direction_n to_o they_o which_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o bishop_n govern_v because_o the_o manage_n of_o the_o work_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o way_n except_z what_o nature_n make_v necessary_a to_o a_o society_n or_o a_o single_a person_n govern_v which_o also_o it_o do_v teach_v 3._o the_o matter_n be_v determine_v even_o in_o these_o epistle_n viz._n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o where_o it_o be_v not_o obscure_o hold_v forth_o that_o tim._n be_v ordain_v by_o a_o presbytery_n which_o infer_v that_o presbyter_n ought_v so_o to_o be_v ordain_v and_o not_o by_o a_o bishop_n alone_o 4._o though_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o these_o epistle_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n they_o be_v write_v to_o particular_a man_n but_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o other_o scripture_n viz._n where_o christ_n give_v the_o key_n not_o to_o one_o but_o to_o all_o the_o apostle_n then_o the_o only_a church_n officer_n and_o where_o paul_n commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n not_o to_o one_o bishop_n but_o to_o the_o elder_n in_o common_a act._n 20.28_o of_o this_o he_o say_v p._n 184._o it_o be_v equal_o a_o duty_n whether_o we_o understand_v by_o overseer_n some_o act_n over_o other_o or_o all_o join_n in_o equality_n but_o by_o his_o leave_n when_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o charge_n peremptory_o to_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n for_o to_o they_o he_o speak_v not_o to_o these_o of_o other_o church_n of_o asia_n as_o he_o dream_v the_o text_n may_v be_v understand_v upon_o what_o ground_n i_o know_v not_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n leave_v whether_o he_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o in_o common_a or_o of_o some_o one_o set_v over_o the_o rest_n and_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o this_o command_n be_v a_o stand_a rule_n reach_v even_o to_o we_o as_o he_o himself_o say_v p._n 185._o of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o tim._n and_o tit._n and_o if_o so_o than_o all_o pastor_n be_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n not_o one_o over_o the_o rest_n by_o apostolic_a authority_n he_o argue_v thus_o p._n 185._o tim._n be_v charge_v to_o commit_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v hear_v of_o paul_n to_o faithful_a man_n who_o may_v be_v able_a also_o to_o teach_v other_o 2_o tim._n 2.2_o have_v it_o not_o be_v as_o requisite_a to_o have_v charge_v he_o to_o have_v commit_v his_o power_n of_o government_n to_o they_o &_o c._n ans_fw-fr 1._o yea_o he_o do_v here_o commit_v power_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o govern_v joint_o to_o timothy_n to_o be_v transfer_v by_o he_o to_o other_o for_o of_o both_o these_o i_o suppose_v tim._n have_v hear_v from_o paul_n why_o then_o must_v we_o here_o understand_v the_o one_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o in_o that_o he_o mention_v teach_v not_o rule_v it_o be_v because_o teach_v be_v the_o main_a business_n and_o have_v the_o other_o power_n necessary_o join_v with_o it_o by_o divine_a institution_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o always_o needful_a to_o mention_v govern_v power_n where_o ever_o the_o power_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v mention_v and_o here_o it_o can_v be_v deem_v needful_a because_o the_o apostle_n have_v former_o instruct_v tim._n that_o he_o choose_v none_o to_o be_v pastor_n but_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v too_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o when_o he_o bid_v he_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n he_o intend_v rule_v power_n as_o a_o part_n of_o it_o else_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o require_v ability_n to_o rule_v in_o they_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v what_o he_o say_v of_o tit._n that_o he_o bid_v he_o ordain_v elder_n but_o tell_v not_o what_o power_n do_v belong_v to_o they_o a_o negative_a argument_n from_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o concludent_fw-la such_o as_o this_o be_v from_o the_o superiority_n of_o tim._n and_o tit._n i_o pass_v his_o clear_n of_o it_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o episcopacy_n be_v infer_v two_o thing_n p._n 186.187_o first_o that_o the_o superiority_n of_o some_o church_n officer_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v presbyter_n for_o of_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o question_v on_o either_o hand_n over_o other_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o