gentile_n and_o lest_o you_o shall_v understand_v the_o multitude_n in_o that_o place_n for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o 22._o verse_n then_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o choose_v certain_a man_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o scripture_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o synod_n consist_v principal_o of_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n and_o man_n of_o wisdom_n judgement_n and_o gravity_n as_o it_o be_v of_o necessary_a regent_n for_o although_o the_o whole_a multitude_n come_v together_o yet_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o inquire_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n the_o multitude_n hear_v and_o for_o their_o better_a instruction_n and_o modesty_n submit_v their_o consent_n unto_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o man_n reason_n be_v hear_v for_o there_o be_v great_a disputation_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n prevail_v good_a 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james_n do_v of_o who_o also_o we_o read_v that_o he_o have_v this_o preeminence_n act._n 21._o 18_o 18._o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o same_o gal._n 2._o 9_o 12._o 12._o not_o that_o james_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o his_o apostleship_n than_o peter_n or_o paul_n or_o john_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o because_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o the_o rest_n to_o have_v prerogative_n of_o order_n which_o some_o one_o must_v have_v in_o everye_o assembly_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prerogative_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v grant_v sometime_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n &_o sometime_o to_o some_o other_o bishop_n to_o be_v precedent_n or_o prolocutor_n in_o the_o general_a counsel_n be_v choose_v thereto_o for_o the_o time_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o prolocutor_n be_v choose_v in_o our_o convocation_n that_o be_v call_v with_o parliament_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n for_o our_o prolocutor_n in_o our_o convocation_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o controller_n of_o the_o whole_a synod_n &_o to_o challenge_v that_o office_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o so_o unreasonable_a be_v the_o authority_n that_o the_o pope_n claim_v over_o general_a counsel_n one_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o consent_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o prolocutor_n or_o moderator_n of_o order_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n in_o every_o assembly_n who_o prerogative_n must_v so_o be_v temper_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n tyranny_n be_v avoid_v which_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n easy_o creep_v in_o upon_o proud_a nature_n to_o who_o if_o you_o grant_v a_o inch_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v a_o ell_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n but_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o consist_v in_o decide_v &_o determine_v such_o matter_n as_o can_v otherwise_o in_o particular_a church_n be_v conclude_v either_o because_o they_o concern_v the_o common_a state_n of_o all_o church_n or_o because_o they_o lack_v sufficient_a authority_n in_o some_o one_o church_n first_o therefore_o the_o lawful_a synod_n have_v to_o consider_v if_o any_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n do_v arise_v that_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o bind_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n second_o it_o have_v to_o determine_v of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n not_o of_o will_n without_o reason_n or_o ground_n of_o scripture_n but_o upon_o necessary_a cause_n of_o avoid_v offence_n and_o similitude_n of_o superstition_n of_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a of_o order_n and_o comeliness_n and_o edification_n so_o do_v the_o synod_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n command_v for_o a_o time_n abstinency_n from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n otherwise_o lawful_a in_o itself_o for_o offence_n sake_n and_o for_o avoid_v of_o all_o pollution_n of_o idolatry_n act._n 6._o 20._o 29._o 29_o and_o forbear_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o abstinency_n from_o eat_v of_o blood_n &_o of_o strangle_a which_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n before_o moses_n time_n to_o teach_v that_o childish_a age_n of_o god_n people_n to_o abstain_v from_o cruelty_n as_o in_o gen._n 9_o 4._o 4._o such_o ceremonial_a constitution_n be_v but_o temporal_a and_o so_o long_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v as_o the_o cause_n continue_v for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v so_o that_o if_o weakness_n cease_v or_o be_v turn_v to_o obstinacy_n they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v retain_v also_o for_o order_n and_o comeliness_n and_o best_a edification_n the_o synod_n have_v to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v observe_v in_o particular_a charge_n as_o of_o the_o time_n place_n and_o form_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o administer_a of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o order_n comeliness_n and_o edification_n require_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o they_o that_o be_v teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o same_o unto_o all_o other_o for_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o such_o in_o these_o small_a thing_n as_o aught_o to_o learn_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o all_o matter_n this_o authority_n therefore_o can_v be_v grant_v unto_o any_o civil_a christian_a magistrate_n that_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a pastor_n and_o elder_n yea_o against_o their_o consent_n of_o who_o as_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o feel_a member_n he_o may_v lawful_o make_v ceremonial_a constitution_n whereby_o the_o church_n must_v be_v govern_v in_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a matter_n it_o be_v ouâ—e_v of_o all_o controversye_n that_o before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o we_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o sergius_n paulus_n proconsull_n of_o cyprus_n because_o he_o be_v but_o a_o lievetenaunt_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n this_o authority_n be_v proper_a unto_o the_o synod_n which_o authority_n we_o know_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n by_o our_o savioure_n christ_n practise_v by_o his_o apostle_n continue_v by_o their_o successor_n three_o hundred_o year_n before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a emperor_n for_o we_o receive_v not_o philip_n for_o a_o christian_a emperor_n and_o long_a time_n after_o there_o be_v christian_a emperor_n even_o as_o long_o as_o any_o purity_n continue_v in_o religion_n until_o both_o emperor_n and_o synod_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o all_o lawful_a authority_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n but_o we_o find_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o authority_n grant_v by_o christ_n to_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o in_o his_o and_o his_o apostle_n time_n be_v not_o nor_o any_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o be_v the_o synod_n shall_v resign_v it_o unto_o they_o therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v show_v by_o they_o that_o defend_v that_o this_o absolute_a authority_n be_v in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o what_o spirit_n or_o revelation_n or_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o we_o know_v not_o for_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o learn_v how_o this_o authority_n be_v translate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v once_o lawfullye_o vest_v unto_o the_o civil_a christian_a magistrate_n therefore_o until_o this_o may_v be_v show_v by_o sufficient_a warrant_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n we_o hold_v that_o the_o synod_n of_o everye_o province_n have_v authority_n to_o decree_v concern_v ceremonial_a order_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o some_o may_v be_v general_a to_o all_o congregation_n some_o particular_a to_o certain_a church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o place_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o one_o perfection_n so_o it_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v like_a in_o all_o thing_n the_o
