unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v elder_n also_o be_v devest_v of_o the_o right_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o other_o not_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v help_v in_o the_o government_n for_o the_o right_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n which_o all_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v the_o right_n be_v still_o in_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consistent_a with_o their_o more_o excellent_a work_n be_v require_v of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n exod._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o moses_n have_v before_o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o addition_n that_o be_v make_v of_o a_o eldership_n for_o his_o assistance_n there_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o right_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o precedent_a power_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n derogate_a nothing_o from_o their_o own_o authority_n nor_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o their_o care_n so_o when_o they_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o take_v care_n of_o supply_n for_o the_o poor_a they_o do_v not_o forgo_v their_o own_o right_n nor_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o their_o other_o work_n will_v permit_v they_o gal._n 2.9_o 10._o and_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n paul_n manifest_v his_o concernment_n herein_o in_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a in_o all_o church_n 8._o as_o we_o observe_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o rule_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o authoritative_n teach_v and_o rule_v be_v teach_v and_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n and_o this_o office_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v that_o of_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v undeniable_o attest_v act._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o care_n inspection_n oversight_n rule_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o express_o for_o elder_n be_v a_o name_n derive_v from_o the_o jew_n denote_v they_o that_o have_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n ☞_o the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o language_n respect_n age._n elder_n be_v old_a man_n well_o strike_v in_o year_n unto_o who_o respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n command_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v their_o privilege_n by_o levity_n or_o wickedness_n which_o they_o often_o do_v now_o ancient_a man_n be_v original_o judge_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o the_o most_o meet_a for_o rule_n and_o be_v before_o other_o constant_o call_v thereunto_o hence_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v preside_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o in_o any_o kind_n only_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n of_o ruler_n that_o be_v call_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o subordinate_a power_n and_o authority_n only_o those_o who_o be_v in_o supreme_a absolute_a power_n as_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v never_o call_v elder_n but_o elder_n by_o office_n be_v such_o only_a as_o have_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o other_o wherefore_o the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v elder_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o peter_n in_o particular_a 1_o epist._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1.2_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n and_o so_o it_o be_v declare_v ver_n 4._o the_o pope_n will_v now_o scarce_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v esteem_v only_o a_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o the_o turkish_a monarch_n be_v call_v the_o grand_a signior_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n above_o elder_n have_v no_o office_n in_o it_o whatever_o usurpation_n they_o may_v make_v over_o it_o 9_o to_o the_o complete_a constitution_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o organical_a state_n it_o be_v require_v that_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o it_o at_o least_o more_o than_o one_o in_o this_o proposition_n lie_v the_o next_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_o consider_v i_o do_v not_o determine_v what_o their_o number_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o determinable_a as_o unto_o all_o church_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proportion_v unto_o the_o work_n and_o end_v design_v where_o a_o church_n be_v numerous_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o increase_a their_o number_n proportionable_a unto_o their_o work._n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o name_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n under_o cornelius_n where_o the_o church_n be_v small_a the_o number_n of_o elder_n may_v be_v so_o also_o for_o no_o office_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o pomp_n or_o show_n but_o for_o labour_v only_o and_o so_o many_o be_v necessary_a in_o each_o office_n as_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o work_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o church_n be_v it_o small_a or_o great_a be_v not_o complete_a in_o its_o state_n be_v defective_a which_o have_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o who_o have_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o work._n 10._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o be_v absolute_o democratical_a or_o popular_a they_o judge_v that_o all_o church-power_n or_o authority_n be_v seat_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brethren_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o look_v on_o elder_n or_o minister_n only_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o material_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o perform_v and_o final_o for_o their_o edification_n serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n but_o formal_o also_o as_o act_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o mere_a delegation_n and_o not_o any_o of_o their_o own_o receive_v direct_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n hence_o they_o do_v occasional_o appoint_v person_n among_o themselves_o not_o call_v unto_o not_o vest_v with_o any_o office_n to_o administer_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o any_o other_o solemn_a office_n of_o worship_n on_o this_o principle_n and_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n at_o all_o though_o usual_o they_o do_v confer_v this_o office_n on_o some_o with_o solemnity_n but_o as_o among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n for_o rule_n so_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v they_o 11._o some_o place_n the_o government_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o those_o that_o act_n under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o civil_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o elder_n for_o rule_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o allow_v no_o rule_n in_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o assert_v a_o rule_n over_o they_o but_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o own_o ruler_n officer_n guide_n immediate_o preside_v in_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n wherefore_o with_o these_o we_o deal_v not_o in_o this_o discourse_n nor_o have_v any_o apprehension_n that_o the_o power_n of_o present_v man_n for_o any_o pretend_a disorder_n unto_o the_o bishop_n or_o chancellor_n court_n be_v any_o part_n of_o church-power_n or_o rule_n 12._o other_o place_z the_o rule_n of_o particular_a church_n especial_o in_o case_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o a_o association_n conjunction_n or_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o in_o one_o society_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n there_o will_v be_v a_o conjunct_a act_n of_o many_o elder_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v the_o best_a provision_n that_o can_v be_v make_v on_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o present_a parochial_a distribution_n but_o those_o also_o of_o this_o
season_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o full_a a_o indication_n of_o sincerity_n as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n through_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o non_fw-la admission_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v on_o a_o conjunction_n in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o be_v otherwise_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n prejudicial_a unto_o their_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o church_n can_v answer_v the_o refusal_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o such_o person_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v become_v a_o church_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n be_v by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o solemn_a agreement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o such_o church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v so_o to_o be_v continue_v only_o in_o that_o state_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n few_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o be_v require_v to_o enstate_v they_o in_o church_n order_n and_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o first_o erection_n yet_o that_o that_o continuation_n may_v be_v regular_a it_o be_v require_v that_o its_o first_o congregate_a for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n be_v so_o as_o also_o that_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v wherefore_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o first_o gather_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n plant_v or_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o church_n do_v consist_v each_o of_o they_o of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o another_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n and_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o those_o believer_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o other_o become_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o general_a that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o guide_v they_o in_o these_o affair_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o that_o other_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o they_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_v by_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n matth._n 28.20_o this_o can_v original_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v as_o remote_a cause_n or_o prerequisite_a condition_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v such_o be_v baptism_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n convenient_a cohabitation_n resort_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o neither_o any_o of_o these_o distinct_o or_o separately_z nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o such_o church_n state_n ensue_v they_o can_v altogether_o engage_v unto_o those_o duty_n nor_o communicate_v those_o power_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o state._n be_v there_o no_o other_o order_n in_o particular_a church_n no_o other_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o nor_o rule_n over_o they_o no_o other_o duty_n no_o other_o end_v assign_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n of_o cohabitation_n determine_v by_o civil_a authority_n may_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v entrust_v in_o itself_o with_o sundry_a power_n and_o privilege_n depend_v on_o sundry_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o constitute_v new_a relation_n between_o person_n that_o neither_o natural_o nor_o moral_o be_v before_o so_o relate_v as_o marriage_n do_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o it_o require_v new_a mutual_a duty_n and_o give_v new_a mutual_a right_n among_o themselves_o not_o require_v of_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o unto_o their_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o state_n can_v arise_v from_o or_o have_v any_o other_o formal_a cause_n but_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o virtual_a confederation_n of_o those_o concern_v unto_o these_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o foundation_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n unto_o they_o by_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n i_o say_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o their_o formal_a cause_n the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o will_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o society_n in_o all_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o natural_a such_o as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o power_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v predetermine_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n even_o that_o of_o nature_n wherein_o powers_z privilege_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v establish_v as_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n nor_o after_o its_o first_o institution_n can_v any_o one_o be_v incorporate_v into_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o nor_o if_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v can_v there_o be_v any_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n ensue_v be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o 2._o that_o by_o his_o word_n or_o law_n he_o have_v grant_v power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o prescribe_v duty_n unto_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o wherein_z they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n who_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o such_o a_o church_n 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o church_n relation_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o command_n wherefore_o 4._o this_o join_n of_o themselves_o whereon_o depend_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n all_o their_o obligation_n unto_o church_n duty_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o 5._o herein_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o their_o officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 6._o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v express_o to_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o phrase_n every_o where_o signify_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 7._o this_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o express_a engagement_n make_v unto_o he_o of_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n and_o it_o have_v so_o on_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n annex_v unto_o this_o engagement_n on_o our_o part_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 8._o
annex_v thereunto_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o sole_a formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n state_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v so_o often_o to_o have_v break_v and_o which_o they_o so_o often_o solemn_o renew_v unto_o god._n 19_o this_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v whereon_o the_o church_n state_n that_o be_v build_v thereon_o be_v utter_o take_v away_o for_o hereon_o the_o hebrew_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a church_n of_o god_n because_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v so_o be_v abolish_v and_o take_v away_o as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n will_v ☞_o still_o continue_v unto_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n act._n 2.38_o 39_o but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v utter_o take_v away_o 20._o upon_o the_o removal_n therefore_o of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n state_n found_v thereon_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n privilege_n be_v also_o take_v away_o the_o thing_n substitute_v in_o their_o room_n be_v total_o of_o another_o kind_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n be_v continue_v and_o transfer_v unto_o the_o gospel_n worshipper_n the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o he_o be_v change_v but_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o whereas_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n covenant_n be_v in_o themselves_o carnal_a only_o and_o no_o way_n spiritual_a but_o as_o they_o be_v typical_a and_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v burdensome_a yea_o a_o yoke_n intolerable_a the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o the_o new_a church_n state_n whereinto_o we_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o easy_a but_o withal_o have_v such_o holy_a and_o eminent_a privilege_n as_o the_o church_n can_v no_o way_n enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o church_n covenant_n nor_o can_v be_v believer_n make_v partaker_n of_o they_o before_o that_o covenant_n be_v abolish_v wherefore_o 21._o the_o same_o way_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n state_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o more_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o must_v still_o be_v continue_v for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n and_o privilege_n by_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a consent_n with_o a_o engagement_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o voluntary_a relation_n and_o society_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o erect_v the_o church_n state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v express_o require_v of_o all_o believer_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o thing_n last_o treat_v of_o concern_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n it_o remain_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a or_o a_o body_n corporate_a a_o spiritual_o political_a society_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o it_o be_v entrust_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v now_o whereas_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o estate_n by_o the_o set_n fix_v or_o place_v officer_n in_o it_o method_n will_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v first_o treat_v of_o they_o their_o nature_n name_n power_n and_o the_o way_n of_o come_v unto_o their_o office_n but_o whereas_o all_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v found_v in_o the_o grant_n of_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n of_o polity_n and_o rule_n therein_o by_o jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v first_o treat_v somewhat_o thereof_o in_o general_n that_o which_o we_o intend_v on_o various_a consideration_n and_o in_o divers_a respect_n be_v call_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n the_o polity_n the_o rule_n the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v its_o authority_n or_o power_n it_o be_v polity_n be_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o act_v that_o power_n unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v