apostolical_a time_n for_o man_n to_o have_v power_n over_o more_o than_o one_o particular_a congregation_n these_o say_v he_o follow_v though_o their_o office_n be_v suppose_v extroardinary_a and_o that_o they_o act_v as_o evangelist_n ans_fw-fr it_o will_v follow_v indeed_o from_o these_o example_n that_o superiority_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o nature_n nor_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n also_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o gospel_n institution_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v immediate_o when_o he_o see_v cause_n appoint_v such_o superiority_n and_o what_o if_o we_o say_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o gospel_n institution_n that_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n that_o superiority_n may_v be_v allow_v for_o a_o time_n but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n for_o this_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o lord_n do_v immediate_o call_v these_o man_n and_o give_v they_o extroardinary_a power_n over_o other_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o institute_v that_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o church_n government_n shall_v be_v by_o pastor_n act_v in_o purity_n which_o be_v here_o dispute_v his_o three_o head_n of_o law_n former_o mention_v he_o touch_v p._n 188._o and_o bring_v instance_n of_o some_o general_n rule_v for_o church_n government_n which_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o one_o form_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o rule_n which_o be_v such_o which_o himself_n instance_v as_o that_o complaint_n be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n it_o be_v a_o odd_a exposition_n to_o say_v i._n e._n tell_v the_o bishop_n the_o church_n impli_v clear_o a_o plurality_n p._n 187._o have_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n say_v he_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o superiority_n of_o pastor_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o express_a and_o direct_a prohibition_n of_o it_o ans_fw-fr 1._o may_v not_o a_o prohibition_n by_o consequence_n serve_v turn_n this_o be_v very_o peremptory_o speak_v 2._o what_o need_v any_o prohibition_n when_o christ_n have_v institute_v a_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o it_o this_o be_v a_o prohibition_n of_o it_o now_o this_o he_o do_v by_o give_v rule_v power_n to_o all_o presbyter_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v sect._n 13._o he_o bring_v another_o argument_n of_o his_o opposite_n p._n 189._o viz._n that_o it_o be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n that_o christ_n shall_v institute_n a_o certain_a form_n as_o that_o any_o other_o legislator_n that_o moderate_v a_o commonwealth_n shall_v do_v his_o first_o ans_fw-fr to_o this_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v institute_v such_o a_o immutable_a government_n in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v sufcient_a for_o the_o succession_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v all_o that_o founder_n of_o republic_n look_v after_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o subordination_n that_o a_o society_n may_v be_v preserve_v among_o they_o till_o than_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o one_o form_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n this_o argument_n can_v prove_v nothing_o reply_v it_o be_v false_a that_o legislator_n look_v after_o no_o more_o but_o that_o we_o find_v none_o of_o they_o who_o settle_v not_o a_o particular_a form_n yeâ—_n this_o be_v necessary_a for_o these_o general_n can_v not_o be_v practise_v but_o in_o some_o particular_a form_n this_o or_o that_o and_o of_o these_o we_o find_v they_o choose_v what_o they_o think_v fit_a even_o so_o christ_n not_o only_o appoint_v general_n but_o know_v a_o particular_a form_n be_v only_o practicable_a he_o choose_v that_o which_o he_o think_v fit_a man_n choice_n in_o this_o be_v alterable_a because_o other_o man_n may_v have_v as_o much_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n as_o they_o christ_n choice_n be_v not_o so_o for_o the_o contrary_a reason_n his_o second_o ans_fw-fr p._n 190._o be_v what_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n be_v in_o christ_n liberty_n whether_o he_o will_v determine_v it_o or_o not_o even_o as_o when_o i_o hear_v that_o lycurgus_n and_o other_o do_v form_v a_o republic_n i_o conclude_v there_o must_v be_v government_n but_o not_o that_o they_o institute_n monarchy_n etc._n etc._n this_o must_v be_v know_v by_o take_v a_o view_n of_o their_o law_n reply_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n liberty_n whether_o he_o will_v determine_v it_o or_o not_o