archipresbyter_n archiepiscopus_fw-la archiepoimen_fw-la and_o such_o like_a do_v proper_o agree_v for_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o this_o place_n the_o chief_a pastor_n so_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n the_o 25._o vers_fw-la he_o call_v he_o both_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n wherefore_o as_o he_o only_o be_v our_o chief_a pastor_n or_o archiepoiman_n 25._o so_o be_v he_o also_o our_o only_a archbyshoppe_n and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o archipresbyter_n or_o chief_a of_o elder_n pertain_v tono_fw-mi mortal_a man_n may_v be_v see_v by_o this_o place_n where_o saint_n peter_n that_o excellent_a and_o high_a apostle_n who_o if_o any_o man_n can_v may_v as_o well_o as_o any_o have_v challenge_v that_o name_n dare_v not_o call_v himself_o other_o than_o sunpresbyteros_n a_o fellow_n elder_a no_o not_o when_o he_o seek_v authority_n to_o himself_o by_o that_o name_n to_o be_v bold_a to_o exhort_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o least_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v we_o stay_v only_o in_o name_n and_o term_n which_o be_v not_o so_o great_o material_a let_v he_o consider_v that_o sainte_n peter_n express_o forbid_v the_o elder_n to_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o their_o several_a congregation_n how_o much_o more_o over_o their_o fellow_n elder_n which_o thing_n also_o our_o saviour_n christ_n precise_o forbid_v when_o there_o be_v a_o contention_n among_o his_o apostle_n about_o the_o prymacie_n 25._o the_o king_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o bear_v rule_n over_o they_o be_v call_v gracious_a lord_n or_o beneficial_a but_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o also_o math._n 20._o 25._o 25._o and_o mark_n 10._o 41._o upon_o the_o ambitious_a request_n of_o the_o son_n of_o zebedy_n 41._o and_o the_o disdain_n of_o the_o other_o against_o they_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_n lordship_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n over_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o who_o so_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v first_o among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n the_o same_o thing_n he_o teach_v by_o his_o example_n when_o he_o wash_v his_o apostle_n foot_n 13._o and_o command_v they_o to_o show_v the_o like_a humility_n one_o toward_o a_o other_o which_o be_v all_o brethren_n which_o he_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n show_v towards_o they_o also_o math._n 23._o 8._o 8._o etc._n etc._n he_o forbid_v all_o ambitious_a title_n of_o rabbi_n master_n father_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n he_o add_v for_o you_o be_v all_o brethren_n for_o these_o name_n agree_v proper_o to_o god_n &_o christ._n for_o the_o great_a dignity_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a person_n be_v a_o ministry_n and_o not_o a_o lordship_n s._n joh._n 9_o also_o in_o his_o three_o epistle_n sharp_o reprove_v diotrephes_n because_o he_o be_v philoprotevon_n one_o that_o desire_v the_o primacy_n in_o the_o church_n howbeit_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o spoil_v not_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o all_o their_o lawful_a authority_n for_o although_o these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n direct_o condemn_v the_o authority_n of_o one_o pastor_n above_o a_o other_o yet_o neither_o do_v they_o set_v every_o pastor_n at_o liberty_n by_o himself_o to_o do_v what_o they_o listen_v without_o controlment_n nor_o yet_o do_v take_v away_o the_o lawful_a authority_n he_o have_v over_o his_o flock_n but_o that_o imperious_a and_o pompous_a dominion_n which_o be_v meet_v for_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o great_a potentate_n to_o exercise_v in_o worldly_a affair_n otherwise_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o lawful_a authority_n they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 7._o guide_n such_o as_o be_v appoint_v to_o oversee_v the_o flock_n with_o authority_n and_o unto_o they_o submission_n and_o obedience_n be_v command_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n verse_n 17._o other_o name_n be_v apply_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n more_o general_a pertain_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n as_o seer_n prophet_n watchman_n angel_n labourer_n builder_n steward_n and_o such_o like_a all_o which_o with_o many_o other_o serve_v to_o express_v some_o part_n of_o their_o office_n as_o their_o knowledge_n their_o diligence_n their_o authority_n their_o faithfulness_n their_o discretion_n also_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o the_o commodity_n that_o come_v by_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o concern_v the_o name_n of_o pastor_n as_o they_o be_v a_o special_a office_n in_o the_o church_n this_o may_v suffice_v but_o for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v undertake_v so_o to_o describe_v a_o pastor_n and_o and_o his_o office_n as_o all_o other_o office_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v describe_v therewith_o we_o must_v not_o stay_v only_o in_o the_o name_n but_o set_v forth_o also_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o the_o person_n for_o which_o intent_n it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v a_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n these_o two_o way_n in_o the_o proper_a function_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o in_o government_n with_o his_o elder_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v understande_v how_o this_o ministry_n ought_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o restore_v amongst_o us._n as_o touch_v his_o office_n something_o have_v be_v say_v before_o general_o under_o the_o description_n of_o his_o several_a name_n but_o now_o more_o particular_o we_o must_v examine_v what_o belong_v to_o his_o charge_n the_o pastor_n must_v be_v limit_v to_o one_o only_a congregation_n of_o such_o competent_a number_n as_o he_o if_o he_o be_v but_o one_o or_o if_o they_o be_v two_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o all_o and_o everye_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o first_o he_o may_v no_o more_o lawful_o have_v charge_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n than_o he_o can_v be_v possible_o in_o diverse_a place_n no_o more_o than_o a_o shepherd_n of_o who_o he_o take_v his_o name_n may_v have_v the_o lead_n of_o sundry_a flock_n in_o diverse_a place_n neither_o may_v he_o be_v absent_a from_o his_o charge_n with_o better_a reason_n than_o a_o shepherd_n from_o his_o flock_n as_o for_o substitute_n orâ—_n hireling_n will_v not_o be_v allow_v in_o this_o case_n for_o pastor_n be_v substitute_n of_o god_n and_o have_v a_o office_n of_o credit_n commit_v unto_o they_o therefore_o by_o no_o good_a reason_n may_v they_o make_v any_o substitute_n in_o their_o place_n or_o commit_v their_o charge_n unto_o a_o other_o the_o law_n of_o a_o man_n ground_v upon_o good_a reason_n allow_v not_o substitute_n of_o substitute_n nor_o commit_v over_o of_o a_o office_n of_o credit_n in_o temporal_a matter_n how_o shall_v god_n almighty_a then_o take_v it_o in_o good_a part_n when_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n shall_v be_v so_o great_o neglect_v