apostle_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o i_o hope_v brother_n you_o and_o all_o other_o godly_a minister_n do_v both_o pray_v and_o preach_v in_o through_z and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n yea_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o inform_v your_o new_a proselyte_n member_n how_o by_o the_o spirit_n direction_n you_o gather_v your_o independent_a church_n prescribe_v they_o your_o new_a covenant_n discipline_n government_n that_o you_o exhort_v teach_v instruct_v comfort_v wound_v soul_n and_o resolve_v their_o scrupulous_a conscience_n doubt_n by_o the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n else_o all_o you_o do_v say_v prescribe_v resolve_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n and_o the_o work_n of_o your_o ministry_n will_v be_v very_o unprofitable_a disclaim_v but_o this_o and_o all_o your_o new_a congregation_n will_v soon_o disclaim_v you_o for_o their_o minister_n they_o and_o we_o account_v all_o those_o who_o either_o do_v or_o can_v pray_v and_o preach_v in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o some_o good_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n thereof_o 50._o unsavery_n ●alt_n fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o trample_v under_o 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o man_n as_o many_o hundred_o of_o such_o have_v be_v so_o serve_v of_o late_a if_o then_o all_o this_o be_v undeniable_a scripture_n and_o experimental_a truth_n why_o a_o parliament_n of_o godly_a religious_a lord_n and_o commons_o with_o a_o assembly_n of_o reverend_n divine_n now_o assist_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o godly_a people_n to_o settle_v a_o church-government_n discipline_n worship_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v not_o engrave_v this_o motto_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o order_n and_o settle_v thing_n thus_o etc._n etc._n on_o all_o their_o determination_n resolution_n as_o counsel_n have_v usual_o do_v in_o former_a time_n from_o this_o very_a te●t_n you_o can_v re●der_v the_o least_o dram_n of_o reason_n 3._o if_o you_o allege_v which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v 1643_o object_v that_o perchance_o all_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o can_v use_v this_o language_n i_o answer_v first_o this_o be_v 19_o only_o know_v to_o god_n not_o you_o who_o only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o and_o have_v make_v you_o no_o judge_n of_o their_o hear●s_n who_o person_n for_o the_o most_o part_n i_o dare_v say_v you_o do_v not_o familiar_o know_v second_o admit_v there_o may_v be_v some_o few_o among_o they_o who_o have_v not_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n answ_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o very_o many_o if_o not_o the_o major_a part_n of_o they_o have_v as_o their_o zealous_a action_n and_o proceed_n evidence_n to_o all_o the_o world_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o jealousy_n or_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o great_a part_n be_v such_o they_o may_v now_o as_o well_o use_v this_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n brother_n and_o whole_a synod_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o you_o dare_v not_o ●ver_o to_o be_v all_o real_a saint_n endue_v with_o the_o infallible_a and_o sanctify_a spirit_n of_o god_n so_o as_o brother_n you_o may_v well_o have_v forborn_v that_o sco●●e_v you_o put_v upon_o our_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n a_o cardinal_n in_o the_o conclave_n at_o viterbium_n after_o almost_o 3._o year_n agitation_n as_o 16._o many_o year_n space_n as_o we_o have_v be_v about_o to_o set_a up_o a_o reformation_n and_o the_o foundation_n not_o yet_o lay_v each_o cardinal_n ambitious_o aspire_v to_o be_v the_o pope_n one_o of_o they_o r●se_v up_o and_o say_v domine_fw-la &c_n &c_n let_v we_o uncover_v the_o roo_n of_o this_o chamber_n see_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v get_v in_o unto_o we_o through_o so_o many_o tile_n which_o i_o will_v not_o aggravate_v three_o it_o be_v 68_o your_o own_o dogmatic_a resolution_n that_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n only_o the_o apostle_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n not_o all_o the_o elder_n synod_n and_o brethren_n who_o do_v but_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o those_o decree_n as_o softines_n tychicus_n timothy_n and_o other_o brethren_n join_v with_o paul_n in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d therefore_o because_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o lead_a vote_n be_v thus_o guide_v and_o they_o consent_v they_o all_o join_v in_o this_o language_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o if_o then_o the_o major_a or_o lead_a part_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n be_v now_o endue_v with_o god_n holy_a spirit_n they_o may_v all_o by_o like_a reason_n join_v in_o the_o