his_o fellow-presbyter_n not_o to_o rule_v over_o presbyter_n by_o himself_o single_o for_o that_o they_o can_v give_v he_o this_o power_n i_o have_v before_o prove_v 6._o if_o the_o elder_n that_o preach_v because_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o work_n and_o suffering_n have_v more_o honour_n than_o they_o who_o only_o rule_n then_o the_o bishop_n be_v of_o this_o last_o sort_n must_v be_v inferior_a in_o honour_n to_o those_o other_o presbyter_n especial_o this_o must_v hold_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o author_n who_o hold_v that_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n differ_v not_o jure_fw-la divino_fw-la but_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o well_o please_v his_o lordship_n and_o indeed_o be_v very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o one_o who_o rule_v over_o other_o sure_a the_o dignity_n of_o church-officer_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v by_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o place_n where_o it_o be_v different_a as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o work_n where_o their_o place_n be_v the_o same_o sect._n 17._o to_o strengthen_v this_o his_o conceit_n he_o bring_v a_o testimony_n out_o of_o chrysost_n affirm_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fix_a officer_n of_o particular_a church_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v inferior_a to_o they_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n travel_v abroad_o into_o divers_a place_n answ_n this_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o they_o who_o so_o travel_v abroad_o be_v evangelist_n no_o fix_a officer_n but_o of_o the_o former_a the_o apostle_n do_v not_o at_o all_o speak_v here_o it_o rather_o appear_v say_v the_o author_n asser_n 1._o gover._n ch._n scotl._n that_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o every_o city_n there_o to_o abide_v with_o their_o particular_a charge_n act_n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o he_o argue_v also_o thus_o against_o ruling-elders_a these_o elder_n be_v not_o the_o bishop_n paul_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n 3._o for_o these_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d verse_n 2._o l._n answ_n the_o author_n now_o cite_v answer_v this_o argument_n bring_v by_o dr._n field_n and_o cit_v beza_n answer_v to_o sarav_n who_o have_v use_v it_o pass_v his_o first_o answer_n i_o make_v use_n of_o the_o 2d_o which_o be_v beza_n that_o the_o ruling-eld_a though_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o teach_v public_o as_o a_o pastor_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o teach_v private_o and_o occasional_o according_a as_o the_o need_n of_o every_o one_o require_v it_o be_v his_o part_n to_o oversee_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o bring_v miscarriage_n to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v censure_v but_o first_o he_o be_v to_o labour_v to_o reclaim_v the_o offender_n by_o private_a admonition_n according_a to_o christ_n rule_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o that_o not_o only_a ex_fw-la charitate_fw-la as_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o do_v but_o virtute_fw-la officii_fw-la and_o authoritative_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o understanding_n above_o the_o common_a sort_n both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o teach_v so_o the_o word_n bear_v so_o far_o as_o his_o place_n require_v again_o he_o argue_v from_o act._n 20.28_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n have_v a_o pastoral_a charge_n for_o they_o be_v bid_v take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n as_o overseer_n but_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o lay-elder_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v none_o such_o at_o ephesus_n answ_n the_o major_n be_v false_a they_o have_v a_o charge_n and_o oversight_n but_o every_o oversight_n be_v not_o pastoral_n rule_v also_o fall_v under_o this_o notion_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o elder_n we_o plead_v for_o he_o confess_v p._n 338._o the_o weakness_n of_o that_o argument_n from_o maintenance_n which_o he_o say_v bring_v blondel_n quite_o off_o from_o ruling-elders_a in_o that_o place_n of_o 1_o tim._n 5_o 17._o it_o be_v true_a blondel_n de_fw-fr jur_fw-fr pleb_n in_o reg._n eccl._n p_o 77_o etc._n etc._n allege_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v not_o there_o mean_v because_o