to_o the_o endanger_v of_o their_o everlasting_a salvation_n therefore_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v that_o the_o pastor_n shall_v attend_v unto_o his_o peculiar_a flock_n 5._o that_o elder_n shall_v be_v ordain_v in_o every_o city_n 5._o town_n and_o other_o place_n tit._n 1._o 5._o 5._o and_o act_n 14._o 23._o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o â—uery_n church_n of_o derbe_n 23_o lystra_n iconiâ—m_n and_o tichia_n and_o all_o the_o congregaâ—â—ons_n about_o second_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n be_v â—ot_n only_o to_o teach_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o â—heir_n several_a flock_n but_o also_o to_o apay_v it_o to_o the_o time_n and_o person_n of_o â—home_n they_o have_v charge_n with_o exâ—ortation_n and_o reprehension_n with_o consolation_n of_o the_o afflict_a &_o threat_v â—ing_v of_o the_o obstinate_a etc._n etc._n this_o in_o â—we_a word_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o s._n paul_n â—â—eaking_v of_o the_o diverse_a gift_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d his_o church_n 8._o he_o say_v whether_o it_o â—â—e_v he_o that_o teach_v in_o his_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o exhort_v in_o his_o exhortatiâ—â—_n the_o doctor_n therefore_o teach_v without_o exhortation_n the_o pastor_n teaâ—heth_v and_o exhort_v withal_o more_o 〈◊〉_d large_a he_o set_v forth_o the_o same_o offiâ—â—_n in_o his_o exhortation_n unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o ephesus_n will_v they_o to_o follow_v â—â—s_o example_n 20._o who_o supply_v that_o office_n until_o they_o be_v able_a to_o succeed_v 〈◊〉_d his_o place_n also_o very_o brief_o and_o yet_o full_o he_o describe_v the_o same_o unto_o timothy_n 17._o show_v first_o that_o all_o his_o foundation_n must_v be_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o part_n oâ—_n his_o charge_n
that_o we_o have_v show_v before_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n may_v also_o be_v call_v his_o authority_n as_o to_o preach_v and_o teach_v wherein_o be_v include_v his_o authority_n to_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n also_o his_o authority_n to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o do_v other_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n which_o none_o may_v do_v but_o he_o but_o in_o this_o place_n we_o understande_v authority_n for_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 28._o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n necessary_a for_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n this_o authority_n of_o regiment_n we_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o lordly_a rule_n 3._o neither_o over_o their_o flock_n 26._o nor_o yet_o over_o their_o fellow_n servant_n and_o brethren_n and_o jest_n of_o all_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v dominion_n or_o lordship_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n 14._o in_o all_o these_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v exalt_v himself_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v head_n of_o all_o the_o church_n hierarchia_fw-la bishop_n of_o all_o bishop_n and_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n who_o untollerable_a presumption_n as_o we_o have_v long_o since_o banish_v out_o of_o this_o land_n so_o we_o wish_v that_o no_o step_n of_o such_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n may_v be_v leave_v behind_o he_o namely_o that_o no_o elder_a or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v challenge_v unto_o himself_o or_o accept_v it_o if_o it_o be_v offer_v unto_o he_o any_o other_o authority_n then_o that_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o chief_o to_o beware_v that_o he_o usurp_v no_o authority_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o wherefore_o do_v we_o deâ—est_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o usurp_a supremacy_n but_o bicau_o â—se_v he_o arrogate_v the_o same_o unto_o himself_o not_o only_o with_o out_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n but_o also_o clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o now_o if_o the_o same_o reason_n &_o authority_n that_o have_v banish_v the_o pope_n do_v serve_v to_o condemn_v all_o other_o usurp_a authority_n that_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n why_o shall_v not_o all_o such_o usurp_a authority_n be_v banish_v as_o well_o as_o the_o pope_n we_o can_v allege_v against_o the_o pope_n and_o right_o that_o which_o s._n joh._n baptist_n do_v answer_v to_o his_o disciple_n no_o man_n can_v take_v unto_o himself_o any_o thing_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o heaven_n joh._n 3._o 27._o 27._o and_o that_o say_v of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 4._o no_o man_n may_v take_v upon_o he_o any_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n insomuch_o that_o christ_n himself_o do_v not_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o high_a priest_n but_o he_o that_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n i_o have_v beget_v thou_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 6._o thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n now_o see_v these_o rule_n be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o they_o but_o show_v forth_o the_o decree_n wherein_o he_o be_v authorize_v by_o what_o rule_n can_v any_o man_n retain_v that_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o call_v thereto_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n likewise_o we_o can_v allege_v again_o against_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o prove_v that_o peter_n be_v not_o superior_a to_o the_o other_o apostle_n that_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n 26._o luk._n 22._o 26._o and_o mat._n 20._o 25._o mark_n 10._o 42._o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o 25_o but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o 42._o shall_v be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o rule_v as_o he_o that_o serve_v and_o mat._n 23._o 8._o 8._o you_o have_v but_o one_o master_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n if_o these_o place_n prove_v that_o the_o pope_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v above_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n why_o do_v they_o not_o likewise_o prove_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v equal_a among_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o those_o argument_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v use_v to_o confute_v the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n against_o all_o other_o usurp_a authority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o a_o other_o therefore_o while_o we_o entreat_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o open_v not_o a_o window_n to_o popish_a tyranny_n in_o steed_n of_o pastoral_a authority_n &_o that_o we_o enlarge_v not_o the_o bound_n of_o authority_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherefore_o while_o we_o search_v the_o scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v we_o find_v that_o in_o regiment_n &_o governance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n have_v none_o authority_n by_o himself_o separate_v from_o other_o for_o in_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o monarchy_n or_o sole_a absolute_a government_n but_o that_o be_v refer_v peculiar_o to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n only_o 2._o tim._n 6._o 7._o jude._n 4._o 15._o and_o that_o regiment_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v a_o consent_n of_o his_o household_n servant_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o prescription_n as_o he_o witness_v math._n 18._o 19_o 19_o if_o two_o of_o you_o consent_n upon_o earth_n upon_o any_o matter_n what_o soever_o you_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v to_o you_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o see_v therefore_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v