liberty_n leave_v they_o to_o elect_v what_o civil_a government_n they_o by_o public_a consent_n shall_v deem_v most_o convenient_a provide_v it_o be_v general_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n which_o have_v prescribe_v general_a rule_n applicable_a to_o all_o civil_a government_n action_n as_o well_o as_o ecclesiastical_a and_o spiritual_a though_o no_o one_o government_n in_o particular_a and_o why_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a shall_v be_v more_o particular_o uniform_o unalterable_o say_v down_o in_o scripture_n than_o the_o government_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n nation_n state_n under_o the_o gospel_n which_o leave_v both_o of_o they_o equal_o undetermined_a 3._o since_o both_o of_o they_o be_v alike_o limit_v among_o the_o israelite_n under_o the_o law_n no_o rational_a man_n cangive_v any_o solid_a reason_n christ_n be_v ●_o king_n of_o king_n &_o lord_n of_o lord_n yea_o a_o great_a king_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o only_a potentate_n and_o lord_n of_o kingdom_n nation_n republic_n and_o of_o man_n body_n estate_n as_o well_o as_o 3._o king_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n saint_n or_o of_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n 9_o there_o be_v not_o only_o one_o uniform_a church-government_n at_o first_o under_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o church_n no_o not_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o in_o the_o original_n gather_v and_o plant_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o have_v at_o first_o only_a 46._o apostle_n &_o brethren_n no_o elder_n or_o deacon_n after_o that_o their_o church_n increase_v they_o proceed_v to_o elect_v ordain_v 14_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o afterward_o some_o other_o church_n though_o not_o in_o all_o for_o aught_o we_o read_v not_o long_o after_o the_o apostl_v ordain_v 18._o elder_n in_o church_n which_o have_v none_o at_o first_o after_o that_o ●_o widow_n in_o some_o church_n not_o in_o all_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o congregation_n have_v 〈…〉_z apostle_n s_o evangelist_n prophet_n worker_n of_o miracle_n healer_n by_o miraculous_a extraordinary_a gift_n of_o heal_a man_n endue_v with_o diversity_n of_o tongue_n interpretation_n of_o tongue_n government_n that_o be_v man_n gift_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a faculty_n of_o govern_v church_n all_o which_o the_o scripture_n &_o many_o divine_n distinguish_v other_o church_n at_o that_o time_n have_v none_o of_o these_o officer_n or_o member_n and_o all_o church_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o they_o since_o those_o day_n these_o officer_n not_o be_v perpetual_a but_o temporary_a as_o all_o acknowledge_v though_o christ_n may_v have_v continue_v a_o succession_n of_o they_o still_o have_v he_o please_v therefore_o the_o government_n and_o officer_n of_o all_o church_n not_o be_v the_o facto_fw-la one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o in_o all_o particular_n in_o the_o very_a primitive_a time_n as_o well_o as_o since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n but_o one_o &_o the_o sell_v same_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n without_o the_o least_o variation_n since_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n 10_o the_o apostle_n speech_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 4_o 5._o 6._o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o the_o same_o god_n which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o compare_v with_o v._n 8._o to_o 13._o &_o ch_n 9_o v._n 19_o to_o 24._o i_o make_v myself_o servant_n unto_o all_o that_o i_o may_v gain_v all_o and_o unto_o the_o jew_n i_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n as_o under_o the_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o jew_n to_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n as_o without_o law_n that_o i_o may_v gain_v they_o that_o be_v without_o law_n to_o the_o weak_a i_o become_v as_o weak_a that_o i_o may_v gain_v the_o weak_a i_o be_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n that_o i_o may_v by_o all_o mean_n save_o some_o parallel_v with_o act_n 15._o 1._o 2._o 5._o 6._o to_o 32._o &_o ch._n 21._o 18._o to_o 30._o by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o those_o in_o jerusalem_n do_v still_o rotain_a the_o use_n of_o circumsition_n purification_n &_o other_o jewish_a rite_n ceremony_n which_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o the_o apostle_n own_o resolution_n be_v not_o to_o observe_v and_o with_o act_n c._n 2._o to_o cap._n 22._o where_o it_o express_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o christian_n equal_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a temple_n &_o synagogue_n conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o order_n &_o discipline_n thereof_o and_o their_o own_o private_a assembly_n &_o cougregation_n consist_v all_o of_o profess_a christian_n will_n express_o clear_v it_o that_o all_o particular_a church_n congregation_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v not_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o church-government_n order_n ceremony_n therefore_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a there_o be_v no_o such_o uniform_a general_a government_n or_o discipline_n necessary_o prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n unto_o all_o without_o the_o least_o variation_n as_o be_v object_v eleven_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o i_o till_o disprove_v that_o before_o the_o law_n from_o adam_n creation_n till_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o one_o