rule_n be_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n it_o be_v government_n be_v the_o exercise_n and_o application_n of_o that_o authority_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n and_o it_o be_v call_v its_o discipline_n principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o end_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o material_a whether_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o accurate_o distinguish_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o general_a the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o its_o edification_n this_o power_n in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la or_o fundamental_o be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la or_o its_o exercise_n in_o they_o that_o be_v especial_o call_v thereunto_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o some_o be_v a_o plain_a secular_a dominion_n have_v any_o affinity_n hereunto_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o act_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v ministerial_a only_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o all_o this_o authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n be_v vest_v in_o he_o alone_o 2._o it_o be_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n only_o which_o no_o authority_n can_v reach_v but_o he_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v he_o whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o afterward_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o rule_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o itself_o rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o chap._n 13.10_o ephes._n 4.14_o 15._o 3._o this_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o especial_a end_n of_o all_o power_n grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o a_o ministry_n unto_o edification_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v for_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o dominion_n over_o the_o person_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n accompany_v with_o secular_a grandeur_n wealth_n and_o power_n the_o lord_n christ_n never_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o any_o authority_n for_o any_o such_o end_n yea_o they_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o he_o luk._n 22.25_o matth._n 20.26_o 27_o 28._o jesus_n call_v his_o disciple_n unto_o he_o and_o say_v you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v all_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o romanist_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o secure_v their_o papal_a domination_n from_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o whereas_o their_o utmost_a pretence_n and_o defence_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o dominion_n and_o power_n absolute_o that_o be_v forbid_v but_o the_o unlawful_a tyrannical_a oppressive_a exercise_n of_o power_n such_o as_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v there_o any_o dominion_n in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o among_o the_o gentile_n more_o cruel_a oppressive_a and_o bloody_a than_o that_o of_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v on_o the_o rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a yea_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n who_o their_o subject_n for_o their_o moderate_a and_o equal_a rule_n with_o their_o usefulness_n unto_o their_o country_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o place_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o office_n with_o power_n unto_o their_o edification_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n act._n 1.14_o 15._o chap._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o chap._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2._o this_o power_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n whence_o it_o do_v flow_v and_o whereon_o it_o do_v depend_v for_o unto_o this_o apostolical_a office_n and_o power_n there_o be_v require_v 1._o a_o immediate_a personal_a call_n from_o christ_n himself_o 2._o a_o commission_n equal_o extensive_a unto_o all_o nation_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o unto_o all_o church_n equal_o for_o their_o edification_n 3._o a_o authority_n in_o all_o church_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o that_o power_n which_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a constitution_n of_o they_o distribute_v among_o many_o 4._o a_o collation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o of_o infallibility_n in_o teach_v of_o work_a miracle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o the_o like_a whereas_o therefore_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v cease_v and_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o act_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n towards_o any_o this_o office_n and_o power_n do_v absolute_o cease_v for_o any_o to_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v successor_n unto_o these_o apostle_n as_o some_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n and_o impertinency_n have_v do_v be_v to_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o call_v by_o christ_n unto_o their_o office_n that_o they_o have_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o church_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n whereof_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n be_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o certain_o when_o some_o of_o they_o consider_v one_o another_o and_o talk_v of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n it_o be_v but_o aruspex_fw-la aruspicens_fw-la 3._o lest_o of_o all_o in_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v a_o vicar_n or_o rather_o as_o be_v pretend_v a_o successor_n with_o a_o plenitude_n of_o all_o church_n power_n to_o be_v by_o he_o parcel_v out_o unto_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v overthrow_v all_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n introduce_v luciferian_a pride_n and_o antichristian_a tyranny_n in_o their_o room_n and_o whereas_o the_o only_a way_n of_o christ_n act_n his_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v act_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n be_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n unto_o that_o end_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n place_v himself_o in_o his_o stead_n for_o these_o end_n do_v thereby_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v god._n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v among_o all_o sober_a christian_n and_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o contend_v with_o the_o mahometan_n who_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n leave_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v his_o successor_n as_o haly_n succeed_v unto_o mahomet_n 5._o all_o these_o by_o who_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v unto_o its_o edification_n be_v as_o unto_o their_o office_n and_o power_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n set_v or_o place_v in_o it_o not_o as_o lord_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 2.2_o chap._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n the_o enfeoffment_n into_o this_o power_n be_v her_o due_a and_o dowry_n all_o particular_a person_n be_v but_o her_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v steward_n and_o set_v over_o all_o their_o fellow_n servant_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o trust_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v his_o spouse_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o to_o grant_v what_o they_o please_v unto_o she_o 6._o but_o as_o this_o whole_a church_n power_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o christ_n so_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o office-authority_n do_v receive_v that_o authority_n from_o he_o by_o the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o namely_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n through_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o v._o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v in_o general_a concern_v church_n power_n we_o must_v treat_v yet_o particular_o of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o from_o christ_n and_o of_o its_o distribution_n as_o unto_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o every_o individual_a believer_n have_v power_n or_o right_o give_v unto_o he_o upon_o his_o believe_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o hereby_o as_o such_o he_o have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n radical_o and_o original_o unto_o with_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o church_n privilege_n to_o be_v actual_o possess_v and_o use_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o he_o prescribe_v for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n have_v a_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v oblige_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o herein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o right_n unto_o church_n power_n for_o both_o it_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o purchase_a inheritance_n whereunto_o right_o be_v grant_v by_o adoption_n wherefore_o the_o first_o original_a grant_n of_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n be_v make_v unto_o believer_n as_o such_o they_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o limitation_n 1._o that_o as_o such_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o church_n power_n but_o upon_o their_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o duty_n give_v unto_o this_o end_n such_o be_v joint_a confession_n and_o confederation_n 2._o that_o each_o individual_a do_v actual_o participate_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o peculiarly_a respect_n woman_n that_o do_v believe_v 2._o wherever_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o of_o these_o believer_n the_o small_a number_n right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o actual_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n whereunto_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n among_o they_o matth._n 18.19_o 20._o to_o meet_v and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o exhort_v instruct_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o or_o to_o pray_v together_o as_o v_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a right_n or_o power_n require_v thereunto_o this_o be_v grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o least_o number_n of_o consent_v believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o second_o preparation_n unto_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n unto_o the_o former_a faith_n only_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o profession_n with_o mutual_a consent_n unto_o and_o agreement_n in_o the_o evangelical_n duty_n mention_v be_v to_o be_v add_v 3._o where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v increase_v so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a as_o unto_o their_o number_n to_o observe_v and_o perform_v all_o church_n duty_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n prescribe_v for_o their_o performance_n they_o have_v right_o and_o power_n grant_v unto_o they_o to_o make_v a_o joint_a solemn_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n especial_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n matth._n 16.16_o 18._o as_o also_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o a_o holy_a agreement_n or_o confederation_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatever_o that_o he_o have_v command_v hereon_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n in_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o order_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o enstate_v they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o these_o believer_n i_o say_v thus_o congregat_v into_o a_o church_n state_n have_v immediate_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o power_n to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o as_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o by_o his_o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o
brethren_n leave_v they_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n they_o begin_v to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o interest_n which_o they_o call_v rule_n or_o canon_n and_o never_o leave_v enlarge_a they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n until_o they_o enstate_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n by_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o whereon_o they_o become_v not_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n in_o office_n unto_o any_o person_n call_v thereunto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v formal_o in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hence_o it_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o such_o officer_n a_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v formal_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o grant_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o delegation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o they_o design_v choose_v set_v apart_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o thereon_o be_v entrust_v with_o office-power_n by_o christ_n himself_o according_a as_o be_v before_o declare_v this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o officer_n namely_o to_o design_n call_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o the_o person_n by_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n unto_o those_o office_n whereunto_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v annex_v church_n power_n and_o authority_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o dispute_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o officer_n they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n needful_a unto_o such_o duty_n who_o be_v immediate_o call_v unto_o they_o hereby_o all_o thing_n become_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v church_n duty_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n wherefore_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v which_o have_v a_o double_a exercise_n first_o in_o the_o call_n or_o choose_v of_o officer_n second_o in_o their_o voluntary_a act_n with_o they_o and_o under_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o rule_n 1._o all_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o office-power_n be_v require_v and_o 2._o every_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n as_o unto_o his_o own_o consent_n or_o dissent_v in_o what_o he_o be_v himself_o concern_v that_o this_o power_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v original_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v reside_v in_o any_o other_o who_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v upon_o any_o occasional_a intermission_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o all_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o need_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v again_o insist_v on_o vi_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v take_v objective_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o state_n and_o the_o law_n of_o its_o rule_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v it_o subjective_o as_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v the_o government_n in_o it_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o rule_v it_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o this_o wisdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.9_o whereby_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v require_v 1._o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o this_o purpose_n ezra_n 7.6_o 7_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2.14_o 15._o 3._o humble_a wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v about_o ezek._n 43.11_o 4._o a_o conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o skill_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v talent_n trade_v with_o due_o will_v increase_v 5._o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n be_v call_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o how_o much_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o church_n government_n yea_o how_o much_o it_o be_v despise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a unto_o all_o it_o be_v skill_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o vexatious_a court_n with_o the_o learning_n subtilty_n and_o art_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a skill_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v no_o way_n meet_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o according_a as_o any_o do_v arrive_v unto_o a_o dexterity_n in_o this_o polity_n they_o be_v esteem_v eminent_o useful_a but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o do_v what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o unto_o political_a end_n we_o inquire_v nor_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n require_v unto_o this_o end_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v of_o it_o more_o despise_v more_o neglect_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o those_o who_o pretence_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o authority_n will_v make_v it_o most_o necessary_a unto_o they_o two_o thing_n follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o wisdom_n intend_v be_v not_o promise_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o before_o lay_v down_o but_o respect_n be_v have_v herein_o only_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n hereon_o depend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o ruler_n for_o wisdom_n for_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o grant_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n wherefore_o those_o who_o on_o every_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o advance_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o disorderly_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o out-cry_n of_o some_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v suppose_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n better_o than_o they_o whereas_o the_o government_n which_o they_o exercise_v belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v easy_o discern_v nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o themselves_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o herein_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o order_v