neither_o authorize_v nor_o promise_v to_o bless_v any_o other_o form_n of_o regiment_n then_o that_o which_o consist_v of_o the_o consent_n and_o gather_v together_o of_o his_o servant_n in_o his_o name_n we_o hold_v we_o content_v with_o this_o simplicity_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o public_a regiment_n or_o discipline_n separate_a from_o other_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o let_v we_o then_o see_v what_o be_v his_o authority_n join_v with_o other_o and_o first_o who_o be_v so_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o that_o without_o their_o consent_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o we_o say_v therefore_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v leave_v unto_o his_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o to_o every_o church_n that_o none_o may_v challenge_v episcopal_a or_o metropolitical_a authority_n as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n over_o other_o without_o great_a tyranny_n and_o manifest_a injury_n for_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n and_o authority_n to_o every_o church_n indifferent_o math._n 18._o 19_o 20_o 20._o none_o may_v challenge_v any_o such_o prerogative_n aâ—ore_v other_o but_o as_o the_o church_n be_v limit_v out_o for_o order_n &_o conveniency_n so_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o of_o like_a authority_n in_o itself_o but_o because_o they_o make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n &_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n therefore_o there_o be_v but_o one_o authority_n in_o they_o to_o determine_v of_o matter_n concern_v they_o all_o by_o which_o there_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o double_a authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n one_o with_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o which_o he_o be_v pastor_n the_o other_o with_o the_o whole_a synod_n or_o assembly_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o both_o these_o authority_n we_o find_v sufficient_o authorize_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v playnâ—lye_o appear_v in_o the_o several_a discourse_n of_o they_o first_o therefore_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o his_o authority_n in_o his_o several_a church_n in_o which_o he_o may_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o first_o let_v we_o examine_v whether_o this_o authority_n be_v so_o diffuse_v over_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o the_o hear_n try_v and_o determyne_v of_o all_o matter_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o to_o some_o special_a choose_a person_n amongst_o they_o meet_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o authority_n be_v the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n grant_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o because_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v confuse_v whereas_o god_n be_v not_o the_o authoure_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n and_o that_o
and_o 2._o cor._n 2._o 2._o where_o he_o purposely_o intreat_v of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v weigh_v a_o little_a leaven_n sour_v a_o whole_a lump_n of_o dough_n for_o infection_n you_o be_v puff_v up_o where_o you_o shall_v be_v sad_a and_o ashamed_a for_o ignominy_n we_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o repentance_n public_a reprehension_n of_o many_o which_o be_v godly_a refuse_v to_o eat_v with_o such_o one_o be_v profitable_a both_o to_o drive_v himself_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o keep_v other_o in_o order_n for_o fear_n of_o like_a punishment_n where_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o all_o wickedness_n overflowe_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o gospel_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o &_o corrupt_a of_o more_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o godly_a offence_n of_o the_o weak_a encouragement_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o adversary_n let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n with_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v first_o to_o punish_v offender_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o else_o to_o cut_v they_o clean_o from_o the_o church_n as_o rot_v and_o infect_v member_n but_o here_o we_o have_v to_o inquire_v for_o what_o offence_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v to_o so_o sharp_a a_o punishment_n for_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v draw_v out_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n for_o every_o small_a disease_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o only_o when_o the_o disease_n be_v deadly_a and_o the_o member_n rot_v thereby_o for_o we_o ought_v as_o hardly_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o excommunicate_v any_o of_o our_o brethren_n as_o we_o will_v have_v a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n cut_v off_o from_o our_o body_n therefore_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n be_v detestable_a which_o thunder_v out_o their_o pretend_a excommunication_n for_o every_o trifle_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v no_o sin_n as_o none_o payment_n of_o a_o little_a money_n where_o it_o be_v not_o detain_v of_o fraud_n non_fw-la appearance_n where_o man_n otherwise_o have_v necessary_a impediment_n as_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o put_v man_n out_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o unto_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o everlasting_a damnation_n lest_o therefore_o we_o shall_v use_v such_o unreasonable_a rigour_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o what_o manner_n of_o sin_n deserve_v excommunication_n 1._o cor._n 5._o 11._o 11._o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o whooremonger_n or_o a_o covetous_a person_n or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o slanderer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o see_v that_o you_o eat_v not_o these_o offence_n therefore_o and_o such_o like_a be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o excommunication_n also_o a_o obstinate_a heretic_n that_o will_v not_o repent_v by_o admonition_n be_v worthy_a of_o this_o punishment_n tit._n 3._o 10._o 10._o 2._o tim._n 2._o 16._o 1._o tim._n 1._o 20._o 2._o joh._n 10._o &_o 11._o 16._o and_o not_o only_o these_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n 20._o deserve_v this_o correction_n 11._o but_o also_o lesser_a crime_n increase_v with_o contumacy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n admonition_n become_v worthy_a of_o the_o same_o castigation_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n of_o private_a offence_n math._n 18._o 15._o 16._o etc._n etc._n etc._n if_o thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o reproove_v he_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v win_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n everye_o word_n may_v stand_v if_o he_o disobey_v they_o then_o tell_v the_o church_n if_o he_o disobey_v the_o church_n then_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n likewise_o 2._o thes._n 3._o 6._o 6._o etc._n etc._n concern_v those_o that_o be_v idle_a and_o walk_v disorderlye_o will_v have_v all-gentle_a mean_n use_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o labour_n and_o good_a order_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v for_o any_o admonition_n he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v separate_v by_o excommunication_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o hitherto_o appear_v not_o so_o great_a use_n of_o this_o consistorye_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v necessary_a for_o excommunication_n neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n make_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o excommunication_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o