Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
authority_n church_n elder_n pastor_n 2,080 5 9.0862 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A00283 A briefe and plaine declaration, concerning the desires of all those faithfull ministers, that haue and do seeke for the discipline and reformation of the Church of Englande which may serue for a iust apologie, against the false accusations and slaunders of their aduersaries. Fenner, Dudley, 1558?-1587, attributed name.; Fulke, William, 1538-1589, attributed name.; Travers, Walter, 1547 or 8-1635, attributed name. 1584 (1584) STC 10395; ESTC S111889 54,423 158

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intemperate_a person_n and_o therefore_o fear_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o his_o sin_n which_o he_o purpose_v not_o to_o forsake_v such_o be_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n word_n when_o it_o be_v preach_v that_o either_o it_o bow_v or_o break_v the_o wicked_a in_o piece_n god_n grant_v therefore_o that_o in_o steed_n of_o ordinary_a form_n of_o prayer_n we_o may_v have_v preach_v in_o all_o place_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v to_o observe_v be_v this_o that_o although_o we_o make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n to_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o so_o mean_a but_o that_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o one_o heart_n 26._o and_o with_o one_o voice_n may_v praise_v god_n with_o sing_v of_o psalm_n all_o at_o once_o for_o this_o custom_n have_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o beginning_n that_o the_o congregation_n have_v praise_v god_n with_o psalm_n sing_v altogether_o and_o these_o three_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n duty_n to_o preach_v to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o pray_v be_v so_o necessarilye_o require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o no_o man_n may_v right_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n but_o he_o that_o perform_v all_o these_o each_o one_o in_o their_o due_a time_n and_o to_o this_o part_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v refer_v the_o blessing_n of_o marriage_n not_o of_o necessity_n but_o of_o a_o ancient_a use_n of_o the_o church_n furthermore_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a part_n of_o the_o pastors_n office_n the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o dispose_v they_o as_o touch_v the_o circumstance_n for_o order_n and_o comeliness_n sake_n but_o chief_o for_o edification_n as_o the_o day_n and_o time_n of_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n the_o place_n meet_v for_o the_o same_o &_o for_o public_a prayer_n also_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o use_v those_o thing_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v 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to_o make_v he_o a_o patron_n of_o idle_a if_o not_o hurtful_a ceremony_n maintain_v more_o upon_o will_n then_o reason_n or_o grant_v of_o god_n word_n under_o the_o colour_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n not_o only_o with_o neglect_n but_o also_o with_o great_a hindrance_n of_o god_n building_n by_o spoil_v the_o church_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a pastoure_n there_o be_v beside_o these_o thing_n certain_a other_o matter_n as_o confirmation_n church_a of_o woman_n burial_n of_o the_o dead_a think_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n whereof_o the_o first_o two_n be_v mere_a devise_n of_o man_n and_o aught_o to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o other_o albeit_o it_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v with_o a_o certain_a honesty_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o proper_a office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o as_o for_o confirmation_n it_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v shut_v out_o and_o have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o church_n 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as_o hallow_v of_o churcbyarde_n distinction_n of_o burial_n as_o some_o in_o the_o chancel_n some_o in_o the_o church_n and_o some_o in_o the_o churchyard_n some_o with_o more_o pomp_n as_o sing_v ring_a etc._n etc._n some_o with_o less_o bury_v towards_o the_o east_n light_n and_o holy_a water_n bestow_v upon_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v think_v good_a to_o the_o best_a and_o right_o reform_v church_n to_o bury_v their_o deed_n reverent_o without_o any_o ceremony_n of_o pray_v or_o preach_v at_o they_o because_o experience_n have_v teach_v they_o what_o inconvenience_n may_v grow_v thereof_o by_o example_n of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o and_o as_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v if_o any_o for_o small_a tri●●es_n only_o raise_v up_o h●t_a contention_n so_o they_o have_v much_o to_o answer_v before_o god_n that_o suffer_v the_o people_n of_o god_n to_o lack_v the_o only_a food_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o such_o human_a constitution_n but_o to_o conclude_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a pastor_n to_o observe_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o lawful_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v ceremonial_a matter_n for_o order_n and_o comeliness_n sake_n and_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o to_o control_v public_a order_n 29._o by_o his_o private_a judgement_n but_o upon_o great_a &_o weighty_a cause_n we_o have_v hitherto_o entreat_v of_o the_o proper_a duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n himself_o now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o likewise_o set_v forth_o his_o authority_n in_o common_a government_n with_o the_o elder_n but_o least_o any_o man_n shall_v mistake_v that_o which_o we_o purpose_v to_o say_v of_o his_o authority_n we_o have_v need_v to_o express_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o this_o word_n authority_n for_o even_o those_o thing_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 de●est_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o usurp_a supremacy_n but_o bicau_o ●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 a●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 playn●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
we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n certain_a officer_n appoint_v for_o government_n we_o be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o that_o charge_n belong_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v such_o and_o that_o do_v s._n paul_n plain_o declare_v where_o he_o put_v a_o difference_n of_o the_o several_a office_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o name_v governor_n for_o one_o 1._o cor._n 28._o 29._o 29_o and_o rom._n 12._o 8._o 8._o let_v he_o that_o rule_v do_v it_o with_o diligence_n therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o church_n a_o consistory_n or_o segnorye_n of_o elder_n or_o governor_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o hear_v examination_n and_o determine_v of_o all_o matter_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o congregation_n which_o authority_n of_o they_o nevertheless_o ought_v to_o be_v moderate_v that_o their_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_o account_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n which_o thing_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o point_n first_o that_o the_o elder_n be_v elect_v and_o choose_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n man_n of_o godliness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n repose_v such_o confidence_n that_o they_o commit_v unto_o they_o their_o authority_n in_o hear_v &_o determine_v such_o matter_n as_o without_o horrible_a confusion_n they_o can_v perform_v themselves_o and_o hereto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o election_n of_o pastor_n that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v ordain_v by_o election_n of_o the_o congregation_n elder_n unto_o many_o church_n act_n 14._o 23._o 23._o because_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v common_a to_o both_o to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o comprehend_v both_o at_o once_o as_o it_o appear_v manifest_o by_o s._n paul_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 7._o 7._o those_o elder_n that_o govern_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o which_o testimony_n we_o learn_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n which_o meddle_v not_o with_o teach_v but_o be_v occupy_v altogether_o in_o govern_v second_o that_o the_o elder_n which_o labour_n in_o teach_v otherwise_o call_v pastor_n be_v join_v also_o in_o government_n with_o they_o which_o teach_v not_o and_o thirdlye_o that_o the_o name_n of_o elder_a comprehend_v both_o sort_n of_o elder_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v for_o election_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o elder_n for_o government_n be_v as_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o other_o for_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o after_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o congregation_n by_o election_n 23._o as_o have_v set_v the_o church_n in_o perfect_a order_n which_o can_v not_o be_v except_o they_o have_v establish_v discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n they_o commit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o they_o believe_v the_o second_o point_n for_o moderation_n of_o the_o elder_n authority_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o their_o sentence_n may_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o consistory_n have_v travel_v in_o examine_v of_o cause_n pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o agree_v what_o judgement_n ought_v to_o pass_v upon_o the_o matter_n they_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n that_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o their_o consent_n whereof_o s._n paul_n speak_v touch_v the_o execution_n of_o excommunication_n because_o the_o fact_n be_v manifest_a when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o my_o spirit_n 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n now_o therefore_o to●_n prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consistory_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n for_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n touch_v he_o that_o despise_v pryvate_a admonition_n 17._o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v the_o congregation_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o congregation_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n this_o word_n congregation_n be_v not_o so_o large_o take_v as_o in_o other_o place_n