universal_a set_v form_n of_o church_n government_n and_o discipline_n enjoin_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o the_o world_n from_o which_o none_o may_v vary_v in_o any_o particular_a that_o under_o the_o law_n itself_o there_o be_v one_o form_n of_o government_n worship_n discipline_n ceremony_n and_o solemnity_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 42._o another_o in_o the_o lind_n of_o canaan_n one_o form_n in_o and_o under_o the_o tabernacle_n reveal_v by_o god_n describe_v by_o moses_n another_o in_o and_o under_o the_o temple_n show_v by_o god_n and_o appoint_v by_o etc._n david_n and_o solomon_n yea_o the_o etc._n second_o temple_n and_o its_o ornament_n service_n differ_v somewhat_o from_o the_o first_o and_o all_o of_o they_o expire_v when_o the_o gospel_n come_v if_o then_o there_o be_v no_o one_o universal_a constant_a form_n of_o church-government_n discipline_n before_o and_o under_o the_o law_n itself_o then_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n till_o direct_a scripture_n proof_n be_v produce_v to_o the_o contraty_a there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o such_o under_o the_o gospel_n twelve_o the_o scripture_n as_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v give_v not_o many_o particular_a but_o most_o 13._o general_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n and_o regulate_v of_o our_o thought_n word_n action_n life_n child_n servant_n family_n calling_n the_o fashion_n of_o our_o apparel_n gesture_n eat_v drink_v sleep_n etc._n etc._n yea_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n general_a and_o indefinite_a yet_o applyable_a to_o every_o particular_a person_n and_o occasion_n if_o then_o there_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n only_o general_a rule_n precept_n which_o admit_v some_o latitude_n and_o variety_n in_o particular_n prescribe_v to_o we_o for_o the_o very_a order_n and_o regulate_v of_o our_o thought_n word_n action_n life_n apparel_n meat_n drink_n etc._n etc._n then_o certain_o there_o be_v but_o general_a rule_n and_o precept_n give_v we_o for_o the_o government_n &_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o admit_v variety_n of_o government_n discipline_n in_o sundry_a particular_n so_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a with_o the_o word_n and_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o general_a rule_n for_o regulate_v our_o word_n thought_n action_n conversation_n calling_n apparel_n meat_n drink_n and_o family_n government_n admit_v of_o variety_n which_o more_o immediate_o concern_v every_o man_n than_o the_o more_o remote_a and_o general_a government_n of_o the_o church_n but_o against_o this_o my_o brother_n burton_n object_n etc._n 1._o that_o god_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v give_v this_o charge_n to_o moses_n see_v that_o thou_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n show_v thou_o in_o the_o mount_n he_o must_v not_o vary_v one_o pin_n and_o when_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v god_n be_v so_o exact_a in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o david_n himself_o though_o both_o a_o king_n and_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n to_o set_v up_o what_o worship_n he_o please_v in_o the_o temple_n but_o god_n give_v he_o a_o exact_a pattern_n of_o all_o and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o in_o writing_n that_o he_o may_v neither_o add_v to_o nor_o omit_v in_o the_o least_o title_n 1_o chron._n 28._o and_o it_o be_v never_o leave_v

pattern_n deduce_v his_o 1636._o assize_n of_o surpless_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o new_a altar_n rule_n etc._n etc._n prescribe_v to_o be_v inquire_v of_o in_o his_o visitation_n article_n but_o i_o hope_v my_o dear_a brother_n can_v not_o spy_v out_o any_o such_o vision_n nor_o deduce_v any_o such_o conclusion_n from_o this_o text_n nor_o from_o that_o of_o measure_v the_o 2_o temple_n &_o altar_n in_o the_o revelation_n which_o i_o have_v 6_o elsewhere_o answer_v and_o shall_v here_o omit_v the_o four_o answer_n argument_n from_o dutr._n 4._o 2._o c._n 12._o 31._o proverb_n 30._o 6._o reu._n 22._o 19_o that_o god_n have_v prohibit_v any_o addition_n to_o the_o book_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n under_o a_o plague_n and_o heavy_a punishment_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v a_o set_a form_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n prescribe_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o none_o may_v vary_v from_o by_o addition_n or_o diminuition_n be_v a_o mere_a nonsequitur_a for_o first_o these_o text_n speak_v only_o of_o addition_n to_o the_o book_n doctrine_n history_n &_o prophecy_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n then_o write_v as_o my_o brother_n acknowledge_v and_o the_o text_n infallible_o prove_v not_o of_o any_o church-government_n discipline_n ceremony_n under_o the_o gospel_n not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v or_o imagine_v in_o they_o therefore_o brother_n you_o do_v very_o ill_a for_o to_o wrest_v these_o scripture_n thus_o against_o their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n 2_o brother_n you_o know_v that_o god_n himself_o after_o the_o write_n of_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomie_n &_o the_o proveth_n