maintenance_n imply_v in_o double_a honour_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o ver_fw-la 18._o compare_v be_v due_a to_o these_o but_o not_o to_o ruling-elders_a yet_o the_o argument_n with_o all_o the_o enforcement_n of_o that_o learned_a author_n will_v not_o prove_v what_o he_o design_v for_o 1._o some_o famous_a interpreter_n understand_v this_o double_a honour_n only_o of_o a_o degree_n of_o honour_n beyond_o these_o speak_v of_o before_o viz._n widow_n so_o calv._n in_o loc_n 2._o how_o shall_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o maintenance_n be_v not_o due_a to_o ruling-elders_a or_o the_o seniores_fw-la plebis_fw-la as_o blondel_n call_v they_o his_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o disuse_n of_o it_o will_v not_o conclude_v this_o neither_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o want_n of_o power_n in_o any_o to_o remit_v it_o for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v for_o they_o necessity_n excuse_v the_o withhold_n of_o it_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v let_v the_o inhauncer_n of_o church-rent_n answer_v for_o it_o if_o such_o necessary_n be_v not_o supply_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v i_o blame_v he_o for_o blame_v p._n 83._o these_o protestant_a nation_n who_o have_v cast_v out_o abbacy_n which_o abound_v in_o riches_n have_v rather_o take_v the_o revenue_n into_o the_o state-treasury_n than_o allow_v it_o for_o such_o good_a uses_n as_o this_o i_o add_v for_o further_a answer_n out_o of_o asser_n gover._n ch._n scotl._n p._n 105._o that_o a_o stipend_n though_o due_a be_v not_o essential_a to_o the_o office_n either_o of_o elder_n or_o minister_n and_o therefore_o the_o want_n of_o the_o one_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o other_o but_o neither_o be_v blondel_n against_o the_o office_n of_o ruling-elders_a though_o he_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o but_o dispute_v strong_o for_o it_o yea_o and_o ground_v it_o on_o the_o apostle_n practice_n p._n 85_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a right_n the_o next_o thing_n mr._n still_v say_v against_o ruling-elders_a be_v that_o if_o we_o remove_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o a_o lay-elder_n through_o the_o record_n of_o authority_n for_o the_o first_o 3_o century_n especial_o answ_n 1._o we_o look_v on_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o pass_v from_o it_o to_o that_o which_o mr._n still_v have_v above_o prove_v to_o be_v utter_o so_o insufficient_a to_o determine_v in_o matter_n of_o church-government_n 2._o other_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n than_o this_o author_n blondel_n de_fw-fr jur_fw-fr pleb_fw-mi in_o reg._n eccl._n p._n 85._o aliis_fw-la igitur_fw-la say_v he_o firmamentis_fw-la iis_fw-la nimirum_fw-la qui_fw-la nobis_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la primamque_fw-la per_fw-la trium_fw-la saeculorum_fw-la periodum_fw-la antiquitatis_fw-la praxin_fw-la stravit_fw-la seniorum_fw-la plebis_fw-la institutio_fw-la &_o functio_fw-la ut_fw-la sic_fw-la dicam_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la à _fw-la protestantibus_fw-la per_fw-la gallias_n scotiam_fw-la belgiam_fw-la instituta_fw-la statuminanda_fw-la est_fw-la and_o asser_n grov_n ch._n scot._n par_fw-fr 1._o c._n 8_o 9_o unpregnable_a and_o abundant_a testimony_n out_o of_o antiquity_n be_v bring_v for_o this_o office_n which_o see_v mr._n still_v have_v not_o answer_v it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v on_o they_o 3._o but_o and_o if_o in_o many_o place_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o office_n be_v disuse_v it_o be_v their_o fault_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o better_a sort_n calv._n in_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o speak_v of_o this_o office_n say_v hunc_fw-la morem_fw-la ambrose_n absolevisse_fw-la conqueritur_fw-la doctorum_fw-la ignavia_fw-la vel_fw-la potius_fw-la superbia_fw-la dum_fw-la soli_fw-la volunt_fw-la eminere_fw-la see_v testimony_n for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o smect_n sect_n 15._o sect._n 18._o his_o second_o proof_n of_o his_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n take_v diverse_a course_n in_o rule_v church_n be_v p._n 340._o from_o the_o multitude_n of_o unfixed_a officer_n reside_v in_o some_o place_n who_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n in_o chief_a during_o their_o residence_n such_o be_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o some_o place_n say_v he_o these_o be_v other_o not_z and_o in_o some_o place_v no_o officer_n but_o these_o answ_n this_o be_v obviate_v by_o our_o 3d_o observe_v for_o the_o question_n be_v only_o about_o government_n by_o ordinary_a and_o abide_a officer_n and_o that_o only_o where_o they_o can_v be_v have_v of_o who_o this_o proof_n do_v not_o speak_v his_o 3d_o proof_n ibid._n be_v from_o the_o different_a custom_n observe_v in_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n time_n this_o be_v most_o inconsequent_a yea_o one_o may_v as_o well_o reason_n thus_o in_o aftertime_n