for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o for_o the_o choose_a assembly_n of_o elder_n for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o that_o word_n allude_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o call_v but_o corruptlie_o of_o a_o greek_a word_n synedrion_n which_o signify_v a_o counsel_n or_o consistory_n sanedrin_n which_o have_v the_o hear_n and_o determine_v of_o all_o difficult_a and_o weighty_a matter_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o like_a whereof_o he_o will_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n for_o administration_n of_o government_n for_o see_v it_o be_v first_o institute_v by_o god_n for_o government_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o old_a law_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o out_o of_o num._n 11._o 6._o 6._o although_o it_o be_v shameful_o abuse_v by_o the_o wicked_a jew_n our_o saviour_n christ_n translate_v it_o into_o his_o church_n also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n do_v most_o apt_o agree_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v governor_n in_o the_o church_n now_o even_o as_o it_o do_v to_o the_o ancient_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o the_o pastor_n seem_v to_o have_v borrow_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n special_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o government_n the_o name_n of_o this_o consistory_n also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v 18._o tell_v the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n s_o paul_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o 14._o despise_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o through_o prophecy_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v presbyterion_n the_o assembly_n or_o consistorye_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o word_n be_v use_v also_o by_o saint_n luke_n in_o his_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n luke_n 22._o 66._o 66._o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n the_o whole_a eldership_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n come_v together_o both_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o their_o counsel_n in_o which_o say_v their_o counsel_n synedrion_n be_v call_v presbyterion_n also_o saint_n paul_n act._n 20._o 5._o 5._o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n take_v witness_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a consistory_n of_o elder_n use_v the_o same_o word_n presbyterion_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o this_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o place_n mean_v a_o consistory_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n who_o authority_n he_o do_v ratify_v with_o such_o power_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v by_o they_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o lord_n will_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v yea_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o precedent_n of_o their_o counsel_n to_o direct_v their_o consultation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o own_o church_n therefore_o in_o every_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consistory_n of_o elder_n or_o governor_n which_o with_o the_o pastor_n may_v take_v charge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o good_a order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n and_o the_o advauncement_n of_o true_a virtue_n these_o if_o they_o govern_v well_o as_o saint_n paul_n do_v testify_v be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n both_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o godly_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o good_a governor_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v discipline_n that_o discipline_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n from_o offend_v and_o to_o bring_v offender_n to_o repentance_n to_o avoid_v the_o infection_n of_o sin_n within_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reproach_n that_o grow_v by_o neglect_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n we_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o stand_v long_o in_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o itself_o be_v so_o apparent_a and_o have_v such_o plentiful_a testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o especial_o let_v the_o reason_n of_o saint_n paul_n 5._o 1._o cor._n 5._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 ●_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 he●_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
fellow_n poor_a which_o be_v more_o impotent_a they_o they_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o primative_a church_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o that_o walk_v disorderlye_o and_o labour_v not_o if_o they_o be_v able_a of_o which_o kind_n of_o people_n when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a multitude_n in_o this_o land_n that_o they_o do_v even_o overflowe_v the_o country_n and_o have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v practizer_n of_o great_a matter_n against_o the_o state_n it_o be_v marvel_n that_o neither_o by_o politic_a nor_o by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n they_o be_v bring_v into_o order_n and_o set_v to_o labour_n or_o else_o as_o saint_n paul_n prescribe_v so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o eat_v until_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_v 2._o thes._n 3._o 10._o but_o now_o to_o return_v to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n concern_v the_o form_n of_o choose_v of_o deacon_n we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a act_n 6._o that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o because_o we_o may_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o confusion_n in_o that_o bless_a company_n we_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v even_o in_o that_o assembly_n and_o first_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n certain_a elder_n appoint_v which_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n have_v the_o disposition_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o the_o elder_n be_v name_v with_o the_o apostle_n as_o act_n 15._o 4._o 12._o etc._n etc._n but_o especial_o concern_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o distribution_n unto_o the_o poor_a we_o read_v that_o when_o the_o church_n of_o antiochia_n be_v so_o well_o dispose_v as_o to_o make_v a_o collection_n to_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o poor_a brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o jury_n they_o send_v unto_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n act_n 11._o 30._o 30._o by_o which_o it_o appearethe_v that_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o disposition_n and_o appoint_v of_o such_o as_o shall_v destribute_v it_o unto_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v the_o deacon_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o he_o that_o shall_v do_v any_o service_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v choose_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v further_a of_o from_o all_o tirannye_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v as_o far_o from_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n tyranny_n be_v avoid_v when_o no_o one_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n shall_v presume_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o wise_a and_o authorize_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n confusion_n be_v prevent_v by_o the_o grave_a counsel_n and_o orderlye_v assembly_n of_o elder_n unto_o who_o the_o church_n have_v commit_v her_o authority_n by_o this_o it_o may_v easy_o appear_v what_o great_a default_n there_o be_v in_o our_o church_n where_o those_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ordain_v deacon_n never_o purpose_v in_o their_o life_n to_o execute_v any_o part_n of_o a_o deacon_n office_n neither_o be_v choose_v for_o that_o end_n but_o only_o that_o within_o a_o short_a time_n after_o they_o may_v be_v make_v priest_n or_o minister_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n differ_v from_o the_o superstition_n of_o popery_n where_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n be_v confer_v only_o as_o a_o step_n unto_o priesthood_n as_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o everye_o one_o which_o be_v ordain_v a_o elder_a shall_v first_o be_v a_o deacon_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o deacon_n he_o be_v but_o a_o idol_n yea_o scarce_o a_o idol_n of_o a_o deacon_n have_v no_o resemblance_n at_o all_o unto_o a_o deacon_n indeed_o but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n this_o profane_v of_o god_n institution_n god_n will_v not_o always_o suffer_v unpunished_a especial_o when_o it_o be_v not_o maintain_v of_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n but_o defend_v against_o knowledge_n and_o upon_o wilfulness_n therefore_o the_o collector_n be_v more_o like_a to_o deacons_n a_o great_a deal_n than_o those_o that_o the_o bishop_n make_v deacon_n for_o first_o they_o have_v after_o a_o sort_n election_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o other_o have_v but_o the_o approbation_n of_o one_o man_n and_o second_o they_o gather_v and_o distribute_v the_o common_a alm_n unto_o the_o poor_a which_o the_o other_o never_o think_v of_o but_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o allow_v they_o for_o lawful_a deacon_n indeed_o because_o they_o be_v not_o always_o endue_v with_o such_o quality_n as_o the_o apostle_n require_v 1._o tim._n 2._o ●_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o good_a estimation_n in_o the_o church_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o wisdom_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v acts._n 6._o for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o office_n of_o good_a credit_n so_o ought_v the_o person_n to_o be_v of_o good_a reputation_n therefore_o say_v s._n paul_n that_o those_o deacon_n that_o minister_v well_o do_v get_v themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n 13._o and_o great_a liberty_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n insomuch_o that_o s._n paul_n himself_o do_v salute_v in_o special_a word_n the_o deacon_n next_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o philipi_n 1._o we_o read_v also_o what_o worthy_a man_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v the_o first_o deacon_n as_o stephen_n the_o first_o martyr_n and_o philip_n which_o afterward_o be_v a_o evangelist_n when_o the_o church_n be_v disperse_v thoroughe_o the_o persecution_n raise_v about_o stephen_n so_o that_o every_o ignorant_a contemptible_a personne_fw-fr