cause_v divers_a other_o book_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n in_o the_o old_a and_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n to_o be_v write_v for_o the_o further_a benefit_n and_o instruction_n of_o his_o church_n yea_o many_o addition_n be_v make_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o temple_n not_o mention_v by_o moses_n without_o infringe_v these_o text_n therefore_o your_o cite_n of_o they_o without_o any_o limitation_n be_v very_o impertinent_a 3_o i_o fear_v brother_n that_o those_o who_o hold_v there_o be_v a_o absolute_a set_a form_n of_o church-goverment_n prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n to_o all_o church_n though_o they_o can_v show_v it_o and_o yet_o cry_v up_o their_o independent_a way_n s._n as_o the_o very_a government_n discipline_n kingdom_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o though_o they_o neither_o prove_v nor_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v far_o more_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n of_o transegress_v these_o text_n by_o add_v to_o god_n word_n then_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o be_v of_o add_v to_o or_o detract_n from_o it_o take_v heed_n therefore_o i_o pray_v of_o this_o sin_n yourself_o which_o you_o will_v fasten_v upon_o other_o you_o know_v who_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o this_o vat_a cry_n the_o 3._o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v these_o when_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o lie_a word_n &_o which_o party_n boast_v most_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o their_o way_n your_o whole_a book_n surfeit_n of_o this_o in_o every_o page_n without_o one_o solid_a text_n to_o warrant_v what_o you_o so_o frequent_o &_o over-confident_o affirm_v wherefore_o this_o argument_n return_v whole_o on_o yourself_o my_o 60_o brother_n 3._o objection_n be_v from_o the_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 17._o so_o ordain_v i_o in_o all_o church_n 1._o cor._n 16._o 1._o now_o concern_v the_o collection_n the_o saint_n as_o i_o have_v give_v order_n to_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n so_o also_o do_v you_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o some_o one_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o weekly_o as_o some_o translate_v and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d phrase_n will_v bear_v it_o let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o lay_v by_o himself_o in_o store_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o gather_n when_o i_o come_v act_n 14._o 25._o and_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n from_o which_o authority_n only_o and_o no_o other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o form_n of_o churchgovernment_n and_o discipline_n prescribe_v to_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n without_o the_o least_o liberty_n of_o vary_v one_o from_o another_o or_o from_o the_o form_n pretend_v to_o be_v thus_o prescribe_v answer_n but_o dear_a brother_n what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o none_o of_o these_o scripture_n prove_v any_o such_o conclusion_n but_o the_o contrary_a have_v you_o not_o then_o injure_v the_o reader_n and_o truth_n hereby_o hear_v then_o how_o you_o be_v mistake_v in_o they_o the_o question_n you_o know_v be_v not_o concern_v precept_n doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o self_n same_o to_o all_o person_n church_n age_n and_o bind_v all_o alike_o but_o only_o of_o church-government_n &_o discipline_n but_o have_v your_o first_o and_o principal_a text_n any_o relation_n thereunto_o no_o very_o but_o to_o a_o mere_a private_a case_n of_o conscience_n then_o undescide_v whether_o a_o believe_a wife_n may_v depart_v from_o a_o unbelieved_a husband_n or_o a_o believe_a husband_n from_o a_o unbelieved_a wife_n without_o mutual_a consent_n if_o the_o unbeliever_n be_v willing_a to_o cohabit_v with_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o conscience_n then_o in_o question_n at_o corinth_n and_o propound_v special_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o they_o write_v for_o resolution_n v._n 1._o to_o this_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o final_a desciton_n in_o the_o negative_a show_v sundry_a reason_n for_o it_o v_o 10._o to_o 16._o &_o then_o v._n 17._o he_o conclude_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v every_o one_o so_o let_v he_o walk_v and_o so_o ordaini_n in_o all_o church_n now_o what_o brother_n be_v this_o private_a case_n of_o conscience_n to_o one_o set_v form_n of_o church_n discipline_n or_o government_n do_v the_o apostle_n say_v that_o this_o he_o ordain_v to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o all_o church_n no_o very_o there_o be_v no_o such_o mention_n or_o intention_n in_o the_o text_n or_o chapter_n so_o that_o the_o true_a deduction_n from_o hence_o will_v be_v but_o this_o absurd_a nonsequitur_fw-la the_o apostle_n by_o the_o determination_n of_o god_n spirit_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n that_o believe_v wife_n or_o husband_n shall_v not_o forsake_v their_o unbelieved_a consort_n if_o they_o desire_v to_o cohabit_v with_o they_o ergo_fw-la he_o ordain_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o unalterable_a set_a