be_v that_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n most_o in_o controversy_n about_o the_o form_n of_o government_n may_v be_v without_o any_o incongruity_n understand_v of_o either_o of_o the_o different_a form_n which_o he_o make_v out_o by_o go_v through_o the_o several_a place_n the_o first_o be_v act_v 11.30_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o relief_n for_o the_o brethren_n of_o judea_n be_v send_v to_o the_o elder_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o say_v he_o to_o show_v whether_o there_o be_v the_o local_a elder_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o several_a church_n of_o judea_n answ_n i_o wonder_v why_o he_o shall_v have_v bring_v this_o as_o the_o first_o or_o as_o one_o of_o these_o few_o scripture_n that_o he_o undertake_v to_o answer_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o most_o pungent_a scripture_n against_o his_o design_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v for_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o little_o insist_v on_o by_o either_o party_n nor_o can_v i_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o it_o as_o bring_v to_o prove_v either_o parity_n or_o imparity_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o at_o least_o some_o probability_n may_v be_v hence_o bring_v that_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o parity_n of_o elder_n for_o which_o i_o lay_v down_o brief_o these_o ground_n first_o the_o elder_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n this_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v two_o they_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n this_o he_o say_v be_v not_o sure_a for_o they_o may_v be_v the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n but_o against_o this_o i_o argue_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v they_o may_v be_v but_o what_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o judea_n we_o bring_v probable_a ground_n for_o what_o we_o assert_v but_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o bold_a way_n of_o expound_v scriture_n to_o say_v such_o a_o sense_n it_o may_v have_v when_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n but_o some_o ground_n to_o the_o contrary_n 2._o however_o the_o relief_n ought_v to_o be_v send_v to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n yet_o it_o be_v deliver_v at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v send_v abroad_o for_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o these_o elder_n by_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n who_o it_o be_v not_o like_a they_o send_v through_o the_o several_a church_n of_o judea_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o one_o single_a act_n of_o they_o deliver_v the_o other_o to_o a_o company_n of_o elder_n meet_v together_o now_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o judea_n be_v meet_v together_o on_o this_o occasion_n for_o what_o need_v such_o a_o convention_n for_o receive_v alm_n yea_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o they_o beforehand_o as_o that_o they_o can_v meet_v about_o it_o neither_o have_v that_o conceit_n of_o some_o any_o probability_n that_o these_o bishop_n do_v reside_v at_o jerusalem_n such_o man_n do_v not_o begin_v so_o soon_o to_o slight_v their_o particular_a charge_n but_o of_o this_o after_o these_o elder_n than_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n 3._o we_o find_v a_o company_n of_o elder_n ordinary_o at_o jerusalem_n not_o only_o act_n 15.6_o which_o may_v be_v upon_o the_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o the_o council_n but_o act._n 21.18_o that_o these_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o judea_n come_v up_o with_o their_o flock_n to_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n as_o mr._n still_o guess_v be_v a_o most_o irrational_a conceit_n for_o though_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n shall_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v set_v teacher_n over_o they_o who_o be_v no_o better_o instruct_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o so_o and_o beside_o these_o believe_a jew_n ver_fw-la 