be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v unto_o this_o office_n but_o as_o godly_a wise_a and_o worshipful_a as_o may_v convenientlye_o be_v find_v in_o the_o congregation_n may_v not_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o minister_v unto_o christ_n in_o his_o member_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o election_n also_o of_o our_o collector_n be_v too_o profane_a for_o so_o holy_a a_o office_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n act_n 6._o 6._o with_o what_o gravitye_n reverence_n and_o religiousnesse_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v deacon_n with_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a cause_n although_o the_o ordinary_a collector_n have_v some_o resemblance_n with_o the_o deaconship_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o can_v in_o all_o point_n allow_v they_o for_o deacon_n who_o office_n true_o consist_v only_o in_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o that_o they_o be_v deacon_n we_o have_v declare_v before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n the_o one_o join_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v pastor_n the_o other_o with_o the_o synod_n or_o holy_a assembly_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v entreat_v hitherto_o now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o latter_a there_o arise_v oftentimes_o in_o the_o church_n diverse_a controversye_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o express_v pertain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o by_o a_o general_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o pastoure_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v call_v a_o synod_n or_o general_a counsel_n also_o there_o be_v diverse_a case_n wherein_o the_o several_a church_n be_v drive_v to_o pray_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o synod_n where_o matter_n can_v not_o be_v determine_v among_o themselves_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v ordain_v these_o holy_a assemble_v with_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o himself_o will_v be_v among_o they_o with_o the_o synod_n the_o pastor_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v concern_v regiment_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o have_v to_o inquire_v of_o what_o person_n a_o synod_n do_v consist_v for_o which_o intent_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o act._n 15._o 6._o that_o when_o a_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v use_v by_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v convert_v of_o the_o gentile_n the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o exclude_v appear_v by_o the_o 12._o verse_n the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v persuade_v by_o the_o argument_n allege_v by_o peter_n hold_v their_o peace_n and_o quiet_o hear_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n declare_v what_o sign_n &_o wonder_n god_n have_v wrought_v by_o they_o amongst_o the_o
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 order_n be_v observe_v so_o after_o the_o matter_n be_v thorough_o discuss_v by_o the_o godly_a argument_n allege_v by_o peter_n and_o barnabas_n &_o paul_n the_o controversy_n be_v conclude_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o james_n to_o who_o that_o prerogative_n be_v grant_v not_o of_o singular_a authority_n but_o for_o order_n sake_n and_o this_o place_n do_v admonish_v we_o to_o entreat_v some_o what_o of_o the_o preeminence_n of_o one_o elder_a or_o pastor_n above_o the_o rest_n we_o confess_v that_o in_o every_o assembly_n or_o company_n some_o one_o of_o necessity_n must_v have_v this_o prerogative_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o same_o with_o reason_n or_o else_o great_a confusion_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v but_o this_o preeminence_n be_v only_o of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o authority_n as_o to_o propound_v matter_n to_o be_v decide_v to_o gather_v the_o reason_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n 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 ou●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
wisdom_n of_o the_o synod_n therefore_o aught_o to_o have_v such_o regard_n of_o all_o church_n that_o they_o have_v special_a respect_n to_o everye_o one_o wherein_o we_o of_o long_a time_n in_o england_n have_v be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o untrue_a principle_n that_o uniformity_n must_v be_v in_o all_o place_n and_o thing_n a_o like_a as_o though_o we_o will_v feed_v old_a man_n and_o suck_a infant_n all_o with_o one_o kind_n of_o meat_n or_o as_o though_o we_o will_v clothe_v all_o age_n in_o a_o robe_n of_o one_o assize_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o absurd_a compel_v man_n of_o ripe_a age_n to_o suck_v the_o dug_n to_o wear_v their_o biggin_n and_o to_o carry_v rattle_n and_o other_o childish_a babble_n our_o land_n be_v not_o yet_o whole_o convert_v to_o christ_n so_o great_a have_v be_v our_o negligence_n hitherto_o therefore_o there_o can_v not_o be_v such_o a_o uniformitye_n of_o order_n in_o all_o place_n as_o shall_v be_v profitable_a for_o all_o therefore_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o the_o overseer_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n what_o order_n be_v most_o meet_a for_o diverse_a place_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n what_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o they_o that_o be_v new_o come_v and_o what_o for_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o that_o be_v very_o well_o come_v on_o the_o same_o doctrine_n although_o not_o the_o same_o part_n of_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v every_o where_n but_o ceremony_n even_o as_o they_o be_v ceremony_n do_v admit_v variety_n as_o time_n person_n and_o occasion_n serve_v to_o be_v diverse_a yea_o christian_n liberty_n in_o they_o sometime_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v testify_v because_o there_o be_v many_o so_o simple_a that_o they_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n there_o be_v that_o think_v a_o cross_n or_o font_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v as_o necessary_a in_o baptism_n as_o water_n and_o that_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n be_v more_o necessary_a than_o preach_v of_o the_o lord_n death_n that_o a_o surplus_n in_o common_a prayer_n be_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o devoute_a mind_n and_o great_a occasion_n offer_v to_o the_o ignorant_a so_o to_o think_v when_o they_o see_v they_o that_o preach_v most_o diligent_o pray_v most_o feruentlye_o and_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n most_o reverent_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n to_o be_v displace_v of_o all_o ministry_n for_o a_o cross_n or_o a_o fonte_fw-la or_o a_o surplus_n or_o some_o such_o other_o trifle_n the_o synod_n therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a in_o ordain_v of_o ceremony_n not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v pure_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o that_o they_o be_v expediente_a for_o the_o time_n and_o personne_n for_o who_o use_n they_o be_v ordain_v and_o as_o wilful_a contemner_n of_o good_a order_n establish_v by_o public_a authority_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v correct_v so_o entangle_v of_o man_n conscience_n or_o tyrannical_a coaction_n in_o these_o indifferente_a matter_n must_v always_o be_v avoid_v the_o synod_n have_v further_a authority_n concern_v discipline_n to_o refourme_v and_o redress_v by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n all_o such_o defaulte_n and_o controversy_n as_o can_v be_v determine_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n as_o for_o example_n if_o the_o pastor_n himself_o have_v need_n to_o be_v severelye_o punish_v where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o pastor_n in_o a_o church_n or_o if_o elder_n which_o shall_v be_v refourmer_n of_o other_o have_v notoriouslye_o misgovern_a themselves_o or_o if_o they_o have_v be_v lead_v by_o affection_n to_o condemn_v a_o innocent_a or_o to_o justify_v the_o ungodlye_a in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a case_n all_o contention_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n some_o example_n we_o have_v thereof_o acts._n 15._o 15._o where_o those_o contentious_a schismatic_n that_o withstand_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n at_o antiochia_n be_v constrain_v to_o yield_v by_o authority_n of_o the_o council_n and_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n restore_v to_o their_o credit_n for_o which_o cause_n synod_n ought_v oftentimes_o to_o be_v assemble_v though_o not_o general_a of_o the_o whole_a realm_n but_o particular_a of_o every_o province_n or_o shire_n as_o it_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v reform_v may_v be_v redress_v with_o speed_n last_o of_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o election_n of_o pastor_n be_v a_o great_a &_o weighty_a matter_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o one_o man_n but_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o shall_v be_v choose_v both_o for_o better_a advice_n in_o choose_v of_o a_o meet_a man_n and_o for_o authority_n in_o cause_v he_o to_o accept_v their_o election_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o judgement_n of_o the_o particular_a synod_n that_o no_o one_o man_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v pastor_n and_o to_o impose_v they_o over_o church_n have_v be_v before_o declare_v by_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o although_o they_o be_v apostle_n yet_o will_v they_o not_o challenge_v that_o prerogative_n unto_o themselves_o but_o by_o common_a election_n they_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n acts._n 14._o 23._o 23._o timothy_n also_o receive_v his_o charge_n although_o it_o be_v through_o prophecy_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n 1._o timoth._n 4._o 14._o 14._o therefore_o as_o it_o have_v be_v evident_o declare_v before_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n consist_v of_o grave_n wise_a and_o godly_a man_n aught_o to_o inquire_v when_o the_o pastor_n place_n be_v void_a where_o they_o may_v find_v a_o man_n meet_v to_o supply_v his_o room_n and_o therein_o to_o desire_v aid_n of_o the_o synod_n the_o man_n by_o such_o godly_a advice_n so_o choose_v aught_o to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o of_o they_o to_o be_v allow_v and_o receive_v if_o no_o man_n can_v show_v any_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o the_o contrary_n this_o be_v the_o right_a election_n and_o ordain_v of_o pastor_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o practise_v by_o the_o