form_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n in_o all_o church_n whatsoever_o your_o 2d_o text_n make_v clean_o against_o you_o for_o first_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 16._o 1._o 2._o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o give_v order_n for_o a_o collection_n in_o all_o church_n alike_o but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n and_o there_o be_v many_o church_n else_o beside_o they_o therefore_o this_o extend_v only_o to_o particular_a church_n not_o to_o all_o and_o so_o no_o proof_n of_o any_o one_o universal_a government_n of_o discipline_n prescribe_v alike_o to_o all_o second_o it_o be_v a_o order_n only_o upon_o a_o particular_a emergent_a transient_a occasion_n which_o may_v seldom_o or_o never_o happen_v again_o to_o wit_n the_o 30._o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o dearth_n and_o famine_n there_o to_o argue_v therefore_o a_o universal_a stand_a church-government_n and_o discipline_n from_o a_o particular_a transient_a occasion_n not_o permanent_a and_o last_a but_o contingent_a and_o temporany_n for_o this_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n only_o be_v very_o incongruous_a three_o the_o apostle_n here_o prescribe_v no_o public_a duty_n relate_v to_o church-government_n or_o discipline_n nor_o yet_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o open_a congregation_n for_o then_o there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o vigour_n in_o the_o text_n but_o but_o only_a a_o voluntary_a preparatory_a benevolence_n to_o be_v weekly_o lay_v apart_o in_o private_a according_a to_o god_n blessing_n on_o every_o man_n estate_n as_o be_v clean_o by_o the_o word_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o weke_o let_v 〈◊〉_d every_o one_o of_o you_o lay_v a_o part_n by_o himself_o not_o contribute_v public_o in_o the_o church_n in_o store_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v no_o collection_n when_o i_o come_v therefore_o this_o action_n have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o church-government_n discipline_n or_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v public_o in_o the_o church_n four_o this_o collection_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o every_o man_n to_o lay_v aside_o by_o himself_o some_o thing_n weekly_o according_a as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o be_v only_o a_o preparatory_a extraordinary_a collection_n as_o the_o last_o clause_n that_o there_o may_v be_v

no_o collection_n when_o i_o come_v and_o the_o very_a word_n import_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o precedent_n for_o a_o ordinary_a constant_a unalterable_a universal_a church-government_n and_o discipline_n establish_v in_o all_o church_n 5_o which_o take_v of_o all_o and_o turn_v its_o edge_n against_o my_o brother_n it_o be_v &_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v no_o bind_v precept_n nor_o precedent_n in_o point_n of_o collection_n themselves_o much_o less_o than_o in_o other_o thing_n for_o 〈◊〉_d demand_n of_o my_o brother_n 1._o whether_o this_o text_n do_v simple_o bind_v all_o the_o corinthian_n to_o a_o weekly_a preparatory_a contribution_n towards_o the_o poor_a brethren_n necessity_n that_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n so_o as_o they_o may_v not_o deny_v or_o vary_v from_o it_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o bare_a advice_n then_o a_o peremptory_a precept_n &_o a_o mere_a voluntary_a charitable_a action_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v it_o with_o act._n 13_o 28._o 29._o 30._o rom._n 15._o 25._o 26._o 2_o cor._n 8._o &_o 9_o 1._o to_o 15._o especial_o v_o 7._o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v purpose_v in_o his_o heart_n so_o let_v he_o give_v not_o grudge_o as_o of_o necessity_n for_o god_n love_v a_o cheerful_a giver_n 2._o whether_o they_o be_v necessary_o tie_v to_o make_v private_a contribution_n only_o on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n &_o no_o other_o or_o have_v they_o not_o a_o liberty_n notwithstanding_o this_o order_n to_o do_v it_o on_o any_o other_o week_n day_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o first_o or_o every_o day_n or_o every_o fortnight_n or_o 10._o day_n if_o they_o please_v as_o their_o particular_a occasion_n and_o condition_n administer_v ability_n or_o opportunity_n for_o such_o a_o charitable_a work_n 3_o whether_o this_o prescript_n form_n of_o collection_n admit_v it_o obligatory_a during_o this_o occasion_n do_v bind_v any_o church_n but_o this_o of_o corinth_n and_o those_o of_o galatia_n only_o or_o whether_o it_o oblige_v all_o other_o church_n then_o or_o simple_o bind_v all_o church_n now_o to_o this_o form_n of_o preparatory_a or_o private_a contribution_n or_o not_o if_o you_o say_v no_o than_o you_o yield_v the_o cause_n since_o this_o precedent_n bind_v no_o church_n now_o to_o any_o punctual_a imitation_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o proof_n at_o all_o for_o any_o one_o divine_a universal_a unvariable_a form_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n in_o all_o age_n prescribe_v by_o scripture_n if_o you_o say_v yea_o than_o all_o christian_n congregation_n in_o the_o world_n &_o your_o independent_a to_o offend_v against_o this_o the_o apostle_n divine_a institution_n in_o not_o retain_v this_o form_n of_o