order_n or_o degree_n which_o also_o as_o unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o learned_a advocate_n of_o prelacy_n begin_v to_o grant_v 1._o the_o apostle_n describe_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v so_o tit._n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n if_o any_o be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a he_o that_o will_v prove_v of_o what_o sort_n a_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v so_o aught_o to_o be_v give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o such_o a_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v intend_v the_o same_o person_n and_o office_n by_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n or_o there_o be_v no_o congruity_n of_o speech_n or_o consequence_n of_o reason_n in_o what_o he_o assert_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o same_o office_n by_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v to_o destroy_v his_o argument_n and_o render_v the_o context_n of_o his_o discourse_n unintelligible_a he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o if_o you_o make_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o a_o constable_n he_o must_v be_v magnanimous_a liberal_a full_a of_o clemency_n and_o courage_n for_o so_o a_o king_n ought_v to_o be_v will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o argue_v very_o wise_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o argument_n here_o if_o by_o elder_n and_o bishop_n distinct_a order_n and_o office_n be_v intend_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n in_o one_o particular_a church_n phil._n 1.1_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n that_o the_o church_n then_o at_o philippi_n be_v one_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v prove_v before_o but_o to_o have_v many_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o church_n whereas_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o episcopacy_n plead_v for_o consist_v in_o the_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o the_o presbyter_n of_o many_o church_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a such_o bishop_n whereof_o there_o may_v be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o same_o order_n equal_a in_o power_n and_o dignity_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o then_o they_o be_v presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n there_o will_v i_o fear_v be_v no_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v because_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n of_o some_o but_o that_o the_o identity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v more_o plain_o express_v can_v neither_o be_v expect_v nor_o desire_v 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o miletus_n send_v to_o ephesus_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n as_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o undeniable_o demonstrate_v act._n 20.17_o 18._o unto_o these_o elder_n he_o say_v take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 28._o if_o elder_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n have_v the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o function_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o the_o same_o name_n it_o be_v impossible_a so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v express_v for_o these_o elder_n be_v they_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v bishop_n they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o church_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n which_o comprise_v all_o the_o duty_n the_o whole_a function_n of_o elder_n and_o bishop_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o same_o this_o plain_a testimony_n can_v no_o way_n be_v evade_v by_o pretence_n and_o conjecture_n unwritten_a and_o uncertain_a the_o only_a answer_n unto_o it_o be_v it_o be_v indeed_o so_o then_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o afterward_o which_o some_o now_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o these_o elder_n be_v either_o elder_n only_o and_o not_o bishop_n or_o bishop_n only_o and_o not_o elder_n or_o the_o same_o person_n be_v elder_n and_o bishop_n as_o be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o word_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v if_o the_o first_o be_v assert_v then_o be_v there_o no_o bishop_n then_o at_o ephesus_n for_o these_o elder_n have_v the_o whole_a oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n if_o the_o second_o than_o be_v there_o no_o elder_n at_o all_o which_o be_v no_o good_a exposition_n of_o those_o word_n that_o paul_n call_v unto_o he_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v the_o oversight_n or_o exercise_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n over_o they_o and_o that_o not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o humility_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o whole_a flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o to_o superintend_v over_o it_o as_o those_o who_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v accountable_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bishop_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o bishop_n over_o they_o unto_o who_o this_o charge_n shall_v be_v principal_o commit_v but_o such_o according_a unto_o this_o apostle_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o those_o elder_n and_o bishop_n be_v the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v as_o those_o that_o do_v watch_v for_o and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o 5._o the_o substance_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o instance_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v this_o those_o who_o name_n be_v the_o same_o equal_o common_a and_o applicable_a unto_o they_o all_o who_o function_n be_v the_o same_o who_o qualification_n and_o character_n be_v the_o same_o who_o duty_n account_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v who_o there_o be_v in_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o least_o mention_n of_o inequality_n disparity_n or_o preference_n in_o office_n among_o they_o they_o be_v essential_o and_o every_o way_n the_o same_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v modest_o be_v deny_v i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o a_o church_n be_v great_o increase_v so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o it_o for_o its_o instruction_n and_o rule_n that_o decency_n and_o order_n do_v require_v that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o church_n affair_n preside_v to_o guide_v and_o direct_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n thereof_o so_o the_o presbyter_n at_o alexandria_n do_v choose_v one_o from_o among_o themselves_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o a_o precedent_n among_o they_o whether_o the_o person_n that_o be_v so_o to_o preside_v be_v direct_v unto_o by_o be_v first_o convert_v or_o first_o ordain_v or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o age_n or_o of_o gift_n and_o ability_n whether_o he_o continue_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o then_o another_o be_v depute_v unto_o the_o same_o work_n or_o for_o his_o life_n be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a to_o be_v determine_v according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o reason_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v never_o oppose_v this_o order_n but_o rather_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o in_o practice_n namely_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o such_o a_o extent_n as_o necessary_o to_o require_v many_o elder_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o government_n for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n the_o full_a representation_n of_o the_o authority_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n the_o occasional_a instruction_n of_o the_o member_n in_o lesser_a assembly_n which_o as_o unto_o some_o end_n may_v be_v state_v also_o with_o the_o due_a attendance_n unto_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o edification_n and_o watch_v inspect_v warn_v admonish_a exhort_v and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o among_o these_o elder_n one_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o themselves_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o into_o a_o new_a order_n not_o into_o a_o degree_n of_o authority_n above_o his_o brethren_n but_o only_o unto_o his_o part_n of_o the_o common_a work_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n which_o require_v some_o kind_n of_o precedency_n hereby_o no_o new_a officer_n no_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n no_o new_a degree_n of_o power_n or_o
cyprian_n speak_v see_v matth._n 7.17_o joh._n â—5_n 39_o gal._n 11.9_o 1_o thess._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o 2_o joh._n 10.11_o what_o be_v object_v hereunto_o from_o the_o unfitness_n and_o disability_n of_o the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n labour_n with_o a_o threefold_a weakness_n for_o 1._o it_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o command_v they_o the_o observance_n and_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v no_o way_n meet_v for_o 2._o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o that_o degenerate_a state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o member_n as_o to_o light_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fall_v into_o which_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o argument_n in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reform_v 3._o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o supply_n of_o assistance_n provide_v for_o the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o therein_o which_o be_v otherwise_o see_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o such_o election_n be_v make_v and_o those_o of_o other_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n be_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o three_o the_o church_n be_v a_o voluntary_a society_n person_n otherwise_o absolute_o free_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n do_v of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o free_a choice_n coalesce_v into_o it_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o church_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o herein_o neither_o by_o prescription_n nor_o tradition_n nor_o succession_n have_v any_o one_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n than_o another_o but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a it_o be_v gather_v into_o this_o society_n mere_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o collect_v it_o have_v neither_o right_n power_n privilege_n rule_n nor_o bond_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v give_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n moreover_o it_o abide_v and_o continue_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o principle_n as_o whereon_o it_o be_v collect_v namely_o the_o will_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o subject_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a unto_o its_o present_a continuance_n in_o all_o its_o member_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o plantation_n it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o political_a society_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v first_o establish_v by_o force_n or_o consent_n bring_v a_o necessity_n on_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o they_o and_o under_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o rule_n and_o law_n for_o man_n may_v and_o in_o many_o case_n ought_v to_o submit_v unto_o the_o disposal_n of_o temporal_a thing_n in_o a_o way_n it_o may_v be_v not_o convenient_a for_o they_o which_o they_o judge_v not_o well_o off_o and_o which_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o unto_o their_o advantage_n and_o this_o may_v be_v just_a and_o equal_a because_o the_o special_a good_a which_o every_o one_o will_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o absolute_o so_o may_v be_v outbalanced_n by_o a_o general_a good_a nor_o alterable_a but_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o particular_a but_o with_o reference_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o previous_a law_n be_v conclude_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o general_n good_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o of_o they_o none_o therefore_o can_v coalesce_v in_o such_o a_o society_n or_o adhere_v unto_o it_o or_o be_v any_o way_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o consent_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o any_o rule_n authority_n power_n or_o office_n shall_v arise_v or_o be_v erect_v in_o such_o a_o society_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a for_o he_o by_o who_o this_o church-state_n be_v erect_v and_o appoint_v may_v and_o do_v appoint_v in_o it_o and_o over_o it_o extraordinary_a officer_n for_o a_o season_n and_o we_o do_v suppose_v that_o as_o he_o have_v by_o his_o divine_a authority_n institute_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o society_n shall_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v grant_n of_o privilege_n and_o power_n to_o they_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n as_o also_o that_o he_o have_v give_v law_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o observance_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n with_o a_o right_n unto_o their_o exercise_n on_o these_o supposition_n in_o a_o society_n absolute_o voluntary_a among_o those_o who_o in_o their_o conjunction_n into_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a there_o can_v but_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o actual_a constitution_n of_o rule_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o discharge_v of_o such_o a_o office_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n above_o other_o this_o be_v previous_a unto_o all_o government_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principio_fw-la rerum_fw-la gentium_fw-la nationumque_fw-la imperium_fw-la penes_fw-la reges_fw-la erat_fw-la quos_fw-la ad_fw-la fastigium_fw-la huius_fw-la majestatis_fw-la non_fw-la popularis_fw-la ambitio_fw-la sed_fw-la spectata_fw-la inter_fw-la bonos_fw-es moderatio_fw-la provehebat_fw-la just._n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la tertull._n this_o preparation_n and_o furniture_n of_o some_o person_n with_o ability_n and_o meet_a qualification_n for_o office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v on_o himself_o and_o do_v and_o will_v effect_v it_o in_o all_o generation_n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o office_n nor_o rule_n nor_o order_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o new_a relation_n to_o be_v make_v or_o create_v between_o a_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o between_o they_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o church_n a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n be_v relata_n it_o must_v be_v introduce_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o the_o mutual_a voluntary_a act_n of_o one_o another_o or_o of_o each_o party_n for_o one_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la can_v as_o such_o have_v no_o be_v or_o existence_n without_o the_o other_o now_o this_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o person_n so_o antecedent_o qualify_v for_o office_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o delegation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o any_o other_o superior_a or_o equal_a unto_o they_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o delegation_n nor_o the_o relation_n unto_o christ_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o interposition_n of_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o delegation_n of_o power_n from_o themselves_o in_o other_o man_n which_o will_v make_v they_o their_o minister_n and_o not_o christ_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o voluntary_a society_n this_o therefore_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o free_a choice_n election_n consent_n or_o approbation_n it_o can_v i_o say_v be_v so_o regular_o how_o far_o a_o irregularity_n herein_o may_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v now_o this_o choice_n or_o election_n do_v not_o communicate_v a_o power_n from_o they_o that_o choose_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v as_o though_o ☜_o such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v formal_o inherent_a in_o the_o chooser_n antecedent_n unto_o such_o choice_n for_o this_o will_v make_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n only_o and_o to_o act_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o instrumental_a ministerial_a mean_n to_o enstate_v they_o in_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o such_o officer_n by_o the_o constitution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n who_o minister_n thereon_o they_o