simple_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v suffice_v we_o to_o think_v it_o necessary_a yet_o there_o be_v many_o necessary_a use_n thereof_o to_o be_v allege_v for_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n command_v in_o private_a offence_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n except_o you_o understande_v thereby_o the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n there_o shall_v follow_v horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n thereby_o for_o admit_v a_o man_n may_v accuse_v his_o brother_n unto_o the_o whole_a multitude_n yet_o how_o shall_v the_o whole_a multitude_n admonish_v he_o and_o exhort_v he_o to_o repentance_n again_o of_o these_o notorious_a offence_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o excommunication_n some_o be_v open_o know_v so_o that_o they_o need_v no_o trial_n as_o the_o adultery_n of_o that_o corinthian_a 1._o cor._n 5._o â—_o some_o be_v in_o controversy_n and_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v concern_v which_o saint_n paul_n warn_v timothy_n that_o he_o admit_v not_o any_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o charge_v he_o before_o god_n and_o before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o elect_a angel_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o through_o rash_a or_o over_o hasty_a judgement_n and_o that_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o partiality_n or_o affection_n unto_o party_n 1._o timothy_n 5._o cap._n 19_o 21._o and_o twenty_o one_o verse_n we_o see_v here_o manifest_o a_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o eldership_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v such_o difficult_a controversy_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v the_o church_n to_o have_v such_o ordinary_a delegate_n as_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v their_o diligence_n vuto_fw-mi such_o matter_n moreover_o to_o oversee_v the_o church_n for_o matter_n pertain_v to_o order_n and_o discipline_n how_o can_v the_o multitude_n oversee_v themselves_o or_o the_o pastor_n only_o which_o have_v a_o principal_a care_n of_o doctrine_n to_o attend_v upon_o and_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o s._n paul_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o eldership_n or_o consistory_n of_o elder_n in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o excommunication_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a he_o shall_v so_o do_v for_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v a_o form_n thereof_o that_o he_o which_o obey_v not_o the_o congregation_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o that_o in_o other_o place_n he_o make_v sufficient_a mention_n both_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n we_o ought_v to_o understande_v that_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o observe_v that_o form_n to_o the_o uttermost_a and_o although_o he_o do_v not_o always_o make_v express_a mention_n thereof_o yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o he_o mean_v to_o alter_v or_o change_v the_o same_o in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o five_o verse_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o albeit_o heâ—_n desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o the_o incestuous_a adulterer_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o therefore_o determine_v of_o he_o for_o his_o own_o part_n as_o absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n yet_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o cor._n 5._o 4._o 4._o likewise_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v again_o he_o be_v to_o be_v pardon_v not_o only_o by_o he_o but_o by_o they_o also_o 2._o cor._n 1._o 10._o 10._o and_o therefore_o if_o so_o high_a a_o apostle_n can_v not_o by_o his_o private_a authority_n excommunicate_v that_o corinthian_a we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o his_o private_a authority_n but_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n he_o excommunicate_v himmineus_fw-la &_o alexander_n 20._o although_o he_o do_v not_o make_v express_a mention_n of_o
the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n 1._o tim._n 2._o 20._o 20._o so_o likewise_o where_o he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n concern_v the_o hear_n &_o determine_v of_o matter_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o teach_v in_o timothy_n his_o person_n the_o duty_n of_o elder_n &_o never_o mean_v to_o give_v timothy_n a_o absolute_a or_o singular_a authority_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o these_o matter_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o eldership_n whereof_o he_o make_v mention_n but_o a_o little_a before_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o pastor_n with_o advice_n &_o consent_v of_o the_o elder_n have_v authority_n to_o hear_v &_o examine_v matter_n pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o as_o the_o cause_n require_v to_o excommunicate_a offender_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n approve_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n instead_o of_o which_o antichrist_n have_v set_v up_o a_o tyrannical_a jurisdiction_n of_o one_o bishop_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v practise_v neither_o for_o cause_n sufficient_a nor_o by_o sufficient_a authority_n in_o so_o much_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o testify_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v in_o no_o one_o man_n no_o not_o in_o a_o apostle_n but_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o lawful_a delegate_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o so_o much_o that_o usurp_a authority_n presume_v that_o the_o bishop_n as_o a_o absolute_a owner_n thereof_o commit_v it_o over_o to_o his_o chancellor_n or_o archdeacon_n the_o archdeacon_n to_o his_o official_a &_o he_o to_o his_o register_n &_o he_o again_o to_o his_o substitute_n and_o his_o substitute_n to_o his_o servant_n man_n or_o boy_n as_o it_o happen_v in_o so_o much_o that_o a_o learned_a preacher_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o foolish_a boy_n if_o this_o matter_n seem_v not_o to_o require_v speedy_a reformation_n god_n have_v blind_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o can_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o our_o face_n for_o if_o we_o look_v to_o banish_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o pope_n out_o of_o all_o man_n heart_n we_o must_v utter_o remove_v all_o his_o detestable_a enormity_n out_o of_o the_o realm_n as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n henry_n and_o edward_n whereas_o now_o by_o retain_v still_o all_o the_o detestable_a enormity_n of_o his_o prerogative_n and_o faculty_n &_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o canon_n law_n the_o papacy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o banish_v in_o name_n as_o translate_v in_o deed_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o sea_n of_o caunterbury_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o prince_n supremacy_n with_o as_o heinous_a injury_n and_o contumely_n of_o the_o lawful_a authority_n &_o godly_a supremacy_n of_o the_o prince_n as_o join_v with_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o miserable_a disorder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o mean_v not_o in_o this_o place_n to_o prosecute_v our_o just_a complaint_n nor_o to_o inveigh_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o such_o vehemency_n of_o word_n as_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o matter_n deserve_v but_o only_o in_o set_v forth_o the_o plain_a truth_n to_o give_v a_o glimp_v by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o contrary_a falsehood_n we_o must_v therefore_o return_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n which_o he_o have_v join_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v pastor_n the_o church_n have_v always_o have_v great_a care_n