private_a collection_n by_o segregate_a something_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n on_o every_o lord_n day_n or_o weekly_o &_o in_o suffer_v public_a gather_n for_o the_o poor_a in_o church_n on_o lecture_n day_n or_o weekday_n fast_n whereas_o these_o be_v no_o such_o collection_n but_o only_o lay_v something_o up_o in_o private_a by_o way_n of_o preparatory_a charity_n against_o the_o apostle_n come_v who_o will_v then_o receive_v every_o man_n particular_a charity_n by_o itself_o and_o not_o trouble_v they_o with_o any_o public_a collection_n in_o one_o word_n no_o church_n nor_o independent_a congregation_n hold_v themselves_o strict_o oblige_v to_o this_o form_n of_o collection_n which_o be_v not_o public_a but_o private_a every_o man_n by_o himself_o but_o all_o hold_v they_o may_v with_o safe_a conscience_n vary_v from_o it_o therefore_o if_o this_o collection_n be_v a_o part_n of_o church-government_n or_o discipline_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o you_o make_v it_o this_o government_n discipline_n be_v both_o mutable_a and_o arbitrable_a in_o this_o particular_a and_o so_o by_o consequence_n in_o other_o to_o as_o occasion_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n do_v vary_v your_o three_o text_n of_o act_n 14._o 23._o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n prove_v nothing_o for_o what_o you_o allege_v it_o for_o first_o it_o extend_v not_o to_o all_o church_n then_o plant_v in_o the_o world_n but_o only_o to_o every_o church_n in_o derbie_n lystra_n iconium_n antioch_n to_o which_o every_o church_n relate_v as_o be_v clear_a by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o three_o precede_a and_o follow_v verse_n whence_o the_o argument_n from_o this_o text_n can_v be_v but_o this_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n at_o derbe_n lystra_n iconium_n and_o antioch_n and_o so_o in_o every_o city_n in_o crete_n tit._n 1._o 5._o ergo_fw-la in_o all_o church_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o be_v no_o infallible_a inference_n they_o may_v do_v it_o in_o all_o or_o most_o city_n where_o the_o congregation_n be_v great_a yet_o not_o in_o village_n or_o lesser_a place_n where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v but_o small_a second_o this_o prove_v there_o be_v elder_n ordain_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o many_o if_o not_o most_v church_n but_o yet_o it_o conclude_v not_o infallible_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v elder_n ordain_v by_o those_o who_o be_v no_o apostle_n in_o all_o church_n there_o be_v such_o elder_n then_o ergo_fw-la there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v such_o now_o in_o every_o church_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o direct_a precept_n enjoin_v they_o for_o perpetuity_n be_v no_o infallible_a argument_n three_o admit_v it_o general_a and_o bind_v unto_o all_o yet_o this_o prove_v only_o that_o there_o aught_o by_o apostolical_a precedent_n and_o institution_n to_o be_v elder_n not_o one_o but_o more_o in_o all_o church_n what_o then_o become_v of_o some_o of_o your_o independent_a church_n which_o have_v none_o as_o master_n simson_n have_v none_o in_o holland_n and_o as_o no_o new_a independent_a church_n in_o or_o about_o london_n have_v when_o they_o be_v first_o gather_v these_o certain_o be_v no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o this_o rule_n because_o they_o want_v elder_n four_o this_o text_n speak_v only_o in_o the_o general_a that_o they_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o elder_n they_o be_v rule_v or_o preach_a elder_n only_o or_o such_o who_o do_v both_o rule_n and_o preach_v or_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v ordain_v whether_o by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n only_o to_o choose_v they_o and_o no_o more_o or_o by_o lay_v hand_n upon_o they_o or_o by_o the_o apostle_n own_o imposition_n of_o hand_n only_o as_o apostle_n or_o join_v with_o other_o as_o ordinary_a minister_n or_o in_o any_o other_o form_n be_v not_o express_v so_o that_o this_o text_n only_o inform_v we_o that_o there_o be_v elder_n ordain_v in_o every_o church_n but_o determine_v nothing_o of_o their_o office_n or_o in_o what_o manner_n or_o form_n they_o be_v ordain_v therefore_o it_o conclude_v nothing_o for_o any_o exact_a complete_a unalterable_a universal_a form_n of_o church-government_n in_o all_o particular_n prescribe_v to_o all_o church_n ordain_v of_o elder_n be_v only_o one_o part_n of_o church-government_n not_o the_o whole_a &_o no_o part_n of_o discipline_n &_o that_o leave_v very_o indefinite_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o by_o any_o direct_a precept_n or_o precedent_n reduce_v to_o a_o unalterable_a certainty_n but_o rather_o leave_v arbitrary_a and_o indefinite_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v num._n 8._o 10._o act_n 1_o 23._o 24._o 25._o 26._o c._n 6._o 5._o 6._o c._n 14._o 23._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 14._o c._n 5._o 17._o 22._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o tit._n 1._o 5._o it_o be_v a_o great_a controversy_n at_o this_o day_n whether_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v now_o simple_o necessary_a in_o the_o ordination_n of_o presbyter_n deacon_n or_o lay-elder_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v