〈◊〉_d catechist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4.15_o instructor_n of_o those_o that_o be_v young_a in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o whereof_o be_v eminent_a famous_a and_o useful_a and_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v great_a and_o numerous_a for_o whereas_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n as_o belong_v entire_o unto_o his_o office_n the_o discharge_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v numerous_a be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o office_n where_o all_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o especial_a attendance_n on_o one_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o appoint_v such_o as_o in_o distinct_a office_n shall_v be_v associate_v with_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o be_v deacon_n ordain_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o to_o teach_v so_o be_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v elder_n ordain_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o rule_n without_o any_o call_n to_o preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o be_v teacher_n appoint_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n and_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n and_o thus_o although_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n yet_o be_v supply_v with_o assistance_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v comfortable_o discharge_v by_o they_o and_o if_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n not_o only_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v prevent_v but_o the_o order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n great_o promote_v 2._o he_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o distinction_n from_o a_o pastor_n may_v yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o teach_v elder_a and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o officer_n a_o concurrence_n of_o both_o these_o a_o right_n unto_o rule_n as_o a_o elder_a and_o power_n to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o same_o office_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o pastor_n 3._o on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n there_o yet_o remain_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o as_o far_o as_o light_n may_v be_v take_v from_o their_o name_n and_o distinct_a asscription_n unto_o they_o consist_v material_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n which_o those_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n have_v receive_v which_o the_o church_n in_o their_o call_n ought_v to_o have_v respect_n unto_o and_o formal_o in_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o assignation_n of_o their_o especial_a work_n unto_o they_o which_o themselves_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o whether_o there_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v one_o of_o each_o sort_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o take_v teacher_n in_o the_o three_o sense_n for_o those_o who_o be_v only_o so_o and_o have_v no_o far_o interest_n in_o office-power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o institution_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n preach_v constant_o who_o be_v in_o no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v regular_o or_o solemn_o set_v a_o part_n or_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n have_v the_o right_n of_o constant_a preach_a inherent_a in_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o incumbent_a on_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o those_o church_n wherein_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v peculiar_o ordain_v yet_o for_o man_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o constant_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o never_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o i_o know_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.22_o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o pastor_n who_o peculiar_o feed_v the_o flock_n those_o teach_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o those_o ruler_n concern_v who_o we_o shall_v treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o no_o determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o order_n very_o early_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praeses_fw-la quick_o call_v episcopus_fw-la by_o way_n of_o distinction_n with_o many_o elder_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o deacon_n minister_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o its_o authority_n represent_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o each_o particular_a church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o deviation_n from_o its_o first_o order_n by_o a_o occasional_a coalescency_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o by_o a_o new_a form_n of_o church_n never_o appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o come_v not_o in_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o corrupt_v this_o order_n into_o a_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n which_o degenerate_v more_o and_o more_o into_o confusion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o order_n and_o the_o absolute_a equality_n of_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v liable_a unto_o many_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o 5._o wherefore_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v unto_o its_o original_a constitution_n which_o be_v congregational_a and_o no_o other_o and_o i_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v so_o early_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o of_o one_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o all_o holy_a administration_n with_o many_o elder_n teach_v or_o rule_v only_o do_v not_o so_o overthrow_v church-order_n as_o to_o render_v its_o rule_n or_o discipline_n useless_a 6._o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o office_n or_o power_n intimate_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v where_o there_o be_v many_o teach_v elder_n in_o any_o church_n a_o equality_n in_o office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o off_o from_o the_o due_a preference_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n nor_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o precedency_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o order_n in_o all_o church_n assembly_n nor_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o gift_n age_n ability_n prudence_n and_o experience_n which_o may_v belong_v unto_o some_o according_a to_o rule_n may_v give_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n 1._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n therein_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n all_o elder_n in_o office_n have_v rule_n and_o none_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o elder_n as_o such_o rule_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o especial_a office_n be_v entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n also_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o 3_o joh._n 1._o see_v act
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v such_o prophecy_n as_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o give_v the_o proportion_n of_o faith._n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o any_o or_o both_o of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n but_o it_o belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o as_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o here_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o the_o gift_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o general_n refer_v unto_o all_o they_o who_o be_v intend_v now_o these_o be_v either_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o hence_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v that_o be_v all_o we_o that_o be_v concern_v herein_o this_o can_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n nor_o can_v any_o distinction_n be_v make_v of_o who_o do_v receive_v they_o and_o who_o do_v not_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o office._n and_o therefore_o 3._o in_o the_o distribution_n which_o ensue_v of_o prophecy_n into_o exhort_v and_o teach_v and_o of_o ministry_n into_o show_v mercy_n rule_n and_o give_v have_v state_v these_o gift_n in_o general_n in_o the_o officer_n in_o general_a make_v distinct_a application_n of_o they_o unto_o distinct_a officer_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o rule_v 6._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o office_n be_v intend_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v so_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o place_n for_o 1._o the_o distributive_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o indicative_a article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prefix_v unto_o each_o office_n in_o particular_a do_v show_v they_o distinct_a so_o far_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o as_o by_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o nature_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n so_o by_o the_o article_n prefix_v to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o exercise_n they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o subject_n 2._o the_o operation_n work_n and_o effect_n ascribe_v unto_o these_o gift_n require_v distinct_a office_n and_o function_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o if_o the_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o all_o promiscuous_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o here_o be_v a_o accurate_a order_n in_o all_o church_n administration_n represent_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v far_a evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v intend_v 1._o from_o the_o comparison_n make_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n ver_fw-la 4._o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n the_o eye_n have_v one_o the_o ear_n have_v another_o 2._o each_o of_o the_o duty_n mention_v and_o give_v in_o charge_n be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o distinct_a officer_n as_o be_v declare_v act._n 6._o 7._o in_o particular_a he_o that_o rule_v be_v a_o distinct_a officer_n a_o officer_n because_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n and_o he_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o but_o say_v some_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v who_o he_o will_v that_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n the_o teach_v elder_a but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a 1._o he_o that_o say_v he_o that_o exhort_v and_o then_o add_v he_o that_o rule_v have_v distinguish_v before_o between_o prophecy_n whereunto_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v and_o ministry_n whereof_o rule_n be_v a_o part_n and_o prefix_v the_o prepositive_a indicative_a article_n to_o each_o of_o they_o do_v as_o plain_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n 2._o rule_n be_v the_o principal_a work_n of_o he_o that_o rule_v for_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o diligence_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o rule_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o what_o be_v principal_o require_v in_o other_o administration_n but_o rule_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a work_n of_o the_o pastor_n require_v constant_a and_o continual_a attendance_n for_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ordinary_o sufficient_a for_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o diligence_n and_o ability_n 8._o we_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o context_n the_o beautiful_a order_n of_o thing_n in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o edification_n derive_v from_o distinct_a differ_v spiritual_a gift_n exercise_v in_o and_o by_o distinct_a officer_n unto_o their_o peculiar_a end_n the_o distinction_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o gift_n their_o use_n and_o end_n be_v provide_v for_o in_o distinct_a subject_n the_o mind_n of_o no_o one_o man_n at_o least_o ordinary_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o those_o differ_a gift_n in_o any_o eminent_a degree_n the_o person_n of_o no_o man_n be_v sufficient_a meet_v or_o able_a to_o exercise_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o office_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o thereunto_o and_o those_o that_o rule_n to_o attend_v thereto_o with_o diligence_n so_o many_o distinct_a work_n duty_n and_o operation_n with_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o their_o discharge_n be_v inconsistent_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a all_o thing_n be_v here_o distribute_v into_o their_o proper_a order_n and_o tendency_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o distinct_a gift_n require_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unto_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distribute_v unto_o peculiar_a officer_n unto_o who_o a_o especial_a work_n be_v assign_v to_o be_v discharge_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gift_n receive_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n no_o man_n alive_a be_v able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o these_o distribution_n under_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n find_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o assignation_n of_o distinct_a duty_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o be_v superfluous_a redundant_fw-la or_o not_o direct_o necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n how_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o what_o care_n diligence_n circumspection_n prayer_n and_o wisdom_n suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o object_n of_o they_o can_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v all_o of_o they_o belong_v unto_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n or_o be_v discharge_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n let_v man_n advance_v any_o other_o church_n order_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o here_o declare_v so_o suit_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n operation_n and_o duty_n of_o diverse_a nature_n be_v distribute_v and_o assign_v to_o such_o distinct_a gift_n act_v in_o distinct_a office_n as_o render_v those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v meet_a and_o able_a for_o they_o so_o correspondent_a to_o all_o institution_n rule_n and_o example_n of_o church-order_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o suit_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o nothing_o which_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v omit_v nor_o any_o thing_n add_v above_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o shall_v be_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o this_o context_n of_o the_o apostle_n arise_v mere_o from_o the_o prejudicate_v apprehension_n that_o man_n have_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o rule_n for_o if_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v national_a or_o diocesan_n if_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v by_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n from_o a_o authority_n exert_v itself_o in_o court_n ecclesiastical_a legal_a or_o illegal_a the_o order_n of_o thing_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v no_o way_n belong_v nor_o can_v be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v a_o full_a description_n and_o account_n in_o these_o word_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o they_o
these_o act_n of_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a rule_n but_o what_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a there_o be_v in_o what_o it_o do_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o do_v receive_v or_o reject_v but_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o organical_a as_o there_o be_v elder_n or_o ruler_n instate_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n commit_v for_o those_o act_n of_o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v apply_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o dly_z the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o mutual_n intense_a peculiar_a love_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v exercise_v continual_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 2._o personal_a holiness_n in_o gracious_a moral_a obedience_n 3._o vsefulness_n towards_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o all_o man_n absolute_o as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v 4._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v mutual_o unto_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o place_n and_o order_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o possess_v in_o the_o body_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v church-rule_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o ends._n 3_o dly_z hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o outward_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o disposal_n of_o time_n season_n place_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o church-assembly_n the_o regulation_n of_o speech_n and_o action_n the_o appointment_n of_o season_n for_o extraordinary_a duty_n according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n from_o present_a circumstance_n be_v act_n of_o rule_n who_o right_a reside_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o elder_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v place_v by_o christ_n for_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o pastoral_a office_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o have_v now_o be_v add_v concern_v its_o rule_n in_o general_a i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o ability_n as_o to_o suppose_v himself_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o both_o sort_n in_o the_o least_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v yea_o suppose_v more_o teaching-elders_a in_o every_o church_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o equal_o bind_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o that_o work_n by_o any_o inferior_a duty_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n continual_o it_o will_v appear_v at_o length_n to_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o peculiar_a office_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o rule_n with_o diligence_n and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n ensue_v 1._o they_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o church-power_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v those_o before_o declare_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v join_v and_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o labour_v also_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n compose_v wherein_o reside_v all_o church-authority_n and_o in_o this_o conjunction_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a determine_v all_o act_n of_o rule_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n this_o give_v order_n with_o a_o necessary_a representation_n of_o authority_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o particular_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o the_o rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v with_o a_o due_a care_n that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v due_o observe_v by_o and_o among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v whatever_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_n whatever_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n church-rule_n be_v a_o due_a care_n and_o provision_n that_o the_o institution_n law_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v due_o observe_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereof_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n we_o may_v give_v some_o instance_n as_o 1._o to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o way_n walk_v and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v blameless_a without_o offence_n useful_a exemplary_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n answer_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n which_o in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v thereof_o and_o upon_o the_o observation_n which_o they_o so_o make_v in_o the_o watch_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o instruct_v admonish_v charge_n exhort_v encourage_v comfort_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o with_o courage_n and_o diligence_n 2._o to_o watch_n against_o all_o rise_n or_o appearance_n of_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n on_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a as_o unto_o their_o name_n right_n and_o propriety_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n to_o be_v find_v among_o his_o disciple_n this_o he_o call_v his_o own_o new_a command_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n require_v it_o his_o example_n first_o illustrate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o reveal_v and_o teach_v wherefore_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o this_o law_n of_o love_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o fruit_n with_o the_o prevention_n removal_n or_o condemnation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o consist_v and_o consider_v the_o weakness_n the_o passion_n the_o temptation_n of_o man_n the_o mutual_a provocation_n and_o exasperation_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o even_o among_o the_o best_a the_o influence_n that_o earthly_a occasion_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o frowardness_n sometime_o of_o man_n natural_a temper_n the_o attendance_n unto_o this_o one_o duty_n or_o part_n of_o rule_n require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o be_v mere_o either_o the_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o law_n and_o its_o fruit_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n or_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o decay_n and_o of_o breech_n make_v in_o it_o or_o ignorance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o preservation_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o especial_a office_n be_v not_o require_v hereunto_o 3._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o warn_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o especial_a church-duty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v negligent_a or_o want_v in_o they_o there_o be_v especial_a duty_n require_v respective_o of_o all_o church-member_n according_a unto_o the_o distinct_a