20_o who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v zealous_a of_o the_o law_n can_v neither_o be_v prove_v to_o have_v be_v then_o present_a at_o jerusalem_n for_o they_o may_v hear_v of_o paul_n condescendency_n to_o their_o custom_n though_o they_o be_v not_o there_o neither_o that_o they_o be_v those_o of_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n they_o may_v be_v of_o jerusalem_n itself_o but_o i_o incline_v rather_o to_o the_o first_o now_o we_o find_v not_o any_o other_o company_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o judea_n meet_v in_o one_o place_n these_o be_v then_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n 4._o it_o be_v then_o observe_v both_o by_o the_o ordinary_a gloss_n and_o by_o lyra_n in_o loc_n that_o this_o famine_n be_v main_o like_a to_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n the_o believer_n there_o be_v spoil_v of_o their_o movable_a good_n in_o the_o persecution_n about_o stephen_n and_o therefore_o this_o relief_n be_v chief_o to_o they_o ergo_fw-la they_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o here_o receive_v it_o now_o from_o these_o ground_n it_o easy_o follow_v what_o we_o intend_v viz._n if_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o elder_n who_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n then_o this_o church_n of_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o a_o bishop_n but_o by_o presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n it_o be_v strange_a if_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o my_o lord_n bishop_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n in_o such_o a_o matter_n sect._n 13._o the_o second_o place_n be_v act._n 14.23_o when_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n to_o which_o he_o join_v the_o 3d_o tit._n 1.5_o that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n of_o which_o place_n he_o say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v no_o more_o but_o ecclesiatim_fw-la and_o oppidatim_fw-la so_o that_o the_o place_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o ordain_v one_o elder_a in_o every_o church_n and_o city_n or_o of_o more_o but_o do_v not_o determine_v whether_o one_o or_o more_o be_v ordain_v in_o they_o but_o grant_v all_o that_o he_o allege_v a_o strong_a argument_n for_o our_o purpose_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o these_o place_n thus_o there_o be_v at_o least_o in_o every_o church_n one_o elder_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o such_o a_o elder_a as_o be_v also_o a_o bishop_n and_o have_v govern_v power_n over_o the_o church_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v vers_n 7._o of_o tit._n 2._o with_o this_o vers_n 5._o but_o there_o can_v not_o be_v in_o every_o church_n a_o diocesan_n bishop_n rule_v over_o presbyter_n for_o one_o of_o these_o be_v over_o many_o church_n ergo._n the_o church_n be_v then_o govern_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o several_a church_n act_v in_o parity_n for_o if_o every_o church_n have_v its_o elder_a or_o elder_n and_o these_o all_o be_v ruler_n than_o the_o rule_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o superior_a over_o many_o church_n nothing_o can_v be_v question_v in_o this_o argument_n except_o it_o be_v say_v that_o every_o church_n here_o be_v not_o every_o congregational_a but_o diocesan_n church_n but_o this_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v for_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o elder_n in_o every_o congregational_a church_n for_o the_o people_n instruction_n if_o these_o than_o do_v rule_v the_o church_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o congregational_a church_n the_o next_o place_n be_v act_n 20.17_o and_o from_o miletus_n paul_n send_v and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o say_v we_o be_v elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o who_o in_o common_a paul_n commit_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n vers_fw-la 28._o not_o to_o one_o bishop_n over_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o parity_n of_o elder_n to_o this_o place_n he_o answer_v by_o show_v some_o probability_n for_o both_o meaning_n viz._n that_o these_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n but_o take_v no_o pain_n to_o answer_v what_o be_v say_v on_o either_o hand_n only_o conclude_v that_o because_o there_o be_v probability_n on_o both_o hand_n there_o be_v no_o fix_a truth_n on_o either_o which_o be_v most_o detestable_a scepticism_n for_o if_o there_o be_v argument_n for_o both_o part_n sure_a both_o can_v be_v true_a see_v they_o be_v contradictory_n neither_o can_v both_o be_v false_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o contradictoriarum_fw-la altera_fw-la semper_fw-la est_fw-la vera_fw-la altera_fw-la semper_fw-la est_fw-la falsa_fw-la than_o it_o be_v his_o part_n either_o to_o show_v that_o neither_o of_o the_o argument_n prove_v any_o thing_n by_o answer_v to_o they_o or_o to_o hold_v to_o