but_o a_o arbitrary_a ceremony_n which_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o prejudice_n if_o there_o be_v cause_n whether_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o apostle_n only_o as_o apostle_n or_o as_o presbyter_n whether_o it_o be_v appropriate_v to_o preach_a elder_n only_o as_o such_o or_o to_o roll_a elder_n as_o well_o as_o they_o or_o to_o the_o 80._o whole_a church_n or_o congregation_n and_o such_o as_o they_o shall_v appoint_v or_o to_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n only_o as_o such_o as_o many_o hold_v of_o late_a though_o now_o that_o question_n be_v out_o of_o date_n so_o as_o neither_o of_o these_o text_n in_o several_a nor_o any_o nor_o all_o three_o of_o they_o conjoin_v prove_v any_o such_o conclusion_n or_o universal_a set_a form_n of_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n for_o all_o church_n as_o be_v pretend_v my_o brother_n 4._o objection_n be_v object_n 59_o the_o every_o particular_a congregation_n be_v a_o complete_a entire_a absolute_a spiritual_a republic_n corporation_n body_n and_o city_n of_o god_n of_o itself_o

as_o neubrigensis_n l._n 1._o c._n 19_o record_n in_o the_o 785._o lateran_n council_n hold_v by_o charles_n the_o great_a and_o pope_n adrian_n and_o call_v principal_o by_o this_o pope_n the_o council_n be_v most_o solemn_o hold_v by_o 53_o ecclesiastical_a person_n bishop_n or_o abbot_n together_o with_o judge_n magistrate_n and_o doctor_n of_o law_n from_o all_o part_n and_o also_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o state_n of_o that_o city_n and_o all_o the_o clergy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o make_v enquiry_n of_o the_o custom_n law_n and_o manner_n of_o that_o church_n and_o empire_n consult_v also_o by_o what_o mean_n heresy_n and_o sedition_n may_v be_v root_v out_o of_o the_o apostolic_a see_n and_o treat_v of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o senate_n and_o empire_n of_o rome_n see_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n a_o false_a error_n be_v spread_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o another_o council_n of_o ibidem_fw-la lateran_n under_o pope_n leo_n and_o the_o emperor_n otho_n the_o pope_n himself_o in_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o emperor_n confess_v that_o that_o council_n consist_v not_o only_o of_o clergyman_n but_o of_o judge_n and_o doctor_n of_o law_n that_o such_o may_v be_v competent_a and_o meet_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o church-affaire_n be_v evident_a by_o this_o notable_a passage_n of_o cardinal_n 6._o jacobatius_n though_o a_o great_a stickler_n for_o the_o pope_n and_o prelate_n authority_n that_o in_o a_o synod_n hold_v before_o constantine_n and_o helena_n where_o it_o be_v dispute_v whether_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a law_n shall_v be_v preferr_v craton_n a_o philosopher_n who_o will_v not_o possess_v any_o worldly_a good_n and_o zenosimus_fw-la who_o never_o receive_v present_a from_o any_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o consulship_n be_v appoint_v judge_n of_o this_o controversy_n with_o which_o the_o say_n of_o learned_a 37._o john_n gerson_n chancellor_n of_o paris_n accord_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o without_o any_o rashness_n or_o prejudice_n to_o faith_n the_o controversy_n of_o faith_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o pagan_a philosopher_n who_o presuppose_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v confess_v to_o be_v however_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o yet_o they_o know_v what_o will_v follow_v by_o evident_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o it_o and_o what_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o be_v leave_v unto_o we_o upon_o record_n so_o likewise_o eutropius_n a_o pagan_a philosopher_n be_v choose_v judge_n between_o marcionitis_n origen_n and_o the_o marcionite_n who_o be_v condemn_v by_o he_o if_o pagan_a philosopehrs_n then_o devotion_n much_o more_o christian_a laic_n endow_v with_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v fit_a judge_n of_o controversy_n of_o religion_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o fit_a to_o have_v vote_n in_o synod_n and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o deem_v in_o ancient_a time_n be_v evident_a by_o one_o memorable_a history_n record_v by_o possidonius_fw-la in_o the_o life_n of_o s._n augustine_n cap._n 12_o 13_o 14._o who_o not_o only_o inform_v we_o that_o crispinus_n bishop_n of_o calamen_n a_o donatist_n be_v accuse_v before_o the_o proconsul_n for_o a_o heretic_n and_o for_o break_v the_o law_n against_o heretic_n and_o deny_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o st_z augustine_n and_o he_o debate_v the_o controversy_n three_o several_a time_n before_o the_o proconsul_n in_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o christian_a people_n expect_v the_o event_n both_o at_o carthage_n and_o throughout_o all_o africa_a and_o that_o crispin_n at_o last_o be_v pronounce_v a_o heretic_n by_o the_o proconsul_n by_o a_o judicial_a sentence_n after_o which_o there_o be_v a_o lib._n general_a meeting_n at_o carthage_n between_o all_o the_o catholic_a bishop_n and_o the_o donatist_n by_o the_o special_a command_n of_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o