primative_a church_n two_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n until_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n grow_v to_o work_v more_o open_o to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o tyrannical_a kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n by_o this_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v that_o our_o presentation_n of_o patron_n be_v both_o profane_a and_o prejudicial_a our_o give_v of_o order_n by_o byshoppe_n be_v presumptuous_a and_o full_a of_o absurdity_n first_o because_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n dare_v do_v that_o be_v without_o election_n of_o church_n to_o ordain_v elder_n second_o that_o they_o give_v a_o office_n without_o a_o charge_n to_o make_v a_o pastor_n and_o send_v he_o to_o seek_v a_o flock_n where_o he_o can_v find_v it_o which_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n as_o if_o one_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v a_o churchwarden_n and_o have_v never_o a_o church_n to_o keep_v or_o make_v a_o constable_n that_o have_v never_o a_o town_n or_o place_n appoint_v whereof_o he_o shall_v be_v constable_n for_o the_o name_n of_o a_o pastor_n elder_a or_o overseer_n be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n in_o act_n and_o esse_fw-la because_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a relative_n and_o not_o a_o potential_a abilitye_n in_o the_o cloud_n if_o byshoppe_n as_o they_o be_v now_o be_v consecrate_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n to_o seek_v their_o byshopricke_n where_o they_o can_v find_v they_o it_o 〈◊〉_d no_o great_a absurdity_n than_o it_o be_v to_o ordain_v pastoure_n and_o let_v they_o proll_v where_o they_o can_v for_o their_o benefice_n thirdlye_o by_o this_o wander_a we_o may_v also_o say_v vagabounde_v ministry_n shift_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o in_o all_o place_n to_o be_v count_v a_o minister_n where_o he_o have_v no_o charge_n it_o will_v grieve_v a_o man_n to_o think_v what_o inconvenience_n do_v follow_v but_o principal_o how_o filthy_o it_o stink_v of_o the_o old_a popish_a indelible_a character_n from_o whence_o it_o have_v his_o ground_n and_o neither_o of_o any_o reason_n or_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o forsooth_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_a that_o it_o may_v abide_v no_o reformation_n four_o if_o you_o will_v see_v how_o well_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o claim_v and_o practice_n be_v use_v of_o they_o that_o only_o have_v the_o choice_n and_o admission_n of_o minister_n look_v over_o the_o whole_a realm_n of_o england_n what_o a_o multitude_n of_o unfit_a pastor_n shall_v you_o
they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o visible_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o philip_n do_v not_o the_o same_o philip_n in_o act._n 21._o 8._o verse_n 8._o be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n so_o be_v timothy_n 2._o timoth._n 4._o 5._o 5_o such_o be_v titus_n silus_n and_o many_o other_o this_o office_n also_o with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v expire_v and_o have_v no_o place_n likewise_o as_o we_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a of_o power_n or_o miracle_n and_o of_o diverse_a tongue_n have_v long_o since_o cease_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n so_o the_o office_n of_o they_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o these_o gift_n must_v also_o cease_v and_o be_v determine_v therefore_o the_o papist_n do_v vain_o retain_v the_o name_n &_o office_n of_o exorcist_n when_o they_o can_v cast_v out_o devil_n &_o extreme_a unction_n when_o they_o can_v cure_v dissease_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n which_o they_o have_v not_o by_o inspiration_n &_o that_o without_o any_o interpretation_n which_o saint_n paul_n express_o forbid_v 14._o there_o remain_v therefore_o of_o these_o before_o rehearse_v only_o in_o the_o church_n these_o ecclesiastical_a office_n institute_v of_o god_n church_n namely_o pastor_n doctor_n governor_n and_o deacon_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v direct_v in_o all_o matter_n which_o be_v common_o call_v ecclesiastical_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a so_o it_o be_v unneedeful_a for_o man_n follow_v the_o devise_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n to_o institute_v and_o ordain_v any_o other_o office_n or_o kind_n of_o ministry_n beside_o these_o appoint_v &_o approve_v by_o god_n himself_o exercise_v in_o the_o primitive_a &_o pure_a church_n until_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v a_o way_n for_o antichristes_n pride_n &_o presumption_n change_v god_n ordinance_n and_o bring_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o false_a doctrine_n &_o confusion_n and_o now_o again_o restore_v in_o all_o right_o reform_a church_n with_o such_o daily_a increase_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o suppression_n of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n that_o the_o only_a experience_n hereof_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a persuasion_n to_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o disorder_a state_n of_o we_o wherein_o we_o have_v so_o long_o labour_v with_o so_o little_a profit_n and_o to_o embrace_v that_o most_o beautiful_a order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n which_o god_n so_o manifestlye_o do_v bless_v and_o prosper_v in_o our_o neighbour_n hand_n but_o while_o we_o speak_v of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n it_o may_v be_v think_v of_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v entreat_v first_o of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o christian_a prince_n whereupon_o it_o seem_v that_o all_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v which_o be_v such_o a_o mist_n to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o ignorant_a person_n that_o they_o think_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n aught_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o that_o only_a high_a authority_n and_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n other_o there_o be_v with_o more_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o refer_v only_o indifferent_a matter_n to_o the_o disposition_n of_o prince_n but_o in_o determine_v indifferent_a matter_n they_o show_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a judge_n for_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o themselves_o to_o call_v or_o count_v indifferent_a it_o must_v be_v so_o hold_v of_o all_o man_n without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n but_o of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o christian_n prince_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n how_o far_o it_o extend_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v better_a occasion_n to_o entreat_v hereafter_o when_o we_o have_v describe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o needful_a nor_o agreeable_a to_o good_a order_n of_o teach_v to_o begin_v first_o therewith_o it_o may_v be_v plain_a to_o everye_o man_n by_o this_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a in_o all_o her_o regiment_n before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a prince_n yea_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v stand_v and_o do_v stand_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o bless_a estate_n where_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o great_a favourer_n by_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o regiment_n and_o government_n thereof_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n but_o upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n who_o have_v most_o merciful_o and_o wise_o so_o establish_v the_o same_o that_o as_o with_o the_o comfortable_a aid_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n it_o may_v singulerlie_o flourish_v &_o prosper_v so_o without_o it_o it_o may_v continue_v and_o against_o the_o adversary_n thereof_o prevail_v for_o the_o church_n crave_v help_v &_o defence_n of_o christian_n prince_n to_o continue_v &_o go_v forward_o more_o peaceable_o &_o profitable_o to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o her_o authority_n she_o receive_v immediate_o of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o return_v to_o those_o office_n of_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v institute_v &_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o which_o before_o we_o have_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v only_o these_o doctor_n pastor_n governor_n &_o deacon_n whereof_o some_o appertain_v to_o doctrine_n doctor_n some_o to_o government_n and_o discipline_n the_o duty_n of_o doctor_n &_o pastor_n be_v chief_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o learn_v the_o office_n of_o elder_n &_o deacon_n be_v to_o provide_v that_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n these_o office_n be_v right_o establish_v &_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n according_a to_o doctrine_n 13._o and_o both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o order_n of_o government_n to_o make_v we_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n 27._o and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o now_o what_o shall_v be_v desire_v more_o than_o this_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o what_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v espy_v better_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o what_o mean_v this_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o effect_v which_o we_o do_v desire_n what_o man_n wit_n can_v devise_v better_o than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v express_v or_o when_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o order_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o own_o house_n what_o presumption_n of_o man_n dare_v change_v it_o but_o what_o dare_v not_o dust_n &_o ash_n presune_v to_o do_v against_o his_o maker_n &_o that_o with_o great_a inconvenience_n when_o with_o best_a pretence_n of_o correct_v and_o reform_v that_o which_o they_o do_v think_v to_o be_v unperfect_a in_o his_o do_n example_n thereof_o we_o have_v most_o evident_a that_o which_o be_v allege_v as_o the_o chief_a defence_n of_o this_o disorder_a state_n which_o now_o remain_v in_o our_o church_n namely_o that_o our_o father_n of_o old_a time_n be_v not_o content_a with_o the_o simple_a order_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o establish_v by_o his_o apostle_n but_o for_o better_a govern_v of_o the_o church_n think_v good_a some_o office_n to_o add_v thereto_o some_o to_o take_v away_o some_o to_o alter_v &_o change_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o perverte_v and_o overthrow_v all_o christian_n and_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 20._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o cheeft_a corner_n stone_n but_o how_o unhappy_a a_o success_n this_o good_a intent_n as_o they_o call_v it_o of_o they_o deserve_v to_o have_v of_o god_n who_o always_o abhor_v all_o good_a intentes_fw-la of_o man_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n express_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o age_n before_o we_o alas_o have_v feel_v the_o present_a time_n do_v plain_o see_v and_o we_o pray_v god_n the_o posterity_n warn_v by_o example_n of_o their_o ancestor_n may_v take_v heed_n of_o it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v special_o two_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n doctrine_n and_o discipline_n as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v say_v knowledge_n and_o practice_n by_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v seek_v and_o shine_v therein_o in_o steed_n of_o true_a doctrine_n follow_v all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n of_o the_o same_o both_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o in_o every_o part_n thereof_o as_o ignorance_n heresy_n idolatry_n superstition_n etc._n etc._n the_o discipline_n degenerate_v unto_o intolerable_a tyranny_n