for_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o which_o compassion_n they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v lively_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o avoid_v great_a reproach_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o what_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v all_o son_n of_o one_o father_n and_o therefore_o all_o brethren_n yea_o that_o be_v member_n all_o of_o one_o body_n to_o suffer_v their_o brethren_n &_o fellow_n member_n to_o lack_v necessary_n to_o sustain_v their_o temporal_a life_n as_o though_o they_o that_o communicate_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o blessing_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o take_v part_n of_o these_o worldly_a benefit_n at_o leastwyse_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n always_o commend_v brotherly_a love_n among_o his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o ready_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o distribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n which_o be_v a_o true_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n declare_v by_o his_o own_o example_n for_o although_o he_o be_v so_o poor_a that_o he_o live_v of_o the_o alms_n and_o liberality_n of_o other_o man_n yet_o of_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o serve_v his_o own_o necessity_n he_o use_v to_o bestow_v upon_o the_o poor_a as_o john_n 13._o 29._o 29._o to_o teach_v they_o who_o he_o have_v bless_v with_o temporal_a riches_n which_o he_o refuse_v to_o enrich_v we_o with_o heavenlye_a treasure_n that_o they_o of_o their_o superfluity_n will_v be_v content_a to_o give_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o poor_a brother_n which_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v in_o his_o extreme_a poverty_n to_o teach_v also_o they_o that_o have_v but_o mean_a substance_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v but_o somewhat_o to_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o poor_a brother_n when_o he_o that_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v even_o of_o that_o bestow_v part_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o better_a provide_v for_o the_o poor_a that_o certain_a man_n shall_v be_v appoint_v of_o approve_a godliness_n and_o diligence_n which_o shall_v take_v the_o special_a charge_n of_o the_o distribution_n unto_o the_o poor_a act._n 6._o 6._o these_o man_n be_v call_v deacon_n or_o minister_n because_o they_o do_v minister_v and_o serve_v the_o poor_a in_o their_o necessity_n and_o because_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ordinance_n continue_v always_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v say_v we_o shall_v always_o have_v the_o poor_a amongst_o we_o john_n 12._o 8._o 8._o whereby_o god_n will_v exercise_v our_o charity_n the_o office_n of_o deacon_n also_o be_v perpetual_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n prescribe_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v meet_v for_o that_o office_n 1._o timothy_n 3._o 8._o 8._o and_o in_o every_o well_o constitute_v church_n they_o be_v ordain_v according_o as_o philip_n 1._o 1._o 1._o also_o after_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n this_o office_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a part_n as_o necessity_n show_v diverse_a occasion_n for_o some_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o alm_n as_o roman_n 12._o 8._o and_o some_o for_o attend_v upon_o the_o sick_a and_o impotent_a among_o the_o poor_a 8._o as_o in_o the_o same_o place_n let_v he_o that_o distribute_v do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n and_o let_v he_o that_o show_v mercy_n do_v it_o with_o cheerfulness_n which_o kind_n of_o deacon_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o 28._o be_v call_v helper_n and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o this_o office_n be_v appoint_v diverse_a old_a poor_a widow_n who_o as_o they_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o church_n so_o they_o serve_v the_o church_n attend_v upon_o the_o other_o poor_a who_o be_v sick_a and_o impotent_a have_v need_v not_o only_o of_o thing_n necessary_a but_o also_o of_o service_n and_o attend_v 1._o timoth._n 5._o 5._o 5._o these_o office_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o church_n which_o use_v still_o continue_v ought_v also_o to_o be_v retain_v among_o us._n for_o we_o see_v for_o want_v of_o these_o office_n what_o great_a inconvenience_n be_v among_o we_o concern_v the_o poor_a for_o although_o there_o be_v very_o good_a politic_a law_n make_v for_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a yet_o small_a relief_n come_v thereby_o to_o the_o poor_a indeed_o at_o least_o wise_a many_o abuse_n the_o relief_n which_o they_o receive_v which_o come_v of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o church_n or_o congregation_n such_o deacon_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v which_o shall_v take_v a_o special_a care_n &_o employ_v a_o great_a diligence_n for_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o some_o to_o gather_v and_o distribute_v but_o also_o to_o see_v it_o well_o employ_v on_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o employ_v the_o poor_a that_o live_v of_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o
find_v in_o every_o place_n so_o that_o jeroboam_fw-la never_o make_v worse_a priest_n of_o the_o refuse_n of_o the_o people_n to_o serve_v his_o golden_a calf_n than_o they_o have_v ordain_v minister_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n this_o complaint_n we_o confess_v be_v grievous_a but_o the_o indignity_n of_o the_o matter_n enforce_v it_o we_o know_v that_o vain_a excuse_n shall_v not_o be_v want_v of_o necessity_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o necessity_n compel_v they_o to_o take_v such_o at_o the_o first_o what_o necessity_n compel_v they_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v such_o still_o for_o if_o they_o will_v needs_o admit_v ignorant_a person_n to_o that_o charge_n yet_o shall_v they_o have_v enforce_v they_o to_o study_v as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o thing_n they_o have_v enforce_v they_o unto_o that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v have_v grow_v to_o be_v meet_a for_o their_o call_n which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v in_o 10._o 12._o or_o 13._o year_n space_n a_o great_a many_o may_v have_v prove_v excellent_o well_o learned_a and_o able_a to_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n with_o great_a fruit_n and_o profit_n and_o the_o rest_n according_a to_o proportion_n of_o their_o time_n may_v have_v come_v to_o some_o mediocrity_n in_o knowledge_n whereas_o now_o as_o ignorant_a and_o as_o unfit_a as_o they_o be_v the_o first_o day_n so_o be_v they_o still_o for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o will_v so_o continue_v to_o their_o life_n end_n if_o they_o may_v be_v suffer_v in_o idleness_n as_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o then_o it_o be_v a_o torment_n to_o think_v what_o ambitious_a sue_n what_o envious_a labour_a what_o unseemelie_a flatter_a what_o prodigal_a bribe_v be_v use_v to_o attain_v to_o great_a dignity_n in_o the_o church_n to_o far_o unmeete_a for_o the_o modesty_n and_o gravitye_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o christian_a preacher_n and_o as_o for_o the_o inferior_a benefice_n from_o the_o fat_a parsonadge_n to_o the_o poor_a vicaradge_v almost_o if_o it_o be_v worth_a 40._o pound_n by_o the_o year_n what_o symonicall_a bargain_n of_o lease_n annuity_n reservation_n exhibition_n yea_o notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno._n 13._o by_o antedate_v and_o other_o subtle_a conveyance_n what_o christian_n heart_n can_v think_v of_o they_o without_o detestation_n of_o such_o horrible_a abuse_n shall_v we_o speak_v here_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o popish_a priesthood_n the_o great_a blasphemy_n that_o ever_o be_v how_o long_o