that_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 3.13_o do_v purchase_n or_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o step_n a_o degree_n a_o seat_n a_o little_a exalt_v and_o metaphorical_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o denote_v dignity_n and_o authority_n this_o good_a degree_n which_o deacon_n may_v obtain_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o the_o office_n of_o presbytery_n this_o they_o shall_v be_v promote_v unto_o in_o the_o church_n from_o deacon_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v presbyter_n i_o can_v comply_v with_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o 1._o the_o office_n of_o presbytery_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a work_n no_o where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a degree_n 2._o the_o difference_n between_o a_o deacon_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o order_n a_o deacon_n make_v a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o advance_v unto_o a_o further_a degree_n in_o his_o own_o order_n but_o leave_v it_o for_o another_o 3._o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v not_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o office_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o a_o hindrance_n of_o it_o for_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o provide_v and_o disposal_n of_o earthly_a thing_n in_o a_o serve_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o private_a of_o the_o poor_a but_o preparation_n for_o the_o ministry_n consist_v in_o a_o man_n giving_z himself_o unto_o study_n prayer_n and_o meditation_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v my_o conjecture_n on_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v respect_n unto_o church-order_n with_o decency_n therein_o in_o both_o these_o expression_n shall_v purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o seat_n raise_v in_o a_o assembly_n to_o hear_v or_o speak_v so_o say_v the_o schol._n on_o sophoc_n oed._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n or_o church_n meet_v be_v divide_v round_o about_o with_o seat_n in_o degree_n some_o above_o other_o where_o all_o that_o meet_v might_n without_o trouble_n hear_v he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n as_o they_o sit_v and_o countenance_n be_v give_v hereunto_o by_o what_o be_v observe_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o sit_v in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n so_o ambrose_n traditio_fw-la est_fw-la synagogae_fw-la ut_fw-la sedentes_fw-la disputarent_fw-la siniores_fw-la dignitate_fw-la in_o cathedris_fw-la subsequentes_fw-la in_o subselliis_fw-la novissimi_fw-la in_o pavimento_fw-la it_o be_v the_o tradition_n or_o order_n of_o the_o synogogue_n that_o the_o elder_n in_o dignity_n or_o office_n shall_v discourse_v sit_v in_o chair_n the_o next_o order_n on_o form_n or_o bench_n and_o the_o last_o on_o the_o floor_n so_o speak_v philo_n before_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o we_o meet_v in_o sacred_a place_n place_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o young_a sort_n according_a to_o their_o quality_n sit_v in_o order_n under_o the_o elder_n and_o this_o james_n the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o in_o the_o primitive_a assembly_n of_o the_o christian_a jew_n for_o reprove_v their_o partiality_n in_o accept_v of_o man_n person_n prefer_v the_o rich_a immoderate_o before_o the_o poor_a he_o instance_v in_o their_o dispose_n of_o they_o unto_o seat_n in_o their_o assembly_n they_o say_v unto_o the_o rich_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sit_v thou_o here_o in_o a_o good_a place_n that_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o best_a degree_n and_o to_o the_o poor_a stand_v thou_o there_o on_o the_o floor_n or_o sit_v at_o my_o footstool_n without_o respect_n unto_o those_o other_o qualification_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v wherefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o church-assembly_n and_o the_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o intend_v may_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o a_o place_n of_o some_o eminency_n in_o the_o church-assembly_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o such_o deacon_n where_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n they_o may_v assist_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n if_o any_o shall_v rather_o think_v that_o both_o of_o the_o expression_n do_v signify_v a_o increase_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a consequence_n of_o man_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o many_o deacon_n of_o old_a be_v eminent_a unto_o martyrdom_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v against_o it_o 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v qualification_n express_o require_v in_o the_o wife_n of_o deacon_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a not_o slanderer_n sober_a faithful_a in_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 3.12_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v before_o their_o call_n to_o office_n suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v fall_v from_o the_o faith_n as_o become_a papist_n socinian_o or_o quaker_n whether_o their_o husband_n may_v be_v continue_v in_o their_o office_n ans._n 1._o he_o who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n faithful_o discharge_v his_o office_n may_v be_v continue_v therein_o yea_o though_o his_o wife_n shall_v be_v actual_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o church_n every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n he_o reject_v we_o not_o for_o what_o we_o can_v remedy_v the_o sin_v person_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o judgement_n 2._o such_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o a_o husband_n that_o as_o little_a offence_n as_o possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n by_o his_o wife_n when_o she_o lose_v the_o qualification_n of_o not_o be_v a_o slanderer_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o such_o apostate_n 3._o may_v a_o deacon_n be_v dismiss_v from_o his_o office_n whole_o after_o he_o have_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n ans._n 1._o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o office_n be_v only_o the_o convenience_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o accommodation_n the_o continuation_n of_o man_n in_o this_o office_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o church_n at_o any_o time_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n they_o may_v upon_o his_o desire_n discharge_v he_o of_o his_o office._n 2._o thing_n may_v so_o fall_v out_o with_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n with_o respect_n unto_o either_o their_o person_n in_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o infirmity_n or_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a any_o long_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n in_o which_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v release_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o work_n and_o duty_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o limit_a season_n suppose_v for_o a_o year_n only_o wherefore_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o a_o man_n on_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v dismiss_v at_o any_o time_n from_o his_o office_n though_o he_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o unto_o it_o 4._o a_o deacon_n by_o unfaithfulness_n and_o other_o offence_n may_v forfeit_v his_o office_n and_o be_v just_o exclude_v from_o it_o lose_v all_o his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o on_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v dismiss_v whole_o from_o it_o 5._o for_o any_o one_o to_o desert_n his_o office_n ☜_o through_o forwardness_n covetousness_n sloth_n or_o negligence_n be_v a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o 6._o he_o who_o desire_v a_o dismission_n from_o his_o office_n aught_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o hold_v may_v be_v due_o supply_v and_o love_v continue_v between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n 4._o how_o many_o deacon_n may_v there_o be_v in_o one_o congregation_n ans._n as_o many_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o they_o may_v be_v at_o all_o time_n increase_v as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o many_o as_o that_o none_o of_o the_o poor_a be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n nor_o the_o work_n be_v make_v burdensome_a unto_o themselves_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o deacon_n towards_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n whereas_o the_o care_n of_o
shall_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o transgress_v in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o society_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o entire_a nor_o the_o next_o immediate_a ground_n reason_n or_o warranty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a excommunication_n for_o this_o natural_a equity_n will_v not_o extend_v itself_o unto_o case_n that_o be_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n thereon_o reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o excommunication_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o no_o man_n have_v right_o or_o power_n either_o to_o enter_v into_o themselves_o or_o to_o exclude_v other_o from_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n no_o warranty_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o voluntary_a confederation_n can_v enable_v any_o to_o constitute_v a_o church-society_n unless_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n express_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o his_o church_n be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n which_o none_o can_v constitute_v or_o build_v but_o himself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n into_o and_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n do_v arise_v from_o his_o grant_n and_o institution_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o this_o society_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o 2._o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o person_n whatever_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o authority_n itself_o however_o ministerial_o exercise_v by_o other_o be_v his_o alone_a and_o he_o exert_v it_o not_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n so_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n direct_v that_o excommunication_n be_v exert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v in_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 3._o the_o privilege_n from_o which_o man_n be_v exclude_v by_o excommunication_n be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n unto_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o mere_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o man_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o without_o a_o warranty_n from_o he_o by_o his_o institution_n expel_v other_o from_o the_o privilege_n which_o be_v mere_o of_o his_o grant_n and_o donation_n he_o alone_o therefore_o have_v give_v and_o grant_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o of_o exclude_v any_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o grant_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a power_n of_o excommunication_n inquire_v after_o 4._o there_o be_v such_o a_o efficacy_n assign_v unto_o excommunication_n in_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o retain_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o destruction_n or_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o heal_n and_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n as_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n can_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o mutual_a consent_n man_n may_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n of_o communion_n agree_v upon_o among_o they_o but_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o other_o with_o any_o of_o these_o effect_n 5._o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o express_a ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v full_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o authority_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o power_n express_v therein_o be_v not_o mere_o doctrinal_a and_o declarative_a as_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o consequent_a whereof_o upon_o the_o faith_n or_o unbelief_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o remit_v or_o retain_v of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o it_o be_v disciplinary_a also_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o house_n who_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o steward_n of_o it_o and_o see_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v his_o church_n holy_a vnblamable_a and_o without_o offence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v make_v a_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o whereas_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v constitute_v be_v liable_a and_o subject_a unto_o sin_n scandalous_a and_o offensive_a reflect_v dishonour_n on_o himself_o and_o the_o church_n in_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_v unto_o other_o that_o design_n will_v not_o have_v be_v accomplish_v have_v he_o not_o give_v this_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o itself_o all_o that_o do_v by_o their_o sin_n so_o give_v offence_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o the_o glory_n honour_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o length_n utter_o lose_v 2._o it_o have_v a_o direct_a institution_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n etc._n etc._n tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n after_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a contest_v that_o have_v be_v about_o this_o place_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o such_o as_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la about_o such_o church_n and_o such_o excommunication_n as_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o by_o trespass_n in_o this_o place_n sin_z against_o god_n give_v scandal_n or_o offence_n be_v intend_v have_v be_v prove_v before_o as_o also_o that_o by_o a_o church_n a_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n be_v intend_v this_o church_n have_v the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o its_o member_n commit_v unto_o it_o when_o bring_v before_o it_o in_o the_o due_a order_n describe_v hereon_o it_o make_v a_o determination_n design_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o recovery_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o his_o sin_n by_o his_o hear_n of_o its_o counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n it_o be_v to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o communion_n leave_v he_o in_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n so_o be_v he_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n bind_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o his_o sin_n unless_o he_o do_v repent_v the_o rejection_n of_o a_o offend_a brother_n out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n leave_v he_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a declare_v he_o liable_a unto_o the_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n without_o repentance_n be_v the_o excommunication_n we_o plead_v for_o and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o with_o its_o exercise_n be_v plain_o here_o grant_v by_o christ_n and_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n 3._o according_a unto_o this_o institution_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o we_o have_v several_a instance_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n the_o magician_n a_o baptize_v professor_n by_o peter_n who_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v neither_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o wickedness_n act._n 8.13_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o single_a act_n of_o one_o apostle_n and_o so_o may_v be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a i_o shall_v omit_v it_o however_o that_o fact_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_o declarative_a of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o like_a case_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v it_o can_v be_v