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 or●_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 ●uery_n church_n of_o derbe_n 23_o lystra_n iconi●m_n and_o tichia_n and_o all_o the_o congrega●●ons_n about_o second_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n be_v ●ot_n only_o to_o teach_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o ●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 ●home_n they_o have_v charge_n with_o ex●ortation_n and_o reprehension_n with_o consolation_n of_o the_o afflict_a &_o threat_v ●ing_v of_o the_o obstinate_a etc._n etc._n this_o in_o ●we_a word_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o s._n paul_n ●●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 ●●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 exhortati●●_n the_o doctor_n therefore_o teach_v without_o exhortation_n the_o pastor_n tea●heth_v and_o exhort_v withal_o more_o 〈◊〉_d large_a he_o set_v forth_o the_o same_o offi●●_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 ●●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 o●_n his_o charge_n
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
¶_o a_o brief_a and_o plain_a declaration_n concern_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o those_o faithful_a minister_n that_o have_v and_o do_v seek_v for_o the_o discipline_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o just_a apology_n against_o the_o false_a accusation_n and_o slander_n of_o their_o adversary_n god_n be_v my_o defender_n at_o london_n print_v by_o robert_n waldegrave_n 1584._o a_o praeface_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o holy_a prophet_n have_v oftentimes_o 10._o *_o but_o search_v when_o and_o at_o what_o time_n the_o foresee_a spirit_n of_o god_n declare_v unto_o they_o the_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v have_v thereupon_o enter_v into_o great_a lamentation_n for_o the_o same_o and_o have_v not_o only_o weep_v and_o fast_v themselves_o 4._o *_o but_o have_v compile_v for_o the_o church_n whole_a book_n of_o lamentation_n therein_o instruct_v they_o what_o way_n to_o take_v 2._o for_o appease_v the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n break_v out_o against_o they_o which_o duty_n in_o semblable_a manner_n shall_v now_o long_o ago_o have_v be_v do_v of_o we_o do_v not_o the_o hope_n we_o conceive_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o tempest_n confirm_v we_o in_o such_o expectation_n of_o her_o majesty_n and_o her_o most_o honourable_a counsel_n as_o that_o according_a to_o their_o clemency_n towards_o the_o poor_a minister_n and_o their_o family_n but_o most_o especial_o according_a to_o their_o holy_a and_o zealous_a care_n which_o ought_v to_o abound_v for_o the_o clean_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o canaanite_n and_o plant_v hedge_v prune_a and_o continual_a preserve_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o vineyard_n from_o fox_n yea_o little_a fox_n this_o civil_a war_n as_o a_o man_n may_v say_v of_o the_o church_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o that_o blood_n 26._o *_o whereof_o paul_n speak_v be_v pour_v to_o the_o ground_n shall_v by_o their_o holy_a and_o just_a authority_n full_o be_v end_v now_o when_o as_o we_o at_o this_o time_n be_v subject_a almost_o unto_o all_o the_o affliction_n which_o can_v come_v unto_o a_o church_n bless_v of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o christian_n and_o happy_a regiment_n as_o to_o the_o profane_a scoff_v of_o the_o *_o 4_o hammonit_n at_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n 7._o as_o at_o a_o wall_n which_o a_o fox_n shall_v destroy_v to_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o the_o arraby_n and_o those_o of_o ashod_a to_o the_o false_a 6._o *_o charge_n of_o sedition_n contempt_n of_o all_o good_a law_n and_o proceed_n like_v to_o that_o of_o sanballat_n yea_o to_o the_o 12_o *_o prophet_n themselves_o undermine_v nay_o revile_v displace_v and_o grievouslye_o afflict_v the_o godly_a and_o learned_a ministry_n &_o so_o consequent_o plague_a the_o church_n with_o that_o plague_n whereby_o 9_o *_o the_o priest_n may_v mourn_v 13._o because_o there_o be_v no_o offering_n and_o the_o people_n perish_v even_o the_o young_a man_n with_o the_o famine_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v when_o i_o say_v we_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o these_o we_o can_v think_v of_o no_o way_n for_o reconcile_a the_o brethren_n at_o variance_n &_o after_o a_o most_o sure_a &_o holy_a union_n of_o both_o their_o force_n for_o a_o courageous_a set_n upon_o the_o common_a adversary_n than_o the_o certain_a peaceable_a and_o reasonable_a way_n follow_v which_o be_v that_o whereas_o both_o by_o book_n already_o write_v and_o by_o treatize_n latelye_a and_o now_o publish_v it_o may_v appear_v we_o seek_v that_o which_o at_o the_o least_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v no_o small_a probability_n as_o we_o judge_v necessity_n of_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n it_o may_v please_v her_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n and_o their_o honour_n to_o appoint_v on_o both_o side_n the_o best_a learned_a most_o godly_a &_o moderate_a man_n to_o debate_v all_o difference_n of_o weight_n between_o they_o and_o us._n so_o that_o first_o upon_o sufficient_a consideration_n the_o question_n to_o be_v debate_v be_v without_o all_o ambiguity_n set_v down_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o side_n without_o all_o out-goynges_a short_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o writing_n each_o to_o other_o that_o after_o upon_o sufficient_a examination_n the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v continual_o confirm_v and_o resolve_v till_o either_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n one_o part_n yield_v unto_o the_o other_o or_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o those_o which_o gaynesay_v it_o do_v in_o equal_a judgement_n become_v manifest_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n whereto_o they_o shall_v be_v dryven_v by_o the_o force_n of_o god_n word_n which_o way_n though_o it_o shall_v come_v naked_a unto_o we_o can_v not_o well_o be_v refuse_v but_o be_v rich_o attire_v with_o all_o robe_n and_o ornament_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o the_o synodical_a assembly_n for_o such_o conference_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v 7._o *_o much_o search_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o sufficient_a reason_n without_o all_o by_o matter_n quarrel_n evasion_n and_o colour_n whatsoever_o that_o there_o be_v much_o 32._o *_o order_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o everye_o prophet_n shall_v be_v subject_a unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o other_o prophet_n &_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o be_v sufficient_o hear_v without_o stop_v of_o free_a &_o sufficient_a answer_n without_o lordly_a carry_v away_o of_o the_o matter_n with_o no_o substance_n of_o reason_n where_o no_o authority_n pregnancy_n of_o wit_n plausible_a persuasion_n of_o man_n wisdom_n shall_v turn_v the_o truth_n aside_o but_o all_o shall_v stand_v in_o the_o 4._o *_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o god_n spirit_n last_o that_o there_o be_v 33_o *_o peace_n without_o all_o bitterness_n revilinge_n suspicion_n charging_n of_o man_n dead_a &_o alive_a whereby_o affection_n be_v move_v judgement_n blind_v and_o man_n drive_v as_o with_o a_o mighty_a stream_n from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o it_o come_v thus_o adorn_v we_o think_v that_o which_o we_o labour_v to_o procure_v to_o be_v so_o honourable_a 16._o *_o not_o only_o before_o god_n but_o also_o before_o man_n that_o none_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o it_o then_o we_o do_v for_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o grave_a authority_n of_o archbishop_n &_o bishop_n shall_v receive_v a_o check_n while_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o they_o judge_v few_o young_a unlearned_a and_o not_o comparable_a to_o themselves_o or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o challenge_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o papist_n or_o last_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o government_n establish_v it_o may_v please_v their_o wisdom_n who_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n to_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v to_o answer_v unto_o these_o thing_n which_o if_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n his_o word_n contain_v the_o safe_a &_o best_a way_n in_o such_o case_n tend_v to_o the_o full_a quiet_v of_o all_o and_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o plague_n which_o be_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v like_o daily_o further_a to_o come_v even_o from_o the_o common_a adversary_n we_o may_v bold_o yet_o most_o humble_o upon_o our_o knee_n require_v they_o before_o god_n and_o all_o his_o elect_a angel_n no●_n to_o cast_v it_o away_o wherefore_o for_o the_o first_o let_v we_o grant_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o they_o make_v of_o year_n and_o learning_n yet_o the_o speech_n of_o elihu_n give_v they_o sufficient_a answer_n 8._o that_o this_o understanding_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o such_o outward_a respect_n but_o to_o the_o 22._o *_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o accept_v in_o such_o case_n the_o person_n of_o man_n or_o to_o give_v title_n be_v but_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o destroy_v us._n yea_o let_v the_o memorable_a example_n of_o ver_fw-la *_o ezechias_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o 23._o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o counsel_n of_o *_o 1._o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o even_o of_o *_o etc._n peter_n in_o yield_v to_o the_o challenge_n of_o some_o not_o so_o well_o instruct_v move_v they_o who_o not_o only_o not_o refuse_v the_o levite_n &_o elder_n but_o accept_v the_o people_n in_o some_o manner_n to_o be_v hear_v to_o speak_v and_o to_o authorise_v their_o determination_n and_o writing_n at_o least_o let_v their_o own_o opinion_n that_o in_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o deliverye_n of_o doctrine_n 389._o we_o be_v equal_a with_o they_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o refuse_v those_o who_o if_o they_o can_v strain_v their_o conscience_n to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o archbish._n article_n they_o will_v glad_o receive_v they_o to_o be_v the_o ambassador_n of_o jesus_n christ._n as_o for_o the_o fewne_n it_o may_v be_v if_o the_o ignorant_a minister_n the_o variety_n of_o other_o