this_o place_n be_v not_o mean_v of_o private_a injury_n but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v scandal_n but_o of_o scandalous_a sin_n i_o say_v the_o context_n do_v prove_v it_o because_o our_o lord_n be_v there_o speak_v of_o scandal_n it_o be_v the_o very_a purpose_n that_o he_o be_v upon_o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o the_o text_n also_o prove_v it_o for_o the_o first_o remedy_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o this_o evil_a be_v rebuke_n which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o more_o proper_a remedy_n for_o scandal_n than_o private_a wrong_n and_o then_o the_o fruit_n of_o this_o remedy_n repentance_n do_v relate_v to_o scandal_n rather_o than_o to_o private_a wrong_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v private_a injury_n because_o a_o private_a person_n may_v forgive_v it_o for_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o of_o private_a scandal_n not_o such_o as_o be_v public_a and_o a_o scandal_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o mr._n still_o suppose_v now_o when_o the_o offender_n repent_v upon_o private_a rebuke_n the_o rebuker_n may_v forgive_v he_o 3_o way_n 1._o by_o not_o charge_v he_o any_o more_o with_o guiltiness_n but_o look_v on_o he_o as_o one_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v pardon_v that_o this_o be_v call_v forgiveness_n in_o scripture_n be_v clear_a 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 10._o where_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v command_v thus_o to_o forgive_v the_o excommunicate_v man_n who_o have_v repent_v 2._o by_o exercise_v that_o christian_a familiar_a love_n towards_o he_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o exercise_n towaad_v they_o who_o live_v in_o sin_n 3._o by_o forbear_v to_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o any_o more_o public_a hear_n which_o have_v not_o the_o party_n repent_v have_v be_v his_o duty_n now_o this_o give_v not_o a_o power_n of_o excommunicate_v and_o release_n to_o a_o private_a person_n but_o only_o a_o power_n of_o the_o prudent_a use_n of_o our_o own_o charity_n his_o second_o answer_n be_v the_o same_o only_o build_v on_o another_o scripture_n matth._n 18.20_o where_o christ_n in_o answer_n to_o peter_n question_n bid_v we_o forgive_v our_o brother_n as_o oft_o as_o he_o repent_v the_o answer_n be_v also_o the_o same_o for_o we_o must_v forgive_v a_o scandalous_a brother_n in_o the_o way_n but_o now_o lay_v down_o as_o oft_o as_o he_o repent_v and_o not_o bring_v he_o to_o public_a rebuke_n but_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n his_o 3d._a argument_n be_v this_o if_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o scandal_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o then_o may_v a_o matter_n of_o scandal_n be_v bring_v before_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o decide_v it_o there_o be_v but_o one_o privy_a to_o it_o who_o be_v the_o accuser_n he_o affirm_v and_o the_o offender_n deny_v answ_n 1._o do_v not_o this_o same_o inconvenience_n follow_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v a_o private_a injury_n may_v there_o not_o in_o that_o case_n be_v no_o way_n for_o the_o arbitrator_n to_o decide_v the_o matter_n the_o offender_n deny_v and_o the_o injure_a party_n affirm_v and_o that_o where_o himself_o be_v the_o party_n the_o object_a than_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v but_o two_o this_o inconvenience_n be_v easy_o avoid_v thus_o if_o the_o grieve_a person_n be_v the_o only_a witness_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o offender_n deny_v the_o fact_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v before_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v this_o injunction_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o case_n but_o where_o either_o the_o fact_n be_v know_v to_o more_o than_o one_o for_o even_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o private_a and_o no_o public_a offence_n or_o where_o the_o offender_n do_v not_o deny_v the_o fact_n but_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v wrong_n in_o that_o case_n first_o two_o or_o three_o than_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v he_o it_o be_v a_o bad_a consequence_n