one_o to_o forbear_v for_o a_o season_n from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o privilege_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o will_v be_v take_v at_o it_o and_o ensue_v thereon_o and_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v refuse_v a_o submission_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o act_n of_o rule_n the_o church_n have_v no_o way_n for_o its_o relief_n but_o to_o proceed_v unto_o the_o total_a removal_n of_o such_o a_o person_n from_o their_o whole_a communion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v not_o be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o refractoriness_n of_o any_o one_o among_o they_o this_o excommunication_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o be_v a_o act_n of_o church-authority_n exert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v authoritative_a for_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o what_o reside_v in_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v mere_o ministerial_a without_o any_o formal_a authority_n that_o be_v of_o the_o deacon_n but_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o exercise_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v two_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n as_o to_o the_o authoritative_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office-power_n in_o every_o church_n do_v join_v in_o the_o authoritative_a excommunication_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n insist_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o there_o be_v no_o office-power_n now_o remain_v but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o rule_n but_o all_o rule_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o ruler_n only_o we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o its_o member_n of_o the_o correction_n and_o salvation_n of_o offender_n be_v principal_o incumbent_a on_o they_o or_o commit_v unto_o they_o as_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o also_o that_o they_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v when_o and_o for_o what_o this_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v denounce_v against_o any_o which_o require_v their_o best_a skill_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o therefore_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a be_v charge_v as_o a_o neglect_n on_o the_o angel_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o it_o be_v commend_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o unto_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o office_n and_o be_v thereon_o a_o office-act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n howbeit_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o interest_n yea_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v consider_v herein_o for_o indeed_o wherever_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o any_o where_o recommend_v it_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n but_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o brethren_n therein_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v wherefore_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v concern_v herein_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n interest_n and_o power_n 1._o in_o point_n of_o duty_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o mutual_a watch_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o each_o other_o and_o of_o the_o care_n incumbent_a on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o for_o the_o good_a the_o honour_n the_o reputation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n joint_o and_o several_o to_o endeavour_v the_o purge_n out_o from_o among_o they_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o those_o end_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v dead_a and_o useless_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o interest_n they_o have_v also_o a_o concernment_n therein_o they_o be_v to_o look_v that_o no_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o among_o they_o lest_o themselves_o be_v at_o length_n defile_v thereby_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o the_o good_a be_v not_o defile_v by_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v wicked_a in_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o what_o be_v say_v with_o reference_n unto_o wicked_a undiscovered_a hypocrite_n or_o such_o as_o be_v not_o scandalous_o flagitious_a but_o to_o promote_v this_o persuasion_n so_o as_o to_o beget_v a_o opinion_n in_o church-member_n that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o live_v of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n open_o avow_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o they_o be_v a_o diabolical_a engine_n invent_v to_o countenance_n church_n in_o horrible_a security_n unto_o their_o ruin_n but_o yet_o beside_o that_o defilement_n which_o may_v be_v contract_v in_o a_o joint_a participation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n with_o such_o person_n there_o be_v other_o way_n almost_o innumerable_a whereby_o their_o example_n if_o pass_v by_o without_o animadversion_n may_v be_v pernicious_a unto_o their_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n wherefore_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a interest_n as_o they_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o concur_v in_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o obstinate_a offender_n 3._o in_o point_n of_o power_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v commit_v unto_o and_o rest_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o they_o concur_v and_o practice_v so_o it_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o suspend_v for_o it_o be_v they_o who_o must_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o or_o the_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o validity_n this_o punishment_n must_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o many_o who_o also_o be_v to_o restore_v he_o who_o be_v so_o rebuke_v wherefore_o excommunication_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n nor_o of_o office_n but_o of_o power_n reside_v in_o the_o community_n result_v from_o their_o common_a suffrage_n guide_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v again_o take_v up_o this_o enquiry_n immediate_o and_o speak_v unto_o it_o more_o distinct_o lest_o what_o be_v here_o speak_v shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o any_o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o this_o church_n censure_n or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o 1._o they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o which_o the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o and_o this_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o they_o can_v be_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n one_o church_n can_v excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o another_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o this_o matter_n without_o and_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o judge_v they_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o right_a to_o proceed_v against_o any_o herein_o be_v in_o their_o own_o voluntary_a engagement_n to_o observe_v and_o keep_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v the_o offence_n be_v give_v unto_o that_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o not_o only_o and_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n for_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o there_o be_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o sentence_n which_o be_v ordain_v decree_v or_o denounce_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o officer_n of_o that_o church_n in_o particular_a wherein_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v 2._o these_o church-member_n that_o may_v be_v just_o excommunicate_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n after_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n the_o process_n from_o the_o first_o offence_n in_o admonition_n be_v so_o state_v in_o ordinary_a case_n matth._n 18._o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n far_o to_o declare_v it_o the_o time_n that_o be_v to_o be_v allot_v unto_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o and_o unto_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n it_o be_v require_v 1._o that_o the_o sin_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v such_o as_o be_v own_v to_o be_v such_o by_o all_o without_o doubt_v dispute_n or_o haesitation_n it_o must_v be_v some_o sin_n that_o be_v
ascribe_v unto_o they_o ver._n 5._o all_o these_o thing_n do_v suppose_v a_o right_n and_o duty_n thereon_o to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o excommunication_n to_o reside_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n wherefore_o 5._o there_o be_v some_o act_n belong_v hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n itself_o and_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a such_o be_v the_o previous_a cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o any_o neglect_n about_o it_o preparatory_a duty_n unto_o its_o execution_n in_o prayer_n mourn_v and_o admonition_n which_o be_v express_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o testification_n of_o their_o consent_n unto_o it_o by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n without_o these_o thing_n excommunication_n be_v but_o a_o name_n with_o a_o noise_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o hence_o arise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n that_o be_v consequential_a unto_o his_o exclusion_n from_o among_o they_o such_o be_v pray_v for_o he_o as_o one_o note_v by_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n in_o his_o exclusion_n and_o such_o as_o without_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o 7._o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n unto_o the_o formal_a compleatness_n of_o this_o sentence_n a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o office-power_n be_v require_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n only_o 2._o the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o comprise_v authority_n to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v entrust_v with_o they_o only_o 8._o wherefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a right_n interest_n and_o duty_n particular_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n act_n in_o it_o as_o officer_n with_o authority_n the_o brethren_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v no_o way_n exclude_v from_o their_o power_n consent_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o those_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o where_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o whole_a duty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n render_v ineffectual_a i._o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o excommunication_n just_o deserve_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n of_o trouble_n or_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v unto_o the_o church_n therein_o it_o be_v usual_o grant_v that_o so_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v which_o seem_v in_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o austin_n the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n intend_v be_v threefold_a 1._o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o from_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 3._o from_o the_o church_n 1._o trouble_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o it_o over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n not_o grant_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n those_o that_o execute_v it_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o penalty_n ordain_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v be_v great_a and_o of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o receive_v a_o provocation_n hereby_o they_o may_v occasion_v or_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o 3._o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v divide_v on_o these_o consideration_n so_o as_o that_o last_a difference_n may_v be_v occasion_v among_o they_o which_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o sentence_n may_v prevent_v for_o answer_n hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v as_o 1._o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n of_o any_o thing_n sinful_a or_o moral_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n its_o officer_n or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n by_o refuse_v to_o omit_v the_o pronounce_v of_o this_o sentence_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o trouble_v mention_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o a_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 2._o we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o as_o that_o no_o rational_a indifferent_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherever_o excommunication_n be_v administer_v 2._o that_o sufficient_a time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o for_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o afterward_o have_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o person_n after_o admonition_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n do_v real_o suffer_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o tolerate_v such_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v on_o these_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o countenance_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n or_o to_o acquit_v the_o church_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o first_o presence_n of_o danger_n be_v vain_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o touch_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n and_o conservation_n of_o humane_a law_n it_o reach_v not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o life_n or_o liberty_n nor_o their_o estate_n or_o the_o least_o secular_a privilege_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o do_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o power_n or_o censure_n of_o other_o nor_o prejudge_v they_o as_o unto_o office_n or_o advantage_n of_o life_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n herein_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o parent_n disenherit_v a_o rebellious_a child_n 2._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o persecution_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o person_n provoke_v i_o say_v 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v provoke_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n to_o testify_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v a_o case_n of_o confession_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o deter_v by_o this_o consideration_n from_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o seduce_a jew_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n with_o other_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o reprove_v his_o church_n according_a as_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o duty_n or_o neglective_a of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n thereon_o revel_v 2.3_o and_o 4._o he_o will_v take_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o as_o shall_v turn_v all_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o unto_o their_o advantage_n 3._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v but_o that_o if_o rule_v order_n love_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o prevent_v such_o difference_n there_o be_v no_o way_n appoint_v of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abundant_o they_o must_v bear_v their_o own_o blame_n who_o occasion_n such_o difference_n ii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o if_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o be_v under_o admonition_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n shall_v voluntary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o and_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o excommunication_n answ._n 1._o some_z say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o
church_n and_o be_v therefore_o no_o long_o under_o their_o watch_n or_o care_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o world._n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a with_o they_o who_o own_v no_o act_n of_o office-power_n or_o authority_n in_o excommunication_n but_o esteem_v it_o only_o a_o note_a cessation_n of_o communion_n which_o destroy_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherefore_o 2._o where_o the_o offence_n be_v plain_a open_a scandalous_a persist_v in_o where_o admonition_n be_v despise_v or_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o such_o a_o person_n notwithstanding_o his_o voluntary_a departure_n for_o 1._o no_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o advantage_n unto_o himself_o or_o to_o be_v free_v from_o any_o disadvantage_n censure_n or_o spiritual_a penalty_n by_o his_o own_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v the_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o person_n under_o admonition_n for_o scandalous_a offence_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o church_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o its_o duty_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n as_o also_o from_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n it_o will_v receive_v by_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n mourn_v and_o prayer_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o he_o who_o so_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o 1._o the_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v his_o correction_n not_o his_o destruction_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a unto_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v with_o sharp_a admonition_n and_o prayer_n which_o in_o due_a time_n may_v reach_v the_o most_o profligate_v sinner_n 4._o it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o order_n of_o any_o society_n entrust_v with_o authority_n for_o its_o own_o preservation_n as_o the_o church_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o suffer_v person_n obnoxious_a unto_o censure_n by_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o that_o society_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o respect_n unto_o it_o to_o break_v their_o order_n and_o relation_n without_o animadvert_v thereon_o according_a to_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o expose_v their_o order_n unto_o contempt_n and_o proclaim_v a_o diffidence_n in_o their_o own_o authority_n for_o the_o spiritual_a punishment_n of_o offender_n 5._o one_o end_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o future_a final_a judgement_n of_o christ_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o none_o of_o they_o can_v run_v away_o from_o nor_o escape_v iii_o a_o three_o enquiry_n may_v be_v whether_o in_o case_n of_o any_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o excommunication_n without_o any_o previous_a admonition_n answ._n 1._o person_n may_v be_v false_o accuse_v of_o and_o charge_v with_o great_a sin_n the_o great_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o a_o lesser_a degree_n and_o that_o both_o by_o particular_a testimony_n and_o public_a report_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o which_o daily_a experience_n confirm_v wherefore_o all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n like_o that_o of_o david_n in_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o mephibosheth_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v though_o they_o be_v press_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o notoriety_n of_o the_o sin._n 2._o there_o be_v no_o individual_a actual_a sin_n but_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o great_a aggravation_n or_o alleviation_n from_o its_o circumstance_n these_o the_o church_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o obtain_v a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sin_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o after_o a_o goodly_a sort_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 3._o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o personal_a conference_n with_o the_o offender_n who_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v for_o himself_o this_o conference_n in_o case_n guilt_n be_v discover_v can_v but_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o admonition_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o in_o case_n of_o previous_a solemn_a admonition_n in_o the_o order_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v iu._n four_o whether_o on_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o a_o offence_n or_o scandalous_a sin_n if_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v penitent_a and_o willing_a to_o declare_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n may_v the_o church_n proceed_v