be_v it_o allow_v for_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n until_o by_o the_o godly_a meaning_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n some_o brandmarke_n of_o shame_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o but_o how_o pitifullye_o that_o authority_n be_v abuse_v which_o be_v by_o the_o same_o statute_n commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n in_o allow_v of_o priest_n that_o come_v to_o do_v their_o penance_n by_o negligence_n of_o the_o bishop_n &_o bribery_n of_o their_o officer_n the_o country_n cry_v out_o of_o it_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v little_o amend_v by_o it_o old_a sir_n john_n lacklatin_n that_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o benefice_n a_o dozen_o year_n before_o be_v carry_v about_o on_o his_o mare_n and_o sometime_o on_o a_o cart_n first_o to_o the_o bishop_n who_o he_o choose_v if_o he_o may_v for_o his_o purpose_n such_o one_o as_o have_v be_v a_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o order_n and_o care_v jest_n what_o minister_n serve_v in_o his_o diocese_n and_o then_o from_o shire_n to_o shire_n one_o distant_a a_o hundred_o mile_n from_o another_o mumble_v up_o his_o article_n in_o his_o morowmasse_n voice_n in_o every_o church_n where_o he_o have_v live_v and_o return_v as_o very_o a_o beast_n as_o he_o come_v but_o this_o and_o all_o other_o inconvenience_n before_o rehearse_v shall_v utterlye_o be_v avoid_v if_o we_o may_v once_o establish_v the_o lawful_a election_n of_o pastor_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v also_o great_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o every_o congregation_n there_o shall_v be_v two_o pastor_n at_o the_o least_o both_o because_o the_o charge_n be_v great_a and_o also_o for_o supply_v the_o lack_n of_o the_o one_o if_o the_o other_o be_v sick_a or_o absent_a upon_o necessity_n or_o any_o such_o like_a case_n which_o thing_n be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o also_o very_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o in_o everye_o parish_n as_o they_o be_v now_o distinguish_v but_o in_o every_o congregation_n as_o they_o may_v be_v dispose_v both_o for_o best_a edify_v and_o also_o for_o sufficient_a live_n for_o the_o pastor_n it_o will_v be_v object_v when_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o our_o pleasure_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o pastor_n yet_o will_v there_o creep_v in_o many_o abuse_n we_o answer_v they_o shall_v not_o so_o soon_o nor_o so_o easy_o nor_o so_o many_o abuse_n creep_v in_o as_o now_o at_o wide_a window_n yea_o great_a port-gate_n do_v throng_n in_o but_o if_o as_o many_o or_o more_o abuse_n if_o more_o can_v be_v be_v creep_v in_o yet_o be_v the_o case_n better_o than_o it_o be_v now_o for_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n approove_v our_o order_n though_o he_o condemn_v the_o abuse_n because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n word_n whereas_o now_o he_o abhor_v both_o but_o of_o the_o authority_n that_o pastor_n have_v as_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n we_o have_v speak_v hitherto_o sufficient_o by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a how_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v corrupt_v in_o popery_n which_o have_v at_o the_o first_o any_o good_a institution_n which_o corruption_n we_o also_o retain_v at_o this_o day_n without_o desire_v of_o any_o refourmation_n for_o to_o begin_v first_o with_o our_o particular_a synod_n good_a lord_n what_o a_o mockery_n they_o be_v of_o law_n full_a synod_n be_v hold_v for_o no_o other_o end_n almost_o but_o to_o gather_v up_o fee_n both_o ordinary_a &_o extraordinary_a with_o daily_a new_a devise_n to_o poll_v the_o poor_a priest_n of_o their_o money_n which_o they_o extort_v for_o see_v the_o letter_n of_o order_n for_o dynners_n and_o such_o like_a matter_n and_o yet_o a_o new_a invent_a pyllage_n whereby_o they_o compel_v man_n to_o buy_v book_n of_o they_o for_o 4._o penny_n or_o 6._o penny_n which_o be_v to_o dear_a of_o a_o penny_n or_o two_o penny_n and_o not_o only_o such_o small_a ware_n but_o also_o great_a book_n be_v such_o as_o every_o parish_n be_v appoint_v to_o buy_v must_v be_v buy_v of_o they_o for_o two_o or_o three_o shyllinge_n in_o a_o book_n dear_a than_o it_o may_v be_v buy_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n yea_o otherwhiles_o though_o the_o parish_n be_v furnish_v of_o they_o already_o they_o be_v not_o authentical_a except_o they_o be_v buy_v at_o master_n chaunceller_n and_o official_a at_o master_n regester_n hand_n as_o for_o refourmation_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o presentment_n and_o man_n swear_v to_o present_a matter_n but_o little_a or_o none_o amendment_n at_o all_o do_v follow_v so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n in_o the_o country_n when_o the_o presentment_n be_v once_o receyve_v they_o shall_v never_o hear_v more_o of_o it_o soon_o after_o the_o visitation_n or_o synod_n the_o petitbribe_a sumner_n ride_v forth_o lade_v with_o excommunication_n which_o he_o scatter_v abroad_o in_o the_o country_n as_o thick_a as_o haileshot_v against_o this_o parson_n and_o that_o vicar_n this_o church_n warden_n and_o that_o side-man_n who_o he_o himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o summon_v he_o to_o the_o synod_n for_o a_o cheeze_n or_o a_o gammon_n of_o bacon_n have_v undertake_v to_o excuse_v for_o none_o apparaunce_n but_o when_o he_o be_v once_o excommunicate_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v trudge_v to_o the_o chauncelour_n or_o official_a for_o absolution_n who_o after_o he_o have_v once_o absolve_v his_o purse_n of_o a_o few_o groat_n give_v he_o his_o blessing_n and_o send_v he_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o image_n of_o our_o little_a or_o particular_a synod_n our_o general_a convocation_n have_v a_o more_o show_n of_o good_a order_n house_n but_o in_o effect_n little_o better_o for_o first_o they_o be_v stuff_v full_a of_o popish_a and_o profane_a chauncelloure_n and_o other_o lawyer_n which_o be_v mere_a lie_v man_n and_o unlearned_a in_o divinity_n by_o their_o own_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o these_o will_v bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o bishop_n as_o though_o they_o be_v great_a than_o the_o apostle_n must_v have_v their_o several_a cowenticle_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v
together_o with_o the_o whole_a multitude_n act_n 15._o 15._o and_o as_o they_o be_v sever_v in_o place_n so_o will_v they_o be_v high_o in_o authority_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v decree_v amongst_o they_o that_o must_v be_v call_v the_o determynation_n of_o the_o whole_a synod_n so_o that_o no_o man_n must_v be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v any_o thing_n against_o it_o be_v it_o never_o so_o reasonable_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n yea_o whosoever_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o decree_v must_v be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o convocation_n as_o be_v practise_v and_o threaten_v in_o the_o convocation_n at_o the_o foresay_a parliament_n unto_o diverse_a godly_a and_o learned_a preacher_n that_o offer_v to_o speak_v against_o dyverse_a gross_a and_o palpable_a error_n that_o have_v escape_v the_o byshoppes_n decree_n as_o for_o the_o distinction_n of_o canonical_a and_o apocryphal_a book_n for_o explication_n of_o the_o clause_n in_o the_o article_n of_o predestination_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o elect_n may_v fall_v from_o grace_n and_o such_o like_a matter_n if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o practice_v lordship_n over_o our_o faith_n to_o set_v down_o decree_n of_o religion_n which_o must_v be_v accept_v of_o all_o man_n without_o either_o reason_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o and_o no_o man_n permit_v to_o show_v any_o reason_n or_o scripture_n that_o enforce_v his_o