as_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 16._o but_o chief_o in_o numb_a 11._o 16._o where_o god_n ordain_v seventy_o ancient_n to_o assist_v moses_n in_o his_o government_n who_o be_v also_o endue_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n from_o which_o time_n it_o become_v a_o ordinary_a office_n and_o name_n of_o governor_n in_o israel_n wherein_o we_o have_v to_o note_v against_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v never_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o name_n of_o sacrifice_a priest_n which_o be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o often_o be_v call_v elder_n of_o the_o similitude_n of_o those_o ancient_a that_o govern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n whereas_o if_o they_o have_v be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o be_v sacrificer_n the_o similitude_n &_o name_n of_o sacrifice_a priest_n will_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o have_v agree_v unto_o they_o but_o whereas_o both_o these_o name_n be_v usual_a among_o the_o jew_n jereus_n and_o presbyteroi_n the_o one_o signifi_v sacrificer_n and_o the_o other_o elder_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v often_o call_v the_o minister_n elder_n but_o evermore_o preciselye_o avoyd_v to_o name_v they_o sacrificer_n or_o priest_n as_o we_o use_v the_o term_n yea_o though_o they_o succeed_v they_o in_o one_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o office_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o teach_v as_o it_o ●s_v write_v 7._o the_o lip_n of_o the_o priest_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o man_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o sacrifice_a priesthood_n of_o aaron_n 24_o be_v whole_o translate_v unto_o christ_n in_o who_o only_o it_o rest_v and_o pass_v from_o he_o to_o none_o other_o but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n the_o pastor_n be_v call_v act._n 14._o 23_o 23._o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v elder_n by_o election_n in_o everye_o congregation_n and_o act._n 20._o 17._o 17._o paul_n send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n to_o miletum_n also_o ●he_n affirm_v those_o elder_n especial_o 17._o which_o labour_n in_o preach_v and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n which_o place_n also_o testify_v of_o a_o other_o kind_n of_o elder_n of_o who_o we_o shall_v ●have_fw-mi occasion_v to_o speak_v more_o hereafter_o 5._o who_o office_n consist_v only_o in_o government_n and_o not_o in_o public_a teach_n moreover_o he_o show_v that_o he_o appoint_v titus_n to_o ordain_v eldersin_n every_o city_n and_o afterward_o describe_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v choose_v into_o the_o office_n 14._o also_o saint_n james_n in_o cap._n 5._o 14._o will_v that_o if_o any_o be_v sick_a they_o shall_v call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o healinge_v at_o that_o time_n shall_v pray_v for_o the_o disease_a and_o anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v restore_v to_o his_o health_n final_o saint_n peter_n 2._o as_o a_o fellow_n elder_n exhort_v the_o elder_n to_o employ_v all_o their_o diligence_n to_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n an_o other_o name_n they_o have_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v superintendent_o or_o overseer_n because_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v vigilant_a and_o watchful_a to_o oversee_v the_o flock_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o which_o name_n be_v never_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o such_o bishop_n as_o claim_v and_o exercise_v dominion_n and_o authority_n over_o whole_a region_n &_o all_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o same_o but_o only_o for_o those_o that_o be_v pastor_n of_o every_o several_a congregation_n have_v no_o superiority_n ●uer_v their_o fellow_n pastor_n but_o be_v all_o of_o equal_a dignity_n and_o authority_n so_o be_v ●hey_n name_v act._n 20._o 17._o where_o s._n luke_n in_o ●he_n 17._o vers_fw-la call_v they_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n s._n paul_n in_o the_o 28._o ●erse_n call_v the_o same_o overseer_n say_v take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o ●hole_a flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ●ath_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v or_o go●erne_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n in_o this_o ●lace_n all_o the_o three_o appellation_n concur_v namely_o of_o overseer_n plaine●e_v and_o pastoure_n inclusive_o in_o the_o ●orde_n flock_n and_o in_o the_o word_n pot●ainan_n which_o signify_v to_o feed_v or_o govern_v as_o a_o pastor_n do_v his_o sheep_n where_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o byshoppe_n or_o overseer_n of_o one_o city_n be_v many_o which_o plainelye_o argu●th_v that_o they_o be_v none_o such_o as_o now_o a_o day_n be_v common_o call_v bishop_n which_o can_v be_v but_o one_o in_o one_o whole_a diocese_n much_o less_o many_o in_o one_o city_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n use_v by_o s._n paul_n philip_n 1._o 1_o where_o he_o &_o timothy_n send_v salutation_n unto_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o which_o be_v in_o the_o city_n of_o philippi_n which_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n or_o pastor_n else_o will_v he_o not_o have_v salute_v in_o special_a word_n the_o deacon_n which_o be_v in_o inferior_a office_n and_o omit_v the_o elder_n which_o be_v of_o more_o excellent_a call_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o speak_v 8._o he_o describe_v the_o quality_n of_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n likewise_o unto_o titus_n 1._o 5._o he_o call_v they_o elder_n and_o immediate_o after_o discribe_v the_o quality_n of_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v ordain_v elder_n he_o call_v they_o bishop_n say_v for_o this_o cause_n do_v i_o leave_v thou_o in_o creta_n 7._o that_o thou_o shall_v continue_v to_o redress_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v and_o that_o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n if_o any_o be_v unreprovable_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n have_v faithful_a child_n which_o be_v not_o accuse_v of_o riot_n nor_o be_v disobedient_a for_o a_o bishop_n or_o over_o seer_n must_v be_v unreprovable_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n not_o froward_a etc._n etc._n final_o s._n peter_n chapter_n 5._o 1._o the_o place_n before_o allege_v comprehend_v all_o the_o three_o name_n of_o elder_n pastor_n &_o bishop_n 1._o the_o elder_n say_v he_o which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o beseech_v the_o name_n of_o pastor_n be_v understand_v by_o relation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v and_o the_o flock_n which_o he_o use_v also_o by_o the_o name_n of_o archipoymen_n which_o signify_v the_o chief_a of_o pastor_n which_o be_v our_o saviour_n christ._n the_o name_n of_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n be_v include_v in_o the_o word_n episcopounte_v which_o signify_v they_o which_o do_v careful_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n his_o exhortation_n be_v this_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o beseech_v 4._o which_o be_o also_o a_o fellow_n elder_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o a_o partaker_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v reveal_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o you_o so_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v careful_o overseeing_a not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n not_o as_o exercise_v lordship_n over_o the_o heritage_n but_o that_o you_o may_v be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o when_o the_o chief_a pastor_n shall_v appear_v you_o shall_v receive_v a_o incorruptible_a crown_n of_o glory_n s._n peter_n in_o this_o place_n reprove_v three_o notable_a vice_n which_o do_v great_a hurt_v among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n if_o they_o be_v not_o take_v heed_n of_o slothfulness_n in_o teach_v covetousness_n of_o lucre_n &_o ambitious_a desire_n of_o exercise_v lordship_n exhort_v they_o to_o painful_a diligence_n because_o they_o be_v bishop_n or_o overseer_n to_o a_o ready_a care_n because_o they_o be_v pastoure_n and_o therefore_o shall_v labour_v for_o love_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o not_o for_o lucre_n like_o hirelinge_n to_o modest_a humility_n because_o their_o chief_a dignity_n in_o that_o they_o be_v elder_n be_v to_o excel_v in_o godliness_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n which_o can_v be_v except_o they_o submit_v themselves_o and_o their_o life_n to_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o other_o man_n which_o most_o excellent_a virtue_n if_o they_o embrace_v they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v plentiful_o reward_v by_o he_o who_o only_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o elder_n pastor_n and_o bishop_n to_o who_o only_o these_o honourable_a name_n of_o