unto_o his_o excommunication_n in_o case_n the_o sin_n be_v great_a and_o notorious_a answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o orderly_a progress_n as_o unto_o more_o private_a sin_n a_o compliance_n by_o repentance_n with_o the_o first_o or_o second_o admonition_n do_v put_v a_o stop_n unto_o all_o further_a ecclesiastical_a proceedure_v 2._o but_o whereas_o the_o enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v sin_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o circumstance_n great_a and_o of_o disreputation_n unto_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v if_o repentance_n be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o proportionable_a unto_o the_o offence_n in_o its_o outward_a demonstration_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o judge_v in_o charity_n that_o the_o person_n sin_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v with_o christ_n as_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v undoubted_o the_o church_n can_v proceed_v unto_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o a_o offender_n for_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v public_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n do_v receive_v this_o nothing_o can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v yea_o so_o to_o do_v be_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o against_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n yea_o such_o a_o sentence_n will_v destroy_v itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o declaration_n that_o christ_n do_v disapprove_v they_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v 2._o their_o so_o do_v will_v make_v a_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o for_o whereas_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o evidence_n that_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n that_o repent_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v by_o the_o rejection_n of_o such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n there_o be_v a_o open_a contradiction_n thereunto_o especial_o it_o will_v give_v a_o undue_a sense_n of_o the_o heart_n mind_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n such_o as_o may_v be_v dangerous_a unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v doctrinal_a for_o such_o it_o be_v and_o declarative_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n the_o image_n therefore_o of_o this_o excommunication_n which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o some_o church_n wherein_o the_o sentence_n of_o it_o be_v denounce_v without_o any_o regard_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o his_o acceptance_n or_o disapprobation_n of_o those_o who_o they_o excommunicate_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n 3._o such_o a_o proceedure_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o sentence_n for_o it_o be_v corrective_a and_o instructive_a not_o proper_o punish_v and_o vindictive_a the_o sole_a end_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n whereunto_o it_o have_v its_o efficacy_n from_o divine_a institution_n be_v the_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o be_v attain_v before_o the_o infliction_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v another_o end_n also_o namely_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n and_o reputation_n wherein_o it_o suffer_v by_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o any_o of_o its_o member_n whereunto_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v impure_a by_o they_o who_o christ_n have_v purge_v as_o he_o do_v all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a 2._o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n unto_o any_o church_n to_o have_v sinner_n in_o it_o who_o have_v evidence_v sincere_a repentance_n 3._o
or_o benefactor_n their_o rule_n as_o unto_o the_o kind_a and_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n he_o approve_v of_o and_o such_o a_o power_n or_o pre-eminence_n it_o be_v namely_o good_a and_o just_a in_o itself_o not_o tyrannical_a and_o oppressive_a that_o the_o two_o disciple_n desire_v in_o his_o kingdom_n which_o give_v occasion_n unto_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o for_o in_o this_o power_n or_o dominion_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o over_o the_o person_n good_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o court_n coercive_a jurisdiction_n process_n of_o law_n and_o external_n force_v in_o punishment_n 2._o the_o state_n grandeur_n pre-eminence_n wealth_n exaltation_n above_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o these_o in_o the_o least_o participation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n whatever_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v admit_v in_o his_o kingdom_n or_o to_o have_v any_o place_n therein_o on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o of_o lordship_n domination_n pre-eminence_n in_o lordly_a power_n in_o his_o church_n no_o court_n no_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n no_o exercise_n of_o any_o humane_a authority_n do_v he_o allow_v therein_o for_o by_o these_o mean_n do_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n those_o that_o be_v the_o benefactor_n of_o their_o country_n rule_n among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o what_o in_o opposition_n hereunto_o he_o prescribe_v unto_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o great_a the_o best_a in_o office_n grace_n and_o gift_n namely_o a_o ministry_n only_o to_o be_v discharge_v in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n how_o well_o this_o great_a command_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v and_o be_v comply_v withal_o by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o know_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v ministerial_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a declaration_n and_o application_n of_o the_o command_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n wherein_z those_o who_o exercise_v it_o be_v servant_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o introduction_n of_o humane_a authority_n into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o kind_n destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v in_o their_o measure_n like_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n nor_o be_v it_o ofttimes_o from_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o more_o like_o they_o than_o they_o be_v the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o christ_n his_o family_n his_o kingdom_n to_o act_v any_o power_n in_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o he_o which_o derive_v not_o from_o he_o which_o be_v not_o communicate_v by_o his_o legal_a grant_n or_o to_o act_v any_o power_n by_o way_n process_n rule_n and_o law_n not_o of_o his_o appointment_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o dominion_n it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v if_o the_o church_n be_v his_o family_n his_o house_n his_o kingdom_n for_o what_o father_n will_v endure_v that_o any_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o family_n as_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o child_n and_o estate_n but_o his_o own_o what_o earthly_a prince_n will_v bear_v with_o such_o a_o intrusion_n into_o his_o right_n and_o dominion_n foreign_a papal_a power_n be_v severe_o exclude_v here_o in_o england_n because_o it_o entrenche_n on_o the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o king_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o do_v not_o encroach_v upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o authority_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o or_o by_o law_n and_o rule_n not_o enact_v by_o he_o but_o more_o foreign_a unto_o his_o kingdom_n than_o the_o canon_n law_n or_o the_o pope_n rule_n be_v unto_o the_o law_n of_o this_o nation_n lest_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o statute_n of_o praemunire_n matth._n 10.26_o 27_o 28._o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n then_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o for_o such_o end_n as_o wherein_o and_o whereby_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v act_v the_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n both_o those_o that_o rule_n and_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v as_o unto_o all_o their_o civil_a and_o political_a concern_v in_o this_o world_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o inhabit_v and_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concern_v the_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n but_o whereas_o the_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o spiritual_a as_o unto_o its_o object_n which_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o as_o unto_o its_o end_n which_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o god_n their_o spiritual_a obedience_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v a_o frenzy_n to_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o this_o rule_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n alone_o to_o sum_n up_o this_o discourse_n if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a of_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v precise_o limit_v thereunto_o if_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o they_o be_v servant_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o its_o edification_n if_o all_o lordly_a domination_n in_o a_o exaltation_n above_o the_o church_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n by_o external_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n be_v forbid_v unto_o they_o if_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a mighty_a through_o god_n and_o not_o through_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n for_o spiritual_a end_n only_o it_o be_v apparent_a how_o it_o have_v be_v lose_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o lordly_a domination_n a_o secular_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n with_o law_n and_o power_n no_o way_n derive_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n alive_a to_o reconcile_v the_o present_a government_n of_o some_o church_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o officer_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o that_o rule_n or_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o they_o act_n and_o proceed_v or_o power_n which_o they_o exercise_v or_o the_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o claim_v or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o its_o administration_n unto_o any_o tolerable_a consistency_n with_o the_o principle_n rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o preserve_v their_o loyalty_n entire_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v in_o their_o own_o practice_n seek_v after_o the_o reduction_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o appointment_n in_o the_o public_a disposal_n of_o nation_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n 4._o whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o its_o rule_n unto_o edification_n give_v and_o commit_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o his_o church_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o ☞_o this_o power_n be_v communicate_v what_o it_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v which_o shall_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a church_n power_n commit_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n who_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a subject_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o it_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o according_a unto_o any_o rule_v prescribe_v thereunto_o for_o their_o office_n as_o it_o be_v apostolical_a be_v antecedent_n unto_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o gospel_n church_n state_n proper_o so_o call_v neither_o have_v any_o church_n the_o least_o concurrence_n or_o influence_n into_o their_o call_n or_o mission_n howbeit_o when_o there_o be_v a_o church_n state_n the_o
order_n of_o the_o sacred_a separation_n of_o person_n qualify_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n be_v here_o clear_o represent_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v present_a namely_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n preside_v in_o the_o action_n direct_v of_o it_o and_o confirm_v that_o by_o their_o consent_n with_o they_o 2._o a_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v be_v appoint_v for_o the_o action_n or_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o 3._o when_o they_o be_v so_o choose_v the_o apostle_n present_v solemn_o pray_v whereby_o their_o ordination_n be_v complete_a and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o mention_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o authoritative_a imposition_n of_o hand_n wherein_o this_o ordination_n do_v consist_v do_v say_v there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v they_o feign_v a_o disorder_n in_o they_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o hypothesis_n for_o they_o suppose_v that_o their_o complete_a ordination_n be_v effect_v before_o there_o be_v any_o prayer_n with_o fast_v for_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o their_o judgement_n ordination_n be_v complete_v so_o bellarmine_n a_o lapide_fw-la on_o the_o place_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o but_o first_o to_o pervert_v the_o true_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o then_o to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o that_o wrest_n of_o it_o by_o assign_v a_o disorder_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o whole_a sentence_n and_o that_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o make_v in_o their_o judgement_n a_o false_a representation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v be_v a_o way_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o will_v serve_v any_o turn_n 4._o this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o church_n or_o in_o every_o congregation_n as_o tindal_n render_v the_o word_n namely_o in_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v in_o those_o part_n for_o that_o collection_n and_o constitution_n do_v always_o precede_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o this_o place_n as_o also_o tit._n 1.5_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o truth_n that_o the_o be_v of_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v always_o antecedent_n unto_o their_o be_v and_o call._n but_o because_o it_o be_v some_o man_n interest_n to_o entangle_v thing_n plain_a and_o clear_a enough_o in_o themselves_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n unto_o this_o rendition_n of_o the_o word_n the_o whole_a of_o it_o lie_v against_o the_o signification_n use_n and_o application_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o although_o we_o do_v not_o here_o argue_v mere_o from_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o from_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n make_v in_o the_o context_n yet_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o thing_n sufficient_a for_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o objection_n as_o 1._o the_o native_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o virtue_n of_o its_o composition_n be_v to_o lift_v up_o or_o stretch_v forth_o the_o hand_n or_o a_o hand_n and_o hereunto_o the_o lxx_o have_v respect_n isa._n 58.9_o where_o they_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o put_v forth_o of_o the_o finger_n which_o be_v use_v in_o a_o ill_a sense_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v it_o ever_o use_v in_o any_o other_o signification_n 2._o the_o first_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o in_o thing_n political_a or_o civil_a and_o so_o consequent_o ecclesiastical_a be_v to_o choose_v elect_v design_n or_o create_v any_o person_n a_o officer_n magistrate_n or_o ruler_n by_o suffrage_n or_o common_a consent_n of_o those_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v usual_o do_v with_o make_v bare_a the_o hand_n and_o arm_n with_o lift_v up_o as_o aristophanes_n witness_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v a_o great_a stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n who_o know_v not_o that_o among_o the_o greek_n especial_o the_o athenian_n from_o who_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n be_v borrow_v or_o take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o act_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o common_a suffrage_n to_o decree_n and_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n law_n or_o order_n and_o when_o apply_v unto_o person_n it_o signify_v their_o choice_n and_o designation_n to_o office._n so_o be_v it_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n by_o demosthenes_n orat._n in_o timoch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o people_n confirm_v my_o say_n by_o their_o suffrage_n and_o in_o the_o other_o philip._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o the_o senate_n nor_o the_o people_n choose_v he_o to_o his_o office._n so_o be_v the_o passive_a verb_n use_v to_o be_v create_v by_o suffrage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o act_n of_o choose_v who_o effect_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o determine_a vote_n or_o suffrage_n porrexerunt_fw-la manus_fw-la psephisma_n notum_fw-la est_fw-la sai_z cicero_z speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o division_n in_o choice_n it_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o great_a suffrage_n thucid._n lib._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v produce_v as_o there_o be_v report_n of_o call_v man_n unto_o magistracy_n by_o election_n in_o the_o greek_a historian_n and_o all_o the_o far_a composition_n of_o the_o word_n do_v signify_v to_o choose_v confirm_v or_o to_o abrogate_v by_o common_a suffrage_n 3._o the_o word_n be_v but_o once_o more_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o cor._n 8.19_o where_o it_o plain_o signify_v election_n and_o choice_n of_o a_o person_n to_o a_o employment_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v choose_v of_o the_o church_n to_o travel_v with_o we_o 4._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o after_o this_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v apply_v to_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o not_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v use_v sometime_o for_o the_o obtain_n or_o collation_n of_o authority_n or_o dignity_n or_o magistracy_n any_o manner_n of_o way_n though_o not_o by_o election_n to_o appoint_v to_o create_v but_o this_o be_v by_o a_o abusive_a application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o express_v the_o thing_n itself_o intend_v without_o regard_n unto_o its_o signification_n and_o proper_a use_n why_o such_o a_o use_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o admit_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o in_o all_o other_o place_n on_o such_o occasion_n the_o apostle_n do_v admit_v and_o direct_v the_o church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o their_o choice_n so_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n send_v choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n to_o antioch_n such_o as_o they_o choose_v by_o common_a suffrage_n for_o that_o end_n so_o again_o ver_fw-la 25._o i_o will_v send_v who_o you_o shall_v approve_v 1_o cor._n 16.3_o the_o church_n choose_v they_o the_o apostle_n send_v he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v our_o companion_n 2_o cor._n 8.19_o look_v out_o from_o among_o yourselves_o act._n 6._o if_o on_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a occasion_n the_o apostle_n do_v guide_v and_o direct_v the_o people_n in_o their_o right_n and_o use_v of_o their_o liberty_n as_o unto_o the_o election_n of_o person_n unto_o office_n and_o employment_n when_o the_o church_n themselves_o be_v concern_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o proper_a and_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n denote_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n 5._o that_o which_o alone_o be_v object_v hereunto_o by_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o who_o follow_v he_o and_o borrow_v their_o whole_n in_o this_o case_n from_o he_o namely_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grammatical_o agree_v with_o and_o regulate_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n denote_v their_o act_n and_o not_o any_o act_n of_o the_o people_n be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o 1._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v preside_v in_o the_o whole_a action_n help_v order_v and_o dispose_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v by_o some_o on_o all_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o appoint_v elder_n by_o the_o