conscience_n to_o the_o contrary_n but_o only_o to_o hang_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n let_v some_o other_o declare_v what_o paul_n mean_v 2._o cor._n 1._o 4._o 14._o where_o he_o deni_v that_o he_o will_v excercise_n any_o lordship_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o corinthian_n for_o although_o their_o decree_n be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o example_n of_o tyrannical_a dominion_n neither_o to_o give_v reason_n to_o satisfy_v the_o ignorant_a themselves_o nor_o to_o hear_v or_o confute_v that_o which_o may_v be_v allege_v against_o they_o by_o other_o but_o for_o a_o few_o lordbishop_n in_o comparison_n of_o all_o the_o convocation_n to_o sit_v by_o themselves_o &_o order_v all_o thing_n at_o their_o pleasure_n as_o though_o the_o gospel_n spring_v first_o from_o they_o or_o have_v come_v unto_o they_o only_o it_o savore_v of_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o of_o popish_a tyranny_n whereas_o otherwise_o it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o the_o best_a learned_a nor_o all_o of_o long_a study_n nor_o all_o of_o sound_a judgement_n nor_o all_o of_o great_a zeal_n nor_o all_o of_o best_a example_n and_o therefore_o not_o meet_a to_o be_v the_o only_a determiner_n in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o whole_a synod_n wherefore_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o our_o synod_n also_o which_o be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o order_n may_v be_v reform_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v with_o such_o modesty_n gravity_n &_o judgement_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n 15._o act._n 15._o and_o now_o that_o we_o have_v set_v forth_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a ministry_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o duty_n &_o authority_n that_o pertain_v unto_o it_o the_o place_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o entreat_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a of_o the_o title_n of_o the_o princess_n supremacy_n if_o it_o be_v true_o understand_v we_o move_v no_o contronersie_n but_o that_o it_o do_v proper_o apperteine_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n to_o be_v the_o high_a governor_n of_o all_o person_n within_o his_o dominion_n so_o that_o the_o sovereign_a empire_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v whole_a but_o herein_o rest_v all_o the_o doubt_n how_o this_o be_v true_o to_o be_v understand_v &_o that_o shall_v we_o best_o understand_v by_o the_o contrary_a namely_o by_o the_o usurp_a tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n for_o antichrist_n do_v challenge_v unto_o himself_o all_o authority_n both_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n &_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o man_n therefore_o that_o the_o pope_n claim_v to_o be_v that_o only_a head_n of_o the_o church_n from_o which_o the_o whole_a body_n receive_v direction_n &_o be_v keep_v in_o unity_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v blasphemous_a against_o christ_n &_o therefore_o may_v not_o be_v usurp_v by_o any_o civil_a magistrate_n no_o more_o they_o by_o the_o pope_n likewise_o where_o he_o challenge_v authority_n to_o alter_v change_n &_o dispense_v with_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n to_o ordain_v new_a sacrament_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v also_o blasphemous_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v usurp_v of_o any_o civil_a prince_n on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o he_o challenge_v authority_n over_o all_o prince_n &_o so_o over_o all_o the_o clergy_n that_o he_o do_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n this_o be_v contumelious_a &_o injurious_a against_o all_o christian_n king_n and_o therefore_o every_o prince_n in_o his_o own_o dominion_n aught_o to_o cast_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o his_o subjection_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n unto_o his_o obedience_n and_o jurisdiction_n here_o have_v we_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o title_n of_o supreme_a government_n over_o all_o person_n in_o matter_n or_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a likewise_o the_o pope_n do_v not_o only_o presume_v against_o god_n as_o we_o say_v before_o but_o also_o against_o the_o lawful_a authority_n give_v by_o god_n unto_o man_n for_o he_o forbid_v prince_n to_o meddle_v with_o reformation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n or_o to_o make_v any_o law_n pertain_v to_o cause_n of_o religion_n answer_v they_o that_o those_o thing_n do_v appertain_v only_o to_o he_o &_o the_o general_a counsel_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o debate_v any_o thing_n with_o his_o clergy_n than_o all_o law_n &_o knowledge_n be_v enclose_v in_o the_o closet_n of_o his_o breast_n when_o any_o general_a counsel_n must_v be_v hold_v all_o that_o they_o do_v receive_v authority_n from_o he_o for_o except_o he_o do_v allow_v it_o be_v nothing_o and_o he_o be_v so_o wise_a that_o neither_o with_o the_o council_n nor_o without_o the_o counsel_n he_o can_v err_v or_o think_v amiss_o in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a whereas_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o also_o necessary_a for_o princess_n if_o they_o will_v do_v their_o duty_n to_o look_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v law_n of_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a but_o so_o that_o we_o confound_v not_o the_o office_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o the_o pastor_n eor_fw-la as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o prince_n to_o preach_v nor_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n no_o more_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o he_o to_o make_v law_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n contrary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o learned_a pastor_n for_o as_o these_o three_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n duty_n be_v grant_v to_o he_o by_o god_n preach_v minister_a of_o sacrament_n and_o ecclesiastical_a government_n he_o may_v no_o more_o take_v from_o a_o pastor_n the_o three_o than_o he_o may_v the_o two_o first_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o far_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o prince_n to_o intermeddle_v with_o cause_n ecclesiastical_a name_o that_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o have_v especial_a regard_n that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o their_o dominion_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o make_v civil_a law_n to_o bind_v the_o people_n unto_o the_o confession_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o the_o right_a administer_a and_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o all_o ecclesiastical_a order_n that_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v understande_v to_o be_v profitable_a for_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o advauncement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n if_o any_o shall_v offend_v against_o the_o law_n whether_o he_o be_v preacher_n or_o hearer_n beside_o the_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n which_o he_o shall_v not_o escape_v he_o be_v also_o to_o be_v punish_v in_o body_n by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n this_o we_o see_v that_o all_o christian_n emperor_n observe_v that_o when_o any_o controversy_n arise_v either_o of_o doctrine_n or_o of_o order_n and_o ceremony_n they_o command_v the_o clergy_n to_o consult_v &_o determine_v thereof_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n who_o assemble_v together_o incounsel_n obey_v their_o commandment_n their_o conclusion_n then_o by_o authority_n of_o the_o emperor_n be_v command_v everye_o where_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o those_o that_o impugn_a it_o to_o be_v punish_v the_o same_o order_n we_o