by_o other_o good_a mean_n reform_v univer_n sity_n by_o erect_v of_o doctor_n &_o teacher_n in_o as_o many_o place_n as_o may_v be_v by_o compel_v the_o unlearned_a minister_n in_o who_o be_v any_o towardness_n to_o become_v scholar_n in_o divinity_n with_o some_o allow_v aunce_n of_o live_v if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o study_v or_o else_o to_o send_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v to_o get_v their_o livinge_n with_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n and_o especial_o consider_v the_o gretnes_n of_o the_o harvest_n &_o fewne_n of_o the_o laborer_n by_o pray_v earnest_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n in_o this_o great_a necessity_n of_o we_o 38._o to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o god_n shall_v bless_v we_o with_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o learned_a pastor_n to_o take_v some_o extraordinary_a and_o temporal_a order_n for_o overseeing_a the_o church_n that_o although_o they_o can_v not_o be_v all_o sufficient_o instruct_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o many_o shall_v not_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a government_n as_o there_o be_v now_o in_o this_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o continue_v if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o be_v over_o hard_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v never_o work_v of_o more_o difficulty_n then_o to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o necessity_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o work_n shall_v cause_v we_o to_o stay_v nothing_o at_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o for_o with_o our_o faithful_a endeavour_n we_o shall_v not_o want_v the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o god_n who_o will_v bless_v our_o godly_a labour_n with_o great_a success_n than_o we_o can_v look_v for_o if_o god_n therefore_o will_v grant_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a mean_n may_v take_v place_n by_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o queen_n majesty_n and_o continue_v this_o comfortable_a peace_n which_o we_o enjoy_v under_o her_o most_o gracious_a government_n we_o dare_v jeopard_v our_o life_n that_o in_o less_o than_o half_a the_o time_n that_o be_v already_o prosperous_o pass_v of_o her_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a reign_n the_o necessity_n of_o learned_a pastor_n shall_v be_v so_o well_o supply_v as_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o great_a cause_n to_o complain_v for_o lack_v of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v use_v like_o diligence_n to_o continue_v they_o if_o not_o we_o will_v spend_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n in_o mourning_n &_o expectation_n of_o the_o heavy_a vengeance_n of_o god_n which_o must_v needs_o fall_v upon_o we_o for_o this_o manifest_a contempt_n of_o his_o express_a commandment_n and_o neglect_v of_o increase_v the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v bold_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n act._n 20._o 27._o we_o testify_v unto_o you_o this_o day_n that_o we_o be_v clean_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o you_o all_o for_o we_o have_v not_o fail_v to_o show_v you_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o regiment_n of_o his_o church_n hitherto_o we_o have_v somewhat_o at_o large_a set_v forth_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o pastor_n office_n which_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o same_o here_o follow_v now_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o consist_v in_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o god_n for_o see_v it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o add_v such_o outward_a sign_n to_o be_v help_n of_o our_o infirmity_n as_o seal_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n utter_v by_o his_o word_n rom._n 4._o 11._o he_o have_v appoint_v minister_n of_o the_o same_o 11._o to_o deliver_v they_o unto_o his_o people_n math._n 28._o 19_o 19_o luke_n 22._o 19_o for_o no_o man_n may_v take_v upon_o he_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 19_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n heb._n 3._o 4._o 4._o see_v therefore_o that_o god_n have_v give_v some_o to_o be_v pastor_n in_o his_o church_n ephes._n 4._o 11._o 11._o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a pasture_n of_o their_o soul_n appoint_v by_o god_n 1._o cor._n 4._o 1._o 1._o and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o spiritual_a food_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n appertain_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o who_o god_n have_v institute_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n he_o also_o have_v he_o make_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v compare_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o seal_n and_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o write_n so_o it_o appertain_v to_o he_o to_o deliver_v the_o seal_n which_o deliver_v the_o writing_n for_o as_o the_o seal_n have_v always_o relation_n unto_o the_o write_n so_o have_v the_o sacrament_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o everye_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n so_o this_o office_n appertain_v to_o none_o but_o to_o those_o which_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n authorise_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n say_v go_v you_o forth_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 19_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o likewise_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n go_v you_o forth_o into_o the_o whole_a world_n 15._o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v etc._n etc._n also_o institute_v his_o holy_a supper_n he_o say_v 19_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o which_o remembrance_n saint_n paul_n declare_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v celebrate_v by_o preach_v of_o the_o lord_n death_n so_o often_o say_v he_o as_o you_o shall_v eat_v of_o tbis_fw-la bread_n 24._o and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n you_o shall_v show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n until_o he_o come_v by_o these_o testimony_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o none_o but_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o baptise_v that_o be_v able_a to_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n death_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v deliver_v the_o outward_a sign_n thereof_o how_o intolerable_a a_o abuse_n than_o be_v it_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o commit_v the_o administration_n of_o they_o to_o those_o man_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o they_o and_o see_v the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o the_o outward_a ●art_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v take_v be_v lead_v and_o beggarly_a of_o themselves_o except_o they_o be_v animate_v and_o enti●hed_v with_o the_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o sacrament_n what_o can_v it_o be_v better_a than_o sacrilege_n to_o separate_v the_o ministratition_n of_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n compare_v the_o sacrament_n to_o seal_n that_o be_v add_v for_o confirmation_n of_o write_n we_o know_v well_o that_o a_o word_n or_o writing_n may_v be_v available_a without_o a_o seal_n but_o ●ever_o a_o seal_n without_o a_o writing_n therefore_o in_o this_o behalf_n we_o have_v ●ad_v great_a default_n so_o long_a time_n to_o commit_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o those_o man_n who_o not_o only_o have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v unable_a but_o also_o have_v be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a to_o be_v suffer_v in_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o permit_v the_o ministration_n of_o baptism_n not_o only_o to_o ignorant_a man_n but_o also_o to_o woman_n which_o have_v no_o voice_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o congregation_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 34._o 34._o &_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 11._o 11._o and_o that_o in_o private_a place_n but_o in_o case_n they_o say_v of_o necessity_n as_o though_o there_o be_v such_o necessity_n of_o the_o outward_a sign_n when_o it_o can_v be_v minister_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_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
read_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o christian_n king_n of_o france_n &_o spain_n yea_o and_o of_o this_o our_o britain_n also_o in_o govern_v their_o ecclesiastical_a state_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o their_o dominion_n but_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o for_o prince_n to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o priest_n as_o they_o call_v they_o be_v no_o supremacy_n but_o a_o subjection_n we_o answer_v it_o be_v no_o subjection_n unto_o man_n but_o to_o god_n &_o his_o word_n to_o do_v nothing_o in_o these_o matter_n but_o by_o the_o faithful_a advice_n of_o they_o that_o know_v his_o will_n &_o be_v bind_v to_o teach_v it_o unto_o all_o man_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v count_v a_o subjection_n for_o a_o prince_n in_o civil_a affair_n to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o wise_a and_o faithful_a counsellor_n whereby_o we_o see_v that_o if_o god_n ordinance_n be_v not_o plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o reason_n itself_o will_v conclude_v that_o if_o in_o temporal_a matter_n a_o wise_a prince_n will_v do_v nothing_o of_o weight_n without_o the_o counsel_n of_o wise_a man_n how_o much_o more_o in_o god_n business_n which_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n shall_v they_o not_o decree_v any_o thing_n with_o out_o the_o advice_n of_o they_o that_o be_v learn_v in_o those_o matter_n and_o if_o all_o prince_n by_o heathen_a wise_a man_n judgment_n be_v so_o ruler_n that_o they_o be_v servant_n of_o the_o law_n &_o of_o the_o common_a wealth_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v account_v for_o any_o dishonour_n unto_o prince_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n their_o father_n and_o to_o serve_v to_o the_o commodity_n of_o the_o church_n their_o mother_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o church_n then_o to_o be_v a_o monarch_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n of_o this_o honourable_a subjection_n to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n esay_n prophesi_v chapter_n 49._o 23._o king_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n father_n 23._o and_o queen_n shall_v be_v thy_o nurse_n they_o shall_v worship_v thou_o with_o their_o face_n towards_o the_o earth_n and_o lick_v the_o dust_n of_o thy_o foot_n and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o prophet_n mean_v that_o king_n and_o queen_n shall_v be_v so_o careful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v think_v no_o service_n too_o base_a for_o they_o so_o they_o may_v profit_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n withal_o unto_o this_o honourable_a subjection_n