society_n overthrow_v its_o nature_n and_o frustrate_v its_o institution_n in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n see_v act._n 20.28_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 1_o tim._n 9.5_o chap._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o revel_v 2.3_o 2._o different_n and_o distinct_a gift_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o distinct_a work_n and_o duty_n this_o belong_v unto_o the_o harmony_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n gift_n be_v bestow_v to_o answer_v all_o duty_n prescribe_v hence_o they_o be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v ability_n for_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n wherein_o christ_n be_v please_v to_o grant_v it_o ephes._n 4.7_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o wherefore_o as_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n so_o be_v they_o to_o minister_v the_o same_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o hence_o be_v they_o call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v heb._n 6.4_o 5._o wherefore_o differ_v gift_n be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o differ_v office_n and_o duty_n 3._o that_o differ_v gift_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o different_a work_n of_o pastoral_n teach_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o practical_a rule_n on_o the_o other_o be_v evident_a 1._o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_v themselves_o be_v so_o different_a and_o 2._o from_o experience_n some_o man_n be_v fit_v by_o gift_n for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n in_o a_o way_n of_o pastoral_n feed_v who_o have_v no_o useful_a ability_n in_o the_o work_n of_o rule_n and_o some_o be_v fit_v for_o rule_n who_o have_v no_o gift_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n work_n in_o preach_v yea_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o gift_n do_v concur_v in_o any_o eminency_n in_o the_o same_o person_n or_o without_o some_o notable_a defect_n those_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o assume_v all_o thing_n unto_o themselves_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fit_v for_o nothing_o at_o all_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o esteem_v both_o these_o work_n to_o belong_v principal_o unto_o they_o do_v almost_o total_o decline_v the_o one_o or_o that_o of_o pastoral_n preach_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o attend_v unto_o the_o other_o that_o be_v rule_n in_o a_o very_a preposterous_a way_n for_o they_o omit_v that_o which_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a and_o more_o worthy_a for_o that_o which_o be_v less_o and_o inferior_a unto_o it_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v attend_v unto_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n but_o this_o and_o sundry_a other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o that_o traditional_a notion_n which_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o and_o continue_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n namely_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o on_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n incumbent_a and_o who_o principal_a work_v it_o be_v to_o attend_v thereunto_o for_o the_o great_a depravation_n of_o all_o church_n government_n proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n and_o abuse_v of_o this_o notion_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o its_o original_n be_v true_a and_o sacred_a herein_o also_o malum_fw-la habitat_fw-la in_o alieno_fw-la fundo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o corruption_n in_o church-order_n or_o rule_n but_o be_v corrupt_o derive_v from_o or_o be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o image_n of_o some_o divine_a institution_n 4._o the_o work_n of_o rule_n as_o distinct_a from_o teach_v be_v in_o general_a to_o watch_v over_o the_o walk_n or_o conversation_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o authority_n exhort_v comfort_v admonish_a reprove_v encourage_v direct_v of_o they_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v the_o gift_n necessary_a hereunto_o be_v diligence_n wisdom_n courage_n and_o gravity_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o the_o pastoral_a work_n be_v principal_o to_o reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o or_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o general_a dispensation_n and_o particular_a application_n of_o it_o in_o all_o season_n and_o on_o all_o occasion_n hereunto_o spiritual_a wisdom_n knowledge_n sound_v judgement_n experience_n and_o utterance_n be_v require_v all_o to_o be_v improve_v by_o continual_a study_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o this_o difference_n of_o gift_n unto_o these_o distinct_a work_n do_v not_o of_o itself_o constitute_v distinct_a office_n because_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v meet_o furnish_v with_o those_o of_o both_o sort_n 5._o yet_o distinct_a work_n and_o duty_n though_o some_o be_v furnish_v with_o gift_n for_o both_o be_v a_o ground_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n where_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o those_o of_o one_o office_n can_v ordinary_o attend_v unto_o act._n 6.2_o 3_o 4._o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o temporal_a necessity_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n the_o administration_n hereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v furnish_v for_o with_o gift_n and_o wisdom_n above_o all_o other_o but_o yet_o because_o there_o be_v another_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n superior_a hereunto_o and_o of_o great_a necessity_n unto_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o think_v meet_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a duty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o be_v any_o obstruction_n unto_o the_o other_o i_o do_v not_o observe_v this_o as_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o other_o after_o they_o to_o do_v the_o same_o namely_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o a_o especial_a work_n to_o erect_v a_o especial_a office._n only_o i_o will_v demonstrate_v from_o hence_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o that_o institution_n which_o we_o shall_v afterward_o evince_v 6._o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o prayer_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n or_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n whereunto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v annex_v with_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o especial_a application_n of_o these_o thing_n before_o insist_v on_o unto_o the_o flock_n be_v ordinary_o sufficient_a to_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a man_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o endowment_n who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o work_n in_o itself_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o short_a description_n of_o it_o add_v as_o a_o intimation_n of_o its_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n add_v unto_o its_o weight_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o intention_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n love_n zeal_n and_o compassion_n which_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a office_n the_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n so_o as_o to_o provide_v spiritual_a food_n convenient_a for_o they_o with_o a_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o the_o issue_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o life_n of_o man_n be_v enough_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o take_v up_o their_o whole_a time_n and_o strength_n it_o be_v gross_a ignorance_n or_o negligence_n that_o occasion_v any_o to_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v general_o discharge_v as_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o weekly_a provision_n of_o sermon_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o state_v office_n by_o read_v man_n may_v have_v time_n and_o liberty_n enough_o to_o attend_v unto_o other_o occasion_n but_o in_o such_o person_n we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v our_o rule_n be_v plain_a 1_o tim._n 4.12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o 7._o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v
probati_fw-la seniores_fw-la tertull._n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o justin_n martyr_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o be_v the_o word_n constant_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n rom._n 12.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o rule_v 1_o thess._n 5.12_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v over_o they_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.4_o 5_o 12._o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o family_n rule_n and_o government_n as_o it_o be_v also_o unto_o care_n and_o diligence_n about_o good_a work_n tit._n 3.8.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o whole_a presidency_n in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o its_o rule_n translator_n agree_v in_o the_o read_n of_o these_o word_n so_o the_o hebrew_n of_o munster_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o well_o discharge_v their_o rule_n or_o conduct_n so_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o elder_n qui_fw-la bene_fw-la praesunt_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la vul_n lat._n seniori_fw-la che_fw-mi governano_n be_v ital._n all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v here_o intend_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n most_o controvert_v all_o translator_n esteem_v it_o distinctive_a heb._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eminent_o syr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chief_o principal_o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v painful_o labour_n to_o weariness_n travail_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o office_n elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o rule_n well_o or_o discharge_v their_o presidency_n for_o rule_n in_o due_a manner_n be_v worthy_a or_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o of_o they_o who_o labour_n or_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o travail_v of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o general_a concern_v these_o word_n 1._o this_o testimony_n relate_v direct_o unto_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n before_o lay_v down_o direct_v unto_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o these_o principle_n these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o unless_o they_o be_v overthrow_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o put_v in_o exception_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o or_o that_o word_n the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o relate_v unto_o if_o we_o consider_v not_o what_o be_v speak_v here_o in_o consent_n with_o other_o scripture_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n we_o depart_v from_o all_o sober_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a signification_n which_o at_o first_o view_n present_v itself_o unto_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n and_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a unto_o any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n or_o evident_a reason_n such_o a_o sense_n be_v constant_o to_o be_v embrace_v there_o be_v nothing_o here_o of_o any_o spiritual_a mystery_n but_o only_o a_o direction_n concern_v outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n rational_o apprehend_v be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o but_o on_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o this_o text_n that_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n a_o rational_a man_n who_o be_v unprejudiced_a who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o controversy_n about_o rule_v elder_n can_v hardly_o avoid_v a_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n some_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o some_o who_o do_v not_o so_o do_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v interest_n and_o prejudice_n that_o first_o cause_v some_o learned_a man_n to_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v so_o find_v out_o some_o other_o of_o mean_a ability_n have_v be_v entangle_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o new_a argument_n advance_v in_o this_o cause_n not_o one_o exception_n give_v in_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o but_o what_o be_v long_o since_o coin_v by_o papist_n and_o prelatist_n and_o manage_v with_o better_a colour_n than_o some_o now_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v on_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o same_o judgement_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o text._n there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o every_o church_n with_o these_o elder_n the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v all_o these_o and_o only_o they_o do_v rule_n in_o it_o of_o these_o elder_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n for_o a_o description_n be_v give_v of_o one_o sort_n distinctive_a from_o the_o other_o and_o comparative_a with_o it_o the_o first_o sort_n do_v rule_n and_o also_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o these_o work_n be_v distinct_a and_o different_a be_v before_o declare_v yet_o as_o distinct_a work_n they_o be_v not_o incompatible_a but_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o same_o person_n they_o be_v so_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v not_o elder_n only_o but_o moreover_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o such_o there_o belong_v no_o rule_n although_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o right_a of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o their_o office._n for_o all_o that_o be_v rightful_o call_v thereunto_o be_v elder_n also_o which_o give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o rule_n they_o be_v elder_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o pastoral_n or_o teach_v authority_n but_o there_o be_v elder_n which_o be_v not_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n for_o there_o be_v some_o who_o rule_n well_o but_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v who_o be_v not_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n elder_n that_o rule_v well_o but_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v rule_v elder_n only_o and_o such_o be_v in_o the_o text._n the_o most_o learned_a of_o our_o protestant_a adversary_n in_o this_o case_n â—re_n erastus_n bilson_n sarravia_n downham_n scultetus_n mead_n grotius_n hamond_n who_o agree_v not_o at_o all_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o 1._o their_o whole_a design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o put_v in_o exception_n against_o the_o obvious_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n not_o fix_v on_o any_o determinate_a exposition_n of_o it_o themselves_o such_o as_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n now_o this_o be_v most_o sophistical_a way_n of_o argue_v upon_o testimony_n and_o suit_v only_o to_o make_v controversy_n endless_a who_o wit_n be_v so_o barren_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v one_o exception_n or_o other_o against_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a testimony_n so_o the_o socinian_o deal_v with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o testimony_n we_o produce_v to_o prove_v the_o deity_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n they_o suppose_v it_o enough_o to_o evade_v their_o force_n if_o they_o can_v but_o pretend_v that_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o sense_n although_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v by_o it_o that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v their_o sense_n for_o if_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o that_o be_v overthrow_v the_o truth_n will_v be_v establish_v but_o every_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o determinate_a sense_n when_o this_o be_v contend_v about_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o those_o at_o difference_n do_v express_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n which_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o when_o this_o be_v do_v let_v it_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o sense_n pretend_v unto_o do_v best_a comply_v with_o the_o signification_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o context_n or_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n other_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith._n no_o such_o rule_n be_v attend_v unto_o in_o this_o case_n by_o our_o adversary_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o oppose_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o will_v not_o fix_v upon_o any_o of_o their_o own_o which_o if_o it_o be_v disprove_v we_o ought_v to_o take_v place_n and_o hence_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o agree_v among_o themselves_o scarce_o any_o two_o of_o they_o on_o what_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v any_o of_o they_o single_o well_o resolve_v what_o application_n to_o make_v of_o they_o nor_o unto_o what_o