some_o work_n of_o darkness_n for_o want_v of_o witness_n can_v be_v decide_v by_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la we_o be_v not_o command_v to_o bring_v scandal_n before_o the_o church_n that_o which_o he_o add_v p._n 223._o that_o christ_n here_o speak_v as_o to_o a_o ordinary_a case_n and_o in_o allusion_n to_o what_o be_v then_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v to_o reprove_v one_o another_o command_v leu._n 19.17_o and_o for_o neglect_v of_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v think_v to_o be_v destroy_v by_o r._n chamna_n this_o i_o say_v be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o i_o suppose_v these_o reproof_n leu._n 19.17_o and_o which_o be_v mention_v by_o that_o rabbi_n be_v not_o only_o for_o private_a injury_n but_o main_o for_o sin_n against_o god_n wherefore_o this_o consideration_n make_v not_o a_o little_a against_o the_o design_n for_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v p._n 224._o he_o will_v not_o have_v the_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n because_o say_v he_o christ_n be_v speak_v to_o a_o present_a case_n and_o lay_v down_o a_o present_a remedy_n now_o if_o he_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o govern_v his_o church_n this_o can_v not_o be_v because_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o ecclesiastical_a court_n for_o they_o to_o apeal_v to_o if_o then_o the_o case_n have_v present_o fall_v out_o they_o be_v leave_v without_o a_o redress_n have_v no_o church_n to_o tell_v it_o unto_o ans_fw-fr it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o christ_n here_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o a_o case_n present_o practicable_a more_o than_o he_o do_v when_o he_o impower_v his_o apostle_n and_o charge_v they_o concern_v their_o work_n matth._n 16.19_o john_n 20.23_o mal._n 28.19_o and_o yet_o will_v have_v they_o to_o delay_v a_o while_n before_o they_o shall_v put_v all_o that_o power_n in_o act_n luke_n 24.49_o and_o indeed_o we_o have_v far_o better_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v tell_v his_o people_n what_o to_o do_v in_o the_o after_o and_o ordinary_a time_n of_o his_o church_n than_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v in_o that_o present_a and_o extraordinary_a case_n when_o the_o church_n be_v not_o yet_o frame_v and_o when_o they_o have_v himself_o personable_o to_o go_v to_o for_o direction_n two_o however_o we_o maintain_v that_o this_o rule_n as_o it_o serve_v for_o our_o time_n so_o may_v it_o serve_v for_o that_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v speak_v for_o if_o the_o case_n have_v then_o fall_v out_o though_o there_o be_v not_o the_o ordinary_a ecclesiastical_a court_n to_o go_v to_o that_o now_o aught_o to_o be_v yet_o there_o want_v not_o a_o visible_a church-power_n reside_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o after_o in_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o do_v succeed_v the_o ordinary_a judicature_n so_o that_o the_o offend_a party_n want_v never_o a_o church_n to_o make_v his_o complaint_n unto_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o tell_v the_o church_n do_v direct_o signify_v any_o other_o to_o which_o the_o complaint_n be_v to_o be_v make_v but_o the_o ordinary_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n for_o our_o lord_n accommodate_v his_o term_n he_o use_v to_o the_o ordinary_a case_n in_o which_o this_o law_n be_v to_o take_v place_n but_o by_o analogy_n it_o be_v applicable_a to_o any_o who_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n act_v the_o part_n of_o the_o ordinary_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n sect._n 7._o i_o agree_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o mr._n gillespy_n cite_v by_o the_o author_n that_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o word_n church_n as_o usual_o it_o will_v be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o know_v what_o christ_n here_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n for_o see_v this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o stand_a law_n in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o otherwise_o understand_v the_o term_n of_o it_o than_o they_o be_v ordinary_o use_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o he_o intend_v shall_v constant_o be_v in_o his_o people_n hand_n neither_o be_v that_o of_o any_o weight_n which_o our_o author_n oppose_v to_o this_o that_o such_o as_o so_o argue_v will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v how_o those_o to_o who_o christ_n speak_v shall_v 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