religious_a emperor_n honorius_n who_o send_v marcellinus_n the_o tribune_n and_o notary_n into_o africa_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o that_o collation_n in_o which_o conference_n the_o donatist_n be_v thorough_o confute_v and_o convince_v of_o error_n by_o the_o catholic_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o judge_n from_o which_o sentence_n they_o appeal_n to_o this_o emperor_n be_v afterward_o upon_o full_a hear_v condemn_v by_o he_o and_o declare_v heretic_n upon_o which_o appeal_v of_o they_o 1._o st._n augustine_n descant_v thus_o be_v it_o peradventure_o not_o lawful_a for_o the_o emperor_n or_o those_o who_o the_o emperor_n shall_v send_v to_o give_v judgement_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n why_o then_o come_v your_o ambassador_n to_o the_o emperor_n why_o make_v they_o he_o the_o judge_n of_o their_o cause_n etc._n etc._n the_o act_n of_o marcellinus_n his_o sentence_n against_o the_o donatist_n run_v thus_o 3●_n to_o the_o end_n that_o apparent_a error_n may_v undergo_v the_o yoke_n of_o reveal_v truth_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o present_a edict_n i_o advise_v all_o man_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o landlord_n steward_n and_o farmer_n as_o well_o which_o hold_v of_o the_o crown_n as_o of_o private_a possession_n with_o the_o ancient_n in_o all_o place_n that_o not_o forget_v the_o law_n their_o own_o dignity_n honour_n and_o safeguard_n they_o do_v their_o endeavour_n to_o hinder_v all_o conventicle_n of_o the_o donatist_n in_o all_o town_n whatsoever_o who_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o surrender_v up_o to_o the_o catholic_n those_o church_n which_o i_o allow_v they_o of_o courtesy_n until_o the_o day_n of_o sentence_n without_o commission_n from_o the_o emperor_n 5._o photius_n bishop_n of_o smyrnae_n be_v accuse_v for_o a_o heretic_n by_o the_o council_n there_o be_v afterward_o admit_v to_o dispute_v with_o the_o catholic_a bishop_n in_o which_o dispute_n say_v sozomen_n certain_a judge_n be_v ordain_v for_o precedent_n of_o the_o council_n who_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o be_v account_v man_n of_o prime_a rank_n in_o the_o palace_n both_o for_o knowledge_n and_o dignity_n after_o many_o objection_n and_o answer_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v basil_n bishop_n of_o ancyra_n who_o defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n get_v the_o victory_n and_o photinus_n be_v condemn_v and_o send_v into_o banishment_n athanasius_n in_o his_o 2._o apology_n request_v that_o the_o emperor_n most_o godly_a and_o religious_a majesty_n may_v have_v the_o hear_n of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o church_n cause_n for_o we_o have_v good_a hope_n that_o his_o godliness_n understand_v our_o reason_n will_v never_o condemn_v we_o if_o this_o seem_v strange_a to_o any_o romanist_n that_o layman_n shall_v be_v competent_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n and_o have_v voice_n in_o counsel_n their_o own_o pope_n nicholas_n his_o resolution_n in_o this_o very_a point_n may_v cease_v their_o wonder_n who_o say_v in_o downright_a term_n 96._o faith_n be_v catholic_a and_o common_a to_o all_o as_o well_o to_o layman_n as_o priest_n yea_o general_o to_o all_o christian_n he_o speak_v it_o express_o of_o layman_n assist_v in_o counsel_n therefore_o it_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a they_o shall_v have_v voice_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n i_o shall_v close_v up_o this_o with_o the_o resolution_n of_o 20._o marsilius_n of_o milan_n who_o express_o resolve_v that_o layman_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v pious_a and_o learned_a ought_v to_o be_v present_a in_o and_o summon_v to_o general_a counsel_n as_o well_o as_o clergyman_n especial_o when_o the_o clergy_n be_v either_o ignorant_a corrupt_a or_o erroneous_a in_o their_o judgement_n or_o scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n his_o reason_n be_v these_o first_o because_o they_o have_v all_o as_o great_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o church_n good_a as_o any_o prelate_n pope_n or_o clergyman_n second_o because_o many_o of_o they_o be_v better_o learn_v and_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n than_o many_o bishop_n and_o clergyman_n yea_o more_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n in_o their_o judgement_n then_o they_o three_o because_o they_o be_v present_a and_o have_v voice_n in_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n act_n 15._o and_o in_o the_o pure_a first_fw-mi general_a counsel_n in_o which_o the_o emperor_n with_o their_o noble_n and_o officer_n assist_v in_o the_o resolve_v of_o scripture_n doubt_n four_o because_o the_o very_a code_n of_o isiodore_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o hold_v counsel_n have_v this_o direction_n 240._o deinde_fw-la ingrediantur_fw-la laici_fw-la qui_fw-la electione_n concilii_fw-la interest_n meruerunt_fw-la multò_fw-la magis_fw-la igitur_fw-la qui_fw-la fuerint_fw-la literati_fw-la &_o in_o lege_fw-la divina_fw-la periti_fw-la quanquam_fw-la non_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la existant_fw-la sic_fw-la enim_fw-la fecerunt_fw-la apostoli_fw-la cum_fw-la senioribus_fw-la etc._n etc._n if_o any_o desire_n further_a satisfaction_n