the_o holy_a ghost_n exhort_v prince_n in_o the_o second_o psalm_n after_o that_o they_o have_v try_v that_o they_o prevail_v nothing_o in_o stryve_v against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v now_o therefore_o wise_a o_o you_o king_n 11_o be_v learned_a that_o judge_v the_o earth_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o rejoice_v unto_o he_o with_o tremble_a declare_v that_o it_o be_v a_o joyful_a service_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o christ_n yea_o to_o serve_v god_n be_v indeed_o to_o reign_v and_o especial_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v where_o saint_n paul_n command_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o king_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n that_o he_o alleadgee_v this_o reason_n 2._o that_o we_o may_v lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n under_o their_o protection_n a_o godly_a and_o honest_a life_n we_o may_v live_v under_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecutor_n but_o a_o peaceable_a and_o quiet_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n only_o under_o a_o christian_n prince_n this_o thing_n therefore_o the_o church_n most_o humble_o desire_v of_o the_o prince_n for_o this_o end_n the_o church_n continual_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o prince_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n most_o obedient_o submit_v herself_o unto_o the_o prince_n as_o a_o child_n to_o his_o nurse_n that_o both_o prince_n and_o people_n may_v honour_v god_n in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o this_o life_n reign_n with_o christ_n everlasting_o thus_o have_v we_o brief_o set_v forth_o a_o form_n of_o reformation_n touch_v matter_n ecclesiastical_a as_o we_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v consent_v with_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n build_v only_o upon_o the_o most_o sure_a foundation_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n but_o intend_v more_o at_o large_a if_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v hereafter_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o practice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o godly_a father_n in_o their_o act_n counsel_n and_o write_n follow_v the_o same_o rule_n &_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v do_v therefore_o we_o protest_v before_o the_o live_a god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o before_o the_o queen_n majesty_n our_o most_o gracious_a sovereign_n &_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o all_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n that_o as_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v plain_o see_v we_o seek_v hereby_o not_o our_o own_o profit_n ease_n nor_o advancement_n but_o only_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o church_n so_o by_o this_o present_a writing_n we_o discharge_v our_o conscience_n according_a to_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o show_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o true_a way_n of_o reformation_n and_o to_o move_v they_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n and_o to_o seek_v by_o all_o lawful_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n that_o it_o may_v take_v place_n that_o if_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o give_v it_o good_a success_n at_o this_o time_n to_o be_v embrace_v we_o may_v fulfil_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o course_n with_o joy_n but_o if_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o let_v that_o this_o or_o the_o like_a ground_v upon_o god_n word_n may_v not_o now_o be_v receive_v yet_o the_o present_a age_n may_v see_v &_o judge_v what_o be_v the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o desire_n concern_v reformation_n which_o hitherto_o for_o lack_n of_o such_o a_o public_a testimonial_a have_v be_v subject_a to_o infinite_a slander_n devise_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o god_n truth_n &_o hindrance_n of_o godly_a proceeding_n unto_o reformation_n and_o that_o the_o posterity_n may_v know_v that_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o time_n be_v not_o general_o unknowen_a nor_o untestify_v concern_v the_o right_a regiment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n nor_o this_o disorder_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o popery_n deliver_v to_o our_o child_n without_o contradiction_n that_o our_o example_n shall_v not_o be_v prejudicial_a unto_o they_o as_o the_o example_n of_o our_o godly_a father_n which_o in_o this_o point_n neglect_v their_o duty_n have_v be_v prejudicial_a unto_o us._n the_o lord_n grant_v for_o christ_n sake_n that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o perfection_n god_n may_v open_v all_o our_o eye_n to_o see_v the_o same_o and_o bend_v our_o heart_n earnest_o to_o labour_v to_o attain_v thereunto_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n so_o far_o as_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o we_o may_v proceed_v all_o by_o one_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v be_v like_o affection_a to_o seek_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o build_v up_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o temple_n that_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o with_o one_o voice_n we_o may_v praise_v the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o holy_a temple_n which_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o be_v all_o honour_n &_o dominion_n for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la 1._o pet._n 9_o 10._o lamen_n 1._o 2_o 3._o 4._o joel._n 2._o act._n 20._o 26._o neh._n 4._o 2._o 3._o 4_o neh._n 4._o 7._o neh._n 6._o 5._o 6._o neh._n 10._o 11._o 12_o joel._n 1._o 9_o amos._n 8._o 11._o 12._o 13._o act._n 15._o 7._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 13._o 32._o 1._o cor._n 2._o 4._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 33_o act._n 14._o 16._o job._n 32._o 7._o 8._o job._n 32._o 21._o 22._o 2._o chro._n 30._o 1_o 5._o 23._o ver_fw-la act_n 15._o 23._o gal._n 1._o 1._o act._n 11._o 1._o 2._o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n d._n whitgifts_n book_n page_n 389._o tim._n 3._o 15._o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o tim._n 3._o 17._o what_o minister_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4._o 11._o 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o act._n 14._o 23._o titus_n 1._o 5._o rom._n 12._o 6._o 1._o cor._n 12._o 28_o ephes._n 4._o 11._o math._n 28._o 19_o mark_n 16._o 25._o act._n 1._o 15._o act._n 12._o 2._o act._n 13._o 2._o 1._o cor._n 12._o ephes._n 4._o 11._o acts._n 11._o 28_o &_o 21._o 10._o acts._n 20._o 23_o acts._n 8._o 5._o act._n 8._o 14._o acts._n 21._o 8._o 2._o tim._n 2._o 5._o 5_o 1._o corin._n 14._o what_o office_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n doctor_n ephes._n 4._o 13._o 1._o cor._n 12._o 27._o ephes._n 2._o 20._o 2._o thes._n 2._o 1●_n prou._n 29._o 18._o the_o office_n of_o a_o doctor_n ephes._n 4._o 11._o rom._n 12._o 7._o rom._n 12._o 8._o acts._n 11._o 26._o acts._n 18._o 28._o pastor_n and_o their_o title_n acts._n 20._o 28._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 2._o num._n 11._o 16._o mala._n 2._o 7._o heb._n 7._o 12._o 24_o act._n 14_o 23._o act._n 20._o 17._o 1._o tim._n 5._o 17._o tit._n 1._o 5._o jam._n 5._o 14._o pet._n 5._o 2._o act._n 20._o 17._o philip_n 1._o 1._o 1._o tim._n 3._o 2._o 8._o tit._n 1._o 5._o 6._o 7._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 1._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 1._o 2._o 3_o 4._o pet._n 2._o 25._o luk._n 22._o 25._o mat._n 20_o 25._o mark_n 10._o 41._o john_n 13._o 13._o mat._n 23._o 8._o 3._o john_n 9_o heb._n 13._o 7._o 1._o pet._n 5._o tit._n 1._o 5._o tit._n 1._o 5._o act_n 14._o 23_o rom._n 12._o 7._o 8._o acts._n 20._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 16._o 17._o 2._o tim._n 4._o 1._o 2_o 1._o tim._n 3._o 2._o tit._n 2._o 9_o rom._n 10._o 14._o math._n 21._o 22._o mark_n 11._o 15._o john_n 2._o 14._o gal._n 6._o 6._o 1._o cor._n 9_o 7._o gal._n 6._o 6._o 7._o esai_n 56._o 10._o 11._o 12._o eze._n 34._o 2._o 3._o 4_o zac._n 15._o 16._o 16_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 8._o math._n 15._o 14._o math._n 5._o 13._o acts._n 20._o 18._o 19_o 20._o acts._n 20._o 26._o acts._n 20._o 31._o math._n 9_o 38._o act_n 20._o 26._o 27._o rom._n 4._o 11._o math._n 28._o 19_o luke_n 22._o 19_o heb._n 3._o 4._o ephes._n 4._o 11._o 1._o cor._n 4._o 1._o math._n 28._o 19_o mark_n 16._o 15._o luke_n 2d_o 19_o 1._o cor._n 24._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 34._o tim._n 2._o 11._o 1._o cor._n 1._o 17._o act._n 16._o 16._o acts._n 6._o 4._o tim._n 2._o 1._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 16._o 1._o cor._n 14_o 40._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 16_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 28._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 15_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 15_o &_o 26._o 1._o cor._n 11._o 17._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 23._o 24._o 25._o 26._o 31._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 40_o 1._o cor._n 14._o 28._o 1._o tim._n 2._o 15._o acts._n 28._o 29._o 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o 1._o pet._n 5._o 3._o luke_n 23._o 26._o 2._o cor._n 1._o 14._o hierarchia_fw-la john_n 3._o 27._o heb._n 5._o 4._o philip._n 2._o 6._o luke_n 22._o 26._o math._n 20._o 25_o mark_n 10._o 42._o math._n 23._o 8._o 2._o tim._n 6._o 15._o math._n 18._o 19_o math._n 18._o 19_o 20._o 1._o cor._n 28._o 29_o rom._n ●2_n 8._o acts._n 14._o 23._o 1._o tim._n 5._o 7._o acts._n 14._o 23._o ●_o cor._n 5._o 4._o math._n 18._o 17._o num._n 11._o 6._o mat._n 18._o 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o luke_n 22._o 66._o acts._n 20._o 5._o the_o end_n of_o discipline_n 1._o cor._n 5._o 2._o cor._n 2._o 1._o cor._n 5._o 11._o tit._n 3._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 math._n 18._o 15._o 16._o etc._n etc._n ●_o thes._n 3._o 6._o 1._o cor._n ●_o 1._o tim._n 5._o 19_o &_o 21._o 1._o cor._n 5._o 4._o 2._o cor._n 1._o 10._o 1._o tim._n 2._o 20._o 1._o tim._n 2._o 20._o joh._n 13._o 29._o act_n 6._o joh._n 12._o 8._o 1._o tim._n 3._o 8._o phil._n ●_o 1._o rom._n 12._o 8._o 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o 1._o tim._n 5._o 5._o act._n 11._o 30._o 1._o tim._n ●_o 1._o tim._n 3._o 13._o philip_n 1._o 1._o act._n 6._o act._n 21._o 18._o ●al_a 2._o 9_o 12._o act._n 6._o 20._o 29_o genes_n 9_o 4._o act._n 15._o act_n 14._o 23._o 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o choose_v of_o clerk_n of_o the_o convocation_n house_n act_n 15._o 2._o cor._n 1._o 14._o act_n 15._o esay_n 49._o 23._o psal._n 2._o 10._o 11_o 1._o tim._n 2._o 2._o